Mo yu yun jian

I decided to finish the series before giving my review. Firstly the plot (which is based on the novel with a number of changes) is very captivating. It's fast-paced, hauntingly sad at times, has some humorous moments and what I loved most is that the female lead is strong, intelligent and resilient - not your damsel in distress who needs rescuing constantly. All the characters in the series are interesting too and you may even sympathize with the villains when it is revealed what they have been through in their lives. I think there's a big gap in age between the female lead and male lead - something like the FL is more than 10 years older than the ML. Whilst the female lead looks youthful but the gap shows when they are together in romantic scenes. However, the interesting plot, cinematography and pace of the series will keep you glued to the series. I didn't like the last episode too much as it felt a bit rushed. The songs and music in this series are really good. There are many scenes in this series I will no doubt want to re-watch as they are beautifully choreographed. A recommended watch!

Overall this period piece well reflected my understanding of that time period. Some fantasy elements which took away from the story (like people flying). Otherwise a story akin to Count of Monte Cristo done at a much larger scale and with far more depth.

Pros: beautiful sets and direction, attractive caste, superb acting, witty dialogue, good character development, and the story line moves along at a rapid pace.

Cons: not all plausible (as with most revenge plots at that scale) and some places extended to include side characters which detracts from the main story.

Highly recommend for those that like this genre and want to follow a complex revenge plot.

"The Double" is a masterful production that stands out in the realm of contemporary Chinese drama. The series is a testament to the genius of its creators, weaving an intricate and compelling plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Each character is crafted with remarkable intelligence, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative. The show is nothing short of mesmerizing, offering an immersive experience that captivates from start to finish.

One of the most innovative aspects of "The Double" is its daring use of ancient Chinese opera to narrate parts of the story. This bold choice not only pays homage to traditional art forms but also enriches the storytelling with a unique cultural texture. The opera scenes are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of the series.

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring classical music that elevates the emotional tone of various scenes. While the exact pieces are not specified, the music's ability to convey intense, joyful, or regretful emotions is undeniable. The classical compositions provide a timeless quality to the series, making the viewing experience even more profound.

Overall, "The Double" is a brilliantly crafted show that leaves a lasting impression. Its innovative storytelling, intelligent characters, and exquisite use of music and traditional opera make it a standout production in the world of Chinese drama. This series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a rich, emotionally resonant, and culturally immersive experience.

"The Double" (2024), currently streaming on Netflix, is a Chinese historical drama about a path of double revenge. Xue Fang Fei, the daughter of a county magistrate, takes on the identity of her savior, Jiang Li, who suffered a painful death. Both lost everything to politics, one was buried alive by her husband and the other was abandoned. Shortly after Li's death, Fang Fei's mission becomes personal - aimed at double revenge for herself and Li. But over the course of 40-episodes, the series evolves into a much more selfless battle as Fang Fei slowly, and unwittingly, uncovers greater injustices through the silencing of communities, some by economic means and some through war. She then becomes the vehicle by which to challenge the political system, which she can now do because she's assumed the identity of a high-ranking official's daughter, and provide for them a better life. Besides being complex, the show is also brilliant in its storytelling and visually stunning, from its cinematography, to set design, to vibrant costumes and accessories. One of the coolest - and most unique aspects - of the series is its homage to ancient Chinese opera, integrated throughout the series as Fang Fei and her polished foil (and soon-to-be love interest) Duke Su Xiao Heng, reverse roles from participants to spectators.

I have to say what a drama it is ! The actors and even eveyone involved in this have done a beatutiful job special mention to the set designer and other support staff who have doen a fantastic job ! The dialogue delivery is very powerful yet very nicely done ! Both the actors have done their part very good and the chemistry is beautiful and the most importantly they understood each other very well ! I have never seen such a impactful drama for so long but this kept me hooked and i truly enjoyed it ! It. It was bit boring in betwen but it was fine i liked it as well ! Kudos to the diector , writer and each person who gave such a phenomenal perfomance !