An Extraordinary Piece
I already knew I was going to like this drama after watching the first trailer released for it, and the more materials that were released the more my conviction strengthened. I had said this was going to be a great watch, a well made drama, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. The drama met and exceeded my expectations. As someone who hardly watches ‘Slice of Life’ dramas, I'm very glad I tuned in to Northward. There's a lot I'd want to say, but too many words will only diminish the true value of this drama, so I'll keep it short.
Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses I think this drama had:
Strengths:
1. Plot & Screenwriting: I particularly think the plot was excellent. Teacher Zhao Dongling definitely left a deep impression on me, and she has officially become the first screenwriter that I have named a favourite. I loved how she wrote every character, even down to the characters that seem insignificant. The point of the characters having opinions, seemed new to a few people, which I find shocking as it is quite normal for characters to have opinions, but anyway, I loved how she made the audiences understand the differences between the opinions of a character, and the actual plot. The plot, right from the first scene of the drama to the last scene was intricate. The relation of the Grand Canal and the Six families and how its changes affected the lives of each member in the courtyard; the losses, the gains, the celebration and the mourning. Every detail, every event was perfectly written.
2. Direction: Director Yao Xiao Feng excellently delivered the best cinematography I've seen in a modern Chinese drama. From the lightning, the framing, the angles and movements, the directing of every scene was just splendid. The use of different colour grading for different scenes and different eras, every single scene left me in awe. And I can only say, I'm deeply grateful that he was chosen to direct this play.
3. Performance: Every actor came to work. No one was slacking. Every performance felt alive, every character in this play were all living through the performances of every actor. And this isn't only limited to the main casts, but also the supporting cast and the extras. At some point, I forgot I was watching a play. I thought it was a documentary, because of how realistic and live like each character felt.
4. Music/Sound: The use of the original soundtracks was nicely done, it wasn't overused, but was used appropriately. I especially loved the use of background noise to highlight the liveliness and realism of the play. Using the sound to depict the hustle and bustle of the big city of Beijing and the warmth of home of Flower Street.
I couldn't find a weakness, I tried so hard to find one, but if I pushed too hard, that would just be me nitpicking. Even the blooper of the camera man appearing on screen, I wouldn't consider a weakness because of how smartly they cut that scene.
In conclusion, Northward is an excellent drama piece that I wish more people would watch. And I want to thank everyone in the making of Northward, from the director, screenwriter, novel writer, producer, cameraman, actors to every crew member who was involved in this project, they all worked hard, and it definitely paid off. I hope to see more of such excellent projects in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses I think this drama had:
Strengths:
1. Plot & Screenwriting: I particularly think the plot was excellent. Teacher Zhao Dongling definitely left a deep impression on me, and she has officially become the first screenwriter that I have named a favourite. I loved how she wrote every character, even down to the characters that seem insignificant. The point of the characters having opinions, seemed new to a few people, which I find shocking as it is quite normal for characters to have opinions, but anyway, I loved how she made the audiences understand the differences between the opinions of a character, and the actual plot. The plot, right from the first scene of the drama to the last scene was intricate. The relation of the Grand Canal and the Six families and how its changes affected the lives of each member in the courtyard; the losses, the gains, the celebration and the mourning. Every detail, every event was perfectly written.
2. Direction: Director Yao Xiao Feng excellently delivered the best cinematography I've seen in a modern Chinese drama. From the lightning, the framing, the angles and movements, the directing of every scene was just splendid. The use of different colour grading for different scenes and different eras, every single scene left me in awe. And I can only say, I'm deeply grateful that he was chosen to direct this play.
3. Performance: Every actor came to work. No one was slacking. Every performance felt alive, every character in this play were all living through the performances of every actor. And this isn't only limited to the main casts, but also the supporting cast and the extras. At some point, I forgot I was watching a play. I thought it was a documentary, because of how realistic and live like each character felt.
4. Music/Sound: The use of the original soundtracks was nicely done, it wasn't overused, but was used appropriately. I especially loved the use of background noise to highlight the liveliness and realism of the play. Using the sound to depict the hustle and bustle of the big city of Beijing and the warmth of home of Flower Street.
I couldn't find a weakness, I tried so hard to find one, but if I pushed too hard, that would just be me nitpicking. Even the blooper of the camera man appearing on screen, I wouldn't consider a weakness because of how smartly they cut that scene.
In conclusion, Northward is an excellent drama piece that I wish more people would watch. And I want to thank everyone in the making of Northward, from the director, screenwriter, novel writer, producer, cameraman, actors to every crew member who was involved in this project, they all worked hard, and it definitely paid off. I hope to see more of such excellent projects in the Chinese entertainment industry.
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