Strategy Game Done Nicely
I had low expectation before, since its a B level (low budget) drama, made 5 years ago, non romance and republican era genre..But after watching 6 eps, the plot is surprisingly very very good.... Its very different from usual republican era dramas which have lots of (political) talks.
Here, very little talk!
It has many actions, fast paced, thrilling, everyone is smart, lots of strategies and schemes .... which i have to use 0.75x speed watching it to understand, with lots of rewinds, haha..
All the cast are experienced actors and actresses, so everyone acting is online and realistic...
So if you like smart plot, smart ML FL, smart antagonists, chess and strategy game, spy and espionage theme, give it a try.
Its a breath of fresh air after so many fantasy and romance dramas, we are all need a little brain gym, dont u think so? Hehe
Dont bother with the era, kmt, or whatever the parties, just enjoy the brain burning plot and spy war actions ;)
Deep Lurk is also surprisingly top 1-3 on tv drama category across networks when it was airing on cctv8 and cctv1, even with 0 promotion and marketing, isnt it a real prove that its worth watching? :)
Updated after ending :
Well, up to ep 30 its still amazing, after that, the editing is a little choppy since it was cut from 50 to 38eps.
But it successfully able to maintain the suspense and mislead audience in guessing game "who is the mole" from the beginning to the end. It makes audience think of wild theories since everyone can be the real mole.
Try to watch 3-6 eps to see if you like it and since the beginning is a little confusing because of characters' introduction, dont forget to read Cahane's note on discussion for foundation understanding.
Enjoy the ride :)
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1To see all without being seen.
Deep Lurk 深潜 is an intriguing and immersive Republican era spy thriller; one of the few that pulled me in from start to finish. It is set in 1939, at the prelude to the first Battle of Changsha. Changsha was a strategic city that the Japanese tried and failed to take four times from 1939-1944. As a result, they were never able to consolidate their territories in Southern China. At the time, the Republic of China's Nationalist Army had seriously considered abandoning the city but Xue Yue, the commander in charge of Changsha's defense refused to budge. As a result of terrain, Changsha could only be flanked from the east or the west, making it a difficult city to both attack and defend. In this kind of set up, intelligence and counter-intelligence can make a win-or-lose situation difference for both sides.After a botched assassination attempt on Xue Yue, a traitor escapes to Shanghai with strategic Changsha defense intelligence. Multiple parties converge upon him in Shanghai to intercept the intelligence. The players include both the Changsha and Shanghai station of the KMT Military Intelligence (NBIS), the Wang Puppet Regime, the Japanese Military and hidden CPC operatives. Yun Hongshen, the idealistic young second master of the illustrious Yun family is sent by his father Yun Muzhi to observe. Predictably, this sharp but impetuous young man raring to make a difference does more than that and his path tangles with that off brave young NBIS agent Wen Yeming tasked to hunt down the traitor. An auction for stolen intelligence relating to the Japanese army's plan of attack for Changsha results in a deadly scramble to obtain or retrieve the intelligence. This coincides with the re-emergence of Kunwu, a long dormant Japanese spy and Muzhi's nemesis. Hongshen is lured back to Changsha, where he must crack the code to the intelligence and smoke out Kunwu in order to save his city from the encircling Japanese army. He reunites with Yeming at NBIS where they pit their wits against this master spy who seems to be able to see all without being seen.
The first three episodes are fast paced, exciting and littered with clues and character introductions and needs to be watched (and re-watched) carefully. But the setup and the storytelling is so intriguing I was compelled to re-watch; to make sure I didn't miss anything. It's been a long time since a drama pulled me in so deeply that I was literally unable to watch anything else at the same time. Even though there are some logic holes, the overall plot is tight and riveting. All the important characters are introduced early on and they are multi-faceted and grey with different loyalties and motives that reflect the clash of culture and ideology and the rival factions within the KMT during that pivotal era of change. The narrative brilliantly builds a credible case around several key characters with motive, means and opportunity to be Kunwu and maintains the suspense into the final episodes.
This drama has an all-round stellar cast anchored which by veteran actors including Wang Jingsong and Liu Huan and brilliant character acting by Hou Mengyao's disingenuous Milan, Han Chengyu's ruthless and competitive Ling Han and Zhang Tianyang's well-meaning Yun Hongqi. I really enjoyed watching Hongshen meticulously narrow down the suspect list and try to out-scheme the hidden master spy who eluded his father for years. The young Cheng Yi brilliantly captures how this character's intelligence and survival instinct makes up for his lack of experience and the shattering consequential mistakes he makes along the way. It is a shame that this drama has not enjoyed wider viewership. For this genre however, I don't need romance and I didn't enjoy Ying'er's acting or the couple's chemistry. I was far more invested in the Yun family's close bond and amused by how Hongqi and Hongshen are so different and resourceful in their own unique ways. Zhang Tianyang is a subtly hilarious actor and his brotherly scenes with Cheng Yi are among the drama's best moments for me.
Despite many cut scenes, the pacing, suspense and excitement holds up into a strong finale that delivers a good ending twist that deftly avoids one reversal too many. My only disappointment is that I had hoped for a more complex villain origin story. I won't say more to avoid spoiling the reveal. This is by far the best Republican spy drama I have watched since The Rebel (2021). I am happy to rate it the same at 8.5/10.0 despite its lower budget. It is a good watch if you are in the mood for some mental gymnastics but it can also be enjoyed simply as a fast paced spy thriller.
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Cheng Yi's acting is worth it. It made even Republican drama shine...
Usually I'm not a big fan of Republican drama, I'm more into Wuxia and Xianxia, costume dramas and sometimes modern.But Cheng Yi's acting is really worth it, because for a long time one of my favourite Cheng Yi's characters was his character from "Lost Tomb 2" Zhang Bu Xun.
Very touching and heartbreaking role.
"Deep Lurk" is a good rare example how low budget drama which was filmed 5 years ago can be so amazing.
Of course, Cheng Yi's acting and acting of other actors is one the main reasons for this.
Many people were desperate to see something new from Cheng Yi and I feel noone is disappointed. At least I'm not.
Drama is thrilling, fast paced, with lots of action. All the characters are highly intelligent and strong which makes it more interesting...
Heroism, Patriotism, Love, Family, War, Betrayal, good and bad, compassion, sacrifice for high cause...
This drama has everything to keep us excited, thrilled and satisfied.
This is a proof that even lower budget dramas can shine if actors and team are talented.
Watching it for Cheng Yi, but all the actors delivered amazing performance so far.
Script has lots of surprises, making all the My dramalist guess "Who is actually Kunwu?".
I can't wait for the new episodes to find out the secrets they will reveal to us.
Amazing drama...
Give it a try. You won't regret,
especially if you're fond of Cheng Yi acting.
#ChengYi ♡ #iQIYI ♡
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This spy thriller keeps you guessing, and second guessing!
I do watch chinese republican drama for the espionage, action, and suspense. Normally would watch, then forget the plot and title after. However, Deep Lurk may be most memorable for me!What I like:
For me, it's a lot to like. The ending song is beautiful. The drama is focused, no fillers. Unstopped by the 12 episodes cut, there is romance. though not much, those moments still speak loud enough.
The plot twist! The way the tables keep getting turned. Consistent suspense from beginning to end.
Every character, and their actions make sense. Hong Shen's own mental struggle, while try to focus on the mission. Hong qi (brother)'s nature being open book. Wen Yeming (FL), with her upbringing, it made her an iceberg that takes a lot to melt. Nurse Milan being the perfect angel, or too perfect. We also get to know NBIS more than just being infamous.
Especially like the interactions! Hongqi and Hongshen's brotherly relationship is wholesome, a nice break from mystery solving. Even at NBIS, there is some humor besides tension.
Extra credit for the lady characters portrayal here! There's good amount of action scenes from lady agents. This drama is inclusive, paying tribute to unsung heroines/heroes. Example being that scene where HongShen asked for a lady agent's name, and then she said "thank you for remembering my name".
If I have to critique:
Okay i ranted about likes. One thing about this genre, communist party wins. That wont be a twist. Just question of will the ending be tragedy or not. I wish it had Cheng Yi's own dubbing instead of voice actor.
Is it the best republican drama? I will say, it's most rewatchable republican drama to me!
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a clear and uncomplicated story
Despite being a story that has been kept for 5 years, it has surprised us, the cast and plot are amazing. Although it is a bit complex in the first 3 episodes, it then flows very easily to understand. The scenery is as close to reality as possible, which makes us adapt more to the time of the era. Even if you are not a big fan of this type of drama, once you start you won't be able to put it down. The mysteries, intrigues and clues make you unconsciously get involved. We can have a potentially successful drama for sure.Was this review helpful to you?
An excellent spy drama worthy of one's time and brain cells
"Deep Lurk" (深潜) is a Republican era spy drama set in 1939, before the Battle of Changsha, where the Japanese were trying to capture the city. It tells how the different Chinese factions worked hard, each with their own ways and means, to overthrow the Japanese’ plans and dismantle their spy network.I found this to be an engaging and intriguing Republican era espionage drama. I like the brilliant plot, the mystery and the excitement. It kept me thinking and guessing who the real mastermind is, but at the same, there were moments that I was just willing to sit back, relax, and let the story take its course. There is also a balance of conversations and action scenes, so I didn’t get bored by all talk and little action. Although the plot is complex, I like that it is consistent and did not digress into other story lines that usually make one feel overwhelmed. So, throughout the drama, I knew that the story is about espionage, and the Chinese intelligence and counterintelligence efforts focused on thwarting the Japanese’s quest to occupy Changsha. Sure, it touches on family relationships and there is some romance, but they complement the main plot 👍.
All the main and supporting cast portrayed their characters really well. There are many characters so I will only talk about a few. I like Cheng Yi’s portrayal of Yun Hong Shen, how he developed from someone who’s impulsive, somewhat immature but brimming with idealism, into a more mature and tempered Yun Hong Shen, still idealistic but having a deeper understanding of the bigger picture and what’s going on behind the scenes. He is good in the emotional scenes too (and there are quite some of them). Ying Er’s Wen Ye Ming is idealistic, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and is a capable female agent of the KMT’s juntong (军统) or NBIS (National Bureau of Investigation and Statistics). She is good in acting out Wen Ye Ming’s cold and serious exterior, who also has a soft spot for children and the weak. I love the chemistry between Yun Hong Shen and Wen Ye Ming. Their romance is secondary in the story but I like that they put it in 🙂. I think it adds spice to the drama 🌶️. Too bad some of their scenes were removed from the final cut.
I’ve seen Zhang Tian Yang in other dramas playing supporting characters, some more memorable than others. His performance here as Yun Hong Qi is one of the more memorable ones. He is Yun Hong Shen’s protective older brother, and their relationship dynamics are endearing and fun to watch. Plus, he has funny scenes here. Han Cheng Yu also gave justice to Ling Han’s character. I’ve seen him in other dramas where his characters are starkly different from his role here. Ling Han is cold, calculating and hard to break through. He’s a lone wolf and has his own secrets. Han Cheng Yu’s looks and bearing are well suited for Ling Han. The other supporting actors such as Liu Huan (Ke Jing Ping) and veterans Wang Jin Song (Yun Mu Zhi) and He Zhong Hua (Yang Zi Ming) also showed off their acting chops.
As for the editing and ending, I read that 12 episodes were cut from this drama, so there were some scenes in the ending credits that I was waiting for but were not shown. Those cut scenes were obvious, making the ending feel rushed and missing some details. But they still wrap up the story and did not leave the main plot hanging.
Final Verdict ⭐: I would gladly recommend this drama, especially if you like espionage stories! And to maximize your enjoyment, it’s best to watch this without reading spoilers.
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Fear and Paranoia, Moral Ambiguity, Identity and Ideology, Survival and Sacrifice - Nostalgia!
"Deep Lurk" serves as an intriguing exploration of a critical chapter in Chinese history, intertwining themes of loyalty, moral ambiguity, and the pervasive atmosphere of distrust that characterized the Chinese Civil War. A more nuanced critique of the drama reveals several layers of complexity that merit consideration:
Balancing Act of Historical Representation
The drama's strength lies in its ability to weave personal stories with grand historical narratives. By focusing on character arcs amidst significant events, "Deep Lurk" illustrates how the political turmoil affected individual lives. However, there is a fine line between dramatization and distortion; the portrayal of historical figures and events should stimulate audiences' understanding while retaining a fidelity to historical facts. When historical accounts are manipulated for dramatic tension, it risks oversimplifying intricate situations and potentially misinforming viewers.
Character Depth and Development
The characters in "Deep Lurk," all well chosen (FL too wooden) embody the struggles and ideologies that were prominent during the Civil War. The depth and complexity of their motivations in part reflected the harsh realities of the time. Not sure if I connected with all the characters as one should. A well-rounded portrayal allows viewers to connect with the characters' dilemmas, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for the consequences of their actions. If characters resort to clichés or lack credible development, this undermines the show's capacity to reflect the historical environment authentically.
Representation of Ideological Divides
“Deep Lurk”hints at the stark ideological divide between Nationalists and Communists. Not knowing the historical facts, viewers today should have a critically, portrayal of these factions presented in a balanced perspective rather than falling into black-and-white portrayals. It is crucial for viewers to grasp the motivations and struggles of both sides, as this adds a layer of realism and complexity to the narrative. Such representation can encourage discussions about the nuances of loyalty and betrayal, transcending mere entertainment to evoke thoughtful engagement with history. Having said that, I was gripped and was on Wikipedia checking the history…
Cultural and Social Context
"Deep Lurk" must also be scrutinized for its reflection of societal norms and daily life during the Civil War. How the drama encapsulates the interplay between public sentiment and personal choices can serve as a microcosm of historical realities. Showcasing the diversity of experiences, from the bravado of espionage to the quiet desperation of civilians - enhances the portrayal of wartime China. In this aspect I believe the drama fails to capture this spectrum adequately, which gave audiences a skewed understanding of historical events.
While primarily a work of fiction, "Deep Lurk" potentially reflected contemporary issues within Chinese society, such as national identity, the legacy of past conflicts, and the ongoing exploration of loyalty in an era marked by rapid change. These reflections has the ability to provoke conversations that challenge audiences to think critically about the lessons of history and how they inform the present.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, "Deep Lurk" is a multifaceted examination of a pivotal historical period in China. To garner both critical acclaim and audience engagement, the drama must carefully balance compelling storytelling with a responsible portrayal of history. By doing so, it can serve not only as an entertaining piece of art but also as an educational resource that invites audiences to ponder the complexities and consequences of the past. As viewers immerse themselves in the world of "Deep Lurk," they should walk away with not just a newfound appreciation for the drama itself, but also a deeper understanding of the historical realities it seeks to represent.
Ultimately, I believe that this drama "Deep Lurk" is a success, filmed in 2019 pre Pandemic, low budget (based on my research) editing, continuity poor in places - still evoked the emotional resonance. The sheer brutality of war, coupled with personal loss, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas, spoke to the audience on a personal level. These emotional elements to me were portrayed authentically, they elevated the narrative, ensuring that the historical context was not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing element of the story.
Loved the costumes, houses, furniture, street scenes and especially the old telephones ( which I remember) this all gives away my age!
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A Refreshing Mind Game Drama
The plot is very strong letting us to guess who is actually the mastermind till the end of series. Even after the mastermind is fixed as 'that person', they still make us doubt if it's really them. At the end it left us with the feeling of we should hate that person but he also has his own choice. It's grey. And I love that it makes me focus on the conversation or else I will miss some details.The male lead character writing is very good. He has a strong mentality and smart thinking. Sharp in deduction and has a broad thinking with many back up plans. He is the best written character for actor Cheng Yi after Li Lianhua. His acting and action scene also very good.
The other characters are quite nice written especially the women characters. All of them are independent and strong in their own way. They are not the typically written weak, naive or need to be protected NO. They are AMAZING, COOL AND STRONG.
The OST is so good. I have been playing it on repeat. They only has 1 official song I guess but it's so good especially on bridge part. The melancholy feel in the song really fits the situation.
The camera shot surprisingly is good. There are some shots that were taken in one shot like a MV. It is cool. Also, the camera focus on one character is nice to look at. Some scenes also can be classic; the scene in archive room, the scene of Hongshen came down from stairs and the random shots of environment.
It's worth a rewatch 🫡.
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Cheng Yi never disappoints with his dramas.
*DEEP LURK REVIEW**Starring Cheng Yi and Ying Er (available on IQIYI)*
Deep Lurk is already halfway through its broadcast so here is a brief review of my first impressions.
I'll start with the plot, this is a spy war drama, the main protagonist is Yun Hongshen, he is a young man with a strong sense of patriotism who fights to expose the enemies hiding in the shadows and trying to invade Changshan, while at the same time, he seeks the truth about his father's murder.
The plot is very good, I loved it from the first episode and as it progresses it gets more and more exciting, the pace is fast since there is always something happening, so you must watch it and pay close attention without missing any detail because if you do you can miss something very important and relevant to the plot, it has a lot of mystery, action and is full of suspense, which keeps me constantly on the lookout, especially wanting to know and guess what will happen, also making a million theories and being able to discover who the enemies of the shadows are and above all who Kunwu is, an enigmatic hidden character that has me intrigued to discover his identity, this is so entertaining because without realizing it I found myself being part of the plot by being in the same position as the protagonist, using logic and making a lot of guesses to discover who that mysterious character is.
As for the characters, they are all very good and enigmatic. At first you don't really know who to trust, but as the story goes deeper you begin to figure out the role each one plays, even though you still suspect the true original intentions that are really behind each one, which keeps me constantly on alert, even more so when you know that Kunwu is hidden among them.
As for the performances, they are all excellent, although as a Cheng Yi fan, my eyes and attention are 100% focused on him. I must say that I love how he plays Yun Hongshen. He is a young man full of courage, witty, cunning and very perceptive, who tries to be one step ahead of his enemies and who always dresses elegantly (I mention this because the period outfits suit him so well, he looks extremely handsome in them). His acting has never disappointed me, even though the drama was filmed in 2019, therefore, there are 5 years less acting experience (if we compare the current Cheng Yi with the Cheng Yi from 5 years ago, his growth is remarkable) even so in that time when the drama was filmed, his acting is brilliant because of how he shows us the complexity of his character and his emotions through changes in expressions, micro expressions and deep eyes, I have always admired Cheng Yi's ability that even being totally still without doing much, just by looking at his eyes you see that he continues acting and transmitting the internal emotions of his character.
Back to the plot and to sum up, Deep Lurk has far exceeded my expectations, I am enjoying the drama so much, it was worth waiting 5 years for it, with a captivating pace, good characters, scenery, soundtrack and performances, I loved it, and although I still have the second part of the story left, I have faith that the plot will continue to surprise me, if you haven't started it yet I highly recommend it.
The review will be expanded with more details when the drama is over. If you got this far, thank you very much for your attention.
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This is my first time watching a Republican Era Drama
i like this drama and the plot was good but theres some part that missed and im not contented but I'm happy that somehow they released at least one of Cheng Yi's drama this year. First I thought they not have a cp in this drama because they focused on the case of they're father dead, but they really have a chemistry. This is my first time watching a Chinese Republican Drama since My favorite Genre in Chinese Drama was Martial Arts, Fantasy and have a Mystery like his drama Mysterious Lotus Casebook. But I'm so happy that they finally released it.Was this review helpful to you?
A Compelling Drama
This is a drama that I really enjoyed watching from start to end. While it may be obvious that several episodes were cut, the pacing didn't really suffer as badly as one would expect in said situation. A lot of things definitely happened in a span of 38 episodes, and I really wanted a more fleshed out ending, but I believe that it was a good enough since there was still a resolution regarding the main villain of the story. Plot-wise, it's surprisingly engaging. The mystery was handled well enough, and some reveals were made at the right time. You never notice that you're already nearing the end of the episode, and I believe that this drama is something one would want to re-watch to catch some clues that might have been missed the first time.I greatly appreciate how amazing a majority of the cast were in their roles in this drama. Some of the actors were familiar to me, and I couldn't see a shadow of the characters where I first knew them from! The acting definitely played a big part in keeping me glued to the screen even though I was already too busy trying to puzzle out and understand the story. The villains in particular really did well in adding tension to the show; without their remarkable performances, I believe that the drama would have ended up coming out flat, so kudos to them. Also, I think Cheng Yi really suits plot-driven thriller dramas that have a sprinkle of mystery just as much as he does character-driven shows. He really did a great job of bouncing off of the other characters and tying all of them to his character and the plot. I have already watched several of his dramas and this is shaping up to be my second favourite from him so far.
All of the action scenes were also amazing! The audience can definitely feel that this is a spy drama. The musical scoring was also great - it definitely helped captivate the audience's attention! The background music elevated the scenes and made the audience feel what they were supposed to feel. Overall, Deep Lurk is a great watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
A good Republican-Era drama focused more on investigative style.
Deep Lurk is yet another Republican-Era drama about Japanese, Communist, and the National Republic parties in the troubled times of the Japanese invasion of China in the late 30s and early 40s.I typically don't like this genre, but this drama was well-made. Its plot focuses on investigation rather than the Japanese invasion, which Cdramas overly make.
There was little to no romance between the main CPs, but Cheng Yi and Ying Er acted well in this drama. They acted better in this drama, especially the emotional parts than in all the other dramas they were in.
It kept you guessing who the real Japanese spy was, but it was also predictable. The ending was not great. I was hoping that the main CP would get together and she would join the communist party with him, but it didn't show. It only shows him.
Synopsis: Set before the Battle of Changsha, this story is about unsung heroes during warfare and follows a man who learns to fight for a greater cause in his journey to find his father's killer. To occupy Changsha, the Japanese resort to using the 'black butler,' a strategic agent lurking in China for 15 years to carry out a long-planned deception. Yun Mu Zhi, a member of the underground party of the Communist Party of China, is killed while investigating the "black butler." Without knowing his father's true identity, his son Yun Hong Shen returns to their hometown of Changsha to track down his father's murderer. His father's friend and comrade reaches out to help him. Yun Hong Shen joins hands with Wen Ye Ming, a young woman impassioned by her sense of patriotism as they fight against innumerable odds. Setting aside his vendetta, Yun Hong Shen engages in a deadly game with Japanese agents to earn his countrymen a chance to win the war.
My Reviews:
1. Good acting from Cheng Yi and Ying Er.
2. The plot is good and keeps you guessing as Yun Hong Shen tries to discover who the real Japanese spy is and who killed his dad.
3. The main CP has little to no romance. It barely shows their romantic connection.
4. Overall, I enjoyed it and gave it a 7.5 rating.
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