Not a single second gone to waste, a production truly focused on telling a good story
It's been such a long time where I came across a drama that focuses on telling a good story where every scene is significant from beginning to end! There are surprises around every corner; so many plot twists that make you hesitant to make strong claims in fear that you're proven wrong the next second. If you're looking for a drama focused solely on the romance between the main leads, this is not your drama. Just like the drama team emphasized numerous times, there is no character who is absolutely good or evil. Every character has their own arc with their own motivations and resolve. Everyone plays an important part in this story. This drama tells a story about people, not just a couple. I was amazed to learn that the actors were given the entire script at the start of filming and no revisions or additions were made throughout the filming process. I am so glad that there are still talents like this scriptwriter who gets full respect for their work.
I am also very impressed with the leads' acting, they truly brought the characters to life and fully internalized the roles they played. Both are very professional with 10+ years of acting experience. I highly respect Hou Minghao for his perseverance in preserving the integrity of the action/fight scenes. They turned out so authentic, just like the old wuxia dramas from back in the day. Not only did he do the stunts himself, he also communicated lots with the directors on how to deliver scenes in a logical and realistic manner. The opening flaming zhanmadao scene took 3 days to film. He was the one who insisted on taking off all makeup and replacing it with stage blood and real dirt after he saw what was captured on camera. As the only actor without heat protectant on his face, he breathed in the smoke and gave it his all with no complaints. He really wanted to honor the role of a general. He was also the one who came up with the idea to kneel in front of the city gates on his last breath instead of falling in defeat. This scene included shots that were one-take because the (poor) production could only afford one chance at it. This is a drama that proves all you need is "a dollar and a dream."
I am also very impressed with the leads' acting, they truly brought the characters to life and fully internalized the roles they played. Both are very professional with 10+ years of acting experience. I highly respect Hou Minghao for his perseverance in preserving the integrity of the action/fight scenes. They turned out so authentic, just like the old wuxia dramas from back in the day. Not only did he do the stunts himself, he also communicated lots with the directors on how to deliver scenes in a logical and realistic manner. The opening flaming zhanmadao scene took 3 days to film. He was the one who insisted on taking off all makeup and replacing it with stage blood and real dirt after he saw what was captured on camera. As the only actor without heat protectant on his face, he breathed in the smoke and gave it his all with no complaints. He really wanted to honor the role of a general. He was also the one who came up with the idea to kneel in front of the city gates on his last breath instead of falling in defeat. This scene included shots that were one-take because the (poor) production could only afford one chance at it. This is a drama that proves all you need is "a dollar and a dream."
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