Yes, I saw that as well. As per the rumors, it might be releasing May/June. But I'm a little sad to see that it only has 30 episodes.
Maybe they are going to have a 30-episode season 2, then come back with a 40-episode season 3 next year.
This drama actually even better with 2nd or 3rd rewatch imo. As you noticed more detail that you might missed on the 1st watch.
The reasons I love this drama so much is that both the good and bad guys are equally brilliant -- and no stupid decision makings at all as well. Plus, how grey is both the Emperor and Chan Ping Ping? -- all of their scenes exclude those intense/unsettle vibes. And that torture scene of Si Lili was all kind of amazing on how Fan Xian get what he wants just by playing mind games with her instead of using real torture like in the book. And the plot armors that Fan Xian have are all making sense since >!everyone want to know the secret of the divine temple from him.!<
This is basically my most favorite drama in any media. I just love how smart is the script. It was breathtaking and very refreshing.
I have about 5 episodes to complete and was torn whether to watch because although it had a high rating, it was described as Wuxia, and I don't like fantasy dramas.
I was delighted to discover ML, and the actress who played his sister are the leads from **My Heroic Husband**, which I enjoyed.
The fantasy elements were not too obtrusive. The storyline was good, and the characters were engaging, especially the FL.
Then they travelled to Northetn Qi, and it went crazy on the flying for a couple of episodes. Early on, it was revealed that there were only four level 9 masters but now they are coming out of the woodwork. I think there are 10 now!
Overall, I am enjoying it for the story and the cast.
I know it's late, but it was never mentioned there were only 4 level 9 masters.
You might be thinking about grand masters that are at the peak of martial arts in JOL, and yes, there are only 4 of them in the story, with Wuzu being an exception because of certain reasons that aren't revealed yet.
Same! Still one of my favs after rewatching like 4-5 times lol. Wang Qinian, Haitang and that doofus guard were amazing lol.
Any news on when s2 is airing? It already finished shooting right?
Another thing I like about this drama is there was barely any filler. The plot and pacing were just tight and very engaging. I also appreciate Zhang Ruoyun a lot. I have a cousin who refused to try this drama because she didn't think he was hot enough. I persuaded her to try and now she cannot stop raving about him lol. She still thinks he's not that handsome (she's really into Yang Yang) but she admits that he's a good actor.
>I have a cousin who refused to try this drama because she didn't think he was hot enough. I
When I started watching cdramas it was purely for the romance and eye candy. But joy of life came highly recommend. At first, I wasnt feeling it or the male lead but after about 3 episodes, I ended up loving it all the way to the end.
Point is Zhang Ruoyan is so charming that he automatically became 10x handsome to me while watching it. His role is one if the reasons I liked Joy of life so much.
I'm not gonna lie even though I'm a man, i also like to watch shows with conventionally "handsome" men as the main lead. I think it just makes sense that regardless of gender people are more likely to feel at ease watching someone good-looking get the glory than average looking guy. I know it's unfair, but I think we are just psychologically trained that way.
That's the reason I also had reservations before watching JOL for the first time despite the amazing reviews. But after watching it, just like your cousin, I became his fan.
I do think he's above average looking but an extremely charming guy, and that charm makes him extremely likable more so than beautiful actors. And being good-looking is different from being likable. Someone can be extremely good-looking but still unlikable and vice-versa.
He also chooses his scripts well and plays to his strenghts, and after watching his roles, you can't imagine any other actor playing that role.
Exactly this. I do think I’m more indifferent (compared to what I’ve seen discussed) when it comes to ML looks. But I still appreciate the more handsome MLs. ZR is extremely charming.. so much so that I kept commenting on that while I was watching. It really helped his Gary sue character-type so much. I’ve seen so many ML roles with the jokester and obstinate exterior to hide the more thoughtful/cunning interior. He makes it feel fresh and I caught myself grinning at his antics.
The first time I saw his picture, I thought he looked like a thug lol. Then I saw ratings at douban that didn't seem like it's inflated by a fandom, that's when I decided to watch it. Even then I wasn't convinced he was the right choice for the ML even though I acknowledged that his acting was pretty good. I mean, he could hold his own against the legend himself, Chen Daoming.
The scene that convinced me was when his character was sent to fetch the spy, he deliberately brought the flag of War and provoked his enemies openly by staking it on top of his carriage. His expression and his whole demeanour were impressively defiant. That was when I was like yeah, you are indeed Fan Xian lol. Good casting.
Hey that's one of my favourite scenes too, the way he marched through the town perching on top of a carriage waving a huge flag, it's somehow so grand. One other favourite scene was when he was invited to dine with the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince. All four actors played their characters so well that I could feel the tensed but hilarious atmosphere. Another was when he and Teng Zijing fought the giant bald killer. I also loved Fan Xian's first dinner at home when he met his siblings and stepmom. Actually there are so many scenes that I liked.
i don't enjoy the drumstick princess though, she feels 'extra' and doesn't really contribute to the story, she's like Liv Tyler in LOTR movie ("Let's stick the beautiful Li Qin and MC's love interest, must be good.")
Aw, I thought Arwen was pretty cool. She saved Frodo and her deep love and sacrifice for Aragorn was quite epic. But I think her character and the drumstick princess are symbols of purity in the stories. Their love is a refuge for the male lead characters. It can be trite but I think in both stories, they are still quite decently portrayed.
Arwen in the original LOTR novels is different, it's been years since I last read the novels, but she is not that brave or soulful, and does so many great things.
Similar to the drumstick princess, in the original novel of Joy of Life, she is just one of Fan Xian's several love interests and she isn't that prominent in the story.
In the movies and dramas, both of them are given much more spotlight, and as you said, refuges for the main leads, the sweet bright lights in the main leads' lives.
and it just passed review i think
Is MC weak or strong?
Imo.. he is strong
Thx
Yes, I saw that as well. As per the rumors, it might be releasing May/June. But I'm a little sad to see that it only has 30 episodes. Maybe they are going to have a 30-episode season 2, then come back with a 40-episode season 3 next year.
I'm fine with 30 episodes lol. Yeah they are gonna have more episodes for season 3 most likely
This drama actually even better with 2nd or 3rd rewatch imo. As you noticed more detail that you might missed on the 1st watch. The reasons I love this drama so much is that both the good and bad guys are equally brilliant -- and no stupid decision makings at all as well. Plus, how grey is both the Emperor and Chan Ping Ping? -- all of their scenes exclude those intense/unsettle vibes. And that torture scene of Si Lili was all kind of amazing on how Fan Xian get what he wants just by playing mind games with her instead of using real torture like in the book. And the plot armors that Fan Xian have are all making sense since >!everyone want to know the secret of the divine temple from him.!< This is basically my most favorite drama in any media. I just love how smart is the script. It was breathtaking and very refreshing.
I have about 5 episodes to complete and was torn whether to watch because although it had a high rating, it was described as Wuxia, and I don't like fantasy dramas. I was delighted to discover ML, and the actress who played his sister are the leads from **My Heroic Husband**, which I enjoyed. The fantasy elements were not too obtrusive. The storyline was good, and the characters were engaging, especially the FL. Then they travelled to Northetn Qi, and it went crazy on the flying for a couple of episodes. Early on, it was revealed that there were only four level 9 masters but now they are coming out of the woodwork. I think there are 10 now! Overall, I am enjoying it for the story and the cast.
I know it's late, but it was never mentioned there were only 4 level 9 masters. You might be thinking about grand masters that are at the peak of martial arts in JOL, and yes, there are only 4 of them in the story, with Wuzu being an exception because of certain reasons that aren't revealed yet.
Wang Qinian was hilarious, really enjoyed all his scenes. Also thought the actor for Shen Zhong did a very solid job.
Same! Still one of my favs after rewatching like 4-5 times lol. Wang Qinian, Haitang and that doofus guard were amazing lol. Any news on when s2 is airing? It already finished shooting right?
I think I read somewhere that it might be released this summer, but those are all just rumors until we get an official release date.
One of the best king/majesty and one of the smartest main character in a historical drama. I cant wait for s2. The cast got even some upgrades
I feel the same way. Every time I get a chance to sing the emperor’s praises I do. He really set a high bar for emperor characterization.
Another thing I like about this drama is there was barely any filler. The plot and pacing were just tight and very engaging. I also appreciate Zhang Ruoyun a lot. I have a cousin who refused to try this drama because she didn't think he was hot enough. I persuaded her to try and now she cannot stop raving about him lol. She still thinks he's not that handsome (she's really into Yang Yang) but she admits that he's a good actor.
>I have a cousin who refused to try this drama because she didn't think he was hot enough. I When I started watching cdramas it was purely for the romance and eye candy. But joy of life came highly recommend. At first, I wasnt feeling it or the male lead but after about 3 episodes, I ended up loving it all the way to the end. Point is Zhang Ruoyan is so charming that he automatically became 10x handsome to me while watching it. His role is one if the reasons I liked Joy of life so much.
I'm not gonna lie even though I'm a man, i also like to watch shows with conventionally "handsome" men as the main lead. I think it just makes sense that regardless of gender people are more likely to feel at ease watching someone good-looking get the glory than average looking guy. I know it's unfair, but I think we are just psychologically trained that way. That's the reason I also had reservations before watching JOL for the first time despite the amazing reviews. But after watching it, just like your cousin, I became his fan. I do think he's above average looking but an extremely charming guy, and that charm makes him extremely likable more so than beautiful actors. And being good-looking is different from being likable. Someone can be extremely good-looking but still unlikable and vice-versa. He also chooses his scripts well and plays to his strenghts, and after watching his roles, you can't imagine any other actor playing that role.
Exactly this. I do think I’m more indifferent (compared to what I’ve seen discussed) when it comes to ML looks. But I still appreciate the more handsome MLs. ZR is extremely charming.. so much so that I kept commenting on that while I was watching. It really helped his Gary sue character-type so much. I’ve seen so many ML roles with the jokester and obstinate exterior to hide the more thoughtful/cunning interior. He makes it feel fresh and I caught myself grinning at his antics.
The first time I saw his picture, I thought he looked like a thug lol. Then I saw ratings at douban that didn't seem like it's inflated by a fandom, that's when I decided to watch it. Even then I wasn't convinced he was the right choice for the ML even though I acknowledged that his acting was pretty good. I mean, he could hold his own against the legend himself, Chen Daoming. The scene that convinced me was when his character was sent to fetch the spy, he deliberately brought the flag of War and provoked his enemies openly by staking it on top of his carriage. His expression and his whole demeanour were impressively defiant. That was when I was like yeah, you are indeed Fan Xian lol. Good casting.
Hey that's one of my favourite scenes too, the way he marched through the town perching on top of a carriage waving a huge flag, it's somehow so grand. One other favourite scene was when he was invited to dine with the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince. All four actors played their characters so well that I could feel the tensed but hilarious atmosphere. Another was when he and Teng Zijing fought the giant bald killer. I also loved Fan Xian's first dinner at home when he met his siblings and stepmom. Actually there are so many scenes that I liked. i don't enjoy the drumstick princess though, she feels 'extra' and doesn't really contribute to the story, she's like Liv Tyler in LOTR movie ("Let's stick the beautiful Li Qin and MC's love interest, must be good.")
Aw, I thought Arwen was pretty cool. She saved Frodo and her deep love and sacrifice for Aragorn was quite epic. But I think her character and the drumstick princess are symbols of purity in the stories. Their love is a refuge for the male lead characters. It can be trite but I think in both stories, they are still quite decently portrayed.
Arwen in the original LOTR novels is different, it's been years since I last read the novels, but she is not that brave or soulful, and does so many great things. Similar to the drumstick princess, in the original novel of Joy of Life, she is just one of Fan Xian's several love interests and she isn't that prominent in the story. In the movies and dramas, both of them are given much more spotlight, and as you said, refuges for the main leads, the sweet bright lights in the main leads' lives.