The Legend of Jewelry

If this drama is gorgeously made and the plot lines will keep you engaged. The emotional roller coaster with great pacing of the storyline guaranteed. The story begins at the lowest of ranks of social status but thru obstacles and tribulations, the leads characters undergoing growth that affected their destinies. A lot of empowering quotes that I can use in modern life. Despite the focus is there for the leads, other supporting characters also will be having their stories to tell and this will add another layer of complexity in this drama. Furthermore, the acting of the each actors and actresses are on point as well!

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.

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.

A fantasy escape. A surreal plot and absence of deep character development. The acting was good, wardrobe lively, landscapes very picturesque. The instrumental background mysic was lovely. I liked the "family you choose" vibe. There are many feel good parts to warm the soul. The storyline drew you in at the beginning and later it seems like the director got somewhat lost. My interest began to wain with Epusode 17. The story relocated to the dessert which caused a big disconnect for me. It did not flow with the storyline. It was too fantastic. Yet, I would still recommend this show to others. It was pure uncomplicated enjoyment. A show too d numb from a stressful day and escape.

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.