Destined (2023)

It's Refreshing. Very Recommended

The characters' growths *chef kiss* It's very refreshing to me, that when I watched this drama the role reversal of how the woman becomes the provider and head of the family. I mean, sure, the ML was amazing too with his principles and his actions prove that. Again so refreshing when her in-laws were good and kind people.

Their love story was slow burn and I enjoyed that. Their mutual respect for each other gradually turned into love. Still, I love that moment when I screamed at the screen, now give me the first kiss scene and then it happened few sec later.

I love how this drama showed their up and down and every phase/stage of their lives. I cannot stop watching from one episode to next. I also love that we got to watch their friends stories. Feel sad for Zhou Ye though.

I wonder why they decided to keep both ML and FL looking so young when it had been like 10 years probably since they both married and they went through a lot of things.

Good casting because I can't help but think Zhou Ye really looks like his father the great Commander. The way I was shocked when I saw the ML former fiancée to be, that princess face, lmao her face looks so modern iykwim. The lips filler lmao.

Can't believe they made me cried over the villain. Well

-301123

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Best c-drama so far

Best chinese drama so far 2023.
Lama tidak menonton drama china semenjak awal tahun ini,dan akhirnya sampai menonton drama korea (saya biasanya anti drakor hehe), ini satu satunya yang dapat saya tonton dan selesai di tahun 2023. semoga ada drama lain yg bagus.

Untuk cerita ini awalnya saya kira hanya membahas romantisme ML dan FL, ternyata salah besar. POLITIK adalah salah satu unsur utama selain ada perang, bisnis, dan dunia silat. Banyak dialog yg sangat berarti, ini moral nya sangat banyak. Penyampaian cerita jg to the point, jadi tidak banyak scene sampah. efektif dan efisien. Kekurangan nya adalah ketika FL menjadi nona shiyu yg bisa cepat kaya. Untuk Plot sangat membagongkan, mungkin rewatch value drama ini sangat tinggi karena ending karakter seperti luo zhisang sangat mengenaskan.

Produksi drama ini adalah produksi yg besar. Ini bukan produksi yg murah. Sangat niat dan detail. Ini adalah drama besar. Pantas ditonton untuk semua kalangan. Kualitas scene dan musik nya juga OK

Saya sangat merekomendasikan drama ini.
Terakhir terima kasih.

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Best relationship growth!

One of enemies to lovers drama I really enjoyed this year!
Plus good costume with good production, BJT as Gu Jiusi x Song Yi as Liu Yuru really delivered the story of their relationship growth perfectly.
But overall, this drama really have good package in casting and acting. I haven’t read the novel so cannot compare about the adaption, but have read about some dissapointment about how the story was being told in the drama.

Really satisfied to watch to the end even tho the half of their relationship really hurtful to watch because of the hardship these two have to get through. Their chemistry between each other is just top notch! Love it!

As much as I like this drama but I have to make it 9/10 even tho I really enjoyed like majority of this drama because the war scenes really too draggy in the middle.

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What I like:
The reason I watched this: Bai Jing Ting
The reason I keep watching: Song Yi's character - is strong and intelligent
The seal that keeps me watching: Episodes 10 and 11 (the later part of episode 10 and the early part of episode 11)
The reason I watched it again for the 3rd time: episodes 10 and 11 (also the reason why I wrote this review. I do not know what was it on these episodes, but the first time I watched it, I felt so nervous as if I was one of the characters, and the relief I felt when Xifeng admitted defeat)

What I do not like:
Some "punishments" are not enough for me to give that high level of satisfaction example episode 9
The reason behind the main villain's reason for revenge and how they tidied it up at the end. Like really?

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WORTH WATCHING

SHORT STORYLINE: it's about a couple which married by accident, and agree on a divorce later on. But out of loyalty they help each other, a friendship was build which leads to a love relation and real marriage. Both as POWERCOUPLE overcome a lot of challenges and survive near-death-situation, and sacrifices. The story is with a historical background with several federal states and an empire which falls apart, war, poverty, famine and a lot of suffering of the common people is the result. A lot of people die. The Couple becomes a leading stone to a new empire.

The series impresses with its QUALITY of costumes and attractive, well-developed and CUTE(male lead) characters who show progression throughout the story. The male lead's acting is strong, showcasing a convincing range of emotions, while the female lead, though competent, lacks expressiveness and struggles to convey emotional depth, which can make her performance feel flat. The script could have added more pivotal scenes to enrich their relationship, as some key moments are merely mentioned in passing. The CHEMISTRY BETWEE THE LEASD isn't convincing, with the male character showing more believable growth, whereas the female character remains largely static and unemotional. But nonetheless I love the strong character of the female lead character, she becomes a STRONG WOMAN who goes her own path and builds her own life. The pacing is decent, but the second quarter drags due to excessive dialogue that makes the relationship feel overly sweet and lacking tension, diminishing the drama’s potential. Also I miss more funny scenes. However, the series stands out for its original, non-predictable story, quality filming, and WELL-EXECUTED FIGHT SCENES that avoid excessive exaggeration. Despite some issues with the romance, the show remains engaging with its well-crafted characters and unique narrative, making it worth watching.

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unsatisfactory ending

I loved the lead actors. there wasn’t enough scenes of seeing the villain pining for the FL. The writers should have made it more salient themi would believe the villain was really obsessed with the FL but I barely felt it. Would have rated higher if the ending wasn’t so bad. The bad guys didn’t pay much for what they did. doing is easier than living with guilt and regret

also I dislike stories where one’s revenge was based on false information that could have been corrected if the characters just communicated properly. To me it’s such lazy way to write a story. I feel duped ever time when the truth comes out and the villain realizes all the hurt they caused was for nothing😞

😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😔😏😏😏😔😔😔😔

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This one is way underrated! It deserves more recognition

This is a really good story, especially the love story between the 2 leads. Juisi and Yuru’s love story was one of the best ones I have seen portrayed in a Cdrama. This is definitely proof that kissing scenes and implied sex don’t make a romance. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but their partnership, friendship and ultimately love is evident in all they do. I like that they really are a pair working together. They even arrive at the same conclusion from different angles multiple times. She is soft spoken but fierce when necessary, and above all she is brave and smart. He is a spoiled child when the story begins, but one with a good heart. He grows into the best kind of hero. But I especially love his sense of humor and a bit of his childish delight. He keeps this even though he grows up. Watching this is riveting TV.

What bumps this drama down a bit for me is the stuff outside the main romance. The bad guy is more like the kind who stomps around wearing a black cape and laughing evilly. He is “behind” all of the chaos that happens, but our heroes know it and still don’t take him out. It feels like we are told he is bad rather than shown it. He never really seems like a compelling bad guy to me and more like just an obstacle for plot purposes. Much of the palace intrigue is less than logical and the selflessness of our main couple means they have to start over 3 times before they finally get their happy after. It makes the story drag quite a bit in the back half.

Overall, watch it for the romance and the palace intrigue, but it would have been better if about 10 episodes had been cut.

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Destined is my joy. Bai Jing Ting is my enjoyment.

Destined (2023) is a Woman in Business Period RomCom Drama. This is one of my favorite Chinese dramas of the year.

Apart while together. Destined hones in on a comedy while being a serious drama. The star, Bai Jing Ting, tries his hand at comedy, while reeling in the serious aspects of this story too.

The Story

A pampered son of the richest Costume Drama Plutocrat, has a spat with the daughter of a modestly well off Merchant. The differences are irresolvable. As with happenstance, the two end up in a arrange marriage. He is a bon-vivant and she is prim and proper. This is great fodder for laughter as the two try to cohabitate peacefully. Destined stars Song Ye as the prim and proper Liu Yu Ru and Bai Jing Ting as the spoiled but kind-hearted Gu Jun Si. He begins to teach her business and she pushes him to the highest scholastic achievements. They both “better” each other has walls are broken down to expose love.

Destined is a refreshing Costume drama change. Few things produce more of an anachronism than a Comedic Costume Chinese Drama. I have not seen Bai Jing Ting in a RomCom yet, but this seems to be the year that many Asian dramatic actors are challenging themselves to try comedy. Bai Jing Ting has never given his audience the same acting performance in his dramas and this extends to his attempt at comedy. I found myself laughing a lot. Bai Jing Ting, as Gu Jun Si, utilizes body language and gestures to aid in his comedic performance and his comedic timing is spot on.

Song Yi as Liu Yu Ru plays the straight part in this Chinese drama series. She gives some of the most endearing dialogue about women in business and love, sending goosebumps up my arm. Song Yi’s demur sweetness was so right for this part. Her character, Liu Yu Ru, is portrayed as a high intellectual and a quick learner, becoming the asset to her husband and the longing of other men.

Quote: This business is about Military supplies. Confucius said, “To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business and sincerity; economy and expenditure and love for men; and employment of people at the proper time”. Husband teaching wife what the client needs to hear. From Destined

This RomCom is a high Yes! from me.

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Love that grows from strength to strength

A beautifully told tale of a love story that started out as an accident and evolved into a relationship of trust and genuine love. No unnecessary misunderstandings and jealousies to tear them apart was much appreciated. Instead their obstacles were the situations they were placed in.

A love triangle of sorts, the villain turned out to be victim of circumstances but the flashback sequences of him with the FL was sweet and gave you the usual “if only” wishes hoping he had it better growing up. The reveal during his end was not unexpected but good enough to tie up his storyline.

The star of this drama is the ML. Watching him grow from a carefree, playful person to one who sacrifices himself to fight for the good of the people was the highlight of this drama. Kudos to the scriptwriter for some of the most intelligent and interesting dialogue for this character. He delivers it so well and righteously in keeping with his character’s personality.

It was also nice to see the FL transform from originally resigning to her fate of just being a typical wife to having her own aspirations in business. However, this changes seem too jarring at times, one of which was when she went from crying on her wedding night to suddenly being extra gung-ho as she led men to the entertainment house to chase down the her husband. Brandishing a sword to get him was a nice humorous touch. However, her revealing all her marriage aspirations and how the ML ruined it in front of the many people in there felt so wrong. A normal person would have some reservations about sharing such private information in public, what more she had just spent years learning about a family’s code of conduct. Overly dramatic. (also found it strange she had no reaction when she saw her original target husband in the crowd there)

Watching her start her first business showed some smart moments but not fleshed out enough as she quickly turned things around after 2 weeks of slow sales. Not enough moments to make me believe she is this super business person especially when she was in the capital and when she was lying low during the 3 years.

One of my favourite parts would have to be in Wangdu and how the ML defended it with just 10,000 men against an army 10x bigger. I loved both his confrontations with his uncle here - perfect lines perfectly delivered!

Didn’t care much for the palace storyline with the new Emperor suddenly being sick all the time compared to when he was just a Commissioner. Liked the Empress Dowager and her daughter even less especially their senseless meddling. The twist here became too convenient and a few extra scenes on how it happened would have been better.

The ending was good enough, showing us what happened with all the main characters and how some of them still go on despite not having a spouse. A definite must watch if you are a fan of the ML as he was truly in his element in this drama.

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Is Destiny in our hands?

I enjoyed this drama 👍🏼,its not fast paced but well put together,the schemings and plot twist were not over the top or scattered,if you are not into political drama you will find it draggy,but over all it a lovely series.
Casting was good,i liked the pairings,,great acting from the leads to supporting actors,good interpretations of roles,,you could see character growth as you watch, its a drama i would like to rewatch😀
Now were i had tiny issue... The Ending,i wanted more from it,i was waiting for Gu jiu si's father to show up , 🤷‍♀️ then general Qin,she didn't need to die,imagine if she was made the only survivor while protecting the Zhou family ...those 2 roles showing up would have given the drama a grandier ending imo 😀😀...

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A drama that you shouldn't miss

I usually stay away from dramas that has more than 30 episodes but I'm glad that I tried watching it because once I started I just couldn't stop.

The FL & ML are smart, selfless and patriotic. Their love and trust for each other are unmatchable. I love how they are sorrounded with family & friends that share the same value as them.

I hate how smart the villain is just as the ML in this drama. It's like the ML & the villain shares the same brain but just have different values. The other is evil and the other is righteous who puts the country & people above all but it makes the drama more interesting and somehow unpredictable not knowing how the issues can be reversed.

I also love how I, as the viewer we're able to watch all the characters grow despite going through so much predicaments and near death situations. All of the good and relevant characters will grow on you as you watch them transform from young, free and idle individuals to outstanding heroes.

Story wise, it was well written. There were no unnecessary filler scenes. I didn't feel the need to skip or fast foward to other scenes despite having 40 episodes with at least 40mins duration. The story shows patriotism and how the characters navigate their way into overturning situations despite the villain's plans and hindrance. However, I feel like that the villain's story should have been discussed more because somehow his reason for revenge was not heavy enough compared to the efforts and the level of chaos he brought to everyones lives. He should have been given a heavier backstory so the viewers can understand his reasons well.

Characters- I love the ML so much! He played his role well and manage to give life to the character. The FL was okay but I think someone can play the role better than her. I feel like she wasn't able to fully embody the character the way the ML did.

Music - It was okay. I heard better music and ost from other dramas. Whenever I like the music used in dramas I always try to find it on spotify and add on my playlist. The songs on this drama didn't make the cut. It was just a regular song for me, nothing special.

Wardrobe - I notice that they only use few costumes on this drama and almost use the same clothes but I don't mind as the story are great and you won't really have the time to focus on it as you will be engrosed to the story.

I highly highly recommend this drama.

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Historical Drama Done Right (Not too slow, not too fast and not too much nonsense).

The show started of with being a simple forced marriage historical drama (which I really enjoy but are unmemorable), becomes a great character development show with business on the side (amazing); and completely plays an uno-reverse card shifting the light hearted tone and becomes a full on survival drama (WTF) and then to a series focused on war (I don't like fighting). I would lie if I was not burned out seeing too much drama on the show; however, it is the execution of all of these genres flawlessly that makes me appreciate the show so much.

I came into this show looking for something simple-lighthearted but left being exhausted and satisfied at the same time. The main leads had zero chemistry at the start and felt out of place in a historical drama but they really developed into something else in a good pace and believable manner. At the end no one doubted their love and bond and both became capable on their own rights.

The mother-in-law was the favorite character among all of them. She made some serious moves that not only felt refreshing, such as giving the female lead most of the power in her house-hold, but also gave her all the facilities to thrive in a male led business environment.

However, the villain seemed dumb as hell and came out of no where. His decision made no sense, as he wanted to help her as a friend but ended up harming her all the time. I don't get these one dimensional villains and why they cant have a life outside being a villain.

My main gripe is that I wanted more of their simple lives before episode 10. In other shows I feel jaded when they stick to one thing and nothing happens in most episodes but the director really took it seriously and really wanted to change things too much every episode. He did a great job at portraying the hardships is just that I would rather have less action and drama than lighthearted fun.

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