The Legend of Jewelry

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.

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.