So I never got the urge to watch female empowerment period C-drama Blossoms in Adversity which premiered in April as a Spring offering that wasn’t overly promoted or highly anticipated. I liked Zhang Jing Yi thanks to Lighter and Princess but I won’t deny that she seems capable of only ONE type of acting (stubborn, positive in spirit female lead) and the promos for Blossoms she was basically giving the same performance in period costume. Male lead Hu Yi Tian from what little I have seen of him prior appears unable to act his way out of a paper bag, and maybe can’t even act his way into the bag to begin with. Either way, this drama just seemed like a place filler, but then it turned into the little drama that could. Midway through the airing the reviews went from okay to very positive and viewership actually increased. The industry is considering this a hit thanks to the moderate budget and exceeding low expectations, reportedly it’s gotten a lot of recommendations post airing as a good drama to binge. On a funny note, it’s been a STELLAR year for Blossoms in title C-dramas – mega hit Blossoms Shanghai, solid hit In Blossom, and now little hit Blossoms in Adversity.
That’s the same opinion I have of ZJY’s acting and that’s why she doesn’t appeal to me. It doesn’t really help that she lacks nuance so I end up wondering what other actresses could do better in her roles. She also benefits from getting good FL characters so her backers know what works for her, and that contributes a lot to her overall likability compared to better actresses that end up in annoying roles that people love to hate. I saw some people compare this drama to Minglan which I enjoyed, but Minglan had good actors all around and I can’t over this drama’s lead actors.
I really enjoyed this drama and looked forward to each episode. First time watching FL and liked her character very much. Also first time watching ML and jury still out on him. I liked that she didn’t jump to conclusions and actually talked to others to avoid misunderstandings. Overall good drama and will seek out dramas with same actors, writers, producers, and director again.
The first third was a bit slow and flow of story happened so quick that the conspiracy aspect made you confused to why did this happen but second third was done so well. Most character developments meaning whole cast was done so well and not so boring. The last bit for drama kind of got silly with the villains of the story but the ending was very nice so almost made up for some weird aspects of the story. Nice ending but like usual felt rushed. Not sure but I think because most dramas have a hard time blending in the conflict or supposed reveal of villainy at the last minute of the story and by the time it’s close to the ending try to spit up an ending that did not have enough build up to get there but thank God it’s a happy one. Maybe that’s why people like it because let’s face it not many historical or xianxia dramas have had the best of executions. Maybe of recent a handful but barely. Oh and no open ending or tragedy to the extreme at the end though there are some tragic elements weaved into the story. It’s not the best drama out there but still more watchable than what we have seen this year so far.
It was a cute little drama to binge. The heroine / family growth line was touching, but the romance was borderline unbearable to watch. The main leads definitely feel like friends more than lovers. HYT really needs to learn how to move his face or just take roles that require no range. As a ZJY fan, I’m also getting bored seeing her act in the same type of FL roles. Hope she can get out of her comfort zone soon.
I quite enjoyed it, one of the rare cdrama that has a couple who communicates and talk to each other. No big misunderstanding and they have good character growth. The acting was nothing to rave about but it was pretty decent. One of the few drama that I have finished and enjoyed this year. I also like that the ML is a bit of a grey character and the drama managed to balanced this aspect really well.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 for your review, which mirrors my feelings precisely.
Agree 100%. Though I would add that Lu Yu Xiao (male lead’s sister) stole the show and proved once again she’s one actress to look forward in the future.
Totally agree with this as well. She rocked her role as a semi-autistic little sister.
Yay for my girl Lu Yu Xiao. Between this role and her character in “My Journey to You” she is showing so much talent and versatility.
This is one of those low stakes dramas I like to have in the background where I don’t have to pay full attention. Everything works in female lead’s favor after her family’s downfall, and she builds an incredible amount of wealth in a small amount of time. I did enjoy the positive message it was trying to convey in a time where patriarchy was completely dominant. Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable drama too. There was one arc involving one of her younger sisters that I really hated and I’ll leave it at that. I didn’t feel like it was totally necessary. HYT’s acting really hasn’t improved much, but his character is supposed to be pretty emotionless 90% of the time, so he was acceptable.
Zhang Jing Yi has a pretty unique vibe compared to most idol/young Chinese actresses (old school soulful, HK actress style) and I wonder if she doesn’t get the opportunity to act the flower vase roles because she doesn’t fit the currently reigning aesthetic.
In any case – excelling even at one type of acting is basically more than can be said for a lot of active actresses in Chinese and Korean entertainment so… yay?
Lol, u r the same people that when an actor does one type of acting, u complain that they r limited . I read comment on this platform n I feel with certain actors, the criticism they receive is hasher, and others r just brushed over( having a easy pass).
I feel like she looks a lot like Zhou Ye and one other actress that I can’t remember. I think it’s good that she has her own niche in playing positive, stubborn, down-to-earth FLs who have a quiet strength instead of competing in an oversaturated pool of young actresses for the flashier, more charming roles. She does well in that niche, and it’s a type of role that can be enjoyed by the audience, so that isn’t a bad thing.
I enjoyed this drama. Even though Hu Yitian was so stiff and awkward in it, the writing for his character and the female-centric storyline saves him from too much scrutiny.
Now that you mention it, she does kind of remind me of Catherine Hung back when she was young. I’ve heard her being compared to Song Hye Kyo too before.
@anon
Interesting, yeah I could see a hint of Song Hye Kyo in some pictures but I think I actually see more Son Ye Jin?
Let be honest, the reason why this show is consider a hit is because this year has been a poor offering from c ent so far, can I say expectations has been extra low too, audience at this point r just expecting a good story telling that makes sense. I feel this will make one to appreciate a show more when they find a show they love or enjoy depending on what r looking for or resonate with them.
This show is an example of such case.
And I wanted to add that it not a bad thing.
I like her, sue me. She feels like her characters, not a doll that is performing which is my problem with many others actresses (and some actors) but she actually is her character. She also has great chemistry with her leads, not to mention fish kisses do not exist in her vocabulary.
I agree her roles resemble each other in type but I feel like one thing needs to be mentioned – while for me she is very beautiful for many cnetz she is not. It’s to the point that I have seen incredibly harsh things said about her. She is not ugly but their comments are.
Still, the production companies must be aware she does not fit the aesthetics many demand (her face, constantly being called fat) so I am sure that absolutely does limit her choices. It’s a shame because I don’t think she can’t extend but if she is never given the opportunity, ultimately, she will fall into a rut and that will be that.
I loved that sweet, small drama so much! I loved all the characters like they were family and I cried when it finished. Best drama so far this year, and I watched Queen Of Tears.
I liked the drama. Pacing was good and all other ladies had excellent stories. A recommended watch.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 for this comment.
ZJY is very pretty.
HYT needs to never act in costume dramas and stick to modern just like WAY. Decently handsome in real life but look so bad in costume dramas.
Why do they keep having MLs with big long horse faces in costume dramas? Who even finds that hot?
I like it. It Has character progression even for fl and ml. I am enjoying it.
I liked the drama except the last part and I felt bad for Cesar Wu. Wasn’t he like the second male lead? He was gone for like 50% of the drama. His brother had more scenes than him.
Okay, about Zhang jingyi I like her character in this drama. I like how she is playing so many different characters like romance, republican, student, women centric, fireworkers type character. She is not choosing same character again like others do. In this historical drama, this is her first costume drama, as a first custom drama she is well done. She played it very well. She is suitable for all characters. Just need time to prove it. The way she is balancing her work in series plus movies, this is incredible. Her movie also popular.
I enjoyed this series. Some potential viewers will decide not to watch various dramas because the dramas are analyzed to death by some bloggers. I watch dramas for diversion from the daily struggles of everyday life … I have watched dramas that were rated 7/10 and they turned out to be underrated gems.
That’s funny about the success of the “Blossoms” this year. 😄