Fantastic acting
Overall casting is good. The storyline is good. The music and songs are also very nice.The acting part of all characters is fantastic, especially the Female lead. The Male lead still got room to improve. He is already a handsome young man. Spend a little bit more time in his expression then he will be perfect. JT's combination with him is just out of expectation. He is younger than her but this pair is just too lovely. Their chemistry is good from the beginning until the end.
JT getting more and more beautiful. She is not only beautiful but her acting skills are just marvelous. Her emotional expression and her ability to interpret her characters in the drama are just fantastic. This drama is worth spending time watching. Keep up the good work everyone.. ✌️✌️
Was this review helpful to you?
So good until ep 30, okay afterwards
OVERALLHonestly, this drama is THE one to the go on a binge. Watch it if 1) you're looking for sizzling chemistry, 2) you want some thrilling suspense, 3) you like a bit of action and the Republican setting. Think twice if 1) bad special effects bother you, 2) you're sensitive to small plot holes and inconsistencies, 3) you don't like aloof female leads. I would still give it a shot though!
THE STORY
Maybe I had low expectations, but this drama TOTALLY blew me away until about episode 30. TOTALLY blew me away. I think watched all 30 episodes in about 3 days haha
I am a huge fan of revenge stories so this was right up my alley, but the pacing is also just right, from almost episode 1 there's enough risk to worry about Female lead cover's getting blown. Female lead is another huge positive point in this drama because she's calm, poised and smart. And then there's the intense chemistry between her and Male lead, which you can see from the first episode. And then there're the few (but amazing) couple scenes. And then there's the bit of mystery regarding Female lead's past. There's really a lot to like about this drama, and by episode 30 I was ready to rate it a 9/10...but the last episodes happened, and they just made clearer all the flaws of the series.
On the top of the list, there are very questionable choices in the production of this drama. For some weird reason, we are almost never given the perspective of Female lead (or her thoughts) and she's very aloof, so it's not always clear why she does what she does or how she really feels. That becomes problematic because Male lead is the complete opposite, he's very expressive, so she kind of feels...not as loving as he is (and not as deserving of his love). I liked her and understood her until episode 30, but it was really hard to understand her towards the end. Another thing that I really don't like in this drama is the excessive, bad CGI. I'm already not a fan of CGI, but in some scenes it's so bad it almost made be pull the plug on the show haha And then there are a few things that the drama hints on then never goes back to, things that don't really make sense, and moments (just for 2-3 episodes) when things feel really repetitive.
So the final verdict is, it's not the best drama, but it's definitely a good drama, if not better than average. I recommend to try it, 100%!
THE ACTING
Good! I don't know that was super impressed by anything, but for sure above average, especially for the secondary characters (which is where the acting often fails). Like I said, OTP was FIRE! They do get smexy scenes, although not many, but even when they're just staring at each other *swoon*
THE MUSIC
I LOOOOVED the instrumental OST of this drama. It felt so fitting for the show too. The actual songs weren't that great but still okay. Honestly though, I want to Spotify the instrumental OST so bad!
REWATCH VALUE
I already rewatched the first half as I was waiting for the last few episodes. I don't doubt I will rewatch the drama again (and again!)...but I might just stop at around episode 30.
Was this review helpful to you?
You won't regret watching this!
I waited until the last 8 episodes were out and then binge-watched it until the end. Don't you think that Timmy walks like Keanu Reeves?? Bouncy-bouncy..Anyways..
The acting is fantastic, even the minor roles are well-acted and I never felt wary of any of the characters. The ML and FL had great chemistry and many passionate moments. Their characters grew together as their story unfolded.
There were a few VERY bad SG moments, but with the great story line, I could easily forgive and forget them.
Since there are 40 episodes, I am not sure if I want to rewatch it soon, but who knows. Definitely recommend!
Was this review helpful to you?
The way I fell for timmy xu's charms through the drama
Really love the drama. Acting was really good and I love our leads.
The way I fell for timmy xu's charms through the drama? I did screenshot many scenes because he was looking so handsome!! The was he looked at FL, his eyesss!! His eye's shouted LOVEEE❤️?
Although at some point I didn't understand FL but ML will be in my heart 4ver.
ML was so loyal to his love and fell so hard for her where can we find a man like this!
Jiangshang suffered so much because of his father he really didn't deserve that and at such a young age.
FL is such an independent and strong woman ?. I love how she is elegant and well mannered?
Overall a good production, acting and also the intro of drama was sooo good?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Very badly written
Using the mindset today to write a 20s 30s story. Very unrealistic story line.1 . Those days at SH, such a powerful and successful man need to hind killings in some story line but can openly fighting and killing in gang battles.
2. After trying to openly kill and rape the gang boss's daughter can later walking freely into each others territory.
Trying too hard to beautify the story line and create romantic scene but forgotten the enemy relationship. Its like today they fight so badly and the next day, they can just walk into each other.
Was this review helpful to you?
One word : Chemistry
I've known Timmy Xu since 'Addicted' came out. Then i forgot about him. While I was browsing here I found this drama and i have to say if i had to describe this in 2 words then those would be Chemistry and Slow burn.I'm writing a mini review here so i won't say much. If it's Timmy Xu, then get ready for a drama filled with intense looks, great chemistry and slow burn romance.
The main leads were great. I don't need to talk about chemistry right? The story was so unique and refreshing. Normally i don't watch dramas where they portray stories from the 80s or 90s no matter how famous they are. But thank God i decided to watch this. Definitely a great show.
Was this review helpful to you?
I enjoyed the series. My initial thought was that it was another spy type thing however it was completely different. While it did have a bit of secrecy in it, it was not your typical spy/espionage type thing. The series was really about dominance in society. In terms of business, you have a bunch of men who want to be on top whether it’s business or gang related. What you witnesses here is the method they go about doing it to include robbing and taking advantage of other people to take what they want. I think this is the basis for the story.
While many believe that it is just about a female getting revenge against one person, I believe it’s a bit more than that. The truth of the matter is there was another person that wanted the same revenge so as a means to an end these individuals essentially use each other to get a revenge of someone that they hate it. So essentially you have two people coming together to get revenge against one person. The method that they go about getting that revenge is what we witnessed throughout the series.
What I like most about this series was the time period in which the series cast, the acting and the music was nice. What I didn’t like about the series was that they made the villain in this series extremely villainess. What I mean by that is he was already suspected of one thing and the writers found a way to make him the villain of something else too. For me it was kinda like overkill. So just imagine someone is believed to have committed a crime and while you’re getting revenge you realize that they also kidnap your dog 10 years ago which is completely unrelated but they wronged you twice. Yeah it is was too much for me. For me it just complicated the story more than it should’ve been.
Overall it was a decent series. There was definitely enough action. A hint of romance. Love for sure.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
hidden gem
I've never heard of this drama despite filtering my searches on the same genres but luckily i found it through recommendations of another drama. There aren't many like republic dramas i like but this sure is one of them, from acting,sets to storyline it was all fantastic and exciting. The way the FL finally got her revenge was satisfying although i'm dissapointed that the villain died such a quick death after all that he has done he deserved so much worse, also sad about the fact that concubine Sun couldn't be with Feng Shixun tho :( Concubine Sun's character developement was amazing. But anyhow the main leads' chemistry are AMAZING to the point where i think that their love is real. Every romantic scene of them were *chef's kiss*. I get how people also talk about how bad the ending was, but i thought it was pretty good although she got there quite sudden but the rest of the scenes made me feel the justice i needed. Overall this is even better than some big dramas i have no idea why it's so unknown to a lot people. 10/10 if you're looking for a good republic drama with on point sets + costumes and amazing chemistry between the actors with crime & mystery.Was this review helpful to you?
A Republican C-Drama to start off 2022
I have always been a fan of Jing Tian's acting but unfortunately, most of her earlier dramas did not impress me. Nor have I been too impressed with many republican dramas I have watched over the years as they are too repetitive in terms of plot or they story fizzles out because of bad acting. This one is different. All acting is excellent if not good. The Male Lead's father in particular is amazing with his quiet and menacing ways and the women who are his wives - great acting without being too over dramatic. Last but not least, the main leads - the slowly mounting tension - coupled with the suspense has been great to watch. I usually don't like to review until the drama has ended but so far, all 12 episodes are good to watch and to re-watch. I will recommend this one.Was this review helpful to you?
Great production
This is currently ongoing and Im on episode 14 now and so far, it has a great plot, and the actors are giving justice to the story. I feel like the angst in this drama will be heavy in the upcoming episodes but Im still here for that. I usually drop a drama if there's no development until 5th episodes but this one made me watch until 14th episodes in one go. Im looking forward for the next episodes. Kudos to the production! Imma say that China Republican era dramas are really spectacular. The camera works, the quality, the setting, how they aesthetically capture each scenes is superb. This is not my ichiban but it's on my top list.Was this review helpful to you?
Slow to start but it will draw you into world of Republic China beautifully...
Set in the beautiful background of the Republic period of China, comes this drama of drama, power, and love. An old formula but one that has carried many dramas and it works well here as well.Admittedly I wanted to watch this drama because of Jing Tian, a bit different from her role in Si Teng but still, the beautiful, intelligent, and strong-will female character. I have read that some people were disappointed watching this, comparing it to Si Teng. But for me, each role has its own merit. And I think she is brilliant as Feng Shi Zhen here. Her beauty and intelligence shine, and one of her biggest acting assess – her facial expressions are one the mark again here. Those little looks, stares, and mischievous smiles really express her thoughts brilliantly as they did in Si Teng.
Timmy Xu is also well cast here as the handsome and proud young man coming of age, Rong Jia Shang who is being lured along by Feng Shi Zhen. The chemistry between the two leads is worth watching. As the emotions developed between the two “Romeo and Juliet” lovers, the leads carried the transition from tutor/student to lovers well. Each of the support cast members is well placed in the drama, helping to carry the storyline along nicely. There aren’t too many flashbacks that plague many of the C-dramas and the story flows fairly quickly, especially when you realize that the novel is a fairly long novel, squeezed into the 40 episodes.
The direction and editing of the drama are fairly good though it is a bit choppy. There are scenes that contain errors and the transition between scenes isn’t smooth. Or maybe I am paying too close attention to each scene because of Jing Tian. Haha.. Don’t get me wrong, the editing and music are good in this drama.
There are parts of the storyline which are a bit confusing and not a clear explanation is provided. It takes a little thinking to work out what is going on. It was only after I read the novel that I understood why certain things happen the way they did. There are obvious differences between the novel and TV drama, as the novel is containing more abusive behaviour as well as more sexual content. Some elements in the novel have been shuffled around in the drama a bit, but overall, it still makes great viewing.
In saying all this, the drama is worth watching. The storyline is good though, it is an old formula and the depth of the story isn’t as good as other ones I have seen. The chemistry between the leads and support cast is great, the interaction natural and in the right frame. And there are scenes that would just take your breath away.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
City of cliché
I watched this show to the end and personally I enjoyed it. Although there are bits which I couldn't help getting on my nerves. First though the positives.1. The chemistry between the two leads was great, you could really feel that connection of Feng Shi Zhen and Rong Jia Shang, especially in the episodes when it seemed JiaShang's love was not reciprocated and the pain the two characters went through both together and because of each other.
2, Acting. The acting was fantastic from all concerned, the villains and 'heroes' (if I can call them that) where beautifully played and you could really see the struggles each character had to go through to decide if were going to fall on the side of right and wrong.
3. Costumes and locations. The Rong family mansion was such an amazing location but so where the other locations they used, you could tell someone had put some real effort into looking for them. The costumes as well were perfect for each character and allowed for some individualism while still being similar as most outfits of this period seem to be.
Before I move on to what bugged me about the drama I will mention the OST. There was only one song that stuck in my mind from this drama, about using all you luck to find someone and all your power to keep them. The rest of the songs were a bit nondescript to me and that is surprising as Chinese dramas usually have great OST's . However this was not a good or bad thing.
The big disappointment and annoyance for me however was the story. It started out great and even something as cliché a revenge plot based on 'your (insert family member) (insert crime) my (insert family member) ' seemed to work ok. It also was ok that it took 30 episodes to get the 2 leads together properly as there was so much going on with the other characters that you didn't miss it that much. Then the great writing seemed to go on strike for a while and cringeworthy stuff began. in the space of a few episodes we had two side plots that went nowhere, one based on 'we love each other but we are brother and sister' and the other one was a repeat of the 'your (insert family member) (insert crime) my (insert family member) ' the first of which had just been cleared up.
To me these cliché side plots simply were not needed and only served to waste time for a few episodes when the story could have been moving forwards into something more interesting. I understand they were used to allow the plot to move forwards but this could have been done in another way without the added clichés. It let down a very good show and I can see why some people are giving this lower scores.
Was this review helpful to you?
