The Sleepless Princess (2020)

Unexpectedly good

When I went into this drama I never really expected much. I just wanted a funny, sweet drama and I though I should give this a shot and it turned out unexpectedly good. Is ground-breaking? -No. Does the story have plot holes and it’s not realistic? – Yes. But the actors did such a great job that they draw you in and made you invested in them and their story. I am going to be honest the show is angsty, I think in every episode there is some sort of mis-communication-misunderstanding. Maybe the longest they went without something going wrong was about 15 minutes, but the couples’ chemistry makes it up for it and their interactions make you melt and then stick all over! The only thing that took you out was the first kissing scenes that were so uncomfortable to watch but it did make sense because at the time the couple did not really know or like each other or one of them was drugged or wanted to get away from something. Thankfully they get better as the drama moves on and the Main Leads fall in love. The writers did a great job showing their story and gradually having them fall in love!

The only time the angst got to much to the point that it made you want to go into your computer and punch everyone was around the episodes 29-31, when the 3rd Female showed up! I think if the couple wasn’t so adorable this story would not work!

The show gave us two 2nd leads that were loveable and likeable. Although the both liked the FL and ML respectively, they were mature enough to understand that it was going no-where and instead stayed by their side as their friends and “brother”. Honestly the SFL was sooo adorable and her friendship with the FL was everything!

The FL was also adorable. She is smart, cute and clumsy but not weak and her chemistry with the ML really amazing. At first she seemed really stubborn and always wanting to run away but if you really look at the story she really had a point for wanting to do so. My only issue with her is that she was too trusty and gullible to the point that sometimes it didn’t even make sense! The actress did a brilliant job ,she really is amazing! Definitely gonna watch more of her work.

And now to the ML. He was not your average historical drama ML / general, who are usually cold, emotionless and rough/rude to the FL. Rather than cold I would say he was an introvert and closed himself up after his brother’s death. In flash backs we got to see that he was more open and made jokes with his brother. Additionally, he was not rude or rough (maybe with the exception of when he found out what happened to his brother) but rather his awkward behaviour around the FL came from not being comfortable around women and did not knowing how to really behave around one. But even then he was sweet and caring towards her (most of the time). His reaction every time the FL was sweet and touchy-touchy was adorable. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the actor. I had only seen him before in LOVE O2O and although I loved him in that drama, I honestly did not believe he could pull this type of role off, but I was wrong. He really is a great actor, I am a fan! He makes you care and fall for him. I was also impressed that that is his real voice.

All in all, I really suggest watching this show, although it literally ends in a cliffhanger (Thank God for the special/alternative ending that it’s pure fun and fluff and gives us closure)!! I really hope that the leads get to start again in another drama (maybe with little less angst and more “mature” characters that know how to communicate)

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The writer was clearly sleepless when they wrote this drama

god, please give ZYC and HYX another drama to make up for this one. it started off good (although i HATEEEEEE the way they framed the story with guan shan and wan wan, made the whole story feel false as hell and took me a while to get into the drama without being put off by the fact that they’re not actually the ‘leads’. it gave the whole drama ‘it was just a dream’ vibes) and then it just went spiralling to a mess of a drama. ZYC and HYX’s chemistry is the only thing which held it together because i wanted to see more of their scenes. the latter half of was an annoying push and pull and dragged on. should have only been about 24 episodes.

the contents of the story itself was alright. i expected more of her dream power to take the front seat, but only really proved significant during the last 10 episodes. episode 36 was cute tho! i’m just gonna act like that was episode 35 lol
i liked the leads’ characters, the manly general and his witty wife. i think it was enjoyable if you skipped bits but i would not watch again. 6.5/10

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Loved it!

I found the trailer of this drama by pure accident and it is the biggest surprise in C-drama of the year, I love it, it deserves every minute, they are one of the cutest couples I've ever seen on screen. Yes, it is frustrating checking every day if the English subtitles are on YT, and I envy those who will binge watch it later on this year. I love the costumes, the hairstyle, the music, the action is fast paced, no fillers, the actors incredible good. I haven't had so much fun watching a C-drama in a long time. I've seen bad reviews because the channel airing it took some bad decisions, the actors and the team of producers have no fault in this, they deserve our appreciation. Overall, this is a perfect 10 for me, way better than many high budget dramas with a lot of promo! Give it a try, you won't regret it!

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Strong story, acting, comedy, & angst but dinged half point due to ending & 1 characterization

***This is a general review, but the bottom half of this review will contain spoilers***

I've watched a lot of romcom historical dramas this past year and they are generally cute with more focused on the romance and less to do with serious consequences tied within the serious or political plot. The Sleepless Princess, however, balances that very well, giving us a romantic comedy and also providing compelling plot threads that makes it an interesting watch throughout. Even more, the show does well in balancing comedy and angst. It begins as a romantic comedy, but the foreshadowing of future sad/tragic scenes are hinted in the beginning as well and I am impressed when I watch the show again. It's a well directed drama. It has great actors who make you feel the full swing of emotions.

Before I talk about things I liked, I want to make sure I mention that there are TWO endings. Folks watch the show and are disappointed by the end, but there is a "special episode" aka an "episode 36" that may satisfy those people. For others, though, episode 35's ending was fine even if it was ambiguous.

ACTING & CHARACTERS
Everyone was great in their roles, but especially have to give it up to our two main leads: Zheng Ye Cheng as Xue Yao and Hu Yi Xuan as Xu Chuyue. They have incredible chemistry together and are a perfect match. They both balance the lightheartedness and romantic well with the serious and angst. Their happiness makes you happy and their sadness makes you cry along with them. I was thoroughly impressed with them and really hope that in the future, we get to see them act in another drama together.
Xue Yao is a cold and cautious general and that leads him to do some harsh things to the FL at the beginning, but you can sympathize with his character when you think about how much he and his family has gone through and how the loss of his brother affected him. A confident person who isn't arrogant to keep being mean to the FL once he realizes his mistakes/misunderstandings. When he realizes his mistakes, he always tries to remedy it and becomes kinder and softer. His complexity is well written and well acted by Zheng Ye Cheng.
Xu Chuyue is such a lovable wonderful character. She's naturally cute and her comedic timing is great. I adore her so much. (On a personal note: I'm so glad she doesn't pucker her lips out to make her look cute because it's so annoying to me.) She is similar to the "naive cutesy clumsy girl" type in romcom historical dramas, but what I love is that she doesn't do pointless screaming/yelling at ML and is often pretty smart herself. She's at times naive but she's not clueless.
Xu Xingchen: Oof, I came to really appreciate him. In the beginning, even with his cute face, I was suspicious of him, but he is a righteous man after all and his devotion and care for his sister wins in the end. I appreciate a character with this kind of dignity.

STORY:
As I mentioned above, sometimes in these romcoms historical comedies, the "serious" or "political" plots aren't taken as seriously or explored as seriously, but not this one. The political and serious plot threads are connected to their romantic development and the twists that are revealed is shocking and heartbreaking as our leads deal with the knowledge. I enjoyed it greatly and appreciated this balance.
At times, there were some misunderstandings between the main characters that frustrated me, but it is often resolved within an episode or a couple episodes, so it's not dragged out for an outrageous amount of time fortunately. Even more, the story makes it believable to see how the characters realize their misunderstandings, so it feels natural.
The supporting characters like Xu Xingchen, Taoyao, and Su Nannan have really good growth and depth that I appreciated. I can't say the same for Naxi (I talk about her characterization under the spoiler line.)
There are some really great comedic scenes that made me laugh so much. There are also some great angsty and sad scenes that are very well written, well directed, and well acted.
Essentially, this drama has a lot of scenes that are original, well acted, well directed and so it was very memorable.
That ending, though, was good, but could've been better. And less ambiguous and sad. (I talk more about this underneath the spoilers line.)

SOUNDTRACK:
Strong osts with strong vocals and lyrics, really cementing the mood of the scenes. For example, Henry Huo (and Yisa Yu) sings the main song (he has also sung an OST for The Romance of Tiger and Rose). A show's soundtrack can really make or break the show. There are one or two songs that are upbeat and light-hearted, but the rest of the songs are moving ballads. I've been listening to the album all week and can still see the scenes in my head when I hear the songs. Well done, truly.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:
What can I say? Chinese historical dramas always have great visuals, props, and designs. The CGI is always worrisome but fortunately there's not a lot of that in this drama. There are some really beautiful costumes in this drama and a lot of great shots. The action scenes aren't edited too much, so it flows pretty well and looks natural. Props to the director because this show could've been handled messily, but it wasn't and it was given the thoughtfulness and detailed it deserved.

*********SPOILERS BELOW. PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE DRAMA*****************
*********SPOILERS BELOW. PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE DRAMA*****************
*********SPOILERS BELOW. PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE DRAMA*****************

One specific thing I love:
The fact that Xue Yao became the author and took over for his brother Xue Mu. That broke me in a good way. Also, XUE MU. He is SO SOSOSO good and we only got a few things about him, but I love him with my whole heart. His death hurt me so much. Tao Yao's death too. Ugh. :(( they were both pure people.

This is where I talk about some suggestions/changes I would've done to make this drama a 10/10 for me.

1) Naxi: they straight up made her a villain and her story to revolve around romance and wanting Xue Yao. That was my biggest disappointment with this show. She was cunning and manipulative, which made her a good antagonist, but the whole thing behind her about wanting Xue Yao--that reasoning was disappointing and made her character fell flat. Instead of her wanting Xue Yao because she "truly loves" him and wants him for her husband, I wish it had gone a route like this: she wants Xue Yao so that she can kill him for Xue Yao's killings of her father & people. And so then her friendship with Xu Chuyue, which becomes actually genuine, makes Naxi conflicted because she grows fond of Xu Chuyue and doesn't want to hurt her friend, but she still made a promise to avenge her family. This would've been a more compelling storyline.
Also, the whole thing with Prince Ning...it was hilarious and that one moment of Prince Ning disregarding his life for her is kind of believable, I suppose since he's kind of a dummy, but anything to do with them getting together is impossible. Also, Naxi might've been moved a bit by Prince Ning's actions, but not to an extent where she would go back for him or whatever. Their little side story is not the best part of this drama.

2) THAT ENDING: Look, Xue Yao would NEVER hurt Xu Chuyue so he would NEVER jump off a cliff so that they both die together. Even if the show wants it to be open-ended with that possibility, I'm shutting that down right now. He was at a weak moment where he missed her dearly, but he would never do that.
Here's my version of the ending:
Xue Yao finishes telling the story to the kids who all run away. Xue Yao is a little disappointed that she didn't wake up right at that moment and maybe he walks away for a second to breathe and get fresh air (get it? Fresh air? So he doesn't cry? Callback to like episode 3.) and then Xu Chuyue calls his name. He turns around and she's smiling brilliantly like that one time when she was going to get on the carriage. She's awake and healthy and beautiful. He goes to her, still crying, and she kisses his tears. They hug and kiss and smile and are happy. THE END.

This would be a proper happier ending than the "special happy-ending episode" where there are continuation issues. The special issue gives them a kid and have them go travelling around, which is fine, but the last part about the Naxi and Pring Ning.....no. Just, no. They apparently got together during the time she saved him from the poison smoke, but that would be impossible since Xu Chuyue already changed the timeline, so. That's impossible. That part of the special episode, I don't agree with.

Also, I get why Xu Chuyue couldn't just "come back" because throughout the entire series, they already said that she would become a living dead person, even reinforced by her father. So, on an emotional level, I GET it that it's not that easy for her to just WAKE UP. But then, I truly wish the storyline had embedded a thread of a possibility to save her through some other means and have Xue Yao spend time looking for that alternative way to save her. Her sacrifice to save everyone was monumental, but c'mon, this is a romcom historical, why can't we get a happy ending for our lovers, who went through SO much already? Give us that happy payoff after all this angst. COME ON.

*edit after some days of thinking and rewatching some scenes*: so, her father DID say that being a living dead person is the worst way to die because she'll outlive everyone but won't be able to respond to the outside world. Since that is the case...then I would accept Xue Yao taking her and them dying together. Because at least that way she actually gets to die with him and not him dying while she lives around. In a way, it's a mercy for Xu Chuyue. But I don't know how I feel if Xue Yao took them both to die so early and so young...

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Cute in the beginning until eps 25+

I was really hooked to this drama initially, i thought i have found another good drama to watch. The character builds was very interesting and mysterious. FL was adorable with a mysterious secret of being able to predict the future which cause herself to be chased down by a group of assassin. ML brother had died mysteriously and he is trying to figure out how/why? The chemistry between them was very sweet and development of their romance. All was good until around 25+ where theres breakup makeup breakup again... And maybe makeup its kind of frustrating.. esp in ancient time settings it is almost impossible to divorce. Also all the plotting that follows around the time of when the mysterious foreign infanta shows up is when things goes downhill for me. I am a bit tired of waiting for them to uncover more secrets that happened in the past of which will then led to something else that sabotage their relationship. Although i am 3 away from finishing i think ill just drop it.

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Are you ready to watch it in a loop?

Before I start, those that are interested in deep depressing drama/crime solving drama and those shippers of Zyc with other actress. These drama may not be your cup of tea.
If you just wanna escape from depressing stress life with a simple drama and outstanding leads chemistry, this drama could be one of your choice.

Let's begin according to my headline.
Yes I'm saying this because I'm pretty sure NOT ONLY ME was curse(in a loop) after watching this.
You'll rewatch this drama so many times and you don't even know what to do about your hangover.
When a drama with rewatching value so high(for me) , you'll know its a very good drama.
The only thing I don't like is "it ended"
Most of kdrama or cdrama I watched I will remember how I hated the bad guy so much but with this drama. The love chemistry these main portraits will outdo whatever evil things you remember and left you with "loving feelings" hangover. And to top that, if you can understand Chinese verbally, you will enjoy every bits of their "behind the scene" moments which you can easily found in YouTube.
So enjoy :)

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i just finished this drama and i'm in love with the story and everthing. The story always kept me hooked up and unveiled slowly. the music and cast did a very good job. if you are that type of person who does not like a lot of messed up stuff then this drama most probably is not for you.

**********spoilers********************
the main leads fall in love, accidentally divorce(still in love), again think of eloping, then break up, the general marries another person (a lot of drama here tho; but he marries her bc of the kings orders as she has threatened them), then finds out that 'other girls' intensions, again get back with the female lead, and lastly the female led goes to eternal sleep(according to the story not the special or extras) but never once did they fall out of love.
a very beautiful love, and belive me or not, the love what they had made me cry in the last scene, so badly...
i have given 9.5 to the story as it also has a corresponding ending/ a happier endng.
and about the 6 for the rewatch, its because the original ending is not the best and when you watch it again you actually might end up crying through out the drama.
-------------conclusion-------------------
I seriously don't regret watching this drama, you also can try it out.

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The Sleepless Princess

For a Wuxia drama, they are really great in all category except storylines but they make us blinded cause all the teamwork. Good acting, great chemistry (sure, you never dissapointed about this), pretty costumes (especially the main lead, i love his voice to, manly and gentle looks), The main lead have many scenes to pickaback the princess, he is so strong and became his trademark. The female lead so cute and pretty smiles. Even the music and lyrics are great (this rare, generally i don’t care about the bgm) and you should rewatch it, a lot of make you suprised and if you watch carefully you can found a lot of quotes from this drama. It's eps 1-24 is laugh, sweet moment and then 25-32 is conflict

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Literally like a ROLLER COASTER for your feelings

Like a roller coaster, you think the couple is going pretty well for a few seconds and then after a few eps things happen and they are separated once again. But that is the reason why I love it because although there are so much causing them to separate they stuck together and went through everything together instead of letting one go. I am in love with this couple because their relationship is really sweet but also very secure, despite the fact that they only met for about a month they are always able to rely on each other and tell each other everything. The female lead is an independent woman (havent seen a good drama like this in a long time) and she's also the one that gives the kisses and hugs to the male lead making him blush here and there which is really cute!! Its the perfect amount of bitter and sweetness :)

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A surprisingly enjoyable rom-com period drama

I really wasn't expecting much when I started watching ep 1 of The Sleepless Princess. Was watching The Heiress and waiting for new episodes, so jump into this and Su Yu to pass the time. I almost dropped the drama at ep 3, was watching it at DramaCool and the subs was so bad, it was a comedy act on its own! So switch to another site without subs, less distracting :) Not sure if this drama has been updated with better subs, but be warned. Check if you have proper subs before starting this.

The Story
This is adapted from a web novel, and it has a very unique, original plot. FL is a princess and stricken with a 'curse':- whenever she sleeps at night, she would dream and the dream would come true. If she attempts to alter the future (prevent it from occurring as per the dream) she would turn into an animal for a few hours. And she has only 12 times, as this follows Chinese Zodiac wheel. At the start of the drama, she has only 3 times left. The Emperor made the decision to marry her off to the General due to political reasons. General wasn't interested in the marriage but accepted it in order not to offend the Emperor.....

The Leads
Zheng Ye Cheng is Xue Yao (ML). If you have seen his earlier dramas, you know he is a very good actor dedicated to his craft. Zheng Ye Cheng studied Chinese opera and wushu from young, hence his sword fighting scenes are to watch for :) and there are several sword fighting scenes here. Hu Yi Xuan is Xu Chu Yue (FL). This is the first time I watched Hu Yi Xuan acting, and she is a good choice for this mysterious, can't sleep at night princess. Although she has the average Chinese next-door-girl look, her face possesses the camera... not sure if this is work of makeup but she 'glows' on the screen. Her eyes has this magical charm and you won't be able to stop looking at her! Although Chu Yue is the usual weak FL, making silly mistakes and needing ML (and 2nd ML) to save her, she is not annoying, not at all :)
Both put up great performances and has good onscreen chemistry.

The Production
Drama probably don't have a big budget.... B grade settings and costumes, and average cinematography. Good plot but uneven pacing. Plot could have moved faster in the beginning episodes, it picked up pace later.

The OST
Oh My God..... the title and ending songs are probably the best in cdrama for 2020. If I can put the score as 12/10, I would. Both songs with lyrics translated into English at YouTube ==>
https://youtu.be/oNUEwrywwCQ
https://youtu.be/IEMf6_4lRPg

This is a fun, rom-com set in historical times with some mysteries in an unique plot (and a little palace politics), which will leave you wishing for more after it ends. Just the leads staring at each other, and the OST playing is enough..... lol

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Surprisingly, not disappointing

As a start, I didn't plan to watch this drama. Somehow I came across it on TV and I got stuck. Surprisingly, this drama is pretty good and quite interesting. The casts were pretty good. It is my first time watching the main lead casts, Zheng Yecheng and Hu Yi Xuan. The chemistry between these two leads were pretty good. I started watching from episode 20 but had to watch the beginning. It didn't disappoint me at all. As for the ending, it was a good one. Nice ending for Nannan and Luo Ji but unexpected ending for Na Xi and Prince Ning. Who would've known. Chu Yue's character was quite a sad yet a cheerful and pretty naughty princess. Whatever the struggles and difficulties that she has to go through, it didn't bring her down easily. Of course, I enjoy watching Xue Yao and Chu Yue together. They were so sweet and cute together. It is quite sucks when one character is tangled with mystical power and caught in a pretty tragic situation. Typically that's what most fantasy drama would be like.

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