Zhi fou zhi fou ying shi lü fei hong shou

The start of the story is very slow. The director seems to try (too hard) to build the emotional connections of the characters. You need to watch until episode 20+ before it becomes very interesting to watch.

The ending is bad. It doesn't explain what happened to the Wang family nor to the 4th uncle of the Gu family who slanders Gu Tingye. But overall, it is 10/10.

I absolutely loved this drama. I'm watching it for the second time after five years, and it only made me love it even more-especially now that I can enjoy all the small details during the rewatch,. I can't describe every reason why I'd rate it 1000/10,.. but aside from the rich historical elements, the soundtrack is incredibly beautiful and layered.

The series also delves deeply into the psychological development of each character, making every arc feel meaningful.. I truly can't put into words how perfect this work of art and performance is. One of the best historical dramas ever made. A Work of Art.

I have to be honest, at first, when I decided to watch this series, I have low expectation. But my God, how wrong I was. Story of Ming Lan is a masterpiece I love this drama; I love the dialogue, i think it's genius. I love the plot, the scheme. This series is so smart, it's almost similar to Nirvana in Fire but at family level and I really think that it's even better than nirvana in fire. I love when all the character make move, try to outsmart one another, and how they think ahead and plan every move.

This series is shot beautifully and they pay attention to every detail. if you want to know chinese custom, tradition, and how they lived at the past, you should watch this series. it's almost like a documentary. It's very different from the untamed or eternal love: ten miles of peach blossom (another series that I love) but Story of Ming Lan has its own uniqueness

My recomendation is try to watch 10 episodes of this series before you decide whether this series is for you or not

Another cdrama that I almost dropped but drew me in completely by the second half. I got deeply attached to the characters that are fleshed out well. Sheng Minglan (Zhao Liying) is a feisty, intelligent and sensible illegitimate concubine-born girl of a government official. Gu Tingye (Feng Shaofeng) is the fearless, roguish legitimate son of a Marquis. Qi Heng (Zhu Yilong) is the proper doted son of a Duke. All are lovable. Minglan has great chemistry with her main romantic interests. The villains are evil to the core, not realizing they're evil and shamelessly complaining they're the ones wronged, twisting things around. The schemes and intrigues, both political and personal, are well written and implemented. I felt like I was part of the scenes, witnessing innocent people being wronged, villains trying to weasel their way out of sticky situations and justice being served. A satisfying watch.

Although I have not yet finished viewing all the episodes in this drama, it is obvious from the first 7 or 8 that this is a quality drama. Especially, regarding the mores and culture of the period. As I have yet to see all of the episodes then I must give it nine stars rather than ten. However, I have no doubt that after seeing all episodes I would give it a ten.

Feng Shaofeng will be familiar to many people who enjoy Chinese drama. His most well-known role is in the eponymous 'Prince of Lang Ling" TV production. Further, his performances in Tsui Hark's 'Young Inspector Dee" films has added to his reputation as one of the principle actors in today's Chinese Films. A further mention of Feng Shaofeng's virtuosity can also be seen as the sublime Monk in the equally entertaining 'Monkey King' productions.

In this drama he has an equally experienced female actor as his co-star. The inimitable; Zhao Liying. An impressive talent in her own right, Zhao has starred in many popular and critically acclaimed dramas. Many times being nominated and then won for her performances.

The costumes, mise-en-scene and direction all live up to making this one of the best dramas of 2019. I look forward to seeing further episodes of this excellent drama from China.