K-Drama 
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6
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7
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8
Well-produced and well-acted Family drama that could use more than 47 episodes
There are already many well-written reviews of “Against the Current”, so I am not going to repeat what the plot is and who is who. But I do want to share a few points that stuck out to me while watching this drama.
I initially thought this would be a story about Lan Xiang (FL)’s rise to power in the Lin Household (which is true) and her revenge story of actively reclaiming the innocence and name for her Shen family, with the assistance of Lin Jin Qi (ML). The latter point isn’t true. This is in no way a revenge drama. Instead, it has a central focus of women power. There are many dramas shedding light on the unfair treatment of women during those times, but what stood out in “Against the Current” is that almost every single female character has an arc/side story about their struggles. The drama spends quite a lot of time away from the story of Xu Lan Xian and Lin Jin Qi, but focuses on the daughters, daughters-in-law, female maids and other women. Their stories are definitely interesting in their own way, and I feel for them. Each of their stories could be a drama by itself and I would watch them all. However, because time was taken away from the leads, I felt that their story was impacted slightly and I am not getting the romance that I want. I know, I am a sucker for romance, so when it’s not done to my satisfaction, I notice and complain. Additionally, all the stories require a lot of time to tell and might have led to the many time skips in this drama. Central to all the women's stories, is our female lead Lan Xiang. She has a hand in all of them. It’s like she’s the mastermind (not intentionally) and one that everyone seeks out because she’s caring and intelligent. But is she too intelligent? Isn’t it better to have some setbacks? Aside from the first few episodes, she didn’t seem to have such a hard life growing up. I think it would make for a more interesting character if she moves two steps forward, and then one or half a step backwards. She’s a little too perfect here.
I know this is not a romance-centered drama going in and that’s OK. I know this is going to be a slow burn and that’s OK. But even after resetting my expectations, I am still disappointed. The romance feels very one-sided to me. I like how Lin Jin Qi slowly falls for Xu Lan Xiang. I like seeing how his view of her changes throughout the drama from indifference, to noticing and recognizing her talents, to admiration and love. I was surprised at how arrogant he was with the marriage proposal, but it creates a great story for the end when they speak about their different paths and beliefs. But I don’t think the drama shows us that Xu Lan Xiang is in love with Jin Qi. She definitely cares for him, loves him as a family, and even admires his decision in the end regarding his career choice. But she’s never in love with him. Is that really what the writer/director wants to convey? Is it the writing that’s not living up to what it wants to portray? I was baffled at the sudden change in their marriage after the time skip. All of a sudden he came home and you consummate your marriage? What happened? Did I miss a few episodes? I enjoy the initial attraction from Lin Jin Qi, and especially their openness in talking about their different beliefs and paths, and sharing of secrets. But somewhere in the middle, an important component is lost.
This is a well-produced period drama. It’s serious without additional and useless comedic moments just to brighten the seriousness. It has excellent acting across the board, ever-changing and beautiful costumes and hairstyles for the cast. Actors using their own voice and may even have some live recording (or very good studio recording). Everything feels grand and right. It’s one of the rare recent Chinese dramas that I felt didn't have much to complain about the production. Even the few action scenes are done well and hardcore. I love all the songs. I am not always a fan of Seven Tan’s singing, but when her song comes up, I totally get all the feels (though it was played too often). Almost forgot, I don’t think we need a heroic entrance music in this drama, but we have that not only for ML, but also his two bodyguards. Doh!
“Against the Current” tells the tale of Xu Lan Xiang and those around her for over 20 years. This is a long time to tell a story this long and 47 episodes didn’t seem enough. This is the first drama I watched that’s over 40 episodes after China revokes the censorship. Maybe the writer forgot how to write a longer drama, or they are worried that the audience needs time to re-adjust to watching a 70-ep “Story of Min Lan” or “Rise of the Phoenix”. But the amount of time skips is a constant complaint that most reviewers and viewers have voiced. By the last third of the drama, we either skip a month or two, or 6 months to a year, here and there. But what I want to point out also is the intelligent way the drama does these skips. Not only does it show on the screen the words of the time, but you can tell from the changing seasons, changing costumes, walking from one frame to another, and by what the characters are doing. Did you notice the little girl selling flowers who shows up ever so often? Did you see her growing up before our eyes from being a little girl, a teenager, an adult, a pregnant woman, selling with her baby and then her boy, and then an older woman with a son and daughter? What a smart way of showing us the change of times. Throughout the drama, I keep on looking out for her. In the drama, the young ones all grow up with older actors playing these characters. Yet, the adults are the same actors no matter how old they become. It’s somewhat weird to see the 5-year old is 15 and then married with kids and played by different actors, and then their parents and grandparents look just about the same with a few more gray hairs only.
If you watch enough period Chinese family dramas, you notice a pattern of evil parents, concubine fighting, cousin fighting and all trying to gain whatever fortune they want. The amount of in-fighting within the family is amazing. I just finished watching “Spring of the Blade” so to watch a totally different “Against the Current” is a breath of fresh air. I love seeing the two Madam Lins supporting each other. All the cousins are lovely and truly care and support each other. Big brother Lin Jin Qi steps up each and every time when his sister or cousins are in need. No cousin is jealous of each other, even the in-laws, except for one. We have two great mothers in Madam Lins, although their way of mothering is very different. The fathers might be useless, but they don’t cause much trouble. It’s lovely to see a family drama, where all family members do love each other.
Well, this review is getting long. If you like a serious, well-produced Chinese historical family drama, “Against the Current” is a great choice. It has excellent acting all around and interesting stories to keep you engaged throughout those 47 episodes. But the drama is not without flaws. If you are looking for romance, you will be disappointed. This is not a drama you casually watch as you might miss details that show up on the screen rather quickly.
Drama Completed: 10/11/2026 Review #729
I initially thought this would be a story about Lan Xiang (FL)’s rise to power in the Lin Household (which is true) and her revenge story of actively reclaiming the innocence and name for her Shen family, with the assistance of Lin Jin Qi (ML). The latter point isn’t true. This is in no way a revenge drama. Instead, it has a central focus of women power. There are many dramas shedding light on the unfair treatment of women during those times, but what stood out in “Against the Current” is that almost every single female character has an arc/side story about their struggles. The drama spends quite a lot of time away from the story of Xu Lan Xian and Lin Jin Qi, but focuses on the daughters, daughters-in-law, female maids and other women. Their stories are definitely interesting in their own way, and I feel for them. Each of their stories could be a drama by itself and I would watch them all. However, because time was taken away from the leads, I felt that their story was impacted slightly and I am not getting the romance that I want. I know, I am a sucker for romance, so when it’s not done to my satisfaction, I notice and complain. Additionally, all the stories require a lot of time to tell and might have led to the many time skips in this drama. Central to all the women's stories, is our female lead Lan Xiang. She has a hand in all of them. It’s like she’s the mastermind (not intentionally) and one that everyone seeks out because she’s caring and intelligent. But is she too intelligent? Isn’t it better to have some setbacks? Aside from the first few episodes, she didn’t seem to have such a hard life growing up. I think it would make for a more interesting character if she moves two steps forward, and then one or half a step backwards. She’s a little too perfect here.
I know this is not a romance-centered drama going in and that’s OK. I know this is going to be a slow burn and that’s OK. But even after resetting my expectations, I am still disappointed. The romance feels very one-sided to me. I like how Lin Jin Qi slowly falls for Xu Lan Xiang. I like seeing how his view of her changes throughout the drama from indifference, to noticing and recognizing her talents, to admiration and love. I was surprised at how arrogant he was with the marriage proposal, but it creates a great story for the end when they speak about their different paths and beliefs. But I don’t think the drama shows us that Xu Lan Xiang is in love with Jin Qi. She definitely cares for him, loves him as a family, and even admires his decision in the end regarding his career choice. But she’s never in love with him. Is that really what the writer/director wants to convey? Is it the writing that’s not living up to what it wants to portray? I was baffled at the sudden change in their marriage after the time skip. All of a sudden he came home and you consummate your marriage? What happened? Did I miss a few episodes? I enjoy the initial attraction from Lin Jin Qi, and especially their openness in talking about their different beliefs and paths, and sharing of secrets. But somewhere in the middle, an important component is lost.
This is a well-produced period drama. It’s serious without additional and useless comedic moments just to brighten the seriousness. It has excellent acting across the board, ever-changing and beautiful costumes and hairstyles for the cast. Actors using their own voice and may even have some live recording (or very good studio recording). Everything feels grand and right. It’s one of the rare recent Chinese dramas that I felt didn't have much to complain about the production. Even the few action scenes are done well and hardcore. I love all the songs. I am not always a fan of Seven Tan’s singing, but when her song comes up, I totally get all the feels (though it was played too often). Almost forgot, I don’t think we need a heroic entrance music in this drama, but we have that not only for ML, but also his two bodyguards. Doh!
“Against the Current” tells the tale of Xu Lan Xiang and those around her for over 20 years. This is a long time to tell a story this long and 47 episodes didn’t seem enough. This is the first drama I watched that’s over 40 episodes after China revokes the censorship. Maybe the writer forgot how to write a longer drama, or they are worried that the audience needs time to re-adjust to watching a 70-ep “Story of Min Lan” or “Rise of the Phoenix”. But the amount of time skips is a constant complaint that most reviewers and viewers have voiced. By the last third of the drama, we either skip a month or two, or 6 months to a year, here and there. But what I want to point out also is the intelligent way the drama does these skips. Not only does it show on the screen the words of the time, but you can tell from the changing seasons, changing costumes, walking from one frame to another, and by what the characters are doing. Did you notice the little girl selling flowers who shows up ever so often? Did you see her growing up before our eyes from being a little girl, a teenager, an adult, a pregnant woman, selling with her baby and then her boy, and then an older woman with a son and daughter? What a smart way of showing us the change of times. Throughout the drama, I keep on looking out for her. In the drama, the young ones all grow up with older actors playing these characters. Yet, the adults are the same actors no matter how old they become. It’s somewhat weird to see the 5-year old is 15 and then married with kids and played by different actors, and then their parents and grandparents look just about the same with a few more gray hairs only.
If you watch enough period Chinese family dramas, you notice a pattern of evil parents, concubine fighting, cousin fighting and all trying to gain whatever fortune they want. The amount of in-fighting within the family is amazing. I just finished watching “Spring of the Blade” so to watch a totally different “Against the Current” is a breath of fresh air. I love seeing the two Madam Lins supporting each other. All the cousins are lovely and truly care and support each other. Big brother Lin Jin Qi steps up each and every time when his sister or cousins are in need. No cousin is jealous of each other, even the in-laws, except for one. We have two great mothers in Madam Lins, although their way of mothering is very different. The fathers might be useless, but they don’t cause much trouble. It’s lovely to see a family drama, where all family members do love each other.
Well, this review is getting long. If you like a serious, well-produced Chinese historical family drama, “Against the Current” is a great choice. It has excellent acting all around and interesting stories to keep you engaged throughout those 47 episodes. But the drama is not without flaws. If you are looking for romance, you will be disappointed. This is not a drama you casually watch as you might miss details that show up on the screen rather quickly.
Drama Completed: 10/11/2026 Review #729
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