This review may contain spoilers
A Historical Account presented masterfully in an engaging drama.
The initial 5 episodes were chaotic and confusing, needing to be revisited time and again.There is the bigger story of a period when China was going through a chaotic period of 5 dynasties in rapid succession in the North and 10 kingdoms in the South. The fall of the Tang Dynasty, plunged the era and especially the Central Plains of the North with a dominant power with the ruling Emperor seated in Kaifeng, into a turbulent period of wars and power struggles between opposing states and military regimes. The Tang dynasty was ended by Zhu Wen, a rebel warlord who founded the Later Liang dynasty. He was in turn overthrown and replaced by Li Cunxu, son of his main military rival, Li Keyong, foundiing the Later Tang dynasty, the second dynasty after Tang. Li was in turn usurped by a trusted general, Shi Jintang, son of another Comander in Li Keyong's army, with the help of the Khitans, setting up the Later Jin Dynasty, the 3rd Dynasty after Tang.
This CDrama starts with the compromised Emperor Shi, beholden to the Khitans being the Central Plains dominant power.
Within this background was the Kingdom of Wuyue, a small but extremely prosperous Kingdom, who lived by the mantra of "serving the central plains". They were a vassal state within the Central Plains paying homage and tributes to the Central Plains Emperor. The King at the start of the series was Qian YuanGuang, who has 2 adopted sons, the 1st and 2nd Princes. This is the story of the 9th Prince, Qian HongChu.
Wuyue borders with the Southern Tang and they are both adversaries, often in armed conflicts. Within this corner of the world, there operates a strong independent sea borne merchant fleet headed by a strong willed woman, the Lady Yu who was once the wife of King YuanGuang. She left the King after he married another as part of a power alliance.. She is the biological mother of the 3rd Prince, Qian HongZuo, and also the mother of Sun Taizhen, her only daughter and another younger son ChengZuo. Lady Yu and her brother, Yu Wenxiu, runs the HuangLong Society fleet out of HuangLong Island.
Within this mix of royals, there is a powerful ensemble of nobles, generals and merchants, each with their own interests. A prominent merchant from Wuyue, Cheng Zhaoyue is plotting with Li YuanQing, a Commander of an elite Southern Tang military unit.
QHC, who seems to have a predilection to get into spots is captured aboard a HuangLong Society ship and brought to HuangLong Island, where he was attended to by STZ.
This is a historical account seen from the smaller perspective of the trials and tribulations of a vassal state against the bigger canvas of shifting power dynamics of imperialism. One needs to get past the first 10 episodes before the the entirety of the canvas becomes more apparent. There are more villains than heroes and principles are readily abandoned for power and ambitions.
There are several threads that are sometimes loosely intertwined and then ends up tightly bound for a very engaging story line and immensely engaging plot.
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Not sure about the hype.
I started watching this for its high ratings. The starting was promising. By Ep 10, I was struggling.The whole premise of the "Intelligence Unit" reflects this series' hype and not intelligence. Somehow Chen Ping Ping knows everything. Somehow. The most fascinating aspect of the whole series was CPP's wheelchair. A palace that is empty but for the Emperor, who is so self absorbed. A woman immortalized by a memorial tablet. A Saintess perfect in the role of the harlot but totally lacking in seductive charms. The hero who spends his childhood in the countryside and then literally walked perfectly suited into his adult role as martial arts exponent extraordinaire, fitting perfectly into the imperial world of subterfuge and political under world. He somehow has incredible attributes and manages to outwit and outfight every baddie thrown into the mixture with irritating aplomb. Mostly he out mouth rather than do.
Political intrigues that starts off intriguing but culminates in yawns.
A sickly princess who craves chicken legs .......she was actually the brightest spot in the whole series.
Did I look forward to Season 2? Maybe. Just to tell myself that I may be wrong. That Season 1 is the lead up to a huge season finale .....
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Failed Father.
The premise of this series is good. There are many threads, each with its own story. It's anecdotal, it's heartwarming, it's infuriating and it's enlightening of the times. Overall, it's sketchy. Somehow the details didn't fully fleshed out the picture.There is much to like. There's much realism and tales of life. There's much to appreciate. But there is also too much emphasis on some nuances and some bits of the acting seems over dramatised. I count 5 divorces. For 36 episodes and a family of 5 siblings, this seems a lot. The character play of antagonism between QZW and elder son QYC is a little overdone. The furtive, paternalistic and overbearing characterization of QZW, with his obviously devious scheming just got more irritating than hateful. Even QSM's portrayal of a ditzy sister get a little worn.
The QSL and MYD's relationship, as well as QEQ and MSQ's were better written with its moments of challenges and warmth.
The bigger acting parts belong to the male actors but the female actors did a better job. Esp Mao Xiao Tong and Zhu Zhu.
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Zhao LS is the MFL
I started watching it because of ZLS. The story line just got too tedious after a while so i stopped.Acting was mediocre and the story line definitely not exciting. There's no twists nor suspense to keep me looking forward to the next episode. Even the "chemistry" between the leads were at best acting rather than genuine connection.
I was re-watching previous episodes because I kept losing track of the story. If there was any story. And whatever the story line was about, the details went from creepy initially to cringy. After a while I stopped because the details didn't matter.
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Rewatched.
If you are late to the CDrama scene, its never too late.This must rank as one of the best story line for CDrama together with the action sequels. The entire story is of values, of which the greatest that comes to mind is honour. There is also the distinctions of Family, Emperor and Country.
This is an epic.
Enough said. Maybe I will do a better review after re-watching it again.
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Forgive, Never Forget. Love and Honour.
A romantic action thriller tale of betrayal, nefarious plots and ultimately triumph of love.Superb characterisation by ML, FL and main supportings. There will be many new acolytes of Song Zu Er just for her beautiful expressions even without considering her fabulous acting. One can literally watch the series just to see her. Usually the ML struts and poses without much acting but LYN showcased his emotional side here well. If the ML and FL set the drama tone, the supporting were the garnishings that lifted this CDRAMA to another level. You can't help but root for Wei Liang and Xiao Tao.
The pace started fast and furious. By Episode 3 one is left wondering what is there left of the story line? Then the subterfuge and scheming starts, within the family and within states, each twist and turn leads one to binge the next episode for the outcome. Both ML and FL literally lived their characters.
Great cinematography and this is one series where the OST is worth listening to for every episode instead skipping forward.
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Watch this for Yang Zi.
The only good reason to continue watching this is for Yang Zi. The only other reason is to complete the series from Fluorished Peony.The most envied actor must be Li Xian. Unless there is real life chemistry, there are many instances of sizzling on screen chemistry between him and Yang Zi. The villain serves to irritate more than being hateful. However more irritating than the villain must be the character, Liu Lang
The story tempo changes from draggy to incredulous plot twists. Its literally impossible to die despite the multitude of apparently violent injuries inflicted. Except the last death where a simple stab is adequate.
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This review may contain spoilers
Refreshingly engaging.
There will be comparisons made between Zhong Mo Yuan and "The Heir". This is a captivating drama by itself, and a must watch if one enjoyed "The Heir".Different times, different challenges, different perspectives and yet there is an immediate sense of familiarity to the intangible aspect of a thousand year lineage of craftsmanship and culture. In "The Heir", there was pride in their "bǎi nián" (hundred years) heritage. Today it is in 35 generations spanning a thousand years. Its not merely pride but a definite sense of fragility in maintaining craftsmanship with the challenge of modern economics of scale amidst the availability of machinery.
In The Heir, it was all about ink and the challenges of a young woman in ancient China's feudal society dominated by the Imperial court. The script had somewhat liberal leanings in very conservative times where a wrong decision can mean the end of a clan. In this Paper Dreams, its all about paper in the modern socialist, communist republic of China. Just as in the intimately entwined relationship between ink and paper in Chinese culture for art and calligraphy, there is much similarities between Paper Dreams and The Heir.
Xuan paper culture has lasted a thousand years. Will it still be relevant for another thousand years? This is the gauntlet thrown at Lin Yiran as she navigates the politics of both party and civil administration as a newby in town. The xuan paper industry faces the prospect of economic extinction versus the challenge of adapting to another millennia in digital times. Within the industry, there is the challenge of maintaining seemingly unsustainable traditional craftsmanship or bowing down to the the demands of economic survival.
The script is very well written exposing the opposing forces dancing around each other, at times in sync and other times brutally at each other's throat. The interaction of characters are masterfully acted out in their daily life as they coexist in their beloved Peach Blossom Town, TaoHua, finding new angles to preserving culture and maintaining economic existence.
Though the scenery is modern, there's much that is breathtaking and much that lend itself to nostalgia. The ancient arched bridge over the flowing river and the various modern expressways and scenes with rivers adds the link of today to a thousand years ago. The smokiness of the mountain clouds and greens adds an ethereal air and one can easily be transported through the ages. There are modern buildings and yet there are much that remains traditional, blending the times spanning a millenia.
Ma Shou Hua as Xuan Yong Nian nailed the character. Principled, unyielding and ferociously defending the thousand years old legacy at the expense of family, he is kind, stubborn and patriarchal to all who work for him. He is the revered Master to many, but struggles to be the Father of his own son. He struggles to keep the the xuan legacy relevant and yet is cognizant of its fragility, wondering whether it will perish with himself. He is the living legacy yet he may also be the last link. In more ways than one he outshine the ML though he is listed as supporting role. MSH's acting skills in this drama is outstanding and he reprised his roles superbly especially as the Master.
The relationship between wife and husband, revered Master and his closest support, the unconditional love of a mother and matriarch to the company is nicely filled by Wang Qian as Xiu Mei. The factory crew, as the extended Xuan family was warmly portrayed despite many differences. Zhang Du was nicely played as a devoted apprentice who grew into the detestable comeuppance usurper. He puts a new meaning to villainy. And then comes redemption. A stand out is the seemingly outspoken Su Lan, showing a softer side as Xiu Mei's "sister".
Taozi is literally the best BFF one can have. She is loyal. She will be there. She is literally the most dependable friend one can have, with the best shoulder to cry on. The evolution of Director Liao as the stick in the mud HOD to Ambassador Liao, as mentor and fatherly figure is great piece of script writing nicely played out by Yin Xiao Tian. Another outstanding potrayal was Xiong Rui Ying as Secretary Peng.
Zhang Yue as Lin Yiran started of as the strong willed young cadre willing to take on the old stooges of the Party and the establishment because she was principled. As the drama progressed, she began to show her human, and more vulnerable side, manifested especially with her growing relationship with Xuan YN and Xiu Mei. ZY has definitely matured from her days as the General's daughter in "Love like the Galaxy".
Zheng Ye Cheng as the ML is overshadowed by Ma SH. Even Song Yu as Xiao Min played a more substantive role. As the ML he got along with the FL though the fireworks were definitely not there. The FL on her bicycle seem more appropriate than the ML on his irritating motorbike.
The drama started of unassuming but gradually draws one in. There is much to like, the xuan paper industry was enlightening, and the machinations of the CPC was definitely eye opening especially in its relationship with private enterprise in China today. The ending could be better but the overall script was superb.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ridiculously Entertaining.
It is incredulous. It's ridiculous. It's totally fictitious. It is also absolutely entertaining. Leave rationalising at the door, enter and just enjoy the actions and emotional ride.It is a period drama that draws on elements of the times. Yet the story line thrives on much of modern dramas' draw factors. Let's start with romance. It is unabashedly romantic in a way that would never happen in ancient China. No apologies. The amount of lips action would literally paint blushes on on every cheeks pink until no makeup is needed. If this is a more liberal production, the throes of the heart would not stop at the lips. If you are a romantic and somehow make it to Ep 24, there is no way you can stop there. Its kudos to the script that beyond action, the continuously smouldering romance can be ignited into a flame, and re-ignited time and again.
Did I mention modern? It is so modern that CPR is a key element of plot! Initially the plot gets more and more obtuse. It will not make sense until you hit Ep 30 and beyond. Just enjoy the human drama and action sequences until then, of which there is ample. The cinematography is good and at points stunning. Even the use of AI is so much more fluid than recent dramas. Compare the birds in this and "Legend of Shen Li"; a world apart.
The FL is a total class act. She is all big eyes, all class act as the butcher girl and so totally bad ass. I am still wondering, fr Ep 1, whether she actually handled the pig herself. And the humans subsequently. Totally the best of Tian XW. On the other hand the ML is rather nondescript except for all his enviable lip actions. I enjoyed the interactions of the Pig Squad more than the more substantial maneuvering of the nobles.
The narrative was more gripping from the village of Linan to the battlefields of the NorthWest. Once it reached the Capital, and our little butcher girl got more genteel, the drama lost some of its appeal and it became more of filling up the plot holes. Portrayal of the Capital and the court was underwhelming. The roles of our butcher girl and Marquis were equally lackluster compare to when they were out defending the Northwest. The Emperor was irritating, with the villains equally so, and rather than being actually heinous, they were just tiresome.
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When circumstances, nature and humans conspires.
The crimes are heinous. Not for gold, not for millions, not for passion, not for vengeance. Because humans want a better life.Forget stars, starlets, celebrities or cameos. Just actors and actresses acting. Fabulous cinematography. Riveting story line. This series is a story of China as well. Living within the constrain of times and rules. And how humans strives for happiness. As for the the crime/s, the roller-coaster of clues and motives keeps the suspense on teeter hooks. Its a story of the boondocks but the intelligence behind it is dazzling.
There must be Sandstorm 2. For redemption. Because she does not deserve it.
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Incredibly tedious.
Started off interesting. After a while, the narrative gets bogged down with very superficial minutae.There's a huge focus on the state of the art IT system that gets irritating after a while. The story is supposedly over 24 hours. After several weeks of trying to sieve the difference in crucial plot details versus details of the IT infrastructure, clothing etc, it just got too tedious. Everyone walked around with supposedly blood and gore artistically applied on; no smearing, no change, only on the face with hair, clothing spared
The only army required seems to be those in the "IT" industry. Otherwise the male protagonist is perfectly capable of taking down endless stream of baddies with his shortened sword (mark of shame).
One word describes the OST - numbing. What was supposed to be suspenseful was just draggy.
Just got too tedious snd i stopped.
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This review may contain spoilers
Redemption in All Forms.
This series is more aptly named "Love's Redemption".It's about love in its many forms. Lovers, parental, siblings, unrequited love, infatuations, loyalties and material greed. Sprinkle in fast pace tales of corporate greed, business intrigues, societal differences and there is a tapestry of stories that link up cohesively into a fireworks like finale. The biggest sticking point must be the somewhat incredulous qualification of a three month period of unquestionable devotion in a huge contract from a Russian! And there is also the full head of hair after major brain surgery .......
I admit I watched this for ZLS, and it is a redemption for her from her disastrous "Hidden Love". She morphed through several characterizations with much credibility and ease, beginning from a neglected childhood in the countryside to a struggling newbie maneuvering corporate politics in the big city. She went from deviously scheming affection for matrimonial gains to dealing with deep emotional turmoil and finally culminating into a mature loving partner, mother, daughter and friend. Knowing of her recent personal tribulations, this is truly a monumental work for her. Her only blotch is an incongruously done upper lip job that sticks out unnaturally.
WC literally fitted into the ML as Haoming. It is as if the series was written for him. Just like ZLS, as Xu Yan, he found redemption for his errors to be a better son, partner, colleague and person. But the period when he was abroad seem too fashioned after how a "Westernised" Chinese would behave, unbelievable. Easy love? Keeping a baby? Eyes roll.
I found WP as Qiao Lin as one of the most intriguing character. She comes across as refreshing, earnest and the best sibling, friend and colleague that one could wish for. In some ways, she out shone ZLS, especially with her authenticity in both looks and behaviour.
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Brutal and stylish fight scenes.
This series takes gang fights to another level of sophistication and numbers. The ML literally puts Rambo to shame with his body count despite not using any guns. He could also had featured as a professional baseball player with his superlative skills with a baseball bat.The action started fast and furious and it took 3 episodes before one could catch a breath to figure out the story line. Then it was a rush to the finish albeit less adrenaline fueled as it becomes more apparent that the killings must finish and the ML will be immortal until his mission to end all scum lives is completed.
Overall a good watch for those more appreciative of gruesome violence.
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There is enough in the story to keep viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode. Details may be stunning yet lacking, e.g. the extravagant wedding yet in both the Ning and Fei mansions, there is a paucity of staff in detailing the rich lifestyle. Poverty is everywhere yet the poor are somehow made up looking poor but lack the actual dirt.
Overall the entire drama is engaging with superb acting.
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This review may contain spoilers
FL is Beautiful.
The basic storyline, where both ML and FL had switched identities had great potential that were not well developed. There's much confusing major details that didn't make sense.How did the FL and ML ended up journeying together to the capital? A father not recognising his son? Confusing time frames, e. g. Yan Lin seem to know JXN way before XW but they kinda arrive in the capital simultaneously....
What exactly is XW's disease that is so incapacitating at times and yet is miraculously absent at the end?
The Emperor, Lord Linzi and Princess are siblings. With different degrees of friends...... YL knowing JXN long time but Prince only meeting JXH later. Same for relationships between Princess, YL, XW and JXN etc. It's like these people exist within their own specific time frames that may or may not overlap.
Within a short time period, not well chronicled, XW arrived and rose to be the most trusted advisor to the Emperor. Its not clear how this happened. And of course it happened with him incognito to the Emperor.
And the baddies are just so underwhelming and totally undeserving of the heroic exploits of the good guys.
There's enough to keep moving on to the next episode .....much prob due to a forlorn hope that the storyline would fill up the gaps ....or to the enigmatic FL.
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