This review may contain spoilers
Watch it raw if you're an adventurer!
I watched this drama for Chen Yuqi. I can't understand about 70% of it, but it's easy to get the point. The acting, OST, editing, CGI, directing and production are amazing. The suspense, mystery, action and romance don't overlap. The drama also adds both manga and cartoon style for cutscene. In short, the drama is divided into 3 parts:1. Ep 1-19 is the introduction to the characters and set the stage.
2. Ep 20-30 is the first villain arc
3. 3p 31-44 is the second villain arc
MoA3 is not a romance drama, but it is the reason I stick to the end. Some cnetz complained about the amount of romance is too much. I disagree. The romance softens the tension. If it's only about antiques and conspiracy, it will be monotonous bcs not everyone understands about Chinese history and treasures.
Characters/acting.
Main characters: Xu Yicheng, Hai Lanzhu, Fu Gui.
Second leads: Yao Lai, Liu Yiming, Huang Kewu.
Five Meridians: Grandmaster, Yao Shenxing, Huang Dingkun (second master), Thirteenth Aunt
Villains: Wang Yuheng, the Japanese
Fu Gui is a policeman and Yicheng's best friend. He is the big brother to Yicheng and Lan'er. He is hot headed like Yicheng. Values friendship and justice. A capable, reliable man and admired by his men.
Yao Lai is Yao Shenxing's son. The young master of Yao family. He has a drug problem but fighting to get sober. A bit bratty and rebellious. His father is really strict so they're not in harmonious term, but his father really cares for him.
Liu Yiming is raised by Thirteenth Aunt. He is an apprentice in Five Meridians. Extremely talented in paintings and calligraphy but lacks of confidence. Timid, smart and cool headed.
Huang Kewu, the fighter in the group. Reckless and sloppy, but brave and loyal. Son of Huang Dingkun. He, Yiming and Yao Lai are baseball players at their school.
The six of them are like family: Yicheng and Lan'er as the parents, the three musketeers are their sons, Fu Gui as the grandpa ? None of the six leads is toxic. The three kids call Yicheng as uncle Xu and Lan'er as aunt Hai.
All actors act so well and natural as if they are THE characters. Every character has their flaws. From all characters I really hate the villains and the Qing royal troupe (that includes Hai Lanzhu's father).
OST.
The OST and BGM are perfect fit for this drama. There are some English songs too. The couple has about 5 theme songs including the ending song. It's easier to search them by song names if you're curious.
Production.
The setting, antiques, lighting, clothes, special effects are expected from Republican drama. It's an amazing production blended with great acting. My problem is the dubbing for the Japanese ? Also except Chen Yuqi, the others use their own voices.
Overall.
This is a great drama, although depicted from the novel (as usual), but it has what a drama needs. Though I want the first villain arc to be longer. It was too short. And the ending, I'll pretend it didn't happen. Other that that, I have no other issues. Just wishing someone will sub this drama ?
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