5
1
Logical, Political, Romantic.
I had been unable to escape this appropriately titled Chinese Costume drama on tumblr last year and chose it as one of the CDramas that I had decided to finish whatsoever this year.
(Appropriate because blossoms are an integral part of the story. Unlike so many other dramas which make it obvious that the ones who choose names pick the most beautiful/powerful sounding word.)
And I am curious how it successfully managed to slip through the ‘reincarnation’ plot blocker, because it's quite evident that our female lead, Dou Zhao, doesn't believe that what she saw was a mere ‘dream’.
To support this, the first episode is shot and presented to the audience in a very conspicuous manner.
Well, the plot is nothing new as far as Historical Chinese Dramas are concerned, but the almost effective use of runtime and a script that was written with a clear vision might be one of the few reasons why Blossom is one to try, particularly for historical drama fans.
Dou Zhao, a young girl from an influential family of Lords, mysteriously remembers her previous life while engrossed in a book. Following a series of inevitable events, and knowing what lies ahead, she leaves home to live with her Grandmother in the countryside, acquiring skills and knowledge to ensure her survival, adapting the lifestyle of a businesswoman far away from the restrained life of a noble household. However, she once again encounters Song Mo, the feared General who had perished with her in the past. With the pieces set on the board, Dou Zhao attempts to guide Song Mo away from the tragic fate that awaits him whilst simultaneously battling her family affairs, both in and out of the court.
• Story and Romance:
Like all political dramas, this one is not immune to the 'boredom' aspect. Unless you are willing to sit through several characters' planning and plotting. There is romance, which is integral to the story, yet it becomes the backdrop for a couple of episodes. I mean this in a positive manner -- there was an even distribution of both romance and politics which managed to keep me engaged and know what was about to occur. The villain is revealed right at the beginning of episode one, so nothing comes as a surprise, but the curiosity about how Dou Zhao will alter her future.
The romance is excellently paced. Both Dou Zhao and Song Mo tested each others' limits, particularly Song Mo, as he had no recollection of his past. But, the break in their ice was gradual and convincing. It was not a love-at-first-sight for either of them. I would describe it as something to be viewed in person rather than attempting to write it down in words.
The scriptwriter is the same person who wrote the script of Legally Romance (2022), so I won't complain much as condensing a 500 chapter novel into a 34 episode drama is no simple task.
• Cast, Costume and Soundtrack:
I have no complaints about the cast, but there were a few highly emotional (tearful) moments where I felt that I felt Meng Zi Yi wasn't much into her role, though she absolutely nailed everything else.
Costumes weren't flashy, but Dou Zhao's 'countryside' outfits were my favorite.
I guess most of the budget went into other aspects of the drama because I don't remember hearing numerous songs. My favorite is definitely Don't Envy (不羡) by Bo Yuan.
• Cold Pricklies: That would definitely be Song Mo's character during the final half of the drama -- considering the length of the original novel, I understand how certain parts have to be altered; but his sudden response to one of the characters in particular seemed too cruel for me. The buildup was unexpected or rather I had failed to understand Song Mo's past.
• Final Thoughts:
A really good Chinese drama that respects the intelligence of its target audience, provided that half the stuff they release is often mediocre at times. I'm not sure if I'll ever rewatch 'Blossom', but it has definitely left an impression on me.
I hope that the entire household of Dou Zhao is happily living somewhere in an alternate universe.
(Appropriate because blossoms are an integral part of the story. Unlike so many other dramas which make it obvious that the ones who choose names pick the most beautiful/powerful sounding word.)
And I am curious how it successfully managed to slip through the ‘reincarnation’ plot blocker, because it's quite evident that our female lead, Dou Zhao, doesn't believe that what she saw was a mere ‘dream’.
To support this, the first episode is shot and presented to the audience in a very conspicuous manner.
Well, the plot is nothing new as far as Historical Chinese Dramas are concerned, but the almost effective use of runtime and a script that was written with a clear vision might be one of the few reasons why Blossom is one to try, particularly for historical drama fans.
Dou Zhao, a young girl from an influential family of Lords, mysteriously remembers her previous life while engrossed in a book. Following a series of inevitable events, and knowing what lies ahead, she leaves home to live with her Grandmother in the countryside, acquiring skills and knowledge to ensure her survival, adapting the lifestyle of a businesswoman far away from the restrained life of a noble household. However, she once again encounters Song Mo, the feared General who had perished with her in the past. With the pieces set on the board, Dou Zhao attempts to guide Song Mo away from the tragic fate that awaits him whilst simultaneously battling her family affairs, both in and out of the court.
• Story and Romance:
Like all political dramas, this one is not immune to the 'boredom' aspect. Unless you are willing to sit through several characters' planning and plotting. There is romance, which is integral to the story, yet it becomes the backdrop for a couple of episodes. I mean this in a positive manner -- there was an even distribution of both romance and politics which managed to keep me engaged and know what was about to occur. The villain is revealed right at the beginning of episode one, so nothing comes as a surprise, but the curiosity about how Dou Zhao will alter her future.
The romance is excellently paced. Both Dou Zhao and Song Mo tested each others' limits, particularly Song Mo, as he had no recollection of his past. But, the break in their ice was gradual and convincing. It was not a love-at-first-sight for either of them. I would describe it as something to be viewed in person rather than attempting to write it down in words.
The scriptwriter is the same person who wrote the script of Legally Romance (2022), so I won't complain much as condensing a 500 chapter novel into a 34 episode drama is no simple task.
• Cast, Costume and Soundtrack:
I have no complaints about the cast, but there were a few highly emotional (tearful) moments where I felt that I felt Meng Zi Yi wasn't much into her role, though she absolutely nailed everything else.
Costumes weren't flashy, but Dou Zhao's 'countryside' outfits were my favorite.
I guess most of the budget went into other aspects of the drama because I don't remember hearing numerous songs. My favorite is definitely Don't Envy (不羡) by Bo Yuan.
• Cold Pricklies: That would definitely be Song Mo's character during the final half of the drama -- considering the length of the original novel, I understand how certain parts have to be altered; but his sudden response to one of the characters in particular seemed too cruel for me. The buildup was unexpected or rather I had failed to understand Song Mo's past.
• Final Thoughts:
A really good Chinese drama that respects the intelligence of its target audience, provided that half the stuff they release is often mediocre at times. I'm not sure if I'll ever rewatch 'Blossom', but it has definitely left an impression on me.
I hope that the entire household of Dou Zhao is happily living somewhere in an alternate universe.
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