O Começo de Uma Nova Vida (2022)

Slice-of-Life Drama - Women Power and the Friendliest and Most supportive female characters ever!

As many have reviewed and commented, “New Life Begins” is a special drama. A drama that is full of positivity, humor, lovely sismance, hilarious bromance and friendships. In fact, the drama has so many cool, independent and friendly female characters that I actually feel slightly weird watching it. I kept on expecting something bad is going to come from the left field and derail this happy choo choo train. This is what happens when I watch too many C-dramas with too many evil and jealous second female leads.

I was skeptical to try this drama out because comedies are a hit-or-miss to me. I am not a fan of over-the-top and slapstick comedy. I am glad I gave it a shot. The comedic moments are funny and not overly dramatic. I really had a great time watching it and laughing with and at the characters. It’s rare to see such a big cast with so many characters that you love. I want to hang out with all of them.

“New Life Begins” is more of a slice-of-life drama than a romance. In fact, the main romance is so slow-burn that I was getting a little bit disappointed. Curb your expectations if you think you will get many sweet and fluffy scenes. Even though the main leads are a couple for a very long time, they act like friends for most of the drama. I wish they would sprinkle some more sweetness throughout the drama, and not wait till the last 5 episodes.

But if you are into female friendships, sismance and strong women, this is the drama for me. There are many female characters with very distinct and interesting personalities. You will surely find someone to root for. This is a drama about girl power. I actually want to see more of the female business owners and not only the restaurant. The drama talks about some sort of Women Chamber of Commerce, a school, postpartum mother’s care and education, martial arts academy teaching self-defense, etc. But these are not shown but only mentioned in passing. I hope they have cut down on some of the palace politics and fight for the crown, and spend more time on the different kingdoms and businesses. The drama changes its lighthearted tone to a more serious tone in the middle and it lasts too long.

The political plot is nothing special, if you’ve seen enough Chinese historical drama. We have princes fighting for the King’s attention and for the crown, the King trying to balance the power of all the princes, and sad childhood and background stories of growing up in the palace. The best part is probably the interesting personalities of the princes and their bromance.

The acting is pretty good. I was worried I might not like the female lead, but she turns out to be smart and very likable. I actually enjoy Bai Jing Ting’s scenes when he is at home and acts all shy and awkward. Unfortunately, I don’t get the princely charisma from him.

This is a perfect drama to watch to relieve stress. Nothing is too serious or angsty, and there’s plenty of humor. You will definitely find someone you like and want to root for. We have a collection of amazing and supportive women in this drama.


Other Random Observations:
1. Did they sneak in a same-sex couple in this drama?
2. 7th Prince and his wife have so few scenes, but their shy and awkward personalities are a scene stealer for me. They are so cute!
3. It’s my personal pet peeve, but I don’t like the way Tian Xi Wei (FL) speaks. Her speech is choppy and sounds like she’s mumbling a few words out instead of complete sentences.
4. I am glad the actors use their own voices, but the post-production dubbing is just OK.
5. Love all the food scenes!


Completed: 12/17/2022 - 500th drama!

Leia Mais

Sweet drama with romance and friendship themes; progressive modern ethics amidst feudal laws.

This drama is set in a fictional ancient world that consists of nine different regions, where Xinchuan rules over all of them. As the synopsis dictates, the story starts with the triennial event of where maidens from all nine regions are selected to be married to the princes in Xinchuan, and so after the girls were quickly paired off, we learn the different ways in how each of the princes treat their wives. And of course, how the main pairing met and fell in love.

The story makes clear to us what a loving and supporting relationship means, what constitutes an abusive relationship, and how love overall enables one to tolerate and sacrifice for, as well and accept the other person. The theme of sisterhood and friendship is central to this drama, and it is the main selling point for me. I lost count of the times I have shed monstrous droplets of tears over the girls' friendships and their devotion to these friendships. What I deeply appreciate is how the author writes the female characters in this story. The main female character is not the only perfect, unflawed, "mary-sue" who triumphs over all the other girls. She forges friendships with almost everyone who comes in contact with her, is an ordinary girl who behaves and reacts naturally faced with situations where most of us would react. Supporting female characters in the story are amazing women with traits that make their characters distinct - and yet at the core of it all, they know where their priorities lie. They love their men, but they also treasure their sisterhood and friendship - and this is what is most precious to me in this drama.

The unavoidable political plot is light and easy to understand. It also seems that the cultural practices and laws of governance in Xinchuan resemble feudal times in non-fictional China the most, compared to the other regions like Mochuan, Danchuan, Jinchuan, Jichuan, and so on. And thus, this is where the characters' efforts in trying to bring modern and progressive changes to unreasonable traditions comes into place. This is a well-written and well-paced story with a reasonable amount of character development, and in my opinion, one of the best period dramas in 2022.

Leia Mais

Very well written and original romance COMEDY, far from the classic Wuxia genre. A real treat

This is not a “serious” Wuxia. It is truly a romance COMEDY taking place in the past, as an excuse to reflect on the relationships between men and women and their respective positions in society, or about what makes a good ruler, and how to sustain states, the easy way through taxing, or through more meaningful and respectful ways… all with a modern take. It is light, fluffy, funny… yet with enough substance in the storylines to keep you interested, if not hooked, as it is extremely well written and thought. A real treat, with well defined characters, nothing overly complicated, and a feast for the eye as the production is not lacking, served by a great cast. Their smile is contagious. You are rooting for the main leads. Special mention to the 3rd and 5th brothers, as well as the superintendent,and the Little (adopted) Sister of the ML… There is no high level of angst: Even the “bad” characters are not that bad, which is really relaxing (for instance, when a young lady threatens to do something nasty to the dog of the FL to have her punished, … she puts flowers in the dog’s fur….), except maybe for the really dumb, moody and mean crown prince.
I loved it. Such a refreshing take on Wuxia.

Leia Mais

What A Fantastic Drama !!!

When I first read the Plot synopsis for this drama which stated:
“Because of a marriage selection, girls from all over the world gather in Xin Chuan. Yin Zheng, one of the six young masters of Xin Chuan, who keeps a low profile, and Li Wei, who just wants to work hard and not get selected, live comfortably in this hometown. “
I didn’t know what to make of it I thought oh no not another force marriage but decided to give it ago because this was the first period drama, I’ve seen Bai Jing Tin and the first drama I’ve ever seen of Tian Xi Wei in and they both did not disappoint another with all the cast of this drama. I’ve loved every minute of this show so much. Many period dramas I’ve seen there’s always the women been very rivalry and competing against each other but not in this drama I love how the women always come together to support each other no matter what even when they were each going through difficult times, I love how the women in the drama are independent and how they break all stereo type of a woman in a period drama and most importantly I love how this drama has touched on so many social issues, like domestic violence, Post Natal depression. Great story, great acting, great cast, great pacing as well all in all amazing drama and funny. Highly recommended

Leia Mais

A must watch!

This is a really feel good drama. Awesome acting by all actors. Both Baijingting and Tianxiwei's chemistry was too good. The supporting actors around them were also very entertaining. Everyone seem to play an important role to make this drama a success. The casting was spot on for this drama. They broke records on iqiyi for good reasons.
Both the leads were too sweet. The way they didn't give up on each other was just good to watch. How women stood up for themselves was really something to watch too.
Overall, very enjoyable. Watched few times and still wantvto watch again. Hopefully both leads will act together again in the near future. Awesome chemistry.

Leia Mais

funny and sweet, love the feminism in the story!!!

this drama started off wonderful. i tend to stop watching drama's if their starts are boring but 卿卿日常 really had a good start. it also continued to get better as the story progressed. one of my favourite male actors, bai jing ting, who played the sixth prince looked awesome in his costumes. he looked really good when wearing darker outfits. there was a lot of elements integrated into the story such as comedy, friendship, family, politics, and feminism. the casting was wonderful, especially those of the princes. all the actors played their roles perfectly, making the princes quiet comedic. this was a wonderful slice of life drama and definitely satisfied my need for a sweet costume romance with protagonists who have great chemistry.

Leia Mais

Just a Foodie Trying to Live Her Life

Let's just say, the world of cdrama finished off the year strong with New Life Begins. The last time I didn't forward a cdrama was Nirvana in Fire and that was ages ago. So that says alot already.

10/10 Main Cast
*Bai Jing Ting: Honestly I was never a fan of his. Was iffy the first time I saw him appear in this drama as Prince Zheng. Then the moment he met Li Wei, my mind changed completely. They have crazy wild chemistry. Who doesn't love an adorable jealous yet smart prince eh?
*Tian Xi Wei: This is my first drama of her. My immediate thought was, she has the classic 80/90's beauty. She reminds me of a very cute version of Barbara Yung. Regardless, I adored her bubbly personality and her love for food. The way she looks at food is truly love. And her willingness to stand against injustice makes her the perfect female lead.

10/10 Side Characters
I think what made me love this drama the most is the side characters. The lovely Hai Ting, aggressive Princess Shangguan, bratty Song Wu, silly Prince Qi, Prince Zheng's fun and protective advisor, Li Wei's maids, etc. Side characters don't get enough credit but they really bring out the charm of a drama. I don't think the drama would be the same without the advisor and maids.

10/10 Romance
I loved every couple except 2 (you know who). What I appreciate is that they all lived within the palace but walked different paths. I loved the contrast between each couple. They made the screen very fun and interesting. And each couple had great chemistry. Especially my silly Prince Qi and his girl Jing'er.

10/10 Writing
*No true evil female villain. I can so appreciate this. For once I don't hear an evil B cry and complain about how unfair life is and that she deserves the main guy...blah blah blah every second she's on screen. And if there was one, it lasted a few episodes only.
*One highlight was the all the women supporting one another in a time where men ran the world. Seeing them risk everything and even their lives to save one another is truly such a breath of fresh air in cdramas. For once, no one schemed against one another. Just a bunch of women trying to live their lives the way they want.

I could write a 5 page review about how good this drama is but I'll spare you guys the reading.

Overall, it's a must watch. It's a feel good drama. It'll make you laugh and cry and then smile like a lovesick puppy.

Plus happy ending. Who doesn't love happy endings.

Leia Mais

Spousal Abuse Disguised as Comedy

I seriously doubt many here would find a man beating his wife to the point of breaking her arm, kicking her shins hard enough to leave her limping, giving her numerous bruises and a black eye, and then calling her "stupid" constantly romantic or funny. And yet that was the relationship between one of the brothers and his wife, with her constantly beating him even when they are supposedly happily together.

Sadly, that was one of the better-written romances on the show. The ML and FL have zero chemistry together and are strongly in the friend zone in real life. When they are forced to kiss or hug, the awkwardness between the actors comes through on the screen. Fortunately, that only occurs for about half an hour in total in a forty-hour show. In fact, their screen time together is far less than half of the show overall.

It was toxic watching her constantly demand that he ascribed to her nation's ideals. There was no sense of compromise with a different way of life but endless judgmentalism.

The historicity here was atrocious. Princesses running businesses in ancient China felt like a cheap Disney movie. Not only did they run businesses, but they were ALL successful entrepreneurs. The only way that would have made sense would have been if their husband's influence was responsible for it.

The elitism was disgusting as well. They sat in jewels that could have paid for a family's food for a year whining about their oppression, but they never even considered the labor of the maids and major-domo who gave them all the free time to make that possible or the many vendors who needed to make a living that their privileged selves were doing unfair competition against.

Could have been cute but choose to go another route.

Leia Mais

Good start but disappointed midway

Update: it started so well as i described below but after episode 12 or so it went haywire.
FL and ML hardly had any scenes together and if they did they acted like siblings. i understand there was a situation of another wife between them but ML clearly shows care and love to FL but all she does is ignore him. Like even when he is injured all we get to see is one question that if he is alright. i mean his servants and even kings servants show more care than FL
Even story wise they show women empowerment like its a piece of cake. And men are shown dumb or too soft. thats not how it works ! changing peoples mentality takes ages. here FL just stands and give speech and every one claps.
Disappointing progress from such a great premise and start

So far it’s been such a great watch. The way story unfolds you want root for ML sand FL from very first episode . I have seen so many dramas where even if the leads have good characterisation it’s not easy to root from the get go and sometime you cannot even till the end but in this drama it’s so easy. The way it’s narrates and leads interact with others you instinctively start getting invested and then it expands to almost all characters including their servants !!
Women bonding in this drama is never seen before so that’s such a huge plus point .
ML is smart and ambitious but not cold but very warm person and FL is very cute but also smart in her own way and can really be the life of the crowd .

Exciting to see how it unfolds in further episodes

Leia Mais

Everything else but Romance

**Court problems, Sisterhood, comedy… miles away from romance**

Good thing iQiyi classified this under comedy because if it was classified under romance IT WOULD BE A COMPLETE SCAM. 70% of the story revolves about court intrigue and how the women in the story always have a solution for it, 20% comedy, and 10% romance.

Bai Jin Ting and Tian Xi Wei got me to watch this but this should not even be called romance or them the main couple when the romantic scenes of all the other supporting couples are more than theirs! Their romantic scene is so little and few that even the romance of Prince Qi and Guan Jing and annoying stepsister is better. They are pulling another My Heroic Husband where the FL and the MLs scene together is so few that you’d think they’re strangers. In the MHH, the ML had more scenes with the 2FL in the second half while here the FL had more scenes with everyone else but the ML. Out of the romance only 30% of that is between the main OTP while the 70% is from all the other couple.

NLB had so much potential to be the younger version of Story of Minglan, but why did they have to take the same route as Tang Dynasty Tour?! Why? T.T I know it’s more than realistic for that time but why you gotta scar my Li Wei that way? AggH! I’m skipping the scenes now starting that episode and will just watch in normal speed if the leads are in the screen other wise NLB you are dead to me.

I don’t have a problem with the FL being a normal female using her own strengths and “street/food/farming smarts” but I have a big problem with weak ass MLs that couldn’t even do what they promised to the FL at the start. Which is why I like characters like Mo Liancheng in The Eternal Love and Dongfang Qincang in LBFAD, because they don’t let circumstances stop them from protecting their love. I would like to give plus points too to Prince Qi because even thoughe may be not be the most capable prince but he is honest about his feelings and doesn’t care if his actions will cause him a beating or two just as long as he’s protecting Guan Jing even though she’s more than capable of protecting herself physically.

Leia Mais

Beautiful story

Rewatch this after a month with the same feeling as first time watch. Beautiful story and not your typical drama with power of sisterhood and brotherhood, matured relationship and not your typical female lead and second female lead.

Maybe some cannot tolerate with this drama. Since the romance is minimal and not the main focus of this drama, but I still enjoyed it. New life begins really suit you, if you enjoy family type drama.

Really love the plot of story, the cinematography, ost, and most importanly love the character development in this drama. Specially for last episode, on how they seen their old self version.

Leia Mais

Light and fun feminist alternate reality

This drama exists in a fantasy version of history where everyone’s a feminist, the men are curiously timid and disinclined to exert their power, and women overcome patriarchal structures with laughable ease. You just have to accept that from the jump, and then you will have a great time with this show.

It’s light all the way through with a lot of humor, and even when it touches on serious issues (such as intimate partner violence) they get resolved quickly and happily. Despite the marketing of this as a romance, the focal point of the narrative is the female empowerment arc and the sisterhood that develops between the women. The romance arcs are secondary (the main romance gets fully put on ice for about 20 episodes straight), but when the show does get to it, it’s done well. The couples are very rootable and there are some happy and thriving single women, as well. The cast is fantastic all around.

Recommended if you can just go along for the ride and not take it too seriously.

Leia Mais