Mo yu yun jian

RIGHT FROM THE FIRST EPISODE, I WAS COMPLETELY ENGROSSED. I COULD NOT STOP WATCHING IT. AS EACH CHARACTER BEGAN TO GET RICHER AND DISTINGUISHED, I WAS FULLER DRAWN INTO THIS DRAMA. ALL THE CAST, CHARACTERS WERE AMAZINGLY TALENTED AND GIFTED. ALL THE COSTUMES AND SETS WERE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL. I FELT AS IF I WERE PART OF THIS WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL DRAMA. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE MAIN CHARACTERS. I ALSO GREW VERY ANGRY WITH THE MEAN, SPITEFUL AND EVIL CHARACTERS AS WELL. THIS DRAMA AT SOME POINT DIDN'T PLAY THROUGH, SO I WAITED IN ANTICIPATION FOR THE NEXT EPISODES. I WILL DEFINITELY WATCH AGAIN.

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" (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.

"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.

Jinyan Wu plays Xue Fang Fei who is betrayed by her husband and loses everything and is believed murdered. She is in fact alive and through luck meets many people who are kind and allow her to assume the identity of an important figure and she then not only seeks justice for the people but also plots revenge against her and her friends enemies. On this journey she meets Duke Su a close ally of the Emperor played by Xingyue Wang who initially uses her as a pawn in his intrigue but eventually grows to have feelings for her. It starts slowly as there are many characters to be introduced but soon picks up and is well written and I quickly moved on to the next episode to find out what happens. Overall a very enjoyable palace plot drama with excellent acting from the entire cast, particularly the lead actress.