Half of Us (2023)

‘My Journey to You’. Odd, maybe the journey has only just started?

I’m glad the last few episodes were all released at once!

This is my second time watching a wuxia drama and I was not disappointed. Although it is indeed slow paced, I felt that every word was not said without thought. And although there were several heart wrenching deaths I was glad that the majority lived on. I enjoyed the backstories to each of the characters, my favourite being the love between young master yue and yun que. His acting got me!

There is no arc or backstory to the wufeng although if they were to further explain in a next season I don’t think I would be that interested. Even if it ended with an open ending I’m not sure if I want to know what happened afterwards. A last battle? A happy ending? That’s what I believe in. I’m not sure a special would show this so I’d rather not know. Although knowing how they tricked me in the last several episodes to believe in only what was shown I’m sure they were able to survive the last test. I refuse to believe otherwise.

Thank to all the actors for their amazing performance. I was impressed and I even found an actor I hope to see more of in the future!

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the only thing to complain is.. where’s the second season?

as someone who never writes reviews, i cannot not contribute to the ratings of this deserving drama. i absolutely loved this masterpiece! starting from the aesthetics till every beat of music used. it was very well done, eyes pleasing, the well executed acting of the whole cast, the first-class editing and the story plot kept me glued to the screen. watching a serie for the second time, i find it boring and a waste of time , but this deserves more than one sitting watch. yu shuxin and zhang linghe’s chemistry was marvellous, looking forward towards their third project together (won’t mind even if it will be a wuxia or historical hihi). i’ve never loved a drama this much other than LLTG (love like the galaxy). recommend this experience 10 out of 10, it’s worth every second, trust me. salute to the writers, director, editors, cast, staff and everyone that worked on this magnificent piece.

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Not to disrespect public's opinions

God I loved it so much especially Yu shuxin and lu yuxiao's acting in this drama was spectacular,as both female main leads played an excellent role of a villain .It was my first time seeing Yu shuxin's acting,her expression and overall appearance in the drama was speechless, considering her personality in real life being joyous,I didn't expect she would act so much better than I expected. The costumes, editing, fighting scenes,plot, storylines,acting ,cast,drama production, background music all was so awesome. I hope to see more and more dramas like these in the near future (Inshallah). Though I loved the ending but I really hope for a 2nd season, don't care if it's gonna be 10 episodes but then the 1st season's ending wouldn't make much sense and It would disappoint me to have such a good drama ruined , I hope the drama production companies to pay attention to viewers on social media .It was the best drama of the year 2023 , as the year is ending ,I wish everyone Happy New Year, Goodnight 🤍🖤🤍🖤

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gripping story/plotline

It's the kind of cliff-hanger ending that keeps you wanting for more asap.

From ep 1-24 it was a breezy watch for me. They maximized their 24 episodes so well that there's no room for filler scenes. There are no spoilers in this review, I'll just write why I love this drama.

1. The cast: I have to admit I've never watched anything from the cast aside from YSX and ZLH so I was pleasantly surprised with everyone's performance. Tian Jia Rui was a scene stealer for me as well as Zuo Ye. I was surprised they're newbies. There's just something about their interpretations of their characters that draws you in. Jin Jolin is ofc a fan favorite lol

2. The plot: It's a work of art. I love the world-building and honestly would want to know more about Wufeng and of their past (and ofc their future but I'm not too hopeful T-T). The execution is also really good, it keeps you hanging after each episode.

3. The production: Top notch. I love the general dark palette. It suits the overall vibe of the drama. SFX, VFX and sound effects are just the right amount to support each scene. Love it.

4. The characters: Very intriguing. I'm particularly curious about the Hanyas and the leaders. Also each character have their own stand out personality that each actor/actress portrayed well.

I'd also like to say something about the fan "feud" between YSX and LYX and their CPs. For me, LYX indeed was a standout. Every time she schemes, her eyes draw you in. I'm such a sucker for actors who have amazing control of their micro expressions and i think LYX excels in that (as well as TJR and ZLH tho i think he needs more training too). But YSX did an excellent job as an assasin too especially since this is far different than her usual roles. Her action scenes are good, tho imo her micro expressions need more work. They both have their strong points. As for the CPs, they're also both remarkable, they have their own audience. For someone who hates toxicity, I definitely preferred the main cp and for people who love thrill and sexual tension trope then the 2nd cp is def for them. I preferred the main cp's honest relationship.

Overall, My Journey to You is an amazing drama that I would proudly recommend to those who ask. It's amazing!

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A masterpiece!!-a classic drama which is spectacular in direction

My journey to you is a classic C drama.it is a little bit different from other C dramas in every aspect ,the quality of production is top notch.
When come to story- It include almost every aspect like good theme,fights,romance,cliffhangers ,comedy .most of the viewers are disappointed in the ending,but I think it is an opening for season 2,a kind of good ending.because wife f not completely defeated yet ,so story won’t end like that ,so we can only wait for a part 2
When comes to acting-almost all of them were really good in there own part ,lovable charecter

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A breath of fresh air

So this drama is amazing.

Acting:
On point!

Music:
Decent

Storyline:
Rollercoaster and engaging. It's not entirely predictable because you can't guess what skme character may or may not do and what side they are on - which is why I call this a breath of fresh air and also its the first time I watched Esther take on a serious role and she nailed it.

Chemistry:
I'll be honest. I started the first episode without any expectations and a few episodes in, boom the second leads chemistry was burning. its an extremely slow burn for them. I wasn't really watching it for the main leads - just the story tbh.

This is quite rare.... I actually liked all the actors involved in the drama as they did superb acting especially the little kid Young Master Xue was it?

I would love a season 2 for this because I feel this can't be the end and pretty much all of the characters need a proper closure and a lot of us have many unanswered questions of what ifs.

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An Emotional Rollercoaster

Dark, gritty and suspenseful thriller.

Warning: Don't get too attached to any characters. (vibe of this series is very similar to Game of Thrones series, so very possibly a few beloved characters of My Journey to You, may also share similar fate as that one. )

On the surface it is Gong family's males who control everything but real power is held by female characters.... Many species have females that are more devious and vicious than males due to their conditioning and survival instinct and so are the Female Characters in this series. The chief of wufeng is a female, even though the viewers never get to see her face even at the end... Shangguan Qian another great manipulator, even she wouldn't know whether she was telling truth or a lie...

Edward Guo, the director as well as the writer deserves major credit for the aesthetics of the drama. The picturisation has an enlivening effect, making it seem like watching cinema and not just a drama. The story is full of mystique, audience has to remain alert and engaged so as not to miss an important clue because the story is filled with layers upon layers of subterfuge and cunning.

The story starts with Esther Yu/ Yu ShuXin assuming a false identity of Yu WeiShan to enter bride selection process held by the Gong family. She enters under a false identity with a secret mission given by Wufeng, an assassin organization. Due to untimely death of the head of Gong family, Gong HongYu and the young heir, Gong HuanYu, an inexperienced and unambitious Gong ZiYu(Zhang LingHe) becomes the sword wielder(head) of the Gong family.. ....Yu WeiShan now becomes the chosen bride of Gong ZiYu and so starts their journey towards each other while navigating the traps set around them.



Some of the questions that the viewers grapple with from the beginning of the series are:

* What is the real intention of Wufeng organisation? Who is the mastermind?

*what is the real identity of Yu WeiShan?

* Who killed Gong HongYu and Gong HuanYu in the beginning of the series that catapulted a sequence of events?

*what is the mystery surrounding Madame Lan, Gong ZiYu's mother?

* And the most important question..... Who are allies and enemies? (Every character has a secret agenda)

As soon as the audience unravels one riddle another crops up in its place, keeping them on their toes and guessing throughout.


One major drawback that I see is the ending... I was mentally prepared for more mayhem and death but the ending seems more of a let down... The build up of the antagonist was larger than life, however we never got the ultimate confrontation with the BIG BAD... Even the open ending about WeiShan's fate and ZiYu was unsatisfactory, it felt as if the writer wanted to make the network happy so left it upto the audience to resolve it as they seem fit.........MAYBE Edward Guo the director as well as the writer wanted to continue with the stories of wufeng and is hoping for a second season or even if the second season doesnt work out, he is publishing the books so he may continue writing about these characters in his book so in his mind this series is just the beginning and not the end... However if that was the case I would have liked to have a hint at the end that their story will continue either in books or if lucky then in a second season of the series.


All the actors have performed stupendously making their characters come alive onscreen. Yu ShuXin, Zhang LingHe, Ryan Cheng, Lu YuXiao the main leads leave a lasting impression of their characters.


Overall, A good watch comparable with old school Agatha Christie novels(Especially, Then There Were None), the audience is kept entranced with whodunnit along with a good dose of romance taking them on a thrilling ride on an emotional roller coaster🎢

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A rather rare drama that exceeded my expectations when I least expected it to be

I was already settled for less for this drama but it gave me a big surprise as I started watching and finally completing it.

First, Esther Yu, whom I was accustomed to seeing in a delicate and dainty role more often, won me with her unusual character as someone fierce and armed with bravery. The way she played her role showcased her acting flexibilities and it was a success shifting from her comfort roles given this right material.

Second, I was not a fan of the ML but with how well the story and his character were orchestrated which was a commanding factor thus, his acting abilities surfaced. While he was often cast for supporting roles, it was evident here he could carry a lead role and deserves more spots for that in the future.

Third, never have I seen such graceful fighting scenes like in this drama, those glides and moves were winning combinations. I am giving my big applause to those involved in creating and choreographing those significantly artistic scenes. I was in a state as if I was seeing dancing performances rather than fighting scenes.

Finally, the story, the execution, and the choice of casts even the songs used made this drama by far unexpectedly likable to watch. I particularly enjoyed the character of the eldest Young Miss ZiShang who brought sunshine in this drama with her humor and naughtiness. Unlike other supporting roles that can be omitted and still the drama would make sense, here, without her supplementary role, the story will likely suffer. Further, it was noticeable that the majority of the acting parts were focused on the facial and vocal features of every character, a smart approach suitable for this drama that created a ground for its strong storytelling.

It was a different wuxia for me and patrons of this genre will give their approval of this drama. However, it ended up hanging though it was not announced yet, I believe a second part is right on the boil.

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Best Show of 2023 and I do not take it lightly !!!

I have watched many C-dramas and I am so shocked at how good this show is. This show is highly unpredictable. I spent many nights chatting with others to piece parts of this show together on theories. I can't believe how vested I was in this show.
Because this show was 24 episodes the story line had to get to the point and not drag out stories and the director and screenwriters executed this well. Are there missing pieces? Yes but they told enough to keep the storyline together.

Zhang Ling He - Played Gong Zi Yu very well, you had to see him mature and use his smarts quickly in the show. The costumes looked amazing also. I really enjoyed his character.

Esther YU- Her role was great she played her role very well. I know her objective was to be calm and not show a lot of emotions and I wished she showed more emotions towards Gong zi Yu but that is what makes Yu shu Xin great.

Lu YU Xiao - Playing Shangguan Qian she played the role well, she was veyr cunning and always had a sly look on her face. She understood her assignment. She did a good job.

Ryan Cheng- Gong Shang Jue was amazing he was great , I really enjoyed his character .

Gong zi Shang - I love how Dramatic and silly she is.. Her role is excellent

Jing fan - I was so loyal and I like how the tables turned at the end for him, it was so cute. His storyline was awesome

Tian Jia Rui - Gong Yuan Zhi loved his role also so cool, I really enjoyed his acting

There is more, I just wanted to give major kudos to the cast and I hope there will be a season 2. even if its not the way the show ended was with a bang. the objective was to make us think and provoke thought and I can truly accept that.

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Can we trust former spies in our household?

My Journey to You is a thriller where female spies are used to penetrate into their victim's household to get hold of the latter's secret.

The Infinite Heat is a weapon treasured by the Gong family to safeguard their own interest and their allies. The family embraces compassion and righteousness unlike their rival, Wufeng, a group of assassins led by a ruthless leader who never shows his/ her face throughout the 24-episode drama.

Female spies are used by Wufeng to dismantle the safeguarding of the Gong famly. Throughout the drama, viewers are slowly realising that Wufeng isn't the only threat that the Gong family is facing.

Hence, the quest of finding out who the main culprit of the murders is and many incidents that take place in the Gong family mansion begins.

As a viewer, I find the story is pretty standard ie. a prodigal son suddenly transforms into a responsible person due to the change in circumstances; romance between a spy and her victim; and rivals among family members.

I enjoyed this drama but will not be hopeful to have a season 2.

Watch it because its rewatch value is considered a 10-rating.

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Great last 2023 summer series from iQIYI

Dark and mysterious Wuxia costume series.
Very interesting and will keep you glued til the end. Best choreographed martial arts fight I have ever watched. Awesome wardrobe line-up and location.
The director for this series is same one who directed Wuliang and Painted Skin which are both excellent dark costume series.
I am surprise that he added a humorous character in this series. He balanced it out perfectly this time.

Highly recommended to watch.
Is it worth the subscription fee? A big YES.

Tho it almost didn't air due to the a criminal charge of one of the minor artist playing a support role, it still ended up being one of the top favorite release for this summer entertainment of C-drama. Quite a few disappointed viewers as to the ending. It wasn't as bad I think, it's more like being left open for possible season 2. Sadly, the new Chinese entertainment law will not approve release of sequels within12 (or is it 24?) months of airing.

Note:
As to which artist was charged, according to news release, it is the artist who played the role of Xue GongZi, the friend companion to the young child Xue TongZi, in the back hill who aided the first real trial/test of the Sword Wielder.
Xue Gong Zi [Xue Tong Zi's servant & aide]

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