The Slave to Love (2024)

Tropey but with solid characters and the story that will keep you watching

Who should not watch this: since this is a transmigration story anyone with aversion to modern people getting into ancient times and trying to be smarter than the history (and failing) will frown upon it. Anyone who is not fond of 'enemies to lovers' stuff particularly when lead couple consummates without even being sure they truly love each other (but there is chemistry and enough to shield your phone if you are watching it on public transportation). Very honest and morally unambivalent people will cringe at FL conspiring against her own father and dynasty (and leading ML on even though she only needs him to accomplish her goal of getting out of there) and ML faking affection to take revenge on Fl's father/family.

On the other hand, FANS OF HEI ZE FLOCK HERE!!! He again delivered his great skill and charm for everybody to savor. This is the right drama for someone who does not mind things not going according to the plan, women having fun with multiple guys and flirting without any thought of commitment (and being the one who initiates!), anyone who loves women's lib topics and watching failures of the leads in trying to go against traditions, circumstances and other people's power.

The story is simple, but the synopsis does not capture the magnitude of the plot: the modern woman is Emperor's beloved daughter who (even if she is capable of taking the throne instead of her brother) is still pushed around by males in her family and experiences what it means to be a woman in those days- even if as a princess. This is not some morality filled boring historical romance, but nicely played, shot and edited story of multiple characters, all with depth and background stories (which is hardly done in short dramas), peppered with profound one-liners of wisdom or fun, and shock from twists and turns that are hard to predict if you don't keep track of all small things, events, tertiary people in the story. Everything counts. Can't watch at 1.25x!

I enjoyed it very much from the start mostly because the current 7.0 rating and some comments posted here made me think that it was not a trendy release. And I love anything off the beaten path. I have to say: for a year and a half old (since release) cdrama I am surprised there was no review, so I am posting this with hope that more people will see it. Like this year's other stories that show couples who work together, communicate openly and plows through obstacles without sacrificing themselves - this was at least 8 for me and given seamless editing and great ending I will probably increase it.

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