DiggingIt

The character of Rong Hua is definitely more likeable than the doctor she played in NIF2, no dispute there. I just wish the writing was better overall. For example, Rong Hua’s scene by the river in her wedding gown was moving, but it could use a line or two of her condemnation to her father’s greed and ongoing self deception. It could be my own predilection for characters who wear quiet desperation like a habit that draws me to her doctor character in NIF2. I hope to see her and Allen Ren find challenging roles. Both actors have exhibited promising instincts.

Although the writing and editing are frustratingly inconsistent, I can’t keep myself from watching this drama. I admit I like Allen Ren more than I should. But my adoration have its limits, I found Autumn Cicada rather painful. The Nalan Yue and Rong Hua love story sucks me in and I am following this story to the end. Although childish in part, their devotion to one another and their reflexive drive to virtue are moving while brief. In short, these scenes are nuggets of gold and always leave me craving for more.

As much fun as it has been watching a childish Allen Ren, I always find the dark side more appealing. It also feels like a return to form for him, but I’m projecting. It’s easy to find Nalan Yue childish and clown-like. But I prefer to see him through Rong Hua’s eyes, he’s guided by a pre-disposition to take on immense responsibility with pureness of heart. Sometimes to his own detriment. Perhaps this playful Nalan Yue is to prepare us for the stark contrast to come.

The role of Rong Hua appears a bit lighter in form for Zhang Huiwen in comparison to her performance in Nirvana in Fire 2. But she delivers when it matters and so unexpectedly. She plays Rong Hua with earnestness. Her softness is not a weakness but grace. It takes an actress of a certain caliber to make that distinction.

The supporting cast has its strengths and weaknesses. But I blame the editing for much of it. There are 21 episodes remaining. Plenty of time for improvement. I’ll stay for the ride to the end.

I don’t think that’s a good thing. I believe dramas based on existing novels should be faithful to the author’s vision. Call me old fashion. The majority may win, but they are seldom right.

I’m with you on that! And I love tragedies! But even I need a break during the holidays! I’ve turned to Asian dramas for a reprieve from these dark, monstrous times in the US. Who am I kidding? The world is shit as well!

I've heard someone else mentioned on this thread that Chang Chen and Ni Ni were not as popular overseas as C-drama actors could be the reason Netflix passed on the L&D. There are a lot of C-dramas on Netflix with relative unknowns. The powers that be on the production side may have set the price too high. I always thought it was quite a coup for dramas to attract movie actors. Personally, I'll take a seasoned actor over a young idol actor any time. But I also understand I'm not the targeted demographic either!

I don’t understand why such a highly anticipated show would be so painfully slow with subtitles. I really don’t think Croton or iQiyi care about the foreign market. It has definitely dampened the viewing experience. I can only hope Netflix and Amazon Prime extend their reach into the Asian drama market. Viki’s reliance on volunteer subbers is commendable but difficult to sustain with an ever increasing drama landscape. Dramafever’s absence is missed,! The timeliness and quality of subtitles matter!

There are sub genres even within the world of Asian dramas. History is always butchered for the sake of drama. But that’s to be expected. I love period and costume dramas because they don’t claim historical accuracy. Romance Fantasy, above all, is the most honest of these sub genres because it appears historical but the fantasy element allows them to go in all directions. In cases such as “Ru Yi’s Love in the Royal Palace”, a fitting trope such as “Inspired by True Events” at the beginning of each episode would absolve it from all historical inaccuracies.

Documentaries are not boring! It just shouldn’t be confused with dramas. :)