One of the Best!

This is my first ever review because I feel so compelled to do justice to this drama.

If you are a historical drama fan, you must watch this. Although the events and characters sometimes have some fictional elements (which I think they did on purpose to avoid censorship problems) the main plot and most of the events were played out nicely, down the the smallest details. As I watched this and read Wikipedia about each of these characters it really brought me joy in learning about Song Dynasty.

Some people don’t want to watch this due to bias against older actors/ actress (me included). But in the end I found them to be skillful and refreshing in telling this story. For those of us who knows the legend of Civet Cat replacing Crown Prince, this is the story itself but less vicious; more logical.

Wonderful to watch this without too much harem in-fighting and seeing a realistic portrayal of an Emperor, whom in spite of his status has a very hard life. He loves only one person and remains faithful through his embrace, gaze and need of spending time with her; yet he had to seduce other women in order to produce an heir (tastefully and sexily done …). He is also a fair person who doesn’t discard the women once he got his heir but to honor them best he could.

The main couple though in love evolved their love into a very mature relationship where they go through heart breaking decisions together. I sometimes feel so bad for them and wish they’re able to love like a normal couple.

Politically this drama also plays out the stress that the Emperor goes through and no wonder they die young whilst some ministers lived through 3 generations of Emperors. This is truly a bad for health job.

Everyone acts so well in their roles. Vic Zhou tends to have this pained , eye-squinting expression when he portrays the older weaker emperor. But he is very charming nonetheless. Even his consorts talk about his piercing eyes and good looks and how they all really love him. This includes the empress (Liu Tao) whom he loves so much.

This drama is a gem for people who likes to see a good quality set, high standards in acting, costumes, attention to every detail including etiquette and ceremonies. Amazing! Go watch it and you will be surprised how good it is. Some says initial editing was bad. I don’t think so. You just need to pay attention to the story. They make every episode counts and it’s paced so well that 61 episodes is not too long. I finally found something that is equal to Glory of Tang Dynasty which ‘wow’ me 3 years ago in a similar way.

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Like a Practice Drama for new comers

I watched this after all the hype. Some people may like it but I fail to see anything of value in this drama. All the actors apart from the FL is amateurish and look like they’re yet to graduate from acting school. ML
Is ok but still far from the normal actors we see on screen in terms of acting naturally.

Story wise there is not much to figure out. It’s like a story where you know exactly what happens because it has been used many times except that this is in fast forward mode.

Don’t waste your time even if you don’t know what to watch after a great drama. Be patient rather than wasting your 30 ep x 10 mins on this.

And I have heard comments that FL is voluptuous. I totally agree. Her body shape is non typical of any C drama actress … this is a plus for diversity. The only plus of this drama.

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Most beautiful OST

When I first watched this I only knew Vic Chou as someone from F4 fame. His initial appearance didn’t impress me; as he seemed a bit round in the face and his character Yin Xue is a bit strange and Yin Xue’s story didn’t seem to join properly with the plot’s timeline.

But wait… be patient and by the end of the drama I cried for Yin Xue (not because he died, don’t worry this is a happy ending drama) I kept rewatching the last episode to see his expression. This guy either knows he is very charming or he is quite playful by nature. So cute!

Story-wise at first it seemed like a typical jianghu drama with endless fighting to be the leader but the real story is a multi-layered story across lifetimes. Brotherhood, Insecurities. Ignorance, Selflessness, Obsession…all played out beautifully in the name of love.

Lastly the OST is so beautiful that I am so glad I know enough Chinese to read the lyrics and sing them everyday whilst driving my car 😊

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