The Story of Pearl Girl (2024)

This Drama is a Glass Pearl

This drama is a glass pearl. It's almost the real thing, but not exactly. Pretty to watch and is unique in it's way, but not memorable enough. The story follows Danwu (Zhao Lusi) as she journeys through life from being a slave pearl diver to a respected and successful business women. Along her journey, Danwu meets Yan Zijing (Liu Yuning), an established merchant who mentors and paves her way into the business world.
The first few episode was great, but as the story progresses, it became a little stale. It was watchable, but not enough for me to go "oh, what's going to happen next?". Now, the story line did not grab me, but the characters as an individual did. A perfect example of great actors, but bad story writing and/or directing. Danwu is a lovely character. She is strong, willing to push through any obstacle and learns quickly to adapt to situations around her. It was not love at first sight with Yan Zijing, but he grows on me. Like most ML, he looks bad and cold on the outside but really he's a charmer after a few episodes. I especially like that he does not overshadow Danwu despite all the "power and riches" he already had. He didn't just hand them to her, she physically and mentally worked for her own. Zhang Jinran (Tang Xiaotian) was a character made to like in the very first episode to the end. He have justice, loves and care for the FL, and serves as a good love triangle. Cui Shijiu (Chole Xie) is an interesting character as a whole. I like her character set up, but her arc falls short because she never really learns from any of the tragic events that happens to her (except towards the end of the drama she finally "wakes up"). Unlike Danwu, she's hell-bent on vengeance. And unlike Yan Zijing, the writer made her vengeance scheming not so smart.
I would recommend this drama if you are a big Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning fan. I enjoyed watching every scene between Danwu and Yan Zijing, especially the sweet romantic interactions between them. However, if you're looking for good storyline to awe you, this drama will leave you luke warm. You won't necessarily dislike it, but at the same time clicking on the next episode won't be as tempting. Will I rewatch it again? Only if I want fan service of Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning in a drama, then maybe.

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Beautiful Acting and Great Storyline/Concept

Just finished the show and I've got to say this show has one of the most interesting concepts with an incredibly chosen topic. Using the idea of merchants and their battles in the jewellery industry was both refreshing and interesting to watch given its prevalence in Chinese history.

[Concept of Beauty is Sacrifice]
One thing I really enjoyed about the show is its realistic treatment of the toxic and unethical environments that existed both in the past and even now in the present day. Specifically, they didn't try to beat around the bush about how poorly the pearl collectors were treated which is something that a lot of dramas nowadays gloss over. Everyone looks at the shiny headpieces and beautiful clothing when watching ancient Chinese dramas, but this is the first time I was so gruesomely reminded of how incredibly difficult it was back in the day to collect those items. Without the help of machinery, every single piece of gold and jade was collected by hand, often covered with blood by those who couldn't survive the abuse. Whilst admiring the jewels and their beauty, the show also cruelly reminds us about the people who've died getting their hands on them. This choice both shows the research that the writers/directors must've done to keep things accurate, in addition to reminding the viewers that nothing comes for free and that everything beautiful comes with its own sacrifices.

[Actors/Actresses & Main Characters' Romance Plot]
I'm highly biased in this take but I loved the actors/actresses they chose for this show, especially the ML and FL. I've always been a fan of Liu Yuning so I was excited to see him act in another drama, but I was swept off my feet by Zhao Lusi's great acting and the synergy she had with him. To speak on visuals for a second, they look very good together with their concept of "tall evil businessman" and "short and confident newby businesswoman" especially once they start falling in love and you can see Yan Zijin just absolutely cave and stop caring about trying to be intimidating. One thing I really enjoyed is that they didn't try to pull the overdone "I'm too evil big and intimidating to fall for her blegh" character arc with him which is often done for his type of character. Usually, when there's an ML that is shown as being cold and mean, the directors try to force them to go through a period of self-discovery where they realise that they actually have feelings and it's usually really long-winded and not fun to watch. Here, once he realised he liked her, he just knew and didn't need to go through that, filling the show with a lot of cute couple scenes and avoiding unwanted filler where the ML and FL just dance around each other like dying chickens.

[Misunderstanding & Better Without Me Trope]
Despite adoring this show, I do have one main piece of criticism: I absolutely hated the fact that after getting attacked and almost dying, Yan Zijin decided to leave her. Not only that, but they just had to add in the scene of him shooting her with an arrow and her misunderstanding him, thinking he was trying to kill her. This is more of a personal gripe I have with romance plots like this but I feel like the misunderstanding and better without me trope is so overused at this point that it's an automatic hit against the show's watchability when it happens. I understand that they need something to happen to cause drama, but also it didn't make sense to me that they would both go through a life-threatening attack and suddenly the ML thinks that leaving her alone in the middle of the desert that she's never been in is the safest decision. Sure, he left her with a group of nice travellers, but also she somehow instantly travels into the middle of a snowstorm and almost dies from hypothermia? It feels more like a cheap way of trying to cause a rift between them so that the show can slowly fix it to keep the watchers on the edge of their seats rather than adding anything to the storyline. Rather, if they wanted to create some sort of problem between the main couple, I believe it would've been way more interesting to delve deeper into Yan Zijin's darker side and have a conflict that way instead. At the beginning of the show, his character was written to be hated: bullied everyone, cared only about money, used underhanded means to get to his goals etc. Towards the end, he softens up and kinda just gets relegated to house-husband duty and doesn't really do much for the plot anymore except getting stabbed and dying. I didn't mind this choice really (and actually enjoyed it), it's more that if they wanted some sort of drama between the main couple, they could have easily used his want for revenge as the catalyst without needing to follow these two tropes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this show and thought the storyline was both thought-provoking and entrancing to watch. I would definitely rewatch it at some point in the future and just skip the parts where there's there misunderstanding.

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A Masterpiece of 2024

"The Story of Pearl Girl" is a drama that will pull you in from the start! It’s a brilliantly crafted tale where every moment feels meaningful and visually stunning.

Set against a rich historical backdrop, this is more than just a love story—it’s a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. From the opening scene where Zhao Lusi’s character, Duan Wu, dives into the sea for pearls, the breathtaking cinematography transports you into her world with unforgettable visuals.

Zhao Lusi shines as Duan Wu, bringing incredible emotional depth and expression to her role. Her eye acting alone speaks volumes, making her character’s ups and downs feel real and raw. Every tear she sheds pulls you in; you’ll feel her joy and heartbreak as if they were your own. Zhao beautifully captures both the inner strength and vulnerability of Duan Wu, making her journey powerful and inspiring.

Liu Yuning’s portrayal of Yan Zi Jing is equally captivating, bringing a layered intensity to his role. His chemistry with Zhao Lusi feels genuine, making their characters’ growth and struggles deeply relatable and real. Together, they create on-screen magic!

With unforgettable acting, mesmerizing visuals, a fast-paced and heartwarming storyline, "The Story of Pearl Girl" is a drama you won’t want to miss. It captures the beauty of life’s highs and lows, delivering a tale that’s as uplifting as it is heartfelt. This is a must-watch for anyone looking for a story about strength, purpose, and the courage to grow.

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A good show

I just finished watching it and I loved everything about it except for the ending. they give us this heartfelt journey where we watch duanwu escape from the pearl farm and become her own person and an outstanding businesswoman by none other then our male lead Yan zijan. I have watched every episode with full interest. It does not leave you bored whatsoever.

The story has a few interesting twists, some betrayals that you did not see coming. The only thing I didn't like in particular was the ending. It leaves you with an open ending where you just know Yan Zijan died and Duanwu is out travelling the world for over 40 years. we only see her convoy travelling.

Despite the ending however it is worth a watch. the chemistry between the two leads was on point from the very beginning. Zhao Lusi her performance was top tier and her character portrayal was on point. It's nothing like her usual characters that she plays but she did an excellent job. She plays a strong, arrogant (in the beginning) independent woman, with a clever mind and isn't afraid to take risks no matter what. I love watching her acting but this one was by far one of her best performances in my opinion.

The male lead also did not disappoint either. He portrayed Yan Zijan with grace and ease. I know there was many controversy around him being cast but I think it was the perfect fit. He did it as a favour to the producer and he did not disappoint in the slightest. He brought his character to life in the best way possible.

The romance between the two felt so natural and so real. it didn't feel forced and it was very enjoyable to watch. of course we should not ignore the other actors who did their very best in bringing there characters to life.

in short this drama is an absolute must watch. you won't feel bored and you'll immediately get dragged into it fully invested by the end of episode 1!

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my two cents

honestly i have not been so active in dropping my reviews on MDL but i had to pen down my thoughts on this one. I did a short review in my X account but i will elaborate here on my objective thoughts of this production

disclaimer though, as a haoyan fan, i had been waiting for this collab since 2021. altho the drama production was surrounded by many skeptical comments and slanders, it still came out as a drama that was worth it and even rising to be global sensation with the international results it has achieved.

i shall not elaborate on the synopsis but i will pen what i liked and disliked about the drama:

- character development. i love that while this was a female centric drama, the development was parallel for both the male lead and female lead.
> For Zijing, no doubt he was a tragic character, carrying the burden of his family's massacre and tainted reputation and also traumatic childhood being imprisoned by his enemy for 8 years!!! suffering an incurable poison at that. his ending was bound to be a tragic one from the get go but it didnt matter to him until duanwu appeared. he lived only for revenge and was determined to die for it too. but duanwu made him rethink his decision ... from having no longing in this world, to having a reason to live... but by the time he realizes this his days were numbered. however, the ending while they didnt show him explicity dying, it was a realistic one. we all know he died in the end... but its just tragic he chooses to die away from his loved ones and perhaps no one will know where he was buried.
> For Duanwu, she was a consistent character. her spirit is to never give in to fate because she believed that everything is possible with one's will and she proved it from escaping the pearl farm, working her way up the yan trade convoy, becoming su muzhe and making a name of her own in yangzhou. she has a painful childhood, and witness time and again her loved ones leaving her ... but she didnt made revenge her only purpose in life. instead, she used it as a driving force to become better and stronger because as i said, she isnt one to surrender to fate. but what really crushed me was, despite her successes in the end, she lost everyone that were dear to her. especially losing zijing... their love enough wasnt enough to withstand the tragic fate that beholds them. like she said, their ending would have been very much different if they werent born into their respective families.
> as a couple: no doubt the chemistry was perfect! second collaboration always work for me because there's already tacit understanding between the two. also no doubts lusi has chemistry with every male lead she had worked with. plus despite the negative comments on the cnet, she recommended yuning to be her costar for this production. and they are serving both visuals, and chemistry way more than my expectations. i love that their love also grew to withstand time, from puppy love at the start, their fateful separation and getting back together where they live a simple life together... it was SOOO GOOD.
> bonus shoutout to jinran because he was such a good second male lead! he was quite forward with his feelings. but i did felt he confessed at the wrong time. he confessed at the time when he didnt understand duanwu like zijing did and perhaps like how duanwu felt, his affections perhaps to duanwu was only a form of protection, which isnt what she wants. she craves for freedom in her way. but jinran does grow to understand that, and was supportive of her and zijing till the end. rendering help to them as a couple and as individuals and telling duanwu he will remain a brother to her. then wanting to release a prisoner so that zijing can get the antidote.... PLUS PLUS POINTS TO THIS SML!!!
- acting wise : for leads acting were stunning. comparing to their previous works, both acting have improved! especially the microexpressions and using eyes to express their emotions. also, thankful they allow lusi and yuning to use their original voices here. it made their emotional scenes 100000x more relatable. the best & most memorable scene for me was their last scene together. even with the minimal dialogue it worked because they the drama allowed us to see their growth, and how their love went through hardships but they still they could not fulfil a simple promise of being with each other everyday in the end. the part where duanwu was drinking the longevity porridge and fed the first mouth to zijing because that was her wish to him. she fulfilled everything she wanted to but she knows she is losing him and he know his departure will mean forever ... she was begging and my heart was breaking. and for zijing, you could tell he really want to said yes to staying by her side, it was just a simple "ok" but... he knew he could not say it because he was about to die. and that hug was so painful because he achieved his lifelong dream and completed his revenge but he wasnt as fearless as before. he has a reason to live now but its all too late.....
- story wise: i liked that the story was rich and they set a strong foundation right from the start. all the choices made were logical given the circumstances the characters were in that we cant even blame them for it. we are moving with the plot as they moved to different cities. it was a good mixture of comedy, tragedy, familial, scheming, i think the emotions were also well balanced throughout the plot.

on the negatives which i could mostly overlooked but i had to point out:
- i felt the pacing in first 20 eps were better. it seems that the writing & pacing had changed after ep 20. i felt more detached. ..perhaps it was also because they killed off the yan's caravan people which we had grown to like in the first 20 eps. it was quite detaching for me as i couldnt had the same intensity of affections to the new family at Clear Mind.
- i couldnt vibe with the second couple (shijiu and zheng zhiheng), their romance didn't seem necessary to the plot. but the scene where zhiheng sacrificed for shijiu did made me tear a little. but still i think we didnt needed their sub love plot here
- too idealistic successes: this is very apparent if you compared the guangzhou and yangzhou days. when still in the caravan, duanwu had so much setbacks in making it to the business troop. but when she just stepped foot into yangzhou, she was almost able to succeed in opening clear mind immediately by making a bet on huanlang... although she did face problems after opening the business but the way she founded clear mind seem to idealistic to me
- duanwu's relationship with shijiu: i really hoped they remained as frenemies. the whole plot of them becoming besties at the end seems too forced...and awkward for me. but perhaps thats the whole intention of a female centric drama...

all in love, the second collab didnt fail me and exceeded my expectations in terms of the storyline and execution. even though the ending was regrettable, it was the most reasonable and realistic ending given the circumstances and situation that we cant even blame the writer for making this ending! that's very satisfactory for me as there are so many bad endings in cdramas that are uncalled for nowadays. it almost seems like they write BE for the sake of it.

my only wish is for yuning to take on happier roles like haodu, he has been dying too much in his dramas (7/9 of his main character dramas that are not cameos ends up dead) that him acting in pain/ poisoned felt so real. also if possible (chances are slim) i wish lusi and yuning can have a third collab in romcom modern please...........I AM WILLING TO INVEST

p.s i rated lower for the rewatch because the pain was too much for me yet i cant blame anyone for it

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Great first half but loses its steam (and my attention) in the second half.

1st half - 8.0
2nd half - 7.0

I already lowered my expectations for “The Story of Pearl Girl”, yet I am still somewhat disappointed. This is a well-produced drama with beautiful costumes, decent sets and cinematography. I don’t think objectively this is a bad drama, but I lost my connection to the leads in the middle of the drama, and was unable to regain my attention in the second half.

“The Story of Pearl Girl” has an exciting start. The story of our female lead’s struggle to leave the pearl farm might not be realistic, but at least it’s interesting. Time spent on the ship and Duan Wu’s climb from the bottom of the crew to being a partner-in-crime are well-paced and exciting. The first half is able to balance Duan Wu’s story and Yan Zi Jing’s revenge plot pretty well.

Although the chemistry between the leads is not sizzling, at least they have some interesting and fun scenes together in the first half. I also enjoy the friendships of the crew members and especially Duan Wu’s tight bond with young Xia Mi/Little Shrimp. The first half has a good balance of angst, suffering, adventure, and humor. There isn’t anyone too irritating in the drama and the leads are all quite smart.

Unfortunately, the heartbreaking mid-drama episodes came much earlier than expected. After that, everything goes downhill. The leads are separated for way too many episodes when they’re off to their own adventures. The little chemistry that they had, disappeared in the second half, and was never recovered. Well, at least I never felt their chemistry anymore. During this time, the focus shifted to Duan Wu’s business plot. The male lead becomes a wallflower or an unimportant supporting character. The drama loses the balance of revenge excitement and business shenanigans. Eventually, it also loses my attention all the way until the end. The downfall of the villains in the last couple episodes is very anti-climatic. I expected more, when revenge is such a big focus in this drama. The last episode should elicit a lot more emotions from me because of the lead couple, but I think I felt more for the secondary couple, Cui Shi Jiu and Zheng Zhi Heng.

The general acting of the cast isn’t too bad. I don’t think this is Zhao Lu Si’s best role. I still like her more in “Love Like the Galaxy”. But she’s good enough. The same could not be said for Liu Yu Ning. He lacks screen presence and charisma as a male lead. His acting also seems to have regressed from when I last saw him in “Heroes” (2024) where he acted alongside two very strong male leads. He’s still not very good with romantic scenes, and seems to be best when he’s with his band of brothers/bromance, such as in “A Journey to Love” or “Heroes”. The second male lead, Tang Xiao Tian, is a more experienced actor and it shows. There’s a scene when they’re side by side digging through the soil, and you could see the difference in their acting when displaying the same emotions. Fortunately, the rest of the supporting cast deliver solid acting.

I am not sure if I would fully recommend “The Story of Pearl Girl” to everyone. My criticisms are very personal due to me never recovering the interest after it’s lost in the middle of the drama. Normally, I would have rated a similar drama an 8.0. But if you are a fan of Zhao Lu Si, it’s worth checking it out. Her acting is still solid and she looks beautiful with different hair/makeup and costumes.




Completed: 12/19/2024 - Review #528

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A JOURNEY OF COMPLEX CHARACTERS AND HEARTFELT CONNECTIONS!

"The Story of Pearl Girl tells the tale of Duan Wu, a fearless pearl diver in search of freedom. During her quest, she unexpectedly meets Yan Zijing, a merchant on a mission to avenge the death of his family. As Duan Wu joins his caravan to retrieve a valuable relic, they begin to uncover their shared similarities.

Through her time with Yan Zijing, Duan Wu learns the art of trading but also gets drawn into his quest for revenge, creating a compelling drama. This character-driven narrative highlights Duan Wu's growth, showcasing how she is shaped by the people she encounters and the decisions she makes. The story unfolds in a way that feels immersive, allowing viewers to connect with her journey.

The pacing of the storytelling is well-balanced, neither too fast nor too slow, making it engaging without feeling dragged out or rushed. The plot intricately blends aspects of life, business, and personal struggles, resulting in a roller coaster of emotions as the characters navigate their challenges.

The characters in this drama are another fascinating aspect that truly elevates the storytelling. They are crafted with depth and complexity, each with their own flaws and weaknesses that make them relatable. Duan Wu, our female lead, has a harsh background that has shaped her into a person filled with rage and grit. She is smart, resilient, and quick-witted, making her a strong character who can stand up for herself.

On the other hand, Yan Zijing, the male lead, is initially introduced as ruthless and calculating, fitting for a merchant. However, as the series progresses, we see a broken and vulnerable side to him that evokes empathy for his struggles. The second male lead, Zhang Jingran, is self-righteous, and while his principles can be frustrating, they remain consistent throughout the series, which I appreciate. Other characters like Kang Ji and Ciu Jui also contribute their unique charm to the narrative.

The acting in this drama is commendable. This is my second time watching Zhao Lusi, and I’m genuinely impressed with how she conveys her emotions, especially since the narrative centers around her character. I’m not familiar with Liu Yining, but he has certainly made an impact; his performance is expressive and engaging. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the romance is woven carefully into the story, enhancing the overall experience.....

I also loved the friendships and bonds that were formed along the way...The female leads friendships the brotherhood between the male lead and his right hand man..The bromance between the male lead and the second male lead added another layer of enjoyment, with their banter and bickering being wholesome to watch.

However, it's worth noting that The Story of Pearl Girl leans toward a deeper and more complex narrative. If you’re looking for something light-hearted, this might not be the right choice. But for those seeking an engaging and thought-provoking story, it offers a rich emotional experience that stays with you.

The ending is open but I believe it was rather realistic though I wish it was executed better.

"The Story of Pearl Girl" might not be for everyone, I encourage viewers to give it a chance. The character-driven plot, the depth of the characters, the pacing, and the chemistry all contribute to a compelling narrative. This drama has truly been a delightful journey!

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A dazzling start, a disappointing dive

The Story of the Pearl Girl initially captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, a compelling female protagonist, and an exploration of societal constraints. However, the narrative loses its focus in the latter half, diluting the impact of what the characters had created till the western region arc.

The early episodes are a visual feast, particularly the underwater sequences that showcase the arduous life of Duan Wu, a pearl diver. Her life as a pearl diver had been difficult, but she never lose hope of having a shop of her own. Her journey allow her to met new people along the way, such as merchant Yan Zijing and Noble Zhang Jin Ran. The drama was enjoyable to watch, and there was a balance between the quest for revenge and for romance to blossom between Duan Wu and Yan Zijing.

Unfortunately, the end of the western region arc and the start of the Yangzhou arc derails the well written narrative. The excessive number of new characters and subplots introduced in the Yangzhou arc diluted what kept the story interesting in the first place. The focal point of the later part of the drama was on the FL and her Jewelry shop, and how she pit her wits against other shop owners in Yangzhou. While they try to link it back to the main plot (which involved the ML), it was quite weak and the change in focus resulted in the ML's airtime (and the romance between the FL and ML) to be reduced.

The conclusion of the drama was slightly bizarre, and there were questions unanswered, which made it disappointing.

Rosy shines as Duan Wu and Su Mu Zhe. As Duan Wu, she is a spirited and resilient woman who defies societal norms. She is someone who will do whatever it takes to protect herself and those around her, which Rosy delivered through her acting. At the latter arc, when the name change from Duan Wu to Su Mu Zhe, she delivered perfectly all the heart-wrenching scenes.

Liu Yuning also delivered a compelling performance as Yan Zijing, a complex character who sworn to revenge against those that wronged his family and later as someone who wants to protect Duan Wu/Su Mu Zhe. Yuning's emotional performance throughout the drama, particularly in the latter half (even with the reduced airtime) is impressive and was what that got me through the end of the series.

As this wasn't the first drama that Rosy and Yuning acted as a couple, I find that their chemistry was great and they were very comfortable with each other in the show. I personally do wish there were more opportunities to show their romance in the drama (especially at the latter arc), where the romance was almost non-existent.

I personally like the OSTs of this drama, particularly the song performed by Liu Yuning which further enhances the emotional depth of the drama whenever I hear it.

Despite the story plot that didn't manage to sustain its interesting level, The Story of Pearl Girl is still a great drama, which I recommend those with the time to give it a go.

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