Lost You Forever (2023)

Addictive and Beautifully Written Complex Characters

I've been postponing my dive into season one for quite some time, with plans to start it only when they release season two. However, after coming across many spoilers, which I'm thankful for, I decided to take the plunge and it was totally worth it!

The first episode alone packs a punch, and the creators know what they are exactly doing. They gave us enough to pique our curiosity, got some answers, and still look forward to more. It's also the very reason why this story is addictive. Before you know it, you just find yourself pulled into it and click on the next episode.

I dare to say LYF is also one of the rare dramas where you don't skip scenes because of its refusal to serve up filler content. You won't find yourself hitting the skip button because every scene contributes something meaningful to the narrative.

But the true gems of this drama are the characters. They're refreshingly imperfect, each bearing "relatable in a strange way" flaws that add layers of complexity. Their ever-shifting shade of gray personalities makes them so utterly captivating. There is an impressive balance of strength and vulnerability, which makes it more interesting to watch. And of course, acting just completes everything perfectly. The entire cast breathes life into their characters, making them feel real and relatable. This drama defies the notion of a mere "multiple main leads" and "female lead" setup. Each character boasts a rich backstory, a distinct personality, and a specific role to play. They go beyond the romance, and the political point of view is really beautifully portrayed as well.

The OST, CGI, and cinematography are really beautiful as well. Overall, I loved the first season and looking forward to the second one because it seems like more pain is awaiting us.

link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5h7gYmd9Du3X0IX2TgMeFuv&si=uqmhiASVW-6EBJFO

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Reviving chinese drama for me

Finished this 2 days ago after marathoning for 5 days in between work. Overall, i was quite impressed because honestly I was in a slump with regards to watching chinese dramas recently. Started The Longest Promise, but cant seem to continue after 15episodes even though XZ is one of my favs. Finished Fireworks of my heart but it took me a month and so much willpower. Finished Legend of Anle, but also took me quite some time. So the fact that I finished this in 5 days even with working shifts in between, tells me that this is interesting and able to capture my attention. Lol.

Storyline was quite fast paced, which I like. Even Legend of Anle has some part which is quite draggy. Not sure what is being done, but YZ’s portrayal as a man in early episodes is quite convincing, she appeared quite thick built and not that skinny (as compared to say, Lusi’s or Dilireba’s portrayal of man in disguise.) Though some things done with her by the male leads may appeared to be gay-ish if we are looking from man to man’s perspective lol (but honestly, which guy is that happy to suck a man’s neck time and time again with such a questionable position? Lol)

Overall, the screentime allocated to CX, TSJ and XL was so evenly spread to me that I cant even figure out who was the main male leads at first. Lol. The actors for CX and TSJ plays crying scene so well, they can basically cry in split second. Lol. I was amazed tbh. CX was a power hungry guy, but i like that he stays loyal to Xiao Yao despite everything. He and XY was completely dependent and supportive of each other even XY doesn't mind that CX is using her to establish power. I guess many people support XL and find that he’s the perfect guy for XY, but as someone who’s already at that kind of age, I guess I am not kinda into bad boy guy anymore, no matter what sacrifice he had done for her behind the scene. I mean, i get that he saves XY and sacrifice his own life for that (but if I have 9 lives, i wouldnt mind losing one so much. Lol) but he was an a$$hole to XY as well, especially when she was Wen Xiaoliu even knowing she’s a girl, so yes,thanks but no thanks.

Meanwhile, I was rooting for Tushan Jing so much all the while because despite the flaw that he is engaged to be married to someone else (through not his own arrangement at that), he stays true and loyal to XY from start to finish. The soft and tender love TSJ has for XY is such a balm to me. I like that he was so kind to everyone despite being hurt so much (but at the same time his character is not dumbed down to showcase the kindness, he was completely in the know, but still choose to show compassion). I was actually hoping for Tushan Hou to repent and appreciate such a good and kindhearted brother that he has, but well, it doesnt seem like so *sigh
I like that TSJ is so sweet in his flirting and is so supportive of XY despite XY’s bullying him in between. Lol.

CGI was quite good and the scenery was beautiful. There’s something weird here and there but well, it was a fantasy drama, so I guess some landscape/animal scene must be exaggerated. Lol. OST was quite good as well, and accompanies the scenes so well.

Overall, i cant wait for season 2 to be published. Hopefully it wont be too long. I cant understand why they cant copy Love to the Galaxy and shows part1 and part 2 back to back, instead of taking their own sweet time like this

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My favorite drama for this year!

Let start with big compliments for Yang Zi. I already liked her as an actress in (ashes of love, Immortal Samsara and Legend of dragon pearl) and she is one of my most favorite Chinees actresses so I had high expectations from her in this roll, and she didn’t disappoint me, she was even much better than I had expected. The first part of the drama, it was so much fun to see her as Wen Xiao Liu how she was walking around and behaved like a man, she did a really good job. Also, when she thought that consort Jing An was her mother, how she was in this scene, I honestly had to take a break of a ten minutes before I could continue to watch this episode, it was so intense.

After she became Xiao Yao she had so many great scenes but one of them stood out for me, that was when she found out about the pregnancy, when she walked away with her fake smile but you could see the hurt in her eyes, her acting skill were truly amazing and I can re-watch this scene so many times and each time I can feel the hurt.

Zhang Wan Yi, I haven’t seen him in any dramas before, but this guy made impact. How he played his role, was also very, very, very good and convincing. The scenes in front or Xiao Yao room when she had a visit of Jing, or prepare to visit him, oh boy that was intense, like all the parts where you can see he was jealous, I’m looking forward to see this develop more in season 2 (what red flag??).

Deng Wei, i have seen him in Till the end of the moon and thought he was ok, but in this drama I personally think he is much better and he can show his acting skills so much more and he does. You can sometimes feel his pain and the scene after Xiao Yao had found out about the pregnancy, my heart broke in million pieces.

Tan Jian Ci, I have seen him in Court lady, and I already thought he was a great actor, to be honest in court lady, I thought in the scenes with the FL he was performing much better than her, I was also hoping he would get her (what red flag?). in this drama he is so good, I enjoy every scene between him and Yang zi and I have already rewatch them many times (no shame) his acting skill are extremely good and I’m hoping he and Yang Zi will do a similar drama together (hint hint) .

A lot of watchers of this drama has a preference with who they want the FL to end up with, but I, at the end of this season still could not choose between the three men 😊. It is tagged as reverse harem, lets keep it like this hahaha.

Big, big complements for the cast and crew!!

I have seen some spoilers about the ending, but I’m still hoping that the writer of the novel has changed a bit, but maybe that is wishful thinking.

I also like the music in the drama, it has been well chosen.
Can’t wait for the next season, I really hope it will air soon!

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I finally get to write a review.
If you like watching Ancient Chinese Drama, Xianxia. I do not think you should ever miss Lost You Forever. I am not a fan of Xianxia. I just come to watch it this year.( This is my second Xianxia of 2023. First one being the longest promise and then this one. I am more intrigued here.)
And I could not move on from this drama yet.
In short, the plot, the production, the actings, the sounds track are so awesome and superb and perfection. The storyline and characters are quite in depth though not at first sight.
This is a drama where the female lead who had to involved with 3 male leads + 1. Because the forth one scenes are a bit low. Not as vital as the first 3.
This is a story about a princess who had lost her way during the battles three lands/empire. She had even lost her identity of being female and turn herself into a man so that those want to harm her did not recognize her. On her way of life she met a tortured _begger_ like _man Tushang Jing, nurses him back to health. He is later found to be the head of Tushang, 9 tail fox clan. Another one she encounter in a man body, is Xiang Liu, the 9 head demon general, whom she had to exchange with her medical blood (her blood is medicine) to stay alive and other stuffs. And then she finally get to reunite with her cousin or brother (not real brother though) whom she had much deep relationship with when they were kids. After transforming back to being princess, there is another suitor who become fond of her too. Politics schemes and battles are on the way. And romance is in the air.
Characters
Xiao Yao/Wen Xiao Liu played by Yanzi
She's played as a young man or boy for half of the show. Yet her feminine aura is still on. And two of her men know she's a woman. She is free spirited, fierced at times, cheeky and kind. She is very loyal to those whom she care. Nevertheless, her wish in life is find someone who will love her and accompany her through life than any other life legacy.

Cang Xuan played by Zhan Wanyi
He's the future emperor who indeed has goals and ambition for good, and protecting those whom he loves. Because he had experienced loss and tragic. His journey to the throne is not easy. It has to take lives and blood of many people. It may also take away his only happiness at heart too, as the woman whom he loved since childhood has different goals in life especially at heart matters, although she is very loyal to him.

Tushang Jing/Ye Shiqi played by Deng Wei
The gentle master of nine tail fox clan. But he was stripped off nearly all his power by his brother. Tortured for years. Finally looking like a tortured disable begger whom our female lead had to look after him back to health. He in return, looks after her and her residence. Comfortable Domestic Home that will care for her and make her relaxed. ❤️ It has given him new life since. Hatred and revenge are not for him. He is determined to live with her throughout life. But this is a ruthless world, and sometimes dealing matters in the right gentle nature can make him lose the woman he loves dearly (nearly).

Xiang Liu played by Tan Jian Ci
The badboy in white with smooth silver hair. The nine head demon who own nine lives and lived for so long. He is mostly rough with Xiao Yao/Wen Xiao Liu initially, and even uses her to gain benefit to his side. Push- pull tension, nonsense bickering and teasing are how their relationship go. Nevertheless his attraction to our female lead is deep indeed. He does care greatly for her. Act like her guardian angel. Help her with his own lives and teach her to protect herself. Nevertheless, their loyalty and goals lies in just opposite ways that he is mature enough to not persue her to be by his side.

Feng Long played by Wen Hong Yi
He is a bachelor with goals and dreams too in which he listened his business friend Tushang Jing, to support Cang Xuan in getting the throne. He met the lady of his dream, the princess. Not knowing that she is also loved by other three men already, her presence are what makes him comfortable.

This is my take so far on plot and characters so far.
I am yearning for second season to come as soon as possible. I am still listening to the Osts. Long love sickness and favor mortal fireworks are my two favorite songs here.

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One of the best Xian Xia in awhile

It has been awhile since there was a production this big with such a story line. I came in expecting poor acting/script because of Yang Zi's stardom but the chemistry is amazing between her and the three male leads.
I rewatched this drama twice already and noticed a lot more details to the plot/character development. I think the details are very important as the author is trying to convey her message and her interpretation of the book she wrote.
I hope production companies will one day realize that all they need to do is STICK with the plot of the original novel and it usually will work great. Such as the Untamed and this drama.
Looking forward to S2!

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A tale of two children

I usually don't watch dramas as they are still airing but I simply couldn't resist given how much I loved the book. Although marketed as a romantic fantasy, this is as much Cang Xuan's story as Xiao Yao's. They are royal cousins who have lost all their blood kin due to massive political events. Xiao Yao grows up hidden in the world amongst human and small deities, while Cang Xuan grows up as a hostage in another country. They cross paths but don't recognize one another, and while Xiao Yao meets the two other loves of her life, nine-tailed fox Tushan Jing / Ye Shiqi and nine-headed demon Xiang Liu, Cang Xuan starts consolidating his power and scheme against his royal uncles. We see the world through Xiao Yao's eyes, the up and down of her relationship with Jing, her protecting Cang Xuan with her life, and her carefree water adventures and archery lessons with Xiang Liu. The one constant in her life is her sweet and protective relationship with Cang Xuan.

Acting and casting are phenomenal - Zhang Wanyi's longing gaze and Tan Jianci's cold demeanor with a warm crinkle only for Xiao Yao are the standout performances for me. Yang Zi's star power and chemistry with all her co-stars is the glue that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Set design is lovely, a tad too fake-looking aesthetically for me, but still remarkably beautiful. I wish they picked a more memorable intro song, though the overall OST is very good at evoking emotions. Lastly, the story artfully follows the book and while some parts of the pacing could be improved, the overall experience was very good.

Highly recommend watching this gem! I have already rewatched some of the episodes and will continue to wait with bated breath for Season 2. 9.5/10.

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Waiting for season 2 ??

I'm new to these shows but love them. In Lost You Forever I thought the acting and story line was very good. I'm hooked and will look to see all 39 episodes. I'm at 36 now, waiting to finish w the Eng translation. I feel like the main Princess character is an excellent actress. I've seen comments where some don't think she s pretty enough. I think she is and her personality shines through her work. This love triangle of her, Jing and her brother is interesting. I really like both male roles and feel their acting is really good too. Jing (Deng Wei) is so diverse in this role. So many things pushing his life around. Anyway Im interested to see how Season 1 ends. I hope we don't lose too many of the main characters as they all figure in immensely . I have not read the books and won't til later as I don't want to compare. Anyway I would recommend this one but not sure what typical Asian viewers enjoy, but I think it's great and the costumry, the acting and story line is really good. One more thing a girl taking on a male role in the beginning episodes due to story line, that hooked me, it's hard to do, and I think she really did a good job, but then totally transfurmed back into this beautiful princess role later and to me was just amazing

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Features convincingly a variety of love interests with interesting and different storylines

This Chinese Xuanhuan drama focus on the destiny of Xiao Yao and Cang Xuan as they evolve in a very tense political context because of their families history. I liked a lot the overarching story, especially when it focused on the links between both of those characters and their fight for power and to protect each other. There are some pacing issues though, especially in the middle of the series.

In addition to offer an interesting fight for the throne tale, the scenario depicts a proper reverse harem. The heroine has various love interests, some that have really my preference and some that I really do not like. In terms of characters, Cang Xuan and Xiang Liu have my heart. I truly enjoyed the fact that each of the love interest storyline are so different : the most compelling one for me is the one of Cang Xuan who is my favorite character. I'm afraid that he will not be endgame, so if not him, I hope it will be Xiang Liu as my second choice. Unfortunately, one of the suitor candidate, Tushan Jing, was much less my cup of tea...He annoyed the hell of me at multiple points of the series. I understand why the heroine likes him but it is more rooted in trauma than in any real love (at least to me).

The acting is pretty good, especially for the actors playing my favorites characters: Zhang Wan Yi (in the role of Cang Xuan) and Tan Jian Ci (in the role of Xiang Liu). The soundtrack and the production were overall good despite some cringey CGI and green screen.

I would recommend this to people that are looking for a Chinese historical and fantasy tale with a reverse harem trope pretty well done. It is very difficult after watching season 1 to guess with who the heroine is going to end up, which I found super interesting (even if I have my preferences).

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Love so much and Yang Zi u are a queen

She delivers a courageous performance in this drama, perfectly cross-dressing in a believable male role. In many scenes, don't be afraid to look normal! I chose to continue because she is one of my favourite actresses.

The male leads surrounding her are unique and give our FL different emotional and physical experiences. You have the brother, the 'puppy' kind of love offering warmth, the challenger abusive potential lover... If I choose one I would go for XL since he is the best man on the show. XL is a perfect balance of the two, offering her both kindness and challenge. He also manages to bring out the best in her, pushing her to find her inner strength and stand up for herself.

The characters have all gone through some sort of abuse, and loneliness, and are mostly unloved .. and you might find the drama difficult to watch at times. But if you can digest those scenes, you will be rewarded and taken deeply into their world.

I got very hooked up since the beginning of the drama and I couldn't finish because of the end of some characters. So if you're looking for a great show to binge-watch, this drama is definitely worth the time – and the tissue box.

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