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Truly Marvelous! Society changes when both genders grow with dignity and respect
This drama is best appreciated with life experience and emotional maturity. The ending was perfect, with every character finding happiness. I was deeply moved by the sweetness and depth of this drama. It is truly inspiring and educational—one of the best I’ve seen on personal growth and integrity for both women and men.
Historical Context & Key Quotes:
"In the middle and late Qing Dynasty, with the advancement of the Chinese silk tapestry industry in Jiangnan, weavers started to step out of their houses to participate in manufacturing and business. The rise of women's economic status allowed them to have higher status at home and society. It allowed them to gradually get rid of the past being dominated and being sold as an object." (Drama's ending quote)
"I started Jinxi Workshop to reach everyone the skill because I hope that every woman in the world can be good at something. I take them in and teach them the skill because that's the only thing I can do. I hope that they can do Chinese silk tapestry, weave brocade, and do Chinese embroidery so they will not be humiliated or beaten by their family, like drunken fathers, cruel in-laws, gambling-addincted husbands, because they can support themselves. I hope that one day, a woman can also be fearless to live a life of their own and have a place they can call home." (First Femail Lead)
"There is always someone better. If I really considered myself the first in the world, there won't be any room for improvement. Isn't that trapping oneself from improvement? I want to remind myself working on my skills instead of focusing on the title of being the best or getting proud." (Second Femail Lead)
"I think we women live a poor life. Our lives and reputation solely depend on men. If men do whatever they wish, getting involved in corruption or breaking laws, women will have no other choice but face death if they get caught. That's why I want to break rules once to see if a woman like Miss Cao who is dragged by her family and rejected by society has a chance of survival. If Miss Cao does, then all the helpless women in the world will also have a chance of survival." (First Femail Lead)
"Women in this world have no control over our fate, obedience towards father, husband, and son is expected. The fate of the family, husband, and sin decides our fate. But is it a woman's fault that her father, son, or husband committed a crime? Why are we punishing innocent woman then?" (First Femail Lead)
"The concept of compassion is the root for all human beings. Upholding the moral code is what supports society. A righteous man wouldn't bear to hurt an insect. Do not become greedy over a single thread of silk. That is how one contributes to the world and sets an example for the poeple. Compassion and sympathy are the core values of cherishing lives. One must possess the strength to uphold their conscience to become the pillar that supports society". (Second Male Lead - love of the First Female Lead)
"Why can a man marry another woman after his wife dies, but a woman needs to preserve chastity after her husband dies? It's hard to be lonely, but it's even harder to rebel. Humans aren't objects, we all have feelings, there's no gender difference" (First Female Lead)
"Family together can achieve eveything".
"Having a mountain of gold and sea of silver is not as good as having a skill."
"Women lock themselves up in the houses for their survival; to be favored by men we fight to our death. Are women too vicious, or is this world too vicious to women?"
"As long as your heart is calm, you can overcome all obstacles".
Story, Themes & Execution:
The story reflects every aspect of life, with love at the heart of transformation: love between a couple, within families, among people, and the passion for dreams and self-realisation. Even the maids are treated as part of the family, given their own journeys, development, and marriages.
The plot is thoughtful and meaningful, every line of dialogue carrying weight. The directing is excellent, and the village scenery—with its canals, boats, stunning embroidery, and fascinating history—is beautiful. Every character, from the leads to the smallest roles, has a fully developed arc, growing together like an intricate web of influence.
Although it has only 35 episodes, the pacing feels perfect for the characters’ emotional and personal evolution. It feels as if you’ve lived an entire lifetime with them, and not a single moment drags. The drama doesn’t centre on just one or two people, but on everyone, showing how each action affects another, leading to growth, change, or consequences.
Some characters are very traditional, while others are progressive, and those who challenge rigid gender expectations discover freedom and happiness. Staying alive and true to oneself is shown to be more important than conforming to society’s narrow idea of virtue for women.
Men and Women Rising Together:
The relationship between men and women is a powerful catalyst for transformation on both sides. If I had to choose one word to define this drama, it would be integrity. The characters learn from one another, grow through their interactions, and help each other see life from new perspectives.
This drama has become my number one in the inspirational and women-focused category, yet its empowerment is not achieved in isolation. The women rise because the men around them have integrity, believe in them, and offer unwavering support—making it a truly humanity-centered story.
Men in this drama aren’t threatened by strong women. Their integrity feels earned, not perfect. They make mistakes, but take responsibility, reflect on their actions, try to change instead of blaming others.
The drama shows mutual dignity, not dominance. Instead of “woman rises despite the man,” it shows: “woman rises, and the man grows with her.”
Integrity becomes: support without losing self-respect, strength without cruelty, loyalty without possession. Their integrity creates emotional balance, making the story uplifting rather than tragic. In a period setting where men could get away with almost anything, choosing fairness is a conscious moral choice.
Women’s Journey:
The title says it all, referring not only to the characters as written, but to the journey these women undertake. They possess flaws, vulnerabilities, compassion, resilience, and strength, carrying themselves with dignity while giving their best.
This is not a story of “superwomen” nor manipulative schemers. You will find no physical fights or poisoned rivalries. Instead, the women challenge each other with skill, fair play, and mutual respect, growing together through the story.
They flourish not only in their personal lives but also in business, asserting independence and self-reliance without leaning on men.
Balanced Portrayal of Men:
Far from being abusive or unjust, the men are portrayed as ethically grounded, reasonable, and loyal. They admit mistakes instead of hiding them, refuse to take advantage of authority, show self-control and the ability to listen, grow emotionally rather than staying rigid.
Relational integrity becomes the most striking part—treating women as partners, not possessions.
Conclusion:
Marvelous Women is a slice-of-life, character-driven historical drama, not a commercial plot-driven show. It’s a celebration of women’s inner strength, ethical leadership, and emotional depth, offering elegance, introspection, and heartfelt storytelling.
By the final episode, I am left with warmth, respect, and the gentle sweetness of a story that honors growth and humanity—without melodrama or violence. Trully marvelous!
Historical Context & Key Quotes:
"In the middle and late Qing Dynasty, with the advancement of the Chinese silk tapestry industry in Jiangnan, weavers started to step out of their houses to participate in manufacturing and business. The rise of women's economic status allowed them to have higher status at home and society. It allowed them to gradually get rid of the past being dominated and being sold as an object." (Drama's ending quote)
"I started Jinxi Workshop to reach everyone the skill because I hope that every woman in the world can be good at something. I take them in and teach them the skill because that's the only thing I can do. I hope that they can do Chinese silk tapestry, weave brocade, and do Chinese embroidery so they will not be humiliated or beaten by their family, like drunken fathers, cruel in-laws, gambling-addincted husbands, because they can support themselves. I hope that one day, a woman can also be fearless to live a life of their own and have a place they can call home." (First Femail Lead)
"There is always someone better. If I really considered myself the first in the world, there won't be any room for improvement. Isn't that trapping oneself from improvement? I want to remind myself working on my skills instead of focusing on the title of being the best or getting proud." (Second Femail Lead)
"I think we women live a poor life. Our lives and reputation solely depend on men. If men do whatever they wish, getting involved in corruption or breaking laws, women will have no other choice but face death if they get caught. That's why I want to break rules once to see if a woman like Miss Cao who is dragged by her family and rejected by society has a chance of survival. If Miss Cao does, then all the helpless women in the world will also have a chance of survival." (First Femail Lead)
"Women in this world have no control over our fate, obedience towards father, husband, and son is expected. The fate of the family, husband, and sin decides our fate. But is it a woman's fault that her father, son, or husband committed a crime? Why are we punishing innocent woman then?" (First Femail Lead)
"The concept of compassion is the root for all human beings. Upholding the moral code is what supports society. A righteous man wouldn't bear to hurt an insect. Do not become greedy over a single thread of silk. That is how one contributes to the world and sets an example for the poeple. Compassion and sympathy are the core values of cherishing lives. One must possess the strength to uphold their conscience to become the pillar that supports society". (Second Male Lead - love of the First Female Lead)
"Why can a man marry another woman after his wife dies, but a woman needs to preserve chastity after her husband dies? It's hard to be lonely, but it's even harder to rebel. Humans aren't objects, we all have feelings, there's no gender difference" (First Female Lead)
"Family together can achieve eveything".
"Having a mountain of gold and sea of silver is not as good as having a skill."
"Women lock themselves up in the houses for their survival; to be favored by men we fight to our death. Are women too vicious, or is this world too vicious to women?"
"As long as your heart is calm, you can overcome all obstacles".
Story, Themes & Execution:
The story reflects every aspect of life, with love at the heart of transformation: love between a couple, within families, among people, and the passion for dreams and self-realisation. Even the maids are treated as part of the family, given their own journeys, development, and marriages.
The plot is thoughtful and meaningful, every line of dialogue carrying weight. The directing is excellent, and the village scenery—with its canals, boats, stunning embroidery, and fascinating history—is beautiful. Every character, from the leads to the smallest roles, has a fully developed arc, growing together like an intricate web of influence.
Although it has only 35 episodes, the pacing feels perfect for the characters’ emotional and personal evolution. It feels as if you’ve lived an entire lifetime with them, and not a single moment drags. The drama doesn’t centre on just one or two people, but on everyone, showing how each action affects another, leading to growth, change, or consequences.
Some characters are very traditional, while others are progressive, and those who challenge rigid gender expectations discover freedom and happiness. Staying alive and true to oneself is shown to be more important than conforming to society’s narrow idea of virtue for women.
Men and Women Rising Together:
The relationship between men and women is a powerful catalyst for transformation on both sides. If I had to choose one word to define this drama, it would be integrity. The characters learn from one another, grow through their interactions, and help each other see life from new perspectives.
This drama has become my number one in the inspirational and women-focused category, yet its empowerment is not achieved in isolation. The women rise because the men around them have integrity, believe in them, and offer unwavering support—making it a truly humanity-centered story.
Men in this drama aren’t threatened by strong women. Their integrity feels earned, not perfect. They make mistakes, but take responsibility, reflect on their actions, try to change instead of blaming others.
The drama shows mutual dignity, not dominance. Instead of “woman rises despite the man,” it shows: “woman rises, and the man grows with her.”
Integrity becomes: support without losing self-respect, strength without cruelty, loyalty without possession. Their integrity creates emotional balance, making the story uplifting rather than tragic. In a period setting where men could get away with almost anything, choosing fairness is a conscious moral choice.
Women’s Journey:
The title says it all, referring not only to the characters as written, but to the journey these women undertake. They possess flaws, vulnerabilities, compassion, resilience, and strength, carrying themselves with dignity while giving their best.
This is not a story of “superwomen” nor manipulative schemers. You will find no physical fights or poisoned rivalries. Instead, the women challenge each other with skill, fair play, and mutual respect, growing together through the story.
They flourish not only in their personal lives but also in business, asserting independence and self-reliance without leaning on men.
Balanced Portrayal of Men:
Far from being abusive or unjust, the men are portrayed as ethically grounded, reasonable, and loyal. They admit mistakes instead of hiding them, refuse to take advantage of authority, show self-control and the ability to listen, grow emotionally rather than staying rigid.
Relational integrity becomes the most striking part—treating women as partners, not possessions.
Conclusion:
Marvelous Women is a slice-of-life, character-driven historical drama, not a commercial plot-driven show. It’s a celebration of women’s inner strength, ethical leadership, and emotional depth, offering elegance, introspection, and heartfelt storytelling.
By the final episode, I am left with warmth, respect, and the gentle sweetness of a story that honors growth and humanity—without melodrama or violence. Trully marvelous!
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