Love Like the Galaxy (2022): A Stellar Romance Worth Watching
Love Like the Galaxy (2022) is a captivating Chinese historical romance drama that blends love, mystery, and personal growth against a backdrop of war and political intrigue. Starring Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi, this 56-episode series, split into two parts, premiered on July 5, 2022, and has won hearts globally with its compelling story and stellar performances. It seems likely that fans of historical dramas will find its rich narrative and emotional depth highly engaging, though some viewers note pacing issues in later episodes.
Key Points
Engaging Story: Follows Cheng Shao Shang, a resilient woman, and Ling Bu Yi, a secretive general, as they uncover truths and fall in love.
Critical Acclaim: Rated 8.9/10 on MyDramaList and 8.3/10 on IMDb, with awards like Tencent’s Drama of the Year.
Minor Critiques: Some find the pacing slow in Part 2 and criticize repetitive conflicts.
Why It Stands Out
The drama’s strength lies in its slow-burn romance and complex characters. The historical setting, inspired by the novel Xing Han Can Lan by Guan Xin Ze Luan, immerses viewers in a world of lavish costumes and intricate court dynamics.
Should You Watch?
If you enjoy epic romances like The Story of Ming Lan or Eternal Love, this drama is a great fit. Its blend of humor, heartbreak, and mystery makes it a binge-worthy experience, though patience is needed for its 56 episodes. Stream it on Viki or WeTV.
Directed by Fei Zhenxiang and adapted from Guan Xin Ze Luan’s novel Xing Han Can Lan, Xing Shen Zhi Zai, this 56-episode series stars Wu Lei as Ling Bu Yi and Zhao Lusi as Cheng Shao Shang. Split into two parts—Part 1 premiering on July 5, 2022, and Part 2 on July 27, 2022—it aired on Tencent Video, iQiyi, and WeTV, earning accolades like the Tencent Online Video Golden Goose Honor for Drama of the Year. With its intricate plot, stunning visuals, and emotional depth, it’s a standout in the historical drama genre, though not without minor flaws.
Plot Overview
Set in a fictional ancient dynasty, the drama follows Cheng Shao Shang, a young woman abandoned by her parents during wartime and raised by her manipulative aunt and neglectful grandmother. To survive constant mistreatment, Shao Shang develops sharp wits and a guarded heart, masking her intelligence with feigned ignorance. When her parents, Cheng Shi (Guo Tao) and Xiao Yuan Yi (Zeng Li), return, she hopes for familial warmth, but years of estrangement create tension and misunderstanding.
Enter Ling Bu Yi, the foster son of Emperor Wen and a formidable general of the Black Armour Army, who harbors a secret mission to uncover the truth behind his clan’s massacre. During a mission in Shao Shang’s rural village, he’s drawn to her audacious spirit and quick thinking. Despite her warning that she’s stubborn and independent—hardly the “obedient” wife of a general—Bu Yi falls for her at first sight. Their paths converge as they navigate court politics, family drama, and a love triangle with Yuan Shen (Li Yunrui) and Lou Yao (Zhao Ke). Together, they unravel Bu Yi’s past while forging a bond that defies societal norms, blending romance, mystery, and personal growth.
Main Characters
Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
Cheng Shao Shang | Zhao Lusi | A resilient, pragmatic woman with trust issues due to childhood neglect. Her wit and independence drive her journey of self-discovery. |
Ling Bu Yi | Wu Lei | A talented, secretive general seeking justice for his clan’s massacre. His stoic exterior hides a tender heart drawn to Shao Shang. |
Supporting characters, like the scheming aunt Ge Shi (Cao Xiwen) and the wise Yuan Shen, enrich the narrative, though some, like Lou Yao, feel underdeveloped in Part 2.
Themes Explored
The drama weaves a tapestry of themes that resonate deeply:
Romantic Relationship: The slow-burn romance between Shao Shang and Bu Yi is rooted in mutual respect, overcoming trust issues and secrets. Their chemistry, praised on MyDramaList, shines in tender moments like the lantern festival in episode 7.
Family Dynamics: Shao Shang’s strained relationship with her parents explores estrangement, reconciliation, and the scars of neglect, grounding the drama in emotional realism.
Revenge and Forgiveness: Bu Yi’s quest for justice evolves into a journey of forgiveness, adding moral complexity.
Childhood Trauma: Both leads grapple with past wounds, making their growth relatable and poignant.
Political Intrigue: Court conspiracies and power struggles provide tension, though the focus remains on family and romance.
Friendship and Comedy: Light-hearted banter and friendships, like Shao Shang’s bond with Cheng Yang (Xu Jiao), balance the heavier themes, though Part 2 leans less on humor.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Compelling Leads: Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei deliver nuanced performances, with Zhao’s micro-expressions and Wu’s stoic-to-tender shift earning praise on IMDb.
Cinematography: Stunning wide shots and immersive tracking, like the one-long take in episode 7, create a visually rich experience, per MyDramaList reviews.
Emotional Depth: The blend of romance, family drama, and mystery keeps viewers invested, with a satisfying, if bittersweet, resolution.
Weaknesses:
Pacing Issues: Part 2’s 20–25 episodes feel draggy, with repetitive conflicts and filler scenes, as noted in IMDb reviews.
Repetitive Antagonists: Multiple characters opposing Shao Shang repeat similar schemes, frustrating some viewers, per MyDramaList.
Underdeveloped Romance: The love story, while strong, loses focus in Part 2, and the lack of a wedding scene disappoints fans expecting closure.
Reception and Impact
Love Like the Galaxy has been a global hit, amassing top viewership on WeTV, including the #1 spot for costume dramas in 2022 and the most popular Chinese series globally and in Thailand, per MyDramaList discussions. It holds an 8.9/10 rating from 25,596 users on MyDramaList, ranking #90, and an 8.3/10 from over 100,000 users on IMDb, reflecting its widespread appeal.
Fans praise the acting, with Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei lauded for their emotional depth and chemistry, and the cinematography for its immersive quality. However, some criticize the pacing, noting that the 56-episode run includes “unnecessary” episodes, and others find Shao Shang’s grudge-holding or Bu Yi’s revenge obsession repetitive. Despite these critiques, the drama’s emotional payoff and cultural resonance—evoking comparisons to The Story of Ming Lan—cement its status as a 2022 favorite.
Awards and Recognition
Award | Recipient | Source |
|---|---|---|
Tencent Business Breakthrough Award (Q3) | Love Like the Galaxy | MyDramaList |
Tencent Golden Goose: Drama of the Year | Love Like the Galaxy | MyDramaList |
Outstanding Producer of the Year | Li Xing | MyDramaList |
Outstanding Director of the Year | Fei Zhenxiang | MyDramaList |
Outstanding Actor of the Year (Weibo Summit) | Zhao Lusi | IMDb |
Should You Watch It?
Love Like the Galaxy is a must-watch for fans of historical romances like The Story of Ming Lan or Eternal Love. Its rich storytelling, complex characters, and emotional depth make it ideal for viewers who enjoy slow-burn romances and family dramas. However, its 56-episode length and pacing issues in Part 2 may test patience, particularly for those who prefer concise narratives like K-dramas’ 16-episode format. If you’re drawn to Zhao Lusi’s vibrant performance or Wu Lei’s brooding intensity, it’s a rewarding binge. Stream it on Viki, WeTV, or YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Love Like the Galaxy is a stellar drama that shines through its heartfelt romance, intricate family dynamics, and breathtaking visuals. As one IMDb reviewer noted, “Prepare to laugh and cry—this drama is quality in a bottle.” Whether you’re a seasoned C-drama fan or a newcomer, this galactic love story is an unforgettable journey worth taking.
Have you watched Love Like the Galaxy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Key Citations
Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1 on MyDramaList
Love Like the Galaxy on Viki
Love Like the Galaxy on Wikipedia
Love Like the Galaxy on IMDb
Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 on MyDramaList
Love Like the Galaxy on DramaWiki
Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 Review on MyDramaList
Love Like the Galaxy 3 Highlight of the New Cdrama Love Like the Galaxy on Newhanfu
[Love Like the Galaxy Achievements on MyDramaList](https://mydramalist.com -addicts.com/Love_Like_the_Galaxy)
Love Like the Galaxy Awards on IMDb
BTS: Drama Scene Award on WeTV
Age-gap in Love Like the Galaxy on Viki Discussions
Love Like the Galaxy on OnDemandChina