heaven_of_peaches
Germany
This review may contain spoilers
A Historical Masterpiece
I don´t even know where to start with my review. This Drama is simply BREATHTAKING. From the absolutely well written and compelling story to the evenly well written characters and the well chosen cast and stunning cinematography, "The Story of Ming Lan" never ceases to amaze its viewers. The amount of Episodes (73) may discourage some people from watching it and the genre may not be everyone´s cup of tea but trust me, if you want a realistic Historical Drama with actual depth, this is a must-watch. It´s been months since I´ve watched it but it left such a deep impression on me that never faded and probably never will.
I loved the fact that it wasn´t dubbed. The "real" voices together with the warm sepia tones and the natural lightning (especially in night scenes) created a very natural and comfortable feeling.
Some people might complain that the pace of the story is too slow and while I agree with the slow pace, it was necessary. Every single scene, every dialogue is needed to fully grasp and understand the complex story and the evenly complex characters and their motivations. Almost every character is a bit more than they let show at first. Even the villains, or better, the people that appear to be villainy, actually might let you feel deep rooted sympathy for them, as their actions were mostly caused from circumstances or tragic pasts.
Such well developed and fleshed out characters certainly need good actors that are able to successfully transport every aspect of them on screen. The leading as well as the supporting actors did an amazing job. I´ve seen Zhao Li Ying and William Feng in other Dramas before (Princess Agents and Ice Fantasy) but this is the first time that I was actually very impressed by their acting skills. So you see, good script writing and directing are key essences.
Their Chemistry was explosive and you could certainly tell that they´re a real life couple. It was worth the wait for their romance to start.
Ming Lan will surely go down in History as one of the strongest Female Leads ever. Her strength does not come from great Martial Arts Skills. She uses her brain as a weapon and despite going through a lot of hardships and unfair treatment she was able to forgive (except once) instead of being completely swallowed up by resentment and revenge.
Gu Ting Ye was also an inspiring and well written character, who had the sassiest and best lines. ;)
He and Ming Lan were each other´s equals in every way.
Cao Cui Fen, who played Ming Lan´s grandmother, had amazing screen presence. I can´t think of another actress that could have played this role any better than she did. Old Madam Sheng is one of my most favorite Drama characters of all times. You just have to love her. Her and Ming Lan´s relationship is one of the best aspects of this Drama. Thinking back at it makes me smile and cry at the same time.
Am I the only one that wants a spin off Drama about Old Madam Sheng´s past? She´s such an inspiring and strong woman, that went through a lot of sh*** in her life to get all the wisdom she possesses.
But it were actually the child actors that impressed me the most, especially Teresa Liu, who played the six year old Ming Lan in the beginning. Her performance, especially in the emotional scenes, was excellent and definitely deserves an Award.
The quality of the dialogues in this Drama is amazing as well. There are so many inspiring and strong quotes to remember!
The best and most important aspect of this Masterpiece is its critical view on the treatment of women during that time. It made a good job of showing how the unfair and terrible treatment broke them but also how it made them stronger and that in fact women are not inferior to men.
Most of the men in this Drama were total idiots and nothing but puppets, while the women were the ones holding the strings.
While that´s certainly a nice change to the usual men dominated Historical Dramas, you have to view that with a critical eye as well. Equality is always better and they portrayed it beautifully in the Main Lead´s relationship.
For all those, who find the pace to slow, give it 10 -20 Episodes. The pace picks up after that. And PLEASE don´t skip. You´ll only get more confused. This Drama is not meant to be swallowed down in one go. It´s like wine. You´ll only get the most out of it when you carefully take sip after sip.
I loved the fact that it wasn´t dubbed. The "real" voices together with the warm sepia tones and the natural lightning (especially in night scenes) created a very natural and comfortable feeling.
Some people might complain that the pace of the story is too slow and while I agree with the slow pace, it was necessary. Every single scene, every dialogue is needed to fully grasp and understand the complex story and the evenly complex characters and their motivations. Almost every character is a bit more than they let show at first. Even the villains, or better, the people that appear to be villainy, actually might let you feel deep rooted sympathy for them, as their actions were mostly caused from circumstances or tragic pasts.
Such well developed and fleshed out characters certainly need good actors that are able to successfully transport every aspect of them on screen. The leading as well as the supporting actors did an amazing job. I´ve seen Zhao Li Ying and William Feng in other Dramas before (Princess Agents and Ice Fantasy) but this is the first time that I was actually very impressed by their acting skills. So you see, good script writing and directing are key essences.
Their Chemistry was explosive and you could certainly tell that they´re a real life couple. It was worth the wait for their romance to start.
Ming Lan will surely go down in History as one of the strongest Female Leads ever. Her strength does not come from great Martial Arts Skills. She uses her brain as a weapon and despite going through a lot of hardships and unfair treatment she was able to forgive (except once) instead of being completely swallowed up by resentment and revenge.
Gu Ting Ye was also an inspiring and well written character, who had the sassiest and best lines. ;)
He and Ming Lan were each other´s equals in every way.
Cao Cui Fen, who played Ming Lan´s grandmother, had amazing screen presence. I can´t think of another actress that could have played this role any better than she did. Old Madam Sheng is one of my most favorite Drama characters of all times. You just have to love her. Her and Ming Lan´s relationship is one of the best aspects of this Drama. Thinking back at it makes me smile and cry at the same time.
Am I the only one that wants a spin off Drama about Old Madam Sheng´s past? She´s such an inspiring and strong woman, that went through a lot of sh*** in her life to get all the wisdom she possesses.
But it were actually the child actors that impressed me the most, especially Teresa Liu, who played the six year old Ming Lan in the beginning. Her performance, especially in the emotional scenes, was excellent and definitely deserves an Award.
The quality of the dialogues in this Drama is amazing as well. There are so many inspiring and strong quotes to remember!
The best and most important aspect of this Masterpiece is its critical view on the treatment of women during that time. It made a good job of showing how the unfair and terrible treatment broke them but also how it made them stronger and that in fact women are not inferior to men.
Most of the men in this Drama were total idiots and nothing but puppets, while the women were the ones holding the strings.
While that´s certainly a nice change to the usual men dominated Historical Dramas, you have to view that with a critical eye as well. Equality is always better and they portrayed it beautifully in the Main Lead´s relationship.
For all those, who find the pace to slow, give it 10 -20 Episodes. The pace picks up after that. And PLEASE don´t skip. You´ll only get more confused. This Drama is not meant to be swallowed down in one go. It´s like wine. You´ll only get the most out of it when you carefully take sip after sip.
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