A Masterpiece - Captivating from the start!
I can't believe I finished this series in 2025. It had long been on my list of the best Chinese historical dramas, but I kept postponing it due to its daunting 70-episode length and after reading viewers’ critical comments about the ending. Lately, I've only had the patience for dramas that are around 24 episodes. Despite this, after struggling to get through several full-length 40-episode series starring some of today's most popular actors, I decided to give this one a try, telling myself I could drop it if it didn't capture my interest.
To my surprise, this series grabbed my attention straight from episode 1 and maintained it all the way through episode 55. I never felt the need to fast-forward or skip an episode, which is something I've often done with other recent dramas. This speaks to the show's quality—it's a true masterpiece that deserves all the acclaim and awards it has received.
While the entire cast delivered great performances, it was Chen Kun and Ni Ni who truly made the series unforgettable. Their characters Ning Yi and Feng Zhi Wei were made for each other. I can't imagine any other actors taking on their roles. Only actors of Chen Kun and Ni Ni's caliber can express intense passion and longing while barely touching. Their performances demonstrate how physical proximity is not always necessary to convey powerful emotions. Through subtle gestures, lingering glances and restrained movements, they captivate audiences, making the connection between their characters palpable. Equally impressive is their ability to communicate without words. As two soul mates who simply know each other, Ning Yi and Feng Zhi Wei use silence, glances, and body language to create a profound sense of understanding. This wordless exchange is a testament to their skill as actors, allowing viewers to feel the depth of their bond without explicit dialogue. Chen Kun's portrayal of Ning Yi was exceptionally brilliant—he brought depth to a complex character with many layers, from intelligence and moral ambiguity to ruthlessness, vengefulness, all under a facade of carefreeness. Yet, Ning Yi was also deeply loyal and loving toward his mother and FZW. The chemistry between him and FZW was palpable, visible in the playful glint in his eyes and the tenderness he showed her. Their relationship, evolving from intellectual rivals to allies and eventually lovers, formed the heart of the drama. However, the environment around them was filled with deception, manipulation, treachery, and a longstanding feud between their families. Still, the storytelling, character development, and superb acting made the series compelling. Everything about this show was epic, from the cinematography to the music and costumes—some of the songs were heartbreaking to hear.
For me, the series began to lose its momentum after episode 55, when the story shifted to Jinshi. I understand the series had to be rewritten and underwent two rounds of reshoots to pass censorship, which likely contributed to the rushed storylines and some characters acting out of character.
It's unfortunate that we no longer see experienced, great actors like Chen Kun and Ni Ni in many dramas today. Instead, the industry tends to cast the same young "idol" actors repeatedly, selected more for their popularity than their skills. Many of these actors film multiple dramas in a single year, leaving little time to hone their craft, which often results in repetitive and uninspired performances. I wish more dramas were made like this one, focusing on strong storytelling, rich character development, and exceptional acting.
To my surprise, this series grabbed my attention straight from episode 1 and maintained it all the way through episode 55. I never felt the need to fast-forward or skip an episode, which is something I've often done with other recent dramas. This speaks to the show's quality—it's a true masterpiece that deserves all the acclaim and awards it has received.
While the entire cast delivered great performances, it was Chen Kun and Ni Ni who truly made the series unforgettable. Their characters Ning Yi and Feng Zhi Wei were made for each other. I can't imagine any other actors taking on their roles. Only actors of Chen Kun and Ni Ni's caliber can express intense passion and longing while barely touching. Their performances demonstrate how physical proximity is not always necessary to convey powerful emotions. Through subtle gestures, lingering glances and restrained movements, they captivate audiences, making the connection between their characters palpable. Equally impressive is their ability to communicate without words. As two soul mates who simply know each other, Ning Yi and Feng Zhi Wei use silence, glances, and body language to create a profound sense of understanding. This wordless exchange is a testament to their skill as actors, allowing viewers to feel the depth of their bond without explicit dialogue. Chen Kun's portrayal of Ning Yi was exceptionally brilliant—he brought depth to a complex character with many layers, from intelligence and moral ambiguity to ruthlessness, vengefulness, all under a facade of carefreeness. Yet, Ning Yi was also deeply loyal and loving toward his mother and FZW. The chemistry between him and FZW was palpable, visible in the playful glint in his eyes and the tenderness he showed her. Their relationship, evolving from intellectual rivals to allies and eventually lovers, formed the heart of the drama. However, the environment around them was filled with deception, manipulation, treachery, and a longstanding feud between their families. Still, the storytelling, character development, and superb acting made the series compelling. Everything about this show was epic, from the cinematography to the music and costumes—some of the songs were heartbreaking to hear.
For me, the series began to lose its momentum after episode 55, when the story shifted to Jinshi. I understand the series had to be rewritten and underwent two rounds of reshoots to pass censorship, which likely contributed to the rushed storylines and some characters acting out of character.
It's unfortunate that we no longer see experienced, great actors like Chen Kun and Ni Ni in many dramas today. Instead, the industry tends to cast the same young "idol" actors repeatedly, selected more for their popularity than their skills. Many of these actors film multiple dramas in a single year, leaving little time to hone their craft, which often results in repetitive and uninspired performances. I wish more dramas were made like this one, focusing on strong storytelling, rich character development, and exceptional acting.
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