What A CHEMISTRY..!!i wanna sue them for making me sleepless and insane?
First of all i am not a fan of chinese historical drama cz they hardly have happy ending or those which has happy ending their FL's maximum r so annoying to watch...But i must say this one is so so so...(sorry my dictionary has no appropriate words for expressing my feelings🤗)CAST:
If i could give 100 then sure i will give it a 100 ratings..
★FL--- Luo Shiyi (Tan song yun,7 tan).. This girl has all the capacity that can attract audience..in "UNDER THE POWER'' she did a splendid job👌,,i have never bored Just by seeing her..her every movements says different things,sure a multitalented actress!! But the role of her in this drama is different(totally)..OMG!! She potrayed the character really well..independent,strong,outstanding looks and attire,,mature acting,,charming eyes to look at the ML(🥰)..everything about her is soo beautiful.. I m gonna be a big fan of her sure..😍
★ML----xu jingli(wallace chung)... I have never seen his drama.i didn’t watch general & i cz i Don't like angela baby's acting..bt heard he did a outstanding job their..same goes in this drama too.his love for his wife is so obvious in his every actions..the affectionate look of his to his wife, my god its really make me replay Again again..Though he potrayed a character of cold general but his some cute action surely make u fall for him..such a charming actors in costume..
Both the leads did a great job in building their relationship..😍
Other cast::
They did also a good job..concubine qiao really did a good job to potray a hateful character..the servants girl and general fu is also catches my attraction..they were pleasant to watch.❤️
★STORY:: I m now in 35 ep.bt i heard this is a happy ending,and saw some ending clips with gorgeous looks of FL&ML walking together..if it's a happy ending that's enough for me..cz their chemistry is enough to overcome any difficulties Before ending..i heard some had prblms with ML having concubines,i mean seriously u want to watch historical & also want to avoid this.it was common in chinese ancient time.bt blv me u Won't feel awkward..its only focus on lead role and secrets among others character.&its based on a Novel,so u can't avoid this..
★MUSIC:: Be together ost--- its just so soothing that i can hear while sleeping..another songs sung by Seven tan (FL) her voice gives a relaxing vibes..i Don't know why..i really enjoyed her singing (specially "" Like a breeze""❤️ from Go ahead)..
★Overall:: i really love the storyline,cinematography,FL+ML attire,looks,stage, direction everything..i have never watched ongoing drama..this is my first time cz really enjoyed their chemistry..although there is so much secrets,and conspiracy..But FL smartness❤️ and ML caring,and smooth voice❤️ to her wife really makes me smile Everytime i saw them..😊i m satisfied..
★Rewatch value:: what to say!! Already i rewatch 3 times from ep 1-30..nd some of their sweet moments i rewatched them again and again..(specially the ML passionate kiss to FL,it was so attracting to watch).& i even can't restrain myself to see their "Behind the scene" in u tube.their chemistry both in onscree and off screen are outstanding..
Lastly,,Where is the age gap?? Where is awkwardness?? Those who said this before releasing the drama i want to say them.."r u kidding me??"i even can't feel 1% of this..they looks like made for each other..❤️🧡❤️
THANKS 💗
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Highly recommend this show!
This show is wonderful. I really enjoyed the storyline, chemistry was great. This is a slow burn romance, so if you are looking for insta love this isn’t it, but it’s a heart wrenching story. After losing her sister Lady Shiyi becomes the wife of her brother in law to raise her nephew in her sisters place. But there is another romantic interest and a handful of concubines that try to sabotage this marriage. As well as a family rivalry that rivals the Montagues and Capulets. The costumes and set design was beautiful as well. Highly recommend this show!I watched this on Amazon Prime, I know it is also on Viki and subtitles are available on both platforms.
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Such an underrated drama!!
At its core, this drama boasts a captivating plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. What sets this drama apart is its unwavering commitment to character development, particularly in the case of the female lead.
This isn't your typical Chinese romance drama where the female lead is relegated to a passive role, dependent on others for her happiness. Instead, we are presented with a heroine who defies expectations at every turn. She is not a woman of privilege; rather, she has to struggle and sacrifice that we come to understand the depth of her character. Admittedly, the female lead may come across as annoying at times, but as a woman, I found myself empathizing with her on a profound level.
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the power couple that overcame all odds by working together
Exceptional is the best way to describe this drama. VERY well done. The character and portrayal of the male & female lead roles deserve a standing ovation -- and is what made this my all-time favorite drama yet.So there's a lot of frustrating suspense. The odds are stacked against these characters just -- unrelentingly it seems. The frustrating reality of a concubine is illustrated in countless forms, and it is not an easy pill to swallow. Family rules and honor are constantly challenging the storyline.
But the devoted, loyal moral character of the leading man and the intelligent, good nature of the leading lady shine through as they each face these frustrating and relentless realities, but rise to each and every occasion with wisdom and grace. They never really let anything beat them down, and that spirit really is what pulls you in wanting to know and see where it will take them.
This was truly entertaining from start to finish (although stressful because of the countless conspiracies, misunderstandings, and injustices that occur throughout -- but every moment has a purpose and does get resolved genuinely well and cleverly at some point, so you leave pretty satisfied).
The costumes, sets, and cinematography are all so artistic; rich with beauty and color. There is a thoughtfulness that comes with almost every detail it seems. Just lovely.
The production value is there visually, but more especially with the acting. I adored both the acting from Seven Tan and Wallace Chung. Seven Tan brings such a unique and cheerful quality to all her characters, but I especially enjoyed the clever genius that she brought forward in this character. She truly embodied an individual who faces her unfair plight and all the difficult predicaments that come her way (most especially as a woman and even more so as the daughter of a concubine) with tenacity and discernment--devising cleverly to turn the tables where and however she can to persist. More than that she perfectly expresses her quiet resolve to live how she herself determines; while also encouraging and leading other women (even those who seek to destroy her in their own twisted desperation to survive) to weather their storms with more wisdom, elegance, and perseverance. Wallace Chung also depicted the complexity of a family head carrying the full brunt and weight of responsibility for his family's well-being and lineage, particularly in the wake of his father's/older brothers' deaths. While also simultaneously expressing the strong-but-silent turmoil when there is no real trusted person in his life or by his side, who genuinely understands or appreciates his loyal and upright character -- or who cares -- as he's only there to be exploited for his status or what he can offer in the way of a sure and esteemed bloodline. You see these two dynamic actors and characters, who in their own ways are not free to be their own person, come together, and toil to understand and find that authenticity and safety within each other. It's truly riveting and real.
My only complaint about that is that it's a slow and ongoing burn with the two leads (though that said, I personally prefer legitimate character development to hot-and-heavy relationships with no substance or build). The romance is very realistic and down-to-earth, and that's what I liked most about it. What women faced was beyond atrocious, and this struggle is played out in its full complexity, but in a way that leaves the main leads better in their unified resistance [though that in and of itself is a journey] to the strict regimes and life-or-death consequences which beset their circumstances.
Though it's a longer series to get through -- and it may occupy all your time for a few days or weeks -- the payoff is there. As is always good to know with a longer investment towards a series.!I personally hate when I get through a long show that leaves me on the edge of my seat, in the beginning, only to feel anticlimactic or underwhelmed in the end. Not so here. You won't be unresolved or frustrated with this ending in any major way. I could have even enjoyed another dozen episodes, I was that drawn into the characters and their story.
With the main leads, you really feel like they've both earned their relationship and it's incredibly fulfilling in my opinion. The character of the leads really does make it shine, and it's very *thoughtfully* written. I'd say this is #1 in terms of dramas for me overall (I've gone through many).
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Deep trust is important in a relationship
I think hvg deep trust in your partner is important but another important thing is communication too. Both can go along together toward creating a harmonious relationship. The deep trust is the theme of this drama. To your spouse, to your siblings even though they didn't treat you well but you still love them enough to wake them up, to your personal maids that you treated as a family.ML, Xu Lingyi, was a righteous man that had a cold personality and perceptive. He was striving forward to bring glory and justice to his family name. He cared deeply about the plight of unfortunate citizens that had been affected by the rampant piracy along the coasts of the kingdom. The piracy also related with his family feud with another family that had been going for generations. So, he was distant from his ex wife and concubines because he put more priority on his fight to lift the sea ban and clear his family name. Lingyi was moved by the pure-hearted and kind personality that his new wife the FL, Shiyi had. He watched times and times again how Shiyi sincerely did everything she can to help in a situation. So that was why he fell in love with her. When Lingyi fell in love, he deeply trusted shiyi, very protective of her and defended her every times. He tried to be close to her to build their relationship but he was a very patient man bcs shiyi rejected his moves quite a lot. Because he trusted her, he also very supportive of her passion and very understanding. There was a rough patch in their relationship and he deserved to feel hurt by what FL did bcs she disregard his feelings. He was valid for that.
I definitely enjoyed so much of Lingyi's approaches to be closer to Shiyi intimate moments, it just soooo butterfly-ish and sweet. The way I bit my hand at that one moment sksksks.
FL, Luo Shiyi, was a kindhearted woman, graceful, patient, smart, and an optimistic. She was also a gentle person but she had backbone. I forgot to add that Shiyi also had a very forgiving nature. Magnanimous. She was very gifted and passionate in embroidery. A daughter of a concubine that had been treated poorly in her family but she still maintained her optimistic nature. Tragedy happened and she needed to marry into Xu family for her investigation. She treated everyone including her husband sincerely but in term of emotionally, she didn't care about him that way at all. Like she didn't even try to hv a relationship with him. But she really understand her husband as a person, that earned her his admiration. So we can see how for such a long time, ML trusted her and treated her very well but she didn't return the same courtesy and that drove a wedge in their relationship. She didn't trust him at the important moment and that deeply hurt him. She was in the fault for this because she should definitely communicate with him earlier about her problem and trust him. Bcs of that moment, she started to realise how ML was really sincere toward her, wouldn't do anything to harm her at the cost of his life and that moved her heart. So yeah, she deserved a cold reception from him but fortunately for her, she didn't give up and gave it all to prove her love for him. Then that deep trust in each other helped both of them weathered the storms that keep coming.
I appreciated the additional of other couples like Linbo and Dongqing. They were so cute. Shout-out to Zhaoying, you were very entertaining. Not to forget, our handsome 2ndML, Mr. Lin (I don't want to spoil his real name), you were a righteous person and thank goodness you didn't disappoint me. Hupo, you were smart assistant, it was unfortunate of what had happened to you but you were still a loyal servant.
For the drama reviews that I love, I really like user Rhea's review and Blizzardahm. They wrote something that I thought but didn't know how to put it in words. Like how with Shiyi's wit and loving self, she brought Lingyi out his shell to be more affectionate toward his family members. And how Shiyi was steadfast to hold on her passion to spread the craft of embroidery and helping people to make a living from it.
The ending was my kind of happy ending where they told about how everyone's doing after the climax. I do wish we cld see adorable scene of Linbo and Dongqing, not just hear they were doing well.
20240320 1157
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Good Story Adaption
I watched "The Sword and The Brocade" 45 episodes [english subs] over 14 days. I had to be so strict and limit myself to a maximum of 4 episodes per day [could have easily binged and done a few all-nighters]....Thought the ending was very good because it went back and tied up all the loose ends. Don't you just hate it when you don't know what happened to some of the characters in a story?
I suppose my only complaint would be that some of the scenes were not connected, you know 'attention of detail' when reshooting a scene. Also, some of the script/lines had been used in other dramas [a bit of plagiarism].
On the whole, I enjoyed it very much as it had a mixture of storylines and kept me wanting to get to the end to see what happened - I did not cheat!!
Will definitely have a second viewing of the whole program and maybe extra viewing on certain episodes.
Reminded me a little bit of "Yanxi Palace" just a little ...
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Solid storyline, solid plot, solid character writing.
I'll say one thing: I generally don't like costume dramas and dramas with petty concubines. I also dislike "forced/arranged marriage that turns into real love" dramas. But I liked this one a lot, which must mean something.The characters were very well-written. Even the minor ones had a reason to exist in the story. The story was not very original, but it was different from other similar situations because neither the ML nor the FL begged to be loved, which was refreshing. The "married without love" premise may be the center of the plot, but the story doesn't really revolve around it. The ML and FL had a life and a complete personality both before and after their wedding and they also had to solve numerous problems that weren't related to their marriage. The interations among the various household characters and their friends and enemies was well-written and believable.
There was some exaggerated acting and some exaggerated sub-plots but they didn't manage to break the show.
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Head over Heels for this drama!
So I came across this drama in March 2021 and joined my mother in watching. So I started watching bits and pieces from Episode 13 onwards. I rewatched the drama approximately 8 times! It was so good it got me craving for more and started on my C-Drama addiction. Story is not extraordinary and goes at a slow pace. Plot is predictable the first time I watched. 徐令宜 is the guy you would fall for but also at the same time, laugh at. He has questionable actions but afterall, his love for 十一娘 is a chef's kiss. 十一娘 is witty to the point she tries to make her life count and better her quality of life. She doesn't make way when it comes to gender inequality. She empowers women. This drama also has quite the fights you would see in the harem. If you enjoy sweet slow romance, then this would be for you!Was this review helpful to you?
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a show that makes you want to keep watching
honestly, the ending of every episode is so exciting that it makes me want to continue watching the next ep, and always make me curious about what happens nextthe plot is exciting despite it being 45 episodes, and it doesn’t really feel like a drag?
though i’m disappointed at the ending, i was soooooooo excited to see what happened to my 冬青 & 傅大人 but they just brushed it over through using words like “so this is what happened to them”
&& their love are so cute, the way they bicker with each other & realising that they’ve fallen
though i have to say that i admire the love of the main couple, where they trust & love each other so much, it helped them overcome all the difficulties
though it’s also their love for each other that led to many issues but still cute
anyway, give it a try if you can!!! it’s really quite worth it though you’ll get angry at certain characters/ actions/ decisions throughout the show
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Production quality rivals Yanxi Palace, story falls short
The makeup, costume and set design may even be better than Yanxi Palace. Hair pieces, furniture and clothing were gorgeous and intricate. They really paid attention to the little details. Cinematography was very good, you can tell right away when you watch the title opening. The wide angle shots with really slow push ins looked great.Where it fell short was the story, which wasn't bad by any means but it felt like it had more potential. The dialogue was very well written. It started strong and was engaging right away, but once the characters became familiar, it rarely felt like the pay off was worth the story arc build ups.
Side characters had more interesting character development than the leads. After a while, the leads' chemistry grew saccharine from repetition. The female lead's characterization was a bit problematic for me. We want to root for the female lead, but she was too good, smart, and righteous so at times she felt unlikable. The writers had her uncharacteristically neglect some others around her for the sake of story so she came off hypocritical or cold, despite her warm smile. I really liked the male lead's background story, repressed nature and stoic demeanor.
The acting was very good overall. Concubine Qiao stood out. She was excellent. I really liked 2nd sister and Dong Qing a lot as well, they brought a levity that the show needed.
I was impressed by the male lead doing a lot of his own stunt work. You could tell he trained hard. His horse riding, archery and sword fighting looked excellent.
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Pretty good for a harem story!
OVERALLThis drama has a lot of things going on: murder-mystery, slow-burn romance, harem drama, political intrigue...but somehow, they combine nicely into a plot that is, if not the best, definitely entertaining enough to keep you watching until the end! Watch it if 1) you like smart female leads, 2) you need plots with few holes, where everything serves a purpose to the story, 3) you want to be surprised by a few plot twists. Think twice if 1) you need fast-paced, smexy romantic scenes, 2) you hate harem drama or political intrigues, 3) you are easily and greatly bothered by repetitiveness in dramas.
THE STORY
This drama has a lot more strengths than weaknesses, but the weaknesses weigh a lot, so they are worth considering. Let me start with the good. First, one thing that's clear about this drama is that it pushes a feminist agenda. FL is gifted in embroidery and wants to work for the people, but women at the time had to marry and stay at home, and that's one of the main conflicts of the series. I found this to be one of the best aspects of the show because the drama depicts the condition of women and Shiyi's frustration and avantgarde personality in a very realistic way. She's the odd sheep in the herd and it's really hard work for her to try to do what she likes to do. Secondly, I really enjoyed FL, Shiyi. What's great about the FL of this drama is that she's strong and smart, but in a feminine way. These days we see lots of strong FLs but they tend to lean more towards typical masculine traits (eg. Changge from Long Ballad, FL of Oh My General of My General and I), or be somewhat non-gendered and not caring about either masculine or feminine stuff. Shiyi is absolutely feminine. Her hobbies are typically female and she does all typically female tasks well. I think it's great to show that femininity can come with the strength and the smarts too. Another thing that's cool is that you can see how much power and influence she has over everyone around her, because all character and relationship developments in the drama are linked to her. She's just boss. And then one last positive aspect of Sword & Brocade is the romance. I personally am very bothered by love lines with crappy development, and it's kind of on the rise these days. It's common to see the OTP fall in love out of nowhere or go through a decent "falling in love" period, but the falling in love doesn't actually make sense. That's not the case with this drama. It takes FOREVER for the love to bloom, but it's realistic, and I was living for it. The journey is just as important, if not more, than the destination, and I'm glad this drama got it.
On the bad side, for someone like me who's not particularly fond of harem stories, Sword & Brocade feels EXTREMELY repetitive. It's literally 40 episodes of scheming evil women. The murder-mystery and political intrigues spice it up a bit, but by the end, I was kind of getting tired of the never-ending harem drama. It felt like more of the same. Always some girl trying to shame, frame and ruin another girl's life, and sometimes with no valid reason. The ML's mother was not helping at all; she was like a broken record. 40 episodes of her doing and saying the same thing, over and over again. Another think that irked me a bit were the few inconsistencies. There aren't a lot, but there are one or two instances in which the behavior of a character (especially FL at some point) seems extremely out of sync with how the character's been portrayed, or an event felt too forced/ridiculous. These issues aren't bad enough to make you stop watching, but they do make the experience of watching Sword & Brocade less enjoyable with time, especially the harem drama, so beware!
THE ACTING
It worked! In general I have no complaints for the main cast. I liked Wallace here more than in General & I, his character was MUCH better. Same thing for Songyun, I tried watching Under the Power before but couldn't stand her character. Shiyi is much better. Chemistry-wise, there are some sparks between them but it's not the most impressive couple in the chemistry department. They make up for it with cute and fun scenes though, so it's fine! I didn't like the stereotypical character of Consort Qian, but the acting was okay. Honestly, my only complaint is the acting of one of the kids - but it was kind of hilarious too, so I let it pass!
THE MUSIC
Quite good. Won't keep listening to anything now that the show's over but it actually left a positive impression on me!
REWATCH VALUE
I'm writing this review after watching the drama a second time, so it definitely is a drama you can watch again. However, maybe not without skipping some parts!
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