An enemies to lovers story into a political slice of life drama.
This is a fully raw review because this drama holds a special place in my heart.
In the first episode, when watching it for the very first time, I cried. I could name multiple reasons why: the script, cinematography, OST, and the chemistry were all incredible. But what I connected with the most is how Xiao Qiao's actions directly impacted and showed us what kind of person she is. That doesn't only count for her, however; almost all the characters could be fully fleshed out within this first episode. It pulled me in slowly with its incredible storytelling and characterisation. Each individual felt complex, layered and real to me. They didn't need to dive into multiple flashbacks for each backstory to help us feel connected to the characters.
As for the main plot, it was told incredibly well. Each thread of string connected, and every time a string was connected, it made sense; not only did those strings inform us about the characters, but these strings pushed forward the plot. This drama felt like we were following fully realised people; capable of being both strong and weak, smart and capable and flawed in their own ways and emotionally complicated. I believe, in particular, the way the relationship progresses between the main leads is beautiful.
The most intriguing thing about this story was how it set up certain expectations and clichés and then flipped the script in multiple ways, sometimes subtly or directly, but all believably and in character-driven ways. As most clichés and tropes exist purely because it is a historical drama, the way the script handled these clichés is admirable, and in turn, so is the way the two main characters handle them.
This story, for me, isn't about the "villains", "stupid side characters", or "power-struggling plotlines". It's about the relationships between people and how they can develop them; what is family, and how agency within an individual can impact relationships through time and space.
Main points/ people I will be following:
- Nan Zhen is the scriptwriter, because the dialogue between the characters and plot is what I lived for.
- Zhao Ying Chuan is the cinematographer, because it was realistic and beautiful.
- Ai Wen is the costume designer; beautiful.
- Zou Chen is the producer, so I hope she supports more well-done dramas.
A story I come back to over and over again because it shows two individuals growing together in love.
In the first episode, when watching it for the very first time, I cried. I could name multiple reasons why: the script, cinematography, OST, and the chemistry were all incredible. But what I connected with the most is how Xiao Qiao's actions directly impacted and showed us what kind of person she is. That doesn't only count for her, however; almost all the characters could be fully fleshed out within this first episode. It pulled me in slowly with its incredible storytelling and characterisation. Each individual felt complex, layered and real to me. They didn't need to dive into multiple flashbacks for each backstory to help us feel connected to the characters.
As for the main plot, it was told incredibly well. Each thread of string connected, and every time a string was connected, it made sense; not only did those strings inform us about the characters, but these strings pushed forward the plot. This drama felt like we were following fully realised people; capable of being both strong and weak, smart and capable and flawed in their own ways and emotionally complicated. I believe, in particular, the way the relationship progresses between the main leads is beautiful.
The most intriguing thing about this story was how it set up certain expectations and clichés and then flipped the script in multiple ways, sometimes subtly or directly, but all believably and in character-driven ways. As most clichés and tropes exist purely because it is a historical drama, the way the script handled these clichés is admirable, and in turn, so is the way the two main characters handle them.
This story, for me, isn't about the "villains", "stupid side characters", or "power-struggling plotlines". It's about the relationships between people and how they can develop them; what is family, and how agency within an individual can impact relationships through time and space.
Main points/ people I will be following:
- Nan Zhen is the scriptwriter, because the dialogue between the characters and plot is what I lived for.
- Zhao Ying Chuan is the cinematographer, because it was realistic and beautiful.
- Ai Wen is the costume designer; beautiful.
- Zou Chen is the producer, so I hope she supports more well-done dramas.
A story I come back to over and over again because it shows two individuals growing together in love.
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