Fette

If you are looking for a fluffy story, this is not it.

I’ve watched over 30 Chinese dramas (historical and modern) and this is the first one I’ve been compelled to write a review because it seems to be getting a bad rep because people are expecting the characters to act the way they want them to, or hate the story.

This is a complex story about complex characters living in a complex time. ML is domineering and will do anything to get his way while FL is in a vulnerable position but generally a clever girl who keeps her calm in dangerous situations and fights back when she can. Multiple times throughout the show, there are hints that it would have been better they never met, but here we are anyway. They are both imperfect, if you can’t accept that, this drama is not for you.

The story is FICTIONAL and dramatic. It is generally not predictable and moves at a great pace. I was hooked after the first episode and loved the way the story moved around and the filming. All the side characters and their stories were excellent as well.

The cinematography and sets and costumes and makeup are top tier. I don’t know much they spent but it’s evident that they didn’t cheap out. It makes the show have a very luxurious feel and fully immersed into that time. OST is also amazing.

ML knocked it out of the park with his acting. I only watched him in legend of the female general and thought he was kind of meh, but couldn’t tell if it was his acting or the directing. Now I think it was the directing because he has range in this show.

FL is getting a lot of bad rep. I can understand why some may think she doesn’t have skills but in my opinion, she played the part perfectly. She has a sensuality to her that would be hard for another actress to do, I think she was perfectly cast. Her skills are particularly evident in the last few episodes. But is she a versatile actress? I’m not sure because I’ve only ever watched her in the best thing, where she again plays a weaker character.

I personally loved the show and put it as my favorite of all time. I love that we have a messy ML and FL. I love that the story is different from all the ones I’ve seen so far. I love all the side characters and their stories. And I love all the thought that was put into making it - the costumes, filming, editing, makeup, set, direction, pace. It is a refreshing break from all the other fluffy Chinese dramas. For me, it was a perfect show overall.

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