The most boring trending drama

I have high expectation for this drama since I saw the cast. I love Zanillia Zhao in Princess Agent although I dislike that drama for the ending. And I also expect Wang Yibo will deliver his developed acting since I admire him in The Untamed.
However I am very disappointed with the result.

Story: Even after I finished watched this drama, I didn't know what is the main plot of it. Too many stories they wanted to fill in this drama therefore not even one strong plot to outline the conclusion. Plus the slow pace of character development and too many comedic side stories which are unnecessary make this drama really boring. I thought after 20 episodes this drama will get interesting since we will get into the main plot, on the contrast even the story get a little spark, still too weak to make me hook to it. You can find romance, politics, badass hero/heroine, adventure because this drama mixed it all like a sprinkle on cake but you didn't really know which one is the main line of this drama.

Acting: Imho, Zanillia and Wang Yibo has the same acting habit. They are slow to burn their energy. They have to relied on their partner to make them get into their character and act as it. As a result, we will see their developed acting after episode 20. They only have a little bit chemistry, more like friendship than couple. And this drama is lack of emotional scenes hence there is no memorable scene for me.

Overall: Actually they can make a better drama since the main topic of the story is pretty interesting and the casts are actually good actors. Maybe they were too rush on the production thus failed these assets.

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The drama with the most fascinating character

At first I feel skeptical about this drama, since I heard that the novel was just another idol fantasy romance. But towards the end, the story become emotionally engaging and the characters become interesting.

Story:
I'm not fond of this kind of story. I feel like the story is too bland, too basic for costume drama. The story that more suitable for audience who was beginner in fantasy idol drama. However, I like most of the characters, especially the mains. The reason why I like them is because they are not intoxicated with love. They still can think of others, their family, friends, despite they have deep attraction for each other. When the trope of mentor-disciple usually fall into passionate love pit, in this drama they really stand for their position as the mentor really guide and teach lessons, the disciple also diligently learning then make her an outstanding one. But, other than these points, I don't think the plot is unique and refreshing. The court politics is shallow, the other characters didn't have an impactful development, the back story of war between races also didn't have depth explanation. So it's hard for me to feel connected to this drama at the beginning.

Acting:
Xiao Zhan's acting always has a big impact for every drama he played. Including this one. At the peak of this drama, his acting was so emotional hence made me unstoppable sob. Although he supposed to be aloof character, but his eye-expression can tell what's in his mind and his feelings. Undoubtedly, he is the soul of this drama and he really can act.
Ren Min's acting also not bad. Her crying scenes was particularly contagious. Instead of her just ordinary face and appearance, she can act well and suitable for her character as cute, smart and kind person. Well, for actors, you really can change your fate with your acting, good actors depend on their act, not only their face.
Aside of the mains, the side characters such as Zhi Yuan and Chong Ming have an interesting part. Chong Ming is cute and hilarious, and Zhi Yuan as the love rival actually likeable and truly a strong candidate to compete Shi Ying's charm.

Production: I think this drama has one of the finest audio visual from all the costume dramas which aired this year. The CGI is top notch and the music soundtracks are all very suitable for the scenes. The costumes too are stunning, specially Shi Ying's ones.

Overall: I recommend to watch this drama until episodes 15 before you decide to drop it. The beginning's pace is pretty slow and not very engaging, and I admit Ren Min's appearance was a little bit bothering, compare to other female characters who were prettier that her. However, as her character grew, she became more likeable and intriguing. Then you'll know why this drama become one beloved fantasy romance costume drama of this year.

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Almost flawless drama

I reckon the vibe of this drama was so high even a year before it aired because the story and the casting, following the success of 3 lives 3 world and Ashes of Love. But I still wait until it finished aired to watch therefore I can give a clear review of the whole pace and production. This drama indeed had been highly anticipated for all fantasy wuxia romance drama, and it really give all the best that fans can wish for.

Story: The story is very smooth and flowing like almost no plot hole. It is very enjoyable even though we have to watching through 59 episodes, pretty long drama since most recent dramas already cut off their episodes for maximum 50 episodes. Although like typical Chinese drama, it had some dragging episodes, but the visual has paid the price. The story's main point is human feelings, specially love and hatred, which can build or ruin everything in the universe. The other point is ambition and judgement, which always be used to determine right or wrong. What I like about the story is that this is not merely simple love story, but told us a deeper meaning of relationship's bond.

Acting: Although I haven't watch other of his drama, I already give Cheng Yi a credit as a promising actor since he acted in Noble Aspiration. Even back then he only acted in little role, but he successfully brought the emotions of the character he played. And he prove it in this drama as main character. Si Feng has emotional and deep personality, and Cheng Yi brought that emotions with his eyes and face expressions which can touch audiences heart.
At first I only thought that Crystal Yuan only can bring out cute and feminine character, since many of her drama characters are related to princess personality. But when she transformed to female god of war, I can see her acting is developing to more complex character's personality.
Other worth mention acting are the villain, either the most evil one or the villain which had psychological issues. They all successfully make audience either hate or pity them.

Music: This drama didn't use many traditional music as other wuxia drama. However the fusion of modern songs also make the love story feel sweeter and touching. This drama OST are a must-have in my playlist.

Rewatch value: This is one of the drama that I will rewatch in some episodes, especially the scenes between the two main characters. The beautiful chemistry between them is too good to be missed.

Overall: Like I write in headline, this drama is one of almost flawless drama, despite of some unimportant and draggy scenes. Worth to watch!!!

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Good cast but not good production

Story: When I saw the synopsis, I thought this will be heavy political war badass drama. But it turned out more like another fantasy idol drama. The setting of this drama actually could be made a grandeur historical one, yet the production team only put half-hearted effort to create an impressive drama. I really dislike the comical editing, make this drama looks like low budget product. The plot is average, has some interesting point but it's easy to forget.

Acting: This drama is one of Tencent big production, recently there were many critics about Tencent drama which are mostly rely on popular actor but taking cheap script and low budget production. Almost all the actors in this drama have done well in presenting their characters, specially the two lead actors. I always thought that Dilraba has a good acting skill, but she always ended taking an unimpressive drama. Leo Wu is not much different, his only big drama was Nirvana in Fire. The one I thought was not good enough is Liu Yu Ning who played as Hao Du. However he still have a room to improve his acting skill, since this drama is his first acting experience.

Music: I have no complain about the soundtrack and music in this drama, it's suitable and the ending theme which is sung by Zhou Shen is beautiful.

Overall: I wish this drama could focus more on one point, either the political, war-action or romance, thus make this drama has unforgettable point. For me, the plus points of this drama are Dilraba, Leo Wu and Rosy Zhao, they all delivered their acting skill very well.

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I was place high expectation on this drama when I watched the trailer, but after watched the drama, it turned out to be just so-so

Story: The production of this drama was giving me similar impression of TMPO, the grandeur of fantasy gods settings, the costumes, the make-ups. I thought it will be a deep romance drama, since the outline of the plot is tragic love story. However, the romance only sparked in the last 5 episodes. The overall story is flat, little bit mystery, little bit comedy, little bit politics, little bit tragedy... just a waste of the good visual.

Acting: IMHO, the 2 main role are played well by the lead actors. I like Zhao Lusi more in this drama than Love Better Than Immortality, though both characters she played is not much different. Zheng Yecheng also act pretty impressive, the emotions he brought well enough but pity we can only enjoy the strong chemistry in the lasts episodes.

Music: I love the soundtrack so much. The song is so beautifully sang by Zhou Shen and Zheng Yunlong. The only high point of this drama, I guess

Rewatch Value: not really want to rewatch

Overall: yeah, it's just a waste of good visual, good production and good soundtrack. Can make better drama with this kind of story, just have to change the scenario-writer and edited the unimportant scenes

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My Favorite Drama of The Year

Story:
Mystery is always an intriguing trope in wuxia drama. In this drama, the mysterious cases continuously hooked me. The script is written very compelling, though they were some plot-holes. Yes you can call this drama a cliche wuxia, the goal of everyone who live in jiang hu is to be no.1. But the process every person go through is not the same, the choice they chose, the action they took based on their personal value make eye-opening thoughts about someone personality. Although I found the court politics an unnecessary trope, overall the story and the emotion's knot they tried to show audience is very much moved my heart.

Acting: Li Lianhua is one of the most hilarious character I've ever met. He is carefree, annoying yet kind, compassionate and smart. It's a pity we don't get many scenes with Li Xiangyi with his arrogant, selfish and stubborn character to show us. Or I will give Cheng Yi two thumbs up for his top notch acting. Joseph Cheng has a big improvement in acting as Fang Duobing. His emotions showed in every scenes with Li Lianhua. Their friendship/bromance is warm-heartedly deep. Yet the relation between Li Lianhua and Di Feisheng is the most fascinating one. I crave for their goofy interactions as enemy to bromance. Can't help but shipped them.

Overall: I recommend this drama if you are action, mystery and wuxia lover. Because this drama is S+ drama, so the production is so much better than other recent wuxia drama. Yet the impressive story and the excellent acting are the most substantial points for this drama.

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Thrilling but get weaker

Just write a short review for this drama
* Story: at first it already started with fast pace developed. The middle episodes are the peak, love it so much, very thrilling and touching at the same time. But going toward the end, the plot getting weaker like losing its direction.

*Acting: almost all cast have a good acting in their role. I admit I watch this drama because of Xiao Zhan. And he really give it without disappointment. Can’t wait for his upcoming drama. Darren Wang is experienced actor, I have no doubt for his acting even his popularity lost to Xiao Zhan.

* Music: didn’t expect that the modern style musics are so wonderfully match this drama. Love the soundtrack so much

*Overall: this is a good drama with amazing cast, however the story has weakness in the end, the romance scenes in the last episodes are dragging and cheesy make me almost quit before ending

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So predictable mundane drama

Story: At first I thought this drama will be a steamy romantic drama like Ashes of Love or Ten Miles Peach Blossom. But it turn out to be just a cliche love story added with tasteless politics. In the middle of the series, they seem like losing pace, too much predictable plot that make this drama lost interest. The politics is too shallow which not even touch the palace intrigue at all, and it only shows that in martial art's world only contain with poor thinking people. The love story also half-hearted, although the broken heart scenes are convincing.

Acting: I admit that I have interest in this drama because of the pair of main actors. Leo Luo after being second lead in many dramas, at last had his own lead drama, and this drama had promising romance. However, I turn out disappointed as the character he played was so weak and not smart. But I give credit to his acting because he can bring out the emotion well enough. Yukee Chen in other hand, don't think her role suit her. She will be more suitable for smart, strong and little bit wicked character like the character she played in Ashes of Love. Chong Xue Zhi is not smart, too weak and too emotional character. I can't say her acting was bad, in some scene she did bring out emotion but just don't deep enough.

Music: I love all OST sang by Zhou Shen (Charlie Zhou), so romantic even the movie/drama was not all-out romance.

Overall: I wish they add more politics intrigue to this drama to make it more interesting, or just focus on the romance between main characters instead of making long unnecessary story of like undecided main plot. This drama is wavering between good, evil and grey but eventually not telling anything.

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My all time favorite drama

When I wrote this review, this drama already become viral and very popular across China and South east Asia. Although this drama is categorized in idol drama (most of the lead actors are C-idol), but the quality of this drama is not child’s play

Story: I watch this drama before I watch Joker movie. Unexpectedly, this drama share the same theme with that movie, psychological theme. Before I watch this drama, I only heard that this drama is based on BL (boy-love) novel, hence it’s controversial. However, because of China’s strict broadcasting rule, the script had been edited. What I want to say is this drama not only present us the controversial sweet bromance, but more over the main plot is the recent world most concern about, mental health awareness. There are no 100% evil people, yet there are also no 100% good people. People judgement about right or wrong are subjective.

Acting: There are no doubts that Sean Xiao and Wang Yi Bo delivered their best effort as 2 main role. Their actings are superb, even though they are young actor who has less experiences as main role. Other young actors also has good acting skill, specially the main villain character. He was scary and gave me goosebumps every time I see him.

Music: The OST are beautiful, specially the one Sean Xiao and Wang Yi Bo sang together. Music score are also exquisite and match the scene very well

Rewatch value: After watch this drama, I do shipped Wei Ying- Lan Zhan couple. Their interaction is so sweet and sincere. I always want to rewatch their bromance.

Overall: I recommend this drama if you not only fond of romantic drama but want to watch deeper story about human’s mind. Although this drama’s setting is fantasy, but the story is related to recent days. It’s an extraordinary one!

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Perfect Realistic Drama

I try to write this review as objective as I can despite I'm a huge fan of Xiao Zhan.

Story:
When I watched the drama trailer for the first time about 2 years ago, I thought this will be like another sweet idol drama, which the main characters are beautiful and dreamy visualized. But the story proved that the first impression is not correct. This drama's story is not contain deep heavy topic, just slice of life theme which is very familiar with our daily relationships matters. It is so realistic yet so philosophical that you even can applied the way they solve conflicts with logical way and healthy emotion. Although the background of character's jobs are in the specific field as doctor and musician, there are no complicated terms of medical or music inserted in the story because it mainly just focus on the relationships, how they built it up and maintain in till the end. This is a sweet romantic drama but not exaggerated in physical passionate love, more about mature and traditional value based love.
The pace of this drama is adequate, with little spark of comedy in almost every episode. The side characters are not much developed, the focus is mainly on two main characters and the FC's family. What I like from the characters are they are not perfect, they have flaws and they never stop learning how to live with each other's flaws.

Acting:
At the beginning, I heard lots of complaint about YZ and XZ acting, either too exaggerated or too stiff. But after entering the quarter of this drama, the audience has learned that it is because of the character's background which made them act like that. The most surprising of YZ's acting is when I thought LZX is mostly another copy of Tong Nian (YZ's character in Go Go Squid), she delivered another character's trait that made me realized that LZX is different and YZ has given a new soul to this character.
I think I will be biased when talking about XZ's acting. XZ never ceased to amazed me with his soulful acting, every character he depicted is not the same, is very unique and has their own life. From the BTS, you can tell that Gu Wei is not Xiao Zhan, and Xiao Zhan is not Gu Wei, they truly have different personality. I'm now in the mode of addicted to XZ acting that I can't wait to watch him in another drama.
The chemistry between characters, specially the two main characters, are natural, so overflow that you almost can't tell the difference of their acting and their real relationships.

Music: The OSTs which were sung by the two lead actors are very stunning songs. Ones of the most beautiful theme song of drama.

Overall: This drama is a masterpiece. One of my all time favorite drama, specially after having drama-slumped for about half a year.

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Mixed feelings

Story: It is an intriguing story. Fast paced, enemies to lovers trope to the max. Although it's a repetition from some dramas in the past, but some points in the story are fresh. The struggling mind of the MC about his identity is very intense which made me feel emphatic for him. And his passionate love for his lover is very pitiful yet infuriating. In the middle episodes, I felt a little bit dragging, but some of romantic scenes from side characters are fun. And the ending felt rush in explanation yet too much repetitive scenes.

Acting: This was the most part that gave me mixed feelings. I admire Leo Luo and Bai Lu's acting, they really can act well as the MCs. The character's depth emotions are portrayed excellently, especially with Leo's eyes expression. But I can't feel the chemistry between them. I can't feel the love and the hate from their interactions. It's very different from the drama when they first collaborated. The productions also have some good and bad parts. The visual is very much pleasing, specially the costumes and CGI. However some scenes were illogical because the costumes was too grand for the setting. At last, I found the editing was the big disappointment for this lush drama, to the point that it feels not coherent despite they already have many benefits from visual and acting.

Overall: I recommended this drama if you like character driven story. The character development is very enjoyable and Leo played it emotionally heartbreaking.

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Enjoyable

Story:
At first I thought this will be the same premise as Go Go Squid, all about e-sports competition and rom-com. However, I found out that this drama is almost completely different. I prefer Go Go Squid story set-up bcoz online gaming is more interesting than robot stuffs. In this drama, not much of comedic side as GGS, but the romance is far sweeter. Too sweet to make me feel emotional. In my opinion, the downside of this drama is that the story is not congruent with GGS. The conflict in GGS which should be told in this drama, was like a plothole. It's like watching a halfway drama from different source.
Acting:
I haven't watched many of Hu Yi Tian's drama, therefore I can't compare his acting in other drama. But I like his acting as Wu Bai. Not similar to other cool handsome character, Wu Bai is nerdy yet warm guy. And his kindness and feelings touch everyone's heart. This character brought many emotions to this drama. Li Yi Tong is experienced actress. She can act as cold princess, cute girl and badass female lead. Even she didn't show many funny side of her character as this is a rom-com drama, she is into her role as Ai Qing who is older and more mature than Wu Bai.
Music:
In the beginning episodes, the soundtrack editing was pretty annoying for me, makes me feel like I watched some kind of musical drama, since it was too much infused to the scenes. However after reach the middle episodes, this kind of editing was reduced and become like normal modern drama again. Nevertheless the music and soundtrack are pleasing.
Overall:
This drama is more focus on the romance than the sport, unlike GGS which is, I thought, half-half of romance and sport. It is an enjoyable drama, but 38 episodes are too long, as I see it, since it wasn't many conflicts happened in this drama.

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Yes it's sweet

Story: The point that I found uncommon as other recent popular drama is that in this drama the male lead character actually secretly love the female lead for such a long time. And the male lead is more romantic and nostalgic that his girlfriend. The office politic is also pretty intriguing though it's predictable.

Acting: I admit that the main reason I was so eager to watch this drama because of the two lead actor. And this drama is one of Leo Luo best drama for being lead character. Although I think Leo is more suitable in fantasy xianxia drama, but his acting as director of big company is convincing. Bai Lu always identic with badass female character, so her acting as independent office lady is definitely suit her. And I love the comedy side of this drama, it's really funny and silly but cute at the same time.

Music: Not much I want to explain but the soundtrack are amazing.

Rewatch value: I bet after rewatch this drama, I will still laugh at the funny scenes.

Overall: As mention on the title, this drama is sweet, romantic, funny and also thrilling in some episodes. Jiang Jun - Yuan Shuai is one of the best drama couple this year

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I always have interest in political palace story. Hence why I started this series though it's like long way to finished (70 ep, OMG!) And I expected a good one since the actors are most likely veteran and experienced actors. This series no doubt has fulfilled my expectation

Story: The political plot are very tense, made me unstoppable from binge-watching every episode. Yet it also made me feel exhausted, because of the cruelness and evil intentions of most of the character in this series. Negative ambiance of the relations between characters indeed deep that effected my feelings. However, some of the episode had side stories that I found irrelevant and just added to this series as dramatic side, and I do fast-forward them many times. Specially the last episodes. Although the ending isn't what everyone wished for, but I happened to feel logically satisfied. And yes, the last episodes felt too rushed, because many unjust cases didn't revealed by investigation and proofs, just given the punishment instead.

Acting: Chen Kun is interesting actor, some of his acts as Ning Yi are exaggerated, but it shows the complexity of his character. His acting is so good you can feel his love and pain with his expressions. Ni Ni as Feng Zhiwei also nailed it. Before I watched this drama, I actually had seen her acted in other drama, and all are satisfying. She is very expressive, as a free will girl who won't cover up her feelings to others, and yes she lived up the character who is easily loved by others. And the veteran actor who acted as the emperor made me melt with his soft spot as a father and leader. He made me questioning what step he would take every time he had to solve a case.

Music: The music score is beautifully arouse the calm yet thrilling ambience of this drama. The emperor palace is always a calm beautiful palace yet it kept danger in every side of it. And the song of Ning Yi - Feng Zhiwei love is sad and sincerely depict the deep feelings between them.

Rewatch value: Because this is a political drama, I don't think I will rewatch it, moreover there are 70 episodes of it. However, maybe I will watch the clip of love story in the OST video as the song is too good to forget.

Overall: It is one of the most impressive political drama for me. I recommend it for everyone who like politics and smart plot, and won't feel tired for those long episodes

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Overall: This is one of the best Korean drama I've ever watched. I love Jang Hyuk and Park So Dam is not a bad actress even she is still young. I still don't understand why this drama get a very low rating when aired. To be honest, this drama has all factors to be a high rate drama, funny, sad, thrill...

Story: I usually do not have big interest in medical drama. But I like Jang Hyuk and his acting, so when I read the synopsis, I thought I give it a try to watch it, even though I didn't really into Park So Dam. I watched this drama continuously when it still aired. And I found out this drama got me more and more hooked in every episodes. After ended, I also got days of drama hang over which was made me digging more of Jang Hyuk old dramas.

Acting: Jang Hyuk's acting is no need to be questioned, definitely top class actor. And I think being an emotionless doctor, he nailed it perfectly. And when he slowly can feel emotion and empathy towards others, the development of his character is really touchy. And I think Park So Dam can match him well, she delivered many emotions that changed along this drama, from resentment, pity and then love.

Music: This drama pratically only had 1 original soundtrack. But the song by Bernard Park is really deep and memorable. It's a very amazing song and match every scenes of this drama.

Rewatch value: I give a high rating for rewatch value, but I don't think I will rewatch this drama again, since this drama was so tearful and sad.

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