Amazing!
I watched this drama right after The Long Ballad. First 10 minutes of ep1 I thought why this drama has high ratings then I was hypnotised by wonderful acting, great music, story itself at times can be too much to follow but how clever! The cinematography is magical, fight scenes are so cool. The music plays just at the right time to evoke emotions, so well done! The stories ML tells to FL and you see it in animated at the same time was so good. I was in tears, really captured the emotions there.I have to say one of the most shocking ending I have seen, I could never have seen it coming. I know there is a sequel coming soon but still.. After the end, I had to go back and watch from the beginning. I loved it, I will miss it so much!
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A Mind blowing Experience
This series is an addiction, it's a thrilling ride that never ends till the last second of the 46th Episode. It'll leave you empty & unfulfilled with any other drama. I'm desperately in search of another series with this kind of badass emperor, I often find myself missing the witty, all knowing emperor that could never be manipulated by mere tricks & had a firm grip on power and everyone beneath him.Fan Xian's character is such a well rounded, multi-faceted hero /anti-hero, you'll find yourself rooting for him and wouldn't even mind him having a harem (inside joke for those who have watched this lol)
Every Character is so well written from Chen Ping Ping to Duo Duo and everyone else he meets in the course of the show
I've never watched something so brilliantly written & thoroughly captivating
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All time favorite drama
There is absolutely no fault with this show. The casting is amazing, the storyline is top tier, and the martial arts is really good. My favorite is all the layers that are unwrapped as the show goes on. I was totally invested starting episode 3 (1-2 is more or less backstory) and am really glad to watch this, cant wait for season 2. Another thing is that the drama was not like stone cold humorless, it had the comedic scenes thrown in while mixing with the serious plot line.If your looking for a wuxia/palace type drama blend with a deep plot and witty humor thrown in with fantastic scenes, you have to watch this.
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Far from being the best-looking actor, Zhang Ruo Yun has enough comedic chops and charisma to be the leading man Fan Xian. Now Fan Xian is extremely smart but he is no Gary Stu. He makes mistakes and is not afraid to look silly. He has no real drive and ambition but makes up for it with curiosity and candor. He’s also shamelessly modern. I like watching him throw other characters off balance with his modern attitude and sensibilities. This is a satire of those stuffy historical dramas, much in the same vein as TVB’s “A Step into the Past,” only more sophisticated.
Chen Dao Ming (my reason for picking up this show) does not disappoint. As the Qing emperor, he looks very humbled and more like a hermit than a ruler. Underneath all that is a shrewd and predatory man, a praying mantis lying in wait to strike its victims. That said, he’s still not the scariest guy in the series. The crown prince, played by Zhang Hao Wei, is a psycho with a pretty boy’s face. Wu Gang as Chen Ping Ping is unsettling in the best possible way. He reminds me of another genius actor, Christopher Walken.
Calvin Yu as Shen Zhong is the real star of the second half of the series. He’s cunning, cruel, and always ready to maim and kill at the drop of a hat. He’s also selfless and patriotic. If told from a different point of view, this complex man would be the hero of the story, not a villain.
If you ever get tired of all the politics, watch for the Fan family. They bring a lot of lightness, warmth, and humor to the show. Underneath their petty squabbles and dysfunctions, there is a love and support that many of us can relate to. The actors here carry themselves well, as do most of the cast. The only thing lacking at times is the emotional punch, especially in the romantic scenes.
The plot has many twists and turns, so much that it tied itself into knots. I don’t know if the writers can undo those knots in a realistic, believable way. We will see. I patiently await the sequels.
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Don’t waste your time watching this drama
I watched this drama due to the high ratings and good reviews. But was greatly disappointed by it. Fan Xian, the male lead died in the end.But the dramas had plot holes which I wonder why reviewers didn’t point out yet rated it 10.
For example, the main lead Fan Xian... his life is so charmed. Every time he gets into trouble, someone powerful will come to rescue him in the nick of time. The Majesty will send his eunuch to send a decree to bail him out, the black knights will appear out of nowhere at the right moment to save the situation. His father will send his troops to protect him when he got cornered. It’s just so many coincidences in the drama making me feel baffled.
The story is biased towards the main lead as Fan Xian is the chosen to lead the next generation. Fan Xian is the chosen successor of Neiku (treasury) and Investigating Office. His backing is the emperor, the top powers like the prime minister, minister of revenue and head of the investigation office. Seems like he’s more powerful than the good-for-nothing crown prince and 2nd prince.
With lots of unexpected twists and turns in the plots in the later episodes, just make me feel that the drama is toying with the audience expectations. The story is not endearing at all.
Xiao Zhan (famed in The Untamed), his appearance is not as stunning as in The Untamed since he’s not the male lead. Looking at the unnatural curve on the lower curve of his eyes just made me wonder if he had plastic surgery.
Finally, the drama ended with Xiao Zhan stabbing Fan Xian and FX died. Duh.... and the story is not ending there.
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A "joy" to watch
This is truly a joy to watch! The actors are amazing and so are the script/writers! I'm so glad I started watching this. The characters have layers and clear distinct traits that make them each unique. This series includes people of all types and I was pleased to see that a seemingly sadistic torturer had a kind & decent heart in regards to those close to him. The feels get you and you'll find yourself shedding tears of laughter and in sadness. If you want to see how amazing Zhang Ruo Yun's acting is, you should definitely see this. Zhao Zhen Ting plays Xie Bi'an is as interesting to me as his role as Jing Lin in another series where exudes that cool, calm and calculated aura that comes with skill. I love the mole on Zhang's nose! haha I know I'm so random, but you have to watch it! Also you get to see Xiao Zhan, Xin Zhi Lei, Tong Meng Shi , Wayne Wang, Zhao Zhen Ting and so many more fabulous actors perform!!! I look forward to season 2!!! Excellent job by all; thank y'all so much!!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
A Masterpiece of Multifaceted Brilliance
"Joy of Life" stands tall as a monumental achievement in the world of television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers around the globe. This series is not just a drama; it's a symphony of storytelling, weaving together a tapestry of emotions, historical intrigue, and human connections that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.Impeccable Character Development:
At the heart of "Joy of Life" are characters so finely crafted that they transcend the screen and become companions in our journey. Fan Xian, portrayed with extraordinary depth by Zhang Ruoyun, is a protagonist who evolves before our eyes, from a witty and cynical outsider to a shrewd strategist navigating the intricate politics of the court. Each supporting character is equally vivid and three-dimensional, adding layers of complexity that mirror the intricacies of real life.
Engaging Plot and Pacing:
The drama's plot is an exquisite blend of genres—historical, political intrigue, romance, and comedy—each enhancing the others. The narrative dances effortlessly between thrilling action sequences, moments of heartfelt connection, and bouts of delightful humor. The pacing is masterful, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while maintaining a balance that allows for meaningful character growth and emotional depth.
Balancing Tension and Humanity:
"Joy of Life" succeeds where many other dramas falter—balancing high-stakes political intrigue with genuine human moments. The show masterfully captures the tension of power struggles within the Tang Dynasty's court while never losing sight of the individuals who shape and are shaped by these machinations. The relationships, both romantic and platonic, are beautifully developed, portraying authentic emotions that resonate deeply.
Breathtaking Visuals and World-building:
The meticulous attention to historical accuracy is evident in every frame of "Joy of Life." The intricate costumes, opulent settings, and sweeping landscapes transport viewers to the Tang Dynasty with a sense of authenticity. The visual storytelling is so vivid that it becomes a character of its own, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
Powerful Themes and Thoughtful Commentary:
Beneath its surface, "Joy of Life" tackles profound themes—identity, ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence. It offers astute commentary on power dynamics, the consequences of one's choices, and the true nature of joy amidst adversity. These themes resonate universally, transcending time and cultural barriers.
In conclusion, "Joy of Life" is not just one of the best dramas; it's a monumental work of art that elevates the medium. With its unparalleled character development, intricate plot, emotional depth, and breathtaking visuals, it immerses viewers in a world where history and storytelling converge in perfect harmony. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, complex narratives, or simply the magic of human connection, "Joy of Life" is a journey you won't want to miss.
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The Ultimate "Trust No One" Drama
When I first came across Joy of Life, I was hesitant to watch it. I looked at the description on Viki and was like, " This sounds like it will have a lot of drama in it. Do I really wanna watch this and potentially get my heart broken by the writers?" I didn't wanna watch it, at first. Then I watched it because I had nothing else to watch and I don't regret watching it. Joy of Life is one of the best Chinese dramas that I've seen in a really long time.Story: The story line is intriguing. I didn't think it was gonna be a guy who was born in the past, but yet he knows about future inventions and the like. That threw me off when I first started watching it. This drama kept me on my toes constantly. You never know who Fan Xian can trust 100%. A lot of people seem to be on his side or want to help him, but they're actually working against him. I just stopped trusting everybody eventually. I couldn't bear to get my hopes up that he had other people he could rely on. He has people he can rely on, but people outside that little circle of trust. I'm glad that there will be a season 2 because that ending blew my mind. I did not see that coming. I should have seen it coming, especially since you shouldn't trust anyone in this drama, but it still blindsided me.
Acting: The acting was awesome! I only looked at who played the male lead and I was excited when I saw that it was Zhang Ruo Yun. I think the first thing I ever saw him in was Medical Examiner Dr. Qin. He was fantastic as Dr. Qin. He was fantastic in this drama. I was excited to see what type of character he would be playing in this drama. He did such a good job. I loved his acting and I love the character. He made me laugh a lot. I will say that I didn't know that Xiao Zhan was in this drama until I looked up the cast list as I was watching the drama. You only hear his voice when you first meet him and it was bugging me because I recognized his voice, but couldn't place it. Then I saw it was him on the cast list and my curiosity was satisfied.
Overall: Basically, Joy of Life is a fantastic drama. It is a drama that has you questioning everyone's motives towards Fan Xian so that does add some suspense to it. It's obvious with who some of the villains are, but not all of them. I like that about this drama. It's nice to have a little mystery. I recommend this drama to everyone, but I recommend not binge watching it. There is just so much stuff packed into each episode that it can be overwhelming. For this drama, I would take it slow. It's worth it to take your time.
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I recommend this to any one ,every one,this is an amazing drama it’s funny witty exciting badasss kkkkk .The only thing that’s lack luster is the female lead for me she is to girly I know it’s a Novel adaptation. They have to stick to the plan but in one of these Wuxia novels I would like a female lead who matches the leads witty less fragile character.I never read the novel but I hope in season 2 the female lead becomes of some substance weak and damsel in distress doesn’t cut it for me I’m just saying ??♀️
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At first, the things interested me was the story idea where the main lead transmigrated from a modern world and to see more of Xiao Zhan's (because I just finished watching TU at the time). Honestly speaking, I was confused about why they didn't like focus on the time travel matter (which i loved btw) but as the story progresses I eventually forget that Fan Xian is from another timeline because of how amazing the plot is.
Fan Xian looks like an annoying and arrogant brat; though as the it progresses you can see how he actually isn't. Zhang RuoYun portrayed him so amazingly (as usual) to the point where you can feel Fan Xian's emotions, even the slightest ones.
Other's actings were so so so good as well, the one's caught my eyes were the seniors. Words alone wouldn't be enough to explain how fascinated I am with Chen Dao Ming and Wu Gang laoshi's actings. Whenever their characters appear on screen, a hundred of questions would start forming in my head. Things like, 'what are they thinking? what are they planning?' those kind of stuff.
I would write so much more but I'm keeping it spoiler free for now.
Can't wait for s2 <3 <3
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Best cdrama I've ever watched
The actors are superb, especially Fan Xian, Chen Ping Ping, and the Emperor. The director also took care to portray characters with complex motivations - even and especially villains. I didn't even fast forward or skip a single scene. I actually watched every villain scene. You will hate the villain at first sight, but end up kinda feeling sorry for them by the time they die. I appreciate this so much. I hate evil characters who are evil for the sake of being evil.This show was also really funny and the plot is so fun - secrets within secrets within secrets. I loved it, I loved discovering the truth behind every case, and the true motivation of every character. It's also funny how Fan Xian basically has a bunch of dads.
The only slightly meh thing about this show is that Fan Xian and his fiancee don't really have much chemistry. While the actor/actress tried their best, I just wasn't feeling it. He had way more chemistry with Haitang Duoduo, even though she's more like a bro than a love interest.
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The Best Drama of 2020 so far for me
I started watching C-Dramas at the beginning of the lockdown but this wasn't my first show. I first came across it on Youtube then stopped. After watching some other dramas, I came back to watch it but thus time on DramaCool. I have to say that this is one of my favourite dramas ever. Zhang Ruo Yun did a incredible job as Fan Xian. His personality matched his character well and I can't wait for season 2 of this drama. The suspense, the comedy, the everything was to die for.Plot: As far as plots go, this was superb. There were't too many twists and turns but when the plot did its turns, they were spectacular. I didn't expect the ending at all but if you haven't watched it, prepare for the shock of your life.
Cast: The casting was done very well in my opinion. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing the characters. They did well with the actors. Li Qin did very well as Lin Wan'er. She was the perfect amount of sweet and elegant. Song Yi played Fan Ruo Ruo with an excellent amount of elegance and mystery. She was a character that I liked a lot. SHe was the most talented lady and she also held her own very well.
Music: Now this, I have to say was a deal for me. I absolutely loved the opening theme by Li Jian. 'One Life, One Thought' was a very endearing song and it matched the story's theme perfectly. The ending theme was also very beautiful and Sean Xiao gave the opening a run for its money.
Rewatch Value: I gave this a 10 because I found myself watching over the 1st season already. I am itching to watch season 2.
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