Read your review. Supportive parents. ZJ was the 1st boy from their poor village to enter university. Secondly…
Hm. I didn't want to spoil much of the story in the review, I'll put my answers under the spoiler tag here. 1. Parents. I disagree with your appreciation of his parents' brains. Being poor and illiterate doesn't mean being devoid of basic moral compass almost all mentally healthy humans possess (and poor and illiterate often even more than rich and sofisticated). I agree they've strongly believed in the exceptionality of their son and pressed him in "doing whatever it takes" to obtain success but here they've induced him to commit a heavy crime, both parents advised him to "get rid" of his first wife "as a burden" which blocks his carrier. They were not accomplices, but they were (worse!) indirect instigators of a murder, practically leaving him with no other options, and it is very different from FL's "supportive father" who indeed was an accomplice in an attempted murder, but that crime was totally his daughter's choice. I'd actually accept his familiar background and his parents' coarse personalities if they were not in such a contrast with ZJ's later perfectionism and obsessive image-crafting: such parents were his major "blemish flows" (NB. he tended to destroy anything imperfect), by at least opposing their distorted perceptions in such an open clash with his new ego and sofisticated views. ZJ's character had inevitably had to undergo a process of transformation and "sofistication", and I think the writer could have exploit more the impact of the rich older lady in this change making this passage more logical. 2. Censorship. I'm actually fine with both endings, if they don't clash with logics and what would be a realistic outcome. Actually, in the 2nd ending FL and her father did commit the crime of attempted murder, because: a) there was an intent (mens rea) and b) substantial steps to commit it (actus reus), ie., an elaborated plan to kill. What you imply in their defence is "renounciation to commit it" (indeed, FL drops the knife), but this factor doesn't absolve from guilt in all countries/judicial systems of the world, at most it may be considered as "mitigating factor" (as it is actually in her and her dad's sentence). What is totally inconsistent is DHH's (and the lawyer's) sentence, because he (they) never manipulated public opinion in the 2nd outcome, only in the 1st, but in the 1st FL committed a murder and would get way harsher punishment, so this reasoning about censorship requiring them, doesn't stand imo. It's an error of so, who didn't do sufficient legal research.
Love to read your review. Very well discourse on ZJ’s character and his underlying struggles. Hence I can’t…
I loved yours a lot, too. Yes, I can't hate him either. His parents and poverty ruined him. And was so well embodied by WD, it was pure pleasure watching such a great acting... Maybe, with time, even international viewers may appreciate. It scored high on Douban. Fingers crossed
I've watched and rewatched. This drama will remain with me. Here's my review with a little rant in the end. Atually a verdict for people making nonsensical verdicts. Next time, consult a legal advisor! https://mydramalist.com/profile/11598319/review/511716
If I try to imagine them in bed I can only see two wooden trunks lying next to each other. XJ may be brave enough…
Oh, thank you but the clip is a bit short: I only see he saves her from falling, she is in his arms, their eye-lock.., it's difficult to understand the situation and the dimension of danger. The other one is from the temple, before they've lighted the candles and stopped birds from crying, isn't it? Well, I actually like their relationship: those little things in life are genuine expressions of love and care, I'm not in a hurry to see them in bed at all (also because if I try to imagine them now, I'll see the scene as above 😁🤦♀️), just trying to analyse "the current stage" of their romantic relation. He respects her a lot, but he seems to forget they are living under the same roof as a family, after she followed him during his travelling period, people recognize them as "a family" (even in a form of rude remarks, like those made by imperial guards: "LLF, are you going to investigate under the emperor's orders or are you taking your family on an outing"), his mother recognizes her as her son's woman, helping her with her business etc., but she still doesn't have an official respectful status of his wife and this isn't in line with LLF's formalistic character and respectful and protective attitude towards her. Now they are settled down in the capital and must formalize their relation and protect their (her in particular) status from gossips.
I think the writer of SToTD is a romantic person. We get these doses of heartfelt love stories in every season.…
If I try to imagine them in bed I can only see two wooden trunks lying next to each other. XJ may be brave enough to take the initiative but LLF may refuse out of fear to hurt her. On LLF only hard methods can work: her being in danger, eg. abducted or wounded or drowning or smth like that which will trigger (greater) fear of loosing her and... draw their bodies closer...
I knew Hongyao should stick with Meng Buyi. He isn't handsome but is very interesting and nice to her. And smart enough to befriend LLF's team, hear of their cases and shape them into the stories. I hope we'll see this (real) writer's avatar again in some future cases. Also because he and his lovely wife positively influence LLF&XJ couple.
This Hongyao, a sly woman. I don’t believe a word she said. She duped the two other men; I don’t think she…
They are all pretenders who deserve to be duped. Meng Shi and his servant inverted their roles, because he cannot directly take official position/power (and I think the reason why he cannot do that is not only because he is a merchant), Meng Buyi (I wonder if her husband is related to the rich merchant) lies to her about his status in the ministry of revenue and she is a pro enchantress. Yes, she may be after Meng Shi's money but certainly has no feelings for this preening & arrogant mint-eater. But she is an artist and may have feelings for her husband. Who knows, maybe she faked her suicide attempt only to be "saved" by Meng Buyi...
What's weird for me is I don't like ANY of the drama's main characters. Didn't like them in the first two seasons…
I think mothers unconsciously "lure" us into their "fields of interest" and we unconsciously accept to fall into such traps because we perceive them as... challenges. An approximate idea of the right answer is sufficient to us to fall in that trap as it happened to me recently, betting (and loosing 50 euros) Melanie Griffith's mum was Kim Novak against my mother who knew it was Tippi Hedren... I had a vague idea her mom was one of Hitchcock's favourite actresses and among them, Novak's facial traits seemed to be the most similar to Melanie's face, ofc. I had no idea of her family (except two famous husbands and her daughter Dakota from 50 Shades...). My mother will never challenge my brother on movies and movie actors topics - my bro is a consecutive winner of quizes involving the matter for so many years, when I've asked him later "who's Melanie Griffith's mother?" he immediately knew the right answer, but she (my mom) challenges him on other topics "within her domain" (royalties from all around the world are her specialty) and he also fails hard against her. My mother would not know who became the UK's prime minister in 1964, but if you ask her "who was the UK's prime minister suspected to be a Soviet spy?" she may remember H. Wilson because she watched The Crown ofc, containing this (badly) fictionalized subplot story... But, you know what? With your knowledge of actors and acting, my mom would certainly loose her ground if you were her daughter. And your mom may loose her ground to me - I'm a political scientist with solid knowledge of contemporary history and international relations, lets' exchange them, lol. Joking aside, "being always right" comes with motherhood. My son probably thinks the same of me. although I try my best not to "lure him" in "my trap".... sometimes, the thrill of winning the argument is too big and I can't resist. 😁
Anyone else rewinding scenes just to oggle the gorgeous sets? :) I have a thing about books too, and when a character…
my fave is the stage with many lanterns on which Hong Yao plays her pipa. The melody is very captivating as well. No wonder all men present fell for her
What's weird for me is I don't like ANY of the drama's main characters. Didn't like them in the first two seasons…
I've also noticed certain exaggerations - in particular SWM's - but I've attributed it to the fact the actor ought to play SWM ACTING (and showing off) before "higher authorities" (the princess, the emperor and so on), manipulating, lying, pretending. In previous seasons there was no such a need to over-act, but now they are in the capital, in a competitive and showing off environment, surrounded by people who are also pretentious, so their behaviour, the way they talk with other persons necessarily change and give pretentious vibes. When they are in private, they are more relaxed and talk differently, with the exception of Chicken Fed, whose (over)acting is always the same (for comic purposes). Btw, your mother and my mother are twins separated at birth 😂 She is also "always right", lol
that's true, but so was Hemingway before winning a Pulitzer and a Nobel... 😂 That rich merchant is not a husband material, his relationship with his servant is too confusing and complicated, one can't tell who is the master between the two, so better to drop them both, right?
guys i finished watching s1 do i have to watch s2 or can i watch s3
it is better to watch S2 first, but at the same time you can watch S3 too. S2 was more about their moving along the ancient Silk Road and getting closer, less about political strife.
A snake catcher + snake breeder (rare species), scholar, secretary in the ministry of revenue, expert wall-climber, excellent actor, hired as a spy and as an assassin, writer, author of The Strange Tales of Tang Capital... "previous experiences" in Meng Buyi's c.v. are richer than in Hemingway's, lol. If I were his wife, I'd stick with him, the other two are less interesting imo.
well, everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, just finished episode 13 but somehow I'm not interested in 3rd…
But they arrived at the end, saving both LLF and SWM 😁 You're right about the 3rd case not being a murder mystery, but the task assigned by the emperor was in the range of justice officer competence and responsibilites. If you don't like it because of the beast, well, neither I nor FunnyBunny are fans of these strange beasts, but there's a good reason why they are present in SToTD - they are hallmarks of the specific Chinese folktales genre combining mystery, investigation and supernatural and have their "fandom" - so we bear with them. The 3rd case wasn't interesting per se, but it was extremely important and functional in depicting the roots and the deadly depth of the political conflict between the emperor and his aunt and how much LLF is torn apart between his mother's aspirations and loyalty towards an emperor who's able to kill even innocent and talented people if they don't openly side with him. You can't deny this info was very precious to us, the audience.
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1 
1. Parents. I disagree with your appreciation of his parents' brains. Being poor and illiterate doesn't mean being devoid of basic moral compass almost all mentally healthy humans possess (and poor and illiterate often even more than rich and sofisticated). I agree they've strongly believed in the exceptionality of their son and pressed him in "doing whatever it takes" to obtain success but here they've induced him to commit a heavy crime, both parents advised him to "get rid" of his first wife "as a burden" which blocks his carrier. They were not accomplices, but they were (worse!) indirect instigators of a murder, practically leaving him with no other options, and it is very different from FL's "supportive father" who indeed was an accomplice in an attempted murder, but that crime was totally his daughter's choice. I'd actually accept his familiar background and his parents' coarse personalities if they were not in such a contrast with ZJ's later perfectionism and obsessive image-crafting: such parents were his major "blemish flows" (NB. he tended to destroy anything imperfect), by at least opposing their distorted perceptions in such an open clash with his new ego and sofisticated views. ZJ's character had inevitably had to undergo a process of transformation and "sofistication", and I think the writer could have exploit more the impact of the rich older lady in this change making this passage more logical.
2. Censorship. I'm actually fine with both endings, if they don't clash with logics and what would be a realistic outcome. Actually, in the 2nd ending FL and her father did commit the crime of attempted murder, because: a) there was an intent (mens rea) and b) substantial steps to commit it (actus reus), ie., an elaborated plan to kill. What you imply in their defence is "renounciation to commit it" (indeed, FL drops the knife), but this factor doesn't absolve from guilt in all countries/judicial systems of the world, at most it may be considered as "mitigating factor" (as it is actually in her and her dad's sentence). What is totally inconsistent is DHH's (and the lawyer's) sentence, because he (they) never manipulated public opinion in the 2nd outcome, only in the 1st, but in the 1st FL committed a murder and would get way harsher punishment, so this reasoning about censorship requiring them, doesn't stand imo. It's an error of so, who didn't do sufficient legal research.
Yes, I can't hate him either. His parents and poverty ruined him. And was so well embodied by WD, it was pure pleasure watching such a great acting...
Maybe, with time, even international viewers may appreciate. It scored high on Douban. Fingers crossed
It was a nanosecond, what an eye you have! 👍👍
Well, I actually like their relationship: those little things in life are genuine expressions of love and care, I'm not in a hurry to see them in bed at all (also because if I try to imagine them now, I'll see the scene as above 😁🤦♀️), just trying to analyse "the current stage" of their romantic relation. He respects her a lot, but he seems to forget they are living under the same roof as a family, after she followed him during his travelling period, people recognize them as "a family" (even in a form of rude remarks, like those made by imperial guards: "LLF, are you going to investigate under the emperor's orders or are you taking your family on an outing"), his mother recognizes her as her son's woman, helping her with her business etc., but she still doesn't have an official respectful status of his wife and this isn't in line with LLF's formalistic character and respectful and protective attitude towards her. Now they are settled down in the capital and must formalize their relation and protect their (her in particular) status from gossips.
I hope we'll see this (real) writer's avatar again in some future cases. Also because he and his lovely wife positively influence LLF&XJ couple.
Yes, she may be after Meng Shi's money but certainly has no feelings for this preening & arrogant mint-eater. But she is an artist and may have feelings for her husband. Who knows, maybe she faked her suicide attempt only to be "saved" by Meng Buyi...
My mother would not know who became the UK's prime minister in 1964, but if you ask her "who was the UK's prime minister suspected to be a Soviet spy?" she may remember H. Wilson because she watched The Crown ofc, containing this (badly) fictionalized subplot story...
But, you know what? With your knowledge of actors and acting, my mom would certainly loose her ground if you were her daughter. And your mom may loose her ground to me - I'm a political scientist with solid knowledge of contemporary history and international relations, lets' exchange them, lol.
Joking aside, "being always right" comes with motherhood. My son probably thinks the same of me. although I try my best not to "lure him" in "my trap".... sometimes, the thrill of winning the argument is too big and I can't resist. 😁
In previous seasons there was no such a need to over-act, but now they are in the capital, in a competitive and showing off environment, surrounded by people who are also pretentious, so their behaviour, the way they talk with other persons necessarily change and give pretentious vibes.
When they are in private, they are more relaxed and talk differently, with the exception of Chicken Fed, whose (over)acting is always the same (for comic purposes).
Btw, your mother and my mother are twins separated at birth 😂 She is also "always right", lol
That rich merchant is not a husband material, his relationship with his servant is too confusing and complicated, one can't tell who is the master between the two, so better to drop them both, right?
If I were his wife, I'd stick with him, the other two are less interesting imo.
You're right about the 3rd case not being a murder mystery, but the task assigned by the emperor was in the range of justice officer competence and responsibilites. If you don't like it because of the beast, well, neither I nor FunnyBunny are fans of these strange beasts, but there's a good reason why they are present in SToTD - they are hallmarks of the specific Chinese folktales genre combining mystery, investigation and supernatural and have their "fandom" - so we bear with them.
The 3rd case wasn't interesting per se, but it was extremely important and functional in depicting the roots and the deadly depth of the political conflict between the emperor and his aunt and how much LLF is torn apart between his mother's aspirations and loyalty towards an emperor who's able to kill even innocent and talented people if they don't openly side with him. You can't deny this info was very precious to us, the audience.