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.

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.

The whole show hasn't aired yet but I've seen 10 episodes so far. It's been good but kind of cheesy I mean they make the main character some kind of supernatural person. So she's good at literally everything she tries? She never fails? She can outsmart anyone and win any competition? I don't like shows where they make people super unbelievable and I also hate love triangles. Like pick or choose a dude for her don't tease that there could be two options for her (one is a dude who let her get whipped might I add) Iike what? They have her going through all of this abuse for a single relic that she technically can just describe to her long lost father. Plot just doesn't make sense. It's also a bit confusing to follow because EVERYONE is scheming something at all times. But I'm going to keep watching because I'm invested now.

Brilliantly crafted and deeply engaging, "The Story of Pearl Girl" is a standout drama that combines powerful storytelling with outstanding visual detail.

The plot is tightly woven and easy to follow, making every scene impactful. Set against a stunning historical backdrop, this drama is more than just a traditional love story-it's a powerful tale of self-growth and resilience. From the very first scene, where Zhao Lusi's character, Duan Wu, dives for pearls, the captivating cinematography immerses viewers in vivid and unforgettable visuals.

Zhao Lusi's performance is exceptional, especially her expressive eye acting and the emotional depth she brings to each scene. Her ability to convey a range of emotions through her eyes alone makes her portrayal of Duan Wu /Su Muzhe incredibly moving and authentic. When she cries, you'll feel it too; her sorrow resonates deeply, drawing you further into her character's journey. Zhao's portrayal captures both the quiet resilience and the raw vulnerability of Duan Wu, making her performance unforgettable.

Liu Yuning, as Yan Zi Jing, also delivers a powerful performance, adding depth and complexity to his character and perfectly complementing Zhao Lusi's portrayal of Duan Wu. Together, they make their characters' journeys-filled with personal struggles and growth-feel genuine and relatable. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable!

With top-tier acting, exceptional cinematography, a well-paced storyline, and captivating chemistry, "The Story of Pearl Girl" is a must-watch. It captures life's ups and downs with sincerity, making each moment resonate. This drama is sure to inspire anyone looking for a story about strength, purpose, and the beauty of self-discovery.

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.