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This review may contain spoilers
Visually stunning with strong characters, but reservations on pacing and plot.
SYNOPSIS: Melody of Golden Age, released in 2024, blends romance, mystery, and political intrigue. The story follows Yan Xing, a young woman from the Yan family who works as a scribe in the Ministry of Justice. Gifted with notable investigative talent and a strong sense of justice, she stands out for her deductive skills. Due to an unexpected circumstance, when her sister escapes an arranged marriage by the Empress Dowager, Yan Xing finds herself in a difficult position. To protect her family, she ends up marrying Shen Du, the head of the imperial guard, known as "White Ghost," feared by everyone for his strict approach and intimidating presence. With various mysterious cases arising in the city of Xiang'an and surrounding areas, Yan Xing and Shen Du team up to solve them. As they spend more time together, their bond grows stronger, and they uncover a massive conspiracy within the Imperial Court.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everyone must love themselves before loving others.” - Ep. 07
POSITIVE POINTS:
(1) Chemistry Between the Protagonists: The interaction between Yan Xing and Shen Du is fascinating, with a noticeable contrast between their personalities in many situations. While Yan Xing is driven by intense determination and some impulsiveness, Shen Du, though equally courageous, is more calculating and prudent in his actions. Their relationship develops gradually, and we can observe the transformation of their feelings, shifting from care to a growing passion as the story progresses. An interesting detail is that they have known each other since childhood due to a traumatic experience Shen Du went through. However, because of his night blindness, he does not remember that Yan Xing is the same girl who visited him during his punishment. As they spend time together, he falls in love with her, not knowing she was the one who helped him in his childhood. This aspect of the story is particularly touching, as, unlike many dramas where the male lead only falls in love when he learns about the shared past with the female lead, here Shen Du's love for Yan Xing had already blossomed in his heart even without him knowing who she truly was. Their interactions, full of glances, declarations, and displays of affection, were truly captivating, their chemistry was incredible.
(2) Acting: The cast did an amazing job. It is undeniable how well all the actors performed their roles, staying true to the personalities and character development outlined in the script. In my opinion, the standout performances were by Ding Yuxi (Shen Du) and Ancy Deng (Yan Xing). Ding Yuxi is an incredibly talented actor, whose performance is solid and intense. His exceptional ability to control his emotions just through facial expressions is remarkable. He perfectly captures the complex layers of his character: a relentless man driven by a deep desire for justice in the name of his family, cold and fearless, yet revealing a protective and affectionate side when it comes to the person he loves. Ancy Deng, despite her youth, brings Yan Xing to life with an admirable performance. She skillfully conveys the inner emotions of her character, whether in moments of action, where her determination shines, or in more delicate moments, where her vulnerability and humanity become evident.
(3) Costumes: The costumes in this drama are stunning and play an important role in building the atmosphere and characterizing the roles, reflecting the historical context. I want to highlight the costumes of the imperial court, which are richly detailed, with colors and ornaments that exude the splendor of nobility and the clear social differentiation. Additionally, Shen Du's costumes, typically in shades of black, were a great choice as they reflect his authority and strength, creating a contrast not only with his nickname "White Ghost" but also with the costumes of the villain, Lai Luo Zhi, who wears lighter-colored attire, creating a striking visual difference between them. Yan Xing's costumes are equally charming. She is seen wearing outfits that balance practicality and femininity, fitting her position and personality, often in shades of blue, green, and pink.
(4) OST: The soundtrack choice was excellent, complementing the scenes beautifully and creating an immersive atmosphere. My favorite song was "Form a Pair" sung by Xu Ziwei. It is so beautiful, with a soft melody and touching lyrics that perfectly capture the romantic essence of the story.
* OBSERVATIONS:
> One of the things I found the funniest was that anyone involved with the Huo'Er Sect, whether directly or indirectly, always let out that evil laugh, hahahahaha. I couldn’t stop laughing at those scenes!
> The protagonist's impulsive personality never annoyed me, is that strange? LOL, I say this because it was one of the things I saw people comment on the most, but it didn’t bother me at all. In my opinion, her behavior and personality flowed well as the episodes went on.
> The kissing scenes between the protagonists were few, and when they did happen, they seemed a bit awkward. This could be a reflection of the direction, considering it's a historical drama, where the age difference between the lead actors may have been taken into account.
POINTS THAT COULD BE IMPROVED:
(1) The Investigative Plot Construction: When I started watching the drama, I thought the cases presented would be isolated. However, as the episodes progress, it becomes clear that all the cases are interconnected by the Huo'Er Sect. While this is an interesting approach, as it creates a complex web where various characters are connected and manipulated by the sect's ambition for power, at times the connection between the mysteries felt forced and even a bit far-fetched. This diminished the authenticity of the investigative aspect of the story.
(2) Abrupt Scene Transitions: At certain moments throughout the 40 episodes, it's noticeable that there's a lack of a more seamless transition between scenes. The sudden shifts from one setting to another or even the interruption of an ongoing scene caused, in me, a disruption in the flow of the narrative at times.
(3) The Separation of the Protagonists and the Construction of the Last Episode: In episodes 36-37, the protagonists separate, along with the signing of the divorce letter, which, in my opinion, was unnecessary for the development of the plot. Given the intelligence and strategic ability of Yan Xing and Shen Du, it would have been more interesting if they had crafted a well-orchestrated plan together to capture and expose Lai Luo Zhi's crimes in the Imperial Court. Instead, the narrative takes a route where Shen Du, in a gesture of protection, hurts Yan Xing by separating from her without revealing his true plan, which creates a sense of discomfort in their relationship. This choice, while understandable from Shen Du’s perspective of wanting to protect Yan Xing, diminishes the impact of their partnership, which was built throughout the story. Therefore, the separation was merely a way to generate dramatic tension, creating an unnecessary sense of disconnection for characters who were already so united and in love. Regarding the final episode, after the exposure of Lai Luo Zhi's crimes and the restoration of order in the Imperial Court, Shen Du chasing after Yan Xing. However, she rejects him, and Shen Du, in an attempt to win her back, sets up a marriage plan. Although the ending brings a romantic conclusion, there is a sense that it could have been better constructed. I would have liked to see a deeper moment between the two, where Shen Du sincerely apologizes and explains his reasons clearly, especially regarding the forced separation and his attempt to protect her without involving her in the dangers of the court. This dialogue could have been a crucial moment for character development, allowing both to express their emotions, fears, and the reasons behind their decisions. Additionally, the marriage could have been presented more emotively.
OVERALL VIEW:
Melody of Golden Age is a visually stunning drama with an intriguing narrative and strong characters, but it falters slightly in its investigative plot construction and pacing. My rating is 8.0/10.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everyone must love themselves before loving others.” - Ep. 07
POSITIVE POINTS:
(1) Chemistry Between the Protagonists: The interaction between Yan Xing and Shen Du is fascinating, with a noticeable contrast between their personalities in many situations. While Yan Xing is driven by intense determination and some impulsiveness, Shen Du, though equally courageous, is more calculating and prudent in his actions. Their relationship develops gradually, and we can observe the transformation of their feelings, shifting from care to a growing passion as the story progresses. An interesting detail is that they have known each other since childhood due to a traumatic experience Shen Du went through. However, because of his night blindness, he does not remember that Yan Xing is the same girl who visited him during his punishment. As they spend time together, he falls in love with her, not knowing she was the one who helped him in his childhood. This aspect of the story is particularly touching, as, unlike many dramas where the male lead only falls in love when he learns about the shared past with the female lead, here Shen Du's love for Yan Xing had already blossomed in his heart even without him knowing who she truly was. Their interactions, full of glances, declarations, and displays of affection, were truly captivating, their chemistry was incredible.
(2) Acting: The cast did an amazing job. It is undeniable how well all the actors performed their roles, staying true to the personalities and character development outlined in the script. In my opinion, the standout performances were by Ding Yuxi (Shen Du) and Ancy Deng (Yan Xing). Ding Yuxi is an incredibly talented actor, whose performance is solid and intense. His exceptional ability to control his emotions just through facial expressions is remarkable. He perfectly captures the complex layers of his character: a relentless man driven by a deep desire for justice in the name of his family, cold and fearless, yet revealing a protective and affectionate side when it comes to the person he loves. Ancy Deng, despite her youth, brings Yan Xing to life with an admirable performance. She skillfully conveys the inner emotions of her character, whether in moments of action, where her determination shines, or in more delicate moments, where her vulnerability and humanity become evident.
(3) Costumes: The costumes in this drama are stunning and play an important role in building the atmosphere and characterizing the roles, reflecting the historical context. I want to highlight the costumes of the imperial court, which are richly detailed, with colors and ornaments that exude the splendor of nobility and the clear social differentiation. Additionally, Shen Du's costumes, typically in shades of black, were a great choice as they reflect his authority and strength, creating a contrast not only with his nickname "White Ghost" but also with the costumes of the villain, Lai Luo Zhi, who wears lighter-colored attire, creating a striking visual difference between them. Yan Xing's costumes are equally charming. She is seen wearing outfits that balance practicality and femininity, fitting her position and personality, often in shades of blue, green, and pink.
(4) OST: The soundtrack choice was excellent, complementing the scenes beautifully and creating an immersive atmosphere. My favorite song was "Form a Pair" sung by Xu Ziwei. It is so beautiful, with a soft melody and touching lyrics that perfectly capture the romantic essence of the story.
* OBSERVATIONS:
> One of the things I found the funniest was that anyone involved with the Huo'Er Sect, whether directly or indirectly, always let out that evil laugh, hahahahaha. I couldn’t stop laughing at those scenes!
> The protagonist's impulsive personality never annoyed me, is that strange? LOL, I say this because it was one of the things I saw people comment on the most, but it didn’t bother me at all. In my opinion, her behavior and personality flowed well as the episodes went on.
> The kissing scenes between the protagonists were few, and when they did happen, they seemed a bit awkward. This could be a reflection of the direction, considering it's a historical drama, where the age difference between the lead actors may have been taken into account.
POINTS THAT COULD BE IMPROVED:
(1) The Investigative Plot Construction: When I started watching the drama, I thought the cases presented would be isolated. However, as the episodes progress, it becomes clear that all the cases are interconnected by the Huo'Er Sect. While this is an interesting approach, as it creates a complex web where various characters are connected and manipulated by the sect's ambition for power, at times the connection between the mysteries felt forced and even a bit far-fetched. This diminished the authenticity of the investigative aspect of the story.
(2) Abrupt Scene Transitions: At certain moments throughout the 40 episodes, it's noticeable that there's a lack of a more seamless transition between scenes. The sudden shifts from one setting to another or even the interruption of an ongoing scene caused, in me, a disruption in the flow of the narrative at times.
(3) The Separation of the Protagonists and the Construction of the Last Episode: In episodes 36-37, the protagonists separate, along with the signing of the divorce letter, which, in my opinion, was unnecessary for the development of the plot. Given the intelligence and strategic ability of Yan Xing and Shen Du, it would have been more interesting if they had crafted a well-orchestrated plan together to capture and expose Lai Luo Zhi's crimes in the Imperial Court. Instead, the narrative takes a route where Shen Du, in a gesture of protection, hurts Yan Xing by separating from her without revealing his true plan, which creates a sense of discomfort in their relationship. This choice, while understandable from Shen Du’s perspective of wanting to protect Yan Xing, diminishes the impact of their partnership, which was built throughout the story. Therefore, the separation was merely a way to generate dramatic tension, creating an unnecessary sense of disconnection for characters who were already so united and in love. Regarding the final episode, after the exposure of Lai Luo Zhi's crimes and the restoration of order in the Imperial Court, Shen Du chasing after Yan Xing. However, she rejects him, and Shen Du, in an attempt to win her back, sets up a marriage plan. Although the ending brings a romantic conclusion, there is a sense that it could have been better constructed. I would have liked to see a deeper moment between the two, where Shen Du sincerely apologizes and explains his reasons clearly, especially regarding the forced separation and his attempt to protect her without involving her in the dangers of the court. This dialogue could have been a crucial moment for character development, allowing both to express their emotions, fears, and the reasons behind their decisions. Additionally, the marriage could have been presented more emotively.
OVERALL VIEW:
Melody of Golden Age is a visually stunning drama with an intriguing narrative and strong characters, but it falters slightly in its investigative plot construction and pacing. My rating is 8.0/10.
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