This review may contain spoilers
What an incredible first episode ! So much happens in such a short time. Poor thing... How awful to go through that ! It's unbearable to watch such a powerful, untouchable manipulator. The show's little twist comes out of nowhere ; I had absolutely no idea it would be that. And I think that's better not to know anything before starting.
"If women interfere with politics, the State will collapse."
Go tell that to Cixi, who kept the Qing dynasty afloat for more than 50 years.
Oh my ! That feeling of satisfaction when you start watching a random series and it literally sucks you in, leaving you eagerly awaiting each episode, day after day. A C-drama about power and court intrigues, featuring powerful men who are never satisfied but who end up crossing paths with a cunning princess who stops at nothing. She knows how to keep her allies close and her enemies even closer. She uses their strengths and weaknesses against them. She stands up to the ministers and the rest of the world. (When she traps Xiao Xun in a gilded cage, lured by a reward... episode 16.) It's so good. Did I say it was good ? I'll say it again, then.
I love these stories about unexpected characters who take their revenge on fate. These people are one step ahead because they leave their arrogance at the door. Princess Zhao Chu does, however, have one advantage : the sympathy and loyalty of certain people excluded from the circles of power. She lives surrounded by her maids, her advisors, her protectors, almost exclusively women.
All in all, these guys who feel belittled and are plotting in the princess's shadow are quite entertaining. No matter what schemes they hatch, they end up doing whatever she wants.
This little emperor, still just a child, who puts his ministers in their place, I found it so funny. They don't take him seriously, but they follow his orders because what he says makes perfect sense and shows great intelligence.
"Why must she seek such Glory on the battlefield ? [...] Clearly, she refuses to know her place and means to usurp the throne."
The relationship between the two main protagonists works so well. They're passionate and each has their own demons. Their conversation in episode 3, very tense, borders on the erotic without the slightest sexual undertone. And their sword dance beneath the fallen leaves drifting from the trees around them, their gazes filled with desire and mutual respect… When he fixes her hair knot while she's kneading dough to make pastries ? Please cover the children's eyes ! A man and a woman among the most beautiful in the world, and they support and admire each other, to the point of pulling off a final plan that's quite implausible but relies solely on their faith in one another.
"I'm not here to persuade you but to threaten you." she says with a venomous smile.
The music is so lyrical at times ! Often melancholic and melismatic. It takes on a more martial tone during battle and siege scenes. How strange it is to hear melodies that usually sound more like Japanese animation. Simple, repetitive phrases built around a single ornamented note.
Of course, the sets and costumes are meticulously crafted and drenched in black and red throughout. How beautiful !
"If women interfere with politics, the State will collapse."
Go tell that to Cixi, who kept the Qing dynasty afloat for more than 50 years.
Oh my ! That feeling of satisfaction when you start watching a random series and it literally sucks you in, leaving you eagerly awaiting each episode, day after day. A C-drama about power and court intrigues, featuring powerful men who are never satisfied but who end up crossing paths with a cunning princess who stops at nothing. She knows how to keep her allies close and her enemies even closer. She uses their strengths and weaknesses against them. She stands up to the ministers and the rest of the world. (When she traps Xiao Xun in a gilded cage, lured by a reward... episode 16.) It's so good. Did I say it was good ? I'll say it again, then.
I love these stories about unexpected characters who take their revenge on fate. These people are one step ahead because they leave their arrogance at the door. Princess Zhao Chu does, however, have one advantage : the sympathy and loyalty of certain people excluded from the circles of power. She lives surrounded by her maids, her advisors, her protectors, almost exclusively women.
All in all, these guys who feel belittled and are plotting in the princess's shadow are quite entertaining. No matter what schemes they hatch, they end up doing whatever she wants.
This little emperor, still just a child, who puts his ministers in their place, I found it so funny. They don't take him seriously, but they follow his orders because what he says makes perfect sense and shows great intelligence.
"Why must she seek such Glory on the battlefield ? [...] Clearly, she refuses to know her place and means to usurp the throne."
The relationship between the two main protagonists works so well. They're passionate and each has their own demons. Their conversation in episode 3, very tense, borders on the erotic without the slightest sexual undertone. And their sword dance beneath the fallen leaves drifting from the trees around them, their gazes filled with desire and mutual respect… When he fixes her hair knot while she's kneading dough to make pastries ? Please cover the children's eyes ! A man and a woman among the most beautiful in the world, and they support and admire each other, to the point of pulling off a final plan that's quite implausible but relies solely on their faith in one another.
"I'm not here to persuade you but to threaten you." she says with a venomous smile.
The music is so lyrical at times ! Often melancholic and melismatic. It takes on a more martial tone during battle and siege scenes. How strange it is to hear melodies that usually sound more like Japanese animation. Simple, repetitive phrases built around a single ornamented note.
Of course, the sets and costumes are meticulously crafted and drenched in black and red throughout. How beautiful !
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