This review may contain spoilers
A Tempest in the Real Sense of the Term
This show kicks up a real tempest as it navigates the murky waters (and unfortunately considerably real waters) of the South Asian geopolitics. To a great extent this show felt like any of the top tier shows we have been used to in American Television/Cinema. But the nicest part is that the show does not ape the West in any way; it still feels Asian, grounded, South Korean even, if i may say(though I am a non-Korean). The cinematography and colour pallettes deserve special mention as the soundtrack. The narrative is interesting, specially each of the main characters dreaming about being someone else (someone they hold dear to themselves). However,it is the acting department that scores the highest for me. The relationship between the leads is crackling. Each single actor delivers a stellar performance.It is true, though last 2 episodes specially ep 9 feel very rushed and everything seems to come to an end way too smoothly and swiftly, but i strongly believe that is an opening for S2 of the show. In 2012 a Hindi-language film called Gangs of Wasseypur was made and released as a 2 part-film. Based on coal mafia in northern-central India, the film (parts 1 and 2) had a total runtime of 5 hours 19 minutes. Though the premise and treatment are very very different, somehow the end of Tempest reminded me of the way Gangs of Wasseypur part 1 ended. Open-ended with a lot of possibilities. Therefore, here's hoping Tempest also has a part 2, rather Season 2.
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A window to the China the world does not much know about
I have just completed one episode and I could not resist expressing how lovely the show is. It is cinematic in its treatment, the cinematography, natural acting, stunning visuals...I am so looking forward to watching the remaining episodes.This is a China and people the world does not know much about beyond the news about unrest that trickles out to the world.
I had to pause at several places to start reading about Xinjiang, about Altay, about the Uyghur language and in just one episode the show is opening a window to China that outsiders like me barely know about.
I am hoping that as episodes pass by I can give higher scores to the story and overall to the show.
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This review may contain spoilers
What a warmth-laden, well written show (a.k.a Wallace Huo is handsome!)
I had started the show soon after it dropped though I put it on hold for some time, and came back only recently. So my review is in three parts here (after Ep1, after Ep 7 and finally after Ep 16).Ep1: I saw Wallace Huo on the poster and decided to click and watch it.
I don't know how this show will pan out--Chinese shows seem to have more budget now than before and in ep 1 the show gives off a glossy tint--with everything shiny sparkly (like the netflix shows we get to see nowadays)
I am not sure about the FL, haven't watched her before but she is beautiful.
But the highlight for me is Wallace Huo who plays the Male Lead. At 45 the ML looks as smouldering as he was the first time I saw (in his show as Bo Jin Yan). Ep 1 of Why is He Still Single (WIHST) was funny and I was laughing out loud at several places. The only thing that keeps nagging me at the back of my mind (after ep1) is the kind of eccentricity they're showing the ML has--at moments he doesn't look eccentric he looks a wierdo...anyway, let's hope the show doesn't disappoint as a lot of modern c-dramas have in recent times.
Ep 7: I am on Ep 7 now and I have already had several laugh out loud moments. As the show is progressing, I am increasingly feeling for the ML. Basically he is a genius, aloof, eccentric but childlike person, with a heart of gold, high IQ and...very very lonely. This loneliness stems both from his introvert nature and from the fact that he probably doesn't find anyone who matches him in wit sans, as increasingly evident, the FL. I am liking her nature, she is refreshingly real, warm, and gives the ML the much needed life lessons he needs to get and (ahem!) that he seems to listen to as well. As someone in their late 30s this show is resonating so well with me. It is indeed a real, a very real take on present-day urban lifescapes.
Ep 16: I just completed the show and I have to admit, it has been one of the most real experiences I have had,I mean I forgot I was watching a drama, it felt like I was watching and navigating experiences and people I knew. The show is not plot-driven and at no juncture does it seem to mistake itself to be so. It is essentially a character-driven show and at the same time manages to show different aspects of modern-day urban relationships. Apart from the organic growth of the ML and FL's relationship, the portrayal of the dynamics of friendships, the professional relationships, everything was refreshingly real...in a way I haven't seen in dramas as such in a long long long time.
Like I said above, the ML and FL are close to my own age is, i.e. late 30s and being independent, career-driven but with roots grounded in family values, I could so well relate to the characters, especially the two leads and their discussions. The show's strength lies in the dialogues and the incredible performances of the cast, headlined by Wallace Huo. It is his performance that prevents the ML's character from becoming a wierdo--what I had expressed right at the beginning (in Ep 1 above). As time progresses the show portrays how Yuyu's bluntness and dedication to his work is a veneer that covers his vulnerability and loneliness. He basically is afraid of being hurt and lonely, while Ye Jia also is afraid of being hurt (given her family background and failed relationship). What I also loved is how the show debunks certain tropes (and myths) about relationships, but in a subtle way. Xiaoman and Wen Shu's relationship for instance, initially almost made me think of the SML and SFL. But then Wen Shu and Xiaoxiao's relationship unravels, gradually, and as audience we see how they are in such a stable relationship, practical supportive and they can actually teach the older characters a lesson or two about relationships. Likewise, the show portrays how Xiaoxiao is a mature partner in her relationship as she desires to meet Xiaoman and afterwards they become besties. Wen Shu and Xiaoman's relationship is pure friendship with no romantic associations(though Xiaoman, coming after a bad break up inclines towards Wen Shu's attention initially and after meeting Shu and his girlfriend has to call Ye Jia to overcome what she admits as a hint of jealousy). This and so much more add to the refreshingly real portrayal of life--without any sugarcoating nor any unnecessary angst nor melodrama.
Yes, I do feel Xiaoman's character is given quite a bit of screentime (reducing which would not have harmed the show but she is like the filter through which the audience sees the characters). At several times it occurred to me that Yuyu and Xiaoman's story could be a love story (what we can expect after our dramaland experiences) but again the show portrays the almost filial kind of relation between the two and tbh it is a bit disappointing to see how it pans at the end. But then again, it is not simply Xiaoman but we as audience that gets to see what an incredible man Yuyu is and coupled with his handsome face his good qualities shine.
And it is this that shines at the end--when he finally lets Ye Jia inside his home and shows her how he had her in his heart for so long--that he had been designing his house thinking of her but was too scared to be confident that he could do it the best way he wanted to do for her. His romantic side, his softness, his warmth, his kindness, and his deep dependence on Ye Jia shines and brings a fitting warm end to the show.
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