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This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful, smart, and nearly flawless—until it chose retribution over responsibility.
This short drama was headed for a perfect 10 until a particular scene disappointed me. Though I don’t usually care for Republican-era dramas, this one unexpectedly exceeded my expectations. The leads’ performances were both excellent, and perhaps the visuals were a great help. Unexpectedly, the film was both funny and clever, and the rest of the cast delivered stunning performances in this exquisitely told tale of revenge and redemption.
Even the villains were multi-faceted, that I couldn’t help but be sympathetic to one of their plights. Though some deserved their endings, I felt the handling of one punishment was egregious.
More on these points on the spoiler below:
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The specific scene I’m referring to was how Qin Zhan dealt with Jiang Xi after she unknowingly consumed a date-rape drug. Instead of continuing with soaking her in the tub, or at least bringing her to a hospital, or even letting her “get off” by herself, he “generously” helped himself and took advantage of her vulnerability. Even though the drama shows Qin Zhan explicitly asking Jiang Xi what he should do, this does not absolve him from blame. Someone significantly under the influence of drugs cannot give true consent. I fought the urge NOT to roll my eyes the following morning upon hearing her thank him as her savior.
Furthermore, regardless of a woman’s vile actions, rape is never a justifiable retribution. This only reinforces the harmful idea that rape victims are somehow responsible for their assault.
This short run production would have been perfect in terms of execution, plot, and performances, aside from those two details.
Even the villains were multi-faceted, that I couldn’t help but be sympathetic to one of their plights. Though some deserved their endings, I felt the handling of one punishment was egregious.
More on these points on the spoiler below:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The specific scene I’m referring to was how Qin Zhan dealt with Jiang Xi after she unknowingly consumed a date-rape drug. Instead of continuing with soaking her in the tub, or at least bringing her to a hospital, or even letting her “get off” by herself, he “generously” helped himself and took advantage of her vulnerability. Even though the drama shows Qin Zhan explicitly asking Jiang Xi what he should do, this does not absolve him from blame. Someone significantly under the influence of drugs cannot give true consent. I fought the urge NOT to roll my eyes the following morning upon hearing her thank him as her savior.
Furthermore, regardless of a woman’s vile actions, rape is never a justifiable retribution. This only reinforces the harmful idea that rape victims are somehow responsible for their assault.
This short run production would have been perfect in terms of execution, plot, and performances, aside from those two details.
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