Princess Pearl (1998)

This series needs no introduction. It’s internationally famous and a cultural phenomenon. It set the tone for a whole generation. To watch or not to watch, that is not the question. Rather than being a review, this is a look back at what makes Huan Zhu Ge Ge so special to so many.

The theme is that family is more than just blood relations. Sworn sisters Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei showed us that. Zi Wei was willing to give up her father and her royal status to protect Xiao Yan Zi. Xiao Yan Wei was willing to give up her life so that Zi Wei can be with the man she loved. These two were sismance before sismance was even a word. Vicky Zhao and Ruby Lin have the kind of easiness only real-life friends could have, despite the rumors otherwise. Their closeness was not faked, simply because I don’t think Ruby was that deep of an actress. The director was smart enough let it play out naturally (he even kept the scene where Ruby gave Vicky an adorable peck on the cheek).

This show would not be what it is without Zhang Tie Lin’s multi-layered portrayal of emperor Qian Long. His love for both of his daughters was obvious, although it was tinged with guilt, regret, exasperation, and even a little bit of pride/egoism. The highlight of the series was his confused feelings towards Zi Wei, who he was drawn to but didn’t realize was his real daughter. The tension was so thick in those scenes you could cut it with a knife. It was daring on a level you don’t see in most Asian dramas.

A great thing about the writing was that Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei weren’t always helpless and dependent on the men. Zi Wei may be frail but was courageous when it counted. Xiao Yan Zi was ill-educated but had a lot of street smarts and common sense. It was her quick thinking that saved everyone in the end.

Famed writer Qiong Yao was never able to replicate the success of this show. I think it’s partly because she didn’t really understand what made the show resonate with viewers. It was not just because of the romance. Yes, the romance here was very beautifully done. The key was not to overdo it and not let it overshadow the main plot. The relationship between Zi Wei and Er Kang moved the plot forward instead of dragging it out. Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi’s love was forbidden and restrained enough to leave you wanting more.

As wonderful as this show is, it sets the industry back for about a decade. It made people think that good acting was opening your eyes really, really wide and looking as cute as possible. Every other actress wanted to be the next Xiao Yan Zi.

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The first time that I had watched this I absolutely loved it! Both Zhi Wei and Xiao Ye Zi were so well done. I just loved their innocence and loyalty to each other. They were so bubbly, happy and witty. The story was really moving but that's what Qiong Yao's stories are like. I've never read any of her books but have watched a lot of her series made into Tv shows. I was so surprised at how well the cast had done. As they were all very new to this sort of drama but they had done so well in portraying each of the characters and bringing them together. The music was very moving as well and listening to the music makes me think of the show.
The pairings were brilliantly done as well and I felt that the director did very well in putting in cliff-hangers at the right places that had my wanting for more.

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These series and the characters are one of my favorites. I grew up watching this series and it was really what got me interested in Chinese dramas, history, and culture.

Likes:
- One of my all time favorite things about this drama was the friendship/sisterhood of the two main female leads. Their loyalty to one another, their love for each other, their willingness to die for each other. THIS is what female empowerment and support looks like! So excited that I got to watch this growing up and had it role modeled to me as a kid.
- The story is HILARIOUS, featuring very humorous characters!
- Enjoy the costumes A LOT. I used to want to own my very own hat thing because I thought they were just so beautiful. And the shoes are kind of ridiculous but I definitely wanted my own pair when I was a kid!

WATCHHHH! A bit dated now, but honestly, worth it

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