ChineseDramaFan

The Hands Behind the Power

This drama portrays the life story of Liu E, one of the most prominent empress dowagers in Chinese history (b. 969 – d. 1033). She became the regent of the Song Dynasty for Emperor Zhenzong (reigned 997 – 1022) and later, for Emperor Renzong (reigned 1022 – 1063). Here, Liu E is depicted as intelligent, benevolent, decisive and visionary, far exceeds her male counterpart. Her journey from rags to riches based on historical facts, is interjected with fictional stories and figures.

The production cost for this drama is undoubtedly high with well know veteran actors, Liu Tao and Chou Yu Min, and the quality and acting are good. However, the editing is horrendous, in particular, for the first 10 episodes, making everything feel disjointed. There, events move very fast, from one big event to the next, supposedly unravelling over a span of time in days or weeks, even years, but the way the drama was cut, it feels like multiple events happening within the same day or hour, confusing and frustrating many viewers. The drama is said to have 80 episodes originally but drastically being trimmed down to 61 episodes.

Liu E has been portrayed as an evil woman in some literature which contradicts what historians think. In historical records, she was a very smart and courageous woman and had implemented many impressive projects that benefited the nation; her contributions were undeniable. Liu Tao's portrayal here is elegant and strong, and yet not lacking her feminine charisma. Whether or not this depiction is historically accurate, it is anybody’s guess. For me, compared with “Serenade of Peaceful Joy” where Liu E was portrayed in the first few episodes, I find some of the events in “Palace of Devotion” more plausible while others rather far-fetched with the writer’s imagination running wild. For example, how Liu E loses her biological children here seems over dramatic, but the request of wearing the emperor’s attire to a ritual ceremony seems out of place in “Serenade of Peaceful Joy” where a great deal of time is spent in arguing over the subject, whereas here, it becomes a brilliant idea by the Emperor himself to grant the Empress Dowager the status and privilege without much ado. Also how Cao (Empress Cisheng) comes to the life of Emperor Renzong is more believable in this drama than the previous one. However, I do love the dialogues in the former drama (“Serenade of Peaceful Joy”) which are more poise and humorous and the costume there perhaps more accurately depicted given Emperor Renzong was a very frugal person.

My Verdict
This is a rather well-done drama with decent CGIs despite the disjointed editing in earlier episodes and some inconsistencies in the logic of the fictitious events which are meant to spice up the story. Compared with “Serenade of Peaceful Joy”, “Palace of Devotion” is action packed with epic war scenes, spectacular warriors from Song and Khitan-Liao, and the settings are more opulent. The encounter of another great empress dowager, the Khitan Xiao Yan Yan, gives viewers two historically great women with strong personalities and powerful characters that leave deep marks in Chinese history; their intelligence and wisdom well supersede their contemporaneous male counterparts.

This is not a drama of great romance, and yet, Emperor Zhenzong is devoted to his Empress Liu. If not for the need of having a male heir for the throne, he wouldn’t have agreed to sleep with other women. This is pretty rare for a custom notorious for harems with thousand beauties.

Many viewers are also critical of the age of the main actors and complaint of their chemistry, Perhaps, these viewers are very used to having good looking young actors and fireworks type of romance. If so, this drama may not be their cup of tea.

“Palace of Devotion” comes with great character development and nice OSTs, at the same time, not lacking a sense of humor, tragedies and connivance.

Women have been an important force in shaping up societies and in politics. Seeing the two great empress dowagers of the time, a what-if question runs through my mind - what if women were given equal power, would we have a more peaceful and better world today?

Though not 100% perfect, this is a good historical drama for history buffs. I have enjoyed it. Great watch and recommended!

Read More

愛而不得 "ai er bu de" (Unfulfilled Love)

An unfulfilled love is perhaps the most painful romance there is for a couple in love; it is also one of the seven bitterness in life. The official trailer has prepared the viewers for the ultimate ending of the story, and since episode one, most viewers like myself, brace for a painful and untimely ending in the final episodes. The good news is, this is only perhaps a third of the story told. The rest of the story will be told in modern times, thousands of years later in their next lifetime, and the new drama is currently waiting to be released.

This is a touching, beautifully sad story. The female lead and male lead have loved each other so deeply for so many years, and yet they cannot be together. The story revolves around an unstable kingdom with a seemingly weak emperor and a power hungry controlling empress dowager. On top, there are enemies from within and without. No one knows who is foe or friend. Parricides, filicides and fratricides are rampant.

The development of the main couple's relationship from the beginning to the end is sweet and heart wrenching, with both leads mature and somber. As most viewers have already anticipated an ending that is tear jerking, every episode becomes heavy and painful to watch.

Zhou Shengchen (Ren Jialun aka Allen Ren) is an uncle of the then Emperor. To untangle himself from the power struggle within the palace, he changes his family name and barricades himself to guard the western border. He is intelligent, solemn and an incredible fighter. Who is more perfect than Ren Jialun to play this role? Here, Ren Jialun's performance is at his best, with an air of royalty and coldness, yet not lacking his affection for his love and his followers. His styling is also the best of all I have seen of the actor in his historical work. He looks so good and so convincing here. Despite adopting many followers, Cui Shiyi (Bai Lu) is the only one Zhou Shengchen falls in love with romantically, and yet he cannot love her openly and take her as his wife for he has vowed not to be married nor have offspring for life.

Cui Shiyi is the niece of the then Emperor’s teacher and her family holds high status in the society. To protect Cui Shiyi from any danger arises from palace political struggle, she’s sent far away to Zhou Shengchen and becomes his student. Growing up without a father, quickly, Cui Shiyi takes Zhou Shengchen as a fatherly teacher figure and gradually falls in love with him. And yet, fate doesn’t dwell her well.

Like Ren Jialun, Bai Lu’s acting here is also perhaps one of her best. She starts with a very young girl who doesn’t talk, and becomes a fine, mature young lady fit for an empress. Bai Lu has given us a remarkable performance for both her phases as a very young girl and then as a young lady. All the emotions on her face tell the silent sufferings she's going through and the longing for the one she loves.

Ren Jialun’s chemistry with Bai Lu is perhaps the best compared with his other co-stars in other dramas. Both exude the love and longing for each other, and yet they can’t say anything or take any actions. There’re hardly any physical contacts and yet their chemistry is overwhelmingly real that brings tears to the viewers’ eyes.

My Verdict

This is a beautiful romance with a lot of resignations. The characters are intelligent and lovely. The writing is intact and coherent, and the cinematography is good. All the war scenes are well done, in particular, Ren Jialun’s action scenes. Be warned though, the final two or three episodes are painful to watch.

Overall, a wonderful love story not to be missed. Bravo!

Read More

A Kiddie Wuxia

To start and continue watching this drama, viewers need to remain patient. Many of the actions of the main characters are childish but by the middle of the drama, they become more responsible and mature. Nonetheless, the overall writing still comes across as immature and at times, nonsensical. By the end of the drama, I breathed a sigh of relief as I congratulate myself for enduring and completing it eventually.

This drama started shooting with the pandemic hitting shortly after. It stopped shooting until the authority lifted the lockdown. I was really surprised that it managed to finish shooting and cutting, and released within the same year before the end of 2020, all done in a matter of a short few months.

Fierce fighting erupts among viewers on almost every discussion board. Wang Yi Bo’s fans are angry at Zhao Li Ying for playing the female lead as she is a lot older than him, and fans claim they don’t feel any chemistry between the pair. They also attack any viewers who criticize their idol. Zhao Li Ying’s fans come to her defense and attack Wang Yi Bo’s fans. Impartial viewers are also viciously attacked for their honest opinions which can be merciless towards the two main leads and the overall production, and are labeled as haters.

Accordingly, the drama is adapted from a very popular novel, You Fei, which literally means Bandits. However, for the drama, the word “Fei” (bandits) is changed to the word “Fei” (jade) as in the name of the female lead character Zhou “Fei” which means jade. From here, we can see the original story emphasizes on the “bandits” as the 48 Camps imply, but the adaptation has shifted the focus to Zhou Fei (Zhao Li Ying). Many readers claim the original work has been butchered. This is also confirmed by Zhao Li Ying herself when shooting started. According to readers, large sections of the original story were deleted and replaced with badly conceived plots and writings, rendering the whole story fragmented and ruined.

Zhao Li Ying is convincing with her styling as a very young girl who is strong and rebellious. Her makeup may look a bit cakey closeup, but she looks fine from afar. She looks tired and listless though. Wang Yi Bo is perhaps a bit out of his comfort zone but his character as a cocky and flamboyant Xie Yun is adorable and Wang Yi Bo’s acting is passable.

What I Like:
• I like the wuxia elements here – justice and righteousness.
• I like the storyline – the kids mature, each learning their respective skills and take on more responsibilities and become the leaders for their sect. There’s a lurking conspiracy, a treasure hunt, and the fighting for time to save a life.
• I like the OSTs especially the tune played by Xie Yun on the recorder.
• I like the characters of the two main leads, Zhou Fei and Xie Yun, both strong and composed, though the Xie Yun character is also playful and cocky.

What I Don’t Like:
• Horrendous screen writing.
• Camerawork is everywhere and haphazard.
• Special effects are embarrassing.
• Immature script writing. YouTubers can write and shoot better.
• The dialogues can be funny but out of place most of the times.
• Dubbing is off at times, especially with the Xie Yun character as if he’s inhaled nitrogen gas.
• The characters are inconsistent. At times, they show leadership, at times they’re simply dumb. The kids lack the sense of priority and urgency. Everything sounds like fun to them even when they’re under hot pursuit by their enemies.
• The martial arts fighting scenes are inconsistent. Sometimes, they are passable. Sometimes, my cats fight better.

My Verdict
Do not hold high expectations for this drama just because it stars Zhao Li Ying and Wang Yi Bo. Overall, I don't hate this drama, but I don't particularly love it either. And yes, there are kissing scenes – one just for a fleeting moment, the other from afar, and quickly blurred. The chemistry for the main couple is not 100% but also not totally zero. This drama is basically like a rom-com in kiddie wuxia style. Watch it if there’s nothing better to watch.

Read More

Humorous, Beautiful Romance, Super Cute, Fine Acting

I love this delightful drama. It is visually aesthetic, the plot is light but deadly, the romance is cute and satisfying, the acting is on spot and convincing, the comedy is oxymoronic and can be ironic, both male and female leads are good looking, and the second couple is adorable. This is a story about a group of young and talented musical instrumentalists coming together and forming a girl-only heavenly orchestra during the fictional Sheng Dynasty in ancient China. There, little fox meets old fox.

Li Sasa (Bao Shang’en) is an excellent first seat pipa instrumentalist. One day while performing, she mysteriously time-travels back to 1,000 years ago. To return to her present life, she needs to divorce a man who mistreats his wife, Li Runiang, her other self, and then to seek out and marry Li Runiang’s true love. After divorcing her good-for-nothing husband and losing everything, Li Sasa is desperate to find shelter so that she can find Li Runiang’s lover. Impressed by her talent, she is taken in by Lu Jingnian (Wu Chengxu) who is in need of a pipa instrumentalist for his team to take part in a very important competition in front of the Emperor.

Lu Jingnian seems like a Casanova on the outside as he’s loved by all the girls in town and he’s very kind and nice to each one of them, and with his colorful and flowery outfits, he earns the nickname “flowery peacock” from Li Sasa. Lu Jingnian is also very intelligent, crafty and cunning, thereby is double named as “the old fox”. Bringing her present-day directness and smartness, Li Sasa seems like a “little fox” to Lu Jingnian. But behind that flamboyant façade, Lu Jingnian is a devoted man, just like his father who finds life meaningless when his wife dies, and follows her in death soon after.

Lu Jingnian has a noble but dangerous mission to accomplish. As he and Li Sasa encounter problems with their team members, mysteries and dangers, each time Li Sasa assists Lu Jingnian overcome the problems, and in turn, Lu Jingnian selflessly saves her multiple times. They fall deeply in love with each other. When Li Sasa realizes she will leave Lu Jingnian and back to her modern life one day, she’s torn. She knows Lu Jingnian would be devastated to lose her. What follows becomes very heartbreaking and the story is being told beautifully with coherent logic.

I must applaud these two very young actors, Bao Shang’en 20, Wu Chengxu 22. This is Wu Chengxu’s second drama playing the main lead and Bao Shang’en’s debut. Their acting is natural and very believable. Despite their relatively inexperience, they have worked hard and put up an excellent show, making viewers falling in love with the characters instantly.

The overall acting by other cast members is good with some more convincing than others. The costumes and interior wall decors are very colorful and beautiful which match well with all the exquisite classical instruments. The ensemble is picturesque, and it feels like looking at a historical painting.

My Verdict

I have absolutely enjoyed this under-the-radar drama. The classical ensemble reminds me of today’s the 12 Girls Band of China. Visually, it’s beautiful and the ancient music is soothing. The romance is cute and humorous, and the acting and story are better than my expectations. Though some scenes are cliché and tropey, I love how the writer uses idioms to express the musical terms, and how coherent the overall storyline and logical the plot are. Cheeky instrumental music with animal sounds are widely used to match the funny scenes. Red eye and fake dimple makeups for the girls take a bit of getting used to for me.

Sacrificing one's life for love seems romantic but unthinkable. Though many people continue to live a fruitful life when the love of their life dies, many also die with their loved ones simply out of broken heartedness. Here, the ending of the ancient lovers feels like the butterfly lovers to me. Having said that, this is not a sad ending story (read comments below for my interpretation of the ending).

Yes, this is a wonderful little gem not to be missed. Romance buffs will love this story. Strongly recommended.

BRAVO!

Read More

A Dark Painful Story Told in a Comedic Way

“Back From the Brink” is a dark painful story but told in a playful, comedic way. A spirit dragon, Tian Yao (Hou Minghao aka Neo Hou), was conned into a marriage where he was dismembered. Since then, he became an ordinary man, wandering the world trying to find his body parts. In his painful journey, he meets a girl, Yan Hui (Zhou Ye) who falls deeply in love with him and promises to help him in his search to return to his former form again.

The tone of the drama is playful with modern vibes. Yet at the same time, dead serious when the antagonists appear. This series has perhaps produced two of the most egregious antagonists in the cultivator sisters. Their obsessions and atrocities make the viewers clenched their teeth and seethed, wishing them die a horrible death.

Tian Yao the spirit dragon, is a pure man void of evil thoughts. He is kind and upstanding with a mission to protect the world. His journey and determination to find his body parts are painful and touching. As he eventually returns to his dragon form, he becomes the strongest creature there is. I love Hou Minghao’s portrayal of the Tian Yao character here, though the CGI of the dragon is rather poorly done. Hou Minghao is very good looking and cute with an innocent youthful look. Some viewers commented that his acting skills are still somewhat lacking, I find him to have improved greatly since “A Girl Like Me” when I fell in love with this young actor. Here, his portrayal is believable, and his character is very lovable. As Tian Yao, his lack of words hits the viewers hard as he endures his pains silently.

Yan Hui, a disciple of the cultivator sect, is a happy-go-lucky girl who never holds any grudges. Her good nature wins her many friends and helps her become very strong in the end despite having a weak heart at birth. Zhou Ye is beautiful and has great acting skills. Her crying scenes are heart felt and convincing. Most important of all, she has amazing chemistry with Hou Minghao as they make a great matching pair.

Many viewers curse Bai Xiaosheng (Wang Yilun aka Riley Wang), a shadow demon, because he comes in between Tian Yao and Yan Hui in a love triangle. I love the Bai Xiaosheng character and Wang Yilun has given a great performance. The two side couples are entertaining and sweet, forming a great alliance for Yan Hui and Tian Yao. The OSTs are beautiful and soothing. Do listen to them for music lovers.

My Verdict

This is a lovely story with love and hate, happiness and sadness, kindness and atrocities, light and darkness. When one harbors negativities, one is consumed by darkness, as with Fu Yin (Pema Jyad), the Master of dark air. This is a very enjoyable drama for the whole family.

Recommended. Great watch. Don’t miss it.

BRAVO!

Read More

Brotherhood, Self-sacrifice, Touching, Funny, Great Acting

This is an uplifting youth drama. It is humorous and heartwarming with amazing story telling and fantastic acting. There is no romance, which I’m very pleased because I’m tired of the tropey romance that has been churned out repeatedly. This story is about brotherhood and friendship, set in the year of 2005 when flip phones were in use, in a third tiered city north of Beijing close to the border of Korea where the Korean language is widely spoken.

Ye Xiaowen (Chen Youwei) is a 17 year old orphan living in the orphanage when Gao Yang’s (Xin Yunllai) father, Gao Bin (Lu Fangsheng), a divorcee, finds him and takes him home to live with them, without telling Gao Yang Ye Xiaowen's background. Gao Yang is also 17 years old and both kids sit together in class and sleep in the same bedroom. At the beginning, Gao Yang cannot understand why his father has taken home a boy whom he has never known, to live them and he’s pretty unhappy about it. In every way, he tries to make life difficult for Ye Xiaowen. Ye Xiaowen is an introvert who doesn’t show his feelings easily and endures all the abuses Gao Yang throws at him. Through misunderstanding and rumors, both Ye Xiaowen and Gao Yang had thought Ye Xiaowen a bastard child of Gao Bin, and this has created hilarious events until Gao Bin proves that he’s not the father. Gao Yang later finds out that Ye Xiaowen is an orphan and since then, he vows to take care and protect Ye Xiaowen with everything he can.

Gao Bin is a PE teacher but he’s not very well disciplined and Gao Yang has no confidence in everything his father does. Ye Xiaowen is a competent long-distance runner and Gao Bin becomes his coach and he aims to help Ye Xiaowen compete and win scholarships to get into his dreamed university. However, due to Gao Bin’s lack of discipline, his son becomes Ye Xiaowen’s second coach and both go through ups and downs together, never abandoning each other. Their relationship grows over the days and brotherly love for each other is solid and genuine. They encourage each other and want the best for each other.

This drama gives the viewers very strong character development, from an undisciplined teacher to a responsible one whom everyone loves and respects, from a lazy and rebellious boy to a hardworking compassionate young adult, from an introvert to a bright, hopeful, striving youth. All the other side characters also undergo strong character development and achieve their dreams.

My Verdict

This is a great story of compassion, selflessness, courage, and brotherhood. It is touching and yet very funny. All the characters are relatable as they are just like your everyday neighbors with similar flaws. There is a lot of genuine care and love with community spirit; everyone watches out for each other. The acting is very natural and believable, the directing and the editing are close to perfection. All the scenes are delightful, and the sad scenes can draw tears because we, as viewers, can relate. Every character has a story to tell and a dream to fulfill. The selection of actors is appropriate and the chemistry between the main leads is wonderful.

There is nothing BL about this drama. To me, the relationship is not even bromance, just simple brotherhood and trust, like a family.

This is a fun drama for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

Strongly recommended!

Read More

A Lighthearted Yet Thought-Provoking Rom-Com

After the emotional rollercoaster of The White Olive Tree, I was desperate for something lighthearted to lift my spirits. Enter Filter, a delightful drama that had me laughing from the first episode to the last. While the story is undeniably hilarious and easy to watch, it also carries a profound and relatable message: don’t judge a book by its cover. This theme resonates deeply, making Filter more than just a comedy—it’s a heartfelt exploration of prejudice, self-worth, and the importance of seeing people for who they truly are.

The Story: A Magical Twist on Love and Misunderstanding
The plot centers on Tang Qi, a nerdy, color-sensitive entrepreneur who co-runs a beauty company with his two friends. His life takes a turn when he encounters Su Cheng Cheng, a former high school junior, at a party. After a mishap leaves her makeup smeared, Tang Qi snaps a photo and callously remarks, “So ugly.” Unbeknownst to him, this moment sets off a chain of events that will challenge his biases and reshape his understanding of love.

Su Cheng Cheng, still harboring a crush on Tang Qi from their school days, is gifted a magical bracelet that allows her to transform into different characters. Using this power, she begins working at Tang Qi’s company, where her professionalism and contributions earn everyone’s admiration—except Tang Qi’s. His preconceived notions about her cloud his judgment, creating a rift between them.

As Su Cheng Cheng transforms into various personas, Tang Qi repeatedly falls for these characters, only to be heartbroken when they “die” or disappear in increasingly absurd ways (lightning strikes, anyone?). These over-the-top “deaths” are played for laughs, but they also highlight Tang Qi’s growing emotional turmoil. Eventually, he begins to suspect something is amiss, leading to the revelation of Su Cheng Cheng’s secret. The resolution is both satisfying and heartwarming, as Tang Qi realizes that the person he’s been searching for has been right in front of him all along.

The story’s moral—treasure the one around you—is simple yet powerful. It reminds viewers to look beyond appearances and examine their own biases, lest they miss out on something truly special.

The Characters and Acting: Perfectly Cast, Flawlessly Executed
֎ Tang Qi (played by Tan Jian Ci):
Some viewers criticized Tan Jian Ci for looking too mature for the role, but I found him to be the perfect embodiment of Tang Qi. With his nerdy, slightly awkward demeanor, Tan Jian Ci effortlessly captures Tang Qi’s blend of intelligence and social cluelessness. Tang Qi is a man of few words, often blunt to the point of being misunderstood, yet he possesses an inner strength and persistence that make him endearing. Tan Jian Ci’s portrayal is nuanced, bringing depth to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. His chemistry with Li Landy is palpable, making their eventual reconciliation all the more satisfying.

I’d like to take a moment to clarify what Tang Qi actually meant when he blurted out the words, “So ugly.” At first glance, his comment seems harsh and superficial, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Tang Qi wasn’t criticizing Su Cheng Cheng’s appearance or calling her inherently ugly. Instead, his reaction stemmed from his extreme sensitivity to colors and aesthetics. As someone deeply attuned to visual harmony, he was appalled by the cheap, smeared makeup that clashed with Su Cheng Cheng’s natural features. In his mind, the makeup was “ugly” because it didn’t do her justice—it ruined her face.

However, Tang Qi’s social awkwardness and inability to articulate his thoughts led to a catastrophic misunderstanding. Su Cheng Cheng, already self-conscious about her appearance, took his words at face value, assuming he was mocking her. This moment created a long-lasting animosity between them, fueling her resentment and shaping their complicated dynamic. It isn’t until much later, when they finally reconcile, that Tang Qi clarifies his true meaning, revealing the depth of his character and the misunderstanding that had plagued their relationship.

At the same time, it’s important to note that Tang Qi’s initial coldness toward Su Cheng Cheng isn’t just about the makeup incident. His behavior is also rooted in his past experiences with her during their school days. Back then, Tang Qi misunderstood Su Cheng Cheng’s clumsy attempts to connect with him as acts of bullying. Her naivety and overenthusiasm came across as intimidating to him, and he formed a lasting impression of her as someone to be wary of. This misunderstanding further fueled his prejudice, making it difficult for him to see her for who she truly is—a kind, compassionate, and well-meaning person.

Unfortunately, some viewers drop the drama at this early moment (when he blurted out "So ugly"), misinterpreting Tang Qi as a shallow, face-obsessed jerk. This is a shame, as it overlooks the nuance of his character and the broader themes of the story. Tang Qi isn’t superficial—he’s socially inept and struggles to express himself, which makes his journey of growth and self-awareness all the more compelling. His initial comment is less about judgment and more about his unique perspective on beauty, which ultimately aligns with the drama’s central message: don’t judge a book by its cover.

So, to new viewers, I urge you not to let this moment deter you. Filter is a wonderful drama with layers of humor, heart, and meaning. Tang Qi’s seemingly callous remark is just the starting point of a story that challenges assumptions, explores prejudice, and celebrates the beauty of seeing people for who they truly are. Stick with it—you won’t regret it!

֎ Su Cheng Cheng (played by Li Landy):
Li Landy shines as Su Cheng Cheng, a strong, compassionate, and slightly naive woman who refuses to let societal standards define her worth. Despite being constantly compared to her taller, more conventionally beautiful sister, Su Cheng Cheng remains confident in her beliefs: true beauty lies in how a person treats others. Li Landy’s casting was criticized by some for not fitting the “model” archetype, but that’s precisely the point. Su Cheng Cheng is meant to be relatable—an ordinary girl with extraordinary heart. Li Landy’s performance is both charming and authentic, making Su Cheng Cheng a character viewers can’t help but root for.

The dynamic between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng is a highlight of the drama. Tang Qi’s initial prejudice and Su Cheng Cheng’s motherly, slightly overbearing care for him create a push-and-pull tension that’s both funny and touching. Their relationship evolves naturally, culminating in a heartfelt realization that love isn’t about appearances—it’s about connection.

Su Cheng Cheng’s personas, brought to life through the magical filter bracelet, are as diverse as they are entertaining. These include:
֎ Su Miao (played by Luo Qiu Yun), a tall, stunning beauty who resembles a famous model;
֎ Fang Jin (played by Pu Tao), a brilliant scientist with a sharp mind and impressive academic background;
֎ Quan Sheng Tang (played by Wang Hong Yi), a strikingly handsome young man; and
֎ A camel sheep—yes, you read that right—a talking, human-like animal that stands on two legs (because why not?).

Of all these characters, only Fang Jin is based on a real person. The others are entirely imaginary, conjured up by Su Cheng Cheng’s creativity (and perhaps a touch of desperation).

Su Miao is the first persona Tang Qi falls for, and it’s easy to see why. With her model-like beauty and elegance, she captivates him at first sight. This only reinforces Su Cheng Cheng’s belief that Tang Qi is shallow and only cares about appearances. However, when Su Miao “dies” (in one of Su Cheng Cheng’s hilariously over-the-top schemes), Tang Qi is utterly heartbroken. His genuine grief shows that his feelings run deeper than just physical attraction.

In an attempt to comfort him, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into the camel sheep, a bizarre yet oddly endearing creature. This allows her to stay close to Tang Qi and care for him without revealing her true identity. Tang Qi, despite being initially freaked out by the animal’s human-like demeanor, grows emotionally attached to it. His confusion and near-hallucinations over the situation provide some of the drama’s funniest moments.

Next, Su Cheng Cheng becomes Fang Jin, a super-intelligent scientist with a stellar academic record, despite Fang Jin is not a beauty. Tang Qi falls for her too, but here’s the twist: he only loves the version of Fang Jin that Su Cheng Cheng portrays, not the real Fang Jin. This proves that Tang Qi isn’t just drawn to brilliance or beauty—he’s drawn to the essence of Su Cheng Cheng herself. However, in Su Cheng Cheng’s mind, she assumes Tang Qi only likes “smart girls,” leading to even more misunderstandings and comedic chaos as she switches between Fang Jin’s various personalities.

Finally, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into Quan Sheng Tang, a ridiculously handsome young man whose name literally means “win all against Tang.” This persona is another one of Su Cheng Cheng’s schemes to distract Tang Qi from pursuing Fang Jin. While I secretly hoped this would lead to a hilariously awkward gay romance, the drama doesn’t quite go there—though the absurdity of the situation still delivers plenty of laughs.

Through these personas, Filter explores themes of identity, perception, and love in a way that’s both humorous and heartfelt. Each transformation not only adds to the comedy but also deepens Tang Qi’s emotional journey, showing that his feelings transcend appearances and personas. It’s a wild, whimsical ride that keeps viewers guessing—and laughing—until the very end.

֎ Supporting Cast:
The supporting characters add depth and humor to the story. Su Cheng Cheng’s best friend, Lin Yuan (Huang Si Rui), provides comic relief and unwavering support, while Tang Qi’s business partners and Su Cheng Cheng’s family further enrich the narrative. There are no major antagonists, just minor obstacles that are quickly resolved, keeping the tone light and focused on the central romance.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Escape with a Meaningful Message
Filter is my go-to comfort drama, a perfect blend of humor, romance, and life lessons. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh out loud while also prompting introspection. The misunderstandings between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng are both frustrating and endearing, reminding us how easily prejudice can cloud our judgment. Tang Qi’s journey from bias to acceptance is a poignant reminder to see the people around us and appreciate them for who they truly are.

The drama also tackles themes of self-worth and societal beauty standards with a light touch, never becoming preachy. Su Cheng Cheng’s unwavering confidence in her own values is inspiring, and her relationship with Tang Qi is a testament to the idea that love transcends appearances.

In the end, Filter is more than just a rom-com—it’s a celebration of individuality, a critique of superficial judgments, and a reminder to cherish the people who truly matter. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a cry, or a bit of both, Filter delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a feel-good story with substance.

Rating: 10/10
Filter is a gem of a drama that balances humor and heart with a meaningful message. It’s the perfect antidote to a bad day and a reminder to look beyond the surface.

Read More

Girl Power – Delightful and Inspiring

Despite being set with a background of a royal harem in a fictional world, this drama exudes positive aura throughout, without the typical and tiring hair-pulling cat fights commonly seen in historical palace dramas. “New Life Begins” describes a utopia where girls band together to help each other, freeing themselves and achieving their goals, realizing the adage “unite is power”. Most of the characters are lovable, albeit with flaws, and their growth is distinct, from being weak and helpless to being strong and courageous. The story is inspiring and comforting.

Centers around Xin Chuan, one of the nine kingdoms, and its sixth Prince, Yin Zheng (Bai Jingting)’s household, the story contrasts each kingdom which has its individual unique characteristics, features and cultures, with Xin Chuan being the leader of the pact. To build cordial relationships with all the other kingdoms, the King of Xin Chuan wants his sons to marry noble girls from the various kingdoms. He calls for the kingdoms to send their best eligible girls. Li Wei (Tian Xiwei) is selected and sent to Xin Chuan; she is reluctant, for Li Wei doesn’t want to marry a man she doesn’t love, and she wants a one-man-one-woman marriage with equal rights practiced by her home kingdom whereas Xin Chuan still follows the traditional polygamous system.

Among all the noble girls, Li Wei seems to be the least favorable for she tries to wriggle out of the wife selection process. Despite that, she is chosen by Yin Zheng the 6th Prince as a “side” wife, for Yin Zheng wants to maintain his low profile by marrying a girl nobody wants. Yin Zheng looks sickly and to survive in the back-stabbing treacherous palatial world, he blends himself into the background that nobody takes notice of. What seemingly an unlikely relationship, Yin Zheng and Li Wei fall in love with each other.

Li Wei is intelligent, compassionate, and down to earth. She provides Yin Zheng with practical ideas and helps him maneuver and eventually get noticed by his father, the King. How she makes friends with Yin Zheng’s “proper” wife and the wives of his brothers, all of whom later become her business partners and they help each other to become independent, is very inspiring. Tian Xiwei’s Li Wei is natural and believable. She has given a wonderful performance here.

Bai Jingting’s Yin Zheng is equally great. The actor is very pale and slim and does look sickly, which is perfect for the Yin Zheng character. Under that weakling skin, Yin Zheng is intelligent, well-read and a competent fighter that no one is aware of. Despite he has two wives initially, he is devoted to Li Wei only; his relationship with his “proper” wife is cordial and platonic. Bai Jingting has been one of my favorite actors. His acting range is very wide, from a ping pong champion in Ping Pong Life, to a special taskforce police officer in You are My Hero, to a silly and humble character in Octogenarian and the 90s, and to a historical prince in New Life Begins. He immerses himself completely into all his characters, giving viewers very convincing and lovely performance in each. He is always subtly funny.

Each prince has his story with his wife/wives. Most of their stories are hilarious and relatable. For example, the fifth Prince loves his wife and is helpful, but he can’t get a thing right; the third Prince has multiple wives but can never get their names straight. All the other characters are lovable, even the antagonists are pitiful, and the whole cast is very believable. Though despicable, the second Prince who is groomed to succeed the throne, and the fourth Prince, extract sympathy from the viewers when they get into trouble.

My Verdict

This is a heart-warming drama with girls helping girls, and trying to change the male-centered system. All the girls are intelligent, courageous, and independent. Despite their unfavorable environment, they don’t self-pity nor fight among themselves but help and take care of each other. This eventually makes the group strong and enables them to be financially independent, maintain their dignity and eventually change the society to a fairy one. This may sound very feminist to many viewers, nonetheless, it's one of those easy and delightful story that can cheer viewers' mood.

Romance wise, the chemistry between Bai Jingting and Tian Xiwei is pretty good and sweet. There is also a very lovely second couple here with a very funny relationship.

The message: No matter where one comes from, be it Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, or even the open west where girls are being suppressed and their rights infringed, only when girls unite and work together, great things can be achieved, and dignity maintained.

Easy watching and entertaining. Recommended!

Read More

The Sunset Boulevard

If you have elderly parents, grandparents or great grandparents, you sure can relate with the characters in this drama, each is realistically written with a story to tell. This is a story about a phase that all of us will eventually face one day, that is growing old. It’s frightening for many but inevitable, yet the drama has made it funny, blunting the pain of reality, at the same time, capturing all the details, good and bad, happy and sad, as we may eventually come to terms with when we grow old ourselves.

Sunshine Home is a nursing home taking care of the elderly from all walks of life. Some are ill with dementia and disability, some don’t have children to take care of them, some don’t want to burden their loved ones, but all have a story to tell. This story is told from the perspective of Ye Xiao Mei (Wu Qian aka Janice Wu). How she has come to inherit the senior home from her grandmother is heart-wrenching. As a passionate manhua (comic) artist, Ye Xiao Mei is reluctant to get involved in her grandmother’s mission. However, she eventually comes to understand what that mission signifies and she knows she has the duty to continue her grandmother’s legacy. And life in the senior home has also become the inspiration of her manhua story.

Ye Xiao Mei is intelligent, independent and strong. When others have given up in dealing with certain recalcitrant elderly, Ye Xiao Mei always finds a way, especially with the help of Guo San Shuang (Bai Jing Ting). With her compassion and firmness, she defuses tense situations involving various players. She has no qualm in getting her hands dirty, helping the elderly in their daily needs, dealing with foul temper old men and picky old ladies, and calming anxious ones. Wu Qian (Janice Wu)’s portrayal is amazing. As an actor, she naturally possesses that firm, no-nonsense attitude with a calm hand that fits perfectly into the role of the director of a nursing home. She is so natural and authentic that I have enjoyed every moment of her performance.

Guo San Shuang (Bai Jing Ting) is originally a health supplement salesman who is desperate to meet sales quota, and has scammed the elderly whom he sells products to. His conscience calls, quits his sales job, comes to help Ye Xiao Mei and lives in the Sunshine Home. Guo San Shuang is cartoonish, to say the least. He is compassionate, intelligent with unlimited resources to solve all kinds of difficult problems for Ye Xiao Mei. His sincerity infuses with silliness melts all hearts.

Bai Jing Ting is such a versatile actor. From a wimpy kid (Ping Pong Life) to a police SWAT (You Are My Hero) to a salesman in this drama, he has it all. His acting is immaculate and convincing. Having an adolescent face with youthful energy, Bai Jing Ting’s Guo San Shuang is lovable and funny. He is comical most of the time with funny facial expressions, silly words and deeds, and he is unabashed. He provides the much needed humor that softens the cruel reality of life.

Ye Xiao Mei’s and Guo San Shuang’s romance is slow burning. In actual fact, there is hardly any visible romance at all, though Guo San Shuang is pretty blatant in counting himself as Ye Xiao Mei’s boyfriend and her family his. Though denying their special relationship openly, Ye Xiao Mei’s feeling for Guo San Shuang is undeniable too but she refuses to give him the joy in admitting she is his girlfriend. Therefore, in a way the romance is mutual but implicit, like couples getting to know each other so well that they don’t need to declare their love for each other anymore. They do things together all the time and they share everything. In time, they become part of each other. They know deep in their hearts, they have each other.

Throughout the drama, sharp tongues are thrown everywhere with piercing comments. The dialogues are hilarious, witty and unforgiving, and yet cute and endearing. The dynamics between the old and the young, friends and friends, are incredibly well written and executed. Being young like a grandson to all the residents here, under different circumstances, Guo San Shuang is often being addressed as “sun zi” which has a double meaning; one means grandson and the other is derogatory. It is this type of humor that makes viewers laugh out loud in the midst of chaos.

This drama boasts some very fine veteran actors. Their acting is natural and convincing as if they are the real characters themselves. Overall, the acting by the whole cast is amazing and believable.

Every character has flaws; some more so than others. How the dynamics between the characters play out help make them (the characters) alive, realistic and relatable. Learning and growing are not limited to the youngsters. Even the elderly continues to learn and grow and become better persons.

The sound track “Fearless” (Go Ahead) is played, appropriately depicting the inner voice of Ye Xiao Mei when she faces the biggest challenge of her life – succeeding her grandmother as the Director of Sunshine Home.

My Verdict
This drama boldly tells a story many shun – old age, dying and death. The writing is heart-wrenching and yet very funny. This is a very realistic story that all of us have to face one day and live through. The characters are real, with people from all walks of life, making a living with all kinds of trades – salesmen, debt collectors, scammers, etc. Some are decent people, some are despicable. The elderly is the group that is often forgotten by society. They are gullible and desperate, hence vulnerable, a perfect target for scammers which is highlighted here.

Though old and frail, at Sunshine Home, they are not lonely; they are being loved, cared for and cherished. This is their haven where they seek solace and maintain their dignity.

Life is bitter, and sweet, at the same time. All it takes is the perspective to have more of, or less of, either. Some of the characters here are positive and their lives tend to be sweeter, even when they meet challenges. Some are more negative, and they are bitter, draining themselves and the people around them. As old people were also once young like us, and we will grow old ourselves eventually, we need to be more compassionate towards them and empathize with them, and that's the message of this story.

A well written drama that deserves to be cherished. A great watch!

Read More

一婿二赘 (yī xù èr zhuì) - The Son-In-Law

A “zhui xu” (赘婿) is a man married into a woman’s family and their offspring would adopt the wife’s family name to continue her bloodline and would inherit her family’s status and fortunes. This is usually done when the woman’s family does not produce a legitimate son for an heir. Such practice is common in ancient and modern-day China, especially for wealthy families. The 一婿二赘 here means one man being married into 2 women’s families which is very unusual, and that makes this story very interesting.

Li You is married into a wealthy family as a “zhui xu”. However, he is looked down on by his wife and her family and they constantly bully, belittle and beat him. One day, he is beaten so badly that he loses consciousness. In his coma, he dreams he returns to ancient times and becomes a low-level constable. He brings his modern-day knowledge and impresses many with his resourcefulness, intelligence and most of all, his poetic ability. He always seems to compose poems on the spot that describe the situations at those particular moments. He gains fame and many become his allies including his superiors.

Two men, a merchant and a military official, are looking for “zhui xu” (sons-in-law) for their daughters, one a business woman while the other a martial artist. Both fathers choose Li You for their daughters because of his amazing talents. As it turns out, Li You is forced into two marital contracts that none would agree to rescind. Li You’s boss, the magistrate, rules informally that Li You oblige both marriages by alternating his nights between two wives. Li You accepts the arrangement with one caveat: if he excels beyond his fathers-in-law in terms of wealth and status in three years, his marital status would be reversed, and he is no more a “zhui xu”, thereon, his wives would follow him into his “Li” household.

As the days go by, Li You helps solve many administrative issues and with his martial art wife, he cracks criminal cases for the magistrate and gets his promotions one after another. At the same time, his business acumen helps his business-minded wife in expanding their business and profits. Both women fall in love with him because he is kind and gentle to them. And for Li You, he also falls in love with both women with no preference for one over the other.

This drama hasn’t caught much attention in MDL, probably because of unavailability of good English subtitles at the time of this writing. But the lack of attention is also most likely due to the choice of the male lead actor, Guan Yunpeng who may not have a wide fan base. “Zai Xia Li You” is the first drama for Guan Yunpeng playing a main role. Though not as good looking as the other more popular and prominent actors, I find the choice very appropriate. Guan Yunpeng looks like a wimpy kid who is exactly the character of Li You. His timidness and helplessness with fast-to-please demeanor, and at times his courage and determination, are all well performed and believable.

The whole cast is well selected though most of the actors have low public profiles. Each actor carries out his/her respective role very convincingly. Having said that, I find at the beginning scenes in modern times, the characters are overexaggerated and overacted (I almost dropped this drama because of the overacting). Fortunately, such cringey acting only lasts for a few minutes and has not affected the overall performance that comes later.

My Verdict

This is an interesting story of a wimpy character that turns into a hero as he grows. However, the script has multiple plot holes. One of the characters, Li Huan, a singer, seems to have a background that crosses paths with the antagonists, but her plot arch has never been explored and developed for closure. The motives of the antagonists are also not compelling and the ultimate villain behind all the heinous schemes is yet to be revealed and brought to justice. The ending of the dream is satisfactory. However, Li You is still in a dream when the story ends in present time; he remains at status quo in reality (still a lowly "zhui xu").

For romance buffs who believe in a one-to-one relationship for a man and a woman, this story may not go down well with them as Li You loves and cares for both wives equally and receives the same admiration and love from the two wives who are amiable to each other.

For a drama which does not boast popular actors with elaborate spending, I’m surprised by its beautiful soundtracks which the production did not skim on. The detailed explanation and analysis of the poems used in each episode are impressively elaborated at the end of the episode. It is very enlightening to understand the contemporaneous culture, life and feelings of the respective poets through their poems.

Overall, this is an unexpected drama that I have enjoyed. It provides a decent watch in between shows and deserves some attention. Poetic with an interesting storyline. Don’t miss it!

Read More

How to survive as a woman in an aristocratic household

The first reaction for most viewers is, “So many wives and concubines!” Many simply cannot tolerate such polygamous relationship and drop the drama. This is rather unfortunate because in real life, polygamy was the norm in ancient Chinese society. Therefore, this story has realistically portrayed life in wealthy and aristocratic households, and captured the suppression, and relentless in-fighting and conniving among wives and concubines in the harem, and interfamily feuds among various clans.

My alternative title could have been "How to survive Confucianism as a woman". As Confucianism was widely practiced during the Ming Dynasty when this story is set, self-restraint was valued highly as individuals endured all things, good or bad, thrown at them without retaliating. It’s indeed hard for modern viewers to empathize with such value which was then considered as virtue. Women were suppressed, and were born to serve the men – fathers when they were unmarried, husbands when married, and sons when they became mothers.

When Luo Shi Yi Niang (Tan Song Yun aka Seven Tan) is forced into an arranged marriage to Xu Ling Yi (Chung Hon Leung aka Wallace Chung) to "replace" her deceased older sister, she has attempted to run away. Circumstances prevent her from doing so. As she thinks she would never fall in love with a man who has multiple spouses, she falls in love with him because indeed he’s a very decent man who treats her well and loves her above everything else.

Tan Song Yun is one of my favorite actors. She can be a very convincing teenager and I love most of her other dramas. I like her too in this drama, but somehow, I have a hard time in fitting her into the story, either because of her aura or something else. Perhaps for me, I can’t see her playing a meek role here, submitting to her fate; I have always seen her playing characters that don’t conform and always hit back when pushed.

Xu Ling Yi is a good government official bound by tradition and duty, and has a heavy burden on his shoulder in holding up his large household as well as performing his duties as an upright incorruptible bureaucrat who loves his country and loyal to the Emperor. Chung Hon Leung has a natural stiff upper lip and fits well into the filial pious Xu Ling Yi character who speaks few words and never shows his emotions. His portrayal is good and convincing. Filial piety as virtuous as it is, can also quickly become an impediment to progress, critical and rational thinking. And here, he’s made to take in multiple concubines by his mother, the Matriarch, in order to propagate, only to add on more heartaches and hatred within the household.

As much as the story wants to portray a suppressed society, it also tries to placate viewers who would have preferred a more just world with love and retribution, hence here we are given a true love, one-man-one-woman story for an ending which may feel a bit banal.

My Verdict
Overall this is quite a realistic story - no love at first sight, no firework romance, both the ML & FL are intelligent and mature with same family values built on love and trust. There is fighting but no wuxia, a lot of conflicts in almost every household (realistic aristocratic family portrayal of the era) and in politics (true historical event of banning of sea trade that had led to hardship and piracy), strong Confucius values and philosophy permeate daily life. The actual story (plot) is nothing to be excited about, but the portrayal of life during the Ming Dynasty under Confucianism, the shooting (camera work), screen writing, costumes and editing are quite good, hence my 9/10 rating. I have rather enjoyed this drama.

Read More

Annoying Secondary Characters

Let me go straight to the points. For me, this is an annoying drama. Despite the fact that Deng Lun is one of my favorite actors, the story, dialogues and acting (apart from Deng Lun’s) are definitely lacking. Most of the characters are super annoying, making me want to throw the pillows at the TV most of the time. The story seems to go around and around. The logic of the story and characters is outrageous and unfathomable. On top of that, the dubbing is super bad with lips not synching. Everything is a cliche and predictable. 

Having being so critical of this drama, to be fair, I want to praise its music which is pretty good and I have truly enjoyed it.

If you have better dramas to watch, don't waste time on this one unless you want to watch Deng Lun, or you like Republic era dramas.

Read More

Secretive Intense Fast-moving

I’m intrigued by the background setting of this story. Adapted from a popular novel by Ma Bo Yong, the same author for Longest Day in Chang’an and Secret of Three Kingdoms, this story is set towards the end of the first female emperor’s, Wu Zetian’s, rule around 703 – 705 in Luoyang. Like the other earlier dramas, this drama is fast paced and heart-poundingly intense. The nail-biting story is abound with mysteries, conspiracies and hidden villains, layers after layers with multiple meanings for interpretation.

The author brilliantly mixes fiction and non-fiction together creating a fascinating story. The plots and sub-plots may be fictional, but many of the people and places, with probably the exception of the main characters, are real historically. Having said that, the names of the main characters could have been adopted from real people during the era but unrelated to the events (for example, Wu Siyue has rather similar homophones to Wu Zetian’s father’s name, Wu Shiyue).

It would be a fascinating watch if viewers are equipped with some understanding of the background setting so that all the elements in the drama, big and small, including dialogues and events, become interesting clues as the story unfolds. As it goes, the background becomes pivotal for the enjoyment of the viewers and I’d like to provide a brief explanation here.

After the death of her husband, Emperor Gaozong/Li Zhi, Wu Zetian maneuvered swiftly, created her own dynasty, Zhou, and soon proclaimed herself the emperor, basically taking over the throne from the Li family despite her own sons who were still the rightful heirs to the throne under the Li lineage. These have created various factions, with conflicts between the loyalties to the Li lineage and Wu’s family and followers. In the drama, we see these two factions at each other’s throat, jumping at any opportunities to put their opponent to death, for example, the King of Jin, Wu Shenxing (NingWentong), constantly pits against the Crown Prince Li Dun, and he him. The politics and infighting were enormous and deadly, which are captured vividly. It is under this setting that the story becomes captivating and rich. The hidden undercurrents propel the plot: who is the ultimate villain? Is it the Li’s trying to wrangle back power from the hands of Wu, or is it the Wu’s clan trying to legitimize their claim to the throne and pass on to their future generation, or is it someone else?

The story begins with the whistleblowers, who are historically real, risking their lives to try to send a secretive message to the Emperor. Before Wu Zetian came to power, the informant system was in existence to gather information on opposing forces to the throne. The use of secret boxes for the informants to submit information is rather similar to today’s suggestion boxes. Ironically, the inventor of the secret box was eventually executed as he was accused of his involvement in a rebellion through the system he had invented. This is rather similar to the case of Louis XVI, the last King of France, who was decapitated by the guillotine that he had invented.

The first episode where the three main leads are introduced is rather haphazard with fast moving events, sometimes in slow motion and camera work flying everywhere causing confusion and head spinning (at least for me). However, thereafter, such haphazardness almost evaporates and is replaced by seriousness and absorbing story telling.

Though romance is not the focus here, it does brush on light romance with Baili Hongyi (Wang Yibo) who initially opposes to a marriage arranged by his father, but gradually falling in love with his wife, and Gao Bingzhu (Huang Xuan) and Wu Siyue (Song Qian/Victoria Song) developing mutual admirations and love for each other.

Huang Xuan is a veteran actor and his acting skills are solid. He brings out the turmoil of his character, in his avenge for his buddies and the woman who has helped him countless times. Huang Xuan is convincing in all his roles, as a low life or as an investigative spy in the secret service. I like Song Qian’s acting too. As Wu Siyue, she is righteous, trusted by the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and abides to the book, Song Qian gives the viewers a wonderful performance here. Behind the scene, Wang Yibo is well known for being rather quiet with a cold look which fits the Bali Hongyi character very well and his acting captures the essence of the character, giving the viewers a lovable performance.

My Verdict

Luoyang is the ancient capital of China's thirteen dynasties. With such a location, this is an intriguing watch. Exciting and nail-biting. Starts with a head spinning fast pace in episode one, each episode is laced with danger and hidden conspiracies, one twist after another. This is a big budget production with not only great actors, the attention to details is immaculate, from costumes to headgears, everything is said to be as close to the real thing as possible. Accordingly, the production has prepared, among others, more than 5,000 sets of costumes with accessories, and more than 15,000 sets of props, striving to show the prosperous scene of Luoyang in the heyday of Tang Dynasty.

This drama has a great start. Unfortunately, like most Chinese dramas, it dwindles towards the ending. In fact, the ultimate villain seems to be rather haphazard and illogical to the overall plotting.

It is still a great watch for me, but with a giant plot mismatch ending, I'm afraid it's not a perfect one.

Read More

An Excellent Whodunit

Not all dramas with famous actors are good and not all dramas with relatively unknown actors are mediocre. This drama hasn’t got the big names but has one of the best story writing, directing and performance in recent drama history. It is unfortunately not under many viewers’ radar on MDL, hence not receiving the due attention and ratings it deserves. The story is set in later Tang towards the end of the dynasty (within 5 decades) during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong II (r. 846 – 859).

This is a fictional story based on historical events and figures (though not explicitly mentioned). Emperor Xuanzong II was said to be the last capable emperor of Tang as the succeeding emperors were either too young or controlled by the powerful and corrupt eunuchs. With that background, the power struggle between the ruling royals and the eunuchs can be seen here in this drama, and has set the major plot of the story.

Chu Chu (Su Xiao Tong) is an aspiring coroner. She’s come to Chang’an to get certified as an imperial coroner. Here she meets Xiao Jinyu (Wang Zi Qi) who is in charge of the Federal Investigation Unit. He also has the title as the Imperial Prince of An. Xiao Jinyu is very impressed by Chu Chu, as her knowledge and intelligence are beyond anybody else he knows. She becomes his coroner, following him solving criminal cases.

There is a huge conspiracy, counterfeit money, mysteries involving the background of Chu Chu and Xiao Jinyu, even the legitimacy of the Emperor is in question. Chu Chu and Xiao Jinyu are embroiled in solving the crimes and linking all the pieces together, and at times, they walk right into danger. With a champion chess player’s mind, Xiao Jinyu tends to see steps ahead of their antagonists, and with a meticulous mind and intelligence, Chu Chu sees what others don’t with the dead. Amidst all these, humor is not lacking.

I love the Chu Chu character. She is sensitive, observant and intelligent, and yet she is also pure and innocent. All she wants is to become the best coroner in the land. Su Xiao Tong’s acting is close to perfection here. With an innocent look and a girly face, she brings out everything Chu Chu is, with a-matter-of-factly demeanor. I really love the natural acting of this young actor.

Xiao Jinyu loves Chu Chu for her competence and pureness. With an intelligence beyond everyone around him, Xiao Jinyu manages to piece things together quickly and correctly, hence solving any crimes most people are unable to. I have never watched Wang Zi Qi’s dramas. Here, I’m falling in love with him. His somber charisma elevates him from the others, giving him the air of nobility and authority. Bravo to his fabulous acting.

I find the chemistry and dynamics between Chu Chu and Xiao Jinyu so wonderful that I cannot have enough of them. Subtle and devoted, I simply love this type of relationship. I also love the dynamics between Xiao Jinyu with his brother Xiao Jinli (Wang Yan Bin) and Jing Yi (Yang Ting Dong). The comedy here is cute and subtle. I love the play of words and accents, such as, Xiao Jinyu also sounds like “little gold fish” as Chu Chu initially thinks.

My Verdict
This drama sounds serious with a very serious opening music, and yet subtly funny too. I like how each episode is laid out, with the beginning recapitulating the previous episode. I also like how Chu Chu and Xiao Jinyu reconstruct each crime, explaining the details graphically to the viewers.

The script writing is compact and clear, and the logic is natural. There is no unnecessary filler to make the series longer. The opening music is dark and mysterious in the beginning, then turns grand, uplifting and bright, giving the listeners a sense of a hideous crime being solved. This is a brilliant use of music to cast the mood of the story.

This is a must-watch for all. Two thumbs up! BRAVO!

Read More

Happily Ever After

This is an epilogue released some time after the final episode of The Sleepless Princess and I almost missed it. The epilogue in effect is an alternative ending to what was released in episode 35. Here, Xue Yao doesn't jump off the cliff holding a sleeping Xu Chu Yue in his arms. She wakes up in the nick of time and they make up all their lost time together, traveling the world.

To make it even sweeter for the distraught viewers, the production team also added life after they get together. They have a child who Xu Xing Chen is babysitting while the lover birds are honeymooning. Xu Xing Chen by now is the Emperor. Accordingly, the couple is like being glued together and has been living away from everyone for the last 4 years. Between them, they have a private wedding vow with no elaborate feast. Their married life is an ideal life for any couples - traveling the world just by themselves, without the kids. However, at times, they're also like normal parents, worried about and protective over their kid.

The epilogue also includes all the things that are not concluded properly previously and gives everything proper closures. All the other second couples finally have their happy endings. I believe this happy ending makes many viewers very happy too.

Read More