(may contain spoilers)
Douban rating: 7.6
Director: Barbara Ott, Maximilian Erlenwein
Starring: Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan
Douban Comments: “I feel like Sisi looks prettier this season than in the first one, maybe it’s the costumes and styling? At first, I didn’t really like the way the script skipped over so many details. For example, the gap between the end of season one and the start of season two felt abrupt. But once Sisi returned to Bavaria, I started to get used to this style. After that, even if there were skips, the story flowed better.
Compared to the first season, this one stirred up a lot more emotional resonance. Both the lead actors did an amazing job. Maybe it takes intense conflict to truly bring these historical figures to life and make them feel real. When Sophie told Sisi, “I didn’t expect you to become a true Habsburg member,” it was both heartbreaking and hopeless.
I had read Franz’s biography before, so while watching this season I kept going back to my notes. The more I watched, the sadder I felt, seeing the Habsburg dynasty step by step heading toward its downfall.”
“Why does it feel like I’m the only one who thinks season two isn’t as good as the first? I cried again when I saw Sisi giving birth.
I think the reason I don’t like this season as much is because it feels like the whole country can’t function without Sisi. Also, the male lead is portrayed as almost too perfect; his only flaw is being weak, yet somehow he really does love Sisi. As for the second male lead, it looks like he has no chance now.”
“The plot in season two feels a bit fragmented, but overall it’s still good, whether it’s costumes, sets, or locations. The female lead looks slimmer than in season one, which actually fits the storyline here. She radiates a mix of resilience and fragility, gentleness and bravery, a true maternal glow.
The young couple goes through ups and downs, but they’re still very sweet together. Can’t wait for season three! By the way, the real “CP” might actually be the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law: when the man’s around, they clash constantly; when he’s gone, they lean on each other, haha.
The only thing I really don’t get is why Elisabeth always feels Franz doesn’t love her… such unnecessary heartbreak!”
”It’s been a long time since I’ve watched such a captivating series. The storyline is so well-crafted, with a thoughtful exploration of love, family, and the fate of both individuals and the nation. The relationship between Elisabeth and Sophie is especially striking, something worth revisiting and reflecting on again and again.“
”At the end of season one, I thought they were holding back something big for season two. But after watching it, I feel like it still didn’t deliver, the story feels too shallow. That said, the cinematography, visuals, and scenery are as beautiful as ever, and that alone deserves an extra star. Throughout the whole season, the one I pitied most was Franz. Now it looks like we’ll have to wait for season three. Can’t they just make a few more episodes?“
”Sisi’s acting was so moving, her tears drew out my own. I especially loved the mother-daughter scenes, and I can’t help but suspect they were directed by a woman. The storytelling is tight and smooth, the emotions genuine and powerful, the cinematography elegant and disciplined, truly a high-quality drama.“
”Compared with season one, the overall quality has improved a lot, it’s really enjoyable. The actress playing Sisi looks thinner now, while the actor playing Franz delivers a very immersive performance.
Whether rich or poor, at the top or the bottom, everyone struggles in the whirlpool of history and fate. Yet at each turning point, both in personal life and in the destiny of a nation, the choices made, and the outcomes they lead to, still reveal a deeper truth about justice.“
