Lost You Forever (2023)

The bottom line that you shouldn't compromise

First of all, I am used to be a kdrama avid fan, please mind my limited knowledge about cdrama in writing this review.

The writer has succeeded in torturing me through this whole drama, but I found the storyline brilliant alas, sometimes annoying.
All the actors/actresses really did a great job in portraying their characters. kudos to all the casts.
I am grateful that I found DengWei in TTOETM that lead me to this drama, which helped me found other incredible and talented actors/actresses, particularly Zhang Wan Yi. Mannnn, ZWY is not a joke. He is even more intense than Wu Lei in LLTG (sorry to Wu Lei's fans). He delivered the role fantastically. I hope he will get a big award for this role. He really deserves it. His intense gaze and rich facial expressions really got me down. I understand CX pain and obsession, and so many times made me wanted to hug him, particularly during his wedding. The way he gazed at XY said it all, but XY never really understood his hidden desire.

YangZi, I know she is an experienced actress, but this is my first time watching her works too. Hat's off to her acting. I could tell that She really worked hard. But, her role in this drama sometimes annoying, particularly when it's related to my baby Jing. But, toward the end I could understand her actions and decisions. Even though sometimes she looked like swinging over to FFB of XL for unnecessary reasons, she is just a realistic girl with a clear bottom line that she doesn't want to compromise. I like how she is always there for CX even though she has to risk her safety and comfort. She is a loyal one.

XL, no offense to XL this is just my personal preference. I just couldn't tolerate this kind of characters, abusive. Hence, whatever kindness, gentleness and sacrifices he shows after that, it just got blurred in my eyes. I appreciate his sacrifices for XY, yet till the end he chose to be on the different side of CX, which another bottom line XY couldn't compromise. He did have his own story and reasons, and I understand that, but shipping him to XY with those things is just a big no for me.

YS/TSJ, many people might see his character a bit boring, but for me this is just my type. So, no matter what people said about him, I just don't care. DW is perfect for the role. He portrait YS/TSJ really well, his vulnerability, indecisiveness, gentleness, kindness and loyalty. I feel bad for him with having such a family, a jerk brother, a schemer fiancée, and a snake grandma. I am still hoping that he will end up with XY.

FL, he is a good brother, a loyal friend, and a fun buddy. I just hope that XY doesn't need to marry him since CX is already got the throne.

ShinYue, I didn't like her at the beginning, but I think she is my role model when it comes to choosing life partner😆 I understand why she made that kind of decisions. She deserves the best too. She did a lot for CX. She did her best, but she could let go when things doesn't go as she hopes, a bottom line she couldn't compromise.

Finally, one of my favorite quotes from the drama,
"LIFE IS HARD FOR EVERYONE"
Yep, let's just enjoy the drama, no need to bash other people because they have different opinions than yours.
See in other dramas😁

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There was once a girl who lost her way

Anyone can look at my drama list count and know there is a slight obsessive trait towards Asian dramas. I'm an American who cut cable in 2014 and didn't miss a beat because I discovered the storylines from Korean and Chinese dramas offered a solid story line versus the gratuitous sex scenes in American television, which often times made no sense to the plot. As such, there are times of preoccupation with these dramas, and "Lost You Forever" is definitely one that I rewatch daily.

This drama was lucky and shrewd enough to hire the original author as a screenwriter, and it made this story absolutely rich in detail and pacing. Not once did I hit the fast forward button, and many times, a rediscovery of rewind and repeat was used throughout each of the 39 episodes. Because of my obsession, I found the English translation of the original work, read it in three days, and cried through the last ten chapters. Life is full of choices, loss, betrayal, and love, and this novel allowed each of the main characters to display every human trait to the fullest. If given a chance, please read it because the character's silent voice in the drama helped explain some of their decisions.

The actors in the drama are immersed in their characters, and this allowed me to dive into their world without interruption. The multi-faceted Xiao Yao who feared abandonment; the fierce Xiyan Cang Xuan who was schooled to assume power at the cost of his personal happiness; the gentle and cunning Tushan Jing who longs to escape his clan responsibility while clinging to an ever-fading hope of forever with Xiao Yao; and lastly, the beautiful Xiang Liu, who discovers clinging to the emotion of love is a war with indebted duty.

Needless to say, I cannot wait for part 2, but am watching part 1 daily and picking up details I missed during the first go around. This drama is a masterpiece, and I hope this continues in the sequel.

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Beautiful cinematography ; remarkable acting and such a pleasure to watch

I ventured upon LYF while waiting on new episodes for another drama - with the result of completely dropping the other drama to rewatch LYF obsessively when it wasn't updating. I had expected just another popular xianxia romance that are dropped a dime a dozen these days in C-drama land but instead was blown away with the quality of the production. The story was good but didn't seem too special to me - with common themes of ambition, family, love, and kindness. However, the ensemble performance of the actors along with the beautiful artistry in the setting and the captivating screenwriting really captured me. In general, the casting was superb - and every role was likable. The sheer beauty of each frame also just blew me away - I usually skip about half of each C-drama I watch as they are usually slow and draggy- LFY is still slow - but it was such a pleasure to slow down with it to savor the beauty of each scene - the beauty of the set combined with the costumes and the charisma of the actors. This was an ensemble casting with the romance line drawn mainly between the FL and the second and third ML who both had backgrounds in dancing. I think this paid off hugely in the artistry of each scene - the actors' silhouettes gracing the beautiful landscape surreally leaving us mortals sighing at the Chinese mystical fairyland.

Story - This is a story that is steeped in Confucian culture- the world illustrated is quite traditional but with wisps of modernity - a world where women are allowed to be generals (such as the FL's mother) ; bodyguards; can do anything (even fight or make weapons!) as well as men - and are yet mostly still shut out of the top of the political economic structure. Harems are the norm ( I find it ironic that it is always the case in a 'reverse harem' story) and filial piety and tribalism rules the day. It seems that this is based on the common acknowledged social structure and the men's inter personal relations. Yet, in a world like this, the FL wishes to be able to stand on her own and not get hurt emotionally. Her one rule in marriage: that the guy must be solely devoted to her and not have any other women, seems impossible again and again to fulfill - it competes against manly ambitions; against loyalty/nationalism ; even against family interests. For people familiar with Chinese culture, many scenes in the movie are reminiscent to me a bit of the Story of the Red Chamber - with TSJ (2nd ML) especially having both the look and feel of Jia Baoyu - tragic, sensitive, almost feminine. In the original book, the take and illustration of TSJ's kindness and refusal to give in to hate and revenge is rather controversial with many readers seeing him as weak, and siding instead with the heroic Xiang Liu. The drama's stance feels more on TSJ's side - and the portrayal is quite masterful. Many details added in the drama enrich the original story and I'd go to say that this is the one rare occasion where the drama is at least as good, if not even better, than the novel.

Acting- I am blown away by the ensemble cast. Yang Zi was predictably good here but it was great to see that the five relatively unknown actors paired with her sometimes actually outshine her. The fresh faces are exciting to see and one hopes to see their careers develop over the next few years. Scenes featuring YZ and Zhangwanyi emphasize their skills in acting - YZ and TJC have a mystical romantic feel and the DW/YZ interactions are pure eye candy. I didn't have to fast forward any scenes on the first go. On my second viewing, I found myself mostly focused on scenes with Deng Wei and especially the Yao Jing or Liu/Shiqi scenes. Given DW's relative newcome status, I thought at first that was because of the characterization of his character and how likable it is. By the end of the 39 episodes, however, I have to say his acting was actually solid. Details were handled very precisely and I've never seen any character suffer so beautifully. DW really embodied TSJ/YSQ - given how green he is, I hope he can continue to develop his skills and bring us more productions in the future.

Music - as in many C-dramas I think they use and repeat the music way too much but the tunes are nice and beautiful. The novel emphasized the use of the zither and how beautifully TSJ can play it - I wish the drama did better with that. Given how classy the rest of the drama feels, it would have really been nice to really use zither music than modern ones. But at least it all sounds pretty good and catchy.

Cinematography - I was blown away with how beautiful the scenes were and even the CGI didn't feel fake! Many times I get annoyed at the use of cute little animals in xianxia c-drama as cheap tricks for little girls but I admit actually falling for both the Chubby bird and the White Fox spirit. I'm happy the producers didn't feel adding the cuteness dragged the artistry of the production down and it was nice to see a xianxia production that actually felt serious and classy.

Last take - Yang Zi has been a queen of xianxia ever since AOL was released. I think this is the best production yet she's in. It is worth all the angst and time and express pass money spent on it to watch and savor. I do think it is time for Yang Zi to move onto another genre but for now I am grateful for this production and of her leading the whole cast in making this drama memorable.

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I am in Love with this drama

This drama really is the best cdrama I have seen besides the Untamed (nothing will top that haha). Everything about it is just so good. You have really pretty people on screen. The costumes are fantastic.

The build-up, the slow burn, everything just runs very smoothly. Nothing drags on. We already have some very iconic scenes in the drama and we aren’t even halfway done yet.

Casting/Characters: This is Yang Zi’s best role so far. I am so happy that she chose this role. With Xiaoluo/xiaoyao we finally get to see Yang Zi act to her full potential. In Ashes of Love and Immortal Samsara her roles start off with being some sort of diety, I think like a pea or fish or something, and she starts off pretty annoying. Her voice is all high-pitched and chipper, and acting wise, she acts very young, I am sure she is portaying a very young character, but whatever, what I am trying to say is that she played these very stereotypical, annoying female lead protagonists. The one that you see in just about every fantasy xianxia drama these days. Nothing new, and nothing spectacular. But here, she is a women in hiding as a man. She clearly went through some very traumatic events, and although we don’t know exactly why, this brings lots of depth to her character, and we see her react to certain situations in a specific way because of her past traumas. She gets put through the wringer time and time again and my gosh, can this women act. She is just so good. I love all of the MLs. I had never watched any show with them in it before and they all steal the show in their own way. They are all very different from each other and are not too tropey. Every character is likable, I like every ML so far. You have one who is perfect, one who is flawed, but has his reasons, the evil brooding bad boy, and the good2shoes royal family one. I just love it.

Story: The story seems to be pretty unique. It is centered around the FL and it is basically about her living in the world around her and meeting characters who change her world and how she reacts to that. That is what I will say so I don't spoil the show.

(spoilers) Episode 16 or 17 her past cousin finally finds out who she is. I love how we didn’t have to wait for the whole show for him to find out, and the way he finds out is perfect. It is different from what I would have expected. It is unpredictable, and I think what I like most about this show is how unpredictable it is. These days with dramas, since they are popped out just about every other week, the stories become bland and very predictable. And then when he finds out the whole section of the episode where he is going over every event they had been through and how poorly he treated her and her saving him and finally realizing, like yes, it had been a little obvious… its just so good. He goes to her and helps to heal her leg which he broke, the acting of this man, mmmmmmm it is perfect. Go watch the scene, he goes to the room, so blank and heals her leg, and the first thing he says is very soft, he asks if her legs hurt and looks at her in a way which you cannot deny, he found pout and that is when her reaction changes too, from brushing it off to knowing that he found out and oooo its good. Then when she finally admits to being his sister, when she thinks her mom came back. OMG is it good? It is too good, the voice acting, the performance, it is so heart-wrenching I just :((((((((. (end of spoilers)

Music: The music is so pretty in this show. They don't play music throughout the whole show which is very appreciated. The music helps to tell the story and set the mood, it really adds to the scene. The first ending song is my favorite. I seriously cried after the first episode when it started playing.

Update: I have watched around 20ish episodes now and the story only keeps getting better. You know a cdrama is good when you are questioning if all the 50ish episodes will tell the whole story or not. We see Xiaoyao as herself in her true form and how she adapts to the new world around her. I like how the drama doesn't change her character entirely, she still acts how she used too and has trouble living in the palace. The MLs are all starting to compete for her and it is a treat to watch. I love all of the MLs, I would not be mad if any of them got with her; they are all so swoonworthy. I used to have a favorite, but not anymore haha.

Last update: I love how many plot twists this show has. Seriously, the plot twists are very unpredictable and I really enjoy them; they make the show very entertaining. My pick for her for which ML she should be with kept changing. I love it! Can't wait for season 2!

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Bawled my eyes

First I had my eyes on this full white "man" that I know soon his will make my heart ache whether it's on screen or read the novel
Only on novel he doesn't express Why he did things when everything he did comes with a price.
Then after finishing it... I knew deep down.. I love tu Shan Jing.
He is the best you can hope for someone who you want eternally.
Even xiaoyao endured alot of pains, physically and mentally. I still kinda envy her that she is never alone... literally alone.she always has someone..to care for her and stuff even it's on secret way to do.unlike Jing...
He also endured so much,yet he overcomed everything with only hope he has for xiaoyao.and he is way too amazing on handling everything that what I know even us..wouldn't do what he does when it comes to negativity.
Sorry to spoil I guess but I may not want to move on yet.
What I'm looking forward is seeing what I have read on screen. The actors and the Actresses are so good in bringing the character alive. I'm so amazed.
I said all of em. Yes all.
Yanzi, wan Yi,deng wei,hong Yi, jianci gege.
Standing ovation for all of you
May fortune downpour on you always.
Gbu

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A great story that has an underlying message, "Sometimes, we don't deserve to have good things."

In the beginning, the story folded out very well. All of the characters have some kind of potential and brought lots of joys to the drama. Each character added a unique emotion to their scenes. Watching it, we can see the efforts put into this drama by Yangzi, WY, TJC, and DW. In the first 10 episodes, Yangzi holds the drama with her stellar acting. We felt all kinds of emotions. As the drama unfolded, Cang Xuan and Deng wei took 11 to 20 episodes on their back with their amazing performances. Epi 21 to 26 Tan Jianci stole our hearts and attention. When the romance between Jing and XY starts, I feel like that drama went downhill from there up until XL appears again to save XY 30 to 32. After that, the drama pretty much went downhill. Only watchable when XL appeared. Some people will understand why while others will not. It's ok. Just my opinion.

Characters Wise:
In the beginning, Xiao Yao was independent. She didn't need any man in her life to complete her. However, after she became a princess, her character development went from a mature woman to a jealous girl in love. However, that is not the case with all of the male leads. She is very smart FL but when it comes to her love's life, she is clueless and dense.
CX - XY is mature, understanding, supportive
TSJ-XY is sometimes immature and jealous, going back and forth with TSJ's Fiancee issue.
XL-XY is mature, understanding on a deep level, heart-to-heart conversation, deep emotions
Cang Xuan - XY and CX got two of the purest, family loves that have ever been portrayed in Drama Land. They got each other back and will be ready to die for each other. However, throughout this ordeal, CX has to keep his one-sided love to himself due to his goal to protect Xy by becoming the King of Xiyan. Throughout this journey, he has used XY for his political gain but has also protected her along the way. Along the way, he has some character development. He went from being an overprotective brother to an understanding brother. Unfortunately, he will lose XY due to his yearning for XY's loves.
TSJ - TSJ is one of the kindest, purest men but has no backbone which becomes his weakness in the future. He is attentive but sometimes, that attentiveness is overdone. Imagine a guy asking you to go meet him and when you don't, he stays there until you feel bad enough to show up. In addition, locking down XY with a 15-year promise when he hasn't sorted out his Fiancee issues and continues for many more episodes. Also, his chemistry with XY as Shiqi was strong but once he become TSJ, he became weaker, and his chemistry with XY, for me, just kind of appeared boring from Epi 26-28 due to him never sorting out his Fiancee issue. Like come on dude, you have 39 episodes to sort out your life.
Xiang Liu - is my biased but I won't go into detail about why I love him. After episode 32, I cannot watch other people's scenes anymore. I skipped and watch XL's scenes because his scenes always make me cry and smile like an idiot. I get it. Although he has the bad boy aura, he is truly a person who is straightforward, goal-orientated, and knows what he wants-cleaning up XY and Jing's messes for them. Although he did some unforgivable things to the female, he also repaid her back with more than what he did to her: taking the love bug, giving XY his life twice, and saving Jing from death so XY and Jing can have a happy ending. His character development was one of the greatest, most complex characters created since AOL and 1000P.
As you reach Epi 32, you will start to understand why the title is so sad. However, XY and Jing deserved each other. I am glad XL will get the result that he has since the beginning till now. Sometimes, a happy ending is realizing your dreams.


Spoilers:

What pisses me off after I got to epi 32?
Everyone fighting about who deserves XY but did anyone observe whether XY deserve them?
In my opinion, XY is selfish, indecisive, weak, reliant, and not as independent as the beginning XY before she met all of them. Her character development turns for the worse.
She and Jing truly deserved each other. I am glad that they will kill XL after all the shit that he has done and will be doing for both of these two weak characters.
At this point, I am so done with this drama. Xiang Liu and Cangxuan are the only two characters holding this drama together. Without their presence, it is probably just another weak romance story.
I'm glad the author put the title "Lost You Forever" with regret and the possibility of what could have been. The author realized that sometimes, we don't deserve good things. Although some said the title is for CangXuan and XY, but I disagree. The title is for all of the main characters. Although it is a HE for XY and Jing, only a sad title is what they both deserved. Just my opinion.

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Zhang Wan Yi as Chang Xuan is superb

This drama has an unusual romantic plot among all C-costume dramas I have watched.

The story is about Chang Xuan and his journey to find and protect the only love of his life, his cousin sister, Xiao Yao. A promise he made to his paternal aunt, Xiao Yao's mother, before she went to war to fight against Qi Yo/ Chi Chen, Xiao Yao's biological father.

In order to meet his objective, he must win the throne from his ailing paternal grandfather, King of Xiyan.

Chang Xuan's journey to the throne isn't smooth: he has to plot, manipulate, strategise, compromise and sacrifice his own happiness for his only objective ie. Xiao Yao must be protected at all cost. However, he is also faced with romantic competitions from other males for Xiao Yao's hand of marriage such as Tushan Jing, Chi Sui Feng Long and Fang Feng Bei.

Will he succeed in protecting Xiao Yao and be with her and love her forever like they promised to each other when they were little? Viewers are to watch and find it out themselves before reading the novel.

Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal as Chang Xuan is flawlessly effortless. When he yearns for Xiao Yao, his audience feel the same emotion and weep for him. He dominates the stage with his acting when he is present in the room. A talented actor.

I've seen another drama, The Bond (2021) with him as one of the leads. Although his screen times are shorter compared to other leads, his are still the best.

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IM HOOKED UNTIL NOTHING LEFT

Not gonna exaggerating or adding MSG for a review purpose, but this one deserves to be one of the best Cdramas Ive ever watched so far. Been watching a lot of Cdramas throughout my life, only a few managed to catch my heart and soul. This one is one of it.

Wonderful theme, scripting, and acting. Definitely incorporated information into the storyline very well.

This is also my first time to participate on Wangyi's performance here as I am not familiar with his projects before, he really BELONGED to Zhuan Xu's portrayal . The rest of the casts also played their part brilliantly and so far, I am invested and there is no turning back. Yangzi as a beautiful lady Xiaoyao, and man in disguise Xiaoliu, Dengwei as a sweet sly fox Tu Shan Jing, Tan Jian Ci as a seductive 9 heads demon and last but not least our baby Hongyi as a clueless - no - woman-beside as Feng Long. I wanted to raise my praise for every casts here, but it would be too long but they are all giving brilliant acting.

I have read the novels before during the Covid, the plot is interesting and stay true to novel. My review does not contain spoiler as I knew probably all the watchers have already read it and understand how it went until the end.

For people who is questioning whether to watch it or otherwise, please dont stop yourself from watching this MASTERPIECE . you gonna miss a lot

thank you

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A MASTERPIECE

The first half or the Season 1 of LYF has ended and god knows when will the other half be released.
The last drama historical drama that I loved was love like the Galaxy after that I'm extremely In Love With This drama.
Whether you talk about the Main Plot, Character Story, OSTs Action scene or CGI is everything just remarkable
As for me 1st episode was a bit boring but provided the background story of the main leads and from the 2nd episode onward the drama started to get quite interesting and slowly it captive me and left me wanting more and more... Sadly it has ended... waiting for S2.
Reverse harem is one of my favourite genres if done right and here all the boys are very well-versed in their field, Everyone has picked a side of their favourite ML but whoever I pick I always feel bad for others, we only have 1 Xiaoyao how am I supposed to divide her into 3 boys TT TT
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Yang Zi as Xiaoyao & Wen Xiaoliu: She has always been an amazing actress but the way she has played these 2 characters I don't think anyone else could have, She has given heart and soul to her both characters. As Wen XiaoLiu; she immersed herself into a perfect middle-aged man (and I can never forget her walk as WXL) and the transformation of her 2 characters was very good even though she turned into a girl she still had that little boyishness in her.
Xiaoyao; an identity she had left many years ago due to abandonment by her mother & father. She lived her life for herself and was always cautious of her surroundings and never relied on others, and the only life she ever wanted was to be with someone whose first choice will always be her, someone who will never abandon her.
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Wan Yi as Cang Xuan: WANYI, it's the first time I have seen him Act and I'm too Impressed cause his character Cang Xuan has suffered so much in past and lost every person dear to him, all these scars have left him with great ambition to conquer the world and get a life where he can protect his younger sister (cousin sister) the only family he has left. To me, his character is too pitiful and yet at the same time he is an exploiter using his scheming mind to make good use of every person around him.
I sympathise with him to the point then I'm like no boy don't do this you will regret it. eg; Jing has been helping him with so many things behind the curtain and still I feel he is ungrateful to him, I know Xiaoyao means the world to him yet when he wants he asks her to go meet with Jing and Fenglong, then become possessive of her being to close to them, if only he could let go of his ambition them he could have been the one she loved but sadly he didn't. Wanyi, he showed all these emotions so brilliantly that I love him as much as I hate him. :(
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Deng Wei as Ye ShiQi & Tushan Jing: Jing Met Xiaoyao at the time when he was going through the same things which Xiaoyao went through Years ago or maybe worse, he was extremely tortured, humiliated and then kicked out by his brother. Jing was near death when Xiaoyao picked him and gave him a new life and purpose as Shiqi. Although he once was a famous Tushan family heir, Now all he wanted was to accompany the person who gave him a 2nd chance at life.
He desired to be with Xiaoyao because he knew fame glory wealth is of no use if you can't be with one person you love.
Dengwei whether as jing or as shiqi was always pleasing to the eyes and ears (although his voice was dubbed :P). Despite his suffering, he remained a kind-hearted gentleman and the person Xiaoyao loved because for him Xiaoyao is always no.1, he would rather than live without her. TT TT
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Jian Ci as Xiangliu & Fang Feng Bei: Before this, I knew Jiaci as a singer and Funny Tan'ge in variety shows, seeing him act for the first time I was star struck, Xiang Liu from the start was a difficult character to play, and he perfectly played that cold nine-headed demon Aura (Superb Acting). Despite all of his actions I love him to the core and is my favourite character from the series. He played 2 different characters which showed his dynamic acting skill as well as those actions as General XiangLiu (just WOW), I think if only he showed A Little more interest in XiaoYao or Expressed His Feeling in a Better Way H could end up with her, but that's what his personality/character is all about being a *silent lover*. I read a comment where someone expressed he should have a maid beside him who could express his sacrifice and feelings to Xiaoyao but sadly there was no one to do so... Xiaoyao always saw them being just a Business, him using her for blood or helping her in exchange of something :(...
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bonus; The writer has always shown the "What could have been" perspective of the drama by giving the main characters an alter ego:
Xiao Yao and Wen XiaoLiu
Cang Xuan and Xuan
Tushan Jing and Ye Shiqi
Xiang Liu and Fang Feng Bei
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Yangzi And her chemistry with all Her Co-star 10/10
All the actor played their character so well that their emotions and their dialogue delivery are top class 10/10
I bet whoever is gonna watch it is going to love the drama. INDEED A MASTERPIECE
soo much excited for season 2, hope it airs soon or ill die of curiosity... TT TT TT TT

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The plot lost between the simping, stalking and the sea of angst.

This drama makes me confused. Logically, I don’t even think it’s that good. Sure, some characters are interesting, some have great arcs, but the overall plot was barely developed and it’s mostly the female lead bouncing between the three and half male leads (I’m sorry Feng Long, but I forgot you were even a legit option and actually part of the main cast).

That said, it’s ridiculously addicting and entertaining. I saw all the flaws, but I could not stop watching. I feel like it’s one of the dramas with well written characters and basic, underdeveloped plot. Xiao Yao had barely anything going on for her in terms of the story, but just her personality and her interactions with other characters were enough for me to adore her. Xiyan Cang Xuan's fight for the throne seemed more like a first draft than a proper strategy, and yet I love him and the internal struggle, suppressed emotions and the conflicts he had to face were amazing. Xiang Liu had some of the best character developments in the whole show, slow, well paced, realistic. He did not become an angel, the core of the character never changed, but with each and every scene we’ve got to see all the layers of personalities he had.

While I disliked Tushan Jing a lot, even his character was written in a proper way, I just don’t vibe with him. That said, the struggle between his own desires and the newly found responsibilities was well presented.

Another aspect deserving some appreciation was the variety of female characters. More straightforward and tomboyish Xiao Yao, who is truly daring and loyal. Nian who went from annoying brat, to sweet sister (whom I also adored by the end of the show - biggest surprise for me), Fangfeng Yi Ying with her cunning nature and desperate actions, calculative, but also honest Chenrong Xin Yue. Truth to be told, I appreciated all the female characters, and at times I wished the drama would focus on them more.

What’s more to love? The visuals. Not me taking over 1000 screenshots. The costumes were beautiful, the scenery breathtaking, set designs amazing. Visually speaking, there was nothing to hate and a lot to love.

The acting was great. The only performance I struggle to judge is Deng Wei as Tushan Jing - I disliked the character so much, I am not going to act like a clown and pretend like I can be objective here. That said, the whole cast MASTERED the suppressed angst - everyone delivered in that area and these scenes were truly the highlight of the whole drama for me.

Overall, extremely enjoyable watch, even if by the end I felt like there was barely any plot. I wanted to see more detail in Xiyan Cang Xuan journey. I also wished to see more of Nian, since she became one of my favorite characters. I disliked how unbalanced all the relationships were, as someone who prefers partnership, the simping and pinning, and sacrificing at times was too much - rolling eyes was inevitable.

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A very entertaining drama of 2023

I don't think I can explain how the story is deeply engrossing to me, but I will try.
 
The central plot of the series focuses on the relationship dynamics between Xiao Yao and Cang Xuan (the two protagonists). They were inseparable when they were kids. They were each other's world. A series of misfortunes and sufferings befall their relationship, and they were separated for three centuries.
 
The FL has deep, imbedded scars from all the things that she experienced while she was separated from her "gege". She is not the same little girl that the ML used to know. Will that affect the kind of relationship they had before? As for the ML, I can see that he is now a good candidate to become a great emperor because he is really calculating, cunning, and ruthless. His relationship with her will probably be put to the test by the many decisions he needs to make. The question is what kind of path he would take—will he choose the right one or not?
 
As a viewer, I find it exciting to know what direction their story will go. Not only will the two protagonists have to make up for the lost time, but they will also have to deal with lots of other things. The biggest one will be the other male characters, who will play a vital part in the female lead's life. I really can't wait for everything to start unfolding.
 
Big kudos, by the way, to the whole cast and crew for making me feel enthralled by the world-building, storytelling, and acting from everyone! The actors and actresses play their respective characters extremely well. This drama is a depiction of a very popular novel by a well-known Chinese author. Mediocre acting from the cast will be heavily criticized by now from viewers, but that is not the case, and I hope they will be consistent about their portrayal all throughout the show.
 
I am enthralled with Lost You Forever and hope that I won't be let down as a viewer. I will get back to this review after I have finished watching everything. ✨

----- continuation-----

I deducted 1.5 points in my review. It doesn't seat well with me that the FL is having conflicting feelings between two male leads. I have read my fair share of books and mangas (The Legend of Basara, Saiunkoku Monogatari, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, etc) where "reversed-harem" is one of the themes, but those heroines never wavered despite whatever circumstance befall her and her love interest.

-----continuation-----
I brought back a.5 rating to this drama because of some realizations I had. The female lead (XY) wants the best man for her. A peaceful, happy life with a devoted partner is what she is looking for, and she always reminds us of that as viewers.

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Season 1 finale: 9.5/10 score.

I think season 1 of this drama gives me a great feeling of love and longing. I want to know how they will conclude all of the unfinished conflicts in season 2 because I really like how everything is written according to how it was in the novel. I'm excited to see how they will conclude everything next season.

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