Flourished Peony - A Drama with Good Materials But Bad Chef - 1/4 Reveiw [CC]

[@QueenXKnit]

I just love Flourished Peony, I dont know why that is, but I just feel like tuning in every episode. Its not overdramatic, characters feels realistic, the story is character-driven which I love. Yang ZI & LiXIan are eating the screen, and its all so beautiful to top it all.

[@LeviAkerman-pf3qj]

I think it's because of the main lead's chemistry, it is obviously not a perfect drama in storyline but their acting is quite good , they're serving what they've given also from the perspective of international it is good start for this year's c drama journey for me

[@rozaliyah]

I am loving this drama too and I think it's largely due to our reunited 'GoGo Squid' couple☺️👏👏👏

[@Lala-gy7cn]

I’m loving it too, chasing it everyday 😅

[@bernadettepalmer6407]

I’m definitely 👍 enjoying it too

[@kimberlybaker4347]

I feel that she’s trying to show a strong confident front, but he always catches her crying in secret.. I think she’s doing such a good job.

[@The_SeoulJourner]

Flourished Peony is a delicious treat for me! The first drama I look forward to the next episode in a long time, and I'm not really a fan of the period c-dramas. It's lighthearted and amusing, while still having substance. I love the leads' relationship, I find the storyline feels realistic fairy tale. It's the escape and smile I need during the day.

[@cassball7]

Is it available on KZbin?

[@celinawang3428]

Thank you for sharing as always. Interesting review. I've been thoroughly enjoying the drama and appreciate it's more grounded and steady build up. I think the show is always progressing forward which I appreciate and I'm very excited to see how this story/show continues to develop and pan out. I actually quite enjoy the comedic chemistry and development of the main CP, it's subtle. While there are a few moments where I worry it may slow down, something happens and I'm all in. Hoping that this is a show that will keep getting better and better, my favorite episodes so far have been the most recent ones (Episode 15 & 16) so far and it's given me more faith that this show will (hopefully) becoming even more engaging and exciting to watch. Unfortunate to hear that you didn't enjoy Lost You Forever, I thought from what I saw in your first review of season 1 and it seemed like you enjoyed it to a degree or parts of it... :/ but season 2...we don't talk about, truly a let down of S1 (but I partially blame for all the scenes/content cut out).

[@bernadettepalmer6407]

Yes 👍 you are definitely 💯 right

[@nngexo4646]

I really loved blossom. The direction and camera work was awesome. There was tension and hooked me in. Currently watching the blossoming love( watched till ep 15 it was excellent). I wish blossom director gives another drama soon.

[@user-wb8mp9by9f]

Based on AvenueX's review, I am going to watch Flourished Peony.

[@Tinapeters-b3s]

😂 Well said , its really entertaining and well done, I hope you enjoy it also 👍

[@KimberlyCrichton]

I thought Blossom was terrific. And what a surprise ! Acting, script, direction, cinematography were all superb.

[@kara-karina8530]

I am enjoying FP and I really love the easy chemistry between YZ and LX. This is a comfort watch for me because Go Go Squid is one of my fave cdramas of all times. Also, really enjoying the intricate hairdos and makeup in women. Really interesting to watch. ❤

[@Tinapeters-b3s]

My favourite drama at the moment is Flourished Peony and yes there are some typical tropes I just cant get enough of Li Xian and YangZi as well as the excellence of production. Up to ep 16 and it keeps getting better. Also enjoying Guardians Of The Dafeng and The Blossoming Love, all different and all excellent in their own way including the cast in each one 🙌👏

[@bernadettepalmer6407]

Thanks 🙏 for your review but I just love ❤️ this Tang Dynasty - Flourished Peony 👍💜 Of course I’m biased as I loved 🥰 Yang Zi and her performance 🎭 she’s very dedicated in her acting and using her own voice 👍she’s impressive 💐 Her collaboration with Li Xian is really good due to their friendship and they are very confident with each other 👌🏽and Li Xian is very funny 🤣 here too So , it’s up to everyone what they prefer to watch Blossoms was really a good drama 🎭 and I enjoyed it too but at the moment nothing to see that’s worth watching except Flourished peony 👍

[@crisaggarao7738]

I am not chinese but i love this so far. Not so heavy drama, but it's fun. I can ignore the fact that they may not seriously follow the period because it is for one fictional.

[@kafka_7]

It's not perfect but really, Flourished Peony is the only proper drama out of all the ones airing right now imo. Also, Under the Moonlight which started airing yesterday seems good as well so far.

[@Adonna2424]

Moonlight has serious writing/directing problems and some of the costumes look cheap close up but I love the colors and the saturation is like 100%. But I have lower expectations of it.

[@sanjamaksimovic3028]

There's The storm of roses, very well done and acted.

[@FRDConcept-he4ls]

I believe Yang Zi did it this time. She nailed it beautifully. Is a pity there are many do not want this to be a hit because of the details and high production costs. If this becomes a hit then it becomes a benchmark and the industry is not interested in quality but profit and quantity.

[@moodygirl609]

I love this drama - how it looks, the female lead and her striving for independence, the confusing character of the male lead and his very likable attractive assistant, the personal growth of the second male lead, the helplessly in love second female lead, Don`t share your criticism and find the comparisons to the novel a waste of time. Yes, Blossom was a good drama with a satisfying love story. I`m going to keep watching FP because I think these leads have the potential to give us some sugar.

[@무즈-p7o]

ISTG AFTER BLOSSOM, I JUST KEPT COMPARING EVERY HISTORICAL CDRAMA TO IT AND I KEPT GETTING DISAPPOINTED LIKE BLOSSOM REALLY SET THE BAR TOO HIGH FOR PERIOD CDRMAA

[@adj5767]

Blossom was good to be sure, and made better because of a bad 2024 for cdramas. But I think it will be topped.

[@vaishalir2968]

I agree. The bar is going to be difficult to pass since blossom has set it very high.

[@tinthaung7118]

👏👍

[@tinthaung7118]

I can’t count how many time I re watch “ Blossom” n promotion clips n trailers. I didn’t even rewatch my fav dramas like NIF 1 n 2, Princesses Agents, Joy Of Life 1n 2 as much as I did with “ Blossom”. Totally diff: vibe I got from “ Blossom” was so addictive. So many tropes in diff: packages …. I have to gave credit to script writer n director about those clever tropes n both ML n FL acting. Supporting actors n actresses are also really give us beautiful acting. I love the drama “ Blossom “. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💜💜

[@tinthaung7118]

Correction…..I have to “give” …..

[@bellabermudas]

Thank you for your review. I’m enjoying the drama along with The Blossoming Love but appreciate your astute comments. Thanks. It looks like you’re truly enjoying your well deserved vacation. I enjoyed the mall update with the aquarium at the end. Take care🌸💃🏽

[@stacyjames9668]

Flourished Peony feels like "hey! here's a story about a lady surviving life's hardship (with plot armor). There's also a guy"

[@bernadettepalmer6407]

Thanks for your review but I just love ❤️ this Tang Dynasty - Flourished Peony 👍💜 Of course I’m biased as I loved Yang Zi and her performance 🎭 she’s very dedicated in her acting and using her own voice 👍she’s impressive Her collaboration with Li Xian is really good due to their friendship and they are very confident with each other 👌🏽and Li Xian is very funny here too So , it’s up to everyone what they prefer to watch Blossoms was really a good drama and I enjoyed it too but at the moment nothing to see that is worth watching ,Flourished Peony

[@margaretstockton5281]

This is my drama favorite right now! ❤❤❤I’m loving the interaction with the 2 leads..I also love the relationships between the women for women’s rights…FL playing a strong woman though she goes through so many hardships. I love the comedy between the main leads.. 😊😊😊 I give it a lot of stars ⭐️ Congratulations to all who made this possible amazingly beautiful

[@debbielow4847]

I am actually enjoyed the drama. The interaction between FL and ML is kinda funny and unlike the typical romantic chemistry, they really have a friendship and growing in love and life together. I agree some parts of the beginning is kinda rush and illogical.

[@katherinekennedy7536]

I think flourishing peonies is a very charming watch and love the banter between the leads but I'm new to the genre and can't speak to the tech issues that may exist.

[@moonchild8068]

For me, i dropped the drama flourished peony where the fl comes to changan and gets trapped in the whole situation with the restaurant owner. It just felt like....girl just came out of such an abusive relationship and then suddenly outta nowhere this second abusive and unhinged person airdropped on her. And after listening to you i realized why that bothered me so much....because during her whole sequence of leaving her in laws to coming to changan she had so manyyy setbacks one after another without any positiviness...like she realizing that she cannot stay at her parents, then finding out that her mother's property (now her's) is taken over by someone else, her not able to find any job, then the resturant guy....and through all of that situation she is just so self assured that she is gonna get out of it and things will work out for her but when in reality she is in a very grim situation ...i could not digest it at all i guess

[@fatisummer9106]

Exacly how i felt watching and this not the first time , I noticed YZ really like playing this kind of no ending torment character .

[@EdjoIglesias]

The Blossoming Love is so underrated but for me this is the best ongoing Chinese drama so far.

[@peanz21]

Omg yess!! I'm loving Sun Zhenni's character there.

[@Tash30]

Agreed

[@indywstates]

Me too!

[@ilonalee733]

Agree with you

[@dancehallkitty]

Good production is what got me into this genre!! I'm IN.

[@khoirunnisa2801]

Not gonna lie, the original novel done so much better for backstory of our heroine. Idk why they had to changed it?

[@keyzest8823]

I started watching this drama purely for the story coz it is different from current idol costume dramas and so far I am enjoying it. The 3 leads' voices are quite good, they should stop using dubbing in their future dramas. I think this is miles wei's most serious character and as a first he is pretty good, but you cannot empathize with his character all the time. He needs to do more 3 dimentional characters to understand how to deliver it more realistically to the audience. This is a good chqnce for him to move on from idol dramas to serious dramas coz he has the potential.

[@erikoenglish1651]

I love this drama and both main actors are used own voice ( I hate voice actors dubbed ). My opinion is if I found voice dubbed and I will not watch any drama and movies. I never watched Chinese drama until I watched Meet Yourself August 2024. I'm glad I watched Meet Yourself. from USA/I'm 68 Japanese 💜 I'm really new to Chinese drama and I don't like fancy stories as to far for reality drama. My favorite drama is Love live the galaxy and this drama. I respect your opinion. ❤

[@gmatgmat]

A Familiar Stranger 2022, 18 episodes and 10 minutes each is a well regarded mini drama. Worth looking up. The same director as Blossom. Take care.

[@erikoenglish1651]

@gmatgmat Thank you for the information 👍

[@erikoenglish1651]

@gmatgmat My favorite actor is Li Yun Rui. And I watched Blossom. I don't know why the drama director chose to use the voice actor to his part??? because Li Yun Rui is talented actor.

[@gmatgmat]

@ AvenueX has a few videos devoted to cdrama use of voice acting; kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZS1inqjr8iKrJo She will often make a comment in her reviews, too.

[@yessymarianaym]

I love Lost You Forever, especially Zhang Wan Yi.

[@user-wb8mp9by9f]

@@yessymarianaym In Lost You Forever, Zhang WanYi reminded me of a young Al Pacino in The Godfather Parts 1 & 2. Unfortunately, Godfather Part 3 lost ME forever!

[@Adonna2424]

It's not bad but it took me about five episodes to get into it (I'm currently 15/32 episodes). I just heard about the problem with plagiarism and the costumes so that's surprising. What I don't understand is the ex husband of the main lead and his obsession with her after she leaves. He's SUCH an ass! I agree that the male lead does not have enough contrast and I didn't really pick up on the playboy but more of a bored rich guy that loves rich extravagant crap. The main female lead is WAY TOO calm in situations where even the most confident people would not but I like her passion for flowers. Honestly, Blossoms in Adversity is the better 'female lead overcomes all' character type and portrayal. Also, that assassination plot point was so weird and unbelievable and then she's sorta afraid of him but then they have this weird episode just placed between that one and the conclusion of it - like why? Overall, it's ok but forgettable. Hearing that the beginning of the story should be so different makes me think they changed it so they wouldn't have to focus too many episodes on it and move onto her independence.

[@fatisummer9106]

Very disappointed in this drama ,Yea I feel Yang Zi was bored playing this character ,there were many scenes who made non sense like when she discovered ML killed someone,I didn't feel a change in her attitude toward him and bit of fear seem unconvincing and forced and the story in general feel weird like why her husband fell in love with her and started being obsessed with her, and why every time she gets in t trouble she have to ask help from the ML, her scammed in buying a house and turn that he was his house ,pls guys respect our mind .

[@CathyPack]

So glad to see you so early on my feed. I’m in Kentucky and it is 0 F this morning!

[@SJS2019]

I’m from Kentucky but live in Norway now! Funny that Kentucky is colder than Norway now.

[@weilingaby3029]

I'll continue to stay with "Peony" because it's there and it's so-so, but not too bad to drop. I would choose this drama over Xianxia dramas. The plotline just goes through the motion. The ML and FL are just ML and FL and haven't really delivered an impressive performance; however, 2nd ML has delivered outstanding performance several times. The costume is awesome and peony is beautiful. Li Xian, whom I like, often sounds like speaking with his voice raised, a high pitched yet weak voice. I found myself fast-forwarding a lot.

[@deyayona]

Currently Flourished peony & Guardians of the Dafeng are the only two dramas I am interested in (More likely towards dafeng as the story reveals its secrets slowly and effectively). Loving the performances of the leads again. Loved GGS1 but not the 2nd season (where LX & YZ had small part). But one thing I find monotonous in these type of dramas is that it gets predictable after a point of time. Like Blossoms in adversity, Story of pearl girl or dream of splendor, to show that the FL is a strong independent women, Fl goes through some rough past, works hard, makes some money and THEN they open a shop and rest of the story is dealing with different type of rivals in the business. After watching so many dramas this has become a set pattern. In contrast, Blossom has the FL who is also a strong independent woman but knows how not to attract troubles. She was actually the richest person in the country but she set up a false old person identity to hide herself. She too was running business but its more interesting to watch.

[@yaya88ya]

Yey, thank's for your review! Please, next review for "Under The Moonlight", i'll waiting it😊

[@ysg.6540]

Thank you for saving me from wasting my time on this series 😊

[@maritareads5229]

I agree with all these points. I'll add that Miles Wei is miscast in this role and not because we've seen him as a lead already. His character is not as well written as shen yu rong in The Double. it's awkward seeing him play an underwritten villain

[@gmatgmat]

Some difference from your first impression several videos ago. Thank you for an interesting review. "Interesting World," is that like living in "interesting times?"

[@Bbirongiee]

Ah dang I’ve only watched 5 episodes. I don’t want to get bored cause it’s really good so far😩

[@iary5775]

I watched until episode 4 or 5 and I just couldn't take any more of the main character being so mistreated and hurt every five minutes. Then I saw on youtube a clip from further episodes and the main character was once again visibly harmed and trying to save another abused woman from yet another insane husband.... Seeing these female characters hurt so badly and so often just put me off entirely. To me, this drama went too far and lost it's entertainment value

[@sunayanisarkar3356]

Are u gonna do a final review on Blossom ? 👀

[@dianaosazenaye1313]

It is good

[@fluffycat1293]

Overall very good costume and set, but lacking plot/script. For Yangzi it’s also a very typecasted character as well, stereotypical for her with all sorts of essentially unnecessary suffering of the main female character

[@thesophialiu]

It’s funny because even just watching the clips I feel like it’s slow… I think I’m going to just watch the 高光 clips and call it a day 🥲

[@no.new.friends]

Yeah, this show is beautiful but it will most likely appeal to those that just want to be entertained or are new to cdramas. I loved how the novel gave FL a loving and supportive family. I'll probably still tune in when bored.

[@lolamontez5477]

I agree with every point you say…and I felt exactly like you after episode 11.. After being dissatisfied nearly with each idol drama started this year (Guardians of Dafeng, Moonlight Mystique and The Blossoming Love) first I was really happy with Flourished Peony but after ep. 10 I felt like forwarding.. was not immersed into the story.. I have the feeling that writers and directors get lazy if they have big names in a drama.. that people (the respective fans) automatically watch whatever they produce. Reading all the reviews this seems actually to be the case..everybody is gushing on these dramas, how good they are, etc etc, it‘s not the actors but the writing and directing. BUT for dramas with new or not so known or popular actors they have to present sth what catches the interest of the people.. we have seen this in Blossom, The Double, Love Games in Eastern Fantasy, etc etc, so called dark horses.. for me these were much better..

[@bapyongukgukguk2352]

I agree especially the 2nd paragraph of your comment.

[@ilonalee733]

The Blossoming love is actually quite good

[@Lynalaishram]

Love game in eastern fantasy Esther is insanely famous tho? Her drama had the most reservation before even airing and if you look at the bts she almost does all the directing😂

[@bobyy6557]

How is Zhang Yaqin doing in the show?

[@sl1230]

mostly agree, the drama looks so nice with some intriguing setup like the flower business and the male lead's official position, yet it plays out kind of meh rn, somehow I'm also hooked up to the 2nd male lead storyline more than the main lead, at least there are some "dramas" happening with him.

[@samirayassmine6809]

very interesting review. Appreciated

[@smiayane]

as a li xian and yang zi fan i agree bcs i jusr stopped ep 17 to watch something else bcs i was bored and i found that you dropped a review of the drama hahaha i will watch like 2 or 4 eps more and i will drop it if it did not get any better

[@deyayona]

This is Yang Zi & Li Xian's 2nd collaboration, and how many eth time is the collab between the actors playing, Liu Chang's parents? Whenever I spot actor in a drama, the other actor is also there somehow...

[@Annasafin]

First few episodes was great but then ........meeeh. It's like turkish drama, where all the bad things happen to female lead on and on

[@kathynoble6177]

Omg I’m not a fan much of her I like her battle of Chang sun years ago but this show is so good love it

[@rasamalai]

I might just make a Xiahongshu to follow you! :D

[@NancyChen53]

Is this drama very angsty? Trying to decide if I should watch it. Don’t want anything that’s too heavy right now.

[@Elizabethbathory555]

The drama is better than some Xianxia idol dramas, and this flower they praise so much is not like that.

[@Living321ani]

I completely agree with your comments. I wanted to love this and have been watching it every day as it airs because of the production value and the story 'could' be there, but.... sadly, the lack of chemistry between the ML and FL is killing it for me. It is not building on a progressing stage. I like some of the side character stories, but as the episodes progress, I do find myself more often fast-forwarding through more and more. I am not giving up, but I would like to see some changes being made forward.

[@milkyway_789]

I actually dropped it near the end of episode 1, unusual for me cause I usually watch about 5 eps before I made a final decision. I just didn't get any energy or vitality from both leads. The story seems interesting enough and I might have continued watching if there are no other interesting dramas around. Not an anti just my personal opinion and personal taste.

[@Historia-d5s]

I didn’t expect much from flourished peony bc I don’t really like watching reality in drama . I tend to prefer watching sth interesting and mystery. But I give this drama a chance and I kinda enjoy it but not really eager to watch it unlike the drama like the double and lost you forever which I’m really interested in .

[@sad_society9713]

Is that cup in the background supposed to represent your thoughts on the drama? 😊

[@gingermintrose]

I love Blossom and am waiting for something like it. So, it is not Flourished Peony after all.

[@IdrisFenn537]

I was surprised that the female lead got divorced and survived. Does this happen in any other period drama?

[@user-fj1du6uh1x]

Im enjoying ut so far.. just on ep 6 tho.

[@cshorca1125]

Please tell us the English name of the period drama you mentioned that had outstanding set from the past

[@eeeellenn2299]

The Longest Day in Chang'an

[@lauraopper2571]

I watched part of the first episode to see how Miles Wei would do at playing a drunken jerk. He's actually not too bad in this series. However, the rest of the episode just didn't grab me for some reason. I probably won't watch any more of it.

[@sz9281]

Seems similar problems to The story of pearl girl...

[@nancy-h5z9s]

How does AX decide which dramas to review. This drama just started a week ago and this is an entire review on it already. What about the other dramas that have been airing about the same time? Why some dramas she just gives passing remark and this one so detailed? Must reviews focused on such smallest details.

[@bonitaberger3597]

I just don't like yang zi and find her dramas hard to watch. I dont plan to watch this one..better things to do. I appreciate your review.

[@vespertyne2169]

Another drama I will probably never watch because I can’t stand the FL. I’ve dropped every drama of hers I’ve watched except the first one, Ashes of Love. Her character was annoying and stupid, but it was supposed to be I guess. Still looking for another drama I love as much as I did Blossom, my favorite drama of the year. 💕

[@blaquevelvets]

I appreciate this review because similarly, I also started to watch in 2x speed once we got to episode 11. It wasn't as engaging or gripping as before.

[@user-fj1du6uh1x]

Wow. Why would the writer change the setup of the female leads husband family. Now that i hear it, it so different than the novel, why change it to the tropey victimhood type story? Or make the husband's family bad? These writers really...

[@bapyongukgukguk2352]

I think Zang Ya Qin is regal in the drama. I like her energy. I agree about Li Xian. He is not convincing me in that role. I personally think costume drama is not his thing. He fits more contemporary genre

[@biolf1]

Agree with what she said. Looks good but nothing’s hooking me in. Does anyone know the english translation of the 1st drama she compared this to?

[@namithanair5492]

You mean, Longest day in chang'an. It's available on KZbin I think

[@weilingaby3029]

"Longest Day in Chang'an" and this one are not in the same league. The former is much better than the latter, acting, production, visuals and more!

[@meowaiya5592]

🌹🌹

[@patrogers2594]

I agree, I wondered how it got such high ratings. The writing lacked structure, it was sloppy.

[@insxiaomifiles]

I read the novel. Quite disappointed with the adaptation from ep1 but still watching cos of YZ

[@ebliang8571]

I watched "Ashes of Love" with Yang Zi and liked her in this role because it was her standard mode of acting: a giddy teenage girl. However, when I saw her in "Lost You Forever," I was impressed that she was portrayed as a coarse, rough country doctor who blossomed into a grown woman. Her acting was up to par, but her moments of brilliance were so sparse it wasn't worth watching. Instead, it was long, drawn out, and boring. I stopped watching Lost You Forever before the end and never ventured to watch season two. I don't watch Yang Zi anymore.

[@kilogram8168]

I'm early! First comment?! 🎉😂

[@arielelektra]

I love flourished peony but i didnt like blossom after the first half. I dont know why. I usually have the same opinion on every drama just ljke you but these two stand out. I watched every episodes of blossom but didnt like it that much. Not a bad drama. It was too bland for me. I think the same is going to happen to this one as well.

[@jieliu8088]

中国再也很难出好的电视剧了，因为审查制度和畸形的资本运作和饭圈文化。看你长期用英语辛苦做推介，对你的付出表示感谢，同时也为你做的努力感到尴尬。 China won`t produce any good dramas like before anymore because the strict censorship of the CCP. I feel sorry for the international fans of Cdramas.

[@air2air786]

Yes, you are very right.😏 one can choose mainly between one of two: propaganda or meaningless crap. Sad…

[@keyzest8823]

Yes, specially when it comes to crime and action dramas/movies

[@user-wb8mp9by9f]

American TV shows suck. It must be Trump's or Biden's fault!!