This review may contain spoilers
Entertaining but rather weak in comparrison to other cdrama of this trope...
Si Jin offers a decent viewing experience, though it’s not without its flaws. The acting is quite solid across the board. Zhang Wan Yi brings his usual reliable performance to the role, though I wouldn’t call it his best work. Having watched most of his other projects, I feel he’s capable of more. The female lead, whose performance was my first full experience with her, actually surprised me in a good way. Previous dramas featuring her had either been dropped or indefinitely paused due to her acting or the lackluster plots. However, in Si Jin, I was able to finish it, and I can say she did a good job in this particular role. The supporting cast also deserves a mention for their performances.
When it comes to the script and editing, though, this is where Si Jin starts to falter. The character development of the emperor is inconsistent; he’s initially portrayed as a wise, cautious ruler, yet the plot forces him to make decisions that undermine that very characterization, particularly when it comes to his blind devotion to his sister, which makes him seem foolish. The random appearance and disappearance of the Namwu storyline and characters seemed like nothing more than a plot device, only there to fill time and create unnecessary drama. Similarly, the human trafficking subplot came out of nowhere and served little purpose other than to provide a reason to kill off side characters and add drama.
I also found the portrayal of the female lead’s family, especially her grandmother, troubling. While the grandmother is supposed to be respected due to her age, she repeatedly wronged the female lead, Jiang Si, with no consequences. Yet, she remains highly regarded and untouched by any repercussions. With only the aunt being turned into the villain and the grandma/2nd uncle getting away with all their minor misdeeds overlooked. So even though family drama and clichés are common in historical dramas and one of my fave parts in this type cdrama, here they were handled poorly at times.
On the plus side, the chemistry between the main couple was a highlight, and I found both the main and side couples sweet. The final episode was satisfying, and despite all the gaps in the middle of the drama, it delivered a proper conclusion. The show managed to pull it together in the end, making for an entertaining watch if you’re looking for something to pass the time or if you're a fan of rebirth historical storylines.
Ultimately, Si Jin is enjoyable as a one-time watch to pass the time, but it isn’t a drama that stands out enough to warrant rewatching. If you're someone who cares deeply about a well-crafted, meticulous plot, this one may not be for you. The acting might be strong, but it isn’t enough to redeem the weaknesses of the story and editing.
When it comes to the script and editing, though, this is where Si Jin starts to falter. The character development of the emperor is inconsistent; he’s initially portrayed as a wise, cautious ruler, yet the plot forces him to make decisions that undermine that very characterization, particularly when it comes to his blind devotion to his sister, which makes him seem foolish. The random appearance and disappearance of the Namwu storyline and characters seemed like nothing more than a plot device, only there to fill time and create unnecessary drama. Similarly, the human trafficking subplot came out of nowhere and served little purpose other than to provide a reason to kill off side characters and add drama.
I also found the portrayal of the female lead’s family, especially her grandmother, troubling. While the grandmother is supposed to be respected due to her age, she repeatedly wronged the female lead, Jiang Si, with no consequences. Yet, she remains highly regarded and untouched by any repercussions. With only the aunt being turned into the villain and the grandma/2nd uncle getting away with all their minor misdeeds overlooked. So even though family drama and clichés are common in historical dramas and one of my fave parts in this type cdrama, here they were handled poorly at times.
On the plus side, the chemistry between the main couple was a highlight, and I found both the main and side couples sweet. The final episode was satisfying, and despite all the gaps in the middle of the drama, it delivered a proper conclusion. The show managed to pull it together in the end, making for an entertaining watch if you’re looking for something to pass the time or if you're a fan of rebirth historical storylines.
Ultimately, Si Jin is enjoyable as a one-time watch to pass the time, but it isn’t a drama that stands out enough to warrant rewatching. If you're someone who cares deeply about a well-crafted, meticulous plot, this one may not be for you. The acting might be strong, but it isn’t enough to redeem the weaknesses of the story and editing.
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