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Love, family, friendship, and politics in flames of war and uncertainty
"Love in Flames of War" (良辰好景知几何) is a Republican era romance and political drama that covers the period from 1917 to 1937. It follows the story of Lin Hang Jing and Xiao Bei Chen, their growth individually and as a couple, as well as that of their families and friends as they navigate their way during this uncertain and tumultuous period in China's history.
STORY / PLOT 📚:
I finished this drama more than a month ago, and I'm glad I watched it, despite knowing about the melodrama and angst. This advance knowledge is good in a way because I had braced myself for the heavy scenes.
The drama builds up the romance, the political/military development and the different relationships quite well. It kept me invested and interested to know what's going to happen next. Admittedly, the romance and the main couple's chemistry are big factors for me to watch this drama, and they don't disappoint. There is also steady and strong character development. It's interesting to watch their change and growth as the story progresses. Xiao Bei Chen and his friends’ time in the military academy is portrayed well. I like how the drama connects the characters' stories to the political events of the time.
That said, some things could have been better. For one, they could have reduced the angst and misunderstandings between Xiao Bei Chen and Lin Hang Jing, and showed more of their sweet moments. I saw some of these sweet scenes that did not make it to the final cut!
ACTING / CAST 🎭:
Shawn Dou nailed the role of Xiao Bei Chen! I feel like the character is made for him. He was able to show it in his bearing, expressions, proud and humorous personality, and his emotional vulnerability when it comes to Lin Hang Jing. He did some things that he thought was in her best interest, but it caused more rift between them. As Aunt Qi said, sometimes when you love someone too much, you will make mistakes.
Chen Du Ling was able to bring out the naiveté, idealism, strong-willed and sometimes feisty personality of Lin Hang Jing. She is the right choice to portray her. I don't agree with some of her actions (e.g., what she did the night of their anniversary), but that's part of how her character was written. I think she did justice to Lin Hang Jing.
As for the romance, Shawn Dou and Chen Du Ling have great chemistry! They were able to show Xiao Bei Chen and Lin Hang Jing's passion for each other, the angst, their banter, and the push and pull in their relationships. Their initial interactions were not the most pleasant ones; but he fell for her first (fast and hard!), while she eventually developed romantic feelings for him as she got to know him better. Both characters made some choices that are not ideal or the best, but these pushed the story forward and enabled them to grow as persons and eventually strengthened their relationship.
Leon Lai captured the intelligence and humor of Mo Wei Yi, and Ran Xu showed the straightforward character of Xu Ji Zun. They grew up with Xiao Bei Chen and these 3 men are very good friends and are sworn brothers. Their bond is very strong, despite having gone through some challenging situations. I like their camaraderie and loyalty to each other, and how their friendship grew stronger through the years, in good times and in bad.
Zhao Ying Zi was convincing as Zheng Feng Qi, Xiao Bei Chen’s childhood friend who is obsessed with him. Zheng Feng Qi is scheming and pretentious, and quite an infuriating character. I was ecstatic when she was finally exposed for her wickedness and the truths came out. That woman needed to see a psychiatrist!
Another character that has shown a lot of growth is Xiao Bei Chen’s younger sister Xiao Shu Yi, played by Guan Xin. She started out as bratty and quite annoying, yet also funny at times and naïve. What’s good about her is that she dared to confront Lin Hang Jing in defense of Xiao Bei Chen and makes her realizes things. Although sometimes, she goes overboard because of her bias against Lin Hang Jing. As the story move along, her character matured into a wise young woman.
Hu Jun and Dong Xuan are excellent as Xiao Hai Shan and Aunt Qi, respectively. Xiao Hai Shan is a man of integrity, a military leader and the pillar of the family, while his wife, the amiable and wise Aunt Qi, is the mediator and go-to person, the one who holds their family together.
Yuan Hao is Mu Zi Zeng, Lin Hang Jing’s good friend whom she met in Beixin city. He is in love with Lin Hang Jing but she treats him as a very good friend only. His portrayal was average for me. It's not bad, but not great either.
OTHER THOUGHTS 🔮:
The production quality is good. I like the locations, settings, and the costumes and accessories, which are well paired and consistent. The songs are well chosen and fit the mood and theme of the drama.
FINAL VERDICT ⭐️: If you like Republican era stories with angst-filled and passionate romance, great chemistry between the leads, memorable friendships and family ties, and with traces of political intrigue, then do check out this drama. Despite some things that could have been better, it’s still an overall good watch for me.
STORY / PLOT 📚:
I finished this drama more than a month ago, and I'm glad I watched it, despite knowing about the melodrama and angst. This advance knowledge is good in a way because I had braced myself for the heavy scenes.
The drama builds up the romance, the political/military development and the different relationships quite well. It kept me invested and interested to know what's going to happen next. Admittedly, the romance and the main couple's chemistry are big factors for me to watch this drama, and they don't disappoint. There is also steady and strong character development. It's interesting to watch their change and growth as the story progresses. Xiao Bei Chen and his friends’ time in the military academy is portrayed well. I like how the drama connects the characters' stories to the political events of the time.
That said, some things could have been better. For one, they could have reduced the angst and misunderstandings between Xiao Bei Chen and Lin Hang Jing, and showed more of their sweet moments. I saw some of these sweet scenes that did not make it to the final cut!
ACTING / CAST 🎭:
Shawn Dou nailed the role of Xiao Bei Chen! I feel like the character is made for him. He was able to show it in his bearing, expressions, proud and humorous personality, and his emotional vulnerability when it comes to Lin Hang Jing. He did some things that he thought was in her best interest, but it caused more rift between them. As Aunt Qi said, sometimes when you love someone too much, you will make mistakes.
Chen Du Ling was able to bring out the naiveté, idealism, strong-willed and sometimes feisty personality of Lin Hang Jing. She is the right choice to portray her. I don't agree with some of her actions (e.g., what she did the night of their anniversary), but that's part of how her character was written. I think she did justice to Lin Hang Jing.
As for the romance, Shawn Dou and Chen Du Ling have great chemistry! They were able to show Xiao Bei Chen and Lin Hang Jing's passion for each other, the angst, their banter, and the push and pull in their relationships. Their initial interactions were not the most pleasant ones; but he fell for her first (fast and hard!), while she eventually developed romantic feelings for him as she got to know him better. Both characters made some choices that are not ideal or the best, but these pushed the story forward and enabled them to grow as persons and eventually strengthened their relationship.
Leon Lai captured the intelligence and humor of Mo Wei Yi, and Ran Xu showed the straightforward character of Xu Ji Zun. They grew up with Xiao Bei Chen and these 3 men are very good friends and are sworn brothers. Their bond is very strong, despite having gone through some challenging situations. I like their camaraderie and loyalty to each other, and how their friendship grew stronger through the years, in good times and in bad.
Zhao Ying Zi was convincing as Zheng Feng Qi, Xiao Bei Chen’s childhood friend who is obsessed with him. Zheng Feng Qi is scheming and pretentious, and quite an infuriating character. I was ecstatic when she was finally exposed for her wickedness and the truths came out. That woman needed to see a psychiatrist!
Another character that has shown a lot of growth is Xiao Bei Chen’s younger sister Xiao Shu Yi, played by Guan Xin. She started out as bratty and quite annoying, yet also funny at times and naïve. What’s good about her is that she dared to confront Lin Hang Jing in defense of Xiao Bei Chen and makes her realizes things. Although sometimes, she goes overboard because of her bias against Lin Hang Jing. As the story move along, her character matured into a wise young woman.
Hu Jun and Dong Xuan are excellent as Xiao Hai Shan and Aunt Qi, respectively. Xiao Hai Shan is a man of integrity, a military leader and the pillar of the family, while his wife, the amiable and wise Aunt Qi, is the mediator and go-to person, the one who holds their family together.
Yuan Hao is Mu Zi Zeng, Lin Hang Jing’s good friend whom she met in Beixin city. He is in love with Lin Hang Jing but she treats him as a very good friend only. His portrayal was average for me. It's not bad, but not great either.
OTHER THOUGHTS 🔮:
The production quality is good. I like the locations, settings, and the costumes and accessories, which are well paired and consistent. The songs are well chosen and fit the mood and theme of the drama.
FINAL VERDICT ⭐️: If you like Republican era stories with angst-filled and passionate romance, great chemistry between the leads, memorable friendships and family ties, and with traces of political intrigue, then do check out this drama. Despite some things that could have been better, it’s still an overall good watch for me.
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