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One of the better web mini dramas despite a busy and rushed second half.
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75
As a mini web drama, “Dominion and Devotion” is worth checking out if you are in the mood for it. The acting is decent and the production value is surprisingly good. The sets, costumes (esp. the male lead) and the overall feel of the drama gives the illusion of a decently-budgeted full-length drama and not a cheap mini drama. This might be due to Director Zhang Zhi Wei’s magic. She also directed “Fortune Writer”, one of my favorite mini web dramas.
I enjoyed the first half of “Dominion and Devotion” more than the second half. The early political plot of the selection of a new emperor, the development of the leads’ relationship and the rise and growth of the emperor are all well-paced and told. I enjoy the early chemistry between the leads, that bubbling attraction and romance developing behind all the political maneuvers.
Unfortunately, once the leads got together, the chemistry was somewhat gone. They gave us a few good kisses, but the plot in the second half becomes very political. There’s so much going on that it feels rather rushed. From the political schemes, to the demise of the villain and the secret of the birth stories, there’s just too many different plotlines that need to be covered in such a short period of time.
Despite a rushed second half, “Dominion and Devotion" is one of the better historical mini dramas. If you don’t have the time to watch a full-length 40-episode drama of a similar plot, this is a good thirst quencher. It has decent (but not amazing) acting, interesting plot and good production value. Even though I was not surprised about any of the stories as I’ve seen them in other dramas, it was still an enjoyable watch.
Completed: 6/14/2025 - Review #590
As a mini web drama, “Dominion and Devotion” is worth checking out if you are in the mood for it. The acting is decent and the production value is surprisingly good. The sets, costumes (esp. the male lead) and the overall feel of the drama gives the illusion of a decently-budgeted full-length drama and not a cheap mini drama. This might be due to Director Zhang Zhi Wei’s magic. She also directed “Fortune Writer”, one of my favorite mini web dramas.
I enjoyed the first half of “Dominion and Devotion” more than the second half. The early political plot of the selection of a new emperor, the development of the leads’ relationship and the rise and growth of the emperor are all well-paced and told. I enjoy the early chemistry between the leads, that bubbling attraction and romance developing behind all the political maneuvers.
Unfortunately, once the leads got together, the chemistry was somewhat gone. They gave us a few good kisses, but the plot in the second half becomes very political. There’s so much going on that it feels rather rushed. From the political schemes, to the demise of the villain and the secret of the birth stories, there’s just too many different plotlines that need to be covered in such a short period of time.
Despite a rushed second half, “Dominion and Devotion" is one of the better historical mini dramas. If you don’t have the time to watch a full-length 40-episode drama of a similar plot, this is a good thirst quencher. It has decent (but not amazing) acting, interesting plot and good production value. Even though I was not surprised about any of the stories as I’ve seen them in other dramas, it was still an enjoyable watch.
Completed: 6/14/2025 - Review #590
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