Jiu Liu Overlord (2020)

I loved the storyline and it had me fooled, had me crying. Bai Lu who played Long Ao Yi, I so love this actress and she is in my top favorite actresses. I think I said this before about her, I love her tomboyish acting. She was awesome in this storyline. Leon Lai played Jiu Liu Overlord, He is another actor that I love to see him play... I especially loved him in Legend of Fuyao! I also loved him in Eternal Love and many more. What a great actor he is. Alen Fang who played Li Zhao as always another great actor, this drama has many great actors. Everything is good about this drama.

This is a must-see! I loved the visuals and as always Leon Lai displayed his Martial Arts capabilities, wish I knew if he really is trained in Martial Arts. Every time I see his acting, he shows great Martial Art skills. The visuals were good, costume designs were good.... Thanking all the other than one main actor I did not mention and cast, without them the story wouldn't have worked. The only thing I didn't like was that competition of one woman who is so in love and doing drastic things to snatch that man while he loves another... same story in most of these dramas.

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Very interested story,,,

Overall, this drama tried to pack a lot into the story, the writing was consistent enough to weave the plots together seamlessly. The show started strong for me, with its fresh take on the FL's background, where she was the leader of a righteous gang whose focus was on helping the common people. I was intrigued by the synopsis and looked forward to seeing the romance develop as the OTP learned to work together and overcome their class disparity. Unfortunately, the writer had to throw in the usual palace nonsense, including the "secret royalty" trope. It did all fit together in the end, but the story development was not that smooth. I don't know if it was due to bad editing, censorship, or weak writing that caused the pacing to be off.

Despite all that, I could not help but binge on this show. In fact, I even watched the last 32 episodes raw because I had to find out what happened in the end. Why? Because of Bai Lu and Leon Lai!

I was so drawn to the OTP's visuals and their story. I did not mind their slow-burn romance, and even though there were few passionate scenes, there was great chemistry between Bai Lu and Leon Lai. There was a certain dignity in how the ML and FL displayed their feelings for each other. Both characters were strong, intelligent, savvy, and well-respected in their own societies. Watching them come together and realize how well they complement each other was an enjoyable watch for me. Of course, there were angsty moments of misunderstanding and noble idiocy, but compared to other period C-dramas, the melodrama was not heavy.

Bai Lu may have reached 'girl crush' status for me. She has an on-screen presence that commands attention, an attractiveness, and acting talent that one would expect of a female lead. She has the natural arrogant face to portray Long Ao Yi perfectly, and one memorable scene for me was when she danced to counter the ridicule of the so-called high-society guests. Bai Lu used her body language and expressions very well in this role as she transitioned between an unruly gang leader to a palace concubine. One reason why I gave the show a high rating because of the strong FL character who was also relatable. I like that Long Ao Yi could always rise above it all, move on and focus on the big picture or main point. Yes, she had her moments of weakness or slip-ups and silly stubbornness that delayed the progress of her relationship with Liu Qing Liu. However, all that was what I would expect of the character who stayed true to herself the whole time.

The show made the right choice casting Leon Lai next to Bai Lu. His manly good looks and physique match Bai Lu's haughty beauty really well, and he has the charisma to play the aloof Liu Qing Liu. His icy expressions were not emotionless, and he was not stiff. This role may not have given Leon a wide acting range, but he did pretty well with his micro-expressions, especially when Qing Liu started falling for Ao Yi. Given that this is only his second lead role, I think he did a great job. I hope that he will be casted in more lead roles as he hones his skills further. Likewise with Alen Fang. I had watched him in "The Love by Hypnotic" and was impressed by him. His character Li Zhao did give me a little SLS, and I felt so bad for him who was so in love with Ao Yi until the very end.

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Funny and Entertain

Aku memang sudah sejak lama menunggu drama ini ditayangkan. Sayangnya drama ini ditayangkan hampir berbarengan dengan Love is Sweet yang juga diperankan oleh Bai Lu, aku sempat agak bias di bagian awal drama ini. Itu sebabnya aku menunggu agak lama sebelum mulai menonton.

Satu hal yang aku suka dari drama ini adalah kesempatan melihat Leon Lai menjadi male lead! Setelah sekian lama muncul sebagai support role, akhirnya dia berkesempatan mendapatkan peran sebagai male lead. Aktingnya boleh juga sebagai pemeran utama, hanya saja entah kenapa aku merasa dia lebih cocok sebagai antagonis. Hanya pendapat pribadi saja.

Untuk Bai Lu, tidak perlu disanksikan, aktingnya ciamik seperti biasanya! Fang Yilun juga memberikan akting yang mempesona, meski aku kecewa karena akhirnya tidak begitu baik untuk perannya. Yah, sebagai second male, takdirnya adalah salah satu takdir terburuk.

Buat ceritanya sendiri cukup entertain untukku, dan di banyak bagian memancing tawa banget~! Adegan romantis juga ada, tetapi tidak banyak dibandingkan dengan bagian yang menggelitiknya. Aku cukup suka, karena drama lain yang sedang aku lihat terlalu banyak adegan gula-gula, aku tidak mau melihat terlalu banyak di drama ini. Buat politiknya sendiri tidak terlalu rumit tetapi entah kenapa aku membutuhkan lebih banyak karma di sini. Hahaha. Rasanya kurang setimpal dengan semua kejahatan yang dilakukan oleh Prime Minister selama ini. Alasan yang menjadikan dia membunuh master Aoyi juga kurang digali lebih dalam.

But overall aku cukup suka dengan drama ini. Menanti drama-drama lain dari para castingnya. Ciao!

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This is a good drama to watch while waiting for a great one. It is a fictional historical with some nice action scenes, good camaraderie, melodrama, comedic moments, and a light romance that started too late into the drama. There’s also some mystery. Although the leading couple has good chemistry, their romantic scenes were playful and cute but not exciting. The leading character was written to show a cold facial expression for most of the show’s duration and it became tedious. The female lead’s character was fun and nice to watch but the character’s delivery felt off on the romantic scenes. Overall, it is a nice drama and it delivers entertainment. Enjoy it!

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It was good, but not quite

I totally understand where the writer was going for this drama, however it wasn't well arranged which made half of the drama seem really boring and the other half confusing.
STORY: I totally understand what they were trying to achieve, but the packaging was not suitable for the parcel, which is why it broke on the way to it’s destination. This means that the story could have been portrayed better than this, but it is still a good story.
ACTING: despite his obvious fate as a supporting character in every other drama, Lai yi really outdid himself, he did a good job. Bai Lu never disappoints so we don't even need to stress. All the actors were splendid. All the servants were attractive which was quite refreshing and the villains did a splendid job being evil.
All in all, it was a good drama, I recommend you watch it but I wouldn't settle for a re-watch.

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LIKE:
* I always say "IF ITS BAI LU, IT MUST BE GOOD" and yes indeed!!! The flow of the Plot is well arrange... a lot of twist & revelations.... there were part that u cant help but CRY... it is a good story of LOVE and FRIENDSHIP...
* Actor/Actress did well.. never doubt Bai Lu's acting...i did not see Jiang Jun here... she really played well.... the ML Leon Lai, im still urging to see more of expression.... & Alen Feng... OMG....his emotion in every scene is on point, he is really good, & as a Bai Lu fan.. hope to see him with her in a modern Series... they have Chemistry... during the 36 eps.. im always looking forward to see both them in 1 frame...
DISLIKE:
* Just 1 thing... I cant understand why they did not make the FL a good fighter since she is the leader of a gang, it did not go inside with the character... it could have been more exciting if she know how to fight...

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Lai Yi and Bai Lu - They were the reason I watched this

I like Lai Yi, and I like Bai Lu. Their chemistry in this was ok - not sizzling, and there wasn't enough PDA for me. The second couple were too playful for my, but they also had ok chemistry and their story should have been developed more. Overall, the storyline was pretty solid and well-played. The actors did a good job. You liked the characters who were good, you despised the villains. However, the measure of Karma was not suitable to the evil deeds they got away with. Love me some good payback, and this one was underwhelming.

Allen Feng's character was pitiful - I wish he could have gotten a better ending since he really wasn't the 'bad guy' after all, and his sidekick. What a heartbreak.

I was shouting at the screen in many parts of this drama - cussing the stupidity of the characters. Reached for the fast-forwards button a couple of times, especially when the scene dragged out or something repetitious was going on.

OST was disappointing.

Rewatch? Hmmmm - maybe if I couldn't find anything else and needed some weekend watching.

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Fluffy romance, Comedic; Slow paced

I only watch all the way up from 13 episode, which I am planning on finishing the drama and re-editing my review if my thoughts change. But, I wanted to share my thoughts on this drama since I am more than 10 episodes in.

Storyline/Plot: A lot of people felt like this drama was very slow paced and took so long to develop the romance between the main leads. I disagreed, you could tell Li Qing Liu (ML) was falling in love with or having an interest in Long Ao Yi since episode 1. As the story progressed, they slowly started hanging out more and getting to know each other. I didn't care about the cliques since of course this is a drama, so cliques are what to be expected. Furthermore, for this to be a 36 episode I don't think it would be reasonable for the plot to be rushed since everything needs to be well balanced and paced. On a higher note, I like the comedic and detective side of things since it added another layer for the plot. I don't a problem with them having Qing Liu as a long lost prince since he was able to compete with the prince Li Zhao (SML). Moreover, I didn't even really care since it wasn't a major hit to his character. Their was a few issues that I had while watching this on YouTube and reading the comments:

1. People wanted Ao Yi to give the prince, Li Zhao a chance because of Second male syndrome and it was obvious she was going to end up with Qing Liu. Which was not only annoying but disgusting because Li Zhao ended up being toxic and selfish. I don't understand and will never understand why is it that Second male leads can get away with nasty behaviors in the name of second male lead syndrome but the second female lead cant??? I don't hear nobody saying "I am having second female lead syndrome, the male lead should end up with her and give her a chance." I feel like the romance between two individuals or characters needs to be mutual on both sides not just one. Also, I don't even think that logic or mindset is even realistic. Because, I wouldn't date someone because they like me yet I don't like them.

2. Yes! Ms. Du was very annoying as a second female lead, but as a character she needs to be held accountable for her own behavior. I don't feel as if Qing Liu was responsible for how Ms. Du acted. He never gave her any incentives that he had any feelings for her. Moreover, she was his employee so it would have been a bit weird. She helped him based off her own free will, so he didn't owe her anything. Especially since she tried to belittle Ao Yi for being a lower class beggar.


Acting/Cast: I love both actors/actresses, Bai Lu and Leon Lai. I watched Bai Lu in Untouchable Lovers, while I watched Leon Lai in the ten miles of cherry blossom series and Ancient love poetry. Bai Lu, she tends to play tomboy or non-stereotypical women roles good. I am so used to it since she played a general in Untouchable Lovers. Leon Lai, I first watched him in Ancient Love Poetry which he played Gu jun. Leon Lai, he has a presence about himself that captivated the whole drama. Its sad that this man doesn't have much to his name as a main lead which is sad and a waste of talent.

Music: I hated the opening Ost since it sounds like something that would come out of a drama like Empress in the palace. However, the other songs were well fitted and personally liked.

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If you like Bai Lu/Lai Yi, this is a must watch romance comedy with twist and turns

This drama is one of the very few drama that Lai Yi took a lead role. He didn't disappoint me at all. I truly enjoyed his acting with his handsome looks. And the chemistry with Bai Lu was amazing. If you are fan of them, you really need to watch it. I actually watched it three time and I know what is the outcome, but I still enjoyed watching , laughing and crying.

First half is a typical romance comedy. Until the half way, there isn't much of romance between two leads, but it was necessary to establish their relationship to develop stronger bonds as lovers. Then story line suddenly had unexpected twists and turns. I also liked the acting by all of the support roles and they have done a wonderful job making this drama for perfect 10. Some may think it was a weak plot, but it was good enough for me to enjoy the entire episodes.

If you like romance comedy, this is one of the drama you will really enjoy watching.

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Historic Drama with Fresh Story

Pleasantly surprised with this drama due to its solid storyline. I feel that many historical dramas have very similar storylines - either love story between a prince and commoner/outsider, uncovering court intrigue, or power struggle to inherit or usurp the throne. This drama had a fresh spin on these storylines. You can get a sense of where the story is heading, but can't really predict the details. There was also a solid ending, which I feel like I can't say for many historic dramas. There aren't many loose strings, and I feel like almost every character gets a satisfactory ending (note - I'm not implying happy or sad with satisfactory. I mean that I feel that the ending does the characters and story justice). Highly recommend this drama.

Strengths:
1. Storyline - see above. Also, I don't think drama is super draggy either. I did skip through a lot of the antagonists' scheming, but mostly because I really wanted to know what twists they were going to put in the story.
2. Bai Lu's acting - she does an amazing job balancing serious vs light-hearted matters.
3. Secondary characters' acting - Zhao Wang, Xiao Qin, Yan Bin, Tai Hou, etc are all really good. They're pretty funny and lovable.

Some aspects that I would warn about:
1. Male lead's acting (Lai Yi) takes a little getting used to...he's a good actor, don't get me wrong, but I don't think he's used to having a lead role. Bai Lu is such a strong actress, that when his acting is juxtaposed with her's, it falls a little short. I do think his acting is a lot better the second half of the drama, where his character becomes more open and less rigid. I know some people are turned off by his acting, but I would encourage you to give this drama a try. I do think it's worth it.
2. Music is subpar. I think I've been spoiled by beautiful OSTs from this year's dramas (e.g., Go Ahead, Love & Redemption, Eternal Love of Dreams/ Pillow Book). The music that do have is pretty good, but I think there are only ~3 songs
3. Not exactly related to the drama, but I would NOT recommend watching episode previews (especially the ones from Tencent). They totally give away the entire story...grrr regret watching those.

TLDR: highly recommend this drama because of its fresh storyline and lighthearted, comedic nature.Please don't be dissuaded with an 8.0 rating...I'm pretty conservative with ratings. 10.0 is Nirvana in Fire level, 9.0 is anything close to NIF but a bit short.

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A basic romcom with strong women

First of all I loved the female lead. She was strong and independent. I loved how she was not afraid to be herself. Especially i loved how Bai Lu portrayed her. I honestly liked the whole cast. My favorite character has to be Xiao Qin. She was super cute and her romance with Yan Bin was absolutely adorable!

The story was alright from what I remember. Not bad. I watched this when it came out but I barely remember the story so i think its safe to say that for me this dramas story was not very memorable. The love triangle was also pretty annoying in my opinion. I could not get what was going on in there. But overall I recommend this series for all the cdrama fans who have not still seen this.

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