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Just expect an unwavering female lead, and a solid role reversal theme.
What can i say... this is one of the most solid FL that i'd encounter so far in C-drama. Brilliantly scheming, almost always 10 steps ahead in every obstacle that was thrown at her. But also most of the girls in this drama are cunning. They were never inferior to men. It's refreshing to see this kind of trope that is consistent throughout the show about reversed roles. From the start, FL knew what she wanted and despite all the challenges, her goal remained solid and known. She may retreat at times, but only to look back and scheme some more to take over again. For her cold personality, she was moulded that way so it wasn't surprising even in her expression. She had to be formidable in and out because even in her own family, she was never safe. Then there was the ML. A scheming and cunning gentleman that could be on par with her. ML was warm and expressive in what he wanted. They were mostly opposite in how they showed themselves, but both were understandable. They may express each other's feelings differently but they love each other deeply. FL's way of loving him was not through words and constant affection, but she made him feel it through her support and giving him options in what he wanted to do. She wasn't a typical woman afterall. And ML wasn't the typical type of man who was afraid of showing affection. They just complement each other perfectly.Was this review helpful to you?
Distinct enough in the beginning.
Honestly, i've read its novel and i'm greatly disappointed in how they adapted it. But I'll focus more on reviewing this drama alone without basing it on the novel.In my opinion, the plot alone was already more distinct than most dramas. More so the characters. The ML is a young emperor who strives to get a hold on his power and to fight for what he wants for a change. He was smart and determined. He knew his responsibility. And despite having feelings for FL, he didn't let his emotions sway him from what's more important.
FL is also a force. She's brave and smart but also reckless and impulsive. She's not perfect. No character was. And that was understandable from how she grew up and her past experiences.
Together, the two could be a power couple if done more correctly. If portrayed more in the script. I think it had lost its potential because they didn't get down that path. They didn't need to kill any of the supporting characters, for the leads alone already had a great impact if they just continued to shake the nation together about their romance.
This is the part i honestly believe they screwed up.
The political issues were intriguing enough that they didn't feel boring. The characters were portrayed so greatly that you would feel annoyed at them. That only means that the acting was very effective.
Okay. I'll give this an 8 because i still liked 2/3 of the drama. It could have been a 10 if they just... but they didn't. And despite everything, i don't care much about how obvious it was that their makeups aren't balanced or any of the cinematography. I like the costumes though.
And I'm more focused on the plot and character development, the entire story. That's all.
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