Good in Different Ways But Similar in Problems - Combined Final Review on L&P + NLB [CC]

00:40 - Light and Princess
07:30 - New Life Begins
17:29 - Final Thoughts
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[@kannika183]

New life begins is a work of art. It's so rare for this type of drama nowadays. It's lack romance but the woman support each other is everything, no toxic just have fun watching it.

[@tannu_______]

It's funny how all the girls made their husbands look like 'extras' in the drama🤣🤣Specially Li Wei and Ying Yuan's bond was soo genuine❤

[@mariocomputer808]

I actually think there is some value in having some stories that are totally idealized the way New Life Begins is. It obviously overly simplifies women's struggles, but it plays an important role in showing us what the idea world *could* be like, giving us optimism and a reason to hope. It's nice to have a fantasy of how great things could be when the real world is constantly grinding us down. When I see that the show is popular, it also makes me feel solidarity with the other people out there who also agree this kind of world would be better. It's inspirational!

[@dansedevie123]

I agree! Hao Jia's story gets quite dark, and the fact that she has a happy ending, even many don't, brings hope. The world is painful enough; New Life Begins was like a hopeful, happy escape, where you knew that despite challenges, everything would work out in the end.

[@tarrysmile]

Hao Jias story was dark enough exactly! So if people want a non unicorn version they can glean on that. We all know that the male structures have prevented the women from working together.

[@zyx2942]

I agree that New Life Begins storyline was way too much rainbow and sunshine. But at the same time I'd rather accept watching this kind of entertainment as a form of escapism from the burdens of real life.

[@majesty1144]

I enjoyed lighter & princess more than I planned to. The chemistry between both leads made the entire drama a success. The male lead is a proud and confident computer genius who never sold himself short. You can accept him or let him be 😅. They both made sacrifices for each other. . OST was perfection it fits the scenes so well

[@robertabust]

I loved Lighter and Princess, and 36 episodes were not enough for me 😄

[@kimmyw0322]

I don’t understand why people say it’s too long 😂 it’s literally going at a decent pace, it’s not rushing or too slow. Everything falls into place naturally, nothing looks forced or happened too quick. Their relationship development was naturally paced too… 36 episodes seems good to me

[@censoredyoutube4902]

LOL exactly ! L&P is the only Cdrama I've been able to enjoy so far since Love Like the Galaxy. New Life Begins is pretty boring for me. I fast forwarded many scenes and eventually had to quit the whole series.

[@Penamesolen]

I only watched New Life Begins, and I agree that the rainbow-coated fantasy became a bit too sweet for me, especially toward the end. Honestly, what I liked the most was the various female relationships, ESPECIALLY between Li Wei and the official wife, I totally agree that the two of them separating was much more than whatever they could do to the male lead. I also loved the storyline of the 2nd Prince's concubine, because it was so heartwretching to see how the abuse slowly destroyed her on the inside and ruined her self-confidence and perseptions around her, and how all the girls banded together to help her even when she herself felt worthless. My favourite part was to see how the various states and their politics/lifestyles worked, like how Li Wei's state had gender equality, but was monogamous so she would be shamed for returning as a divorced concubine. I agree that the show was very simple, almost more like a nice breeze, but nothing more. Kind of like how Story of Yanxi Palace was so cool with their female lead and her relationships (and pretty aesthetics), but very unrealistic. Hopefully, as potential creators of Chinese period drama see how the Girl Power stories made the show stand out and gain popularity, they will try that more in other shows. They do not have to give up the harem drama cat fights, but to give the female characters more depth and relationship is wonderful!

[@crystaljenkins688]

First off, I love AvenueX's reviews and insights into my favorite genre! L&P is one of my favorite dramas. One of the things I love about storytelling, and romance in particular, is that taboos get to be brought into the light and explored and given an outlet. Things we shouldn't tolerate in real life can be romanticized in fiction, giving us permission to explore those fantasies from a safe distance, to role play so to speak. L&P romanticized the heck out of the unreachable guy, making him attainable by an average girl (a very talented one, but unremarkable except in her loyalty). The male lead, being so damaged, also played out the most angsty redemption arc possible with his love, the "I push you away because I don't want to hurt you" which of course, hurts worse. But this is the part that fantasy allows us to love - we feel MORE for him because of those peeks of vulnerability under the jerkiness. Classic way to explore the taboo of this kind of toxic male that some of us secretly love, but wouldn't touch in real life (or have touched and learned our lesson!). What I love about L&P is that it let's us romanticize right through the toxicity - so that what we believe at it's heart is a redemption, actually becomes the redemption we long for! We get to live out all the pain in fantasyland and receive the payoff, without having to live it. We get to watch the guy do something in fiction that rarely happens in reality - a great fantasy to explore from the safety of our living rooms!

[@Czntht]

Here for lighter and princess 😩I love this drama and their chemistry is top notch….

[@ddzgdt]

I actually loved New Life Begins because of how "unrealistic" it is. I mean, I'm watching a historical romance, how realistic do I expect it to be? Sometimes I really just want a no fuss drama that has happy endings for everyone

[@redellieeldorado]

Yeah exactly! Ppl say, "this plots not realistic at all blah blah...but they 4get that sumtyms, ppl write & read or watch stuffs just 2 escape reality!

[@bbghost9918]

I love the way Lighter and Princess was filmed, the cinematography and athmosphere made the couple's chemistry so heartfelt, and I love their imperfect characters

[@shristikatiyar]

New life begins is the kind of drama that is like a hug from a loved one it's so satisfying I love it

[@lindakato8583]

I totally enjoyed New Life Begins. I agree with your critique, of course. However, living in the US as an American of very remote Japanese ancestry, I contend with stereotypes of Asian women as docile drudges and hypersexualized playthings of men. I work to dispel these stereotypes by teaching age 60+ adults (like myself) lifelong learning courses on various Asian nations, of course with China up front, from the perspectives and experiences of their women of ancient through early modern times. I referred students to this C-drama recently for some lighthearted entertainment (as I have to other more serious C-dramas you've recommended over the years) for its characterizations of the aspirations of Chinese women under patriarchal regimes. As you noted in your previous review, New Life Begins shows these women bonding together to realize their goals and overcome patriarchal obstacles. Yes, it's fantasy, and makes light of the challenges women face to this day in every nation and culture around the world. But so many contemporary and historical C-dramas you review and the Chinese popular responses you describe to perceived misogyny in shows help to undermine enduring sexist stereotypes about Asian women in the West - and in an enjoyable way. I always recommend that people watch your AvenueX reviews of any C-drama to which I refer students and friends since they are excellent. I never watch a show until I find out whether or not you've given it a thumbs up. Thank you so much!

[@melindamucsi]

Finally, I have finished Lighter and Princess. For me, it was my World of Honor - a drama that keeps me completely engulfed in its world, and after which it's difficult to recover. I understand everything you say and I do agree this is not a healthy relationship but I still loved all of the characters as they are. Nowadays, hardly anyone is normal... there are so many of us who are broken yet unbending like Li Xun and naive and overly sacrificial like Zhu Yun. I also loved the Pu Shu song. It gave me goosebumps every single time. :-)

[@koyamoyakim7152]

lighter and princess ost really good... I'm not usually hooked to cdrama ost, most memorable cdrama ost for me was chilling from the eternal love... but this drama ost was like seriously good... definitely on my playlist

[@klaraelisabeth]

Thank you for your review!

[@kimmyw0322]

Lol try to watch the drama on a deeper level because some of you are clearly just seeing it on surface level. All I see is loyalty, love, trust, faith and understanding. Zhu Yun is not ‘obsessed’ with Li Xun like most of you claim to be. She just loves him and understands him the most. No matter how much her mother hate and judges Li Xun for his past which is stupid btw because she’s a teacher and she failed to show compassion and empathy. She should also quit being a teacher if she doesn’t believe people can change and learn from their mistakes. no matter how much their friends are jealous and criticise him for his confidence(some might say he is overly confident and has big ego that looks down on others), Li Xun is smart and goal oriented, he doesn’t take everything as competition, he’s basically just minding his own business and he also works hard for his own thing, doesn’t depend on anyone. But Zhu Yun is the only one who sees him on a deeper level than just the surface. Zhu Yun is not obsessed about her relationship with him, she did not find million of ways to flirt with him or get back together. She feels guilty, 3 years passed and she still feels guilty for not being able to save and stop him from the incident. She still blames herself for dragging him into the competition to defeat the guy, for leading into his sister’s death because of revenge and then Li Xun end up in jail. L&P company is founded by both of them so why can’t they take back what was rightfully theirs? L&P is their blood sweat and tears, after knowing what Gao did to the company, she has every right to be angry and want to take it back too so of course she’s willing to help Li Xun because she knows if she doesn’t help him then nobody else will.

[@florfred1786]

Exactly what I think. Chen Feiyu and Zhang Jingyi did an excellent job, and the OST was an added bonus.

[@juliamufalo]

Absolutely agree with you! Like I've read about "the obsession" of FL in every review and in this video too, then watched the drama and didn't see it at all. Zhu Yun maybe sacrifised only relationships with her mother but that's all. Everyone really forgets that the company was hers too and they did their first medical care project together. I also want to point out that is not "the obsessed + the indifferent" type of the relationship. She admired him back then but 3 years later he's the one who admires her, says that no one comparable to her and he doesn't suffer any loss while she's with him. All this time he did many things for her too was fighting for her too like all those times: - giving up the app so ZY won't be punished - going to her on the New Year's Eve as a surprise - participating in competition and fighting with that Fang guy because of her + confessing his love to her there - giving her 50% shares of L&P and doing the project together - drawing her away because he wanted a better life for her while he decided to ruin his for revenge - keeping his distance 3 years later to not hurt her again (also she didn't mention that she's dating/not dating the painter so he kept his distance even more) - giving up the lawsuit because of her I don't know why no one mentioned it but he started flirting and teasing first, invited her to the base and to participate in his project first, confessed to her first, kissed her first. Zhu Yun never thought of liking him before that and didn't throw herself at him.

[@anata110]

I enjoyed watching New life begins very much. The story of this drama was written to happen in an imaginary land where the tradition and social norms or attitudes could be different from the real world. So, why do the audiences have to think too seriously and keep analyzing the behavior of each character? I do like that NLB is not too dramatic but a lot of amusing scenes and dialogues; most of the characters are good people and even the bad guys could be redeemable (why they should be despicable villains until the very end? This is supposed to be a happy story! 😀). If you want to watch a drama which full of happiness, lots of laughs, this is the one for you.

[@queensillah]

I totally agree about the relationship between the CP in lighter and princess. I just couldn’t agree to at any point. I was like I don’t know cause I’m older but I will not go back to such a toxic relationship.

[@estherorji3487]

Exactly! The music, I felt like the type and timing of the music felt so familiar, you hit the nail by on the head, it’s done the way they do it in K-dramas.

[@dejavu3299]

Honestly I agree so much with Lighter and Princess review. I couldn't stand when LX used ZY has an emotional punching bag at times and her "unconditional" love for him even after going through sh*t doesn't make sense to me AT ALL

[@amarinegripond1915]

I still listen to the music from Guardian occasionally. The prince in New Life Begins wins... because he is always true to his values, and no, it's not always easy... I particularly like the rythm of NLB: never leaves you worrying for long, some sweetness well-timed, at the end of each episode. The secondary roles are well played, and the food references are a pleasure.

[@sophiehiii]

Ahhh I loved your first impressions and final thoughts on NLB because you really hit the nail on the reasons to find it such a pleasant watch AND the issues that kinda bugged me too. Although I laughed out loud because I knew you wanted more puppy time! Y'know I like the leads together because they didn't have a chemistry like other shows. It was really two nice people being like ohh you're nice too lets get married and I was like y'know what? I'm good with that. BE ADORABLE. It was like they were growing up together and first crush style.

[@boboihipachuau6772]

OMG!!! you took the words right out of my mouth ! And put it together so nicely I really enjoyed new life begins at first but then i face the same problems as you've said. I don't mind the easy breezy flow of the drama but the so called equality was just too unrealistic, it took me out of my bubble. Especially when the 3rd prince wifes started rebelling and opened the restaurant, i could barely watch on from there

[@seungjin4life711]

My only complain about NLB is that it's so long for a light drama. I'm almost half of the drama now, but I stop since I don't have the mood to continue it.....for now. Maybe I can finish it later when I'm more motivated again. And true, the thing about gender equality in this drama is really so unrealistic, but it's a fiction story so it's fine.

[@yankong8290]

I understand NLB is unrealistic, but that is the reason I watch it. The reality of women's lives in the past and today is so heavy, I will not watch it. My daily life is already hard enough, I watch shows that lift my spirit, however briefly.

[@Lala-gy7cn]

I stopped after that too, I got bored and the main girls voiceover started to really annoy me

[@funnybunny3823]

I agree that Li Wei & Yuanying are more shippable and I miss Li Baifu 😂. However I have no complaints about how everything seems to be resolved easily because I was watching The Long River at the same time. That drama has a lot of realism & pain so watching New Life Begins felt therapeutic 😅

[@annsusanmathew2115]

Thanks for pointing out how wonderful the music of Lighter and Princess is.. It was something that drawn me to drama

[@sentimentalcircuscurator]

On the other hand, if you want FLUFF, New Life begins is PERFECT!!!

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

yes. i kept thinking "Well, this isn't actually the real China so i can deal."

[@sherrygadberryturner9527]

Of course we want “fluff”! Would you rather have the heartbreaking real history where nearly everyone dies?

[@zoobaali1766]

I agree that music helped the show (l&p) so much. It doesn't have any boring songs and all of them fit the story and the moment they are played at. As fot the story, so you think Li Xun didn't do ANYTHING for ZY?? Her depression was because she blamed herself for not saving him at the right time, not because she loves him WAY too much. I see her as such a loyal person. It is hard to find such people now. I understand why people don't like such story. No one now would bother with a guy who just left jail. As her mother said its a stain that can't be removed. But the point is, she knew him before all that too well, and want to be the person to "pull him up" bc he doesn't have anyone in his life and she knows he loves her still.

[@kimmyw0322]

For real. Some people don’t even understand the meaning behind the drama 🙄 they only see it on a surface level and say ZY is obsessed with LX. Lol She’s not obsessed, she just understands him, love him and sees him on a deeper level. And you are right about her feeling guilty and blaming herself for what happened to LX. L&P is founded by both of them, it’s their blood sweat and tears so knowing what Gao did to their company, who wouldn’t be angry? I would too. I will also want to take back what is rightfully mine. ZY is just helping LX to accomplish that… they both trust and understand each other.

[@veenarangaraj4293]

I agree with a comment below for L&P - the trouble Li Xun got into was caused by the FL's extreme distate for Fang. He wasnt going to take part in the competition in the first place. Also, when she met him when he is released from prison, the first question she asks him - " What is your plan now?" No, how have you been? I missed you? - What kind of love was that? And in college, she would just walk upto his desk and just stand there staring at him - that looked so weird.

[@Sentsumi]

4:39 my gawd, you spoke my mind! Despite the ridiculous hype on my social media, I just couldn't stick around for such an annoying attitude from the male lead. I think the reason why we have such a male lead is becuz of the devotion the female lead dedicated to him. Her level of devotion(which is described in the original novel) almost makes me question her mental health =.=.

[@seungjin4life711]

True. It's more like an obsession and devotion than true love for me. Zhu Yun is like those people who's smart in life/academic but stupid in front of love. Li Xun, you lucky bastard.

[@maryannrondinella5680]

This may be a spoiler. After she overdosed on pills and booze, the FL's painter friend reveals she didn't have a charmed, happy life abroad while the ML languished in prison. She fell into a deep depression. So her reunion with the ML is really her putting up a brave false front. Very sad, not at all romantic IMHO.

[@Sentsumi]

@@maryannrondinella5680 i didn't watch the drama but i can't escape from the multiple cuts shown on my social media (ppl around me going nuts over this drama) so your comment isnt a spoiler for me. I just don't like how the whole plots goes since it makes me feel like a series of mental disorders slapping on top of each other.

[@y_88Nrs]

Hehe, this is why i amazed the love story of Cang Lan Jue drama, bcoz the MC couple love is equal, sacrifices are made by each other....

[@yishangfufu9545]

Bad boy+good girl type dramas are quite popular.

[@jen720]

I dropped L&P for exactly the reason you said. The FL was pitiful in her love for the ML, it was painful to watch .

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

Perfect description of Lighter and Princess. Lighter is so proud and jealous. I kept thinking this guy wouldn't change ever so why give up a perfect (sacrificial) second lead for this jerk? I totally love New Life Begins. A great pro-woman movie. The basic issue here is that Lighter and Princess is too realistic and New Life Begins is too much of a fairytale. I really mean it that Lighter and Princess is very realistic. There are relationships like that unfortunately. Especially among the young. If the writer had created another character who challenged that entire situation, it would at least be a cautionary tale and not one that praises female sacrifice ... or male sacrifice as in the case of the second lead. There's a heck of a lot of sacrificing being done. As for New Life Begins, it's a fairytale and there's something good about a fairytale. I agree that the drama could have tried to be a bit more realistic. For instance, punishing the guilty etc. But it's about family, redemption, forgiveness, etc. And it plainly is aiming for family understanding. Weirdly, my biggest problem with the story is a silly one. I wanted to see the adoptive sister on the roof with everyone else. After all, she is also family, adopted or not and her lovelife mattered too. But we see the flaw in the patriarchal system and the notion of family by the writers simply ignoring her. Her life partner doesn't matter. Crown Prince's presence or absence from the roof is also telling.

[@SuperKimmie72]

Totally in agreement with your views regarding L&P. I have known women throwing themselves at their idols, some like 30 years younger than their idols and marrying them in real life! So in this perspective, I totally understand ZZ's admiration of LX and the relationship that ensues. The writers established this in the beginning of their college years when LX was the top scorer of the college entrance exam and programming prodigy. He also seemed to be adept at identifying markets and successfully won bids for projects for his school. I think the reason she sacrificed herself was that she believed in his ability and redemption - both of which are strong emotions and motives for her to stick herself out so much to help him. I don't know why AvenueX doesn't see that.

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

@@SuperKimmie72 Thank you. Avenue X is pretty insightful but in both cases she wants reality or wokeness done for her preference. Considering the ahjummas and older ladies who watch romances, i think the wokeness was really adequate. And really really really innocent young folks may learn some stupid lessons about sacrifice but most modern folks young and old can see that the writers were trying. We see Gao for instance doing the old "abuse, give gift, seek forgiveness" thing that male abusers do. And we see the same thing with the narcissistic Crown Prince in New Life Begins. As a writer, i feel we cannot always change the world in one little work of art and yet make it palatable to old school audiences. The writer of NLB used massa's tool to dismantle massa;s house and did a good job. It's better than all those warring concubines who don't seem to understand female friendship. I won't complain.

[@peachyj6887]

Same I missed songwu:(

[@josephwong5859]

On NLB agree to disagree with the review. How many drama have we seen to this date especially recently have we got a good heartfelt rather than “portraying real life struggles” which we are all going through it and it’s not going anywhere. This drama in itself I don’t think it’s trying to make thing easy going and no consequence, there are consequences and although they are not as realistic as real life. This drama I think portray a lot of moral values that one can take to themselves not just the female but also male. Especially in relationship, in which I don’t agree with the point stated, I feel it’s highly under appreciated how lovely the Two lead are in their relationship It’s a mature romantic relationship of a husband and wife where everything is discuss and no hard feeling is lingered Bsc the more you’re to linger on hard feeling the more tough it become but in this. They discuss everything and change in ways they can to support each other and grow with the occasion lovely touch and kisses to show affection for each other. It’s honestly so rare in drama but I feel this is what almost real about the relationship as a husband and wife is. Maturity and loving to each other. Edit : there are some like 2nd prince family which is abusive husband and there are some like 4th prince where the wife is plotting (which is more drama like and in real life) but to have a relationship like the leads is rare in drama Bsc it’s a boring one there are less drama to happen in the household but it’s not unlikely to happen in real life, in a normal relationship mature once I feel there are bound to be argument but knowing how to solve them together Bsc you know she/he is the one for you is equally loving in real life too. That’s why I feel they are very sweet and romantic together.

[@abeille3150]

Struggling to keep going with Lighter & Princess; just can't connect with it and you have maybe explained why. Think I'm going to stop flogging myself to continue. New Life I am enjoying as I assumed from the first episode, it was a 'fairy tale' so reality and real life issues were never a problem. Everyone (almost) is so pretty floating around in those wildly fluttering robes and you are never in doubt about how it will end as it was thunderingly obvious from the beginning. It is pure 'rainbows and unicorns' and in that, it is pretty good so I don't think it really intends to be anything more despite the underlying issues of women in society. It is the sort of story than makes you all warm and runny inside, so I'm just letting it float by. It is a necessary relief from Being a Hero which I'm also engaged with.

[@KatieGeorgieva]

I absolutely agree with the analysis of the two dramas. But I personally think that Chinese drama scripts are moving forward! I watch Korean dramas at the same time and there is the opposite process - more and more problems with the script. I also follow some of the Russian platforms for Asian dramas and see how many viewers are gradually switching from Korean to Chinese dramas. Let's not forget that perhaps the most loyal foreign audience of Korean dramas has always been precisely Russia and the Russian republics. This is a clear indication that the Chinese industry is developing forward.

[@lwagner1723]

Shallow, but true 🤭 We've all got caught eating McDonald's food.

[@vaishalir2968]

New life begins also had really good osts and bgm and i have to give credit for it .

[@veev8885]

i really enjoyed lighter and princess while it was airing, but you brought up some solid points that i now agree with!! i do think the male lead was too proud and lacked humility (maybe it's on the writers part - maybe they wanted to show how someone like him can't afford to have humility as he's suffered through too many hardships in life and it's his pride that ultimately has kept him afloat??) but still i would've liked to see some humility, or somesort of change in his character. now that you bring it up, i wish there was MORE character development for the male lead - especially AFTER he gets out of prison as i felt like he was the same person as he was before

[@zilliastar9116]

There is definitly a reason why AvenueX is my favourite chinese drama reviewer

[@danusdragonfly6640]

I don't think there's anything at all wrong with NLB giving us something new to enjoy in a historical setting. If more girls and women had more shows like this to watch it could actually lead to positive change! Personally I enjoy period dramas for their aesthetics, but, I am tired of seeing women fight against each other over a man. Historically accurate as it may be - it has been done enough. There's endless shows and movies showing this and how women are treated.

[@LidiaScherArt]

Just my thoughts. Thank you. This was very enjoyable in many ways. I always remember that it is a movie, a script, a novel, and in that context, it was very satisfying!

[@danusdragonfly6640]

@@LidiaScherArt 💜

[@sychannel3194]

Really appreciate your frank thots on New Life Begin's handling of the feminism storylines. I've enjoyed this drama, but something just didn't sit right with me on the script and what you said struck a chord with me. It really was too fairytale-like, on a very serious issue. Most of the problems were solved pretty easily and hence not very realistic. I still like this drama but that part of the plot could have been done much better.

[@ellz9186]

Thank you for your review and thoughts on L&P’s issues. Agreed on the OSTs. I could listen to them forever, including the ones without vocals. For some reason, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much after ep 26 or so. There were some very hypocritical and double standard filled moments from the main characters that just took me out of the drama and obstructed my enjoyment (FL talks about how ML’s friend needs to be left alone and stop being so childish when.. yeah you know). I actually was more interested in GJH and XL’s complex relationship. Their’s made the main cp’s feel a bit trivial, even if it’s not but that’s how it felt to me. There are two types of issues in dramas. 1. when there are problems in the story because that is the story itself and it’s made for enjoyment. 2. when there are problems WITH the story itself that obstruct your enjoyment as a human being. This one has the latter. Also very much agree 7:21. Their acting is not mature enough to convince me of the depth of their story and relationship. I guess it’s something I watched very superficially but couldn’t quite feel the emotional heights and impact.

[@HELLinaaaa]

Honestly after subjecting myself to the annual torture of rewatching Ruyi, I really loved NLB! All of the men grew and changed, as did the women and it was refreshing to see a happy ending. I loved that Yuan Ying chose herself, and honestly when Hao Jia left penniless - she knew he was corrupt and evil, in my opinion she didn’t want the bad karma that would come with taking his money.

[@tinainaz3830]

I actually like the 'lightened' drama. Even when going thru a rough patch, I was able to sit thru the ep bcz I know things will resolve in 1/2 ep

[@giooadrians]

Despite all the bad quality of the drama from editing and script wise? It's terribly awful. There is another thing I dont agree with your opinion about their relationship. As you know in real life people dont put romantic projections on everything. I have to acknowledge yes at first arc they projected every romantics related things but as the show goes on Zhu Yun and Li Xun relationship is very much realistic and it's happened for some people especially those who are in their freshman and 20s. I do think Zhu Yun obsession is kinda toxic but that's how she becomes more self-aware, gaining more self-esteem and confidence also being loved by a person she loves the most. Even though she gave herself in for him and he didnt treat her better but under conscious, he mentally supported and loved her in his way that's why she is still pursuing him no matter what because she needs that. It was just he expressed those things in wrong way because he is someone who has big ego and pride. Second, I think both of the leads Chen Feiyu and Zhang Jingyi are better in delivering and expressed their emotions ans can pull off emotional scenes every well as younger generation actor and actress than any liuliang actors/actresses.

[@dramaaddict4me]

I enjoyed LP more than NLB partly because there was more chemistry between the leads. The story also has first love sweetness and suffering along the way. While it sucks that the female is the one to devote herself to the male at the expense of her mental health, such an imbalance does happen in real life, and so frequently may i add. We don't like it, but it is realistic. NLB is just unrealistic with all the progressive things the females do. Enjoyable but unrealistic in that sense.

[@directxxxx71]

Even though I got bored with NLB after 5 or 6 episodes and left , I finished L&P with one go, and rewatched it again shortly after. One of the best dramas of 2022 for me ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thanks AvenueX, I watched L&P because of your review. Initially I was put off by Arthur Chen. But now I changed my view about him and think he is really talented now.

[@wheenawina]

in my opinion, New Life Begins is aiming to the lighter tone or vibe type of drama, so they kind of make everything easily solved and I think that aspect makes the drama interesting. if they made it any heavier plot than what we have now, I didn't think they would have this success.

[@supertouring1]

After hearing the reviewer's feedback and some reflection, I think Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace presents the most balanced of what life must have been like in the palace and harem. There are depressing moments, but also some encouraging moments of true sisterhood. Each character has their own baggage. But getting back to the point, because there are already so many dramas showing women scheming to kill each other, New Life is a breath of fresh air having the woman get along. Also, despite it being relatively brief, we should give the series kudos for bringing up the struggles of post partum depression.

[@hninwutyi6924]

For Lighter and Princess, like you have said in 1st review about this drama, it's not realistic to fall in love with such type of guy. No matter how he is handsome and smart, such an attitude doesn't deserve FL's love. In addition, 2nd ML's character is flawless and would be the best choice for her in real life. But i think the couple's chemistry is great for me. I agree with your opinion about ost too. Whatever, i think watching the handsome people with good ost worth my time☺️

[@snigdhakhadka5867]

By the virtue of being Bai jing ting loool

[@springszn]

😂😂😂

[@florfred1786]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Sooo long abstinent ....

[@MsFancia]

LOL sometimes people just have different taste in drama to watch. My friend just wants to watch light drama like NLB to de-stress; if it goes too deep, she won't watch it because she said her real life has already had problems, so she just want to watch something light and funny without having to think much.

[@solariasaturn6447]

I'm late coming into comments but anyway here it is. This is about New Life Begins. Sometimes it's nice just to sit back and enjoy a fantasy. I was in the corporate world. Do you know how many men I trained to do their job? The job wasn't given to me and I didn't get a raise. I enjoyed watching the triumph of the women. The lead played his part in helping them achieve it which can be true more than not. The relationship between the wife and the concubine had good chemistry they should have road off into the sunset. It was a good fantasy story with a happy ending. It was easy.

[@moodygirl609]

Yeah, we get it. I found New Life Begins a relief from most of the ones that a'ways show only the visciousness and cruelty usually displayed against or between women in these historical dramas. So consider 'my ass kissed' by the people who decided to make this funny, light-hearted show about women supporting each other against the restriction they are facing. The increasing affection between the main leads was nice to watch.

[@lorenam8028]

For NLB, I agree the struggle of women is a bit cheapened, yes. However... I'm very glad that they made a drama which skips the usual toxic behaviors that are glorified in other dramas, and that end up classified in younger minds as "normal". It's not fully feminist, but it's SO much better than other sexist crap going around... So if this is pushed as the new "normal", I'm all for it.

[@noelg66]

Doesn’t matter, both are great to watch, totally enjoyable

[@ritlua]

While I totally felt the same way with New Life Beings, I kind of just.. liked not having the really obnoxious stereotypes even if the solves were weak. It was light and enjoyable and the lack of toxic women as a pain point was refreshing.

[@mariajulietrosenabatanzi4821]

I enjoyed New Life Begins. I didn't give it much depth of thought since it was a light drama. Everything you said about though is so true.

[@katiirabbi]

well 都智文, one of the singers for the duet ending song of Lighter and Princess, has a super Korean name, is from the part of China that borders Korea (north), and literally ALL of his recent works have given me k-drama vibes. Not that it's a bad thing, it's just...not surprising given his background lol

[@tannu_______]

Yahh I was waiting for the reviews of both the dramas❤both along with Love Between fairy and devil were my top dramas this year❤

[@amysbees6686]

Let me just start off by saying I'm an American female of European decent, completely non Chinese speaker. I first got into Chinese films over 30yrs ago with "Raise The Red Lantern". It was a seminal moment for me. No more Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan movies for me! Watching "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" was visually mind blowing. I absolutely loved it. It was "action" on an entirely different level from Hong Kong cinema. My first "Chinese drama" was "Ruyi's Royal Love in The Palace". It was very engrossing and beautifully filmed, yet the constant machinations and outright violence was rather off-putting. I shortly thereafter discovered "Eternal Love of Dream" and "Ancient Love Poetry," which are among my favorites. What I love most of Chinese dramas is the reinforcement of traditional Chinese values (Taoist/Buddhist) and the concept of justice prevailing. "New Life Begins" has become one of my favorites. The obvious feminism theme, while seemingly novel, becomes a bit overbearing. Of course I want the oppressed women to escape their oppressors! Of course it's funny when the "Solar Ladies" revolt en masse! Of course it's funny when the dorky brother is wed to the warrior princess! But what happened to the girl who became the (former) Crown Prince's concubine, while heart-wrenching, may have been more true to real life in Ancient China (from what I've researched). I agree. How ALL the ladies (wives and concubines alike) were able to get "easy outs" was almost insulting to the audience's intelligence, as you mentioned. I was waiting anxiously for some more dramatic tension at certain points. (Ex. Why didn't the Crown Prince try to burn down the ladies' restaurant, instead of merely having the businessman brother open a competing restaurant directly across the street?)

[@orionnguyen5152]

Hey, AvenueX jie jie! I really appreciate your point of view on how the drama New Life Begins takes on the gender equality problem. Then I look through the comment section, I see not a lot of people share the same thoughts with you. Most audiences focus on how nice this drama is in terms of the entertaining elements this drama brings to them. So I want to leave this comment to let you know that progressive thinking coming from reviewers like you is very much needed. Please continue to share thoughts like these even though not a lot of audience are thinking the same things.

[@Zzz-im3dt]

8:29 i thought i the only one who ship li wei and yuan ying😂 I actually hope director to give them more screen time hahaha

[@julesverneinoz]

My thoughts? I haven't watched either drama but listening to your description of the male lead in NLB, I'm reminded of my recent visit to the zoo where my friends and I were talking about how male lions do nothing but look tough so he can deter any attacks to his pride, but the ones doing the work in a pride are the female lions hahaha. In a society where security is better maintained, the role of a male lion is up for question. Thanks for the review.

[@TheNaturalStateTX]

Im loving new life begins. Waiting on the eng subs for the last 10 episodes thiugh

[@Pkhyber]

Watched female lead of L&P in "Love will tear us apart". Both lead were phenomenal along with film.

[@kara-karina8530]

I agree, New Life Begins is of similar feel as Song of Youth I'm just watching. A clever, resourceful heroine with a partner with puppy eyes who lets her do everything for him and supports her no matter what happens.

[@nana-rl4yf]

Honestly, I agree on your points for both dramas. But for L&P, their chemistry, visuals, OSTs and the overall vibes distracted me from the problems so for me it's one of the best modern cdramas in 2022. And for New Life Begins, I liked the "unrealsitic-ness" at first, but I got bored towards the middle. I still enjoyed it though, for the comedy and how the women worked together.

[@tinthaung7118]

Oh AvenueX !!! That’s what I think. The winner is Bai Jing Ting!!!! Hahaha!!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@nevermorelenore4700]

The romance in New Life Begins didn't have the emotional punch that I felt it needed.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Happy Holidays to AvenueX!

[@MsFiona33]

Arthur Chen is the most charismatic actor of his generation.If they don’t cancel him midway like they did to so many promising actors ( in China you never know), he will have a promising future.As for L&P , the main cp is adorable although the drama could be shorter , it is nice to watch. New Life Begins IMHO is the drama of the year.To have such a positive, warm drama in difficult times as 2022 is a privilege.

[@talghow-i2326]

They started a conversation. The skill set that is needed. The male lead and the proper wife are so much a like. They are the male and female version of each other. The femals characters dialogue was my favorite. The point in this world that each state luves differently allows in some way makes the stiry more ... functionally possible.

[@EFinately]

Idealistic portrayal is an important mirror for society. NLB reminds me of Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood.

[@uaher6841]

Yesssss!!!! I had that same exact impression. Li Wei and ying yuan had a much more developed relationship and I really shipped them and it absolutely broke my heart when their relationship sort of ended!

[@vilena5308]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@msfoxjumpedover5510]

Finished watching NLB being a fan of BJT. Its refreshing when the harem plot is opposite of the norm. I love the comical character of the 4th or 5th prince as the husband of the warrior princess. Fun watch.

[@peachmilk5227]

agree re: lw & yy, and ngl share the same sentiment with zy & rd in l&p

[@nilmalasari918]

It's so refreshing to hear your rant about the drama after quite some time.. i just gather my soul back .... I hope we will watch leo yunki soon...

[@alichea5423]

I totally agree with u when u talk about the female lead role. It's the reason why I gave up on this drama. 1 gold bar ranking it too too generous for me

[@deyayona]

Watched both the dramas, liked them both. These are probably not the best of all times kind of dramas but while airing I thoroughly enjoyed them. I might watch it second time but obviously skipping unimportant parts. For both the dramas I somewhat agree with AvenueX. I am not convinced with LiXun's actions in the 2nd half or probably a few eps before that (just before he ends in prison). Even though I can understand zhu yun's care for lixun and waiting and sacrificing for him, I certainly do not agree. Overall I only watched through the drama because of the ML and FL. All other characters are unimportant. As for New Life Begins, it kind of passed easily. 40 episodes did not seem long or bored at all. The drama is very much enjoyable from start to end. And the reason may be as AveX explained, they over simplified things and I agree, but sometime we viewers need something to sooth ourselves from harsh reality. Its fine for me to watch fantasised dramas as long as they don't fail logic and common sense. Though it kind of fails logic in the end but I can ignore that. I did not like the idea where all 9 women who came to marry were given ministry jobs. What if someone was not ready for ministry level job? Isn't it something that they (main females characters) were trying to stop, that is not to force someone to do things they do not want to?

[@toki7111]

So true, new life begins is like a dream. There is no real big issue that needs to be resolved. It's more like watching girls get together to eat and enjoy life and having fun, which is the reason why i watch the drama. It's so easy and breezy 🤣

[@just_cat_stuff]

I found that the only way to watch New Life Begins is to watch it through xianxia eyes *lol* So although it's a period setting it's just too "fantasy" to watch through the same eyes as something like TROP, etc. It was nice to have a show to watch that was easy on the brain as well as the eyes, and isn't full of overblown angst and conflict (Story of Minglan, I'm looking at you - 7 episodes of just in-laws fighting 😅) I laughed so much about wanting Li Wei and Yuan Ying to be a couple, because I shipped the hell out of them all being in a healthy, supportive poly relationship and just doing nice domestic things to support one another, and I was so hoping she's stick around until the court reformed and could get a place where she could just harangue the sh*t out of Yin Zheng when he was being dense.... 😆 Yes, I have Feelings on this issue! *lol*

[@submersionn]

Love your points on the sacrificing yourself for someone else (wtf?) as well as the too idealized storyline, makes me kinda miss my naive younger self wouldve loved these shows if my brain was shutoff

[@Faith2202]

similar feels about Yuan Ying and FL! Also Yuan Ying and anyone else really. And it’s not a realistic depiction of gender struggles. But tbh it’s better than 90% of cdramas

[@alenra1114]

I like Arthur Chen❤

[@sigyul2283]

I have a few episodes left for New Life Begins. It's a decent drama, just not compelling enough for me to rush over to the end. I have no interest to start Light and Princess.

[@ladytokoni]

I completely agree about the level of sacrifice the Princess paid in the Lighter and Princess. It would have been fine, if there was a pay off. There was never a pay off in this story. He didn't wait for her or sacrifice anything for her. The director of this story also did My sunshine and there were Easter eggs from that story in L&P and the plots are quite similar, however in My Sunshine the ML pays off the cost of her sacrificial love; he takes big risk in their relationship: blindly and bravely going forward without any real assurances that it will work out. And we don't see the same actions in L&P; maybe it is due to how much the actors are able to express or may be the story just doesn't have it.

[@florfred1786]

What did she sacrifice? Obeying her insufferably class biased mom? Taking a different option that might just as well have led her into an impasse (remember when she was studying other studies options and realized it was not for her) ? Accepting a bland life with the painter? Going on as mindless robot exile with a high paying job and no sentiments ? What did he sacrifice ? Side tracking his job goal to satisfy her pressing demand about competitions, twice. His future with her if she could not understand why he was driving her away that way (she was too clingy and "righteously naive"). His freedom for three years. His hopes in case she really wanted to hook with the painter, as it looked like. Open-eyedly taking the risk that he had no assurances that working with Zhu Yun could work out for their personal relationship. So no, I do not agree with you. To me, the actors had exceptional chemistry and expressed just as they should their cold blooded or over eager characters, still finding it possible to find almost unspoken understanding : Li Xun sensed her presence even when she was not in front of him, and although annoyed at first, he quickly accepted her kicking him and pushing him to do what she wanted. She also could express her feelings to him without unnecessary talk. But she had more difficulty understanding his continuous planning ahead, until she reached some level of maturity after the exile to go study abroad. Then, she started seeing what he was going to do, and where she fit in, how precious they were to each other, so she could yes, sacrifice a transient moment of her online reputation for him, knowing that this would not last, but that the "betrayers coat" would be shed off with their recovering the company. That's my view, and I really liked that drama. Acting to me felt excellent, including the way Chen Feiyu portrayed a short tempered sleep deprived geek with a back injury and a towering pride that prevented him from showing weakness, but did not prevent him from talking with respect and adult maturity to his teacher, Mr Lin, accepting his requests even when those made him unable to avoid Fang. Knowing himself enough to accept that he was cold blooded but flawed from his past mental and physical trauma, and knowing Zhu Yun enough to accept her reckless naivety several times. I believe it is a good thing that this drama does not mirror too much My Sunshine.

[@adamyoung9132]

Most of the trouble the ML got into in Lighter & Princess was due to things he did on behalf of the FL. So it makes sense why she would be loyal to him and sacrifice for him.

[@florfred1786]

Except I never felt she sacrificed anything.... Except perhaps, for a foreseeable short time, her online reputation when she brazenly posted the incriminating video. After all, once they's recovered control of their company, this would easily be cleared up. Sacrificing obeisance to a near abusive mom was hardly a real sacrifice. And she never had more than sibling like friendship for the painter. She was unhappy and had to rely on meds to bear her exile abroad, so sacrificing a high paying career there hardly was a sacrifice either. She gained joint control over the company she had helped found, and a companion who never set eyes on a competing female. Being loyal is a choice. It was her bottom line, and she hoped she was right that he would choose the same: he did. Happy end. Very realistic story.

[@heatherjordan1451]

Really enjoyed your take on the "sacrificial"type of relationship. I also find those hard to watch because in my mind, I cannot then invest in the opposing character. They are too selfish.

[@jengeron4758]

New Life Begins is one of my favorites this year, but yes, I also sensed that the level of women empowerment they shown doesn't fit the setting. I don't think in that Era women can operate their own restaurant. But yes, it was entertaining and light hearted.

[@lemonvince9143]

I have to disagree with the review on how the writers are trying to allow women to overcome their difficulties easily. You have to watch this drama with the lens that it DOES NOT REFELCT OUR OWN WORLD. This drama right from the start has already shown that it's a world on it's own and did a great job doing world building. The drama world has different cultures and settings from our own world, just look at Danchuan where it's a matriarchy which generally do not exist in our world. I also do not think the writers would intend for this drama to reflect on the realities that women faced in our world. This drama serves to portray an alternative to how period drama writing do not always have to be about inner court infighting or huge political struggles.

[@negar5840]

Totally agree with you 👌🏻

[@susantham7665]

100% agreed

[@dorapoch]

I am enjoying them, but at a very slow pace because it's not a page turner and I cannot get into it for the very reason you mentioned. NLB , it was hilariously funny and I love all the parts they went against the norm but after a while it is obvious it was intentionally done. Bravo for doing it but I will have to digest it slowly to enjoy it fully. Lighter and Princess, it drags and no matter how much i love looking at the leads, I don't quite buy into their relationship and will not understand why they get together years later or why such strong feelings are still attached. We will see, the school scenes are dragging and I just want to get to present time.

[@submersionn]

I was absolutely dumbstruck when Hao Jia had such a happy turn of events, it really took me out of the story set in ancient timeline, might as well throw her entire storyline in the modern world which even then, has much worse endings in reality

[@setyoirawati196]

I am with your opinions ...

[@SonaTalks.]

just finished new life begins! do have to catch up on lighter and princess tho

[@klaraelisabeth]

I have to change some of my thoughts on New Life begins. It was ok until after the prince Song case was solved. Fourth prince story added nothing since the Song story was so similar and his wife being so schrewed was a deviation from the overall tone of the whole drama. Maybe it's solved later but I just don't feel it. I might drop it now on episode 37.

[@melodysweetmusic177]

i think for NLB they just kept it very light, if they went more deeper into the not very logival way it is filmed and written, it would be too heavy i think

[@michellefeng867]

I really don't like NLB, and I can't get the Main CP. I watched L&P till about episode 15 then I just couldn't continue to watch it.

[@lily5473]

new life begins and l&p were perfection in my opinion