This review may contain spoilers
10-rating won't do any justice to this masterpiece
The Story of Ming Lan is an exquisite C-costume drama.It doesn't suffer from actors who overact their roles and viewers won't find annoying cutie acts from the female leads. It's a drama for viewers who appreciate a good drama after a day's work.
The story evolves around the protaganist, Ming Lan, who lost her mother and unborn sibling due to the mechanism of her father's favourite concubine, Little Madam Ling. She was eventually raised by her official grandmother who had no blood relationship with her family apart from the old lady's position as the official mother of ML's father.
As the story progresses, it shows ML experiences her first romance with Qi Heng, her first revenge against Madam Ling and her eventual marriage to Gu Ting Yue.
The drama is well paced and the script is well written. Scenes for plots are well shot and acted by the cast.
The chemistry between the FL and ML is excellent which makes this drama entertaining. Viewers see the first meeting of ML and GTY where the latter lost the shooting arrow game to ML when both were aged 8 and 12. The development of their romance touches the heart of the viewers.
Overall, this drama is a classic master piece.
Watch it.
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This review may contain spoilers
True intelligence is knowing when to hide it and when to use it.
• Contains spoilers, read at your own risk. You can skip to the bullet points if you want a more general review. •The Story of Ming Lan is a pretty well done drama but truthfully it is not worth the hype that everyone is putting towards it. When it first came out in 2018, I had tried to watch it twice and both times, I ended up dropping it for how dragged out it was. I still stick to that despite finally finishing it. I believe the drama would've been just as successful as a 40-50 episode drama rather than a 78 episode drama. Some scenes were just not needed but I did enjoy the story this time around despite that. The atmosphere in this drama was quite interesting. It's different from most dramas similar to this. It gave a more dark and calm atmosphere as opposed to other dramas with similar scheming plots where a lively and intense atmosphere is displayed. Gives me a Royal Nirvana kind of vibe lol. Unfortunately for me, I feel like while this is trying to highlight the era and storyline for the drama, I found it to be uncomfortable and in scenes where power was intended to be shown, the atmosphere took away from the feeling of empowerment. An example being when Minglan threw her chopsticks at the table when Molan suggested something about her mother, I couldn't feel Minglan's "power" that she was supposedly displaying in that scene. I did find all the scheming to be incredibly well done from Minglan's mother's death to Manniang's entire plan to get to live a wealthy life. It was fascinating to see how they displayed Minglan's clear intelligence as a child but after the scheme against her mother in her early childhood, she had to be cautious with how she used her intelligence even after marrying Tingye. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her use her intelligence in schemes against her and Tingye AND then going back to Sheng Family to kick ass there. One of the biggest things I do have to knock this drama for and many users for would have to be the chemistry between ZLY and FSF. I understand that this was probably the drama where their romance started which led to them having a real life relationship but no matter what, I could not see the chemistry between our two leads. No matter what romantic scenes were shown between them, their chemistry just seemed uncomfortable and I still don't quite understand how their romance developed to the point where he was only serious about her and no one else. Overall the drama was just a bit too dragged out for my liking but still, I do believe the storywriters did an incredible job with the direction they wanted to take the drama. I do seeing someone who enjoys longer dramas with schemes and intelligent clever female leads to be interested in this.
To sum it up in bullet points:
• Dark and intense atmosphere; different atmosphere from other dramas with similar plots.
• Some scenes were not necessary and the drama was a bit too dragged out.
• Atmosphere overshadowing the scenes where power was intended to be displayed.
• Schemes were well done and enjoyable.
• FL's intelligence and how she used it was basically the highlight of the drama.
• Really didn't see the chemistry between our two leads.
• Storywriters did an incredible job with the direction they wanted to take the drama.
• Would recommend to someone who enjoys longer dramas with schemes & an intelligent FL.
OST: All I really remember is the opening theme and I thought that it was suitable for the drama.
Acting: Most of the acting was incredibly well done however the acting in some scenes seemed too unnatural. I think ZLY was chosen well for the role of Minglan however it seemed like she still struggled to make her scenes feel natural and emotional. FSF was an ok choice for the role of Tingye but I do believe it also could've been someone different because FSF's acting in this came off to me as forced and unable to blend into the scene.
Ending: The ending was overall what it should've been and I'm glad it was a happy ending. It was really nice being able to see everyone be happy together and finally away from all the negativity that has plagued their entire lives.
Rewatch Value: I do believe it was worth the watch but I don't know if I have any plans to revisit it in the near future because it was quite a long drama and too dragged for my liking. It unfortunately also took me almost 4 years after it was released to finally get into it and finish it so.. maybe it'll stay in the archives until the far future.
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This review may contain spoilers
Compelling, Riveting, Moving Historical Drama
I would say that this is one of the only historical dramas that I have watched that is truly character driven. There are plenty of those long, high production dramas that star a female lead and follow her life (and whose name is the title of the drama), but they often become side-tracked by palace intrigue, wars, blood-shed and tyranny, etc., and their tone changes dramatically. That, or they are about revenge.From the beginning, the pacing and tone of this show is just totally different from most other dramas. The focus is on the households and the injustice and strife occurring within families. In that way, it reminds me a little of Jane Austen, if she cared more about politics. The pacing is very slow but the more I rewatch it the more I enjoy it, and although there are perhaps some episodes that drag later on, it doesn't really bother me because I think the actual scenes are so well-crafted. There is so much subtlety, double meaning, and silence in these conversations between characters. So much is said with so few words. I think that's partly why it is such a rewarding rewatch: there are plenty of details I didn't catch the first, second, or even third time around.
Our female lead is unique in that she is smart and careful, not recklessly bold and 'spunky'. She has had to learn to take care of herself, blend in and curb her talents so that she isn't destroyed by her own family and the society around her. However, underneath her well crafted demure mask she is quick-witted, sharp-tongued, brave and fierce. Watching her grow into a woman and come into her own and use her abilities to protect herself and those she loves was so fulfilling and satisfying to watch. That's what I mean when I say that this is one of the few dramas that is truly CENTRED on the female lead: the story is about her development and how that affects the plot, not on how the outside world shuffles her from place to place and ups the drama.
Now, I know that the Story of Minglan does (mild spoiler alert!) feature palace politics, especially in the latter half of the drama, but I think it's handled in a much more personal and realistic way than in other dramas. Minglan at no point sets her sights on becoming the empress or taking over the kingdom, she never discovers her hidden royal parentage, nor does she end up with a man who secretly wants to overthrow the kingdom. Sure, her husband ends up being a very significant figure in the political/military world, but it feels realistic and in general not over dramatized. This show usurps the usual tropes by showing how their position in society is stressful, by focusing on taxes, fraud, the duties of the household, the actual topic of concubines, etc.
I think the greatest difficulties when getting into this drama are the number of characters and their connections to one another, the pacing and understanding the rules of the world (something that was totally foreign to me, like the topics of second and third wives and the standing of their children, the actual relationship of parents to their daughters after they get married off, the intricacies of social standing and what was socially acceptable for women vs. men to do, the way that people courted each other, what was deemed a good match, etc.). I also think that there is no drama that needs to be above 50 episodes. At 78 episodes long, I think there are definitely things in The Story of Ming Lan that could have been cut. But honestly, even when the pacing is slow or the writing could have been tighter, I still found the story to be engaging. I didn't use the fast-forward button, even during more meandering storylines. Once you've gotten used to the drama I think this is one of the most satisfying and rewarding dramas I have ever seen.
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A drama as superior as Yangxi Palace
This drama is really excellent in all aspects. It reminds me of Yangxi Palace.The first episodes dont really focus on the main character (Minglan) so I wasn't so hook up with those episodes until, there is more screentime for the main character then i'm loving it already. Also, i was confused who is Gu Tingye whether he is the young master who helped Minglan or not since the first time they met again, there is no shock reaction or expression or whatsoever. But later on, the show highlighted him and that was the time I was able to know.
The casts really did their roles splendidly. Of course, Sheng Minglan & Gu Tingye really did their part very well, they're unbeatable couple when it comes to wittiness and skills. They're so good with schemes.
This drama is really amazing. Hope, i can find another drama as good as this!
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This review may contain spoilers
I love Zanilia and William, and how cute that they are now married and pregnant! This drama isn't very "action packed" if you're looking for Zanilia to do stunts like you've seen her do in Princess Agents. It's more like Lu Zhen if anything, she can speak her way out of any issues! This one is not really "palace intrigue" but details the life of a middle-class (can you even classify them as that?) and their struggles with rankings (Main wife, 2nd wife, 3rd wife, etc) and their children's struggles trying to "find their place." Sadly, Ming Lan grows up in a house where her mom is a lower-ranked wife/mistress and they are not treated nicely by the main and 2nd wives. There is a lot of plotting from the mothers down to the daughters!
The romance part of the drama doesn't really kick in right away, but we pretty much root from Zanilia & William since they're kids (well I did!). It doesn't get lovey-dovey until the end where he claims his love for her. But still so intriguing to watch it from beginning to end.
Overall, I liked this drama and I thought they were cast so well to play a couple!
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Complex family drama with good payoff
Lots of complicated family relationships in the families of both main characters and some imperial intrigue to keep things exciting. It's a nice slow burn that spends time setting up things and establishing the characters, so when you get to a moment of payoff, it's really satisfying. It's surprisingly funny at times, but it never feels like the humour is undercutting the show or bringing it down. I really appreciated how they would sometimes spend an entire episode (or more) on what's essentially one conversation or issue.I also really appreciate Ming Lan picking up that sword and walking across the house to go get the doctor because she was like "I couldn't do anything last time, but I can and I WILL now."
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A cerebral appreciation rather than an emotional enthusiasm. An intelligent watch.
If court intrigue is your thing, then you won’t get better than this. Half of the script is concerned with the delicate manoeuvring required to send indirect layered messages that have different meanings to different people, whilst the other half is concerned with bringing about the downfall of your enemies whilst keeping your hands clean. It’s an elaborate dance in which no-one touches anyone directly, but guides their steps by blocking or revealing pathways. A sinister pavane where one wrong step can lead to a blind alley, death and disaster.In a world where there is no real warmth, compassion or security,
emotional manipulation is raised to an art form and the devastating results displayed. This is contrasted with the cool, rational manoeuvring of the female lead, abetted early on by the Grandmother, which is outwardly praised as moral righteousness, but owes a great deal to power playing and more subtle manipulation. It is scheming that uses the predictable weaknesses of others to bring about their downfall. It is revenge served ice cold and does the moral character of our heroine no real favours.
In this suffocating world of just a handful of families, there is a sense of the overbearing weight of society and the machinations necessary to survive in it. In particular it focuses on the role of women and the means by which they can find and assume power, though ostensibly in a powerless situation.
The world of the men is less well crafted and believable than the domestic setting of the women. Whereas the female parts had an almost slice of life feel, the script for the men is not edgy enough. In the main their lines and performances are far too soft and “nice” for the characters that are being portrayed. No such sleight of hand was shown with the female characters and they emerge much more forcefully and credibly, triggering ambivalence in the viewer.
The overall complexity is down to a magnificent script which is full of subtlety and cleverness. Even in translation there is a clear sense of having to read between the lines and there is plenty of brainwork to be done to fully appreciate all the undercurrents. This is not the sort of thing that you approach in your pyjamas, curled up on the sofa half asleep after a long hard day at work.
I had a problem with the casting of Feng Shao Feng as the ML, I thought he was too old for the part. Unlike Kim Tae Ri who dropped some 13 years in “25-21” and totally convinced me that she was a teenager using her body language and mannerisms, FSF’s acting didn’t convincingly portray the energy of youth (my calculation was that the character was in his late twenties, early thirties at most), or the hard core determination that was his stated character. He was unconvincing as a reformed ne’er do well and ruthless soldier with a streak of rashness, and seemed more like a pleasant, middle aged burgher.
All praise though to Zhao Li Ying who was hardly ever off screen and put in a great performance as Ming Lan—the wolf in sheep’s clothing. She was more than ably supported by the other cast members and there was plenty of character differentiation to give a credible feeling of a real world dynamic. it is really fair to say that this is a magnificent ensemble piece.
It has that epic quality of “War and Peace” with a large cast of characters, grouped in families, that wonder on and off the stage when required to inch the plot forward. Everything takes a circuitous route, even, or perhaps especially, the romance. But unlike most examples, the obligatory indirectness does not feel manufactured here but natural. And the relationship of the two leads is a joy.
It was designed to be shown once a day and the slow pace of daily life would really suit this unfolding. It’s not the sort of show that you can easily binge and is better taken in smaller bites of a few episodes at a time. Because the pace is so slow the plot is almost fully realised, but occasionally there were important scenes that were papered over or not shown, leaving an unnecessary sense of dissatisfaction. Neither was I a fan of how the complete final plot line was constructed.
On the down side, it is very long and repeatedly showcases the same type of scenario. I must admit that after episode 50 I was getting a little weary and had to muster up some determination to continue. Not least because it needed a bit more variation in pace and setting to liven up the overwhelmingly cerebral work that I was doing and the plot also became fragmented and uncohesive. But it picked up about ten episodes later and proved, yet again, it wasn’t afraid of the dark side. Displaying both the physical and the mental savagery necessary to survive and thrive. But to be honest, I was flagging and found the last haul to the end a bit of an effort. I think that splitting it into two series would have helped me considerably.
Although the historical aspects are well realised, the military settings in the story are less credible and it obviously never had the budget to be an action spectacular. In the midst of such realism however, the impossible sword fights, miraculous escapes and sporting competitions (which all end without a hair or a belt out of place) stand out as somewhat ridiculous. But heh, I’m not going to nitpick here when the overall quality is good.
Cinematography-wise, the slice of life approach is beautifully realised in muted colours and subtle lighting that help to give the feeling that you are a part of the family. In the hands of lesser cinematographers and lighting designers, filming in dark interiors can appear dull and murky, but so skilful is the lighting, that the faces are always highlighted in a way that seems natural without disturbing the muted note of the surroundings. The bright colours of the costumes also lift the atmosphere and provide contrast to the browns and greys of the environment.
The soundtrack is simple and effective, supporting the historical aspect without being too literal or noisy. And a shout out to the translation team, who took the time to give helpful comments all the way through.
What my rating means: 8+ A great drama with interesting content and good writing, direction, acting, OST, cinematography. But didn’t quite have the requisite sparkle to bump it into my all-time fave list. Worth watching.
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I've rewatched it about 20 times I would say
I'm currently on spring break, so I have to do my usual rewatch of this drama. Anytime I have a break from school, I rewatch this drama. First of all it's 78 episodes so I need a good couple days free that I can enjoy it lol. But really, this is such a great drama. The plot is *chefs kiss* no matter how many times I watch it, i notice new things that I haven't previously noticed and I'm awestruck each and every time. I felt like not only will you fall in love with the main characters, but the side characters and their stories will draw you in. You will not regret watching this drama. I promise you.Was this review helpful to you?
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huahhhh... finally i finished it!! i'm glad Ming Lan ended up with Gu Ting Ye!! They look cute when together!! When smart people end up with smart people HAHAHHAAA...I hope as newly weds, both of them can share love and happiness together forever in real life!! Congratsss!! so happy for you both!!
I love when GTY helped ML, it's mean to be destiny!
Zanilia Zhao as Ming Lan and William Feng as Gu Ting Ye is the best couple!!!
When i have time i will re-watch this drama......
okay, let's move to another drama!!!!! Asssssssssssaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Most Intelligent and Satisfying Drama
I’ll break this into non-spoiler and spoiler.Non-spoiler:
I’m very amazed how such a lengthy and slow-paced show turned out to be not boring at all.
I went in expecting to fast forward through every non-Ming Lan scene but to my surprised I wanted to actually sit through all the scenes with the other characters!
For me, apart from the star-studded acting from Zhao Li Ying, Zhu Yi Long, Feng Shaofeng and the old folks, the story itself is beautiful. You don’t have the repeated lame schemes amongst the sisters, concubines, brothers that other shows do. The script and plot were very well written, well paced and pleasant to watch. There’s also a lot of subtle humour in this especially with the mothers and grandmothers.
I may be a little biased because I’m a Zhao Li Ying fan but every scene with her were great. She pulled off this innocent yet highly intelligent character very well. I particularly enjoyed watching all her conversations with her grandmother.
I personally learn a lot from the script. Very applicable to real life. :)
-Spoilers ahead-
Minglan is so very intelligent. She has a lot of devils trying to take her down, but she also has a lot of supporters. Grandma, cousins from Youyang, Shen family, Yanran. You could see how supportive they were when she was at her lowest. 90% of the time she is very calm, composed and smart but touch her grandmother and husband, and she will claw you without caring about the consequences.
Every 20 episodes or so, you’re introduced to a new villain. Each, more cunning than the last. Gu stepmother was the one character I never thought I could hate so much (what a good actress!)
I fully understand why everyone was raving about the main couple. They are so sweet. I’m amazed how a playboy like Gu Tingye could be so caring, sweet and somewhat attention-seeking childish when it comes to Minglan.
Yet at the same time I felt his childishness were a bit prolonged. Just arguing with Minglan for getting him a concubine lasted 5 episodes. I understand the premise, but again was abit too much of a filler. His childishness was very hot and cold. This part was the only part I didn’t like in the whole series.
The ending was satisfying. Very, very satisfying. Whilst I expected Gu Tingye to rise again for winning the war, I didn’t expect that the Emperor was behind it all along. Very well played. I was wondering why this Emperor would turn so ungrateful to his saviours.
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