Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• lazyhairspray

  Overall 6.5

  Story 6,  Acting 7.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 3.5

  Simplified to the point of triviality, this concise review spares the agony of dwelling on a tedious saga of vengeance that overstayed its welcome. Derived from a profound and intricate source material, the series in question has unfortunately been watered down in an attempt to cater to a wider audience. Mirroring a lighter version of a familiar narrative, the visual tone fails to capture the dark essence of betrayal from the onset. The initial action-packed sequence introduces a bold pirate character, Ren Anle, proposing to...

  crown prince Han Ye with an unconventional bride price. Despite the charismatic performances, the chemistry between the leads feels manufactured, lacking the authenticity needed to convey the weight of their respective tragedies. While secondary characters manage to evoke a sense of depth and emotional turmoil, the portrayal of the titular character falls short in showcasing her complexity. The standout performances come from Wen Zhou and Lin Lang, offering a glimpse of genuine depth amidst a sea of uninspired delivery. The series struggles to maintain momentum, relying heavily on repetitive dialogue and forced dramatic turns that ultimately fall flat. Where it falters in execution, it attempts to compensate with contrived plot twists and melodramatic devices that miss the mark. For those with a strong allegiance to the main actors, this may hold some appeal. Overall rating: 2/5.

• JollyYang76

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 9

  In this compelling drama, a deep-seated feud between two prominent families, the Han and Di, serves as the backdrop for a riveting tale of guilt and deception. As the truth slowly unravels, hidden motives from unexpected sources come to light, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
  
  While the initial episodes may unfold at a leisurely pace, the undeniable chemistry between the female lead and male lead infuses the screen with palpable energy. Some viewers may find certain scenes tangential to the main storyline, but personally,...

  I didn't mind skipping through those moments to stay focused on the core plot.
  
  The evolution of romance, revenge, and long-held secrets may take some time to fully develop, particularly in the opening episodes. However, patience is rewarded as the story picks up momentum and becomes increasingly engrossing with each passing installment.
  
  I highly recommend giving this series a chance, despite differing opinions from others. To truly appreciate the intricacies of the narrative, it's essential to embrace the journey and allow the drama to unfold at its own deliberate pace. Give it a try – you may just find yourself captivated by its charm and complexity.

• shininglalaland

  Overall 10

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 9

  **Spoiler Alert: The following review discusses key elements of a captivating drama series.**
  
  As a long-time enthusiast of Chinese dramas, particularly those delving into court politics and martial arts, my perspective may offer a unique insight into this drama. Having read the original novel, my assessment of the adaptation is biased towards the screen rendition. Here are some details about me that might help contextualize this review: I have a professional background in counseling, which makes me particularly attuned to emotional nuances in storytelling. When it...

  comes to dramas, I have a low tolerance for contrived relationships, unintelligent characters labeled as smart, and plot devices that rely on characters making inexplicably foolish decisions for the sake of advancing the story.
  
  **STORY:** The narrative arc of this series strikes a balance between gradual development and intriguing twists. While the initial episodes exude a rom-com vibe, the storyline takes a somber turn towards the latter half, transforming into a poignant tragedy. The plot's success hinges largely on the performers' skillful portrayal, as they manage to salvage potentially problematic story segments. The characters' depth keeps viewers engaged even during slower plot points, earning high marks from someone with discerning tastes like myself.
  
  **ACTING:** The standout performances in this drama serve as its anchor. Gong Jun's portrayal of Han Ye is nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a multi-layered characterization that deftly navigates conflicting emotions with subtlety. Reba's acting prowess shines through in her dual role, delivering a realistic and imposing depiction. While Liu Yuning's expressions may lean towards exaggeration, his portrayal effectively conveys his character's emotional state. The supporting cast, particularly the seasoned actors, deliver commendable performances that enhance the overall viewing experience.
  
  **MAIN CHARACTERS:** The central characters embody complexity and undergo compelling development throughout the narrative. Anle/Di Ziyuan emerges as a spirited, intelligent, and assertive character who defies societal norms. Han Ye, on the other hand, exudes a reserved demeanor that belies his astute and manipulative nature, making for a character with hidden depths. Luo Mingxi adds a layer of cunning and loyalty, complete with darker undertones that enrich the ensemble.
  
  **RELATIONSHIPS:** The relationships depicted in the series stand out for their maturity and believability, particularly the intricate dynamic between Anle/Di Ziyuan and Han Ye. Their mutual respect, admiration, and underlying care for each other create a compelling and authentic bond. Similarly, the relationships between Di Ziyuan and Luo Mingxi, as well as within the Han family, evoke genuine affection and solidarity. The nuanced dynamics, such as Han Ye's endearing rapport with Wen Shuo, add depth to the character interactions.
  
  **PRODUCTION:** While the CGI quality fluctuates at times, the overall visual presentation remains adequate for an upper-tier drama series. Some editing choices may appear abrupt or disjointed, potentially distracting keen-eyed viewers. Additionally, certain scenes featuring secondary characters seem to serve promotional purposes for emerging talents, a trend that occasionally detracts from the narrative coherence.
  
  In conclusion, this drama series captivates with its intricate storytelling, stellar performances, and well-crafted character relationships. Despite occasional technical hiccups, the engaging plot and the actors' compelling portrayals make it a noteworthy addition to the genre, earning my commendation as a seasoned viewer of Chinese dramas.

• BrightKim90

  Overall 7.5

  Story 6,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 4

  Your enthusiasm for the series was palpable, evident from the meticulous attention you paid to the show's every detail. The female lead, Ren Anle, swiftly captured your heart with her wit, charm, and strength, becoming one of your all-time favorite characters. Alongside her, Han Ye's gentle yet endearing portrayal added a layer of complexity to their relationship, setting the tone for heartfelt moments to come. Noteworthy was the series' portrayal of strong female characters beyond the main lead, a refreshing departure from the usual dynamics...

  seen in similar dramas.
  
  The initial episodes shone brightly, showcasing captivating investigations that drew you deeper into the narrative. As the story progressed, however, a shift in focus towards secondary characters seemed to hinder the momentum, leaving you craving more screen time for the central duo. While some characters failed to resonate with you, others, like Wen Shuo, brought a sense of warmth and depth to the storyline.
  
  The series navigated moments of revelation and warfare in its final episodes, ultimately delivering a satisfying conclusion. Despite some missed opportunities in character development and storytelling, the show managed to redeem itself towards the end.
  
  Technical aspects such as the OST and visuals met the mark, with occasional instances of exaggerated visuals balancing out with strong CGI elements. While the series may not have fully realized its potential, it still offers moments of intrigue and compelling storytelling for those willing to delve into its world.

• sleepymeerkat

  Overall 8.5

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

  "The Chronicles of Anle" is an enthralling tale that follows the fearless Ren Anle as she fights for justice against a tyrannical Emperor who unjustly destroyed her family's life. The series also delves into Ren Anle's intricate love story with the Crown Prince of Great Jing, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Adapted from a renowned novel, the show features Dilraba Dilmurat in the lead role, delivering a performance that is both authentic and enchanting.
  
  Dilraba's portrayal of Ren Anle's evolution from a spirited rebel...

  to a resolute figure is commendable, while Gong Jun shines as the noble Crown Prince, showcasing a compelling chemistry with Dilraba throughout the series. The entire ensemble cast is carefully chosen, and the meticulous attention to detail in costumes and props reflects the production team's dedication to authenticity. The melodious and emotive soundtrack further enhances the show's overall charm, making it a captivating watch for viewers.
  
  Despite its strengths, the series does have some shortcomings, including occasional plot holes and instances of simplistic reasoning that may diminish the viewing experience. Moreover, the repetitive nature of certain storylines, spanning multiple episodes, could potentially tire out audiences. However, the consistent character development and engaging narrative keep viewers invested in the story, despite some deviations from the source material.
  
  While the series predominantly focuses on themes of intrigue, vengeance, and warfare, the final episodes pivot gracefully towards the central couple's romantic journey, offering a satisfying conclusion. "The Chronicles of Anle" may not be flawless, but it remains a compelling and worthwhile viewing choice. Fans of romance, Dilraba, or Gong Jun should definitely consider giving this series a watch for its captivating storytelling and memorable performances.