Stellar acting, direction and costumes
The script was at times forced, but ultimately this is a story of mental illness, so a few incoherent twists in the plot can be excused. It has a dark mood: social glory can exact a very high price... but it is a fascinating and extremely classy kind of gothic mood. I wasn't over enthusiastic of the male protagonist acting, but Duling Chen was incredible in a very difficult role: we slowly acknowledge she inherited her father's carefully hidden psychosis, but her stubborn fight for love will redeem and heal her soul, while her father falls deeper and deeper into his murdering sickness. Her enigmatic mother is performed by a master actress, theatral in a traditional yet unconventional way. So the protagonist is excellent (and her costumes the best I've seen since Yanxi palace, expecially after she's married) but both her parents perform their cursed destiny to a vertiginous level. A feast for the eyes the scenography too. Don't miss this if you love gothic atmospheres with a psychological depth.
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