The Rebel Princess (2021)

Amazing production and acting :)!!!!

What can I say!!! This is the best drama so far in Chinese dramaland :)!!!! I really love the OTP, Awu, and XiaoXi are a powerful couple who fought for peace and freedom for the people. Awu's not a very complex character, but her soul and heart are so pure :). She is all about love and forgiveness. I don't think I have watched any female lead as kind as her?? Her kindness is also a weakness because it seems like so many bad people are betraying her, but in the end, she came out as a winner as her heart is always in the right place. XiaoXi is a warrior that is all for peace and equal-ness. He marries Awu and they built their life on love, kindness, and trust. Their relationship was so nice to see because they are just loving and caring towards each other. They are far from being perfect, but they still trust each other. The plot was great in the way that it makes one think about the hardships within the court and outside of it. One important aspect Awu mentioned is that "if the capital is at peace, then the world----people. citizens will also live a peaceful life..." In the end, Awu and XiaoXi turn the situation around; and bring peace to the world :). The osts amazing too!!!!

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Actors ages do not ruin this otherwise MUST SEE series

Hiya,

My first C-Drama ever was RUYI'S ROYAL LOVE IN THE PALACE. I knew watching it that it was a masterpiece, because only a masterpiece would keep my attention that long on such a depressing series of events.

The problem became what in the world to watch afterwards? Since I was new to this world I tried MISSING PERSONS (Two Ruyi Co-stars featured) and that was fun but nowhere near as slick. I also watched a ton of Chinese films during Ruyi and some after. That's when I caught some Zhang Ziyi and felt, yeah, let's give REBEL PRINCESS a try.

Firstly, the jerks that call these 'costume dramas' need to be thrown into the Cold Palace and forced to watch Wonder Woman 1984. It's like calling Westerns 'saddle dramas'. Give me a break. This genre is Epic Imperial Romance, okay?

Secondly the title simply doesn't work. Or translate. I have a sublime title to offer but it would spoil to explain why I chose this.
Call it FOR THE LOVE OF AWU and you'll see why about halfway thru.

Unfortunately the series isn't as good as RUYI. That doesn't mean it isn't watchable and entertaining. And, in fact, for reasons I cannot divulge, it has a higher 'rewatch me' factor than RUYI. So it's better in a sense as well.

My personal big problem with this series is the initial ages of the actors. Where Zhou Xun completely tricked me into thinking a woman in her 40s is really a teenager, that didn't happen here. Many major players tried their best but simply looked old.

Deeper into the story we're introduced to a young woman that (we're told) is so like Zhang when she was young. SPOILER: she looks NOTHING like her. I was so confused I went to an eye doctor. (JK. NK.) And in THIS character SOMEONE should have realized lied a solution.

Rewind. You look for a young actress that looks a lot like a young Zhang. Then you shoot the first episodes using her. Then, and get this, when you need to introduce to the young woman who allegedly looks like Awu? Use the same actress, perhaps with a little rubber on her face to make her look a little different. Two problems solved.

The other unfortunate casting issue is Zhang Zi Yi herself. After having experienced the WOW that is Zhou Xun in RUYI, Zhang seemed a little... flat. It was like she was playing not only a noble Princess but a Goddess, who -- somehow -- is detached from reality. Often when Zhang is hearing something she doesn't like -- she starts staring off into an emotionless abyss. She looks catatonic even. This emotive distancing pushes the characters annoying her back a bit, but so too have we the viewers lost critical access into her thoughts and feelings. It took me halfway thru the series to get used to this.

With this out of the way, almost all of the other characters are terrific. Where Zhang is the blank canvas, everyone else is the paint. The series grows more and more endearing as each episode passes. Where RUYI slowly waterboards you into giving up all hope, REBEL offers hope.

Every great series has a breakaway character that you'll then want to see a LOT more of. In RUYI it was Princess Jia (Xin Zhi Lei) who is the most beautiful b!tch to hit TV or cinema. In REBEL it's Helan Zhun (Yuan Hong) who I called Aquaman the entire time because he looks (kinda) like the Chinese version of Jason Momoa. His character does some pretty awful things but MAGICALLY you hold some compassion for him too. He really made Tong Yang fight for screen time.

(By the way, in America, the CW took the world's largest POO on the classic Kung Fu series. I don't mind the remake as a show but recognize it's plainly not based on the original series at all. It's like renaming THE OFFICE as KUNG FU. But Tony Yang's intensity in the back half of the series tells me China should do an actual remake of KUNG FU, starting and spending a lot of time in China. Starring Tony Yang. He'd make a solid Caine.)

Now, of the romance. This story was a welcome soapy affair after RUYI. I don't want to spoil but I will say Awu attracts men the way an open KFC dumpster attracts flies. If you take this story literally you won't like it. If you accept its instead a feel good romantic fable -- and need that in your life before embarking -- this series will charm you SILLY.

FUN TRIVIAL FACT -- At the end of each episode is an absolutely beautiful duet between a man and a woman trying to find love inside the Kooky Backstabbing Kingdoms of C-Dramas. If you open your heart to it you'll watch the complete ending every time. The song is even featured within maybe 6 episodes.

But there is a BATTLESHIP sized detail about this song. The lovely woman who's singing? As Austin Powers once said, "She's a MAN, baby!" It may be worth watching this show just to experience that.

Oh and the production values are through the roof and puncture a hole right thru the Moon. But that can't carry you further than 3 episodes. This ensemble will. But know the series takes time to really grab you. Under 10 episodes for most.

Now, there was on character I felt was handled poorly. General Song started out great, but in the interests of romantic drama, took a series of turns that... well... I don't believe the audience appreciated. I've saved this last note for people who have seen the series, and so the next paragraph is SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER.

***************************** SPOILING BELOW *******************************

At the end of the story, Song watches his wife beg him to save himself (and his soul) and let Awu and Lord be. When he refuses to abide by her wishes, she does (something) that should have changed his mind. Minutes later, at the end of his sword, he does something that wasn't intended. The audience says YAY but then (the pig) grabs Awu's face and makes a play for her. That was done for drama but wasn't the least bit believable. If memory serves Helan never even pulled that stunt, was more of a gentleman.

Since I've written a handful of stories myself, I'll offer what I consider a cleaner (more appropriate) resolution of Song's arc.

Song witnesses his wife jump to her death. Later (before he confronts Awu) he looks down at his dead wife on the ground. He realizes his folly. He might even say to someone how she only lived for him. And how he didn't appreciate that.

When he's with Awu, her father explains that he will be emperor. And that nothing and no one can stop him. He stands close to his daughter when he says this, meaning even Awu. This threat is critical, and was missing from the story. And the fact it was missing kinda screwed up the ending. Because in the story she later talks to her father as if all the crap he's pulled was okay with her because of blood relation. Except we the audience know it wasn't.

So it's CRITICAL that Away abandon any love of her Dad she has upon being threatened. At this moment Awu should pull out the small knife the Lord handed her a long time ago in the story. I believe they intended to have her use it here but chickened out at the last moment. I wouldn't chicken out. I'd have Awu tell her father it's over. That's when he takes the knife and attempts to turn it on Awu herself. And it is at this point Song ends Wang Lin.

After doing so, Song looks completely broken. The Lord and his soldiers arrive, but it's clear from Awu's face it's already over. Song sees the Lord and Awu stand beside each other and wipes a tear away. He says words to the effect of, "I see what I always should have seen. That you two belong side by side. And that my place was always... elsewhere."

Song would leave the chamber. Moments later a servant would run in and tell the Lord Song will kill himself. They run out to and catch Song just as he jumps off the ledge his wife did. They look down and find him dead... beside his wife.

What I'm trying to suggest is that Song was more noble throughout the story. That he didn't need to become a 'demon' in the last moments of the series. Even Helan had this figured out.

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The Forgiving Princess

The drama should have been titled "The Forgiving Princess" as the FL forgives everyone that has plotted, betrayed, and used her in order to gain power.

I was really impressed with Zhou Yi Wei's portrayal of Xiao Qi (the ML). Loyal, faithful, honorable, stoic, and strong. I don't normally cry while watching Chinese drams, but I cried when Xiao Qi wept over the death of Gen Song Huai En.
I wasn't impressed with Zhang Zi Yi as toward 2/3 of the drama, she was essentially wooden and expressionless. The sets and costumes were gorgeous. And the song End Of The World was simply beautiful.

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Good story with some pointless characters

A lot of people criticized this show for casting older 40+ y/o actors to play teenagers. This is the least of the show's problems. Although I like Zhang Ziyi, she is not an extraordinarily beautiful woman as Wang Xuan is supposed to be, and of whose unmatched beauty we were constantly reminded throughout the show. There are plenty of prettier and younger actresses who would've been more suited for the role. For this reason, I think Ziyi was miscast. Everyone else was on point. It was very refreshing to see a more mature actor playing the role of a battle-hardened, undefeated general, instead of a 20+ y/o idol with mediocre acting skills and baby fat still intact.

** SPOILERS **

The titular Wang Xuan/Awu "rebel princess" hit her peak character development half-way through the show. She matured from a care-free and spoiled princess to a level-headed young woman who learned the meaning of duty and country and was able to skillfully navigate through the court intrigue. Wang Xuan wielded the power of the Wang clan to shape the course of the empire and produce future kings. Unfortunately, after Ma Zilong took the throne, her character was reduced to nothing more than a beautiful object of men's desires with an abnormally large number of braindead males chasing after her. Even the mighty Helan Zhen regressed from an arrogant warrior to a lovesick fool bringing her wedding dresses and begging her to love him. One of the most ridiculous twists was Song Huaien going through a 180, becoming a traitor and wanting Awu to be his "empress". What a way to turn an interesting character into a cliche. The drama basically dumbed down from a political thriller-ish to an uninteresting soap opera regurgitating the same old tropes.

One of the dumbest things about the drama was a complete lack of insight from most characters. They either wanted Awu or to kill Xiao Qi. Wanting to kill Xiao Qi was an especially ridiculous plot idea because he was the only honorable and loyal subject who was the less likely to usurp the throne. Yet, all of the royal inbreds continuously plotted against him thinking he wanted power, which backfired in the most ridiculous way. Some of Wang Xuan's motivations were also very confusing. She tried to sit on two chairs at once - being Xiao Qi's wife and a member of the Wang family, which led to some questionable choices. One of those questionable choices was her fraternization with Helan Zhen, drinking and dancing with him, something that was completely inappropriate and put a wedge between her and Xiao Qi.

Zitan was one of the least interesting characters and the biggest waste of screen time. Tony Yang was an absolute eye candy to look at, but his good looks weren't able to save the character from being unbearable. The writers could've done so much with him instead of reducing him to exist solely to pine after Awu. And even that was comical because he had one chance at the beginning of the show to be with her and he completely squandered it. Even Awu had to spell it out to him why he was unworthy because he had no spine and couldn't care less about anything other than his childhood crush. And, that hasn't changed throughout the show, which later led to a lot of people getting killed just so he could get into Awu's pants.

Contrary to the criticism, Wang Xuan and Xiao Qi's big production in the throne room to get Zitan to confess his crimes was actually quite clever. I did not particularly enjoy her spending so much time with Zitan afterwards trying to save him, but I attribute it to her still caring about him as her childhood friend and not to some lingering romantic feelings. This was later confirmed in her conversation with her father when she told him that her love for Xiao Qi and Zitan was "different".

The most complex character was Wang Lin. Cynical, pragmatic, and unrelenting, he understood the complexities of ruling a country and the responsibility that came with it. Usurping the throne wasn't just his blind quest for power but to also remove an incompetent ruler and to bring stability to the empire. He was truly the only person who was fit to sit on the throne.

The drama did a good job at characterizing the relationship between Wang Xuan and Xiao Qi. This is probably due to the fact that the characters were played by mature actors and not idols. Their relationship had chemistry, meaningful interactions, mutual understanding, and respect. The drama did a good job at flushing out why Wang Xuan fell in love with Xiao Qi and let go of her childhood love for Zetan. Zetan represented her care-free childhood. Xiao Qi was mature love where she learned duty, loyalty, and the hardships of life. She appreciated Xiao Qi for his bravery and heroism and looked down on Zetan's continued callousness and immaturity. I appreciate the fact that the drama did not go down the cliche route creating a love triangle between the three of them.

The ending was ok, although I wanted to see stricter justice served against the characters who committed crimes. Overall, the drama was very entertaining for the first half and for the last 10-15 episodes, but it could've gone without some storylines. And, I definitely wanted to see more of Xiao Qi, instead of the abominable Helan Zhen arc and Zitan's forlorn expressions.

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Excellent ensemble and the acting is super, but it was too long (68 eps)

The Rebel Princess is a costume/historical drama starring Zhang Zi Yi, Zhou Yi Wei, and Tony Yang. It is about politics and power between the Wang and Xie family. Internal turmoil within the imperial family and Princess Wang Xuan's father is the mastermind behind all the disruptions and killing of the Emporer and many innocent people, including her mother.

The acting is exceptional in this drama, from the main actors and the entire ensemble. My major complaint was that it was too long, with 68 episodes where it dragged out too long. It could have been excellent with a 9.0 or even 10.0 rating if it was cut short by 10-20 episodes.

It took a while for me to finish the 68 episodes on prime video. It was not realistic to have one prime minister overpower the entire kingdom. Her brother is useless for not standing up against his father even when he was expelled from the imperial palace.

I would be more satisfied if the ending where Princess Wang Xuan is the one to kill her father for his selfishness and power desire without any remorse.

I enjoyed the drama and gave it an 8.0 rating, but it was too long.

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Phenomenal

This is probably one of the most amazing storyline, characters, cinematography, fight stunts, settings, i've seen in more than 400 chinese and korean drama i've watch over the years. After i have watched the last episode, it just left me speechless and in awe of what i have seen in the past 4 days. My lack of sleep because of this drama was all worth it. And i should say that REBEL PRINCESS is definitely at par with my all time favorite chinese drama, Ten Miles of Peach Blossom and korean drama, Moon Embraces the Sun.

Firstly, and probably the most important for me, as a big fan of a historical romance drama, the love between xiao qi and awu is something to be proud of, even as a viewer. I love how this couple started and how they fell in love in the process. And despite all the odds, their love and trust for each other has brought them to their goals as a husband and wife. I have so many favorite episodes and scenes with how the story showed the love between them, most especially lord yuzhang's love for his wife. The scenes gave me goosebumps and the lines he said was so heart flattering moments.

Secondly, i love the charisma of Lord Yuzhang and Princess Yuzhang. They both exudes the quality of how the characters were supposed to be. They were perfect in characters. As a general, lord yuzhang , when his face is on screen, you know right away that he's a mighty general. And awu, i dont probably need to say it, her face itself is a princess.

Thirdly, with so many characters revealed on thw entire 68 episodes, the love it that the scriptwriter did not waste any actors performance in the story, no matter what characters they played on. The storyline gave each characters their story, from servants to soldiers to the royals. All of them played a very important roles. And there were so many characters with unexpected twist, which, made the drama, in my opinion, one of the best stories made.

Fourtly, the fight stunts and cinematograhy has left me breathless and amazed. The fight were extraordinary and well thought of. It gave me goosebumps watching general xiao qi and his soldiers fight.

I am usually not a fan of long dramas but i sometimes give exceptions to a few, just like, ten miles of peach blossom, princess weiyoung and general and i. They are one of my favorite long dramas. And Rebel Princess is also an exxeption, 68 episodes flew by so fast. No episodes were wasted, no dull moments, every scenes were as important. Not to mention, the drama also boast beautiful visuals and costumes and a very dramatic OST. I love everything about this drama.

I most highly recommend it to those who love historical drama with lot of heartfluttering moments and a storyline that will leave you satisfied. Thank you to the scriptwriter, directors, and actors who made this amazing drama for the audiences. This will go down on ny rewatched list.

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The Rebel Princess

Xiao Chi has a wonderful character and the author should be congratulated for creating such a character
It is true that we see many of these brave commanders who care about their people and share their food with them, but Xiaochi is better than any commander I have ever seen! Not only because he eats the food of his soldiers and takes care of the families of the soldiers who died in the war, but also because he is willing to retreat to save the lives of his soldiers! When told that our army has never retreated, he says well this is the first time. If other commanders say that dying in war is an honor! It is true that it is an honor, but until now we thought that maybe a family does not need to be proud and the only thing it needs is a father, husband or son

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It is a mid drama that feels like the best drama at first 20 or 30 eps

I just finished watching this drama and I feel a lot of emotions rn but I will try my best not to be biased
coming from an experienced drama watcher I will tell you all about this drama in a way without spoilers (if ur lazy to read just skip to the last paragraph)

okay so first of all this drama is very appealing to the eyes and has very good actors especially our girl "the princess" Zhang Zi Yi I can see a lot of people criticizing her becoz she is a 44yr old actress playing a"16" yr old princess from the start and yes I do agree when I start watching this drama I had this feeling that the female actor looked older than her parents and her uncle and aunts lol and it was very clear she does have a older appearness BUT! after completing this drama i think she was a very strong and perhaps only likable character except her mother and the ml and also becoz of her and the ml i did not drop this drama in the middle.

I actually was hooked at the first episode and I binged watched like 16 eps in a day this drama surely brings up excitement and curiosity,As an experienced drama watcher myself most of the time I was trying to guess what would happen next becoz when u watch a lot dramas u know there is always a pattern. but jeez this drama script is so weirdly good at some places and so horribly cliche and confusing at other places it was still pretty predictable towards the end but at the start I have to give them the credit for making it pretty interesting

another good thing about the drama is the ost It is pretty nice and nostalgic lmao

And i think the title really suits this drama becoz if u look at all the political drama and the 5/10 romance and the weird plot we can see that our princess is pretty rebellious becoz she is the only woman who do not want power and is always love sick for her family most of the time and try to "fix" the bad doings of almost everyone in the palace. that's why she is rebellious becoz she is different from all the women in the palace but she is way too soft-hearted and confused most of the time lmao

now for the romance, some people said it was a slow-burn romance lol full bs i think it was way too rushed and they stay in that same romance stage for the rest of the show its weirdly good and satisfying at first but let me tell you you it was so frustrating towards the end

let me tell u about the story It is all boring politics played by beautiful people with beautiful clothing and almost everyone switches from absolutely selfish power seekers to absolutely miserably apologetical,regrets everything and some characters switch between these 2 characteristics or stays in 1 and almost everyone dies that at end u don't care who dies at this point.the romance in this drama is like not there most of the time and all the characters are indulged in everything but romance
the romance showed in this drama was 35% in 100% and the other 65% was political drama and the plot the 20% was the romance between the fml and ml and the 15% of the other romance is by the side characters like emperors,second leads yeah all the side characters almost had the same amount of romance between them than the actual main leads .


IN ALL HONESTY, this drama is fr a 7/10 only becoz of its good main leads and really good acting and the costumes are 10/10 everyone was eye candy to watch but is it worth a watch in one word NO but it does depend, big no for students, hard-working busy lads who likes to watch drama in free time, people who rarely get time to watch dramas but wanted to give this drama a chance, if u belong here in anyway if ur okay to spend ur time and really wants to give it a try go ahead its ur choice at the end of the day.If u are a starter in watching dramas, if u have a lot time in ur hand like if ur young then yeah/MAYBE .i deff wasted my time in this drama, especially becoz its so long there are much much better dramas to watch in the industry so yeah . its a good drama to understand whether u like this type of palace political stuff and drama. the main problems about this drama is the bad plot and a lot of characters turn unrealistically evil and horrible characters, there is not even a single character in this drama with character development its annoying, frustrating . almost too cliche and too many unneeded killings of every good characters

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Don't forget to watch The Rebel Princess

Nice drama I like all casts and songs
This is the best
Best couple Best song ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️At first I think this drama will bore but when I watch episode 1 attract me to watch next episode I loveXiao Qi because he love his wife No alcohol he has good mind so I like Xiao Qi role I thank all The Rebel Princess Team I am very pleased because I have a chance to watch The Rebel Princess I hope all the casts will be happy in their life I can't express the best of this dram this drama is the best for me

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Loved This

This was the second drama I watched, and I am saving it to watch again and again. I pretty much liked the story line, but the ML made the movie for me. The chemistry between him and the FL was delightful. However, admittedly, I just loved watching this guy. He smoldered in every scene and I am mesmerized! I am going to watch it again just to look at him.

That being said, it was a passable story, but I didn't care for the indiscriminate killing off of so many of the characters (especially the good ones that I liked). The costumes were fantastic. The cinematography was great. Realistic. All in all I really liked this piece.

And I'll say it once again - Zhou Yi Wei : hot!

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