The acting is always the most important aspect, and the entire cast carried out the story's emotions perfectly. I watched "The Legends" starring the same main leads before watching this show, and I immediately binged all of their dramas. Unlike many actors who are only casted for face value and fanbase, they literally work so hard for their roles, and their chemistry is just through the roof.

ACTING
Bai lu (FL) actually cut her hair for the role, and many of the male actors did weeks of intense training prior to the shoot to prepare for their roles. It's refreshing to see actors who are willing to dedicate themselves to the scripts once in a while since many dramas have lazy actors who use stunt doubles for the most harmless scenes and never care about the script. I feel like xukai and bailu match perfectly in both of their main lead dramas because they are open people. I wasn't annoyed by a single side cast member, since they all played their roles perfectly and genuinely.

SETTING
The story is good, but it is understandable if some may drop the show. Many people only look for rom com dramas and may not like the political/military aspects of the show, but for me it's like a bonus. It's plausible for a show based on the previous century to accurately display past events and perfectly weaving it with the plot. For context, China did not have military forces such as they do now, thus the people were constantly in fear of foreign invasions. In the early 1900s, Japan was formidably powerful and attempted to invade China and control/influence its people. The title, Arsenal Military Academy, is the name of the military school where the main leads attend to fight for their country. I was never truly enticed by the military aspect, but the emotions of loss and will to fight are shown through the bits and pieces of historical events.

GENRES
Besides the military aspects, AMA is also a romcom action drama. The romance in the show is refreshing, as in the characters remain sane throughout the plot without doing absurdly underhanded things (historical drama watchers ykwim). There are many sweet moments that are actually relevant to the plot and not thrown in there like fanservice. Obviously the romance isn't over quickly since there are 48 episodes, but the gradual development of feelings between the characters is so satisfying to watch. The comedy in the show is just perfect. It contributes to the lighthearted/silly tone of the drama's first half, which balances out the intense and tearjerking action scenes. The expressions of all the cast members are very comical, and they click together like friends in real life. Watching this show had me simultaneously crying laughing screaming and pacing around (could be caused by sleep deprivation, but it genuinely evoked so many emotions in me). The action scenes of a military drama obviously include guns and swords etc. I don't believe there is excessive gore in this show, but some may be sensitive to the sight of blood (warning, mild gore like gun wounds or scars). The fight scenes were always filled with suspense, and honestly they were choreographed perfectly. To sum it up, the genres all blend well with the plot and will send you on an emotional roller coaster.

MUSIC
I literally created a spotify podcast just to upload the ost for my pleasure. The ost is on spotify, but I'm pretty sure it is only available in mainland china. The main song, Dreaming, is sung by the two main leads. Their voices match so well and the intro of violins and violas or wtv the instruments are sounds like the ascension to heaven. Unlike historical dramas (dynasty periods), there aren't a long list of 4 minute songs that each match with one romance scene, but the discography is still enjoyable. Only complaint is that they should have made more music with those same artists bc it's just too heavenly. After watching all 48 episodes, hearing the songs makes me recall each scene and look at the ceiling and start reminiscing.

REWATCH
Personally, I rewatch dramas right after finishing them in case I missed any information. Often times, watching through the whole drama will help you better understand past scenes, and that feeling of "ohhh damnnn thats what that meant" is nice. Not even joking I've rewatched this drama start to end at least 5 times without skipping, which is rare since I drop shows quickly usually. All the aspects of the show are a 10 to me except this one and it's a 9.5 for rewatching because certain suspense in the show is built up by not knowing the true criminal or the true story etc. It is still enjoyable to watch nonetheless.

SUMMARY
That was too long, I wouldn't even read all of that again. To sum it up, I feel sorry for those who turn away from the drama due to its unique plotline because it actually is such a lifechanging experience. My only complaint with the show is that a few scenes were cut out due to censorship in China (not a big deal, all can be found on yt, but kinda sad). Acting is perfect, story is perfect, music is perfect, watching this show is like therapeutic. PLEASE WATCH WITHOUT DROPPING LIKE EVEN IF ONE PART SEEMS BORING JUST KEEP PUSHING ITLL BE WORTH IT TRUST