A Period Domestic Family Drama - Love Like The Galaxy [CC] 

I love this drama. From cast to cinematography to the pace. I'm old fashion and I also respect and appreciate the production and directors effort of staying true to the novel. So I disagree about your opinion of the leading couple's pace and chemistry, and that's okay. It's personal preference. Some people like leading couples already kissing 2nd episode but as an old fashion person, I love the angst, the stolen looks, the subtle touches, and the development of these leads getting together. Their characters also have to be developed through the dynamics with their own family members. If the family wasn't entertaining, it wouldn't work. The families are too dysfunctional not to be told lol. It's a 60+ episode, viewers actually might complain it will get boring if the leads get together so soon as well. So far, I am enjoying every character and dynamic here. As for the actress who plays Qiqi, she's great, but to say she's the best of the youngsters when her role isn't very complex is 🤔. But that's just my opinion. Both Cheng ShaoShang and Ling Buyi are complex characters that I can't imagine anyone else playing them.

I must say that I appreciate the fact that everyone looks REAL. Like real people who existed in a time before technology. Normal clothes, not too much make up. I actually was so pleased to see 2 realistic ( what I presume could happen in real life) dramas in quick succession, the first being a Dream of Splendor. Chinese Drama seems more mature with these shows. The trauma of abandonment has left the young daughter so suspicious of others that she cannot trust her own feelings, and constantly chooses lovely but weaker men-afraid of losing control over her own life. Dying to see how it unfolds. Cant wrap my head sometimes around how young the characters played actually are.

This drama has become one of my most favourite dramas. I think the costume and the makeup makes the characters look more realistic. Not too much extravagancy. And I felt the chemistry between Zhao Lousi and Wu lei when she pulled the arrowhead. I literally got goosebumps evertime they were close. I loved the drama!

I have to disagree with some points regarding the slow pace and limited interactions between the female and male leads. I like the fact that this drama starts off with the focus on introducing the female lead's family background. It feels quite refreshing for me. The introduction of Chen Shao Shang's upbringing makes you understand why she is the way she is and her action/decisions. I really sympathise with her. The limited encounters with the male lead is also somewhat realistic and allows the family dynamics to play out. If the male appear more frequent, it think it detracts the attention from the family. Besides, the infrequent encounters further ignite the longing Lin Bu Yi has to see Chen Shao Shang. He will have plenty of screen time in future so i would not be too worried of forgetting about him. In regards to the chemistry, I can feel it when Chen Shao Shang extraction the arrowhead and can see the longing in Lin Bu Yi's eyes.

I actually thought Zeng Li fit her role perfectly. When she first showed up on the horse in all her military regalia I thought she looked exactly like a female general, hence why she’s not meant to look like an outstanding beauty. The way they styled her in this suits her role imo, she looks strict, rigid, and maybe even a little world weary. It makes sense if you think about the context of her character.

The best indicator for me if a drama is worth my time is when I can't wait for the next episode, in this case 5 days was like pure torture and I was constantly thinking about the characters. I think it is very important to mention that this drama is made by the author who made "The Story of Ming Lan", which means expect a slowly developing love story between the main characters, because before all that, their individual family dramas must be explained and resolved.

Disagree with you regarding Lei Wu's acting. I think he's rather good, his eyes are so expressive. You can tell when he's angry, fierce, and then extremely tender when he looks at SS. He's made so much progress from Fei Liu in Nirvana in Fire, Xiao Yan in Battle through the Heaven. I absolutely love his acting here.

I have to disagree with points regarding the acting of the younger actors, and production criticism such as lighting, makeup, camera angles, etc. Firstly, I think the whole cast did a great job with acting. There was criticism on the acting by Wu Lei appearing to be robotic and not human. But one has to understand that, that is his character. He is supposed to seem emotionless, and lack of humanity. He has been through trauma, grew up with lack of parental love, and obsessed with revenge. Therefore, I think it's appropriate for him to seem less than life like, with his emotions bottled in. Then we also witness his subtle moments of passive aggressive behavior where he seems reserved keeping in emotions, but later releases that pent up anger when he is on the battlefield, torturing or killing criminals, etc. There was also a comment on how the director would choose head on, flat angles for Ling Buyi. I think it is brilliant use of artistry. His character is supposed to seem flat and straightforward. So this choice in production is another way to display those characteristics of the male lead. This drama is based on a nonfiction novel. For it to seem plain and not as lively or colorful in setting, makeup, and costuming is appropriate. I mean if you're preference is a fantasy drama then sure, the costuming, makeup, and lighting might appear more creative and aestheticly pleasing. But again this drama is focused on domestic family and relationship topics. The simplicity sometimes speaks more on the atmosphere the story is trying to portray. At times the story showcases more realism, noir elements, with the bitter sweet truths of life. I appreciate the care in the details of production of the drama. And I actually do not find anything lacking in the acting. I think that some people are excessiveky satiated by the over dramatization and over production in historical fantasy dramas, that they can't appreciate the beauty in the simplicity of a drama like Love Like the Galaxy. The minimalism in the artistry of the drama gives it more effective simple and elegent aesthetics.

I love this drama so far. I actually thought the mother is very beautiful and Zhao Lusi looks more beautiful in this drama than any previous dramas she's been in, the hair do is particularly good. She looks so much younger in this drama. This is the first time since Nirvana in Fire that I like how Wu Lei looks and acts. His character is so convincing. This is definitely his breakthrough role.

I devoured this drama in 2 days. My latest obsession these days. Overall, this drama is just so damn well made! So smartly and frighteningly well written, fantastic acting, and good production over all, it’s just a top notch drama. I’m not the only who think this way because it has 9.7 rating currently in VIKI. This drama makes me laugh, flowing with tears, roar with rage, and butterflies in my stomach until today(ep 23). It’s a flawless, well made, top notch drama! I just can’t wait for the next episode to air!❤️

Interesting, cause in my view I actually like the lighting and color grading of this drama. The same thing with the costume and makeup. I like that it's not too much or too colorful like other period Cdramas which are too bright and full of pastel colors. I don't know maybe I'm just used to western style cinematography like Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Looking forward to the main lead couple's love development, it's slow and it's making me expect more. Fingers crossed I hope LLTG won't disappoint.

Don't be swayed by the criticisms. Watch the drama and decide for yourself if you like it. I love you to the moon and back, General Ling Buyi! 😍

HAPPY 5 BILLION VIEWS LOVE LIKE THE GALAXY! this drama is my favorite so far. Its not a typical chinese drama where the FL and ML meet each other in 1st or 2nd episode and fell in love at first sight. Ilove the pace, the story and the characters even the relationship between the queen nd the consort.

Chemistry is a funny thing. Actually feel like what's brewing between Ling Bu Yi and Cheng Shao Shang is off the charts 🔥🔥

I fell in love with this drama, I feel like I can rewatch it a few times without getting bored. It gives me similar vibes to some of my favourite historical dramas: Story of Ming Lan, The Sword and The Brocade, The Rebel Princess and recently A Dream of Splendor. Its clear the quality of dramas are improving and I'm so glad for that. Historical/Period is my favourite genre and historical c-dramas just hit different.

This is one of my favorite drama's only because you get a full view of all the social and family dynamics. I like that the leads have limited contact at first, it gives a full character development on each side. It also allows us to see why they are the way they are. It also allows for what would really happen in the real when you would see more than one person interested in another person. It is a fact that other dramas tend to gloss over but this one hasn't. The chemistry builds over time instead of right to jump marriage.

I love love love this one thus far. The plot twists and how the relationship develops for the two leads is a bit slow but definitely burning! Love everything.

I've just finished watching episodes 19 and 20 and I'm loving it all the more! I 'm so happy with Douban's rating which I consider is already high. I definitely feel differently when it comes to Wu Lei and Lusi. I just love them!

I absolutely LOVE this drama! The storyline, chemistry and cinematography is just stunning. The first 5 episodes are slow but when the leads meet at episode 6 it’s gold! I thought that the makeup and styling for this drama is beautiful and so natural.

I absolutely love the pace and the longing tension it’s soooo good. Although I’m like “ can u be quick “ idk it will just make sense when they are finally together. And the cinematography is mwahhh they really bought me on this one I keep taking screenshots every now and then

The emperor is the hottest guy in the drama. The actor playing him is so charming. He caught my eyes in Hua Xu Yin. I wished he had more scenes in "A dream of splendor".

Every episode gets better and better 🔥 the wait is worth it and nothing disappoints ✨

I think this is the first time I very differently than you do about this drama. I like it very much and can't wait until the next episode, each episode feels too short and I haven't felt like there are 'filler' scenes boring me. I really like the look of this drama, the clothing and etc.. it feels real to me, like I might really be there with them instead of I am seeing such eye candy for eye candy's sake. I do think the ML doesn't have enough screen time, but that's because I like him very much, not because I think this story is being poorly done or the pacing is too slow. In the arrow removal scene I felt strong attraction, emotion and yearning from the ML, the FL was so tentative and somewhat detached, and that is what made me not feel the chemistry. I told myself, it's part of her character, characters age and experience with the ML character, so I could forgive.. But i wasn't as moved because of that.. I could write more, but it's too long, but I feel this is rated too low by you.. just my opinion:)

I love this drama so far. I have cried, laughed, gotten adrenaline rushes in the action moments. It is engaging. The character development for everyone is wonderful.

All back to the audience. everyone has different opinions and tastes. I think the storyline is pretty good and the main character's love development is a bit slow which i like. Sometimes it's very boring when ML and FL immediately fall in love in the early episodes. So far the story in the drama is almost similar to the novel. This drama is only part 1, there is still part 2. Wu lei will get a lot of screentime there. What's good about this drama is that Wulei and Lusi use their original voices, although I'm a bit strange with Lusi's voice (idk maybe because her 2 previous dramas i watched were dubbed so it feels weird with Lusi's voice here) And yes i agree with you Lusi still is in her comfort zone in taking the role, but I can't judge more because what i see the character will change as the story progresses. Maybe she will show something different? because from the novel the story of Niao2 (Lusi) is very sad. Lastly, regarding the hairstyle. Yes i agree with you. I don't like it. They should have chosen a pretty hairstyle for her.

Different people have different opinions, views and preferences so my sincere advise(ig) is if you really want to watch a certain drama you should probably check it out first and sincerely give it a chance before taking anyones word for it, if it doesn't suit your taste you can certainly drop it immediately. But I think it's also certainly interesting to hear different opinions from different people makes me realise how much I have missed or they have missed on something.

Xu Du, who plays the muddleheaded grandma allways favoring someone whilst disfavoring someone else. I want her to get an award. She annoys me so much. 😂 I love this drama, in quality, storytelling- everything is great!

I’ve watched to eps 18 and I love it. Main leads look good and have good chemistry. There are many small funny scenes I laughed so many times watching them

L9ve every single detail about this drama ,the writing and funny situations they creates is just brilliant 👏, the cast is good too ,i am obsessed, my best drama this year so far

I am up to ep 53 in this drama. Scrolling down and reading the comments below, I agree with most of them. It has really become better and better as the series progresses. Although it is true that the actors could be made to look more "pretty" and I have thought the same myself, I also appreciate the gritty trueness of how they look in this drama, their passion and personality and courage, transcends everything as the series progresses, and the main characters deeply love each other for that reason, it's beyond being "pretty". We are fed a lot of overly beautified stuff in the fantasy arena of drama world, we as the audience are supposed to gasp at the incredible physical perfection of the cast, I for one am really impressed with the backddrop, sets, makeup, hair, everything it feels so real. The acting in the later series is so off the charts good that it transcends all of those basically "fake" tricks to make you seduced by a drama. I am really stunned at the level of acting by virtually the whole cast, it just gels, the story is phenomenally interesting on a personal, social and political level, and yes there is a bit of forgiving needed for certain plot points but overall it's just an experience to dive in and forget yourself, and be totally immersed. Rare actually. The main leads should really be commended for their acting strength. There are so many times I watch a drama and just get irritated by the weak performances. Leo Wu, is only 22. Wow, I simply can't believe his performance in the role. His control, the subtle nuances of his face, his physical ability as a fighter etc etc etc. If he doesn't get an award for this I will be stunned. Equally I find Zhao Lusi is phenomenal and she is perfectly positioned againsly Leo Wu. The rest of the cast is wonderful. Kudos to the whole series on every level.

Loving the sugar we're getting in the later episodes! Oh my! Lol

Agree with you on many points. It's agonizing to see the ML and FL spending so little time on screen in the first 20 episodes. It's as if the ML isn't LBY, but is LY. I love the emperor. It's rare to see an emperor playing match making and he did it in such a humorous way

I've become a fan of Chinese Drama's about 4+ years ago, primarily because it was refreshing to watch an actual story. I love the tension built up over time between potential lovers. I don't remember many of the names/dramas I've watched in this time frame....it's been a LOT of them, and I'm not familiar with the language/dialect so it's difficult for me to remember their names, however, I do appreciate certain actors and what they bring to the screen. I do think that the female lead is doing a great job embracing the character of the neglected child and trying to navigate/create/develop emotions towards her parents and potential lover. I love Wu Lei, he's absolutely adorable and I like him in this role. He's so much more mature in this one. I agree, he's not seen enough even at episode 36! I seriously had some wonderful giggles over the obvious humour and love how they "humanized" the emperor. Really enjoying this drama. The gal that plays 5th princess...oh my, she did her part well! I could go on, but I enjoy watching your reviews as it gives me more insight to your culture as well. I prefer watching the Chinese dramas over our western dramas as Hollywood here, is base, crude and there is nothing original.

Im glad that you mention that Zhao Lusi she did an amazing job. I Love this drama.

The love is really slowborn and I'm not surprised as it is the same author from the one who wrote Story of Ming Lan, so I can see the slow pace in building up the passionate love. I think they'll speed up after ep 20 as they get engaged. Tho I'm a little irritated on that they'll break off and reunite years later... this drama requires lots of patience when it comes to its romance development😭

Can I just also mention that this drama has fantastic background music and soundtrack, it really builds up and sets the mood of the scenes.

This drama keeps me coming back for more! But we must wait! Also me waiting 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 I am really liking how they are playing this drama!!

I'm so glad it didn't disappoint, I only watched the first episode and I'm hooked. The chemistry is soooo good and the drama is really beautiful too

Really lusi is a great actress in China her acting is so pure in my opinion don't judge drama based on actor (favourite actor,good looking one )

I love how this drama shows the development of a one sided relationship. Both characters meet at a time when their lives can't fit in. He immediately loves her with a depth that she would not be able to respond to, because she is too young. She needs to mature. We see her in the drama struggling, gaining experiences and dealing with people. All this will help her to know the ML better and to love him.

When you have the emperor trying to make two leads kiss, how can the story now work out? Lol 😂 I laughed so hard when you said this.

I disagree what you said. In the first episode Ling BuYi is chasing after a man, that later appears the brother of grandma of Cheng Shaosheng. Ling Buyi was supposed to return to the Emperor. But he hurried to Cheng Shaosheng out of town cottage. He wants to be with her, look at her from a distance. But he chased after the uncle to the same cottage, what a coincidence !!! She is told to get back home becos her parents are returning from war. Cheng Shaosheng sits in a horsecar. Ling Buyi on horseback stops her to get out of the horsecar to inspect if the uncle is not hiding in there. Cheng Shaosheng shows only Ling BuYi her hand out of the window pointing at a high mountain of hay showing him the uncle is hiding there. So no, he meets with her loads of time. He tried to use every occasions to see and meet her. Especially he shows up at her parental house with black uniform men power. Where the grandma bangs her head onto the wall .. NO, Ling BuYi is hard and cold but always he meets Cheng Shaosheng he is always nice, romantic and sweet towards her !!!

I think all the actors are hitting their marks. I am feeling the emotions that the actors are projecting whether it’s silent anger, confusion or joy, it’s a great show!!

I was definitely chuckling throughout this video. I can only say, AvenueX, this video… 一针见血! I really like this drama, really like Wu Lei, and couldn’t agree more with your commentary. I too am looking forward to the day Wu Lei can find his breakthrough. Zhao Lusi has definitely outshone him in this drama so far, but hopefully with more scenes in the upcoming episodes Wu Lei will have more opportunities to show off his acting chops.

I was just watching this drama when you made this video! So coincidental. And I agree with your opinions about this drama.. Thank you so much for always making quality videos always supporting you💕

I quite like this drama's style. It's more about the story which I found interesting and entertaining.

At first I really didn't care for this drama, but now I can't wait for the next episode. Both lead are awesome and so is the rest of the cast. I just also watched the lead actress in who rules the world. This young lady is amazing. Leo Wu is so handsome. I love his acting in any drama.

I was addicted to this show after the first episode. Waiting for new episodes is torture!

I actually enjoy the family drama and the story going slowly. I like it how the FL first doesn'T seem to be interested in the ML because it actually makes sense - he's also working in military, she doesn't have a good experience with her parents, so it was quite beliavble for me that she liked someone totally different at first. Everyone has different expectations and preferences and that is ok :) Thank you for your review! :)

ah, you really show why I feel Wu Lei looks out of place, it's like he grits his teeth all the time, his jaw looks tense most of the time. I think it kinda works for the character but I also feel like he is too stiff. I really enjoy this drama nonetheless and I hope it stays strong till the end.

That scene removing the arrow from Liing Buiyi is a hit one. Very sensual.

The grandma did it for me !!!!she made me laugh everytime

I am really enjoying this drama so far 🤩 I love the family dynamic! I also like the slow burn of the couple they are laying the foundation of the story which has been really enjoyable 🤩

我個人喜歡男女主這樣的節奏,跳脫大部份的框架 反而走出自己的風格 就像人生 沒到後面誰也不知道會是誰與你為伴 。服化方面我到覺得沒什麼大問題　 最喜歡是很多小細節或出場很少的演員都很有特色 不會有看不出來角色的問題

Again, again, many kudos at least from me for the review about this drama!!! As for my viewing of the drama, it is on hold! May return!! Yea, from what I’ve watched so far, the ‘horsemanship’ of the young male lead is sooo impressive. I do hope for him, many successes as his drama repertoire increases as an adult actor!! Mmmmm, the female lead, amazing that she takes on so many projects, it seems simultaneously!! Aloha and thx again for your so thorough and detailed comments that give us much food for thought. And of course the Eng is super welcomed!!

Maybe Wu Lei needs to play a character that is anything but a hero to break through and have his epiphany as an actor ?

I agree with your review 99%. I don't think Wu Lei is wooden because of his present skill set. I think it is the script. His performance on The Long Balad was quite good, especially when his birth mother is killed. That said, I consider him a good looking man. So far, he did not look handsome or even near. The make up and camera angles take away from the real actor, and I agree that in general, most of the main characters do not come across as somewhat beautiful due to makeup. Thank you for your always thorough review 🙏

Thank you for your insight and your explanation of these shows. When I am looking for another show to start watching, I check your commentary.

I understand where you’re coming from about the leads but I think it is refreshing and new to have them not obviously the main leads that love each other on first sight. I like that it is one sided so of course that chemistry of love should Not be there on Zhao Lusi’s side. You are too used to the guy rescues girl, girl falls in love instantly. It is very hard then for Lusi to seem uninterested while being swept up multiple times by this super handsome capable man. I appreciate that we don’t really see her fall for him on first meet or multiple times after that. It kept me wondering if they would truly end up in love with each other. It makes it better so that her scenes with her other fiancé’s are not boring knowing it’s not going to go anywhere because she was already hopelessly in love with her male lead. It stays true to her character of leading an unrestrained free life, free from the chains of love as well.

I enjoy every episode of this drama. The Chemistry between the lead is also so great

I love the color grading and costumes in this one. Personally, I think all the characters look beautiful. Zhao Lusi looks extra vibrant in this one, and I think Wu Lei looks better here than in TLB.

I love this movie and all the actors. I think the two leads are amazing. So sorry I have to disagree with you.

I've been waiting religiously for your review

Absolutely loving this drama!

You're kinda way off... this drama is awesome.

I actually think that they did a good job in the first few eps of depicting where the two main characters come from. Also, I really think that the female lead's relationship with a-yao is legitimate. She thinks she knows the life that she wants and does what she can with what she is given. The male lead's tense acting is also I think a good way to depict the tense life that the character leads. His reaction to the female lead's choices also really makes the audience root for them even though they are not a couple on screen yet.

The emperor is the cutest guy in drama he is so funny and dramatic 🤣😆

I actually love that drama series are so long. More details to give to the story. Also I’m in love with this series I can’t get enough.

This is basically a soap opera in costume, nothing more and nothing less. Agree about the acting and the “older generation” did performed better than the younger generation. The problem with Wu Lei’s acting here is probably due to him “copy and paste” his character in the Long Ballad to this drama. I also like Zhang Yue’s acting here, she’s definitely the best among the young actors. Good to see Xu Jiao in a Chinese drama but just wonder why did she accept this role as there’s really not much for her to do.

I hope you have changed your opinion of this drama now that we are into second part. I have not been this obsessed about a Cdrama since Nirvana in Fire. This drama is definitely a slow burn but you need to stick with it, you will be well rewarded with a very satisfying drama. I think that the chemistry between the leading couple is off the chart. I also think that Wu Lei’s acting skills has matured quite a bit. I have to disagree with you in regards to the costume and make up. I love that people looks like people instead of looking like dolls. I guess we can agree to disagree.

I super love this drama the cinematography, plot, dialogue, ost are everything plus the actors played their role so well ✨♥️

Finally, avenuex review✨

For me, I have enjoyed this drama so much that it has surprised me😊 from eps 1-36, I've laughed, had sympathy, got mad, cheered the much needed justice,...and repeat the cycle again 😅

Couldn't do it , once I start wondering "now why am I supposed to like the leads,and why they should be together" and watching the first 10 episodes there's no reason to really like either one of them enough to ship them together or anyone chasing them to be that interested in them.

Tbh I'm bored af for the first four episodes. But from ep5, I'm starting to enjoy it. Never knew I needed zhao lusi & wulei drama in my life ahahhaa. I've finished 18 episodes for now and I'm sure I'll continue to follow this drama.

When i read the novel i was so amazed in the story. I was engrossed and drawned with it and there was one chapter that i couldn’t controlled shed tears one whole night when Shaoshang and Zeshing sad broke up😢😢😢.

I think the most important thing about the drama is how it humanizes the characters. You hate them, you love them. As the mother of NiaoNiao, she wants her to behave better, that way she won't have problems in the future, but since they don't know each other she doesn't know how to do it other than making her see her faults, I hate her for that. Also, since her cousin was left in her care, NiaoNiao's mother doesn't want any favoritism, so she pays attention to her cousin, but hello? YOU GAVE YOUR DAUGHTER FOR GOD, GIVE HER ATTENTION, THE ONLY THING YOU DO IS PRESS HER. God when they're at the lantern festival and he takes her cousin away, and NiaoNiao stares at her, how angry I got, poor thing. Anyway, I love this drama with my soul, and one more thing; LONG LIVE THE GENERALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

the pace is just perfect and leads are doing pretty amazing .. FL is awesome and versatile...

The 40min episode feels like 10min. I love the dynamics in this drama. The colors, setting, and outfits are beautiful. I can’t wait for the episodes.

Although I enjoy the drama's slow burn chemistry...I have to agree with Wu Lie's character performance as the weakest.He looks so "scripted" and frigid.I know he's trying to portray a sort of cold-hardhearted- standoffish general,but there are ways to make the characters more 3d/relatable and appealing to the audience, take Yiewie Zhao as XiaoQi in Rebel princess or Lee Jun Ki as Wang Yu in ScarletHeart,they take the cake when portraying a cold badass warrior male lead.And adding salt to the injury his make up and hairstyle!For goodness sake! he's a warrior, a general to be specific,he doesn't need to looks clean all the time specially when he came back from a war.We audience don't mind wound, injuries, dirt and gore you know as long as his a hot warrior.

I really enjoy the cinematography. I just wish the episodes were longer! I need more 😂

I’ve been waiting and waiting for their relationship to blossom and it’s not there . There’s no heart flutter moments and there’s no physical and emotion reactions from the two couples . I wouldn’t label these 18 episodes as a romance series . We need more of their interactions on scene . I’m not fond of Wu Lei character . I loved him in the Long Ballad which he played as a skilled warrior but his acting was more likeable and charismatic. I don’t have that girl swooning feelings for him in this drama UPdate: The romance definitely picks up after 18 episodes and Wu Lei is such a sweet talker that it really doesn't match his serious warrior attitude. Definitely it is a love at first sight and he is head over heels for Lusi before even getting to know her. He never gave up chasing her and the relationship gets sweeter and sweeter. His admiration and adoration for Lusi so far is too cute. Slow burn but worth waiting

I think it's hilarious that dramas are doing the part 1 and part 2 to bypass that 40 episode rule. I find the story very captivating so far. It's one of those dramas where each episode offers something fun but it's mostly in their conversations so if you don't watch the episode, you may not feel the impact of the scene that's going on. I didn't know this but the drama gave me huge Story of Ming Lan vibes and it wasn't until afterwards that I found out both were written by the same author lol I personally like that the color grading and costumes are more muted because then all the attention is focused on the character interactions and not on the set designs. The character interactions are the selling point of the drama. I found that when the CP are on camera together, the director almost slo-mos the scene...like there's a significance slowing down of pace and music is played to convey that there's supposed to be tension between them. I get your criticisms of Wu Lei because it honestly felt the same while I was watching The Long Ballad. He always carried himself a certain way that made him look really tense. I think Dilraba even commented on the men straightening up their postures whenever the director shouted action even though they were told to relax more.

Overall I think everyone is pulling their weight in this drama. Lusi always draws you to her characters and when her emotions flow, you flow with it. I think she nails her crying scenes very well. It evokes a lot of emotions. I feel like most child actors/actresses are put on more pressure to succeed cause it's hard for some to disassociate them as children. In Wu Lei's case it seems to me like he's trying to prove that he's a masculine man so he can't really let himself go and be more natural. But to be fair his character is supposed to be stern & rigid so I think he's doing a good job. As for the chemistry between the 2 leads it gets better in the more later episodes around ep 22. Right now in episode 18 they're still focusing on her relationship with Lou Yao. As for the costume, makeup and lighting. At first when I saw the previews I thought they made Lusi look rather plain as well but after watching the drama I feel like they did a good job in making her look younger. I absolutely love the way it's filmed. It's reminiscent of Minglan. The costumes are rather plain and they don't change their wardrobe much either. The haughty princesses have been wearing the same attire since ep 1. I don't know if they do that to make editing scenes easier 🤷‍♀️

I truly enjoy this drama! The cast is very talented and the chemistry works well. The humor is well timed and smart. 👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ The thing that I agree is that the make up and styling are not the best for the female cast. She looks better in her previous period dramas although her first episodes look stunning even with little makeup and next to nothing hair styling.

For me he has been looking so tense since as early as 'Battle Through The Heaven', so idk... Maybe he needs someone to tell him abt that and offer him some lighter and more laid back projects, or maybe playing skitts etc to ease the tension a bit.

When you spoke about him looking wooden and less like a living human, I got micro-shivers because I remembered that his character at the beginning is supposed to be someone who doesn't seem to really be "living". I would be super happy if his character seems less stiff later on, enough to satisfy you too- because it would still mean the novel was being respected as his character goes through more.

I’m also quite hopeful that things will amp up in the second half of the drama and provide the two leads with more opportunities to act! Love Like the Galaxy was one of my most anticipated dramas and while I’m not overly impressed yet, I’m also not entirely disappointed. Similarly to what was stated in the review, my satisfaction is in part due to the older generation actors’ acting. God, I hate the Grandmother but I LOVE HER at the same time. Lol, she’s hilarious bc you know she’s about to spew some crap but she does it so perfectly! Not a huge fan of the styling or makeup either. I had an actual conversation about the amount of contour they must’ve used on Wu Lei with my Mom bc of how sharp his cheekbones are and how dark the shadows are on his face. I’m a fan of Wu Lei and I’ve got quite a soft spot for him but he’s got to unclench that jaw soon! ZLS is, again, ZLS. She does well enough in these types of roles but I’m getting kind of tired of them and I hope to see her tackle a different role soon. I’ll keep watching bc it’s been entertaining and I actually really like the side/minor characters like her brothers and friends. They’re more interesting (so far) than the main characters.

I watched it until eps 18... and so far, I totally can enjoy this one. I think this is one of the best Zhao Lusi's dramas (the other one is Romance of TIger and Rose). A lot of her previous work (even though I love her so much) I can't enjoy, I keep on skipping it or just giving it up (I also gave up Who Rules The World). Most of her drama is good just until ep 20 and below I agree that Wu Lei deserves more screen time in the first part of the drama. I even forget that this is a romance drama and almost forget his existence coz Niao2 relationship with her mother is just too intense but relatable...., for me who was born in an Asian family as an imperfect child (often feels unwanted, just like Niao2). In almost 80% of CDrama, I've watched, I skip the parent-child and or other family bickering scenes coz they are just mostly unimportant and even though I skip them, I still can understand the whole story, and all other scenes that are added just to extend the length of the drama. This drama, even though kinda the same, somehow can catch my attention and successfully keep my eyes on the screen. Even though I'm not sure I'll watch the second part, I hope it will get better until ep 27 and I can end this part with a good feeling.

I have not started watching this one yet, but it is on my list. I had to smile at your closing comments. That is the whole reason I watch Chinese period/costume drama. I don't even watch any British TV any more.

I have only watched C-dramas for the last 2 years and I am in awe at the acting quality of older generations in most of them. I'll need to search some info about their background. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this subject.

I felt the same way with respect to their chemistry. It has taken 20 episode before there is any really interaction between them

Best Chinese drama The cast n storyline everything is just perfect I love it

This is like the younger version of The Story of Ming Lan (which is my favorite series) and I love it. That’s it. I love it.

I really like this drama, the story is so good

The setting really sounds so much like Rebirth of the Malicious Empress

I've waited for this review. Im so happy it got a goldmine rating! I feel the drama is getting better and better as the episodes feel shorter and shorter despite the same airing minutes and the the wait for new eps is getting to be such a pain.✌💜❤🙋‍♀️🦊

A very enjoyable drama. I’m ok with the style, colour grading, lighting, costumes etc. Looks authentic for that period I’m guessing. Been to the Forbidden City once and couldn’t get over how dark and dull the place looked! I mean homes were lit with candles then so surely the lighting wld be somewhat dim and amber plus the walls and pillars wld be sooty. Pacing is fine for me too only because the side stories are quite entertaining coz of the strong supporting cast, interesting story lines and delivery. It’s like watching a bedtime story. I don’t feel that the main love story is slow because it’s constantly featured albeit a little one sided at first (I’m only at EP 9) but the slow burn makes it all the more realistic and understandable. It’s probably the good acting of the 2 leads too coz they’re able to portray subtle nuances of their (especially ZLS who is v young and took a while to learn about love) own emotions, self realisation and romantic development. ZLS as a 14 year old is so believable and adorable. I just hope the show doesn’t get too dark and dangerous.

I very much enjoyed the domestic family drama thing. It all sounds so very familiar! :-D Not quite that dramatic. And yes, ofc it made my blood pressure rise, but that‘s also why I find it so relatable. Also, the non-chemistry is quite convincing. Isn‘t the whole thing very one-sided on his part? I love that it‘s obvious that he‘s into her but she doesn‘t reciprocate. It takes her the whole first season (28 episodes) after all to figure out - not that she likes him, but that he likes her.

I watched episodes 19&20 just uploaded, they are almost milestones with considerable improvements in most of your low points... still your review is excellent, can't agree more.