Playing Ep 103

What people are saying

• wisekwon29

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7,  Acting 8.5,  Music 6.5,  Rewatch Value 7

  Once upon a time, there was a TV series that had the potential to be truly epic. It started off with a bang, gripping the audience's attention from the very beginning. The setting was a corrupt and immoral kingdom, where the nobility indulged in wicked, depraved acts such as hunting slaves for sport. Among these slaves was our fearless protagonist, Xing'er/Chu Qiao, who was no ordinary slave. She possessed extraordinary skills as an assassin, gladiator, warrior, and survivor.
  
  Her remarkable courage and fighting spirit caught the...

  eye of many suitors, including her owner and spymaster, Yuwen Yue, the hostage prince Yan Xun, Prince Yuan Song, and Prince Xiao Ce. It seemed that these powerful men from rival kingdoms were irresistibly drawn to dangerous and powerful women. Recognizing Xing'er's indomitable spirit and lethal abilities, Yuwen Yue decided to train her as a spy and assassin.
  
  The first half of this drama was truly captivating. Despite some issues with continuity in the editing, the plot was intriguing, the characters were complex, and the pace was exhilarating. The fight scenes were powerful and kept the viewers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between the actors playing Xing'er and Yuwen Yue was off the charts, especially during their intense one-on-one fights. Their relationship was filled with a push and pull attraction, resulting in a passionate buildup of emotions.
  
  The lead actress, whom I had previously underestimated, proved her acting skills and commanding presence in this role. Her fight scenes were phenomenal, and she fully embraced the fearless heroine with a big heart and bold dreams. The male lead effortlessly portrayed a complex and interesting character, showcasing an iceberg exterior that concealed a dormant volcano. The talented supporting cast added depth and humor to the story.
  
  However, after reaching its peak with a heartbreaking massacre that created irreversible divisions, the plot began to wander. The focus shifted to secondary characters who became consumed by hate and revenge. While some of these characters were well-acted, their arcs felt meandering and melodramatic. The once powerful and independent Xing'er seemed to lose her spark, making questionable choices and excusing the misdeeds of one particular character.
  
  This is where the drama started to lose its shine. The actor playing this character, although well-written, failed to deliver a convincing performance. His lack of depth and sex appeal made his scenes lackluster, particularly when compared to the intensity of the chemistry between Xing'er and Yuwen Yue. The drama also suffered from an unresolved ending, leaving many subplots unfinished.
  
  In the end, this drama fell short of its potential. While the first half was thrilling and engaging, the second half became tedious and incoherent. The strong chemistry between the lead characters was the saving grace, but it couldn't compensate for the overall flaws. As a result, the series receives a mixed rating, with the first half deserving a higher score than the second half. It's a reminder to approach this drama with adjusted expectations.

• SlowMoonlight48

  Overall 1

  Story 1,  Acting 3,  Music 1,  Rewatch Value 1

  In my opinion, "Princes Agents" falls short as a drama. The story is chaotic and lacks proper world-building, despite its extensive number of episodes. The main characters are also disappointing, with the protagonist feeling almost nonexistent and the main heroine lacking depth. However, the drama is salvaged by the supporting characters, particularly those played by Li Qin and Shown Dou. Their colorful and passionate personalities, along with their tragic history, were the only aspects that captured my interest. It's worth considering that the drama's script...

  was based on a novel that faced plagiarism accusations, which could explain the lack of coherent plot and character development. This revelation during a court trial made me realize why I constantly had a sense of déjà vu while watching this drama.

• wildli

  Overall 8

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  So there's this awesome drama that really highlights the strength and power of a female lead. She's always getting out of trouble and dangerous situations all on her own. The actress, Zhao Liying, absolutely killed it in this role. She doesn't care about the guys around her at all. Her family is all that matters to her and it's evident from the beginning.
  
  I have to admit, though, that I think Lin Gengxin's character could have been used more. He had so much potential, but...

  the script didn't fully explore it. On the other hand, Shawn Dou as Yun Xun was a total treat to watch! He went from being all charming and happy to broken and damaged after a tragedy. The transition was believable and he did an amazing job.
  
  Now, I have to say, Yan Xun is kind of stupid despite being intelligent. He really should have focused his revenge on the Wei Emperor rather than killing innocent people. His war affected the people more than it did the Emperor. Killing the Emperor and his whole family would have been enough, in my opinion. Overall, his revenge plot was just dumb and unnecessary.
  
  Despite all the positive reviews, as someone who can be picky, I felt like a lot of the plot points weren't fully explored. The premise was great, but the writer didn't expand it as much as they could have. Luckily, the fantastic performances by the cast made up for some of the shortcomings. However, there were still moments that felt rushed or unexplained. For example, the Kung Fu abilities of one character were never really explored, and there were others who seemed to cause trouble without much purpose. Additionally, the spies from one faction didn't achieve much, despite being the masterminds behind the conflict between two other factions.
  
  But even with those flaws, I have to give this drama credit for being entertaining. And the ending was absolutely heart-wrenching! The last episode gave us a deeper understanding of the main character's inner thoughts and feelings towards the two guys vying for her love. It was clear that her priority was always her family and the people she cared about. The dying scene of one character was incredibly well-acted and gut-wrenching. Seriously, I lost count of how many times I rewatched it. It's hands down the best dying scene in my book.
  
  What I found really interesting is that one character's love for the main character was completely selfless. He knew she didn't feel the same way, but he was willing to do anything to make sure she was safe and happy. It's sad, though, because he only found out that she actually loved him at the very end. Talk about a heartbreaking realization.
  
  In the end, this drama had its flaws, but it was still highly entertaining. The strong female lead, amazing performances, and emotional ending made it worth the watch.

• sillyjumanji50

  Overall 8

  Story 7,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 5

  Hey folks, I just have to gush about this drama that has become my absolute favorite! It's called Princess Agents, and I've been dying to write this review. But let me tell you, I didn't want to spoil anything before it finished airing. Patience is a virtue, my friends.
  
  First things first, the story of Princess Agents had me hooked from beginning to end. But what truly made it special were the incredible cast and characters. Let me introduce you to Chu Qiao, the epitome of...

  a badass. She was fierce, intelligent, and a total warrior. And let me tell you, Zhao Zanilia brought her to life in the most natural and captivating way. I couldn't get enough of Chu Qiao's fighting scenes. They gave me such an adrenaline rush!
  
  Now, let me talk about the male leads. Normally, I can't stand those robotic and emotionless guys in Chinese dramas. But YuWen Yue, well, he was different. Yes, he started off as cold and distant, but his genuine devotion to our leading lady won me over. Lin Geng Xin's portrayal of him was outstanding, effortlessly showcasing the complex emotions of YuWen Yue. And let's not forget the electrifying chemistry between Chu Qiao and YuWen Yue. They set the screen on fire!
  
  But here's the twist: I also had a soft spot for Yan Xun. Dou Shawn's performance was unforgettable. Yan Xun went from a kind-hearted prince to a vengeful duke, and it broke my heart. He was a complex character molded by his painful experiences, and Yan Xun just won over all of our hearts with his sharp eyes and rugged charm.
  
  Now, I usually can't stand love triangles, but this one had me torn. Both Yan Xun and YuWen Yue were fully committed to their love for Chu Qiao. Every time my heart leaned towards one, there would be a scene with the other that melted me. Chu Qiao had history with both of them, and by the end, I was praying for Yan Xun to mess up so she could be with YuWen Yue. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, I tell you!
  
  There's one more actor I have to praise: Li Qin. She played the super annoying princess Chun'er, who was always making a mess of things. Li Qin's portrayal was so convincing that, despite my frustration, I couldn't help but sympathize with her character. She truly has a talent for bringing scenes to life.
  
  Let me just say, this drama had it all. Stunning visuals, a hauntingly good soundtrack, and a gripping plotline that had me waking up early just to catch each new episode. Honestly, I became so impatient that I even watched some episodes without subs. Yeah, I was totally obsessed.
  
  Now, I know what you're thinking. If I loved it so much, why didn't I give it a solid 10? Well, here's the disappointing part: the ending. It had the worst cliffhanger in the history of Asian dramas, and nothing was resolved. It felt like they dangled something in front of us for episodes, only to snatch it away at the last moment. I mean, come on! If they had confirmed a second season with the same cast, maybe I could have accepted it. But no, they left us hanging, and it's uncertain if the original cast will return. That's just a huge injustice to the drama, the actors, and the viewers.
  
  The last few episodes felt like they were just filler trash, and everything was crammed into the finale. It left a sour taste in my mouth, and I felt betrayed. All those hours invested suddenly felt wasted. But you know what? Despite the disappointing ending, I still treasure the journey I took with these amazing characters. It was an experience in itself, and I refuse to discredit the entire show just because of the ending.
  
  So, if you're thinking of watching Princess Agents, don't fear the outcome. Instead, enjoy the process and the incredible characters that will captivate you from the start. Good luck and happy watching!

• youngdeng

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  I had such a rollercoaster ride with this show! Let me tell you, there were some moments that had me jumping for joy, but there were also a few bumps in the road. The plot, oh my gosh, it was like a well-built house - strong and solid. And let me just say, the first half of the show was absolutely fantastic! We were treated to some juicy plot points like betrayal, murder, and weddings, and boy, did they deliver! Of course, in between these...

  jaw-dropping moments, we had some downtime to really get to know the characters and build up the anticipation for what was to come. But hey, I won't lie, some parts did feel a tad slow. It's like the show had all these incredible subplots and characters, but maybe it spread itself a little thin towards the end. Don't get me wrong, it was never poorly paced, it just felt like not much progress was made in each episode.
  
  Now, let me talk about Chu Qiao, the female protagonist. Oh my goodness, she is seriously the bomb.com. I mean, this gal is smart, loyal, determined, and a total badass! From being a slave just trying to survive to becoming a skilled fighter seeking revenge on her enemies, her character growth was absolutely mind-blowing. And the best part? She had her own goals and stayed true to herself throughout the entire show. Sure, the guys would sometimes come to the rescue, but by that time, she had already taken care of business like a boss. Talk about girl power! Watching her evolve and overcome challenges was such a delight.
  
  Now, here comes the interesting part. I might be in the minority here, but I actually preferred Yan Xun over Yuwen Yue. I mean, Yuwen Yue was alright, but he just didn't quite light a fire within me. His Heavenly Spies and whatever he was up to didn't really pique my interest. On the other hand, Yan Xun went through some serious character development, and I couldn't help but be captivated by his story. The bond between him and Chu Qiao was undeniable, and their relationship had so much depth and complexity. The way their experiences brought them closer together and how they transformed along with their relationship was truly fascinating to witness.
  
  I'll admit, I'm probably in the minority again, but that cliffhanger ending had me on the edge of my seat! I totally get how it might have frustrated viewers who were watching the show in real-time, but personally, I found it exhilarating. However, I must acknowledge that the show did have its fair share of pacing issues, especially towards the end. It felt like we were wading through unnecessary subplots and unresolved conflicts, which made it a bit of a slog to reach the climactic moments I was dying to see. Plus, there were a few important plot points that seemed to have been almost forgotten until they were hastily squeezed in at the last minute.
  
  Oh, and let me just mention the last episodes. Woah, talk about a green screen extravaganza! Now, I'm not one to judge a show based solely on technical aspects, but boy, oh boy, was it distracting. All those green screen moments took away from the seriousness and importance of the scenes. I'm sure there must have been a valid reason behind it, like reshoots or something, but it was definitely a bit jarring.
  
  In a nutshell, this show had a rock-solid plot, a kick-ass female protagonist, and some great characters. However, it did hit a few roadblocks towards the end that made the journey somewhat of a struggle. But hey, if you're willing to overlook the bumps in the road, there's still so much to enjoy here!