This review may contain spoilers
A withered Peony flourished through hardships and hard work.
NOTE: I don't really know much about this drama (aside from its cast) when I first picked it; reason why my commentary below mostly expresses my initial reaction of this story alone (1st half) and will focus on it. Which means it doesn't include whatever happened on the sequel (2nd half). That being said, please allow me to share my experience watching this show.
I picked this drama hoping to have fun and enjoyment..little did I know that I am luring myself into a crazy combination of emotional frustration and entertainment. This story presented me some of the most frustrating scenes I have not seen in a long time, while simultaneously giving us excitement, thrill and inspiration.
The pacing of the drama was quite slow which made me feel like a significant amount of time is being wasted (knowing that we only have 32 episodes). However, upon learning that this is just the 1st part consoled me a lot; because finally, I can chill and calmly watch it with peace knowing that it will not be a rushed production that will give us messy patched up ending out of their incompetence.
The 1st half of the story is like the introduction of the FLs (Mu Dan) sufferings in order to rebuild herself after a failed marriage and various miseries that almost cost her, her life. It focuses on the challenges and hardships she had to endure in order to obtain a foothold and gradually achieve her dreams.
I loathe some aspects of the story at first as it mostly presents constant suffering and scheming. But as the show progresses, I have grown to understand what it truly signifies...that this drama wasn't meant to be judged only by its 32 episodes, as it's a part of a whole; and that the writer, producer, and director have tried their best to show us real-life occurrences and issues of the people who lived in the Tang dynasty—which is also related to the problems we are facing today—that way we're be able to put ourselves in the characters' shoes in order to understand and acknowledge their feelings and sentiments.
One perfect example is Wu Niang/ Qin Sheng Yi - I used to see this woman as someone who never learned her lesson—a woman who was too kind to the point of naivety. I feel for her agony and pain but also find her utterly stupid. However after some deep reflection, I gradually understand where her worries, hesitation and inhibition are coming from. She was treated as if a woman can only survive with men's support and guidance so it was natural for her to feel intimidated and inferior. She's self-deprecating for a reason and I now find her thoughts and emotions valid. Although, I still find her gullible for re-marrying her abusive and opportunistic husband but hey! I cheered when she stabbed him to death and was sad and proud when she took her own life as a sign and proof of her innocence and defiance against the law's partiality towards men.
My heart goes to Liu Chang/Zi Shu (2ML)...he's one of the greatest victim of all the mess yet branded as someone "Prideful but coward". I was rooting for him at some point for the FL; too bad he was too dense to understand the gravity of some (if not most) situations and is always tolerating his parents wrongdoings. I pity him for being powerless, feel sad for what he has become, admires him for his loyalty and resolute attitude and hates him for being an incompetent husband and overly devoted son.
Lastly, I finally found the 2nd most scarred/wounded female protagonist after Li Changge (Dilraba's character in The Long Ballad). I emphatize with Mu Dan so much. The 1st family she's married into made her almost lose her wits doing everything she can to escape the marriage and household who made use, abused and taken advantage of her and yet she can't do it easily as she's being targeted and faced with their grim/nasty schemes; and right after going to Chang'an she still had to face their undercover tactics and much cruel oppression with the help of Prince Ning & the ever malevolent Li You Zhen. She have done nothing but offer everyone sincerity and kindness yet repaid in such a in evil way.
I will have to end this review here as I feel like providing much commentary about the story is inappropriate since I haven't finished the whole story yet. Nonetheless, I can assure everyone that this 1st half is all about women's woe, misery and survival.
P.S. This drama won the "Most fucked up Wedding ceremony" Award. No woman deserves to be treated coldly during their wedding, more so, the whole year of their marriage life. Fortunately, Mu Dan took it lightly because if not...devasting!
Story - 9.0, The story was greatly told. My main issue about this drama is their phasing—they leisurely took their time with how the story progresses that It became tiring to watch at one point. It would've been really nice if they included some vital development of the main leads romantic relationship here instead of putting it almost entirely on the 2nd half.
Acting/Cast - 10, I am extremely satisfied of the cast. It's my 1st time watching both Yang Zi & Li Xian in a costume drama and I must say that they are both very good at it. I love the supporting actors/actresses as well.
Music - 10, The set of songs used are good. I enjoyed it a lot and it naturally fits the scenes and vibe of the drama.
Rewatch Value - 8.5, I wouldn't mind re-watching it but will not do so unless necessary. This half is significant as it holds the introduction of the story and progress of the characters for who they have become on the 2nd part. So watching part 1 is essential before jumping into the Part 2.
Overall - 9.0, I feel like this is the fair rating for this show. The story was good, however, I think it would've been better if they were more efficient in handling the pacing of the scenes and development of the main leads romance.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
I picked this drama hoping to have fun and enjoyment..little did I know that I am luring myself into a crazy combination of emotional frustration and entertainment. This story presented me some of the most frustrating scenes I have not seen in a long time, while simultaneously giving us excitement, thrill and inspiration.
The pacing of the drama was quite slow which made me feel like a significant amount of time is being wasted (knowing that we only have 32 episodes). However, upon learning that this is just the 1st part consoled me a lot; because finally, I can chill and calmly watch it with peace knowing that it will not be a rushed production that will give us messy patched up ending out of their incompetence.
The 1st half of the story is like the introduction of the FLs (Mu Dan) sufferings in order to rebuild herself after a failed marriage and various miseries that almost cost her, her life. It focuses on the challenges and hardships she had to endure in order to obtain a foothold and gradually achieve her dreams.
I loathe some aspects of the story at first as it mostly presents constant suffering and scheming. But as the show progresses, I have grown to understand what it truly signifies...that this drama wasn't meant to be judged only by its 32 episodes, as it's a part of a whole; and that the writer, producer, and director have tried their best to show us real-life occurrences and issues of the people who lived in the Tang dynasty—which is also related to the problems we are facing today—that way we're be able to put ourselves in the characters' shoes in order to understand and acknowledge their feelings and sentiments.
One perfect example is Wu Niang/ Qin Sheng Yi - I used to see this woman as someone who never learned her lesson—a woman who was too kind to the point of naivety. I feel for her agony and pain but also find her utterly stupid. However after some deep reflection, I gradually understand where her worries, hesitation and inhibition are coming from. She was treated as if a woman can only survive with men's support and guidance so it was natural for her to feel intimidated and inferior. She's self-deprecating for a reason and I now find her thoughts and emotions valid. Although, I still find her gullible for re-marrying her abusive and opportunistic husband but hey! I cheered when she stabbed him to death and was sad and proud when she took her own life as a sign and proof of her innocence and defiance against the law's partiality towards men.
My heart goes to Liu Chang/Zi Shu (2ML)...he's one of the greatest victim of all the mess yet branded as someone "Prideful but coward". I was rooting for him at some point for the FL; too bad he was too dense to understand the gravity of some (if not most) situations and is always tolerating his parents wrongdoings. I pity him for being powerless, feel sad for what he has become, admires him for his loyalty and resolute attitude and hates him for being an incompetent husband and overly devoted son.
Lastly, I finally found the 2nd most scarred/wounded female protagonist after Li Changge (Dilraba's character in The Long Ballad). I emphatize with Mu Dan so much. The 1st family she's married into made her almost lose her wits doing everything she can to escape the marriage and household who made use, abused and taken advantage of her and yet she can't do it easily as she's being targeted and faced with their grim/nasty schemes; and right after going to Chang'an she still had to face their undercover tactics and much cruel oppression with the help of Prince Ning & the ever malevolent Li You Zhen. She have done nothing but offer everyone sincerity and kindness yet repaid in such a in evil way.
I will have to end this review here as I feel like providing much commentary about the story is inappropriate since I haven't finished the whole story yet. Nonetheless, I can assure everyone that this 1st half is all about women's woe, misery and survival.
P.S. This drama won the "Most fucked up Wedding ceremony" Award. No woman deserves to be treated coldly during their wedding, more so, the whole year of their marriage life. Fortunately, Mu Dan took it lightly because if not...devasting!
Story - 9.0, The story was greatly told. My main issue about this drama is their phasing—they leisurely took their time with how the story progresses that It became tiring to watch at one point. It would've been really nice if they included some vital development of the main leads romantic relationship here instead of putting it almost entirely on the 2nd half.
Acting/Cast - 10, I am extremely satisfied of the cast. It's my 1st time watching both Yang Zi & Li Xian in a costume drama and I must say that they are both very good at it. I love the supporting actors/actresses as well.
Music - 10, The set of songs used are good. I enjoyed it a lot and it naturally fits the scenes and vibe of the drama.
Rewatch Value - 8.5, I wouldn't mind re-watching it but will not do so unless necessary. This half is significant as it holds the introduction of the story and progress of the characters for who they have become on the 2nd part. So watching part 1 is essential before jumping into the Part 2.
Overall - 9.0, I feel like this is the fair rating for this show. The story was good, however, I think it would've been better if they were more efficient in handling the pacing of the scenes and development of the main leads romance.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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