K-Drama 
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Favorite historical Cdrama of all time
==Breakdown==
Background plot - 55%
Romance - 40% (less romance in earlier episodes, more in later episodes, averages to 40%)
Misc comedy - 5%
Background plot - So, so good (and the dialogue is stellar)
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Excellent
Production value and direction - Excellent
This is one of those rare dramas where the story/plot is just as good as the romance. Some folks will say this story isn't really a romance, but it totally is. The passion might seem one-sided (all his side, yearning and pining and then more yearning) but he is patient and watching him love her was lovely. She does come around, and in the final episodes her love for him shines from her eyes.
But this drama is also so much more than a romance. I maintain the romance wouldn't be nearly as phenomenal as it is without the background plot, side-characters, and all the gravity both bring to the main couple's story. The plot's twists and turns kept me glued to the screen. I legit gasped multiple times as I didn't know where the story was going, each surprise better than the last.
I've never watched a drama with Liu Xue Yi before, so I wasn't prepared for his flawless performance as the extremely complicated character of Lin Jin Qi. If you're looking for a perfect ML, skip this drama, because he is as flawed as any human you've ever met, but he is also incredibly admirable and capable. He might be my favorite CDrama ML of all time (... gah! Except Song Yan also exists, so this is a tough call). He had the patience of Job, puppy dog eyes, and a certain kind of vicious intelligence that I find incredibly alluring. Loved him.
Tan Song Yun was also flawless in her role as Xu Lan Xiang. Some reviewers / commenters complained that she was too clever, too perfect, but I disagree wholeheartedly. I also find it super odd that anyone would call a woman "too clever" just because she's a woman (as I've never seen anyone call a male character "too clever," but I digress.) She had intense flaws, not the least of which was her inability to trust or rely on others (ever). Watching her learn to trust was like watching a flower bloom. It was truly a beautiful thing to witness.
All the side characters (of the Lin family in particular) were so well drawn and acted. I was just as invested in their stories as I was in the main couple's. And I can see myself re-watching this drama at least annually. Devastated it was only 47 episodes. It should've gone on forever. Loved it.
Background plot - 55%
Romance - 40% (less romance in earlier episodes, more in later episodes, averages to 40%)
Misc comedy - 5%
Background plot - So, so good (and the dialogue is stellar)
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Excellent
Production value and direction - Excellent
This is one of those rare dramas where the story/plot is just as good as the romance. Some folks will say this story isn't really a romance, but it totally is. The passion might seem one-sided (all his side, yearning and pining and then more yearning) but he is patient and watching him love her was lovely. She does come around, and in the final episodes her love for him shines from her eyes.
But this drama is also so much more than a romance. I maintain the romance wouldn't be nearly as phenomenal as it is without the background plot, side-characters, and all the gravity both bring to the main couple's story. The plot's twists and turns kept me glued to the screen. I legit gasped multiple times as I didn't know where the story was going, each surprise better than the last.
I've never watched a drama with Liu Xue Yi before, so I wasn't prepared for his flawless performance as the extremely complicated character of Lin Jin Qi. If you're looking for a perfect ML, skip this drama, because he is as flawed as any human you've ever met, but he is also incredibly admirable and capable. He might be my favorite CDrama ML of all time (... gah! Except Song Yan also exists, so this is a tough call). He had the patience of Job, puppy dog eyes, and a certain kind of vicious intelligence that I find incredibly alluring. Loved him.
Tan Song Yun was also flawless in her role as Xu Lan Xiang. Some reviewers / commenters complained that she was too clever, too perfect, but I disagree wholeheartedly. I also find it super odd that anyone would call a woman "too clever" just because she's a woman (as I've never seen anyone call a male character "too clever," but I digress.) She had intense flaws, not the least of which was her inability to trust or rely on others (ever). Watching her learn to trust was like watching a flower bloom. It was truly a beautiful thing to witness.
All the side characters (of the Lin family in particular) were so well drawn and acted. I was just as invested in their stories as I was in the main couple's. And I can see myself re-watching this drama at least annually. Devastated it was only 47 episodes. It should've gone on forever. Loved it.
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