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drama of the year in quarter one!!??
Pursuit of Jade has been on my radar for several reasons... the leads... the chemistry in the trailers... and the director.
The main thing that seals this drama together IS the director. Coming off of Blossom, then before that.. Butterflied Lover- the director here has this record of dramas that keep an aesthetic, and it pulls its way through the drama. Now onto Puruit of Jade, he's worked his way up to have this major billing drama, and this drama goes to show what happens when you put a true artist at work, giving them an abundance of resources, time, and money. He doesn't have to cut any corners here, but is a resourceful director.. that's me saying this is someone that takes risks and has before in terms of visual storytelling. And it pays off greatly.
I was only a little afraid with the direction choice when I thought it would only last for an episode or two. Save the cinematic moments and leave the rest stale? Nope- note here. This whole drama isn't eye candy, it isn't a visual treat just to feel good about, its a five-course meal. The script, acting, directing, editing, not a single part is left behind another. So when I watch this I fly by episodes, the pacing is very well done- and it's because if you put all the those things together you get a compelling, immersive watch.
One thing that could pull from the immersion is the actors/actresses as I have seen them in other roles. But its acting, I only say that when I look at their face- I just recognize the actors that is all. Watching further into the drama I see them showcasing their talents beyond any other projects I have seen them in. Especially our Female lead Fan Chang Yu, played by the stunning Tian Xi Wei. She is so pretty and of course will look good on screen, but is her acting compromised by this- no! In fact, the leads visuals are striking, but not overpowering the story at all. The costuming is done very well, where they are recognizable as leads, but not out of place. Xi Wei especially gives the most captivating performance for me, playing the role of a butchers daughter who is more than meets the eye, dedicated to her family, and an earnest person despite her poor background.
The characters are just good people, and it's not too on the nose with it. I like how they flesh out Chang Yu, giving her convictions with her place in the family, and doubts because of it. She isn't perfect, not the kind of woman written inconsiently either. She is just a girl, someone I can really believe in and isn't too 'fictional' if that makes sense. Too add to that I think the styling with her in particular is done well because its not overdone with the makeup or clothing.. I also really love how they added some freckles to her.. she just looks so cute..
I say all that but she's not just cute. She has a lot of other traits of course, but this isn't going to be a whole essay on character storytelling - could be though!
Now Zhang Ling He, to me he has been an actor with some projects. None too amazing to me, just there. It hasn't ever been a bad thing, I have questioned his range as much as any other actor I watch too- but here I'm really watching a whole other person. It's like this is the first drama I have ever seen him in, feels like that in a way. His character is really interesting, being a fallen Marquis and all- I appreciate how he is so softspoken and kind, not vindictive or bitter to be injured or to be helped out. Some characters get all proud and reject help, here he allows the help and recognizes his weaknesses while not taking advantage of Chang Yu and her family.
So, overall it's just a really good watch. In fact I'm calling it the drama of the year. I won't say too much of the story, because as for me the less you know getting into it is the better! And I have been pleasantly surprised. I really didn't expect this drama to be that good, but it is. It's really really good.
The main thing that seals this drama together IS the director. Coming off of Blossom, then before that.. Butterflied Lover- the director here has this record of dramas that keep an aesthetic, and it pulls its way through the drama. Now onto Puruit of Jade, he's worked his way up to have this major billing drama, and this drama goes to show what happens when you put a true artist at work, giving them an abundance of resources, time, and money. He doesn't have to cut any corners here, but is a resourceful director.. that's me saying this is someone that takes risks and has before in terms of visual storytelling. And it pays off greatly.
I was only a little afraid with the direction choice when I thought it would only last for an episode or two. Save the cinematic moments and leave the rest stale? Nope- note here. This whole drama isn't eye candy, it isn't a visual treat just to feel good about, its a five-course meal. The script, acting, directing, editing, not a single part is left behind another. So when I watch this I fly by episodes, the pacing is very well done- and it's because if you put all the those things together you get a compelling, immersive watch.
One thing that could pull from the immersion is the actors/actresses as I have seen them in other roles. But its acting, I only say that when I look at their face- I just recognize the actors that is all. Watching further into the drama I see them showcasing their talents beyond any other projects I have seen them in. Especially our Female lead Fan Chang Yu, played by the stunning Tian Xi Wei. She is so pretty and of course will look good on screen, but is her acting compromised by this- no! In fact, the leads visuals are striking, but not overpowering the story at all. The costuming is done very well, where they are recognizable as leads, but not out of place. Xi Wei especially gives the most captivating performance for me, playing the role of a butchers daughter who is more than meets the eye, dedicated to her family, and an earnest person despite her poor background.
The characters are just good people, and it's not too on the nose with it. I like how they flesh out Chang Yu, giving her convictions with her place in the family, and doubts because of it. She isn't perfect, not the kind of woman written inconsiently either. She is just a girl, someone I can really believe in and isn't too 'fictional' if that makes sense. Too add to that I think the styling with her in particular is done well because its not overdone with the makeup or clothing.. I also really love how they added some freckles to her.. she just looks so cute..
I say all that but she's not just cute. She has a lot of other traits of course, but this isn't going to be a whole essay on character storytelling - could be though!
Now Zhang Ling He, to me he has been an actor with some projects. None too amazing to me, just there. It hasn't ever been a bad thing, I have questioned his range as much as any other actor I watch too- but here I'm really watching a whole other person. It's like this is the first drama I have ever seen him in, feels like that in a way. His character is really interesting, being a fallen Marquis and all- I appreciate how he is so softspoken and kind, not vindictive or bitter to be injured or to be helped out. Some characters get all proud and reject help, here he allows the help and recognizes his weaknesses while not taking advantage of Chang Yu and her family.
So, overall it's just a really good watch. In fact I'm calling it the drama of the year. I won't say too much of the story, because as for me the less you know getting into it is the better! And I have been pleasantly surprised. I really didn't expect this drama to be that good, but it is. It's really really good.
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