Yeah, yeah, another fan is writing a review and rambling about it. lol

ETA: this review was written before season 2 was aired.

*Story*

I was thoroughly engrossed in this drama. The storyline was captivating, and its ability to hold my attention was unparalleled. Each episode was masterfully crafted to add mystery and intensity to the plot, leaving me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. I was so invested in the characters and the story that I binge-watched all 46 episodes in one go, completely glued to my screen.

This drama is a true masterpiece, encompassing all the necessary elements to make it a thrilling experience. From the complex and intriguing plot to the romantic subplots that will leave you breathless, from the gripping drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the humorous moments that will lighten up the atmosphere - this drama has it all. It is a perfect blend of various emotions and genres that will keep you hooked and entertained from start to finish.

*memorable scene*

- 100 Poems Night ep 27

*Casting*

ML was fantastic! His acting skills were undeniably remarkable, and he portrayed his character with wit, humour, intelligence, and an overall lovable personality. All the other actors and actresses were equally impressive, but I must give a special mention to the Emperor, who was simply outstanding. From the beginning, I knew that he was undoubtedly the protagonist's father, and his objectives were to test him to be his successor. That's my take on Season 2 anyway, and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds. I must also highlight the exceptional performance of the child who played the lead role. Wow. Just wow.

Season 1 of "Joy of Life" was broadcast in 2019, the same year as "The Untamed," which starred Xiao Zhan. Although I adored him in "The Untamed," I must say that I wasn't as impressed with his character in "Joy of Life." Perhaps it's because his role didn't allow him to shine as much, and his supporting role as a villain didn't help matters either. His character never allowed him to smile, and we know his smile is his trademark. Rumours are he has been replaced for Season 2, but we'll have to wait and see.

*Director, production*

An exceptional drama encompasses a variety of important factors. First and foremost, a great script is essential to hook the audience and keep them engaged throughout the storyline. The right actors and actresses are also crucial, as they bring the characters to life and add depth to the drama. A budget that allows for wow factors such as stunning costumes, an impressive movie set, special effects, lot of extras and martial arts choreography can also elevate the drama to the next level.

However, even with all of these elements in place, the drama can still fall flat without a clear vision from the director. The director's vision must be cohesive and consistent throughout the drama to ensure that everything comes together seamlessly. Additionally, edits must be done with precision and skill to avoid any jarring or disjointed transitions. With all of these factors working in harmony, an exceptional drama can be created that captivates and enthralls its audience.

*Love story*

The drama's plot does not revolve around romance, but the main lead (ML) falls in love with a beautiful young girl at first sight. After a few misunderstandings, they get engaged. Amidst political challenges, the girl becomes part of a small circle of people that ML trusts. However, hints dropped in season 1 suggest that the story will not have a happy ending and that the martial artist QI girl (Haintang) will play a significant role in the romantic aspect of the drama. This is my interpretation, but nothing is confirmed. It is obvious to me that the emperor of Qi is a woman. I am wondering the story behind this. Rumors say there is more to her and ML.

This drama is not centred around love. Love is only a political accessory. So, it will be interesting to see this part unfold in the next three seasons, which is a trilogy.

*music*

Once in a while, a drama produces music that I become obsessed with. It happened with “Eternal Love”, “Faith”, “Love like the Galaxy”… and “Timeless” sung by Xiao Zhan. I had no idea the images were from Joy of Life. This clip video is a masterpiece, plain and simple.

*cons, inconsistencies*

In my opinion, the modern-day part where the guy explains his story and the last part when we are back to the modern days were completely unnecessary and added nothing to the storyline. His character is already established as an anomaly due to his mother coming from an advanced technology society. Therefore, his genius intelligence, his knowledge to be out of time and place and photographic memory can be easily explained.

*special effects, martial arts choreography*

The drama was aesthetically pleasing and visually engaging. However, I noticed that there were instances where the edits were not perfectly synchronized, and it seemed like multiple takes were needed to achieve the desired outcome. Despite this, I still believe the overall production was very well executed and enjoyable to watch.

The sheer magnitude of the budget allocated to this drama is evident in every frame. The attention to detail is impeccable, and nothing seems to be done in a rushed or haphazard manner. The presence of numerous extras in almost every scene adds to the authenticity of the drama and makes it feel more genuine and immersive. Overall, it is a testament to the high production values and the filmmakers' commitment to delivering a top-notch viewing experience.

*how I understand the story but primarily questions*

The clues are scattered and plentiful, enough to keep me on edge and make me wonder about what, when, how, and who.

**His mother: how and why did she leave her world? I assume she escaped something or somebody. She went with a destructive firearm of mass destruction. Why? Why did she leave to find the blind martial artist? She seems to know the past and future. Who killed her? Was she captured by her own world people?

**Blind martial artist: he lost his memory, but everything in him looks like a robot. Is he from his mother's world? Who is he?

**Clues: His mother's book allows people to become grandmasters, the highest level a martial practitioner can reach. Where is this book? His mother explained the Ice Age and the circle of life with the return of the feudal era. How did ML know all these poems? Where did he read them? How did he get all the past knowledge?

**Divine temple: how does the wheeling chair villain know this place? What was his relationship with his mother? Did he kill her and why?

**3 amigos: emperor, wheelchair villain and adopting father… they seemed very close friends in their youth, then his mother married the prince next to be emperor. They seemed to have made a pact of silence

*Conclusion*

I recently watched the trailer for the second season, and we are in for another great ride. However, I also anticipate another bittersweet ending that will lead to the third season (nothing confirmed yet, my own assumption ). Despite my preference for happy endings, I am willing to make an exception for this show, which I consider a true masterpiece.

As someone who recently watched the first season of this drama, I consider myself lucky that I did not have to wait for five long years for the second season. According to rumours, the second season is set to be aired in mid-2024, which is quite a long time from now. However, I can confidently say that this drama is one of the best out there and is worth the wait. The plot, the characters, and the overall production are all top-notch, making it memorable and highly recommended for anyone who loves dramas. In fact, I would even say it's a must-watch and rewatch for anyone who enjoys good storytelling and quality entertainment.

If you want to read my review about season 2: https://mydramalist.com/54083-joy-of-life-season-2