My opinion of Guo Jingming remains unchanged: he and his team are better suited for art-related work such as concept design, props, costumes, hair and makeup, and even casting (limited to appearance). However, they are not suitable as screenwriters and directors.
SunnySauce1 year ago rating:6.1
After watching one episode, I am convinced that this is the TV drama version of "Qing Ya Ji." Xiaosi, I'm really crying. He found a similar man to mourn his ex-husband, whose name has been erased. And the aesthetic of the art design combined with the dragging plot, let's not make ancient puppets anymore, it should be a fashion shoot for Bazaar.
Peach with Gardenia Flavor1 year ago rating:8.8
So far, it's still quite enjoyable. The plot is fresh and unconventional, and the action scenes are well-executed. There is a balanced mix of suspense and tension. Xiao Si's aesthetic sense is indeed remarkable, with excellent costume and set design reminiscent of "The Painted Veil." If Yun Wei Shan had a sister, would her name be Yun Wei Shang?
CosmicSaint1 year ago rating:5.7
The director treats me like a fool. In a single episode, they set up ten different plot twists, and the actors in the show only do two things. The first is to strike a beautiful pose, and the second is to grab the audience's attention and loudly explain, "This is how we set up this plot twist..." They forcefully separate "audio" and "visual" elements. The "visual" aspect is all about showcasing attractive people, while the "audio" aspect simply tells you the plot development through dialogue. It lacks sophistication and attention to detail.
Read Moreˇ
Curley_curley1 year ago rating:6
Terrible scriptwriting skills, not to mention the pacing. Even in a fictional story setting, it shouldn't make more than half of the dialogue sound so artificial and devoid of natural language. It seems they really want to fully embrace nihilistic literature. Each character carries heavy makeup, meticulously posed within an overly exaggerated aesthetic framework reminiscent of "Qing Ya Ji," as if mistakenly entering a short video produced by a trendy Douyin-style MCN. It feels completely out of sync. The so-called cinematography is constantly fixed on mindlessly following the principle of "which side of xxx looks better," giving excessive emphasis to side shots. The most fatal flaw remains the repetitive use of slow motion shots and amateurish montage, completely lacking restraint. Where is the progress after so many years? It might be forgivable in microfilms, but not in television dramas.
Read Moreˇ
BreezyXu1 year ago rating:6.8
Guo Jingming's works are only self-contained in the excessively exaggerated and theatrical "Tiny Times" series and the excessively fantastical and whimsical "Qing Ya Ji" because they are intentionally over the top. However, as long as the style is not as strong, the narrative perspective becomes muddled, and combined with the inexperienced acting in ensemble scenes, it becomes a disaster for this production.
LittleStar1 year ago rating:5.9
Yu Shu Xin's fake suffering act is too obvious. She only knows how to furrow her brows, and her original voice is really not good. As for Zhang Ling He... his original voice was a big disappointment. He's portrayed as tall and strong, wielding knives and swords, but he's afraid of the cold and sleeps on a narrow bed in the fireworks place (right? ). Who understands? It's such a cliché and outdated setting from eight hundred years ago, it's unbelievable.
InBetween1 year ago rating:5.8
Glamorous yet lackluster. This series unexpectedly borrows the framework of a spy thriller, but the protagonist always appears to have the upper hand, never truly facing danger. As a result, there's a lack of tension and suspense. On the other hand, in this kind of scenario, the character Yun Wei Shan requires strong acting skills, which Yu Shu Xin clearly lacks. Jin Jing's performance is quite amusing, but it feels out of place and disrupts the flow.
ShadowSage1 year ago rating:6.5
The gloomy filter, eerie background music, and the story itself are not coherent. I could barely understand the first episode, and it was only in the second episode that I somewhat grasped what was happening. The main issue is that the story lacks substance and fails to be captivating. As for the actors, Yu Shu Xin is mediocre to begin with, and losing weight for this film, combined with the influence of the gloomy filter, made it even more... The male lead's makeup is also heavy... Overall, it's just not appealing.
Afussornot1 year ago rating:8.3 4 of 24 episodes seen
I declare that the palace cannot be without Gong Shang Jue! How is it that by the end of the fourth installment, I actually like Gong Shang Jue much more than the male lead??
Firstly, Gong Shang Jue doesn't fall into the mindset trap of Wu Feng. He suggests the possibility of a Wu Feng assassin hiding among the brides (although he ultimately chooses Wu Feng), and he finds ways to verify the identities of the chosen individuals. He is highly efficient in his actions and effectively minimizes the chances of the brides communicating with the outside world.
Secondly, he stands before the elders with reason and justification, expressing his disagreement with Gong Zi Yu's position as the executor. He is wise, cautious, and upright. These qualities truly make him deserving of the male lead role! In comparison, the actual male lead doesn't quite measure up. Perhaps he is somewhat intelligent but has a love-struck mind. Moreover, based on his previously displayed demeanor as a spoiled child, it is indeed difficult to believe he can shoulder the responsibility of leading a family and protecting the clan's name.
Read Moreˇ
Swordsman1 year ago rating:9.3 14 of 24 episodes seen
When Yun Wei Shan cried, that intense and thrilling feeling was brought to life. Despite being scared, she had to maintain a facade of calmness and quickly find a solution in the blink of an eye. Even though she was scared to the point of tears, she still had to adopt a tone of "jealousy" and mock the relationship between the male lead and Zi Yi. Zhi Ren's death here is equivalent to a mission failure. If she can't return to the palace, she won't be able to uncover the truth behind Yun Que's death. Additionally, she wants to protect Zhi Ren and avoid harming innocent people. In this invisible standoff between Wufeng and the palace, Yun Wei Shan manages to save everyone.
Read Moreˇ
Breathless1 year ago rating:8.5
I'm giving it a 4-star rating for now. Every character's appearance is beautiful, there are no unattractive individuals, and the visuals and fight scenes are impressive. The first three episodes were engaging. However, there's a slight sense of strangeness, from the dialogue, character development, plot direction, and even the overall aesthetics. There's a feeling of discordance and fragmentation. For example, the characters' clothing is lovely, but it feels like each person belongs to a different era and setting. Another example is the character development; even though the brother and father have died, everyone seems oddly calm. Overall, I have a premonition that it will be a visually stunning film with a lackluster plot.
Read Moreˇ
Anty1 year ago rating:5.6
This TV drama feels like a waste of time, even when watching it at five times the speed. It's a mishmash of elements from "Game of Thrones," "Dream of the Red Chamber," and various other floating ideas, but it's boring and lacks substance upon closer inspection. Guo Jingming's works are like a night of bright lights, but when you open the door, all you see is a pile of burning ruins, leaving nothing but choking ashes of emptiness.
Handsome1 year ago rating:7.7 9 of 24 episodes seen
It feels like Yun Wei Shan has become the new representative character for Yu Shu Xin, and she portrays the role exceptionally well. Her portrayal is a complete contrast to her real-life personality, and she looks absolutely stunning. All her sorrows are hidden deep within her heart, like a dormant volcano that won't erupt. Her calm exterior conceals the boiling emotions within, and all her feelings evaporate like steam, unnoticed by others.
CloudySky1 year ago rating:7.6
The script really can't stand scrutiny. Many people's lines are contradictory. For example, how did Gong Zi Shang's father fail to complete the challenge when he gave up the sacrifice? For example, when the male lead was planning with Gong Er, he hadn't completed the three challenges, but he said that after completing the three challenges, he found that Gong Er was also an upright person. And then, did Lady Wuji accidentally kill Yue Zhang Lao, or was it planned to kill him? Guo Xiaosi, what kind of nonsense lines did you write? Setting aside the plot, I like the CP I like, the restrained resolution of love in the shallow night, the brotherly affection between Jiao Dui and Zheng, the witty pursuit between Shang Jin and you, and the pure and tragic love story of Que Yue, separated by a wrong step. When Old Zhirui and Gong Er had tea together, it was clear that Gong Er didn't actually have an obsession with Zhirui's position. The last episode further confirmed Gong Er's mindset. I can only say that Gong Men is truly amazing with Gong Er.
Read Moreˇ
kakakarl1 year ago rating:7.8
The texture is touching, and Yu Shu Xin mostly looks like the trailers and stills. It feels like Guo Jingming is imitating Yu Zheng's style of writing enjoyable stories. The small suspense elements are introduced in a timely manner without dragging on for several episodes before revealing them to you. Although the handling of many plot points still leaves people speechless, this drama still brings a lot of joyful moments~
AerialFlow1 year ago rating:8
I'm only continuing to watch this because of the good looks of Gong Er, Gong San, the charisma of Shang Jin, and the sharp tongue of Hua Xue. The plot is truly hard to put into words, and the dialogue is just terrible. What are they even filming after Yun Wei Shan's identity was exposed? They completely skipped over the development of the main male and female characters, and it's really annoying.
Fury1 year ago rating:5.3
After watching the grand finale, I apologized one by one to all the friends I recommended it to... I just couldn't accept the second-to-last episode where the boss spent 40 minutes exposing himself, narrating his inner journey and explaining every single thing he did, patiently answering any questions. His attention to detail surpassed even a dungeon master's recap... Xiao Si should go draw comics! Why bother making TV dramas or movies...
FaceFirst1 year ago rating:6.1
Guo Jingming's writing has always been about piling up things that he thinks are glamorous and sophisticated, but in reality, it's just a pile of illogical nonsense. Sigh.
But then again, setting aside the plot, the costume design and martial arts in this drama actually surpass 60% of the current ancient idol dramas.
rousing1 year ago rating:7.9
I've watched the first three episodes, and I must say it's incredibly thrilling. Yun Zhi Yu is the most impressive ancient suspense character I've seen in years. The ruthlessness of Wu Feng and the desperation of Yun Wei Shan and Shang Guan Qian are truly tear-inducing. Gong Zi Yu's rapid growth after the deaths of his father and brother is remarkable, and it feels like there are hints regarding his mother's storyline as well. In the future, Yun Wei Shan will likely have to choose between love and freedom, but Wu Feng won't give them an easy way out. The voice acting in the TV series is enjoyable, and the filters and color tones are well done. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming plot!
Read Moreˇ
ForeverBF1 year ago rating:7.4 11 of 24 episodes seen
I will write an ending for "My Journey to You":
In the realm of Yu Palace, Yun Wei Shan died in Gong Zi Yu's embrace, her blood and tears staining the entire palace with the color of orchids. Gong Zi Yu awakened the boundless flowing fire and after years of battles, the palace finally wiped out the bladeless faction. With the war over, peace returned to the martial world, and Gong Zi Yu opened the palace gates, no longer isolating themselves from the world. The generations of mountain guardians finally saw the vast sea.
Not long after, Gong Zi Yu, the executor of the palace, disappeared without a trace. Meanwhile, people discovered that in the snowy mountains behind the palace, by the grave of Yun Wei Shan, the executor's wife, a small deer would often accompany her. The people of the palace firmly believed that the deer was the embodiment of the executor and renamed the place where the palace stood as Deer City. Within the Yu Palace, the orchids, having absorbed the essence and tears of humans, gained sentience and emotions. Over the course of countless years, they cultivated and eventually ascended to the higher realms. Since then, no one in the world has seen those orchids again, and no one knows that a new race called the Xilan Clan appeared in the heavens.
Read Moreˇ
Candy Buyer1 year ago rating:5.2
Gong Shangjiao is more suitable to be the wielder of the blade than Gong Ziyu. He has ambition, responsibility, and takes on his duties. He is not trapped by romantic entanglements. He may appear cold, but deep down, he always carries the weight of his family. As someone who silently guards his family, he is more capable than Gong Ziyu and should be the main male lead. On the other hand, Gong Ziyu is trapped in romantic entanglements, disregarding the safety of his family. He simply possesses a soft and kind heart. Why should people from the mountains help him? Why favor him? Just because he appears approachable and kind-hearted? The storyline is poor and deserves a negative review. I don't like the character design of the male lead. Why does he receive preferential treatment from his father? Why does he receive guidance? Shouldn't a father treat everyone equally? The screenwriter is terrible.
And then there's the ridiculous character design of the comedic princess. It's truly embarrassing. What a terrible film! It's not funny at all. The plot completely favors the protagonist for no reason. Why does he get special treatment when he lacks capability? Brothers fight and responsibility is thrown away. Let's talk about something satisfying. The second female lead is beautiful and pleasant to watch. The makeup and styling are good. I like the second male lead and the younger brother. These three characters are the only ones I appreciate. The rest of the characters are inexplicable and annoying, blaming the screenwriter.
Read Moreˇ
Smiley1 year ago rating:8.3
Gong Shang Jue may appear cold and ruthless on the surface, but he has a soft and vulnerable side. From the beginning, I didn't see him as a purely negative character. He has the ability and the desire to protect his family. He's just worried that Gong Zi Yu may not be able to handle the heavy burden.
PS: No wonder I had a strange feeling when I first watched it. It turns out it has that Guo Jingming flavor to it.
wo1 year ago rating:5.4
The visuals are beautiful, and the actors have high attractiveness, making it pleasing to watch. The supporting female character is well-designed, and some close-up shots in the drama are well done. However, these are the only commendable aspects...
The editing is inexplicable, and the music cuts and follows like a short video. The dialogue and plot are immature and cliché, making it overall unimpressive and unprofessional.
FrostyBaiLu1 year ago rating:8.6
Although there were too many covert Japanese influences, overall, it was still decent. The actors, including the supporting cast, did a pretty good job, and the original dialogue was praiseworthy. The plot had some bugs, but they didn't heavily affect the viewing experience. However, the ending left a lot to be desired with its unresolved suspense. I prefer a complete ending. Some of the OSTs were great, like the ones by Zhang Jie and "Zhong Jiao Qian." However, there were also some OSTs that weren't so good. In any case, next time, let's not incorporate those Japanese influences.
Read Moreˇ
HahaMonster1 year ago rating:7.2
The overall setup of the drama is actually quite good. The constant plot twists and turns are very satisfying to watch. It's not your typical formulaic drama, although there are still some flaws in the plot. Some camera angles and stylistic choices may seem overly mysterious, but it's still enjoyable to watch. It can be considered a paradise for fans of good-looking actors. The performances of the actors are generally good, even better than I imagined.
Just_Lwwen1 year ago rating:9.9
Giving it four stars, but out of my bias towards Xin Xin and Niu Niu, I'll round it up to five stars. This drama really gives me the feel of "Youth" (referring to a specific drama/movie), and it has a slightly refined plastic-like quality.
Is there really no one shipping Yun Zhiyu and Zhi Yu? I love them so much. Watching their interactions, their relationship is really great. I wish they would become a couple in real life. Why do they say Gong Zi Yu is love-struck? Actually, he considers a lot of things, he's not entirely driven by love. It's just that his love is pure. The part where Gong Zi Yu sincerely tries touched me. Ah, Niu Niu is really handsome. Even outside the script, he's stunning.
I don't understand why so many people ship the second male lead and the second female lead. It feels like there isn't much genuine chemistry... Is there really no second season? The director really treats each character equally.
Read Moreˇ
Stu1 year ago rating:6.9
The male lead is very handsome, and luckily, Gong Zi Yu had some intelligence in the later episodes; otherwise, this drama would be beyond saving. The romantic scenes between the second male lead and the second female lead made me feel suffocated; there seemed to be no love or trust between them. The female lead, throughout the entire drama, had a constantly distressed and wooden expression. I know she had a tragic background and a mission to fulfill, but she couldn't portray the same level of arrogance as the second female lead. An additional compliment: The visuals are breathtaking! It feels like watching a movie, as it amplifies the beauty of all the characters!
Read Moreˇ
SilenceVictory1 year ago rating:8.9
Believe me, once you click on it, you'll want to keep watching. There are constant twists and turns that make you eager to watch episode after episode to unravel the mysteries. But you won't expect that one enigma leads to another, and it keeps you hooked. However, the quality declines in the last three episodes, especially the final episode, which feels like a PowerPoint presentation, with chunks of plot explanations. Also, all the father-son relationships in this series follow the pattern of strict fathers whose good intentions are only revealed after their death. As for the ending, when I heard that Yun Wei Shan was a twin, I already knew what the director was up to... I even thought about the real Yun Wei Shan being killed by Wu Feng and her sister taking her place again... The ending leaves room for suspense, and I'm not sure if there will be a second season. I have to say the ending is very Guo Jingming-esque, with almost all the characters having a bittersweet ending. "The human heart is like a very big room. It cannot be filled with wealth or luxury fabrics, but as long as there is a little light, just a little, it can fill the entire room. When the heart is open and bright, it becomes warm and no longer heavy. Having a little light in one's heart is always a good thing.
Read Moreˇ
Max1 year ago rating:9.8
Watching this drama brings back memories of secretly reading Guo Jingming's novels under the desk in high school, delving into his ideas of love, hatred, and romantic entanglements, all filled with melodrama. Guo Jingming knows what appeals to the sisters; it's an alluring cast of handsome guys. And he knows how to create the right color palette. The costumes and props are well thought out. He also knows how to evoke emotions; this time, he selected several catchy songs. I like the love story between Gong Er and Qian Qian, and I especially enjoy the pure love duo of Niu Niu and Shan Jie. Wu Feng is the place where the new bride of the Gong family is nurtured. I also enjoy watching the romantic minds of the Gong family. When I learned about "Wu Liang Liu Huo" (Infinite Flowing Fire), I knew there would be a second season. At least this season met the mark.
Read Moreˇ
TwilightBlossom1 year ago rating:9.2
What kind of ending is this?! Is there going to be a second season? The plot has left me speechless since around episode 20. Even if the story is a bit more complete, it shouldn't be rated this low! However, aside from the ending, there are many commendable aspects. Yuan Zhen's younger brother's performance is really impressive. His expressions, whether it's anger, smiles, tears, or rage, are vivid and you can't tell it's his first acting experience. He looks handsome and cute at the same time! The original soundtrack is beautiful, and the songs are touching! Tian Jia Rui is truly a hidden gem! Gong Shang Jue and Shang Guan Qian make a great pair too. The director has a good eye for capturing scenes, and there are many stunning shots that are visually appealing. They also know how to guide the actors!
Read Moreˇ
EarthDate1 year ago rating:9.5
This drama is a feast for the eyes... Maybe because I'm an art student, the composition, colors, and cinematography are all top-notch. It's visually pleasing, even though the plot is dragged out and verbose. But it's truly beautifully shot, and only those who understand can appreciate the gorgeous aesthetics that counterbalance the mediocre storyline. I'm not a fan of following celebrities, but Yu Shu Xin's acting skills really outshine other actresses in the same period. This drama is suitable for watching at double speed.
Quacky or Sahara1 year ago rating:6.6
Similar to the impression of "Tiny Times," it prioritizes visuals over plot, and plot over storyline. The entire conceptualization process is reversed. As a result, the logical coherence of the story is haphazardly put together, lacking depth upon further reflection. However, some plot points do carry emotional weight, and Xiao Si showed some thoughtfulness. It would have been even better if the female lead had a more attractive appearance. If only Chen Du Ling could play the female lead, that would have been great, sigh.
ExpiredGirl1 year ago rating:7.2
Watched it intermittently to pass the time. Even though the actors' dialogue delivery is terrible to the point that you can't understand what they're saying without subtitles, the story tries to be profound. However, it has a strange charm that keeps you watching. The "Night is Still Young" couple has some potential, but it's just a little bit. The lighting on the male and female leads... makes them look ten years older.
Yumu Dahuo1 year ago rating:6.6
The desire for suspense always ends up being deliberately mysterious. The attempt at romance comes off as a bit melodramatic and affected. As for plot twists, they seem to lose momentum every time... It can only be said that everyone is portrayed quite attractively, except for Cheng Lei. It's as if he has been afflicted by some ancient poison, as his face is always gloomy.
M421 year ago rating:8.7
The strengths of the drama lie in its exquisite production design and makeup, with the exception of the main characters, all the supporting roles are visually stunning, giving the entire series a cinematic quality. However, the major flaw is its unsatisfactory ending. The root cause is the weak and flat characterization of the main leads, resulting in a lack of dramatic tension. The second male and female leads were the only driving force for me to complete the entire series, but even their character development fell short. The script attempted to emulate the high-energy plot twists of American dramas, but unfortunately, the execution felt underwhelming, like being served a bowl of plain rice as the grand finale. The production design of the Chinese drama is impressive, but what it lacks most is a talented scriptwriter. The script is the foundation of any drama.
Read Moreˇ
MistyIsland1 year ago rating:5.4
I wonder what Yun is doing? If it weren't for Yun Qian's tasks, they would have been completed a long time ago. Why are there such foolish teammates??? And what is Gongzi Yu doing? ☁️ is a seamless assassin! An assassin! If you're here to bring down the palace, shouldn't you see what you're doing yourself??? Furthermore, I really want to tell ☁️ if you don't want to do the tasks, don't delay Yun from doing them! I'm not quite sure what this drama is trying to convey????
GreenSciFiNoodle1 year ago rating:6.2
The production design is decent, but the cinematography is a bit lackluster, and they particularly enjoy using slow-motion. I watched it at 1.5x speed directly. The plot feels fragmented, like scattered flowers, and it's quite disjointed. In the end, they forcefully patched it up with memories and explanations. Director Guo seems to have a strong liking for wheat bran and revealing skin. This drama even started selling sex appeal.
Momo1 year ago rating:9.4
The beginning was a bit boring, and the pacing was inexplicable. They used slow-motion excessively, and the ending was a complete mess! But it seems like I enjoy this Guo-style aesthetics, and the costumes and props are beautiful! Waaah, my favorite couple is unexpectedly the official pairing, and my favorite individual character is Gong San. But I also like Xue Tong Zi, Hua Gong Zi, and Yue Zhang Lao!
Momo1 year ago rating:6.8
There are too many plot issues that people have criticized, so I'll focus on something else. There are way too many repeated scenes. They show a scene three times, and every event needs to be accompanied by a flashback. They don't know how to prioritize and highlight the important parts. They meticulously showcase every detail and subtle aspect, fearing that the audience won't understand, remember, or pay attention. It's like they can't resist showing off...
And there's an excessive amount of storytelling through dialogue in the entire series. They claim to have intense battles, but it's all mouth-to-mouth explanations. They constantly rely on dialogue to describe what they've done to one another. They act like they've executed a grand strategy, but it turns out to be at an elementary school level. There are too many scenes where they just sit and talk. I came to watch the actors perform, not to listen to them talk...
Furthermore, I don't know what the director's preferences are, but many characters in the show speak with a suppressed voice or use breathy voices, and it's really uncomfortable to listen to. Some characters already have unclear pronunciation, and the breathy voices make it even more incomprehensible...
This drama clearly showcases the personal style of the director. The costumes, props, scenes, and camera angles all emphasize their aesthetic preferences. The script is the same; they enjoy these types of setups and endings.
Read Moreˇ
Youtao1 year ago rating:9.2
After reading so many negative reviews, I didn't have high expectations to begin with. However, after watching it, I felt that it was better than I expected. The plot has its flaws, and some parts don't quite make sense logically. However, the overall sense of suspense and plot twists throughout the series is well-maintained.
Furthermore, I have to say that Director Guo has an impeccable sense of aesthetics. The character designs, scene composition, and colorful visuals are quite appealing. The atmosphere is well-crafted too. It's not bad at all, although the ending left me wanting more. It feels like there should be a second season, as the charm of an original script lies in not knowing what will happen next. If there is a second season, I'm definitely looking forward to the continuation of the story.
Read Moreˇ
Ten1 year ago rating:6.3
It's all smoke and mirrors. The plot relies heavily on introducing new elements, deliberately keeping the audience in the dark. Especially the second male lead, who starts off with a high level of sophistication but later experiences frequent drops in intelligence, forcefully dumbed down to make way for the main male and female leads as well as the second female lead, all in service of advancing the plot. And let's not forget the overly emotional (oe) ending, which just makes me want to give Guo Jingming a puzzled look. Apart from the fight scenes and costume design, there's not much worth mentioning.
Read Moreˇ
RiceDoodle1 year ago rating:8
Watched it to pass the time. The storyline was decent at the beginning, but it started to decline later on. The ending was okay, but it definitely set the pace for a potential sequel. The standout aspect of this drama is the makeup and styling, which is incredibly visually appealing. The cast is filled with handsome guys and beautiful girls, making it a treat for the eyes. Some of the actors haven't made as deep an impression in their other works as they have in this one. It truly stands out and is enjoyable to watch.
Momo1 year ago rating:8.6
The visual composition is beautiful, and the use of slow-motion shots is done well. The makeup of the female lead and the second female lead looks simple yet beautiful. Xiao Si's aesthetic sense is still likable. The chemistry between the male and female leads is enjoyable, but there are some inconsistencies in the plot's logic. The ending feels forced to have a happy ending, and the deaths of Xue Gong Zi, Xiao Hei, and Han Ya Si are quite regrettable.
Windy1 year ago rating:9.2
The overall plot is pretty good. It has a mix of power struggles and romance, and considering the limited number of episodes, it's impressive to have such rich content. The actors are all good-looking, confirming that a good drama needs good-looking actors. Shang Guan Qian, Yuan Zhi, and the male lead all did well, but the female lead fell a bit short. She could use more experience and growth. I really enjoyed the conflicts in the palace—so satisfying for those who understand! Shang Guan Qian is also an admirable character. There's nothing she can't do. Yuan Zhi is really cute. Initially, his expressions annoyed me, but as the series progressed, it became more and more hilarious.
This drama could be called "The Chronicles of a Silly Fool's Growth." The male lead, Gong Zi Yu, starts as a useless loser but gradually levels up and overcomes challenges with the help of benefactors, ultimately achieving success. It's truly gratifying to see this little fool's journey.
Read Moreˇ
MischiefMonk1 year ago rating:8.5
Xiao Si has good aesthetics, but the TV dramas he directs follow the same pattern as his novels. Some plot twists feel forced, and the limitations of the TV medium hinder his creativity. Otherwise, all those characters would meet unfortunate ends. I like the pairing of Gong Zi Shang and Jin Fan; their chemistry is great. Gong Er and Shang Guan Qian don't have as well-developed characterizations. I really enjoyed the scenes of the male and female leads in the snow palace, with the backdrop of clouds and mud, creating a captivating atmosphere. As for the ending, if it's not setting up for the second season, then it's just a disappointing conclusion.
Read Moreˇ
TrappedInMemories1 year ago rating:7.8
I have to admit that Guo Jingming has a good sense of aesthetics, specifically in terms of casting actors and the art direction. The main cast is full of handsome men and beautiful women, and their makeup, hair, and styling all exude a sense of luxury.
However, it's a pity that the plot tries to be overly profound and convoluted. Despite having elements like murder cases, protagonist trials, and undercover agents that should create tension and excitement, it's all portrayed without any waves or emotional connection. The pacing is poorly handled, lacking any sense of immersion.
Read Moreˇ
WilliamB1 year ago rating:7.4
I've finished watching all 24 episodes. Although each episode is around 60 minutes long, it could easily be compressed to the standard 45 minutes of a regular TV drama if watched at a faster speed. I've seen a period drama segment directed by Si Zai in "Actors Please Take Your Place," and the style is similar, but in this TV drama, it feels a bit dragging and deliberate. The chemistry between the male lead and female lead doesn't feel significant, but the supporting actors stand out, and the third male lead is also quite good. The story feels like a family-friendly version of "Who's the Undercover Agent" and "Werewolf," overall appearing a bit contrived and mysterious. And to top it off, they had to add a suspenseful ending. It seems that Si forgot about "Qing Ya Ji" and "Jue Ji" as they are not mentioned, and his name as a director is missing in the director's column on Douban. I wonder why.
Read Moreˇ
Momo1 year ago rating:6.2
I've watched eight episodes, and sometimes the plot holes are very obvious. For example, the guards at the back mountain were too easily dismissed. They just slipped away so effortlessly? However, I'm really hooked on Chang Heng and Xiao Lan Hua, which makes it hard for me to resist watching the interactions between Yun Wei Shan and Gong Zi Yu. Even though I can't understand why Gong Zi Yu likes Yun Wei Shan so much, I still want to keep watching. Hahaha, I don't want to watch another day, the plot is too flat. These past few days, I've been revisiting "Empresses in the Palace," and I truly feel that each episode of "Empresses in the Palace" accomplishes so much, with numerous twists and turns and a full plot filled with intrigue. It really highlights how verbose the plot of this drama is. Help, who went to watch it again? Who watched the latest episode? I won't watch it anymore. The more I watch, the more feudal it feels, and the more I realize that male directors just can't handle female-friendly dramas well. Ah, ah, ah.
Surprise! I've watched up to episode 13! I'm starting to understand what they mean by "music video-style" TV dramas, with the plot coming in waves. Episode 13 hit me hard, so here I am again to complain. How can a drama be so visually unappealing and have such feudalistic thinking, praising oneself for liking someone as considerate and understanding!
Read Moreˇ
Procyon1 year ago rating:9.9
I really enjoy the music and the lyrics. Overall, there may be flaws and imperfections, but it still touched me.
The life and death of Yun Que and Yue Gong Zi, unforgettable even without deliberate contemplation.
The chase between Jin Fan and Gong Zi Shang, finally realizing the importance of embracing their true feelings after almost losing each other.
Shang Guan Qian and Gong Shang Jue's sober downfall, yet ultimately like Zhuangzi's dream of a butterfly, a fleeting illusion upon awakening.
It is because of the unwavering trust between Gong Zi Yu and Yun Wei Shan that they emerge victorious in the enigmatic chess game.
For lovers, even if the ending remains uncertain, whether they eventually meet or part ways, it is fortunate to have each other for the rest of their lives, without anyone else.
In the ordinary moments where the sunrise becomes morning and the west becomes evening, how can the old chambers of the heart find new scenery? Perhaps we can only hope for a reunion and a fulfilling conclusion.
My opinion of Guo Jingming remains unchanged: he and his team are better suited for art-related work such as concept design, props, costumes, hair and makeup, and even casting (limited to appearance).
However, they are not suitable as screenwriters and directors.
After watching one episode, I am convinced that this is the TV drama version of "Qing Ya Ji." Xiaosi, I'm really crying. He found a similar man to mourn his ex-husband, whose name has been erased. And the aesthetic of the art design combined with the dragging plot, let's not make ancient puppets anymore, it should be a fashion shoot for Bazaar.
So far, it's still quite enjoyable. The plot is fresh and unconventional, and the action scenes are well-executed. There is a balanced mix of suspense and tension. Xiao Si's aesthetic sense is indeed remarkable, with excellent costume and set design reminiscent of "The Painted Veil." If Yun Wei Shan had a sister, would her name be Yun Wei Shang?
The director treats me like a fool. In a single episode, they set up ten different plot twists, and the actors in the show only do two things. The first is to strike a beautiful pose, and the second is to grab the audience's attention and loudly explain, "This is how we set up this plot twist..." They forcefully separate "audio" and "visual" elements.
The "visual" aspect is all about showcasing attractive people, while the "audio" aspect simply tells you the plot development through dialogue. It lacks sophistication and attention to detail.
Terrible scriptwriting skills, not to mention the pacing. Even in a fictional story setting, it shouldn't make more than half of the dialogue sound so artificial and devoid of natural language. It seems they really want to fully embrace nihilistic literature.
Each character carries heavy makeup, meticulously posed within an overly exaggerated aesthetic framework reminiscent of "Qing Ya Ji," as if mistakenly entering a short video produced by a trendy Douyin-style MCN.
It feels completely out of sync. The so-called cinematography is constantly fixed on mindlessly following the principle of "which side of xxx looks better," giving excessive emphasis to side shots.
The most fatal flaw remains the repetitive use of slow motion shots and amateurish montage, completely lacking restraint. Where is the progress after so many years? It might be forgivable in microfilms, but not in television dramas.
Guo Jingming's works are only self-contained in the excessively exaggerated and theatrical "Tiny Times" series and the excessively fantastical and whimsical "Qing Ya Ji" because they are intentionally over the top. However, as long as the style is not as strong, the narrative perspective becomes muddled, and combined with the inexperienced acting in ensemble scenes, it becomes a disaster for this production.
Yu Shu Xin's fake suffering act is too obvious. She only knows how to furrow her brows, and her original voice is really not good. As for Zhang Ling He...
his original voice was a big disappointment. He's portrayed as tall and strong, wielding knives and swords, but he's afraid of the cold and sleeps on a narrow bed in the fireworks place (right?
). Who understands? It's such a cliché and outdated setting from eight hundred years ago, it's unbelievable.
Glamorous yet lackluster. This series unexpectedly borrows the framework of a spy thriller, but the protagonist always appears to have the upper hand, never truly facing danger. As a result, there's a lack of tension and suspense.
On the other hand, in this kind of scenario, the character Yun Wei Shan requires strong acting skills, which Yu Shu Xin clearly lacks. Jin Jing's performance is quite amusing, but it feels out of place and disrupts the flow.
The gloomy filter, eerie background music, and the story itself are not coherent. I could barely understand the first episode, and it was only in the second episode that I somewhat grasped what was happening.
The main issue is that the story lacks substance and fails to be captivating. As for the actors, Yu Shu Xin is mediocre to begin with, and losing weight for this film, combined with the influence of the gloomy filter, made it even more...
The male lead's makeup is also heavy... Overall, it's just not appealing.
I declare that the palace cannot be without Gong Shang Jue! How is it that by the end of the fourth installment, I actually like Gong Shang Jue much more than the male lead??
Firstly, Gong Shang Jue doesn't fall into the mindset trap of Wu Feng. He suggests the possibility of a Wu Feng assassin hiding among the brides (although he ultimately chooses Wu Feng), and he finds ways to verify the identities of the chosen individuals. He is highly efficient in his actions and effectively minimizes the chances of the brides communicating with the outside world.
Secondly, he stands before the elders with reason and justification, expressing his disagreement with Gong Zi Yu's position as the executor. He is wise, cautious, and upright. These qualities truly make him deserving of the male lead role! In comparison, the actual male lead doesn't quite measure up. Perhaps he is somewhat intelligent but has a love-struck mind. Moreover, based on his previously displayed demeanor as a spoiled child, it is indeed difficult to believe he can shoulder the responsibility of leading a family and protecting the clan's name.
When Yun Wei Shan cried, that intense and thrilling feeling was brought to life.
Despite being scared, she had to maintain a facade of calmness and quickly find a solution in the blink of an eye. Even though she was scared to the point of tears, she still had to adopt a tone of "jealousy" and mock the relationship between the male lead and Zi Yi.
Zhi Ren's death here is equivalent to a mission failure. If she can't return to the palace, she won't be able to uncover the truth behind Yun Que's death. Additionally, she wants to protect Zhi Ren and avoid harming innocent people. In this invisible standoff between Wufeng and the palace, Yun Wei Shan manages to save everyone.
I'm giving it a 4-star rating for now. Every character's appearance is beautiful, there are no unattractive individuals, and the visuals and fight scenes are impressive. The first three episodes were engaging.
However, there's a slight sense of strangeness, from the dialogue, character development, plot direction, and even the overall aesthetics. There's a feeling of discordance and fragmentation.
For example, the characters' clothing is lovely, but it feels like each person belongs to a different era and setting. Another example is the character development; even though the brother and father have died, everyone seems oddly calm.
Overall, I have a premonition that it will be a visually stunning film with a lackluster plot.
This TV drama feels like a waste of time, even when watching it at five times the speed. It's a mishmash of elements from "Game of Thrones," "Dream of the Red Chamber," and various other floating ideas, but it's boring and lacks substance upon closer inspection.
Guo Jingming's works are like a night of bright lights, but when you open the door, all you see is a pile of burning ruins, leaving nothing but choking ashes of emptiness.
It feels like Yun Wei Shan has become the new representative character for Yu Shu Xin, and she portrays the role exceptionally well. Her portrayal is a complete contrast to her real-life personality, and she looks absolutely stunning. All her sorrows are hidden deep within her heart, like a dormant volcano that won't erupt. Her calm exterior conceals the boiling emotions within, and all her feelings evaporate like steam, unnoticed by others.
The script really can't stand scrutiny. Many people's lines are contradictory. For example, how did Gong Zi Shang's father fail to complete the challenge when he gave up the sacrifice?
For example, when the male lead was planning with Gong Er, he hadn't completed the three challenges, but he said that after completing the three challenges, he found that Gong Er was also an upright person.
And then, did Lady Wuji accidentally kill Yue Zhang Lao, or was it planned to kill him? Guo Xiaosi, what kind of nonsense lines did you write? Setting aside the plot, I like the CP I like, the restrained resolution of love in the shallow night, the brotherly affection between Jiao Dui and Zheng, the witty pursuit between Shang Jin and you, and the pure and tragic love story of Que Yue, separated by a wrong step.
When Old Zhirui and Gong Er had tea together, it was clear that Gong Er didn't actually have an obsession with Zhirui's position. The last episode further confirmed Gong Er's mindset.
I can only say that Gong Men is truly amazing with Gong Er.
The texture is touching, and Yu Shu Xin mostly looks like the trailers and stills. It feels like Guo Jingming is imitating Yu Zheng's style of writing enjoyable stories.
The small suspense elements are introduced in a timely manner without dragging on for several episodes before revealing them to you. Although the handling of many plot points still leaves people speechless, this drama still brings a lot of joyful moments~
I'm only continuing to watch this because of the good looks of Gong Er, Gong San, the charisma of Shang Jin, and the sharp tongue of Hua Xue. The plot is truly hard to put into words, and the dialogue is just terrible. What are they even filming after Yun Wei Shan's identity was exposed?
They completely skipped over the development of the main male and female characters, and it's really annoying.
After watching the grand finale, I apologized one by one to all the friends I recommended it to... I just couldn't accept the second-to-last episode where the boss spent 40 minutes exposing himself, narrating his inner journey and explaining every single thing he did, patiently answering any questions.
His attention to detail surpassed even a dungeon master's recap... Xiao Si should go draw comics! Why bother making TV dramas or movies...
Guo Jingming's writing has always been about piling up things that he thinks are glamorous and sophisticated, but in reality, it's just a pile of illogical nonsense. Sigh.
But then again, setting aside the plot, the costume design and martial arts in this drama actually surpass 60% of the current ancient idol dramas.
I've watched the first three episodes, and I must say it's incredibly thrilling. Yun Zhi Yu is the most impressive ancient suspense character I've seen in years. The ruthlessness of Wu Feng and the desperation of Yun Wei Shan and Shang Guan Qian are truly tear-inducing. Gong Zi Yu's rapid growth after the deaths of his father and brother is remarkable, and it feels like there are hints regarding his mother's storyline as well. In the future, Yun Wei Shan will likely have to choose between love and freedom, but Wu Feng won't give them an easy way out. The voice acting in the TV series is enjoyable, and the filters and color tones are well done. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming plot!
I will write an ending for "My Journey to You":
In the realm of Yu Palace, Yun Wei Shan died in Gong Zi Yu's embrace, her blood and tears staining the entire palace with the color of orchids. Gong Zi Yu awakened the boundless flowing fire and after years of battles, the palace finally wiped out the bladeless faction. With the war over, peace returned to the martial world, and Gong Zi Yu opened the palace gates, no longer isolating themselves from the world. The generations of mountain guardians finally saw the vast sea.
Not long after, Gong Zi Yu, the executor of the palace, disappeared without a trace. Meanwhile, people discovered that in the snowy mountains behind the palace, by the grave of Yun Wei Shan, the executor's wife, a small deer would often accompany her. The people of the palace firmly believed that the deer was the embodiment of the executor and renamed the place where the palace stood as Deer City. Within the Yu Palace, the orchids, having absorbed the essence and tears of humans, gained sentience and emotions. Over the course of countless years, they cultivated and eventually ascended to the higher realms. Since then, no one in the world has seen those orchids again, and no one knows that a new race called the Xilan Clan appeared in the heavens.
Gong Shangjiao is more suitable to be the wielder of the blade than Gong Ziyu. He has ambition, responsibility, and takes on his duties. He is not trapped by romantic entanglements. He may appear cold, but deep down, he always carries the weight of his family.
As someone who silently guards his family, he is more capable than Gong Ziyu and should be the main male lead. On the other hand, Gong Ziyu is trapped in romantic entanglements, disregarding the safety of his family. He simply possesses a soft and kind heart.
Why should people from the mountains help him? Why favor him? Just because he appears approachable and kind-hearted? The storyline is poor and deserves a negative review. I don't like the character design of the male lead. Why does he receive preferential treatment from his father?
Why does he receive guidance? Shouldn't a father treat everyone equally? The screenwriter is terrible.
And then there's the ridiculous character design of the comedic princess. It's truly embarrassing. What a terrible film! It's not funny at all.
The plot completely favors the protagonist for no reason. Why does he get special treatment when he lacks capability? Brothers fight and responsibility is thrown away. Let's talk about something satisfying. The second female lead is beautiful and pleasant to watch.
The makeup and styling are good. I like the second male lead and the younger brother. These three characters are the only ones I appreciate. The rest of the characters are inexplicable and annoying, blaming the screenwriter.
Gong Shang Jue may appear cold and ruthless on the surface, but he has a soft and vulnerable side. From the beginning, I didn't see him as a purely negative character. He has the ability and the desire to protect his family.
He's just worried that Gong Zi Yu may not be able to handle the heavy burden.
PS: No wonder I had a strange feeling when I first watched it. It turns out it has that Guo Jingming flavor to it.
The visuals are beautiful, and the actors have high attractiveness, making it pleasing to watch. The supporting female character is well-designed, and some close-up shots in the drama are well done. However, these are the only commendable aspects...
The editing is inexplicable, and the music cuts and follows like a short video. The dialogue and plot are immature and cliché, making it overall unimpressive and unprofessional.
Although there were too many covert Japanese influences, overall, it was still decent. The actors, including the supporting cast, did a pretty good job, and the original dialogue was praiseworthy. The plot had some bugs, but they didn't heavily affect the viewing experience.
However, the ending left a lot to be desired with its unresolved suspense. I prefer a complete ending. Some of the OSTs were great, like the ones by Zhang Jie and "Zhong Jiao Qian." However, there were also some OSTs that weren't so good.
In any case, next time, let's not incorporate those Japanese influences.
The overall setup of the drama is actually quite good. The constant plot twists and turns are very satisfying to watch. It's not your typical formulaic drama, although there are still some flaws in the plot.
Some camera angles and stylistic choices may seem overly mysterious, but it's still enjoyable to watch. It can be considered a paradise for fans of good-looking actors. The performances of the actors are generally good, even better than I imagined.
Giving it four stars, but out of my bias towards Xin Xin and Niu Niu, I'll round it up to five stars. This drama really gives me the feel of "Youth" (referring to a specific drama/movie), and it has a slightly refined plastic-like quality.
Is there really no one shipping Yun Zhiyu and Zhi Yu? I love them so much. Watching their interactions, their relationship is really great. I wish they would become a couple in real life.
Why do they say Gong Zi Yu is love-struck? Actually, he considers a lot of things, he's not entirely driven by love. It's just that his love is pure. The part where Gong Zi Yu sincerely tries touched me.
Ah, Niu Niu is really handsome. Even outside the script, he's stunning.
I don't understand why so many people ship the second male lead and the second female lead. It feels like there isn't much genuine chemistry...
Is there really no second season? The director really treats each character equally.
The male lead is very handsome, and luckily, Gong Zi Yu had some intelligence in the later episodes; otherwise, this drama would be beyond saving. The romantic scenes between the second male lead and the second female lead made me feel suffocated; there seemed to be no love or trust between them.
The female lead, throughout the entire drama, had a constantly distressed and wooden expression. I know she had a tragic background and a mission to fulfill, but she couldn't portray the same level of arrogance as the second female lead.
An additional compliment: The visuals are breathtaking! It feels like watching a movie, as it amplifies the beauty of all the characters!
Believe me, once you click on it, you'll want to keep watching. There are constant twists and turns that make you eager to watch episode after episode to unravel the mysteries. But you won't expect that one enigma leads to another, and it keeps you hooked.
However, the quality declines in the last three episodes, especially the final episode, which feels like a PowerPoint presentation, with chunks of plot explanations. Also, all the father-son relationships in this series follow the pattern of strict fathers whose good intentions are only revealed after their death.
As for the ending, when I heard that Yun Wei Shan was a twin, I already knew what the director was up to... I even thought about the real Yun Wei Shan being killed by Wu Feng and her sister taking her place again... The ending leaves room for suspense, and I'm not sure if there will be a second season.
I have to say the ending is very Guo Jingming-esque, with almost all the characters having a bittersweet ending. "The human heart is like a very big room. It cannot be filled with wealth or luxury fabrics, but as long as there is a little light, just a little, it can fill the entire room.
When the heart is open and bright, it becomes warm and no longer heavy. Having a little light in one's heart is always a good thing.
Watching this drama brings back memories of secretly reading Guo Jingming's novels under the desk in high school, delving into his ideas of love, hatred, and romantic entanglements, all filled with melodrama. Guo Jingming knows what appeals to the sisters; it's an alluring cast of handsome guys.
And he knows how to create the right color palette. The costumes and props are well thought out. He also knows how to evoke emotions; this time, he selected several catchy songs. I like the love story between Gong Er and Qian Qian, and I especially enjoy the pure love duo of Niu Niu and Shan Jie.
Wu Feng is the place where the new bride of the Gong family is nurtured. I also enjoy watching the romantic minds of the Gong family. When I learned about "Wu Liang Liu Huo" (Infinite Flowing Fire), I knew there would be a second season.
At least this season met the mark.
What kind of ending is this?! Is there going to be a second season? The plot has left me speechless since around episode 20. Even if the story is a bit more complete, it shouldn't be rated this low!
However, aside from the ending, there are many commendable aspects. Yuan Zhen's younger brother's performance is really impressive. His expressions, whether it's anger, smiles, tears, or rage, are vivid and you can't tell it's his first acting experience.
He looks handsome and cute at the same time! The original soundtrack is beautiful, and the songs are touching! Tian Jia Rui is truly a hidden gem! Gong Shang Jue and Shang Guan Qian make a great pair too.
The director has a good eye for capturing scenes, and there are many stunning shots that are visually appealing. They also know how to guide the actors!
This drama is a feast for the eyes... Maybe because I'm an art student, the composition, colors, and cinematography are all top-notch. It's visually pleasing, even though the plot is dragged out and verbose. But it's truly beautifully shot, and only those who understand can appreciate the gorgeous aesthetics that counterbalance the mediocre storyline.
I'm not a fan of following celebrities, but Yu Shu Xin's acting skills really outshine other actresses in the same period. This drama is suitable for watching at double speed.
Similar to the impression of "Tiny Times," it prioritizes visuals over plot, and plot over storyline. The entire conceptualization process is reversed. As a result, the logical coherence of the story is haphazardly put together, lacking depth upon further reflection.
However, some plot points do carry emotional weight, and Xiao Si showed some thoughtfulness. It would have been even better if the female lead had a more attractive appearance. If only Chen Du Ling could play the female lead, that would have been great, sigh.
Watched it intermittently to pass the time. Even though the actors' dialogue delivery is terrible to the point that you can't understand what they're saying without subtitles, the story tries to be profound.
However, it has a strange charm that keeps you watching. The "Night is Still Young" couple has some potential, but it's just a little bit. The lighting on the male and female leads...
makes them look ten years older.
The desire for suspense always ends up being deliberately mysterious. The attempt at romance comes off as a bit melodramatic and affected. As for plot twists, they seem to lose momentum every time... It can only be said that everyone is portrayed quite attractively, except for Cheng Lei.
It's as if he has been afflicted by some ancient poison, as his face is always gloomy.
The strengths of the drama lie in its exquisite production design and makeup, with the exception of the main characters, all the supporting roles are visually stunning, giving the entire series a cinematic quality. However, the major flaw is its unsatisfactory ending.
The root cause is the weak and flat characterization of the main leads, resulting in a lack of dramatic tension. The second male and female leads were the only driving force for me to complete the entire series, but even their character development fell short.
The script attempted to emulate the high-energy plot twists of American dramas, but unfortunately, the execution felt underwhelming, like being served a bowl of plain rice as the grand finale. The production design of the Chinese drama is impressive, but what it lacks most is a talented scriptwriter.
The script is the foundation of any drama.
I wonder what Yun is doing? If it weren't for Yun Qian's tasks, they would have been completed a long time ago. Why are there such foolish teammates??? And what is Gongzi Yu doing? ☁️ is a seamless assassin!
An assassin! If you're here to bring down the palace, shouldn't you see what you're doing yourself??? Furthermore, I really want to tell ☁️ if you don't want to do the tasks, don't delay Yun from doing them!
I'm not quite sure what this drama is trying to convey????
The production design is decent, but the cinematography is a bit lackluster, and they particularly enjoy using slow-motion. I watched it at 1.5x speed directly. The plot feels fragmented, like scattered flowers, and it's quite disjointed.
In the end, they forcefully patched it up with memories and explanations. Director Guo seems to have a strong liking for wheat bran and revealing skin. This drama even started selling sex appeal.
The beginning was a bit boring, and the pacing was inexplicable. They used slow-motion excessively, and the ending was a complete mess! But it seems like I enjoy this Guo-style aesthetics, and the costumes and props are beautiful!
Waaah, my favorite couple is unexpectedly the official pairing, and my favorite individual character is Gong San. But I also like Xue Tong Zi, Hua Gong Zi, and Yue Zhang Lao!
There are too many plot issues that people have criticized, so I'll focus on something else. There are way too many repeated scenes. They show a scene three times, and every event needs to be accompanied by a flashback.
They don't know how to prioritize and highlight the important parts. They meticulously showcase every detail and subtle aspect, fearing that the audience won't understand, remember, or pay attention.
It's like they can't resist showing off...
And there's an excessive amount of storytelling through dialogue in the entire series. They claim to have intense battles, but it's all mouth-to-mouth explanations.
They constantly rely on dialogue to describe what they've done to one another. They act like they've executed a grand strategy, but it turns out to be at an elementary school level.
There are too many scenes where they just sit and talk. I came to watch the actors perform, not to listen to them talk...
Furthermore, I don't know what the director's preferences are, but many characters in the show speak with a suppressed voice or use breathy voices, and it's really uncomfortable to listen to.
Some characters already have unclear pronunciation, and the breathy voices make it even more incomprehensible...
This drama clearly showcases the personal style of the director.
The costumes, props, scenes, and camera angles all emphasize their aesthetic preferences. The script is the same; they enjoy these types of setups and endings.
After reading so many negative reviews, I didn't have high expectations to begin with. However, after watching it, I felt that it was better than I expected. The plot has its flaws, and some parts don't quite make sense logically.
However, the overall sense of suspense and plot twists throughout the series is well-maintained.
Furthermore, I have to say that Director Guo has an impeccable sense of aesthetics. The character designs, scene composition, and colorful visuals are quite appealing.
The atmosphere is well-crafted too. It's not bad at all, although the ending left me wanting more. It feels like there should be a second season, as the charm of an original script lies in not knowing what will happen next.
If there is a second season, I'm definitely looking forward to the continuation of the story.
It's all smoke and mirrors. The plot relies heavily on introducing new elements, deliberately keeping the audience in the dark. Especially the second male lead, who starts off with a high level of sophistication but later experiences frequent drops in intelligence, forcefully dumbed down to make way for the main male and female leads as well as the second female lead, all in service of advancing the plot.
And let's not forget the overly emotional (oe) ending, which just makes me want to give Guo Jingming a puzzled look. Apart from the fight scenes and costume design, there's not much worth mentioning.
Watched it to pass the time. The storyline was decent at the beginning, but it started to decline later on. The ending was okay, but it definitely set the pace for a potential sequel. The standout aspect of this drama is the makeup and styling, which is incredibly visually appealing.
The cast is filled with handsome guys and beautiful girls, making it a treat for the eyes. Some of the actors haven't made as deep an impression in their other works as they have in this one.
It truly stands out and is enjoyable to watch.
The visual composition is beautiful, and the use of slow-motion shots is done well. The makeup of the female lead and the second female lead looks simple yet beautiful.
Xiao Si's aesthetic sense is still likable. The chemistry between the male and female leads is enjoyable, but there are some inconsistencies in the plot's logic.
The ending feels forced to have a happy ending, and the deaths of Xue Gong Zi, Xiao Hei, and Han Ya Si are quite regrettable.
The overall plot is pretty good. It has a mix of power struggles and romance, and considering the limited number of episodes, it's impressive to have such rich content. The actors are all good-looking, confirming that a good drama needs good-looking actors.
Shang Guan Qian, Yuan Zhi, and the male lead all did well, but the female lead fell a bit short. She could use more experience and growth. I really enjoyed the conflicts in the palace—so satisfying for those who understand! Shang Guan Qian is also an admirable character.
There's nothing she can't do. Yuan Zhi is really cute. Initially, his expressions annoyed me, but as the series progressed, it became more and more hilarious.
This drama could be called "The Chronicles of a Silly Fool's Growth." The male lead, Gong Zi Yu, starts as a useless loser but gradually levels up and overcomes challenges with the help of benefactors, ultimately achieving success.
It's truly gratifying to see this little fool's journey.
Xiao Si has good aesthetics, but the TV dramas he directs follow the same pattern as his novels. Some plot twists feel forced, and the limitations of the TV medium hinder his creativity. Otherwise, all those characters would meet unfortunate ends. I like the pairing of Gong Zi Shang and Jin Fan; their chemistry is great.
Gong Er and Shang Guan Qian don't have as well-developed characterizations. I really enjoyed the scenes of the male and female leads in the snow palace, with the backdrop of clouds and mud, creating a captivating atmosphere. As for the ending, if it's not setting up for the second season, then it's just a disappointing conclusion.
I have to admit that Guo Jingming has a good sense of aesthetics, specifically in terms of casting actors and the art direction. The main cast is full of handsome men and beautiful women, and their makeup, hair, and styling all exude a sense of luxury.
However, it's a pity that the plot tries to be overly profound and convoluted. Despite having elements like murder cases, protagonist trials, and undercover agents that should create tension and excitement, it's all portrayed without any waves or emotional connection.
The pacing is poorly handled, lacking any sense of immersion.
I've finished watching all 24 episodes. Although each episode is around 60 minutes long, it could easily be compressed to the standard 45 minutes of a regular TV drama if watched at a faster speed.
I've seen a period drama segment directed by Si Zai in "Actors Please Take Your Place," and the style is similar, but in this TV drama, it feels a bit dragging and deliberate.
The chemistry between the male lead and female lead doesn't feel significant, but the supporting actors stand out, and the third male lead is also quite good. The story feels like a family-friendly version of "Who's the Undercover Agent" and "Werewolf," overall appearing a bit contrived and mysterious.
And to top it off, they had to add a suspenseful ending. It seems that Si forgot about "Qing Ya Ji" and "Jue Ji" as they are not mentioned, and his name as a director is missing in the director's column on Douban.
I wonder why.
I've watched eight episodes, and sometimes the plot holes are very obvious. For example, the guards at the back mountain were too easily dismissed. They just slipped away so effortlessly? However, I'm really hooked on Chang Heng and Xiao Lan Hua, which makes it hard for me to resist watching the interactions between Yun Wei Shan and Gong Zi Yu.
Even though I can't understand why Gong Zi Yu likes Yun Wei Shan so much, I still want to keep watching. Hahaha, I don't want to watch another day, the plot is too flat. These past few days, I've been revisiting "Empresses in the Palace," and I truly feel that each episode of "Empresses in the Palace" accomplishes so much, with numerous twists and turns and a full plot filled with intrigue.
It really highlights how verbose the plot of this drama is. Help, who went to watch it again? Who watched the latest episode? I won't watch it anymore. The more I watch, the more feudal it feels, and the more I realize that male directors just can't handle female-friendly dramas well.
Ah, ah, ah.
Surprise! I've watched up to episode 13! I'm starting to understand what they mean by "music video-style" TV dramas, with the plot coming in waves. Episode 13 hit me hard, so here I am again to complain. How can a drama be so visually unappealing and have such feudalistic thinking, praising oneself for liking someone as considerate and understanding!
I really enjoy the music and the lyrics. Overall, there may be flaws and imperfections, but it still touched me.
The life and death of Yun Que and Yue Gong Zi, unforgettable even without deliberate contemplation.
The chase between Jin Fan and Gong Zi Shang, finally realizing the importance of embracing their true feelings after almost losing each other.
Shang Guan Qian and Gong Shang Jue's sober downfall, yet ultimately like Zhuangzi's dream of a butterfly, a fleeting illusion upon awakening.
It is because of the unwavering trust between Gong Zi Yu and Yun Wei Shan that they emerge victorious in the enigmatic chess game.
For lovers, even if the ending remains uncertain, whether they eventually meet or part ways, it is fortunate to have each other for the rest of their lives, without anyone else.
In the ordinary moments where the sunrise becomes morning and the west becomes evening, how can the old chambers of the heart find new scenery?
Perhaps we can only hope for a reunion and a fulfilling conclusion.