New Life Begins (2022)

A good blend of rom-com and social issues

If you are a fan of a stable couple with a non-complex romantic comedy plotline then this drama is for you. It has a really well-executed plotline that contains a blend of all prominent genres and the actors did a pretty great of in their portrayal of the characters. I really liked how this show did not rely on filler episodes just to get to the 40-episode mark rather every 2-3 episodes dealt with a meaningful issue in a really light fashion but a burst of comedy in every one of them to keep us involved in the whole drama all the time.
There were multiple couples each representing a different kind of issue, plus each individual character had a depth in their story plus a decent amount of plot time for all of these to unfold. Personally, I really like the lead couple both were really cute, caring, and understanding of each other and worked together to make their goals a realization. Plus I suppose after the love-like galaxy this is the drama with not-so-much politics in a royal family and is filled with some people who actually want to live like a family and care for each other.
The CGI and Songs used in the episodes are also done really well you can see how much effort they have put in for all the scenes and the overall story. Trust me and watch it, it's really great.

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A wholesome drama that took a most intriguing turn.

From aesthetic, drooling foods to wholesome female friendships to palace intrigue and politics, to loving relationships and to the portrayal and addressing of social issues that are still relevant today, this drama had a bit of everything without ever being draggy, boring or unnatural for one moment.

This drama was absolutely hilarious from the get go. Like I was laughing so hard I wasn't even breathing, I was just crying. Trust me, you'll know that scenes I'm talking about if you watch it.

Every single character of this drama was very relevant and there was not one annoying character that I just wanted to disappear. Everyone played a crucial role in the progression of the plot and each actor was made for their character. I've never watched a drama where all the actors did such an amazing job at their role. I loved everyone from the protagonists to the villains. Also most C-dramas use voice actors to dub over but this drama used all the actors' real voices which made me feel so attached to them. Like seriously, I freaking love each actor and their portrayal of their character.

The addressing of social issues that are still relevant today was honestly the highlight for me. Oppression and discrimination against women was a major issue that is constantly brought up in this drama and how the female characters address and break the cycle of oppression was absolutely mind blowing for me. These women never once let a man solve their problems and instead turned to their fellow female friends to work out their problems together and to make society better for women.

The main couple's romance was the most natural and unforced hetero relationship I have ever seen portrayed in Chinese drama land and I wish for more dramas to be like this.

I honestly could write a very long review for this drama to sing its praises but honestly every single aspect of this drama was amazing. This drama had me smiling, laughing, giggling, crying, bawling my fists in anger, shouting and clapping in just 40 eps that I would happily do again. I fell in love with all the characters and felt like I was just watching my friends living their lives and honestly I'm so sad this drama has to end because I can keep watching all these characters forever.

I can't recommend it enough. And trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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A tale of finding One True Love & A tightly knitted Sisterhood. Rise Women, RISE!

Adaptation doesn't mean identification - Yuan Ying

Wanna open up this review by quoting it with one of my favorite line in this drama. I feel like this short yet powerful sentence can explain and expound the real essense and lesson of this story as a whole... That being used to something doesn't necessarily mean you embodied and can be identified by it already. Oftentimes it's more of an acknowledgement and respect towards something other may deemed essential and/or important.

Above all, I wanna say that my rating for this drama doesn't only revolves around the usual 'logical and typical' characteristics of how a drama should be made of, but more on how it delivers itself as a narrative— more on a lesson to its viewers.

I started this drama in hopes to see a lot of actual 'drama' going between the Main Leads but I never really knew I would be introduced to something more deeper— complex yet warm and heartfelt. It's about the respect, understanding, forgiveness and acceptance we need to do to let go of the things that's weighing us down and to accept that life was never all about colors and rainbows but more of a rocky-thorny road we need to go through to achieve eternal peace and happiness.

Sisterhood is the most symbolic meaning of this drama for me. I love that they all got each others back through thick and thin, and would do anything just to make sure that they're safe and in good places. Never once, do I feel this touched and proud to see this type of sisterhood and bond in any drama. A healthy and strong friendships that will never betray and forsake.

Familial relationship and its starting grounds - It conveys how toxic power struggle in a Polygamy family is and how it can badly affects their children in the future. Although this drama showed some negative results of it, I'm also glad that they presented us the positive side of it by letting us know that a person's future still depends on how and where they were raised, what values do they followed growing up and how will they handle themselves with those upbringings.

Women Empowerment in this drama is a surreal fantasy. I admit that they might've gone astray from the real history but I just appreciate how they still chose to do it that way. To show us that women even back then has been extremely capable and is always eager to fight to attain what they want and deserve.

Overall production, Setting and Color grading - I love how the background used looks majestic and real even when I know that a lot of them are green screens. Also, their attentiveness to details when it comes to visualizing the diffent regions, decorations and overall graphics stood out for me. It complemented really well with every scenes.

Supporting and Side Characters.

+ Yuan Ying - I really love her character. I admire how she was handled in this story and how she was never a bile in our Main Leads throat. Instead, a great and capable friend who guides them for the betterment.

+ Hao Jia - The only 'male disguise' i can accept so far in the dramaland. Although she still looks extremely beautiul but her proportion made her disguise really convincing and believable. I also love how earnest she is as a friend. Friendship that always protects and never betrays.

+ Song Wu - She may be annoying, bratty and childish but I just love how they didn't go all out 'antagonist' on her. Love her character development a lot same with Zhao Fangru (2nd Prince's Consort).

+ 3rd Prince and his Harem - Lol! Ghad knows how they made the first half of this story extremely bright and colorful. I'm cackling whenever they're on screen and ghad, the Name tags on top of their head. Hahaha

+ 5th Prince & Shangguan Jing - Another story that added lots of spice and comical relief in this story. I'm very satisfied with this pairing and would love to see more from them.

+ 7th Prince and Ruan Sisi - The rich and generous couple who hates to socialize. Their scenes are very random but are always interesting and funny for me.

Lastly, I feel like they did their best pouring every bit of heartfelt emotion in the final episode. The way they summarized and showed us the results of what they've been fighting and working hard for is just precious to me and the fact that they gave us just happy and heartwarming scenes made it significantly memorable as well. + The Roof Scene... Perfection!!

P.S. I still can't accept the ridiculous fact that the FL refused to drink alcohol at the final episode because she's pregnant but was riding a horse to get to that family banquet. Just, whatdahell??

Story - 9.5, It may not be perfect and doesn't follow the logical and traditional historical pattern but for me it goes beyond that. Their great use of effective story telling and inspiring narration placed this drama on top of its own. + The fact that it's extremely entertaining and full of variety as a whole is another factor for me.

Acting/Cast - 10, Really love the cast. You can still clearly tell that this is an Idol drama but their acting is really impressive and convincing I would say. I love every Female character and almost all of the Male Characters in this production aside from 2nd, 4th and 10th Princes. I also adore how cute and lovely Bai Jing Ting and Tian Xi Wei is.

Music - 10, I'm in love with this dramas music. They made every scenes extra special and colorful. + The kissing scenes somehow felt more romantic because of how good they're in playing suitable music accompaniments and the Ballad songs are such a smooth slayer.

Rewatch Value - 9.5, I certainly would. I was never regretful of watching this drama and every episode is entertaining and full of colors for me.

Overall - 10, The overall story may not follow the traditional norms but everything about this story is purely inspring, worthy and entertaining. Not to mention how positive this story is as a whole and how we got a set of wonderful actors and actresses. I really love and enjoyed this drama a lot.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Simple and lighthearted!

This drama focuses mostly on family and relationships! All the other plot (palace politics, harem drama) are touched on but gets resolved quickly. All the villains eventually repent. No lingering hardcore villain to keep us on the edge of our seats to the end. Plot is overall simple and lighthearted.

ML and FL is really cute. I loved BJT in YAMH and Reset so I was excited to see him in a costume drama. He continues to be a cutie to look at! FL is really cute with her big eyes. They make a cute CP in the drama! All the other characters did a great job in their supporting roles. Either you love them or you hate them but they add to the lovely, crazy, sometimes, nerve wrecking family dynamics but everyone eventually sees the right of way!

My only con for this drama is that some parts are a bit draggy and there was a bit too much emphasis on sisterhood for me. I also think there was a hint of a BL relationship but that's hush hush.

Overall, a great watch!

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Sweet drama with romance and friendship themes; progressive modern ethics amidst feudal laws.

This drama is set in a fictional ancient world that consists of nine different regions, where Xinchuan rules over all of them. As the synopsis dictates, the story starts with the triennial event of where maidens from all nine regions are selected to be married to the princes in Xinchuan, and so after the girls were quickly paired off, we learn the different ways in how each of the princes treat their wives. And of course, how the main pairing met and fell in love.

The story makes clear to us what a loving and supporting relationship means, what constitutes an abusive relationship, and how love overall enables one to tolerate and sacrifice for, as well and accept the other person. The theme of sisterhood and friendship is central to this drama, and it is the main selling point for me. I lost count of the times I have shed monstrous droplets of tears over the girls' friendships and their devotion to these friendships. What I deeply appreciate is how the author writes the female characters in this story. The main female character is not the only perfect, unflawed, "mary-sue" who triumphs over all the other girls. She forges friendships with almost everyone who comes in contact with her, is an ordinary girl who behaves and reacts naturally faced with situations where most of us would react. Supporting female characters in the story are amazing women with traits that make their characters distinct - and yet at the core of it all, they know where their priorities lie. They love their men, but they also treasure their sisterhood and friendship - and this is what is most precious to me in this drama.

The unavoidable political plot is light and easy to understand. It also seems that the cultural practices and laws of governance in Xinchuan resemble feudal times in non-fictional China the most, compared to the other regions like Mochuan, Danchuan, Jinchuan, Jichuan, and so on. And thus, this is where the characters' efforts in trying to bring modern and progressive changes to unreasonable traditions comes into place. This is a well-written and well-paced story with a reasonable amount of character development, and in my opinion, one of the best period dramas in 2022.

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Very well written and original romance COMEDY, far from the classic Wuxia genre. A real treat

This is not a “serious” Wuxia. It is truly a romance COMEDY taking place in the past, as an excuse to reflect on the relationships between men and women and their respective positions in society, or about what makes a good ruler, and how to sustain states, the easy way through taxing, or through more meaningful and respectful ways… all with a modern take. It is light, fluffy, funny… yet with enough substance in the storylines to keep you interested, if not hooked, as it is extremely well written and thought. A real treat, with well defined characters, nothing overly complicated, and a feast for the eye as the production is not lacking, served by a great cast. Their smile is contagious. You are rooting for the main leads. Special mention to the 3rd and 5th brothers, as well as the superintendent,and the Little (adopted) Sister of the ML… There is no high level of angst: Even the “bad” characters are not that bad, which is really relaxing (for instance, when a young lady threatens to do something nasty to the dog of the FL to have her punished, … she puts flowers in the dog’s fur….), except maybe for the really dumb, moody and mean crown prince.
I loved it. Such a refreshing take on Wuxia.

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A must watch!

This is a really feel good drama. Awesome acting by all actors. Both Baijingting and Tianxiwei's chemistry was too good. The supporting actors around them were also very entertaining. Everyone seem to play an important role to make this drama a success. The casting was spot on for this drama. They broke records on iqiyi for good reasons.
Both the leads were too sweet. The way they didn't give up on each other was just good to watch. How women stood up for themselves was really something to watch too.
Overall, very enjoyable. Watched few times and still wantvto watch again. Hopefully both leads will act together again in the near future. Awesome chemistry.

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Just a Foodie Trying to Live Her Life

Let's just say, the world of cdrama finished off the year strong with New Life Begins. The last time I didn't forward a cdrama was Nirvana in Fire and that was ages ago. So that says alot already.

10/10 Main Cast
*Bai Jing Ting: Honestly I was never a fan of his. Was iffy the first time I saw him appear in this drama as Prince Zheng. Then the moment he met Li Wei, my mind changed completely. They have crazy wild chemistry. Who doesn't love an adorable jealous yet smart prince eh?
*Tian Xi Wei: This is my first drama of her. My immediate thought was, she has the classic 80/90's beauty. She reminds me of a very cute version of Barbara Yung. Regardless, I adored her bubbly personality and her love for food. The way she looks at food is truly love. And her willingness to stand against injustice makes her the perfect female lead.

10/10 Side Characters
I think what made me love this drama the most is the side characters. The lovely Hai Ting, aggressive Princess Shangguan, bratty Song Wu, silly Prince Qi, Prince Zheng's fun and protective advisor, Li Wei's maids, etc. Side characters don't get enough credit but they really bring out the charm of a drama. I don't think the drama would be the same without the advisor and maids.

10/10 Romance
I loved every couple except 2 (you know who). What I appreciate is that they all lived within the palace but walked different paths. I loved the contrast between each couple. They made the screen very fun and interesting. And each couple had great chemistry. Especially my silly Prince Qi and his girl Jing'er.

10/10 Writing
*No true evil female villain. I can so appreciate this. For once I don't hear an evil B cry and complain about how unfair life is and that she deserves the main guy...blah blah blah every second she's on screen. And if there was one, it lasted a few episodes only.
*One highlight was the all the women supporting one another in a time where men ran the world. Seeing them risk everything and even their lives to save one another is truly such a breath of fresh air in cdramas. For once, no one schemed against one another. Just a bunch of women trying to live their lives the way they want.

I could write a 5 page review about how good this drama is but I'll spare you guys the reading.

Overall, it's a must watch. It's a feel good drama. It'll make you laugh and cry and then smile like a lovesick puppy.

Plus happy ending. Who doesn't love happy endings.

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The main couples romance is non existent

This is not a romance drama, the main couple could be seen as friends. The male lead's expression never changes, the main couple has no chemistry and they rarely have scenes together. the plot has no direction, the ml seems like the villain at this point. The only real relationship in this show is Shang guan' and yin Qi's.

The show seems like it's trying to make a statement on feminism but it makes all the female characters weak and stupid, the only strong female character is overly violent to her own husband. The only smart female character isn't actually very smart. Also, the male lead is stupid and weak as well but they try to make him seem intelligent and strong. Overall the show isn't fun to watch or good in any way, even the camera work is lacking, I would not recommend it to anyone.

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Good start but disappointed midway

Update: it started so well as i described below but after episode 12 or so it went haywire.
FL and ML hardly had any scenes together and if they did they acted like siblings. i understand there was a situation of another wife between them but ML clearly shows care and love to FL but all she does is ignore him. Like even when he is injured all we get to see is one question that if he is alright. i mean his servants and even kings servants show more care than FL
Even story wise they show women empowerment like its a piece of cake. And men are shown dumb or too soft. thats not how it works ! changing peoples mentality takes ages. here FL just stands and give speech and every one claps.
Disappointing progress from such a great premise and start

So far it’s been such a great watch. The way story unfolds you want root for ML sand FL from very first episode . I have seen so many dramas where even if the leads have good characterisation it’s not easy to root from the get go and sometime you cannot even till the end but in this drama it’s so easy. The way it’s narrates and leads interact with others you instinctively start getting invested and then it expands to almost all characters including their servants !!
Women bonding in this drama is never seen before so that’s such a huge plus point .
ML is smart and ambitious but not cold but very warm person and FL is very cute but also smart in her own way and can really be the life of the crowd .

Exciting to see how it unfolds in further episodes

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Most interesting drama of the year!!!

Just want to tell you everything about this drama, the story, the cast, the ost, the cinematography are dam so goood
The story is light but it wont make you boring, i used to prefer a heavy story since light story tend to be boring, but this drama isnt boring, TRUST MEEE, the ups and downs are just PERFECT, not too light but not heavy at all

the musics thooo, some are relaxing, some are give emotions to the story, ++ ye xuanqing and Liu Yuning sang the osts for this drama

What i most like is the cinematography, it gives a kind of atmosphere which is hard for me to describe ??

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