OVERALL OPINION:

In all my years as a drama addict i have yet to see such a quality watch as this. Although a few other masterpieces can be mentionned like Legend of Concubine Zhen Huan and A Dream of Splendor as well as TMOPB, i must say that so far this one seems to be promising the most and i truly hope it follows through till the end.

DETAILED OPINION:

+ Story/Plot:
Though i am still in the beginning of watching this, so far honestly it has been excellent plot and story wise. Nothing drags and i have been captivated every second of every episode, no filler scenes, it feels like every moment is necessary to the development of the story and to the understanding of the characters for future plot development. Having said that, not many series have many fillers in the beginning to start with. However as this one has around 30 episodes only (unlike dramas which drag the plot from 40 to 70 episodes), i am optimistic towards the unfolding of the scenes yet to come.

+ Acting/Cast:
I doubt i have seen all the characters yes but have definitely seen the main one and TBH so far so good.

I already like the main FEMALE LEAD from her other dramas she does not exaggerate or underplay her acting either.

The main lead's MOTHER is an excellent actress although her personality does seem to be wanted to be portrayed as strict and soldier like, i would like to see more of her motherly emotions which i am sure will not be omitted. Acting wise however so far i feel like she is a really good actress, you can tell from her silent facial expressions and eye movements.
The MAIN LEAD has so far not impressed me, although i am not sure if he is purposefully meant to be so monotonous because of the nature of his job but i have yet to see any facial expressions from him. which IF this continues would be disappointing because it would play into the usual cliche of mail leads that are expressionless in order for i dont know to make them seem more manly or something?

+ Direction:
*Clap Clap Clap* I honestly really ...truuuuly am IMPRESSED. like i said it is a rare watch and i believe all of that is due to the director. From the first scene i was already impressed from the entrance shot. from that i was able to tell that it was not yet another cliche drama following the same style as every other successful drama in order to collect viewership. GREAT EFFORT was put in by this director and even though the production value does not seem that extravagant, the director's efforts truly made the SCENES SHINE

+ Music:
i have not paid much attention to the music so far but i believe that to be A GOOD THING. It is neither overbearing the drama nor is it completely unpresent. I hate it most when they try and fail at manipulating the watchers with stupid music when it is so uncalled for in a scene. For example playing overly dramatic music in a scene that doesnt require so much drama just to exaggerate the effects and the emotions of the viewers in poorly written dramas. Because a well written and directed drama does not need the music to let us know how to feel but only to accessorise it.