15 reviews
This is a cute story with humor and heart warming scenes. It is easy and light hearted. Each episode progresses nicely without dragging on. The surprising twist is having the plot surrounded by reverse gender stereotypes, which is atypical in Chinese dramas.
- meinu-97856
- Feb 16, 2021
- Permalink
It's okay historical drama. Watched it because zhao lusi. It's kinda draggy as there are number of episodes when she is the main character who plays a wilful, dense & irritating. It's tiring & frustrating in some scenes. The perseverance of the male lead is awesome. It shows how much he would sacrifice to be with the woman he loved. The male lead character is fantastic!
The script is all over the place & the plot is kinda messy.
It maybe interesting for others but wouldn't recommended it.
Prefer zhao lusi character in the new one " who rules the world" that is awesome!
The script is all over the place & the plot is kinda messy.
It maybe interesting for others but wouldn't recommended it.
Prefer zhao lusi character in the new one " who rules the world" that is awesome!
- shareen_shany
- May 14, 2022
- Permalink
Okay so I've been meaning to watch this show for the past one year, started it twice, but couldn't continue beyond episode 2, somehow the story didn't seem convincing to me then. Two days back, I was scrolling through my watchlist, and after spending the past 7 days starting and discarding several series, I felt very frustrated at not having anything worthwhile to watch, I decided to give this series another chance, since I am a fan of both Zhao Lusi and Ding Yuxi, and decided to watch up to episode 5 and then decide if I wanted to continue. Now here I am, after finishing the series in two days, wondering why I didn't continue earlier. This was a sweet love story, and I found the scriptwriter's concept of male dominated vs female dominated societies quite entertaining since both make us realise that gender equality is the only feasible way ahead. I was really irritated with Zhao Lusi's hairstyle in the series, she has such beautiful hair and generally most costume dramas have female leads wearing pretty hairstyles, sadly though, I found the series lacking both in costumes and hairstyles. Apart from this shortcoming, I loved the story and I'm glad I gave it another chance, third time's a charm probably. The leads had great chemistry and the supporting actors did well, I loved the manservants of both ML and FL, they were both great as characters. Overall a very entertaining drama, worth the watch. One less star for poor hairstyles and not so good costumes compared to other period dramas.
- priyashashank79
- Feb 6, 2024
- Permalink
This was amazing! Usually I don't watch as many C-dramas as K-dramas, because sometimes they can be a bit over the top- however I loved this! The idea for the main setting to reverse the gender stereotypes was very intriguing and I think it worked well. This drama didn't drag on, and the cast suited their characters too. When I was watching it, I did wonder how it would end, however it fit perfectly with the plot. Definitely watch this!
- Professional_Loser679
- Jul 9, 2020
- Permalink
Fresh, different, entertaining and it doesn't last 40+ episodes like so many Cdramas do. Love Ding Yuxi!
- ErikaBW1978
- Sep 9, 2020
- Permalink
*Tigers are strong,
*Rose stems are long
*Thorns, Duty, and claws, *What beauty it draws
*This script has no flaws, *It will bring applause
*This romance is stronger, *Their love will last longer, *In the heart it belongs there
Sorry about that:) Gotta follow the mood where it leads.
Anyway, this is a 65/35 RomCom/DramRom. It's 100% heady romance. TROTAR is about a novice screen writer whose script has been sold, but she was advised to make some changes. She's also questioned about whether she truly understands what love is. "Have you ever been in a {relationship/in love?} she's asked, while she fumes.
She then scrambles over a feverish and junk-food-fueled weekend to make 'corrections.' Exhausted, she goes to sleep (with a tissue still up one nostril) and wakes up in the world of her script. It isn't a dream: She's really there, and she's stuck there.
To her unnerving, she pieces together that she's a disposable character that gets whacked early in the show.
She decides to not risk finding out if dying in her vision equals real death. She eyes her perfectly black-hearted villain, who is to poison her in Ep3. (Nobody can tell her what episode she's in, so she has to figure that out as well.) She'll have to do some editing on the fly.
She manages to avoid being killed on schedule, but she'll have to watch that villain, while trying to set him up with the heroine, so the story can meet it's conclusion quickly. Hopefully, at that point, she can go home. As she studies him, he is not showing all the deplorable traits that she wrote into him. In fact he seems....... Ha! Not telling. Just watch it.
Typical for Chinese entertainment, the filming is next level elegant. The show mostly takes place in the city of Huayuan, which makes fireworks. The Chinese brought the gift of fireworks to the world. When they light the night, it suspiciously appears that they don't sell us their best stuff. Why are their fireworks so much more spectacular than ours? The sets are arrayed in perfect detail. The costumes are breathtaking as well. At times, I was unable to avert my gaze from the resplendent rainbow of silks. Along with the acting, writing directing, and editing, the result is a mesmerizing offering. That's to be expected given what China's capabilities forecast. The fact that they can top it off with some levity and a romance that proves 'they get it,' is where the pleasant surprise abides.
With only minor exceptions, every technical aspect of TROTAR is excellent. The show creators didn't blow up their apparently limited budget, which adds value to the action scenes (always leave them wanting more). The fighting scenes are captivating, sans the Kung Fu test. The swordwork, the dance, the exalted acrobatics, and flowing robes, all augment the actors' movements.
Luxi Zhao, as the script writer/Xiaoqian is utterly darling. She is petite and sparkling, particularly in the marvelous costumes. Her smile electrifies the screen. She is just as cute in I Hear You, a romance that is good, being both graceful and clunky. This show soars 30,000ft above IHY.
Ding Yuxi, as Han Shuo, displays phenomenal skill. He's handsome, but not the most handsome. He's fit, but slender. He has to step on a stool at one point to square off with a taller man, so he's apparently of average height. His presence, however, is Lebronish tall. He just has the goods when it comes to acting. He can appear ruthless & sinister, or the complete opposite, credibly. It's not his words that project how he feels about Xiaoqian, it's his body language, his focus, and his eyes. He has intensity.
There's a scene in which she's frightened for him; frightened about her plot, rather. At that moment he is the tiger. He stares at Xiaoqian fiercely, like he would devour her, and says: "You don't know how strong I've become." Next, he's taking everybody down. It's worthy of a 3 second swoon. Move over Rhett and Ri Jung-hyuk, Han Shuo may be the beat romantic hero ever.
Han Shuo has the most attractive form of masculinity, which is a strong and capable protector who loves his woman so much that, if necessary, he would give his life for her. Also, he would never let family or politics get in the way of their relationship. Heck, he'd help with the housework. As it's the opposite of toxic masculinity, let's call it Ultimate Masculinity. This maniless is tempered with a loving heart. Together this couple is the equilibrium that the two cities lack.
The script reflects Xiaoqian's frustration over the disparity between the sexes. She created two adjacent cities. Xuanhu is ruled by men, which is the case in most (all?) of our collective history on this planet. The women are to serve the men and manage the home. In Huayuan, however, the situation is the exact opposite. Women are the army, government, teachers... Women do everything, and those worthless men manage the home and serve their wives.
The actors were tasked to embody a male-female roll reversal as citizens of Huayuan City. They did an amazing job. Women are boorish and contemptuous of men. The male actors are mind blowing. Every muscle in their bodies mirrors a woman that is gentle, doting, and subservient. It's worth a rewatch just to focus their performances.
She created the script, with its flaws that manifest themselves in front of her. She created the characters. She gave them their disabilities, problems, and deficiencies, only to now work tirelessly trying to fix (undo) everything and everybody that she constructed. That's seriously entertaining.
Her only advantage is that she knows the story, as well as each character's background and motivations. It shouldn't be too difficult, right? To her dismay, the changes she makes start to change the story and, thus, the characters' reactions, which alter their trajectories. She, herself, is tragically misunderstood at every turn. Xiaoqian is just trying to preserve her life, but the rewrites, push the first Mahjong tile, and now they are all ting, ting, tinging to the floor, albeit in a beautiful pattern.
She must get help! She runs to 3 story writers- who else?! Every time she has a crisis they all meet together. She only gives them the barest info, though. She grabs some fruit and presents the main characters: Miss Apple, Miss Orange, and Mr. Banana. Yep, they went there.
The fruit sets up a collection of silly, but quite amusing metaphors. As her character is the Miss Orange, when offered one she exclaims: "PEEL the orange? That's bad luck." Given that at that moment she's angry with Han Shuo, her next statement is: "Peel the banana." Not so much later, after saying: "I don't want to see you anymore," she slips on the banana peel and goes airbourne, but of course, he catches her in his eager arms.
She's charged to eliminate the threat of bandits along the trade route. The whole trip is delightful. At one point she gets caught up in some excitement and seems to have completely forgotten her mission. Sorry, no details are permitted. In a spoiler free review. Expect to laugh.
There's another hilarious scene where characters meet at a restaurant/playhouse to have a discussion, meaning an argument. There's a stretch were the characters say nothing. They just stare at each other as the actors in the play voice exactly what each is thinking. The scene is high flown comedy.
As almost every line seems to carry significance, there is foreshadowing, metaphors, excellent (superb!) editing, skillful juxtaposition and other devices utilized, TROTAR is a production of the highest quality. It could hardly be improved on.
The show has so few deficiencies that the minor ones stand out a little more. While on the runaway horse in the show opening, close-ups of Xiaoqian are out of sync with the moving background. They overplayed the cute, but kitschy, theme song. Otherwise, the soundtrack is lovely. In the last couple scenes Xiaoqian's makeup looks ghastly pale and uneven. In addition, they have a bad habit of not putting makeup on the back half of the actors' necks, so they appear red and sickly on screen. Finally, I think the last line in the show should be: "Are we married?"
There's some truth in TROTAR as well. The commentary on men and women's relationships is true. The romance is true. It's tragic that the out-of-control battle of the sexes has thrust the sword through romance and made so many relationships miserable. What would the winner get anyway? It's a zero-sum contest.
All the complaining in the show by some parties is the same. While we absolutely should always speak out about wrongs and defend the downtrodden, we should not get caught up with complaining. It's a fast replictating and highly contagious virus. People that get infected will become angry, and then bitter, and then miserable.
Han Shuo suffers some nasty disrespect in Huayuan due to prejudice. Regardless of gender, etc, it's not amusing when it happens to someone we care about, like him. Perhaps trying to give a little, to choose happiness and contentment, to choose patience, forgiveness, and honesty, will usher in peace.
That's enough of the deep thoughts. The show is truly funny, with tears in the mix. It's also a top-level love story. You don't have to be a romance junkie to enjoy TROTAR, but most romantics will be swept away by this series.
Sweet dreams!
Quote: Pain is unavoidable.
Great sorrow comes from great joy. Tragedy and comedy have always shared the same root.
IMHO... 🎬10 🎭9 🤔7⚡8 🎨10 🎵9 Age 11+.
I also did a spoiler review
🍊
*Thorns, Duty, and claws, *What beauty it draws
*This script has no flaws, *It will bring applause
*This romance is stronger, *Their love will last longer, *In the heart it belongs there
Sorry about that:) Gotta follow the mood where it leads.
Anyway, this is a 65/35 RomCom/DramRom. It's 100% heady romance. TROTAR is about a novice screen writer whose script has been sold, but she was advised to make some changes. She's also questioned about whether she truly understands what love is. "Have you ever been in a {relationship/in love?} she's asked, while she fumes.
She then scrambles over a feverish and junk-food-fueled weekend to make 'corrections.' Exhausted, she goes to sleep (with a tissue still up one nostril) and wakes up in the world of her script. It isn't a dream: She's really there, and she's stuck there.
To her unnerving, she pieces together that she's a disposable character that gets whacked early in the show.
She decides to not risk finding out if dying in her vision equals real death. She eyes her perfectly black-hearted villain, who is to poison her in Ep3. (Nobody can tell her what episode she's in, so she has to figure that out as well.) She'll have to do some editing on the fly.
She manages to avoid being killed on schedule, but she'll have to watch that villain, while trying to set him up with the heroine, so the story can meet it's conclusion quickly. Hopefully, at that point, she can go home. As she studies him, he is not showing all the deplorable traits that she wrote into him. In fact he seems....... Ha! Not telling. Just watch it.
Typical for Chinese entertainment, the filming is next level elegant. The show mostly takes place in the city of Huayuan, which makes fireworks. The Chinese brought the gift of fireworks to the world. When they light the night, it suspiciously appears that they don't sell us their best stuff. Why are their fireworks so much more spectacular than ours? The sets are arrayed in perfect detail. The costumes are breathtaking as well. At times, I was unable to avert my gaze from the resplendent rainbow of silks. Along with the acting, writing directing, and editing, the result is a mesmerizing offering. That's to be expected given what China's capabilities forecast. The fact that they can top it off with some levity and a romance that proves 'they get it,' is where the pleasant surprise abides.
With only minor exceptions, every technical aspect of TROTAR is excellent. The show creators didn't blow up their apparently limited budget, which adds value to the action scenes (always leave them wanting more). The fighting scenes are captivating, sans the Kung Fu test. The swordwork, the dance, the exalted acrobatics, and flowing robes, all augment the actors' movements.
Luxi Zhao, as the script writer/Xiaoqian is utterly darling. She is petite and sparkling, particularly in the marvelous costumes. Her smile electrifies the screen. She is just as cute in I Hear You, a romance that is good, being both graceful and clunky. This show soars 30,000ft above IHY.
Ding Yuxi, as Han Shuo, displays phenomenal skill. He's handsome, but not the most handsome. He's fit, but slender. He has to step on a stool at one point to square off with a taller man, so he's apparently of average height. His presence, however, is Lebronish tall. He just has the goods when it comes to acting. He can appear ruthless & sinister, or the complete opposite, credibly. It's not his words that project how he feels about Xiaoqian, it's his body language, his focus, and his eyes. He has intensity.
There's a scene in which she's frightened for him; frightened about her plot, rather. At that moment he is the tiger. He stares at Xiaoqian fiercely, like he would devour her, and says: "You don't know how strong I've become." Next, he's taking everybody down. It's worthy of a 3 second swoon. Move over Rhett and Ri Jung-hyuk, Han Shuo may be the beat romantic hero ever.
Han Shuo has the most attractive form of masculinity, which is a strong and capable protector who loves his woman so much that, if necessary, he would give his life for her. Also, he would never let family or politics get in the way of their relationship. Heck, he'd help with the housework. As it's the opposite of toxic masculinity, let's call it Ultimate Masculinity. This maniless is tempered with a loving heart. Together this couple is the equilibrium that the two cities lack.
The script reflects Xiaoqian's frustration over the disparity between the sexes. She created two adjacent cities. Xuanhu is ruled by men, which is the case in most (all?) of our collective history on this planet. The women are to serve the men and manage the home. In Huayuan, however, the situation is the exact opposite. Women are the army, government, teachers... Women do everything, and those worthless men manage the home and serve their wives.
The actors were tasked to embody a male-female roll reversal as citizens of Huayuan City. They did an amazing job. Women are boorish and contemptuous of men. The male actors are mind blowing. Every muscle in their bodies mirrors a woman that is gentle, doting, and subservient. It's worth a rewatch just to focus their performances.
She created the script, with its flaws that manifest themselves in front of her. She created the characters. She gave them their disabilities, problems, and deficiencies, only to now work tirelessly trying to fix (undo) everything and everybody that she constructed. That's seriously entertaining.
Her only advantage is that she knows the story, as well as each character's background and motivations. It shouldn't be too difficult, right? To her dismay, the changes she makes start to change the story and, thus, the characters' reactions, which alter their trajectories. She, herself, is tragically misunderstood at every turn. Xiaoqian is just trying to preserve her life, but the rewrites, push the first Mahjong tile, and now they are all ting, ting, tinging to the floor, albeit in a beautiful pattern.
She must get help! She runs to 3 story writers- who else?! Every time she has a crisis they all meet together. She only gives them the barest info, though. She grabs some fruit and presents the main characters: Miss Apple, Miss Orange, and Mr. Banana. Yep, they went there.
The fruit sets up a collection of silly, but quite amusing metaphors. As her character is the Miss Orange, when offered one she exclaims: "PEEL the orange? That's bad luck." Given that at that moment she's angry with Han Shuo, her next statement is: "Peel the banana." Not so much later, after saying: "I don't want to see you anymore," she slips on the banana peel and goes airbourne, but of course, he catches her in his eager arms.
She's charged to eliminate the threat of bandits along the trade route. The whole trip is delightful. At one point she gets caught up in some excitement and seems to have completely forgotten her mission. Sorry, no details are permitted. In a spoiler free review. Expect to laugh.
There's another hilarious scene where characters meet at a restaurant/playhouse to have a discussion, meaning an argument. There's a stretch were the characters say nothing. They just stare at each other as the actors in the play voice exactly what each is thinking. The scene is high flown comedy.
As almost every line seems to carry significance, there is foreshadowing, metaphors, excellent (superb!) editing, skillful juxtaposition and other devices utilized, TROTAR is a production of the highest quality. It could hardly be improved on.
The show has so few deficiencies that the minor ones stand out a little more. While on the runaway horse in the show opening, close-ups of Xiaoqian are out of sync with the moving background. They overplayed the cute, but kitschy, theme song. Otherwise, the soundtrack is lovely. In the last couple scenes Xiaoqian's makeup looks ghastly pale and uneven. In addition, they have a bad habit of not putting makeup on the back half of the actors' necks, so they appear red and sickly on screen. Finally, I think the last line in the show should be: "Are we married?"
There's some truth in TROTAR as well. The commentary on men and women's relationships is true. The romance is true. It's tragic that the out-of-control battle of the sexes has thrust the sword through romance and made so many relationships miserable. What would the winner get anyway? It's a zero-sum contest.
All the complaining in the show by some parties is the same. While we absolutely should always speak out about wrongs and defend the downtrodden, we should not get caught up with complaining. It's a fast replictating and highly contagious virus. People that get infected will become angry, and then bitter, and then miserable.
Han Shuo suffers some nasty disrespect in Huayuan due to prejudice. Regardless of gender, etc, it's not amusing when it happens to someone we care about, like him. Perhaps trying to give a little, to choose happiness and contentment, to choose patience, forgiveness, and honesty, will usher in peace.
That's enough of the deep thoughts. The show is truly funny, with tears in the mix. It's also a top-level love story. You don't have to be a romance junkie to enjoy TROTAR, but most romantics will be swept away by this series.
Sweet dreams!
Quote: Pain is unavoidable.
Great sorrow comes from great joy. Tragedy and comedy have always shared the same root.
IMHO... 🎬10 🎭9 🤔7⚡8 🎨10 🎵9 Age 11+.
I also did a spoiler review
🍊
- 50fiftillidideeBrain
- Oct 30, 2021
- Permalink
Most of C-dramas today have similar plots, focusing on romance and youth drama. It's kinda bored. But this drama is completely different. It's full of twists, interesting plots, bringing me so much excitements.
Very very boring, a series in which nothing exciting happens until the 15th episode !! A story about the journey of the author of a drama into her own work and falling in love and the problems and obstacles to return to the real world.
In this case, the chemistry between the two main characters is not clear enough until episodes 12 and 13, and suddenly in 12th episode, you find out that the first male actor is in love with the first lead actress, which means you will not see anything in his face neither behaviour he acts like a robot nothing is shown in his mimics of his face specially with his strong bronze make up that has turned him like a barbie doll !!!
Unnecessary conversations about unimportant issues and monotonous rhythm have reduced the charm of this drama. For those who have written this is a very good historical dramas I recommend to watch these dramas: 1- Story of Kunning Palace 2- Believe in love 3- Jun Jiu Ling 4- Love Between Fairy and Devil 5- Eternal Love and so many others ...... I give this show a score of 6 out of 10 , waste of time !!!
In this case, the chemistry between the two main characters is not clear enough until episodes 12 and 13, and suddenly in 12th episode, you find out that the first male actor is in love with the first lead actress, which means you will not see anything in his face neither behaviour he acts like a robot nothing is shown in his mimics of his face specially with his strong bronze make up that has turned him like a barbie doll !!!
Unnecessary conversations about unimportant issues and monotonous rhythm have reduced the charm of this drama. For those who have written this is a very good historical dramas I recommend to watch these dramas: 1- Story of Kunning Palace 2- Believe in love 3- Jun Jiu Ling 4- Love Between Fairy and Devil 5- Eternal Love and so many others ...... I give this show a score of 6 out of 10 , waste of time !!!
This is the best C-Drama I've ever seen. Normally I'm a K-Drama fan. But I also watched all the hipped C-Drama as well. The two things I hate about C-Drama are- (a) Their romance is not as good as Korean drama and (b) They make the drama lengthy unnecessarily.
But this is different. This drama is totally different. I fell so hard for Zhao Lusi after watching her as the 3rd Princess. She instantly became my first Chinese crush!!
I've watched it two times already and will watch again in future so soon! This is the only Chinese drama I've watched more than once. I just loved it too much.
This is 10/10 for me! I laugh so hard while watching this drama. It is a must watch show during lockdown, you will definitely forget your anxieties. Hoping for season 2! 💯
- kerolduhay
- Aug 31, 2021
- Permalink
Loved Zhao Lusi. It's humorous sad love story but some scenes are draggy & frustrated at times. But the chemistry between the 2 main leads are awesome.
- shareen_shany
- May 17, 2022
- Permalink
Wow I just love this Cdrama it's so refreshing and the storyline is brilliant. I could not stop watching. The character development was really good and the main actors were a dream to watch. I would definitely recommend this to anyone else who is a Kdrama fan looking into exploring Cdramas.
I can't wait to see what other dramas in the Cdrama family that are similar to this one. I was beginning to think I could only find the same old historical drama without a bit of tongue and cheek. (I love historical btw but sometimes they end up being very repetitive) This drama has inspired me to look further into what is available. I thoroughly enjoyed this program!
I can't wait to see what other dramas in the Cdrama family that are similar to this one. I was beginning to think I could only find the same old historical drama without a bit of tongue and cheek. (I love historical btw but sometimes they end up being very repetitive) This drama has inspired me to look further into what is available. I thoroughly enjoyed this program!
Light hearted comedy show which you rarely get in chinese history shows.
Acting is amazing. Loved the lead pair. Good watch.
Story - 9 / 10 Acting - 9.5 / 10 Comedy - 10 / 10 Cinematography - 8.5/10 Overall - 9.25.
Acting is amazing. Loved the lead pair. Good watch.
Story - 9 / 10 Acting - 9.5 / 10 Comedy - 10 / 10 Cinematography - 8.5/10 Overall - 9.25.
- priyagoswami-94472
- Jun 4, 2022
- Permalink
- 50fiftillidideeBrain
- Nov 2, 2021
- Permalink
This was my cup of tea it had everything a watcher would want from comedy to romance to family and i really like it when in a drama the leads make sacrifices for eachother and try to do there best and this had alot it really gives you some addiction to it,the chemistry between the leads were perfect and the support characters were very nice, the storyline is very smooth and fastgoing the writer really did a goodwork my only complaint is the ending could have been more detailed, im really hoping for a season 2.
P.s if your gonna watch it i a suggest watch it wanting to laugh, and if anyone knows how to forget a drama please tell me i need to rewatch it again.
P.s if your gonna watch it i a suggest watch it wanting to laugh, and if anyone knows how to forget a drama please tell me i need to rewatch it again.