This review may contain spoilers
"People do not pass away... they die and then they stay."
This is a drama deeply close to my heart; I thought extensively about this review before writing it. While there may be some articulation errors in my writing, I hope that it compels you to at least consider watching Mysterious Lotus Casebook (MLC).
At first glance, MLC is nothing more than typical. It has all the elements of your conventional Wuxia C-drama: an overpowered protagonist; an up-and-coming Jianghu hero; some jealous one-dimensional antagonists; uncomplicated female characters; not-so-difficult to solve mysteries; and many more I am too lethargic to name.
But as commonplace as it may seem, MLC refreshingly breaks convention. Unlike most Wuxia stories, there is no real climax or overblown melodrama. The story's events—no matter how curious—proceed with a slice-of-life-resemblant matter-of-factness. Furthermore, MLC evokes genuine skepticism of the too-often-glorified Jianghu. Through the lens of our protagonist, the Jianghu is an uncertain environment where heroism—driven by ruthless ambition and self-righteousness—costs human lives. Most importantly, though, is that MLC's protagonist Li Lianhua is not on a legendary journey to becoming a Jianghu hero; he is a former Jianghu hero accepting a lonely and tragic decline.
The character Li Lianhua (formerly Li Xiangyi) is what single-handedly elevates MLC from a mediocre, enjoyable watch to a haunting and empathetic story. Li Lianhua is indubitably a case of "overpowered protagonist", a trope I harbor deep skepticism for; there are simply too many opportunities for characterization inconsistencies, over-indulgent author self-inserts, and extreme uses of plot armor. However, Li Lianhua is a character designed so intricately that he not only avoids those common pitfalls but is relatable for average audiences. He is perspicacious yet uncertain; cold yet kind; arrogant yet penitent; a compulsive liar yet honest; and accepting of fate yet deeply loyal to those he loves from the past. The contradictions and his struggling attempts at reconciling them make Li Lianhua thought-provoking, likable, and most importantly, human. Cheng Yi's performance of Li Lianhua is superbly compelling but may tend over-empathetic for some.
However, in the same way that a good conductor cannot singlehandedly "carry" an orchestra, the characterization of Li Lianhua cannot single-handedly define MLC's quality. While the remaining cast of characters are comparatively one-dimensional (with the possible exception of Di Feisheng), their relationships/interactions with Li Lianhua give their presence meaning. For one, the doomed romance between Li Lianhua and his former love interest (Qiao Wanmian) is portrayed with an unusual level of maturity, modernity, and sensitivity (in the context of Wuxia dramas and historical gender structures). Additionally, while the main antagonist has independently shallow motivations, his relationship with and perception of Li Lianhua create plot intrigue. In the show's more cliche and over-explored relationships (E.g. Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing), MLC successfully uses clever dialogue and surprisingly worldly insight to substitute for the lack of storytelling direction.
Finally, I'd like to talk about the BGM. While the OST is catchy, the BGM is immersive and extremely beautiful. Much of (40-50%) the BGM is structured around 4 sets of "Variations on [X] Theme". Despite revolving around the same theme, the separate variations are rhythmically and creatively diverse enough to feature in scenes with vastly different emotional tones. The fact that they all revolved around the same theme, however, added a subtle and effective additional layer of cohesiveness. Beyond the variations, there are tracks that are intimately beautiful (my personal preferences are for "涟漪" and "诉说“, which both have excellent guzheng solos).
MLC may begin slow, so perhaps give it 10-15 episodes before deciding whether or not you like it. But while the production is simpler than many of today's high-budget cinematographic "making-of-a-myth" stories, MLC—through its simplicity—leans into inquisition, normalcy, and the destruction of kitsch, apathetic Jianghu myths. Even though it is by no means perfect, it has left an indelible imprint on my heart.
At first glance, MLC is nothing more than typical. It has all the elements of your conventional Wuxia C-drama: an overpowered protagonist; an up-and-coming Jianghu hero; some jealous one-dimensional antagonists; uncomplicated female characters; not-so-difficult to solve mysteries; and many more I am too lethargic to name.
But as commonplace as it may seem, MLC refreshingly breaks convention. Unlike most Wuxia stories, there is no real climax or overblown melodrama. The story's events—no matter how curious—proceed with a slice-of-life-resemblant matter-of-factness. Furthermore, MLC evokes genuine skepticism of the too-often-glorified Jianghu. Through the lens of our protagonist, the Jianghu is an uncertain environment where heroism—driven by ruthless ambition and self-righteousness—costs human lives. Most importantly, though, is that MLC's protagonist Li Lianhua is not on a legendary journey to becoming a Jianghu hero; he is a former Jianghu hero accepting a lonely and tragic decline.
The character Li Lianhua (formerly Li Xiangyi) is what single-handedly elevates MLC from a mediocre, enjoyable watch to a haunting and empathetic story. Li Lianhua is indubitably a case of "overpowered protagonist", a trope I harbor deep skepticism for; there are simply too many opportunities for characterization inconsistencies, over-indulgent author self-inserts, and extreme uses of plot armor. However, Li Lianhua is a character designed so intricately that he not only avoids those common pitfalls but is relatable for average audiences. He is perspicacious yet uncertain; cold yet kind; arrogant yet penitent; a compulsive liar yet honest; and accepting of fate yet deeply loyal to those he loves from the past. The contradictions and his struggling attempts at reconciling them make Li Lianhua thought-provoking, likable, and most importantly, human. Cheng Yi's performance of Li Lianhua is superbly compelling but may tend over-empathetic for some.
However, in the same way that a good conductor cannot singlehandedly "carry" an orchestra, the characterization of Li Lianhua cannot single-handedly define MLC's quality. While the remaining cast of characters are comparatively one-dimensional (with the possible exception of Di Feisheng), their relationships/interactions with Li Lianhua give their presence meaning. For one, the doomed romance between Li Lianhua and his former love interest (Qiao Wanmian) is portrayed with an unusual level of maturity, modernity, and sensitivity (in the context of Wuxia dramas and historical gender structures). Additionally, while the main antagonist has independently shallow motivations, his relationship with and perception of Li Lianhua create plot intrigue. In the show's more cliche and over-explored relationships (E.g. Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing), MLC successfully uses clever dialogue and surprisingly worldly insight to substitute for the lack of storytelling direction.
Finally, I'd like to talk about the BGM. While the OST is catchy, the BGM is immersive and extremely beautiful. Much of (40-50%) the BGM is structured around 4 sets of "Variations on [X] Theme". Despite revolving around the same theme, the separate variations are rhythmically and creatively diverse enough to feature in scenes with vastly different emotional tones. The fact that they all revolved around the same theme, however, added a subtle and effective additional layer of cohesiveness. Beyond the variations, there are tracks that are intimately beautiful (my personal preferences are for "涟漪" and "诉说“, which both have excellent guzheng solos).
MLC may begin slow, so perhaps give it 10-15 episodes before deciding whether or not you like it. But while the production is simpler than many of today's high-budget cinematographic "making-of-a-myth" stories, MLC—through its simplicity—leans into inquisition, normalcy, and the destruction of kitsch, apathetic Jianghu myths. Even though it is by no means perfect, it has left an indelible imprint on my heart.
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