Heavy but what Cdrama land has been missing for months!!!!!

Episodes 1-4
It may be early, but if this drama keeps the momentum and quality, we have a cdrama masterpiece on our hands!!!

Acting: The older actors bring it, but it's Zhao Lusi that. She is insane so far that even on Weibo, gossip bloggers are praising her. There is a scene in episode two that made me cry so hard between her and an older actress and I tell you, the performance does not disappoint in what needed to make you feel that early in the show, I promise.

Plot: This starts off darker than what most may be used to. We are thrown into the world of a slave and what that means as a young woman in those times, and they don't shy away from the dangers. The plot promised a unique story that is merely a pipe dream in drama land today and so far it has delivered on that

Characters: Duan Wu is easily a FL that grabs you. She is far from a dumb girl since she is a slave and she is determined and resilient in her thoughts, and actions, and strives to have the freedom she longs for so much. She truly is the heart and soul of this drama and her. She is the type that will buy it all or lose it all if she could taste freedom and if you were how she lived, you would understand.
The ML is a ruthless, morally grey businessman seeking revenge from former enemies. He doesn't fall for our pretty FL at first sight or anything like that. In fact, he helps her only because the second ML wants to help and so he does it as a favour and in the end, it was the 2nd ML that came through. He doesn't give handouts to her either. He has the typical revenge background, but his function in the story is different from modern-day Cdrama ML's
The second ML doesn't seem special the moment you meet him, but he quickly wins you over that you might have 2nd lead syndrome. He is genuinely a kind, unforceful, upright guy who wants to do the right thing and help the FL because it is just his nature to do so. We meet him trying to save the life of someone who did a petty crime. His meeting with the FL is one you would expect from the ML.
(I'll add later)

Cinematography: Beautiful. The underwater scenes were literally trending and are currently being used as advertisements for TVs, There are just some shots you have to stop to take in.

Directing: There are weird angle shots of the ML's face that stood out, but other than that the directing for big scenes has been great, especially fight scenes with Duan Wu. Because she is not a trained fighter, they get creative with the camera, as she has to get creative to survive.

Soundtrack/OSTs: Beautiful, and they know how to use them in powerful scenes.

Special effects: Not the best, but it's what I expect from Cdramas. The CGI is not offensive to the eye and is actually quite decent!!! The drama also does as much practical which is great to give more realism like the swing underwater.

Overall so far, this is worth it if you can handle heavier stories/themes.

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