【前期剧评】Pearl Eclipse - First Impression [CC]

[@Dentope]

Ji Chang wook's acting in Empress ki is indeed legendary ✨

[@klenev]

Whatever he does... He's so damn good ! Love him.

[@Dentope]

@@klenev totally!

[@trailingthewind6891]

Ahh Empress Ki! I laughed and wept with that drama, such a brilliant work.

[@aqmi]

Yes ! Love him and that drama !

[@alexiel4041]

I think the same, I wish I would review this drama...

[@aprillen]

I laughed at the FL supposedly having grown up as a boy while wearing false eyelashes and behaving like a spoiled princess... sorry, but I just couldn't take it seriously. The child actress who played her character in the first episode did such amazing job, though! I would have wanted to see the entire drama with her in the lead role!

[@dieforwenqingliveformengzo3241]

Yeah. And I wish she and her senior brother had romance which graduated throw years. That would be interesting

[@ruhau309]

And i thought I was the only one who found that girl special

[@hpr2008]

I laughed at everyone realizing she's a woman when her hair ornament is shot off and her hair falls.

[@vinter3693]

I have the same problem as usual: Yang Mi being forced to play a naive "young girl" and it just ends up so cringe. Avenue talked about this in her Legend of Fuyao review too. I just can't stand seeing a 35 year old woman going "🥺 Shifuu...". It's so sad how Yang Mi isn't allowed to age because of the industry. At least from what I've seen "She and her perfect husband" and the new doctor drama look like a much better fit for her.

[@Princess_Lexi_]

I totally agree, she’s above this type of role. It’s so disappointing 😕

[@Nicole-gb4ze]

Totally agree. I stopped watching after episode 5. Very disappointing.

[@maimee2angel]

She get off “shifu” stage quite fast. I probably have different take on this. She’s being older made me less squeamish about age difference between shifu & student falling in love. They didn’t specified the current age but she could be in 20s. She also once said the age difference between her & shifu not that big. He only few years older. So I just take it that shifu in 30s and she’s in mid 20. Ps: I didn’t read the novel.

[@shaestevens8514]

Yang Mi owns part of the production company that produces these dramas having her play teenagers. She's actively adding to the status quo, for whatever reason. This is part of the problem as she has the clout to change things and isn't trying at all. It's more like she knows she's aged out of this kind of role and greedily snatched the role from the "next pretty young thing", instead of pushing for meaty roles for her age. She should've aged the entire character lineup. The script alone keeps reminding you how young everyone is supposed to be.

[@mushiroom7711]

@@shaestevens8514 I agree but there isn't much good roles for older actresses. However, what she can do is to create more dramas and roles for (older) actresses. She has the funds and popularity to make it happen. I think that would at least improve her reputation

[@amnal3983]

Omg you referenced Empress Ki. Completely agree it’s a brilliant portrayal of a “mad king.” Edit: I’ve just read the other comments and everyone is talking about Empress Ki 😂

[@bunnyjackson5341]

I am so glad you mentioned Empress Ki! I started watching Kdramas because of it and then I disckvered the world of Cdrama. Yes, the acting there is brilliant. Love it!

[@zarinanjumoishe367]

Omg yesssss....JI CHANG WOOK just nailed the character in later part of the empress ki

[@alexiel4041]

I think the same, I wish I would review this drama.

[@kimusic3089]

Lol, when she mention about Ju Jing Yi lead drama, I don't know whether I should laugh or feel bad for JJY.

[@kimusic3089]

@HAULINGWOLF AMV 2.0 well she is an okay actress; but there some problem with her drama and company. First, I heard that her company require to look very good in every scene, even some scene like funeral of sickness, she have to put very strong make up and deep red lipstick; and no dirty. And lately, she been using a lot of tangle on her head in last few drama. Second, he drama has a very bad storyline and don't make any scene plot; the only thing that have is a very good looking ml and fl. I agree that Legend of Yunxi is her only best drama that I could recommend because of her action,the rest is just so so or trash.

[@rubirubbies]

She’s an okay actress but she’s just a girl that is too pretty and that’s kinda what she does is just staying pretty for her role like her characters that she did for her dramas doesn’t really express her well

[@accio9816]

@@kimusic3089 this is true her only dramas that were actually good were with ZZH but he is banned and also her company doesn't allow much intimate scene ( though that's not an issue ) but her kissing scene comws out really bad its looks like kissing a plank

[@susu_m]

@@accio9816 I really liked her in yunxi and I was also reading the book too. she was in another one I watch, legend of white snake(?) but I didnt finished, but I didnt known that about her company 😬

[@accio9816]

@@susu_mshe is an idol so she has restrictions but her company is obessed with making her look beautiful in all scenes thats the melon i heard not sure if its true

[@sle7864]

I must say I do like the OST and especially Zhou Shen's songs for the ending theme song.

[@missaisohee]

You can never go wrong with Zhou Shen

[@shqa574]

The OST is one of the best soundtracks.

[@ИмяФамилия-ф2д8ш]

@@missaisohee true dat

[@evod88kc]

So true! I just love Zhou Shen so much!

[@elviraquinones9481]

The Best caracter is the eunuch, he takes care of everyone like a granny takes cares of her grandsons

[@xxena22]

I love the fact that Yang Mi and a couple actors were not over dubbed i loved that

[@kf4018]

I love how you mentioned Empress Ki, Ji Changwook did his role justice as Emperor. I agree...the actor is slightly lacking in expressing how complex the emotions of the character is, he is almost just insane in a one-dimensional perspective. But it would have added a lot of value to the drama if the audience would (morally in the wrong way) feel sorry for him or be able to understand his perspective a bit more...but right now to us, he just seems like a crazy emperor who is fixated on one thing.

[@kf4018]

For some odd reason, I don't mind that the drama itself being a bit more bland and not fully CP filled...I still find myself still wanting to continue watching it to find out how things turn out?

[@nlee3499]

Honestly i am enjoying the craziness he shows the 1st few episodes it frustrated me but now him and the consort balance each in my opinion i like him so far

[@heavenlypickler]

I agree with you. His acting is so bad like a bipolar crazy emperor, can't convey or express the complexity of his character's emotions. He did a bad job.

[@kf4018]

@@nlee3499 I'm starting to give him some slack because I read from a chinese forum that it's literally his character setup that he's so unhealthy fixated on his dead lover, so maybe his acting is okay if we are truly going w the original character, but idk...I'm just watching this drama to see what happens next

[@kf4018]

@@heavenlypickler I thought this at first, but turns out some people have said that's literally his character. He's not very complex and just morbidly insane. Maybe it's the scriptwriter who didn't alter his profile to be more intriguing. But ngeh, my benchmark is still Ji Changwook

[@poongs2184]

I have totally different view..Loving the drama..It is fast paced..Usually it takes minimum 8-10 episodes for me to get hooked when it comes to cdrama..But for this I started loving it from 1st episode itself..Loving all 3 couple..Especially FangShi..I love the way the love story progressing too..Its a slow burn..Love how Haishi pursing Fang Zhu..The dynamics here is sweet..Him being the silent introvert one.. The brief romantic scenes have so much chemistry..Like poison sucking scene.. 🔥🔥🔥 Coming to 2nd couple..I wish Tilan fights back..She taking all the assault of Emperor makes me wonder if she has any other intentions and a possible spy.. And coming to 3rd couple..They have their own cute story..Wish you talked about them too..

[@TiaMorrison]

Agreed. It’s more interesting than 95% of the dramas that came out this year. Do I think it’s outstanding? No, but it’s still better than most dramas getting attention.

[@lolgiselleplayx9730]

Agreed

[@michellefeng867]

disagree

[@lolgiselleplayx9730]

@@michellefeng867 already watched til epi 22 .. so far everything so good 🥰🤗 their action and war scenes are no jokes

[@ИмяФамилия-ф2д8ш]

Seeing people giving dramas completely opposite review always confuses me - is it the best drama of the season or nonsense streched on 50 episodes? Lol but sounds not bad gotta check it out

[@AlienAceCat]

Having watched the whole drama now, I would be really interested in hearing your thoughts on the whole story. I think you're not giving it a fair shake by comparing it so much against other dramas. On it's own merits I think it stands tall. I absolutely loved the way they played it out different from the original story, and I really enjoyed watching the character growth of all the characters, but particularly between Ye Haishi and Fang Jianming, how their unequal power dynamic and political intrigues reshaped them, reversed them, and in the end left them as equals mentally and emotionally, if not quite socially. I've found myself going back to previous episodes, appreciating subtleties from earlier that didn't click into significance until later, but with hindsight enrich the story as a whole. I find this really one of my new favorite period dramas.

[@kalauj]

I still love Pearl Eclipse! 😂 It just got interesting!!!! So glad they changed up the storyline too!

[@NaBi_1307]

Watching a wuxia/fantasy/historical Chinese drama means being prepared for the worst so I always keep my expectations for a happy ending very low !

[@Hiyyaaz]

One of the reason I almost never watch a wuxia drama till the end.

[@poongs2184]

On Ten Miles..Its one of my most favourite cdrama..Watched it twice..But I started loving it from Yehua’s entry..

[@skyepann9932]

This drama is for immersive viewers, Not for people looking for tropes or something to critique. If anyone can set aside their expectations and what they know to appreciate this drama they'd appreciate somethings like: -The fact that YM's original lines in this drama convey a lot of emotion - The fact that the writer is not using villains as a main source of conflict and how much depth we can appreciate from characters bcoz of that -How naturally all romantic plotlines develop instead of the mere looking into each other's eyes and to satisfy the audience locking lips (intentionally) by episode 6 -The unusual angles to the story eg BL -etc I've found that my taste in dramas are very different from popular opinion. While many enjoyed a lot of dramas that came out this year, I found all of them bland and repititive. This is my drama of the year.

[@TemiLagos]

On point with the comment 👌. Especially the part of repetitions.

[@amyramly2908]

I agree with you. Nothing had interest me this year until this drama.

[@vidhikapoor9834]

This year no historical drama was that good though I still enjoyed one and only because I love sad stories.

[@kf4018]

although I feel this drama fall short in some areas, it has some sort of grip on me and I think your observations are on point. I continue to watch it because the plot is not something recycled and how immersive the experience is. I want to actually know what happens rather than watch knowing what will happen next.

[@returntosoilgumiho]

You know l also think that people bring in so much judgement before actually giving the drama a chance.l mean l know its not a perfect drama and the characters have flaws but damnit its a good drama...its different and it keeps people gripped .

[@Budimichael]

YEASSS… i enjoy your videos so much, better than the dramas themselves

[@tammypham7828]

I happen to like this better than ur last recommendation lol. I like the man love his cold 🥶 look...

[@EndangsArtCave]

Same here! And I can’t move on…

[@valeryhenry1461]

I'm not Chinese, and may not be able to speak of a lot of Chinese movies (seeing as I haven't watched a lot) but Pearl Eclipse rates incredibly high on my list of awesome Chinese dramas. The cast selection, their acting, storyline..etc All exceptional (not minding some imperfections here and there). I love Chan Weiting's and Yang Mi's roles ❤️

[@rosesmary]

need another review. I think the drama gets much better near the end.

[@missmercurylady]

I agree with you that the drama has been pretty bland. Ancient love poetry failed me due to my discovery of Nirvana in Fire. Now, Novoland Pearl Eclipse is failing my upon my recent discovery of Joy of Life and Cross Fire.

[@woundedsoul2093]

But they are different genre, ancient love poetry is xianxia and nirvana is historical. I love joy of life, been waiting for s2, but it seems not going to happen.

[@woundedsoul2096]

Novaland and joy of life cant be compared.

[@Nat.ali.a]

You are comparing oranges with apples

[@cassball7]

@@woundedsoul2093 joy of life is going to be 3 seasons. I believe season 2 will be released in December or January. I’m anxiously waiting as well! I loved Joy of Life. I’m going to watch again on Thanksgiving!

[@hardworkingallele003]

Loved ALP though.

[@marthaposada9525]

I love the serious i have been telling every body to see. I love the 2 actors i have seen them on other serious

[@thoughtsfullofbooks]

I'm so agree with you about their chemistry. I've seen 18 eps so far and eventho there are already kiss scenes I just feel... nothing between them. like there's no sparks, no energy and they're just there interacting with so little chemistry. i like the characters individually but the 0 chemistry makes me go rooting for the 2nd couple instead. the emperor and princess tilan's story is more interesting. it intrigues me that when their parts came, I'm so so so excited. unfortunately they only have little screentime. also compared to her amazing chemistry with mark in 10 miles, the chemistry between her and william isn't up to par to be honest

[@moonlightpaw5868]

Emperor and the princess chemistry is on point. I agree with you.

[@silvadagates6945]

1-12 eps... I didn't know what the purpose /main story of this drama... But when I saw some spoiler... Ohh i see... About sifu and his sacrifice and his own desire... And i agree with you "the story emperor and his second wife" is more interesting... I love the progress of their romantic story...

[@-ly2272]

I agree, I had the drama playing as "background music" while I was drawing.

[@patriciabourne3955]

I just love this drama, it's absolutely 💯 brilliant , well done writers

[@paradisegardenofeden6810]

In my Opinion This Drama is actually really really good!!! It’s Awesome!!! So many of us couldn’t wait for next episode after another 😍🇺🇸❤️

[@kara-karina8530]

I'm 17 episodes in and it's getting livelier. I kind of dig william chen and yang mi together. And the emperor is gaining some moments of sanity as well. Love the action sequences too.

[@TiaMorrison]

He’s about to lose his sanity in a few episodes. I give up on him.

[@shawnyang435]

Yang Mi and William Chan are fine, but my problem is Xu Kaicheng. All the goodwill I have for him from “Well Intended Love” is well spent at this point. His period styling is not that great to begin with (both in this drama and in A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College), but most importantly, he can’t control his face when the character is feeling very strong emotions-his face is so distorted when he shouts and cries. Also, as a ballet dancer, his posture and gait are not very elegant. And that extremely jerky line delivery! This character needs to be a charismatic, melancholy, tragic psycho, and what I get is an irritating brat who can’t elicit an ounce of sympathy from people. And for the entire story to work, this character really needs to stand because his relationship with the ML drives the whole plot. And it doesn’t.

[@kathleenmarie2024]

Wasn’t XK also in Dance of the Phoenix (or something or other of the Phoenix), he looked really good in that one.

[@shawnyang435]

@@kathleenmarie2024 I think so. With Yang Chaoyue. Never saw that one, though. His period styling is not as good as his contemporary styling generally, but the acting is a much bigger problem at this point. He was in that Luo Yunxi/Victoria Song contemporary drama earlier this year, and he couldn’t control his facial expressions in that one either.

[@heavenlypickler]

His acting is so bad like a bipolar crazy emperor because he can't convey his character's feelings or emotions well. He does a bad in this drama.

[@accio9816]

tbh his role kindoff remind me of Good-bye my princess LCY (ml) oliver chen was fantastic with his expression of an Anti hero but the actor here is not able to carry that role he just comes out as a psycho person it's hard to feel something for him neither anger nor sympathy

[@DramasAddict4Life]

I agree with you 100%. I’ve seen many of XKC’s drama and I just cant stand his acting. I have to say this one is his worst.

[@lunasvlog3405]

It's really gets better after ep 20 the plots,the main lead chemistry I loved mad emperor and the consort ,fang zhouying and zheulio chemistry tbh keep watching I wasn't really hooked at the first but slowly it began to one of my fav I watched so many c-drama but there were only few of them that top the lists love 020 and this one really got me hooked in some way

[@lanee7618]

I've been watching clips only to decide whether i want to watch it and i thought the same thing. The secondary couple interest me more than the main leads.

[@nicolasjuandecardenas7921]

I enjoyed this drama. But I found the relationship between the emperor and his consort much more interesting.

[@majesty1144]

I am thoroughly enjoying novoland pearl eclipse. I love the costume, CGI, fighting scenes, awesome chemistry between both leads. I love pace at which the story is going. No drama is perfect but this is a must watch in my opinion

[@nadessaclarke3208]

Agreed, everyone here is ripping it to shreds, but I really love it.

[@majesty1144]

@@nadessaclarke3208 yet the bad dramas are been praised 😂

[@nadessaclarke3208]

@@majesty1144 It is what it is😂

[@nlee3499]

@@nadessaclarke3208 i love it 2 especially the craziness of the emperor and the relationship he has with the consort i love them them🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nadessaclarke3208]

@@nlee3499 Riiight!!!😂

[@meihueikiang9418]

👏 Spot on first impression. Exactly my feelings with this drama. Love Ji Chang Wook also in Empress Ki.

[@alexiel4041]

I think the same, I wish I would review this drama.

[@rosrosy5011]

The set up, the storyline and the actors/actresses are much more better than Rebirth which you seem to give higher rating - God knows why!

[@EllaDainty]

Exactly! I have more interest on Pearl Elicpse than Rebirth

[@EndangsArtCave]

Agree!

[@mydixin]

Honestly, I love this drama I watch it up 25 and 26 today. I like it very much I wait for it every Wed in wetv .

[@LienJae]

This drama captivated me from the very first episode and it got more interesting as it went on! I find Pearl Eclipse incredibly well written and beautifully directed! The effects are so beautiful and the cast is awesome! To me, TMOPB will always be the top C-drama, no doubt. Pearl Eclipse is definitely way better than Legend of Fuyao though.

[@EndangsArtCave]

Yay!! Finally I found someone think the same way as me, after watching Novoland Pearl Eclipse, I watched Legend of Fuyao and got bored to the core!

[@jonestacara]

Really?! Legend of Fuyao was so good and much more exciting than this drama. I am enjoying this one to but LoF had me on the edge of my seat the whole time

[@peipermint]

Empress Ki is so good! I've always recommended Empress Ki to my friends if they're not looking for the typical K-drama ending. xD

[@annlv2sd]

Such a relatable/shared, first impression VLOG; hit the nail on the head!!! Not in love w/the drama, but curious enough to see it through!

[@anascolina]

Ok, I finally watched all 13 eps available to me in two days. Beautiful scenes. Beautiful song. Gosh I wish I have more eps. Lack of drama, but perfect for resting drama, because it doesnt make you agitated. I wonder what will happen next.

[@jonestacara]

Exactly some shows I like watching before bed. This is a good one for that. Interesting enough but doesn’t make you feel super anxious.

[@rashadawood8148]

I'm watching it just because I like William chan, no other reason, I'll wait for your final review 😁

[@enitanh2734]

For you guys that haven't watched more than 12 episode hold on cause it's about to be a bumpy ride am promising you. This is a actually where their relationship starts to bloom

[@TetrahedronIX]

Funny that you say that because I'm on EP 12 and its boring me so that's good to know.

[@enitanh2734]

@@TetrahedronIX the war is about to open all cans of possibilities

[@robynpeace9048]

off topic but I wonder if you have read or heard of the novel 'She Who Became The Sun' by Shelley Parker-Chan, it's set in China and it's basically a reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty and also has a woman who pretends to be a man and a warrior\eunuch as the main protagonists (and a lot of lgbt characters and themes), I think it would be an amazing drama if adapted and censorship didn't exist, it gave me that sort of feeling while reading it

[@soshistan9857]

She who became the sun is amazing, iyñt probably would never happen, but I'd love to see a drama adapted from this book

[@ess3614]

I actually really like the relationship between the leads in this drama so far! It's all very unsaid and painful. There's a lot of tension which always hooks me. It reminds me of Yuwen Yue and Chu Qiao from Princess agents, and while I didn't think that was objectively a good drama I was OBSESSED with the leads' relationship because their it never materialised and it was all pure sustained tension. Anyway in general I think Pearl Eclipse seems to have a good cast of complex characters (regardless of how well they're cast/acted).

[@LuArielLor]

Feel exactly like what you feel for Novoland Pearl Eclipse. There's just not enough substance to grip someone to give their full attention to the screen. For the most part, it feels like at times we're getting onto something but then we don't. Yet, surprisingly, there's not much that really deters you away either - despite the outdated tropes. Like you mentioned, I have a rough time trying to grasp how their relationship develops (given that I'm only at ep 9). I do like slow burn, so I'm hoping it's just one of those but it's already a given that Haishi has been receiving special treatment early on. Does that mean there are romantic feelings involved or is he just less harsh to her because she's a woman? I can't tell at this point. I can forgive the hidden gender trope but not when one's lashes are curled out so pretty like Yang Mi's. I wish there were more adaptations where they actually do put in some effort of trying to make one less feminine (in looks) if that's a good chunk of the storyline. It's enough for me right now because I'm not interested in anything else that's currently airing. I see myself sticking to the end right now as there are elements that intrigue me enough to keep me going.

[@naleenidas8444]

Yang Mi's roles in all these fantasy dramas isn't so much abt age as is due to over-exposure. It's the same tired ole roles with different names! She delivers her lines in the exact manner & intonation but only under a different guise, Still have yet to see her in a grittier role. Perhaps, she should consider going behind the camera & other production work or something.

[@earldenvoi]

When she mentioned Ji Chang Wook's acting in Empress Ki I 💯💯💯💯👏👏👏 YES PREACH 💯💯👏👏👏👏!!!! He was incredible 😭❤️!!

[@lucyv4416]

It gets better later so keep watching !! Yes she’s kinda old for the drama but it’s still good

[@maryannrondinella5680]

It's probably because I don't speak Mandarin, but the crazy emperor is the only character I find interesting. If all else fails, I can simply gaze at Xu Kaicheng's very handsome face. Yang Mi is hopelessly miscast. What a shame, she was great in TMOPB.

[@nlee3499]

I find him interesting too the first episodes i found him frustrating but now he is one of my favorite he gets crazy when he wants but is level headed at times and his interactions with his consort 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@12jsd34]

Same, this is the most interesting part of the story

[@TiaMorrison]

That’s about to change by episode 20. He’s irredeemably awful.

[@heavenlypickler]

His acting is so bad in the drama, can't convey his character's complexity emotion. He did a bad job.

[@indianAJ93]

i've been waiting for this review!! thank you!!

[@moodygirl609]

Had many problems with the teacher and 'son' relationship. Didn't realize he was supposed to be a eunuch so just thought he was wooden, unbending, even cruel in his responses to her. The Emperor was not only crazy but totally sadistic in how he treated his love's look-alike. Didn't mind the depiction of some of Yang Mi's kungfu. But my favorite character was her 'brother' disciple and his sad love story.

[@Yaya88007]

Can you believe I watched Empress Ki like 10 times, My whole fam loves and we hated hated the emperor and we loved him later when we were bit mature and could understand emotions a bit, But what an actor Wookie is, WOW, I totally get it the crazy emperor, destroyed in every way yet fragile and pretty... and those crying... OMG... Totally... I don;t like William chan's drama, I just watched him here and there and him as a lead male with Yang Mi.... I think I will let go..... Thank you for your review, I made my mind crystal.

[@hafizadam_azlan]

teacher-disciple relationship is actually a red flag for separation. it feels like the crazy emperor is the ML eventually while shifu is only transient love interest aka 2ML.

[@Bambammbi]

Lol I feel stressed watching this drama even though I’m just starting into a few eps 🤔 I read the synopsis online and it did clearly stated that there is love triangle🥲 Dramas follows .lol idk but I will try to keep going bc im not a fan of love triangle lol🤣😩

[@TiaMorrison]

@@Bambammbi I’m caught up and I’m super stressed out by this show.

[@dingoodramas9851]

I've been waiting for this! Bland really is the word. I've watched 16 episodes, and I hardly feel anything about it.

[@rudzanimunyai2090]

I've been looking forward to this review since the drama started, am currently watching episode 16 but deep down i knew that after watching your first impression review i wont be able to see this drama the same way lol. Your critical perceptions are always on point.

[@Bambammbi]

The song sang by Jane is so addictive lol I’m listening it on repeat everyday since it is out 🤣🤣🤣

[@JoleCole]

I read some confirmed spoilers and the scriptwriter made some substantial changes to the original story. SPOILER ALERT: Yang Mi's character will not have a child. It's pretty evident from BTS that the second female lead, Ti Lan, will become pregnant and deliver the child. Yang Mi's character will also not have any romantic relationship with the emperor. All the CPs in this drama are quite straightforward and with no real love triangles (albeit emperor, his dead 1st wife, and Ti Lan). And agree, the main CP lacks chemistry and is rather bland. Ti Lan is probably the most impressive (in terms of acting) so far in the drama. The second CP has more angst and spice too.

[@jemaima2135]

And it made me feel frustrated with this drama they turned it upside down Tilan isn't the main lead in the book it was Haishi Fang zhu and the Emperor.

[@sonyasansc14]

I actually really like Chan Wei Ting's acting here, not so much his hairstyle :)). The thing that puts me off about the drama is the abusive treatment received by Consort Shurong from the mad king. Also, I feel like I already know the direction towards which this drama is headed with Fang Zhu getting hurt so much physically and constantly being manipulated by the very person he's given his life and whole being to. By episode 20 I think the ending is rather clear and I don't think I can bear with it. Truly it is a pity because I found the acting by the two male leads really good.

[@NToTheXP]

If you like to see Ji Chang Wook as a mad man he recently did a drama called Lovestruck in the City and it’s muuua *chefs kiss*

[@linadecrava895]

He's playing kinda troubled young man in Five Fingers. It's an old drama, before he become a main lead

[@sojun8501]

I agree about the plot, it's lack of conflict unlike other novoland series. I thought it's going to be epic story with merfolk but they just forgot about them after 1 episod and I don't know if I should watch further.

[@LadyVenVen]

OMG It’s finally out!!!! I have been waiting for it for sooo long.

[@cdtkabag139]

I know you don’t like it because it’s based on a popular historical figure, Zhang Binbin did a good job portraying a troubled emperor at such as young age in King’s Woman

[@temitopeoluwaseun]

I also couldn’t feel the chemistry and couldn’t see how they would connect romantically between the ML and FL. I saw more chemistry between the two Male Leads than the main male and female lead. Ji Chang-wook is all round an awesome actor, love of my life. I actually dropped the pearl eclipse because the torture between the male leads and the lack of chemistry between the supposed couples didn’t work for me. I was only interested in the main male lead because his sad state pulled my heartstrings other than that nothing more

[@user-lt2gk4fx7f]

Guys there's no love triangle, the marriage between haishi and the emperor was a false marriage. Fangzhu's acting is really good if you actually look closely without a X2 speed. He kept everything at the minimum because that's fangzhu's personality. Fangzhu couldn't reciprocate even if he wanted to because he thought that his fate was already doomed and he didn't want to drag her into it. Their love is more of a slow realisation of feelings between the two characters rather than a huge scene with dramatic acting. And about the voice not matching the male lead...that doesn't sound like his problem? I mean, it's because Avenue X as a viewer had an expectation of what his voice should sound like before watching and that's why she couldn't get used to that. But fyi, the voice actor's pitch that dubbed fangzhu is actually very similar to the male lead's own voice. And uh, I disagree that his acting is always the same. Suggesting y'all to check out 南方有乔木 (tele series) and 前度 (cantonese movie)。They're all very different from Fangzhu's 美强惨。

[@EndangsArtCave]

Yes!!! Agree!!! William played very differently on other movies, funny and yet problematic on Age of Legend, cool, romantic and also secretive on only side by side with you, etc. come on, some people I think just need to observe more and be more open, not judgemental from the beginning. And yes, the dub is so similar with William Chan’s voice.

[@luisaramos6862]

I absolutely agree. I watched him on side by side with you, dance of the storm, mystic nine, love lost in time and novoland and none of them are similar. I also love his micro expressions, which are superb as Fang Zhu. You can even read his mind and answer the question he's being asked without him saying a word and that's for sure a sign of great acting. People just stay on the surface with this character which was built beautifully. A golden heart, soft and gentle, wrapped in a mass of murder muscle who would do anything for honor and to keep his promises. He thinks his fate is doomed, that he doesn't deserve love, that he can't be loved and can't give what he wants to give and yet he falls as he himself says it, on the weakness of a moment and allows himself to love just to find himself in even more dire circumstances proving his own belief that he doesn't deserve happiness. A beautiful troubled character who has only known pain and sees a glimpse of light with Haishi only for it to be taken away from him. And I do believe Chan Weiting did a great job with this character and the voice actor matched him quite well in my opinion, even if I'd have prefered his own voice

[@Breenndda]

Honestly, I'm only interesting in Tilan's story. I like the actress who plays her plus her voice is very soothing. Tilan is quite pitiful and I look forward to seeing how she proceeds forth.

[@alexiel4041]

Please do a review of Drama Empress Ki, it is my favorite drama and there is hardly much quality information about the drama because it premiered since 2013 please!!!

[@paulinasiti6274]

I like Xu kaicheng act in this drama, very fit

[@MercyAlwyz23]

It’s funny she chose not to have comfort in the beginning but later that’s all she wanted.

[@amishasaha5975]

Yes even I loved Ji Chang Wook in Empress Ki 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@alexiel4041]

I think the same, I wish I would review this drama.

[@liuyanyin1789]

Thanks to u. I've been waiting for ur review for this "Pearl Eclipse" whether I should watch it or not. Cuz I've watched every drama of Yang Mi. 期待下个视频 🤍

[@isisstardust]

It's a far better production than the previous Novoland series. But they sure love using foam sets >>_

[@linadecrava895]

I think Novoland Eagle Flag has better production, but the plot and story really such a let down

[@patriciakalili2433]

Wow, again I am in awe to learn Chinese history from this review. Also, to state, I gave up on this story early, early after a few episodes. Had absolutely no clue how it would end. But very content that my time was not wasted any further. Mahalo for lauding the Korean drama of the mad emperor. Watched all of that back when!! Also, the the review of Fall in Love was quite harsh, but had to be said. It was a prolonged saga of cat and mouse until I left it. Maybe showed some improvement along the way, but doubt it. Until the next review ‘event’!!

[@pinkyperi1295]

Almost everything you said in the video are really what i was thinking watching over 10 episodes. And I really watched it with double speed lol . I thought it would be something enjoyable when I watched 1st Epi coz of Young Hai Shi: she portrayed very well and the setting was in coastal area. but yeah it happened: typical Imperial Palace Plot which i personally dont like. And one thing i feel uncomfortable is that I cant really relate the adult glow up of Young Hai Shi with Yang Mi Appearance. I just felt like they are two different people. Sad. Honestly I waited tooo longgg for this YangMi's Drama and had some expectations but yeah everything turns out like you said. I am not disappointed. I will just drop it and will be continue watching Love at Night

[@ellieho9877]

Can you briefly talk about the scriptwriter, director (if this info is public) besides the lead actors and actress when introducing the drama?

[@AuroraBlack18]

Not OP, but I do have some info to share if you don't mind. It's common in C-dramas that the credited scriptwriter is not the author but rather they employ a group of writers to write for them. (Though highly reputed script writers in general don't do this). So sometimes you can't tell who are the scripwriters exactly unless you're the producer themselves. About this drama: as far as I know, the script writing is done by the same company that has written Hikaru No Go and The Ideal City (two dramas with good word of mouth). The thing is though, 1. the Pearl Eclipse novel is way too short for 48 episodes; 2. in the original novel, there are these relationships, including ML/SML, ML/FL, SML/FL (like Avenuex mentioned) but I think they had to change the SML/FL relationship to SML/SFL and also change the dynamics between ML/SML, so it would not be so morally controversial. But these changes made the SML's story pretty much unrelated to the FL's plot line (at least in the first half of the story) and it greatly reduced the whole dynamics of the drama, IMO. So far it seems that the overall the quality of this script is not bad but it isn't on par with the other two works mentioned here and it has to do with the quality of the original novel as well. As to the director, she's called Jin Sha and she directed several of Jaywalk Studio's self-produced dramas. I'd say she has quite a reputation of being bad unfortunately because of her previous works: Sweet Dreams (Dilreba & Deng Lun), Drawing Sword 3 (Zhang Yunlong) are all rated as terrible. Part of the blandness of this drama has to do with her not being able to manage the pacing that well, IMO.

[@ellieho9877]

@@AuroraBlack18 Thank you so much for the C-drama insights. Do you know how the copyright issues are in China? Do people take it serious? I think it's a must to do credit to the individuals involved (not the whole company). Don't the scripwriters want to be personally credited especially when it is a S (or S+) project like this? Maybe they know their writing is not outstanding so they want to hide their identity =)))

[@AuroraBlack18]

@@ellieho9877 It's the case that they have the consensus of these scriptwriters.

[@lngl]

Yes, watched it whilst scribbling and cooking. Something to get back on when I’m wanting background drama to see the story to the end. I’m off to check out Empress Ki

[@alexiel4041]

I think the same, I wish I would review this drama.

[@depthily]

Haha from your review it doesn’t sound like a one gold mine drama. Is it possible to request a video of most expensive period productions?

[@pammiim]

I hope you review Korean dramas too. I would love to hear your opinion.

[@jhingbangayan762]

Ji Chang Wook is one of my very fave SK actor. He is very good at all his dramas.

[@dmaccountsetup]

I always enjoy your review whether I agree with you or not. It's entertaining. LOL I don't speak Chinese and don't have a vivid memory on the voice actors so William Chan's and Xu Kai Cheng's voices don't bother me at all. On Yang Mi NOT looking butch enough...aren't all FEMALE-IMPERSONATING-AS-A-MAN characters in Cdrama land doing the same thing? Unlike Cdrama, Koreans do butch well....for example, the King's Affection...​SHE BUTCH! I'm enjoying the drama so far.

[@suyv4079]

After watching your review, I'm still 50:50 on whether I should start this drama or not 😅 Before your review, out of curiosity, I watched some of the episodes highlight-vids on tencent, & I've gotta agree with your points. Production looks wonderful, story is passable...imo, I think William's & YangMi's acting is quite good (but the team could at least give him a better wig...& I appreciate YangMi's using her own voice, but her "strong nasal way of speaking" sometimes still slips out accidentally). Empress Ki ! (Nostalgic!) Ji ChangWook's portrayal of the crazy (yet fragile) emperor was insanely amazing! Gotta admit Xu KaiCheng's acting (& line delivery) is far from that. His appearance as an emperor looks good, but currently his portrayal of the character looks one-dimensional, purely crazy, just want to lash out his anger towards the whole world~

[@kathleenmarie2024]

I sooooo want to cut off that hair they pulled down front of his face! 😂

[@taiwo3136]

I do wish you liked this drama better! It's the only thing I'm watching consistently each week. Or maybe my expectations are just very very veryyyyy low after suffering through Journey of Flower and (parts of) Ancient Love Poetry. I agree with your thoughts about Yang Mi not resembling a boy at all, and yes, Chen Wei Ting's acting leaves a bit to be desired but I do think they have some chemistry between them (the only "cold shifu" characters I've enjoyed watching so far are Mo Yuan in Ten Miles and Lan Zhan in The Untamed). My favorite character in this drama so far is Wang Sen's Fang Zhuo Ying. If they kill him off, I'll be so pissed. P.S. I thought Xu Kai Cheng's diction was SUPPOSED to be like that. Somehow, I assumed that maybe some emperors are taught to speak like that...?? 😭😭

[@kathleenmarie2024]

I couldn’t finish JofF. that relationship just got so toxic! when he left her to be abused in the desert, and said it was better for her, i was all “I’m out!”. Plus I had second male lead syndrome way too bad by that point. lol!

[@EndangsArtCave]

I enjoyed this show and I looove the chemistry of the main couple. Because I dont like something that goes too easy to guess 🥳

[@remi.8332]

Im so early I'm so happy 😭😭💗💗 thank you for always uploading reviews

[@heyheymey8405]

OMG.. that's xu kai chengs real voice? I thought they dubbed him over. I got used to watching him in the well intended love and a female student and the imperial college

[@aurora_love0209]

Ok Avenuex…you made my day at 9:47 lol😂😂🤣🤣🤣that’s literally sounds the SAME lmao

[@jocelyneatscooksandmore]

I watched the first ep and skimmed through the second. I’ve been watching clips/trailers of all the other episodes they released to members only. I have to agree with you that the story is blah and slow. I’m enjoying the costume and production more than the actors. It’s more of a background drama. It does seem like things pick up a bit around ep 15-19. I’m most intrigued by Tilan and the emperor’s storyline and how she manages to deal with him. I’m wondering if Tilan will be out of the picture once Haishi enters the palace.

[@JOURNAITV]

Can you review on the drama love at night?

[@joliebijoux2203]

I love Yang Mi and I came to check this drama bc of her, I have to agree that this slow pacing drama needs something "major" to kick in. In waiting for it. First 12 episodes was Okay but enjoyable imo. I wasnt crazy got up early in the morning and hurry check newly aired episodes. But im on ep 18 now and I must say I grow interest on ea characters. Hope the pace runs faster from now on.

[@Sophie-yy6tc]

She is spot on - I did a lot of "fast forward" on this drama. This drama feel flat to me. No chemistry between the male and female lead. The mad emperor and Shurong characters are more interesting.

[@minimissmai]

I’ve never been able to sit through a whole drama from any of the Novoland series and I was really looking forward to this one. I’ve watched up to episode 8 and will be holding it until all the episodes come out. I agree that this drama is pretty bland and I wish there is something more captivating about it besides the ost.

[@thechibiz]

with all the garbage that they all put out there now a day and you think this is bland? I have to disagree.

[@appleish5043]

@thechibiz He can think it’s bland while there is so much garbage out there. How do you know whether he even bother with the garbage? Because if he doesn’t bother trying any of the garbage, it’s still garbage and it still doesn’t affect his POV. Plus, just because there are so much garbage, it doesn’t make this one gold 😒

[@svyatoslavrurikovich8831]

The first half of Tribes and Empires was really top notch, very high quality show. I binged multiple episodes in one go. But then the second half came and it became clear that they just kept artificially dragging and prolonging the plot and the series as a whole suffered because of it.

[@thechibiz]

@@appleish5043 this is where ppl go to have conversations, share thoughts not to pick fights and of course, everyone entitled to their opinions. you just need need to chill!

[@appleish5043]

@@thechibiz lol, you were the one who has to oppose ppl’s free opinion, I think you can take your own advice :)

[@dochaluvr]

ji chang wook!!! an ACTOR indeed

[@wafaechan]

Indeed, and I dropped it, first, when I watched YangMi screaming "Shi Fu" like she's a kid, her style (probably the hair) gave her age away, so my brain was not accepting that's a teenage girl, then I focused more on neckline, the gaze and attitude, that's a mature woman out there lol xDDDDD but I tolerated it, I was hoping to watch something interesting like 10miles or the previous Pearl Eclipse, but like you said, it was so flat, events evolve tooooo slowly... and the leads, omg.. how do I put it.. emmm : If YangMi was their ShiFu that would make more sens xD

[@jonestacara]

She looks young but not too young to make it creepy between she and her older shifu. That would be weird

[@wafaechan]

@@jonestacara it's creepy anyway 😂😂😂😂

[@magnoliaflower1020]

I totally agree with you. Additionally, when I heard Yang Mi’s voice, after a long time not watching of her drama, I realized how small and childish sound like is her voice. I now realize why she was dubbed in the past as O cannot relate her boy’s face and her tiny voice here.

[@Usagiako]

@AvenueX Now I’m so curious to see if your opinions have changed on some characters after eps 13 and 14. Especially wanna hear your take on the bond the 2 male leads have now that we know more about their tied fate.

[@myrnawinters4573]

I agree with you … the story is bland there’s no chemistry between the male and female leads, I think Yang Mi is rather too old for the role… nothing outstanding about the drama so far like costumes, cinematography,or even the OST, nothing in this drama makes me look forward to be excited to watch the next episodes

[@auntjade5354]

agreed

[@Bambammbi]

I only liked the ending ost so far 🤣🤣🤣 Other than that, the story didn’t followed after ep 1 bc im learning absolutely nothing about mermaids and Merfollks And felt like after ep 1 is another world lol

[@rosasalas7208]

Disagree!!

[@EndangsArtCave]

Disagree.

[@isratjahanjoya9550]

Yang Mi's age is a big no for me. At her age playing this kind of little girl character really doesn't suits her. I feel XuCai Cheng role will get better with time. His type of character needs time to build. Also I don't understand how Yang Mi and William's character will be together in the drama.

[@auntjade5354]

I agreed

[@moonjain454]

Well that's what actors do tho

[@teneiamitchell2650]

Agree this reminds of a Lifetime tv movie you cant have 30 year old's playing 16-20 year old's. Yang Mi is a good actor but she has a mature face not a girls face time for her to move on from these type of roles.

[@jazpeters281]

I have recently finished up to ep. 24 of this drama and must say that you have to find a part of the plot that is interesting for it to keep you hooked. For me it is definitely the mermaid concept. I want to know how that part of the plot is going to continue to unfold in the later episodes. I will also say the FL and ML chemistry starts to develop more but its not as interesting as the mad Emperor's chemistry with the consort. I am looking forward to seeing how the consort either wins the heart of the emperor or if she fails. I am also intrigued on how the FL love triangle aspect that was mentioned in the description of the drama comes about. I do think that the ML is very frustrating to watch at times and is self-sabotaging so it is very hard for me to wish a happy ending between him and the FL. Not that I am really cheering for the FL and the Emperor to have a happy ending either...

[@AlienAceCat]

The ML is extremely self sabotaging, it's a huge point of frustration, but I think that very frustration surrounding his behavior and mindset is part of what makes his character growth so compelling. The emotional payoff is increased in the end by the dynamic growth of all the characters - the way they start is so different from how they end, and it's done in these gradual, winding ways that feel organic, with two steps forward and one back, peppered with leaps of faith and moments of profound catharsis. These characters are all tangled in knots, and their unraveling is so satisfying. --POSSIBLE SPOILERS-- I really enjoyed the mermaid element, especially the scene with the envoys in episode 44 (I think), I actually laughed out loud with glee at the look of awe and disbelief on everyone's face, particularly the current villain. The FL was so cool, and the look of open pride and respect on ML's face made my heart want to burst. And it showed how truly far the emperor's character had come emotionally, his stoicism, his expression of pain without explosive rage, and the way he bowed in respect and gratitude to the mermaid. Anyway, tldr, my rec is to keep watching, so worth it in the end.

[@jonestacara]

I keep hearing how Faishi and the emperor might end up together. I am not excited or looking forward to that at all. I also don’t understand why the consort keeps sabotaging herself. Like girl why are you trying to dress up like his ex when every time you do things like that he gets pissed off. It makes no sense. I like Zhaoling and Zelui relationship the best.

[@sashaa4412]

I nodded at a lot of your comments throughout the whole video, I totally get what you mean !!! And funny thing was....I was actually thinking to myself as I watched Pearl Eclipse "Am I the only one who thinks/feels this way??" And like you, I also lost the motivation to stay with the series after 10+ episodes. 食之无味，弃之可惜。Indeed ! Lol ...但我终究还是弃剧了 🙈

[@chitru1983]

Can you review Marvelous Woman. I have started it and I am surprisingly liking it so far. I love the sets and production. I wonder what you'd have to say about how authentic it is though with the era it depicts. I always rely on you for context. Haha

[@aurora_love0209]

I think she might not be reviewing Marvelous Woman ever on her channel bcuz of the copyright issue caused by the production company. You can read details abt it in her community section.

[@soshistan9857]

what really put me off in the first episode was this whole falling in love montage with a minor, it was so uncomfortable

[@thoughtsfullofbooks]

yeah me too. i honestly surprised when haishi is still a teenager there's a scene of her looking at her shifu with heart eyes and romantic song in the background and i was like... no way in hell. i don't mind shifu/disciple trope i love ten miles of peach blossoms i like mo yuan and bai qian, but at least in tmopb they're both adults and immortals so they're already thousands years old yk. they could've changed fang zhu's appearance to look younger imo so it would be less creepy