Flourished Peony

The picture quality is very high, making it feel like you're watching a movie. It's definitely a great drama to kick off the new year. The clothing, intricate details, and the sea of peonies in the yard are truly beautiful. However, the dialogue is quite stiff, and the plot feels forced, which makes it uncomfortable to watch. The script is rather dull, relying heavily on rules and formulas, and many serious scenes come off as trivial. These shallow situations only lead to superficial emotions.

The cast consists of well-known actors from mainland China. While the heroine is working hard to promote the drama, her acting skills don't seem to be as strong as they once were. There are a few standout moments, but her expressions often appear stiff. On the other hand, the male lead, Li Xian, is quite impressive. His acting skills are evident, and he truly embodies his role.

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.

Apparently, too many fans have come here just to hate Yang Zi. FLOURISHED PEONY is an excellent drama! Don't listen to other if you haven't even try to watch this. Flourished Peony has a strong start. It excels in every aspect, whether it's the pacing, storyline, character design and performance, historical setting restoration, OST, or cinematography. It's TANG DYNASTY. It is truly a masterpiece!

From kneeling and begging for help, to the shock of being exposed, then breaking down in tears confiding in Yulu, and finally erupting in anger and despair upon hearing Liu's father and Liu Chang, exclaiming, "She is not my servant; she is my sister!"-it was all seamless and absolutely perfect. The emotional transitions were executed flawlessly, and Yang Zi's acting is truly the biggest draw of the show. It's so moving; I was completely wrecked and in tears.

Also, passerby's reflection on the depiction of the sensitive topic of domestic violence in #FlourishedPeony and how it reflects the limited protection of women's rights during the Tang Dynasty

"Every word and every action of He Weifang is not to magnify the helplessness of the victims, but to let the audience see the resistance and rebirth after violence. This writing style is not divorced from the historical truth, but also shows the rare modern progress."

Yang Zi's drama will always assure you one thing, SHE WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT YOU when it comes to acting. Sometimes the script aren't that good but it will always be her who will keep the audience watching. When you see her act, you'll want more and more from her. Now that she have her own studio, she can choose whatever drama she wished to be in to. Also, never undestimate her as an actress. Even her "Love Endures" did great despite the lack of promotion and was aired in different countries TV including South Korea and trended on SNS when the twists happened. How versatile Yang Zi is what makes the viewer hooked and stay.

The drama "The Blooming Beauty" feels like a cure for insomnia. Its slow pacing, repetitive dialogue, and lack of engaging plot twists make it a tedious watch. Despite its lavish costumes and set designs, the story struggles to hold attention, leaving viewers yawning rather than captivated. Even the characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with their journeys. Overall, it's a visually appealing but emotionally hollow production that fails to deliver the excitement or depth one might expect. Also the overly smoothed skin of the actors, particularly the lead, Yang Zi, gave them an unnatural and plastic-like appearance.