My review of Joy of Life 2
The much-anticipated sequel to Joy of Life finally had its broadcast this year, and it picked up exactly where the first series left off. When Fan Xian returns to Southern Qing after a successful trip to Northern Qi, he immediately faces an assassination attempt by the Second Prince. Although he survives, this is just the beginning of the challenges and dangers that await him.
I really think, perhaps controversially, that the second series is even better than the first!
JoL2 has all the humour and warmth of JoL2 (seriously, it's still so funny), but it also has a darker overall tone. Fan Xian's experiences have shown us that this is an uglier and more dangerous world than we had originally thought. Characters are showing their true colours as their plans and motivations unravel.
We also see an angrier and less trusting Fan Xian. Not everything goes his way anymore. We realize that there are characters who can outwit him, and there are characters that have something to teach him. But that's what I find so exciting about JoL2 -- these newfound challenges raise the stakes and allow Fan Xian to grow as a character.
And at the heart of these challenges lies the fact that Fan Xian is a hopeful and principled person who can't ignore his vision for a fairer and better world. There are easier paths available to him but he refuses to give into his cynical surroundings.
It's true that JoL2 has a bit of a slow start. I'd say the pace and excitement picks up again towards the end of episode 3. But 3 slower episodes on the front end really isn't much to complain about. Remember that JoL1 had a slow start too, but those episodes served a purpose and they were 100% worth watching.
There are characters from JoL1 that will leave an even deeper impression on you in JoL2. For me, one of those characters was Lin Ruofu, and another one was the Crown Prince - for very different reasons. And, of course, the Emperor.
There are also new characters who are loveable and hilarious, including the Grand Princess of Northern Qi, the Eldest Prince of Southern Qing, and Deng Ziyue.
The cast chemistry in JoL2 is so good, you guys!! There are scenes where the actors' rhythms and energies come together so perfectly (whether it's comedic timing or dramatic buildup) and you just want to watch them over and over again.
I also think Zhang Ruoyun has improved as an actor. I know his original Fan Xian was already beloved and critically acclaimed, but he has continued to mature as an actor in the past few years. This time around, his performance as Fan Xian is simultaneously more explosive and more nuanced. There's much more happening in the details of his acting now.
To me, Li Qin as Lin Wan'er felt a bit like a weak link in a sea of outstanding performances. Compared to some of the others, she just felt less natural in her character. She's an excellent actress so this probably just isn't her best, and she still has several scenes where she makes a strong impression.
It took me a while to get used to the recasting of Yan Bingyun. I understand why it happened (Xiao Zhan's career skyrocketed after he filmed JoL1) but the new actor (Wu Xingjian) took a different approach that I didn't think was an upgrade. The new Yan Bingyun feels like a flatter and more transparent character, but that does also make sense in a way. In any case, Wu Xingjian still delivered in key scenes.
Through the lens of history (if you can call the setting history?), this drama touches on a range of themes and topics that remain relevant today. Fan Xian is not a saint but he's an admirable character by the standards of any society and he's the type of hero that every society needs.
If you've made it to this point in the review without having watched JoL1: I think you do need to watch the first series for the second series to make sense. But both series are amazing (like I truly believe they are among the best of the best of cdramas) and it will absolutely be worth your time. Run, don't walk!