Enjoyable
I didn’t think I’d finish this series, but, truth be told, it got better and better as it went along. The mournful Buddhist theme set against the many shots of the beautiful countryside gave the whole drama a rich, poignant feel. I liked and cared about the characters–the secondary ones as well as the main ones. The pacing worked for me, and the plot wasn’t overly complicated.
At the risk of seeming screechy and preachy, I’ll now mention a few (fairly minor) things I didn’t like.
1. The continual use of crows as omens of evil and doom annoys me. This is a recurring problem in Chinese films (and in some western films too). Can we get away from this stereotype?
Everywhere crows have suffered at the hands of humans. They’ve been shot, snared with wire, tortured and murdered by the thousands, and they don’t deserve it. Crows are curious and incredibly intelligent animals.
Crow families work together to build nests. They show empathy and compassion and will help a friend or neighbor if they can. (Look up the research.) They’re not the evil demons they’re often portrayed as in series like this one. I’d like to see them catch a break with movie makers. Don’t give viewers a reason to persecute them. Please?
2. This drama was supposed to be a romance. Did the main couple even kiss? There was one scene of two shadows on a window screen coming together. That might have been a display of affection--or not. The “seduction” scene between the two second leads had all the warmth of a congealed blob of refried beans.
3. Now and then a character gave a speech that sounded like a sermon or something from Economics 101. For example, I didn’t mind that Mei Xin talked about the financial exploitation of the lower classes by the upper classes, but it went on and on and ON.
4. It was nice seeing Riley Wang in a different kind of role (serious Taoist cultivator), but there wasn’t much juice in that lemon. He didn’t smile once. I like Riley better when he plays a bad boy or a rogue.
5. As for the ML, he was something of a cipher. His expression never changed, even when he was looking longingly at the FL. But as the story went on, he somehow found ways to express his feelings through subtle glances and gestures. I ended up really appreciating the character and the actor who played him.
Overall, entertaining and thought-provoking.
At the risk of seeming screechy and preachy, I’ll now mention a few (fairly minor) things I didn’t like.
1. The continual use of crows as omens of evil and doom annoys me. This is a recurring problem in Chinese films (and in some western films too). Can we get away from this stereotype?
Everywhere crows have suffered at the hands of humans. They’ve been shot, snared with wire, tortured and murdered by the thousands, and they don’t deserve it. Crows are curious and incredibly intelligent animals.
Crow families work together to build nests. They show empathy and compassion and will help a friend or neighbor if they can. (Look up the research.) They’re not the evil demons they’re often portrayed as in series like this one. I’d like to see them catch a break with movie makers. Don’t give viewers a reason to persecute them. Please?
2. This drama was supposed to be a romance. Did the main couple even kiss? There was one scene of two shadows on a window screen coming together. That might have been a display of affection--or not. The “seduction” scene between the two second leads had all the warmth of a congealed blob of refried beans.
3. Now and then a character gave a speech that sounded like a sermon or something from Economics 101. For example, I didn’t mind that Mei Xin talked about the financial exploitation of the lower classes by the upper classes, but it went on and on and ON.
4. It was nice seeing Riley Wang in a different kind of role (serious Taoist cultivator), but there wasn’t much juice in that lemon. He didn’t smile once. I like Riley better when he plays a bad boy or a rogue.
5. As for the ML, he was something of a cipher. His expression never changed, even when he was looking longingly at the FL. But as the story went on, he somehow found ways to express his feelings through subtle glances and gestures. I ended up really appreciating the character and the actor who played him.
Overall, entertaining and thought-provoking.
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