This review may contain spoilers
Like black dot on white sheet, not much but obvious flaw
Different from my full dissatisfaction rant novel purist review of LOFG, this one is from someone who hasn't read the novel, probably never. As usual, i'm not a rewatcher type.
I picked this drama quite randomly amidst my long drama slump, tho it's a lie if i say it was never in my radar since our leads are interesting and i've seen some reuters lmao. Some stuff i only learned after premiere was the director, the plot, the "drama" etc etc. He's not my favorite director but his work tend to left a good impression on me. Especially the short dramas. Safe to say, i had certain expectation, especially but not limited to cinematography. Anyway, i do satisfied with that department. My eyes were pleased with its visual, both face and background.
Now, this could be minor but becomes fatal when it's the only black on white sheet. The plot.
As i said, it started strong, really strong that i still remember thinking the only thing they needed to do was to maintain the plot and pace and it would easily become my lifetime drama. The first 10 episodes was solid. Pace, plot, introduction, impression. It was that superior. Then i realized, first arc is too long. Yes, it made the massacre more impactful as the Lin'an folks grow in us but this drama isn't only about it. It's not slice of life drama. The drama failed to laid the groundwork in political/revenge department. We know there's revenge but against who? About what? They only show a glimpse of its, not a proper basis meanwhile the revenge, the enemies, was against the whole system, basically almost everyone in power had hands on the past tragedy. That big revenge plan need proper introduction imo.
However, i do admit, this one is falls into idol drama category. The romance portion naturally bigger, right? RIGHT? Yes it is, to some extent. I'm actually disappointed with the lack of Marquis Wu'an in action scene and how Fan Changyu character evolve at the later part. I feel like FCY was more active, more powerful and presence before they arrived in capital. Well, our leads screentime was lesser in later part so.
About screentime, hmm, how to put it nicely. I don't mind 2nd cp plot since they're future emperor parents and Qi Min revenge also related to the plot. I do mind how their story portrayed as love story when at some point i felt disgusted as it blatantly harassment by how uncomfortable YQQ was.
I also annoyed by how underdeveloped XZ's crew, Xie army general, due to lack of fight scene and how useless FCY's butcher crew. Totally unnecessary romance subplot. Also annoyed how they behave towards XZ, as in instead ofFCY comrades in arms they became more like annoying aunties.
Most of my plot irked is actually minor but when many minor inconvenience occurs, well it's still inconvenience and still annoying. As someone who put plot value on top, minor plot hole pretty much overshadow my whole watching experience. My rating still high because yes, i love many others aspect from acting to cinematography yet i can't just brush off the storyline issue.
I picked this drama quite randomly amidst my long drama slump, tho it's a lie if i say it was never in my radar since our leads are interesting and i've seen some reuters lmao. Some stuff i only learned after premiere was the director, the plot, the "drama" etc etc. He's not my favorite director but his work tend to left a good impression on me. Especially the short dramas. Safe to say, i had certain expectation, especially but not limited to cinematography. Anyway, i do satisfied with that department. My eyes were pleased with its visual, both face and background.
Now, this could be minor but becomes fatal when it's the only black on white sheet. The plot.
As i said, it started strong, really strong that i still remember thinking the only thing they needed to do was to maintain the plot and pace and it would easily become my lifetime drama. The first 10 episodes was solid. Pace, plot, introduction, impression. It was that superior. Then i realized, first arc is too long. Yes, it made the massacre more impactful as the Lin'an folks grow in us but this drama isn't only about it. It's not slice of life drama. The drama failed to laid the groundwork in political/revenge department. We know there's revenge but against who? About what? They only show a glimpse of its, not a proper basis meanwhile the revenge, the enemies, was against the whole system, basically almost everyone in power had hands on the past tragedy. That big revenge plan need proper introduction imo.
However, i do admit, this one is falls into idol drama category. The romance portion naturally bigger, right? RIGHT? Yes it is, to some extent. I'm actually disappointed with the lack of Marquis Wu'an in action scene and how Fan Changyu character evolve at the later part. I feel like FCY was more active, more powerful and presence before they arrived in capital. Well, our leads screentime was lesser in later part so.
About screentime, hmm, how to put it nicely. I don't mind 2nd cp plot since they're future emperor parents and Qi Min revenge also related to the plot. I do mind how their story portrayed as love story when at some point i felt disgusted as it blatantly harassment by how uncomfortable YQQ was.
I also annoyed by how underdeveloped XZ's crew, Xie army general, due to lack of fight scene and how useless FCY's butcher crew. Totally unnecessary romance subplot. Also annoyed how they behave towards XZ, as in instead ofFCY comrades in arms they became more like annoying aunties.
Most of my plot irked is actually minor but when many minor inconvenience occurs, well it's still inconvenience and still annoying. As someone who put plot value on top, minor plot hole pretty much overshadow my whole watching experience. My rating still high because yes, i love many others aspect from acting to cinematography yet i can't just brush off the storyline issue.
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