A very layered and complex storyline. Very beautifully filmed - keeping the feel of an authentic Ming era story by use of candles and dark streets. The attention to costuming and architecture is Indie film festival level. Romance is subtle not central. It is a meditation on family, friends, colleagues and the things we owe them. Characters are complicated, motivations shifting.

One of the most personal of political cdramas. Not one of the ra-ra patriotism genre at all. Excellent script.