69
296
11
3
2
2
3
2
1
1
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5
Love is a battlefield
The Prisoner of Beauty was uneven and had a thin plot, but it was also quite entertaining and humorous at times. Despite a bloody beginning and ending, the vast swath of it played out like a Shakespearean marital comedy.
The Wei family led by resting grumpy face Wei Shao have it in for the Qiao family in Yan for failing to come to their aid during a terrible battle leading to the deaths of three generations of men in their patriarchy. Fourteen years later, Grandma Wei and Grandpa Qiao decide the two families need to mend fences and match their grandchildren in marriage. To say that the bridal negotiations and first days of marriage between Wei Shao and Qiao Man were rocky would be an understatement, not including a battle over a city, raging fire, and near genocide. Nothing a couple of princess carries and a piggyback ride couldn’t cure. And a prolonged discussion of and implementation of… canal systems. Outside forces don’t like the Weis and Qiaos cozying up or the idea of better transportation options and drought/flood control and set to breaking up the couple.
The newlyweds not only had to work through old family grudges and loyalties, they also had to deal with other family problems that arose. Despite being a cold, military man with very little, actually no, practical information about or experience with women or relationships, Wei Shao was mostly respectful of his despised wife until he learned what a valuable asset he had in her. Being spoiled with head massages, afternoon sweets, and proper fitting footwear began to soften his heart and mood. Aside from her annoying habit of whispering while everyone else spoke at a normal volume, Qiao Man Man ended up being his not-so-secret weapon. She kept her promises to her grandfather to restore the Wei family’s fortunes and to take care of Shao. She faced few problems her wits could not overcome, benefitting not only herself and the Qiaos but most certainly the Weis.
The strength of the drama for me was in the relationships. The four generals had a fun camaraderie, especially Qu and Liang. Shao and his men suffered through figuring women out together. I loved the teasing, blossoming relationship between Liang and Man Man’s maid, Tao. Advisor Gongsun not only had words of wisdom, but humorous quips, too. The women weren’t left out when it came to friendships. Man Man had a strong bond with her maids and also with her cousin. Grandma/Lady Xu was one wickedly smart dowager who loved her grandchildren and knew when to put her foot down. Little went on that she didn’t know about.
Just a note for their fans who have not seen this drama: Xuan Lu and Liu Duan Duan are currently listed as mains which is stretching things. Their characters didn’t show up until 10 eps in and disappeared for large amounts of time. While their characters may have been important to the wonky plot, other supporting characters had a lot more time.
Things I learned: 1) At 49, Peter Ho still has some of the best guns in Cdramaland. Yowza! 2) Just like bullets, a sword will go through two as easy as one.
Public service announcement from your old auntie Butterfly: Historical Cdramas love MLs to choke the FLs for some perverse reason. For young ones who do not know this and think it’s sexy, a man using strangulation to control or frighten a partner is a clear sign to pack up and leave. He is a considerable threat to your physical and mental safety. Unrestrained jealousy is also NOT attractive and a glaring, clanging warning sign. Wei Shao may have straightened up and turned into a heart-eyed puppy but real-life men do not change so easily or ever. Okay, off my soapbox.
A Prisoner of Beauty may have begun and ended with horrific deaths, but as I said much of it played out like a marital comedy. It did something few dramas can do, it literally made me laugh out loud numerous times. If I had magical editing powers, I would have cut the episode count and tightened several plot points, but overall I enjoyed this drama, largely due to the relationships mentioned above.
“I would love to be your spear and shield, to fight for you, to guard your path, and to make your every wish come true.”
5 August 2025
Trigger warning: A prominent character sustained a “flesh wound”. Two suicides.
The Wei family led by resting grumpy face Wei Shao have it in for the Qiao family in Yan for failing to come to their aid during a terrible battle leading to the deaths of three generations of men in their patriarchy. Fourteen years later, Grandma Wei and Grandpa Qiao decide the two families need to mend fences and match their grandchildren in marriage. To say that the bridal negotiations and first days of marriage between Wei Shao and Qiao Man were rocky would be an understatement, not including a battle over a city, raging fire, and near genocide. Nothing a couple of princess carries and a piggyback ride couldn’t cure. And a prolonged discussion of and implementation of… canal systems. Outside forces don’t like the Weis and Qiaos cozying up or the idea of better transportation options and drought/flood control and set to breaking up the couple.
The newlyweds not only had to work through old family grudges and loyalties, they also had to deal with other family problems that arose. Despite being a cold, military man with very little, actually no, practical information about or experience with women or relationships, Wei Shao was mostly respectful of his despised wife until he learned what a valuable asset he had in her. Being spoiled with head massages, afternoon sweets, and proper fitting footwear began to soften his heart and mood. Aside from her annoying habit of whispering while everyone else spoke at a normal volume, Qiao Man Man ended up being his not-so-secret weapon. She kept her promises to her grandfather to restore the Wei family’s fortunes and to take care of Shao. She faced few problems her wits could not overcome, benefitting not only herself and the Qiaos but most certainly the Weis.
The strength of the drama for me was in the relationships. The four generals had a fun camaraderie, especially Qu and Liang. Shao and his men suffered through figuring women out together. I loved the teasing, blossoming relationship between Liang and Man Man’s maid, Tao. Advisor Gongsun not only had words of wisdom, but humorous quips, too. The women weren’t left out when it came to friendships. Man Man had a strong bond with her maids and also with her cousin. Grandma/Lady Xu was one wickedly smart dowager who loved her grandchildren and knew when to put her foot down. Little went on that she didn’t know about.
Just a note for their fans who have not seen this drama: Xuan Lu and Liu Duan Duan are currently listed as mains which is stretching things. Their characters didn’t show up until 10 eps in and disappeared for large amounts of time. While their characters may have been important to the wonky plot, other supporting characters had a lot more time.
Things I learned: 1) At 49, Peter Ho still has some of the best guns in Cdramaland. Yowza! 2) Just like bullets, a sword will go through two as easy as one.
Public service announcement from your old auntie Butterfly: Historical Cdramas love MLs to choke the FLs for some perverse reason. For young ones who do not know this and think it’s sexy, a man using strangulation to control or frighten a partner is a clear sign to pack up and leave. He is a considerable threat to your physical and mental safety. Unrestrained jealousy is also NOT attractive and a glaring, clanging warning sign. Wei Shao may have straightened up and turned into a heart-eyed puppy but real-life men do not change so easily or ever. Okay, off my soapbox.
A Prisoner of Beauty may have begun and ended with horrific deaths, but as I said much of it played out like a marital comedy. It did something few dramas can do, it literally made me laugh out loud numerous times. If I had magical editing powers, I would have cut the episode count and tightened several plot points, but overall I enjoyed this drama, largely due to the relationships mentioned above.
“I would love to be your spear and shield, to fight for you, to guard your path, and to make your every wish come true.”
5 August 2025
Trigger warning: A prominent character sustained a “flesh wound”. Two suicides.
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