Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• SharpBladerunner24

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  This series is a delightful homage to the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage, with its vibrant celebration of culinary delights taking center stage. Its clever scripting, dynamic ensemble of actors, and ear-catching melodies form the perfect blend – much like the exquisite cuisines it showcases on-screen. Viewers are treated to a visual banquet of unprecedented gastronomy, drawing parallels to the animated adventures of a certain French rodent chef by an iconic animation studio. Yet, this show was already savoring the flavors of mapo tofu, translucent...

  dumplings, and even sumptuous Peking duck before the said mouse whisked his way into the kitchen.
  
  The lead actor, despite not fitting the conventional mold of a heartthrob with his rotund figure and thinning hairline, proves that talent surpasses physical stereotypes. His embodiment of the show's culinary maestro is steeped in authenticity and ardor. For his character, cooking is not just about sustenance — it is an artistic endeavor, a mastery to be honed, and a form of affection to be shared generously. His character's innovative spirit and infectious zeal reflect in his gusto for life, inviting audiences to root for him with every culinary conquest.
  
  Meanwhile, the actress playing his on-screen counterpart delivers a performance that balances sassiness with allure. She strikes a rare note, oscillating between endearing charm and sharp wit. Her dynamic with the male lead bubbles with an eccentric charm that serves the comedy well, though her character’s green-eyed antics can sometimes verge on the wearisome. Nonetheless, she is depicted as astute, savvy, and hardly a damsel in distress, forming the backbone of their unconventional on-screen partnership, resistance to polygamy included.
  
  In contrast, one notable actor's interpretation feels misplaced within this narrative's landscape, his portrayal of an emperor marked by unnatural movements and an oddly mechanical demeanor. An actress faces the challenge of dual roles, manifesting as twins entangled with the monarch's affection. However, her performances lack distinction between the two, and her aristocratic air falls short of expectations, suggesting another actress might have better filled the regal shoes.
  
  On the sidelines, two secondary characters shine, with their endearing love story unfolding with a heartfelt simplicity that's as comforting as a hearty meal of traditional noodles. It's a subplot to savor, deepening the viewer's investment in the tale.
  
  Kudos to the directorial vision which crafts a narrative imbued with humor that never stoops to slapstick, and a mosaic of careful details that reward attentive viewers upon each rewatch. Performers remain unwaveringly true to their roles even when the spotlight inadvertently wanders.
  
  An intriguing nugget for enthusiasts is that the lead's character draws inspiration from a real historical figure, a renowned chef who graced the kitchens of the very emperor he serves in the show. He was fleetingly referenced in another beloved historical drama, stirring a delightful sense of continuity for fans who cherish it when their favorite universes intersect.