Cdrama: Everlasting Longing

Everlasting Longing, 30 eps, Year 2025: This was something different from the setting to the characters to the plot. It's mainly a story of forbidden love where every character faces obstacles in the form of a difference in social status, race, political differences, or simply fate.

The visual element is strong in this drama. From the cast of actors who perfectly fit their roles to great costume design and wigs that are very detailed. The plot moves at a really fast pace where if one doesn't pay attention they'll miss what's being said. I liked the main couple who epitomize the irresistible force paradox, both Xuan Lie and JQL are strong and smart and they clash often. This was the only drama where I was more worried about the CP killing each other every episode rather than falling in love😂 The secondary pairing of the princess and the bodyguard was so wrong yet weirdly right that it's hard not to root for them.

Of course, due to censorship the plot and characters suffer a bit because we can't have barbarians win over Han people or being portrayed in a positive light. Song Wei Long and Angela both have average acting skills so while they don't overshadow one another, they're also not giving stellar acting scenes either. This was an easy and entertaining drama to watch and sometimes that's what I want after a tiring day at work.

The major plus for me was the FL. She's smart, strong-willed, and not prone to hysterics. The way she slowly and methodically approaches every situation and person she meets can be called cold-blooded even. It's so refreshing to see an independent woman who doesn't need the approval of others or society to live. It's hard to find a character like her in Asian drama.