A stunning beginning, excellent acting and a meh build-up
Ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this drama. The beginning is absolutely captivating, and the enemies-to-lovers relationship is well-crafted for the first third. The production is high-quality. The supporting actors are endearing.But once the relationship leans toward their unspoken feelings, it becomes draggy. I continued watching for the charm of the couples. There were some beautiful intimate scenes.
But...
But the villains are just inept, and it became difficult to be interested in the power struggles, as they seem so random. Decisions as sensible as a teenage challenge on TikTok, stupid deaths, a big battle that you watch while doing something else.
As for the actors, there's nothing to complain about. I really like Liu Yu Ning, and Song Yu Er is a revelation for me. Liu Duan Duan, discovered in The Rebel Princess, deserves an ambiguous lead role: he does it so well!
Everyone was rooting for Wang Cheng Si and Liu Xue Qin! What a lovely couple!
Liu Xiao Qing is a wonderful grandmother, as C-dramas know how to create.
So, there are some excellent bits in this stew, but the overall result is a bit disappointing.
J'ai finalement des sentiments mitigés sur ce drama. Le début est absolument accrocheur et la relation d'ennemis à amants bien menée pendant le premier tiers. La production est de qualité. Les seconds roles sont attachants.
Mais une fois que la relation penche vers leurs sentiments inavoués, ça devient traînant. J'ai continué pour le charme des couples. Il y a eu de très belles scènes d'intimité.
Mais...
Mais les méchants sont juste ineptes et il est devenu difficile de s'intéresser aux luttes de pouvoir, tellement elles semblent venir du hasard. Des décisions aussi sensées qu'un défi adolescent sur tiktok, des morts stupides, une grande bataille qu'on regarde en faisant autre chose.
Du côté des acteurs, rien à redire. J'aime beaucoup Liu yu Ning et Song yu Er est pour moi une révélation. Liu Duan Duan, découvert dans The Rebel Princess, mériterait un premier rôle ambigu : il fait ça si bien!
Tout le monde a roulé pour Wang Cheng Si et Liu Xue Qin! Quel joli couple!
Liu Xiao Qing est une formidable grand mère, comme les C dramas savent en créer.
Donc, des morceaux excellents dans ce ragoût, mais l'ensemble est un peu décevant
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It’s good, but that depends on what you’re looking for…
In 10/10 shows, every character has an ending (a closure) and it’s always a Good one. A good ending doesn’t mean Happy ending for the character: a good ending/closure can be epic, happy, bittersweet, or tragic, but it’s never rushed or anti-climactic.Well, that being said, this drama is :
A 10/10 if : you mainly focus on the lead couple. You like arranged marriage plot with no divorce, no amnesia, no fake death, no stupid separation. You’re not fond of love triangle, love when arguments don’t drag on and are quickly addressed. Not only that, but you’re in awe when the leads gradually grew closer and more intimate as time and conflicts pass. They don’t do the very cliché tango : one step forward, three steps backs. You can clearly see it, as well as the side characters (from the maids to the antagonists). Once they confess to each others, the FL’s brain doesn’t shrink, and she doesn’t become a damsel in distress ; the ML doesn’t forget about his status as a ruler, past friendships or grudges to only advocate for the FL (and by extension her clan) yet he never really makes things difficult for her. The chemistry is on fire, the intimacy over the top: nobody plays coy here. It’s a good HE for them.
A 9/10 if : you’re into all the above, and you also care about the leads’ close aides (maids, advisors, generals, family members). They must fit their role, be well-written and developed. If they are used as a comedy relief, their intervention must ease the conflict. You like when those characters have their own life, hobbies, and personalities (strengths and fears). They are their own and nobody property. They are loyal, but not to the point of obsession. Furthermore, they call out the leads, give them another perspective, and help them grow. You’re happy if those characters have a decent ending.
A 8/10 if you’re into all the above BUT want the leads’ close aides to have a good ending. For example, you don’t like when a character that plays a key role in the general plot ; in the leads’ relationship and in final battle not to be shown his full rise to lordship or how good he was in the battlefront. (I will keep it at that so not to give you spoilers).
A 7/10 for all the above AND you think that villains, especially main villains, shouldn’t be subpar. For you, good villains are as essential to the plot as the leads, and you can’t stand when the script purposely sabotages the villains just to make the MLs shine (here mainly the FL). You like when the villains' story is properly told, you want to see them struggle, lose some and win some, thus becoming wiser and deadlier. If the villains are put together, you want to see how they went from : “let’s form on alliance of interest” to “I admire what you did here” to “I think I’m falling for you”. Good villains force the leads to step up their game. Bad villains are just stepping stones.
A 6/10 if you can’t stand when the script not only sabotage the villains but also their close aides. You hate when, for the leads' sake (mainly the FL again), a villain relative is forced by the script to act contrary to his heart. Or, you hate when plot armor is conveniently used in favour of the leads’ relative (mainly the FL) when clearly without it, the villain relative has the edge on a one on one fight. Here, when the villains have good advisors, their advices are seldom taking into account or the advisor is described as a caricature.
However, it’s a 5/10 or less if you expect a Nirvana In Fire or Secret of Three Kingdoms. Unfortunately, the political aspect is but a background noise that suddenly become louder at the last 6 episodes. The show browses on the financial, political, and military cost of the ML initiatives. The dynamics between the different clans are glossed over. The FL position as lady Wei is never truly challenge, she’s very much shield by the ML and his Grandmother from the get-go, as a result, her schemes just make her appear vile…
There is much more to say, but I’ll stop here. For me, it’s a solid 7,5/10 drama. If the premise was the same a Destined, it will be a 10/10. Like many comments point out TPoB is a romance with a political subplot, however Sound of the Desert it’s a better rendition of a sly FL pits against a manipulative villainess.
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The Prisoner of 'Inner' Beauty.
The name of the drama should have been "The Prisoner of Inner Beauty.". The leading couple were both good looking and physically attracted to each other. But it was their inner beauty, that is, their love for their people and their selflessness that won them over and endeared them to each other. This was what enabled their eventual love for and complete trust in one another.The enemies to lovers troupe was very well done but the whole story itself, in terms of its essence and purpose, was not logical. Because the actual enemy of Wei State that caused the problem from the beginning was Bianzhou. Li Su was simply a general serving Bianzhou. Yanzhou betrayed Wei, but they were not the real cause of what happened to Wei, neither were they the ones who started the conflict. They were a victim just as Wei was, only that they failed to come to Wei's rescue.
Added to the above setback, the drama started off very strong, lost steam a little in the middle and looked like it was going to regain momentum towards ep 30, but plummeted from ep 33. It was interesting up to ep 32 and then poor and rushed to the end. The problem was not about the ending being happy or sad but about it being bad. It would have been better if the last 4 episodes were not included. They were unecessary, poorly written, and executed. The plots in those 4 episodes made no sense and made the main themes of the story pointless. Like doing 180 degrees on the themes. If you must include more episodes, then make sure they are good and they deliver a befitting climax.
I started to watch cdramas beginning of 2024 and have seen several, even some released as far back as 2019. In all the different genres, and including popular ones, only about two had really good and well executed endings. So, I have to agree with those who have said that cdrama writers, and content producers, do not know how to write good endings, especially for their period/historical dramas.
However, for this drama, the work done to create some complex characters and fully develop their arc, especially those of the leading couple and Wei Yan, was brilliant. The characters of the two main antagonists were weak, though. As if they were intentionally made to be dumb. In all, the actors and two directors did a fantastic job. They saved the day for the drama!
I enjoyed the comedy, too, with the bantering of the four generals of Wei Shao and his adviser. As well as the silly comedic exchanges between the leading couple. I don't think I can get past those hilarious statements like: "Shame on Wei Shao!"; "...Wei Shao, get up!, get up!! get up!!!"; and of course, "...my lord...why can't you say something nice...is your mouth on FIRE.".
As to the romance of the leading couple, it was engaging, and the chemistry between them was undeniably strong. If only they stayed true to it and didn't have to over milk it in ep32 to the point of it becoming too much acting. The way they portrayed the love they shared the first time they wanted to cunsummate their marriage was very real and believable as it revealed their vulnerability and sincerity. It was all about the two of them. But the second time, which was the actual consummation, fell short of these beautiful elements. Are they deeply in love with each other and want to express this for the first time just for the sake of having a child or children? So, will he stop loving her if she is unable to give him a child? The message here is flawed. Then added to this was the over acting, which almost started to feel like a perfume commercial. And oh, those statements just give the cringe, "...how about giving me a child...and I want it now..." He is being intimate with his beloved wife for the first time and what is on his mind is a child and not to simply please her, still?
Though Wei Shao later told his mother that children come by fate. But this only contradicts what he was asking for, as an expression of love, the first time he was going to be physically intimate with his wife whom he loves so much. This contradiction which occured in the next episode is just another one of the reasons why the last 4 episodes were unnecessary. What would have been more realistic was for the consummation of their marriage to have happened at the inn. When Wei Shao finally genuinely opened up about his deep hatred for the Qiao clan, which he admitted was still lingering, but then stated his willingness to completely let go of it.
Overall, this drama would have been okay if it had ended in ep 32, or had a few more episodes that were more realistic, convincing, and properly executed. Then there is still the question mark hanging on the essence and purpose of the story in the first place. The whole story would have been plausible, cogent and relatable if Wei had attacked Li Su and Bianzhou first. The enemies to lovers troupe was great, but in the end, the story and main plot were weak because they were driven by a cause and effect thematic element that completely lacked logic.
Please do not read further if you don't want major spoilers.
About the plots. There were many repetitive sub-plots, several plot holes, and some plots were inconclusive. Here are some of the repetition:
1. One clan betrayed the same other clan - 2 times.
2. Sabotage in the granary - 2 times.
3. Sick leader dying in one state - 2 times
4. River as trap for military troops - 2 times
5. Take over of one city - 3 times!
6. Woman seeking to be empress and marrying leaders who truly loved her - 3 times! Well, the first one was a betrothal.
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Soft, romantical, enemies-turned-devoted-lovers type vibe
Wow, the romance in this series was... romancing.Not sure how much the script aligns with the original novel but the dialogue was exceptionally swoonworthy and both leads had very romantic, very intimate declarations of loyalty, trust, and love. Both actors did an amazing job carrying out those lines - you can see the yearning and search for love through their eyes so well - which just added to the whole romantic environment. Pair it up with some Central Plains politics ("we're doing this for the people!"), hilarious crew of side characters (love the Wei generals fr), and laugh-out-loud romcom moments to balance out the enemies-to-lover tension, and we have a historical romance that hits all the right spots.
PROS:
❀ Main couple is top-tier | The FL is quick-witted with her words and a strategist, through and through. Her dialogue is very pointed when she's fighting back and very reassuring when she's empathizing with someone (usually the ML). She has more work to do as the premise sets her family up as the betrayer party (while the ML's family is the betrayed party). But she DEFINITELY puts in the work, even as she's wary of the Wei family in the beginning and they treat her poorly. Honestly I would say she took a step back/empathized a little toooo well at times which, although resolves any potential conflicts very quickly, sometimes felt like a cop-out. Don't get me wrong, I do like a softer character but how much do you need this poor girl to grovel before the ML finally trusts her lol. (And he def has trust issues so maybe it's fitting that she had to relent a good bit for him to fall in love and devote himself 110% to her).
I loved the ML's growth from unfeeling general who only exists to fight (and kill the FL's family) to devoted husband who would do anything to protect his wife. Their little arguments are so cutie because the FL always outtalks him even though he's like a monster in the battlefield lol. Both actors did a great job and the chemistry was fireeee.
Oh and the main leads together: capable, protective, and righteous. The beginning episodes featured them trying to outsmart each other but they're so powerful when they fight/scheme together. One common denominator is that they both fight for the commonfolk which has very feel-good energy. Also love the water analogies when discussing relationships and characterizations - very fitting for the canal project at the forefront of the political side.
❀ OST is top-notch!! | Both the actual songs and background music were great. In fact I loveeeed the chant-y background music of the villains which made their scheming more atmospheric. And I've def become a fan of Liu Yuning after finding out he sings for a bunchh of dramas I really like lol.
❀ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 | Honestly no moments that I can think of. When the couple argues it's pretty logical and based on facts or mistakes that actually happened. And of course the grovel/apology happens quickly so you don't have to go through a ton of angst.
❀ I loved the side characters!! | I thought they did an AMAZING job portraying a respectful 2ML with an extensive backstory - honestly wish he got more screentime. The Wei generals and advisor were of course great comedic relief (+ FL's maid Xiaotao). The villains were fine - idk why it felt like they were always losing LOL the stakes never felt that high tbh. Also ofc all the male main characters had to be excellent in martial arts.
CONS:
✕ Ending felt kind of messy | Don't get me wrong I liked the ending and thought they concluded all the relevant plot points, I just get a little confused when people start dying left and right LOL. Also this is super common in Cdramaland but it also became a sausagefest where all the men were out there fighting and betraying and whatnot while the womenfolk just stayed inside and worried. Maybe I was just hoping for one last scheme from the FL but I get it... the girl had other things to do. Also the downfall of the main villains felt a bit anticlimactic as well. It kinda gave the vibe of "wrap it up folks we gotta get to the happy (for the main characters) ending and tie up all the plot points right neow!!".
✕ There was just something missing... | Maybe because of all the social media hype causing me to come in with super high expectations, but it's missing something that pushes it to the next level for me. It had a tender romance, sweet characters, and a solid political storyline, but just something... for now I'll say it's because the FL had to back down so often with the ML (which again given their family backgrounds I get), and how I never felt like the main villains were going to succeed. Maybe also because there isn't anything new or stand-out in this drama (especially given the strict gender roles the characters adhere to), which doesn't excite me. (Although the execution of everything was spectacular and made it a solid, enjoyable watch.)
OVERALL:
Still though, I did love this drama. Gorgeous cinematography and costume, talented leads who delivered their roles well, and mesmerizing music really sets everything up for success. I would break the vibes down to:
30% angst
30% comedy
60% pure romance and devotion between main leads
and politics + side character shenanigans sprinkled within. So if you're looking for a romance-heavy plot with empathetic and thoughtful main characters, this one's for you.
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Flow like water
Primarily a love story set in a chaotic period of time akin to the warring states period in ancient China, this drama relies heavily on the chemistry between its leads Liu Yuning and Song Zuer. It works well in the first half, but without a better plan for the political story and more imaginative directing, the show suffers somewhat in the second half. Certain matters are resolved too conveniently that a great amount of suspension of disbelief may be required. And any deeper themes revolving around the use of water as a metaphor for perseverance, strength and harmony are regrettably not developed satisfactorily.Ultimately, there is still much to be enjoyed in this especially for fans of romance. Besides the leads, some of the supporting cast are really great here as well. Liu Duan Duan gives my favorite performance from the cast as the complicated Wei Yan. Xuan Lu also does her best to give depth to a very typical C drama villainess.
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True sincerity can dissolve hatred
Truth spoken from the heart can build a bridge over a chasm. This show uses the image of sincere truth as a bridge, showing sincerity as the basis for overcoming and eliminating hatred. The drama depicts the journey of two individuals with opposing missions: revenge and redemption. Although their journey may not be smooth, they overcome obstacles, leading to a happy ending for both leads.Although some character deaths felt unnecessary, this is a drama and a dramatic plot is essential for a historical romance. I had high expectations for the political struggles and wars of the Three Kingdoms era depicted in this series, but the romance and comedy kept me hooked until the very last episode. Thanks to the cast and production, they played a significant role in the success of this drama.
For me, this is a 8.5. The healing journey itself is a breath of fresh air amidst the typical revenge plot, as revenge can be mentally exhausting.
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Like the title says, "The Prisoner of Beauty"— but in the bad way.
This show is straight-up misleading. In the first few episodes, the male lead was giving strong, smart, wise vibes. He had that deep-rooted grudge in his heart that made him tough and cold on the outside, but supposedly a good guy deep down.They definitely exaggerated things to sell that whole “dark and broody” cliché image, especially early on, just to hook in the dark romance crowd.
Then comes the female lead—and no shade to the actress, ‘cause honestly, she did a great job. Too good, actually, ‘cause she had me mad irritated with how dry, emotionless, and confusing her character was. She’s supposed to be 15, but acts like she’s 40. It’s just so unrealistic. She’s like... dead inside. No joy, no fear, no reactions—like a damn robot. All just to match the male lead’s unstable personality and to fit into that “strong independent woman” trope everyone’s obsessed with lately.
But just ‘cause the writer wants her to seem “smart” doesn’t mean you gotta spell it out in every single line. Let her show it through her actions. The more they tried to make her look clever, the dumber they made the male lead seem. And that just doesn’t work for someone who’s supposed to be a ruler. He came off impulsive, obsessive, and lowkey toxic.
I really wanted to see a battle of wits between them—but nah, it turned into a cliché mess between a robot and a lovesick fool.
The drama started with wars and epic battles... now it’s just endless talking. The guy’s jealous of his cousin, the girl’s jealous of his ex, and the mom-in-law keeps starting drama. By episode 14, I still can’t tell how the girl even feels about him. The romance just doesn’t hit. Like, are we seriously supposed to believe this cold, intense guy would let a whole year go by without touching his wife just ‘cause she’s grieving? Nah, doesn’t add up.
And the girl—she’s clearly trying to play him, fake affection and all... but then sometimes it feels like she actually cares? She defends him, lifts him up in front of others... but at the same time, it’s like she’s just using him for her family's sake. In the end, I don’t feel anything.
And look—I love Liu Yuning, and I’ll admit his acting has gotten way better here.
But honestly? I gotta drop this drama. I’m done.
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The journey
Prisoner of beauty was not hyper-addictive, or hyper-active, or any other kind of hyper. It was not an excessive sensory stimulation or thrilling or even enigmatically epic. Yet, amidst all that it was not, for it was not meant to be, it was a journey that was perfect.The storyline had a familiar tune amidst the cliché-ridden prosaism, but it delivered buckets of love, hope, battles to uphold peace and prosperity in the Central Plains, leaving viewers content. It showed that one dream for the benefit of all, can indeed change the world for the better and when that dream is a goal involving caring for the welfare of the people and bringing peace to the land, the universe conspires into ensuring that good does overcomes evil.
In the words of Wei Shao “the Yongning Canal brought huge benefits. The waterways are connected, benefiting all sides. The world is thus freed from strife and hatred. The people are at peace. I’ve finally had my lifelong wish come true”.
“Thanks to the companions on this journey. Everyone in the years to come, may all your wishes come true”. Qiao Man & Wei Shao in unison.
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A historical romance saved by a brilliant FL
Song Zu Er completely stole the show for me in The Prisoner of Beauty.Her acting was beautifully strong and her line delivery was sharp and impactful.
She brought her character to life with a smart, complex, and emotionally authentic portrayal.
I especially appreciated how her role was written as intelligent and strong, very relatable and easy to root for.
On top of that, she looked absolutely stunning in every costume and scene.
The rich historical setting added a lot of depth to the story, making the whole experience feel immersive and engaging.
On the other hand, I wasn’t a fan of the male lead.
His character felt toxic and overly impulsive which made some scenes frustrating to watch.
His expressions of anger often boiled down to the same crooked-mouth, disgusted look as if that was the only way he knew how to show emotion.
I’m honestly surprised many find him attractive with that constant expression.
There were multiple times I almost dropped the drama because I struggled to watch his scenes.
But thanks to Song Zu Er’s fantastic performance, I stayed hooked until the very end, so I rated this drama just for her.
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her paired with a more fitting male lead in her next project.
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The prison of a smart dutiful underappreciated wife
For the most part, it was a good drama but there were a few reasons why I couldn't fully enjoy the series.To begin with the male lead is absolutely cruel towards the female lead, even putting her in a chokehold and making his army hunt her down like an animal "for morale". This marriage is an alliance approved by your grandmother. If you have decided to go along with it, at the very least don't be violent towards her. The story is supposed to depict how a cruel heartless warrior eventually falls in love with his wife but this is not a trope I care for. I have watched and enjoyed Enemies to Lovers but cruelty is not something I'm a fan of.
We see various number of people trying to harm his wife by maligning her character or sowing discord and each time the wife has to fight against her own husband to get him to trust her and be fair towards her. She is basically working on her own. There is only one time when he publicly stands up for her but even then she isn't sure if he will protect her. Even much later into the story, he is yelling at her in front of others. He gets jealous easily and takes it out on her. And she has to put up with it all just because the fate of her people rest on her shoulders and this marriage.
She is wise and quick on her feet. She handles situations as well as impossible people pretty well in most cases. And her husband regularly finds himself dumbfounded by her logical arguments. Yet he doesn't appreciate her as much as others do. Everyone around him has to keep reminding him to be nicer and even his brothers in arms chide him about not knowing anything about love.
This type of storyline albeit interesting at first got a bit tiresome midway. I just wanted to speed through the episodes to get to the actual romance. Yes, it's a very slow burn but there aren't even many romantic moments.
Eventually it comes down to her dutiful role of making him babies. Her helpers suggest she read some material because her husband is inexperienced and might hurt her. I was curious how she would have dealt with that but they just brushed past it. Had they addressed it and shown him being gentle (which I doubt knowing how his character is presented), I would have appreciated the show greatly. It would have been a great teaching moment.
I will say that the sets, costumes and fight scenes were all pretty amazing. I was a bit disappointed by the FL's cousin and Bi Zhi's character. They really made him seem like a mindless fool at the end who is unable to strategize or have foresight.
I love the army fellows characters. They provided some much needed comic relief and bromance. As well as the female lead's helper Xiao Tao's sass. The grandmother was another wonderfully level-headed person and a wise leader. And of course I loved the female lead. Especially her snarky remarks to her husband like - seems you have recovered from your cold. Just being able to deal with such a man deserves applause. No doubt, she would have been an even more capable leader if were not for a man's world.
Overall the show is really interesting but not entertaining enough to award it a 9 or higher.
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A retold story
I understand that my review may not be well received, as there are too many fans of this drama, rating it 10/10 in each category. Nevertheless, I wanna give my honest review.I wanna start with what I liked. Both Male and Female leads are good actors. This is my first time watching the female lead actress in any drama. She acts well and doesn't fail to fit right for the character played by her. Liu Yunning, our Male lead, has definitely got a model like physique and height. Those costumes suit him so well. The Music is good, and I guess most songs are sung by Liu Yunning himself. I always love the set of Chinese period dramas, and how they always have a small tree placed in their big courtyard, the one that blooms with white flowers. Besides, the costume, the makeup, the Jewellery, the hairdos, everything represents an era of the Chinese dynasty. There was chemistry between the lead, but I would not give it 10/10 like others. To me, it's 7/10.
Now, what I didn't like:
1. The length of the show: It's a long drama of 36 episodes. I personally think that it could have been done within 26-28 episodes, at the max 30 episodes. But those many episodes were too many.
2. Absurdity of the sub-plots: Some of the sub-plots were a bit meaningless and there was little to no explanation. For instance, when after the wedding of the lead couple, they return to the male lead's home town, where he rules, and the female lead, who by the way is suffering from fever, is left at the gate of the town, until asked to enter. A girl, standing at the gate has been instructed to keep a watch. This was the most stupid plot, as the female lead along with her servant ladies, is stranded at the gate and her husband(male lead) didn't even care for 3 days, if his wife has entered his home or not. Mind you, all this while, that girl was standing there at the gate with an umbrella as it's raining heavily. Upon learning that his wife is suffering from fever, still at the gate, the male lead rises from his chair and goes to the gate to pick her up in his arms, soaking in the rain. I mean he brings her inside his home all the way from the gate. I mean, OKAY, but dude she was cold and suffering from fever. This is just one example, there are many such sub-plots which don't add any value to the story.
3. Forteen year old enmity goes away in a year: Ok! it's not like that it can't happen. But when you have been haunted by the dreams and flashes of your dead family's killing scenes, it just doesn't go away like that. So our female lead wins the trust of the male lead and warms his heart and in this process, also makes him forget what happened 14 year ago. GOT IT!! But just one meeting with the people who caused untimely killing of your family members, doesn't make you forget everything so easily. That was a bit too much for me to digest.
As stated above, it would be better if they had summed up the whole drama in 29-30 episodes.
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