The Double (2024)

One of the best revenge dramas so far

This is without a doubt one of the best revenge dramas I've ever watched so far. The story and plot made sense and I felt that it was all tied up together nicely until the end and was not being led sideways to make way for romance towards the end, like some dramas wont to do. I love that they stick to both the revenge of Xue Fangfei and Jiang Li and resolve for them both by the end. It was so satisfying. The only nitpick I have with the plot is the many sexual violence theme they incorporate in the storyline (guess that's why Netflix has those and substance as warning lol). I was quite wary of watching this in public seeing as those sexual violence scenes can sometimes jump at you out of nowhere. lol. The plot was so captivating for the first 2 quarters of it, I literally watched 16episodes in one sitting! and that's because I need to stop for work. It does get quite slow and draggy in the third quarter during the arc of saving Magistrate Xue but picks up again during the last quarter until the end. All in all, it was a gripping plot that can definitely kept you watching. The story was definitely a not feel good drama, as it carries some very hard and serious themes, but I like that they tried to sprinkle some humor as well here and there to lighten up the plot, like Xiao Heng's two sidekicks and Xiao Heng being bossed around by his grandfather after he saved Fangfei towards the end. Not much, but I guess it will do. lol. The ending seems quite rushed and I felt robbed, but after watching the 5mins fan service added scenes of XFF and XH living happily together with a daughter, I felt like maybe if they include those scenes in the main drama, it doesn't quite match the whole feelings of the drama. But, do they have to kill both Lu Ji and Wen Ji at the end though???! Hmpppphhhh so mean! Those two were just sidekicks, leave them alone! haha

At first, I think this is my first drama of the ML, but scrolling through his works, he's also in One and Only which I'd already watched previously, but I don't recognize him in that drama. Seeing as he is only 22yo, I'd say, he did superb being paired with someone as seasoned as WJY. He doesn't appear to be that much younger than her in his acting, despite the 10+ years gap. So, kudos. his chemistry with the FL was also quite good, despite having to act as someone who is ruthless and aloof at first. The thing I applaud this drama is, they have very good villains. Be it the small villains like Magistrate Feng or Governor Tong (whose acting were so convincing I really felt like slapping them both silly!)or big villains such as Shen Yurong and Wanning, and to a lesser extend, Chancellor Li and Prince Cheng. All of the big villains had a story behind them, and there's layers to them being that way that somehow even though you want to kill them yourselves, but you also felt some pity. Shen Yurong is such a pitiful character, having to turn into such a despicable man because he was weak to stand against the higher power. Being humiliated here and there and then being cajoled back with the ideas of being loved by the same person is torturing in a way, I guess no wonder he turned into a madman in the end. Wanning character is also another great villain, so psychotic and a madwoman, but end up also a pitiful woman hardened by what she went through. But what sets them apart from XFF I guess, despite having to go through such a traumatic fate in life, XFF choose the high path and never step on other innocent people's heads in order to exact revenge while these villains lost their heart after the torture they went through. Some of the villains, like Ji Shuran, was a different kind of villain, like a wolf in a sheepskin, acting all demure and loving but backstabbing (though the actress was beautiful despite the age. haha)

Costumes were sooo beautiful especially for XFF and Duke Su and the makeup for formal palace event was a stand out (not sure which era this was, but I don't think I'd seen it in dramas before. OST was nice enough, but doesn't make me went out to find them in YouTube. A rewatch is low though owing to the fact that this is such a heavy story and I felt like watching once is gripping but more than enough. lol. A recommended watch though for first timer like me!

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One of the best dramas to be released in 2024

I loved the Double i think it’s definitely one of the best dramas that have been relased this year so far. The story, acting, cinematography was simply beautiful and extraordinary. I applaud the actors, especially the actress that played princess wanning and the actor playing Shen yu rong. They slayed, devoured their roles really well, showcasing just how villainous and unredeemable their characters were. Additionally, I really liked the pacing of the double i never felt bored throughout as it was very engaging. Despite how good it was, i think i would given it higher than 8 if the execution of the deaths of the characters were carried out properly as it wasn’t that satisfactory seeing how villains died by their own hands also would’ve preferred if the ending of the story wasn’t so rushed. Even so, i really enjoyed this drama and reccomend to anyone who wants to watch.

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One lady, two revenge - a perfect summer drama!

This drama hooked my attention from episode-1. What a thrilling beginning! Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue deliver stellar performances as the leads, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.

The story development and different arcs of Jiang Li's struggle held a tight grip.

While the pacing falters somewhere in the middle in the Huixiang arc, I liked how it grabbed it again with the Xue Fangfei's revenge arc. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable but personally I'm not a fan of slow burn romance. The candles and curtains need to paid less in the show. lol

I liked the CGI and music of the intro song. Beautifully expressed, seasoned with the hairpin highlight. It makes me want to buy one. The costumes were elegant.

A bit disappointed with Jiang Li's hairstyle, as I like her hairs fully down but I am much satisfied with the right hairstyle of Duke Su. His costume was also eye-catching.

Wanning did just to the role by making her hate for her deeds and feeling pity at her past. Never imagined that I would feel bad at her death.

The ending was a bit rushed. Shen Yurong died and after that Duke Su went to fight again. Xue Fangfei married him, waited for him and again they met after he achieving the victory. Everything was just done in 30 minutes. Although there are after scenes, they didn't well smooth with the plot. In the Huixiang arc, I felt it was slow paced and the mine scenes, the famine scenes and rescue shots were just elongated while nothing bringing much to the table.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot. I loved the female lead and her bravery. She's too smart and daring. Such a darling to remember her promise and first sought justice for Jiang Li and rebuilt her relations with her family. The direction, costumes, music and acting were just on point.

Will surely recommend to you. Hands down the best 2024 revenge drama.

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What a ride

Wow, is all I can say. From the very beginning, the drama has caught my attention. I started this drama because of Wang Xing Yue, but I stayed for the ENTIRE cast.

Let me start off with the most memorable actors and actresses in this drama. EVERYONE did an AMAZING job! The casting was perfect.

Wang Xing Yue
Where do I even start. I fell in love with him in First Love with Tian Xi Wei and I have watched his other historical dramas, but I didn't think it was up to par to what he can do as an actor, but this one, it just blew me away. He did a fantastic job as Xiao Heng. He is so young, but he surely can act and portrayed a very compelling character. Xiao Heng was a complex person with a sad background, but he stood by the emperor and fought for Great Yan. I loved his relationship with the emperor as well. He is loyal to the emperor, Great Yan, his people, and Xue Fang Fei. I was happy that he was able to resolved his sadness and let go of his pain.

Xue Fang Fei/Jiang Li
I have never seen any of Wu Jin Yan's dramas before but she did an amazing job playing two characters. As Xue Fang Fei, she was killed by her own husband who she had trusted. As Xue Fang Fei she was naive and innocent. She portrayed Xue Fang Fei fairly well, even though we didn't see much of her as Xue Fang Fei. I loved how strong she was to stand up when she was at the lowest point of her life. As Jiang Li, she stood up for the injustice and used her noble status for the greater good. As Jiang Li, she learned how to be strong and vicious, but not to be too greedy. When she first became Jiang Li, she was still naive, but as she spent more time with Xiao Heng, she learned how to stand and scheme against others. I loved her as Jiang Li. She did an amazing job in clearing the real Jiang Li's name and give her the justice that she deserved. She had lost a lot along the way, but I feel that what she lost, made her stronger.

Real Jiang Li
Yang Chao Yue did an amazing job playing the real Jiang Li. Her scenes were little, but I feel that she put her all into the character. The real Jiang Li has a very sad life and I was glad that through Xue Fang Fei, she was able to move on peacefully.

Wen Ji and Lu Ji
The two actors that portrayed them did such an amazing job that I am looking forward to seeing them in more dramas. Wen Ji brought comedic relief at the right time and Lu Ji was the trusted partner who was serious. I hated how they both ended up dying because we needed the three musketeers together. There's no Xiao Heng without Lu Ji and Wen Ji.

Shen Yu Rong
The actor that played Shen Yu Rong, I have no words for him. He portrayed Shen Yu Rong so well. He was tormented by Xue Fang Fei and it showed how conflicted he is when he first saw Xue Fang Fei/Jiang Li. As the show progressed, we saw his greediness and how it destroyed him. Yes, the princess was the cause of his demise, but he made those choices. He was just pure evil. He turned his back not only on Xue Fang Fei but on Princess Wanning too. His obsession with protecting his mother and sister and climbing the ranks caused him to lose everything at the end. I did not feel bad for him one bit. He got what he deserved. He was a coward to the bitter end. Taking his life was the easy way out.

Princess Wanning
Li Meng (I just learned her name) portrayed this character so well. Princess Wanning was a psychopath that was created the moment she was sent to Dai Country. Her past was so sad that I felt sorry for her, but it does not excuse what she did. She killed so many people along the way to help her brother with the uprising. I have to say though, I adored Li Meng. I am looking forward to more of her as the female lead. She was just a pawn that was used not only by her father, but her brother and her most beloved as well. She has only loved Shen Yu Rong even when he betrayed her. She was willing to die for him.

Ji Shu Ran
Joe Chen. What can I say about her? She's a veteran. I have loved her from the very beginning and she just made me fall in love with her all over again. Portraying Ji Shu Ran was something I would have never guessed that the sweet Joe Chen would ever do I hated Ji Shu Ran to the core. Joe Chen playing the evil stepmother was something new and it gave me a new appreciation for her. I feel that Ji Shu Ran deserves more than what happened to her, but I am satisfied that she can no longer hurt Jiang Li and Jiang Ruyao.

Of course, every single person in this drama did an AMAZING job. But the ones that I mentioned, I have found new appreciation for them all.

As for the plot, it's the same when it comes to historical dramas. Political issues, revenge, and overthrowing the current emperor. So, it's not something different. However, I did enjoy the storyline.

I have this an 8.5 rating because of the last couple episodes. Not going to lie, I feel like they rushed the entire ending. They should have spent more than the last 5 episodes on building up the uprising. All of the rebel died so easily. They should have added more episodes or taken out some other plots.

The ending did not live up the beginning and that was the biggest reason why I rate it how I did. Don't get me wrong, those who deserved to die did die, but I felt that by killing off Wen Ji, Lu Ji, and Tong'er was not necessary. I feel that both Xiao Heng and Xue Fang Fei/Jiang Li needed them by their side. When those three are by their side, they are better.

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100% Worth Watching

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 65%
Romance - 25%
Misc comedy - 10%

Background plot - Excellent
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Meh

Basically, the main's acting/cast and story were excellent. The direction was pretty good. The production values, music, set design, etc. were just mid.

This is one of those rare dramas where the production values didn't do justice to the acting and the story. Usually, it's the other way around.

I've seen Wang Xing Yue in other dramas, but this is my first time watching anything where he's the ML. This role suited him perfectly. Even though he wasn't the primary focus of the story, I couldn't imagine anyone else in his role.

The FL was new to me and she did a great job carrying the show. I appreciated her range and steady, thoughtful performance. Her chemistry with Wang Xing Yue was pretty good, though romance seemed to be secondary to her revenge plots, which usually would've irritated me (I watch Cdramas for the romance) but I actually enjoyed this story more than I thought I would.

THE STORY: If you like revenge stories, this show is for you. The story was the best part of this drama, which is why it's such a same the production values didn't match the potential of the story. I plan to look up all the other scripts written by this author and try to watch them.

Overall, I highly recommend this show. I did fast forward sometimes, but not nearly as much as I do with most CDramas. Very little filler, engaging story, great acting, mid-production values.

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Revenge drama done exceptionally well!

PLOT-
This drama was engaging from the get-go and remained that throughout. The plot and characters just hooked me, there wasn't a single scene where I felt like skipping, It was interesting how it started with Xue Fang Fei's revenge story mainly but if looked closely, almost every character was on their journey for revenge in some way or the other which made the show even more colourful. They showed how revenge and power can take people in so many different directions, the same ambitions can lead you anywhere because, at the end of the day, it all depends on your choices. The show never dragged for me. The beginning, the middle and the end were equally gripping and completely action-packed. One of the highlights for me was that the XFF to take revenge was never careless, always precisely calculative.

ACTING/CHARACTERS-
Wu Jin Yan and Wang Xing Yue, both gained a fan. I still question my ignorance of Wu Jin Yan before this, such a great actress. Wang Xing Yue made an impact as well. I am still in awe of XFF's character just like Duke Su, this lady has brains and she was always a step ahead. Actors playing Shen Yu Rong and Princess Wanning are impressive here as well. The cast overall has done a phenomenal job. One thing which I like the most is the backstory of the characters which helped me understand them a bit better, to know the WHYs behind them. so no one came across as arbitrary. They made me feel bad for them here and there but you never stop hating them as well. One character who creeped me out throughout was SYR, kudos to the actor. It is a job well done. Way too many characters I hate and love, quite balancing.

ROMANCE-
My favourite kind of romance is when FL and ML gradually build trust helping each other along the way and supporting each other through thick and thin eventually leading to the healthiest relationship with lots and lots of respect, and unwavering trust in each other. The slow-burn romance ended up hitting all the spots, loved the couple way too much. Their scenes together were making my day.

ENDING-
The ending was satisfying, especially after watching so many 10/10 dramas with such crinkled endings, this one was done well. Nothing came across as random.

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One of the Best CDrama I’ve Watched

One of the best Chinese drama I have ever watched. I never got tired or annoyed with the leads. The high rating is 100% deserved. If you are wondering if you should watch it, just go ahead and do it. This is your sign!

The chemistry between the main leads, phenomenal.

The story is amazing, so well done and everything flows so perfectly.

There are some differences in the novel (haven’t finished it yet) but they made everything make sense so it’s fine.

I only wish we got more couple time. Sometimes a drama can get boring if we see too much of the happy couple but with this pair I don’t think I’d get tired of them. Have they made the special available yet???

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Best Drama of 2024

This show has been nothing but amazing from start to finish ! I was not expecting a performance like this .
First let me start off with the Music. I LOVE it ... It was so suspenseful I loved it. The Actors omg every did there part in the show . I am so grateful to them. The plot not predictable . Most shows that start off strong cannot keep the momentum going . This show was not a let down.
I love the customs the accessories are outstanding
shout out to the directors . The make up artist they did there thing when planning out this show .
I am in love with everything ,
Thanks for everything

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If you watch only one cdrama in your life, let this be it!

I have to applaud the writers for the beautiful, sensible plot- not once did I think they were writing just for the sake of episode numbers.
The acting is phenomenal. Special mention to Princess Wanning, oh lord I hated her in every single scene and that's a compliment. Shen Yurong was so pathetic it was annoying (compliment!). Duke Su, I will be looking out for your future works. A Li, you carried the show well, both in plot and acting!!!

The ending was imperfect, better than most cdramas but I really hope the industry starts recognizing the importance of a good, well-rounded ending. A romance drama can not give 3 seconds of a romance ending and call it. The 5 min special is a treat but should've been part of the show.

But overall, it still has tremendous merit. Commendable job, to the whole cast and crew!! Hope the industry learns from you <3

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face slapping done right!

outside of the gorgeous osts and cinematography, i can't stress enough how much joy it gives me seeing a series adapt a female lead who can stick to revenge to the end while also punishing those who did her wrong. all the villains had the most satisfying ends.

the stand out performances are definitely jiang li and wanning. the actress who played wanning is an incredible actress and to be able to evoke the audience to hate and sympathise with you is an affirmation of her acting prowess.

jiang li is a talent of her own, the amount of times i cried with her is uncountable. her determination and perseverance to end moved me and if there's one word i can describe her as is a chameleon. her ability to change and adapt her personality and mannerisms depending on who she was with blew me away. great actress

overall the drama is just *chefs kiss* the ending was downright tragic (yu zheng when i catch you) but i was able to placate myself with a bonus episode ?

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A-MA-ZING

I am really new to watch Chinese dramas. ( You know nowadays Korean dramas… How can I say… not like old days) I guess I just have watched 6-7 Chinese dramas and I don’t prefer the history dramas.
I am shocked when I started to watch this drama. I saw the poster and said why not…. Then I addicted and waited every day.
Women revenge is amazing. Everything is very smooth and flowing. Every time I said they couldn’t connect this part but they found the way.

Evils are really evils. They think everything they made everything. But FL isn’t angel. She thinks everything. Clever, brave and beautiful. She isn’t a princess. Doesnt wait for rescue.
If you ask me which evil is the best sayko my answer is Shen. I really want to kill him. In the beginning he is just pushover. but in the end most hating character he is. I can understand the princess. she wants to loving and loved. but Shen is shameless and sneaky. Duke Su should punch him at one before ep 35. How he can dare to married again with FL. at the end he still thinks he made one mistake. Dude you kill your wife, make crazy her dad and put the jail her brother with princess. Then try to married again your wife who is kill by yourself. do you really think it is just one mistake.
And Duke Su. Before ep 20 he wasn’t around but he always watched FL. He is man but doesn’t walk around I am man and I have to do everything. He waited to FL can take her own revenge.
I really sorry about Tong . she is so lovely. I was shocked when she was died. Also why Duke Su’s mans died in the end? don’t be so deamatic give us happy ending for everyone . They are good guys.

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Oh dear Fan, my unsung hero ??

I can’t believe I’m just writing my review now although I have completed this drama weeks ago.
Anyways
Ah Li, the FL you are ❤️❤️❤️ (perfection I tell you)
Duke Su, the ML you are ??? (that voice with such quiet strength and deep vocalization, i didn’t think it was possible but i just entered my cougar phase because of the ML, once again what a ML you are)
The Double, the series you are ???.
Oh not forgetting that fan, you are such a main character.
Finally finding a high value rewatch drama since Lighter & Princess.
Obviously I highly recommend

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