Agreed, the characters are united to fight for the common good. I really enjoyed it as I didn’t have high expectations…
I usually have high expectations for RJL's dramas since his script choices are usually full of nuance and complex in nature. And this drama actually marked a new high for him since it is written by a Fengtian award winning writer and aired on CCTV during prime time slot.
And it's about finance and economy which is my work field so I wondered how accurate they potrayed the part of it in the drama. Safe to say, I'm impressed. The writer did his research. :D
I actually learnt many things in this drama and that is such a valuable experience for me.
I think Hexian & Qiwen are my fave CDrama couple this year. They just full of love and supported each other with not an ounce of doubt and hesitation. He Xian always look at Qiwen with complete adoration, love and lingering eyes. ❤️
Best drama of the year for me. Everything was perfectly executed even the ending which they actually spent time to tell us the fates of one by one of our beloved characters.
Impeccable writing that mix history, knowledge and also patrioticism. Supported by excellent and heartfelt acting by the casts which are written with nuance and great detailing. And last but not least, directed by a capable director that totally understood the vision of the story and bring to life this tale of Macau during their most tribulance time in history.
I think what makes me appreciate this drama the most is that it's not the usual communist VS nationalist political ideology but simply a united Chinese people fighting oppression by the Japanese Imperial Army. Mostly all of the war resources they get in this drama are given to the nationalist front army that fought the war at that time. No prejudice, no shade and no propaganda to show who is right and who is wrong. Also, I love how the women are written here. They are shown as a backbone of the country just like the men.
A drama that is nerve-wracking, sprinkled with angst yet full of silver linings at the same time. I come into this drama with full expectation and comes out of it feeling even more satisfied. 🤗 9.5/10
I was not ready for Zixia and Master Sanyu to die. When they hold hands for that scene, ohhh my my heart!! 😢 Seriously, this drama is too nerve wrecking for something about financial warfare 🤣
Anyway, Sawa actually is very intelligent and very nuanced as a villain. All his actions, despite some might view as reckless actually managed to put He Xian is many difficult spots. However, He Xian is just more brilliant and 1 step ahead of him everytime. And his biggest weapon is his heart and compassion that made his actions and decisions has weight and supported by many, even the non-Chinese. Soemthing that Sawa and the Japanese didn't have since they rule by fear which makes them lose in every situation.
When he decided to back down from the Shi On shipping mess, he sent a clear message to the Portuguese that always seeing the Chinese as someone they can offend but not the American or the British that is so so so far away. It hurts to see this kind of scenes since you can see this in today's world as well. They governed in an island with 96% Chinese population yet this is the people they can offend but not the Japanese or the allies forces.
And I was like served the Macau government when they are caught red handed by the Japanese for smuggling the diesel yet He Xian, the nice man that he is keep savings them and their poor decision makings while governing Macau.
The writing continue to deliver. I can't wait for tonight's episodes!
Love last night episodes! Talking about great writing. Folks, this is how you do it.
Qiwen is definitely one of my fave FLs this year. That talk she did with the 3 of guys cemented why I love this writer's writing of the women in this drama. They are written as flawed characters yet so delicate and strong at the same time.
When Qi Wen said:
'Stop acting like our saviours.' 'We are braver and stronger than you.' 'Do you think she is less brave and responsibled than you?'
In that 5 minutes speech, she gave perspectives to the 3 guys. Stop one from doing noble idiocy, another from wallow from his grief and another from worrying too much. 🤣
I love Qi Wen. This is what you called silent strength and devotion. He Xian just look at his wife -- astonished with the strength and resolute she had in her.
I love how the writer keeps saying in the drama - - women have their own mind, strong even with their small bodies, know what they are doing and do not need saviours. Yes, this is how you write strong women characters.
Yeah it's a masterpiece. I'm enjoying it, but I'm constantly on the edge. The guys really won't get any rest 😭.…
Yes yes I really like Wanqi as well. He is like He Xian little fanboy lol. He is so cute. Have you seen the latest episodes? This drama is great. I love the writing so much. So so so well written.
The British lady definitely dead. She was shot in the chest and Yang Chang saw it with his own eyes. :(
Wait.. you are talking this relatively about wanqi..so it means that all of these are truly real stories??
Yes, this drama is based on true story and events - - of course they dramatised some of it. 😆 The writer went to Macau 20 times in order to research the events there and interview people. All the characters like He Xian, Wanqi, Kelin (doctor), Hoshan (Portugal guy looking Chinese that work at the shipping company) are all based on real people. He Xian (real name Ho Yin) is called King of Macau for all his contributions during the war and after. His story has become folklore with how people loves him there.
That's why we can rest since this drama going to be a happy ending since all those characters only die very late way way after the war. And Wanqi for an example only died in 2014 while He Xian in 1983.
He lives far far longer than He Xian. I googled! The first TB vaccine is in 1921 so he should be just fine. This is good news. :D
They shouldnt scare me by saying the disease is terminal. It remind me of Jdrama JINN where the doctor travel back in time and made syphilis vaccine ahead of time and how remorseful he is for changing history lol.
The drama really didn't give He Xian and Co any rest lol. It was one intense arc after another. I'm enjoying the hell out of it immensely. ❤️
But the most impressive thing I get from this drama is how the Macau people actually protected the plate printing machine so the Japanese can't print their currency. Since if you learnt history, the Japanese did this to mostly all the countries they invaded and print money which crippled the economy and cause inflation. It was a bad time not only due to war but also lack of food due to this economy crisis. I love to learn about this tidbits on how a few people sacrifices did save thousand of lives.
Anyway, I enjoy the scene where He Xian managed to climb up his room and pretend to sleep when Sawa came and inspect his house. I love how he even managed a sip some Champagne to show how drunk he is. 😆 He used to be so nervous but now he is so calm, - - amazing character development.
And rip Wanqi. I knew when he keeps coughing it will be TB. 😭 I don't dare to Google at what year he passed away. I guess I have to find out while watching this drama.
Exactly, gold is king during wars time. My family has always kept gold to buy & trade houses, land or food…
Yeah, I really feel bad for her. She also very compassionate when she asked her hubby to save Yang Chang despite she didn't even know him at that time.
Also the head banker of HSBC. He appeared like 15 minutes in total yet so nuanced. His first appearance is when he called Runyu as 'not like the other Chinese' lol. Red flag, but makes sense. But then later we can see how he is unwilling to sign the bank notes. He later died due to torturing since he is unwilling to destroy Macau economy by revealing where is the printing machine.
Exactly, gold is king during wars time. My family has always kept gold to buy & trade houses, land or food…
I love it so so much. Probably the most well written CDrama I watched this year. I'm marvelled with how awesome is the writing. No filler scenes at all. Everything has meaning and reasons. Also, I love how literally everything seamlessly integrate into He Xian's life. At first, you think all this people just to show different perspective on different people during this era. But no, they all will have important roles later in helping He Xian with this financial warfare. The writer combined 2 things here, showing us different people and how war effect them while also at the same time writing all this characters to help He Xian in his cause.
And I also love how nuanced are the characters - - even the Japanese. They didn't show all British people as worthless or cowards since we have a few who actually die in saving the civilians' lives. Fantastic writing really. All characters just appear so human and complex.
And BTW, they should just ask me where is the printing machine lol. 😂😁 The moment they bring it up, I knew Yinwan's brother 99% most likely hide it at the orphanage behind statue of Mary. I wonder if this plotline really happen in history.
I love how the clues are scattered all over the drama. The writer also set stages for everything that is going to happen 5 to 10 episodes earlier. Like the moment Yinwan's brother accidentally spill water on the photo, I knew it will meant something later. Then when Yang Chang moving the printing machine, I asked what the heck was that since they never tell us. Then of course the hidden place behind Staue of Mary - - all of this will come out later. And also why Qiwen is one of the main casts of this drama - - she is not just there as He Xian's wife. She must have a much important role later in the drama.
I continue to love how this drama wrote their women characters. I knew the moment Yinwan agreed to see his brother, she had plan in mind and just saying all those hurtful words to He Xian to fool Hong Gongjie.
Thinking back when He Xian lied to her. If I were here, Im kinda glad that He Xian did that since to orchesterate my own brother's death is something that I can't do. Her brother already chose this road, so respecting it would be not only respecting him but also for the greater good as well. I would react just like Yinwan - - utterly sad and devastated, but understand the decision at the same time. The conflict is just so well written.
I also love how they wrote Mary. Despite the minimal screen time, didn't she left an impression on us? Isn't she? And I love how she thought Yang Chang the morse code, telegram and etc so it well help him to be a spy later.
Then Qiwen. She has lesser screen time in this few episodes but yet her presence still felt. I love how she always give space to He Xian and support him silently at his side. And when she need to intervene and salvage the situation, she did so ease his pain a little. I bet she will have more aggressive role later.
Exactly, gold is king during wars time. My family has always kept gold to buy & trade houses, land or food…
I had Soros in my mind exactly when I wrote my comment. He did managed to do that and destroy lots of lives when he speculate Thai bath over valued their currency.
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And it's about finance and economy which is my work field so I wondered how accurate they potrayed the part of it in the drama. Safe to say, I'm impressed. The writer did his research. :D
I actually learnt many things in this drama and that is such a valuable experience for me.
Impeccable writing that mix history, knowledge and also patrioticism. Supported by excellent and heartfelt acting by the casts which are written with nuance and great detailing. And last but not least, directed by a capable director that totally understood the vision of the story and bring to life this tale of Macau during their most tribulance time in history.
I think what makes me appreciate this drama the most is that it's not the usual communist VS nationalist political ideology but simply a united Chinese people fighting oppression by the Japanese Imperial Army. Mostly all of the war resources they get in this drama are given to the nationalist front army that fought the war at that time. No prejudice, no shade and no propaganda to show who is right and who is wrong. Also, I love how the women are written here. They are shown as a backbone of the country just like the men.
A drama that is nerve-wracking, sprinkled with angst yet full of silver linings at the same time. I come into this drama with full expectation and comes out of it feeling even more satisfied. 🤗 9.5/10
Anyway, Sawa actually is very intelligent and very nuanced as a villain. All his actions, despite some might view as reckless actually managed to put He Xian is many difficult spots. However, He Xian is just more brilliant and 1 step ahead of him everytime. And his biggest weapon is his heart and compassion that made his actions and decisions has weight and supported by many, even the non-Chinese. Soemthing that Sawa and the Japanese didn't have since they rule by fear which makes them lose in every situation.
When he decided to back down from the Shi On shipping mess, he sent a clear message to the Portuguese that always seeing the Chinese as someone they can offend but not the American or the British that is so so so far away. It hurts to see this kind of scenes since you can see this in today's world as well. They governed in an island with 96% Chinese population yet this is the people they can offend but not the Japanese or the allies forces.
And I was like served the Macau government when they are caught red handed by the Japanese for smuggling the diesel yet He Xian, the nice man that he is keep savings them and their poor decision makings while governing Macau.
The writing continue to deliver. I can't wait for tonight's episodes!
I thought it was obvious in my comment that is what I meant.
Qiwen is definitely one of my fave FLs this year. That talk she did with the 3 of guys cemented why I love this writer's writing of the women in this drama. They are written as flawed characters yet so delicate and strong at the same time.
When Qi Wen said:
'Stop acting like our saviours.'
'We are braver and stronger than you.'
'Do you think she is less brave and responsibled than you?'
In that 5 minutes speech, she gave perspectives to the 3 guys. Stop one from doing noble idiocy, another from wallow from his grief and another from worrying too much. 🤣
I love Qi Wen. This is what you called silent strength and devotion. He Xian just look at his wife -- astonished with the strength and resolute she had in her.
I love how the writer keeps saying in the drama - - women have their own mind, strong even with their small bodies, know what they are doing and do not need saviours. Yes, this is how you write strong women characters.
The British lady definitely dead. She was shot in the chest and Yang Chang saw it with his own eyes. :(
That's why we can rest since this drama going to be a happy ending since all those characters only die very late way way after the war. And Wanqi for an example only died in 2014 while He Xian in 1983.
They shouldnt scare me by saying the disease is terminal. It remind me of Jdrama JINN where the doctor travel back in time and made syphilis vaccine ahead of time and how remorseful he is for changing history lol.
Thank you. Now I can watch the drama with ease.
But the most impressive thing I get from this drama is how the Macau people actually protected the plate printing machine so the Japanese can't print their currency. Since if you learnt history, the Japanese did this to mostly all the countries they invaded and print money which crippled the economy and cause inflation. It was a bad time not only due to war but also lack of food due to this economy crisis. I love to learn about this tidbits on how a few people sacrifices did save thousand of lives.
Anyway, I enjoy the scene where He Xian managed to climb up his room and pretend to sleep when Sawa came and inspect his house. I love how he even managed a sip some Champagne to show how drunk he is. 😆 He used to be so nervous but now he is so calm, - - amazing character development.
And rip Wanqi. I knew when he keeps coughing it will be TB. 😭 I don't dare to Google at what year he passed away. I guess I have to find out while watching this drama.
Also the head banker of HSBC. He appeared like 15 minutes in total yet so nuanced. His first appearance is when he called Runyu as 'not like the other Chinese' lol. Red flag, but makes sense. But then later we can see how he is unwilling to sign the bank notes. He later died due to torturing since he is unwilling to destroy Macau economy by revealing where is the printing machine.
And I also love how nuanced are the characters - - even the Japanese. They didn't show all British people as worthless or cowards since we have a few who actually die in saving the civilians' lives. Fantastic writing really. All characters just appear so human and complex.
I love how the clues are scattered all over the drama. The writer also set stages for everything that is going to happen 5 to 10 episodes earlier. Like the moment Yinwan's brother accidentally spill water on the photo, I knew it will meant something later. Then when Yang Chang moving the printing machine, I asked what the heck was that since they never tell us. Then of course the hidden place behind Staue of Mary - - all of this will come out later. And also why Qiwen is one of the main casts of this drama - - she is not just there as He Xian's wife. She must have a much important role later in the drama.
Thinking back when He Xian lied to her. If I were here, Im kinda glad that He Xian did that since to orchesterate my own brother's death is something that I can't do. Her brother already chose this road, so respecting it would be not only respecting him but also for the greater good as well. I would react just like Yinwan - - utterly sad and devastated, but understand the decision at the same time. The conflict is just so well written.
I also love how they wrote Mary. Despite the minimal screen time, didn't she left an impression on us? Isn't she? And I love how she thought Yang Chang the morse code, telegram and etc so it well help him to be a spy later.
Then Qiwen. She has lesser screen time in this few episodes but yet her presence still felt. I love how she always give space to He Xian and support him silently at his side. And when she need to intervene and salvage the situation, she did so ease his pain a little. I bet she will have more aggressive role later.
How are you enjoying the drama so far?