Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• hotgroundhogday63

  Overall 10

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

  I recently stumbled upon a captivating historical drama that easily earned a top spot in my list of best Chinese historical series. It’s rare for me to become so engrossed in a show, but this one left me sleepless, pondering its intricate plot and well-rounded characters. The leading lady, with her charming mix of determination, innocence, and intelligence, particularly stood out to me. While her occasional recklessness gave me pause, her overall charisma and quick wit kept me invested in her journey.
  
  The male lead, on...

  the other hand, embodied the ideal blend of talent and martial prowess, making him a true heartthrob and leaving me swooning over his every scene. His unwavering dedication to those he cared for added depth to his character, even when his protective instincts occasionally led to unintended consequences. Thankfully, the story found its way to a satisfying conclusion, neatly tying up loose ends without feeling rushed—a rarity in many dramas that often falter in their final episodes.
  
  Beyond the characters, the show’s exploration of embroidery as a central theme provided a unique lens through which to delve into Chinese culture and traditions. This cultural immersion, coupled with the meticulously crafted storyline, set this drama apart from more contemporary offerings. And let’s not forget the chemistry between the leads, which added a layer of complexity and emotion to an already rich narrative.
  
  While I was already familiar with the leading lady’s work, seeing her shine in a lead role truly solidified her talent in my eyes. As for the male lead, his performance left me enamored and eager to explore more of his filmography. Overall, this historical drama left a lasting impression on me, making it easy for me to recommend to fellow fans of the genre. Here's hoping for a reunion of these two talented actors in another historical drama soon.

• calmkeira93

  Overall 7

  Story 7,  Acting 6,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 6

  I recently delved into a new historical costume drama after exploring several other c-dramas that didn't quite hit the mark. Amidst the colorful world of costumes, settings, and props, this particular series managed to draw me in despite its flaws. The vibrant color palette offered a feast for the eyes, elevating the visual experience compared to some other recent dramas. The simplicity and elegance of the costumes, particularly on the Female Lead, added to the overall charm.
  
  Set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty, the...

  series showcased beautiful locations, bringing a refreshing change from the usual scenes we often see. While the CGI was sparingly used, the repeated overhead shot of the capital lacked authenticity, hinting at budget constraints. The focus on palace politics and revenge rather than traditional martial arts added a layer of intrigue, albeit with some logic-defying plotlines.
  
  The soundtrack, featuring the hauntingly beautiful track "Moon Legend" by Zhou Shen, became a notable highlight, complementing the narrative perfectly. Despite the familiar tropes of palace intrigue and personal vendettas, the story occasionally veered into incredulous territory with some subplots coming off as downright preposterous. Issues like characters miraculously surviving perilous situations and illogical character decisions formed the crux of viewer dissatisfaction, overshadowing the stellar performances by the cast.
  
  While the talented lead actress Gulinazha delivered a commendable performance, her portrayal of an innocent and naive character felt somewhat disconnected. Despite its shortcomings, the series managed to keep me engaged till the end, earning it a modest rating from my end.

• wiselin64

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  I adore a captivating romantic narrative, and this particular series delivers exactly that. The plotline gracefully avoids falling into the tired trope of pitting men and women against each other in a deadly rivalry. Let's delve into the performance of Timmy Xu, an actor whose talent may have been overlooked in his early career due to the regrettably prevalent homophobic attitudes present in the industry. Xu's portrayal in this series is nothing short of remarkable. His mastery of martial arts is impressive, and the character...

  he embodies is truly compelling. His genuine acting, coupled with his captivating gaze, garners well-deserved admiration.
  
  The casting choice of Gülnezer Bextiyar as the lead actress in the role of Liuli was spot-on. Her portrayal of a character driven by the desire to seek justice for her mother's tragic fate showcases Bextiyar's exceptional acting abilities. The aesthetics displayed throughout the series are a feast for the eyes. From the exquisite costumes to the intricate embroidery, every visual aspect is a delight to behold. The storyline itself is a work of art, brought to life by a talented team of writers, directors, and a stellar cast. As I watched, the narrative unfolded before me, immersing me completely in its world.

• fierceharrison

  Overall 9

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

  Blending a mixture of fiction and historical elements, this drama shines in its portrayal of a romance set amidst the backdrop of Emperor Taizong and later Emperor Gaozong's reign during the Tang Dynasty. The central love story follows Kudi Liu Li and Pei Xingjian, with Liu Li caught in a web of deception after her mother's untimely demise, showcasing her resilience and talent as she navigates the treacherous palace life. While some viewers criticize the adaptation for deviating from the original novel and altering character...

  dynamics, the young actress portraying the juvenile Liu Li captivates with her convincing performance, although the same praise does not extend to the grown-up character essayed by Gulnazar.
  
  Pei Xingjian, a sharp-witted scholar and protector of the Crown Prince, adds depth and charm to the narrative, albeit with room for improvement in his portrayal by Timmy Xu. Amidst political intrigues and personal vendettas, the drama weaves in real historical figures like Wu Zetian and Li Shimin, enhancing the storytelling with a mix of fact and fiction. The elaborate costumes, set designs, and exquisite embroidery work transport viewers to the opulent Tang era, creating a visually appealing atmosphere that complements the narrative.
  
  Despite criticisms of over-the-top villains and implausible plot twists, the series offers an entertaining blend of love, betrayal, and loyalty against the rich tapestry of ancient China. While not without flaws, the drama manages to captivate audiences with its blend of historical charm and romantic escapades, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where love and deceit collide amidst the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. So buckle up and enjoy the journey through this captivating historical romance!

• HotPak73

  Overall 9

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

  This review delves deep into a recent historical drama series that has sparked mixed reactions among viewers. Starting with a critique of the ratings on a popular drama database, the reviewer questions why high-quality historical Chinese dramas seem to receive lower ratings compared to less impressive romcoms. The focus then shifts to the plot development, particularly praising the portrayal of the female lead character as a child and noting the engaging character progression. The review also touches upon the commendable pacing of the series, a...

  crucial aspect for maintaining viewer interest.
  
  As the reviewer progresses through the episodes, the analysis remains positive for the most part, highlighting the continued strong pacing but expressing a desire for more romance between the main characters. However, a turning point occurs in later episodes when the storyline takes a questionable turn, leading to a disconnect between characters that strains the narrative's coherence. The reviewer hints at a potential disappointment in the direction the series may take, especially concerning the romantic resolutions.
  
  The critique extends to the possibility of an unexpected pairing towards the finale, hinting at a potential shift away from the expected romantic trajectory between the primary leads. The reviewer emphasizes a preference for realistic storytelling over predictable outcomes, underscoring the importance of character chemistry in driving the narrative forward. Lastly, there is a notable mention of a lackluster on-screen moment that may have fallen short of viewers' expectations, hinting at a potential lapse in the execution of a crucial scene.
  
  Overall, the reviewer's journey through the series reflects a nuanced exploration of the drama's strengths and weaknesses. While initially captivated by the engaging storyline and character development, the reviewer's apprehensions towards the latter episodes suggest a potential narrative shift that may impact the series' overall reception.