This is a drama that might have been a favorite re-watch, but it sort of kills itself after the leads get together. I'm at episode 30, and the subplots aren't contributing anything. Every time I que the show up to finish it, I'm like . . . . nah.
Drama is not so much slow as measured, taking its time (perhaps too much of it) to tell a fairly interesting story about an extended family torn apart by an old trauma. And it's also about ink making, which is best understood or appreciated by understanding the importance of the industry in ancient China. Whether or not it delivers on the historicity of the both the industry and the dynastic context is best determined by historians.
Which is my best way to say I can almost forgive the complete--and by complete, I mean absolute zero--absence of chemistry between the leads, who aren't even believable as friends, let alone romantic partners. Their relationship has about as much energy as a flat tire.
I can't imagine why this has been rated so low, and we'll all be better off waiting until it ends to rate it. As is always true. Always. But having said that, the rating the show has right now is complete dog wash. I recommend watching this. It may end absolutely awful--always a potential with a cdrama, but this is definitely worth watching as it airs.
What an interesting show so far. This is so detailed, from the setting to the hairstyles to the family relationships. This looks like one of those shows that's like the Story of Ming Lan, and I couldn't be happier about it.
Why, oh why, do they take a perfectly charming, perfectly romantic fairy tale story like this and stick political intrigue all over it? They spoiled Princess Hours this way, too.
Stylish, engaging noir with plot holes the size of craters. Watch it because it's entertaining as all get out, but turn off your critical faculties first.
TTR-The Truth Review's review above is outstanding. They manage to highlight every thing I despise in a FL. I'll be avoiding this drama like it's radioactive.
It's like they read or watched a hundred fairy tales to figure out what's best about them, and then rolled that into this drama. (I did think the iconic scene from "Titanic" was a wee bit much, though.)
And a Mercedes dealership.I want those Crocs, though.
I've seen that kind of chicken before on shows. Doesn't it have a mayo coating, or something like that (kind of gives me the ick, but different strokes, etc.) Not KFC.
I like this. The more episodes I watch, the more episodes I want to watch, which is the mark of a good show to me.
But holy shit with political and war shenanigans. I can't keep straight who's who and what their goals are so I really have no idea who the good guys are. I realize that it fundamentally doesn't matter and watch the show that way. But yikes.
Which is my best way to say I can almost forgive the complete--and by complete, I mean absolute zero--absence of chemistry between the leads, who aren't even believable as friends, let alone romantic partners. Their relationship has about as much energy as a flat tire.
I want those Crocs, though.
But holy shit with political and war shenanigans. I can't keep straight who's who and what their goals are so I really have no idea who the good guys are. I realize that it fundamentally doesn't matter and watch the show that way. But yikes.