Drama Addict

This drama scored on the hygiene factors - handsome actors, pretty actresses, nice scenery and lovely costumes. If you are a fan of Deng Lun and Luo Jin, two very popular actors today, you might be motivated to watch this. This drama was produced 7 years ago and perhaps then, it had less competition and a lower standard to compare with. But with the Chinese drama production scene today, the expectation of the audience like myself is much higher.

The story was slow moving. It took 7 episodes for Da Ji to enter the palace. The story was based on a legend that had been featured on an earlier drama by Fan Bing Bing, Ma Jing Tao and Zheng Bin Hui. So the story became somewhat predictable and lacklustre. Fan Bing Bing's depiction of Da Ji was difficult to match - the extreme of her bitchiness as the fox controlled seductress and the kind-hearted original Da Ji was very pronounced.

The plot for the failed rescue of Da Ji was poorly developed. Why the need to bring Yang Jian into the palace to fetch Da Ji - just send her out quietly in the guise of someone else.

Additionally the voice dubbing of Da Ji was strange - it sounded like a reading from a script. I am about two-thirds of my way through. For this far, I had been watching Yang Jian and his disciple sister messed up with their impetuousness and immaturity. I am going to pause and watch something else. If I do get back to complete the drama, I may update my review.

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What's the rave about?

I am into the third episode and about to give up. It is produced in a very old Chinese style - with dim indoor lighting and rugged clothings. Realistic - yes, appealing - no. The audio recording was muffled and difficult to make out so I have to rely on the subtitles. All I see up to now was a lot of people running around, horse galloping, shouting and drum roll in an attempt to create an ambience of urgency and excitement. But the story is not developing fast enough and it is not keeping me interested.

One of the earlier reviewers advised to watch until the tenth episode into the story but I do not think I have the patience. Also a reviewer did not declare there is a spoiler in her reviews which spoil it further for me. I do not understand why it was so highly rated on mydramalist.com. It is not my cup of tea.

Unlike 'The Untamed' which I did not like it much initially, but I got to like it very quickly by the second episode.

I am going to push on for a little while. If I change my opinion about it, I would come back to correct this review.

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