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Almost perfect.
==Breakdown==
Background plot / palace intrigue - first half 50%, second half 85%
Romance - first half 35%, second half 15%
Misc comedy- first half 15%, none in the second half
Background plot - First half- REALLY GOOD; second half- Good
Romantic chemistry - EXCELLENT
Misc comedy - Good
Production value and direction - OMG OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I first have to call out the production (cinematography and art direction). They really took advantage of the locations shoots. This show was so freaking pretty, and each scene composition looked like a painting. The attention to detail was so appreciated and made watching this show a joy (even when it grew harder to watch due to the story).
The leads did a phenomenal job, ML and FL in particular. Chemistry was outstanding (no surprise since their chemistry was stellar in their first drama together as well). Ryan Ding is now one of my absolute favorites, probably because he does a lot of eye-acting. His eyes are so expressive.
Ancy Deng is also quickly becoming a huge favorite of mine. She played her role exquisitely and had me captivated in all her scenes. Adore her acting choices.
Story was overall excellent and interesting, characters were realistically drawn and layered / flawed, which I loved.
So why 9.5 instead of 10?
The main focus of this drama early on and through episode 24 was the bond and therefore romance between the leads. The last 12 episodes focused on treachery to the detriment of the romance/main story. The fundamental problem with the last few episodes (which were still good, but not great) was how he director allowed the palace intrigue to eclipse the main story. All they had to do was add a few scenes in each episode of the ML / FL longing and yearning for each other (as they did in the first 24) but once that thread became stretched too thin, the drama couldn't recover the magic. Director rushed the main story (their love for each other) and therefore the end felt just fine instead of powerful and meaningful.
I have learned that this is fairly common with CDramas (the ending is fumbled due to a lack of importance placed on what made the story magical in the beginning). Therefore, as long as you know going in that the last 12 episodes will sorta let you down, I 100% recommend this drama.
The only CDrama I've seen where this wasn't the case was 'Shadow Love.' The last 12 episodes were actually THE BEST part of that show.
Background plot / palace intrigue - first half 50%, second half 85%
Romance - first half 35%, second half 15%
Misc comedy- first half 15%, none in the second half
Background plot - First half- REALLY GOOD; second half- Good
Romantic chemistry - EXCELLENT
Misc comedy - Good
Production value and direction - OMG OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I first have to call out the production (cinematography and art direction). They really took advantage of the locations shoots. This show was so freaking pretty, and each scene composition looked like a painting. The attention to detail was so appreciated and made watching this show a joy (even when it grew harder to watch due to the story).
The leads did a phenomenal job, ML and FL in particular. Chemistry was outstanding (no surprise since their chemistry was stellar in their first drama together as well). Ryan Ding is now one of my absolute favorites, probably because he does a lot of eye-acting. His eyes are so expressive.
Ancy Deng is also quickly becoming a huge favorite of mine. She played her role exquisitely and had me captivated in all her scenes. Adore her acting choices.
Story was overall excellent and interesting, characters were realistically drawn and layered / flawed, which I loved.
So why 9.5 instead of 10?
The main focus of this drama early on and through episode 24 was the bond and therefore romance between the leads. The last 12 episodes focused on treachery to the detriment of the romance/main story. The fundamental problem with the last few episodes (which were still good, but not great) was how he director allowed the palace intrigue to eclipse the main story. All they had to do was add a few scenes in each episode of the ML / FL longing and yearning for each other (as they did in the first 24) but once that thread became stretched too thin, the drama couldn't recover the magic. Director rushed the main story (their love for each other) and therefore the end felt just fine instead of powerful and meaningful.
I have learned that this is fairly common with CDramas (the ending is fumbled due to a lack of importance placed on what made the story magical in the beginning). Therefore, as long as you know going in that the last 12 episodes will sorta let you down, I 100% recommend this drama.
The only CDrama I've seen where this wasn't the case was 'Shadow Love.' The last 12 episodes were actually THE BEST part of that show.
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