Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• hotryu16

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  Hey guys, I just finished watching this super secretive, intense, and fast-moving TV series and I have to say, it really caught my interest. It's actually based on a popular novel by Ma Bo Yong, who also wrote "Longest Day in Chang'an" and "Secret of Three Kingdoms". The story takes place in Luoyang during the rule of Wu Zetian, the first female emperor.
  
  The thing that really blew my mind about this series is how the author combines fiction and non-fiction. While the main characters...

  might be made up, a lot of the people and places are real, which adds a whole new layer of intrigue. It's like a big puzzle with all these hidden meanings that keep you guessing. You just have to pay close attention to the background setting and all the clues scattered throughout the show.
  
  The political and family dynamics in this series are insane. After Wu Zetian's husband dies, she takes control and creates her own dynasty, which causes a ton of conflicts with the Li lineage. There are these constant power struggles and you never know who the ultimate villain is. Is it the Li family trying to regain power or Wu's clan trying to solidify their claim to the throne? Or maybe it's someone else entirely? It's like a game of cat and mouse.
  
  The first episode had me feeling a little overwhelmed with all the fast-paced events and crazy camera work. But after that, the show really finds its groove and starts building this engrossing story. While romance isn't the main focus, there are some sweet moments sprinkled throughout. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Baili Hongyi and his wife, as well as Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue.
  
  The acting in this series is top-notch. Huang Xuan really shines in his role, portraying the turmoil of his character with ease. Song Qian also delivers a fantastic performance as Wu Siyue, a righteous and trusted character. And let's not forget about Wang Yibo, who perfectly captures the cold and quiet nature of his character, making him quite lovable.
  
  Overall, this series kept me on the edge of my seat. The attention to detail is incredible, from the costumes to the sets, everything is so well done. However, I do have to admit that the ending fell a bit flat for me. The ultimate villain felt rushed and out of place, which was a bummer. But despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed watching it. It's not perfect, but it's definitely worth a watch if you're into fast-paced, mysterious dramas set in historical times.

• happysong

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 9.5

  This crime drama series features a captivating performance by Wang Yi Bo, whose character stands out since its debut. The storyline is engaging, not shallow, and the chemistry between the three main leads is a treat to watch. The show requires critical thinking and doesn't take any shortcuts, making it a satisfying watch.
  The bromance between Wang Yi Bo and Huang Xuan adds an extra layer of enjoyment, and the props and kungfu scenes are impressive, rivaling other popular Wuxia dramas. Wang Yi Bo's performance...

  in LUOYANG continues to impress after his roles in THE UNTAMED and LEGEND OF FEI, showcasing his talent in costume dramas. Overall, the series is smartly executed, leaving no room for confusion and ensuring that it's a worthwhile investment of your time.

• TinyWill

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 8.5,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 8

  Set in the ancient capital of Wu Zetian's dynasty, the TV series begins with a thrilling assassination and a high-speed chase that sets the stage for a conspiracy-filled plot. The story revolves around three main characters - a mortician, a foodie, and an inner guard - who are drawn together by their intertwined pasts. As they uncover clues and connect seemingly unrelated cases, they form deep friendships and work to unravel a conspiracy that could shake the foundations of the empire. While the friendship dynamic...

  between the trio is a highlight of the series, unnecessary romantic subplots detract from the overall experience. Despite some uneven performances, the chemistry between the main actors is enough to keep audiences engaged.
  
  Although the first two episodes are somewhat chaotic, with excessive camerawork and too much happening at once, the series finds its footing and unfolds at an intense and exciting pace. The backdrop of dazzling sets and colorful costumes adds to the visually captivating experience. The inclusion of historically based side characters further enriches the setting, providing hints of scandalous affairs and intriguing alliances. However, the plot loses momentum in the second half, veering into unnecessary romantic arcs and maudlin flashbacks. The writing of these subplots is lackluster, and many of the additional characters are forgettable and poorly portrayed.
  
  The series reaches a shocking and heartbreaking climax prematurely, leaving later revelations feeling underwhelming and uninspired. The final villain, who was foreshadowed early on, fails to deliver as a mastermind and their motive and end game are poorly explained. The lack of a thrilling final showdown and the inclusion of an unnecessary outcome only add to the disappointment. Despite these setbacks, the series remains highly entertaining and recommended for viewers. However, the disappointing ending brings the final rating down to an average score of . Overall, it stands as one of the better c-dramas of its time.

• sourzhang79

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 8

  Luoyang is a highly anticipated C-drama that delivers on its promises of top-tier content. Directed by Xie Ze, known for his work on Jun Jiu Ling and Legend of Fu Yao, the series boasts impressive production quality. The art direction, set designs, and action choreography are all superb, creating a visually stunning and immersive world. The large number of extras and attention to detail make Luoyang feel like a real city rather than a production set.
  
  The story is set during the interregnum period of the...

  Wu Zhao Dynasty, a part of the Tang Dynasty, and revolves around three individuals whose paths cross during investigations into a mysterious murder case. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the reign of the Empress regnant, Wu Zetian. The plot is complex, fast-paced, and filled with twists, keeping viewers engaged until the climactic ending.
  
  The main characters and their portrayals are standout aspects of Luoyang. Huang Xuan delivers a powerful performance as the gritty investigator Gao Bing Zhu, while Wang Yi Bo shines as the stoic but brilliant engineer Baili Hong Yi. Victoria Song Qian impresses as the strong and relentless Wu Si Yue, the only lead character initially driven by justice and professionalism. The supporting cast also delivers notable performances, particularly Yong Mei as a uniquely refreshing portrayal of Wu Zetian.
  
  Though Luoyang has its strengths, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The camerawork, particularly in action sequences, can be somewhat trippy and inconsistent. The melodramatic aspects of the plot, including a persistent subplot about the FL's brother attempting to marry her off, may not appeal to all viewers. Additionally, there is a character, Liu Ran, who may come across as whiny and annoying due to the writing rather than the performance.
  
  Despite these minor flaws, Luoyang is a must-watch for fans of detective investigation and wuxia themed C-historicals. With its impressive production quality, intriguing plot, and strong performances, it stands out as one of the better C-drama productions of the year. The 40-episode series offers a brisk and intense storytelling experience that is well-suited for binge-watching.

• souran

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  This show is seriously intense and action-packed, but somehow it doesn't overwhelm me. The production value is off the charts, they definitely spent a ton of money on this. The attention to detail blows my mind. The acting is fantastic, Huang Xuan is killing it, I'm so glad he's getting the chance to showcase his talent here. His crying scenes really tug at your heartstrings. Wang Yi Bo is doing a great job too, and he looks incredible. Actually, everyone looks amazing. Huang Xuan and...

  Wang Yi Bo's characters start off with revenge on their minds, but things change as the story progresses. Song Qian is absolutely nailing her role, her character is strong and smart. Her fight scenes are so much fun to watch, and her social status doesn't hold her back from doing what she thinks is right. She actually uses it to her advantage. Song Yi is adorable, and Liu Ran is the best wife Er Lang could ask for. Among the main characters, she definitely has the highest emotional intelligence. She really helps Er Lang with that. It's a shame she's getting unnecessary hate, I get that some of the things she does are questionable, but she's just in love, and love can make people do stupid things. It breaks my heart every time he ignores her. I'm glad Er Lang starts treating her better, she's actually quite understanding. Her character development is really well done. I think their relationship is cute and innocent, while Si Yue and Gao Bing Zhu's relationship is more mature and intense. The main issue between the couples is just a lack of communication, which creates unnecessary problems for them. As for the supporting roles, my favorites are Bai Lang, Shen Fei, Yao Niang, and Yunzhi. I love how they lighten the mood whenever they show up, especially Bai Lang, he's hilarious and makes it look effortless. Shen Fei and Yunzhi both prioritize their masters' (friends') happiness above all else. Shen Fei is always there for Er Lang, no matter how crazy things get. Yao Niang is awesome to watch, I just wish she had more scenes. The empress is so powerful, it's honestly pretty scary. I really didn't like Liu Feng, he was annoying, selfish, and completely useless. I appreciate how everyone is connected in some way, and each character is portrayed really well. The casting choices were spot on, and the chemistry between the cast members is fantastic. The fight scenes are really well choreographed. The characters are complex, they're not easy to figure out. No one is written as dumb, they all have brains and logical thinking. The show moves at a pretty fast pace, but it doesn't mess with the flow of the plot. If anything, it makes it more exciting. I'm constantly excited to see what's going to happen next. The plot is intriguing, captivating, and smart. I love how everyone is trying to outsmart each other. No plot point gets overshadowed by another. There are a few plot holes, but they don't really affect the storytelling.