koof

For my review I'll start with the positives. Acting, setting, and time period are all compelling and well done. The general time period circa 1875-1900 is incredibly interesting and it tackles a lot of interesting issues regarding industrialization, nationalism, and the issues regarding China in the time period. Unlike other periods this can be portrayed relatively innocently in the context that it doesn't feel like the censorship board impacted the dialogue or plot much. The female lead is great and viewers will be able to enjoy the arcs of other main characters.

That being said this story is way too long and has such a disappointing pay-off. Let alone a happy ending, practically every character arc and story is completely depressing and ends with tragedy. I've watched and read a lot of "dark" books and shows and this one was one of the few where I felt disgusted about the complete lack of joy and hope within the story. Every single romance and plot line is an unmitigated disaster due to outside interference or external circumstance. How they handled the relationship between the two main characters is just unforgivable for this format. To watch 74 episodes (I mostly watched at 1.5x-2x due to how slow-paced much of it was) and end in that fashion is just not good television. Having a tragic ending with only the smallest remnants of positivity and happiness is fine for a movie, mini series, or play. In those formats you spend ~3 hours watching. For something with a view time around 65 hours it is unacceptable imo.

If you like the time period and are interested in a tragic romance/revenge show with financial elements you'll probably enjoy it. If you want any form of a happy ending this show is not for you!