The Prisoner of Beauty just aired it final episode few days ago and I have to review it. The drama stars Liu Yuning and Song Zuer. The Prisoner Of Beauty was on the shelve for years due to Song Zuer‘s tax scandal. Luckily, she was finally cleared, and we got the drama! Exciting, isn’t it?
I still can’t believe we nearly missed this masterpiece of a drama. Let’s start with the review, you’ll understand why I say it’s a Masterpiece.
First Impressions on The Prisoner OF Beauty
First things first, the first five episodes. This is a tradition if you’ve been reading my reviews for years. I watch the first five episodes before I can decide whether I continue with the drama or drop it. But for this drama, I can even extend the episodes to ten.
First time seeing this drama, I was confused with the first 20-25 minutes. I didn’t really revisit the drama synopsis, I just jumped on it the day it aired.I was still trying to figure out what was happening. Liu Yuning was also being the same Liu Yuning we know in costume dramas. You know, ruthless, hungry for revenge, untamed and feared.
But it was after they sent Manman to Panyi, I started to fully grasp the storyline and it’s direction. If you want to know more about the synopsis or drama details, I have a post right here. The first five episodes were all about Manman and Wei Shao being stubborn. They were going back and forth, each fighting for their clan. Which is what made grab a cup of coffee and relax.
The Prisoner OF Beauty The storyline
The Prisoner Of Beauty has a good storyline. I’d even say the best storyline of 2025 so far. If you disagree, name a drama with a better storyline.The story focuses more on revenge, war, romance. I loved how they layered the events together. They even paved a way for the ending.
You have this guy who’s ruthless and feared. He goes into an arranged marriage with the daughter of the Qiao clan, his sworn enemies. His blood boils when he sees people from the Qiao clan. Manman, on the other side is also stubborn, fearless. But more importantly, she is so understanding and selfless.
When they collide, it’s like a bull fight. Until they realised, nah… we might be enemies, but this person isn’t a bad person. We both care for the people, we both have the same goal (water canals). Why don’t we just marry for the sake of the people.
This is where we get more characters in the story, setting up for the upcoming plots. The reunion of the two nations and the building of water canals invited enemies. It was no longer a fight between Manman and Wei Shao. It was Manman and Wei Shao versus the opposers.
But here’s the best part, none of them lowered their guard down. They were suspicious of each other, but still understood each other. I would say the best part about the storyline was the relationship between Manman and Wei Shao. They didn’t rush to make the two fall in love and forget about revenge. They used “serving people” and the opposers as magnets to bring the two together.
I thought things would go south after they got along, but I thought wrong. The story got more interesting and fun. The couple rarely had any misunderstandings. I don’t like watching ongoing dramas, but I was upto date with this one. Each episode was the fire. But, I have a complaint, I’ll discuss it when I discuss the ending.
The characters
I have watched 197 Chinese dramad so far, since 2018 till 2025. I never watched Song Zuer in action. It was my first time watching her and I loved her character as Manman. I loved how she was a bit different from most female characters who like to play cute in front of the most feared characters, such as Wei Shao.
There are some parts where she failed to portray certain emotions. Like when she acted drunk, it wasn’t good nor convincing. Besides that, I’m impressed by the character she portrayed. I love Manman because she was courageous, fearless, understanding, loyal, smart and stubborn. She proved you don’t need to fight to win a fight.
I won’t talk much about Wei Shao. If you watched Liu Yuning’s costume / historical dramas, you already know the character he plays. I’m just surprised he ended his dying streak. I also have to say I’ve been his fan for years, as an actor and singer. I’m happy he’s getting more recognition.
The Prisoner Of Beauty Ending
The Prisoner of Beauty has a happy ending, but with an emotional final battle. But I’m not satisfied with the ending.
I have a complaint about Wei Liang. I completely understand the reason behind Bi Zhi’s switch, but was Wei Liang’s part necessary? There are other ways to add fuel to the fire without touching Wei Liang. They needed a catalyst to start the war, but Wei Liang shouldn’t have been one. But I guess, their plan worked because I’m here complaining and getting emotional about it.
The Prisoner OF Beauty Review Conclusion
I had fun watching The Prisoner Of Beauty. I’m happy this drama wasn’t shelved permanently. It was a rollercoaster ride of laughter, slow-burning romance, war, brotherhood, and even tragedy and sadness. I totally recommend it, I’m going to rewatch it again.
