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Hangsa Khla Brahear Chnkbat | Jiu Liu Overlord (2020) Chinese Drama Review
Introduction
Jiu Liu Overlord (九流霸主), starring Bai Lu and Lai Yi, is a 2020 historical
rom-com that blends martial arts, business rivalry, and political intrigue in
late-Tang Dynasty China. This underrated gem offers a refreshing mix of witty
banter, clever scheming, and slow-burn romance, standing out from typical
costume dramas with its unique focus on merchant class struggles.
Plot & Storytelling (4/5)
The story follows two polar opposites:
- Long
Ao Yi (Bai Lu) - The cunning, street-smart leader of the
commoners' "Jiu Liu" gang
- Li
Qing Liu (Lai Yi) - The aristocratic silk tycoon with a hidden
compassionate side
When a counterfeit silk conspiracy embroils both their
worlds, they form an uneasy alliance that gradually deepens into mutual respect
and love. The drama excels at balancing:
✔ Business
rivalries (intricate silk trade schemes)
✔ Class
commentary (nobility vs. commoners)
✔ Mystery
elements (a central conspiracy plot)
While the 36-episode runtime causes some pacing issues in
the middle, the story maintains momentum through well-timed reveals and
character growth.
Characters & Performances (4.5/5)
- Bai
Lu delivers a star-making performance as the fiery, resourceful
gang leader, showcasing perfect comedic timing and emotional depth
- Lai
Yi complements her beautifully as the seemingly cold businessman
whose layers gradually unfold
- Their chemistry evolves
naturally from bickering partners to devoted allies, with particularly
memorable scenes involving:
- Disguise
antics
- Drunken
confessions
- Life-or-death
rescues
The supporting cast adds richness, especially:
- The
loyal gang members (providing comic relief)
- The
complex villain (more nuanced than typical period drama antagonists)
Production Value (4/5)
The drama shines in:
- Costume
design: Distinct looks for both leads that evolve with their
relationship
- Set
pieces: Vibrant marketplace scenes vs. elegant noble estates
- Action
choreography: Bai Lu's character gets particularly dynamic fight
sequences
While not as lavish as big-budget productions, the attention
to historical merchant culture makes it visually distinctive.
Themes & Appeal
Beyond romance, the drama explores:
- Social
inequality through the silk trade conflicts
- Female
empowerment via Long Ao Yi's leadership
- Redemption
arcs for several characters
The blend of humor (disguise gags, drunken
mishaps) and emotional moments (betrayals, sacrifices) creates
a satisfying tonal balance.
Weaknesses
- Some repetitive
scheming in mid-episodes
- A
few underdeveloped side romances
- The finale feels
slightly rushed
Final Verdict (8.5/10)
Jiu Liu Overlord is a delightfully
different historical drama that combines smart storytelling with
irresistible chemistry. While it may not have the epic scale of Nirvana
in Fire or the fluffiness of The Romance of Tiger and Rose,
its unique focus on merchant class dynamics and Bai Lu's standout performance
make it a must-watch for fans of:
- Strong
female leads
- Enemies-to-lovers
tropes
- Historical
settings with a business twist
Best For Viewers Who Enjoyed: The Sword and
the Brocade, Song of Glory
Where to Watch: Tencent Video, Viki
Final Thought: This is the perfect drama for
those seeking a historical romance with more brains than typical idol fare, but
less heaviness than political epics. The leads' sparkling chemistry will leave
you grinning long after the credits roll.