The Long River (2022)

GREAT DRAMA

Who knew this drama was so good to watch, the main theme was Yellow River and huge flood during Qing dynasty that killed people and destroyed properties, but also the portrayal of political situation during KangXi dynasty. This drama is from actual historical background, many characters were real people, real tragedy, political concentration and challenges. A very casual acting for all actors, not strict to the Imperial rules and bend to have some funny scenes. I love Luo Jin here, he's very casual Emperor KangXi, very ambitious and smart, determined and focused, devoted to his people and country, understand the politic and his officials. He couldn't find solution with the river, he decided to recruit talented people by Scholar national examination for idea to manage the division of the Yellow River with no luck. By chance he met Chen Huang and was selected to work together with Jin Fu - the governor from a province that affected by the flood and experiencing first hand of the tragedy.

What's so great about this drama? None of the actors were beautiful or handsome, none childish, all were just ordinary looking people, minimum make up, realistic events with appropriate responses, nobody straining their face just to get expression out, no romance, no cringe. Acting was great, collaboration between actors were excellent, soundtrack was amazing, articulating literacy brilliantly. Probably, not the most flattering drama that would 'hit' the roof but nonetheless it's a great watch. KangXi as a young Emperor was way ahead of his time, developing Navy and introduced canons, trading with foreigners. I love it when he consulted monetary need to Grandmother which she apparently responsible with Treasury. Although there're mentioning Taiwan, like to reminded people that Taiwan ancestry belonged to China, it relates to the political situation between China-Taiwan continuous conflict since early on. Asides from that, KangXi proved to be ambitious as well as firmed to his vision of the country. Lots of corrupt officials, kissing ass officials to their superiors, bureaucracy, opposition. Some glory and victories, regret and sadness, hopelessness and failures, funny and snarky comments.

So much aggravation on my part for watching those officials who abused their power and corruption, last few episodes- an Emperor who made a wrong decision by insisting to stop building the dam and punished TianJi and Gov Jin when it finally revealed his appointed people for the wrong job and caused final flood disaster that killed (again) thousand people and properties. Looking at additional support actors (as refugees/citizen) as they claimed the people were hungry and resolved in cannibalism but none that I saw skinny enough to portray famine or starved to death situation. Look at them to be well fed.

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LIVING IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST EMPERORS

I'm in love with Chinese culture and Chinese history, and in short everything relating to China. I watched this drama after studying Chinese history, and I can say that Qing Dynasty, the last one, is absolutely my favorite one. I love it since its origins until its end, the very little seed of Modern China. Kang Xi and Yongzheng are my favorites and I admire them a lot. So how could not watch this drama? I won't deny it, i CRIED A RIVER tons of times because of all the historical reference in one of the reigns where culture shines greatly. They had shadown to and this drama depicts everything perfectly. I don't recommend this drama to someone not really interested. Politics, history, limited historical fiction, no romance, and a little comic relief.
The cast is full of great actors, BUT.
Luo Jin potraying Kang Xi made me love even more the Emperor, admire him with his charming behaviour and perfect acting. And yes, a lot of the events presented are absolutely REAL. Two of the ministers are portrayed in a little different way from th original counterpart, but it's very limited.
The plot is engaging since the beginning, and in my opinion Luo Jin was not simply acting, but he was able to depict a real man, he made Kang Xi alive again, from serious behaviour, rage, smile and so on.
But in this drama, you really get to love everyone, because they are not mono-dimensional, but they are ""grey"" characters, with positive and negative vibes. The drama mixes great emotional scenes to some comic relief in a very few portion. And the Empress Dowager is like a guide throughout Kang Xi's life and for the audience.
I CAN'T COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I CRIED AND SHIVERED
The bittersweet final part is something I really loved.
I recommend this drama to fall in love with China culture.

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