This review may contain spoilers
Novel Reader may be slightly disappointed
In the novella, Tao Hua is abducted by the Chancellor and meant to be killed – but she saves herself by forcing him to marry her. At first, their connection is purely physical, but over time, real love develops between them.
The Chancellor is a reserved, layered character. Many key elements are missing in the film – such as his humorous best friend who secretly sleeps with the concubines while the Chancellor is only intimate with Tao Hua. Tao Hua’s brother, who is poisoned but briefly becomes king, is also still alive in this drama.
A major difference: In the book, Tao Hua is poisoned but survives through pregnancy and is healed by childbirth. This symbolic arc is completely absent in the film, where the Chancellor ends up poisoning himself – a much weaker twist in comparison.
The Empress was well portrayed for most of the series, but in the final episode she suddenly acts out of character – exaggerated and irrational, breaking the consistency of her role.
Visually, the film is polished, and the leads have chemistry. But much of the emotional depth and symbolism from the book is lost. Even the music felt distracting at times.
Conclusion: Visually appealing and watchable – but as a book adaptation, it falls disappointingly short.
The Chancellor is a reserved, layered character. Many key elements are missing in the film – such as his humorous best friend who secretly sleeps with the concubines while the Chancellor is only intimate with Tao Hua. Tao Hua’s brother, who is poisoned but briefly becomes king, is also still alive in this drama.
A major difference: In the book, Tao Hua is poisoned but survives through pregnancy and is healed by childbirth. This symbolic arc is completely absent in the film, where the Chancellor ends up poisoning himself – a much weaker twist in comparison.
The Empress was well portrayed for most of the series, but in the final episode she suddenly acts out of character – exaggerated and irrational, breaking the consistency of her role.
Visually, the film is polished, and the leads have chemistry. But much of the emotional depth and symbolism from the book is lost. Even the music felt distracting at times.
Conclusion: Visually appealing and watchable – but as a book adaptation, it falls disappointingly short.
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