Memorable and thoughtfully crafted series

Plot: It's quite a complicated and unpredictable storyline which builds from an intriguing start and holds you captive to the very end. A great strength of this drama, is that it explores the motivations of each character with depth, you understand why some characters go to the extremes of revenge, sacrifice and betrayal and what others will do for love - even if it is unrequited. The main typecast villains are able to garner understanding as their descent into tyranny is explained through their past. I didn't expect from the beginning to be drawn in so thoroughly, but I applaud the scriptwriters here in being able to weave a an intricate tale which invites the viewer to untangle through each episode.

Actors: Each and every actor/actress contributed fantastically to their role, I know I was invested in each character and the casting was on point here. The female lead (Sophie Zhang) and male lead (Aarif Rahman) conveyed a couple with refreshing levels of maturity and a really heartfelt journey, from initial misforgivings to deeper acceptance and understanding.
Leo Luo who played the Emperor of Western Qi was absolutely captivating, although he didn't have the most amount of screentime, his scenes were always poignant and memorable, conveying a level of quiet vulnerability and resolve which you can't help but be drawn to.
Jing Chao/Fu Chao was also a standout performer as the General who was antagonistic but a tortured character with multiple facets to his character.

Cinematography: There were so many mesmerising and artistic shots in this film, they made great use of wide shots using drone photography and capturing the grandeur of each different state. Location shots like rivers were the backdrop for an unlikely standoff scene or a snowy forest the scene of desolate despair.

Music: The OST contains many beautifully performed tracks, 2 of which are include vocals from Aarif Rahman who is a great singer . They paired the music appropriately with scenes to create real emotive or tear-jerking scenes. I loved the album and have many of the songs on rotation in my playlist.

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