The Rise of Ning (2024)

Somehow, they made it work

I rarely watch C-dramas because they tend to be repetitive. Due to their many regulations and restrictions, there's not a lot of room for creativity. Yet, with The Rise of Ning, they managed to take a supernatural and angst-ridden novel and make it entertaining. There is a good mix of humor and angst, with a lighthearted take on the relationship between the two protagonists.

In terms of acting, it's good to see Ren Min's acting has improved. There are still some struggling moments, but she has a better grasp of her character this time. Zhang Wan Yi is in his element with Luo Shen Yuan. I found myself comparing this character with Cang Xuan (from Lost You Forever). While he's a good actor, it would be nice to see more versatility with the characters he play in the future. Ci Sha is definitely a breakout star in this drama. I've never hated a villain so much in my life. It's almost as if the character Lu Jia Xue was made for him. The support cast is very strong, so there's never a dull moment in the series.

Overall, the show did a good job telling the story of two pseudo-siblings who found comfort in each other, and their tough yet rewarding journey in revenge, coming to terms with the past, and finding love. While the show felt dragged towards the end, I applaud the production team for their efforts to keep viewers entertained throughout a whopping 40 episodes.

In the end, is it perfect? No. Is it original? No. Is it worth watching? Definitely.

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DONT UNDERSTAND WHY FL ACTED LIKE THAT

FL once loved 2nd ML. she is smart and understanding. but when it came to Lu Jiaxue, she became so clueless. such as when LJ interrogated her, when LJ blocked her way, LJ forced her, LJ being cruel to the Luo family members, she became so passive and submissive. she should tell LJ directly that she didnt love him anymore, hate him and etc. she was not smart here.

she was not being honest to ML. she was angry to ML cause he didnt tell her a secret. but she also got a secret between her and LJ (she told ML later). i felt it kinda annoying.

2nd ML repeatedly harmed her in many ways. but she still respected him everytime he went to see her. she didnt feel scared or at least feel disgusting or annoyed, i just dont understand. it potrayed as if she allowed LJ did everything to her.

not to mention her acting was a bit “wooden”. her tone was almost same when she was angry, sad, happy, confused or scared. her facial expressions though were very bad.

i really dont satisfy with her acting. i wont complain about her voice. but her acting was really not up to par with ML. sorry i need to rate low because of her.

ML did a great job. but fl needs to improve her acting in next dramas.

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sweetness and controversy

It's a slow-paced period romance, some people won't have the patience to watch it, but it has interesting and somewhat taboo themes that are treated lightly.
Luo Shen Yuan and Luo Yi Ning are raised as siblings, children of the same father, which already generates a discussion about possible incest. After a few years apart, Yi Ning returns to the Luo residence and the two, now adults, are one and the same. There is a mystery surrounding Yi Ning's mother. Shen Yuan discovers that they are not blood siblings, to his relief, since he is already head over heels for his "sister". There is fighting, competition between the family, imperial competition, revenge, everything a historical romance has to offer. The second couple is the cousin of the two protagonists with the Sixth Uncle, brother of the Lady of the house, the wife of the main couple's father. Although there is no blood relationship in the second couple, it is also a taboo subject. They are cute and you root for them too. The ending is super happy.

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Ambition, Resilience and Complex personal relationships,

"The Rise of Ning" is a compelling drama series that explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the complexities of personal relationships. I was addicted and eagerly awaited each new episode. In my top 3 costume dramas 2024 so far…

Overall, "The Rise of Ning" is a captivating series that successfully blends drama and realism, offering viewers an insightful look at ambition and its consequences. With some refinement in pacing and dialogue, it could elevate its impact even further. Fans of character-driven narratives and social themes will likely find it an enjoyable watch.

Strengths
Character Development : The central character, Ning, undergoes significant transformation throughout the series. Her journey from obscurity to prominence is well-crafted, showcasing her struggles and triumphs. Ning reintegrates quickly and smoothly back into the Luo family.

Narrative Structure: The storyline is engaging, with a balance of tension and emotional depth. The pacing is effective, keeping viewers invested in Ning’s challenges and victories.

Cinematography: The visual aesthetics are noteworthy, with vibrant colors and dynamic camera work that enhances the storytelling. Locations are beautifully captured, contributing to the series' immersive atmosphere.

Themes: The series addresses important social issues, including gender equality and the sacrifices made for success, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Supporting Cast: The ensemble cast adds depth to the narrative. Each character has a distinct role, contributing to the overall storyline and helping to highlight Ning's evolution. Each actor executed their role really well, especially the ML and FL. Duke Wei was a particularly uplifting well thought out character.

Areas for Improvement

Subplots: Some subplots are not as well developed as the main story, leaving audiences wanting more depth or resolution for certain secondary characters.

Pacing Issues: While the series generally maintains a good rhythm, some episodes feel rushed, particularly during pivotal moments of character development. More time could be spent on these transitions.

Dialogue: At times, the dialogue feels overly scripted or dramatic, which may detract from the authenticity of the characters' interactions. More natural dialogue could enhance viewer connection. The story was left a little waning in places, the main male protagonist behaviour with the FL was not historically correct - entering and leaving her abode at will…

Predictability: Certain plot twists may come off as predictable, which could diminish the impact of major revelations in later episodes. Introducing unexpected elements could enhance the suspense.

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It's a cool story that holds the attention

It's a dorama that starts slow, but it already starts well. As the episodes go by, you can easily get attached to the characters and the story. There are some slower scenes (like most doramas), but nothing that hinders the development and timing of the plot.

The novel, as for, is nice to watch, but don't expect something hot and a breathtaking chemistry. It is built little by little and in a subtle way.

The secondary characters are great, fill the story well and are well explored.

In general, the story has no errors and holes, and manages to hold a lot of attention.

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Inverted Corners

It was a good series in general. It wouldn't be a lie if I said I got bored towards the end. I watched it by skipping some parts. I was surprised in the 39th and 40th episodes. The scriptwriter wanted to make us twists and turns, and good things happened in the first twist. In the second twist, the Jia Xua character, who was assigned to the border, is removed from the Guard Command and asked to go to a new duty station. A couple of scenes later, this character kidnaps Yi Ning, detonates explosives. He kills many people. He also breaks the Prime Minister character out of prison. Then, to the Shen Yuan character who wants to stop him, he says I am the Guard Commander and I am arresting you. The scriptwriter is saying what a diet, what a pickled cabbage. You know, this guy was removed from the Guard Commander and was going to a new duty station. How did he become the Guard Commander again, and block the road with a lot of soldiers, kill people, and kidnap people? It didn't work. Because the Emperor dismisses him. A man who is dismissed can never do that job again. He took it but he still can't say Commander, I'm still here. A Commander was already given in his place. These parts were left vague and in the end, this person suffered the consequences of what he did. He died. The incident ended. It was a happy ending. But these last two episodes overshadowed all the previous episodes and unfortunately left a bad impression on me, causing me to give the series 7.5 instead of 8.5.
The series actually started well but the plot got complicated. This prevented a good progress. The story did not continue the same from beginning to end.
I think the shining star of the series was Ci Sha. I have watched her before but she really made her presence felt in this series. She played a fixed-minded, obsessive lover and a despotic man beautifully. She was very successful with two separate identities. She overshadowed the leading roles. I like Zhang Wan Yi. I have watched a lot of her series. She has a certain line. It doesn't spoil it. She is a good actor. I liked it. I can't say the same for Ren Min. I watched one of her series before. It wasn't bad but I felt like she was a bit flighty or something, she couldn't give herself to the role. I didn't like his voice either. They didn't grin much as a duo, but Ren Min fell short. My opinion. He should focus on his roles a little more. He should get into it. The voice and dubbing should work. I liked all the other supporting roles. The acting was very good except for a couple of grins. The costumes were very nice. It was sparkling. The shooting was very good. Congratulations to the director. I don't congratulate the scriptwriter. You can watch it to pass the time.

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kinda mid but still good

it took me a while to finish, I started while it was airing at the beginning. At last got more interesting pass ep 30.
I wouldn’t recommend to someone who wants to watch this only for romance, the romance was mostly a side plot and slow burn. It was more at the end. We’ll get back to it.

The good for me :
- the acting from everyone I would say
- the music
- the costumes, makeup and hair. Everything was good and pretty
- cinematography and setting were good
- both FL and ML are very good and interesting characters. Smart, strong in their own way, beautiful and capable. Them working together. I like how they overturn the evil people plans and were often on step ahead. Like against concubine and the aunt. ML can fight.
- no annoying problems or misunderstandings between the leads
- I was particularly interested in ML story. How he rises to his position, getting first place in the exams one by one and become top scholar
- I think my fav thing about this drama is Duke Ying. Probably became my fav character, I loved him a lot. Such a good and caring dad, a good person, etc… Awnn how he cried when she got married. When they first met, how he seemed nervous and rearranging his clothes and hat. Such a good and refreshing character. Also… for a “middle age men” he was hot ahahaha
- the relationship between FL and her father and biological family. How she got close to her siblings. I liked every interactions of FL and her dad
- I love both grandma
- I really loved the mother character, how she both cared for them as her own children. She’s a good mom and good person.
- second couple was cute I guess even if I didn’t really like them much
- The wedding was beautiful, even if trash guy interrupted.
- happy ending, pretty good and decent ending. Wasn’t rushed and it’s good we got to see them with a kid. The last scene with everyone was very good, seeing the siblings and cousins back (we haven’t seen them since first master wife exile I think). Satisfying everyone on good terms and happy I guess (not really the dad for me, but we have to accept it)
- the last few eps were good and exciting for the most part

Negatives point for me :
- I feel like this at some point for almost every cdramas, even more 40 eps dramas (that’s very long), it get dragging and boring at some point in the middle mostly. But here, not gonna lie, I was bored a lot compared to normally even with the great leads characters. I watched a lot at 1,5-2x. The beginning was good, we were getting to know the characters, ML doing the exams, but I was bored and then after ep 30 got more interesting again. 5 eps+ could have been cut and that could’ve help. 40 eps was too long, Maybe this kind of drama was not for me. Felt slow at time, a lot of talking, scheming family members and not much action. little ML actions moments and fighting were good though. I watched before some cdramas maybe a bit more oriented on family and less on romance too, but I was more hooked. I honestly can’t point out why I wasn’t that into the drama. Maybe if I watched it last years or at another time it could have been different, I will never know
- Personally it was too long for the reveal (it dragged for me, but not surprise Cdramas writers almost always drag things), almost ep 30. FL with her biological family was one of the best thing, we could have got 5 more eps of that at least
- ML dad, he was trash, treated them badly for years, no consequences whatsoever, redemption arc. He became just fine all of the sudden and happy with them at the end
- I don’t think the romance was that good. I say some chemistry and enjoyed scenes. They were cute together though. Few peck kisses and hugs, bed scene was cute, they also look good together
- SML was such a lame and annoying character. The actor did a good job I would still say, he’s handsome and a good actor, second time I see him. He was doing the annoying guy with unrequited love in “A date with the future”. The guy had nothing going on except being obsessed with FL, wanted to be with her and force her. It the only thing I will remember him has. Did he even do anything else ? I honestly don’t remember, wasn’t paying much attention since I just find him annoying and uninteresting. He could have been an interesting character maybe if his point was not only being obsessed with FL. he still got some good moments against ML. Every scene was just repetitive and annoying at some point, I was rolling my eyes at the end. Him and FL “running into each other”, the same interactions all over again through the episodes. It wasn’t necessary… But at least he wasn’t that present and FL was pretty clear. I liked how she wasn’t swamped by him and was trying to keep distance and didn’t care about him. He was delusional till the end. Kidnapping her on her wedding night… that was too much…. and was not needed. Ah can’t stand this guy. At least he’s dead, but kinda easy death… and why did they make him die saving her, just nah
- I’m sorry, but the worst things in all of this for me was FL calling him THIRD BROTHER till the very end, even when they are a couple, married and with a kid! it was already kinda turned off for me to enjoy the developing romance because she still called him “brother” after she find out he was not her brother. that was just so weird to me that she called him that till the end, I don’t know why they wrote this
- FL’s voice is not that bad, people were exaggerating. Maybe a bit at first, but got over it pretty fast. not something to make you drop at all

I still rated it pretty high regardless of these because of the positive point

So since the leads are great and the plot is interesting in general, friendship and good family moments, happy ending, I would recommend

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Pleasantly surprised!

I was pleasantly surprised by this drama, and it's not like I was planning to watch it before it even aired but I was in a mood for an historical piece and a Zhang Wanyi fan, so why not?

The story, we have all seen before, but there's something about an underdog rising among the ranks of his family and court that's very satisfying to watch, particularly when it's deserved and well developed.

I confess I wasn't all that interested in most of the supportive characters. An ensemble cast ca be tricky and, most of the time, supportive characters get overlooked. In this drama, this doesn't necessarily happen but, however, I do think most of the supportive cast serves as a player to push the leads' story forward and, most of them, don't get their own story per se. This doesn't mean the story is not good but, compared to other dramas like this one, it's a little lacking on this part.

Ren Min, Zhang Wanyi and Ci Sha do most of the weightlifting in the story, all of them giving really solid performances with the first two perfectly casted as the leads, and the latter delivering one of the most unnerving obsessive characters I have seen in a while.

Overall, I think this was a really good watch and enjoyed it.

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A truly happily ever after

This drama was a nice and engaging series that touches on complex family dynamics/drama and politics. It was a slow burn type of story, but wasn’t one that dragged on due to the steady flow of events. I really appreciated the way the main leads were written - they were both extremely bright and talented and made the perfect team. Through supporting each other when no one had their backs, you get to see their relationship blossom into love with a strong foundation of trust and respect.

Highlights:
- The acting by the main leads especially the ML and 2ML, they were so good and natural. I became a fan of Ci Sha who played Lu Jia Xue, the change between his his micro expressions was done really well. He really pulled off the obsessive and slightly unhinged character.
- The bond between the family members was touching, whether it was between Yining and her grandma or her father. I love Yining’s dad, he was so funny and endearing. His facial expressions aware on point.
- Action scenes - It’s a shame we didn’t get many of these but the ones that were shown really impressed me (especially ep 6 when the two MLs fought).

The lows:
- I feel the 2ML was under utilized as he was just a romantic plot device, which is a shame because he had so much potential. He is supposed to be a formidable character but we didn’t get to see much of the complex scheming or political intrigue. I didn’t understand Yining’s attitude towards him a lot of the time, it seemed a bit out of character for her. I get how she would be traumatized but knowing her curious and logical personality, you would expect that she would at least hear him out to clear up the past before moving on. She always ran away so there was never real closure which they both needed. Even at the part when he died. As crazy as he was, I pitied him because of that.
- The filler scenes (including the very long wedding episode). Even though it was nicely paced for the most part, I still think they could have condensed some things or used that time for the plot (ie more political intrigue)
- The perfect ending. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a HE for once especially after seeing what the main leads had to go through. But it was a bit too perfect for the some members of the Lou family (looking at you papa Luo). Considering everything that happened, it was a bit odd seeing everything living so harmoniously.

I knew I would enjoy this one after watching the trailers, probably because we get to see Zhang Wan Yi playing a role similar to that in Lost You Forever (I was a fan of huge him there). However, unlike in LYF, he gets a perfect ending here. I also got to meet some new actors through this series. Overall, a nice easy watch. I recommend.

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A tale of intrigue and love

The Rise of Ning offers a captivating blend of intrigue and romance, skilfully balancing the narratives of its two central characters. Luo Yining, the resilient female protagonist, returns to the Luo Residence after years of being away. As she decides to stay in the Luo Residence for good, she was determined to defy the mistreatment she endures. Meanwhile, Luo Shen Yuan, the enigmatic male lead, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a wrong committed against his revered teacher.

This drama is particularly engaging as it delves into Yining's clever yet dangerous schemes against her adversaries, aided by resourceful brother, Shen Yuan. As their journey unfolds, a surprising revelation emerges: they are not blood-related. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a blossoming romance that adds depth (and the romance) to the already intricate plot. the focal point of the drama had always been on the central characters, which made people hooked on to the show.

While the early parts of the drama are full of suspense and intrigue which caught the viewers attention, the later episodes became somewhat predictable. The character of Lu Jia Xue, the second male lead, suffers from an obsession with the female protagonist, leading to repetitive and tiresome plot lines. The extended runtime towards the end results in some redundant scenes that could have been trimmed have also lead to some fatigue towards the end of the drama.

Despite these minor flaws, the performances by the lead actors are commendable. Zhang Wan Yi, a rising star (in my opinion), delivers a strong performance as Shen Yuan, effortlessly embodying the character's strategic mind and martial arts prowess. Ren Min also did a spectacular job as Yining, capturing her complex character with both strength and vulnerability. Ci Sha also did a great job as the obsessed Lu Jia Xue, who was willing to do whatever it takes to get Yining by his side again.

Overall, the Rise of Ning is a worthwhile watch for fans of historical dramas, offering a compelling blend of romance, revenge and mystery.

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