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Rage and Revenge
This drama features a double FL played by the same actress.
While the director makes sure that viewers do not confuse the two FLs by dressing each in a contrasting color, it really wasn’t necessary. Tian Xiewei inhabits the personality of each so completely that the audience knows immediately who is who by the mannerisms, facial expressions, and posture of the featured character.
One scheme after another is directed at Achu, the substitute bride, in an effort to bring her down. There are so many threats and counter threats that the convoluted plot becomes exhausting.
Then in Episode 15, the palace matriarchs (all played by exceptional actors, I might add) kick it up a notch. Perhaps the most extraordinary of them all is Lady Li. Viewers watch her micro-expressions flip between the desire to believe Achu, the substitute bride, one minute and the conviction that she’s evil and guilty of the most heinous crimes the next.
After the trauma and drama of Episode 15, the viewers need a respite. Maybe a little comic relief or a change of scenery? But no, instead we get two more episodes of wailing and gnashing of teeth–as every secret is revealed, thrashed out, and every hidden emotion exposed.
If you thought you were watching a love story, think again. You come to realize that this is a full-blown female battle royale, as each woman reveals the extent of her own corruption..and (in the case of most of them) viciousness.
This is a very powerful and well-performed series, but somewhat exhausting and numbing. Also a bit monotonous.
While the director makes sure that viewers do not confuse the two FLs by dressing each in a contrasting color, it really wasn’t necessary. Tian Xiewei inhabits the personality of each so completely that the audience knows immediately who is who by the mannerisms, facial expressions, and posture of the featured character.
One scheme after another is directed at Achu, the substitute bride, in an effort to bring her down. There are so many threats and counter threats that the convoluted plot becomes exhausting.
Then in Episode 15, the palace matriarchs (all played by exceptional actors, I might add) kick it up a notch. Perhaps the most extraordinary of them all is Lady Li. Viewers watch her micro-expressions flip between the desire to believe Achu, the substitute bride, one minute and the conviction that she’s evil and guilty of the most heinous crimes the next.
After the trauma and drama of Episode 15, the viewers need a respite. Maybe a little comic relief or a change of scenery? But no, instead we get two more episodes of wailing and gnashing of teeth–as every secret is revealed, thrashed out, and every hidden emotion exposed.
If you thought you were watching a love story, think again. You come to realize that this is a full-blown female battle royale, as each woman reveals the extent of her own corruption..and (in the case of most of them) viciousness.
This is a very powerful and well-performed series, but somewhat exhausting and numbing. Also a bit monotonous.
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