Scarlet Heart (2011)

After finishing this drama in just 4 days I feel really regretful. Not because I thought this drama is a waste of time...NO! Of couse not! It's because this drama is the best chinsese historical drama I've seen 'till now. I really regret that I finished it so fast and didn't enjoyed it more slowly.

But it can't be helped that this drama is so great! The plot is very interesting and never gets boring. Normally in this kind of drama the plot is roughly always the same but not here. The story here is concetrated on love but the fight for the throne is just as important. It sounds like just all the other chinese historical dramas but the huge different is what happens in the process of this drama. The two main topics were balanced brilliantly. There was always love but at the same time the political topic never disappeared it was also always there so you could never get sick of too much love or too much politic.
The lovestory in this drama is very very good, over the whole drama it progesses without stopping so there is no dissappointment in the development!
It is also the most heart-breaking and yearning lovestory I know, even after watching it I still feel the longing that the lovers had for each other.

The cast for the main characters are superb! I could never have imagined that their chemestry where so good.
Normally I'd prefer eyecandies as actors (no offense) 'cause I symphatize faster with them when I don't know them but here I realized that I appreciate the characters even more when I don't symphatize with their actors at the very beginnging because then I can learn to love them with every episode.
Just as I wrote, I didn't think that the actors where eyecandies but after the second sight I thought they where really handsome and now I just love them. And I love them even more because thier acting are top! Both leadactors ware very passionate in thier acting and it was so intense that you just got carried away by it.
The actress didn't lost to her collegagues 'cause she didn't put less skill and passion into her acting. I often think that the leadactresses are not really convincing in thier acting but Lui Cecilia did a more than a convincing and beautiful job.
I also really respect Lui because in this drama it looks like she barely put any make-up on her face and still looks so good. Especially in the scenes when she cries it looks like she's really crying with a red face and running nose.

The music in this drama is great. The songs have good lyrics and also a nice melody and made me cry like hell at the end but the instumental irritates me a little bit because in a actually sad scene there sometimes are happy tones.

What I didn't like was the simulation. I was in a bad quality and looked like you just put a real person in a comic world.
It also really bothered me that in ca. 30 years they all still look the same and they didn't even make the effort to make them look a little bit older. Except a few strand of white hair or a whiskers. But Yuoxi didn't get any older!:o

Overall I really love this drama because there are so many ups and downs and the story captured me over the last 4 days.

I'd also rewatch it if I had the patience.

PS: Pls don't pay attention to my grammar mistakes :)
PPS: Wacht this drama, watch it! Now go and watch it. *brainwash you* ;)

Leer más

Definitely a solid 10 for me even tho I watched years ago when it came out but till now I still go back to watch this masterpiece. The hairstyle and quality might throw others off but it is a really great drama it’s very detailed and the relationships are played out well all characters acts are great you get to know them all it’s not like yeah I see you now bye. The great thing is that ruoxi is played magnificently my girl Cecilia knows how to act. For me this is the best version out there nothing can replace or even come close to it all the remakes are pretty eh.

Leer más

It's 2015 and I got to say that after watching so many korean and Taiwanese dramas, this drama is undoubtedly one of the best drama out there. HOWEVER, the downside is that after you watch this magnificent piece, you find that it is hard for other dramas to live up to it in terms of how it affects you emotionally and leave you feeling like an insane person,even those popular korean sageuk dramas. Like so many shallow others, i was reluctant to watch bald main leads but after watching lss in sound of the desert, i decided to give it a try. AND the first few minutes of episode 1 just pulled you right in unlike so many dramas out there who started out so slow especially historical dramas! I feel like BBJX represents chinese entertainment well with those poised dialogues, those subtle melancholic sentiments, and the heart wrenching ost that you won't ever find in kdramas. It's like watching a melancholic and dark fairy tale that has some comedy to it especially in the beginning episodes. Its a drama that i don't think I will forget my whole life and will keep on rewatching it or some scenes in it. This drama sucks you right into their world that it's hard for you to withdraw from it. However, obviously, no drama is perfect but a drama that you love despite its imperfections and a drama that can impact people's life & thoughts are a pretty darn successful drama. This drama has the whole package, but if you love a romance that is so great and pure, this drama will leave you breathless. Another thing that is worth applauding for is how it's unexpected and expected at the same time, it's not filled with cliches nor does it stay far away from the usual drama's story. This drama makes you ache inside because god knows when will a drama like this be produced in china again. It's certainly an overrated drama that deserves praises and fame even for years to come.
The story writing is just perfection and will definitely leave you breathless. You will recount those beautiful dialogues and the writer is a genius that weaves the "time travel" theme into the story without it being too unrealistic. In fact, i feel like this drama is one of the most realistic dramas out there in terms of how there is always a somewhat logical reason for the situation to happen.
ONE OTHER THING is how there's FINALLY and intelligent female lead that is not coldhearted or greedy and yet still courageous enough to pursue love. AND finally she's not the naive damsel in distress which i am annoyed with most in dramas and seems to be so popular these days -_- I just love complex characters like Ruoxi who i feel like is really a real person that's transferred back to the Qing Dinasty. I loved her, hated her, sympathised with her, and cried with her. She is also one truly amazing girl that finally i feel like i can understand why all the princes' like her in their own ways. She keeps her modern mindset yet she is still willing to compromise to those traditional ways. This drama makes you feel like you're in a beautiful yet tragic journey with her that by the end of it you will feel exhausted emotionally.
And all of the prince's are just perfection in a way that they all have flaws and that there are no true villains in this drama. All their doings you can understand and relate to which is almost impossible to find in the drama world. The characters in this drama are all multi layered and you just want to peel all those layers to understand their actions.
I'm not going to write about the romance because it's simply the perfect love story for me although it broke my heart but i love sad endings in drama anyways. I feel like it is more poetic that way and it leaves a more realistic impact to its viewers. I would like more kissing scenes, but that's just me lol :)
Another reason to love this drama is that when you watch it, you feel like you have not just witnessed only a great love story unfolding but a story that are full of meanings and political intelligence.
After watching so many dramas after this one, i feel even more assured of how impeccably written and made this drama is. This drama is able to encapsulate all that makes a drama great that even after 4 years after it aired, i gladly say that this is a rare gem in the drama world. what else can we ask for other than a great story, a great acting, great music, good cinematography, and the costumes are well executed.

Leer más

The most complete drama I've seen to date. I don't plan to repeat what's already been mentioned by all the other glowing reviews but I will say this: after watching Scarlet Heart my standards for dramas have never ever been the same. Only a handful of dramas I've seen since then are considered 'great' and even fewer or barely any in the 'exceptional' category- where Scarlet Heart is safely sealed with a plaque of its own.

Since everyone already addressed what's so great about the drama in all these other reviews, I shall make this my own and share what I enjoyed most. These include:

- the attention to detail that may not seem much at first glance but overall accumulates into all the difference in the world in terms of production, plot development to overall story and how everything comes off

- Maertai Ruoxi's relationship with the princes whom she has a different relationship with each. Some of them are her good friends - one even becomes her confidante, while others become her romantic interests and eventually the 'one' for her. Even her relationship with others such as some of the wives, servants in the palace, and the Emperor - are unique in each their own. No two are the same.

-The meticulous development of each character and their relationships with each other over the years. Brothers who turn into rivals, strangers who turn into loved ones, friendships in the most unlikely of places (or is it?) - you see the processes and driving forces behind all of it, instead of it just happening like in most dramas. Even if you don't agree with some of it, you understand it.

- Maertai Ruoxi is not your typical heroine. None of the main leads are perfect; in fact they aren't truly good either but rather 'grey area' types. The truly good have no place in the world of imperial politics (like the 13th prince), and the truly bad ones never get out alive. Ones in the grey area may seem like 'winners' but in reality- they lose more than anyone can realize - in different ways that may not be exactly apparent or is it something they realize themselves even. These are the fates illustrated among the various members of the imperial family - from princes, wives and servants and even the Emperor himself.

One feels a true sense of attachment to all the characters (even the antagonists) and the relationships with one another by the end of the series. Rather a weird comparison but it's like watching your kids grow up except I've never been a mother, and these are all adults and people who existed well before my time. Maybe it's safer to describe it as a really bad breakup once you finish the series with a serious case of withdrawal, unable to forget the emotions it drew out of you and the attachment to the character/story that you gave so much time and emotions into but really doesn't give anything back to you...other than change the way you see dramas from now on and the emotional rollercoaster that leaves you aching yet fulfilled.

Rewatch? If you are okay with going through the heartbreak and extreme range of emotions the first time around, it just might be worth it for the beauty of the experiences again

Leer más

This is the first Chinese drama serie that I've watched I have watched movies but not dramas. At first I thought the princes where too many to catch up with, surprisingly by the fifth ep I knew each one of them. Before we continue I would like to ask. Have you ever steamed someone or have you ever seen someone who was steamed to death. Yes I know what your thinking but I do mean it, steamed!!!!!! Well this was the first and i am still in shock. I thought Josean politics was tough. No no no ancient Chinese politics Is misery and suffering its self. Judging from this drama anyway. It was great the romance wasn't fake. The kisses were real. And the wives in this drama had I don't know what to call it a brain tumour maybe. Why you ask? I'll tell you why. They had verrrry little jeoulosy. And conflict.its was soo wired, I loved this drama because I don't know which prince to side with because of the steaming and scheming. Yet It was SUPERB

Leer más

I have seen this series mentioned here and there but never happened to watch it.
Just a week ago, I decided to see whether it's worth watching but it drew me in immediately.

Why is it so?

First the story: I love the story because it has a balance between romance and politics (more on the romance side, I guess). Unlike usual historical drama, it doesn't spend too much time on discussing political issues, but still integrates necessary historical events in the plot which I find it beautiful. And no one would ever forget Ruo Xi's relationships with each prince which are again beautifully portrayed. One thing I love about this drama would be the dialogues which are perfectly written, intensifying the plot.

Acting/Cast: Well, I've noticed Liu Shi Shi since her Mu Nian Ci role. But, it was neither 'like' nor 'unlike'. But, with her playing Ruo Xi, I fell in love with Ruo Xi and herself. Nicky Wu is a great actor that I've known since my childhood. I have great respects for him. The chemistry between the main roles were amazing. I loved the intensity between Ruo Xi and 4th Prince. Other roles are also well-done.

Music: I love all OSTs from this drama (all three of them: One persistent thought, Three inches of heaven and Seasons of waiting). The lyrics perfectly matches the storyline and the emotions from the drama. It was like Ruo Xi speaking of her mind and feelings.

Rewatch value: I rewatched it immediately after the first time. For what? I just can't get enough of the emotions this drama gave me. I just love seeing Ruo Xi and 4th Prince together.

Overall, it was one of the best dramas that I've ever watched in my life and made me tearful. Rarely that I give dramas 10 out of 10. There has only been a few. But I give this one 10.

Leer más

The reason I watch this series is because I've seen so many review and recommendation post about this show. it triggers my curiousity and I end up downloading this drama and I watch it! what I can say about this drama is that this is a really one beautiful must-watch drama people need to see. I value a drama that has flowing developing plot and BBJX is one of them. one thing also about this drama is that you won't find any antagonist or villain characters. every characters is their own protagonist and villain for themselves. Like the scene where Ruoxi (the main female) realizes that she was the mastermind behind the 8th Prince's hatred towards the 4th Prince and that triggered the battle between the princes. we can't also say that the 8th Prince or the 9th Prince the villain of the drama because at some point they are in line with the main character. it can also be understood the cruelness the 4th prince shows, it is a complete mean acts the characters potrayed as an emperor but this drama is about a soul searing stories all the characters have to go through. There is no woman vs woman fighting over man because what you can find is the loyalness of the women characters toward his men in this drama but these loyalness is also the reason of their inner conflict of themselves and the viewers are shaken and brought to new level of feeling that heartbroken is caused not only by outer wound but also by inner feeling of loving too deply for example.

I really recommend this drama for everyone who loves ancient Chinese or historical dramas. Besides the plot and the characterization of the story one good point about Scarlet Heart is the beautiful setting that supports the wholeness of this drama. Beautiful Qipao the leading character wears is also my main reason to give perfect score to this drama ! :D

Leer más

I watched Scarlet Heart (The Original Version) many, many years ago.  In fact it was one of my first ancient Chinese dramas.  I remember feeling overwhelmed by the drama and thought about it for weeks afterwards.  It was hard to part with the characters and the story.

It is now 2017 and many more people have watched the newer Korean version.  I implore you all to give the original drama a chance.  Yes, the CGI is shitty.  Yes the hairstyle looks weird...but if you stick it out to the very end, it will leave a strong impression on you.  

1. Watch for how Ruoxi (a strong willed and intelligent female lead) maneuvers her way through Qing Dynasty China. Despite being a modern women, she adapted immediately to her surroundings and it was a joy to watch her fall in love deeply with her 4th Prince, the future emperor.

2. Watch for non- one dimensional Princes (for a stark change from the Korean version) and how they came to associate with our heroine.

Happy watching!

Leer más

I don't need to write a review because there are 18 reviews already. However, I like to tell my future self why I rated a drama the way I did. So, here it goes.

Scarlet Heart is seriously addictive. I think I watched most of it in a weekend. I just couldn't stop. Historical dramas are not my favorite, because I hate politics. SH has politics, but it is a love story. A great love story. First, the costumes, settings, and overall cinematography is outstanding. It is beautiful and easily will transports the watcher to a different time. It is love from every angle in a variety of relationships. No one is perfect and the character development and dialog between the characters is meaningful. Ruoxi is a great female lead. She is strong and caring. Crazy that the thought of suppressing your emotions can kill you, but it can. I love her character. When you watch this, I am sure you will pick a favorite prince. I have my favorite also. From favorite to least favorite is 13th, 14th, 10th, 4th , 8th, and I hated the 9th prince. The 8th and 4th princes are fools. I sympathize with them and I get that they are ambitious and there is nothing wrong with that, but they gave up so much happiness for power. In the end I felt they got what they deserved. If someone had taught them how to love, then maybe it wouldn't have turned out this way. I get that the Emperor had a lot on his plate, but he created the mess. I had a problem with the cruelty of the Emperor and the 4th prince. I was emotionally invested in this drama from start to finish.

I don't know anything about the actors. I don't usually watch Chinese dramas, but I thought they all did a fabulous job. Liu Cecilia is beautiful and I was totally engrossed in her character. Ye Zu Xin is too cute.

I like the music a lot although a few times I wish it was just them talking.

I won't rewatch this but it is rewatchable.

I recommend this drama to everyone. I don't even like historical dramas and I loved this.

Leer más

THE BEST AND MOST PERFECT VERSION OF AN HISTORICAL CHINESE DRAMA

" Fated to fall in love, but not destined be together"
Doing a rewiew after 7 times watching it.
My advice is to watch the REAL story, far superior to the Korean stolen version.
The plot is like an hurricane, you can really feel the story, the flow of emotions, the tragedy.
Historical accuracy is the thing that makes it a gem. Every Prince is unique in his own way and every character is well developed, both in good and evil. I LOVED the story between Yin Zhen ( 4th Prince) and Ruoxi, so strong and sincere.
I LOVED hoow every character is never black or white, not strongly separated in good and evil.
Watch this, the emotions will flow. Watch the Korean stolen cheap adapation only if you want to compare it with this great masterpiece. Watch it to see how a real human heart works.
Every actor is great, but i LOVED Wu Qi Long ( our beloved 4th Prince) and Liu Shi Shi ( our strong heroine Maertai Ruoxi) and their growth, and their love story.
And i add, if someone say he is "ugly", they should go check their eyes. Nicky Wu is one of the most handsome among the handsome Princes.
This story will steal your heart and soul.

Leer más