I get what he/she is saying. The only thing I disagree with is her comment regarding Jin Goo's acting. He is doing a fantastic job portraying both characters. However, Chinese historical dramas tend to have more compelling multi-faceted characters than Korean ones. It is no coincidence that nowadays Chinese dramas tends to receive higher ratings on dramalist than Korean dramas, and ever since I started watching C-drama, my interest in K-dramas have waned. Historical K-dramas characters tend to be one-dimensional. If a character is supposed to be good, they are GOOD. They will hardly do anything underhanded or morally grey. I have watched Secret of the Three Kingdoms and agree that it is quite similar to this drama and like the OP said the characters and their relationships are far more compelling than those of The Crowned Clown. By a MILE!
The main actor, Arthur Chen, cannot act to save his live. His performance was just okay to begin with but its gotten worse as the drama progressed. And, NO, it has absolutely nothing to do with his age. There are brilliant child actors in China and some 10 years old have been nominated for an Oscar for their acting skills. Arthur Chen is just not talented and instead of spending time to learn his craft and build up experience by starring in smaller roles, he was undeservedly handed this role because of who is parents are.
I know right! I was so excited about the casts then I saw the episode count.
That's still a lot. I'll expect at the most 10 episodes for each volume, which works out to 50 episodes. This is still quite a lot for what is basically a complex love story.
This is such a fascinating period in Korea's history that I'm honestly dumbfounded that this is the first drama I've seen or heard of that is set in this period!
This is possibly the best review I've read on this site. I especially love that you gave people a good idea of what to expect without divulging any plot details. Its a very balanced and fair review. You didn't exaggerate. I'll be sure to look out for your of reviews in future.
Agree. I watched ep 57 and i only watched 5 mins out of 45 mins episode. I have been skipping around too much…
Bang on! They were cute at first but their story got annoying and repetitive fast. But with the demon princess, I was uninterested at first but soon became invested because contrary to what Alice said their story does have significant bearing on the overall story. Without XF helping the Demon princess and her lover, it is unlikely that he would have been resurrected nor would they have helped him conquer the demon realm.
I don't mind they will add more episodes as lot still remain ( the battle, the ending...) i hope XF and JM will…
Lol you're talking about AvenueX. Absolutely love her reviews and agree with her to some extent. However, I disagree with her characterisation of the story as childish and really think her views would be different if the actors were older with more experience.
I don't mind they will add more episodes as lot still remain ( the battle, the ending...) i hope XF and JM will…
Story wise, it is better than TMOPB. I'll also give it to them with regards to CGI. However, acting-wise and production, costume, and set design, TMOPB is quite ahead. They're on par with music.
As a book reader I’m actually loving all the changes being made here other than the demon princess I still don’t…
Agreed. I'v always seen this drama as a three lead drama. Night is just as essential to the plot as the other two. If they take out the things fans are complaining about, it will significantly reduce the quality of the drama. What you're left with is a generic cliché filled drama with the perfect couple and villians who wants to split them up just for the sake of it. At best, you will get an above average drama. Also, book and tv are completely different medium that it certain things will not translate well when adapting a book to a drama so you can't go in with expectation that it will be the same.
There are flashbacks later on that show the brothers loved each other despite the Empress. It's important to remember…
Why do people keep saying filial piety is the reason XF didn't stop his mother when there are ample evidence that shows otherwise. Where was his filial piety when he constantly went against the engagement set by his parents and slept with his brothers bride? Where was filial piety when he threatened his mother for trying to kill JM? Where was filial piety when he started conspiring against his mother to punish her after he found out she tried to killed JM?
Filial piety was not as strong a constraint on XF as people are making it out to be. He had no problem tossing it aside when it benefited him, i.e. in his pursuit of JM. But when it comes to helping his brother, filial piety is suddenly an obstacle he cannot overcome. Come on people that's a load of bull.
However, Chinese historical dramas tend to have more compelling multi-faceted characters than Korean ones. It is no coincidence that nowadays Chinese dramas tends to receive higher ratings on dramalist than Korean dramas, and ever since I started watching C-drama, my interest in K-dramas have waned. Historical K-dramas characters tend to be one-dimensional. If a character is supposed to be good, they are GOOD. They will hardly do anything underhanded or morally grey.
I have watched Secret of the Three Kingdoms and agree that it is quite similar to this drama and like the OP said the characters and their relationships are far more compelling than those of The Crowned Clown. By a MILE!
Arthur Chen is just not talented and instead of spending time to learn his craft and build up experience by starring in smaller roles, he was undeservedly handed this role because of who is parents are.
Also, book and tv are completely different medium that it certain things will not translate well when adapting a book to a drama so you can't go in with expectation that it will be the same.
Filial piety was not as strong a constraint on XF as people are making it out to be. He had no problem tossing it aside when it benefited him, i.e. in his pursuit of JM. But when it comes to helping his brother, filial piety is suddenly an obstacle he cannot overcome. Come on people that's a load of bull.