Unchained Love (2022)

You might need to rewatch to really appreciate this series

Initially I was hesitant to try watching this series, being firstly it only had 36 episodes and secondly was, it was adapted from a novel. I find it extremely difficult to portray an entire novel story line, chemistry between both main leads into only 36 episodes. It could be due to budgeting reasons, therefore the series was quite short.

The story begins when FL was destined to guard the tomb of the deceased Emperor's mausoleum until she passes. She was briefly rescued by the ML under the order of the future King who had a crush on her. She was then known as the Consort Dowager. FL had a pretty much smooth life as the Consort Dowager. She and the ML bonded through different circumstances. However, happiness lasted for a short while. The future Emperor who saved her, ascended the throne. He had a vision of crowning FL as his consort, wanting her to be the Empress. But this was absurd. FL was a consort of the previous Emperor, and this is considered to be bad luck and inauspicious. But the Emperor doesn't give a flying duck about what anyone says about that.

Fast forward, the ML opens up to the FL after she directly confesses about how she feels constantly. She showed him that if you love someone, you should tell them. And she isnt the kind of person that can be controlled by destiny or others. FL wants to live life her way, not determined by laws or nobility. ML struggles with getting revenge for his younger brother and tries to find clues about his death which led to a 6 year secret investigation. His revenge plot was then paused while he tries to find a balance between pursing love with the FL or continue his revenge for his deceased brother.

This is where I find some might agree and some might disagree. Love prevails after all. ML came from a background where his parents died early before the series as well as his younger brother. He had a good childhood but every member of his family is dead. He is pretty much lonely and has only 1 goal on his mind. ML had to put a good face in front of the noble families who can tell him in his face that low-borns are dogs who are nothing compared to them. But he meets the FL who although comes from nobility, she is humble with her presence. She doesnt change for anyone and is still the same person before she entered the harem and while she was in it. FL broke the ML's barriers and was not afraid to love a person like him. A eunuch. ML eventually falls in love with her and seeks to protect her from the Emperor whose crush has turned to obsession. They did found out who had killed the ML's younger brother but there was a dilemma. And he decided to give up on this revenge. ML feels that he doesn't want the FL to hate him, and live with this ball of regret forever. He knew who killed his sibling, why it happened and what can he do. He chose love afterall, as both him and the FL had sworn to marriage in secrecy. He is her husband and she is his wife. The past can't rule the present. ML wants a life with her.

I think this is where the story falls short. The love was a sign of desperation, frustration and passion. It can only be translated to words due to extreme censorship. I only knew about it about halfway into the series. I watched through the end before watching the deleted scenes. Their desperation and passion can only be seen through these short 10 to 30 sec clips of them. I feel that there is chemistry. It was a mature love where both leads where in the prime of their life. But love was something they both could not have, and want to have. It was indeed a forbidden love. I'm glad that the ML was able to show his passion through his words. He was really desperate for her that he isn't bothered by people knowing about their affair. On my second rewatch, I paused at certain episodes to watch the deleted scenes before continue and it made more sense. Their kisses were indeed hot and top-tier, especially the boat scene.

People talked about Yukee's eyes and how she was more of a second lead. But I feel she brings joy to this role. Her eyes are just naturally large. It doesn't bother me, I'm easily pleased by simple comedy. It just so happens her hobbies relates to mine. Dylan's acting was less stiff with a much more experienced actress. And can I say that I'm glad to see an actress who kisses back? Yes, thank you. Give a try and watch the deleted scenes.

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Wasted Potential

Censorship butchered what would have been a remarkable show. Scenes felt disjointed, characters referred to scenes we hadn't been shown, and important plot points were glazed over, causing momentum to be lost. The final nail in the coffin was the rushed and underwhelming ending. The show had its flaws outside censorship, like the maid with zero brain cells (why write such a frustrating, useless character!) If this were a cheesy rom-com, I'd give it a bit more grace, as I'd be able to shut my brain off and watch without too much analysis. However, it covers darker, more mature material that deserves more intentional story-telling. All that being said, the cast did an amazing job portraying their characters and the overall story was unique. With all its faults, I would still recommend the watch, it was entertaining. I suppose that is most important in the end.

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XIAO DUO & BU YINLOU DESERVE A BETTER ENDING!

Okay, so this is the first Cdrama I've watched this year, so I'm going to write my review about it. I just finished watching this a while ago, so here are my thoughts. When I first watched the first episode, I was shocked because the character was so familiar to me. That's when I realized it was Dylan Wang, so it gave me more reason to watch this drama. The first episode is kind of boring for me, maybe because I'm not fond of watching historical cdrama, so it's very new to me. But I'm glad because the next episodes are getting more interesting as I watch them. 

I love the acting of the cast and how they portray their characters very well, especially Dylan Wang and Yukee Chen. I also love how smart their characters are, they fully understand each other just by looking at each other, and I'll just be surprised that they knew each other's plan all along and it's just all an act. Bu Yin Lou is one of my favorite characters in the show. I love how she stands up for herself and for the people around her; she knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to express who she really is. This kind of FL is rare, so I love her for that because I'm satisfied with how she roasts and fights with the people who keep forcing and controlling her. 

Next is Xiao Dou, portrayed by Dylan Wang. I have loved him since Meteor Garden, and I must say that this kind of role really suits him the most. His postures, facial expressions, and fighting skills nailed it. I also admire how he will do everything just for BYL. He's willing to sacrifice everything just to be with her. We need this kind of man in real life. He is also smart, like BYL, and I must say their chemistry is also good. I also admire their relationship; their trust and love for each other are too good to be true. And maybe that is why they have never had a misunderstanding since the beginning because they trust each other so much. 

The storyline is about a forbidden love between an eunuch and an emperor's woman. I didn't expect that the emperor would be a tyrant because I felt bad for him in the first episode. But well, I guess love really makes us crazy, or, should I say, obsession makes people go crazy. But overall, I love the actor's acting; he portrayed the emperor so well that my head boiled because of him.

Now for the ending. Well, it's 50/50 for me. I really think XIAO DUO AND BU YINLOU DESERVE A BETTER ENDING! They have been suffering too much, and making the ending like that is just nah for me. They deserved better and lived happily without worrying about anything involving the emperor. 

That's all, but besides the ending, this show is a must-watch. Overall, the plot is good, and I have already recommended it to some of my friends. So I hope they will like it. 
 
 

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Refreshing, I like it

Tired of dominant ,controlling ,aloof CEO type of story?
Tired of time travel story?
Tired of the typical love scene, male lead catching the female lead on time and then spinning or she fell right on his lips?
I am , so this story is refreshing for me. An eunuch with a woman whom emperor has eyes on.
It started in more serious mode, but I do like the lovey scenes toward the middle of the show. Finally , this is something different - different characters, unexpected dialog and reaction, not some typical scenes we had seen many times. lol, I enjoy the show especially middle part so much.
I like YinLo's character- bold, witty, she knows what she wants and she will follow her heart.
Honestly, Dylan Wang's acting has improved a lot, richer emotion and expression.
I hope it will only get better.
*They shouldn't have cut some of the scenes, I will wait for the version with uncut scenes if there is any

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Fantastic cdrama

This drama’s name supposed to be named “forbidden love” Because their love was chained ?Nothing like “unchained love” I love the drama
It kept me going, I couldn’t even miss an episode cuz each episode has some event that happened. The Ml and Fl were great ? the portray their characters very well. Gosh I love there smartness especially Bu yinluo
Loved how the emperor lost everything, but wished the could have killed him off? will be very happy
In anyways loved how it ended cuz I was scared if this will be sad ending . The writer could at least show us where the gave birth to twins? and also wan wan love story, it’s a pity the didn’t get there ending.
I love the brotherhood between the Xiao duo and his Godson, Also the respect and friendship between xiao duo and his zhoding bureau.
The music was very good, fits in with mood
Don’t think I can rewatch it again cuz other drama will keep me busy.
Felt pity for enuch sun, but then he deserves it somehow
All the hateful characters got their rewards
Am happy

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Well Worth the Watch

**This is just my opinion. I truly appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that went into the production of this drama. Thank you.**

I'm going to do my best not to include any spoilers.

This really was a very good drama and is well worth watching. The cast and acting are outstanding. I thought that Dylan Wang did a fantastic job as Xiao Duo, especially in the action scenes. I was surprised and impressed by just how good Chen Yu Qi, who played Bu Yin Lou, was. She really brought her character to life. Peter Ho was great as the emperor we grow to abhor more moment to moment. Guan Chang shone as Murong Wanwan aka Princess Hede (I could have Hede wrong, I don't remember and I can't see where to look it up). Wang Yue Xin, who played Cao Chung Ang, and Li Dong He, who played Yu Qi Lang, were terrific as well. I really enjoyed the action and martial arts scenes. They would have been even better if the fantastical jump/flying thing they added wasn't included but it wasn't as over the top as I've seen in other dramas.

I'm still torn as to how I feel about the two main characters. Initially I thought that Xiao Duo was very aloof (for good reason, no doubt), intelligent, ruthless and clear headed. About halfway through the story, he's completely changed. He no longer displays the clear headed judgement or caution that he would have previously. While I was happy to see things going better for him and to see his softer side, I was disappointed that he didn't use the skills he had when he could have. (I'm trying very hard not to give away anything.) Yin Lou, on the other hand, while a bit bratty and self indulgent in the beginning is infinitely more likeable than who she is at the end.

The story started off well. I was intrigued by the characters and their stories. It had some very funny moments and both the action and drama were done very well. Towards the middle though, I thought that the characters were acting "out of character". More and more of the suspense came from seeing them making very poor/unsafe decisions and waiting to see, with bated breath, if they would suffer the consequences. That isn't the kind of suspense that I like to see.

I think that the soundtrack has some very pretty songs on it. I don't speak Chinese but they do sound pretty and the lyrics are good as well.

The wardrobe and production departments did a good job too.

This didn't turn out to be short after all but I think I managed to leave out all spoilers. As I said, this drama is well worth the watch. The story can be a bit frustrating at times but it keeps your attention. The actors are what drew me to it and kept me watching.

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How crazy are you willing to do for 'love'?

Finally finished watch this after delay it for quite sometimes. Thinking & thinking to watch or not because of Chen Yu Qi. For me this girl is no FL material yet. I love her character in ashes, but as long as she play the lead role / FL, almost feel lack of something. Sorry for her fans. But at the same time I want to watch Dylan Wang after Love Between Fairy and Devil, so yeah finally I decided to watch this & hang till the end because of Dylan & Peter Ho.

How crazy are you willing to do for 'love'? Here we have Murong Gao Gong (GG) that willing to do anything just to make sure Bu Yin Lou (YL) be his, even with the lack of cooperative & willingness from YL herself. GG is an unfavored princes that have opportunities to take the throne, due to all his relative is dead & he is as the closest heir. GG himself has very week personality & when he takes the throne he became quite insecure. Unfortunately he choose the wrong way & pick power to control everyone that don't obey him.

At the same time we have Xiao Duo (XD), head eunuch & have all the power to control the military & court. He has one purpose to find his brother killer & take revenge. With time he encounter YL & fall in love with her. In the end they found out the one killed XD's brother is related to YL & he decided to just give up the revenge in the name of love. And last he finally give every thing that he has just to be with YL....

OK. Now our girl, Bu Yin Lou (YL). She is one free spirited girl that love freedom, she is smart & witty. She is falling in love with XD, the man that up & down try to do everything for her & give his best to give her freedom. Unfortunately we got Chen Yu Qi as YL, she can't portray YL perfectly. Although I quite like her in the end, where she like crazy & the talk with GG is done well. But maybe if someone else be YL, it's gonna be better...

What I love:
+ The chemistry between Dylan Wang & Chen Yu Qi not as bad as I imagine. Quite like to see them together.
+ Peter Ho give amazing performance as GG. We can see how insecure he is, how he crave love from YL, and every little feeling that GG has we can feel it.
+ The adorable Tong Yun & Cao Chun Ang

Overall this drama pulled by Dylan Wang & Peter Ho performance.

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Good story but very unfortunate finally untidy

The beginning has shown the cheerful, intelligent and independent FL (Bu yinlo) character. The romantic story of the duo Xiao and Buyinlo is also described as sweet, funny, adorable, most of the audience will like it. The main theme of this story is not a conflict of political feud to seize power in the kingdom, but focuses on the struggle of love between 卡西姆皇家 and the widow of the previous Emperor, there really is a rebellion scene to replace the Emperor but many scenes tell love stories and challenges from FL and ML. Acting from Yukee Chen is very successful in being a BuYinlo character, she is very good to play a cheerful, independent, and very good character being a strong female character, Maybe in my opinion, this is the most successful character played by Yukee Chen among the other series that she is the main role. Charisma Dylan is undoubtedly to attract the audience from this series. Lifting thumbs up for Peter Ho, he is very good to play the character of the emperor who is psychopathic, selfish, cruel but even though he is basically timid, he is very good to make the audience upset and angry with him. But unfortunately this series many scenes are cut, especially kissing scenes, this makes the audience disappointed. Overall this series has described an interesting and good story but at the end of this story it is less epic and does not illustrate the end of the romantic story that ends but still leaves a question mark for the audience

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Great potential but terrible miscast of FL

This was a good series, pretty engaging. It had great potential to score an 8 or 9 (I rarely give those scores). But I took points off mainly because of the terrible miscasting of the female lead. This was not the role for this actress. She just could not not pull off the comedy, emotional range or screen presence. This if the first time I've seen this actress in a lead role, and I don't think she's ready to be the main lead in a series and is better suited for 2nd lead or supporting role. She did fine in her 2nd lead in Ashes of Love, but this was not the role for her.

Two actresses come to mind whom this Bu Yin Lou role was written for: 1) Song Zu Er from Legally Romance, Cupid's Kitchen, The Bond; or 2) Zhao Lu Si from Romance of Tiger & Rose, and Love Like the Galaxy. If either of these actresses played the FL role this series would've been one of my top favorites.

Pros:
- The ML (Dylan Wang) was perfect in this role. I watched this series after seeing how great he was in Love Between Fairy & Devil. His facial expressions and body language are perfectly conveyed for every emotion. You want to smile when he's happy, your heart breaks for him when he's sad.
- The 2nd ML / Villain Emperor (Peter Ho) - he was totally believable in how he evolved from of a kind hearted, cowardly prince to a sadistic, egomaniac tyrant. I pitied him when he was trampled on as the kind and gullible prince, but then my skin crawled anticipating what he would do next when he became the villainous emperor.
- Overall the support characters were good, nothing terrible or too annoying about them.

Cons:
- Terrible miscast of the FL. He facial expressions were over-the-top but could not quite convey true emotions - her eyes mainly just bulged widely with eyebrows furrowed. Her comedic abilities did not come natural at all, very forced.
- Some plot holes, but none too major that you can't overlook.

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I didn't like the ending

I liked the series overall. However, there were many mistakes. There were childish things. Mistakes that I said would not be made were made. Mistakes were made. Why did the screenwriter think of writing this, how did the director shoot this? I put a lot of effort into this in some places. I looked for the reason and couldn't find it. It seemed illogical. There were so many that I wish I could write them down. My comment will be very long and will not fit into the pages. I had set my grade as 9 from the beginning. However, I made a note. I gave it 8. In that anger, I thought of giving it a 6. There were mistakes that shouldn't have happened that depressed me so much that I even stopped watching. I didn't like the ending scenes either. It could have ended better and more positively. An emperor who was so ungrateful, unworthy of the throne, and shot everyone behind his back should at least have been sent away. Those who supported him in his shadow had to flee. Such an ending did not suit the finale. What I liked. I liked the actors. I liked the shot. The images were beautiful. The scenes were shot well. The story was well thought out, but great mistakes, irresponsibility and simplicity were made while scripting it. I do not like. But still, for the sake of integrity, it was a good watch for me.
I liked the acting of the master actor Peter Ho. the most. He added to his role. He played well. Even a reward may be given. Some may find it simple. He showed such an acting. I liked it very much. He was the real lead of the series. Zeng Li. I love him very much. It seemed very little to me, but even in that little view he proved his mastery. Was very good. Dylan Wang looks older than he is. It looks like that. He has very smooth facial features and knows how to make himself look great, proud and arrogant. Maybe I expected better from Chen Yu qi, one of my favorite actors, but he was still good in my opinion. No bad. It may have fallen below expectations. I loved. I wish it were better.Guan Chang. was very good. He knows how to show himself off. He assimilated his role and played it well. Veteran actor Shi Yu, for example, did that eunuch role very well. He successfully portrayed the scenes of the emperor's death as a result of his manipulation of the emperor, regretting his mistakes, and eventually deviating from the emperor's personality due to his mistakes. I like those who add role to their role. That's how I saw it. That's why I liked it. These actors are the ones who enlarge their simple roles. I also liked Wang Yu Xin. He Nan.da was exceptionally good at the beginning of the drama. Then his role ended and he disappeared. So the players were good. Would I watch it again? Very difficult. I was a little angry at the mistakes and simplicity made. I probably won't watch it. Have a nice time.

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