Huh. Well, I guess I was right that it was Li Shuting after all, the hint was quite clear but I definitely didn’t…
this episode kind of reminded me of the korean drama Queen Mantis (adapted from the French La Mante) but it was handled much better -- the murderer being trans/intersex not just as a mere plot device but there were actual triggers and a backstory for her reaction to her friends' betrayal. i'm pleasantly surprised by this drama, every ep got me at the edge of my seat!
Love the incorporation of Hindu-Buddhist mythology in WoF — interesting how the “tuo dragon” resembles the 7-Headed Naga and the phoenix from Tang Lici’s Nine-Heavens Sun-Burning Formation resembles the Garuda, the Naga’s rival
Loveee Cheng Lei (and his acting is great as always)! Not a huge fan of Songyi’s acting in Luoyang, but that could’ve been chalked up to the way her character was written. Excited for the show but it’s undeniable and natural to draw some comparisons with LOFG (vis a vis main leads’ chemistry, female general aspect + action scenes), even though Shadow Love has more Wuxia/fantasy elements 😭 Post production looks great, but Songyi’s action scenes in ep 2 bandit hideout looked lax/not much energy (没劲儿). This is one situation where I wonder if maybe she should have gotten a stunt double instead. My other gripe - if Songyi’s character was such a seasoned general, why was her first instinct to use her arm to shield herself from the arrows instead of hiding behind the wheelbarrow lol.
Excited for the show but it’s undeniable and natural to draw some comparisons with LOFG (vis a vis main leads’ chemistry, female general aspect + action scenes), even though Shadow Love has more Wuxia/fantasy elements 😭 Post production looks great, but Songyi’s action scenes in ep 2 bandit hideout looked lax/not much energy (没劲儿). This is one situation where I wonder if maybe she should have gotten a stunt double instead.
My other gripe - if Songyi’s character was such a seasoned general, why was her first instinct to use her arm to shield herself from the arrows instead of hiding behind the wheelbarrow lol.