Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 (2022)

A slow burn but worth it

LLTG has toppled Nirvana in Fire off the number 1 position in my personal top 10 Cdrama list.
This drama has everything, love story, revenge, family dramas and palace politics.
I cried, laughed and cheered while watching this drama and it’s not very often that I come across a drama that is totally engrossing.
The cinematography is superb here. I thought the sets, costumes, sound tracks and makeup all played part in making this drama so beautiful.
I can’t say enough about the incredible chemistry between the main couple. Leo Wu has grown into a man in this drama and his acting is very convincing as LBY. My favourite scene has to be the ‘Red Birthday’ (LBY’s final revenge scene). Leo Wu looked unhinged and I totally bought into his psyche. I think Zhao Lu Si has done a great job of portraying CSS. Her portrayal of an immature 16 year old girl is amusing and annoying at times.
The director did an awesome job of making their love story seem so real. The script was beautifully written, this drama makes me want to learn Madarin.
The relationship between the Emperor, Empress and Consort Yue is endearing. It is refreshing to see those characters all getting along like a real family.
This drama may not be perfect but it is a beautiful drama that is highly entertaining.

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The best cdrama till date!

I dont remember when was the last time i wrote a review for any drama. Its been that long! But this deserves one!

OMG guys OMG. This drama is everything and more. It has life it has love it has chemistry. Everything!

The story itself is beautifully written in the start you will not have much scenes of the leads but u can sense the chemistry there. But the supporting actors keep the drama so LIT that u wont get bored for even a single second.

The thing that i really like about this drama is the way all the issues are resolved they are not dragged through the whole season but are resolved in such a satisfying way that u will surely enjoy it .

The leads chemistry is amazing. Mind you they dont have a lot of scenes in part 1 but part 2 has alot of them. Im one of those people who likes a drama with lot of romantic scenes. This one doesn't have many but the story was so amazing that i was completely hooked to it and now i feel a void in my heart.

Apart from the leads the star of the show is the emperor! The best character in the whole series!

Now please don't waste your time on reading reviews and go watch the show otherwise i'll throw a bread at ya (emperor's style) you'll know the reference when you'll watch it.

Good bye love like the galaxy. You surely lived upto your name.

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It's never late to change & make amends. Afterall, Love is sweeter & stronger the 2nd time around <3

Looking once and remembering it for 10,000 years - Cheng Shaosheng

First thing first, I just wanna let you know that this review is mainly about the Part 2 since i've created a different one for the Part 1 respectively. Nonetheless, this will most probably include plenty of this drama's positive points as a whole so please keep an eye for it.

Also, If you're reading this just to get some idea whether to watch the drama or not... Just don't think anymore and simply dive into it. I promise that you'll never regret it one bit.

That was a wrap! This story as a whole truly brought so much happiness and entertainment to me this year. The drama I was able to finish in 6 days considering its whooping 56 episodes. It's been a great pleasure to witness Cheng Shaoshang & Huo Buyi's tireless and relentless pursuit of their love.

I think what divides Part 2 to the earliest part was that it was more on how they deal with their misconceptions, disagreements, lack of trust and understanding for each other— which is mostly on Huo Buyi's side. The Part 1 featured all the tricky, ridiculous and funny scenes while this part focuses on the consequences and challenges they need to face and went through to further strengthen their bond and relationship.

Plot twists of this drama is something very unexpected for me. All this while, I was under the impression that the ML is simply too loving and protective of the FL yet I was proven wrong because of how well calculated and planned all his moves were. It's something I was astounded to witness, at the same time made me realized how well written this story was. It was full of unexpectedly good heartbreaking and emotional scenes that will surely make anyone satisfied as an audience.

Timeskips - There may be a lot of timeleaps but they were able to cover, express, and deliver every single discontentment, pain and sorrow i've been longing to hear and see from the characters all this time. I felt catered and comforted to see how they took extra effort to address all that.

Fighting and martial arts scenes from this drama were overall satisfying. Wu Lei's domineering and proud posture made him very convincing so does impacting the entire time he's performing such combatant scenes.

Overall design and color grading were delicately done which makes it more comfortable to watch. Not even once do I feel ridiculed and bothered while watching this production. I'm just glad that the editor did great in processing things beyond the eyes discernment.

Positive perception and interpretation for the Rulers (Emperor, Empress and Consort). This drama may have been questionable and controversial on how bias they're but for me It passed through all that. The fact that for once, we got to experience loving and tolerable set of monarch is really impressive for me. I love how they are united to actually make everything peaceful and always there to provide support and assurance for the Leads. Not to mention how entertaining they're themselves.

Supporting and Side characters. Another charm of this drama for me is how they created a space for each and almost everyone of the main Supporting cast. It just proves how considerate they're to the viewers and I really appreciate that.

Something I badly wanna mention is how much I feel for Empress Xuan Shen'an. She was the epitome of restraint, virtue and kindness in this story. She was in so much pain and suffering but not even once does she let it overtake her. A truly inspring and motherly character.

P.S. I still need the Wedding Banquet!! I feel like we deserve that after all the setbacks, struggles and challenges the Main leads went through.

Story - 10, I was taken a back on how they managed to alter the part 1 to its succeeding part and I feel like it's something not many production can successfully pull off these days. It was bittersweet but overall satisfying and nostalgic.

Acting/Cast - 10, Strong and Perfect set of casts. From the very major to the most minor characters felt sensible and effective for me. I just appreciate all of them and I love how they all did excellent in portraying their respecting roles.

Music - 10, Music accompaniment were really good and god! the dubbing is great! I don't know if they do it themselves but even Wu Lei's shouting scenes felt in-sync and accurate for me.

Rewatch Value - 10, This drama is a representation of how bittersweet life's journey is and I would love to take that journey again sometime in the future to re-live and realize all the things i've went through to get to where I am right now.

Overall - 10, Extremely satisfied with this production. The drama felt like it went through a lot of intricate discussions and processing; and I just know that they gave their best to make this drama as impactful, touching and heartfelt as possible.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Award deserving drama; both addictive and extremely satisfying

So many have written extensively about the overwhelming qualities of this drama that I will try not to repeat here what has been well stated before.

I love everything about LLTG, it was so enthralling that I was rewatching while it progressed with what felt like snail pace because of the excruciating four days lull between new episodes release. So I could only go back and rewatch, or go to watch BTS scenes, interviews, read what came up in the discussion sites, rejoice with all lovers of LLTG when it went beyond the 6 billion views mark and check with satisfaction when it reached five weeks running topping charts. Going on to probably an additional 6 weeks rule there.

I have no understanding and little tolerance for those who attempt to bring it down. What evil pleasure do they derive from their sneers? Most of those dropped off, say they, in the first episodes. How that qualifies to give a review is beyond me : my view is, if I am not satisfied with a drama, then I move on and won't attempt to review it, or stick with it to the bitter end and try to analyze logically what put me off for the entire length or majority (like Love in flames of war, which I positively detest after a growing discontent during and after watching it, no matter how talented the ML is, there, which I admit). Do the detractors belong to a specific hate group targeting the FL ? Who can hate Zhao Lusi ?

Zhao Lusi has a very special voice, not lovely but memorable : she can sing as she demonstrated in other dramas and on stage for other songs, although here, she only did so in BTS scenes, when relaxing with the crew. Her instrument is the guzheng, but the flute theme that she acts in, for a couple of scenes, is really lovely. She is small, but can appear towering, a seasoned actress who brings humor to most of the roles she performed in, here as well although through flashes since the character she plays is not supposed to be funny, but growing through pain and hurdles and overcoming desperation. Shaoshang is now accepting to put her intelligence not only to design machines and traps, but also to study more attentively the "books", culture and behavior expected at court. To me, she has grown into one of the best actresses in C dramaland, and this role is her best to date, as witness her lovely interaction with the impressive Wu Lei, who I now view as a new god of the screen.

He can ride, do swordplay, do stunts and martial arts (I'm sure Jackie Chan approves of him), he studied seriously to do some scenes requiring for instance convincing plucking on the guqin, instead of the haphazard dusting off the strings that most other actors resort to, he can swim, he can dance tango (there's a wonderfully surprising and endearing scene when he mixes dance with self defense), his shy kisses are perhaps few and not the open mouth tongue-devouring Hollywood style that some romance addicts crave, but since this is set in ancient dynasty, around a courtship between a girl who's had little education and feels defensive and self conscious, and a ruthless young man who is shouldering a crushing secret, the sizzling gazes he bestows on her are largely sufficient for the romance. He can look seductive and amorous with smooth movements and sizzling eye contact with his intended to which he restrains kisses that "should be reserved for after the marriage", rigid and daunting like a warrior prince, inscrutable like a seasoned court official used to not disclosing his plans, or mad with hatred and bulging veins, or crushed by the realization that whatever he does he will experience loss,.. Even if I have not heard him sing, Wu Lei's mellow voice (nobody is dubbed in this drama) is honey to my ears.

And the hugs. Oh the recurring ones with the "bie pa wo lai le" (don't be afraid, I'm here) that peppered the first part. Which cannot be separated from the "second part" : this is a continuous story, and the artificial division should be done away with.
This second part deals with the court drama and the revenge. It is darker than the beginning, but tension never lets off, and what had felt like a drama ever climbing new heights in every new episode continues here, exploring the hidden sides of the hero and his to-be bride. Now it is her who appears as the warrior, with him resting his head on her shoulder while they are hunted to perhaps doom and death. It is a rollercoaster of emotions and scenes, with subplots that tie in seamlessly within the greater one : the exchange of the tiger seals and the murder mystery are schemes within schemes. Yet the action is still peppered with the signature comedic moments that relieve stress. The humor is manifold, there is some for every taste, from almost slapstick with the grandma who still clings to "her dowries" when led to prison, to more subtle moments between the different characters, such as the mirror behavior scenes played at times by general Cheng and his wife, or other ones. Every member of the cast is memorable and has put thought into their acting, with excellent guiding from director Fei.

The cinematography is still off the charts, with stunning views of the galaxy, of the blood painted paper windows etc.

Well, I thought I had nothing to add, but here I am, humming the theme songs, eager to finish this review to go rewatch for umpteenth time. Yes, this one is on my best of list for 2022 and perhaps more. I thought I would not rave more than I did for the one that also stands out as number one for me, but in a different genre : RESET. But I did, and LLTG qualifies in several genres to boot, so really if it does not get one or several awards, I'll be disappointed.
I wonder if I'll be thrilled as much as I still am by this one, when I eventually move on to other dramas that are promised in the near future or be carried away by the CGI in one that lis currently vaunted... But artistically, can CGI be compared to the genuine cinematographic skills demonstrated in LLTG? Here I go again, wondering how long I will time loop with LLTG ! XD lol

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I want to rewatch already

Honestly, this was one of the best historical Chinese dramas I've ever watched! There was so much detail put into the production and it really paid off. The cast is so talented, that acting was actually phenomenal. Shaoshang is definitely one of my favs because she was so funny and clever! Her ways of getting revenge made me so proud and I loved that she was never scared to stand up for herself. The male lead was very charismatic and his love for her made me giggle so much. Their dynamic was so fun and cute to watch. I cried a few times watching them, I was just so happy. Their love story is literally unmatched and now that I finished this drama, I feel so empty insideee it was too good. They were so mature about everything and whenever there was a minor inconvenience, they tried to talk it out. Also, the relationship between the emperor, the empress, and the concubine was something new for me and I really liked it! There was a bit of comedy added into the show and it helped lighten up the mood and keep everything fun. I have so much more to say but in conclusion, I just really love this drama and I really want everyone to watch it! But honestly, I do wish more of the songs from the actual ost showed up during important scenes because they are really beautiful! Along with that, I really wanted to see that wedding of theirs because it was talked about for so long, but was never even shown. The ending was really rushed imo and I just want to see more loving interactions between them.

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A masterpiece.

I’ve never watched a cdrama where I have nothing bad to say about it. To be honest I usually stay away from cdramas and go for kdramas because I often find that the female leads are cringy, make bad choices, have no common sense AT ALL and don’t get me started on the baby voices (like I can’t even). Love Like the Galaxy (and Who Rules The World) were game changers for me. Here we have a strong, smart female lead that is equal to the strong male leads. If this is a new trend I’m here for it!!

Cast: Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei delivered! ZLS is the only Chinese actress that caught my eyes so I tend to look for her dramas but she REALLY stepped up her game in this. Her chemistry with Wu Lei was on fire! Some scenes, no matter how innocent had me fanning myself. Wu Lei was dashing as the general. He really did have the presence. Some may say he only had one woolen expression but hello! This dude had a darkness within him and only had revenge on his mind all his life.

All the supporting actors did an amazing job as well but my favorite would have to be the Emperor, the general’s side kicks, Consort Yue, the brothers.. okay I love all of them. Each and everything brought something to the table.

Pacing: some might say it’s slow and tbh the first 6 episodes were a bit (but necessary)! We really did have to know how the female lead lived so we understand why she made certain decisions in the future. I also loved how slowly the female lead fell for the male lead. It just made sense!

This drama was so well done that it was pure agony for me while waiting for new episodes. I was so obsessed that it was almost unhealthy. The episodes are all out now so watch it!

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"If the husband is the sun, the wife is the brilliant galaxy. We create the world by coexisting."

PLOT & CHARACTERS:

This is a coming-of-age story that's like no other. It's an emotional yet enlightening journey into love, parent-child conflict, loyalty and female empowerment as Cheng Shao Shang (CSS) goes through the turbulences in her journey to self discovery and growth. 

Her relationship with Ling Buyi has grown a great deal. I truly love how she's grown from a young lady who knows nothing about love to one that capable of caring for her beloved while still remaining true to herself. She learns how to love, empathise and compromise. She's just as intelligent and headstrong as any man, which is especially rare in such a patriarchal society, but can also be loving and caring towards those who are close to her. 

What surprised me the most is the transition from Part 1 to 2. In Part 1, CSS let her entire existence centred around her mother's neglect and biases, as well as others' condescending attitudes towards her "unconventional" upbringing. However, as we transition to Part 2, she's gained a new confidante and mother figure, Empress Xuan, who gives her the affirmation she needs to keep being herself but also the etiquette and knowledge to survive the dangers in the Palace. The bickering and conflicts in Part 1 now seem so trivial as CSS becomes more mature and determined with her goals to follow and serve the Empress. While Empress Xuan is composed, benevolent and dutiful, which are the social expectations of women in Ancient China, she admires CSS's free spirit and bravery. The two see their desired self and aspirations in each other, creating a very insightful and touching relationship. Consort Yue, Shao Shang's mother and third aunt are also very powerful female characters that are way ahead of their time in different ways. 

Ling Buyi (LBY) is a complex character that really draws you in. He's extremely devoted to CSS and would readily sacrifice his life for her. But when it comes to acting in the nation's interest and his own quest for vengeance, he can't help but forsake CSS's love. Being the Emperor's adopted son and commanding general, he's almost untouchable yet also helpless at bringing justice to his family's massacre. Personally, I love seeing how the rigid general becomes all goofy in front of CSS. And sometimes, their PDA makes me swoon and feel envious at the same time. Emperor Wen is such a good father figure for LBY, more than just out of his brotherhood with the former General Huo. I would say he's the biggest source of comedic relief in the drama. The way he shamelessly dotes on LBY and ships LBY with CSS is hilarious.

CAST & PRODUCTION:

Despite their young age, Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei approach their roles with overwhelming maturity and depth. We used to know Lusi as the playful and funny actress that can liven up any drama she's in, especially rom-coms. Here, she's able to incorporate some of that comedic touch with more articulations. She’s very playful and jovial in beginning, but becomes much more calm and refined towards the end of Part 2. On the other hand, Wu Lei carries out the duality of LBY very well. His stare can be serious in one moment, then melt and become hopelessly smitten with CSS. Wu Lei has the gravitas that gives complexity and charm to his character's portrayal. He’s also extremely skilled in horse riding and action scenes, adding even more intensity to the drama.

When it comes to cinematography, every scene in this drama is truly like a painting that speaks a thousand words. It's majestic but still very much the embodiment of elegance and grace. The costume and hairstyle for each character are vibrant and unique in their own way. I particularly love the layered dresses designed with a trailing tail, lowly tied hair and long earrings which add a certain sense of fluidity and feminity when the characters walk. Ling Buyi's armor is also a glory in itself, imposing and dominating like his own personality. And the "mandarin duck wings" make him look even more dashing. I love how the director is not only very masterful in his craft but also an avid WuLu couple shipper. From the behind-the-scenes, he’s very hands-on in helping the actors bring out the full sensitivity of their characters, ahem… especially the bashful and sweet romance between the 2 leads.

The soundtracks are so beautiful and fitting of the historical period. Splendid Star (星汉灿烂) by Shan Yi Chun is soft and smooth but still carries some intensity and momentum. Star River Sigh (星河叹) by Isabelle Huang is definitely my favourite with its heartbreaking nostalgia and poetic sensibility.

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

“When I’m with you [CSS], I feel human.” Ling Buyi

“Maybe Shao Shang is not the gentle lady who others prefer. But in my heart, she’s the best woman… in the whole wide world. She is innocent and courageous…. She’s the only one who can walk by my side. I will only marry her in this life.” Ling Buyi

“Although she [CSS] appears cold on the outside, she has always been a very caring person. She can only put her mind at ease, when those she cares about are doing well. That’s why I make sure all of you [CSS’s families and friends] are doing well.” Ling Buyi

"I can brew wine... build a water wheel... build kilns and fire tiles... Whether Ling Buyi is around or not, I'm a lady who lives well... Ling Buyi is the person I love most in this world. But I am nobody but myself." Cheng Shao Shang

“I told Her Majesty that since I engaged to you [LBY], everyone saw me as your fiancee. No one saw me as Cheng Shao Shang anymore. Her Majesty said that I was brought up as an independent lady. I only cared about myself, my personal gains and losses. She said I should try to be more amenable… more flexible." Cheng Shao Shang

"I'm proficient in poetry and classics. You're [CSS] good at building mechanisms. Everyone has something they're good at. You know what others don't. I'll slowly teach you what others know... There's no need to feel inferior. You can lift your head high." Empress Xuan

“When she [CSS] was young and needed to be loved most, she wasn’t loved by her family. If you [LBY] want to love her, you have to make up for her grief. Don’t always make her understand your choice. Only by discussing can you keep walking side-by-side.” Empress Xuan

"Back then, I always hoped she could be more mature. Until today, she has become so composed, as if she was a different person. Recalling old times, she behaved aggressively, always romped around. But it put my mind at ease... Was I mistaken since the beginning?" Cheng Shao Shang's mother

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Different Tone from Part 1 - Court Politics, Revenge, Romance and Angst

Completed - 8/21/2022

Part 2 has a different tone and feels like a completely different drama. While Part 1 sets things up and gives us an introduction to all the characters, it has a focus on family and friendship with a dash of romance. Part 2 on the other hand focuses on court politics, revenge and our main romance. We have a more serious drama that’s full of angst and sadness with a dash of sweetness and comedy.

What I Like:

Cheng Shao Shang (FL) - I like that she is true to herself throughout the drama. Because of her childhood, she has abandonment issues. You can say that she has a lot to learn to be someone’s partner or wife, and has to learn how to love and trust ML. Yet, she is quite a feminist. She believes in her ability, and that she doesn’t have to follow the traditional footsteps of women to get married and be defined as someone’s wife. I like her revengeful attitude and her protectiveness of those who treat her well. I tend to like strong and badass female leads, but I have grown to like Cheng Shao Shang and she has become one of my favorite female leads.

Acting - I was not impressed with Leo Wu’s acting in Part 1, so I am very happy to see that his character is giving him more to showcase his ability in Part 2. He is excellent in all his emotional scenes, and he melts my heart when he smiles at FL. I really do feel his pain and internal struggles. This might be the best role I’ve seen Zhao LuSi in. She’s known for her cute and outgoing roles, and then she branches out to a more conservative role in “The Long Ballad”. But in “Love Like the Galaxy”, her role as CSS really allows her to flex her acting chops and to show how much she has grown as an actress. From being the naughty and petty 15 year-old, to becoming a mature and strong woman at the end of the drama, Zhao LuSi is the star of the show. Leo Wu and Zhao LuSi are still so young. They really have a bright future ahead of them. Supporting these two young leads is a very experienced supporting cast. I love the royal family - the emperor, empress and consort Yu.

Emperor/Empress/Consort Yu - What a lovely trio we have in this drama. Where else can you find a trio like this in a historical drama? The Emperor is hilarious and he’s the biggest fan of ML and doesn't hide his partiality. He also is the biggest cheerleader and matchmaker of the leads. I love all his funny moments, especially the last scene. I am so glad that CSS found the mother that she always wanted in the Empress. Under her love and care, CSS is able to grow and learn to love, and be the best person she could be. The sisterhood between the Empress and Consort Yu is lovely to see as well. This drama has a different type of harem, even if the princes and princesses do not always get along with each other, we also do have people killing each other for the throne. Maybe this has something to do with the awesome parents that they have. Lastly, my new favorite character, Consort Yu. I love her sassy retort. I look forward to all her scenes and want to hear what she has to say each time. No one dares mess with her and it’s fun to see her interaction with the Emperor. They are a match made in heaven. It would be interesting to get a side story of when they were younger.


What I have Mixed Feelings about:

Main Romance - I am very glad to finally see their romance begin in Part 2. However, the early development is what I have mixed feelings about. I feel that they have more chemistry when they are bickering and arguing with each other, than when they are speaking sweetly. I already know ML is deeply in love, but the way FL falls in love is quite a mystery. One episode she is still hesitating whether to marry or not, then in the next episode or two, she’s already very in love. I want to see the slow development as this feels pretty abrupt and unbelievable. However, once I got past this initial stage, I got what I wanted - the love, the sweetness, getting to know each other, angst, and understanding. I am also glad that the angst is not due to misunderstandings, but it’s actually because they understand each other too well due to their different upbringing and thoughts of the same situation.

Battle/Fight scenes - I applaud Leo Wu for his effort in all the fight scenes. You can see him and others are not just swinging their swords aimlessly. These are hard fought battles and the drama doesn’t shy away from some of the more torturous and bloody scenes. But what I don’t like is the slow motion. This is not a wuxia drama and doesn’t have continuous fight scenes. You really don’t need to slow down a slash or a jump. This makes the exciting fight sequence less exciting.


What I Don’t Like:

Uneven Pacing/Weird or underdeveloped plots:
I find it hard to follow all the characters involved in ML’s revenge plot. In the middle episodes of Part 2, I became quite confused about all the names mentioned. Some characters appeared in Part 1 and I sort of forgot their names or what happened. But the drama name drops all those involved, I had to pause and think who these people are. Eventually, I figured it all out, but those episodes have a lot of talking and court politics, thus, also slowing down the pacing of the drama. Some minor supporting characters disappeared for most of the drama, and then popped up again at the end to seek revenge. They seem to have come out of nowhere. So much happened in the last 5-7 episodes that it feels rushed. I am not sure if it’s because of the editing or the writing.

A few other weirdness:
1. What happened between Cheng Shao Shang and Yuan Shen after they visited CSS’s home?
2. When did FL’s 2nd brother and XiXi become so close that there are talks of marriage? Didn’t they only have one kiss?
3. I needed more scenes between 3rd Prince and ML to justify the behind-the-scenes happenings
4. Well, the rebel leader also seems to have come out of nowhere.
5. The way that our smart FL got in trouble in the end by falling into the schemes of the two female supporting characters is repetitive and underdeveloped.


Other Random Observations:
1. Leo Wu frowns a lot when he does his serious General face.
2. Impeccable hair even after fire/explosion/battles
3. Enjoy the background music and songs are not overplayed (actually I don’t notice them much).
4. So glad Yuan Shen is not an annoying high school boy anymore. He’s matured to be a good support for FL.
5. *SPOILER*

Waited this long and I didn't see the wedding???? It’s been talked about for 29 episodes.

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Unrealistic degree of female empowerment

Yes, this had excellent production, and Leo Wu did a fantastic job in his conflicted and complex role. I was super excited to see these two actors together as leads, BUT the show got just ridiculous with the over-the-top female empowerment theme. I've seen other C-dramas with smart, capable women in a historical context that were realistic about what they could and couldn't do in that time period and you really respected them (as did their men), but this just got ridiculous. The people who took orders from her and apologized to her would never have done so in reality, and it was just so unbelievable that it kind of ruined it for me.

Not to mention, the show is promoted as a romance but the second season is a bunch of palace drama and then our FL trying to convince us she don't need no man. I've seen Lusi in other shows and I like her, but she had no romantic expressiveness at all, while Leo Wu was rocking the puppy dog eyes. Also, I get that this was kind of a coming-of-age story but our FL never really outgrew her childish demands to be indulged by everyone. She becomes less joyful and vivacious over time due to her wounds and losses, but she learns little about extending grace to imperfect people, even those who love her. Her stubbornness and coldness as the season wore on made me lose any compassion I'd once felt for her difficult background. IDK why people are raving about this so much... go watch Yanxi Palace or Sword and Brocade for a decent palace romance with a smart FL. Or watch Who Rules the World or The Blue Whisper for a 2022 decent epic.

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Heads Above Part 1---Greatness Begins in the Stars

Pros: This is an entire planet above part 1. It's like watching a different drama with the same characters and theme. WL really showed his acting skills in this part be they for being so on point with each battle to the gut wrenching emotions. Absolutely extraordinary given he's only 22 years old; if this and TLB were his first foray into serious acting as an adult as opposed to just a child star, he's making tremendous strides in a wonderful direction. Literally the sky is the only limit for this young man.

He was able to play a highly complicated character with only revenge on his mind for a whole decade, everyone who crosses him or harms those he loves be damned. Then he falls in love and plans to wed but that vengeance is never far behind. Every step he takes before and after what I call the "red wedding" scene, is either calculated to the inch or completely muddled when it comes to NN. He owed her a lot, but he paid for it, and the reconciliation was priceless as well as funny.

ZLS who is known more for her comedy roles which was also well executed here, was able to play a tunnel visioned confused girl with how she grew up and only relying on herself even when that proves to be harmful time and time again until she realizes she's got to put more thought into the consequences of her actions not just the revenge; who has to have her heart shattered in order to mature and she played the role very convincingly.

Other favorite characters were the Empress (until her last breath, she was the mother to NN, her own mother forgot to be), Emperor, Consort Yue, NN's brothers, cousin, Qiqi, HBY's sidekicks (and the rest of the elite Black Armed Guards), the eunuch, 3rd and the original crown prince (though he was a wuss), there were a few others whose names I've forgotten but they were on the side of justice.

Costumes, OSTs, sets, and production in general were all gorgeous. Comedy was absolutely well placed and the Emperor being the biggest shipper of our leads along with the Eunach was always absolutely hysterical. Even the most serious scenes were sprinkled with the proper humor and it made things easier and better to watch. Quite a lot of very comedic scenes which were much needed; especially anytime Consort Yue entered the room and read it to filth; woman deserves a standing ovation!

Love, love, love, love all of HBY's battle scenes, wish we had more of that final battle with Tian Shuo or whatever his name was (also wish they had explained how he ended up being the last villain in the first place; he was just chucked in there to round out the batch, I guess); that seemed rather rushed and lackluster with a lot of talking and declarations in contrast to all of his previous ones which were just spectacular. HBY was an absolute machine and I loved every moment of it.

The leads chemistry was awesome; though FL had three men pining after her and she got engaged or semi engaged to all 3, only with our Superman HBY (shoot him, stab him, harpoon him, throw him off a cliff, or blow him up, he'll return in one piece still, looking fierce and immortal almost lol) was the chemistry palpable from nearly the beginning. Was it the most hot and heavy from all the costume c-dramas I've watched? No. But it was enough that you knew, no matter what, once they acknowledged their love for each other, even with the revenge and abandonment, it wasn't going to be over for them. Not by a long shot.

Cons: Took way too long on the constant bullying of NN. Too many princesses, too much time. That should have all been nipped in the bud a lot faster. I felt like way too many episodes were wasted on that. People claim many were critical of NN, but we were only watching the truth; she was a bit too self-absorbed many times and blamed LBY/HBY for stuff he had no control over and couldn't stop and sometimes she didn't even bother telling him like the river snake incident; often felt she took one step forward and two back. But spending the five years heartbroken and apart, actually matured her properly finally.

What happened in the last few episodes where mommy dearest and Jabba da hut aka grandmother all of a sudden had a change in conscience and became good? They spent most of the series hating on NN or severely punishing her both physically and psychologically and then out of nowhere in a fraction of one episode they were doting on her and to be completely honest, it was like a creepy whiplash. Mommy dearest even whined that she had no idea how to raise a lady which was a total copout because when they returned from the battlefield, NN was still a teen and could have been doted on instead of ignored and the cousin chosen because she was meek and feeble. The inconsistency was beyond staggering. Even chicken feather duster dude was all mellow after he was more or less a total shit to NN the entire series (his version of showing he liked her; total moron); but his mellowing out was thankfully a lot more subtle then the other two which made me cringe. Points came off for that.

And what in the heck was that last episode? Ok, HBY and NN hit two different fronts to protect and save, got it! They trust each other totally and completely finally, awesome! But her parents and entire family save jabba da hut riding in from out of the blue made me pause the drama to double check I wasn't watching something else. It was the most twilight zone-ish experience of the entire thing. How did they know? Did NN send a letter or a pigeon before leaving Hua county? I doubt it because she looked stunned to see them as the rest of us were. And why bring family with no fighting experience like the cousin and her husband? Plus she's giving her parents and the rest of them orders on what to do, even though her dad is a general? Like make it make sense please, except it doesn't. Very disappointing after so much great material.

I wish HBY and NN got more time alone to really talk and a wedding would have been nice. But we can take what we can get, I suppose. If it weren't for the very obvious flaws, this drama would have gotten a higher rating. I do hope people in the comments are correct that the director is editing for more cohesion, because a lot is needed here and it's lacking.

Would I recommend it? I absolutely would. Part 1 can be browsed as it's really a one track style, but all the goodies lay here in part 2. This is maybe my second or third costume/Republican drama getting a 9 or 9.5 this year and it certainly earns it. So definitely check it out; you'll laugh, cry, be unhappy, and root for all of the good characters as they go through life.

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