nono
Dreamy, endearing, warm, and comforting. A most deserving rewatch.
To preface: the stars have to align for me to complete a drama, and every year I will finish 1 or 2 while dropping or never starting 10, despite wanting to. But I've definitely watched enough to know what I like - and if you also like quaint, delicate dramas with a little slice-of-life; a sprinkle of action; a bit of romance; and healthy relationships and communication between the main characters and supporting cast: this is for you.
Despite its name being similar to The Rise of Phoenixes, it is NOTHING remotely like that (I almost skipped it because I assumed it was & wasn't ready for heartbreak, until I watched the trailer). Nor is it legendary like Nirvana in Fire, or beautifully polished like The Story of Minglan or Destined.
However, it is absolutely charming and comfortable in its own skin. It reminds me of a fairytale, not in the xianxia way, but nostalgic like a candid photo or memory, or a bedtime story your parents would read to you.
The literal translation of this drama (I think?) is "Splendid Tranquility," and it lives up to its name. It is loosely based on a SUPER makjang novel, yet in spite of all odds, managed to retain the general plot while making the entire ride the coziest, sweetest, cushiest one.
I just LOVE the directorial choices made here. Very nuanced and thoughtfully handled, without too much grandiose flair.
Here are things I believe were done very well:
✳ - The opening:
Coupled with the music, it very much gives you a clear idea of the tone of this story.
✳ - The pacing is perfect.
I have a tremendously hard time watching dramas past the halfway point due to dwindling interest or otherwise, but this one was so easy to breeze through. I've alternated between watching single episodes and binging them like candy (schedule permitting), and it hasn't broken my stride. When it starts to get a teeny bit slow - letting us enjoy the peaceful moments between any new chaos - it quickly picks up and pushes forward.
✳ - The relationship established between the two leads were exceptionally handled.
From the very first episodes as strangers being wary of each other, to building mutual trust, and seeing them banter? Beyond any notion of romance, THIS is what blows me away.
I love how they established trust by helping each other out to achieve their own goals (ex. you help me out, I'll return the favor). It was super fun to watch when they began teaming up regularly, no longer needing to count favors. I was actually hesitant to continue watching this because I adored their current dynamic and interactions, knowing that romance was coming, but when I reached that point and saw how it progressed, it felt very satisfying and reassuring that it didn't disappoint. I love how it played out!
There are many dramas that don't handle the transition well - they focus so much on the tension, and scenes are deliberately meant to be either romance OR platonic, rather than focusing on how human relationships actually develop. Well, this does the latter - what a breath of fresh air.
✳ - The characters and supporting cast's relationships
It's about found family. I want to go further into this as well - I still think it's SO interesting how they chose to portray the male lead's past entirely, as well as his relationships with his sworn brothers. While most dramas will choose to capitalize on this, logically, so the audience can feel a more intimate connection, this one shows us mere glimpses, much akin to reading a tale.
✳ - The fight scenes were unexpectedly clean
I actually didn't expect a slice of life drama, with a family plot and a bit of action, to do this well. Everyone highly rated Who Rules the World, which had martial arts as a focus (it was also one of my favorite dramas!), and I have to say the ones here were executed much more naturally. Yes, I've watched TVB dramas, and no, it might not hold a candle to that, but I am STILL impressed. This was such a treat!
✳ - Naturally, the cast
As with anything, this is completely subjective. This is the first time I've watched anyone here and I really enjoyed it, to the point it's become one of my favorite dramas. I think Ren Min embodied her character very well - a bit cunning, reserved, yet headstrong and curious. Zhang Wan Yi, Ci Sha, and the entire ensemble of family members were also perfect in their roles!
Many dramas strive to keep you in an emotional chokehold and milk your tears (talking about you, Princess of Weiyoung), and to confuse you that your attachment is love, but this one did not. It's kept me completely captivated and engaged without aiming to. And though it hasn't made me cry once, I'm certain I will when I watch the last episode.
With all that said, the most important thing is you don't come in with any set of expectations, simply enjoy it for what it is: a wholesome, sweet story akin to a lovely dream :)
Despite its name being similar to The Rise of Phoenixes, it is NOTHING remotely like that (I almost skipped it because I assumed it was & wasn't ready for heartbreak, until I watched the trailer). Nor is it legendary like Nirvana in Fire, or beautifully polished like The Story of Minglan or Destined.
However, it is absolutely charming and comfortable in its own skin. It reminds me of a fairytale, not in the xianxia way, but nostalgic like a candid photo or memory, or a bedtime story your parents would read to you.
The literal translation of this drama (I think?) is "Splendid Tranquility," and it lives up to its name. It is loosely based on a SUPER makjang novel, yet in spite of all odds, managed to retain the general plot while making the entire ride the coziest, sweetest, cushiest one.
I just LOVE the directorial choices made here. Very nuanced and thoughtfully handled, without too much grandiose flair.
Here are things I believe were done very well:
✳ - The opening:
Coupled with the music, it very much gives you a clear idea of the tone of this story.
✳ - The pacing is perfect.
I have a tremendously hard time watching dramas past the halfway point due to dwindling interest or otherwise, but this one was so easy to breeze through. I've alternated between watching single episodes and binging them like candy (schedule permitting), and it hasn't broken my stride. When it starts to get a teeny bit slow - letting us enjoy the peaceful moments between any new chaos - it quickly picks up and pushes forward.
✳ - The relationship established between the two leads were exceptionally handled.
From the very first episodes as strangers being wary of each other, to building mutual trust, and seeing them banter? Beyond any notion of romance, THIS is what blows me away.
I love how they established trust by helping each other out to achieve their own goals (ex. you help me out, I'll return the favor). It was super fun to watch when they began teaming up regularly, no longer needing to count favors. I was actually hesitant to continue watching this because I adored their current dynamic and interactions, knowing that romance was coming, but when I reached that point and saw how it progressed, it felt very satisfying and reassuring that it didn't disappoint. I love how it played out!
There are many dramas that don't handle the transition well - they focus so much on the tension, and scenes are deliberately meant to be either romance OR platonic, rather than focusing on how human relationships actually develop. Well, this does the latter - what a breath of fresh air.
✳ - The characters and supporting cast's relationships
It's about found family. I want to go further into this as well - I still think it's SO interesting how they chose to portray the male lead's past entirely, as well as his relationships with his sworn brothers. While most dramas will choose to capitalize on this, logically, so the audience can feel a more intimate connection, this one shows us mere glimpses, much akin to reading a tale.
✳ - The fight scenes were unexpectedly clean
I actually didn't expect a slice of life drama, with a family plot and a bit of action, to do this well. Everyone highly rated Who Rules the World, which had martial arts as a focus (it was also one of my favorite dramas!), and I have to say the ones here were executed much more naturally. Yes, I've watched TVB dramas, and no, it might not hold a candle to that, but I am STILL impressed. This was such a treat!
✳ - Naturally, the cast
As with anything, this is completely subjective. This is the first time I've watched anyone here and I really enjoyed it, to the point it's become one of my favorite dramas. I think Ren Min embodied her character very well - a bit cunning, reserved, yet headstrong and curious. Zhang Wan Yi, Ci Sha, and the entire ensemble of family members were also perfect in their roles!
Many dramas strive to keep you in an emotional chokehold and milk your tears (talking about you, Princess of Weiyoung), and to confuse you that your attachment is love, but this one did not. It's kept me completely captivated and engaged without aiming to. And though it hasn't made me cry once, I'm certain I will when I watch the last episode.
With all that said, the most important thing is you don't come in with any set of expectations, simply enjoy it for what it is: a wholesome, sweet story akin to a lovely dream :)
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