The Story of Pearl Girl

Hands down, this has become the best historical drama of the year for me. If you appreciate award-winning acting, breathtaking scenes, and intriguing storylines and backstories, then you will appreciate and like what this drama has to offer.

First, the opening score is spectacular. Even more beautiful is the opening of the drama which shows the lead character, Duan Wu played by Zhao Lusi, diving for pearls. The choreography and cinematography of the scene should win awards alone. From there, the viewer is pulled into the struggles of Duan Wu's life. After tragedy befalls her, she meets Yan Zi Jing, played by Liu Yuning, a complicated businessman who has his own agenda and tragic backstory.

One of my pet peeves in watching dramas is to be pulled out of the story building. Since episode 1, I've been pulled in so deep, I feel I'm on a ship in middle of the ocean, caring for real people and their purpose and life's journey. The occasional creaking board sounds are brilliant because I feel I'm not just watching characters on a set. The acting is so natural. There is no overacting or under acting. I feel the moment, happy and sad, with them.

I highly reccomend.

I'd been waiting for this drama and I'm not disappointed. This drama pulled me in right away after the first episode. I feel emotionally connected to the characters, especially Duan Wu/Su Muzhe portrayed brilliantly by Zhao Lusi. I've laughed, cried, and shed many tears. The characters are complex, the storyline is engaging with amazing cinematography and music score, OSTs, and the nuanced acting of its cast. I'd only seen two dramas of Liu Yuning, The Long Ballad and A Journey To Love, and for me, Yan Zijing is his best role to date and suits him perfectly. Determination, perseverance, survival, will power, women empowerment and independence are some of the main themes in this drama, reflect ongoing women's struggles in the modern day. I'm feeling sad that this drama is about to end soon, but I know that I'll be rewatching. A must watch series! Available on Youku International app and Netflix.

The Story of Pearl Girl is a breathtaking film that dives into the heart of empowerment and the essence of feminism in a way that feels both refreshing and necessary. With outstanding direction, top-notch acting, and a grounded use of realistic props, this film captures the journey of self-discovery and strength in a world that often challenges true freedom and equality.

What sets The Story of Pearl Girl apart from other films exploring similar themes is its commitment to portraying empowerment as a journey that begins from within. The central character ,Duan Wu, does not rely on grandiose displays of defiance or bold statements of strength. Instead, she subtly redefines her path, choosing actions that resonate with authenticity and self-respect. This quiet strength gives her character an undeniable depth and likability, as her evolution feels both deeply personal and universal. Her story reminds us that true feminism isn't about dominance or opposition, but about finding and embracing one's inner voice.

The OST is amazing and every actor gives its best. Liu Yuning shines as the ML and his acting matches the energy of our Pearl Girl, Zhao Lusi.

A must watch for everyone wants to motivate themselves in life.

Not since "Word of Honor" have I been so wowed by a historical C-drama. Beautiful sets, an exotic yet universal story of survival and best of all, some of the most spot-on casting I've ever seen. As many reviewers have described, all of the leads are excellent, from the lithe pearl diving slave DuanWu to the dandy of a schemer "Master" Yan Zijing. Plus the supporting characters, like DuWaan's "little brother" Shrimp and Yan's mysterious brooding first mate, are all perfect too. It helps that the subtitles for this series are never clumsy and like Word of Honor was, quite poetic sometimes. But Confucian moments aside, this is also a cool ACTION film. (That's clear as day by the time they hit "Despairing Cove".) So along with all the devious back-stabbing, cunning plots and Yan's seductive half-smiles, there's plenty of furious chase scenes and take-no-prisoners fight-to-the-deaths. At this point, I'm at Ep. 10 with 30 more to go. But no matter how it turns out in the end, I can already tell this Pearl Girl story is going to a magnificent ride. I'm taking one star off for making the otherwise clever DuanWu so clueless about wielding her sex appeal for some extra leverage against that Yan dude. Looking like an angel is nice, but mostly it gets boring after a while. Disclaimer: At this point I'm waiting for weekly episodes to drop and will edit my review if things go south.

A Dazzling Dive into Empowerment and Romance

"The Story of Pearl Girl" is a visual masterpiece that transports viewers to the enchanting world of pearl diving. The breathtaking underwater cinematography is simply mesmerizing, capturing the beauty and danger of the deep sea.

Zhao Lusi's portrayal of Duan Wu is both powerful and inspiring. She embodies the spirit of a strong, independent woman who challenges societal norms. Her chemistry with Liu Yuning is undeniable, adding a romantic spark to the narrative.

While the pacing could be tightened in certain parts, the overall impact of the series is undeniable. "The Story of Pearl Girl" is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stunning visuals, strong female characters, and a captivating love story.