I Will Never Let You Go (2019): A Tale of Love, Secrets, and a Disappointing Finale
I Will Never Let You Go (also known as Legend of Hua Buqi or 小女花不弃) is a 2019 Chinese historical romance drama that aired from January 8 to March 5, 2019, on Zhejiang TV, iQIYI, Tencent, and Youku. With 51 episodes, this series, adapted from the novel Xiaonv Hua Buqi by Zhuang Zhuang, blends romance, adventure, and martial arts with a touch of fantasy. Starring Ariel Lin as Hua Buqi and Zhang Binbin (Vin Zhang) as Chen Yu, the drama promises a captivating story of love and survival but has sparked mixed reactions due to its execution and polarizing ending. Let’s dive into what makes this drama both enchanting and frustrating.
Plot Overview
The story follows Hua Buqi, a clever and optimistic young woman raised as a beggar by her uncle to conceal her true identity. Despite her impoverished life, Hua Buqi’s sharp business sense and cheerful demeanor shine through. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she’s revealed to be the Divine Maiden, whose blood holds the key to unlocking the legendary Bi Luo Tian treasure, said to grant dominion over the world. This revelation makes her a target for enemies, forcing her to live on the run.
Enter Chen Yu, a masked hero known as the Lotus Robe Knight, who saves Hua Buqi and captures her heart. Unbeknownst to her, Chen Yu is also an ambitious prince with his sights set on the throne. The drama explores themes of love, loyalty, hidden identities, and the cost of ambition, set against a backdrop of martial arts and palace schemes.
The Good: Chemistry, Humor, and Strong Performances
One of the drama’s strongest assets is the chemistry between Ariel Lin and Zhang Binbin. Ariel Lin delivers a stellar performance as Hua Buqi, embodying a character who is witty, resilient, and endearing. Her ability to portray a naïve yet resourceful heroine keeps viewers hooked, even if some felt the character lacked significant growth. Zhang Binbin shines as Chen Yu, balancing the duality of a stern prince and a caring masked hero. Their interactions, filled with playful bickering and heartfelt moments, are a highlight, making their romance feel genuine and engaging.
The supporting cast also adds depth, with memorable performances from actors like Austin Lin as Dongfang Shi and Tiara Huang as Liu Qingwu. The drama’s early episodes are lighthearted and comedic, drawing viewers in with a mix of humor, suspense, and martial arts action reminiscent of classic Hong Kong kung fu dramas. The costumes are vibrant and period-appropriate, enhancing the visual appeal, while the action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting.
The story grabs attention early on, with a shocking opening scene where Hua Buqi’s mother attempts to suffocate her as a newborn, setting the stage for the mystery of her identity. The pacing is solid for the first half, balancing romance, intrigue, and character development, making it binge-worthy for fans of historical dramas.
The Not-So-Good: Pacing and a Rushed Ending
Despite its promising start, I Will Never Let You Go struggles with pacing in the latter half. Around episodes 10–15, the plot loses momentum, dragging through repetitive storylines before picking up again around episode 20, only to slow down once more. Many viewers described the experience as a “rollercoaster for children,” with small build-ups followed by lackluster resolutions.
The most contentious aspect is the ending. Without delving into spoilers, the finale is widely criticized for its abrupt shift in tone from lighthearted to tragic, with multiple character deaths crammed into the last episode. Fans felt cheated by the rushed and ambiguous conclusion, which left key plot points—like the Bi Luo Tian treasure—unresolved. Some speculated that external factors, such as China’s State Administration of Press rules against successful revolts, forced the writers to alter the story, leading to a poorly executed ending. This left many viewers dissatisfied, as the drama’s cheerful tone was overshadowed by unnecessary tragedy.
Additionally, some criticized the lack of depth in certain characters. For instance, Chen Yu’s motivations for his double life as the Lotus Robe Knight are underexplored, and supporting characters like Yun Lang felt unnecessary or poorly developed. Hua Buqi’s character, while charming, was seen by some as overly naïve with minimal growth, which frustrated viewers expecting a more transformative arc.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The drama was directed by Cha Chuen Yee and written by Jin Yuanyuan, with production by Feibao Media. Interestingly, the novel includes a time-travel element where a modern couple falls into ancient times, but the drama omits this, focusing instead on a traditional historical setting. The episode count was expanded from 45 to 51, possibly contributing to the pacing issues. Zhang Binbin and Ariel Lin, despite an 11-year age gap, share palpable chemistry, with Zhang addressing the age difference lightheartedly on Weibo, noting that his mature appearance bridges the gap.
Why Watch It?
The drama excels in its romantic and comedic moments, making it a fun watch for those who enjoy historical romances with martial arts flair. However, be prepared for a frustrating ending that may not live up to the early episodes’ promise. If you’re looking for a light, character-driven story and can overlook pacing issues and a lackluster finale, this drama offers plenty of charm.
Where to Watch
You can stream I Will Never Let You Go with English subtitles on platforms like Viki, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
This drama is a mixed bag—a delightful blend of romance, humor, and action weighed down by inconsistent pacing and a disappointing ending. Ariel Lin and Zhang Binbin’s chemistry makes it a worthwhile watch, but don’t expect a fully satisfying resolution. Have you watched I Will Never Let You Go? What did you think of the ending? Share your thoughts below!