A Well Crafted Espionage Drama
I am relatively new to the world of Chinese dramas, having only started watching them over the past two years. As a result, I am unfamiliar with many of the older actors who are well known in the industry. Despite my limited exposure, I am grateful to have discovered this particular drama, which introduced me to some truly remarkable leading actors.
Zhang Yi Shan delivered a performance that was nothing short of perfection, fully embodying the character of Ding Yi and captivating the audience. Elvis Han impressed with his deep voice and smoldering looks, exuding pure charisma throughout the series. I believe that pairing Gu Yang Shan with Shen Bi Yun as romantic interests would have elevated the visual appeal and heightened the dramatic tension, making for an even more compelling viewing experience.
The drama started off strong, maintaining a good pace up until episode 30. The storyline about espionage and underlying theme of friendship was both captivating and suspenseful, keeping viewers engaged as the plot unfolded. The dialogue was particularly smart, contributing to the overall quality of the production. Unfortunately, the series began to shift after episode 30. In my opinion, it should have concluded at that point, as the subsequent episodes introduced elements of CCP propaganda that detracted from my enjoyment. This change in direction led me to stop watching at episode 32.
Throughout the drama, the character Gu Yang Shan's motivations were strongly tied to his roots. However, near the end, the writers chose to have him regret the path he took during the war years and ultimately decide to join the CCP. Given that all dramas undergo censorship reviews, it is understandable that Gu Yang Shan could not remain a nationalist, and the CCP needed to be portrayed as the good guys. This narrative choice, while expected, influenced my overall perception of the drama.
Zhang Yi Shan delivered a performance that was nothing short of perfection, fully embodying the character of Ding Yi and captivating the audience. Elvis Han impressed with his deep voice and smoldering looks, exuding pure charisma throughout the series. I believe that pairing Gu Yang Shan with Shen Bi Yun as romantic interests would have elevated the visual appeal and heightened the dramatic tension, making for an even more compelling viewing experience.
The drama started off strong, maintaining a good pace up until episode 30. The storyline about espionage and underlying theme of friendship was both captivating and suspenseful, keeping viewers engaged as the plot unfolded. The dialogue was particularly smart, contributing to the overall quality of the production. Unfortunately, the series began to shift after episode 30. In my opinion, it should have concluded at that point, as the subsequent episodes introduced elements of CCP propaganda that detracted from my enjoyment. This change in direction led me to stop watching at episode 32.
Throughout the drama, the character Gu Yang Shan's motivations were strongly tied to his roots. However, near the end, the writers chose to have him regret the path he took during the war years and ultimately decide to join the CCP. Given that all dramas undergo censorship reviews, it is understandable that Gu Yang Shan could not remain a nationalist, and the CCP needed to be portrayed as the good guys. This narrative choice, while expected, influenced my overall perception of the drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
