The Legend of Zhuohua Reviews

This drama excels in terms of acting, visuals, and plot. Jing Tian's captivating gaze at the beginning, the beam of light in the darkness for Ding Wang, and the introduction of several actors all set the tone for their characters.
Their looks and acting skills are truly impressive! And could you please speed up? I'm eager to know how the plot develops. Watching just two episodes a day is simply not enough to keep up!
All I can think about is, "I can be a county magistrate myself, so why bother being a magistrate's wife?" It's hard to get it out of my head in the short term.

Audiences are generally tolerant of beautiful actresses. However, when the filters are too heavy and the skin-smoothing is excessive, when the dubbing doesn't match the actors' expressions, and when the sweet voices sound too childish while Feng's voice sounds overly exaggerated and reminiscent of a two-dimensional character, it feels like listening to a radio drama.
Feng's lines have always been good, so it's difficult to understand why dubbing was used. I've always been tolerant and doting towards Sweetie, but if it were someone else, I would give it a one-star rating.
That's how it is. I've decided to give up; I just can't take it anymore.

After watching the first few episodes, it's one of the few dramas that I don't want to fast forward through. I always feel like I'll miss some details if I speed it up. In terms of actors, plot, visuals, and music, it doesn't disappoint.
Feng Shao Feng's acting is impressive so far. You can tell he has experienced many setbacks, but he remains determined as the young and spirited Ding Wang. Jing Tian portrays Mu Zhuo Hua as mischievous and clever. She knows when to compromise and fight for her own dignity, and she's aware of her own boundaries.
She's a very self-aware female lead. The drama appears to be filmed on real locations, and the cinematography is excellent!

The dubbing is disappointing. The lines for Gu Er Shu and Da Tian Tian are excellent, so why use dubbing? Mu Zhuo Hua and Lu Zhen are very similar. They are both daughters of merchants who enter the court as officials and climb up step by step.
The main storyline focuses on their careers, while there's also a hidden subplot about their backgrounds. The political intrigue part of the male lead's storyline is a bit formulaic, but what stands out is the part where women participate in the imperial examination.
It's filmed in great detail, and there's no vicious female antagonist causing unnecessary conflicts. I'm really happy that Mu Zhuo Hua passed the examination and became one of the top seventeen.
The camaraderie among the three scholars who passed the imperial examination is also heartwarming. Compared to the Crown Prince, who is a bit dull, I prefer the princess.
I support the princess becoming the Empress!

I didn't expect "Zhuo Zhuo Feng Liu" to be so captivating. The director's cinematography is impressive, and the visual aesthetics are stunning. It feels like a high-budget production, and the storyline is very logical.
They criticize the use of filters, dubbing, and age, but they can't criticize the plot and dialogue. The screenwriter has done an excellent job with the dialogue. The female lead is not a dependent wallflower; she is self-aware and focused on her career, always ready with witty remarks and able to handle any situation.
The male lead's character is truly exceptional. He respects women, advocates for freedom, equality, and justice. His personality is incredibly composed, embodying the wise and experienced figure. It's truly a delightful surprise.

Blazing Romance" is really impressive. It's satisfying to watch, with the entire cast delivering solid performances and exhibiting high intelligence. There are no teammates dragging the show down. The plot progresses quickly without dragging on!
Moreover, its message is great, emphasizing the importance of women's independence and not relying on men! I've always liked Wang Li Kun as an actress. She looks stunning in the drama! Her line delivery is powerful, and she has a beautiful mouth shape!
The character she portrays, Princess Rou Jia, is exactly the kind of character I adore. She is intelligent, resourceful, goal-oriented, and has a plan of action! She takes out three people in one episode—killing the Empress Dowager, her husband, and her father!
I support the princess becoming the Empress!

The lord and Zhuo Hua have finally formed a small team to help each other. Due to their initial unfamiliarity and various misunderstandings, they both lacked trust in each other.

Coincidences kept happening, further fueling their grievances towards each other. Zhuo Hua possesses exceptional artistic talent, a sharp mind, clear thinking, and extensive knowledge. Moreover, she is fair-skinned, beautiful, and has long legs.

As for the lord, he comes from a prominent background, has his own trusted confidants and influence, and excels in both talent and martial arts. Needless to say, his appearance is also impeccable, as members of the royal family seldom have any flaws.

With these two individuals, one vows to uncover the truth about their mother's background, while the other is determined to uncover the real cause behind the military's downfall in the past.

Each of them has their own goals and methods. Finally, they successfully join hands.

Regarding this CP (couple pairing), Zhuo Hua has concerns due to the influence of her upbringing, which has made her distrustful of people around her.

She is not quick to trust or rely on anyone. On one hand, she doubts the sincerity of others, while on the other hand, she realizes that she has enough ability to accomplish things on her own.

However, such reliance is precious. The lord's strength is unmatched by ordinary people.

Moreover, no matter how formidable she may be, Zhuo Hua is still a woman. In that era, she is bound to face numerous restrictions. Perhaps she could fulfill her desires without relying on anyone, but the process would be complex and filled with dangers.

With the lord by her side, everything naturally changes. Although the lord's situation is more perilous, it is still better than fighting alone.

Regardless of the circumstances, in my opinion, she is one of the main culprits responsible for the harm inflicted upon 30,000 soldiers and the dissolution of families. Undoubtedly, the victors become kings, and the losers become bandits, but even if she emerged victorious in this power struggle, I do not believe that what she did was right.

There is nothing wrong with striving to obtain what one desires, but it should not be built upon the foundation of harming others.

I feel pity for Princess Rou Jia, I admire her, and I respect everything she has done, but I do not agree with her actions.

The plot doesn't have any major issues. Although it may not be captivating enough, it progresses steadily with the imperial examination, love interests, conflicts with the empress dowager, and battles with princesses.
The protagonist remains unruffled by rivals and manipulations. She addresses her father as "Mister Mu" and never forgives him. She even moves her own mother's ashes. It can be said that she is quite a "strong female lead." The dialogue is also well-written, and the screenwriter seems to be talented.
The only problem is that Feng Shaofeng is really not up to par. Although I can't think of anyone suitable for this mature male lead role, Feng Shaofeng just doesn't cut it. With all the excessive skin smoothing, every time he appears with a pouting mouth, it's hard not to ask, "Grandma, are you celebrating your long life this year?
Are you still in good health?" There's no chemistry between the characters whatsoever.

The script is okay, and everyone else is good, but Feng Shao Feng is really not suitable for the male lead role... I don't know why he likes to play pretty boys so much, or maybe it's just a coincidence. His acting skills are fine, but his appearance really doesn't reach the level of being able to pass as a beautiful woman...
From the beautiful sister of Prince Lanling to a lowly seller here, every time she says those lines, it feels so awkward... And after the male and female leads get together, it feels so contrived, even though their acting skills are pretty good...
It's not about needing a young and fresh face, but at least the appearance should match the beauty of the character. Otherwise, they should modify the setting and choose actors that align with the character's appearance. The casting and the character setting feel really awkward.

It's been a while since I've seen Jing Tian in a drama, and her acting has really improved a lot since she entered the industry. I'm also happy that she has finally moved away from being labeled as just a pretty face with no acting skills...
(It was her likable personality that made me have a good impression of her all along).

Oh, by the way, when Yang Zhi Wen and Ye Sheng Jia appeared together, I thought they were another couple. It turns out that the official pairing is Zhan Yu.
You have to admit that Zhan Yu plays the obedient guy role so well (makes you want to dominate him qwq). Although the official pairing is good, when Ye Sheng Jia and Yang Zhi Wen are on screen together, there is a sense of an "official couple." Even though the two dramas they paired up in were not that great, the chemistry between them is still strong.

Mu Zhuo Hua's ability to achieve a high ranking in the imperial examination can be attributed to the Emperor's recognition and exceptional admission. The Emperor's interest in Mu Zhuo Hua likely stems from her proposed strategy of border defense, which she mentioned in her policy paper.

The mainstream opinion in the court is focused on advocating for war, so Mu Zhuo Hua's stance of seeking peace is easily labeled as "timid" or "limited to a woman's perspective." Therefore, when presenting her policy paper, she hesitated repeatedly but ultimately chose to express her viewpoint sincerely.

However, she still managed to enter the top seventeen, which indicates that despite the dominant pro-war sentiment, many people actually agreed with Mu Zhuo Hua's ideas.

During the palace examination, the Emperor chose the theme of "governing through inaction," indicating his approval of Mu Zhuo Hua's perspective. In the examination, Mu Zhuo Hua remained calm when she accidentally knocked over the inkstone and displayed quick-wittedness during the audience with the Emperor, leaving a strong impression on him. The Emperor confirmed that she possessed both knowledge and courage, making her a valuable candidate, which is why she stood out and achieved a high ranking in the examination.

It's the culmination of industrial saccharin, a bit cliché but also sweet. The rating is subjective. If you like mindless, sweet stories, it can be a good drama to watch while having a meal. If you're looking for something more substantial, it's better to look elsewhere.

First, let me explain the reasons why I didn't like it. Firstly, although the character designs are good, there is a strong sense of pieced-together elements. Maybe it's because I've watched too many dramas, but I felt a sense of déjà vu with many plot points and lines.
The male lead is scheming, battle-worn, possessive, and inconsistent in jealousy. The female lead is skilled in everything. Do I like it? Honestly, yes. But it feels like the recommendation that gathers all my preference tags based on big data, giving a sense of the screenwriter taking shortcuts.

Secondly, some of the lines and behaviors of the prince in the later part of the drama, the self-deprecating remarks (such as calling himself an outsider) and attempts to please when facing those of lower status, always give a sense of artificiality.
This deliberate feeling in a romantic context tends to create a sense of instability (a fleeting and unsustainable feeling), which is what I consider as the "industrial saccharin" aspect. Is it sweet? Yes, but it's a forced sweetness that feels unnatural and makes it hard to fully immerse oneself.
In other words, it feels like the screenwriter is deliberately trying to please and flatter the female audience.

It's a drama that leans towards female-oriented themes. It's the first time to see a prince taking a woman as a concubine, the first time a princess gets involved in the struggle for imperial power, and it also raises the idea that the ultimate destination of companionship between men and women doesn't necessarily have to be marriage.
This is quite innovative, and it's rare to see such progressive thinking in historical dramas. Jing Tian's performance is on point, showcasing liveliness, agility, and full talent. Perhaps because the prince himself has a mature and steady character, Feng Shu manages to capture that temperament quite well.
Overall, it's a decent drama to enjoy while having a meal.

The story feels a bit rough, The female protagonist initially sees the princess as a friend, but when she discovers that the princess is the mastermind behind everything, she surprisingly accepts the male protagonist's proposal to restart the women's honor academy without any burden.
The change is somewhat inexplicable, but it is the princess who suggests the idea and the male protagonist supports it, so it naturally falls into place. The development of the relationship between the male and female leads also feels strange, with a sudden change in their feelings and mutual understanding.
The stage of their interaction should have been longer. The entire drama becomes less interesting after the ambiguous period between the male and female leads.
However, the concept behind the drama is good, emphasizing the importance of women reading more. The part where the female protagonist feels powerless to change her situation and struggles to control her heart made me think.
At first, I thought the female protagonist was indecisive and couldn't distinguish between her career and men. But later, her mentor was right. It's the fault of society that forces women to choose between two options, and it's not the girl's fault.

Jing Tian's acting is still awkward, while Sui Teng performed exceptionally well, both in portraying the female lead and the second male lead. The hairstyles are beautiful, especially when they are tied up like a mantis.
The male lead has a good demeanor, but his acting has matured, making him appear older. The same can be said for the second female lead. It's a pity that the Empress's lines were so well delivered; even at three times the speed, they were clearly audible without subtitles.
She did better than many dubbing actors.

The beginning was quite plain and ordinary, but around episode 30, the princess revealed her true self and things suddenly got exciting. Normally, I only pay attention to the main couple and rarely notice the secondary couples.
However, the revenge and rebellion storyline of the second male lead and second female lead in this drama is really captivating, especially because their acting is slightly better than the main couple. By the way, did Feng Shaofeng have too many cosmetic procedures done while filming this drama?
His face looks so tight, and combined with his reserved character, he's like a total poker face.

The storyline of Rou Jia Gong Zhu and Shen Jing Hong is so addictive! Rou Jia's character is more well-rounded than Mu Zhuo Hua's. I really love Rou Jia; she genuinely mixes truth with deception. Have you ever found yourself unable to distinguish between genuine feelings and false emotions at some point?
I like female leads like Mu Zhuo Hua who are intelligent, have principles, aspirations, and ideals. They won't give up their own pursuits for the sake of a man. Liu Yan is also amazing. If you have the sun and moon in your heart, I will move the clouds to let you see the sun.

Jing Tian is really beautiful. It would be better if they changed the male lead; the voiceover and his face don't match well. Compared to the original work, there have been quite a few changes.
The original character Shen Jing Hong was quite ruthless, but here, it's more focused on the romantic aspect in the beginning. However, it later transitions and there's a sense of mutual understanding between the male and female leads.
If he had met the female lead before the princess, it might have been a different scenario. In the original work, the princess wasn't as decisive; she later switched the poison intended for the King of Ding, just wanting him to sleep for a while.
But in the drama, she's really deranged, lacking any humanity. In the end, she doesn't even acknowledge any love for Shen Jing Hong. The other supporting characters are quite outstanding, especially Zhi Mo and Ju Li, such a naturally adorable pair!
And of course, there's Old Mu, who carries the comedic element of the entire drama. Absolutely hilarious!

I would give it around 3.5 stars. The beginning was really good, especially when the princess didn't turn evil, and when the main characters weren't together yet, I was very engaged. However, as the romance between the main characters heated up, I lost some of my enthusiasm.
Honestly, I can admit that Feng Shao Feng's performance was decent, but does anyone really think he's suitable to be in a sweet couple with the female lead? There's really no chemistry between them. It feels more like a grandparent-grandchild relationship (not romantic at all), and yet there are so many lovey-dovey scenes between them in the later episodes.
The character of the princess is quite captivating—conniving, cunning, and ruthless. Her relationship with the second male lead is also quite appealing. However, overall, after the emperor's death, the empress dowager falling ill, and the princess revealing her true intentions, the plot became lackluster.
If I only consider the earlier episodes, I would give it a 4.

I initially thought it would be an average and full of flaws "middle-aged" period drama, but unexpectedly, I'm watching it every day without skipping. The screenwriter put in effort, and the dialogue is well-written.
The plot revolves around the female lead's career, and she is intelligent and not obsessed with romance.

The male lead's heavy use of filters and excessive smoothing effects, along with the mismatched dubbing, are noticeable.
However, his acting is decent, and he can portray emotional changes even with a blank expression. His eye acting is impressive. The female lead's makeup and styling are beautiful.
The makeup artist did a great job, and the costume color combinations are sophisticated. The contrasting colors are stunning, and the hair accessories are of high quality, including the matching hairband.
Jing Tian's acting is very good, natural and lively, but I'm still looking forward to the original sound drama! Overall, it has exceeded my expectations!

A drama that sparks deep contemplation. You've heard countless motivational quotes urging you to study, and this drama presents you with a splendid future for a woman who not only studies but excels in her studies.
You've also yearned for a balanced and equal love, and the drama presents you with Mu Daren, who is emotionally stable, understands and respects you, and doesn't force you, and he possesses intelligence, wit, kindness, and brings you hope.
The drama demonstrates the workplace camaraderie you've longed for through the top three contenders. The noble families you despise and envy don't seem as excessive as mine. It turns out that emperors and ministers, aside from the clichéd power struggles, imperial authority, and submission, can also portray the intricacies and helplessness of the game...
and so on. I really love it, the production design is beautiful, and it's a drama that can be savored. Big thumbs up...

So sweet! At first, when I saw Feng Shao Feng as the male lead, I wasn't too fond of him. But he really portrayed the character sweetly. Jing Tian has a very regular, healthy appearance.

In the later episodes, I felt it dragged a bit. In reality, around thirty episodes would probably be enough. If the princess didn't betray her country and became the main female lead, that would have been perfect.
I really love her, whether it's her initially pure and kind image or her later ambitions revealed. I'm truly in love. She's courageous and strategic, she would make a great empress!
It's a shame that she caused the deaths of thirty thousand soldiers, otherwise, it would have been truly perfect.

I couldn't continue watching after just two episodes. If they wanted to make a historical drama, shouldn't they have stayed true to the setting? It feels like a modern drama disguised in period costumes, filled with petty conflicts.

The female lead characters all have modern mindsets. If you want to promote gender equality, at least make it logical, right? In ancient times, where were there female scholars? Even Mulan, who is close to being a legend, had to disguise herself as a man to join the army.
How could a female scholar perform autopsies or provide medical treatment to courtesans? I guess the original author must be a woman. The perspective is really narrow.

I'd give it three and a half stars. It's a story about an independent woman in ancient times. The female lead's character is good, and she does things without just talking about independence, but in reality, she still relies heavily on the male lead.
The biggest issue lies with Feng Shao Feng. I don't know if it's because he's getting older or if it's his first time playing such a cold character, but his face looks stiff, almost like he has facial paralysis. His acting feels like that of an idol in their early twenties who doesn't know how to act.
After watching over thirty episodes, I really don't have the motivation to continue.

The best part of the drama was the early segment where they were preparing for the imperial examination. The romantic scenes in the middle were quite sweet, but the political intrigue in the later part felt rushed. However, the overall viewing experience was really good.
The script was solid, and the actors' performances were on point, especially Feng Shao Feng and Wang Li Kun. I was pleasantly surprised by Zhou Yi Ran's acting as well. Jing Tian did well in the beginning, but struggled a bit in more complex scenes.
The most stunning moment for me was when the top scholar appeared in black attire.

The script is good, and overall the actors are decent. However, there was a strong sense of inconsistency when the prince commented on Jing Tian's body being slim when she was actually not. This drama made me realize that I am a strong advocate for good looks.
Jing Tian's face might not have been the best fit for this drama (excluding acting skills). Her face has a kind of magical power, but even after watching the entire series, I still can't remember her face. Although many plot developments were predictable from the beginning, the transformation of the princess into a villainess was still enjoyable to watch.

The overall storyline of the drama is quite smooth, although there are some bugs. The portrayal of the historical setting in the drama feels like an ancient utopia. The female lead ultimately realizes her political aspirations and finds happiness in marriage.
The male lead's face, with its fluctuating appearance due to heavy filtering and airbrushing, and the lifeless dubbing, along with the thick makeup of the second male lead, make the supposed father-daughter relationship feel more like siblings.
It sometimes takes me out of the immersion. The pairing of Ju Li and Zhi Mo is quite adorable, and the Crown Prince is truly a well-raised and upright child.

The makeup and color grading still feel very standardized. Feng Shao Feng's acting is decent, but his appearance doesn't suit this role. The story is still enjoyable, although it feels somewhat disjointed.
The process of the female lead preparing for the civil service examination is cute and inspiring. Da Tiantian's performance is quite good, and her responses are well-articulated. However, it's contradictory that she keeps insisting on not studying properly because she wants to get married, yet still requires the male lead's help in times of danger.
The production team wants to attract independent female viewership but fears that without romance, no one will watch. They're depicting modern ideas in a relatively authentic feudal society, which occasionally feels strange.
They took a step forward in terms of progress, but then retreated to a safe zone, wasting the talents of this capable cast. The scene of the emperor's death was performed well by everyone, and Zheng Guo Lin looks handsome as always.
The later plot of the princess seeking revenge overshadowed the storyline of the female lead, which was disappointing.

I've watched up to the ninth episode, and the pacing of the plot is a bit slow. Watching it at double speed. I like the female characters in the drama. Wang Li Kun is truly the princess, she has a great temperament and poise.
Jing Tian's performance is lively and spirited, and Dalai is adorable. However, the excessive airbrushing in this drama is too much. Even with the "Super HD" mode, the jawline is completely blurred.
As for the plot, it's just a typical drama that you can enjoy in the moment. Some details shouldn't be scrutinized too much. Perhaps to highlight the intelligence of the female lead and the challenges of scientific research, the other candidates are portrayed as mere gossipers, except for the second male lead.
But all of them are talented individuals who contribute to the nation. The screenwriter couldn't resist giving the female lead a halo. I'll continue watching, after all, the actresses leave a good impression.