Lost You Forever (2023)

MaoBuYI OST elevated the series

Rewatched for S2 prep

There was a time I thought Deng Lung and Yangzi's chemistry in Ashes of Love was so good that nothing can top, but Yangzi played this character to perfection!
Her chemistry with Tan Jian Ci is next level. I never seen Tan Jian Ci so beautiful, not to mention the emotional level required for his character requires way beyond all his other roles. He can switch from loving eyes to pure hatred in a blink just using micro expressions.

Knowing how the book ended this is one drama adaption that I hope that it WON'T follow the book's ending. (I am in denial). In my head I am thinking can they make 3 different endings like how some Kdramas does it?

Yang Zi's chemistry with Zhang Wan Yi is not as captivating as Tan Jian Ci because Zhang Wan Yi's line delivery felt a bit too modern. Their chemistry does grow later on, and I am sure in S2 it will be fire!

OST ALL so good, but the best one is still MaoBuYi's OST "有你无你"

Most memorable scenes (for me):
ANYTHING with Tan Jian Ci (Xiang Liu)
Ep 14 34min The Discovery
Ep 17 33min Boat scene
Ep 19 31min Poison special (cute turnaround)
Ep 22 14min Xiao Yao protecting Cang Xuan with her life. Both actors were gut wrenching good!
Ep 25 Behind the mask
Ep 30 3min 1000 dagger scene
Ep 30 32min MaoBuYi's OST "有你无你" Most of the song was played & hit so hard
Ep 32 Full moon light
Ep 39 29min The parting

If it was so good then why the 9? Well, there was that blah:
Every scene with Mr. boring Tushan Jing. Yes, I know she's searching for Mr. safe stability, but the weakest chemistry is with this guy........................ since 4th guy came in the picture late and it's more of a drinking buddy than anything.

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I'VE FINISHED A DRAMA AFTER 4 YEARS

11Sep2024

I finished this beautiful drama. I haven't watched a drama till the end for 4 years. I had to drop each one midway. But this is just that good🤍
Everyone has said everything so I'll just express how much I love it.

*The Main characters*

My heart goes to Chang Xuang who didnt possess his loved one, rather let her be happy with her husband. No matter how much it hurts him.

My heart goes to Xiang Liu, someone who only got pain in return. Life offered nothing else except loneliness to him. He knew he couldn't get XiaoYao but yet, he loved her like theres no tomorrow.

And Lastly Tushan Jing, or rather YeShichi. I love him. He's so gentle and caring that it's almost like a dream. One could only imagine getting a husband like him.

XiaoYao, my girl understood what her standards are, and she loved each person just they way they deserved to be loved. She saw the best in everyone. Despite tremendous amount of pain in her entire life, she never forgot how to love endlessly.

*Production and etcetra*

The costumes were good. Make ups were on point. But I wish Xiang Liu's lipstick wasn't that dark. The CGI was average (I understand it's a long series so they provided the best they can). Each character had their own OST and they were just so relatable for them.

Love you all. You gave me an amazing time and helped me escape reality. I cried for you, laughed for you, blushed and fangirled for you. I give all of you guys a hug❤️

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A Must Watch ♥♥♥♥

I watched this drama a while ago and wanted to digest it before writing a review. I have never watched a drama hoping for a tragic ending. However, I do wish for a tragic ending, and even though I watched Good Bye, My Princess (2019) - MyDramaList, I did not feel any inclination to hope for such an ending.

In my opinion, part 1 of this drama deserves a score of 9. I usually rate a drama high if I feel that, regardless of the cons it may have, it will be a very rewatchable drama. It is true that I was very hesitant about watching this drama since I dislike love triangles, but I decided to give it a try because Yang Zi is an outstanding actress who has never disappointed me in the past. My decision to do so was a good one, and I'm glad I did. The story is very atypical. As a viewer, I have found something interesting about the main leads of this show. It seems like they are all damaged individuals, mentally unwell with some childhood trauma and adulthood trauma for some. It is imperative to note that the main characters in this show are flawed. Maybe not in the 2ML. However, their flaws make this show more impactful and that is what attracts the audience to it in the first place.

Below is pretty much a review of what I think about the pairing between the female lead and the 4 male lead characters. It is also what I am looking forward to in part 2. Not much of a spoiler, minor at most.





Spoilers: minor

Yang Zi and Zhang Wan Yi characters: The Prince (1stML)

The relationship between this pair is one of the most complex on the show, if not the most. Since childhood, they have known each other, but were separated and then reunited. They also have the most captivating and emotionally intense scenes on this show. For example, I found the mom-confusion scene where she thought her father's wife was her mother (if you watched you know what I am talking about) to be so powerful that all the other characters felt like extras. These two were the center of the scene and I was speechless the entire time, with tears in my eyes. The assassination attempt scene, the emotions in their eyes, and finally the withdrawal scene were well acted and emotionally charged. I would like to see them in more projects in the future because the chemistry is so natural and enthralling. They are honestly the most impressive actors on this, the others are good, but these two just blend well together.

Romantic Relationship: The Prince (1stML)

A romantic relationship is complicated between these two because they may be related (cousins) or not. Regardless of whether or not they are related, their chemistry is undeniably compelling and captivating. There needs to be more drama between them. As always, I am looking forward to Yang Zi's and Zhang Wan Yi's next projects. This is the first drama I've watched from him. Let me say Zhang Wan Yi is a talented actor and he has definitely won over many fans, me included with his performance in this drama.



Yang Zi and Deng Wei: The Typical 2nd ML (2nd ML)

In actuality, my opinion on this pairing would be quite controversial, and probably would not be well received by some, if one is to be honest, or perhaps others may feel the same way, but I am willing to share my thoughts regardless. In all honesty, the introduction of the 2ML character had some intrigue for me, since there was some air of mystery surrounding his identity and I was really fascinated by that and was looking forward to the reveal, but after the reveal of his identity, his character became very unremarkable and uninteresting. With such other compelling male leads, this character falls short in comparison. I felt like out of the four male leads in this show his story line was just the most bland and generic for such a atypical drama. In terms of chemistry if I am being honest, I didn't feel any not even on a friend level for this pair and their scenes felt repetitive it's almost always the same issue; also, I just didn't feel any chemistry between this male lead and the other characters, he just failed to stand out. However, from the writing and scenes it seems like the writers like him.

Romantic Relationship: The Typical 2nd ML (2nd ML)

If I am being honest, it seems like this is the writers favorite this relationship based on the writing. Honestly, I didn't care for this pair. They bored me.



Yang Zi and Tan Jian Ci characters: The Dark Toxic King (3rd ML)

There is a great deal of controversy and complexity surrounding this relationship. It is undeniable, however, that the chemistry between this pair is raw and explosive. There may be a toxic and abusive nature to their relationship, yet their scenes are electrifying and riveting. When they appear together, you don't know what to expect, like will he bite her neck, throw her off somewhere high or say some crazy ass shit? In spite of that, this is definitely the show's most entertaining relationship, leaving you shocked and speechless. Without this relationship, the show would not have been the same. It would be great to see more collaboration between these two. Having discovered Tan Jian Ci, I am now a fan.

Romantic Relationship: The Dark Toxic King (3rd ML)

Despite the chemistry, you know he's a bad for her, which makes a romantic relationship even more complex. While some people may say he is capable of changing, I don't want it. This is because what is appealing about his character is that he is damaged, but so is the female lead, so I don't know. They have some entertaining scenes, and the chemistry is sizzling, but given the nature of their relationship, I'm not sure how I feel about them ending up together.


Yang Zi and Wang Hong Yi characters: The Friend (4th ML)

In my opinion, the relationship between these two is pretty natural, and it brings a smile to my face whenever I watch them. There is nothing outstanding, but it is enjoyable and fun to watch. There are several scenes where he attempts to woo her in which I really enjoy watching. Although he gave off the energy of a best friend, I could still feel the chemistry between them.

Romantic Relationship: The Friend (4th ML)

I like them together. I wouldn't be mad if they ended up together. I can see them being friends that become lovers if the writers want to take that route. However, I doubt as he is the most sided-lined male lead out of the four.






Spoiler: Minor or Med (LOOK AT YOUR OWN RISK) What I look forward to in part 2:

For Yang Zi character: FL

Very likeable to me. It is safe to say that her character is not a typical lead. She is just as emotionally damaged as the rest of the characters and is not a saint and doesn't shy away from killing. There was a time when she planned to kill her grandfather and all her uncles for her cousin (Zhang Wan Yi character), and she supports his revenge plan in all its phases and is open to him using her. The most accurate way to describe her is that she is driven, smart, reckless, and crafty at the same time. Don't mess with her cousin.

Honestly, if we are aiming for a non-tragic ending, I want her to be alone and get back to medicine while still being friends with everyone. If it is tragic, I see her dying for either Zhang Wan Yi character (she has jump or try to jump in front of him a couple times already when he was attack) or Deng Wei character (she like him). Hopeful in part 2 we learn more about her background and she needs to stop making promises to all these guys. She can't keep it up or fulfill all.


For Zhang Wan Yi character: The Prince (1stML)

I would describe his character as dark, mysterious, vengeful, and maybe stoic except to Yang Zi character as he smiles more and is happy around her. There is something compelling, dangerous and appealing about this character and you want to know more about him and what happened during those missing years. I look forward to his revenge, and I hope for a blood bath.


For Deng Wei character: The Typical 2nd ML (2nd ML)

I'd describe him as spineless, generic, typical nice guy who has issues. I don't really care about this character, but it seems like he might actually be an endgame with the FL inferring from the writing. As for the kid's situation, I hope he finds out about it. I hope there is better writing for the character that doesn't feel repetitive and or not all about the romance with the FL; focus more on that relationship with his brother.

For Tan Jian Ci's character: The Dark Toxic King (3rd ML)

I would say his character is the hot and dangerous guy that your friends and family urge you to stay away from because he is bad for you, and you know it. However, you can't help but seek him out because the chemistry is overwhelming, and you are smitten by his charm, and he can do some kind things at times. Words to describe him are intense, hot and toxic. I call him the toxic king. It would be great to know more about his past and eager to know what his great plan is for his army. I see death knocking on his door.

For Wang Hong Yi's character: The Friend (4th ML)

I would describe this character as someone you can have fun with. He might actually be the happiest male lead out of the four. Out of all the characters I would say he is the most straightforward and safe. In part 2 I want to know more about his past and what role he will play in the Zhang Wan Yi character vengeance plot. I see death knocking on his door.

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Un capolavoro raffinato , introspettivo e intimista. Come e meglio di Moon Lovers.

Questa serie NON merita una valutazione così bassa rispetto ad altre che ho visto qui recensite che non hanno la stessa qualità in termini di sceneggiature, scenografia, musiche, fotografia e prestazioni interpretative.
Il lavoro su ogni personaggio è preciso e minuzioso, strutturato e credibile.
Comprendo comunque che sia un lavoro raffinato e di nicchia, psicologico e introspettivo che non arriva a tutti, molti si sono concentrato solo sul triangolo trascurando che c'è molto di più dietro... e molte hanno dato basse valutazioni perché preferivano una scelta diversa per la protagonista , quindi per egoistiche pretese ma al di la di quali siano le nostre preferenze è coerente e credibile e vanno premiate le perfomance incredibili degli attori principali, la fotografie, le musiche, la scenografia. E' un capolavoro !
Si tratta di uno xianxia ma con riferimenti più che altro, non è vissuto in regni separati con incantesimi e grandi poteri, sebbene ci siano scene surreali e magiche.
Questo lavoro ha un'intensità e una tensione che nessun drama cinese ha finora raggiunto, le prestazioni dei due protagonisti sono superbe e nessun lavoro cinese finora visto riesce ad eguagliarlo.
Per chi ha visto il coreano moon lovers vi dico solo che lo eguaglia e lo supera, giusto per farvi capire di che livello stiamo parlando.
E' un capolavoro elegante , raffinato ma anche crudo e sottilmente spietato che rende l'umanità di ogni personaggio sfaccettata e stratificata e dà una visione nuda e cruda di cosa significhi il potere assoluto, di cosa richieda e comporti, di quali sacrifici implichi, i due protagonisti compiono percorsi opposti, Cang Xuan vuole diventare visibile al mondo, la cugina Xiao Yao al contrario cerca l'invisibilità e la pace.
Tutto di questo lavoro è reso con una nuda , bruta e totale crudezza da risultare illuminante.
I momenti romantici si trovano ben distribuiti e ben strutturati, certe scene degli episodi 28-29 raggiungono un lirismo ed una tensione erotica struggente senza che si sfoci nella volgarità, tutto è reso sottilmente attraverso lo sguardo, la respirazione, sospiri e batticuori, accompagnato da musiche raffinate e ipnotiche.

Unico neo sono i combattimenti che non sono molto scenografici ma semplici e poco "spettacolari", del resto non è un wunxia.
Gli animali al pc sono sempre il tallone d'achille delle serie cinesi e alcune soluzioni mi son sembrate ridicole (tipo rinascita dal fiore in stile botticelliano, conchiglie giganti , palle marine che sono di plastica analogamente a quelle che trovi al distributore di sfere di plastica che vinci inserendo 2 euro e girando una leva ).Gli effetti speciali sono ottimi, del resto questo è un lavoro introspettivo e psicologico, con un'ottima fotografia e scenografia.

In questo lavoro ho trovato , ma è personale, lenta e meno interessante la parte comprensiva dei primi dieci episodi, Yang Zi è stata fenomenale rivelandosi la più matura professionista nel panorama cinese. Da Ashes of love è come se avesse raggiunto una piena maturità professionale che la rende totalmente in grado di dare voce alla complessità della protagonista, i direttori dei lavori hanno fatto un lavoro eccezionale su di lei, dirigendola magistralmente, variando postura, voce e movenze nelle scene da uomo rispetto alla femminilità poi ritrovata nelle scene da donna, con il volto sa rendere ogni tipo di emozione che prova il suo personaggio principale.

Le emozioni che ho provato sono indescrivibili, mi sono immedesimata in ognuno di loro e sono rimasta affascinata dal personaggio elfico e puro di Tushan Jing, sebbene il migliore come intensità e bravura sia Zhang Wanyi.

Ho trovato fastidioso il personaggio del demone a nove teste in questa serie, ma va capito e analizzato perché subisce un'interessante evoluzione, un arco narrativo molto interessante rimanendo sempre fedele all'originario: ambivalente e oscuro, apparentemente utilitarista nelle scelte che compie.
La figura più complessa e psicologicamente studiata è quella di Cang Xuan, resa magistralmente da Zhang Wanyi.
Se poi volete riscattarlo dalla oscurità che lo caratterizza guardate are you the one dove , qui su viki, dove risulta più leggero e spassoso. Per me che ho visto l'altro lavoro di quest'anno non posso notare che ci siano dei punti di contatto con Lost you forever ma non scrivo qui per uscire fuori tema, vi invito solo a guardarlo dopo aver visto anche la seconda stagione.
Meravigliose e ipnotiche le musiche, alcune cantate anche dagli stessi personaggi.

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Fantastic Cdrama!

A friend of mine introduced me to this drama. I was hooked and finished it in less than a week. This is a story of individuals that are broken and abandoned,. From that tragedy a captivating and very engaging love story that viewers will totally enjoy watching.

Great acting, great chemistry and beautiful looking cast!
I do have one pairing that I strongly disagree regarding their storyline. Love and hate relationship is a good recipe for developing a sizzling chemistry but not when it’s romanticizing a very abusive relationship. Xiang Liu’s character is a full blown abuser, the repeated scenes where he assaulted her and throws her off like a piece of trash, kicked the branch of a tree, fell down and broke her arm, that made me sick to my stomach. The author did a good job portraying this toxic relationship. Every time XL will reach out to touch Xiao Yao will right away in a fetal position as a response to extreme stress and fear.

The cousins or leading couple Cang Xuan and Xiao Yao chemistry and storyline are riveting, beautiful and alarming, due to his hidden strong feelings for the FL.
It’s refreshing that this is not those typical dramas which the main male lead gets the girl.

Second male lead Tushan Jing and Xiao Yao has the best and sizzling chemistry, nontoxic and yet so romantic. Writer is doing a great job portraying a character who has been through so much trauma and betrayal, still manages to be a great strategist with a kind heart. . Deng Wei’s character looks fragile but has the greatest strength in all of them.

I totally enjoyed and love this series, I will definitely be watching season two when it comes out.
Best Asian drama of this year! Highly recommend.

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A good adaptation

You can tell that Tong Hua's favorite among the three MLs (the writer of the novel) is Xiang Liu. She even wrote a heart wrenching epilouge dedicated to him. As a reader and now a drama adaptation viewer, I could see why many love him because among the three he's character is well flesh out. Even in the drama they included scences that explain his thought process. Maybe because the author has a control over the script and you can see he's really the favorite to highlight. As a reader and a viewer, I don't like Xiang Liu. He's abusive and manipulative. Yes, he loves the FL and has many complicated reasons. But no amount of reasons and swoon worthy scenes will wipe out my disgust on how abusive and manipulative he is. Novel or drama wise. The actor did really well but again the character was flesh out. Cang Xuan actor, he's the ML and out of the three MLs, I like his face the most. I dont know if its dubbed because this is my first time watching him but I love love his voice. He's character is well flesh out and you can see in the novel and drama what went wrong because of the hard choices he made. Now, Jing. Ah well, you can tell that he is the least favorite but the end game of FL. I had to give it to the actor Deng Wei, because he made this character alive with what little character fleshing out. I'm one of many that can say I love drama Jing more vs novel Jing. This is a testament on how well Deng Wei portray this least favorite character. I'm a fan of Yang Zi because of how hard working she is. I love also that she is not stick thin, though I think she lose weight on this drama. Others criticize her weight because how dare she not looking under weight. 🙄 I don't have problems with her looks because she can act and every time she has a drama her male leads got popular. It reflects on how she does not outperform anyone but instead try to work with everyone. Anyhoo, looking forward to Season 2. Hopefully writers will not disappoint us.

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Perfect Novel Adaptation

I love this drama so much that I actually watched this several times. Everytime I finished watching the whole 39 episodes, I would continue the story by reading the novel.

This novel adaptation is so perfect, that when I read it, I have all the actors playing the scenes in my head. I think all the actors and actresses were perfectly cast.

Even though I ship Tushan Jing with Xiao Yao, my favourite character is actually Cang Xuan. The actor who plays him didn't win me at halo (He's not my definition of handsome) but oh boy, he totally nailed it. His strength are his micro expressions and his voice. His voice is just mesmerising, and I don't even understand Mandarin that much!!!!!!!

I can feel for the conflicted Cang Xuan. People might say it's his own doing which caused him to lose Xiao Yao (hence the title "Lost You Forever). But I feel like the choices he made, he did it to protect Xiao Yao - it wasn't just because he's power hungry (well he does want to conquer the world, he's not completely innocent haha). He needed to be powerful so when people find out who her real father is, he will be able to protect her. His struggles whenever he has to give his blessings to Xiao Yao's wedding(s) is just so real.

** SPOILER** When he agreed to the suicide pact with Xiao Yao, that was when I saw how much he loves Xiao Yao, that he would let go of being a King (and abandon the world) and he would choose to die if he doesn't have Xiao Yao. It was the only time he made a decision as himself. Yes, he's a bastard for killing Tushan Jing, but he was just fighting for the only woman he wants to be with (even though he was much too late for that as Xiao Yao's heart already completely belonged to Jing).

Yang Zi is just an amazing actress. The amount of tears I shed while watching this drama (and I watched this at least 5 times by now), wow!!!

The OSTs are also outstanding in my opinion. I find songs really do help to push some dramas from great to outstanding.

I would recommend this drama if you like to watch characters who are layered. You won't be disappointed!

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Spectacular performance, A sure to watch and I will forever cherish the character in my ♥️?

I have been watching this since 15days straight and started reading the novel... i cant say how many times i have watched n read it ... and not even a single time i felt boredom.
How magically it has been written.. surely writer Tong Hua is a spell caster ... I being not understanding Chinease a single word still fell hard for the story and the cast indeed justified the characters.
My personal n ultimate fav character is Tushan Jing and very well portrayed by Dang Wei..
One surely watch this spectacular drama....
Everything was on point the story , d location, direction, music ....
Indeed its a marvelous show.....
Do give it a try n you wont regret it.

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So good! One of the best drama of 2023

This drama was so well done!
The plot was refreshing and the characters are fully fleshed out. Acting was excellent overall. The standouts are obviously Yang Zi and Tan Jianci. I have a new appreciation for Yang Zi as an actress. During the first half when she plays a man, she fully commits and delivers from her voice to body language. I loved that she didnt care about being beautiful while acting as a man. Tan Jianci is do good as Xiang Liu! The clothes, makeup, hair, acting all perfectly portrayed his character. The chemistry between Yang Zi and each male was very believable and felt different based on their relationships!

My only complaint is the acting of Deng Wei was so flat. Whenever he was onscreen, its like theres a void sucking the energy out of the room lol!

I can't wait for part 2! If you only watch one drama this year, make sure its this one!

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I can't accept ending

Ending should be like Jing sacrifice his love Xao and liu accept love for eatch other Becoz xao and liu is from demon clan,in child hood xao killed a fox And jing is his son becoz in one episode I sawed the Jing foxy tails 🤣😂😂 He was not in love with xao he was trying to revange of his father, Or in the the end may be Marriage of liu and xao and when she got pregnant by babyvif liu then Jing kidneped her becoz he was trying to kill xao for his father And in the end the cousing of xao the Chuan gaga and liu become froend and kil jing wow and then Jing revel the assestination in snow Tapper on Xao was his plan Wow what a story ,,, Becoz my Tan Jean ci always sacrifice his love in every costume drama wich anyoing me hurt me 🥺 Why director prducers waisting money for same story as a novel now my deep Intrest in LYF is Gone i am only watichng for my TJ-Ci 😘

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Will I ever move on from this masterpiece? No, I won't EVER!!

Finally a story that got my heart racing to watch the next episode, ranting to my family members(bless them), pausing out of frustration due to some characters, and smiling foolishly to some scenes And that's how I know I have found a gem. Living and being entranced so wholly into a plot, a scene, a character and their life.

Words cannot express how good this drama is. Just watch it and see. The plot, the acting, the osts, everything was at peak perfection. Characters that had my full support (I was ready to die for Jing), others that had my sympathy (the nine headed demon) and some who I understood their choices but just couldn't get myself to love them.

Not to add the endless pieces of advice got. Living a life only you have control over. Is it worth it, betting your hope of happiness in someone else's hands? If you live life with no expectations, you won't get disappointed. But won't that steal the joy of those little moments in life that we experience due to hope etc.

AND Seriously if you are a sucker for enduring love, love that you only see once in a lifetime, the we'll live and die together type of love(I'm among those who live for such stories), this is a gem for you. Plus there is more for those who love a mix, political intrigue, high stakes on line, loyalty, weighing the gains etc.

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