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This review may contain spoilers
Almost Perfect
I like to give 10/10 for dramas I like. I tend to be generous even if there are flaws. I really want to give this a 10, but can't because of two things.
First, what worked really well:
1) Sismance, or enemies to friends. The show is clear about how horrible it is to be in the harem--how the women have no choice but to backstab each other for survival. I love how the FL turns competitive consorts into friends. It was such a breath of fresh air to see women lift each other up, instead of the norm in c-dramas of women backstabbing each other.
2) Relationship between the FL and 2FL. Not only do they go from enemies to best friends, but I thoroughly enjoyed their joint scheming.
3) The FL saves the ML multiple times--whether it's his life, his heart, or his mind in becoming a good leader.
4) Female empowerment. The story always centers around the FL. Of course, the ML is also prominent, but she is the central axis. It was so satisfying to see an empress rule alongside her emperor. I also liked how she started the schools for girls.
5) The other strong female characters--even the ones you loved to hate.
6) A really great twist.
7) The scenery and sets are gorgeous.
8) The costumes are beautiful.
9) Even the villain is eye candy.
Why I couldn't give it a 10:
1) The ML was downright cruel in two separate incidents: when he punishes her by punishing her loved ones (the secret guards); and when he allows her to keep thinking that he is dead. She forgives him way too easily. Also, him drugging her was gross. I'm sick of male characters doing awful things to female characters supposedly because they are trying to protect them. The women shouldn't need protection FROM the men they love. There are ways to be good partners without doing messed-up things.
2) Death of Consort Xie and no mention of her in the present timeline. Did the death in the novel mean a death for her in real life? It would've been great to see her in the end, even briefly as another passenger on the subway.
If the two things above don't make you angry, I'd recommend the show.
First, what worked really well:
1) Sismance, or enemies to friends. The show is clear about how horrible it is to be in the harem--how the women have no choice but to backstab each other for survival. I love how the FL turns competitive consorts into friends. It was such a breath of fresh air to see women lift each other up, instead of the norm in c-dramas of women backstabbing each other.
2) Relationship between the FL and 2FL. Not only do they go from enemies to best friends, but I thoroughly enjoyed their joint scheming.
3) The FL saves the ML multiple times--whether it's his life, his heart, or his mind in becoming a good leader.
4) Female empowerment. The story always centers around the FL. Of course, the ML is also prominent, but she is the central axis. It was so satisfying to see an empress rule alongside her emperor. I also liked how she started the schools for girls.
5) The other strong female characters--even the ones you loved to hate.
6) A really great twist.
7) The scenery and sets are gorgeous.
8) The costumes are beautiful.
9) Even the villain is eye candy.
Why I couldn't give it a 10:
1) The ML was downright cruel in two separate incidents: when he punishes her by punishing her loved ones (the secret guards); and when he allows her to keep thinking that he is dead. She forgives him way too easily. Also, him drugging her was gross. I'm sick of male characters doing awful things to female characters supposedly because they are trying to protect them. The women shouldn't need protection FROM the men they love. There are ways to be good partners without doing messed-up things.
2) Death of Consort Xie and no mention of her in the present timeline. Did the death in the novel mean a death for her in real life? It would've been great to see her in the end, even briefly as another passenger on the subway.
If the two things above don't make you angry, I'd recommend the show.
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