Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

Looks like the dark horse of our summer dramas line-up is Li Yi Tong’s Bloody Romance. I have read so many good words that I’m ready to jump into the wagon; you know, when time permits! But since I did a discussion post for first impression, I thought it’s fair to make one when the series wraps up, which it did yesterday.

Give a review of the series fellow fans, what you like/dislike, what worked for/against, acting, ost, etc.

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Songs.

  1. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    So many emotions in the last episode! I was nervous, angry, heartbroken, jealous (the way Chang An is around Wan Mei is GOALS!!) I felt the finale stayed true to each characters story arc and growth AND it left hope for a happier ending – please bring on Season Two!! Wan Mei/Chang An were so imperfect and let each other down so many times, but the yearning they felt for each other was so real and palpable. Xing Feng/Cha Luo constantly had me thinking they were an alternate reality of Wan Mei/Chang An and were a scary example of how a person’s choices can shape their own reality. Liang Guo .. OMG! Her story of her first shadow and how his actions literally shaped the entire drama is so under-rated! This is definitely my crack for 2018. Highly highly recommended!! Not perfect but definitely a must watch – with an open mind as it’s a little dark and requires some close attention to detail! It’s so different to everything else out at the moment. Every time I re-watch an episode I pick up something new.

  2. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    I gave up on this at episode 10. I didn’t buy the love story between the leads and I found their chemistry lacking. Like I didn’t really believe or understand why these characters fell for each other so quickly except for maybe loneliness or desparation.

    Good, imaginative directing and use of a limited budget. Acting from leads and majority of cast was very good. The actor who made the most impression for me was the supporting male, Wang Duo. Will look forward to seeing him in more dramas.

    • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

      I agree with you with respect to the supposedly true love between Wan mei and her shadow. It just doesn’t feel connected while I find wan mei and prince ning (gong zi) Papableand intense. The chemistry of how romance between two lovers start. Wan mei’s feelings towards her shadow was merely emotional attachment versus love. I think she is more complimented with Gong zi because they have the unspoken love only two lovers can understand. The tug and pull kind of love. Wan mei never have the chance to realize her feelings for gong zi because chang an is always there to distract her chance to develop and evolve her feelings for gong zi. Throughout all the episodes, you can see she wants to let her heart follow gong zi but was unable too due her attachment to chang an whom she deemed is the only one who will love her and do things for her. She missed the opportunity to see how deeply gong zi loves her.

      • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

        I wonder whether we are watching the same show. This is not a show like the usual popular romance dramas, when the couple have push-and-pull back and forward relationship. It’s about sacrifices, letting go, and suffering. The drama doesnt have a lot of time to dwell on that kind of romance, since it’s also busy with the non-romance plot. It’s pretty direct and obvious that Wan Mei – Chang An love each other, and she only considered the Prince as someone that she respects. The feelings of the 3 leads (plus Yue Ying) are very clear, nothing delutional or whatsoever.

        The Prince is a wonderful character, but Wan Mei doesnt love him, just like how Yue Ying loves the Prince but he doesnt love her back.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          I guess, your
          vies is one’s perspective. The drama indeed truncated but the four characters wan mei, gong zi, chang an and yue ying each have it’s dimension in how they viewed love. I, see the yue ying love for the gong zi as little girl’s crushes as the same with wan mei. While wan mei’s love or feelings towards chang an is comparable to the “Stockholm syndrome” where you stayed with the person so long you start to have an attachment which makes you think you are in love or love that person but in truth – it is not. Gong Zi and Wan Mei’s love was a process of slow evolution – he didn’t fall for her at the beginning but slowly develop as time goes. He love her not for her beauty but her will to survive; just like him he relates to her. Chang An, on the other hands needs wan mei to live. Chang an was on his last leg before he die because his previous master die by the rules of Gui Hua City he will be sentenced to death if he failed with wan mei so… I don’t know how you define love between chan an an wan mei???

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          The ending of BR is such sweet sorrow. I wanted Chang An to be killed off as he does not paired well with Wan Mei. The chemistry between them is stoically nonsense. Wan Mei is ambitious just like Gong zi therefore best suited as a couple. Chang An should be be paired with Yue Ying because they fit in terms of style.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          Just want to say that my following posts contain spoilers, for those who hasnt watched it.

          In my case, I dont think I need to ‘define’ the love between them. In epi 30 something, Ruan Niang confronted Wan Mei, asking her to let go of Chang An. She said something like,”You fell for him just because he helped you at your worst times, when you needed someone to lean on. It could by anyone, it doesnt have to be him”. Wan Mei answered that she was right,”It could be anyone. But, that anyone turned out to be Chang An”. So despite the reasons, the love has grown and it gives them the willingness to do their best for their loved ones and to except their weaknesses. That’s why Wan Mei forgave Chang An for the incident in the tower, or Chang An wanted to keep her away from himself and protected her from danger, or Yue Ying was willing to help Wan Mei just because Gong Zhi told her to , or Gong Zhi refused to kill Wan Mei (despite he was also using her and Chang An for his benefits).

          Regarding Yue Ying, I dont call her feeling as ‘idolizing’ the Prince. She has been with him since she was very young (9 yrs old? I Forgot). She understood him (that he was in love with Wan Mei but didnt want to admit it) and he understood her (that she loved him and was stubborn and devoted but not as clever as Wan Mei). She knew when he lied, and she didnt always approve his choices. She still did everything he said because she just didnt want to oppose him. That’s a love of a woman towards a man, who gives her the willingness to make her loved one happy.

          On Wan Mei characters, she is not just ambitious, but she is also an idealist and righteous . She is THAT idealist, so that she refuses to kill her victims despite being an assasin (which annoys a lot of viewers). In the end, she even wants to lead the City because Cha Luo is too evil. The Prince, OTOH, is a grey character, a politician with lots of tricks on his sleeves. In epi 27 (IIRC), the difference between made them confronted each other. It was Chang An who explained things to her and made her understood about the Prince’s intentions (and she didnt look too fond about it).

          In a relationship, it’s important to have someone who complements you. Wan Mei, as an idealist, could find problems dealing with the Prince’s shady ways (like in epi 25, when he lied to Wan Mei about Chang An protecting him, while he actually listened to Chang An’s words who were trying hard to do so against Ruan Ying). Chang An, eventhough not as kind as Wan Mei, excepts her and let her do what she pleases. He only guides her when she needs him, or listens when she talks. In other words, he is being supportive, instead of going against her. His problem is his lack of communications, but his willingness to protect her can be clearly seen. That’s why, despite being frustated, Wan Mei can feel his sincerity and trust him.

          Anyway, in the end, it is whom you pick is what maters.

  3. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    It started out addicting but kinda fizzled in the middle but there was enough for me to keep going. The ending left me with a “that’s it?!” feeling, I really didn’t care for the ending but I can agree that it didn’t end abruptly or absurdly like other cdramas that ended in a way that made absolutely no sense. I liked the main couple but had major issues with them not communicating with each other and their nonstop habit of sacrificing themselves for the other person behind the other person’s back. It was so frustrating to watch and it kept happening and they didn’t overcome past that obstacle. I would have so much preferred for them to be honest with each other and find a solution together, but instead that happened. I was literally throwing my hands up in the air at the end. I did however like how Xing Feng and Cha Luo were reflected as an worse alternative reality of Chang An and Wan Mei, that was interesting. Also I really didn’t like how Chang An couldn’t really commit to his other obligation even though he decided to do it, it felt very irresponsible.

    I do agree that the directing was good and the drama didn’t feel or look like a low budget production.

    All in all it was an OK watch, but wouldn’t really recommend it to anyone. That’s my two cents.

  4. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    For a low budget drama, this is a masterpiece. I certainly wouldn’t have started watching this if it wasn’t for the great early reviews, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed that I watched it.

    The acting from the entire cast was very well done. The chemistry between the leads was lacking for the first few episodes, but then started to click for me.
    The cinematography was completely off the charts. I especially adored those narrations.
    Don’t get me on the music because it has one of the best opening theme songs I’ve ever heard.
    The story was well written. It isn’t perfect, doesn’t blow you away, but keeps moving at an excellent pace, perfectly showing character developments of the leads.
    The editing could use some work though. Very choppy at times.

    This is one of the very few dramas that could’ve benefitted from one or two extra episodes.
    It is also one of the few dramas where the ending was perfectly written, and is one of the few dramas where I hope for a season 2 (with the same cast).

    I would definitely recommend it, even if it’s just to listen to the music while they are talking.

  5. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    Initially this drama didn’t register on my watch list even though I’ve heard of it because lots of people were talking about its surprisingly intriguing and beautiful trailer. I didn’t know any of the main actors and the premise didn’t stood out to me amidst dozens of other cdramas that were releasing at the same time.

    However I started watching because almost every c-drama fans I encounter were either raving about Bloody Romance as their current fav, or dropping/putting on hold other dramas they were watching so they can focus on this one. And oh my god, I was floored. This drama was so bloody awesome. I was impressed from the start. The drama intro was gorgeous, the ost fantastic, the story was mad entertaining and the pacing was brisk and assured. It seems like nothing much but this drama is a GEM! And I absolutely adore the two main leads, both were believable and likeable as their characters. Their acting were definitely above average compare to most young actors whom most of the time, has the look but lack the skill and charisma to pull off complex emotional scene. And damn if this drama did not milk all your emotions and feels! It could get pretty dark sometimes but it’s a beautiful kind of darkness that makes you invest in the characters but does not necessarily drain you.

    I also love the cinematography for this drama. I knew from the very first scene with Wan Mei in that 1st episode filmed with the hauntingly beautiful color palette of dark teal and contrasting vibrant red, that we have a director that put a lot of thoughts and effort to frame his shots beautifully just because he loves it. This drama might have a limited budget but it sure did not reflect as such.

    Overall, although it has a few misses and still contain typical plot devices (e.g. lack of communication like proper, functioning adults; frustrating self-sacrificing noble idiocy in later episodes), this drama still exceeded my expectations and is ahead of the curve imo compare to other cdramas showing recently. I heartily recommend it for anyone looking for a good time. Worth a watch.

  6. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    I’ve been gushing about Bloody Romance that I’m afraid another comment will be a repetition. But why would I miss the chance to spazz about this drama one more time here ;-). As I said earlier, this is my crack drama this year and I’m obsessed with it, amidst a few other quality and/or more popular dramas.

    While cinematography is certainly one of the drama’s best aspects (CGI could be improved, but it’s not excessive to the point of being annoying), the strength of Bloody Romance IMO lies on the acting, the acting, the acting of the three main leads — then the musical score, the script (dialogues and how plots are interrelated) and the tight pace. There is barely fillers, flashbacks are used moderately and serves to give effect to particular scenes.

    I can’t stop talking about how impressed I am with Li Yitong in the drama. IMO she successfully delivers Wan Mei’s gradual transition from a naive, cheerful but with survival trait, teenage, to a young woman who is forced to grow up faster due to the nature of her works, to a mature, melancholic lady. [SPOILER] Her acting when Wan Mei loses her voice and can only communicate with eyes and hands, and how Wan Mei is frustrated by that fact is chilling. The way Wan Mei expresses her disappointments and sadness with Chang An makes me teary. And in the final episode when she reminisces the past and thinks aloud of Chang An, shows a Wan Mei who has finally made peace with herself, and should I say, is more self-assured.

    The breakout star of the drama is definitely Qu Chuxiao. His silent acting and expressive eyes have won over the audience. The acting can use a little more polishing, as there are times when I feel like he just goes blank (unlike Li Yitong who is consistent throughout the drama). I hope he will get picked up in other quality dramas, although I know it will be hard to resist idol dramas to secure the way to fame. I read elsewhere he’s under Wu Xiubo’s studio, so there is hope for the quality dramas.

    Wang Duo also pleasantly surprises me. I’m not familiar with his previous works as they are not my cup of tea (I dislike Guo Jingming). But his delivery as the mysterious, multifaceted and calculative Ning Wang (aka Gongzi) is spot on. IMO, the writing for his character is the best of all the three leads. I really like how grey he is. Here it goes — I know we’re all traumatized by Journey of Flower, but I see a lot of similarities between his character and Dong Fang Yu Qin. (I wonder if the scriptwriters were inspired by that). Only while Dong Fang’s everyday cover is a happy go lucky persona, Ning Wang is the typical aloof and arrogant royal.

    The musical score is everything! Despite various impression of the drama, even those who cannot get onboard admit that the opening song is FANTASTIC. Very suitable to the tone of the drama. I can’t get enough of it. I think it’s safe to say that it’s probably one of the best opening song/OST of this year. Tia Ray’s singing is heartbreaking <3 <3 <3.

    And the script! The English sub is veeeeeery slow. When I write this, English sub is only up to ep 25, and still there are some loss in translation. I got from discussions in another forum that the actual meaning in some sentences can be a little different than those in the YT subtitles. While they have been helping tremendously in understanding the plot, the hidden messages and how events are related one to another is the brilliance of the script. I've watched the entire drama in raw, but everytime a previous episode is subbed, I always rewatch it. And each time there is always something new, something that I had missed before, or a reference to the previous events.

    The definite flaws of the drama is the editing. URGH. I read also that some episodes don't seem to flow smoothly as they require CGI, which is costly — and the budget for the drama is very low. TBH I don't really buy that. They were probably running out of time — and like a lot of Mainland dramas, they suffer from rushed editing for the ending. [BIG SPOILER] Now, the ending may not be favorable to many. I won’t lie, I wish for another kind of ending. However, I find it poignant and hopeful at the same time. The director knows how to make such ending that doesn’t feel abrupt. It’s another strength of the drama.

    Would I recommend it? Heck, YES! What do you think I’ve been doing? LOL. I even managed to get a friend who never watched a Chinese drama before, to get addicted to it. (She commented that Chang An looks good starting from ep 4 onward hahahaha!).

    • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

      I have to ask does Wan Mei turn her back on the prince when she finds out about Chang an?

      • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

        Hi Alta, I’m not sure what you meant. Care to elaborate? Throughout the drama, Wan Mei only loves Chang An (and vice versa).

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          Well Lenje, I can understand where Alta’s confusion comes in. The facial expressions of the leading lady never changed for the most part. She had the same placid expression, whether talking to Chang or the Prince. Her behavior was pretty much the same with both men and she never really expressed affection for Chang, except to quiz him. Even that was with an expression more like a social worker testing her patient. She was so stiff and non-responsive. I realize we don’t want someone over acting. That looks fake. Yet, underacting comes across the same way. So, it wouldn’t be hard for someone to get confused about who she cared for or not.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          In my case, I think it’s clear from her expressions that she yearns for Chang An. On the other hand, she looked at the Prince with that ‘regular’ expressions . That’s why I dont understand people who root for the Prince and her

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          Dianna, personally I think it is the excellent acting of the three leads that really show the dynamics of their relationships. If you read the comments in the posts about Bloody Romance (incl. this one), many — I dare say the majority — tend to agree that acting is one of the strengths of this drama. I’m not saying you’re wrong or you are the only one, as it’s very subjective, and I’m sure there are others who share your view.

          As for Alta’s question, I’m still not clear about it, and she hasn’t replied to me yet.

          Oh, and about Wan Mei caring for the Prince. I think she does care about him, but not love. After all, the Prince has saved her a few times. Regardless of his motives, she is indebted to the Prince. But she can’t love him back. And I can tell from Li Yitong’s expressions that Wan Mei often feels uncomfortable with the Prince’s advances towards her.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          She has attachment issues thus failed to see that Chang An is not the only ONE who goes through hell for her. Prince Ning does not go around like chang an to constantly remind her what he has done for her while chang an is constantly reminding her of his good deeds.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          Well, she probably has attachment issue — and IMO to her one and only love. She and Chang An cannot really be separated. They have such strong bond that every time one of them tries to distance his/herself to this other (I lost count), it doesn’t take long before they will find their way to reunite.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          When did Chang An remind her about his good deeds??? The Prince, OTOH, made some advances, forcefully, despite Wan Mei disliking them.

          Anyway, I dont think you need to compare which one has more sacrifice and which one is not. The most important thing is who is the one that Wan Mei loves and picks. You cant force someone to love you just because you (think that you’ve made) bigger sacrifices. That sounds like paying debts. Instead, you choose someone whom you think that you are comfortable with and have things in common, and makes you willing to cooperate together. In this case, that person is Chang An.

  7. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    Uhm, I don’t know, Kappy. Definitely did not expect to like Dark Romance as much as I did. But, my dark horse for this summer was The Guardian. This one is close second and absolute number one for opening theme of the season. The other great opening theme being the one from Story of Yan Xi’s Palace.

    This year there’s a weird trend that the dramas I expect to like are either disappointing, like Fuyao, or meh , like The Rise of Phoenixes (although this one might move up several places of my 2018 chart if I manage to watch it on Netflix with subtitles I can understand). OTOH, dramas I barely knew anything about kept me glued to my laptop, like this one, YanXi and Guardian.

    But, onto the topic at hand, I would recommend this drama to anyone who asks. Even if it’s only to show that a great idea doesn’t really need a lot of money but it definitely benefits from a good cast and a production team with great imagination. I have only nice things to say about the cast – Li Yitong, Qu Chuxiao, Wang Duo all look great, both separately and together. Wang Duo specifically should wear eyeliner all day, every day, I’m so jealous. The theme song is amazing, the colours were strange to me in the beginning but I got used to them very fast. Another thing I really, really liked were the flashback animations – very pretty and also fitting to the overall semi-magical feeling of the drama.

    And lastly, Puff Guo should play b**chy characters more often. I did not expect her to handle it so well, but what do you know – another pleasant surprise.

    In short, if you have the time – watch it.

  8. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    Hmm…what I should say . I watched this because I heard good comments about it. Plus, I like Li Yitong, so I guess I would check her drama. My 1st impressions were it was rather dark and weird, but the fighting scenes were really good. Yes, I agree with people saying that it has a movie quality. As I continue watching, the cinematography is also good. Several scenes looked very pretty, even a simple one. The opening song is indeed beautiful and very touching. It is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a C dramas.

    The story is quite interesting and fast-paced. You should put attention to the dialogues, coz you may miss something important. I need subs, but I’ve watched the raws until 36 and read spoilers etc etc, while coming back to rewatch when new subs come out.

    I agree with people saying that one of the greatest strength of BR is in the acting, especially the main leads. LYT is good in LOCH 2017 and Demon Girl, but she is even better here. And I’m also one of the people saying that the breakout star in this drama is Qu Chuxiao. His Chang An is quite, calm, stoic, reliable, and

  9. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    Sorry, I made mistakes in my previous post. I’ll post my correction here :

    Hmm…what I should say . I watched this because I heard good comments about it. Plus, I like Li Yitong, so I guess I would check her drama. My 1st impressions were it was rather dark and weird, but the fighting scenes were really good. Yes, I agreed with people saying that it had a movie quality. As I continued watching, the cinematography was also good. Several scenes looked very pretty, even a simple one. And, everyone has mentioned about the artistic drawings. They are good.

    The opening song is indeed beautiful and very touching. It is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a C dramas. We’ll have more good songs later, but the opening one is still the best, and it helps a lot to make a scene more emotional and sad. The background music is also good, especially in fighting scenes, which gives you the feeling of watching an epic wuxia.

    The story is quite interesting and fast-paced. You should put attention to the dialogues, coz you may miss something important. Still, there are flaws or somethings are not clear enough, so they becomes topics in discussions. Anyway, I need eng subs, but I’ve watched the raws until 36 and read spoilers etc etc, while coming back to rewatch when new subs come out.

    I agree with people saying that one of the greatest strength of BR is in the acting, especially the main leads. LYT and Qu Chuxiao are good, plus they have great chemistry too. The lack of communications between Wan Mei – Chang An is indeed frustrating, but you can feel their strong love and feeling and yearning toward each other, and that makes you root for them and want to see them happy. I personally dont mind noble idiocies, or perhaps because their acting is good, so I find them touching and sad.

    LYT is good in Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 and Demon Girl, but she is even better here. She delivers the deep complex emotions of Wan Mei, transforming from a naive innocent girl to a more mature one. And I’m also one of those people thinking that the breakout star in this drama is Qu Chuxiao. He manages to portray Chang An who is quite, calm, stoic, smart and reliable, perfectly . The way he clenches his jaws and furrows his eyebrows when he was sad, or stares sadly with eyes brimming with tears, these just really get to you. He is not too handsome and seemed very mature, but perhaps it’s the styling and acting, because I’ve heard that he attended a fan meeting and people were surprised because he looked really young, handsome and fresh.

    Wang Duo as Gong Zhi/Pringce Ning,the 2nd lead guy, is also good. He is tall and handsome and looked more mature than Chang An, while lonely charming and giving helps to our female lead. Perhaps that’s why a lot of viewers root for him. But personally, I found his eyeliners and pale lips makes him looks like a vampire. You see, I prefer a rough simply-styled guy like Chang An than a pretty guy. Anyway, he is good as the charismatic alluring and unpredictable Prince. A special mention goes to Chan Luo, the villainess mistress of the assasins. I forgot the actress name, though. She is annoying and cruel and crazy, but somehow, her acting makes her interesting to watch. Not to mention that she always wears red long dress, which makes her stands out and looks amazing in fighting scenes. She and her Shadow Xing Feng make an interesting pair. Yes, and Puff Kuo is also good as a b*tch.

    Now, about the ending, yes I also wish for a different one, but this one is still better than what I had in mind. It is not as simple as you think, and it gives a hope for a better future. So, in my case, a sequel is a MUST, with the same casts, and the same opening song.

    Will I recommend it to anyone? Yes, I will, although it indeed has flaws and things to be improved here and there. Anyway, understand that this is not everyone’s cup of tea. This has a different vibe compared to popular dramas these days, not pretty and sweet, very dark and rather weird sometimes. Still, it brings me the feeling of watching a wuxia and makes me emotional, because of the love and the hate and the pain and the sacrifices between the main leads (seriously, just by watching Wan Mei-Chang An hugging, I can feel their overwhelming emotions and yearning) .So, just try watching it to know whether you like it or not. Everyone has a different taste.

  10. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    It’s taken me a while to comment because there’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said haha. But this is definitely my favourite Cdrama of the year and I hope more people will watch it once all the eng subs are out!

    The characters each got a chance to shine and felt developed. Loved Chang An, Wan Mei, Gong Zi (well loved and hated for his kindness and manipulation) and Yue Ying. Cha Luo had a tragic past and I felt sorry for her, but really it was herself that chose to become a monster. Xing Feng’s love for her was bittersweet. I think the only characters I really did not care for was the couple from the Xue Lian Sect (seems like their story might’ve been cut short so the few scenes they had felt disconnected from the rest of the drama).

    Li Yi Tong and Qu Chu Xiao were both really great in their roles. LYT has a certain brightness to her that makes Wan Mei likable, and she was continually impressive in key emotional scenes. QCX is not traditionally handsome but was attractive as Chang An. Loved how he could say so much with just his eyes and body language. Wan Mei and Chang An’s relationship had its fair share of ups and down (oh the angst!) yet their love and respect for each other allowed them to overcome the misunderstandings.

    The cinematography and the use of chinese painting style animations for flashbacks and narration scenes are other highlights of this drama. Goes to show how you don’t need big budgets or lots of CGI.

    I also love the music in this drama. The songs (with well-written lyrics) and the instrumentals work really added to the emotional impact of scenes and are lovely to listen to. Left the opening theme playing every time (normally I’d skip it).

    Ended up following the cast on weibo and loved their amusing interactions to promote the drama. Check out the BTS videos if you’re interested in seeing some of their antics away from the seriousness of the drama.

    • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

      I can’t add much to what the fans of BR have already said but this is definitely my most favorite drama of 2018. I loved the graphic novel interludes, the honest emotions between Wan Mei & Chang An. Rarely do mutual feelings of love and attraction get expressed so clearly and openly in any drama.

      One thing I feel the writer should have done was let Chang An find out that the Gong Zi physically assaulted Wan Mei not once but twice and then let him express his rage and protectiveness over her. That was a missed opportunity IMO.

      Can the script / pace be better? of course…but it was still an entertaining and emotional ride.
      My mark of a successful drama is whether or not I cared about the main leads. I definitely cared about WM & CA.

      I REALLY PRAY that they will make a season 2. Chang An needs to finish his story and they deserve a happily ever after.

  11. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    I had my doubts when it began. The role of leading lady seemed to stupid to be accepted. I had difficulty with her lack of expression. Yet….. As the story unfolded, I found myself drawn by the story line. The chemistry between leads definitely could have been better, the female role lack sincerity, but regardless, I couldn’t stop watching. Mixed emotions from anger to love, hate to warmth. I had so hoped for a happy ending. I truly felt by the end, they deserved love in their lives. I still felt the female role could have expressed herself better. There were many times, I was sidelining the story by screaming at Wan Mei to take the initiative and do something. As an example in the finale, Chang is locked up and being tortured cruelly and she’s in her backyard practicing martial arts. I’m saying to myself….if you haven’t mastered it by now, you never will. Why not return the favor and do something for Chang for once. GET HIM OUT OF THERE!!!!! Did the lead female show any type of concern or urgency about the love of her life being tortured? No. Did she show any hostility towards the man who was visibly torturing him as she walked in? No. She just stood there with this blank expression, as if she was waiting for him to finish before she interrupted him. I’m thinking….WTF????? If it had been me and my man dying, I’d climb that creeps back and claw his eyes out, if nothing else. Instead, she’s standing there….waiting for her queue. Regardless, I did enjoy the series and I will watch it again.

    • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

      @Dianna, hence I don’t think Wan Mei truly love Chang An. She is ambitious and did not want to lose her power to gain the leadership to Cha Lou. This is Why I feel she and Gong Zi compliment each. They both thinks the same. They are focused on what they want, which is power and status. Call it what you want but I don’t want to see Chang An and Wan Mei together. Their chemistry doesn’t feel natural to me but I find wan mei’s chemistry with gong zi more fluid and real. I know everyone is rooting for Chang Mei and Chang An to be together but I don’t unless they change the actor who is playing Chang An. Wan Mei and Chang An”s love story felt forced and leading because most of the time Chang An was forcing his way through Wan Mei”s heart. They could be talking about a way to defeat their enemies and he would get romantic out or tacitly wooing her of nowhere which confused her in terms of feelings. she became attached to him and I don’t see how attachment can be translated as ‘love’. Wan Mei and chang an’s romance always looked like it was a forced close friendship than love. Even when he died, they made it look dramatic and sad, but wan mei wasn’t really sad because she lost her love, it was because chang an sacrificed his life for her. She was crying most of the time and wasn’t interested in anything at all except overthrow Cha Luo. she didn’t listen to Chang An when he told her that she will not beat Cha Lou in the match hence she sacrifice Chang an’s life in exchange to achieve her own goal which is to become Gua’s leader.

  12. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    I just finished the drama last night. This was definitely the unexpected hit of the year so far (along with Guardian). For a low budget web drama production it was absolutely amazing. The cinematography, costumes and props were gorgeous and you can tell from the directing that they purposely made it like a movie. The colour palette was muted but fit the story perfectly and made the scenes beautiful. I especially like the use of different colours for each of the leads (Wan Mei red/pink, Gongzi green and Chang An blue)

    The script was tight (even accounting for the plotholes) and the acting was above my expectations for a mostly newcomer cast. It really helps that the script was penned by the author of the novel so it stuck to the book where it could (since like 90% of the book content had to be cut because it cannot be put on screen) and filled in some gaps. It also frustratingly leaves the ending open which although is a little bit better than the unfinished book is still not satisfactory (I just want to see Wan Mei and Chang An together…). I was really hoping the author would just complete the story in this drama to make up for the unfinished book. Wan Mei was likeable as a character but I preferred her in the book where she eventually became a cold hearted assassin (again, could not be put on screen because it would never pass SARFT).

    The use of animation was interesting and worked well to tell all the backstories and progress the story. The editing however was poor at some points and made the flow really choppy but not the worse that I have seen (I still don’t know how I sat through all of Tribes and Emperors…).

    Last but not least, the OST and themesongs is one of the best I have heard in C drama land for a while (although Guardian was amazing too). The themesong kills me every time.

    • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

      So am I! How I wish they will reunite in the end. But Chang An is still alive. They will meet one day, definitely!!

      • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

        Hopefully, they change a new handsome actor to play Chang An in the sequel. Someone befitting 😁, someone less assaulting on the eyes. Being realistic here. I know “nana” indicated that not all girls likes handsome guy – she can speaks for herself. I guess she rather wear a walmart handbag than a Chanel handba. Ummm… How pragmatic and bullshit one can lie about self righteous and integrity.

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          If you don’t like him, then I can’t make you like him. Although a lot of viewers thought him not handsome enough at first, many are won by his acting and charisma. He looks like a servant, a shadow at the beginning, in that he does not stand out as the most shining one. But later we find him more and more attractive. I can’t see who is more suitable for the role. Indeed, many actors are more handsome, but do they have as good acting as Qu Chuxiao and same chemistry with Li Yitong?

        • 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

          How shallow and sad your comment is. Money can’t buy class as your words show. Only QCX should play Chang An. He is a great actor and not in the least “assaulting to the eyes.”

  13. 32 thoughts on “Discussion Post: What do you think of Bloody Romance’s Finale?

    @Jen X, Your comment is hypocritical if I may say so. I speak the truth and the truth as to how normal Human feel. If you are attracted to ugliness that is your choice and I won’t stop you. Don’t judge me for being honest. I find the actor who played Chang An blase and not appealing to the eyes. I think there are plenty of actors out there can do better job than QCX. Again, my opinion. Money certainly cannot buy class but it certainly can dismiss your ignorance.

What do you think?