Opposite Poles Attract Each Other
A Worthwhile Watch If You Can Bear Agony And Complex Relationships.
This series clearly depicts this saying: the characters of the King and Lady Li are paradoxical. What Li possesses in sympathy, chivalry, and love, the King possesses the opposite obsessiveness, ruthlessness, and immorality.
I think the scenarist was trying to portray the story of one of the most famous Chinese historical figures, admired throughout China for uniting the state, but without dismissing his flaws. That's a huge plus, since it was done so implicitly (I even rewatched some episodes after finishing the series and noticed subtle hints and actions showing the King's immorality that I had completely missed the first time!).
The scenarist also crafted the character of Li just to highlight the King’s flaws, by showing through her what he lacks. (How brilliant, Li is like a reversed reflection of the King.)
Li is especially used in the last episode to deliver a universal message: no ruler can successfully establish peace and rule the world without possessing sympathy.
I wouldn't exactly call the relationship between the King and Li "love" (although Li at some point clearly shows affection and true love). It's more of a passion, especially for the King.
The script was slow-paced yet steady and excellent (if we ignore the second male lead, who was really annoying and immature), and the excessive flashbacks (seriously, at some point the flashbacks got on my nerves, hehe).
The part about uniting the six states was fairly covered, and I was completely hooked on the strategies the King used to conquer. It was genius to explain how he thought and what motivated his quest for unification — it really made me sympathize with or at least understand him at some points.
As for Lady Li, at first, I thought she was naïve, but as the events unfolded, I realized her decisions were wise and that she was morally driven, unlike the King.
I loved the cinematic choices, particularly in the last episode — they were grand and meticulously chosen to create an extraordinary ending (not going to spoil it!).
The costumes were just wow, and the music perfectly matched the historical vibes.
Now, about Bin Bin and Dilraba:
They completely stole my attention. What a fascinating portrayal of both characters, their flaws, and their struggles. Dilraba — when she cries, she is divine. Her depiction of Li was majestic; I could truly feel Li’s aura through her — her wisdom, her delicacy.
Bin Bin was only 24 or 25 back then, but his acting was top-tier. I can't imagine any other actor portraying the King like him. He managed to merge distinct emotions in a single glance or a single smile — you could tell he put so much effort into the role.
Although the relationship between the King and Li was wrenching and very toxic, I couldn't help but get more and more absorbed into their dynamic.
This series clearly depicts this saying: the characters of the King and Lady Li are paradoxical. What Li possesses in sympathy, chivalry, and love, the King possesses the opposite obsessiveness, ruthlessness, and immorality.
I think the scenarist was trying to portray the story of one of the most famous Chinese historical figures, admired throughout China for uniting the state, but without dismissing his flaws. That's a huge plus, since it was done so implicitly (I even rewatched some episodes after finishing the series and noticed subtle hints and actions showing the King's immorality that I had completely missed the first time!).
The scenarist also crafted the character of Li just to highlight the King’s flaws, by showing through her what he lacks. (How brilliant, Li is like a reversed reflection of the King.)
Li is especially used in the last episode to deliver a universal message: no ruler can successfully establish peace and rule the world without possessing sympathy.
I wouldn't exactly call the relationship between the King and Li "love" (although Li at some point clearly shows affection and true love). It's more of a passion, especially for the King.
The script was slow-paced yet steady and excellent (if we ignore the second male lead, who was really annoying and immature), and the excessive flashbacks (seriously, at some point the flashbacks got on my nerves, hehe).
The part about uniting the six states was fairly covered, and I was completely hooked on the strategies the King used to conquer. It was genius to explain how he thought and what motivated his quest for unification — it really made me sympathize with or at least understand him at some points.
As for Lady Li, at first, I thought she was naïve, but as the events unfolded, I realized her decisions were wise and that she was morally driven, unlike the King.
I loved the cinematic choices, particularly in the last episode — they were grand and meticulously chosen to create an extraordinary ending (not going to spoil it!).
The costumes were just wow, and the music perfectly matched the historical vibes.
Now, about Bin Bin and Dilraba:
They completely stole my attention. What a fascinating portrayal of both characters, their flaws, and their struggles. Dilraba — when she cries, she is divine. Her depiction of Li was majestic; I could truly feel Li’s aura through her — her wisdom, her delicacy.
Bin Bin was only 24 or 25 back then, but his acting was top-tier. I can't imagine any other actor portraying the King like him. He managed to merge distinct emotions in a single glance or a single smile — you could tell he put so much effort into the role.
Although the relationship between the King and Li was wrenching and very toxic, I couldn't help but get more and more absorbed into their dynamic.
Was this review helpful to you?
