Unchained Love (2022)

It is a truth universally acknowledged...

... that a single man in possession of a good plan, must give it up for a woman. *

As many others, I was fooled by the trailer and entered this with more than a few expectations. The material they had was original, intriguing, dark and thought-provoking, so how they managed to turn it into this mushy botch is beyond me.

First letdown: the tone. Episode one introduces the killing of dozens of concubines, the cold poisoning of a consort, a handsome eunuch who has clearly been the object of repeated and unwanted attentions of an older and greedy woman, ministers corruption and a good for nothing prospective emperor. The heroine is saved from a tragic fate and from then on we suddenly get a comedy that is laughable instead of being funny. The leads have both gone through hell? I want to see it on screen, and feel it! I don’t want to laugh two minutes after a poor kid is killed, or shallowly gloss over the main lead’s sense of guilt.

Second: the characters. We have a young eunuch who’s spent the last 6 years “carefully” planning revenge on his dead brother. The quotation marks are a must, because nothing of this plan is shown to the viewer: we know it because it is written in the synopsis. How he gained so much power at court is left to our imagination. He's known to be cold and unforgiving, but again, we're told rather than shown. Xiao Duo is given no real background outside the drama summary.
A narrative device? You wish! It takes a solid and nuanced script to make the viewer understand a character outside the few lines he’s given. It would have been if the character had behaved consistently with the premises, but as soon as the heroine enters the scene, Xiao Duo turns into a schmaltzy sentimental lamb and by the middle of the show the cunning revenge planner is still nowhere to be seen. Instead, we have him reading Mills & Boons, daydreaming of kites and butterflies, getting jealous over a paper lamp and generally making doe eyes at the female lead for no better reason than her being the female lead. Worst of all, he is already smitten in love by episode… 4? The revenge plan? Pft, who cares when we can have romance?

Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou (pronounced Boo In Law) is a supposedly clever woman whose mission in life is, by her own admission, be free to do nothing but lay around and play cards. Wow, I’m impressed. She’s witty all right, so much so that she turns every conversation into an attempt at cracking a joke. Her quick thinking is emoted on screen by her eyes constantly roaming around the room, moving south north east and west without ever resting anywhere, so that we intelligent viewers are made to understand that she is indeed quick thinking. She basically is an improviser, who nevertheless relies a little too much and too often on Xiao Duo’s connection and power to make her improvisation a really admirable or endearing trait.

The only character who possesses some substance and a narrative arc is the emperor, whose transformation from an innocuous court pariah to an insane tyrant is as believable as it is disquieting. The fact that he sits on the throne thanks to Xiao Duo’s cunning plan (?) would be ironic, if this script knew the meaning of irony.

Third: the chemistry. Oh, I’m fully aware of the hatred I’m going to get. Not that I care. As I said, the drama very quickly became a rom-com. If it has to be so, than I want comedy – but I’ve already said I didn’t even smile – and I want romance: intense, passionate, dreamy romance. Instead, because he falls in love for no good reason and her attitude towards him fluctuates from teasing to… well…. quick thinking how to be free to do nothing, their chemistry was that of two friends, or two siblings strolling around eating or stripping trees in bloom. The idea of them making out was kind of embarrassing to me. Awkward, even. Probably I should thank the crazy editors or the incomprehensible censure for cutting many intimate scenes. Their dialogues are totally devoid of subtlety and for the most part as shallow as a mud pool.
Also, the characters’ age. She’s older and it shows. This is normally no problem at all for me, but the script takes an inane amount of devices to let us believe that she’s younger! She calls that prince who looks like a 16-year-old “senior” and he insists she’s his “junior”. If it looks like a noona romance, why not sell it as such? Xiao Duo is called “godfather” by his clearly older eunuch attendant. Now, why would the translators come up with such a term? Did Xiao Duo hold his attendant’s head while this last was, ehm, baptized? Insert shudder. Did they go to the mattresses in the past? Another shudder.

And finally, we come to the execution of this plot. Tons of cuts, flashbacks of scenes we never saw before, unfunny jokes, a music – the music! I think I’ve heard that gling gling gingle before in an episode of Super Mario Bros – that announced the nth shift of tone every single time I thought and hoped we could linger on a serious matter, a gazillion convenient scenes with people talking with their minds or falling into tumultuous water only to wake up side by side on the river bank dry cleaned and ironed, with – oh, see, a hut! A wooden boat that darts on the water at the speed of a power cruiser, Xiao Duo suddenly fighting like Rurouni Kenshin and flying around in wuxia style, Yinlou still rolling her eyes around or faking a bravado with no apparent reason. This show is to good drama writing what McDonalds is to fine dining.

I couldn’t. Really. And I tried, for the sake of Wang He Di – who, let’s be honest, is the reason why we were and are all on this page. But a smouldering hot guy can’t stop a train from derailing; in fact, he didn’t. I honestly think he wasn’t that convinced by this character either. And while I found his costumes and make-up to glamorize his appearance for the most parts, sometimes he looked a little too much like a Jean Paul Gaultier’s mannequin – see his voile night gown for a reference. Here is hope he chooses better projects in the future, dramas or films where he can shine for his talent rather than his looks.

I know reviews should be written after watching the entire thing, but there’s only so much my neurons could take. But then again, many of the 10s are also given looooong before the drama is over.


*My apology to Jane Austen for quoting her in such a context. No comparison was ever intended.

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36 Episode Too Long......

I honestly watched because I wanted to see more of Dylan Wang's work. In this drama, I found that he did his best in a role that did not utilize his talent to the maximum. The plot and all it's nuances were weak and lack the pull and engagement I was expecting. Perhaps I had high expectations? Every episode to me was slow paced. I fast forwarded a lot to skip all the palace eunuchs internal palace politics, Lady Bu Yin Lou and her palace adventures, the Fu Wang who whines when he was weak and also the same when he started to have mis-guided bravery in his pending role as the future Emperor and so much more. Seems like I am the one whining now, sorry.

But, if one is a fan of Dylan, I guess one could put up with it, because I did. Never failing in his sultry demeanor. Otherwise, you might want to gently skip this one.

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This is one of those dramas that started off great and it goes downhill from there. If I split it in parts, there are some parts which I absolutely love but the parts that are done poorly are too glaring to ignore.

So the drama started off with a built up story about Xiao Duo's journey to revenge his twin brother. You become invested in the whole revenge plot only to be distracted by the evil (and crazily obsessed) emperor. There are so many moving parts that everything ends up losing its meaning because it was only good at the build up.

Let's talk about the story. I wish they stick with the revenge plot until the end because they have done such a good job building the foundations about it at the beginning. You have this mystery villain that is difficult to catch, empress in the palace who is power crazy and greedy ministers. That is like a perfect formula to a good, big, dramatic revenge story. Instead, they have wasted the potential of these characters with poorly developed story plot. The three villains are not really that bright after all. They seem to always be losing which makes you wonder how they survived that long. Xiao Duo's determination to revenge seems minuscule towards the end because he was so focused on Bu Yin Lou.

They did a good job building the emperor's character from this cowardly weakling who wants nothing to do with the court to a crazy, evil and obsessed emperor, still a coward though. If they had focused on that from the beginning instead of pushing us to be invested in Xiao Duo's revenge, it would have been a solid story.

The flow of the whole drama is so horrible, it's difficult to like the drama. This is how I feel throughout the drama:
1. The grand starting with introduction to Xiao Duo as this powerful eunuch in the palace and Bu Yin Lou as this smart lady who does a good job surviving in whatever difficult situation she is in. The emperor (useless 'huang ye' at that time) seemed to indicate some serious drama is coming. I was excited to see how the revenge plot develops and how Xiao Duo plots all his chess pieces in the palace.

2. I became fond of Xiao Duo's relationship with his subordinates and his cold attitude. The way both him and Yin Lou got closer together is very natural, too. The emperor's obsession with Yin Lou was starting to become annoying because the reason he "fell in love" with Yin Lou was quite forced and it's starting to take the spotlight away from the revenge. Love at first sight, sure but the obsession is farfetched in my opinion.

3. Then you have the romance scenes which is very choppily edited in my opinion. I understand the censorship but it is very badly edited. The revenge comes to an end with great disappointment. The three villains are really easy to defeat and because of the emperor's plot, this revenge has already lost its meaning.

4. Don't get me started on the ending. I have no idea why the scriptwriter would write an ending like that, but at that point, I'm just glad that the drama is finally ending. The drama became draggy with all those failed attempts at escaping, it's like an end to this never ending loop with that final episode. I was starting to become frustrated with this constant attempt to save Yin Lou out of the palace when to be honest, the emperor is not really that difficult to kill. With Xiao Duo's connections and network, it's not difficult to kidnap Yin Lou out of the palace and hide her in a place where the emperor can't reach. The ending without a proper closure is like a cherry on top.

Overall, I really think the story needs a lot of tightening. I like how all the main characters are portrayed, though. They seem to have some good chemistry, too. What a waste, the story is underwhelming.

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This is a drama that has everything to be highly rated (great acting, choreography, cinematography, music) but somehow, it fell short as the story progresses. Putting the lack of romantic chemistry aside, the acting is really superb, especially from the main cast. There is great character development and, in the case of Emperor Murong Gao Gong/Fu Wang, excellently played by Peter Ho, where his development can be defined as a convolution. Although the acting is quite impressive for the majority of the cast, a story of forbidden love needs to be portrayed with more passion, not the lustful passion, just the reckless, despairing, and torment passion that comes from not been able to be together. Maybe it is because of the editing, the fact that the show was trying really hard to be comedic, or simply because that the leading couple, even though they have very good playful interactions and they show great prowess together, they fell short on their romantic interactions. The story has elements of comedy, romance, great action scenes, sinister plots, and great camaraderie among Xiao Duo’s friends in arms. Overall, the drama is a good production; however, it would be more appropriate to call it Floating on the Edge or Fu Tu Tower rather than Unchained Love.

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I loved everything about this drama. Dylan Wang and Chen Ju Qi , two of my favorite actor and actress. I will always give them support. I was shocked to see that Dylan Wang was playing an emasculated man serving palace menials, being a spy and harem watchdog Eunuch for the Emperor! OMG! He was good at playing the role of Xiao Duo! My favorite strong actress, CJQ who I love her in action dramas but her action was different in the character Bu Yin Lou. I have no problem with it. Eunuchs wear the same thing in all the dramas I have viewed. But DW looked good! A really good storyline I enjoyed it very much. A lot of suspense, and of course my favorite is the Martial Art action. I'm a fan of sword dancing which is so good. The visual were okay. I loved some of the wardrobe that CJQ wore. I wanted to put myself in this drama and slap the heck out of the emperor and a shoe being thrown at the fake sister of Bu Yin Lou. This drama wouldn't let go to sleep. lol It deserves a 10 when it brings my emotions in it. Thanks to everyone who had part in this drama and the staff.

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Royal Romp Best Served with Humour

Chen Yuqi and Dylan Wang are delightful pairing as a imperial consort and eunuch respectively in this faux historical romantic comedy. It is a quirky mix of genres that don't always blend well especially in the final phase of the drama, where the show feels like it outstays its welcome. The show is at its best when it doesn’t take itself seriously and remain within its comedic purview.

The series starts off with plenty of hilarity as Chen Yuqi’s Bu Yinlou attempts to survive the rough and tumble of palace machinations using her wits. She’s an inveterate gambler and manages to get extricate herself from various problems sometimes with the aid of Dylan Wang’s Xiao Duo, a supposed eunuch in charge of Zhaoding Bureau and other law enforcement agencies. The leads are suspicious of one another’s intentions at first but later become allies and eventually lovers. The banter between them is a hoot especially when they misunderstand each other and there are many laugh out loud moments in those early days.

The pair inevitably find themselves in a love triangle with the recently crowned emperor Murong Gaogong (Peter Ho) whose obsession with Yinlou is… incomprehensible all throughout. He evolves from being a timid prince to a raving  paranoid megalomaniac — a caricature rather than a fully fleshed out character. Even when he finally finds out that Yinlou and Xiao Duo are doing the hanky-panky behind his back, he reactions are insanely pathetic. He barely knows Yinlou except for a brief childhood encounter and yet he expends all his energies in obsessively holding on to her to the point of absurdity. As a result of not having his way with her, and suffering one disaster after another he spirals into self-destructive madness. Even though he suffers the fate of all cuckolds, there’s not a lot that’s sympathetic or likeable about him. Instead he is primed as a figure of scorn.

Where the show goes wobbly is when it tries to be serious and soapboxes about the freedom for individuals to choose within the palace walls. Theirs is a forbidden love but Yinlou seems an unlikely mouthpiece that speaks truth to power. The downside to this is that it takes one right out of the experience because let’s face it, nobody cares anything about individual freedom in the days of emperors. Luckily for them, the leads have the intelligence and enough friends to help them with Yinlou’s jail break. But by then, one has had a gutful of a very deranged monarch whose grasp on reality diminishes daily. Where would the opinionated leads be if they had no brains? Dead, would be one possibility. Or contentedly living out the rest of their lives in the palace eating and drinking from the emperor’s table grateful for not being dead.

In some ways I’m surprised that this got made. Or that it even got past the scissor happy censorship with as much as it did. Many of the passionate scenes purportedly got the chop and yet when Yinlou slaps the emperor she gets away with it. Her statements railing against his tyranny are far more radical than all the snogging between the leads. Perhaps it’s the low budget nature of this beast. I can only speculate that those who let this pass think somehow that hardly any one will be watching this and an emperor who is over-the-top crazy can’t possibly have any modern day parallels.

All in all, it’s far more enjoyable when one suspends all manner of disbelief.

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Just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it’s bad!

What a refreshing plot! I never knew I could enjoy an eunuch plot, WHD definitely carried this one and he’s the reason I even got started. I was riveted from start to end despite the mixed reviews. I highly encourage everyone to give this a shot - the story is new and quite scandalous considering the main leads are kindaaaa having an illicit affair. But that’s what made the show so interesting! Watching them sneak around is fun to watch.

I didn’t care much for the side characters but the show was mainly focused on our leads and the big fat greasy psycho. Even though our lovers couldn’t openly display their affection, their private interactions say everything. Honestly I would’ve enjoyed it more if I didn’t know about all the deleted scenes, but that still didn’t stop me from enjoying it (gotta be objective).

BYL is also the kind of witty, strong female lead I like to see and omg FINALLY we have a male lead who’s willing to give up his revenge and drop everything for the FL! I loved to see that so much and their dynamics as forbidden lovers. Their time together in the west is the best part of the show. The fighting scenes are also well executed and crisp.

36 eps went by pretty quickly without FF, I rate this as a good watch thanks to the storyline and WHD! But I must say the FL did a better-than-average job, I’ve seen trashier acting lol… So yes, give this a shot and go in with an open mind without minding the deleted scenes. Don’t forget to watch the extra ending scenes!

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You might need to rewatch to really appreciate this series

Initially I was hesitant to try watching this series, being firstly it only had 36 episodes and secondly was, it was adapted from a novel. I find it extremely difficult to portray an entire novel story line, chemistry between both main leads into only 36 episodes. It could be due to budgeting reasons, therefore the series was quite short.

The story begins when FL was destined to guard the tomb of the deceased Emperor's mausoleum until she passes. She was briefly rescued by the ML under the order of the future King who had a crush on her. She was then known as the Consort Dowager. FL had a pretty much smooth life as the Consort Dowager. She and the ML bonded through different circumstances. However, happiness lasted for a short while. The future Emperor who saved her, ascended the throne. He had a vision of crowning FL as his consort, wanting her to be the Empress. But this was absurd. FL was a consort of the previous Emperor, and this is considered to be bad luck and inauspicious. But the Emperor doesn't give a flying duck about what anyone says about that.

Fast forward, the ML opens up to the FL after she directly confesses about how she feels constantly. She showed him that if you love someone, you should tell them. And she isnt the kind of person that can be controlled by destiny or others. FL wants to live life her way, not determined by laws or nobility. ML struggles with getting revenge for his younger brother and tries to find clues about his death which led to a 6 year secret investigation. His revenge plot was then paused while he tries to find a balance between pursing love with the FL or continue his revenge for his deceased brother.

This is where I find some might agree and some might disagree. Love prevails after all. ML came from a background where his parents died early before the series as well as his younger brother. He had a good childhood but every member of his family is dead. He is pretty much lonely and has only 1 goal on his mind. ML had to put a good face in front of the noble families who can tell him in his face that low-borns are dogs who are nothing compared to them. But he meets the FL who although comes from nobility, she is humble with her presence. She doesnt change for anyone and is still the same person before she entered the harem and while she was in it. FL broke the ML's barriers and was not afraid to love a person like him. A eunuch. ML eventually falls in love with her and seeks to protect her from the Emperor whose crush has turned to obsession. They did found out who had killed the ML's younger brother but there was a dilemma. And he decided to give up on this revenge. ML feels that he doesn't want the FL to hate him, and live with this ball of regret forever. He knew who killed his sibling, why it happened and what can he do. He chose love afterall, as both him and the FL had sworn to marriage in secrecy. He is her husband and she is his wife. The past can't rule the present. ML wants a life with her.

I think this is where the story falls short. The love was a sign of desperation, frustration and passion. It can only be translated to words due to extreme censorship. I only knew about it about halfway into the series. I watched through the end before watching the deleted scenes. Their desperation and passion can only be seen through these short 10 to 30 sec clips of them. I feel that there is chemistry. It was a mature love where both leads where in the prime of their life. But love was something they both could not have, and want to have. It was indeed a forbidden love. I'm glad that the ML was able to show his passion through his words. He was really desperate for her that he isn't bothered by people knowing about their affair. On my second rewatch, I paused at certain episodes to watch the deleted scenes before continue and it made more sense. Their kisses were indeed hot and top-tier, especially the boat scene.

People talked about Yukee's eyes and how she was more of a second lead. But I feel she brings joy to this role. Her eyes are just naturally large. It doesn't bother me, I'm easily pleased by simple comedy. It just so happens her hobbies relates to mine. Dylan's acting was less stiff with a much more experienced actress. And can I say that I'm glad to see an actress who kisses back? Yes, thank you. Give a try and watch the deleted scenes.

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Almost a masterpiece

But for the decimation by the censors, I would have given this drama a perfect score. The editing due to the new censorship guidelines bordered on massacre and made the story choppy. That being said, there were no unnecessary sidelines, no petty spats and tantrums. No brainless ninnies (if you don't count the FL's maid). And you could still get the gist of the story even with the obvious chops.

Wang He Di & Chen Yu Qi were great together. Even without the PDA and kissing scenes (which we, the viewers who watch for the romance want more of) their chemistry was evident, and the tenderness they managed to portray, endearing and believable. I was backing them all the way. It was refreshing to see a couple trust and believe in each other, still express doubt, anger, even jealousy, without the silly, immature pouting and mind-games. The supporting characters were awesome too. Even the evil characters were played to perfection. And here, I must single out possibly the best performance of the drama, by Peter Ho. As the fanatical emperor, he was totally hateful and deranged, terribly flawed and pitiable, without conscience or restraint - but still self-doubting and simple-minded at times. He was magnificent!

Some say the ending was rushed, but I think it was satisfying. I would have liked a little more closure for some of the characters, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I'm glad the bad guys got their comeuppance in the end - I'm happier that the lead couple lived happily ever after - but I still have lingering questions about some of the other characters I liked and got attached to. Oh well, guess you can't have everything!

This one is a definite re-watch.

Oh, and one more thing... Wang He Di's fight scenes. I'm not big on the technicality of action scenes, but boy! was he a thing of beauty to watch in some of those sequences. Truth be told, he's a thing of beauty no matter what he's doing, but... those fight scenes! Wow! This young man has a bright future ahead of him.

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Drama Terbaik Awal Tahun 2023

Drama ini sangat bagus baik dr segi akting, penataan latar, kostum, alur cerita, backsound, dan ost nya smua bener2 sangat bagus menyentuh perfect combination.
- Akting Dylan Wang sangat mendalami seperti biasanya (perasaan cintanya ke Bu Yinlou tergambarkan lewat tatapan dan mimik mukanya) dan untuk Yukee Chen (pemeran FL) aktingnya sudah sangat berkembang dan lebih baik dr drama yg ia mainkan sebelum2nya. Dan menurutku Yukee Chen merupakan aktris terbaik kedua setelah Shen Yue sbg lawan main Dylan Wang, krn seperti yg terlihat bahwa teknik dan metode akting dr Yukee Chen sendiri tidak berlebihan seperti lawan main Dylan Wang sebelumnya, sehingga membuat penonton ikut merasakan emosi dan makna dr inti crita drama ini.
- Penataan latar dan kostumnya menurutku sangat bagus, Dylan Wang keliatan keren + cool. Walau ada yg menurutku agak menganggu di penataan rambut Bu Yinlou yg agak terlalu digulung tinggi, tp secara keseluruhan udh mantap♡
- Alur ceritanya sangat menarik dan unik krn mengusung tema 'forbidden love' yg ditambah komedi dg genre historical. Komedinya jg gk main2 lucunya XD XD buatku pribadi yg udah bosen genre politik/romance yg biasa2 aja, drama ini jd pilihan fav ku setelah love like the galaxy dan untamed♡♡
- Backsound dan ost nya jg smuanya sangat addicted, saking bagusnya sampai gk tega buat berhenti dengerin♡

Secara keseluruhan, drama ini sangat direkomendasi bagi yg pengen liat genre drama dark historical romance yg diselingi komedi. Aku pribadi udah ngulang drama ini lebih dr 3x, krn emang sebagus itu dramanya♡♡♡

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How to butcher a good show...

First of all " SLOW CLAPS FOR EDITING"
People giving it full rating while I am still stuck to the episode astonished where everything came to light about ML amd that very episode which was supposed to be the most important one, for which every single viewer was waiting from the beginning...was butchered in such a way that you feel like- " Did I miss something? ". Tbh it felt like I missed many episodes in between due to all that censorship cr*p. Why make a show in the first place with that setting if it will be ruined ultimately.
Sigh* ( Finished ranting)

I loved the starting of the show. The storyline for instance was pretty unique. A dowager falling for eunuch and the revenge plot. Though it didn't come as a surprise for many of us...but they didn't really hide ML's true identity for long. I was really hoping for few twists but... Anyways it was pretty obvious from the get go. I loved the way Dylan portrays his character. He looks gorgeous but his acting makes the most cringe worthy scenes bearable. FL too was pretty lovely ( she kept reminding me of Bailu a lot probably because of same voice dub artist). She was portrait smart and quick witted unlike many characters we see in historical dramas. ( Though there were moments, where same old cliche of FL ruining the plans in the process of helping ML, were used a lot). Second leads were really good in their characters. Her maid though... She was most annoying one at times but that is just how her character was written😪. The actress did really well and she is really cute too. I loved second lead's bickering a lot. Now comes our antagonists. Our double faced emperor was the one who really stood out for me. I mean his acting really deserves applause. Because he really made sure that my blood would boil with his actions 😂. He was really good the way he portrays timid yet conniving person in the beginning. The other empress ( she was in LLTG) ...I love her already. I knew she would be good...I just wished she had more screen presence. Storywise it could be really great if they didn't chop many important scenes. It felt I skipped many scenes. All the anticipation that I build for the identity reveal fell so damn flat. I wished they developed their characters a little bit more ( I am no expert) but ML's behaviour changes dramatically the moment he fell in love. Just like many dramas. Revenge becomes secondary for him now that he loves someone. I wished FL could have become his inspiration to develop his character yet it all ended up in a cliched way. There are more episodes to come yet I already feel like I have watched enough. This censorship just ruined the drama for me.
If you wanna watch it for the leads then go for it they did their best but don't expect it to be like Love between fairy and devil or Love like the galaxy. You will be utterly disappointed.

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