Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 (2022)

All just perfect!

Love Like The Galaxy is one of my watch-list dramas this year. I can say that it is really worth watching.

Story
I'm impressed by how smooth and tidy the plot is. There are no plot holes or something weird about the story. Standing ovation for the screenwriters' team! I'm satisfied. Even though there are some scenes that made my eyebrow rise, but overall it is perfect. And I like that all the detail showed decently in the story.

Acting
Sometimes I can feel the awkwardness of some of the actors from other dramas that I watched so far, but this is one of my best-watched-drama-list. Yeah, nothing is perfect but I can say that I will recommend this drama to everyone. All the actors really have a great job in their own characters, especially our main Shaoshang and Buyi.

Music
The music really gives a great impression and uplifts the value of the drama. The music department staff really doing a great job for this drama.

As I said before, this really worth watching it. I can clearly rewatch it in the future when I have time.

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Revelations and Reconciliations!

This magnificent drama is a must watch. Please, without further ado, start on it right now! Such gems are rare!

I watched Part 1 and it was excellent. (Pls refer to my review for Part 1.) I could not wait for Part 2 and it was worth the wait and watch!!

What I loved:
- The cast is amazing. They are ‘awesome - sauce’. The male lead deserves multiple awards for his award-winning performance as Ling Buyi and Huo Wushang. Wow. Just wow. He’s so young and such a fine actor. I believe that he has potential to be a great actor like the likes of Tony Leung. His performance was breathtakingly good! Wow. The rest of the cast is amazing too. I really liked that family members of each clan didn’t pit themselves against one another but rather, they banded together through thick and thin.
- The chemistry between ML and FL is sizzling hot and yet, saccharine sweet. Love!
- The plot is exciting and suspenseful. There’s so much going on! I had to rewatch some parts just to figure things out or get things right!
- The general ‘happy mood/ feel’ of this drama because things get set right again after all the wrong that has been done.
- The king is hilarious. He’s a breath of fresh air from kings who are mad about power and crazily insecure about their position as king.
- The two queens are so cutely ‘no angst’.
- Yuan Shan Jian is adorable.

What I didn’t like much:
- So much killing. So much bloodshed. All that revenge.
- Crazy bitches like Lou Li.

Overall, Must Watch! Don’t miss this magnificent work of art!!

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Best Costume Drama of 2022!

I am so sad that it ended. I honestly could use another 30 ep of this.

Sure the drama started out with all the excessive ladies gossiping & doing evil things trying to get the ONLY bachelor in town but aside that minor flaw the story overall was executed close to perfection.

Why the perfect 10
1. ML/FL amazing chemistry. I've seen every Rosy drama but this pairing with Leo Wu was perfect. Leo Wu is just a talented actor since a baby.
2. Supporting cast. There were so many supporting characters that I equally loved in this drama notably:
- 2 Generals by ML for comic relief.
- Mom and Dad of FL. Dad is so funny and the mom's facial expressions always on point. I actually loved her character
- The Emperor and the 2 wives. The emperor especially was entertaining.
- Brother / besties of FL
- 2nd ML , 3rd ML (Yuan Shen) started out annoyingly funny then through character development became a worthy 2nd/3rd lead.
The whole cast was incredible.
3. Story . On the surface it's about love and revenge. However it's got:
-Plot twists. Not overly complicated. Not overly outrageous
- Best character development of main and supporting cast. Shao Shang started as a playful 15 year old. She went through varies struggles to learn about herself and the meaning of true love.
- Family dynamics, relationships between friends, family members
- Strong female characters
4. Beautiful costume, cinematography & music provided that dream land feel.
5. Rewatch Value. I already rewatched 3x.
6. Happy Drama overall. Not like traditional dramas where every character dies because let's face it, SAD endings sucks.
7. Ending of every episodes. Actors playing some games.
8. No cheesy voice dubbing. Unless it's due to actors having thick accents then I would always like to hear their own voices.

Sadly I really felt I want more in the ending not necessary story continuation but more of grand happy ending scene.

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A beautiful story built on wonderful characters...

This series holds a special spot among many series that I have watched. This is a series built by the characters, what I meant to say is that, different from most of the series with characters behaving according to storyline, which sometimes makes them behave out of their personality, this show is built and moved forward by the characters. Each character has their own personality, motives and demons. Some characters have more frightening demons than the others, but they do have their own storyline.

Let me give a brief of the characters:
- Ling Buyi:
A boy who witnessed his entire clan slaughtered in front of him, his best friend die in his place, his only remaining family member is now stuck with her past memories, and he had to endure all of this trauma alone, without any help, not knowing who to believe, surrounded by people who scheme and the main culprit, yet trying to do things by following the law. It is not absurd for him to prioritize his revenge even if he has to betray the only person he loves.

He is the main character that drives this story. He starts all the schemes or issues and then directs the main storyline. Till the FL gets involved, he is always a cold hearted and cruel killer, burning with hatred.

- Cheng Shaoshang:
The girl who believes that she was abandoned at her birth to live with the horrible aunt and a greedy grand mother, who only cares about the money and leaves them alone. Unlike the ML, she is wilful and only wants to escape from this hellhole that she was in. She builds up an attitude that makes it hard for her to trust someone. She only cares about her happiness and the happiness of someone who has done her any favour. She will go to any lengths to repay any favour. This is the main reason that she gets involved in some unnecessary troubles.

Because she gets indebted to the empress and the crown prince, she tries to help them at any possible chance. But, because of her inexperience in the large game that is being played, she doesn't take all the other implications into consideration. She doesn't get the whole story from the ML, and when she figures things out it is already too late. Yet, she is also unforgiving, which makes it hard for her to trust the ML again.

- Emperor Wen:
Honestly the best emperor in the history of wuxia dramas that I have watched. He is the guy, who hates schemes, is easy going, and tries to help Ling Buyi get his girl. He is basically an all powerful wingman. He trusts his family and remembers his shortcomings. In this aspect, one thing relevant to the story is the guilt he feels to the deceased General Huo and tries to make up for that with the ML as much as he can. Most of the comedy is centred around him, and honestly, I became a fan of this character.

- Empress Xuan:
She is the mother that the FL didn't get. Well, that is the summary of her role. There are many connections with her clan and the clan of the consort that run the story and get the schemes rolling.

- Consort Yue:
She is the consort and childhood sweetheart of the emperor. She knows about all the stupid schemes her family is making and opposes them at every turn. She is the character that puts everyone in their place, irrespective of them being a prince or princess or even the aunt of the emperor. She puts them all in their place. She supports ML because she feels sad that ML's mother (who was someone she used to hate) has suffered a lot, but still remained a great mother. She feels sorry for the crimes her clan was committing.

- Young Marquis Yue:
The younger brother of Consort Yue, who dreams to make his clan the best.

- Crown prince:
A kind hearted man, who values his family and friends but is not so suitable to be a king of a scheme filled palace.

- Third prince:
The silent winner, who wins the throne at the end. He is impartial, and also cunning enough to identify the schemes.

- Xiao YuanYi:
Fl's mother and the advocate of "tough love". This makes the FL lose faith in her mother.

- General Cheng:
FL's Father, who is kind of a people pleaser, and can't figure out who to support, his wife or his daughter, and ends up with trying to comfort them after everything is over.

The character list goes on and on. Each character has an importance. Though I have only written only one or 2 sentences to try and compress the review as much as possible, I have left out a lot of characters, like A'Yao, the fifth princess, Wang lin, etc, who are sometimes frustrating but are key for the story to progress,

Overall this is a thrilling story to watch, and I highly recommend for someone to take their time through the story.

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SO REFRESHING - ONE OF THE BEST COSTUME & PERIOD C-DRAMAS

This drama is a true masterpiece! Every aspect of the production is exceptional: the script and dialogue, the cinematography, the character dynamic, the actors' performances, and even the impeccable voice dubbing (It's like you are watching a live theater play). It's a drama that immerses you in its world, which is populated by complex human beings with intricate family and romantic relationships, emotions, and inner lives.

What sets this drama apart, in my view, is its refreshing approach to romance and character development. It avoids typical cliches and treats even secondary characters with respect. Zhao Lusi's acting is so expressive, and Wu Lei was perfectly cast in his role; he conveyed his character's darkness and tender side with equal skill.

The mix of humorous and dramatic moments is really well done, as it can make you laugh and cry in just one episode, sometimes simultaneously. I have the utmost respect for this production and can't wait to re-watch it in the future.

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so far, this is the best in 2022

I read the novel first to know what to expect. Some moments in the novel are left out / altered to fit the screen story.

The excellent script of Love Like the Galaxy is very outstanding. Well done!!
This drama is my second favourite historical Chinese-drama after The Story of Ming Lan.

Why I like the storyline?
The best part is NO HATE relationship between:
-the Empress Xuan and Empress Yue.
-Niao Niao and her cousin Yang Yang.
-Zi Sheng, Ayao and Yuan Shen.
-Royal siblings Crown Prince, the 3rd Prince and the 5th Prince.

I started watching actress Zhao Lusi's dramas since "The Romance of Tiger and Rose". Zhao Lusi always portray her character successfully. She always completed the transformation into the character. Her ability to show emotion that captivate me as her audience. She really commits fully to her roles. Well done!!

Before this I watched actor Leo Wu as Ashile Sun in drama The Long Ballad. The "Zi Sheng" role that challenged actor Leo Wu physically, emotionally and spiritually. As Leo Wu embodied the character of Zi Sheng, not only transformed himself physically, mentally and spiritually into the role of Zi Sheng, he imbued the character that I often forgot this was a performance. I can feel his sorrow and emotions in this drama. Well done!!

I recommend you to watch Part 1 before you watch Part 2.

I plan to rewatch this drama while waiting for new historical drama. :)

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The Tale of Two Scarred people

Love Like The Galaxy is the tale of two scarred people.

Chen Shao Shang was left behind as infant by her general parents and was subsequently mistreated by her aunt and grandmother. As for Ling Buyi, he's the nephew of the late and famed hero General Huo, and was brought up by his mentally ill mother.

While CSS is criticised by all for being unladylike, scheming and uneducated ; LBY is the most sought-after bachelor of the capital because of his achievements in the army and his close and intimate relationship with the ruling emperor.



THE STORY

I had previously watched and loved The Story of Ming Lan which was penned by the same author for several reasons: first, because it was an epic (and ironically, realistic) love and family story within a typical Song household; and second, because it was the right mix of slice-of-life, romance and political themes in an historical drama. Well, in Love Like The Galaxy, it was once again the perfect balance between these different genres. One could easily sense it was the work of the same author but each of those stories still holds their own essence.

It was a well-woven tale in which we saw the characters grow and change over time.

It was all magnified by the work of the director who gave us great visuals. It was grand when it needed to be, poetic when it needed to be and melancholic when it needed to be.
Additionally, the fight scenes were so well choreographed and filmed that it reinforced the fact that LBY was the capable and gifted general we were told he was ; CSS was so magnificent in her various attires that we understood why she said to be this great beauty.

On the characters now.

THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR DYNAMICS

CSS reminded me of Antigone who is someone wants everything in full without compromising on anything. In Jean Anouilh's play, Antigone tells her uncle something like this "I want everything, now and in full, otherwise I'll forsake it" [approximative translation]

CSS is someone who is convinced her life is cursed. She wants to live her life on her own terms, unrestrained and without compromising on anything.

Despite her being uneducated, she's smart and mature because of the life she was made to live due to her aunt's mistreatment.

I love smart characters especially when we witness how smart and wise they are by their actions and thought process. And in regards to CSS, I have to admit that I just loved how vindictive she was and how she always gave it back.

As for LBY, I must say that I was enamored with his character from the get go because I love powerful and smart male leads. But in his case, I also loved how we were shown his dark side at times. It was an aspect of his personality everyone was aware of and which gained him the reputation of being a sinister and ruthless general.
His character could seem one dimensional at first glance, but he had many layers that were peeled along the way and which let us see what and who he really was what actually deep down.
I so loved the contrast that was shown with his character : sweet when he was with CSS and cruel when he dealt with his opponents.


The two leads were alike and different in so many ways and it's why theirs wasn't a relationship that formed straight away and why it was so fulfilling to watch their relationship evolved and strengthen along the way.
The actors suited each other so well and they managed to bring out the chemistry of the characters on screen. We could feel the attraction and love between them and understand why they were each other's endgame.


Indeed, both CSS and LBY were both alphas in their society and thus attracted the attention of many admirers. CSS's other suitors' characterization (which isn't a surprise as it was also the case in The Story Of Ming Lan) was well done as they didn't solely exist because of their relationship/infatuation with the FL and each of them had their own strengths and weaknesses which made their relationship with CSS special. One could understand the relationships that developed.


Overall, I would strongly recommend this drama as it's a real page turner. It's an easy watch as one wants to see what will happen next. It's not a predictable story and furthermore, it's well-written and the characters are endearing.

I recommend this drama to those who love inner court dramas like The Story of Ming Lan and The Sword and The Brocade ; smart heroines like the two precited dramas, The Story of Yanxi Palace and The Court Lady ; sassy heroines like The Story of Yanxi Palace and My Sassy Princess ; dark heros like Goodbye, My Princess

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What an AMAZING SHOW !

WOOOW!!!, this drama is one of a kind. I cannot stress enough of amazing this drama is. From the beginning till the end, they did not mess anything up and nothing feel like it was rush. Every week when the episodes come out; you just want more and more. This is that kind of drama if one is going to watch it. The writer did one hella of a job coming out with this drama and shout out to the producer and all the crews as well. Everybody in this drama did an excellent performing, playing their role and doing whatever necessary to perfect their task. I hope this drama get an award for how amazing it is and this kind of drama; you get once every two years or three. I would recommend everyone to watch it.

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Love Like a Half-Baked Cake

I must say that i am quite disappointed with the second part of this drama. The first part of the drama was such a good build-up; you have great characters, interesting relationships, the slowburn is burning so deliciously you are just THIRSTY for another EYECONTACT of main lead..s. All ingredients for the cake are perfect and you are ready for explosion of flavours.

and what u gonna get? NOTHING...

First off, i'll start with what i loved because frankly, i liked a lot of things, and despite my complaints i enjoyed the drama for most of the time. I dont remember the last time i binged a 56 episode drama in one sitting. The production was beautiful - the costumes, music, settings, camerawork. All this was great (aside from odd scene cuts)
I enjoyed many actors' performaces – especially Zhao Lu Si was great as Cheng Shaoshang in her more somber state.
As for the story, i enjoyed the pay off - it was fantastic - once a villain was established they were dealt with (with an amazing bitchslap) within 3 or so episodes which felt incredibly satisfying.
And most of the characters had interesting and likeable personalities I wanted to follow. I enjoyed set up of so many characters here - i wanted to hear their stories!

Thats where my satisfaction with the story ends though.

The "Love" in love like the Galaxy is supposed to allude to not only Shaoshangs love with Ling Buyi, but also to her mother-daugter relationships. But neither of those two main loves had solid foundations for this story to build on. Her relationship with her birthmother was so terribly set up with mothers bizarre and illogical behaviour and cartoonish villainery in the part I so it was impossible for me to take seriously anything that happened in that storyline further the line. No sane person would behave like this towards their own beloved daughter. It just didnt make sense even to me, who is willing to overlook some nonsense in set ups.

Now the love of CSS and LBY. I honestly dont believe they had reason to love each other so much for them to be able to go through all the obstacles together. It wasn't obvious in part I as the buildup was done so nicely - but then it felt like Shahoshang never really felt passionately about him (yet she still overcame months of palace politics and bullying and struggles because LBY just decided he wanted to marry her. smh.)
So the love part of the story was not so galactic for me. What remains, as is uusal in costume dramas, is the politics part which... wasnt really well written. The scheming during the off-palace time was pretty ok and dynamic in part I, but omg... the switch to palace politics during part II was slow and draggy. Its like the author was overambitious and in the end was unsuccesful in writing both "epic romance" and "epic politics".

The foundations for the story that were so carefully built in the part I for most of the side characters were not developed further (i know, i know, they drama got cut down by 10 episodes) which left me downright miserable. I WANTED to watch Wan Qiqi and brother 2 bicker around. I WANTED to see the cousin get close to the Ban guy. I WANTED to watch more of Yuan Shanjian to be just a guy - they fuckign gave him such a redeem arc and then they decided to not give him happy end? Wtf????? They intentionally decided to wreck his character in the part I so LBY looked better in comparison to him but in the end YSJ wasnt given (by screenwriters) ANYTHING in exchange. I demand justice for my guy!!!!

Anways.. I initially wanted to give part II rating of 8 but the last 5 minutes of the drama - the sudden change of vibe from "depression, death and misery of 10+ episodes" to "sun is setting, everyone is here, background characters are clapping, someone said a joke and everyone is laughing" - pissed me so much i decided for 7,5. I am petty like this and I wonder if they ever release the 10 episodes they cut.

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A piece of art. A well written, directed and acted drama.

This drama is well written, directed and acted. Three combos in which are very rare nowadays. It has a great cinematography, costumes, dialogues and humor (Yes your read it right! The humors are so good and on point. You may be crying at one moment and then the next second you could be laughing like a crazy. The humors never failed you make you laugh even after you went through a roller coaster ride of emotions).

Anyway, this is my first time writing a review about a drama. I am still having a major withdrawal and writing this review at 2.30 AM.

I didn’t have much expectation when I started this drama. I watched it purely because of Zhao Lusi is in it and this is my Wu Lei’s first drama (apart from NIL).

It ended up becoming one of the best Chinese dramas I have ever seen in a long time. I love it with my heart and soul. Never have I thought, I would be this invested in a drama. I literally looked forward to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Now I have watched all episodes with no more episodes to look forward to, I feel the emptiness. It will take some time for me to move on. Sounded like a breakup, right?

Story:
The story is a breath of fresh air with a great pacing and character development.
It’s mostly about growing up, family, and love, and little palace politics with a good amount of creative humor!

This drama is partly about the growth of Cheng Shao Sang (CSS). She was left by her parents with her male descendants favoring grandma and evil aunt since birth to go for war for 15 years! She lacks familial love and the abandonment shapes her character. She becomes an independent, vengeful, and smart teenager. As LBY describes her, she dares to love and hate. She’s loyal to those who treat her well and does not hesitate to revenge those who wrong her. She experiences a major heartbreak and grows to become a mature and poised woman.

The romance in this drama is not your typical Chinese drama romance where the leads typically fall in love fast and hard where sometimes you will question what makes they fall madly in love with the other. While the Ling Bu Yi (LBY) falls in love with the CSS quite fast and decides she can be the only one early but he doesn’t pursue her right away since he has higher priorities at times.
However, CSS takes her time to get to know and fall in love with LBY. She is not the one who gives her heart away easily and once she does she’s all in. And she’s not the one who forgives easily once you wrong her.

The palace politics in this drama is so different from the usual palace drama where you will anxiously wait for the consort or empress to turn evil. Because that’s so common, isn't it? But no, that will not happen in this drama. I won’t spoil it too much for you. You need to watch the drama to find out what I mean.


Acting:
Wu Lei - I was blown away by this young actor! He is definitely on another level, a very capable actor at such a young age.

His portrayal of Ling Bu Yi is top notch. Ling Bu Yi is not your typical perfect Chinese drama male character without any flaws. He is definitely a morally grey and complex character. He is ruthless, cunning, scheming, capable, intelligent yet loyal and loving. He carries heavy burden of the past on his shoulder. It’s consuming his whole existence and cost him the love of his life.
Wu Lei brought this character to life! With his portrayal, you will feel bad for LBY for all the things that he went through in life at such a young age. You can feel his pain, his love, his regrets and his despair. He portrays LBY’s dark side so well.

Wu Lei is so good at fighting and emotional scenes. His eyes are very expressive. You can feel his love for CSS through his gaze.


Zhao Lusi - What can I say to this lovely bubbly girl. She surprised me once again.
I have watched a lot of her dramas and become a fan since Who Rules the World. Her acting in this one is on another level. It is definitely her best work so far.
Zhao Lusi successfully portrays CSS’s multi layered character. Through her portrayal, I was witnessing CSS’s growth from a naive, playful, vengeful, stubborn and reckless teenager to a mature, poised and wise woman.
I love the fact that Lusi uses her own voice for this drama. Her line delivery is great. You can feel the difference in her line delivery for teenager and adult CSS.

Her micro expressions, comedic expressions (no doubt for this one) and crying are so good!

The rest of the cast have done an excellent job in bringing their characters to life. As an audience, I was made immersed into their stories. I cried, laughed and smiled along with them.
I have quite a few of my favourite supporting characters. From loyal, clueless and funny Ah Fei, loyal, reliable and serious Ah Qi, the kindest and most graceful Empress, the straightforward and fair Consort Yue, lively and matchmaker Emperor, kickass and no bullshit Qiqi, and strict and strong CSS’s Ah Mu, and many more.

Cinematography:
OH MY GOD! I love the cinematography a lot! It’s of a high quality and definitely one of the best I have ever seen. I will give you some of the best scenes that I like in term of cinematography where I think are captured very well (not in a particular order):
1. The lantern festival when Ling Bu Yi sees Cheng Shao Shang for the first time
2. Gingko trees where LBY bids CSS his first good bye.
3. Shouchun battle
4. Heart to heart talk between LBY and CSS after 5 years separation where they go their separate ways.
5. Bridge scene in Guo village
6. Star gazing in final episode

Hair Styles and Costumes:
Before the drama started, I saw ZLS’s hairstyle and costume from some posters and I can say I was not a fan at first. But I changed my opinion after seeing the drama. The costumes are very well designed and fit the characters. And the hairstyle has grown on me as well.

Make up:
The make up skills are so good with attention to details. They make wounds look so real and convincing. For instance, Ling Bu Yi’s wounds after rescued from cliff, CSS’s fading black eyes, shaoshang string wound on LBY’s wrist.

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