Who Rules the World (2022)

it's a masterpiece

it's not the typical romance story, of course it contains struggles of the lead characters in order to achieve their goals in life. Their character is literally so sweet to each other, they have no score nor label but they knew what their hearts shouts. The end didn't dissapoint me but it feels like it lacks. and lusi's crying scene I honestly didn't feel it. Maybe that's because she is portraying a very different character than her past dramas before or everything happened so fast?. still it was a masterpiece the chemistry between the two of them is unexpected. I feel like the whole story ended so fast?

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Great Production, Decent Storyline, Max Enjoyability

I had high hopes coming into this drama. I usually don't start watching dramas until they're completed, but I took a chance on this and yep, I have no regrets.

First of all, the production value of this drama was top notch. Everything looked great - loved all the different costumes and the sets, and it really helped set the mood throughout the whole series.

Second of all, I absolutely loved the FL. Honestly, if you're a fan of strong FLs, I would give this drama a chance because this definitely fits the bill. FL isn't the type of "strong" FL where they claim she's strong and then somehow somewhere down the line, 10 episodes in, you have the ML having to save her every other episode (an exaggeration, but you get my point). Nope, this FL holds her own throughout the whole drama, and is on par with the ML every step of the way, whether it's physically or intellectually. There were times where I thought, oh no, they're going to have her fall into the trap or oh, she's going to get saved by someone, but NOPE, she actually fucking figures it out and gets the job done herself.

This has now become my favourite drama of Yang Yang and Lusi so far. Yang Yang especially, stood out for me in this show and now I need him to do 500 other wuxia/xianxia because he is perfect in these types of roles. Chemistry between him and Lusi was great, so much so that I could deal with some Very Questionable Plot Points just because I was so invested in the two of them lol.

Also, bonus points for NO LOVE TRIANGLE. Hell yeah. There was a point where I thought they were headed to one with Feng Xiwu, but she became best friends with FL instead and was actually so genuinely supportive and kind to FL. A miracle!

All in all, it's a fantastic drama for me, highly enjoyable with engaging characters that I loved. Worth my time, and worth the watch.

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Everything was good until.....

To be frank, it's been a long time since I last watch full episodes of Chinese drama and this is my first time watching Yang Yang as a Male Lead. My impression of him as Feng Lanxi/Hei Fengxi was none other than GREAT! He got complete package from good looks to amazing acting skills, and I will definitely want to watch his performance in every drama he participated moving forward.

I would actually give 10/10 for the overall rating except I was a bit disappointed (actually it breaks my heart) with the way they end such an almost perfect Male Lead character with just 10 years of remaining life to live and for making him not taking the throne that was rightfully his but instead handed it to Huang Chao, King of Yizhou and husband of Hua Chunran. It is very clear to everyone that Feng Lanxi and Feng Xiyun will make much better Emperor and Empress for the world they have been fighting for, even though he only have few years left to live. They are better in every aspect from characters, abilities, network (Fountain Abode and Jiang Hu engagement). Worst scenario if Lan Xi cannot make it after 10 years, he may at least leave the country in a safe hand which is Feng Xiyun's who is capable of being the best female ruler after her predecessor (as been told since the beginning of the story).

Even if they decided to live a secluded life because of Lanxi's condition afterward, Feng Lanxi and Feng Xiyun legacy can then be passed on to their son who will definitely be a better heir having both parents so outstanding in terms of skills and character than any Huang Chao's son can ever be (again considering Chunran as his spouse to contribute). The ending I must say is the only thing that hold me back from giving 10/10, the rest are nothing but perfect. Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi, their chemistry are extremely good as the Male and Female Lead definitely. Storyline was almost perfect without the unnecessary misunderstanding, conflicts and dragging. Only how I wish the ending can be a bit different than what it was. It would then be one of the best all time favourite drama for me personally and maybe to many more audiences as well if they share the same perspective as mine.

Last but not least, this is nothing but just a humble opinion of myself. Also nevertheless, thumbs up to the writer and production team for making this wonderful manuscript successfully converted into glorious visual which is very pleasant to watch indeed. Must not been easily done or achieved, hence appreciation is a must no matter what. Thank you.

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I haven't come across a Chinese drama that as good as this one for a long time.

This Chinese drama is a must watched. I can assure that this is one of the unique drama that everyone should give a try.
Plot: The plot is really amazing, it has the balance of everything from Wuxia, romance, court and politic. The drama basically focus more on romance and political struggle. There are tricks one upon another, but as I said this drama is really amazing, since you can wait for twist and turn that happen one after another. It maybe seem toxic for some but I assure you that you won't stress for too long for the problems. Another reason that I love this show so much is that it prove that "Good always triumphs over evil". However, there are some

Cast: The chemistry between Yang Yang and Zhao lusi is really strong. I must say I attached this much to the drama because of the love-line between Bai-Hei Fengxi. I love this couple, they are so powerful and their love is even greater. Yang Yang portrayed Hei Fengxi to be so lively and witty. He is just the perfect fit for the character, I really can't imagine anyone else playing this role. As for Lusi who took the role of Bai Fengxi, she also really fit with the role. A virtue, brave, smart, strong woman who is really feel content while watching her scene. This couple just make me simp so hard TT. They are really matched made in heaven.

Production: I can say that the budget on the filming is a lot and it worth the money. I love the costume the most, pretty and lavish. The cinematography is on point, it was really satisfy to watch. The decoration and scenes on each frame are organize thoroughly. The fighting scenes mostly are fun to watch and not too much CG. Generally, the production team made a good job

I highly-highly recommended this drama. <333

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if you haven't watched period dramas before, this one is a good start.

I have always had a skeptical approach on period dramas. Chinese period drama was a new genre for me, So I had prepared myself for the worst. having watched some clips on YT before-hand to get myself interested in it, I started the series with an open-mind. And I suggest you do the same.
The story line over-all is a good mix or action, romance and politics. The main characters have a charm to them and have played their roles beautifully. I have not read the novel, so I cannot say what was missing from that point of view but I would have loved to see the main characters first interaction as Bai Fengxi and Hei Fengxi.
I liked how the plot evolved.
The bond of the two martial arts masters was so beautifully portrayed that I felt almost every emotion with them. The push and pull , and the support system they had, and all their flirtatious acts was very fascinating to watch. Even with all the romance going on, the plot stayed to revolve around the Imperial token and achieving the power to rule the world. The cheesiness absolutely took the second place for the plot. The show was filled with ups and downs ranging from comedy to seriousness. The director did a good job to not make it feel out of the place but at their perfect place.
The production did not looked staged and was so smooth that made me question by bias towards period drama, specially of dramas with martial arts. The set all over the series were beautifully picked and gave off a majestic but calm feeling. The wardrobe always seemed to match the mood of the scenes nicely. I would find myself sometimes being mesmerized in someone's robe or the hairdo.
Over-all the series was a good watch, the actors did not disappoint neither did the plot nor the direction. I did not see the ending coming, I was hoping for a married life with kids in the end ,even if Lanxi died , Xiyun raising the kids on her own like the boss lady she is and ruling the world. Well we can't always get what we want, it was satisfying. I laughed a lot, Cried a lot and enjoyed a whole lot.

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Their love towards martial arts !!

Their presentation of martial arts, being most powerful people and their love is truly amazing. This drama made me cry more than twice and I re-watched it. I hope that they can cast another drama because they look so cute together. Only thing which I didn't like about this series is the last part where he looses half of his life (i won't tell the reason for that!!). We can't skip any part because there are few minute points to be noted which will be useful later. Lusi and Yang yang is my favourite actors and there was a time when I wished and prayed for them to cast together in a series, after they announced about this series i was eagerly waiting and they presented one of the best piece ever in my opinion. TBH i loved it more than any series i have watched so far.

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Enjoyable fantasy/alternative world watch

In my personal rating system of "loved," "liked," "meh," and "nah," this rates a "liked" with potential to rewatch.

I watched this steadily and without any time spent "on hold" (which is rare for me). I enjoyed both ML and FL in their roles. I enjoyed the costumes, the sets, the world-building (is this an alternative history wuxia or a true fantasy?), the music. The leads relationship was positive, supportive, and absent of stupid misunderstandings and sacrifices*.

Thanks to the nice discussion started by @CloudA, we find out, however, that the story is a little different in that the book is written mostly about FL and her adventures in the pugilistic world instead of the actual drama which is mostly about ML and his political adventures. That is disappointing to me because, while I enjoyed the drama, I think it would have rated a "loved" if it had been focused on FL instead. The only thing I did not mind was Yu Wu Yuan being the antagonist in this (versus the book, from what I understand), as he did well in that role. I always enjoy watching Leon Lai--I feel like he's starting to play more support roles where he is someone in power. He has a pretty commanding presence on screen (and he's nice to look at...:D).

There were things I did not quite understand/plot holes. For example, why did Bai Fengxi use "I don't want to be an empress" as her excuse to reject Huang Chao's proposal when she totally supported Hei Fengxi's plan to conquer the world? (Which, of course, would have landed her as empress...). (Though her objection about concubines and consorts was totally legit!). Why did Hei Fengxi fight Huang Chao to a stalemate (which btw STILL resulted in loss of life even if they tried to keep civilians out of it) and then suddenly give up and be all "nevermind, I'm fine with you being emperor"? How could Bai/Hei Fengxi take only ten years to become the most powerful martial artists in the entire land? Doesn't it take decades for that level of cultivation to be reached? And how old exactly where they when they started? (On the one hand, that never got clarified, on the other, I don't really mind). Why did Bai Fengxi's "little sister" suddenly accuse her of murder after having grown up with her? She should have known that was not something BF would ever do! How was the actual Princess XiYun so well-loved by her country and family when she was never actually there!? (I also did not like the time skips at the end. It made the ending seem rushed and not well thought out).

My 'burning' questions aside (and there were more, just can't remember them at the moment), I do not feel that this was a waste of time, it deserves my "liked" rating and I'll likely rewatch. If you like true fantasy (as in alternate world) and/or wuxia (though it really wasn't a true wuxia), you'll probably enjoy this drama.

*I take that back. There was sacrifices I disagreed with...you'll get what I'm talking about if you watch all the way to the end.

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Potentially in the drain

Story: I loved the beginning story and thought it had SO MUCH potential. However, at a point, I felt that their relationship turned bland. The ending was also rushed.

Love Hate Relationships: I am a sucker for these. Which is why I had expectations for this show that it didn't meet. I thought they would hate each other for a little while longer, but that was apparently not true. I thought she liked him a little but too fast, but that is understandable because of the 40 ep limit. They probably had more hate interactions before the story takes place.

Secret Identity: I am also a sucker for these. Princess in a foreign country and falls in love with ML? Sign me up for that show. It was just that when ML found out FML secret identity, it was rushed. Like probably less than a 5 minute clip. But when the ML told FML his identity, it was a big secret thing that she couldn't tell anyone AND it was a major relevant point to the plot at the time.

Annoying Characters: All dramas have their fair share of annoying characters and this one was no exception. The daughter of the grandmaster who was killed and accused FML of killing her father. (Shes so irrelevant that I forgot her name LOL) I get that her relative was killed, but she accused the person she trusted most and grew up with. If this is a little out of character, I don't know what is.

Kingdoms: So there was problems on both sides of FML and ML family. However, the ML was over many more episodes than FML. I would have liked a more equal distribution of both. Also, it felt that the FML was just an accessory during the ML struggles. She was just there... too make him happy and cheer him up. It kind goes against the whole "Strong FML" that I was hoping for and was supposed to get. On the other hand, the ML was the person who saved the FML during her struggles. Like she was in the middle of a battle field about to die and then reinforcements show up. They were brought by the ML. This irked me a little, but its just a story :D

I don't know if it was the 40 episode limit or the director, but whatever it was, the story suffered.

Acting/Cast: I love both actors. Trust me. I've watched *a LOT* of their shows. But sometimes I do not think their chemistry is there, or it feels forced. Specifically the FML. There were moments when they were interacting where I felt disconnected from the actual plot. It felt like a separate show from what I watched earlier. Other times, I loved their interactions, like the kiss when she was stabbed.

Music: I honestly can't remember it so I am giving it a 6.5 since it wasn't memorable.

Rewatch Value: I never rewatch. This is no exception

Overall: okay

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What a charming couple! I loved the romance plot here!

I was an idiot for putting this off for so long! Zhao Lusi & Yang Yang did a wonderful job bringing the Hei Feng-Bai Xi duo to life.

In the beginning, Bai Feng Xi was a bit annoying constantly blaming him for things that he hadn't even done. Thankfully, she realized what an idiot she was. Hei Feng Xi took it all as a joke because he knew who he was and what he stood for and he found her amusing. It would be fun to watch what they were like when they were earning the reputation as Hei Feng-Bai Xi, that would make a cute prequel.

The unwavering trust amongst the leads was such a soothing balm. It is rare to find leads that trust each other so much, especially in wuxia or Xianxia dramas. I loved how Lanxi cherished Xi Yun, the way he loved her was so adorable and at the same time mature. It was good to see that love reciprocated without unnecessary angst. The power dynamics between the two were also good.

Feng Qi Wu was a kickass supporting character! She did not use her intelligence to play petty mind games but was more focused on her goals. Even when she fell in love and it wasn't reciprocated she was very mature about it and moved on like a strong woman. She did not blame the FL for stealing away the ML like many delusional supporting female characters do. Feng Qi Wu is the kind of female characters I want to see more of. And for some reason, I kept hoping that she would meet Feng Chang in an unofficial situation and the would hit it off. But to think about it, Feng Chang was a very questionable character, he ordered to kill off innocent people because they found out about his epilepsy, whereas Qi Wu is someone who cherished her people and treated them kindly. So, maybe not. But he tried to do the best in his capability to be good brother to Lanxi.

Like someone said in their review, Tian Shuang sect was a joke. I am surprised that someone as powerful as Xi Yun came to power in that sect. The only two people who were maybe decent, died (Master & poor Han Pu). Had Bai Lang Hua a little intelligence, the flower would not have been wasted. They could used it to save Han Pu or even during the final battle where Lanxi shared half of his life with Xi Yu. They both could have lived longer. Because I'm not sure how long Xii Yun is going to last once Lanxi is gone. Maybe she would continue on as Elder Tai Yin did.

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