2 episodes in, this is a really well crafted lighthearted wuxia. Xing Fei is wonderful here. And, it feels weird to say this, but Alan Yu's acting has improved... (by a bit more and still a long way to go but it's looking better so far).
I actually feel bad for the cast and crew. I think this drama could've been something special but the cuts destroyed…
I actually feel the same about Eva Cheng. She gives a more likeable vibe that you feel more invested in. It's not about the acting but just the "suitability of character" that fits the role of an Empress more.
Li Mo Zhi, with all due respect and nothing personal, I feel was miscast here. From the portrayal to the overall visuals, she doesn't fit this era setting. She looks more like an office lady or a kindy teacher rather than an ancient noblewoman. Even with all the adornments, makeup, hair styling she looks misplaced. Eva doesn't have all these issues, even with a much reduced screen time.
Surprisingly this turns out to be a rather enjoyable watch. This is the lightest non-comedic historical drama…
I agree. Of the 3, this one feels much lighter in comparison. Probably one of the major reasons for this is the second couple to provide some comedic relief. The other 2 doesn't have this. And so far, there is no mention of harem-politics here. This drama somehow gives me the impression that it doesn't take itself too seriously, which is good. Historically speaking the account of this event did not seem to indicate a tragedy, so I guess we can look forward to a HEA (as long as it ends where it's supposed to end lol).
Hi, I've been meaning to ask. The gifs on your profile, which drama/ movie are they from? The lady looks badass!
Ah that one. Yup, it's a Korean drama titled, "Athena: Goddess of War". Really good show, spin-off from the Iris franchise. There's more of those swing kicks and other action in the show.
Hey, the gifs on your profile with the action packed FL, what drama / movie are they from?
Oh my goodness. And the Winner is Love was just so surreal it felt like romance fantasy in the guise of wuxia. Travesty! Princess Agents, I agree, had an entirely overlong arc of the stupid love triangle which diminished any goodness the drama initially had. Why is it so hard to write a (consistently) strong FL? lol
Could this be one of the reasons why the rating on Duboku has gone down like a stone? Because viewers are showing…
You're right, and likewise I've been engrossed in so many new dramas that are coming thick and fast. The danger of losing interest is quite real, not because this show is inferior to others but due to the prolonged wait we become invested in 3 or 4 other dramas. Another just started airing today, bringing a total of SIX historicals currently airing. That's not even counting at least 4 or 5 modern rom-coms as well. Each of them releasing 6 episodes a week, plus further VIP episodes. No wonder the rating has dropped off :/
I don't like concubine li I think she will have a bad end. She's more brutal than her mother by sacrificing her…
This drama is actually much more multifaceted than I initially thought. In fact, the villains here are a lot more interesting than even TPoC. You have Concubine Li who finally turned to the dark side in the latest episodes, a wily old veteran general who's like the typical in-laws that's come to visit and poking their noses where they don't belong (and yet you can't chase them away). There's like a non-stop conveyor belt of villains that keep coming faster than the average wait for your luggage or sushi. No wonder this drama is called Renascence.
You are so right about the comparatively better chemistry between ML and second FL however based on episode 13…
Actually its based on history, although it's heavily fictionalized and romanticized here. Wikipedia should be able to tell you what you need to know lol That is, IF the screenwriters decide not to alter history.
Hey, the gifs on your profile with the action packed FL, what drama / movie are they from?
We share mostly the same qualities in a strong FL. For me, another important criteria - she mustn't die or be killed off. That's totally unacceptable for me, just like for Song of Glory, it's unforgiveable :/
I decided to drop this drama due to where the story is heading. I really enjoyed the drama during the first few…
See, all the historicals we're watching currently somehow manipulates the institution of marriage and twists the fate of the FL. I agree, watching 3 similar plots is a bit much but I'll see where this goes. Btw, another new historical just popped up today but with slightly more wuxia theme - The Moon Brightens For You. I know, the ML isn't the most appealing actor but the plot sounds refreshingly different from all these court politics. My watching list just keeps piling up :/
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And, it feels weird to say this, but Alan Yu's acting has improved... (by a bit more and still a long way to go but it's looking better so far).
Li Mo Zhi, with all due respect and nothing personal, I feel was miscast here. From the portrayal to the overall visuals, she doesn't fit this era setting. She looks more like an office lady or a kindy teacher rather than an ancient noblewoman. Even with all the adornments, makeup, hair styling she looks misplaced. Eva doesn't have all these issues, even with a much reduced screen time.
Honestly it's baffling.
Historically speaking the account of this event did not seem to indicate a tragedy, so I guess we can look forward to a HEA (as long as it ends where it's supposed to end lol).
There's more of those swing kicks and other action in the show.
Princess Agents, I agree, had an entirely overlong arc of the stupid love triangle which diminished any goodness the drama initially had.
Why is it so hard to write a (consistently) strong FL? lol
That is, IF the screenwriters decide not to alter history.
Btw, another new historical just popped up today but with slightly more wuxia theme - The Moon Brightens For You. I know, the ML isn't the most appealing actor but the plot sounds refreshingly different from all these court politics. My watching list just keeps piling up :/