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Candle Lit intrigue
A very layered and complex storyline. Very beautifully filmed - keeping the feel of an authentic Ming era story by use of candles and dark streets. The attention to costuming and architecture is Indie film festival level. Romance is subtle not central. It is a meditation on family, friends, colleagues and the things we owe them. Characters are complicated, motivations shifting.One of the most personal of political cdramas. Not one of the ra-ra patriotism genre at all. Excellent script.
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An S+++ story
Trying to produce a Song or Ming Dynasty historical romance AND make it centred on women’s power is a tough road. The Autumn Ballad (2022) with Qiao Xin and Jeremy Xu is an example of good intentions restrained - the delivery, lines and solutions are 21st century but don’t match the costumes nor era. What Against the Current gets so well is historical context and cultural mores. The FL knows what is possible and uses what little power she has to survive. It resonates with viewers emotionally. We understand why she does it. We are emersed in the world built for us. But we know it is not us moderns cosplaying in hanfu. This is a genuine historical drama. A great, great one!Was this review helpful to you?
If they’d just let him play zither…
This is a very watchable story of being a filial child in Ming era. A gentle zither prodigy son gives it all up to protect his mother & brother after his father is betrayed to become a military hero. A creative & talented embroider must, as a concubine’s daughter, give it up for her in-laws.Wallace is almost perfectly cast as a silently suffering solid citizen - under the massive social pressures of being a head of a family - slowly opening up to his young bride. Seven is great at portraying a young woman forced into plastering on a smile as family duties keeping trying to box her in or end her.
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Weasels Got Game!
The latest from the excellent Lights On mystery series from iQiYi is a strange mix of murder mystery, journey of atonement, romance and daoist spirit possession. The timelines are blurred, mixed up by memories. Yu Hong square stadium as a spirit cauldron is not just a great metaphor. There’s a touch of Twin Peaks Northeast China to it. We are not quite sure what is good or evil. Is it a Weasel Immortal defending its forest home from poachers or a murder?!Was this review helpful to you?
