emberzmars
This review may contain spoilers
Engrossed by this tale of 3 individuals
I've been enjoying Cheng Yu Feng's dramas these past weeks (Yes, Her Majesty, A Lucid Dream, Enslaved by Love) and have watched Chen Fang Tong in Maid's Revenge. I am familiar with Li Jiu Lin because of Circle of Love (not sure if I'll watch this mini drama) so on a Sunday evening, I decided to watch this series. Love it!
What I liked:
1. Ye Rong Er / Wen Ren Jing characterisation - I love that she is ambitious about life. Even though she has money and "somewhat" easy life, she decided that being "someone's wife" isn't her thing and decided to work on herself. I also like her being straight forward and is unfazed by other people's views of her. Her character grew as series progressed - Wen Ren Jing realised that her actions had implications on other people and she was sincerely sorry for the effects she had caused. Chen Fang Tong managed to balance the sassy and soft sides of Wen Ren Jing.
2. Lu Ting Xiao / Yin Si Shen characterisation - He started off as a mysterious courtesan who took on the role of Bai Qing Hall director and then proceeded to woo female lead Wen Ren Jing. I like that Lu Ting Xiao was clear thinking when it comes to work and personal matters. It's nice to see Li Jiu Lin in a green flag role. With the wig, he gave me Henry Cavill vibes.
3. Fang Xian Xun / Lin Xie characterisation - Another mysterious character with a great development especially towards the end. It's great that Fang Xian Xun has opposite personality from Lu Ting Xiao. He is cheeky and readily smiles while his love rival is intense and brooding.
4. Writing - Decreed by Fate has a great combination of drama, action, comedy in this short 16 episode series. I particularly love the plot twist involving Fang Xian Xun's background and the cliffhanger ending. Thank you for writing a great female sidekick!
5. Pacing - Well done to director for great editing. I love the pacing of this story. Compact & concise storytelling within 16 episodes.
6. Supporting characters - I love Wen Ren Ling. Liu Zhan, Zheng Lin. Even Mr & Mrs Yin left a good impression despite the short amount of screentime.
7. The romance - This series has great scenes with romantic tension. Tease of a ménage à trois! I believe that Wen Ren Jing chose the right person to be her life partner.
What I disliked:
1. The kingdoms - Just a small comment. Although it's revealed, I'd like to know what cause the rivalry between North and South Kingdom. Is West Kingdom neutral? Where is the capital located?
Favourite scene:
When Wen Ren Jing, Lu Ting Xiao and Fang Xian Xun were bound by the vine.
What I liked:
1. Ye Rong Er / Wen Ren Jing characterisation - I love that she is ambitious about life. Even though she has money and "somewhat" easy life, she decided that being "someone's wife" isn't her thing and decided to work on herself. I also like her being straight forward and is unfazed by other people's views of her. Her character grew as series progressed - Wen Ren Jing realised that her actions had implications on other people and she was sincerely sorry for the effects she had caused. Chen Fang Tong managed to balance the sassy and soft sides of Wen Ren Jing.
2. Lu Ting Xiao / Yin Si Shen characterisation - He started off as a mysterious courtesan who took on the role of Bai Qing Hall director and then proceeded to woo female lead Wen Ren Jing. I like that Lu Ting Xiao was clear thinking when it comes to work and personal matters. It's nice to see Li Jiu Lin in a green flag role. With the wig, he gave me Henry Cavill vibes.
3. Fang Xian Xun / Lin Xie characterisation - Another mysterious character with a great development especially towards the end. It's great that Fang Xian Xun has opposite personality from Lu Ting Xiao. He is cheeky and readily smiles while his love rival is intense and brooding.
4. Writing - Decreed by Fate has a great combination of drama, action, comedy in this short 16 episode series. I particularly love the plot twist involving Fang Xian Xun's background and the cliffhanger ending. Thank you for writing a great female sidekick!
5. Pacing - Well done to director for great editing. I love the pacing of this story. Compact & concise storytelling within 16 episodes.
6. Supporting characters - I love Wen Ren Ling. Liu Zhan, Zheng Lin. Even Mr & Mrs Yin left a good impression despite the short amount of screentime.
7. The romance - This series has great scenes with romantic tension. Tease of a ménage à trois! I believe that Wen Ren Jing chose the right person to be her life partner.
What I disliked:
1. The kingdoms - Just a small comment. Although it's revealed, I'd like to know what cause the rivalry between North and South Kingdom. Is West Kingdom neutral? Where is the capital located?
Favourite scene:
When Wen Ren Jing, Lu Ting Xiao and Fang Xian Xun were bound by the vine.
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