Good but censorship cut its potential
Ashes To Crown’s cinematography and art direction is one of the best I have seen in a while from a drama. And the story was engaging as we watch four top schemers trying to outsmart each other, but it’s evident this project suffered from the censorship.
This is the type of story that needed some room to let the events breath and allow the viewers to see how the chess pieces were slowly moving in the board. Sadly, that didn’t happened as it was obvious by the butchering editing of what should have been a 30 episode long cdrama, cramped in 24 episodes total.
I personally take offence for Tang Xiaotian who delivered a masterful performance. I absolutely adored his character’s scheming cute little butt. He was ruthless, cold, calculating and honest. Quiet like a tiger waiting to pounce. They all knew who he was and he wore it with pride.
Zhou Yiran’s character also deserved better. It’s the first time I see him play a soldier/General and I think it would have been fun to see more of it.
The relationship between the Xie brothers was also a fascinating side story that was butchered by the censors and editing.
I think this a case of a cdrama that had all right elements but was unable to deliver its full potential for reasons that are beyond the cast or crew.
Still, a fun watch.
This is the type of story that needed some room to let the events breath and allow the viewers to see how the chess pieces were slowly moving in the board. Sadly, that didn’t happened as it was obvious by the butchering editing of what should have been a 30 episode long cdrama, cramped in 24 episodes total.
I personally take offence for Tang Xiaotian who delivered a masterful performance. I absolutely adored his character’s scheming cute little butt. He was ruthless, cold, calculating and honest. Quiet like a tiger waiting to pounce. They all knew who he was and he wore it with pride.
Zhou Yiran’s character also deserved better. It’s the first time I see him play a soldier/General and I think it would have been fun to see more of it.
The relationship between the Xie brothers was also a fascinating side story that was butchered by the censors and editing.
I think this a case of a cdrama that had all right elements but was unable to deliver its full potential for reasons that are beyond the cast or crew.
Still, a fun watch.
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