Playing Ep 16

What people are saying

• energeticangelina33

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 9

  Warning: This review contains plot details.
  Underrated and unexpected, this drama swept in like a breath of fresh air. Right from the beginning, viewers were captivated by the dynamic bromance showcased in the trailer and promos. What started as a lighthearted and amusing series soon escalated into a whirlwind of fast-paced action and vibrant camaraderie. Wasting no time on dull moments or lengthy conversations, the plot swiftly transformed from initial animosity to an unbreakable bond between the two leads.
  
  The male protagonist, known for his eccentric...

  and carefree nature, seemed invincible as he effortlessly outsmarted others. Yet, his invincibility wavered when he stumbled upon a shocking realization about the true identity of his closest friend, a revelation that tugged at his troubled past. The plot thickened with a historical backdrop, interweaving true events from China's rich history. Although slightly convoluted, this historical aspect added depth and complexity to the narrative.
  
  Throughout the series, the bromance continued to blossom, solidifying with each deceitful act the male lead executed to protect his comrade. His lies flowed so naturally, it was a marvel to witness. The drama also incorporated a romance subplot, intriguingly navigating the hurdles of censorship with a surprising level of inclusivity. The female lead, refreshingly strong-willed and far from the typical damsel in distress, balanced the storyline alongside the brothers' bond.
  
  While romance took a backseat, with the female lead's limited screen time, it only enhanced the focus on the central relationship between the male leads. Each episode left viewers wanting more, building tension until the bloody final acts. It appeared the drama was heading towards an undesirable conclusion, but alas, a twist of fate granted a sigh of relief. The brothers emerged victorious and reunited, emerging from the chaos intact.
  
  If bromance or male friendship dramas hold a special place in your heart, this hidden gem will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. Its ability to seamlessly blend action, humor, and heartwarming bonds will keep you hooked from start to finish.

• livelyli73

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  A Tale of Deception and Friendship
  
  This drama had me on the edge of my seat, trying to unravel the intricate web of truths and lies woven by its characters. Just when I thought I had a character figured out, they would reveal their true colors and leave me stunned. The ambiguity of the storyline seemed to be intentional, urging viewers to question everything they see and reminding us that appearances can be deceiving.
  
  Amidst all the plot twists and turns, one thing remained constant: the unwavering...

  bond between Li Wu (played by Leon Zhang) and Lu Zheng (played by Chen Ruoxuan). Their bromance was a delightful blend of humor, deceit, loyalty, and sacrifices.
  
  Set in the Ming Dynasty, during Emperor Jianwen's reign, the story revolves around his desperate attempts to retain power while his uncle, Zhu Di (Prince of Yan), conspires to overthrow him. Everything eventually ties back to a mysterious artifact called the Fisheye Lock, which holds the key to a top-secret revelation. Countless lives have been lost in the pursuit of protecting or obtaining this secret.
  
  By a stroke of fate, Lu Zheng and Li Wu cross paths once again, years after their initial encounter as children. Lu Zheng is now a Jingyinwei, while Li Wu thrives as a street scoundrel with a knack for pickpocketing and skilled deception. Li Wu assumes the identity of another Jingyiwei named Li Dongfang, blurring the line between truth and falsehood. As they both navigate the Jingyiwei organization, their genuine friendship emerges, punctuated by numerous acts of mutual salvation. But despite their camaraderie, distrust lingers, forcing Li Wu to deceive in the name of protecting Lu Zheng.
  
  Romantic entanglements exist for both protagonists, with Li Mu in Shu Tang (played by Sun Yi) captivating Li Wu's heart, while Lu Zheng finds himself drawn to Zhang Junqing (played by Ma Yujie). However, romance is not the primary focus here. The plot unfolds rapidly, with the main characters constantly defying death, even after sustaining mortal wounds. In the blink of an eye, they miraculously rise again. Suspension of disbelief is essential, as one might find themselves rolling their eyes if they delve too deeply into the details. While the whole cast delivers exceptional performances, Leon Zhang's expressions occasionally left me perplexed.
  
  In conclusion, this drama is a delightful blend of humor, wuxia action, and intrigue. It balances intensity, suspense, and moments of darkness. The underlying historical backdrop adds another layer of fascination to the narrative. However, the storytelling can be confusing and chaotic at times, requiring viewers to read between the lines. It is a satisfying watch for patient viewers willing to immerse themselves in its complexities. Skipping ahead might only heighten the confusion.

• FreshJupiter93

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 6.5

  Dark and murky, Pledge of Allegiance is a historical suspense thriller set in a chaotic battle for the throne during the Ming Dynasty. The story follows a group of brocade-clad guards known as Jinyiwei who have ambiguous loyalties and navigate a time of conspiracy and shifting alliances. Li Wu, a skilled thief, assumes the identity of a sergeant and becomes entangled in a race to secure a secret that could alter history. Alongside an assassin named Shu Tang and a young detective named Lu Zheng,...

  they uncover a decade-old mystery while facing treacherous challenges. The complex characters and their conflicting agendas are portrayed convincingly by the talented cast, particularly Zhang Yunlong as a thief with a conscience and Chen Ruoxuan as a naive yet intelligent detective. The chemistry between the two actors is evident, showcased through subtle unspoken gestures. While the series is light on action, the well-choreographed sequences still pack a punch with unexpected twists and bloodshed. However, the plot design can be convoluted and messy, at times sacrificing coherence for the sake of additional twists. These twists detract from the main storyline, and the final episodes feel rushed and leave some sub-plots unexplored. Despite these flaws, Pledge of Allegiance is a high-quality production with compelling performances that will satisfy fans of historical suspense thrillers.

• shygrease

  Overall 10

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 9.5

  Have you ever come across a TV series that leaves you wondering if you missed something crucial, yet you can't seem to stop watching? Pledge of Allegiance is one such series that manages to captivate its audience despite its perplexing plot. While the connection between the characters may be puzzling and the storyline may lack clarity, the exceptional performances by Li Wu and Lu Zheng make it truly enjoyable.
  
  The chemistry between the two leads is undeniably strong, creating a bromance that oozes sweetness. Their portrayal...

  of their respective characters is commendable and adds an extra layer of pleasure to the viewing experience. Even though the plot continuously circles back on itself, it somehow manages to keep viewers hooked. I, for one, couldn't tear myself away.

• bitterjamie11

  Overall 8

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  The core essence of this series lies in the art of miscommunication. Layered with deceit and manipulation, the story revolves around the tumultuous relationship between two male protagonists. One is a cunning thief, while the other is an enforcer of justice, known as Jinyiwei. Though the supporting characters may seem expendable, they play integral roles by either facing torment or meeting their demise, which in turn propels the narrative forward.
  
  Discerning between good and evil becomes a daunting task, as both sides are capable of employing...

  sinister tactics. The outcome, oftentimes, is uncertain; victory or defeat hangs in the balance.
  
  The performances of the leading actors shine brightly, captivating the viewer's attention from start to finish. Each episode holds its own, ensuring that boredom does not infiltrate your experience. Embrace this series with open arms, without any preconceived expectations, and allow its magic to unfold before you.