The Double is a lamentable tale of love, betrayal and revenge that’s wrapped in countless layers of intrigues. Each character carries an unspeakable fate of their own making.

PLOT & CAST:

Xue Fang Fei lives a humble yet blissful marriage life until she’s framed and buried alive by her own husband. She somehow survives and assumes the identity of Jiang Li who died of an equally wretched fate. What ensues is an intricate revenge plot as Xue Fang Fei seeks justice for both her and Jiang Li. I fell in love with Wu Jin Yan’s exquisite portrayal of the femme fatale FL. Given her experience with palace political dramas like Story of Yanxi Palace, she’s able to deliver the intensity of Xue Fang Fei’s resentment, grief and desperation as well as expressing her grace and elegance. While not having read the novel, I know Xue Fang Fei is supposed to die and reincarnate into Jiang Li’s body. However, the drama has decided to go with an identity swap instead, possibly due to censorship. I quite like it this way since it makes the machinations more interesting and thrilling to watch. Yang Chao Yue is also a perfect fit for the old Jiang Li. Her innocent and lonely image under the pear blossoms leaves a haunting yet unforgettable impression in my mind.

On the other hand, Duke Su is more of a spectator to the tragic play. He likes to watch and manipulate his chess “pawns” from the background. However, as time passes, he can’t help but get involved in Xue Fang Fei’s quest for vengeance. Wang Xing Yue definitely has the charisma and finesse to play this ML. It’s a refreshing take from his goody-two-shoes roles in Story of Kunning Palace and Admist a Snowstorm of Love. Admittedly, it took me a few episodes to warm up with his character, especially the costume styling and eyeliner. I was genuinely surprised to see how young Wang Xing Yue is as well, given his mature and refined characterisation. I love the tension between Duke Su and Xue Fang Fei. Their scheming and banter have a certain rhythm to them, like a roundabout poem or tango. It’s enjoyable to see how the FL often outwits the ML.

The antagonists are portrayed very well too. I like how they have a certain level of complexity and duality to them. Princess Wan Ning, Ji Shu Ran and Jiang Ruo Yao (Jiang Li’s stepmother and step-sister) were, to a certain extent, the unfortunate products of the arranged marriages and restricted lifestyle faced by women in Ancient China. However, unlike Xue Fang Fei, they decided to materialise their own misery into a cascade of sufferings for others. Xue Fang Fei’s ex-husband, Shen Yurong, is also indulged a twisted love. He’s adamant on being righteous. But when split between his family and wife, he prioritises being filial over romance and justice. The villains are deplorable and loathsome yet somehow also pitiable.

PRODUCTION:

The cinematography is simply gorgeous. The experimentation of colour schemes, light and shadow really highlights the romantic versus tragic moments throughout the drama. The beautiful background gardens give a certain sense of serenity yet loneliness to the characters, especially when Xue Fang Fei is in the Jiang family.

The use of the white pear blossoms as a changing metaphor is genius. This is well complemented by the poignant soundtracks.

At the beginning, when Xue Fang Fei dances with Shen Yu Rong under the full blossoms, they express blissful and dream-like romance. The next time is when Xue Fang Fei being buried alive under the fallen blossoms, they signify the devastating end to the beautiful yet short-lived romance, truly fitting to the fleeting beauty of spring.

When Fragrance Falls, Pear Blossoms Turn White (芳菲落尽梨花白) by Mi Liang
“Pear blossoms shattered all over the ground…
Every word you’ve said is floating in the air, unable to withstand a single blow…
Even the moonlight can’t bear to be mischievous.
Watching me hopeless and miserable.
Who’s the one who’s giving up and making the story all sad?
When the flowers have fallen to become ripples, one blow dyes the entire world.”

Perhaps the most memorable is the young Jiang Li’s last scene under the falling white blossoms, symbolising the loss of innocence but also the freedom to travel in the wind beyond the Zhennv Hall where she’s been confined for most of her life. The blossoms are elegant and breathtakingly beautiful but also carry with them a sense of haunting loneliness.

Withered (凋零) by Huang Shifu
“Withered flowers are pure white and flawless.
Where does it want to go paint yearning.
Bid farewell to branches and cut off worries…
I want the sunset to help pass me a message.
If I meet a flower, then I tell the flower.
I’m willing to go home with it.”

When Xue Fang Fei beats the Dengwen Drum under the blossom-like snow, they represent the harsh injustice suffered by the people and the cold yet determined resolve of the FL.

Snow Watching (观雪) by Cyndi Wang
“The falling snow is bitter cold…
The snow falls eternally
Who can escape the humiliation of time.
My anger is hidden beneath the fallen blooms.
How can I stand against so many obstacles…
I accept all the gifts from sorrow.
I can’t let down my regrets.
I won’t admit defeat.
I slowly chew on the bitterness of life.
The fragrance remains the same after the bleak winter.
Awaiting spring to colour the way back home.”

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

“Just be happy no matter if it’s your [Xue Fang Fei’s] current life or the past. Never compromise to become another person for someone else’s sake. Including me.” Duke Su

“You [Duke Su] told me we would face the same end. On one hand, I know you are responsible for your kingdom and on the other hand, you care about my safety. Right now, I’m willing to enter this set-up of yours. I’m not a liability. I want to help you.” Xue Fang Fei

“You always like pushing all the blame to other people. Shen Yurong, You are used to being the perfect scholar. Everything you did was forced. You did nothing wrong. You are pititful. Even you believe that… Since you could mention your love, why couldn’t you express your guilt?” Xue Fang Fei