I actually enjoyed this drama. Very refreshing to see a witted, smart FL who doesn't depend on the ml to save her all the time. Fast plots and conflicts resolved quickly. Dylan's acting seem even better than before, especially his martial art skills was amazing in this drama.
There was so much censorship on this drama. It’s crazy. Any of the scenes that are missing are the ones where there is so much more chemistry. They even chop out the scene where he tells her he is not a eunuch! Wtf?!!! Makes no sense. These are some pivotal moments that we are not getting, so of course it doesn’t make sense.
About the revenge part of the main male character, I think the writers in this drama should learn from the writers of Love like the Galaxy, General Ling got his revenge very satisfyingly at the later end of the drama. The revenge plot and romance is very well balance in there. I hope Wang Hedi future project will be as good as LBFAD.
Thats the problem of most idol dramas, they base their whole plot ab revenge but in the end,they just give half ass revenge when the villain somehow regrets his evil deed
💯 Agreed. LLTG was a master piece. No argument on that. I guess although this story has a similar story line it's obviously not as strongly written and directed.
@@chamalkakariyawasam3480 LLTG is a work of art. Just by watching the 1 min start of the drama, you would already know it would be soooo good. I'm really hoping that will get a lot of amazing drama this year with a very good writing, directing, editing , and acting, Just like Love like the Galaxy and Love Between Fairy and Devil last year.
I have no problem with the main lead changing his goal. Afterall, he's been working towards it for 6 long years. He only shifted his goal when he realized that he's powerless in preventing the emperor from taking away the love of his life and that he has no other lead in his brother's investigation. It seems a reasonable choice to choose to protect the living. The drama itself is ok and as expected and I think your rating in appropriate.
I agree. I felt like he gave up on the revenge when he realized that he has been pursuing the wrong lead all these years and that he is about to lose the love of his life. I think these are big enough motivations for him to give up on revenge. The rest of it, I agree with her.
Agreed on all points. I was really hoping to hear your opinion on the censorship(?) cuts to this drama. It ruined the romance/chemistry so much for me. It even ruined the key reveal he shared with her! Not to mention, they can show an attempted assault, but they can't show kissing? So stupid.
11:08 That's because a lot cut scenes of the drama: they apasionate kisses, they deep convesations of lead characthers where deleted. That relationship + the justification to give up his revenge made the protagonist change his mind. Now, I understand why he no longer took revenge, he wanted to end the cycle of violence, he realized that having so much power and killing so many people ended up being just as bad as those who killed his brother. But they didn't delve into that reflection, they just put it in a couple of scenes and that's it.
Thank you! Biggest problem of this drama in my opinion its cutting cutting and cutting of scenes. There are moments when Wang Hedi's character wears 3 different closing styles within only5 minutes on screen((( Hate it very much((
I really like the drama. It's not perfect in terms of script and certain scenes that had to be cut due to censorship. But the characters are great. Deep down the male lead is a very sad and lonely character. He does what he does to avenge his brother, but he hates his actions. And the female lead is the only one who cares for him and sees the good that he has. What's more, the female lead is a good match to Xiao Duo. She's smart, cunning and brave at times. She doesn't let others bully her and can stand up for herself. It took some time for this character to grow on me, but I like her now. Revenge is not probably intended to be central to the story. It's called "Unchained Love" after all. And I don't think Xiao Duo has lost his purpose. At this stage of the story (24 episodes) he is just desperate. His theory turned out to be wrong. There are no other leads and he is back to square one in his investigation. At the same time he is going to lose the only person he loves. I wouldn't have liked him to give up on her because he had to take revenge. I'm sure that in the coming episodes he will be able to restore justice.
Aaaaaaaaand the plot DID become better. Now that all episodes are aired.....his justification to give up revenge kinda makes sense. He says that him killing to avenge his brother leads to more killing. He also feels guilty of misusing the power just like how his brother was a victim of exactly a similar situation of where powerful people misused the power. He wants to put and end to this cycle. Story carried a good moral. Too bad the intimate scenes were deleted. Hope AvenueX could do complete review again 🥺❤️
I'm obsessed with this drama, I'm waiting for new episodes every day. I love the pairing, there is good chemistry between ML & FL and all casts, story, seriousness, sense of humor, and sweetness, and the story is moving at a good pace, never a boring moment or drag on boring scenes, etc... The ML/FL did not stop investigating his brother's case, the story is at its struggle stage, I love that ML is going crazy for FL if he loses her and they both will do anything for each other, not all about picking revenge over someone you love. I like Yukee, she has a calm, kind, and cute look, when she acts cute is just a pinch of cuteness not exaggerated like what I see from other actresses and Dylan's personality is so lively and adorable and handsome good acting, all the good stuff, I think they would make a good couple, calm and lively will balance perfectly. Some comments compare this drama to LLTG, I love Leo/Lusi, but I got bored in part 2, where the story kinda drags on and she was going to look for him. I dropped the drama shortly after that part. I enjoyed WRTW so much another drama that Lusi/Yang Yang was in, both WRTW and UCL make me feel happy the same way. My comment is a bit long, but I feel the need to defend this drama from the bad comments. This is my opinion, we can like or dislike something because we all have our thoughts. But when it comes to a drama that has ML or FL that I don't enjoy watching, I just don't watch, and will not bother to comment, I wouldn't give the drama a bad review just because I don't like one of the cast.
I am glad I didn't watch this review before watching the show. I really loved it. It was clear from about episode 5 that Duo was going to have a crisis of faith about his revenge with the conversation about the pear tree.
I actually really like this drama. I like how the male lead and female lead trust each other. I disagree with the review mainly because he didn't give up his goal but rather she joined him in trying to achieve his goal. Also, he evolves as a character as does the King in the series.
i got so tired with the misunderstandings, lying, stupid maid who always has to ask obvious questions etc tropes that i couldn't continue. And if his twin brother was supposed to be assassinated but returned, why didn't the assassin keep aiming to kill him to get it right? There were so many missed opportunities and missed plot points. I might go back to see the finish but it was a hard watch.
While there’s some problematic issues and it has a lot of cliches, I actually surprisingly enjoyed it a lot. The plot can be worked on a bit but I enjoy their moments together haha.
same. I’m actually really enjoying it. But for some reason I still like to watch avenue x’s reviews even if I enjoy a drama she doesn’t. still very insightful
@@poems642 haha. Me too! I knew she wouldn’t like it but I watched this anyways lol. But seriously, this drama is pretty fun if you’re not trying to see the logic behind some of the plot 😅
11:01 I think he is so in love with her because she is the first person who has make him feel human again. He basically sees himself as a monster because of everything he's done and she was the first to tell him that he still is a good person. You can see his behaviour towards her changes after she told him that in episode 4 or 5. Later they spent more time together and feeling get stronger.
On episode 4 or 5 she barely knew who he was, she had only heard of his power and ruthlessness. So, she tried to ingratiate his favour by adulation. If he's the clever and scheming character he's supposed to be at that point, do you really think he wouldn't have seen through the trick? Why would he fall in love with a woman who is - at that point - so blatantly faking?
@@amrita8815 I just tell it as I saw it. Maybe he needed to hear that he's still a good person and hear it blinded him. I'm aware that she said it to win his favor at that time, and not because she actually felt that way, but that was the moment his behaviour towards her change, and when he started to do good things for her, her feelings changed too.
@@noemicp he knew she was only trying to win favour, but he really just needed someone to remind him that he was actually a good person deep inside. Hearing her say that made him question his own thoughts about himself and realise that he's not actually the cruel person he'd been forced to become, she awakened his humanity again and made him question how he'd been living his life. He actually hated himself for being how he was, as a prisoner of circumstances and the system, but her words made him challenge his own thoughts about himself and how others saw him. It also marks when he went from victim in his own life, a slave to revenge, to becoming proactive in seeking out what he really wants in life and pursuing happiness, finding positivity and true meaning in life.
I watched till Ep 9. I kept seeing Dylan as that Devil character he played. The silliest scene was when he said he uprooted that pear tree just for her & my! It was already turning to fruit?! The flowers I mean!! Duh!😅🤣😂
Feel like it would be better be the censorship was less strict. There’s many scenes missing so some parts dosent link as well but I still enjoy watching it. ❤❤❤
I personally think the love story is secondary in this drama. The fact that the leads fall in love is expected. As a seasoned watcher of Chinese drama you have to ask yourself, what else? What else is there to make this drama worth watching? I think that what is worthwhile is the emperor’s character, the way he turns from an innocent weakling to a tyrant. The film is about power and goodness and the way power can and will pervert people without fibre. This IS an interesting question that we do not see often. Both leads have compassion and do not abuse a situation where they have power of life and death. They do not kill a person already on the ground. The despicable Murong does. And … the fact that the lead loses his goal… should not be held against him. His intent was to take revenge and die. His love, especially after the wedding scene, makes him realize he could just about choose to live. His strength is his unhappiness, his wish to die to rejoin his brother. Once he falls for the woman, he intuits that his life could just be lived, as if the trauma could be left behind. He thus loses his strength. I see no story weakness here.
yes I agree, the king turned out to be more evil I did not see that coming, the FL and ML charechters are made for each other they both shear similer characters
The complaint about losing his first focus was because script and show did not adequately build up their romance to account for the change. That is the issue.
@@cynthiaarnold1371 I think it's because they cut too many love scenes from the beginning of the story. How can you feel nothing when you're intimate with someone? Besides, PIL's the bravest and smartest girl XD've ever met.
Interesting points. The main character changing the goal part reminded me that in The Long Ballad, the female lead also gave up her initial goal of revenge but the story developed in such a way that it made perfect sense for the character.
Tbh, I didn’t come into this drama thinking I was gonna get a mind-blowing revenge story. Based on the trailer, I wanted a light happy romance story and that’s what I got, so maybe that’s why I’m content with the drama as of now. Maybe bc I knew the kind of budget it has, that my expectations matched what the writers made. The plot is unique and I quite enjoy the chemistry although I did find the pairing odd at first. Oh well, to each their own
Appreciate your opinion BUT, I'm loving this drama and Dylan Wang has a lot to do with it. Would give it a solid one gold bar. Good to look at and interesting story line. For me the drama did not fade in the later episodes when the couple leave the capital as I really appreciate the way that they get to know each other more intimately and form a bond. To me the ML did not give up his focus on revenging his brother. What happened is that he hit a dead end and yes got sidetracked by love and having found someone to trust his story to (pretty important I would say). She has taken up his quest for now. The lantern maker turned emperor is properly obsessed and thus annoying as hell and the 'old' empress is just sadly enarmoured with the young 'eunuch'. Only annoying character has been the ML's maid. Looking forward to the rest of the drama to come.
I definitely see and agree with some of the main points Avenue mentioned! BUT I totally agree with a lot of what you've mentioned - well said. I think there are a lot more positive aspects to this drama that I've really enjoyed (pleasant surprise). I think what was confusing/misleading was how they marketed or the trailer depicted the show to be versus what the show feels like to me right now is significantly different. I thought Unchained Love, based off of the trailer, was going to be darker, more complex and similar to Love Like the Galaxy, but overall it feels like the show leans more into the romance and more sweet/upbeat vibe, similar to The Eternal Love (which now makes more sense now since they share the same director). I wasn't expecting this level of romance, and also the mature jokes/humor interwoven, but I loveeeeee it and I'm quite enjoying it.
@@celinawang3428 Couldn't have agreed more with you. I am loving this drama series so far except IQIYI was changing it's schedule for the releasing timespan. I guessed when the drama series became kind of more popular than they had expected, they wanted to milk it and tried to spread it until the Chinese New Year holidays or trying to get more paid viewers to see the series, annoying though...... lol
Thank you for your review!! And as many people have commented here, it is so frustraiting how this drama was cut in key scenes!! Indeed, the development of the love relationship between the two lead characters is not understood if you don't watch the deleted scenes...🤦🏻♀️ I only kind of understood them just when I looked for those scenes at the internet. 🤷🏻♀️
I like watching your videos, sometimes I agree, sometimes not.. But I always learn things and it's fulfilling. I just wanted to comment on the revenge thing. It doesn't bother me that he wanted to give up his revenge for someone he had grown to love. You mention there wasn't a strong enough reason for him to do that, but she was now in a life or death situation constantly. He wanted to be able to be with her to protect her. I suppose it's personal beliefs that influence everyones feelings on this. I don't care for revenge, it's just not something I personally believe in. I also can understand that revenge stories like this include personal beliefs about the afterlife. So , someone may think he owes his brother to revenge him.That his ancestors will be affected if he doesn't act a certain way. But at the expense of risking someone still living who he loves doesn't make sense to me.
Totally agreed with this review. Xiao Duo loosing his goal which was avenging his brother was a massive fail. It was basically how the character was introduced and halfway through suddenly he has no purpose because he is in love. Giving up revenge because of love is fine....but Xiao Duo's and Bu yinlou's love was not build up to a enough depth to actually make him give up revenge. But um gonna continue watching this SOLELY because of Wang hedi 😂😂😂 guess that was the reason most of us even gave it a try. Hopefully the future plot becomes better.
I’m actually loving the show so far (ep 26 atm) 😅 but I can totally understand some of your points! Thank you for the review, always looking forward to your content!
Great review! And your gown, hair and makeup look stunning! I have only watched the first episode. My initial reaction is that Chen Yuchi is simply a little too old to play a new concubine in the palace harem. Wang Hedi is more interesting as the scheming official, especially the way he ingratiated himself with the cruel Empress. But the eunuch role that all others need to aspire to is Commander Wang of "Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty," based on a real historical figure. That character was fascinating and so well played. I will watch "Unchained Love" but only after I get through some more highly rated dramas.
I could only watched 8 eps. Thank you for watching (enduring) it and made this video. I've been waiting for your review. You've made a big sacrifice. Love your reaction at 12:44 XD
I decided to pass on Unchained Love after 5 mins of your review but stayed on just for your dress and makeup - stunning! I wish Dylan Wang and Shen Yue would do another collaboration - they had such great chemistry in the classic Meteor Garden.
I started watching this drama strictly for the ML. I really liked the whole "bad-ass, we're totally scared to death of this guy" premise. And he was at first, but now...not so much. I'm currently up to episode 21 and am having a hard time maintaining my interest. Really hard. I'll probably finish watching it, just to see how it all ends, but I admit, it's a struggle.
Kinda sucks that both Yu Shuxin's and Wang Hedi's first aired dramas after LBFAD's success are underwhelming. I wish so bad that they had aired Moonlight (YXS) and The Rational Life (WHD) after because those are both miles better than both A Romance of the Little Forest and Unchained Love :/ That said, love that their resources are better, so hopefully their post LBFAD filmed dramas will be good!
with unchained love this was filmed before the CLJ success and is actually not a high budget drama. Unfortunately there were a lot of scenes that we cut that were shown in the BTS I think it would have helped the overall flow of the story.
@@aishwaryamani1431 Yess, actually A Romance of the Little Forest is good, i really love the chemistry of Yu Shuxin and Zhang Binbin there! The main problem of AROTLF is only the long unneccessary screentime of 2nd cp & cutting down some great moment of the main cp, if they cut out 2nd cp & cut down the episode into 24 ep, it will be perfect already!
If his goal changed their should be conflict that is worth while to watch. Revenge motivation change a person, but something could like the possibility of authentic love a realise from lonely lone warrior status, may invite a possibe straying from the original goal. But, it is how it is done.
You summarized everything i felt while i was watching this! The main reason i started watching was becuz of Wang hedi and the different storyline of a eunuch being a ML lead. However after ep 12 i kind of lost my i interest. Main cp has no chemistry, FL cannot act ( the breakup scene was horrible on her part) and her character is annoying. There was no driving point to the plot and the drama looked shabby as it went on. Thank you for taking the time to review this ♥️
@@silviacarolina8456 if you watched love like the galaxy, love between fairy and devil and similar higher rated dramas this would be a disappointment im afraid.
I'm agreed with you. I think Yukee needs more practicing / learning in acting. Then it becomes worse because of her storylines character. Look Lusi in LLTG. Her character is almost similar like Yukee's character in this drama, yet Lusi can give more suitable expression & gesture depends to the storyline/scenes. The UL's scriptwriters aren't meticulous enough too. Her character should be a smart lady, yet she often does stupid & annoying act.
Yes , I am so disappointed in breakup scene. Dylan, after can lan jue, i can say that he mastered at least the crying and breakup scenes, he can do both silent tears and crazy screaming. At the other hand, female lead looks not as sad as1/10 of make lead.🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
@@Sarah_2094 I don’t think so. Just don’t go into it with really high expectations. High expectations always lead to disappointment. I just watched it, like I’d watch any other drama. Which is to give it a fair shot, I watch a few episodes, and if nothing ridiculously stupid happens, then it’s watchable. But if it’s too boring then I just stop watching. I’m enjoying it, and that’s good enough for me. Seems like people have mixed opinions about this drama, but hey, we all like different things. That’s okay. But it’s best to watch it without comparing it to those other dramas.
Well, I’m actually enjoying this drama. I really like Wang he di’s character. There are some disturbing scenes that I’m surprised passed the censors, but overall, I like it.
I think the story or script is what I struggle the most with for this one. I do enjoy some of the characters and I am enjoying the acting of leads. I agree that it doesn't make sense why the ml lost the revenge goal. it makes sense that he realized that he wants more than revenge and perhaps the fl woke that in him, but it does feel like the story did not give a sufficient reason for how quickly that shift happened. The story does hinge upon coincidences that are head-scratching and puzzling. It just comes off as lazy writing when it happens so frequently. I 100% agree that the marketing has been so prolific due to LBFAD and Dylan Wang. I do enjoy moments and parts of the show a great deal. Just wish the writing was stronger.
I expected it to be more intriguing than what we've been getting so far. I loved the concept of a "eunuch" ml seeking revenge and his forbidden love story, but I haven't been happy with the lackluster execution of the plot. The romance falls short too because I don't find the chemisty between the leads to be very convincing. The crazy censorship doesn't help either. I can still enjoy parts of it for what it is but it's definitely not a memorable drama for me. I truly feel they could've done so much more with this storyline. But this is just my opinion!
I’m so surprised there’s so much negativity here. I’m loving this drama so far and I’m waiting impatiently for the next episode release. I adored LBFAD, but I actually love Xiao Duo a bit more! I liked his vulnerability and absolute commitment to the FL. I think this one is more for the fans of romances who can overlook the flaws in the writing. However, the amount of editing was disappointing. I think the story line is changing to more about the them working as a team. Also I don’t see all the low ratings that’s mentioned by you, only that you alone have rate it poorly.
Agree! I love Xiao Duo much more than DFQC, he's more real, fully-fleshed out and three-dimensional, great performance by Dylan. I think Xiao Duo has a lot more depth and substance to his character than DFQC. Despite the editing problems, I also felt his character development was more natural and understandable than DFQC's, who (for me, as a fan of the book) felt he honestly went a bit OOC. Xiao Duo however 💯 retains the essence of the original novel Xiao Duo.
I've watched it so far, so I'll continue to the end, but I am finding it unsatisfying too. For me, the plot just floats around...in some cases flounders. It also does not seem to know whether it's a comedy or a 'drama'. It's not a 'fail', but it gets a, 'Could try harder' from me.
Blood of Youth is better than Snow Sword Stride which has no brotherhood and worst fighting scenes. It's also better than Flying Fox Volant which has plainly physical normal fight no qi at all and colorless costumes. Old wuxia fans must watch Blood of Youth it satisfies your wuxia thirst, CGI was top class too!
I was waiting for your review on this. Somehow i just knew you'd echo out all my thoughts and thank you, you hit all the spots! I shared my thoughts about this drama else where and some fans got upset. Some of them think this is better than Cang Lan Jue - I don't think these people care for drama plot at all they are just happy to indulge in many lovey dovey couple scenes even if the storyline doesn't make sense. You're absolutely on point about the lack of crucial milestones in their relationship. I also thought the build up was really weak on how he fell for her... literally watching her bang the tree (wtf...). The male lead losing sight of his goal turned me off completely too. I don't wanna discredit Dylan's acting though it felt a little lacklustre. I'd blame it on the bad script, weak story. This man was amazing in Cang Lan Jue. I look forward to better dramas starring him.
Thank you for this video, AvenueX. And you look great as usual (should cast you for the next period drama 😉). I have dropped this drama on ep.10 and felt I had watched 8 too much. Unfunny comedy 2 seconds after a tragedy, weird characterization, terrible music and a confusing plot that goes everywhere and nowhere. I was told it becomes a little darker in the second half, so I may give it another try, just for the sake of Wang Hedi and him alone - like almost everyone else, it seems. Lol
@@cynthiaarnold1371 I've noticed. Meanwhile I watched another dozen of episodes, but dropped it again because it became unbearable for me. Mediocre stuff.
I know you review cdramas but wondering if you watched the Alchemy of Souls. I was thinking of you when watching it and wondering what kind of review you would give ? LOL
I feel like koreans have been influenced by c drama. Theyre kind of doing BL’s like devil judge and xianxia like alchemy of souls. Maybe she can do a comparison between c dramaa and k drama in a similar genre?
Alchemy of souls was excellent but in my opinion suffered similar issues. Plot inconsistency at times, some side actors not that good of acting as the ML, annoying FLs. But gorgeous cinematography, special effects and general plot great. And the ML perfect ♥️
It's Epic drama and I love it very very very very very very much. But I I'm really really really really really really really really sad and angry😤😡😤😡😤😡😤😡😤😡😤😡 because they delete all the beautiful scenes from the original drama. That's unfair for all of us. Just tell me whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!! I can't understand the reasons behind this decision. Give us back all the original drama with a all the cut scenes from the original drama. GIVE US BACK ALL OF THEM IMMEDIATELY.... ....
I missed some more romance but I think this drama Is a good one. And Its not really true that he didn’t take revenge. He did It but he didn’t kill hers father vut let the authorities do so
Agree with you. Becoz I put low expectation of the leads acting, so I am quite happy with the acting of WHD and Yukee Chen, especially with Yukee Chen..I am pleased that her acting is improving..However I think the main problem is with the writing, I have difficulties to continue watch it although the main leads are eye candy..so I just fast forward until find some interesting scenes. Speaking about the inconsistencies..I imagine when you write the script, you should write it in big board..jot down the important story that will be the backbone of the drama and then fill up with side motivation/story and so on.. If the ML want ti change his previous motivation, the writer should put more effort in convince us the viewer that his new goal is really meaningful for his life. Don"t want to compare actually, but in my opinion I think Kdramaland in general is better when talking about the coherency and the clear story of a drama..
Everyone is speaking about script people choices regarding the line of action... What about the novel? What does it say? Are they following the novel's story line or are they improvising a new one for the sake of good ratings? Why is this changing of goal affecting the value of the acting so much? At the end of the day, Dylan Wang, at 24 years only, already showed an impressive maturity and focus on his performance. I think that the acting reflect a lot the influence of the director too, because an actor does not play on his own, he is a part of a team, so he follows a lead, is helped to understand and put on show nuances, he is forced to live the life of the character. And if the viewers are satisfied or not with the whole story, it is not his fault, I may say he has "mitigating circumstances". And this goes for all the members of the cast. Anyway, thank you, Avenue X for the review, it was enlightening for someone who, just based on your review, finished Love between Fairy and Devil.
Honestly despite all the cuts i so far liked this one i mean the cuts make the story incoherent but it's still bearable.... Just had to skip few scenes... Both the leads are good ... Story and production quality is alos ok .... So far a good watch... Just my personal opinions
Actually feel the same way. I do like the drama generally like candy but this is the first drama with this FL that I actually like her character. Mostly I haven’t liked her in any other drama. Some parts are a stretch but for the most part it has held my attention. For how long I cannot say. I hope the ML regains his focus and completes what he spent years trying to do.
Been waiting for your video on Flight to You. It’s by no means perfect but it’s suitable for most viewers. I’ve recommended to family and I can confidently recommend to young ones also. Values wise it’s there. Might not have much romance kisses skinship etc which is good for younger audiences. Not over the top. Love love this drama! Super fan of Wang Kai and Tan Songyun. Will rewatch . Still not ready to get over this drama and start Meet Yourself with Liu Yifei. I’m surprised I’m not into it much. Pretty actors pretty scenery. But . Will wait for your reviews/videos 👍🏻
I just started Flight to You and am really enjoying it. Actually binged the first 10 episodes. The characterisation is strong and the acting is great. The side characters are interesting(love her roommate growing into a strong person). Love the friendship between Chen Xiao and her co-pilot. Love learning about training pilots, stewardesses and the motivations of people choosing those careers. I love it when I stumble into and am surprised by a drama. Never was a big Seven Tan fan(don't know why) but I love her acting in this and will probably go back to her dramas I passed on. Wang Kai handsome as ever and he is such a natural.
Thanks. This supports my initial impressions. I stopped following after a few episodes because I got caught up in *The Blood of Youth* and didn't have the time to keep following. I'll probably still watch it when it's done, but I expect to use a lot of 2x to get through it.
I love TBoY its realy a good drama.Actors are good and the story also.Im glad there is no triangle love ,because its getting to boring , to see it in every drama.
I'm watching it rn and I'm enjoying it, definitely has annoying moments but overall a win I think. LOVE Dylan Wang😘Also all the reviews I read made it seem Like Dylan's character was a total MONSTER...and I just didn't get that at all.😄Also their hair was perfectly intact when they washed ashore!!🤣🤣🤣
I couldn't wait any longer for the review and started watching it, mainly coz Wang hedi is in it. But i agree with almost all of what u said even though I wanted only 12 episodes. I might watch a few more just to say i watched more than half of this drama😅
One thing I don't understand is why main protagonists who work as eunuchs and are having a romance plot line... always turn out to be either fake eunuchs or women. The other kinds of palace workers, be it maids, guards, kitchen staff, officials, harem, all of them get romance subplots in dramas and are written as normal people. But eunuchs are either ridiculed, villains or portrayed as asexual, aromantic monks.
I think its becuz its original and edgy? But we know for the sake of the main cp and plot he’s not going to be eunuch. I think it would be more interesting if he really was and developed romantic feelings but its too raw and real for cdrama. There’s a korean movie on this called the concubine.
I'm wondering if historically, how eunuchs lived their daily lives was ever truly accurately recorded? They're still human, with human feelings, after all. And more historically accurate series portray how palace servants and slaves formed not just alliances, but intimate relationships as well. I think there is a general expectation that subverted normal human interactions result in "monsters" whose desires are channelled into other arenas, like behind the scenes powerplays or bizarre obsessions. (which, psychologically, is often true). It was certainly a role in any palace, which had plenty of opportunities to cause havoc.
lol I was smiling unconsciously when I saw this video pop up because it just according to my expectation that you probably will have a rant video for this series. I watched the first few episodes but could not carry on so I just dropped it.
Gawd!!! Good thing you didn’t watch the whole drama!!! It was fine up until last 3 episodes then it was just totally ridiculous!!! I hated the ending logic was not there on so many levels! Then they release trailers for the ending that were CUT from the drama I’m like why???? This was so annoying and ruined the drama for me 🤯
First, looking awesome!!! Extra kick with those hairpieces. Second, you got me interested in the drama... Edit: Went to watch. OMG, the info is every cliche scene ever! I can't say if it is hilarious satire or true belief in the classics. Edit2: OK, dubbing IS bad. Pity.
I always agree with you on almost every single point. Same with this one. You perfectly described my opinion. I wonder if the writer changed at about the time of their washing up on the shore.
Excellent review. 👏 Seriously, nailed it. I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like it but you put it so well. I even rewatched the first few episodes trying to figure out what made them fall in love...Like, did I miss something? When did this powerful love develop? Answer? It didn't. The ML just lost his mind for her in a pretty quick time and for little to no reason.
Patiently waiting for your review of The Blood of Youth, I kind of gave of on wuxia drama after Sword Snow Stride but this one is surprisingly enjoyable
Agree it's much better than SSS! I'm not a wuxia fan but I'm hooked on Blood of Youth what a great wuxia. I didn't watch Fox because the bald hairstyle is ugly.
I really thought I would be able to see another great show but...I totally agree it started good and then my hopes got shattered the moment he started falling in love. You just pointed out every single thing that I had in my mind. Why the heck would they change the main essence of a character when a woman enters his life. That is so annoying because I have seen this stupid thing happening in many Cdramas. I understand the change in a person but to this level😑. And yes his goal! His main goal is nothing now that he has someone he likes?? I would have enjoyed it a lot if FL was more like a motivation for his character development. ( Loved how it was dealt with in Love like the galaxy. We saw those subtle changes in each meeting of the main lead there). I seriously don't know if I should keep watching it or not😪. Anyways acting wise it is really good. Special mention for the second leads and the emperor. You know how good the acting is at the moment you start hating a character in a drama. This show could have been a great one but I guess LLTG has really raised the standards.
He didn't completely lost his goal until episode 29 or 30! The one who was supposed to be the murder of the brother, turned out to be not and it took a lot of time to find another lead to the case!..... Actually a lot too much time! 😮 In between the Ml lost all of his powers and didn't even care, bc he still had his money and his brothers. 🤪 Until one of the writer had the absolute most creative idea to make the father the real murderer! 😂😂 Kudos to him! It ruined everything!
It's weird that the ML changed his mind within 9 episode in a 36-episode drama (met, get to know and change mind in the first quarter). Realistically it would take some time for someone to come to terms with letting go of a goal they've worked so hard towards and the friction between his initial goal and the new one he found should make great drama and introduce a depth of character. But then again I love a 'conflicted hero' because the decisions they make aren't simple and contain a level of sacrifice that brings more weight to their final choice.
Late to the party but why did they cut so many of the love scenes? I don't get it. The man can cut people's throats but they draw the line at kissing what?
I heard a mix review so far. I'm waiting for it to finish airing before watching...and am only watching it for Didi. Hopefully it won't be a complete waste of time.
She was unexpectedly okay in this drama series. I watched her last cont. drama series but had to struggle to finish it because I just liked the ML... lol However, this drama series she seemed to be okay to my acceptable level and the ML and FL did create some sort of screen cp feel.....
what makes this drama is the actor playing the emperor. he's so good that its almost unbearably uncomfortable to watch the scenes of him being a psychopathic narcissist tyrant. That scene where he makes her hold the knife was sooooo dark and chilling. it almost didn't fit in this production, it was so intense. but, that's also a problem. why would the viewer care when there is a rebellion? why should the leads care to prevent him being overthrown? he goes around killing people on a whim and is a terrifying presence, chilling the entire political system. I'm not a fan of stories about rooting for one authoritarian over another. I wish we had more storytelling which gave us visions of alternative social constructs. still, that is the story here. and rather than being neutral about it, I find myself actually thinking it would be better for the slightly less terrifying tyrant to take over. since the leads don't care to support getting rid of this guy, I don't even care if a rebellion led to their demise. its not as though they are concerned about anything but their own interests. They aren't presented as justice warriors or anything. They sort of mildly express concern for the well being of people and will do "good" things when they can, but its not their agenda. Survival and revenge aren't enough to make me care whether they survive an overthrow. I'm more vested in getting rid of the max creepazoid than I am in their story. There are other things that undermine the story. I'm underwhelmed by the relationship of the leads. Its very odd that he goes from being highly intelligent, calculating and ruthless to being a bag of pouty cuteness just because he's in love. A person's personality does't transform 180 degrees just because of romantic feelings. I wish they had made his so-called softening a lot more subtle. It would feel more natural. But, more than that, there is nothing in the story which generates a depth of bond that I feel invested in, as the viewer. I could care less whether they end up together. Usually, I'm interested in the relationships of a story. (Not necessarily romantic, but seeing how we tell story of relationship-building.) Here, I'm more interested in the political dynamic. Is there even an outcome that would be better for the people? Will there be a wave of solidarity to put this petty murderer of a tyrant in the grave? What would that even look like? Sadly, we don't really get any info about the political dynamic amongst the courtiers. So, we're not going to get that story. Also, why does the FL care to protect her father? He has never once given her one ounce of care. He wholeheartedly supported her dying as a tribute. He was brutal to her mom, driving her to death. She figures out that he murdered her lover's twin and that he's conspiring treason. She's the one that notes that he doesn't have any humanity in him. But, suddenly, she's going to stop her lover from getting the revenge he has lived for, for this dude? I know we're supposed to buy into the whole filial piety thing, but it doesn't fit in the way this story and her personality have been written. It's a very lame plot device to allow for the set up of the attempted rebellion. There are also too many absolutely unbelievable circumstances. From the landing on the shore together that is mentioned here to the massive tunnel built between two residences, seemingly overnight. Them staying overnight on a boat right on the temple property where the royal entourage is staying; where the above-deck cabin is only enclosed by curtains. Anybody passing by would see the candlelight and hear them talking. Its absurd. One can let these things go in a fantasy, such as this, if the story is captivating, or the characters are so compelling you just love watching their scenes. But, we don't have that here. So, they need to be careful about pulling the viewer out of the suspension of disbelief with things that are simply too unbelievable. I agree that this is an average watch. Not unwatchable, but I'll probably forget most of it and wouldn't put it on a recommendation list or watch it again.
I did like the first couple of eps, esp the hanging of the concubines scene because it did land the emotional impact while being rather stylized, but maaaan am I glad now that I dropped it in favor of focusing on The Blood of Youth.
That scene was brilliantly horrible, as well as the graves of the unnamed concubines, when the emperor makes her knife her cousin, when the emperor orders civilians killed in the street, has her bordered up in the evil tower. And all scenes follow by goofy silly slapstick. Uuuffff.
I've been watching this up to episode 6 and still wondering if this is any good. After your review and all the comments here, I'm thinking ill just drop this. 😓
mid-point the story is getting better but its obvious the censorship really f@cked up the editing and flow of the story. Scenes shown in the BTS were cut and some dialogues were also longer than what was shown. It's such a shame.
I gave up watching this drama since I cant "see" or feel "the love in the air" chemistry on screen between those main leads - Dylan & Yukee. The storylines of both characters were not strong enough convincing me that they are deeply in love.
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I actually enjoyed this drama. Very refreshing to see a witted, smart FL who doesn't depend on the ml to save her all the time. Fast plots and conflicts resolved quickly. Dylan's acting seem even better than before, especially his martial art skills was amazing in this drama.
There was so much censorship on this drama. It’s crazy. Any of the scenes that are missing are the ones where there is so much more chemistry. They even chop out the scene where he tells her he is not a eunuch! Wtf?!!! Makes no sense. These are some pivotal moments that we are not getting, so of course it doesn’t make sense.
I totally agree with you!!!
About the revenge part of the main male character, I think the writers in this drama should learn from the writers of Love like the Galaxy, General Ling got his revenge very satisfyingly at the later end of the drama. The revenge plot and romance is very well balance in there. I hope Wang Hedi future project will be as good as LBFAD.
Love like the galaxy is hands down one of the best last year, i was really rooting for this one tho.
Thats the problem of most idol dramas, they base their whole plot ab revenge but in the end,they just give half ass revenge when the villain somehow regrets his evil deed
💯 Agreed. LLTG was a master piece. No argument on that. I guess although this story has a similar story line it's obviously not as strongly written and directed.
I loved how they didn't tone down LBY's ruthlessness cause he is in love. To the very end of the drama, him and his army commmaded respect...
@@chamalkakariyawasam3480 LLTG is a work of art. Just by watching the 1 min start of the drama, you would already know it would be soooo good. I'm really hoping that will get a lot of amazing drama this year with a very good writing, directing, editing , and acting, Just like Love like the Galaxy and Love Between Fairy and Devil last year.
I have no problem with the main lead changing his goal. Afterall, he's been working towards it for 6 long years. He only shifted his goal when he realized that he's powerless in preventing the emperor from taking away the love of his life and that he has no other lead in his brother's investigation. It seems a reasonable choice to choose to protect the living. The drama itself is ok and as expected and I think your rating in appropriate.
I agree. I felt like he gave up on the revenge when he realized that he has been pursuing the wrong lead all these years and that he is about to lose the love of his life. I think these are big enough motivations for him to give up on revenge.
The rest of it, I agree with her.
Agreed on all points. I was really hoping to hear your opinion on the censorship(?) cuts to this drama. It ruined the romance/chemistry so much for me. It even ruined the key reveal he shared with her! Not to mention, they can show an attempted assault, but they can't show kissing? So stupid.
The best drama so far with wonderful CP. Spot on acting by fl and ml. I am loving every bit of the drama.
I agree. Wonderful. Acting
11:08 That's because a lot cut scenes of the drama: they apasionate kisses, they deep convesations of lead characthers where deleted. That relationship + the justification to give up his revenge made the protagonist change his mind.
Now, I understand why he no longer took revenge, he wanted to end the cycle of violence, he realized that having so much power and killing so many people ended up being just as bad as those who killed his brother. But they didn't delve into that reflection, they just put it in a couple of scenes and that's it.
Thank you!
Biggest problem of this drama in my opinion its cutting cutting and cutting of scenes. There are moments when Wang Hedi's character wears 3 different closing styles within only5 minutes on screen((( Hate it very much((
I really like the drama. It's not perfect in terms of script and certain scenes that had to be cut due to censorship. But the characters are great. Deep down the male lead is a very sad and lonely character. He does what he does to avenge his brother, but he hates his actions. And the female lead is the only one who cares for him and sees the good that he has. What's more, the female lead is a good match to Xiao Duo. She's smart, cunning and brave at times. She doesn't let others bully her and can stand up for herself. It took some time for this character to grow on me, but I like her now. Revenge is not probably intended to be central to the story. It's called "Unchained Love" after all. And I don't think Xiao Duo has lost his purpose. At this stage of the story (24 episodes) he is just desperate. His theory turned out to be wrong. There are no other leads and he is back to square one in his investigation. At the same time he is going to lose the only person he loves. I wouldn't have liked him to give up on her because he had to take revenge. I'm sure that in the coming episodes he will be able to restore justice.
I like the drama too, totally agree with you
Aaaaaaaaand the plot DID become better. Now that all episodes are aired.....his justification to give up revenge kinda makes sense. He says that him killing to avenge his brother leads to more killing. He also feels guilty of misusing the power just like how his brother was a victim of exactly a similar situation of where powerful people misused the power. He wants to put and end to this cycle. Story carried a good moral. Too bad the intimate scenes were deleted. Hope AvenueX could do complete review again 🥺❤️
👍👍👍
I'm obsessed with this drama, I'm waiting for new episodes every day. I love the pairing, there is good chemistry between ML & FL and all casts, story, seriousness, sense of humor, and sweetness, and the story is moving at a good pace, never a boring moment or drag on boring scenes, etc...
The ML/FL did not stop investigating his brother's case, the story is at its struggle stage, I love that ML is going crazy for FL if he loses her and they both will do anything for each other, not all about picking revenge over someone you love.
I like Yukee, she has a calm, kind, and cute look, when she acts cute is just a pinch of cuteness not exaggerated like what I see from other actresses and Dylan's personality is so lively and adorable and handsome good acting, all the good stuff, I think they would make a good couple, calm and lively will balance perfectly.
Some comments compare this drama to LLTG, I love Leo/Lusi, but I got bored in part 2, where the story kinda drags on and she was going to look for him. I dropped the drama shortly after that part. I enjoyed WRTW so much another drama that Lusi/Yang Yang was in, both WRTW and UCL make me feel happy the same way.
My comment is a bit long, but I feel the need to defend this drama from the bad comments. This is my opinion, we can like or dislike something because we all have our thoughts. But when it comes to a drama that has ML or FL that I don't enjoy watching, I just don't watch, and will not bother to comment, I wouldn't give the drama a bad review just because I don't like one of the cast.
I am glad I didn't watch this review before watching the show.
I really loved it.
It was clear from about episode 5 that Duo was going to have a crisis of faith about his revenge with the conversation about the pear tree.
Ok the ship thing and drifting to shore right next to a perfectly built hut together made me laugh lol
I actually really like this drama. I like how the male lead and female lead trust each other. I disagree with the review mainly because he didn't give up his goal but rather she joined him in trying to achieve his goal. Also, he evolves as a character as does the King in the series.
i got so tired with the misunderstandings, lying, stupid maid who always has to ask obvious questions etc tropes that i couldn't continue. And if his twin brother was supposed to be assassinated but returned, why didn't the assassin keep aiming to kill him to get it right? There were so many missed opportunities and missed plot points. I might go back to see the finish but it was a hard watch.
I stopped far earlier when the mausoleum eunuch rape happened.
Same, I'm almost giving up.... I only like historical/period dramas... and I'm so grateful for this lady because she save me so much pain...
˚ʚ ゴキブリの触覚 小虎 ɞ˚
youtubeei.com/watch?v=g0e0wwaEByq
8:11 うさぎさとみくんのサーバー(?)で初めて見た
i agree and that annoying Emperors man
I tried so hard to like this drama but had to give up last night. Finally I have some outside validation.
While there’s some problematic issues and it has a lot of cliches, I actually surprisingly enjoyed it a lot. The plot can be worked on a bit but I enjoy their moments together haha.
same. I’m actually really enjoying it. But for some reason I still like to watch avenue x’s reviews even if I enjoy a drama she doesn’t. still very insightful
@@poems642 haha. Me too! I knew she wouldn’t like it but I watched this anyways lol. But seriously, this drama is pretty fun if you’re not trying to see the logic behind some of the plot 😅
Same, I also really enjoy the drama
11:01 I think he is so in love with her because she is the first person who has make him feel human again. He basically sees himself as a monster because of everything he's done and she was the first to tell him that he still is a good person. You can see his behaviour towards her changes after she told him that in episode 4 or 5. Later they spent more time together and feeling get stronger.
On episode 4 or 5 she barely knew who he was, she had only heard of his power and ruthlessness. So, she tried to ingratiate his favour by adulation. If he's the clever and scheming character he's supposed to be at that point, do you really think he wouldn't have seen through the trick?
Why would he fall in love with a woman who is - at that point - so blatantly faking?
@@amrita8815 I just tell it as I saw it. Maybe he needed to hear that he's still a good person and hear it blinded him. I'm aware that she said it to win his favor at that time, and not because she actually felt that way, but that was the moment his behaviour towards her change, and when he started to do good things for her, her feelings changed too.
@@noemicp he knew she was only trying to win favour, but he really just needed someone to remind him that he was actually a good person deep inside. Hearing her say that made him question his own thoughts about himself and realise that he's not actually the cruel person he'd been forced to become, she awakened his humanity again and made him question how he'd been living his life. He actually hated himself for being how he was, as a prisoner of circumstances and the system, but her words made him challenge his own thoughts about himself and how others saw him. It also marks when he went from victim in his own life, a slave to revenge, to becoming proactive in seeking out what he really wants in life and pursuing happiness, finding positivity and true meaning in life.
i enjoy how you listed out a decently convoluted plot and then say 'and NOW it gets complicated' lol
I watched till Ep 9. I kept seeing Dylan as that Devil character he played. The silliest scene was when he said he uprooted that pear tree just for her & my! It was already turning to fruit?! The flowers I mean!! Duh!😅🤣😂
Feel like it would be better be the censorship was less strict. There’s many scenes missing so some parts dosent link as well but I still enjoy watching it. ❤❤❤
I personally think the love story is secondary in this drama. The fact that the leads fall in love is expected. As a seasoned watcher of Chinese drama you have to ask yourself, what else? What else is there to make this drama worth watching? I think that what is worthwhile is the emperor’s character, the way he turns from an innocent weakling to a tyrant. The film is about power and goodness and the way power can and will pervert people without fibre. This IS an interesting question that we do not see often. Both leads have compassion and do not abuse a situation where they have power of life and death. They do not kill a person already on the ground. The despicable Murong does.
And … the fact that the lead loses his goal… should not be held against him. His intent was to take revenge and die. His love, especially after the wedding scene, makes him realize he could just about choose to live. His strength is his unhappiness, his wish to die to rejoin his brother. Once he falls for the woman, he intuits that his life could just be lived, as if the trauma could be left behind. He thus loses his strength. I see no story weakness here.
I totally agree with you
Agree
yes I agree, the king turned out to be more evil I did not see that coming, the FL and ML charechters are made for each other they both shear similer characters
The complaint about losing his first focus was because script and show did not adequately build up their romance to account for the change. That is the issue.
@@cynthiaarnold1371 I think it's because they cut too many love scenes from the beginning of the story. How can you feel nothing when you're intimate with someone? Besides, PIL's the bravest and smartest girl XD've ever met.
Interesting points. The main character changing the goal part reminded me that in The Long Ballad, the female lead also gave up her initial goal of revenge but the story developed in such a way that it made perfect sense for the character.
Tbh, I didn’t come into this drama thinking I was gonna get a mind-blowing revenge story. Based on the trailer, I wanted a light happy romance story and that’s what I got, so maybe that’s why I’m content with the drama as of now. Maybe bc I knew the kind of budget it has, that my expectations matched what the writers made. The plot is unique and I quite enjoy the chemistry although I did find the pairing odd at first. Oh well, to each their own
Appreciate your opinion BUT, I'm loving this drama and Dylan Wang has a lot to do with it. Would give it a solid one gold bar. Good to look at and interesting story line. For me the drama did not fade in the later episodes when the couple leave the capital as I really appreciate the way that they get to know each other more intimately and form a bond. To me the ML did not give up his focus on revenging his brother. What happened is that he hit a dead end and yes got sidetracked by love and having found someone to trust his story to (pretty important I would say). She has taken up his quest for now. The lantern maker turned emperor is properly obsessed and thus annoying as hell and the 'old' empress is just sadly enarmoured with the young 'eunuch'. Only annoying character has been the ML's maid.
Looking forward to the rest of the drama to come.
I agreed
Agreed. He still wants revenge but not at the cost of her life and happiness.
Agree
I definitely see and agree with some of the main points Avenue mentioned! BUT I totally agree with a lot of what you've mentioned - well said. I think there are a lot more positive aspects to this drama that I've really enjoyed (pleasant surprise). I think what was confusing/misleading was how they marketed or the trailer depicted the show to be versus what the show feels like to me right now is significantly different. I thought Unchained Love, based off of the trailer, was going to be darker, more complex and similar to Love Like the Galaxy, but overall it feels like the show leans more into the romance and more sweet/upbeat vibe, similar to The Eternal Love (which now makes more sense now since they share the same director). I wasn't expecting this level of romance, and also the mature jokes/humor interwoven, but I loveeeeee it and I'm quite enjoying it.
@@celinawang3428 Couldn't have agreed more with you. I am loving this drama series so far except IQIYI was changing it's schedule for the releasing timespan. I guessed when the drama series became kind of more popular than they had expected, they wanted to milk it and tried to spread it until the Chinese New Year holidays or trying to get more paid viewers to see the series, annoying though...... lol
Thank you for your review!! And as many people have commented here, it is so frustraiting how this drama was cut in key scenes!! Indeed, the development of the love relationship between the two lead characters is not understood if you don't watch the deleted scenes...🤦🏻♀️ I only kind of understood them just when I looked for those scenes at the internet. 🤷🏻♀️
I watched the last 12 episodes and must say it was well worth it...
I like watching your videos, sometimes I agree, sometimes not.. But I always learn things and it's fulfilling. I just wanted to comment on the revenge thing. It doesn't bother me that he wanted to give up his revenge for someone he had grown to love. You mention there wasn't a strong enough reason for him to do that, but she was now in a life or death situation constantly. He wanted to be able to be with her to protect her. I suppose it's personal beliefs that influence everyones feelings on this. I don't care for revenge, it's just not something I personally believe in. I also can understand that revenge stories like this include personal beliefs about the afterlife. So , someone may think he owes his brother to revenge him.That his ancestors will be affected if he doesn't act a certain way. But at the expense of risking someone still living who he loves doesn't make sense to me.
It also involves the timing. They are airing at the same time as the Blood of Youth which gets very high attention(I like it a lot!).
Respect ur review but im loving the drama.. cant wait for nx epi
Totally agreed with this review. Xiao Duo loosing his goal which was avenging his brother was a massive fail. It was basically how the character was introduced and halfway through suddenly he has no purpose because he is in love. Giving up revenge because of love is fine....but Xiao Duo's and Bu yinlou's love was not build up to a enough depth to actually make him give up revenge. But um gonna continue watching this SOLELY because of Wang hedi 😂😂😂 guess that was the reason most of us even gave it a try. Hopefully the future plot becomes better.
My roommates and I only watched it (9 ep. so far) because of Wang He Di...
he lost hope because he found out all these years it was not the man he thought and it begins all over again he is continuing is you keep watching
@@theresaburton7375 Yess 🥺❤️ fingers crossed the plot keeps getting better.
@@theresaburton7375 he didn’t find this out until late in the drama. He was going mush brain for love soon in the drama.
@@cynthiaarnold1371 this was a great performance and good series wake up
I’m actually loving the show so far (ep 26 atm) 😅 but I can totally understand some of your points! Thank you for the review, always looking forward to your content!
Thank you for this review 🙏🏾 I congratulate you for making it that far, cause I didn't even go past episode 5 lol I was struggling
So godawful I couldn’t get past episode 2!
Me too
Great review! And your gown, hair and makeup look stunning! I have only watched the first episode. My initial reaction is that Chen Yuchi is simply a little too old to play a new concubine in the palace harem. Wang Hedi is more interesting as the scheming official, especially the way he ingratiated himself with the cruel Empress. But the eunuch role that all others need to aspire to is Commander Wang of "Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty," based on a real historical figure. That character was fascinating and so well played. I will watch "Unchained Love" but only after I get through some more highly rated dramas.
Totally agree about the eunuch in "Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty"! He was the one I watched the drama for. Great acting by Liu Yao Yuan!
I have been waiting for your review on this drama. You're amazing and I am so glad I have been following you for awhile. :)
I could only watched 8 eps. Thank you for watching (enduring) it and made this video. I've been waiting for your review. You've made a big sacrifice.
Love your reaction at 12:44 XD
I decided to pass on Unchained Love after 5 mins of your review but stayed on just for your dress and makeup - stunning! I wish Dylan Wang and Shen Yue would do another collaboration - they had such great chemistry in the classic Meteor Garden.
sad you could be so persuaded should have watched it it is good and dylan great as always
I started watching this drama strictly for the ML. I really liked the whole "bad-ass, we're totally scared to death of this guy" premise. And he was at first, but now...not so much. I'm currently up to episode 21 and am having a hard time maintaining my interest. Really hard. I'll probably finish watching it, just to see how it all ends, but I admit, it's a struggle.
i can imagine if AvenueX was working in a chinese dramaland production, it would be a flawless drama fr
Kinda sucks that both Yu Shuxin's and Wang Hedi's first aired dramas after LBFAD's success are underwhelming. I wish so bad that they had aired Moonlight (YXS) and The Rational Life (WHD) after because those are both miles better than both A Romance of the Little Forest and Unchained Love :/ That said, love that their resources are better, so hopefully their post LBFAD filmed dramas will be good!
What is LBFAD?
Romance of the little forest was good i kinda liked it
Love between fairy and devil - LBFAD
with unchained love this was filmed before the CLJ success and is actually not a high budget drama. Unfortunately there were a lot of scenes that we cut that were shown in the BTS I think it would have helped the overall flow of the story.
@@aishwaryamani1431 Yess, actually A Romance of the Little Forest is good, i really love the chemistry of Yu Shuxin and Zhang Binbin there!
The main problem of AROTLF is only the long unneccessary screentime of 2nd cp & cutting down some great moment of the main cp, if they cut out 2nd cp & cut down the episode into 24 ep, it will be perfect already!
If his goal changed their should be conflict that is worth while to watch.
Revenge motivation change a person, but something could like the possibility of authentic love a realise from lonely lone warrior status, may invite a possibe straying from the original goal.
But, it is how it is done.
Ohh, I so much love your reviews! I agree!!!! I gave up watching this drama at about 12-13th episode.
I also agree that this role suits the female lead the best. The sassy / sometimes morally flexible/ smart a$$ female . 😊
You summarized everything i felt while i was watching this! The main reason i started watching was becuz of Wang hedi and the different storyline of a eunuch being a ML lead. However after ep 12 i kind of lost my i interest. Main cp has no chemistry, FL cannot act ( the breakup scene was horrible on her part) and her character is annoying. There was no driving point to the plot and the drama looked shabby as it went on. Thank you for taking the time to review this ♥️
Ben waiting for this review….i am still hesitating to Watch this drama.
@@silviacarolina8456 if you watched love like the galaxy, love between fairy and devil and similar higher rated dramas this would be a disappointment im afraid.
I'm agreed with you. I think Yukee needs more practicing / learning in acting.
Then it becomes worse because of her storylines character.
Look Lusi in LLTG. Her character is almost similar like Yukee's character in this drama, yet Lusi can give more suitable expression & gesture depends to the storyline/scenes.
The UL's scriptwriters aren't meticulous enough too. Her character should be a smart lady, yet she often does stupid & annoying act.
Yes , I am so disappointed in breakup scene. Dylan, after can lan jue, i can say that he mastered at least the crying and breakup scenes, he can do both silent tears and crazy screaming.
At the other hand, female lead looks not as sad as1/10 of make lead.🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
@@Sarah_2094 I don’t think so. Just don’t go into it with really high expectations. High expectations always lead to disappointment.
I just watched it, like I’d watch any other drama. Which is to give it a fair shot, I watch a few episodes, and if nothing ridiculously stupid happens, then it’s watchable. But if it’s too boring then I just stop watching.
I’m enjoying it, and that’s good enough for me.
Seems like people have mixed opinions about this drama, but hey, we all like different things. That’s okay.
But it’s best to watch it without comparing it to those other dramas.
Well, I’m actually enjoying this drama. I really like Wang he di’s character. There are some disturbing scenes that I’m surprised passed the censors, but overall, I like it.
Great review, it makes a lot of sense, thank you!
Your voice is so soothing and you sound so clever 😍 anyway love your videos.
I think the story or script is what I struggle the most with for this one.
I do enjoy some of the characters and I am enjoying the acting of leads. I agree that it doesn't make sense why the ml lost the revenge goal. it makes sense that he realized that he wants more than revenge and perhaps the fl woke that in him, but it does feel like the story did not give a sufficient reason for how quickly that shift happened.
The story does hinge upon coincidences that are head-scratching and puzzling. It just comes off as lazy writing when it happens so frequently.
I 100% agree that the marketing has been so prolific due to LBFAD and Dylan Wang.
I do enjoy moments and parts of the show a great deal. Just wish the writing was stronger.
I expected it to be more intriguing than what we've been getting so far. I loved the concept of a "eunuch" ml seeking revenge and his forbidden love story, but I haven't been happy with the lackluster execution of the plot. The romance falls short too because I don't find the chemisty between the leads to be very convincing. The crazy censorship doesn't help either. I can still enjoy parts of it for what it is but it's definitely not a memorable drama for me. I truly feel they could've done so much more with this storyline. But this is just my opinion!
I’m so surprised there’s so much negativity here. I’m loving this drama so far and I’m waiting impatiently for the next episode release. I adored LBFAD, but I actually love Xiao Duo a bit more! I liked his vulnerability and absolute commitment to the FL. I think this one is more for the fans of romances who can overlook the flaws in the writing. However, the amount of editing was disappointing. I think the story line is changing to more about the them working as a team. Also I don’t see all the low ratings that’s mentioned by you, only that you alone have rate it poorly.
Agree
Agree! I love Xiao Duo much more than DFQC, he's more real, fully-fleshed out and three-dimensional, great performance by Dylan. I think Xiao Duo has a lot more depth and substance to his character than DFQC. Despite the editing problems, I also felt his character development was more natural and understandable than DFQC's, who (for me, as a fan of the book) felt he honestly went a bit OOC. Xiao Duo however 💯 retains the essence of the original novel Xiao Duo.
I've watched it so far, so I'll continue to the end, but I am finding it unsatisfying too. For me, the plot just floats around...in some cases flounders. It also does not seem to know whether it's a comedy or a 'drama'. It's not a 'fail', but it gets a, 'Could try harder' from me.
I hope you'll do a video on Blood of Youth! I wanna know your thoughts on it
That Drama is SOOOOO GOOD
Blood of Youth is the best classic old wuxia drama ever so magnificent!! Can't wait for the review! Everything is good!!
Blood of Youth is better than Snow Sword Stride which has no brotherhood and worst fighting scenes. It's also better than Flying Fox Volant which has plainly physical normal fight no qi at all and colorless costumes. Old wuxia fans must watch Blood of Youth it satisfies your wuxia thirst, CGI was top class too!
Blood of Youth is soooo goood
Agree its better than SSS!
Your make up and outfit is wonderful, I am so enjoying looking at you!
I was waiting for your review on this. Somehow i just knew you'd echo out all my thoughts and thank you, you hit all the spots! I shared my thoughts about this drama else where and some fans got upset. Some of them think this is better than Cang Lan Jue - I don't think these people care for drama plot at all they are just happy to indulge in many lovey dovey couple scenes even if the storyline doesn't make sense.
You're absolutely on point about the lack of crucial milestones in their relationship. I also thought the build up was really weak on how he fell for her... literally watching her bang the tree (wtf...). The male lead losing sight of his goal turned me off completely too.
I don't wanna discredit Dylan's acting though it felt a little lacklustre. I'd blame it on the bad script, weak story. This man was amazing in Cang Lan Jue. I look forward to better dramas starring him.
In the past I have hard time to accept Yukee Chen as an actress, although her acting skills here are decent. I may give this drama a chance.
Hehe don’t do it unless you have time or enjoy watching for paint to dry.
I love your dress and hair styling.
Thank you for this video, AvenueX. And you look great as usual (should cast you for the next period drama 😉).
I have dropped this drama on ep.10 and felt I had watched 8 too much. Unfunny comedy 2 seconds after a tragedy, weird characterization, terrible music and a confusing plot that goes everywhere and nowhere.
I was told it becomes a little darker in the second half, so I may give it another try, just for the sake of Wang Hedi and him alone - like almost everyone else, it seems. Lol
It goes darker because of the empower, but basically it still goes between dark and silly slapstick.
@@cynthiaarnold1371
I've noticed. Meanwhile I watched another dozen of episodes, but dropped it again because it became unbearable for me. Mediocre stuff.
I know you review cdramas but wondering if you watched the Alchemy of Souls. I was thinking of you when watching it and wondering what kind of review you would give ? LOL
I feel like koreans have been influenced by c drama. Theyre kind of doing BL’s like devil judge and xianxia like alchemy of souls. Maybe she can do a comparison between c dramaa and k drama in a similar genre?
Alchemy of souls was excellent but in my opinion suffered similar issues. Plot inconsistency at times, some side actors not that good of acting as the ML, annoying FLs. But gorgeous cinematography, special effects and general plot great. And the ML perfect ♥️
It's Epic drama and I love it very very very very very very much. But I I'm really really really really really really really really sad and angry😤😡😤😡😤😡😤😡😤😡😤😡 because they delete all the beautiful scenes from the original drama. That's unfair for all of us. Just tell me whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!! I can't understand the reasons behind this decision.
Give us back all the original drama with a all the cut scenes from the original drama. GIVE US BACK ALL OF THEM IMMEDIATELY....
....
You've just confirmed my suspicions. The little I've seen and read gave me the distinct feeling this drama wasn't worth bothering with.
Legit I was waiting for your review. I just started unchained love today, and wanted some input
Avenue X where do you go to buy your beautiful traditional clothing and headpieces? Which websites?
I missed some more romance but I think this drama Is a good one. And Its not really true that he didn’t take revenge. He did It but he didn’t kill hers father vut let the authorities do so
Agree with you. Becoz I put low expectation of the leads acting, so I am quite happy with the acting of WHD and Yukee Chen, especially with Yukee Chen..I am pleased that her acting is improving..However I think the main problem is with the writing, I have difficulties to continue watch it although the main leads are eye candy..so I just fast forward until find some interesting scenes.
Speaking about the inconsistencies..I imagine when you write the script, you should write it in big board..jot down the important story that will be the backbone of the drama and then fill up with side motivation/story and so on..
If the ML want ti change his previous motivation, the writer should put more effort in convince us the viewer that his new goal is really meaningful for his life.
Don"t want to compare actually, but in my opinion I think Kdramaland in general is better when talking about the coherency and the clear story of a drama..
Everyone is speaking about script people choices regarding the line of action... What about the novel? What does it say? Are they following the novel's story line or are they improvising a new one for the sake of good ratings? Why is this changing of goal affecting the value of the acting so much? At the end of the day, Dylan Wang, at 24 years only, already showed an impressive maturity and focus on his performance. I think that the acting reflect a lot the influence of the director too, because an actor does not play on his own, he is a part of a team, so he follows a lead, is helped to understand and put on show nuances, he is forced to live the life of the character. And if the viewers are satisfied or not with the whole story, it is not his fault, I may say he has "mitigating circumstances". And this goes for all the members of the cast. Anyway, thank you, Avenue X for the review, it was enlightening for someone who, just based on your review, finished Love between Fairy and Devil.
Honestly despite all the cuts i so far liked this one i mean the cuts make the story incoherent but it's still bearable.... Just had to skip few scenes...
Both the leads are good ... Story and production quality is alos ok ....
So far a good watch...
Just my personal opinions
Actually feel the same way. I do like the drama generally like candy but this is the first drama with this FL that I actually like her character. Mostly I haven’t liked her in any other drama. Some parts are a stretch but for the most part it has held my attention. For how long I cannot say. I hope the ML regains his focus and completes what he spent years trying to do.
I'm disappointed with how much seems to be getting cut due to censorship 😭
Been waiting for your video on Flight to You. It’s by no means perfect but it’s suitable for most viewers. I’ve recommended to family and I can confidently recommend to young ones also. Values wise it’s there. Might not have much romance kisses skinship etc which is good for younger audiences. Not over the top.
Love love this drama! Super fan of Wang Kai and Tan Songyun.
Will rewatch . Still not ready to get over this drama and start Meet Yourself with Liu Yifei. I’m surprised I’m not into it much. Pretty actors pretty scenery. But .
Will wait for your reviews/videos 👍🏻
I just started Flight to You and am really enjoying it. Actually binged the first 10 episodes. The characterisation is strong and the acting is great. The side characters are interesting(love her roommate growing into a strong person). Love the friendship between Chen Xiao and her co-pilot. Love learning about training pilots, stewardesses and the motivations of people choosing those careers. I love it when I stumble into and am surprised by a drama. Never was a big Seven Tan fan(don't know why) but I love her acting in this and will probably go back to her dramas I passed on. Wang Kai handsome as ever and he is such a natural.
Haha.. love the effort you made, you look gorgeous.
Thanks. This supports my initial impressions. I stopped following after a few episodes because I got caught up in *The Blood of Youth* and didn't have the time to keep following. I'll probably still watch it when it's done, but I expect to use a lot of 2x to get through it.
I love TBoY its realy a good drama.Actors are good and the story also.Im glad there is no triangle love ,because its getting to boring , to see it in every drama.
I'm watching it rn and I'm enjoying it, definitely has annoying moments but overall a win I think. LOVE Dylan Wang😘Also all the reviews I read made it seem Like Dylan's character was a total MONSTER...and I just didn't get that at all.😄Also their hair was perfectly intact when they washed ashore!!🤣🤣🤣
I couldn't wait any longer for the review and started watching it, mainly coz Wang hedi is in it. But i agree with almost all of what u said even though I wanted only 12 episodes. I might watch a few more just to say i watched more than half of this drama😅
It seemed choppy , but the FL was excellent. I didn't think Dylan was as good in this drama.
Love your hair and clothes this episode. So pretty!
you look amazing,the hair adornments beautiful.
One thing I don't understand is why main protagonists who work as eunuchs and are having a romance plot line... always turn out to be either fake eunuchs or women. The other kinds of palace workers, be it maids, guards, kitchen staff, officials, harem, all of them get romance subplots in dramas and are written as normal people. But eunuchs are either ridiculed, villains or portrayed as asexual, aromantic monks.
I think its becuz its original and edgy? But we know for the sake of the main cp and plot he’s not going to be eunuch. I think it would be more interesting if he really was and developed romantic feelings but its too raw and real for cdrama. There’s a korean movie on this called the concubine.
I'm wondering if historically, how eunuchs lived their daily lives was ever truly accurately recorded? They're still human, with human feelings, after all. And more historically accurate series portray how palace servants and slaves formed not just alliances, but intimate relationships as well. I think there is a general expectation that subverted normal human interactions result in "monsters" whose desires are channelled into other arenas, like behind the scenes powerplays or bizarre obsessions. (which, psychologically, is often true). It was certainly a role in any palace, which had plenty of opportunities to cause havoc.
lol I was smiling unconsciously when I saw this video pop up because it just according to my expectation that you probably will have a rant video for this series. I watched the first few episodes but could not carry on so I just dropped it.
Gawd!!! Good thing you didn’t watch the whole drama!!! It was fine up until last 3 episodes then it was just totally ridiculous!!! I hated the ending logic was not there on so many levels! Then they release trailers for the ending that were CUT from the drama I’m like why???? This was so annoying and ruined the drama for me 🤯
I just want to know how they getting rid of Emperor Crazy Pants 😂😂😂
First, looking awesome!!! Extra kick with those hairpieces.
Second, you got me interested in the drama...
Edit: Went to watch. OMG, the info is every cliche scene ever!
I can't say if it is hilarious satire or true belief in the classics.
Edit2: OK, dubbing IS bad. Pity.
I have no idea how you kept watching past ep ~15. Also I think you gave it a very generous rating!
Same it’s almost the bottom of the barrel for me 😅. I still not a fan of Yukee Chen. Poor girl needs a better direction.
This is what I think too. She’s lenient with this one
I always agree with you on almost every single point. Same with this one. You perfectly described my opinion. I wonder if the writer changed at about the time of their washing up on the shore.
Totally agree with your review lol 😆 but Wang Hedi is still so handsome 😍
And his costumes were outstanding too.
Yes!!! I was waiting for this review 😅
Excellent review. 👏 Seriously, nailed it. I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like it but you put it so well. I even rewatched the first few episodes trying to figure out what made them fall in love...Like, did I miss something? When did this powerful love develop? Answer? It didn't. The ML just lost his mind for her in a pretty quick time and for little to no reason.
Patiently waiting for your review of The Blood of Youth, I kind of gave of on wuxia drama after Sword Snow Stride but this one is surprisingly enjoyable
Agreed! Really enjoyed SSS! Have you seen Side Story of Fox Volant?
Agree it's much better than SSS! I'm not a wuxia fan but I'm hooked on Blood of Youth what a great wuxia. I didn't watch Fox because the bald hairstyle is ugly.
I really thought I would be able to see another great show but...I totally agree it started good and then my hopes got shattered the moment he started falling in love. You just pointed out every single thing that I had in my mind. Why the heck would they change the main essence of a character when a woman enters his life. That is so annoying because I have seen this stupid thing happening in many Cdramas. I understand the change in a person but to this level😑. And yes his goal! His main goal is nothing now that he has someone he likes?? I would have enjoyed it a lot if FL was more like a motivation for his character development. ( Loved how it was dealt with in Love like the galaxy. We saw those subtle changes in each meeting of the main lead there). I seriously don't know if I should keep watching it or not😪.
Anyways acting wise it is really good. Special mention for the second leads and the emperor. You know how good the acting is at the moment you start hating a character in a drama. This show could have been a great one but I guess LLTG has really raised the standards.
He didn't completely lost his goal until episode 29 or 30! The one who was supposed to be the murder of the brother, turned out to be not and it took a lot of time to find another lead to the case!..... Actually a lot too much time! 😮 In between the Ml lost all of his powers and didn't even care, bc he still had his money and his brothers. 🤪 Until one of the writer had the absolute most creative idea to make the father the real murderer! 😂😂 Kudos to him! It ruined everything!
Oh, dearest AvenueX, the depth and substance you are looking for in dramas are more and more scarce now a days
It's weird that the ML changed his mind within 9 episode in a 36-episode drama (met, get to know and change mind in the first quarter). Realistically it would take some time for someone to come to terms with letting go of a goal they've worked so hard towards and the friction between his initial goal and the new one he found should make great drama and introduce a depth of character. But then again I love a 'conflicted hero' because the decisions they make aren't simple and contain a level of sacrifice that brings more weight to their final choice.
Late to the party but why did they cut so many of the love scenes? I don't get it. The man can cut people's throats but they draw the line at kissing what?
Somehow i agree with you on this one> i dont even want to watch the rest of episode sadly...maybe the ML need to pain different Script!
I heard a mix review so far. I'm waiting for it to finish airing before watching...and am only watching it for Didi. Hopefully it won't be a complete waste of time.
I just cant ingest Chenyuqi acting ,i wanted to start the drama but seeing her as FL required some strong motivation
She was unexpectedly okay in this drama series. I watched her last cont. drama series but had to struggle to finish it because I just liked the ML... lol
However, this drama series she seemed to be okay to my acceptable level and the ML and FL did create some sort of screen cp feel.....
i have been waiting for this review
what makes this drama is the actor playing the emperor. he's so good that its almost unbearably uncomfortable to watch the scenes of him being a psychopathic narcissist tyrant. That scene where he makes her hold the knife was sooooo dark and chilling. it almost didn't fit in this production, it was so intense.
but, that's also a problem. why would the viewer care when there is a rebellion? why should the leads care to prevent him being overthrown? he goes around killing people on a whim and is a terrifying presence, chilling the entire political system. I'm not a fan of stories about rooting for one authoritarian over another. I wish we had more storytelling which gave us visions of alternative social constructs. still, that is the story here. and rather than being neutral about it, I find myself actually thinking it would be better for the slightly less terrifying tyrant to take over. since the leads don't care to support getting rid of this guy, I don't even care if a rebellion led to their demise. its not as though they are concerned about anything but their own interests. They aren't presented as justice warriors or anything. They sort of mildly express concern for the well being of people and will do "good" things when they can, but its not their agenda. Survival and revenge aren't enough to make me care whether they survive an overthrow. I'm more vested in getting rid of the max creepazoid than I am in their story.
There are other things that undermine the story. I'm underwhelmed by the relationship of the leads. Its very odd that he goes from being highly intelligent, calculating and ruthless to being a bag of pouty cuteness just because he's in love. A person's personality does't transform 180 degrees just because of romantic feelings. I wish they had made his so-called softening a lot more subtle. It would feel more natural. But, more than that, there is nothing in the story which generates a depth of bond that I feel invested in, as the viewer. I could care less whether they end up together. Usually, I'm interested in the relationships of a story. (Not necessarily romantic, but seeing how we tell story of relationship-building.) Here, I'm more interested in the political dynamic. Is there even an outcome that would be better for the people? Will there be a wave of solidarity to put this petty murderer of a tyrant in the grave? What would that even look like? Sadly, we don't really get any info about the political dynamic amongst the courtiers. So, we're not going to get that story.
Also, why does the FL care to protect her father? He has never once given her one ounce of care. He wholeheartedly supported her dying as a tribute. He was brutal to her mom, driving her to death. She figures out that he murdered her lover's twin and that he's conspiring treason. She's the one that notes that he doesn't have any humanity in him. But, suddenly, she's going to stop her lover from getting the revenge he has lived for, for this dude? I know we're supposed to buy into the whole filial piety thing, but it doesn't fit in the way this story and her personality have been written. It's a very lame plot device to allow for the set up of the attempted rebellion.
There are also too many absolutely unbelievable circumstances. From the landing on the shore together that is mentioned here to the massive tunnel built between two residences, seemingly overnight. Them staying overnight on a boat right on the temple property where the royal entourage is staying; where the above-deck cabin is only enclosed by curtains. Anybody passing by would see the candlelight and hear them talking. Its absurd. One can let these things go in a fantasy, such as this, if the story is captivating, or the characters are so compelling you just love watching their scenes. But, we don't have that here. So, they need to be careful about pulling the viewer out of the suspension of disbelief with things that are simply too unbelievable.
I agree that this is an average watch. Not unwatchable, but I'll probably forget most of it and wouldn't put it on a recommendation list or watch it again.
I did like the first couple of eps, esp the hanging of the concubines scene because it did land the emotional impact while being rather stylized, but maaaan am I glad now that I dropped it in favor of focusing on The Blood of Youth.
That scene was brilliantly horrible, as well as the graves of the unnamed concubines, when the emperor makes her knife her cousin, when the emperor orders civilians killed in the street, has her bordered up in the evil tower. And all scenes follow by goofy silly slapstick. Uuuffff.
Thanks for your review i won't waste my time watching this movie
I've been watching this up to episode 6 and still wondering if this is any good. After your review and all the comments here, I'm thinking ill just drop this. 😓
mid-point the story is getting better but its obvious the censorship really f@cked up the editing and flow of the story. Scenes shown in the BTS were cut and some dialogues were also longer than what was shown. It's such a shame.
I gave up watching this drama since I cant "see" or feel "the love in the air" chemistry on screen between those main leads - Dylan & Yukee.
The storylines of both characters were not strong enough convincing me that they are deeply in love.