Who Rules the World (2022)

Political Drama With Soulmates

Who Rules the World was my first foray into Wuxia storytelling. And, my friends, I learned one important lesson - Wuxia dramas are not my thing. While I find Xianxia romances to be fantastically beautiful, I find the martial art fantasy elements to be unrealistic. From my research, the elements featured in WRTW are pretty standard to the genre and were executed well so I can only assume it is a me, not the genre, issue.

The worldbuilding and setting were completely overwhelming during the first few episodes. I could not even begin to tell you the major players or overarching plot because so many names, nations, and locations were being rushed down the pipeline. It wasn’t until around the 5th episode I came to a clearer understanding of the general synopsis. Between the fifth and thirtieth episode, it found a well-balanced rhythm between political intrigue and character-driven moments of growth. Was some of it boring and tedious? Yes, for sure. Anyone who enjoys the political aspects will probably enjoy these parts more than me.

The last ten episodes were almost frenetic as the pacing attempted to push forward the plot and characters to wrap up the story. Don’t get me wrong - I actually loved a lot about these episodes. However, it would have been better had the story been more evenly split between the two types of tones and energy. I read that the director left the project midway through production, and it shows. A bit more editing would have made for a better blended story.

While the genre and story pacing may have kept me from enjoying the story as much as I wanted to, the actors by far made up for a lot of mistakes. I absolutely loved Bai Feng Xi, played by the every lovely and versatile actress Zhao Lusi, and Hei Feng Xi, played by the talented Yang Yang. Their friendship, which eventually moved toward romance, was beautifully executed. The two had loads of chemistry. Honestly, I would have loved to have seen more intimate moments between the two, but it is understandable the genre calls for a focus on plot over romance. Their characters arcs, particularly Bai Feng Xi, really made me root for them as individuals and as romantic partners. Typical romantic tropes are mostly avoided, which makes for a refreshing storyline.

I also have to commend the actors playing these roles. I’ve seen Yang Yang in several shows by this point (H2O and You Are More Glory). While I liked him in the contemporary romances, he excelled in this setting. He encapsulated the fine gentlemen traits of Hei Feng Xi flawlessly. His mannerisms, way of speaking, and overall aura really impressed me. Zhao Lusi’s performance was just as powerful as Yang Yang’s, especially toward the end of the show. She has a chameleon like ability to switch between mischievous prankster, royal lady, and martial arts master as she navigates between all the various facets of her character. Any way we can get these two to act opposite of each other in the future?

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Everything you could ask for in a drama

To start, the martial arts/wuxia genre is not really my cup of tea. I'm more of a Sword and the Brocade kind of viewer. So going in, I didn't have expectations that I was going to like this. But let's just say, this drama got my attention and I ended up anxiously waiting for new eps every day.

HFX AND BFX are actually really well written characters. BFX was that fearless heroic figure who acted based on the situation right there and then and her emotions. While HFX is rather calculating. He always thinks before doing something. And is very kept to himself during the first half. From the very beginning, I already loved their interaction. I even had the feeling he was already in love with her way before they were introduced to us viewers. He's always watching and taking care of her without giving himself away. And ofc this leads to her thinking everything he does is to benefit himself and he wouldn't do anything that doesn't give him the upper hand. But again, I 99.99% am sure he either had feelings for her or admired her for a long time.

I definitely liked the first half better. It was more of them bickering, solving problems and slowly learning about each other.

Second half was politics, fight for the throne and war. Not my cup of tea but I can say I enjoyed this one as HFX always had the upperhand against his brother FJ.

Pros:
1. BFX was literally the female character we wished were written more in dramas. Alot of dramas, I see strong females in the beginning who gradually lose that coolness. But I can honestly say, she was a strong and badass character throughout most of the drama. There were only a few instances I didn't like her. Like how she babies her Jr. Sister Langhua. Who I wanted to slap so many times.
2. HFX's character...do we need to explain him. He's literally a hero to the world, BFX and our hearts.
3. We got some really good side characters.
*His sidekicks who were fun and always besides our male lead assisting him. Let me just say, I'm glad neither of them died.
* Prince Chang: Some might say he's not a good character as he killed innocent people who knew about his illness. But I think that was the only flaw in his character. I honestly thought he was going to turn against HFX but thankfully he remained the best brother for HFX. He didn't have many scenes but he definitely left an impression on me. He had some of my favorite scenes.
*Minister Feng: by far one of my favorite supporting females in any dramas I've watched. Yes, she was in love with HFX but he didn't love her and she was okay with that. Instead she continued to support him (take notes future evil jealous third wheeling females) and her bonding with BFX during their 1st meeting was enough to say I loved her.

Cons:
1. The rushed ending. Everything was choppy and alot of details were missing and they literally ended a war in a couple episodes. Not that I care for war scenes but wow, it was really rushed.
2. HFX's father the emperor is a terrible father. Didn't even care for his late wife. The fact that he chose to ignore all the bad things Queen Baili and her son FJ did to HFX will make you want to pull your hair. I was literally at the point of wishing death on him.
3. Queen Baili and FJ were really quite the annoying and jealous characters. They should have died long ago so that way there was more time for the actual war and end.

There's alot more pros and cons but I'll stop there. Regardless, I'd give a solid 9.5. Minus .5 for the long plot with the evil queen and stupid emperor.

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Love it

This has everything I love in a period piece drama. Lots of action, such wondrous martial arts that almost appears to be dancelike, beautiful and well written characters, a ML and FL that are confident and strong and of course romance. Am already looking forward to watching it again! Yang Yang and Zhao lu si have lots of chemistry together. It was great to watch them together.
This has everything I love in a period piece drama. Lots of action, such wondrous martial arts that almost appears to be dancelike, beautiful and well written characters, a ML and FL that are confident and strong and of course romance. Am already looking forward to watching it again! Yang Yang and Zhao lu si have lots of chemistry together. It was great to watch them together. . …………,,,,

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Who Rules the World: A Captivating Xianxia Journey

“Who Rules the World” is a #Cdrama that has quickly become one of my favorites in the #xianxia genre. This series offers a blend of strong female characters, comedy, romance, epic battles, and a rich fantasy world.

The story follows Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi, martial arts experts who navigate political intrigue and personal challenges while developing a deep romance. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their story is both heartwarming and thrilling.

The drama stands out for its portrayal of strong women who are skilled fighters and intelligent. It balances action scenes with moments of humor and tenderness, making it a well-rounded watch.

Overall, “Who Rules the World” is a must-watch for xianxia fans. The captivating plot, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals make it a standout series.

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Overall, the most rewatchable historical drama and #couple goals

I loved how mature their romance was and how there were no unnecessary misunderstandings between the two, I loved how both were perfectly in sync with each other in their values, and priorities and always understood each other under any circumstance. The support roles were strong, I was so immersed in everyone's acting and really hated the villains too. The ost is very memorable and you will remember the drama no matter what when you hear it again. For a drama that's 40 eps, it's very rewatchable and surprisingly not a historical tragedy ( I have pet peeves about reincarnation tropes where they end the story whenever the couple reunite in their next life), the story moves on at a very steady pace so you wouldn't feel bored with it. Overall, the best Chinese drama I've seen so far.

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FAVORITE, BUT WITH FAULTS

YOU KNOW THAT DRAMA THAT WAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS?! IT WAS HIM.
THIS DRAMA WAS SIMPLY WONDERFUL, COMPLETELY WON MY HEART.
THE COUPLE WAS DIVINE, WITH A WONDERFUL CHEMISTRY, IT SHOULD NOT BE SEPARATED. IT WAS A COUPLE THAT, WHEN THEY STAYED TOGETHER, NOTHING ELSE SEPARATED THEM. DON'T MUST THINK OF THAT STUPID WOMAN CLICHE THAT IS AFFORDABLE FOR PROTA.
BUT, HOWEVER AND HOWEVER. I CANNOT SAY IT WAS PERFECT. THE SCRIPT IN SEVERAL MOMENTS RUN A LOT, THEY WILL NOT DEVELOP THE RIGHT VILLAIN. THE POOR SECONDARY, WERE SIMPLY FORGOTTEN. THERE YOU COULD MAKE A 60 EPISODE DRAMA OF BOA. NOT TO SAY ALSO, THAT THE FINAL FIGHT THE EFFECTS WERE VERY WEAK.

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Watch.

I must admit that I'm not a big fan of Wuxia but this one had me glued in every episode.

The chemistry between ML and FL is amazing. And if you take them out of the Hei-Bai Fengxi duo, they remain amazing. I love how the drama made them equally powerful yet showing flaws in their characters here and there. The actors were indeed perfect for their roles, they were very convincing all around. I may be biased because I've liked both before this drama, haha!

Bonus for me is how the women were portrayed to be strong and as cunning as the men.

The supporting actors were entertaining as well. Pu was my favourite and he left me heartbroken.

But what got me breezing through all 40 episodes is how each problem/challenge finds a solution/closure early on. They didn't drag alongside the overall arch. Would've wanted a more exciting character reveals for both ML and FL though. Like something that rocked the scene. And while I'm at it, a more gruesome end to the villain. I so wanted him to suffer first before getting the luxury of death.

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When reality doesnt meet expectation

well, i rarely write a review, i write this one because its beautiful drama yet annoying, hahaha...

from episode 1-31, everything was well executed, amazing story, eyecandy ML and FL, beautiful scenes, etc.
after that, it started to be weird, confusing and rushed, like its entirely different drama and the director was changed.

the scene Lanxi know Fengxi identity just a few seconds without surprise expression at all from anyone, its not even a scene since it just shows Lanxi's hand, hahaha.

Its annoying because it made us think widly, did Lanxy knew her identity from the beginning since he has fountain abode network to do so? If he did, then did he has other intention/motive beside pure love?

because several other scenes after FL identity revealed were also weird, how Lanxi reacted when his dad said to him to find a spouse that bring benefit to yongzhou, how Lanxi said to Fengxi that since yongzhou's problem is now settled, then its time for the next move (the alliance wedding), which seems all moves were planned by him from the beginning.

All these scenes have ruined the beautiful love story they already built from the first episode, its still annoying eventhough its paid by last sacrifying life scene by Lanxi (which only a few seconds too and could be more dramatic).

and the last two episodes were even more horrible. Lanxi's white hair and outfit could be better and the drawing each other eyebrow is a funny yet silly ending scene for such a great drama.

its a pity since this could be a great and hit drama of the year. It should be divided into 2 seasons, season one should have been ended when lanxi confessed his love, wu yuan and huang chao's crush on fengxi also not well developed, adding more stories about how the three noble men fight over fengxi will be interesting, because lanxi's expression when he was jealous was realy really cute, hehe.

well, despite all the drawbacks, its still enjoyable, the story and acting were great, the characters are also great. they are strong and smart, know what they wants and dont bother to face and accept life changes and let go their big dreams for more simple purpose of life, which is love.

they teach us to accept drawbacks in our life, since most of the time reality are not as what we expected,
starts from and by accepting imperfection of this drama, hahaha.

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This is not the best historical drama that I have watched. Nothing beats Nirvana In Fire until now in terms of story, plot twists, acting and production. However, this has great entertainment value and I enjoyed it tremendously. Surprisingly, there is very little "boring" parts and I am glued to the screen the entire 40 episodes.

The best part of the drama is the chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Yang Yang. They are like the perfect couple and I really like their interaction and they are very cute together. Yang Yang is indeed a very handsome and charming actor who can be overly cool but when he smiles, my heart just melts :)

The wuxia/fighting scenes are a lot more in the first half of the drama. The second half is mostly just political stuff, but not too heavy that you can still easily follow and understand the plot. That's why I only gave this drama a 9 because these political plots are too predictable and light for me. I think the strong part of this drama is the romance story between Yang Yang and Zhao Lu Si.

Another strong point is that there is quite a couple of strong female characters, Bai Feng Xi being one of them and Feng Qi Wu. Boy, I like how badass and loyal Feng Qi Wu is. She really is a great character. The other supporting characters are also good, particularly those by Hei Feng Xi's side like Chong LI and the General and his two sons. I enjoyed these supporting characters story a lot too.

Rewatch value is high for me. If I have time and couldn't find anything new that's worth to watch, this would be on the top of my rewatch list as it's entertaining and quite light for a costume drama. The OST is great! There are five songs that I put on my Apple Music playlist that I've been listening to over and over again, especially the two songs that are on the background of Bai-Hei Feng Xi's romantic interaction. I am still listening to these songs (and will still be listening to this song) even after I have finished watching the drama.

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2022年最好的中国剧之一。除了剧中的精彩故事外，它还有许多道德价值。

我是杨洋的粉丝，也是赵露思的粉丝。 起初，我想知道为什么评分相对较高。 然后，我试着看它。 看了几集后，发现这个故事让我着迷。 我在两天内完成了 40 集，因为我无法停下来想知道接下来会发生什么。 我会说这是2022年最好的中国剧之一。除了精彩的故事，我们可以从这部剧中学到很多道德价值观。

我学到的一些道德价值观是：
1. 尊重我们的父母
2. 和平是我们生活中必不可少的东西之一。 我们应该寻求和平
3.真正珍惜和保护我们心爱的人
4. 做任何决定前要有耐心

如果其他观众有其他价值观与我们分享，请随时回复我的评论。 我希望它有所帮助。

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Intriguing storyline, superb acting

Finally I feel so ecstatic having watched the entire series.
The storyline is captivating even though its filled with scheming, politics and bloodmath at every step. As the storyline navigates through, such intense scenes, it's the little moments between the two charming leads that lightens up the screen .
The chemistry between the leads yang yang and zhao lu is is simply irresistible and as someone mentioned i can't possibly think if anyone else portraying the roles of bai he fengxi better than them .
The costumes, action scenes and background are just spot on.
Definitely a delectable watch as they rule our heart!

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