Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• BrightPenélope84

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  Venturing into a realm where the opulence of the Ming dynasty intertwines with the capriciousness of its rulers, the latest historical drama beckons, yet leaves one questioning the fidelity to actual events. As we traverse through the corridors of power and the secret whispers of the court, the series presents a somewhat flattened psychological landscape. Figures of immense historical significance are distilled into glimpses of banality and folly, all too human in their madness and Machiavellian ploys.
  
  The visual feast is undeniable—sumptuous costumes and majestic sets...

  frame every scene, and the sweeping orchestration of war sequences injects the narrative with an undeniable vigor. Interspersed throughout this grandiose spectacle are moments that drip with lyrical beauty, yet one can't help but grapple with the feeling that there is missed potential lurking within the episodes. The serialization's early chapters suffer from misplaced humor, yielding sections of the plot that drag their feet, trailing behind the otherwise brisk pace of courtly life. As the tale progresses, the tonal shift is stark—the frivolity succumbs to gravity and tragedy, bringing a depth one wishes had been present from the outset.
  
  The auditory accompaniment is stellar, lending a resonant intensity to the unfolding drama. The performances, particularly from the male lead who incarnates the role of the imperial descendant-turned-emperor, are nothing short of mesmerizing. Zhu Ya Wen, a new face for many, exhibits a versatility that befits recognition, deftly traversing the spectrum from naiveté to sagacity, from docility to defiance, and from the courageousness of a warrior to the complexities of an emperor besieged by inner demons.
  
  Despite the compelling depiction by the male lead, it's a lamentable oversight that his potential for heartrending romantic interludes is not fully explored. The chemistry with his counterpart, played with magnetic charm by Rebecca Tang, leaves one yearning for more tender exchanges that could've added layers to their characters. Her portrayal as a regal matriarch is sublime, yet there's an air of detachment from historical verisimilitude, her role seeming overly romanticized against the backdrop of a male ensemble encumbered by their own vices and misfortunes.
  
  This narrative epic, bound in the trappings of a time long past, has moments that indeed sparkle—enough to warrant the attention of aficionados of historical dramatizations. Despite its shortcomings, the series offers sufficient grandeur to merit a place on your watchlist, best approached with a mind open to the intertwining of fact and fiction.

• happyzheng

  Overall 10

  Story 8,  Acting 10,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  Superb Period Piece Delights and Surprises
  
  I must confess, I've become quite enamored with this historical series, and I'm truly baffled that it hasn't soared in popularity or critical acclaim. The commitment to detail is evident in every facet, from the seamless performances to the sumptuously crafted attire and the meticulously orchestrated battle depictions.
  
  The narrative begins with a deceptive levity, a blend of humor and gravity that sets the tone for the complexities to come. The unpredictability of the characters keeps me on the edge of...

  my seat—a satisfactory dose of suspense for any viewer.
  
  As the story progresses, the stakes heighten considerably. The skirmishes—often confined to royal intrigue and familial contention—display an intricate dance of betrayal, combat strategy, and power struggles. This intensity endures across the expansive timeline of the drama, ushering in fresh faces and new complexities with each succession.
  
  The initial chapters bring us an endearing journey of two individuals, charmingly portrayed by an acclaimed actress and her leading man counterpart, from their whimsical beginnings to their royal union. The subsequent chapter delves into a fierce conflict over dominion, featuring princely ambitions and familial political machinations.
  
  By the third act, we witness the volatile reign of the protagonist's progeny, his downfall, and his turbulent path to redemption. It's here that the first and third acts truly shine for me—bookending the central narrative with a blend of sweetness, grit, and poignancy. The middle section holds its own, thanks to a compelling performance by a notably skilled actor.
  
  In the concluding chapters, the portrayal of a deposed ruler, masterfully depicted by a particularly talented artist, offers profound lessons and pulls at the heartstrings with remarkable force. The emotional crescendo reaches its peak in the finale, leaving me profoundly moved.
  
  And who stood out among the already stellar cast? For me, it's the admirable characters played by two outstanding actors. Their portrayals resonate long after the screen fades to black, making them my unequivocal favorites within a story brimming with unforgettable faces.

• jollyrobocop

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 8.5,  Music 6.5,  Rewatch Value 2

  Approaching this series with a bit of trepidation, thanks to the polarizing reviews, I quickly understood the divide in opinion. From the outset, the show is sprightly and engaging, with enough repartee between the leading duo to latch onto. The male protagonist is deliciously roguish, while the female lead embodies a refreshing combination of valor, determination, and resilience. Amidst the shrewd political maneuverings, we're privy to their dynamic interplay, which lays the foundation for their intertwined fates, especially given the female lead's quest for vengeance...

  in light of her family's tragedy.
  
  What's compelling about the series is its historical backdrop—a canvas that I, as a buff of period dramas, find mesmerizing. The added dash of romance is a delightful treat. Political machinations aren't typically my cup of tea, but here the royal dynamics piqued my interest, almost had me rooting for harmony amongst the Machiavellian elite. Curiously, the antagonist managed to captivate with their mix of wicked charm and familial interactions—proving that humor can indeed coexist with scheming malice, albeit rarely.
  
  However, this engrossing setup begins to unravel as the sizzle between the protagonists fizzles out. Following a pivot in the narrative, the once fiery female lead undergoes a disheartening transformation upon her palace entry, her robust spirit dampened into demure obedience—a stark 180-degree turn that steals the show's earlier vibrancy. The male lead's complex portrayal, which brilliantly oscillated between strength and vulnerability, also suffers amidst the narrative shift; the nuanced handling of adversity giving way to an uncharacteristic crumbling under pressure.
  
  The initial promise of an epic romance and chemistry quickly dissolves into a non-existent facsimile, leaving one's expectations of a grand love story unmet. Instead, a rendition of courtly obedience entirely overtakes the plot, washing away the thrilling anticipation that once was.
  
  If your interest lies in the courtier's dance of strategy and the intricate web of historical politics, there's contentment to be found here. Romantics seeking a historical love story, beware and temper your anticipations, as the sought-after passion is notably absent, lost to the palace's tactical games.
  
  The performances in the early episodes shine, but as the series marches on, the focus blurs, and the narrative becomes submerged in the relentless tide of warfare and conspiracy, lacking the early freshness that had initially captivated. In conclusion, for those seeking love amidst the annals of history, this story tells a different tale—one of power and calculated ambition, not of the heart.

• SlowBattleship

  Overall 8.5

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 6

  Please be aware this review may contain spoilers
  An exquisite tapestry of time.
  
  In this eloquent portrayal of a journey that spans from the innocence of childhood through to the weight of sovereignty, there lies a mesmerizing depiction of a historical female figure. As a little girl with ties to governmental nobility, she embarks on a path that ultimately sees her ascend to the exalted roles of Empress and later, the Empress Dowager. The chapters of her life unfurl across the series, painting a chronicle that...

  intertwines with the rule and lives of several emperors of her era.
  
  Historical drama enthusiasts know the fine line between education and entertainment, and this series walks it masterfully, blending factual elements with creatively fictionalized narratives. Such synthesis captures the attention, bringing vigor to the otherwise static procession of history. Initial attempts to watch the series were marred by poorly translated captions, making the initial voyage through its episodes a trying endeavor.
  
  Despite the hindered start, the quest for a more accurate interpretation was worthwhile, discovering another version that still tested patience with its delivery pace. Only when the full journey was accessible without the barrier of language did the series reveal its true splendor, worthy of a marathon indulgence.
  
  It's more akin to a cognac in drama form - best appreciated with patience and an eye for detail. The sheer effort poured into the production is evident; from the sumptuous costumes to the authentic sets and the heart-thumping battle sequences, all are rendered with breathtaking precision.
  
  The ensemble cast shines brightly, earning an emphatic A+. They draw you into their world, forging an emotional bond that’s strong enough to evoke tears, frustration, and empathy in equal measure. Not a single performance fades into the background; each brings their character to life with passion and depth.
  
  Though the conclusion might not meet every expectation, it's still a fitting close to an expansive narrative, leaving viewers with a poignant last glance at the life of a remarkable figure now in the twilight of her political reign. For those who have yet to experience this historical drama, it's a superior choice - now fully accessible in its translated entirety - and worth every second of investment to witness a dazzling slice of the past.

• mightycinderella

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 9

  Grandiose Historical Saga | Lush Production Values
  
  Behold the tapestry of history interwoven with a generous dash of levity, at least at the onset. As I embarked on the journey through this series, I wrestled with an initial conundrum: Is it a devout ode to the annals of history, or a cleverly masked satire? It presents itself as the former, plucking its narrative thread from one of China's most fascinating historical periods—the rule of the Yongle Emperor during the Ming Dynasty. Yet the initial exchanges and...

  dynamics are delivered with such wit and frivolity that one might mistake it for the latter.
  
  Drawing on a mix of factual lore and creative license, the plot begins with a power struggle—the Yongle Emperor usurps his nephew in a vivid coup. The early episodes are invested in exploring the intricate web of familial ties: the emperor, his progeny, and their progeny. These interactions, whether true or not, captivated me entirely with their blend of humor, informality, and occasional tenderness.
  
  But with the fall of the Yongle Emperor, the script takes a dark turn. The previously light-hearted bonds within the royal lineage deteriorate into grotesque rivalries, and the tone of the series darkens considerably.
  
  Within this dramatic landscape, there are fleeting nods to historical occurrences such as the explorations of Cheng He, the Tumu Crisis, and notable historical personalities—but creative liberties are taken, particularly concerning the portrayal of Empress Sun, lending her a prominence that may be exaggerated compared to historical texts. Her offspring, depicted as an ill-suited ruler, marks a sharp tonal shift as the series dives into serious territory. The jocular family relations evaporate as the story advances into conflict-riddled episodes against northern invaders, transforming previously endearing characters into menacing figures.
  
  A standout performance is provided by the seasoned Zhu Yawen, embodying the multifaceted Zhu Zhanji with craft and versatility. His transitions from timidity to lightheartedness to a daunting presence are captivating. Sadly, his onscreen presence is curtailed, as is that of the formidable actor who plays the Yongle Emperor. Despite this, Su Ke, in the role of Yu Qian, brings consistency and talent that anchors the series from start to finish.
  
  Admittedly, my initial impressions of the female lead, Rebecca Tang as Sun Ruowei, were marred by an apparent rigidity and moments of mismatched emotion and voice dubbing. But as the series progresses, her evolution, particularly upon ascending to Empress Dowager, aligns her with a gravitas that I found much more compelling—even if her character's historical accuracy is debatable.
  
  The series might lose its initial charm in the latter episodes for some, as humor makes way for politics, strategy, and inevitable conflict. Yet, the narrative continues to grip with escalating intensity, thoughtfully crafted despite the fictional elements.
  
  In conclusion, this series garners a firm recommendation from me, particularly to aficionados of epic historical narratives. It's an exquisite piece of storytelling, lengthy though it may be, with nearly every installment enriching the viewing experience. Even when the comedy fades and the atmosphere grows arduous, the performances, plot twists, and stirring soundtrack keep one thoroughly engaged. This series commands a spot on any "MUST-WATCH" roster.