MaggieC
Heart moving and heart warming
This drama is about the small things in life - laughing with friends, sharing a meal or taking a moment to feel the wind on your face.The drama deals with loss in the 21st century - with each character arriving at a homestay in a small village called Yun Miao for a reason. As you watch, those characters become your friends and you feel yourself wishing them well - and as they undergo the journey of healing and self discovery, you find yourself learning something in the process as well.
Overall, the drama is very relaxing and enjoyable to watch, although, there may be times where you may find yourself crying at the most unexpected scenes - I certainly did. The drama (including the romance between the main couple) is a natural slow burn, wholesome and real. If you're looking for a green flag couple - this is it!
P.S If you love cats then you're in luck - there's a good amount of cute cat footage throughout this entire drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama was so good I had to write a review to tell everyone how good it is.
A Dream of Splendour is hands down one of the best dramas I have watched in my life. It's more than just a romantic love story - it's a story about friendship, forgiveness, courage and what it means to be strong. True strength does not mean winning every fight but it means strength of character and strength to change for the better. The drama delivers some very poignant and heart touching lessons in a very beautiful and entertaining way.Personally, I found the drama to be very relatable as it focuses on characters that are very real and who have very real challenges despite being set in glamorous Song dynasty costumes and backdrop (for example, battling financial and business problems, toxic exes, falling out with friends etc). Each character has their own story arc and motivations and learn and work through their own trials and tribulations - they are very much alive rather than being two dimensional and moving for the sake of the plot.
The main actors, Chen Xiao and Liu Yifei, were superb and had so much chemistry together (love their banter!). That said, the drama would not have been a success without such a talented supporting cast (eg Liu Yan, Lin Yun, Dai Xu - just to name a few). I also particularly enjoyed the dynamics between the emperor and empress - very wholesome and refreshing take on an imperial marriage.
Overall, this is an uplifting drama that makes you believe in love and friendship again (in case you had forgotten). Bonus brownie points for having a satisfying happy ending! I mean how many historical dramas have there been that has ended in unnecessary tragedy. Although I would still have a tissue box handy for the sad and emotional scenes in A Dream of Splendour.
Well what are you waiting for? Go and watch A Dream of Splendour!
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A heartfelt rom-com that hits you right in the feels
As someone who is closer to 30 than she is 20, on the cusp of what society views as my last years of "female youth", I found The Rational Life to be very relatable and fun to watch. The drama is a realistic portrayal and intersection of the aspirations, worries and frustrations of life in a big city for women trying to pave their own way in their life and career, bright-eyed university graduates grasping for their foothold in the world and ageing parents wanting what they truly think is best for their kids. It explores the perspectives of three different generations, their views on career, marriage, having children and what it means to be happy, and what it takes to meet in the middle.Dylan Wang (as Qi Xiao) and Qin Lan (as Shen Ruo Xin) are exceptional in their acting and super cute in this drama. Their chemistry is very natural and befitting of their relationship which develops throughout the show. Their banter is what I live for.
I also love the supporting cast and each of their individual stories. Each character was well written and alive - they had their own motivations and concerns and didn't just exist for the main couple. Pan Hong (as Shen Ruo Xin's mum) is truly captivating and frightening at the same time - there were times where I couldn't decide if I hated her but in the end I understood her burden as a single mother.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Rational Life and give it a 8.5/10 but will add a bonus 0.5 points for Dylan Wang's acting, emotional confessions and general adorableness (so 9/10 in total). Never thought I'll be attracted to a guy that is several years younger than me (nor did Shen Ruo Xin haha) but Dylan Wang was truly outstanding in this role. I guess The Rational Life teaches us that love is irrational but it somehow it all just makes sense.
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