Legend of the Female General Wraps Wholly Underwhelming Run as Douban Ratings Drop to 5.4
There is usually only a few points up or down movement with Douban ratings on any drama after it comes out, and the hope is always to gain a few points if possible with a strong ending. Legend of the Female General ended its two week run today and the Douban ratings dropped by a point down to 5.4, and honestly it could go even lower if you ask me. There was no magically getting better in the final stretch for this drama which started off mid and progressively got worse and worse. The main narrative change (no transmigration into another person) started off the story slide by removing good things (her new family, learning martial arts from scratch, earning all her stripes anew) and changing it to less compelling elements which was then executed in tensionless ways with a lot of talking and plotting in broad strokes. Cheng Lei was decent as Xiao Jue but Zhou Ye as He Yan was just like a kid playing dress up as an adult, performing her character like her Gu Xiang in Word of Honor but here trying to convey adult gravitas and failing. She only did well in a handful of scenes and it was the rare moments where she wasn’t trying to flirt with Xiao Jue or making grand speeches about her purpose in life. The OTP did have chemistry but their interactions (scenes written and acted) onscreen felt so childish and not giving any feels. So much of this drama is say rather than see, and it’s the see part for viewers that connect us with the characters and story. Second male lead Chu Zhao couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag and the changes made his character worse, and the dude playing her brother He Ru Fei was an embarrassment with only one sneering over-acting facial expression and stomping around every scene like a cartoonish villain. The entire final arc with the Emperor’s marriage decree was not in the novel and just felt like one last obstacle thrown in for good measure when the novel had plenty of better problems for the leads to resolve in the final stretch. I’m just glad this drama is over, as disappointing as it was at least it aired and now I can move on to hopefully better dramas.
I only started recently to delve deeper into Chinese Dramas. After Prisoner of Beauty and A dream Within a dream this was the next drama I decided to live watch. Both dramas were great for different reasons and I was looking forward to another engaging experience for a few short weeks. I didn’t expect to be early on annoyed with the female leads behavior. I only saw her once before in a show I also dropped.I really loved him in Familiar Stranger. I would say my expectations were high, but I couldn’t get over my annoyance.
I am happy for those who enjoyed it, but it wasn’t for me.
My recommendation to you is a drama that is not an idol drama. The people are not the most beautiful actors, but the script, acting and directing is SOLID. It’s “ ThisThriving Land” with Yang Mi. She is not the best actress but it’s an ensemble cast so you won’t notice. If you ever watch a Korean drama named “When life gives yiu tangerines” and liked it, you may like this too. It’s about farmers and life in the republican wra, the storytelling is top tier. 😊
LOL. TTL is not on par with WLGYT. No comparison at all! Besides, not everyone appreciates Chinese republican period dramas that are always riddled with CCP propaganda and FAKE.
Late Chinese Premier Li Keqiang once honestly admitted in public that there were at least 0.6 billion Chinese citizens with monthly income barely reaching $1000 RMB (equivalently $139 USD). Let C-ent film more dramas on the migrant workers (民工）and the people on the lower brackets of income (低端人口) in post republican era. Then drama fans would take Chinese so-called mainstream dramas more seriously. LOL
Still love it. After dropping so many previous drama adaptations, i found myself loving this one more than i expected.
I really like the CP too. They look good together.
5.4 is low but The First Frost also got 5 something. I dont mind. Still love them all.
Loveee it .. really like tutu cheng lei🥰🥰
That people consume garbage like this and proudly crow how they love it always depresses me. Read a book, watch some real quality dramas and movies. Enrich your inner selves. Don’t waste time on garbage ffs.
Yikes indeed.
People are allowed to consume something lighthearted and imperfect without someone assuming they don’t already have rich inner lives or an interest in intellectual pursuits.
If you’re this disappointed, why waste your time in this comment section berating others when you could go read a book or watch some quality dramas? Makes you look like a bit of a hypocrite.
Lol. Hypocrisy at its finest. Yikes!
I love this drama, so what? Doesnt mean im being ignorant about some serious issues.
You better go read BBC news rather than coming here for fun. Dont take life so serious, it’s tired.. have some fun juseyooo…
lol such a high and mighty comment is very toxic. entertainment is entertainment haha. yikes indeed.
Love this show to bits and pieces. Enjoyable to watch and their sizzling chemistry.
The Wanted Detective surprisingly got 7.0 on Douban
I’m not a demanding person, so I enjoy the drama; it keeps me entertained and hooked.
The screenwriters made major mistakes, which angered the novel’s passionate fans, prompting them to band together to downrate and post negative opinions on Douban.
Zhou Ye’s performance faced criticism, and the team responsible for her overall appearance didn’t make her look convincing enough.
Cheng Lei truly delivered the best performance possible with the script and direction he was given. Anyone who says otherwise is just being a troll.
“The Wanted Detective” received a 7.0 on Douban, thanks to the praise for its second half and ending, as well as Wang Xing Yue’s outstanding performance.
This happens when of the leads cannot act properly. What a disgrace to the novel, an intense acting workshop is very much needed Zhou Ye.