In term of attention paid to the historical setting, this show is head and shoulders above Minglan. In many respects…
Many years ago I studied to be an archaeologist and anthropologist. Part of what I researched was the domestication of dogs from wolves during the human transition to farming etc. I did wonder what type of breed the dog was. So thank you for confirming that it is the Xi Quan and also for providing the links and the information regarding the Legend of Asena.
Due to what I do these days, I have a great interest in the impact of wild dogs on farming (it’s a big problem). So, where I am at the moment, the use of DNA testing to determine whether the captured or destroyed dogs are the native wild dog or a dog that consists of different breeds provides valuable insights into behaviour and the level of control required.
My specialty, or great interest originally though, was the rise of civilisation based on hydrology (the human control of water) and in particular how the control differed in early China versus the advent of civilisation in middle and South America. It was (is) a huge subject.
4 episodes down and the way Watcher is going now, I’m starting to wonder if 16 episodes will be enough. I guess the moral of the story is don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.
What I particularly like is how our male leads are very human. They’re not slick or polished, they aren’t particularly fast or fit and they, unfortunately, are fallible. And, I think Han Tae Joo likes that. I also thought JSY’s reaction to using the taser was priceless (and a good bit of acting by the recipient).
In term of attention paid to the historical setting, this show is head and shoulders above Minglan. In many respects…
That’s fabulous, thank you! Letting things out is a good thing. I appreciate the compare and contrast regarding the historical context and the other cultural details. Yes, earnestness is a good use of phrase when it comes to Minglan. What I particularly liked with Minglan was the level of conversation used and the level of feeling or emotion/expression which seemed to be in keeping with what can be found in Li Qingzhao‘s poems and songs.
I think Chang’an is going to be hard to beat for quite some time. I even found the way the dog was used at the end of Ep 12 intriguing. Why is it on its own? what happened for that to occur? was it deliberate? will the dog find x? and so on. Rare film making indeed.
Nearly halfway. Very few shows have the great attention to detail or use of language that Chang’an has. I’m thinking Deadwood, Minglan, The West Wing ...
This truly was an interesting drama. Acting wise top, character wise: unique and very realistic.It dealt with…
Yes, the acting is superb. I thought after the end to Ep 8 (which I was disappointed with), Ep 9 transitioned the story very well. However, I felt Ep 10 needed to be a longer episode to accommodate JTJ’s transition so to speak and close out some of the other storylines.
I haven’t watched the US (Netflix) version of “House of Cards” because the original UK version was such a masterpiece (and so on the money). Perhaps, I will one day.
Overall, I gave COS 9.5. The first half of the show and the portrayal of how a COS goes about business is not far off the mark. Perhaps Season 2 will be even stronger re our idealist failing to see how his actions are changing as a result of the quest for power. I find it interesting how he clings on to Minister Song’s comments re giving up everything to achieve a goal. Do the ends justify the means?
We had a story that went from the extraordinary to the ordinary. The acting however, was fabulous all the way through. Our OTP were lovely together and the soundtrack - wonderful.
After 10 episodes it’s time to say goodbye. It had a good start with real potential and there are some good characters. It just seems to be going nowhere fast.
SKF! - so very good to see you here!! This is rocking my world right now - watching the 4 available VIKI episodes…
It’s really nice to see you here too! Chang’an reminds me of those classic epic Chinese films that also take the time to focus on the characters. It is just such a clever show. The visuals and the lighting are something else. The inside scenes in the warehouses and the shops seem so real. It is going to be a hard act to follow :)
5 
Due to what I do these days, I have a great interest in the impact of wild dogs on farming (it’s a big problem). So, where I am at the moment, the use of DNA testing to determine whether the captured or destroyed dogs are the native wild dog or a dog that consists of different breeds provides valuable insights into behaviour and the level of control required.
My specialty, or great interest originally though, was the rise of civilisation based on hydrology (the human control of water) and in particular how the control differed in early China versus the advent of civilisation in middle and South America. It was (is) a huge subject.
What I particularly like is how our male leads are very human. They’re not slick or polished, they aren’t particularly fast or fit and they, unfortunately, are fallible. And, I think Han Tae Joo likes that. I also thought JSY’s reaction to using the taser was priceless (and a good bit of acting by the recipient).
I think Chang’an is going to be hard to beat for quite some time. I even found the way the dog was used at the end of Ep 12 intriguing. Why is it on its own? what happened for that to occur? was it deliberate? will the dog find x? and so on. Rare film making indeed.
I haven’t watched the US (Netflix) version of “House of Cards” because the original UK version was such a masterpiece (and so on the money). Perhaps, I will one day.
Overall, I gave COS 9.5. The first half of the show and the portrayal of how a COS goes about business is not far off the mark. Perhaps Season 2 will be even stronger re our idealist failing to see how his actions are changing as a result of the quest for power. I find it interesting how he clings on to Minister Song’s comments re giving up everything to achieve a goal. Do the ends justify the means?