LU YI & JIN XIA FAMILY COMPLICATION

Love the comedy, action, social standing on background story of this drama. I love Allen Ren and Seven Tan, they're so cute together. One had OCD and the other one was free spirited - a girl whose appreciated the value of money. There were great interaction to get to know each other better, support and sacrifice and in love. Implacable Lu Yi was so gorgeous in his layer of robes, could't see speck of dirt. Being in uniform, Lu Yi was the best dressed officer as far as I am concern but when he's out of layers - he's not buffed at all - just a skinny lad. Seven Tan delivered her character very smoothly, I think Lu Yi fallen in love with her in how much Jin Xia always found reasons to touch him. Kind of the breath of fresh air after so many C-drama stories were about intrigue, greed, power, and jealousy. I love the dynamic relationship between Lu Yi and Jin Xia, not just the cuteness together but also professionalism when they're on the job. Besides 2 ML, Han Dong (Yan Shi Fan) and Li Qin Qin (Jin Xia's adopted mom) did amazing with their characters.

It's dragging the whole Japanese pirates case or zombies, half of the drama was about it. Jin Xia found out Lu Yi's father was involved of the killing her entire family (& clan) based on the order of Emperor. Although their love affair were blooming and promised to love one another, Lu Yi felt guilt of his father's involvement so he voluntarily went for his execution. Emperor realized his wrongdoing by ordered execution of Jin Xia's family later and pardoned Lu Yi. Yeah, it's complected background causes but the end of story was very fulfilling. I think 55 episodes is way too long - 30 something episodes would be more proportion.....I skipped on not so interesting plots.

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Unbearable to watch

Ok...I gave it try 4 episodes. Actors are so childish, acting skill is 5 the most, they both are messy in appearance and NOT eye candy, probably beauty/handsomeness isn't everything but helps especially when acting skill is also a doubt. It's only 16 episodes in total but I don't think I can make it to the 5th episode...some people investing their money, trust, time and effort to create this drama but the whole production blew it off...they give opportunity for these (not great talent) young actors. This is one of the drama that will be forgotten soon as people start with only first episode...

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They dropped the ball...

Sorry, I don't like this drama. Actors wasn't good Jason Koo over-acting it, Connie Kang is a beautiful girl but that's all, they didn't have chemistry, and the rest of supporting actors did less than good. Jason Koo in Oh! My Emperor didn't do well either, Xiao Zhan took all the credits and a better choice for the main lead instead of him. In the Song of Glory he did little better. This drama story sucks; childish and boring. By ep 6, I was enough watching them.. nothing was good. Looking for better dramas in case.....seriously if I want to waste my precious time.... this drama still didn't make a cut.

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INCOMPATIBILITY

Alright before everyone slap me with vicious comment, I think Xiao Zhan is way too handsome for any female actresses to become his compatible co-star. But at least the production team should have chosen a skill actress as a FL rather than this one. As banished Royal Prince Shi Ying, Xiao Zhan was immaculate, dignified, serene, preserved, a perfect gentleman for a prince. Cultivated in seclusion, once solely focused on his tasks, he develops romantic feelings for his disciple Zhu Yan but their student/teacher relationship prevents either from expressing their true feelings. The thing is Ren Min not up to the task, with a big nose and raspy bangs she wasn't a typical female that would melt an outstanding prince's heart to have a happily ever after together. She's an okey when doing modern drama but sadly not this. I might be over estimated Shi Ying a reclusive young handsome prince might not be down to any girl but he's fallen to the silliest girl. Someone that wearing her heart out is more suitable actress to partner with Xiao Zhan's beautiful romantic feature. I can't think anyone better suitable as his co-star. I do think they miscast the FL, her acting was average, her character (& voice) was annoying endlessly, the plots weren't new. OR if it wasn't Xiao Zhan, Ren Min might have a better luck with this drama, IDK.

Of course, I dropped this drama soon after realize that this duo didn't bring emotional drive that they intended to, it's mismatch casting. Ep 1-8 wasn't interesting, I think I gave them enough chance. I also find Xian Xia genre doesn't catch my attention. All that flashes, magic, and all the stint, it loses integrity of acting skill and creativity, it's all about digital works. The concept of story line is overly used. Xiao Zhan should do better in choosing script.

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Liu Xue Yi

Liu Xue Yi is a handsome man, I watch his drama and mesmerize by his good look, it's too bad his Female Leads weren't as compatible as him - not only in appearance but most importantly in skills. I dropped 'In Blossom' because his co-star Ju Jing Yi ruined the drama. Her pretty face didn't make a cut.

This time his co-star is Wu Jin Yan played as Mei Lin - a blank face actress, can't really read her emotion in any given situation. It's her frozen face, can't ignore it. Her eyes empty, doesn't communicate her trauma or hatred or sad or pain to her character has experienced it. 1st to 3rd episodes I enjoyed to watch Liu Xue Yi which wasn't only a great vision, but his snarling/pouting /glowering/glaring/frowning is appalling. His beautiful face makes more sinister to the contorting situation - his barely smile brings out menacing character and unknown to anyone his secret of morbid plan of avenges. That's what I see him in this drama, value of his skill to the character. Liu Xue Yi is a promising actor if he can find a female lead that can bring out his personality in collaboration of future project.

Prince Murong Jing He (Liu Xue Yi) of the Great Yan Dynasty led his Weibei Army to reclaim Qingzhou, a lost territory. Became infamously 'Butchered General' from accusation of burning down a town and killed it's citizen. A misunderstood General that hold hatred to take on revenge to family who wrong him. Mei Lin's (Wu Jin Yan) family burned to death by, as she believed, Weibei Army which under Prince Murong Jing He's leadership. She dedicated herself to take on revenge to the man who responsible with horrendous act, Murong Jing He. Disguised as one of a hundred Xiyan beauties sent to the Great Yan as part of a political marriage alliance, she patiently waits for her chance to strike. But what Mei Lin doesn't know is that the man who masterminded her entire assassination mission—setting her on this path of revenge—is none other than Murong Jing He himself. That's the plot.

With the basic synopsis I wouldn't imagine the character Prince Murong Jing He; he's taking his time in finding the culprit, he takes on the blames, he receives scold, hateful profanity and scorn, thrown-rotten egg/vegetables from public humiliation, he bare it all with sinister sneers. His deep sarcastic voice (I heard it's his real voice) play important part for his edgy character, irony situation with his statuesque and stunning face.

I hate to drop this drama just because of FL...still many episodes to watch though.

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Too Juvenile to my taste...

Alright, I don't think this drama worth my time. But if I am on my teen, I would probably like it. It's too juvenile...you don't want to watch someone play games all the time and get credits for it. The guy has obvious nose...that can't help but noticing..sorry. The girl looks much older than the boys and apparent. I dropped it because nothing interest me that will get me to sit down and enjoy the drama. If the idea of playing games all the time will get you a girl and fame, that is lame, so I moved on seeking other dramas that worth my appreciation, the promotion picture looks favorable though. Note: Damn....I felt bad because my favorite guy Liu YuNing sang one of the OST 'You have me'...

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Ughhh...

I am not a fan of Peter Sheng full stop. His acting at best is 4; wooden, expressionless, monotone, fake beta male, and not interesting at all. Meanwhile, Sandra Ma character was a famous strong general that gathered admiration, loyalty, love, powerful, and smart. How could a beta male Zhao YuJin could compete with that Alpha female General Ye Zhao? Married by arrangement, 2 concubines, mother, sister in-law, brother all in the same premises giving this poor general how to be a good wife (and daughter in law) to a spoil-rotten weak Zhao YuJin. All things considered, scene where Zhao YuJin danced in female garments was scarier than bloody-gut wrenching fighting scene, worst than a drag queen...with clothing disarray with other beta male friends...not that he wasn't pretty enough...because he didn't know to act. He looked like having great time orgies. I stayed until episode 14, long enough to endured Peter Sheng, finally drop it. Not worth to watch...I move on to something else better.

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AGE GAP

At least in this drama, they're opened in saying the 6 years age different, which is ok. As Yang Mi looked so much older and tired look here (still beautiful though) and Xu Kai wasn't like bubbly himself. Yang Mi didn't look her best compare with other actresses in this drama; messy long hair, oversize dresses, tired eyes, downward red lip. The good pair of an experience family lawyer who lied about her marital status and a stay-home finance advisor (fake) husband. They stayed together for their own reason and benefit which eventually fallen in love and formed an actual marriage.

I like Yang Mi best friend-sister in law (factual her ex husband's girlfriend) which a very dynamic friendship and sister in law both legally and informally. Xu Kai's character was kind of blah....no lively character that get him interesting. Qin Shi had a very competitive with Lawyer Xu and ex boyfriend Lawyer Tao professionally and romantically. Yang Hua's meddling mom was pretty annoying, not sure what she really wanted from her son. Girlfriend, yes. Marriage, yes. But not with Qin Shi (Yang Mi) so they had to play a trick to get even with her...so what did she really want then? The more they avoided her, the more vigorous Mom wanted to solve her son's love life, the more annoying it became. I don't know if that's a normal in China, we're supposed in modern set up, it's pretty out of line when the mother restricting a child's choice of life. But anyway....

Decided to drop it, kind of tired with Yang Mi's acting. Sometimes she acted like a spoiled-child, a professional lawyer, naive adult, while Xu Kai acted spiritless uninteresting man. I think I have watched it enough and don't want to invest my time to unworthy drama. Quit!

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UNREALISTIC

Anime, unrealistic, inefficient/oversize costumes, overboard visual effect and lighting, focus audience: preteens and teens.

Line of story? Lei WuJie (Ao RuiPeng), an aspiring hero encountered the owner of Fallen Snow Villa by destroying his place, owed 500 tails for the damage Xiao Se (Li HongYi) agreed to come with him to XueYue City. They embarked the journey, met masters and hold friendship along the way. Every casts were dressed in elaborate oversize robes and long flowing hairstyles (very inefficient when they're the masters of something and had to showcase their masterpiece) prevented them moving freely and nothing but keeping appearances - to some the oversize robes looked redicolous on them, or a lady wore a mustache.

Seems this is anime style, unrealistic visual effect all over the place with lighting which supposedly superficial (fake) strength . In my opinion, this drama focus-market was to preteens or teens that only grabbing entertainment and imagination without concern of philosophy or literature consideration in the mix. Li HongYi, ep 11, still hasn't done anything to his acting besides fold his hand, flew here and there, judging and knowing everybody. Unknown yet what his character and intention....or his existence being part of the drama. Ao RuiPeng did better here than his previous role in Female Student Arrives at Imperial Collage, his energy and youth radiant more than anyone else. Liu XueYi (Wu Xin/monk) was great with his character...

I hope I have better one to watch..........sigh.

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Sean Xiao Zhan

I watch this drama for Sean Xiao Zhan, he gained weight for this role and I think he looked amazingly gorgeous with messy and dirt on his hair and body, with his smile - sparkly eyes - and angled head he won my heart. I think he should be the main leading man because he has a lot of charms, beauty, intelligence, power. Well, after that I got bore with Li Qin character, she's lousy in acting childish (which actually fine since she's not a child anymore) hate watching an adult acted like she's 10yo.

Darren Wang is great for his character, he looked like a wild wolf alright. Guess after listening to the comments and praises from other people - I had high hope for this drama but it didn't meet my expectation so I drop it. For the reason of Xiao Zhan, I'am going to focus on him, if we can get rids few of other actors I would give this drama solely 10 in scores. Either Xiao Zhan as a bounty hunter or a prince, he's looking better every time. One thing good about this drama is they didn't use any obvious makeup in actors...they could still look dirty, messy, rustle, wrinkles but gave more authentication of the characters.

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TALK....TALK.....TALK

There's saying this drama is Chinese CSI historical setting, there isn't much action going on - only talk...talk...talk....much serious conversation about crime investigations. Although the men carry swords, I don't see them using them more than a few stances. It isn't a light drama, the seriousness of this drama is more talk talk talk The FL isn't pretty - has cute chubby baby cheeks and not a typical a spoiled-young lady but an intelligent-down to earth- working class young lady Chu Chu (which I like), the ML is a high born intelligent educated man..not an over indulgence of a Prince. For sure this drama is boring... although I am only on ep 12 but couldn't stand it no more...how could that be? I love the prince Xiao JinYu (Wang Zi Qi), the story is good, the acting and casts are good, but...episodes 12 don't make things any less boring....talk some more. I love the makeup, nothing is over the top, everything looks very ordinary natural which I like it, isn't common C-drama that usually full of artificial neatness or make up. I see none of character smiles...or maybe a little.

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Back to the 80th style

I watch this kind of drama back in the 80th, back then this drama was typical but when we watch it today 2021 its kind of odd and out of date. I only watch the one available in Youtube and so far I am not impressed. The light is dark, the childish acts from the actors, the rustic setting, so much reminded me of Ti Lung, young Jacky Chan, David Chiang, young Lin ChinShia, all great movies they're in. Not sure if I want to continue watching it, the typical alike 'Condor Heroes' drama sagas which I loved back then but I would not say the same for this drama. I dropped it...I have better to do with my time than watching this..

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ANOTHER REMAKE

I don't know how many times all together remaking this story. My favorite is still the Hongkong version remake in the 1970 or 1980, they are classic because they cast the perfect actors for the job. As a big fan of Jin Yong, I graded 10 for synopsis and the screenwriters do good job on dialog and pretty consistent with storyline in the book. This is the beginning of trilogy remarkable classic Jin Yong's novel. I can basically map it out what the next scenes based on the novel, although it's pretty outdated (Jin Yong wrote it in 1957) I like this one better than previous Chinese version but fighting choreography isn't good.

I think the young actors who play Guo Jing and Huang Rong are cute together. Although Guo Jing is pretty slow intellectually and average looking, he's honest innocent loyal kind-heart and hard work that makes Huang Rong loves him to no end. Huang Rong is the kind of daddy girl who has photographic memory, very intelligent, inheriting deviousness from her father, young beauty, carefree and a happy girl. Her intelligent help Guo Jin in so many level, solve many difficulties; from securing a teacher, help him in Mongolia against Ouyang Feng, up assist to defending the border while she's pregnant. Their relationship wasn't all smooth ride; from family disapproval, strain of two different up-bringing, heart broken in misunderstanding, & war.

Wanyan Kang/Yang Kang in the other hand is a malicious malignant evil man. He compared ragged poor honest patriotic biological father with his richly ambitious Jin adoptive father, he'd rather be a traitor to his Han bloodline than live in poor and disrespected. His relationship to Mu Nian Ci resulted in a baby boy name Yang Guo (Main character on next novel the Return of Condor Heroes), Wanyan Kang killed Ouyang Ke just to be Ouyang Feng apprentice. He died from Ouyang Feng residual poison when he attacks Huang Rong, a dramatic dying for the treacherous man; abandon, unloved, painful & sad death. At the end of chapter, Mu Nian Ci would handed their little boy Yang Guo to Guo Jing and Huang Rong to be adopted before she died. Which they both raise young Guo Yang in strict discipline and moral code, not to grow up like his father.

5 Grand masters; Ouyang Feng, Huang Yao Shi, Zhou Bo Tong, Hong Qi Gong, Duan Zhi Xing here are all looking young and handsome. As far the characteristic in the book they're all in their 60th or 70th with grey hair. Ouyang Feng is poisonous ruthless senile evil man who'll end-up insane because of self-teaching from fake Jiu Yin Manual Guo Jing wrote (ep 16). Huang Yao Shi will finally bless Huang Rong to marry Guo Jing and leave the island for the couple. Hong Qi Gong will travel and spend time in Palace's kitchen to steal more delicious foods. Childish carefree Zhao Bo Tong will live together blissfully happy with the woman who loved him. Kind His Royal Highness Duan Zhi Xing live secluded as a monk together with remorseful repentant Qiu Qian Ren turned-monk. Guo Jing last surviving blind teacher would live with them in Peach Blossom island to retire. I could't believe I still remember all that after many years...

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The beautiful Angelababy...

It won't be fair that the beautiful Angelababy was stumbled on the acting because of her breathtaking beauty < female genius military strategist. She's more up to modern setting FL than centuries ago heroine...but here I am apparently stereotyping or even misogynistic although can't help it when concerning show business - all about acting, presentation and appearance. Anyway, her delicate beauty appearance might not be representing rashness reality of 'Military. Strategist' which predominantly men....at front line of war(s). Imagine if you will, the beautiful Angelababy in a war with her glamorous delicate white or pastel flowing gown tell bloody-slashed exhausted soldiers what to do, I couldn't take her part convincing enough. She might be genius, brilliant, but rival General Chu BeiJie wasn't a fool either. He retreated and lost soldiers but came back strong, he knew what he's up against. The little boy (General) Chu fallen in and promised himself to marry a little girl when she helped him and Mom, way back then. Luckily, he recognized in adulthood and pursued her...took her as a wife. Her loyalty laid to someone else...divided between a husband (from opponent kingdom) and where she's from (sweetheart). Heart wrenching scenes supposedly but...I waited and did not drop a single tear...what's going on??? No...it's not about Bai PingTing....I don't know I didn't finish the drama...62 episodes was way too long and by episode 19 I lost interest.

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GOOD LOOKING CASTS

Only 4 episodes that I watch his drama, not so much opinion but I notice few things that make this drama stand out. All the cast are so good looking, easy on the eyes. Esther Yu looks like her real age, could see clearly Zhang LingHi was a much younger man. Only the oldest JieJie that's light (although she's suck in dancing), setting and costumes are beautiful, too much dialogue exchange without story progress: dramatic monologue. No much entertainment..

1. Background music / Ambient
Over dramatized background music. Simple scene accompanied with music that focus to create a certain atmosphere or state of mind, a dark edgy one, intended as cinematic thriller background. Everybody talk alot; scheming, explaining, threat, smirking, intimidation, all done in talking. Appeared there's none of happiness or cheerful on the scenes.
2. Denigrated Women
Survival fight on the mud (ep2), selecting a bride from 10 women and when they don't get selected they'd be killed - women tried to win favors from the male counterparts - to be the bride of Gong family she needs to be in perfect health like weekly health check up or something; felt like worst selection of a Queen (oh...but whatever). Hmmm...not a great,

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