Vikaly

Unlike many Chinese series, this one has no slow moments; it is so addictive that, at the end of each episode, you immediately want to watch the next one. The series is neither too long nor too short—twenty episodes is the perfect length. The two leads (Wang Chu Ran and Zhang Wan Yi) are beautifull and endearing, have great on-screen chemistry, and deliver excellent performances. The personalities of the new Emperor (Chang Hua Sen) —who is indecisive and tries too hard to appease or play with opposing factions—and the Empress (Yuan Yu Xuan) - initially shy, lacking self-confidence, and with inferiority complex - are both interesting and original. The bond that gradually unites them, strengthening two individuals who are otherwise fragile yet complementary, is well conceived and portrayed. A more annoying element is the subplot involving the Prince’s physician friend and the porcelain merchant; their relationship issues add a touch of farce, but these scenes drag on for too long.

Finally, the sets and costumes are stunning; the beauty of the lead actors and their nuanced acting evoke a fairy-tale atmosphere, making the whole production a visual delight.

The only weak point is the sudden shift in the female lead's personality when she regains her memory. At that moment, she transforms from a gentle young woman into someone cruel and brutal—a complete departure from her previous self. Later, after a (too) long period of time, once she forgives the Prince and acknowledges the sincerity and constancy of his feelings, she abruptly reverts to being a gentle, tender wife. This lacks logic: either the director failed to properly set up this personality shift (leaving us wondering about the sudden violence or unexpected gentleness), or Wang Churan’s acting is unconvincing, making the change feel implausible. The personality change is anyway too extreme and exaggerated in my point of view.