Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 (2022)

As expected from the makers of The Story of Minglan

Wu Lei smashed it out of the park with his portrayal of Ling/Huo Buyi. He acted so well, when his face was full of confidence, those eyes were so full of pain and vulnerability. The scene at the Ling banquet was just wow… the cinematography alone is worth an ovation. Of course, his prowess at stunt work and radiating the murderous aura required to play a general who’s seen much blood shed, truly added depth to his character. His physique looked very on point as well.

Zhao Lusi has improved LOADS! I was fully emerged into her pain, her abandonment issues, her laughter and joy, her tears and sorrow, her dreams and hopes. She looked so pretty too in the latter half of drama, with her whole being alternatively radiating joy and grief. It’s like from the moment she truly fell in love with Ling/Huo Buyi, she truly came into her womanhood, full of confidence that she’s good enough, that she’s cherished unlike in her previous relationship experience with her family and Lou Yao.

All of the actors have done really well, especially the Emperor, Empress Xuan, and Consort Yue. They were so good, it was a treat watching them on screen. Empress Xuan in particular looked and acted exactly like the”Mother of an Empire” should act.

I loved the plot points touched upon in the drama in addition to the love and character growth of the ML & FL, including the establishing of a new dynasty and how precarious its foundation is in the first generations, becoming a royal overnight and all of its consequences for the people involved both internal and external, the Officials’ ambition and the lengths to which they’re prepared to go to achieve their goals, no matter the collateral damage. It was truly great.

Rated 10/10, will definitely be watching it again.

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Rapid Regression in Character Development and Overworshipping of Certain Characters

Edited my rating and changed it from 2 to 1 because I'm fed up with insane fans who keep harassing me when they can't deal with difference in opinions. If you guys think that bullying people just because they dislike something you idolise so they would give in to you and cushion your fannies, you're in for a rude shock. Grow up and talk like a proper and decent person instead of lashing out. Raise your damn emotional quotient too while you're at it, if it's at all possible at your age.

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I wrote a review for Part 1 where I mentioned that, while I wasn't too enamoured with the story, I didn't think it was too bad. So I started Part 2 with the anticipation of growth and development across the main characters. However, I'm already halfway through Part 2 with just 14 episodes left and what I'm feeling right now is a ball of rage in the pit of my stomach.

I think the actress, Zhao Lu Si, is decent. Fresh from watching Who Rules The World, I was eager to watch her perform on screen again. However, it's the character of Niao Niao that I have problems with. Yes, it was repeatedly drilled into us, the viewers - that Niao Niao had been a much neglected child. She wasn't taught proper courtesy, she couldn't read at the level most girls of her social standing and family background could, and at her age, her penmanship was non-existent. Her code of conduct and sheer disrespect towards all the elders was abysmal. And because of this, we should be lenient with our judgement of her at all times. The elders were all terrible people anyways! I was fine with this -- at first. I get it completely. But to have her shortcomings in education define her character each and every time she has done something wrong, it became exhausting, and too much of a convenient excuse to dismiss her unlikable flaws. She was constantly portrayed as a martyr who could do no wrong. All of that is not just ridiculous, it's bad writing. And this was exactly what happened in Part 2 of this series.

I hate that the writing exerts that a 15-year old girl, with so much potential in her, does not need to change in any capacity, and that she doesn't need to grow or make herself better. She's just the way she is. She could just resort to petty tricks each time she was bullied - and this bullying happens A LOT. She's bullied for no other reason other than the fact that she received less education, and everyone else was jealous of her - even though he received less education. Make it make sense. In the meantime, she just wanted to get married! Even though she's immature, she should just do what she wants! So, just sit around and wait for someone like Zi Sheng to come and love her fully and unconditionally. All I can say is, it's a terrible story that sends horrible messages to all adolescent girls everywhere.

Part 2 is basically a continuation of the victimisation and martyrism of Niao Niao's character. This time, the victimisation continued not at her family home, but at the Imperial Palace, where Zi Sheng lived. The princesses were portrayed as dumb, uncultured, jealous broads next to Niao Niao. They targeted and bullied her relentlessly, yet when the opportunity came for Niao Niao to speak up about her grievances to Zi Sheng, she didn't say anything. It was beyond my comprehension that an outspoken girl like her who had constantly reminded everyone how blunt and outspoken she was, couldn't tell him what happened. She was perfectly alright with verbalising the injustices she suffered at home to her parents, but she couldn't do it now. The only reason I could come up with is that the author loved to victimise Niao Niao and took away her agency at that moment so that Zi Sheng could find out for himself just how much suffering she was going through and love her even more! So what's the point of all that suffering? It's all short-term and provided no basis for character growth. It's all a pity-party so that Zi Sheng could give her doeful looks when he realised just how much of a martyr his gurl was. LMAO. There was no personal growth and character development coming from the pain. Your prince will gallop to you on his stallion and show those bitches who is boss!

Seriously. Niao Niao repeatedly insisted she couldn't change her personality. She is who she is. "I was like this when you met me, I'm Cheng Shao Shang!" she declared to Zi Sheng. And yet when the Empress chided her for the very same mistake Zi Sheng got mad at her for, when the Empress told her that not confiding in the people close to her and taking matters into her own hands could end up distancing them, her response was, "I wish someone told me about this earlier."

My reaction to that was, LOL what?! Blaming others again instead of taking responsibility for once, aren't we? Would she have listened if someone told her "earlier"? She wouldn't. She would just say indignantly, "You keep telling me this and that, you keep telling me not to do this and that, you keep lecturing me, but is this really for my own good? I'm Cheng Shao Shang and I can't change!" She was unreceptive to advice. And yet she says this now.

I'll say this - Cheng Shao Shang is an unlikable, immature brat and an unlikable self-insert "Mary Sue" of the author.

I have been super patient and waited to see how the palace conspiracy would unfold since Episode 3 in Part 1, and now we're almost at the end of this dreadful drama, Niao Niao's family was suddenly implicated in the conspiracy and branded as rebels. I'm thoroughly amazed that the author had managed to victimise her main female character to such an extent. And yet again the suffering the author inflicted on Niao Niao up until now brought little to no character development. This overt martyrism is honestly disgusting and makes me retch.

Let's be real. What's the point of Niao Niao's stay at the palace? She was supposed to take lessons from the Empress, so she could learn about becoming a proper wife for Zi Sheng - kind of like a finishing school for noble ladies. That was the premise given to us. But as I continued to watch this whole mess, I realised that going to the palace and learning from the Empress is a fake out. The author's real intention was so that Niao Niao could be hurled into the royal family's politics and drama, so she could be bullied by everyone who automatically is jealous of her. These evil little bitches jealous of her would be dished back their own deserts, of course, and the three guys would just fall more in love with her. Tadaa, perfect setup to be made into a lovable victim. Let the martyring commence!

Why do I say there are no character improvement? Because it's a fact. There are very few scenes of Niao Niao achieving self-improvement. You get scenes of the Empress and the Emperor automatically loving whatever she cooked and baked, and automatically loving whatever BS that came tumbling out of her mouth. It doesn't matter how childish her lines were, everyone falls over themselves to praise her for her "insight" and "purity of mind". Give me a break. Niao Niao also thought she had the duty and holy right for some reason. She lectures everyone on life's grand lessons, including the emperor! And they should listen to her! (Refer to Crown Prince and Crown Princess Arc) but Niao Niao is born perfect in every way, you see, despite ~some~ flaws. Zi Sheng so said this. She's the best!! Despite never taking the time to understand what she's really like as a person. Nevermind, she doesn't need to listen to anyone. Everyone else is wrong to lecture her. She should just be ~~~~herself~~~~

What about Zi Sheng, the male lead of this show? Zi Sheng's characterisation also irritated me to high heavens. He was made out to be the perfect guy in every way. He's an accomplished general at the tender age of 21. He gives commands to guys triple his age, and he tortures and kills them because they deserved it. No one complained how he killed a guy in prison and used an excuse to cover up the crime.

His flaws were characterised as endearing by the author. For example? He laughed like a strangled duck. He couldn't tell a joke. He yelled at Niao Niao every single time she did something he didn't like - and the reason? He's only yelling because he loves her! He doesn't want her to get in danger! Every single time. Also, he gave in to his wild impulses to punish others in acts of transgression, angering the Emperor - usually because of his desire to avenge Niao Niao. All these traits weren't even flaws. Is he a Gary Stu? Zi Sheng is depicted as the perfect fantasy boyfriend who is all around handsome and could do no wrong. He's such an obvious fantasy of the author for her self-insert. He's boring.

There is also something I need to say about the characterisation of Niao Niao's mother. At the start of Part 2, it looked as if Yuan Yi and Niao Niao were on the road to reconciliation. Her mother was displaying a change of heart in some scenes, like when she started to show motherly care for Niao Niao by bringing her a blanket on a cold night, and when she defended Niao Niao at Lou Yao's family residence to break off the unfavourable engagement (end of Part 1). She was also feeling lonely after Niao Niao moved to the palace, and looked distinctively sad when the bridal jewellery she picked for Niao Niao were overlooked in favour of the Empress' choices. Then the accusation of rebellion happened. Mother Niao Niao was carted off to prison, and Niao Niao declared she wanted to follow suit, as well. The reaction was a swift slap to Niao Niao's face. Like, was that even necessary!? Couldn't she have communicated with her daughter properly?! What was that slap for? I was flabbergasted. No doubt, the slap was most likely used to arouse further sympathy from the viewers for Niao Niao.

I have no more hopes for the rest of this drama. That was the last straw of victimization I could take. An accusation of rebellion against the crown is the biggest stroke the author could deal and victimise Niao Niao. Love Like the Galaxy is not revolutionary. It's been quite a while since I've seen such an archetypal writing that portrays a martyr-like, annoying, "mary-sue" heroine with her equally annoying, boring, cardboard cut-out fiance. Easily the worst drama I've watched in 2022. In fact, it's the worst drama I've watched in a few years.



Edit: Nevermind, just read a summary of the novel and the actual full novel seems to be far worse and more convoluted (yet managed to maximise its use of all available tropes) than the drama itself.

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Best historical drama 2022

The social issues brought up in this drama is very relatable. Aside from the rushed final 5 episodes, I find the pacing, and story building from the start, very comfortable. The details in background sound and arrangement of music score are very nice. Most cast are perfect for their character. I love the senior casts, and very delighted by the performance of the younger generation, and especially the leads. This might be the best portrayal by Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi as of now. I love the dynamic of the emperor and both wives, the empress and Shaoshang and emperor and Zisheng. I find the flaws of the characters compliment their strength. I just wish they could release a director's cut version, so that we get a smoother ending.

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The journey of a strong FL

My thoughts on both Part 1&2 (*minor spoilers*):

This is probably the best written cdramas I have ever watched. Usually no matter the genre (except thrillers maybe) cdramas tend to follow a formula, and that's not bad- it just depends on whether the writer can pull it off or not. But this- this is so different from most other dramas with so much meaning infused into it. It's very character driven but at the same time has an overarching plot and sub plots that grab the viewers.

First of all the FL is intelligent, self reliant and witty. With these 3 traits alone she is written better than most cdrama FLs who are always tripping over themselves. But (and despite being bubbly) she is not an overly positive person- and this is truly what set her apart and also made her so relatable. Even though as an audience member you can see she's overly cynical and very bitter despite things not always being as bad as they seem . But you can still completely relate to her. And then the character development she goes through is so perfectly written you literally see her growing into this graceful intelligent but still wilful lady on screen. And honestly no one could have pulled off so many character traits and still be loveable throughout apart from Lu Si.

And then there's the ML who Leo has played so incredibly well. I mean he just was phenomenal- being both a scary (at times psycho) general to a soft spoken love fool. His character's story arc into becoming a more understanding person was also written very well. I would only complain that the kiss scenes were a little too stiff but the main leads have so much chemistry anyway that it doesn't matter too much.

The rest of the cast was incredible. I both was annoyed with and understood the mom, I could see her pov esp after the bridge incident. When the bridge incident happened even I thought this could have had someone killed all because of her recklessness. Then there was the Emperor and his two Empresses - incredibly written again. I have never seen a relationship like that portrayed between two women married to the same man. Both were so different but strong in their own way. And then the emperor himself being the biggest shipper of the main leads - comedic gold. Even the grandmother developed as a character. That's how well written the side characters were.

I would say most of the villains in the drama were a little one dimensional but there were so many there was understandably little time really to flesh each one out. Plus most of them got swift retribution so it was satisfying to watch nonetheless.

The overall plot was great and I was hooked from the beginning - I never wanted to stop watching. Until the last 5 eps there was not a single frame wasted. It was shot and directed so well. The cinematography was so great. The fights scenes were really well choreographed and actually interesting to watch because they didn't drag on for ages. Everything was so well balanced from the director and editors it was a joy to watch.

But the last 5 episodes did disappoint me and made me drop this from a perfect 10 to a 9. After all that incredible writing, and being so different from the usual drama tropes, it felt like the writers copped out. I actually felt a little betrayed by what happens to the story in the last 5 eps. Which is such a shame because the 5 episodes before that, the previous 5 eps were probably the best episodes in this drama. I wish the writers had gone a different route or just not dragged things on for so long. I went from never wanting the drama to end to skipping parts to let it end. So imo they really messed up the ending.

Overall though- this is still an incredible watch, highly recommend it. It deserves all the praise and high ratings its gotten.

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Waited months for this to air only to finish it in days

First!! Review! Of 2022!! I started writing this as I inched closer to the finale, determined to keep the show alive even after it ends. Reviews serve as a constant reminder (to myself) of these masterpieces. I might be biased towards the main leads - love them both! but LLTG truly burst into 2022 and stole the show with it’s well paced storyline, character development and casting. It’s so hard to find a cdrama of such caliber.

I felt that the first couple of episodes were slow but I now look back on those eps with much fondness. After all, you can only show character development by contrasting the before/after and I get that the initial build up in part 1 was necessary but it’s part 2 > 1 for me. The plot really only thickens in part 2.

LLTG is one of those rare historical pieces that prove a show can still be good with a harmonious harem and strong familial bonds. None of that scheming bs, the revenge plot was clear cut but still threw in some surprises here and there. Antagonists were kept to a minimum which was much appreciated, that allowed us viewers to properly focus on the characters that matter.

The only qualm I have is that the show lacks an iconic song. Why can’t we get a liang liang equivalent?

I liked Leo Wu in Long Ballad but I love him here. I’ve come to the conclusion he suits historical pieces (ZLS as well) can’t wait to see more of his works!

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ALL TIME FAVORITE CHINESE DRAMA

I don’t even know where to start!!!!!

The story line was amazing! I loved how they are able to incorporate the seriousness of the plot and also add some little funny scenes that wasn’t cheesy at all. The amount of romance scenes was perfect and I for once was more interested in the story line than just the romance. By the end of this story, we were able to see everything come to an end and a new beginning for everyone. After watching how much Chong Shao Shang and Ling BuYi have gone through, I totally understand their choices and understand how bloodshed could not have been forsaken in the end. Their choices were justified and in the end they learned to trust one another and once again reunite and figure out their love for each other.

The acting and the cast was phenomenal!!! First of all, I watched this because of Wu Lei and Zhao Lu Si. They are young actors with so much talent and potential it was just amazing! They portrayed their characters so well, especially Wu Lei. His character has gone through so much and it takes a LOT to be able to portray such a dark and vengeful character but also be able to show his soft and loving side to those he love. His portrayal was truly a masterpiece and really shows his potential. Alongside with the main characters, I LOVED the king, he was soooo funny and serious. He was truly a great king and his love for Zi Sheng was shown so well and I loved the fact that he would not let his court side people tell him not to let Zi Sheng and Shao Shang marry. The queen was another loved character of mine, she has such a beautiful soul and is so caring to Shao Shang. She was able to provide some motherly warmth to Shao Shang, which she never got when she was young. I also need to give credit to consort Yue, she was spectacular. She was unlike all those jealous consorts in other dramas. She considered the whole picture and was not greedy. She wasn’t selfish for her daughter instead she was equal and played fair. She was such a strong character and one of my top favorites in this drama. I could continue even more about the cast, they all deserve praise for their amazing performances and hard work they put in to produce such an amazing 2022 film.

The music in this drama was 100/10, it fit the mood and tone perfectly. I loved how it was more instrumental because that really made this drama different compared to all the other historical costume dramas I have seen in the past.

I will definitely be rewatching this and I recommend this to those who love Chinese historical costume dramas. You also must be okay with a lot of action, bloodshed, and back stabbing scenes. This drama Carrie’s both seriousness and lovely romantic scenes. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!!

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Best Emperor ever

I started watching the drama because of the high reviews. Now i am grouping part 1 and part 2 together. Part one dragged. We got to episode 10 and I persevered. We got to episode 16 and I deceided to drop, how can we be halfway through and the female lead still doesnt like the male ( yes I am mainly here for the romance. At this point I did not know there was a part two). I came back after a few weeks simply because I wasnt ready to invest in another drama and at this point I knew the characters in this one. Got to 19 and decided to drop again. Came back to the reviews and found out there was a part two and a lot of comments that things pick up in part two. Skipped to episode 27 so I could jump to part two. Things between the leads finaly picked up. The drama was still dragging. Decided to give up for good at episodes 40. I would not have bothered to write i review but I wanted to give kudos to the emperor's character. He was hilarious and honestly what kept me watching. I also liked the relationship between the empress and consort. It was refreshing to see a portrayal of two women married ro the same man and not scheming against each other. So yes, my review is to praise the side characters.

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Something so pure it melted my heart

This series absolutely broke me and put me back together over and over again. I honestly don't watch Cdramas a lot because of the amount of episodes, but I decided to give this a try after watching Love Between Fairy and Devil. I also saw how high the ratings for both parts were and I'm glad I watched them. And a clip on Youtube of when Shaoshang meets the Emperor and Empress.

Part one was slow and steady, which I liked. It gave you a nice foundation in which to introduce Shaoshang and the abuse she went through with her grandmother and aunt. I liked the humor and the portrayal of Shaoshang having to depend on herself, which is the way she learned growing up was how she can survive in the world. Her mother's coldness hides the true mother she wishes to be is one of the most heartbreaking things to watch. I like how family orientated this drama was. All of the scenes between Shaoshang and Buyi were just great honestly. It was nice to see slowly how Shaoshang warmed up to him.

Part two was where it really was at. The humor from Emperor Wen was golden. It was interesting to see an outsider become almost a golden child of the emperor and empress in hopes that she would learn and get married to Buyi. Shen'an being the mom that Shaoshang longed for made everything worth it almost. And when Yuanyi finally confessed and apologized to Shaoshang near the end was heart breaking. Figuring out that Buyi was not a Ling was the twist that maybe other figured out earlier on, but after the almond cakes, I knew immediately what his goal was. Buyi's story in all of this was a masterpiece in itself. He especially needed those 5 years to reflect on his broken promise he made to Shaoshang. It was just all the more sad in that scene where Buyi tells her that he will live a good life and they part ways. She wanted to run to him, but let it go. I wanted her to run to him so badly.

I wish we could've seen a short afterward of them married with children of their own, but the ending was nice as it was too.
(Sorry if this is too crazy I'm writing this right after I finished it, and it's almost 6 AM lol)

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And Thus, a Classic Drama is created.

And Thus, a Classic Drama is created.

With all the hype and positive reviews and with an A list cast for this drama, I had very high expectations. And all of my expectations were met. For a 56 episode drama, I could have watched 20 – 30 more episodes, it was just that good. I didn’t even fast forward once and that says a lot for a 56 episode C drama!

The BEST part of the drama for me, besides the amazing casting, is the character building. The script is the heart of the show and if it wasn’t for the beautiful dialogue and relationship building screen play, I’m not sure how it would have hold my interest so much.

The costumes, hair and makeup were amazing. I love the styles of the dresses, it was just beautiful and so different. I loved the long hair and elegant hair pieces. Even the ML costumes were great and they kept his look very plain to match his personality.

The star of the show are the main leads. As much as everyone loves ML, Leo Wu (I loved him in The Long Ballad too!), my favorite by far is Zhao Lu Si. I loved her in Who Rules the World and almost any drama she is in. I love her range of emotions, how she can play a rom-com or a melodrama. She can be sweet and naïve to fierce and mature. I also love that the leads are close to age. Since both are very young, 22 and 23, they usually star in roles with older actors, so it’s nice to see them equally matched in physical appearance to age and acting ability.

The drama has many story arcs and even though you watch it for the romance between the leads, you start to get sucked into all the side plots and side stories. It’s just that good. I really enjoyed watching the FL and the mom conflict. It kept my interest and as much as you want to side with one person, you see both sides. Again, another thing that is great about the drama is you see both sides and it’s hard to see who is truly right.

The pacing is pretty much on point with the drama.

Overall, there is no comparison to this drama. It has a strong FL that is independent, smart (street smart), beautiful and goes through a lot of hardships and struggles. Sometimes she saves herself and sometimes the ML saves her, but regardless, it’s always a learning lesson for her. You have the ML with a bitter past and yes Leo is very good in playing the stoic, cruel lead, I did enjoy is humorous moments (and he does have them!).

The chemistry between the leads is very good and probably the driving force of the drama. I wouldn’t say this drama has too much politics, just the right amount to keep you hooked and interested. Don’t go into this drama expecting typical misunderstanding troupes, it’s all about relationship building, resolving conflict and the characters are always weighing the pros and cons to any decisions.

Love like the Galaxy is different, beautiful and it’s a drama you could watch again and again. I know I wil!

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