At first glance, it seemed to be a high-profile production with top-notch actors, and there was great anticipation surrounding its release. However, "An Le Chuan," starring Dilraba and Gong Jun, turned out to be a disappointment with poor visual effects and an absurd storyline. If we talk about originality, it cannot be overlooked that "Tian Geng Ji" set a benchmark in that regard. Unfortunately, the adaptation of the plot fell apart, leading to conflicts between the original screenwriter and the production team. The lead actress experienced all the hardships caused by her own family members, making the storyline quite infuriating.

Similarly, the recently concluded drama "Ning An Ru Meng" left viewers speechless. Firstly, Bai Lu, who is not known for her exceptional looks in the entertainment industry, portrayed a stunning character. Secondly, the cinematography could only be described as "malicious." On the other hand, "A Journey to Love" broke records, surpassing the popularity of "Kuang Biao" within just two days of its release on iQiyi.

In this article, we will explore several aspects. First, we will discuss the suitability of actors and their roles. Despite being 36 years old and a married mother, Liu Shi Shi clearly demonstrates that age is not a constraint for female actors. Her flawless face and versatile appearances, ranging from elegant to domineering, captivate the audience. Additionally, her dance and fight scenes in this drama have undoubtedly won the hearts of many viewers.

Moving on to the male lead, Ning Yuan Zhou, portrayed by Liu Yu Ning, his character's resilience and cleverness make him both pitiable and impressive. As for the supporting roles, although Chen Du Ling has limited screen time, her stunning makeup leaves a lasting impression. In this drama, she portrays a graceful and noble royal sister-in-law, exuding an air of mystery and complexity.

Overall, the appearances of the main and supporting actors are well-suited to their roles, with the exception of Chen Xiao Yun, who fails to deliver a convincing performance despite her previous successes in "Qian Nu You Hun," "Qing Yun Zhi," and "Lu Zhen Chuan Qi." Regarding the plot, many viewers have expressed relief, stating it is a refreshing departure from previous period dramas.

Perhaps due to the lingering impact of previous disappointments in the genre, viewers appreciate the unpredictability of this drama. It constantly keeps the audience guessing, deviating from conventional patterns. Instead of following the typical route where the male lead succumbs to the pressure of brotherhood and eventually agrees to the demands, this drama surprises by having the male lead act decisively and swiftly.

When the female lead attempts to use a love potion on the male lead, viewers anticipate a romantic spark between them. However, the male lead instantly foils her plan, using a knife and a glass of strong liquor, negating the effects of the potion. Bravo! "A Journey to Love" seems to enjoy toying with these unconventional twists, and I must admit, it struck a chord with my heart.

On the downside, the pacing is too sluggish, and six episodes fail to deliver substantial progress. With a total of 40 episodes, each lasting 50 minutes, much of the time is wasted on meaningless slow-motion shots. While the director's intention may have been to create aesthetic and dynamic moments, it sometimes feels like unnecessary padding. It is hoped that future directors can strike a better balance between slow and fast pacing, as it can be quite taxing on the viewers' patience.

2. Liu Yu Ning's acting skills and appearance: As a singer, Liu Yu Ning is indeed outstanding, and he has a great singing voice. However, when it comes to acting, it's not necessarily his strong suit. In the drama, Liu Yu Ning portrays a character who holds an official position, but he gives off the impression of not being very wealthy or sophisticated. His attire resembles that of Bai Zhan Tang, and his walking style resembles that of a guard from the Eastern Factory.

In conclusion, this drama has its flaws, but they don't overshadow its merits. If the plot could pick up pace in the later episodes, it could be considered one of the rare outstanding works of this year.