Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 (2022)

Best Drama of the year

Usually I don’t purchase express pass even do they offer but I cannot resist from buying for LLTG. This drama is like an addiction to me. I will rewatch the Episode again when I need to wait for Tuesday. All the actor/actress in this drama play an amazing role.
Wu lei acting is top notch. His expression and fighting action is just awesome. When HBY meet CSS for the first time after separation of 5 years, his eyes said it all 🥺 when he performing his revenge, he smile and laugh like a physo and his action is so real. LS is always the best. Emperor Wen is our CP fans and I really like how humour he is. Not to forget the badass consort yue, I really like her character. Not to forget LBY sidekick, fei is the most funny and talkative. The last few episode just make me cry non stop and the ending is as per novel

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Part 1 is a GEM!

Just finished, my honest opinion :

1) Part 1 was perfect and set the bar too high for me and Part 2 didn't live up to expectation. Still good but not on par with Part 1.

2) The story pacing in Part2 is not very well done. The flow was not natural. I know they could not show all scenes happening, but I feel a lot of times surprised with events happening out of the blue and consequently the emotional flow in between events is awkward.

3) Most of the time LBY's revenge arc is going over my head because of audience lack of connection to the Gu City/Huo Clan. Leo is such a good actor but sometimes it's hard to empathise on what he's fighting for because we were never really introduced to his family (apart from the stories relayed by the Empresses and the Emperor). After finishing the story, I finally realised it's tricky for the Director, he cannot give us a lot of scenes on LBY's backstory without spoiling the whole plot.

4) Some of the lines are way too long and cringey. It gives this theatrical play feel, when 2 characters are giving out their lines and the rest of the characters are just standing quietly in the background.

5) The ending is kinda cliche and cheesy. The villains are cartoonish, and how the solve things are too convenient for the plot it's almost embarrassing. LBY always arriving and saving the day at the most critical moments makes me giggle. It's truly cliche, but hey I'll take it.

6) If you watch the full trailer, there are a lot of 'cinematic epic scenes', however, in reality most of these where downplayed within the drama. Again I blame the editing for not building up thse scenes properly and instead they relied more on long dialogues.

I know these things sound critical but I wanted to be honest with those who will start it, I would say despite all of this it is worth your time, and if only the things I mentioned above are making you feel bored or lose interest, I still suggest to carry on and continue because in it's entirety the show is still very good.

The positives :
1) PART1 - absolutely perfect!
2) The acting is on point, Leo really does only pick good shows. And LuSi, I've always admired her from the Long Ballad, such a versatile actress.
3) The cinematography is great. The comedic aspect is also excellent, it funny in a strange subtle way. And on scenes where it makes you cry, it really does can make you cry!
4) All supporting characters are great, the Cheng Family, and the people at the palace, LBY's two sidekick.
5) it is refreshing to see such harmony in the palace with good nature and well intended royals. It's not perfect, but it is far from the miserable politically driven plots they have on other period dramas.
6) I like how they added scenes on how brutal LBY can be and how love DOESN'T IMMEDIATELY conquer all.

After P1 I expected this to be above the Long Ballad, but because of some setbacks I mentioned in P2, I would say this is on same level as Long Ballad.
Both shows are great!! It's rare for me now to find dramas which I do not drop and this is really something that I enjoyed watching.

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Worth a watch

This will focus more on the 2nd half of this drama.

It starts directly where it left off. No unnecessary recaps, thankfully. You notice as the series progresses that the seriousness slowly creeps in. The comedic reliefs become less frequent and you can feel it start to brew trouble ahead. I personally think this was well done. The characters involved acted it out well.

The growth of the FL here is more steady, but I also think that the reason she has for feeling betrayed by the general was petty. While I can understand she feels betrayed, but thinking about it from a more logical standpoint, I definitely would do the same as the general. Implicating the whole Shang family would indeed be stupid. She admits herself that she understands it, but still decides to break things off. It does use this as the final element where her character becomes more mature and let things go, it also felt more like putting another layer on top of something, to hide the flaws.

One of the most memorable episodes to me, was when she left for the palace to stay next to the deposed empress and her mother rushing to the palace gates. The emotions portrayed by the mother, when realizing the meaning behind her daughter's words was acted out well.

The warmth that the empress shows for the FL was also done well. It works to show how different things might've been, if her mother did the same.

The last episodes and the conclusion did feel somewhat out of place, but despite that I think it was executed well. It did tie up some lose ends. The battles was done well too. I somewhat wish there were more of this throughout both parts, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

I think this series was the biggest surprise in dramaland for me, in 2022. I doubt I'll find something which'll get me as invested as this, for the remainder of the year.

Recommended.

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My Overall Thoughts

they really have captured Love in its many forms, Love between lovers, Love between parents and children, love between siblins, love between ruler and subject, love between employers and emploees, love between general and army, love between society. and they never showed just positive or just negative, they always showed both. we see the realistic situations and feelings between Zisheng and Shaoshang, we see the ridicule from society but also the friendship with qiqi, we see CSS's mother and the difference between strict parenting and loving parenting. and that no child is the same so you cant use one type for all of them. we see how CSS never let her mothers inability to show love to her daughter get in the way of Yang Yang and CSS's sisterly relationship. we all see how the royal children treated CSS and Buyi as outsiders when Shaoshang sat with the emporer and the Empress on her deathbed when no other child of hers or empress yue were allowed. This drama encapsulates the term "you make your own family" as that is exactly what cheng Shaoshang did. she was able to add her birth family to that family, allowing for a happy ending. RIP to the Empress you were the mother Shaoshang needed but not the mother the royal children needed. right person wrong setting!

I don't want to rewatch this. i feel like watching this once allowed me to feel the raw emotions from the series,
im not lying when i say i was S O B B I N G at certain points. i think this series is rewatchable but i think watching it once allows us to recognise and absorb the meaning of the series without getting technical. Emporer ate and so did the Empresses i loved their dynamics almost like divine matchmakers.

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Beautiful Family Drama

Much of this drama focuses on Cheng Shaoshang as she attempts to navigate her future without compromising her ideals or passions. Zhao Lusi’s performance once again establishes her ability to display a multifaceted character with tons of layers. She was utterly transformative as Shaoshang transitioned from uncouth youth to reserved royalty. Shaoshang is very much defined by her interactions with others. Probably the most interesting relationships outside of her romances is her connection to her mother and the Empress. In one, she finds antagonism and disproval; in another unconditional love and support. That’s not to say both don’t love her, but her relationships are so complex as they encounter her at different stages in her life. I love this detailed look at the many ways family, both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose, make a person change and adapt in extraordinary ways.

I thought the show would focus more on the romance, but it truly does not start between the leads until the second half of the series. The first half certainly does an excellent job setting up their future, particularly Ling Buyi’s growing interest and love for Shaoshang. Leo Wu, who plays Ling Buyi, truly has a talent for showing so many emotions with just a glance. Since much of his performance is austere and ridged, his eyes had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He and Lusi had so much tension and chemistry as Buyi and Shaoshang. Once their romance blossoms, it’s hard to look away. That said, I also enjoyed the other short romances she has with Yuan Shen and Lou Yao. While they hold no candle to Buyii, I could certainly see the different facets brought out of her by their characters.

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One of the Best Historical Drama!

This drama is definitely deserving of its high ratings.

It's a mix of everything. It's about love, revenge, family, and friendship. One good thing about this drama is that it broke the stereotype of having evil and incompetent emperor and empress that most cdrama I've watched portray. Moreover, there is no jealousy between the empress and the concubine, which I'm very fascinated by. This is definitely a first for that.

The male leads are portrayed very well by the cast and their acting is superb! I've now watched a couple of cdramas by Zhao Lu Si, and I can understand why they're mostly hits! She portrays her characters so well. So excited to see more projects from her. Leo Wu is also a very good actor. And very befitting of his role in this drama because of his manliness. Truly worthy of being a general! The dynamic of the main leads as a couple is also soooo cuuuute! The general is only soft for the female lead. She only has eyes for her from the start and is always there for her to protect her.

I wished that there was a scene of their wedding at the end though. But nonetheless, it was a happy ending so I had to give this drama a perfect 10!

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Wow, lives up to the hype

TLDR: Highly recommended for complex characters, great chemistry between the leads, well-acted, well-directed, epic action scenes.

I finished Parts 1 and 2 in 5 days. I was wondering if they would live up to the hype, and I was not disappointed. Part 2 was slightly better than Part 1 for me. I loved everything about it - the epic action scenes, the humor, the angst, and even the sad parts. This was an incredibly well-acted and well-directed series. The leads had incredible chemistry, and the supporting cast did a wonderful job.

Purely good or purely evil characters can often be boring to watch. Imperfect characters on the other hand are more realistic and interesting to me. Niao Niao's Mom, Yuan Yi, is probably one of the more interesting ones to me. Having been manipulated to abandon Niao Niao at birth, she returns to a 15yo that's manipulative, uneducated and stubborn. Frankly, Yuan Yi is at a loss because she has only raised sons and commanded soldiers up to this point. And Niao Niao, having been deprived of family warmth and caring from her grandmother and Second Aunt, was hoping things will be different once she's reunited with her family. She's sorely disappointed. Thankfully, she finds mother figures in Third Aunt and especially in the Empress. And, Niao Niao has her ever-loving father who accepts her for who she is, but is not in charge of her upbringing. I loved their special bond.

Li Bu Yi/Zisheng is an incredibly complex character. He is driven my such a deep purpose that's so ingrained within him, I don't think it can be separated from himself. Usually, each person can say, "I am me. These are my actions. That is my purpose." In Zisheng, these seem to all blend together. Although there's a certain kindness in him, there's also sheer brutality. It was downright scary.

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Ok, so this review is 3 months overdue... but nonetheless here we go! Finished it! Loved it!!!! Really wish I would've held out for the last 6 episodes though. There's something about watching as it aired that made it so much better!

In anycase big congratulations to our Director Fei and the cinematographer who slayed the shit out of this drama!!!!!!! Never have I seen scenes so well crafted and executed in action sequences and dark shots that looked so bright executed with ease and such style! Bravo 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Zhao Lusi what can I say... Baby girl you are a STAR!!!!! Lusi was born to play Cheng Shaoshang, no one else could've done half the job she did. Not Bai Lu, not Dilabra (oh and I love these 2 btw), NO ONE! I felt the innocence, pain, the wanting to be loved, the comedic moments, anger and vengefulness all because Lusi is excellent in her craft! I've been a fan since I hear you and will be a fan for the rest of my life! Please take a bow, you deserve it!

Wu Lei, Leo Wu. I am in awe of him. His performance was a performance of a lifetime!!!! I don't know what dark place he had to go to bring this about, but he did and he did so so well. Leo Wu is in league of his own and needs more recognition!!!! My boy even did is own stunts!!!!! Zisheng as a character is one I'll Revere for the rest of my life as I do Vincenzo. The pain, anguish, cunningness, ruthlessness, yet love, understanding, loyalty this character portrayed will forever remain in my heart. He's flawed, he's broken yet he found love, hope and family amongst the madness. This came across so well because Leo made it so. Sir, please also take a bow, just Wow!

Every single character of the drama was important to the story being told. The entire cast of Love like the Galaxy really was casted with a special eye and the actors acted like their lives depended on it but was done with such ease and finesse. Their performances was phenomenal!!! From the loveliest Empresses to shipper Wendy to Take no crap Consort Yue to guilt ridden mom to nosy Yuan Shannian, to I got your back without any questions Qiqi, to I'll die for you A'Qi and A'Fei every single character made you feel something whether it was love or hate. Every single character we saw was necessary and made the story enjoyable.

I'm going to miss this thread, it's been a pleasure ::far away hugs::! Side note... I just want to say how much I enjoyed watching this drama as it aired. The wait each day felt like forever nut the 3 day wait during the weekends felt like an eternity 😂😂😂. It was so nice to be able come here to commiserate, swoon over characters, rage about Niao Niao's mom but also to read ideas, share theories and see spoliers 🤭. Being able to come to mdl really added to my joy of watching Love like the Galaxy that can't be duplicated!

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eh just not rlly good not rlly bad

there are some confusing parts and some boring parts to it. i feel like if I chose again I might not watch this drama. the story line/plot is a little weak and I feel like some of it was a little rushed. tbh its just not that great but not rlly bad either. also the drama is quite dramatic in terms of some scenes and stuff. i think id prob not recommend this drama much, if u don't watch it its good for u and if u do itd be a experience lol idk overall u could prob just skip this . most of the side stories and situation with the fl and her parents is too sad I can never-

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As it said this drama is slow burn but once you watch it with fully understanding the story is really good follow these excellent Actors, cinematography and visual.
ML&FL have very strong chemistry and they really suited for their roles. They portray their roles just right. The only thing made me disappointed is the mother who left her child since she is baby then comeback after over 10 years didn’t show love to her daughter and discipline her in a wrong way!
Overall this drama is the best that I can watch over and over again!
The team of this drama you did a great job thank you for this wonderful work of yours and for sharing to us!

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Part 1 set the bar a little too high

Hmm... As mentioned in the title, Part 1 did set the bar a little too high. There's quite a lot of expectations for Part 2 and to be honest, they didn't do that great of a job for Part 2. So they did a lot of build up on LBY's plot. They kept harping on the baggage that LBY has to carry and the lengths he would go through in order to revenge for his real father and the people who died at Gu City, but the revenge at the end does seem a little underwhelming.

Niao Niao's story is quite stable throughout. I like her character - loyal but not foolishly loyal. She stands up for the people she love but when she felt betrayed or abandoned by the people she loved, she is quite decisive when leaving them. It does makes sense the part when Niao Niao left LBY because he didn't trust her enough to share his burdens with her.

Now the part where I feel does not deliver - how hastily everything progressed in the end.
- LBY jumped off the cliff and Niao Niao got sick. All of a sudden it skipped to Niao Niao defending LBY at the palace and everybody seemed to be very confident that he was still alive. Makes sense?
- Only towards the end, they started fanning the story about the previous emperor and the rebellion they were planning. Then the rebellion erupted and ended all in those 1-2 episodes.
- The reunion at the end is also done so abruptly. They didn't get to go through with the marriage in the beginning and their reunion popped up only in the middle of a battle. The end. A little underwhelming, or is it just me?

All in all, I do love the entire plot, looking at Part 1 and Part 2 together. They do need to refine the ending a bit more though. The take off was great but the landing was rough.

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Romance more than politics and war

Part 2 continued from when Niao Niao was betrothed to one of her three admirers, Ling Buyi. She was not happy as the marriage proposal was imposed on her by the emperor through the request of Buyi and she tried to sabotage the engagement. To make matter worse, the step-mother of her fiance had other plans for him. But this fiance had been enchanted by her ever since he first lay eyes on her.

As with Niao Niao's mother, BuYi's military background stood in the way of how he related to him and Niao Niao was resentful that she was going to substitute a mother for a militant husband.

Buyi's father was the Marquis ChengYang and Buyi hated him, seemingly because he married the step-mother when Buyi and his mother were missing after the Gu city was massacred. They found themselves back to the capital after a year. But there were more to the story and BuYi had a hidden identity.

BuYi had been investigating the death of his uncle General Huo and the fall of Gu city. In Part 2, the mystery was unraveled and those involved in it was progressively punished but the biggest culprit, as all the evidence leading to him was destroyed. BuYi was left in desperation.

Again twists and turns happened. Five years after BuYi requested for posting to guard the Northern border, Niao Niao found herself considering marriage with Yuan Shen who had been patiently waiting for her.

What I like about Part 2:

- It continued the theme that the righteous won and the wicked were punished.

- So often Chinese dramas supported the unworthy heir because he was the legitimate eldest son - there was this fear of upsetting the Confucious moral ideal of loyalty but not this - the capable one who put in the effort to win eventually won.

What I do not like about Part 2:

- The last few episodes were a drag and a lot of trivia was added to the drama. This drama could have been completed within 50 episodes limit, without dragging Yuan Shen into a marriage consideration. And he could have been happily married to his selected lady.

- Like a lot of Chinese dramas, the ending was awkward. It wanted to give a final twist and it did not achieve that impact.

- I did not really like the way Niao Niao's response to BuYi pushing her away which resulted in a big rift between them. She should understand that he had a need to keep his investigation a secret as any leak could jeopardise his life and he was also trying to keep her family safe. The writer should work on a better reason for the rift.

- I felt sorry for Yuan Shen as I thought he was as worthy of Niao Niao as Buyi. Although much better at looking after his own interest and somewhat scheming, he was more able to understand Niao Niao and accommodate her, initially in a provocative way and later in more gentle way. But unfortunately, Niao Niao could not forget her true love. Hopefully, I had not given too much away with this comment.

- Too much save the damsel in distress by the main lead - should give some chance to the other two admirers to confuse who would eventually end up with her. Also, it was so cliche that he always appeared at the right moment when there was someone else nearer to her.

- The battle scenes were a bit lacklustre as compared to The Rebel Princess and some others.

I rated Part 2 a point less than part 1. Overall the full drama was worth watching if you are into romance story as this drama was more a romantic story - the politics and wars were just the backdrop.

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