An outstanding drama - A little bit of history told in the most entertaining fashion ...
An outstanding drama, has everything one can look for in a costume drama, the story is compellingly captivating, offering an insight into past bygone times, a little bit of history told in an entertaining fashion, driving the message home that likened to the Horrible Science/History Educational series, excellently done.Exceptional Acting throughout, from leading roles to supporting casts, from the laugh out loud bits, the silently shredding a tear moments to the screaming kicking and throwing ones fists in the air ... never mind the acting, feel the joys, sorrows and anger and immersed in the moment.
The visuals are impressive, stunning to the smallest detail, it is a drama that like a good bottle of wine, matures over time, and like a good bottle of wine, it is to be savoured ...
I have simply lost count how many times I have re-watched this drama, yet still found myself enjoying each re-watch immensely .. absolutely superb ..
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A story of girlhood, motherhood and love
I had tried starting this numerous times but I was finally able to brave through the first 3 episodes and was able to start enjoying the show. We follow the story of Ming Lan and her family in the unstable Northern Song Dynasty. The show does not try to shy away from the harsh realities of being a woman during this dynasty. We learn what women must do to survive, their hopes, dreams and nightmares. We see their commitment to their families and the constraint they feel. We see their desperation to escape the fate of their concubine mothers. We watch them fall in and out of love. We watch their destinies intertwined with politics and being used as pawns. We watch them long for stability in a patriarchal setting. Mothers and daughters are both desperate to keep themselves safe and ensure they can make it in a man's world. Even the female villains were well written and displayed as victims of the patriarchy rather than just evil women.SPOILER STARTS HERE
The only flaw I find with the show is the character decline of Ming Lan after she gives birth and the sharks start swimming in on her home. The marquis is in danger and her reasoning is flawed and is repeatedly pointed out by other characters. They all claim it is because she cares too much. I find that reasoning stupid considering she was able to confront her Grandmother's attempted killers and her mother's killer and exact revenge. She cared for both very much and it is shown to us how much she loved those two women who shaped her.
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Riveting story & sweet romance
I skipped over this drama due to the synopsis and the length of the drama and I’m kicking myself for that! It’s such a good drama!The story is very deep and interesting. There’s political intrigue, cute side couples, romance, comedy, and great fight scenes. It has a little of everything.
The first part of the drama fills us in on the main characters lives growing up and sets the stage for the rest of the drama. It sounds boring but it’s really very interesting. The second part of the drama brings the main leads together and highlights their romance. The third part of the drama is filled with political intrigue along with more romance and side couples.
I like that this drama has a male lead that is very dedicated to the female lead and always has her back no matter what. And his obsession with wanting the female lead to get jealous or possessive over him is adorable to watch.
Don’t let the length of this drama hold you back. It’s really good and is one of the rare dramas that I have rewatched
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This review may contain spoilers
Watch this because of Zanilia Zhao. Stand to watch till the end because really curious how Ming Lan (ML) and Gu Ting Ye (GTY) end up together. Summary write by Jordan can't be more spot on. As Jordan say: "ML suffers from neglect from her family that make ML acknowledges the reality of her situation and the world she lives in and chooses to be smart about it instead of letting it define her. While GTY experiences a lot of abuse from his family" especially from his cunning step mother that make him into "straightforward with his actions and never hides his true self" Both ML and GTY quite cunning in their own way to survive their life.
What make me really can't wait to the end is really how ML and GTY end up together, because half of the drama we really can't get the grip how they will end up together. I skip it few times just to find out when & how exactly they end up together, but still rewind again and patient enough to watch full episode... ^_^
If you search for love episode between GTY & ML just jump to half of the drama. Because first half just explain to us how ML got her personality and 'knowledge'. GTY himself not so much screen time. Mostly about ML and her family. But the second half... OMG really bring tense to another level. Second half give us how ML used her 'knowledge' that she get from the first half to handle GTY family and to handle GTY problem with the emperor family.
What really funny is how sometimes GTY is really childish when he can't handle how ML is really closed herself up from him. And when ML angry with him, he even can smile or laugh.
Really shock about the truth ending of GTY slander by emperor. But impress how brave and crazy GTY really is. Really love the ending how the entire family (ML & GTY) unite together.
Cast: For me the cast really fit their role. Really choose perfectly for their role :)
Loved episode:
> When GTY Explain to ML how he cunningly make ML have no choice but to married her. And ML reaction when she tell her grandma really spot on. If i was ML i will feel the same. She said: "Firstly she really happy, because never expected there will be someone try that hard to win her over. Second she so mad like she want to slap him. Finally she afraid how to handle the cunning GTY." ^_^
Re-watch: Love to re-watch it again. Not from the beginning but only from GTY and ML end up together >.^
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Sincerity plus efforts will bore fruits
At last, I've finished this drama that I planned to watch since a while ago when I saw how high the rating is. I hv to say I was not being let down by this long drama. The conflicts, the plot twists! I think i might need to rewatch this again with this new awareness of knowing the ending so I can watch it in new perspective. This drama was about: 1) patience the FL had to survive in her household while hiding her trueself, 2)the way ML never waver and keep fighting since he was a teenager against those who coveted his title and inheritance and 3) about the stories of different households during that era.ML, Gu Ting Ye, a clever man that's good at both literary and martial arts. He looks like a playful and unserious man but he was actually dangerous and hotheaded. He was definitely caring toward ppl that was dear to him like his nanny and his best friends. When it comes to love, he was all in and expected the same from FL but... It didn't happen that way coz it took some time for FL to open her heart bcs of her own issues. But he didn't give up even tho there were times where he was being sulky(?). Still, he can't stay mad at her for long ? He always prioritised her, protective of her and he understood the person she was which was a very thoughtful person that did something for him that moved his heart to fall for her. Although like he said to his best friend, FL was like a three years old when it comes to love.
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Too long
The drama would've been monumentally better if it was cut down to 40 episodes, 50 tops. When something was happening, it was interesting. The rest of the time, it was draggy and boring. There were too many scenes and conversations that should've been edited. Watching characters interact in a regular home environment was not interesting even if the drama was portraying a more realistic family life.It took ML and FL 40 episodes to get married. Before that, he was off somewhere serving in the military with the story rarely focusing on him. Instead, it was just her dealing with family drama and her childhood crush on a day-to-day basis. After the wedding, the sisters mostly disappeared from the plot making me wonder why the writers gave them so much screen time. It would've been more interesting if the drama was more narrowly focused on ML and FL growing up and falling in love, instead of less relevant side characters.
Another thing that was frustrating was the fact that none of the villains were properly punished. The evil stepmom burned the house down and died in the fire. The evil aunt got stabbed trying to kill FL. The fourth sister just continued on with her miserable life after scheming against FL. There was no actual punishment that they truly deserved after all the evil crap they pulled.
Overall, this was a one time watch for me. If I had to do it again, I would skip about half of it.
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I surived the 73 episodes!
This is one of the longest drama that I've watched. I survived 73 episodes of this!. Well, I've seen Ruyi's Royal Love in The Palace with 87 episodes, and Story of Yanxi with 70 episodes. So this is definitely not for those who can't sit through anything longer than 40 episodes ( or less), which is the current norm in c-drama land. What I like about these long dramas are the character development. These tend to have a gazillion of characters that seem unimportant or like a filler to extend the episodes. However, if the storytelling is right, like these three dramas, these miniscule characters have their role in the grander scheme of things. So you have to pay attention to these lowly characters.Storytelling is the key for these dramas. I have sat through dramas that are much shorter, but felt so much worse, because of bad storytelling and you can't feel the character development. The Story of Ming Lan was done quite well in terms of storytelling. We get to see the journey from when she was a little girl to the intelligent and well brought up lady she is at the end of the drama.
The reason I didn't give this a higher rating is because the middle part is draggy (unlike Yanxi which is consistently good throughout the drama). But it picks up in the last 15-20 episodes. The first part is really good and they cut the episodes really well, so you're curious to go watch the next one. The same goes for the last 20 episodes. You can't help but keep watching.
The cast and characters are majority good ones, a combination of older and younger actors, but they played their characters well. I thought Zhao Li Ying did really well in portraying Ming Lan. Her expression and acting are on point. I also love the chemistry between her and Feng Shao Feng. Zhu Yi Long, i thought did really well too.
If you like slice of life drama in a historical setting, you would enjoy this and won't mind the number of episodes of watching family bickering :)
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Story:
The core focus of the story is to showcase family dynamics fueled by blood purity, filial piety, and social class. Those born under a man’s main wife are considered legitimate, while those under a man’s concubine are illegitimate. Despite either status, one is expected to observe and conduct filial piety under any and all circumstance. One must not, and cannot afford to, offend their superiors in a higher social class than them. Revolving these three main fires, conflicts arise, and are mainly put out through dialogue.
For the most part, the presentation of the plot was told ever so matter-of-factly. There was rarely any over-exaggeration of arguments, discipline, or punishment. It was almost as if the drama shrugged, and said, “This is how things were back during the Song Dynasty.” If there was a dramatic scene, it would be shown comedically (you would know by the accompanying instrumental), almost in a satirical way, inviting the viewers to, yes, laugh at the characters.
The story could feel repetitive. The two main leads, Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye, are extremely intelligent, meticulous, and calculative. Once they devise and implement a plan, everything goes their way, pawns moving and barking according to how they predicted. When others scheme against them, the leads are able to safely weave themselves out of their enemies’ web by using their wit. Despite the predictable end to all problems, it is interesting to see how the leads set up traps and watch their prey fall in. The drama also does a fantastic job at delivering comedic relief during appropriate times to break up the monotony.
Characters:
One of the drama’s charms is its undoubtedly large cast. Though it may be difficult to recognize and remember everyone, the writing and its conveyance of each supporting character make it easier. Each character has layers of depth, a personality that makes them memorable and human. Everyone, from mere servants to the emperor, has a role in contributing to the plot. The characters are a product of their birth status and social class. Their actions are driven by their desires to seek wealth and a higher class, or to preserve their reputation and lives. If you cast modern thoughts aside and step into these characters’ shoes, it is a joy to watch, especially as some risk it all to achieve their goals.
The main leads are more modern, suiting better with most viewers. They seek justice and happiness, preferring not to be entangled with their families’ struggles, but they soon find out they have no choice but to step up. They may not want conflict, but trouble finds them.
Ming Lan understands how the gears turn in the society she lives in; therefore, she does not overstep the boundaries that have been set around her. Always proceeding with caution and pretending to be a typical young lady from a scholarly family, it is a wild turn when she reveals her true nature to those closest to her in order to uphold justice.
Gu Ting Ye is the eyesore of his maternal and paternal families who covet wealth and a noble title. Blood is not always thicker than water, and GTY gets this rude awakening early on in the drama. Surrounded by people who put on a facade, all he wants is someone who loves and treats him sincerely. It is a heartwarming sight to see how he repays that genuineness.
ML+GTY:
More often than not, I watch female leads start off smart and strong, but when their other half enters the picture, it is as if the female forgets how to think or fight.
Romance is not the drama’s focal point. It is mostly subtle, but when it is explicit, the scenes are both cute and endearing. Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye are undoubtedly a power couple, probably the best pairing I have ever seen. They communicate, airing out their feelings and thoughts, and support each other in their respective endeavors.
What I like about them the most is the fact they complement each other, never outshining or overshadowing the other. They are equals, fully understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, ML encounters countless of issues, but she solves them all without the help of GTY who trusts in her ability to overcome them. In exchange, ML trusts GTY to save and protect her from danger because she does not know martial arts. The drama is called “The Story of Ming Lan”, so I appreciate how the titular character’s strengths are not diminished due to her partner. Instead, he lets her spread her wings and soar like the phoenix that she is. Ming Lan is given the respect and the spotlight she deserves.
Conclusion:
Overall, I would not say this is a must-watch drama, but I would say to give it a fair chance despite the perhaps overwhelming reasons not to do so. Given the ensemble cast, do expect ZLY and FSF to disappear from time to time. The collective effort of all cast members make this project what it is, a well-rounded and enjoyable drama. It is truly unlike any other.
I like to say, “Long dramas often take you on wonderful journeys.” Do keep that in mind.
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This review may contain spoilers
Clever plot
This is a story of 6th daughter of 5th ranking official. She was concubine born and what all injustice all kids not born from main mother go through. Very much a female eccentric movie. All the characters were nicely portrait and amazing star cast. Whole drama is not happy one, its full of wicked plots, twist and turns, but the ending is the happy one, considering this is period drama. After feeling little tortured it feel at the end it has to be happy otherwise it will be not productive.I felt dialogues were too many and long conversations, sometimes it will get too much. One thing that struck me with this drama was if a male is well to do and is an official in the court of the king than it's natural to have harem.
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Long episodes, but definitely worth the time
First of all, I have to admit guys, that maybe at some points I have a bias toward Zhao Li Ying. Hahahahahaha! ;pBut for this c-drama I even get to like Feng Shao Feng as well when he was in here --> coz not in his other works. sorryyyyyy \(>.<)/
ZLY have a unique aura (?) and subtle facial expressions that almost could explain a lot (if you try to watch this drama for the 3rd time). You got more and more points from every subtle gestures in every part of the roles (main or support as well). The more you watch, the more you understand this story of a very unique lady to survive in the era.
Sooooo, here it goes!
I almost directly fallen in love with this drama at the 1st time watched. It's either you love it, or hate it, no middle ground here! Trust me! *spoiler* You need to be very patient to understand the plot, but mostly it's not that hard to digest. Don't worry guys! Childhood --> Teenage --> Adult part of Ming Lan will be told here, so be ready to take some notes! haha ^^
The story itself is interesting, to be honest i spent 4days nonstop to watch this, I was hooked. Serious? Nooooooo... not really, if you listen (in this case read the subtitle) carefully, you'll find many funny moments too. A bit long? Yesssss... to get at some points concluded and told, there were no part that can be taken from the story, the editing is quite understandable.
The acting, the actors, the setting, the props, are perfect. But I guess, I just wishing for cdramas to be more real when it comes to special effect of injuries and wounds, they tend to just make it too pretty as you know injuries are not pretty. It's okay to let them be a little messy at some parts, like I got from Ming Lan, When the character sleeps, most of the time they don't even look like they really sleeping (as for the head accessories still intact and the hair is not even a little bit messy). Thank God I don't see it in here, looks natural. Even the interactions between characters are quite natural and understandable, nothing too much. I enjoyed MingLan and Gu Ting Ye's banter so much!!! (>o<) They are so adorable. (Knowing they also dated in real life helps too, although it wasn't last long)
hmmmmmm
What else???
Nothing more to say babes, MingLan is just a story of a woman surviving in the era where women have a difficult social positioning about marriage, before or after the marriage happens. So understand it will be a challenge, be patient and enjoy the show!!
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This review may contain spoilers
When I watched the trailer, I was not interested to watch the drama. The trailer was not able to convey the good qualities of the drama. However, I am glad that I gave it a chance to watch it. This drama is intricately beautiful. It was based on the novel with the same title. The drama focused on the life story of Ming lan, who was born in the Chinese imperial era. She was born from a concubine who was not favored by her father. Her father already had a legal wife and concubine Lin by his side. He was the type of person who loved high and good reputation and liked to avoid trouble. Without her father protection, Ming Lan and her mother had to suffer being abused by concubine Lin. Ming Lan grew up to become a person who was able to discern a person's behavior and motive behind them. She used that ability to act accordingly and protect herself. I really like Ming Lan. She is a very interesting main character and a great role model too. She is not your typical naivete and the weak lady who need to be protected, although she pretended to be one. She is actually an assertive, brave and can be ruthless and cunning if she needed to be.
The drama had a very strong nuance about the culture of China in the past. Which is very interesting too. A lot of the lines dialogues had hidden meaning and it was very interesting to see each person masked their emotion, going on a circle to confess one's intention. Sometimes it helps to rewatch the drama and pay attention to the lines which were spoken.
The love story is also bittersweet. The chemistry between the main leads is amazing (maybe because they are husband wife in real life too?). I love how their relationship was slowly being built in the drama, and how their characters who were the exact opposite were able to complement each other. Together they were unbeatable.
My problems with the drama were the fact that there were too many characters being introduced and the fact that Molan was being accepted back into the family. Those characters had a certain role which was important for the plot. Like the Wang family of Ming Lan's stepmother. They are too many to the point makes it hard for you to remember them.
Regarding Molan, she did not deserve to be forgiven. She looked very docile at the end which was pretty fast for her to turn around after so many years being abusive? She did suffer and reap what she sowed. But her transition being back into the family felt weird.
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