Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• BoldPlatypus8

  Overall 9

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

  Intricate Storytelling Meets Choppy Execution
  
  What we have here is a tapestry of narrative richness marred by haphazard snipping, a saga that could have gracefully unfurled across multiple seasons rather than being sheared into indecipherable fragments. The careless shears of editing bring about a sense of commotion, making the entrants on the stage jarring rather than fluid, as characters emerge without prelude, seemingly omniscient.
  
  Yet, beneath the editorial melee, there lies an absorbing tale. Within the confines of regal lineage, sibling rivalry is kindled by a shared...

  affection for a singular woman. Misunderstandings lead to a love matched to the wrong brother, the one destined for imperial dominion. In this world, we expect machinations and poison; and so it comes to pass, the empress's demise is met. But her spirit rebels against oblivion, taking refuge in her sister's form, and thus her thirst for vengeance is born anew. Through her sister's eyes, she beholds the emperor’s kin once more, and in an ironic twist of fate, they find themselves entangled in a love born from her reincarnation, ultimately rediscovering their bond beneath layers of deceit and longing.
  
  However, clarity is not the tale's strong suit. The entwining souls of the sisters muddle the narrative, casting ambiguity on the true romantic pairing until the revelation emerges from the supposed younger sister's lips—the heart she offers belongs to the vengeful spirit within, not the façade without.
  
  The Performances Shine Through
  
  Despite the jarring conveyance of the plot, the actors emerge with laudable grace. Li Mo Zhi transcends her mature guise to project an innocence which evolves into a sovereignty that captivates; her transition from jester to avenging consort is sublime, her aura one of unyielding defiance and elegance.
  
  Chen Zhe Yuan, young of face yet old in craft, offers a performance that leaves one at a loss for words. The torment of a lover relegated to silent witness is etched upon his expression, stirring empathy in the heart of the viewer.
  
  Not to be overshadowed, Zhang Junning – a man who brings complexity to the role of the emperor, his handsomeness undermined by an undercurrent of darkness. The audience is pulled between loathing and sympathy, gripped by his nuanced portrayal.
  
  A Final Appraisal
  
  Despite the ravaging editorial choices, I find myself embracing the series for what it aspired to be. It isn't solely about the familiar dance of court intrigue; it dives into the murky depths of supernatural elements, sowing uncertainty as spirits and identities interweave. Conventional tropes abound, peppered with elements of wuxia, memorable CGI, and scenes of epic grandeur that captivate despite their familiar notes.
  
  Conclusively, while I cannot declare this series an unequivocal must-see due to its scattered presentation, I must extol its virtues: a compelling storyline, remarkable performances, and an ending that provides deep satisfaction. The craftsmanship is there, waiting to be acknowledged through the fray.

• braveguo

  Overall 7.5

  Story 6.5,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  Please be advised that this critique might reveal crucial elements of the storyline.
  
  Diving into this period drama, one must arm themselves with a degree of patience; due to the series' initial ambition stretching beyond its condensed execution, resulting in a narrative speed that may challenge some viewers. However, once attuned to its brisk pace, the narrative unfolds into a compelling and distinctive tale.
  
  At its core, this is the journey of a formidable female protagonist as she navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue and royal...

  favor. Although romance threads its way through the storyline, it's her strategic mind and political agility that captivate the audience. The detour into metaphysical plot points, particularly the body-swap and subsequent amnesia, raises intriguing yet unresolved questions about identity and consciousness.
  
  Turning to the portrayal of the male lead, while the actor's youthful countenance is a matter of taste, it might be argued that a more seasoned presence could have lent additional gravitas to the role of the storied and valorous warrior. This part of the cast is a somewhat softer note in a story that is otherwise resoundingly hers.
  
  Regarding the female lead, her characterization improves markedly as the series progresses—despite the initial cosmetic distractions and the narrative's suggestion of her being much younger than her appearance might imply. Nevertheless, her tenacity in seeking vengeance, including her morally ambiguous alliances, is both admirable and a refreshing deviation from typical genre conventions.
  
  The emperor's role is masterfully executed—his portrayal of vulnerability and paranoid desires for control is a high note, arguably enhanced by the mellifluous voice acting that accompanies him. Meanwhile, the actress breathing life into the role of the scheming courtier brings another layer of critical acclaim to the production, emerging as a memorable and imposing figure that enchants the audience with her machinations.
  
  The soundtrack's closing theme encapsulates the series' emotive tones effectively. While viewers may long for the expanses of the untold narrative, what remains is a poignant, swift-moving journey through a stifled yet enchanting historical landscape.

• GiantPark

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  Ah, the intoxicating allure of a meticulously executed vendetta comes to life in this riveting drama, reminiscent of the indomitable spirit showcased by a certain empress from a famed historical series. This gem recently found its rightful place on my 'watch again and again' shelf. Centered around themes of retribution, the narrative weaves the tale of a heroine who, despite her losses, attains personal serenity and emerges as the savior her nation didn't know it needed. Devoid of physical prowess typically expected in such roles,...

  she compensates with sharp intellect, a dreamer's astuteness, and an uncompromising disposition.
  
  Doubters and procrastinators alike, cast your hesitations aside. Indulging in this series promises to be a decision devoid of remorse. Indeed, it is a treasure trove of storytelling excellence. Coupled with a charming lead man, the ensemble cast shines, each member fitting their roles to a tee, transitioning from playful camaraderie to grappling with deep-seated issues with seamless grace. Let's not forget the auditory banquet served by the original soundtrack, a collection of melodies that elevate the experience. The costumes are a feast for the eyes – my words falter to do them justice, for 'captivating' doesn't quite capture their splendor.
  
  Dubbed as the crowning drama of the year, it sets a towering standard for competing narratives. Would another surpass it? Time shall unveil. In the meantime, my avid longing for fierce heroines finds solace in another ongoing series, where yet another dauntless female lead strides through the narrative tapestry, mirroring the resolute essence of the magnificent Fuyao.

• FluffyNatalie

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 7

  The series in question is a labyrinthine journey that cunningly deceived me not just once, but on two separate occasions. Without spoiling too much, the only way to satisfy your curiosity is to dive in and experience it yourself. Initially, it presents itself with an air of whimsy—sprinkled humor here and there, though sparse. But as the episodes progress, the tone takes a sharp turn into grave seriousness, much to my delight. As a fierce aficionado of martial arts, the abundant display of athletic prowess...

  and combat choreography was a true highlight for me.
  
  Narratively, it's like a puzzle — mostly coherent but introducing elements in the penultimate episode that may leave some viewers scratching their heads. As for the resolution of this intricate tale, it left me with mixed emotions. A blend of melancholy and joy, it straddles the line between triumph and heartache. It is up to the individual viewer to decide whether the conclusion is satisfactory or not.
  
  I must express my affection for Li Mo Shi's portrayal of the multifaceted Yao Mo Wan – a character who delivers an unexpected complexity that viewers will unravel in time. There's a nuanced beauty in the character's duality, which became a beacon of endearment throughout the series.
  
  One of my favorite aspects is the introduction of formidable women warriors, taking center stage in the heat of battle. It's refreshing and empowering to witness such representation. Moreover, every cast member brought something unique to this grand tapestry, earning my genuine gratitude and applause.
  
  Not to be overlooked are the sumptuous visuals that transport viewers to another time and place altogether, alongside the stunning array of costumes that adorn the actors with mesmerizing authenticity. If you're intrigued by historical drama with a twist, this might just be the one for you, offering a poignant love story and a powerful female lead that may steal your heart.

• happychimpanzee21

  Overall 8.5

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

  Be advised, this critique could reveal crucial plot points.
  
  
  In the realm of period pieces, the title "Rebirth and Redemption" would not be amiss for the recent drama series that has taken audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions and story twists. Indeed, the name it bears is a subtle nod to the themes of retribution achieved, love rekindled, and even cinematographic faults eventually corrected—albeit in the eleventh hour.
  
  The series, a loose adaptation of a well-regarded graphic novel, has stated liberties when compared to its source...

  material, a fact that has stirred some discussion among enthusiasts of the original prose. Ensconced within a grave narrative, the series showcases stellar performances from a seasoned ensemble—with a director recognized for another notable period epic at the helm.
  
  While the leads bring weight to the screen, with one male protagonist notably lauded for his rendition in a sibling-centric series, his female counterpart emerges from less fanfare to truly shine in her role. Together, they work their way through a labyrinthine plot that often has viewers on edge about its resolution.
  
  The saga was, regrettably, not immune to the scissors of the editing table. Where once there lied an expansive story, strict regulations seemed to have necessitated cuts that left the narrative at times disjointed and rushed—a disservice to both story and audience alike.
  
  But amidst the narrative turbulence, the series holds its ground thanks to a few remarkable aspects. Firstly, the climax affords the viewers the gift of closure, a rare commodity in its genre, delivering an ending that threads the needle of satisfying expectations without succumbing to the cutting room floor. This, coupled with a commendable performance by our male lead—displaying a depth and emotional resonance dissimilar from his past roles—certainly elevates the content.
  
  The female lead, initially underappreciated, rises to the occasion halfway through and fully embodies the warrior spirit her character demands, evoking similarities with formidable heroines from other acclaimed dramas—her transformation being a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the series.
  
  Indeed, the narrative is rich with intrigue, introducing a constant flow of schemes and villains at a dizzying pace, necessitated by the reduced episode count yet somehow enhanced by it. The plot never stagnates, and even as it approaches the finale, it continues to introduce further complications with an almost breathless urgency.
  
  Not to be understated is the show's score, unfazed by the choppy waters of production, managing to underscore the tale with a fitting and rousing soundtrack.
  
  The voice work for one of the royal characters also deserves recognition, drawing parallels with another acclaimed fantasy series, thanks to the talent of a renowned voice artist.
  
  But the series does not escape scrutiny. Viewers expressed concerns over some overwhelming plot elements, like "soul switching" and the narrative use—or misuse—of certain character's physical forms, compounded by a seemingly unnecessary amnesia subplot. The deviation from the novel left some scratching their heads, trying to disentangle the identity of the main heroine throughout the twists and turns.
  
  Despite the narrative chaos, the series has its merits. Its penchant for spontaneous and audacious twists ensures that viewers remain glued to the screen. Knowing that the tangled threads will eventually converge into a gratifying conclusion alleviates the bewilderment bred by some of the earlier events.
  
  To those considering this series, brace yourselves for a ride that demands a suspension of disbelief—all the way to the final act. Despite its foibles, the series assures an intrigue-packed journey worth embarking upon.