Qing Xian (2024)

OK for a Republican Era drama, but don't expect miracles, just great kiss scenes & a decent story.

I tend to find RE c-dramas usually have incredibly boring plots, but this screenplay was better than average because they kept the story simple, and didn't write main characters that go over the top and say or do implausible things that make it hard to relate to them. I wouldn't say it's the most engaging story ever, but I followed along without wanting to skip around, and for my standards that's def above average.

ML is the best part about this drama, as is usual for him. Zi Xian is a powerful onscreen force, capable of believable emotions and deep piercing stares or soft affectionate gazes, who can breathe life into his characters and convince you they're real, and who can kiss probably better than anyone in c-dramaland... and as such it's a challenge for actors and directors to keep up with him.

The 2ML actor really stood out, being able to match ZX's onscreen charisma. This was something of a breakout performance for him, and I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of him in the future, not just because he has a gorgeous babyface, but also because he brings a lot of energy to his characters and seems to be a natural acting talent.

FL and 2FL were not spectacular, but they were good, and at no point did they wreck the vibe of the show, or become annoying.... although whoever the costume designer who dressed them is, they should be fired and never work in c-dramas again. These ladies are beautiful, and they deserve better than to be dressed in velvet drapery and vinyl tablecloths.

Supporting characters were really pretty bad.... you get your typical side-character overacting for the mostpart, although the Japanese villain was played well, I think. The bgm and ost were really incredibly standard-sounding, but at least the songs never drowned out the emotions or dialogue in the scenes they were playing over. I think the direction and editing were decent, but a little too blocky and disjointed to really create a truly addictive flow for the viewer. If you combine all these factors together (boilerplate ost, hammy supporting cast, silly clothing choices, choppy editing), the impression it leaves is of a "typical Republican Era drama".

However because of the ML and 2ML, the easy and un-confusing pace of the story, and the satisfactory ending, I think this is one of those shows that's at the top of the pile when it comes to it's genre. Above average.

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I’ve seen worst and I’ve seen better.

so, what to say. first off the positive :
1) Great kissing scenes
2) I think the acting was good, especially ML’s actor, I think he is great with his expressions, sad scenes, etc.
3) I think chemistry was okay, but nothing wow
4) no love triangle
5) seconds leads are actually good and kind people, they made a cute couple, didn’t meddle with the leads or anything
6) great ending. a clear and not too short happy ending. it’s rare a satisfying ending for a short drama, even more a republican era drama.
7) I think it was pretty equal ? How to explained, both of them were ready to die and sacrifice themselves for each other
8) for once it’s not a revenge drama, FL working for an organization (like a cop if we can saw), so fighting for beliefs and the people?

so now :
1) I think this was mostly boring ? the story wasn’t really anything exciting. the villains pretty boring
2) misunderstandings for more than 3/4 of the drama. misunderstanding cleared in ep 20-21 out of 24.
3) pretty slow to get together. first date in ep 22-23 after misunderstanding clear, so dating era for what, 3 eps max ? Well I saw this, it isn’t like this for most mini drama😂
4) FL’s organisation, I don’t know that felt flat to me
5) the costumes were really bad for the women


I’ve seen things on TikTok. I don’t excuse ML behavior, but like seriously. She lied to him and used him (while undercover) and he thought his father died because of her…. So that’s that. That was not the worst I’ve seen in a mini drama

Anyway, could have been better, it wasn’t horrible. It’s short to pass time

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Baby's First 'Red-Flag' Republican Spy Mini

If any other actor had played the Male Lead I would absolutely not recommend this show in the slightest except as a "dip your toe in with a "safe" mini" recommendation for someone who has never watched the genre before. Everything about the writing of the show is extremely safe and almost bland.

All the twists are broadcast well before they happen so nothing TRULY shocks. The main villian is basically a non-threat clown so there's no real stakes to think he's a danger to the main leads. The 2ML and 2FL are nice and cute people so there's no real threats from them. Even the "big" problem that "kinda" separates them was resolved because of someone else doing it in truth...

YZX carries this show uphill and is THE reason to watch, nothing else. He kisses well, he cries well, he looks obsessed and heartbroken well... He is just VERY easy to look at.

As for the music, it exists. It's okay to listen to but it doesn't really evoke any deep emotions like a lot of these mini drama songs do.

Basically recommend this ONLY if you are a YZX fan and have nothing better to do.

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