Flourished Peony

Originally, I was intrigued by the premise of this drama and had high hopes for it. However, the leading actress's makeup was too heavy, and during the emotional scenes, I couldn't help but think of "Lost You Forever" because her acting was strikingly similar. It became so apparent that it was hard for me to enjoy the performance. Additionally, it seems that crews specializing in ancient idolized love dramas struggle to handle business-themed narratives effectively. The plot often feels trivial and overly drawn out, leading to increasing boredom. Furthermore, dramas with female protagonists are becoming standardized and formulaic, which is very similar to other dramas. The pacing is slow and the lack of novelty. The characters' interactions feel stiff and difficult to relate to.

Modern issues are incorporated into costume dramas in a way that can feel like they're simply shouting for slogans. The plot revolves around Yang Zi's familiar portrayal of the heroine, but it often falls into predictability with the stereotypical storyline. While the makeup and visual presentation are undeniably appealing, the story is monotonous.

Yang Zi's performances have become quite formulaic. Despite the time that has passed, she hasn't demonstrated significant growth in her acting skills, and her approach now feels exaggerated at times. Her expressions can leave the audience unsure if she's laughing or crying. Li Xian delivers solid acting, but even his talent isn't enough to lift the overall production.

This series truly stands out with its highlights. Unlike other costume dramas, it adopts a bold and unique approach to costumes and makeup. It shuns the extravagant and unrealistic styles typical of ancient immortal dramas, instead focusing on a faithful representation of the attire found in cultural relics. From the characters' hairstyles and makeup to the intricate patterns and styles of their clothing, the presentation masterfully captures the essence of the Tang Dynasty. The creators have also meticulously crafted the settings. In the night scenes, the soft glow of oil lamps creates a captivating ambiance, while the muddy streets effectively transport viewers back to that era. However, despite my appreciation for these artistic choices, I have some reservations about the character portrayals. I find Yang Zi's acting lacking, especially when compared to Li Xian, who clearly outshines her performance.

In costume dramas, it's easy to miss important points. The female main character often goes through a lot of suffering that leads to tears, but not many moments create real emotion. Instead, the story relies heavily on suffering rather than meaningful character development.

The predictable plot and weak performances get a lot of praise, but they are confusing and uncomfortable to watch. The excitement around the series makes it hard to enjoy; each episode feels more like a task than fun. I want more depth and authenticity, but instead, I find an experience that only increases my discomfort. It's stressful.

The film boasts an impressive texture from start to finish, captivating viewers with its striking visuals. Each scene is enriched by a beautifully crafted setting that immerses the audience in the enchanting world of Flourished Peony, where vibrant flowers bloom and stunning landscapes unfold. However, despite these aesthetic strengths, Yang Zi's performance falls short of the emotional depth the drama requires. Her portrayal lacks the nuance and expressiveness needed to fully engage the audience, particularly due to her technologically enhanced appearance, which seems to restrict her range of facial expressions. Furthermore, the storyline feels predictable and dull, lacking the originality to elevate the drama beyond visual allure.