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Starts off promising, but a complete letdown in the end
The initial setup and premise is interesting. But towards the second half of the show, it becomes a complete letdown. I am not someone who only looks for happy endings. But this show has the worst ending for the worst reasons. The editing is also ridiculously bad. It almost seems that the showrunners decided to skip some of the most important parts of the story in favor of shock content. For instance, the killing of the first prince of An and setup of the second prince took place in the space of ~2-3 mins of screen time. Anyway, the second half is so bad that this show has little redeeming value.Was this review helpful to you?
highly recommended for those who like strong female lead + team work + action.
highly recommended for those who like strong female lead + team work + action.Personal Opinion : An interesting story series full of action comedy. Costumes, sets, and camera work were all very good. Everyone's acting was good, especially Liu Shishi's acting, expression is great! In short, Just looking like a wow?.
I think the speed has been bumped up a bit to reduce the runtime, which I noticed at first. But after the 3rd episode, I got so immersed in the story that I didn't think about it anymore. Overall its an enjoyable series, I was never bored for a single minute.
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rushed ending but overall good drama
This is my first review..From episode 1, we can see powerful ML and FL and a bunch of other characters who are friends of the ML. I liked the way they wrote the ML and FL characters; the audience can understand their love and respect for each other without too much speech. Initially, this was okay. After that, it felt repetitive. I was like, "Stop with these dialogs. I want the plot to move forward." However, these episodes didn't seem like fillers, for that I have to praise the screenwriter; otherwise, I would have dropped this drama long ago.
Now, coming to this shipper squad, what's with all this eavesdropping? I couldn't help but wonder if anyone would feel comfortable with someone listening to their private conversations. Here, the screenwriter made it look like comedy.
One of the best character developments is YY. I like her very much. Still, I have another question mark: when did YL and YY fall in love? All the episodes we have seen, they were acting like siblings. I can understand from YL's perspective; maybe he had secret admiration or a crush on her but did not dare to say. Coming to YY, she loved another guy from the start, and knowing he betrayed her, she was left heartbroken. But when did she fall in love with YL to the extent that she can't forget him her whole lifetime? Just a few minutes of talk on the rooftop – no, their conversation felt childish. Here, the plot is lacking. The same goes for Yu Shi San and Chu Yu. I hoped their love story was given more screen time.
And what's with LTG? This is the only character I hated, loved, felt sad about, and had mixed emotions. In fact, I really cared about him. His character is creepy from the start, and I really hoped his character would have proper development by the end. I just want him to get over his obsession with his shifu. This guy won't even realize that what he has for her is respect and admiration, but not romantic love. We viewers can't see romantic love in his face. And the romantic love aspect was missing between YY and YL as well. The unresolved aspects of LTG's character, coupled with the rushed explanations, left me extremely disappointed. What's with that impulsive nature at the end?
And the wedding arc... Stop, man. I am tired of NYZ teaching LTG.
coming to the deaths of the remaining squad members . Why they wanted to kill each and every character??.
I hold the belief that a loveless marriage requires time to develop genuine love. I hope that eventually, LTG and YY can develop feelings for each other and build a happy family. Life should not come to a standstill because of one person; we must continue to move forward.
The ending, it makes sense that Chu Yu died after 10 years and reunites with other people.
My only problem is they rushed these last 6 episodes. The plot is moving very fast, difficult to catch up.
Overall, it is an enjoyable ride.
My score: 6/10.
Sorry, it has a lot of flaws. What I appreciate is it has good fighting scenes, and I literally enjoyed Strong FL here.
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Best chinese drama of 2023. Favorite Female Lead of any drama.
This was a beautiful drama, everything from the makeup and costumes to the fight scenes was done exceptionally well. Acting was on point the entire time, it wasn't overly funny and cutesy like china likes to do, and it wasn't boringly serious either, they hit just the right note.Ren Ruyi and Ning Yuanzhou are perfect main characters, they both stand briliantly by themselves, and form a perfect couple together. The Female Lead, unlike what is popular, is not dependant on the ML, and doesn't cry every 5 mins. She's strong, dependable, smart, and acts like a mature grown woman instead of a child. The ML is the best at what he does, but instead of being cruel like most other drama leads in his position, he is kind and affectionate towards his brothers. When they are together they form a beautiful sight.
The Princess is the one who really rises up throughout the show, it is so rare to see a princess show such growth, it was an amazing progression throughout the season. I would love to see more of her in a 2nd season.
The soundtrack was great, the combat music for the female lead is so hype it always gets me giddy with excitement.
I've already begun rewatching the show.
The only flaw to point out is the rush in the last 6 episodes, with the amount of content they rushed through, they could've done an entire 2nd season for the show instead.
Definitely watch this, you will not regret it.
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Life is unpredictable, live it to the fullest, die without any regrets
My favourite drama of 2023....if anyone wants to know whether to watch it or not then here are my thoughts on this:This drama has healthy relationship between main leads and other characters and heartwarming,funny, emotional,cute love stories.
It's about the characters journey to living their life to the fullest in the time of war and chaos.
It's about never giving up no matter how worse the situation is, it's about designing ur destiny with ur hands .
Spoilers ahead:
The ending gave me a real bad heartache though.... but it's understandable as the given situation of war...not much we can do about it.
My poor sweet boy shisan ❤️❤️
He was the sweetest....i hope he get more memorable roles like this I don't want to see him as a SML with a sad storyline and have a poker face always...he has so much potential.
Each and every character was fabulous
The female lead and her character is always gonna be my favourite one forever...the strongest female lead I ever watched and it didn't feel unrealistic...
I was little mad at qian Zhao and jiu'er that crazy guy ?
They both were stupid as hell so many time obviously I m talking about the character not the actors.
Few things I felt were unnecessary but it doesn't really hold back this drama from being a wonderful one.
It was about their journey and we all viewers had this journey together with them we laughed with them we cried with them.....each and every character had growth and development...it was enjoyable to see them grow.
And the love story of chu Yue and shisan was my favourite part of this drama they got so little screen time together in this drama yet their chemistry was outstanding they made me wish for them to be together...and made me cry with them.
Each and every actor played their role very well...even the character of empress zhajie was so heartwarming even tho it was just for few minutes in the drama.
Tbh i wasn't expecting much from this drama but surprisingly it became one of my favourite drama of this year.
Really great work put by everyone ❤️❤️
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The journey is all that matters
This drama is a truly a treat before the year ends. It has all the great things that you need in the drama. The cinematography, great characters, wonderful acting, amazing character growth, fabulous fighting scene, lovely romance, badass leads, np damsel in distress, intelligent characters. What more can you as for?I gave it a perfect 10 because this one has a really great plot. Despite of the create your own ending part, every episodes is a joyful to watch...I never get bored or fast forward because it was pure entertaining. The best part of this drama is the brotherhood. Gosh!! Our diplomatic team went to a journey in a rush, without much planning ,but because everyone is capable enough. they got through in all the obstacles. But more importantly your will LAUGH!!!
I just want to highlight my best Chief.. Ning Yuan Zhou played by Liu Yuning. My guy really improved a lot! And NYZ is the leader that was needed with full of people that was chaotic and got different personalities. He stand firm like a true boss. He was intelligent and strong. A true leader that you can count on. But when he was with his lover Ruyi, gosh! He was like a new person, sweet and know how to handle a strong woman. They truly are a power couple. They are really made for each other. No one can handle a strong, intelligent and reserve NYZ and the same with Ruyi which was independent and strong.
Such a wonderful drama and I can rewatch this without hesitation despite of the angst at the end because the acting is so touching and moving that I can watch them again and again while I'm sobbing in my pillow.
Do not hesitate.. It's a magnificent drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
Stop watching after ep 34
One of the best Chinese drama of 2023.... but like most of the cdrama the ending was worse.. means like why do all the 5 men if L hall has to die and at last ruyi also dies.. why can't all of them life happily... and at the last what does the that ning shisan maens...re-watch value is high .. if i am going to re-watch it, i will watch till ep 34 only...
Its mainly the character development of ying and Li tonguang... like how both of them get matured...
*if anyone going to watch it for the first time then only watch till ep 34, otherwise you are going to ?? to see your loved characters dying one after another*
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What a drama!
It's been a long time since i last encountered a drama that won't let me move on. Acting is on point, scenery is amazing, a high-budget drama indeed. The martial art scenes left me in awe wow, especially the scenes with the diplomatic team members. Liu shishi, liu yuning, fang yilun, and all the other supporting characters did a very good job executing those scenes. Also, the development of each character can be seen throughout the drama with the most noticable one is princess yang ying. I have never seen her in any other dramas, and she totally got me surprised with her acting skill! If only they had twisted the ending a little bit, i would have given this a full ten. Anyway, i won't say much more about the plot, just give it a watch. Just a reminder, prepare some tissues.Was this review helpful to you?
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wasn’t expecting this
I have to say I wasn’t expecting this drama to be so touching. I was astonished with the play of the main leads. It is indeed a journey for everyone- not only in real name of it but in growing up and discovering the meaning of true base of love, friendship and duty between characters. I guess like most of the viewers after staying in continuous pain from episode 35, arriving to the end was a challenge. I knew it already coming- unclear ending- our wish for the success of happy ending for main leads but actually happened to be only a dream fantasy. Life is cruel but we should stay grateful and make our journey the most valuable and meaningful. I love all the leading actors that could bring the best of them in this show to be memorable for me. thank you.Was this review helpful to you?
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Beautiful story with badass FL
Really really happy to watch this drama. Really sad when it's over, I just want to keep watching them, not ready yet to say goodbye... Really hope what in the final scene is really happening.... :(In this drama we get friendships, brotherhood, maturity of a character & yet the perfect examples of people foolish & selfishness and every character imperfection.
In here we got very badass FL that not often we see in dramaland. Ren Ru Yi (RY) is one ruthless killing machine that usually move by herself, trust no one but once she trust someone she's willing to risk everything for that person.
Ning Yuan Zhou (YZ) as ML on the other hand is a perfect spy & leader that everyone looked up to.
Together with the task on hand, to save the King of Wu Kingdom that's been capture by An Kingdom, start their journey. And in this journey also come YZ's brothers / companion & Princess Yang Ying, who disguised herself as a man / prince.
What i really like about this drama:
+ How RY shamelessly tease & seduce YZ at first. At first, her goal only to have baby with YZ, not make YZ be her husband. Haha... She got a 'task' from Empress Wu to have baby instead husband, so yeah she's try to complete that 'task'.
+ But of course with given time both RY & YZ start really falling in love & have trust with each other. Really like the growth of their relationship.
+ The badass Princess Yang Ying (YY). Oh this maybe one of my most beloved support character. Really like the growth in YY's character. She's really grown from scaredy & childish princess into amazing prince & in the end amazing princess & woman. The aura when she must act as the prince is really something. And I really like how in the end, when she get back home to be with the 'family' she still became herself, a little chilish & spoiled.
+ All the brother of YZ's group. From playboy Yu Shi San, to the stoik Qian Zhao, to the youngest Yuan Lu & the foolish Sun Lang. I really like to see how they interact with each other. How they sometimes act like a woman who like gossip to how they act like boys when they decide to make fun of Li Tong Guang jealousy.
+ The growth of Wu Di [Emperor Wu]. He also grow from selfish brat that doesn't care about everyone else except himself to someone that have remorse & decided to do better.
+ Xiao Yan [Empress of Wu State] & Chu Yue (CY). 2 strong & interesting woman. I really like to see the relationship between CY & Shi San.
+ Alen Fang... I really like Alen Fang as Yu Shi San here... I think this is the best role for him
+ This drama had one of the best sword dance... Haha... Seeing them fighting really like watching sword dance....
The stupid selfish human:
* Li Tong Guang. OMG i don't know what the heck inside his head. He's over and over can't overcome his own feeling for RY. But this is also i feel is the minus in writing his character. He's such fickle human being. One minute he so determined to make RY as his own, but the other minute, after RY or YZ talk sense into him, he just change his mind so instantly. And that's just continue the pattern till the end... UGH!!!
* Li Zhun [Emperor of An State] & his prince. This is the perfect example of apple fall not far from its tree. Like father like son, both are very selfish till the end of the stage they don't care about their country & just about themselves.
* The third prince of Wu (I don't know his name, nor I found in the cast). I know he's been wrongly treated for his entire life. But when ur Kingdom in state of war & yet u still think of urself is really something...
Overall this really good drama to open this year....
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This deserves a PREQUEL!!
It's about the Journey and it was worth my time! I cried and laughed with them which i haven't experienced much with cdramas.I loved the cast. LYN and LSS are very well matched and their chemistry is amazing. Their portrayals of the characters are on point and it looked like they are born for the roles. I will forever remember LYN as chief ning, ever supreme and honorable while LSS always will be my favorite cdrama assassin, exuding elegance and grace. Ying is a character to watch. Her development is my favorite part of the series and the actress portrayed it perfectly. LTG is a pain but a needed one. The actor also did a fabulous job.
My FOREVER SQUAD is worth the watch. The brotherhood relationship did not look forced and the actors blended well with each other.
The OST is amazing. I don't understand chinese language but the emotions from the songs are felt in the heart. LYN has 2 songs here and i hope he wins awards for them.
The production did not disappoint. The explosions, the setting, especially the war scenes did not look easy to film and i hope no one got injured.
I am an international fan and I truly enjoyed the series. I have been rewatching it and i still get teary eyed. I expected the ending because they are warriors. Their individual endings are glorious for me. The writer made it a point that the characters will choose their own endings and i really appreciated that.
Kudos to everyone. It was a great series and what way to end 2023 ?????
I think this deserves a PREQUEL!!!!!!!!
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Excellent acting and dilogues
The ML, is my favorite, for he is the best in this drama , I like the way he canexpress feelings ... because I don't see many lead actors having a wide range of facial expressions, they are often only "pretty faces". Anyway I think he is also handsome beside being a very good actor.All the actors of this drama are good or very good, the main characters or the less ones!
Lu Yu Ning and Liu Shishi are very realistic ML , He Lan Du is so credible at any time, her performance is remarkable.
The only thing I would have changed is that sometimes things were too slow and others too fast, it was not the pace I would have chosen. But even this way I really enjoyed this excellent drama.
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