janec
I am writing this review two episodes before the end. I've read some criticisms about this drama and I'd like to answer them here.
I guess the main criticisms are too much talking and not showing some important duels/fights. For many, wuxia is mostly associated with fight scenes, but for me it was a big plus that not all problems in this drama are solved with the sword. This doesn't mean that there are no fights. On the contrary, there are and they are very well, very interestingly shot. However, the characters also try to use reason and heart, not just fists. As for the omission of certain fight scenes, specifically one, that fight certainly would have been spectacular, but not showing it was an aesthetically and emotionally graceful move. It also gave a bit of tension due to the uncertainty of the fate of the combatants. This is one of the elements that made this drama extraordinary.
Excellent set design, beautiful costumes, good camera work, shots that convey the atmosphere of the scenes and their tension, plus good filters, appropriate lighting and perfectly fitting music make this drama a good one to watch. The plot is okay. I personally wasn't particularly interested in it, but it's interesting and logical.
As for the acting of the main three characters, you can see that they're trying, but you can also see that they're still lacking in experience. They did a good job for their level and may become good actors sometime in the future.
My admiration and great respect went to Baron Chen as Su Meng Zhen. I have to say that the dignity, power, and prowess of his character really resonated in my perception of the drama. He was great at playing with his eyes. This actor deserves to come to the forefront because his Su Meng Zhen was absolutely perfect with all his weaknesses. Actually all the background actors were excellent, but Baron Chen was like a maestro.
Overall I have excellent impressions about this drama. It has some minor flaws but I easily forgive them. My rating grew from a 7 on the first episode to a 9. The drama is technically superbly done, beautifully aesthetically pleasing, has an interesting storyline, and a very good cast because although the main three were not perfect, they did their job. I will definitely return to this drama as it is one of the most beautiful, best shot and best acted dramas in recent years.
I guess the main criticisms are too much talking and not showing some important duels/fights. For many, wuxia is mostly associated with fight scenes, but for me it was a big plus that not all problems in this drama are solved with the sword. This doesn't mean that there are no fights. On the contrary, there are and they are very well, very interestingly shot. However, the characters also try to use reason and heart, not just fists. As for the omission of certain fight scenes, specifically one, that fight certainly would have been spectacular, but not showing it was an aesthetically and emotionally graceful move. It also gave a bit of tension due to the uncertainty of the fate of the combatants. This is one of the elements that made this drama extraordinary.
Excellent set design, beautiful costumes, good camera work, shots that convey the atmosphere of the scenes and their tension, plus good filters, appropriate lighting and perfectly fitting music make this drama a good one to watch. The plot is okay. I personally wasn't particularly interested in it, but it's interesting and logical.
As for the acting of the main three characters, you can see that they're trying, but you can also see that they're still lacking in experience. They did a good job for their level and may become good actors sometime in the future.
My admiration and great respect went to Baron Chen as Su Meng Zhen. I have to say that the dignity, power, and prowess of his character really resonated in my perception of the drama. He was great at playing with his eyes. This actor deserves to come to the forefront because his Su Meng Zhen was absolutely perfect with all his weaknesses. Actually all the background actors were excellent, but Baron Chen was like a maestro.
Overall I have excellent impressions about this drama. It has some minor flaws but I easily forgive them. My rating grew from a 7 on the first episode to a 9. The drama is technically superbly done, beautifully aesthetically pleasing, has an interesting storyline, and a very good cast because although the main three were not perfect, they did their job. I will definitely return to this drama as it is one of the most beautiful, best shot and best acted dramas in recent years.
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