Unchained Love (2022)

Great potential but terrible miscast of FL

This was a good series, pretty engaging. It had great potential to score an 8 or 9 (I rarely give those scores). But I took points off mainly because of the terrible miscasting of the female lead. This was not the role for this actress. She just could not not pull off the comedy, emotional range or screen presence. This if the first time I've seen this actress in a lead role, and I don't think she's ready to be the main lead in a series and is better suited for 2nd lead or supporting role. She did fine in her 2nd lead in Ashes of Love, but this was not the role for her.

Two actresses come to mind whom this Bu Yin Lou role was written for: 1) Song Zu Er from Legally Romance, Cupid's Kitchen, The Bond; or 2) Zhao Lu Si from Romance of Tiger & Rose, and Love Like the Galaxy. If either of these actresses played the FL role this series would've been one of my top favorites.

Pros:
- The ML (Dylan Wang) was perfect in this role. I watched this series after seeing how great he was in Love Between Fairy & Devil. His facial expressions and body language are perfectly conveyed for every emotion. You want to smile when he's happy, your heart breaks for him when he's sad.
- The 2nd ML / Villain Emperor (Peter Ho) - he was totally believable in how he evolved from of a kind hearted, cowardly prince to a sadistic, egomaniac tyrant. I pitied him when he was trampled on as the kind and gullible prince, but then my skin crawled anticipating what he would do next when he became the villainous emperor.
- Overall the support characters were good, nothing terrible or too annoying about them.

Cons:
- Terrible miscast of the FL. He facial expressions were over-the-top but could not quite convey true emotions - her eyes mainly just bulged widely with eyebrows furrowed. Her comedic abilities did not come natural at all, very forced.
- Some plot holes, but none too major that you can't overlook.

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I didn't like the ending

I liked the series overall. However, there were many mistakes. There were childish things. Mistakes that I said would not be made were made. Mistakes were made. Why did the screenwriter think of writing this, how did the director shoot this? I put a lot of effort into this in some places. I looked for the reason and couldn't find it. It seemed illogical. There were so many that I wish I could write them down. My comment will be very long and will not fit into the pages. I had set my grade as 9 from the beginning. However, I made a note. I gave it 8. In that anger, I thought of giving it a 6. There were mistakes that shouldn't have happened that depressed me so much that I even stopped watching. I didn't like the ending scenes either. It could have ended better and more positively. An emperor who was so ungrateful, unworthy of the throne, and shot everyone behind his back should at least have been sent away. Those who supported him in his shadow had to flee. Such an ending did not suit the finale. What I liked. I liked the actors. I liked the shot. The images were beautiful. The scenes were shot well. The story was well thought out, but great mistakes, irresponsibility and simplicity were made while scripting it. I do not like. But still, for the sake of integrity, it was a good watch for me.
I liked the acting of the master actor Peter Ho. the most. He added to his role. He played well. Even a reward may be given. Some may find it simple. He showed such an acting. I liked it very much. He was the real lead of the series. Zeng Li. I love him very much. It seemed very little to me, but even in that little view he proved his mastery. Was very good. Dylan Wang looks older than he is. It looks like that. He has very smooth facial features and knows how to make himself look great, proud and arrogant. Maybe I expected better from Chen Yu qi, one of my favorite actors, but he was still good in my opinion. No bad. It may have fallen below expectations. I loved. I wish it were better.Guan Chang. was very good. He knows how to show himself off. He assimilated his role and played it well. Veteran actor Shi Yu, for example, did that eunuch role very well. He successfully portrayed the scenes of the emperor's death as a result of his manipulation of the emperor, regretting his mistakes, and eventually deviating from the emperor's personality due to his mistakes. I like those who add role to their role. That's how I saw it. That's why I liked it. These actors are the ones who enlarge their simple roles. I also liked Wang Yu Xin. He Nan.da was exceptionally good at the beginning of the drama. Then his role ended and he disappeared. So the players were good. Would I watch it again? Very difficult. I was a little angry at the mistakes and simplicity made. I probably won't watch it. Have a nice time.

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It could've been so much more....

I don't have much to say except the drama had potential to be so much better, especially when I watch all the deleted scenes, my heart hurts. The editing was horrible from a certain point and the story line didn't make sense until I watched the cut scenes, most of them I don't even understand why it was cut. I know censorship exists but I don't think any of the cut scenes went against it especially when many other dramas show just as much intimacy as the ones we see in the deleted scenes.

The story itself had potential but the villain characters pissed me off bad, especially the emperor, he has such a punchable face and his little eunuch sidekick with that annoying voice and he's beady eyes. The emperor is a full blown creep, I hated him till the end and also the fact he harasses the fl to that extent is disgusting. I also hated the SA scene for obvious reasons, it just went on for too long and brushed off. I don't understand how they kept a clear assault scene in but cut out all kiss scenes like what even was the standards when putting the drama together??

Personally I think this was just a waste and I feel sorry for the actors, I really did enjoy the actors and the relationship dynamics but unfortunately the production completely butchered the show, I only stuck around for the leads tbh and skipped any scenes with the villains at some point even the ending was bad. I really want to know how the show would have turned out if they didn't get rid of so many important and intimate scenes. The chemistry was definitely there between the leads and even more in the deleted parts. Overall, it's just unfortunate what the end product is :(

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Started for Dylan, Stayed for the plot and Dylan

Frankly speaking I only started this series because of the ml . I’m a big fan and decided to explore his other series after watching the love between fairy and demon.
This is my first time watching a historical drama that isn’t centered around cultivation and so I didn’t really have any interest . I read the comments here on mdl and was discouraged further but decided to continue and I’m glad I did .

The fl’s character was refreshing to watch . She was always quick on her feet and wasn’t easily bullied which I genuinely loved . I also love how the love story between her and Dylan developed. It wasn’t rushed or forced .

Honestly the drama did get boring at some point for like 5-10 episodes but after those episodes, the drama picked up and I binge watched it to the end . The boring episodes were like from 8-15 . I’m not certain of the exact episodes but it’s around there .

I don’t want to get into the details and end up dropping spoilers but all I’ll say is ignore the negative comments and just watch the series for yourself. Try to hang in there till like episode 16/17 and you’ll be fine .
The rewatch value is low simply because I’m not really the type to rewatch dramas. So you can ignore that .

Have a great watch ! ❤️

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Cruel and sadistic at times but a great watch for lovers of forbidden romance . . .

A thrilling story of two people following their hearts in a dangerous, toxic imperial palace. The first episodes are violent, overacted and aesthetically ugly, but these issues mostly resolve and settle in.
The plot is unique, you are dropped right into the middle of the conflict and the characters have to fight hard for control over their fates. The ultimate strength of the drama is both people in the romance are skilled and strategic, personable, and have great chemistry.

Dylan Wang from Love between Fairy and Devil continues excellence at conveying menacing, brooding protectiveness. He also succeeds this time in softening and adding some humor and teasing. Chen Yu Qi excels at moving between humor and pranks, to righteous anger, to deep sadness. I was really cheering for them to overcome the odds.

The music is fairly one note, and some of the romance scenes may be worth a rewatch.

I grade on other criteria as well:

Complex Themes: 8.5
Obsession and jealousy are soul destroying - healthy love is completely different. Holding firm to simple principles avoids corruption. Fighting for what you want leads to less regret. Being unafraid of death provides courage and a life with dignity.

Complex Characters/Growth: 7.0
The emperor is a simplistic fool who lets his irrational fantasies and desires run wild. While not a complex characterisation the character is welcome: more dramas should explore obsession v. care and love. Similarly, I liked how the main characters leaned in to stereotypes and tropes to deceive and trick their way to freedom. It was a refreshing take on what is considered a moral and dignified way of life when you have no power and it worked for me: what is crying, faking illness, lying etc. compared to protecting the people you love?

Complex Women/Interactions Between Women: 7.5
Chen Yu Qi is complex: while she desires a simple and carefree life, she is fully capable of initiating her own strategies and power plays. She is making a conscious, active choice to not lead a life full of power struggle - not because she couldn't hack it, but because it's not what she wants. Besides her though, the other women characters are simple and mostly discuss the male characters.

Cinematography/Production Values: 7.5
On one hand, the fight scenes are well done, and there are a few cinematic moments. On the other hand, it really is shot like a drama from 5 - 10 years ago.

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Go in with no expectations

I have been waiting for this drama forever. So, when IQIYI announced that it was to be released on 27th December 2022 I was euphoric. Special mention to all the trailers, they were just amazing.

It is the story of Xiao Duo a eunuch who works for the emperor and Bu Yin Luo the concubine whom the emperor loves. Their relationship is forbidden (Hence the name), so the problems they discover form the story.

Characters:

Xiao Duo played by Dylan Wang. I must say that I expected a lot after LBFaD but he was not up to the mark. Mostly he did a fair job, but he fails to show emotions through certain scenes. Especially some emotional scenes between Yukee and him. The lack of chemistry between him and Yukee was showing through. He looks amazing as always with the beautiful and intricate wardrobe, especially the Black ones. Dylan has few but some excellent fight scenes, which I absolutely love. Also, his general controlling, stern and clever attitude is noteworthy.

Bu Yin Luo played by Yukee Chen. Yukee Chen was not bad but one could not help but see a lot of recycled actions across different emotions. She is wide-eyed in several scenes which feels out of place. Most emotional scenes could not be related to. She not only lacks chemistry with Xiao Duo but also with Li Ping Ru and Tong Yun. There is a lack of build-up between her and Li Ping Ru, which makes the emotional scenes just so-so. At times one cannot help but question if she has any feelings for Xiao Duo or if she is okay with spending time holding hands with Fu Wang. She also has a good wardrobe.

Murong Gao Gong/Fu Wang played by Peter Ho. He does a good job of a know-nothing, want-nothing prince who by chance became an emperor. His love for Yin Luo is blind and selfish. The character build-up is fair.

So Far:
If you have time and want to binge-watch a costume drama or miss Dylan after LBFaD you can watch it. The drama is one-time watchable with some amazing shots and beautiful costumes. It lacks some character build-ups, story build-ups and lead pair chemistry. The first few episodes lack the charm but as you go on the story does become quite interesting. If you can bear with the problems do give it a try.

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Don't have high expectations

This was what I've told myself several times when I watched this drama. Now, I know my limit, that is don't watch forbidden love type of story because I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time. I actually stopped watching after 29th ep and proceeded to read the remainders episodes' spoilers so I kind of finish it but not really. I definitely will try to watch this drama till the end.

ML, Xiao Duo was intimidating, ruthless and clever head chief of eunuch in Zhaoding Bureau/Sect. He was definitely good at finding solution for difficult situations.

FL, Bu Yinluo, the Consort Duan, was playful, smart and ruthless when the time needed her to be. I definitely admired her brazen behaviour when she slapped the Empress(the villainess) back and hold her as a hostage. Like I need to see more of that move from Female Lead.

I definitely agree when PeachBlossom's review mentioned how they flaunted their affair with recklessness.

Now let me gush about the ML's outfits. Definitely love love how he looks so royally and the person with authority better than the emperor. I love this one outfit of him, there were gold patterns on his shoulders and on the skirts beneath the see-through first layer of the skirt. Idk why but most of the time, his eyes looks like it was so natural for him to have his eyes lined with black eyeliners. Looks more edgy and dangerous.

I am really rooting for Princess Hede and Prince Liangxu's love. Cao Chung'an and Tongyun too.

I cannot believe that I hv to put this drama on hold bcs I'm afraid to watch it till the end. This review is not finished yet, will come back, conclude it once and for all.

- 29122023

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It's great so far!

Many people rate everything Dylan Wang does as a 10. While I'm loving the story line the FL should have been someone else. Her acting is sub par for me. Dylan actually keeps the show interesting. I'm no Dylan groupie but I actually think his acting in this drama is excellent. The king...Man what a change from how he was in the beginning. Power really did go to his head. That stupid eunuch is the one that made him that way imo. It was clear the FL never loved the king but that bloody eunuch had to make it seem like she was infatuated with the king. I'm nervous how he will react when he finds out his love is with chief Xiao 😳. He's so hot headed lately it is going to be a disaster!

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Genre confusion

The biggest problem with this drama is genre confusion and a lack of a plot. The story started off with a very cruel practice of killing childless concubines and burying them with a deceased emperor. One of the concubines was rescued by a powerful eunuch leading to the two forming a unique relationship. The plot included serious elements of murder, abuse, political conspiracy, and forbidden love that had a potential to create an engaging story and complex characters. Unfortunately, the serious elements pretty much disappeared at the beginning of the drama turning it into another goofy rom com.

I like Dylan Wang and I think he does very well in other costume dramas like Love Between Fairy and Devil. But, here, he was miscast. Xiao Duo is a complex character wielding incredible power and influence second only to the emperor. Everyone fears him and his subordinates call him "godfather" (per Viki translation). He should have been portrayed by an older and more mature actor, especially because it would take years to achieve that kind of power. Instead, we had a 25 year old actor playing dress-up. Bu Yinlou's character was completely stripped down, and, a lonely and abused former concubine became just another infantile female stereotype. The whole experience felt like the writers were insulting my intelligence by introducing a serious plot with very tragic elements and turning it into a silly idol drama.

By episode 15, I was bored out of my mind because nothing of substance was really happening. There were no more hints of political conspiracy. Any kind of seriousness and danger were gone. A promising story with a dark plot turned into a slap-stick comedy. An incredibly dangerous and vicious Xiao Duo regressed to a love-sick puppy. Bu Yinlou acted like an infantile nincompoop with overly exaggerated facial expressions. At this point, 36 episodes were far too many to sit through when there was nothing to look forward to.

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NO CHEMISTRY

Probably, I am against the popular opinion here. The MLs didn't have chemistry together, no intertwine background story to get them relate to each other, supposedly has comedy element which none shown. By a chance they met and together, YuQi as her usual acting didn't deliver her best skill.....annoying and uninteresting. She's been in the business for a while, big eyes and smooth skin beautifully, but she's an average actress no matter who she's with.
Beautiful setting and costumes, natural make up.

The Story
Very different and interesting... a promising line of story. The drama is based on the novel of the same name by You Si Jie, which tells the story of Xiao Duo, the leader of the powerful Zhao Ding Division, and Bu Yin Lou, a concubine of the previous emperor, who bravely defy fate and feudal rituals, and support each other through life and death to win their freedom. By the death of Emperor, there're selected childless concubines that has to serve accompany death Emperor to nether world, Bu YinLou was one of them although she's never met the Emperor and tried to get herself out of situation. Murong Gao Gong, a lowly surviving prince loved her and asked Xiao Dua a favor to save her for such terrible fate, he did with demand a favor in return.

Dylan Wang (Xiao Duo)
Xiao Duo's twin brother was killed by Yu Wen Liang Shi when he entered the palace for a livelihood. Although Xiao Duo had risked to try to assassinate, but ended up in failure, and finally had to take a risky move to infiltrate the palace in place of his brother, all the way to promotion, in order to have the opportunity to avenge his family. When he agreed to help Bu YinLou, he had his own agenda for personal vantage against people who killed his brother. Dylan Wang was melancholic when he's alone, powerful at work, confuse about his own feeling, available for YinLou. Up to ep 8 nothing but boring scenes about feeling, actually...... no action worth mentioned.

Chen YuQi/Bu Yin Lou
Bu Yin Lou has lived a miserable life since she was a child, and later entered the palace in place of her sister, but she has never even seen the emperor. Bu Yin Lou was not originally forced to the extreme, her father was a high official in the court, but her mother, in order to make the family get a reward, even by offering bribes, to make Bu Yin Lou go to death smoothly. To sacrifice one person in exchange for the promotion of other officials in the family. As a character, although very observant, she's naive and annoying, love to play card and no other activity to show her worthiness.

Zeng Li/Empress Rong An
If she played super strict mean mother in LLtG, here she played a cougar cruel Empress which none were likable characters. Don't like her acting here though; she chopped dialog (per syllable), with oversize robe/gown she looked shorter - dragged down by her costume and hairdo, as a cougar she's interested sexually in Xiao Duo (older woman initiating physical love is gross) so I don't think she'll win any award for her part here.

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Better than I expected but still not great

This series is very divisive: people love it or hate it/couldn't even get through it. After watching it I can see exactly why. If it was entirely bad or mid, that's one thing, but there is so much potential and there are genuinely good aspects that kept me hanging on. Each time I wanted to drop it for one of the negatives, there was still enough positives that I was intrigued enough to watch a little more, then a little more.

Negatives:
-Cut scenes not only took out some of the kissy-face stuff we craved but it also made the story hard to follow at times or just made moments we were really looking forward to fall flat (like a key scene we've been waiting for so long to see got cut and only part of it is shown via a freaking FLASHBACK). The ending sucked, thank goodness they gave us the extra episode (that was actually filmed and not just a voiceover reusing old scenes!)
-Tonal shifts felt like whiplash. They may have been able to spin it as a dark comedy but the comedic parts were too slapstick and the dark parts were really too brutal.
-Yukee Chen's acting was better than I expected but still needs work. You can read other reviews, I won't dogpile on her.

Positives:
-The story was actually quite intriguing; not just the premise but enough of the story through the whole series has just enough interesting aspects that as I said above, kept me curious and wanting to see it through, despite the negatives. I wish someday we could see the whole thing uncut.
-The FL is not stupid and the couple trust each other. Obviously the plot needed there to be a few times where ML rushes to her aid but that's mainly early on when he doesn't realize she's capable of handling herself. As things go on they trust each other; there's even one time when she's captured as a trap for him but he doesn't go rescue her, assuring his aide that she can figure out the situation herself. There's other times when he had to act out but she trusted him to not hurt her. Other than one instance of noble idiocy, they're mostly pretty understanding of each other.
-Dylan's acting was good, he could do both the cold smoulder as well as convincingly play a man who isn't actually cold at heart but is tired of putting on the facade. Some people didn't like that he fell for the girl early but I think it made sense in this way. Usually the cold ML is truly cold but melts for just the ML, who then changes him; in this, he's never actually cold at heart but has had to pretend for so long that he's tired of it and found refuge in being able to lower his guard with her.
-Yukee Chen's acting was better than expected. She was funny and devious but in some serious moments she actually was quite chilling.
-Peter Ho's acting was very convincing, a bit too convincing in fact, it was honestly frightening

I rated the rewatch a bit higher because I think after watching, you can then know where to skip to watch the good parts. You can also find most of the cut scenes on YouTube to fill in gaps.

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