pammo1949
Melbourne, Florida
This review may contain spoilers
A classic that should be treasured
This is a brilliant work of art that follows the life of Sun Ruowei from childhood as the young daughter to an official to her rise to Empress and Empress Dowager. Every stage of her life is a progression that fills the entire 62 episodes. Integrated throughout her life story is the side story of various Emperors and relatives and court officials eventually becoming an Empress Dowager and ruler of the Mng Dynasty. These stories are interesting and give the drama historical substance.
The life of Sun Ruowei is the common thread that involves the leadership of 6 different emperors of the Mng Dynasty. I love historical dramas but if you stick to "just history" the story would be boring. There is a lot of incorrect and fictionalization of history immersed with nonfictional history to keep the story truly interesting. Since I started watching in January 2020 on YT with computer-generated nonsensical subs the drama was plain AWFUL. But after 62 episodes including episodes raw I promised myself I would find it properly translated and watch again. I discovered another translated version on "V" but the translators were too slow and this is a binge-watch drama if you truly want to enjoy the essence of the story. Finally found the completed drama on "AP" and started rewatching again with every intent to finish (May 2020) I can only assume the low ratings were because of the failure to properly sub on a timely and accurate basis. Watching becomes boring and other dramas take the place and viewers time so fast-forwarding and skimming become the usual practice.
However, this is a fine wine drama. You have to watch it thoroughly to continue to enjoy the time and money that the production crew put into this drama. The costumes, filming locations, battles are all A+ rated and not skimpy computer-generated images. They look real and the filming of action scenes is truly incredible.
The Actors and Actresses - A+. You become invested in all the characters and gosh I cried so many times and was angry or personally frustrated more times watching. You feel the quality and sincerity of the actors -no slackers in this drama.
This is a good watch and deserves higher ratings. One spoiler: the ending isn't satisfying but acceptable because it still leaves a chapter in Sun Ruowei (now the retired Empress Dowager's) life explained. If you haven't watched it and want to watch a historical drama - this is definitely a better drama to watch and worth every minute (now that the subbing has been completed).
The life of Sun Ruowei is the common thread that involves the leadership of 6 different emperors of the Mng Dynasty. I love historical dramas but if you stick to "just history" the story would be boring. There is a lot of incorrect and fictionalization of history immersed with nonfictional history to keep the story truly interesting. Since I started watching in January 2020 on YT with computer-generated nonsensical subs the drama was plain AWFUL. But after 62 episodes including episodes raw I promised myself I would find it properly translated and watch again. I discovered another translated version on "V" but the translators were too slow and this is a binge-watch drama if you truly want to enjoy the essence of the story. Finally found the completed drama on "AP" and started rewatching again with every intent to finish (May 2020) I can only assume the low ratings were because of the failure to properly sub on a timely and accurate basis. Watching becomes boring and other dramas take the place and viewers time so fast-forwarding and skimming become the usual practice.
However, this is a fine wine drama. You have to watch it thoroughly to continue to enjoy the time and money that the production crew put into this drama. The costumes, filming locations, battles are all A+ rated and not skimpy computer-generated images. They look real and the filming of action scenes is truly incredible.
The Actors and Actresses - A+. You become invested in all the characters and gosh I cried so many times and was angry or personally frustrated more times watching. You feel the quality and sincerity of the actors -no slackers in this drama.
This is a good watch and deserves higher ratings. One spoiler: the ending isn't satisfying but acceptable because it still leaves a chapter in Sun Ruowei (now the retired Empress Dowager's) life explained. If you haven't watched it and want to watch a historical drama - this is definitely a better drama to watch and worth every minute (now that the subbing has been completed).
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