La Légende de Zhuohua (2023)

Good story with many twists and surprises. Enjoyable to watch.

The Legend of Zhuohua tells the love story of a woman who overcomes many trials to become a female official and a general who has weathered many hardships on his road to victory.

The acting in this drama is quite good, especially Jing Tian and Wang Li Kun. It has so many twists and surprises that it keeps me engaged with the story. I didn't know the story's villain was Princess Rou Jia, played by Wang Li Kun.

The death of General Liu Yan in episode 37 was a surprise, and I thought the empire would collapse because of the weak Emporer, Liu Chen (played by Zhou Yi Ran), but the twist was he faked his death and came back to help conquer the kingdom.

It was enjoyable to watch, and I gave it a 7.5 rating. I would give a higher rating if the production quality of the drama is better. What is up with TenCent when it comes to historical drama? They make everyone look so white, like ghosts. It was hard to see it on screen, and I wish they had used the natural skin colors of the actors.

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I’m especially liking this for the leads. I feel that they are written well. Mu Zhuo hua is smart, witty, perceptive. Actress Jing Tian does a nice job portraying her. Lord Ding to me is like an old old soul, in a fairly young man. He’s wise, thoughtful, and reserved himself to be a recluse until Mu Zhuohua came to his life. Feng Shao Feng also plays his role well. I admit his forever slow motions…walk, movement of head, even speaking (imo) tests my patience sometimes but the mix of his old soul to her witty smiles makes them so cute. Besides this, they match each others intelligence so that together, they’re able to solve arising problems or even solve old mysteries.

It’s a drama for mature minds. It’s a nice break from idol casting. It might not be for everyone but I think if you’re willing to be patient and stick with it, producers and writers did a pretty decent job, and of course the cast who is delivering. I’m up to episode thirty and my attention hasn’t been hindered. Well…perhaps a tad here and there with the slow burn romance. Otherwise, this cast deserves an audience and I hope you give them a try.

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Slow slow pacing . . .

The last few episodes were quite painful to watch as the pacing slowed down to a crawl especially during the climax when the Emperor was being forced to abdicate. Thankfully, it ended very happily for the main couple.

The overall look and feel of the drama was great with nice sets and beautiful costumes with layers of rich fabric. But it suffered mostly due to the draggy pacing. The chemistry between the leads was ok for me but I much preferred the cute romance between the FL’s servant and the ML’s assistant. Not a fan of the slow way that the ML spoke and conducted himself even in private - a bit too reserved for my liking. The FL was pleasant enough but some of her emotional scenes did not tug at my heartstrings.

Luckily I didn’t know much about the story so the twist with the princess was a nice surprise for me. But as the story progressed, I still could not understand the motivations behind her evil actions. Was she really so 2-faced from young or is there a person who can actually be so kind and evil at the same time? I could see how her early suffering could lead her to wanting revenge (which she did get) but I failed to see how it led to her ambitions to take the throne. It all felt very forced since it wasn’t properly fleshed out.

The best part of this drama for me was the first few episodes and the happy ending in the last episode.

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A solid period drama that flags towards the end

The show’s FL should be easily recognisable by drama fans. A mix of Cinderella, Belle and a dash of classical Chinese beauty. She is certainly long suffering but has the brain and intestinal fortitude to try to make a better life for herself.

Her journey is long and arduous, but she is helped along the way by some good friends but most importantly, the love of her life. The writer managed to tell her struggles and the love line well. It can get angsty but never soul destroying. Sometimes the side plots can get a bit convoluted, but it is a costume drama based on power struggle at the highest level, you can’t expect anything less. Most of the threads are untangled in the end but some will leave you feeling a little deflated.

There is humour, action and intrigue from the start. To say the show starts strongly is an understatement. The pace does slow as it progresses. Often, there is a mini cliffhanger at the end of an episode, so you’d want to find out what happens next.

The production quality is high. The set are lush and well-integrated. Costumes are of high quality and suits the characters and their style.

For the show to be good, the performance from our cast is key. Our leads are right for their roles. The FL is pretty but also intelligent and quick witted. Her life in a patriarchal society is not easy. Time and again, she hits the glass ceiling and must counter adverse public opinion. On the other hand, the ML radiates gravitas and martial prowess, but he is a sweet and gentle lover once he falls for the FL.

The OTP’s chemistry is good. Their interaction is not sizzling but still swoon worthy. There is a decent amount of skinship, but I can’t help but think they did what the script asked of them and did it with dedication but lacks real passion when it really counts.

Our leads are ably supported by the large ensemble cast. The senior members certainly pulled their weight. Especially those in antagonist roles. The younger set are fine, but there are inconsistencies.

Plot wise, this is old school. Power struggle is standard trope. Playing the long game is the only game in town. This means some of the roles are fairly one note. Subplots are mostly rehash of tropes.

How I wish the show is uniformly good from start to finish. From my perspective, the show peaked around the 2/3 mark. That is when the long game starts to bear fruit. Don’t get me wrong, it still has its moments later on, but it doesn’t reach the same height. That is largely because we know who the real puppet master is by then. If you are familiar with this type of dramas, you will recognise many of the subsequent plots. The last few episodes are filled with expositions so that every schemes and countermeasures are explained, often more than once. Is that necessary when we just watched the scenes played out not that long ago? It pads out the runtime, but it also saps the momentum. The last episode is total fan service which I appreciate. Everything is in place for the HEA ending.

Overall, it is a well made and entertaining drama. I can recommend it and I have no problem rewatching a highlight reel. OST is pleasant if a bit repetitive, especially the love ballads which tends to be on high rotation towards the end.

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All the ingredients of a good recipe, but something is missing!

I came to this drama for the plot because I'm not a fan of main leads.

PLOT: The FL, 7th daughter of a rich, fickle merchant with 17 concubines, flees an arranged marriage to take the national imperial exams. She meets the emperor's sick brother by chance (The ML) and cures him. After that, he will help her pass the exam and then become her mentor. Together they will foil plots, solve the mysteries of the past and try to build a better future.

PROS:
+ the story is well written, plausible, without too many clichés.
+ The narration is not fast, but does not have too many lengths.
+ The actors are good, the characters are well developed.
+ Beautiful sets, beautiful costumes.
+ OSTs fitting to the scenes, not memorable but well suited.

CONS:
- Direction too insistent on melodramatic scenes (long, long scene of a character who gets drunk out of despair, of an unhappy lover, etc.)
- The FL keeps a stoic face during almost the entire drama, perhaps because of her makeup (thick layer of foundation).
- no obvious chemistry within the CL.

I don't think I'll ever watch it again.

=> Good drama, but not addictive.
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Je suis venue sur ce drama pour le plot car je ne suis pas fan des main leads.
PLOT : La FL, 7e fille d'un riche marchand volage avec 17 concubines, fuit un mariage arrangé pour aller passer les examens nationaux de fonctionnaire. Elle rencontre par hasard le frère de l'empereur, malade, et le soigne. Il va l'aider à réussir l'examen et devenir ensuite son mentor. Ensemble ils vont déjouer des complots, résoudre les mystères du passé et essayer de construire un avenir meilleur.
PROS :
+ la story est bien écrite, plausible, sans trop de clichés.
+ La narration n'est pas rapide, mais ne comporte pas trop de longueurs.
+ Les acteurs sont bons, les personnages sont bien développés.
+ Beaux décors, beaux costumes.
+ OST qui collent à l'action, pas mémorables mais bien adaptés.

CONS :
- Réalisation trop insistante sur les scènes mélodramatiques (longue, longue scène de personnage qui s'enivre par désespoir, de lover malheureux, etc.)
- La FL garde un visage stoïque durant presque tout le drama, peut-être à cause de son maquillage de la FL (épaisse couche de fond de teint).
- pas d'alchimie évidente au sein du CL.

Je ne pense pas le revoir un jour.

=> Bon drama, mais pas addictif. Tous les ingrédients d'une bonne recette, mais il manque quelque chose !

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A Grown-Up Love Story

No silly, giggling females - hooray! No stone-faced male fending off unwanted advances then falling for the silliness. The relationship between the lead couple was refreshingly mature, even though there was supposed to be a big age difference between them, I really didn't notice it. The development of their romance was so satisfying, and I totally agree with another review I read, that the banter was entertaining, witty, and even a little suggestive in parts. Loved it! This actress is not one of my favorites, but she did a good job in this drama.

I liked the camaraderie of the Lord and his two aides Zhimo and Zhi Jian. I wish that Juli had been a little more romantic with Zhimo, however. She was just short of being the silly character I find annoying in these dramas, but she was quite endearing. The first dowager empress was just evil, and I couldn't wait for her to get her comeuppance. The members of the court were, as in all these dramas, ignorant as hell! Princess Roujia - the character I hated the most was superbly played by Wang Li Kun. She really was perfect for this part. My heart broke for Shen Jing Hong - he gave everything for love and got precious little in return. I loved the young emperor and wished he could have ended up a little happier and not quite so alone. The cast really did a great job even with the little side groups.

But the heart of the whole drama for me - Liu Yan. I absolutely love Feng Shao Feng. This sexy, mature, regal, confident character is perfect for him. He plays right into the heart of this lead role. I loved every scene with him and Jing Tian (Mu Zhuohua) - he was so tender and loving and expressive. I love this actor and could watch him all day long! Let me correct myself - I loved every scene with HIM! *wink*

Now, the thing that almost spoiled this series for me. The makeup was dreadful - it made the actors look pasty and washed out. The extra thick and dark eyebrows stood out glaringly because the faces were so shockingly white. The make up on the women looked garish. And the lighting was terrible also. With such a beautiful OST, such great performances by the actors, and a reasonably interesting and compelling story, those two elements really spoiled the aesthetics.

40 episodes was a little much - but it didn't drag too badly, and I didn't use fast-forward near as much as I thought I would. I probably wouldn't rewatch because of the length, but if I did (to get some FSF eye candy) I would probably fast forward through the unnecessary parts just to see him.

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Mature, strong relationship between leads and emperor.

I have read many comments against ML but nothing is like that. This drama is wroth a shot. This drama shows that no matter what has happened in past you choose your future yourself. This drama is a example of two people going through same thing but choose different paths.
Leads has strong relationship. They understand each other without saying and has same mind while facing difficulties.
Princess has make me so annoyed in this drama. From my experience I know the person who is the sweetest is the evil, demon because of her I nearly drop the drama but did not because I wanted to see her end.
Both emperor are very kind hearted and value family and nation both which is rare to see in Chinese drama. They both have a very strong relationship with ML and they listen to him and respect his words.
This whole show shows that the change you want to bring to this world need to be started from yourself. FML set the new example for women and bring the change in her world.

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A bit Boring, but easy to watch.

I basically watched this for Feng Shao Feng, he was amazing in The Story of Ming Lang. The Legend of Zhuohua was okay in my opinion. It started out very cute and super slow. There is little to mild tension throughout the drama and so it’s easy to watch one or two episodes a day.

You can’t binge watch the drama because I feel like the plot is just too slow. Little to no action happens and that is okay. Sometimes you want to watch people just chat with each other and drink tea.

I thought Jing Tian was very adorable and cute. She looks so young and she conveyed the main lead very well. I didn’t think Feng Shao Feng or Jing Tian had chemistry at all. I think it’s because of how Feng Shao Feng played his character. We know he can act (we all have seen it in The story of Ming Lang) but his SUPER stiff / cold personality was very one dimensional and gave the audience little to look forward to.

I do like that the female was super strong in the drama. I loved that she used her mind and even though she was the only woman as a scholar, she didn’t use her sex to her advantage. It was a very girl power drama.

Overall, it’s an okay drama to watch with low angst. I do like low angst dramas and so I’ll take a slow boring drama over a high angst one any day.

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THAT SENIOR CITIZEN IS MINE

As Mrs. Beyonce would say 10, 10, 10's across the board and I do see that some people hated the second half of the show and even dropped it after episode 25 while the second half is my favorite I appreciate the little girl boss moment the princess gave us towards the end.


The romance was TOP TIER and I love a good age gap relationships so maybe that added on to it for me but I love the ML and FML they carried their show and not a single character was wasted in this show everyone served a purpose and I love that very much.

The OSTs I never skipped it was just that good, the acting was so well done and I was invested in each character's story line they are my babies and I love them.

WATCH THIS SHOW PEOPLE I BEG its really good stick it out till the end it will all be worth it.

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This is a good drama to watch and enjoy as long as you are not looking for a great romantic story. The drama is about Zhouhua and her journey to become a female official on the imperial court and her path to self discovery. The cast did a fantastic job bringing their characters to life and there’s good solid character growth that makes the drama flow nicely toward its conclusion. The drama is a mix of action, palace antics, strategic schemes, and a slow burned romance with great intellectual exchanges between the main leads but no electrifying romantic chemistry. It is nice to see how the female lead realizes that loving and marrying is more about finding the right person that complements and respects her than looking for someone to depend on. The male lead character was ahead of his time and was a great intellectual match to the female lead. In my opinion, a drama that is going to conclude with the successful achievements of both career and personal life of Zhouhua could’ve had a better intimacy with the male lead. Not sure if the lack of chemistry is a choice of the director to create stoic characters rather than more realistic characters on their way to fall in love. Feng Shao Feng is a good actor that can give good romantic vibes but lacks on intimate connections, not sure if it is a personal choice for conservative cultural followers or just his lack of willingness to carry out amorous scenes. Overall, the drama was great in all other aspects except for the leading couple’s romantic representation.

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Familiar Faces and Fresh Surprises: A Solid Drama That Is A Good Watch

I literally do not understand the hate this drama got, because its actually pretty good? The voice dubbing doesn't really pose a problem to me, however at the beginning I really thought that the ML and FL weren't compatible, because of how old he looked. But as the drama progresses, I begun to really enjoy their chemistry and interactions. The other characters also pulled of their roles really well, like I was fooled until the villains revealed themselves. Zhou Yiran has improved so much in this drama in terms of acting, and he really needs to keep expanding his roles and experience. I also really enjoy how this was filmed and the OSTs were pretty nice as well. My favourite character was Zhijian, do not ask why his just hot. Also throughout this drama, there was soo many familiar faces from dramas I've watched before. The storyline has a solid foundation and I like how the drama ends, its satisfying and there is really no need for a continuation. The second couple is absolutely adorable and I've been shipping them since day one. Zhuohua is such an amazing female lead you definitely won't be disappointed! Anyways, I really enjoyed The Legend of Zhuohua, so I give it 8/10.

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