LIVING IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST EMPERORS

I'm in love with Chinese culture and Chinese history, and in short everything relating to China. I watched this drama after studying Chinese history, and I can say that Qing Dynasty, the last one, is absolutely my favorite one. I love it since its origins until its end, the very little seed of Modern China. Kang Xi and Yongzheng are my favorites and I admire them a lot. So how could not watch this drama? I won't deny it, i CRIED A RIVER tons of times because of all the historical reference in one of the reigns where culture shines greatly. They had shadown to and this drama depicts everything perfectly. I don't recommend this drama to someone not really interested. Politics, history, limited historical fiction, no romance, and a little comic relief.
The cast is full of great actors, BUT.
Luo Jin potraying Kang Xi made me love even more the Emperor, admire him with his charming behaviour and perfect acting. And yes, a lot of the events presented are absolutely REAL. Two of the ministers are portrayed in a little different way from th original counterpart, but it's very limited.
The plot is engaging since the beginning, and in my opinion Luo Jin was not simply acting, but he was able to depict a real man, he made Kang Xi alive again, from serious behaviour, rage, smile and so on.
But in this drama, you really get to love everyone, because they are not mono-dimensional, but they are ""grey"" characters, with positive and negative vibes. The drama mixes great emotional scenes to some comic relief in a very few portion. And the Empress Dowager is like a guide throughout Kang Xi's life and for the audience.
I CAN'T COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I CRIED AND SHIVERED
The bittersweet final part is something I really loved.
I recommend this drama to fall in love with China culture.

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A metaphor to steal your heart

This drama is a gem, in my opinion the best of 2023 , hands down. An adult, mature, intriguing Chinese historical xianxia drama. Those only looking for sweetness or healthy things should refrain to watch it, and avoid it .
Here we have a totally unhealthy, toxic, abusive, negative relationship able to evolve, growing until it becomes pure, true and sincere.
it is a human story, made up of mistakes, feelings, betrayals, joy and pain. But what I love most is the concrete representation of the various characters. There is no clear distinction between good and evil, good or bad deeds. "A weapon can kill and it can also save a person". This sentence literally sums up the whole story.
Tantai Jin is an apathetic boy, who lacks any human feeling, who chooses to use demonic powers for revenge. it is Susu, as Ye Xiwu, who sets him on the right path. He is the one I preferred, without brakes, capable of total love and total hate. In the drama he has certain extent, because he is capable of anything. I loved that both in the novel and in the drama, he pushes himself to certain limits, but he always manages to stop in respect of others (as long as they are people who are close to him).
Susu is a character I love, focused on the mission, but rational and kind-hearted. She knows how to distinguish between good and evil, she knows how to understand, act and defend. She goes so far as to deny her own feelings for her mission. She knows their romance is doomed to tragedy, and she tries to cut those strings before giving up. And in the end, she will be the only one, besides the Master of Tantai Jin, who believes in him until the end.
Cang Jiumin, the "mature version" of Tantai Jin, is the other one I love deeply. He is serious, but also gallant and kind. it is Tantai Jin who has learnt how to love.
Ming Ye God of War, at an important stage in history. A tragic love that awakens Tantai Jin and Susu, but doomed to tragedy with Sang Jiu, a little sea princess with a cruel fate.
The third pair is the pure and smitten one, but it attracts a lot. The second pair is the sore point. In a tangle of reincarnations, they get worse and better. Xiao Lin becomes a negative person, while Ye Bingchang, from pure "green tea" (viper) becomes Mo Nv, a demon able to love.
Between a few happy moments, misunderstandings, betrayals, never revealed feelings and a destiny between demons and gods, history knows how to attract and catching the attention right away. Each episode builds in intensity, until the climax.
References to Daoism and Dunhuang culture are evident and widespread, the foundation of an entire culture.
In the finale, halfway between heartbreaking and pure hope, is the whole message of the story.

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ADULT, REAL, WARM LOVE STORY IN A REAL WORLD

For me, this is the best drama of 2022 and 2023 hands down. It's not only a love story, there's a whole world around it.
Adult realistic world, with flaws, good and bad, happiness and sorrow.
A story about everyday life, about family, friends, neighbors. The story is very fluent, the relationships have ups and downs but their development is very natural. The main leads, Yang Zi as Lin Zhi Xiao and Xiao Zhan as Gu Wei have amazing on-screen and off-screen chemistry.
One of the important topics of the drama is the age gap between the leads ( 10 years in the drama, 6 in the novel) but in my opinion the perfect word to describe The Oath of Love is communication.
Working in the medical field is not easy and we can see it in the characters of Gu Wei and Gao Xi, similar but with different point of views. An important element is growth and dealing with parents, and in cases with mortal deseases. Age gap, personality difference, insecurities are well highlighted.Being able to compromise and understand each other, is how a couple can develop true love.
It's slow burn romance but not that slow, and the topic of healing is well developed. The relationship between the leads is cute but not cliché. They complete each other, he is mature and has calm personality, but with a gentle and warm heart inside. Lin Zhixiao has a bright and positive energy. They totally match.
Another special thing of the drama are the OSTs.
- "The Oath of Love (余生，请多指教)), opening theme song by Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi shows the perfect combination of their voices
- "Somebody Liking Someone "（一个人喜欢一个人） by Yang Zi is the first ending
- "The Luckiest Fortune" (最幸福的幸运） by Xiao Zhan is the second ending

I really recommend this drama to everyone wants an adult, real and warm love story.
LAO LIIIIIIIIN ç_ç

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Balance between work and love

I'm a big Hans Zhang fan, and i was so curious about this series. I loved it throughout the airing, watching from both Kukan on YT and from Viki ( and waiting for Italian subs too). The cast is stunning, lead by Hans Zhang always charming. I loved how The Little Prince is the metaphore for this wonderful love story, in a realistic way. Fashion, embroidery, tradition, work vs love, finding our own's way in life, perseverance, sometimes being greedy and envious. I loved how everything was presented in a very realistic way. Their wardrobe is beautiful, but i admit. Hans Zhang would be perfect in every outfit. His assistant was so cute. I still dislike second male lead's family, but their development is good, i quite like in particolar the second male lead, he matured a lot. Lulu Xu was perfect, a balance between female attitude and cuteness.
I got some Meteor Shower vibes ( another Hans Zhang's movies I recommend)

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A GREAT SACRIFICE, STILL WITHOUT OFFICIAL EXCUSES

"A nation should not meddle in the affairs of other nations. Do you believe the US will abide by this pact? If it does, the civil war in Korea is not a problem. If it goes to war, it will undermine China's internal security."


"The great war" starts with the decision of Chinese central government to enter the "War in defense of Korea against US aggression" , with the great deeds of the heroic volunteers of the people in war to resist aggression and help North Korea, after the US and South Korean attack on Chinese territory too. This is the first film in a trilogy that adapts a series of 3 novels.
To be closer to the volunteer soldiers of the 1950s in terms of physical fitness and mental temperament, the 300 actors who played the roles of the soldiers underwent rigorous military training for a month, with war scenes shot with 8 cameras simultaneously by multiple sides.
To better adapt to the physical condition of Premier Zhou who worked all night and did not sleep during that period, Liu Jin who played him also changed his work and rest schedule.
Zhang Ziyi collected a lot of data and also visited elders who had served as simultaneous interpreters at the United Nations, and took English classes to practice British pronunciation.
The war to resist US aggression and help Korea was the founding battle of New China.
The film adopts a narrative strategy that develops at an internal and external level, of politics and war, first the USA and Russia, then Korea.
On a broader level, the film represents elements that have never been depicted before, such as Chinese representatives and their impassioned speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, to also make China's voice heard.
Actor Wu Xiuquan, representing the Chinese delegate, raising his hands at the United Nations General Assembly, exemplifies a relationship between national dignity and individual life, giving a frontal blow to the invaders on the battlefield.

Another praise that I would like to give to the film is the figure of Mao Zedong's son, Mao Anying played by a very good Wei Daxun, one of the Chinese martyrs of this war (where China emerged from 38 years of civil war and an aggressive foreign), who died on the battlefield while sending telegraphic messages and various communications and who was buried in Pyongyang.
The topic of the movie is something that deeply interests me, and i am happy that i t shows with great impact that Chinese victims are all aged between 18 and 30.
It's one of those films that makes me love China even more and their patriotic spirit to the maximum, ready to sacrifice and fight, because without a homeland there is no home.

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THE BEST AND MOST PERFECT VERSION OF AN HISTORICAL CHINESE DRAMA

" Fated to fall in love, but not destined be together"
Doing a rewiew after 7 times watching it.
My advice is to watch the REAL story, far superior to the Korean stolen version.
The plot is like an hurricane, you can really feel the story, the flow of emotions, the tragedy.
Historical accuracy is the thing that makes it a gem. Every Prince is unique in his own way and every character is well developed, both in good and evil. I LOVED the story between Yin Zhen ( 4th Prince) and Ruoxi, so strong and sincere.
I LOVED hoow every character is never black or white, not strongly separated in good and evil.
Watch this, the emotions will flow. Watch the Korean stolen cheap adapation only if you want to compare it with this great masterpiece. Watch it to see how a real human heart works.
Every actor is great, but i LOVED Wu Qi Long ( our beloved 4th Prince) and Liu Shi Shi ( our strong heroine Maertai Ruoxi) and their growth, and their love story.
And i add, if someone say he is "ugly", they should go check their eyes. Nicky Wu is one of the most handsome among the handsome Princes.
This story will steal your heart and soul.

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YOU ARE EACH OTHER'S GLORY. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP GOALS. LOVEO20 DESTROYED.

This is one of the most adult, heartwarming and mature drama i've ever watched.
This is not the classic romance cdrama with slowburn relationship, it's a full deepening in real life struggles and dreams.
This is not just about love but how they built the relationship throughout the years. She supported him and i love how secure they made it each other feel the moment the started dating. Theyre both each others' glory. This drama gives us the warm feeling of feeling love, being loved. I love how imperfect they are that perfect for each other. This drama follows very closely the novel by Gu Man.
Love changes their perspective. They support each other until the end. Loving each other, still being perfectly imperfect together, but being the best version of themselves.
The problems they have are never childish and easily avoidable, but valide issues about their own lives and their relationship.
Yang Yang and Dilraba's chemistry is on point, and real. They are clearly deeply involved and connected ( onscreen and offscreen). They hug and and continue holding onto each other walking around the kitchen, or give pecks or forehead kisses. The portrayal is like a real life couple in the 30s act. This a the kind of chemistry that cant be faked, it's too overwhelming.
The only thing we can consider "negative" is that Yu Tu at the beginning has not quite changed, his insecurities, his bothers, his prejudices towards Jing Jing are still there.
I started this drama only because trailers showed a real chemistry. This is my first drama with Dilraba, and Yang Yang is not my cup of tea as actor.
But i admit, this time he proved me totally wrong.
I liked Jing Jing, she's strong-willed but cute like every girl. She knows what she wants but she is human, she had doubts and sorrows.
My greatest surprise was Yu Tu. Since i hated Ruo bai, Ye Xiu and Xiaonai ( with abusive relationship in Loveo2o), i bet that Yu Tu could be another copycat. I was wrong.
This is the first time i really felt warmth from one of his characters, warmth and humanity.
Yu Tu is perfectly imperfect. Yu Tu is smart, but he has problems, doubts, sorrows, and a lot of feeling. A cold-iced character is emotionless, an introvert one has difficulties in expressing feelings.
Yu Tu is an introvert man who struggles for his dreams facing reality, and he gradually melts. I really appreciated it.

It's true that gaming parts, tv shows parts and the aerospacial one can be boring, but they are still important in the story. The focus in not the love relationship. but the growth of the main characters.
I suggest this for Yang Yang fans, even though it's not enough for me to like him and i still dislike him.

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FIGHTING FOR PEACE

One of the most beautiful war dramas about the topic of the war against USA aggressors, for the first time it has a profile that is even different from the previous ones. It is highlighted that the young boys not only fought in the Chinese places on the border, before going to Korea, but that among the ranks there were young people from the areas inhabited by Chinese Korean ethnic minority, such as Yanbian. In an excellent glimpse of war and friendship, there are scenes on both sides and dialogue in Korean, with differences between Pyongyang and Seoul.
The love story is not invasive, with the right chemistry.
The narrative is intense, softened by the moments of friendship between the companions and the character of Liang Chen, between seriousness and irony. The main leads, Luo Jin and Ma Sichun, are excellent, but the entire cast is to be praised. Yang Fan particularly stands out in the role of South Korean commander Bai Chang Hao.
Note that Korean is recognized as being spoken particularly in the north, with influences from dialects in Chinese areas.
Each character has enormous development, and they grow up warmly in you, no one is detestable (apart from the USA evil aggressors).
Special mention to the scene of "you barbaric people, asking women to relieve themselves in public", where the imperialist and Western rhetoric totally collapsed.
Excellent representation of all the battles, patriotic feelings, and above all, the vile reality of the USA.

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I'm a huge Arashi fan ( known as Arashians) since 2014, because of Hana Yori Dango and Matsumoto Jun with an advice of a friend of mine.
Jun is still my IchiBan since then. I'm from Italy, and I started to admire him. Then, i discover a Storm. And I was happy.
This documentary show how near Arashi are to their fans, how much they care for them, together with their success, their story, their lives and their goals. Matsumoto questioned if they would really regret something. I think they achieved a lot, being the most successful Japan Jpop band, and famous almost worldwide. The Tornado from the East has not only reached Eastern countries, and with only physical cds until 2019.
I was a great fan before, but I recommend watching this voyage throughout their experience, because it really made me love them a way more than before. And there's more, because the documentary show some private life sides about each of them.
On December 31st they went on indefinite hiatus and I was lucky to watch it. After 24 episodes, I admire MatsuJun even more now. But I love every Arashi member. MatsuJun is still the one I admire the most though.
I hope they would remain close friends ( even though Ohno is missing), and they eventually come back. I still believe in Matsumoto's words, " indefinite hiatus".
Thank you Arashi for being my Storm in my heart and my dream.

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I'm your future

"If one day I could really go back to the past, I wouldn't find myself. I would find you and tell you that I'm your future. The only one you can like. The only one you can love. "
The distress about the remake made me rewatch it.
This drama suffered a huge scandal when the final episode was leaked before airing (with an apology and a change in choice of ending, compared to the three in the script).
The story is intense, deep, with superb acting and beautiful cinematography.
I loved the intensity of the story, the characters, their complexity and their growth. There are a lot of positive messages, such as giving importance to mental health, the pro-LGBT message, if you have an emotional breakdown you need to ask for help and not underestimate it. Another message is also to give help to the most fragile and difficult adolescents.
The leads were wonderful in their roles, very skilled and able to be able to distinguish the characters by a glance, roles tailor-made for them.
I also loved Mo Junjie as second lead, because he is really best bro.
Throughout the whole drama there are small details to grasp to understand the plot and recognise the villain, but he is the character who makes it very clear how important should be caring about psychological disorder.
Meticulous attention to details.
Wonderful and intense OSTs, they won't leave your heart ❤️
it's a drama that makes you completely fall in love with the characters, all of them. Special mention to the adult, mature, sincere and willing to do anything relationship of Li Ziwei and Huang Yuxuan, because we all deserve a relationship like this ❤️ full of sincerity. of true love, of the desire to be close to each other, to support and protect each other.
The scene, both in the film and in the drama, where they argue, is due precisely to this.
Complete ending after seeing everything ( special scene + movie)

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BOYISH GROWTH AND VALUES

"Why are we fighting this war? For our country, for our nation, so that our families can live peacefully in this New China. Our duty is to defend our nation and our home"

The project took 5 years from initial concept to script, with filming beginning in December 2022 and then wrapping in April 2023.
In order to shoot some scenes, they shot at MINUS 40 DEGREES...
This is a political and propaganda drama, showing Chinese courage and bravery to sacrifice for their ideals and Korean ingratitude to turn away from them and serve the enemy.
I loved Wang Ziqi as Wanli ❤️ his growth and maturity shows throughout the drama as he bonds with his teammates. of the squad. I felt particularly close to Qianli though. This drama really makes you experience the real feelings and sensations on the skin, becoming more captivating and intense.
Between the cruelty of war and friendship, it was also suffering.
Melancholy but hopeful ending, realistic one, heartfelt one.
Honor to those martyrs.

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NOT A CLASSIC ROMANCE

I really loved this show. Gong Jun and Wang Zixuan steal the thunder, and i started this show particularly because of her. I was not disappointed.
It's not a classic romance modern drama. Every character has its own pace and development, and its own story to tell. The flow of the plot is not always light or easy to follow, buy it respects the setting of the drama, I really liked how the focus is more on the personal growth and following dreams, mixed with romance and real problems.
The two protagonists are my favorite. The chemistry is on point, subtle even though developed slowly.
I really recommend it.

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WARNING: STALKING IS NOT LOVE!

One of the worst drama i've ever watched. I give 5.5 only because of Zheng Shuang, the only good thing in this drama. The plot is cute, but the development is totally bad and it results in a toxic story.
In 2019 Zheng Shuang said in an interview she dislikes Wei Wei's character, because she's not someone to whom is possible to relate to, and i have to say she's totally right. The drama miss every point, first of all the feeling of security, like a comfort zone. The main leads have no chemistry at all ( and in my opinion, Yang Yang's portrayal is one of the worst, he's not even so handsome like the movie actor). Their relationship felt forced and stiff. The couple is cold and distant.
XiaoNai is too robotic an mechanical, without any feeling for her. He's clearly not interested in her. And it's creepy the " we are married in the game, so we are dating in real life" thing. He's more like a maniac stalker catching a prey. Every support character is so annoying, but in this drama each characters acts like a 12yo despite being 20-22 yo and college students. It's full of superficiality and toxicity.
XiaoNaoi is the most overrated character, without a reason. He's a robot with no emotional depth, he's arrogant, stiff, idiot, chauvinistic and bossy in a bad way. He literally treats her like an objet. The affection seems forced. Two people that had absolutely no chemistry with each other. Love? Cute? Where? They literally didn't even date, it was a creepy and awkward " we got married in the game, so we are a married couple".
I will never recomment this drama, i would rather recommend the movie, it's way healthier than this.

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SPICY SWEET ADULT RELATIONSHIP

Begin Again is one of the most adult drama ever watched, ever existed, a true masterpiece. Spicy, charming, passionate, intriguing, true to its heart. Everyone saying a nonsense "lack of logic", i think they are lacking empathy.
Reversed clichè, well- developed clichès, reversed stereotypes and critic about stereotypes and sexism.
Every man should be like Ling Rui, every woman should be like Lu Fangning. They are both strong in their own way.
I liked Lu Yiyao and Cai Siyu story, but i can't stand Yiyao despite the good actor.
The second part of the story, yes, it's true that maybe it can lack logic, but think about it. A woman, or better a human being, can they act rationally when they are attacked and stabbed + backstabbed in their work and emotionally? I don't think so.
Spicy atmosphere and flirting is quite the routine in the drama, together with family dynamic and intrigues.
Every character is well developed throughout the whole drama.
Gong Jun and Zhou Yutong are really fit for the role and they act in a very comfortable and natural way, with a very strong and on-point chemistry.
This drama shows how destiny can wait if it's true love, that true love has no meaning if it's too easy to achieve. That sometimes we can be blinded by desire and will, not to be able to recognise what our cherished people can wish for us.
It's a very mature drama, not easy to understand, you have to use brain and understand it, with all its mature topic.
I suggest Begin Again to every person looking for a passionate love story.
10/10 hands down.

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EVERYDAY ORDINARY LIFE

This special showr how ordinary and full of love Ling Rui and Lu Fangning's love story is. Little notice, they show them through time. Special mention to Ling Rui's " this damn woman is so cute" because IT MELTED MY HEART.
I really loved how sweet and petty and caring they are.
The first part is a big surprise born from Zhou Yutong's wish, and we can see how Ling Rui and Fangning were really meant to be.
I don't think their experience is incoherent so i really love how they are able to think forward and reasoning over their past, thinking about their love and cherishing each other.
Really worth to watch, 10/10.

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