Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures

Those who have not had enough of the Story of Yanxi Palace would probably be the ones who would appreciate this most. It's fun seeing the Qianlong Emperor, Imperial Noble Consort Ling and their attendants like Li Yu, as well as revisiting the Forbidden City, again. There's even a twist in the story arc of Fu Kang An that I like. But being a continuation of a classic is a double-edged sword as those who expected this to be as good would probably be the most disappointed.

I never let expectations ruin how I feel about a show. I try to enjoy it on its own merits. And this show does have them - it's heartwarming to see the loving relationship between the Emperor and Noble Consort Ling, Ling's unique parenting style and the way the emperor dotes on their daughter, Princess Zhao Hua (Rain Wang). The schemes and intrigues in a palace court are presented well enough for a 6-episode series. The story is okay, though I don't warm up to spoiled, mean princesses that well, even if the princess reforms in the end. The characters are younger, so the schemes and intrigues are not as elaborate as in season 1, but they're interesting enough.

Thankfully it is only 6 episodes as they really should have made more effort instead of trading on the name Yanxi palace. No real character development and a plot that plods with all the actors lacking personality apart from Wu Jinyan who I am sure is regretting agreeing to appearing in this sorry story.

I binge-watched this series in a day, and I really think it's worth the watch!!

Honestly, at first, I was sceptical about this spin-off because it looked like it was solely about the love-life of Yingluo's daughter. BUT, it's so much more! At first, the characters weren't as likeable, but of course, not everything is what it seems;)

The series was only 6 episodes, so it compromised many things (i.e. character development, relationship-building etc). However, I'm super impressed that they used old cast members and expanded on some events from the previous season! EPISODE 5 is a must watch! Considering the time limit, there were enough twists and turns, so it was a good effort!

I started watching this series without any expectation because I haven't seen the original one and don't even know what the main story of that original series was about. It turned out be so much fun and engrossing story that I could almost binge watch it.

The characters are very distinct and display very clearly their desire , personality, background, strength and weaknesses. The clashing of these characters develop a story that always has something that keep my interest in every scene. The cast perform well, although not that outstanding, but we can see how they are very different people that has agonizing past in their own lives. The complexity of the story, the conflicts of interest between characters, its gaslighting and stabbing one in the back, its moment of romance blossoming and withering, the twist at the ending, as well as the setting being the Forbidden Palace of the old time when traditions is highly respected and value, give us such a beautiful and colorful movie that there was no boring moment and you just keep wanting to know more about what will happen next. Smart script, great directing, story moving at just the right pace. In the end, everyone has something we can sympathize for. BUT....this movie is not a melodrama or romantic comeday...it is a drama and that means they don't try to please the audience. Sometimes you have to admit that daughter can really take after her mother and some women can be strong when she decides to be. ( I hope I didn't give anything away).

I also want to say that the film shows fantastic costume design, beautiful cinematography, and great production overall. If you haven't watched the original, don't hesitate to watch this small spinoff. It is a great entertainment in its own right. The story is easy to understand. I would have binged watch it if I had had the time.

I was excited as soon as i seen their would be a sequel to the first Yanxi Palace and loved it but an very disappointed at how short it was. I wanted the story to keep going but it was a major cliff hanger and i feel like it was rushed to end.