Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• ancienthairspray46

  Overall 8

  Story 7,  Acting 8.5,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 8

  In this melodramatic tale, we are introduced to a formidable assassin, Shen Lige, and the reformist Prince Pengcheng of the short-lived Liu Song dynasty. While historical records may portray Prince Pengcheng as a dull administrative figure, this romanticized account sees him embarking on a journey of love and justice alongside the lethal and captivating Lige.
  
  Played by Li Qin, Shen Lige emerges as a powerful and mesmerizing character, dominating the screen with her nuanced portrayal. Initially unsure about the chemistry between Lige and Pengcheng, portrayed by...

  Qin Hao, their partnership gradually evolves into a compelling alliance grounded in mutual understanding and intelligence.
  
  The ensemble cast shines, from the comically expressive Prince Jingling to the endearing Shen family and Lige's loyal comrades. Each character is meticulously crafted, fostering engaging dynamics and captivating the audience's hearts. However, as the story unfolds, we are reminded that no good deed goes unpunished, leading to treachery and sacrifices that test the characters' resilience.
  
  The villains in this tale are portrayed with theatrical flair, with Lu Yuan delivering a menacing performance and Consort Sun adding a touch of dramatic flair. Yet, the narrative falters in its development of certain antagonists, succumbing to repetitive tropes and shallow motives.
  
  Despite the emotional rollercoaster and predictable plot points reminiscent of its predecessor, the series manages to maintain a level of entertainment through thrilling sequences and stellar acting. However, as the drama progresses, the relentless twists and character deaths begin to weigh it down, culminating in a mixed bag of an ending that barely salvages the overall narrative.
  
  While the storyline may have its flaws and moments of incredulity, the performances and character dynamics offer a redeeming quality. Fans of intricate dramas with a blend of romance and intrigue may find solace in this series, albeit with a cautionary note on its tumultuous narrative arc.

• energetichuang78

  Overall 9

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

  Intriguing Performances | Unexpected Finale
  
  The narrative follows the life of Liu Yikang, a prominent historical figure in a turbulent era of Chinese history. The stark divide between the rich and the poor, coupled with the prevalence of treacherous acts within the aristocracy sets the stage for a gripping tale. Liu Yikang's destiny is intertwined with his wife, Shen Li Ge, a fictional character whose actions add complexity to the plot.
  
  Portrayed by Qin Hao and Li Qin, the chemistry between the leads is palpable despite the...

  significant age gap. Their restrained yet compelling performances draw viewers into a world of deceit and peril. The series weaves a web of suspense, with near misses and unexpected twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
  
  As the plot unfolds, the characters confront a mysterious adversary orchestrating chaos behind the scenes. Despite facing numerous challenges and betrayals, Shen Li Ge and Liu Yikang stand united, showcasing unwavering determination in the face of danger.
  
  While the drama leans into familiar tropes like sibling rivalries and memory loss, it also introduces bold stylistic choices in set design, featuring opulent palaces with a unique blend of European influences. The visual spectacle enhances the storytelling, creating a lush backdrop for the characters' intricate intrigues.
  
  As the story reaches its climax, the true motives of the mastermind are revealed, paving the way for a dramatic finale. While some loose ends may leave viewers questioning certain outcomes, the emotional depth of the main characters and the nuanced performances of the cast shine through.
  
  Ultimately, the series offers a satisfying yet open-ended conclusion that invites interpretation. Whether you enjoy the thrill of outwitting villains or empathizing with complex characters, this drama delivers a compelling narrative enriched by standout acting.
  
  Upon reflection, the ending unveils a brilliance that elevates the overall viewing experience, making it a recommendation worth considering for its captivating portrayal of love and betrayal.

• ancientkwon

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 5.5

  Buckle up for an enthralling journey through this captivating drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat for most of its runtime. The narrative follows Shen Li Ge, a fierce assassin who crosses paths with Peng Chang Wang, a city figure with a rather ambiguous position of power. As Shen's mission intertwines with her destiny, she finds herself assuming a new identity to honor a fallen comrade's wish, ultimately leading to unexpected familial bonds.
  
  The palpable tension between Shen and her nemesis, Lu Yuan,...

  reaches new heights as they engage in intense battles of wit and will. Meanwhile, the evolving dynamics between Shen and the enigmatic Peng Chang Wang add layers of complexity to the storyline. Their growing alliance, unbeknownst of each other's true identities, sets the stage for a compelling narrative of trust and allegiance.
  
  Amidst the adrenaline-pumping fight sequences and political upheaval, the series delves into themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of power. The performances, particularly by the actor portraying Lu Yuan, leave a lasting impact with his convincingly villainous portrayal. However, the same cannot be said for the portrayal of the malevolent sister, whose character fails to resonate with the audience.
  
  One of the series' strongest suits lies in its ability to evoke raw emotions, delivering heart-wrenching moments that tug at the viewer's heartstrings. These poignant scenes, coupled with the overarching mystery surrounding Shen's origin as an assassin, add depth to the narrative.
  
  Yet, as the story hurtles towards its conclusion, the revelation of the mastermind behind Shen's dark past falls short of expectations. The hurried pacing of the final episodes and the lackluster motive behind the antagonist's actions leave a bittersweet aftertaste in an otherwise riveting storyline. The resolution, while somewhat unexpected, may leave viewers craving a more fulfilling culmination.
  
  Overall, this drama offers a thrilling ride filled with twists, action-packed sequences, and moments of genuine emotion. While it stumbles in its final act, the journey of Shen Li Ge and Peng Chang Wang is a tale of resilience, friendship, and the enduring fight for justice in a tumultuous world.

• happyan

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  Warning: Contains spoilers
  
  An emotional journey that transcends individual elements, this drama captivates viewers with its blend of history and fiction, centered around a real-life historical figure (Liu Yi Kang) embellished by the scriptwriters to weave a tale of love, betrayal, court intrigue, and political rivalries.
  
  The stellar performances of the cast bring depth and authenticity to the characters, making it easy for audiences to both love the heroes and loathe the villains with equal fervor. The careful selection of actors further enhances the believability of the...

  narrative, thanks to the meticulous work of the production team.
  
  Accompanying the intense storytelling is a poignant soundtrack, notably the closing credits' song "Hiding My Heart" by Bibi Zhou, which beautifully encapsulates the main love theme. The background music sets the tone for the drama, transitioning seamlessly between dramatic moments and tender interludes.
  
  This series encompasses themes of strength, courage, intelligence, and betrayal, underscored by intricate martial arts choreography. At its core lies a love story rooted in mutual understanding and respect, culminating in sacrifices made for the greater good.
  
  Not to be mistaken for a light-hearted romp, this drama offers a riveting narrative featuring strong female leads, intelligent male protagonists, and cunning adversaries. Action sequences are expertly executed, while CGI effects enhance rather than detract from the story. Dialogue, though at times monotonous, serves to unravel complex plots and political intrigue.
  
  While the series starts with a bang, delivering action-packed episodes that set a thrilling pace, it gradually transitions into a more dialogue-driven exploration of court politics. Tensions escalate as the narrative builds towards a full-scale war, leading to a cataclysmic finale that leaves a haunting and bittersweet impression on viewers.

• bluntspaceballs

  Overall 7

  Story 7,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 3

  Expectations can truly set the bar for disappointment. The storyline revolves around a Prince aiming to bring reform to a resistant government, facing opposition from ministers reluctant to embrace change. In a bid to gain military support, he aligns with the powerful Shen family, aided by an imperial edict mandating his marriage to the Shen family's daughter. Enter the female lead, an orphan trained as an assassin targeting corrupt officials. The drama kicks off with a failed assassination attempt at a royal event, where logic...

  seems to take a backseat as the lead assassin misses a golden opportunity. The ensuing fight scenes are a visual treat, but the plot quickly unravels with illogical sequences and inconsistencies. The lackluster script fails to support the talented cast, leading to redundant plotlines and clichés that undermine the political intrigue promised. Despite strong performances, the series falters under the weight of poor writing and distracting stylistic choices, such as modern palace designs in a historical setting and repetitive musical accompaniments. Ultimately, high hopes for this drama are dashed by its inability to deliver on its potential.