Unchained Love (2022)

Wasted Potential

Censorship butchered what would have been a remarkable show. Scenes felt disjointed, characters referred to scenes we hadn't been shown, and important plot points were glazed over, causing momentum to be lost. The final nail in the coffin was the rushed and underwhelming ending. The show had its flaws outside censorship, like the maid with zero brain cells (why write such a frustrating, useless character!) If this were a cheesy rom-com, I'd give it a bit more grace, as I'd be able to shut my brain off and watch without too much analysis. However, it covers darker, more mature material that deserves more intentional story-telling. All that being said, the cast did an amazing job portraying their characters and the overall story was unique. With all its faults, I would still recommend the watch, it was entertaining. I suppose that is most important in the end.

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Just keep swimming

I am really enjoying this drama. I am afraid as time goes on delusions abound on all sides and the pain is an unavoidable part of growth and love ...

I have read parts of the novel (auto translated) but I needed to know if the ending was going to break me ... The humor from the novel was definitely portrayed in the drama. I was grateful for those soft laughing moment to calm me and prepare me the tough moments.

There were parts not in the drama, but the essence of the story was not completely lost. In my opinion.

I am excited for the rest. I will finish it and already rewatch past episodes to bear through the wait periods. Watching each step and laughing... I have not regretted starting. ❤️

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Well Worth the Watch

**This is just my opinion. I truly appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that went into the production of this drama. Thank you.**

I'm going to do my best not to include any spoilers.

This really was a very good drama and is well worth watching. The cast and acting are outstanding. I thought that Dylan Wang did a fantastic job as Xiao Duo, especially in the action scenes. I was surprised and impressed by just how good Chen Yu Qi, who played Bu Yin Lou, was. She really brought her character to life. Peter Ho was great as the emperor we grow to abhor more moment to moment. Guan Chang shone as Murong Wanwan aka Princess Hede (I could have Hede wrong, I don't remember and I can't see where to look it up). Wang Yue Xin, who played Cao Chung Ang, and Li Dong He, who played Yu Qi Lang, were terrific as well. I really enjoyed the action and martial arts scenes. They would have been even better if the fantastical jump/flying thing they added wasn't included but it wasn't as over the top as I've seen in other dramas.

I'm still torn as to how I feel about the two main characters. Initially I thought that Xiao Duo was very aloof (for good reason, no doubt), intelligent, ruthless and clear headed. About halfway through the story, he's completely changed. He no longer displays the clear headed judgement or caution that he would have previously. While I was happy to see things going better for him and to see his softer side, I was disappointed that he didn't use the skills he had when he could have. (I'm trying very hard not to give away anything.) Yin Lou, on the other hand, while a bit bratty and self indulgent in the beginning is infinitely more likeable than who she is at the end.

The story started off well. I was intrigued by the characters and their stories. It had some very funny moments and both the action and drama were done very well. Towards the middle though, I thought that the characters were acting "out of character". More and more of the suspense came from seeing them making very poor/unsafe decisions and waiting to see, with bated breath, if they would suffer the consequences. That isn't the kind of suspense that I like to see.

I think that the soundtrack has some very pretty songs on it. I don't speak Chinese but they do sound pretty and the lyrics are good as well.

The wardrobe and production departments did a good job too.

This didn't turn out to be short after all but I think I managed to leave out all spoilers. As I said, this drama is well worth the watch. The story can be a bit frustrating at times but it keeps your attention. The actors are what drew me to it and kept me watching.

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The script is intriguing, although the facts that precede the beginning of the drama are poorly elucidated, some are, superficially, shown in flashbacks, but others are for the deduction of those who watched. The finish is rushed and leaves a little to be desired, but it doesn't compromise the work. I've watched other works by the writer and good finishes are not her strong point, but she usually creates very interesting characters.
In this drama, the writer took pains to create characters with very significant personality traits. The characters Xiao Duo and Bu Yin Lou are shrewd and know how to use cunning to get out of various situations, even due to the harshness of the facts they live, they do not lose tenderness and humanity. In other characters, the traits of friendship and loyalty are clear, as in Xiao Duo's two faithful companions, Princess Wan Wan and the adorable young prince. The personality outlined by the writer for the character Murong Gao Gong is exceptional, he is not a common villain, the character shows traces of psychopathy, lives a compulsive obsession that keeps him away from any shadow of humanity, unlike the other villains in the plot who had objetive for power, he did not aim to reach the throne, but when he obtains power, by mere chance, he directs all his power to his object of obsession, loses all connection with good feelings, stops recognizing friends or enemies and starts to rid beware of anyone who questions you or who is afraid that someone will question you. Despite holding the command of life and death, he is a cowardly, fearful and low-intelligence emperor to rule the kingdom.
The cast was formidable, excellent performances. Chen Yu Qi dressed the character masterfully, I've watched several dramas with her, but since Ashes of Love I haven't seen her shine so brightly. Actor Peter Ho is the first time I see a drama with him, his performance caught my attention. I don't know about the consistency of his acting work, but in this drama, without a doubt, his acting was the most accurate.
The direction conducted the drama satisfactorily, it could have not run so much at the end and a little more attention in editing with day and night scenes, but they are small errors that do not take away the shine of the work. The action scenes are nice and well-crafted.
The costumes were well designed and very beautiful, especially the costumes worn by the character Xiao Duo.
The soundtrack does not disappoint.

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I didn't like the ending

I liked the series overall. However, there were many mistakes. There were childish things. Mistakes that I said would not be made were made. Mistakes were made. Why did the screenwriter think of writing this, how did the director shoot this? I put a lot of effort into this in some places. I looked for the reason and couldn't find it. It seemed illogical. There were so many that I wish I could write them down. My comment will be very long and will not fit into the pages. I had set my grade as 9 from the beginning. However, I made a note. I gave it 8. In that anger, I thought of giving it a 6. There were mistakes that shouldn't have happened that depressed me so much that I even stopped watching. I didn't like the ending scenes either. It could have ended better and more positively. An emperor who was so ungrateful, unworthy of the throne, and shot everyone behind his back should at least have been sent away. Those who supported him in his shadow had to flee. Such an ending did not suit the finale. What I liked. I liked the actors. I liked the shot. The images were beautiful. The scenes were shot well. The story was well thought out, but great mistakes, irresponsibility and simplicity were made while scripting it. I do not like. But still, for the sake of integrity, it was a good watch for me.
I liked the acting of the master actor Peter Ho. the most. He added to his role. He played well. Even a reward may be given. Some may find it simple. He showed such an acting. I liked it very much. He was the real lead of the series. Zeng Li. I love him very much. It seemed very little to me, but even in that little view he proved his mastery. Was very good. Dylan Wang looks older than he is. It looks like that. He has very smooth facial features and knows how to make himself look great, proud and arrogant. Maybe I expected better from Chen Yu qi, one of my favorite actors, but he was still good in my opinion. No bad. It may have fallen below expectations. I loved. I wish it were better.Guan Chang. was very good. He knows how to show himself off. He assimilated his role and played it well. Veteran actor Shi Yu, for example, did that eunuch role very well. He successfully portrayed the scenes of the emperor's death as a result of his manipulation of the emperor, regretting his mistakes, and eventually deviating from the emperor's personality due to his mistakes. I like those who add role to their role. That's how I saw it. That's why I liked it. These actors are the ones who enlarge their simple roles. I also liked Wang Yu Xin. He Nan.da was exceptionally good at the beginning of the drama. Then his role ended and he disappeared. So the players were good. Would I watch it again? Very difficult. I was a little angry at the mistakes and simplicity made. I probably won't watch it. Have a nice time.

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XIAO DUO & BU YINLOU DESERVE A BETTER ENDING!

Okay, so this is the first Cdrama I've watched this year, so I'm going to write my review about it. I just finished watching this a while ago, so here are my thoughts. When I first watched the first episode, I was shocked because the character was so familiar to me. That's when I realized it was Dylan Wang, so it gave me more reason to watch this drama. The first episode is kind of boring for me, maybe because I'm not fond of watching historical cdrama, so it's very new to me. But I'm glad because the next episodes are getting more interesting as I watch them. 

I love the acting of the cast and how they portray their characters very well, especially Dylan Wang and Yukee Chen. I also love how smart their characters are, they fully understand each other just by looking at each other, and I'll just be surprised that they knew each other's plan all along and it's just all an act. Bu Yin Lou is one of my favorite characters in the show. I love how she stands up for herself and for the people around her; she knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to express who she really is. This kind of FL is rare, so I love her for that because I'm satisfied with how she roasts and fights with the people who keep forcing and controlling her. 

Next is Xiao Dou, portrayed by Dylan Wang. I have loved him since Meteor Garden, and I must say that this kind of role really suits him the most. His postures, facial expressions, and fighting skills nailed it. I also admire how he will do everything just for BYL. He's willing to sacrifice everything just to be with her. We need this kind of man in real life. He is also smart, like BYL, and I must say their chemistry is also good. I also admire their relationship; their trust and love for each other are too good to be true. And maybe that is why they have never had a misunderstanding since the beginning because they trust each other so much. 

The storyline is about a forbidden love between an eunuch and an emperor's woman. I didn't expect that the emperor would be a tyrant because I felt bad for him in the first episode. But well, I guess love really makes us crazy, or, should I say, obsession makes people go crazy. But overall, I love the actor's acting; he portrayed the emperor so well that my head boiled because of him.

Now for the ending. Well, it's 50/50 for me. I really think XIAO DUO AND BU YINLOU DESERVE A BETTER ENDING! They have been suffering too much, and making the ending like that is just nah for me. They deserved better and lived happily without worrying about anything involving the emperor. 

That's all, but besides the ending, this show is a must-watch. Overall, the plot is good, and I have already recommended it to some of my friends. So I hope they will like it. 
 
 

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Refreshing, I like it

Tired of dominant ,controlling ,aloof CEO type of story?
Tired of time travel story?
Tired of the typical love scene, male lead catching the female lead on time and then spinning or she fell right on his lips?
I am , so this story is refreshing for me. An eunuch with a woman whom emperor has eyes on.
It started in more serious mode, but I do like the lovey scenes toward the middle of the show. Finally , this is something different - different characters, unexpected dialog and reaction, not some typical scenes we had seen many times. lol, I enjoy the show especially middle part so much.
I like YinLo's character- bold, witty, she knows what she wants and she will follow her heart.
Honestly, Dylan Wang's acting has improved a lot, richer emotion and expression.
I hope it will only get better.
*They shouldn't have cut some of the scenes, I will wait for the version with uncut scenes if there is any

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Un bon début rattrapé par un scénario bancal et fade.

C'est avec impatience que j'attendais ce drama, c'est donc d'autant plus de déception que de satisfaction qui en ressort.

La réalisation : De facture correcte, nous avons vu mieux et pire.

Le scénario : Je ne suis pas contre les romances bien au contraire, mais quand tout est construit autour, on s'attend au moins à une romance de dingue... La romance prenant toute la place, il n'y a plus d'espace pour la partie vengeance. Un déséquilibre se fait donc au fur et à mesure et nous perdons très vite l'intérêt que ce drama a vaguement suscité au départ.

Les personnages : L'intrigue tourne principalement autour de nos deux tourtereaux et maheureusement, ne réussissent pas à nous convaincre. J'espérais avoir un deuxième Lin Bu Yi ou Dong Fang, un personnage bad ass limite mauvais. Nous avons à la place un protagoniste qui non seulement oublie rapidement sa quête principale mais qui devient mielleux jusqu'à nous en faire grincer les dents. Les débuts du couple sont adorables et j'en attendais plus. Cela retombe comme un flan, sans que la moindre étincelle ne parviennent à rallumer le feu. Dès la confession, je trouve que cela manque réellement de dynamisme et d'émotion. Lorsque Xiao Duo se fait punir par l'empereur et que Yin Lou se contente d'exprimer "sa douleur" par une attitude molle et lointaine, j'ai perdu le peu d'intérêt qui me restait. Impossible de ne pas se remémorer l'intensité du jeu de Lu Si , l'expression déchirante de ses pleurs, ses hurlements de désespoir lorsque Lin Bu Yi ( mon héros du moment) se fait flageller sur la place de la cour. C'est sincèrement dommage, car le couple avait un potentiel non négligeable, un début d'alchimie sympathique et qui aurait pu transcender l'écran...
Individuellement, ils sont certes intelligents, malheureusement, pas assez mis en valeur.

C'est un drama qui sans être mauvais n'arrive pas à nous convaincre.

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Fantastic cdrama

This drama’s name supposed to be named “forbidden love” Because their love was chained 🤧Nothing like “unchained love” I love the drama
It kept me going, I couldn’t even miss an episode cuz each episode has some event that happened. The Ml and Fl were great 😊 the portray their characters very well. Gosh I love there smartness especially Bu yinluo
Loved how the emperor lost everything, but wished the could have killed him off😒 will be very happy
In anyways loved how it ended cuz I was scared if this will be sad ending . The writer could at least show us where the gave birth to twins🙃 and also wan wan love story, it’s a pity the didn’t get there ending.
I love the brotherhood between the Xiao duo and his Godson, Also the respect and friendship between xiao duo and his zhoding bureau.
The music was very good, fits in with mood
Don’t think I can rewatch it again cuz other drama will keep me busy.
Felt pity for enuch sun, but then he deserves it somehow
All the hateful characters got their rewards
Am happy

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Great potential but terrible miscast of FL

This was a good series, pretty engaging. It had great potential to score an 8 or 9 (I rarely give those scores). But I took points off mainly because of the terrible miscasting of the female lead. This was not the role for this actress. She just could not not pull off the comedy, emotional range or screen presence. This if the first time I've seen this actress in a lead role, and I don't think she's ready to be the main lead in a series and is better suited for 2nd lead or supporting role. She did fine in her 2nd lead in Ashes of Love, but this was not the role for her.

Two actresses come to mind whom this Bu Yin Lou role was written for: 1) Song Zu Er from Legally Romance, Cupid's Kitchen, The Bond; or 2) Zhao Lu Si from Romance of Tiger & Rose, and Love Like the Galaxy. If either of these actresses played the FL role this series would've been one of my top favorites.

Pros:
- The ML (Dylan Wang) was perfect in this role. I watched this series after seeing how great he was in Love Between Fairy & Devil. His facial expressions and body language are perfectly conveyed for every emotion. You want to smile when he's happy, your heart breaks for him when he's sad.
- The 2nd ML / Villain Emperor (Peter Ho) - he was totally believable in how he evolved from of a kind hearted, cowardly prince to a sadistic, egomaniac tyrant. I pitied him when he was trampled on as the kind and gullible prince, but then my skin crawled anticipating what he would do next when he became the villainous emperor.
- Overall the support characters were good, nothing terrible or too annoying about them.

Cons:
- Terrible miscast of the FL. He facial expressions were over-the-top but could not quite convey true emotions - her eyes mainly just bulged widely with eyebrows furrowed. Her comedic abilities did not come natural at all, very forced.
- Some plot holes, but none too major that you can't overlook.

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