Jiu Xiao Han Ye Nuan (2023)

Fun, but a "pretzel" ending

I'm a critical because I have a background in production, so you may think some of my opinions are harsh. First, I want to comment on the actors. My criteria for good acting is, if I can suspend reality, immerse myself in the story, and emotionally connect with the character, the acting is good. If the audience doesn't relate to the characters, everything else is irrelevant, because the viewer won't care about what happens to them. I cared about these characters. It was especially fun watching the FL and ML bicker and banter as their relationship developed.

The plot had good doses of mystery and mayhem, romance and evil, comedy and tragedy. The production values were good; the sets were believable, decent camera work, the CGI wasn't obvious, the costumes were attractive, etc. I liked the music because it was well integrated into the scenes, and didn't distract from the action. The genre is Wuxia, which I watch because I love martial arts choreography. I particularly liked the small details that made the ML's "wolf" abilities more realistic, like how he could whisk around so fast he was almost invisible, how his ear twitched when he used his augmented hearing, and how he could transform. There was only one instance of seeing his full transformation, which was disappointing. His character arc was well-defined, however, because he went from stone-cold to warm and affectionate. The FL had less of an evolution, but was a good contrast to the ML.

Unfortunately, the last two episodes were disappointing. Great writers can write great endings; mediocre writers can't. I like it when the audience gets rewarded with a cathartic moment at the end; sometimes it's joy because it's a happy ending, or a sigh of sadness because it was tragic, or they have a flash of insight because, although the ending may not be what they wanted, it was appropriate. Instead of a climatic moment, I felt betrayed. The reveal of the villain in episode 35 used an old, worn out, plot device to supposedly create a surprise twist. But the plot had to be bent into a "pretzel" in order to make the twist work. Instead of the twist being a dramatic moment, it was laughable, probably because I'm not Alice in Wonderland who "believes as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
After the reveal, the writer tried to stuff too many emotional ups and downs into the last episode. Some of it was satisfying, and the "dénouement" was good. However, after I managed to stay immersed in the drama's fantasy world for 34 episodes, I couldn't sustain it during the last two episodes, and crash-landed back into reality with a giant thud.

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Lukewarm.

Warm on a Cold Night is a fantasy historical investigative drama set in a fictional Qian kingdom. Qian is a rich kingdom that attracts immigration from the neighboring Qi kingdom. The Qian are more cerebral and capable administrators with strong legal frameworks and institutions. The Qi subsist in the cold and harsh Northern climate and are ridden with internal strife. They are more primitive shapeshifters with formidable and fantastical physical powers. A longstanding treaty enables Qi immigrants to better their lives in Qian defending the border and engaging in more physically demanding professions.

A young Qian constable Su Jiuér questions a hot-blooded Qi suspect Han Zheng in connection with a serial murder case. She discovers that he has a strange ability to alleviate the incurable cold disease that afflicts her and latches on to him like a lifeline. They work together grudgingly after it turns out that Han Zheng is also after her suspect Mu Yan. They get off to a bickering start but predictably fall for each other as they investigate a series of mysterious cases that stoke tensions between the Qian and the Qi in the Qian capital. They are aided by friends in high places including Jiuér's admirer and budding playwright Prince Wen Jun, his brother Crown Prince Wen Ying, and the gorgeously spectacular Qi general Chi Lan.

The main romance is carried by Li Yitong's and Bi Wenjun's chemistry; their stunning visuals and incredible charisma. These compelling actors are short-changed by two-dimensional and inconsistent character designs and a frustrating script that is lacking in both character and relationship growth. Jiu'er is a smart and logical character, a keenly astute investigator of consequential crimes in Jiuxiao City. Except when she regresses into childhood, talks to herself in a whiny and high-pitched tone, and behaves like a complete nincompoop. I was dumbfounded at this exaggerated and shallow character interpretation. Still, Li Yitong is so innately likable that she successfully pulls off such a difficult character to connect with and invest in. Although Bi Wenjun delivers a more nuanced portrayal, Han Zheng as a character is equally exasperating. All this grumpy 60-year-old Qi shapeshifter seems to do is scowl, get jealous, lose his temper, and become reckless; rinse and repeat. This is a role with the potential to be interesting and multi-faceted but that is never realized. Initially, I was too busy marveling at how he makes a fanny pack and flowery kimono print robes look so hot. As I soak up his bold, expressive eyes, the high-tanned cheekbones, haughty nose, down to... dry, chapped full lips... wait... did they run out of money for lip balm? Ouch - hope they didn't need to do too many retakes of those kiss scenes. Fabulous visuals don't cut it for long - I was quickly left wanting more from these stagnant roles locked in a juvenile romance that moves at a snooze pace.

In sharp contrast are Chi Lan and Wen Ying's much more complex and interesting stories. Both personas were clearly written by a much more sophisticated and mature writer and they anchor the show. Chi Lan is an awesome female role; measured, analytical, poised, and as cool as a cucumber with a barely perceptible air of danger about her. This lady knows when her head is being turned but if it pleases her, she permits it anyway. And you don't want to mess with her because she makes for a deadly adversary on any battlefield. Her interactions with Wen Ying are laced with tension and have real depth and complexity. Wen Ying is her true equal, another fascinating and layered personality who is at the surface cultured and sincere yet incredibly difficult to get to really know. Theirs is the romance I cared about and they are the main reason I did not drop this drama. I would love to see their story continue down the road. He Ruixian proved to be the true star of this show with her incisive portrayal of a remarkable character.

In terms of world-building, this is a wildly imaginative one that is original and different but errs on the side of being overly far-fetched. The world's "rules" are not firmly established and seem to be made up along the way. This is especially true in terms of the many functions and effects of the cyborg like the Qi vitality stone stuck to the chests of these shapeshifters that are wolves until they become apes. The writer also unnecessarily creates insurmountable biological obstacles between the Qi and Qian races just to impress upon us the depth and endurance of the main love story. It smacks of the work of an immature and lazy writer who couldn't be bothered to show us that their love is epic instead of forcing it upon us. What I like best about the world is the Qi's superpowers and how they engage in combat. The fight scene choreography is amazing; energetic, hard-hitting, lethal, and thrilling. I especially enjoyed watching Chi Lan's badass and deadly grace in combat.

As for the mysteries, they run too long and while they are quite interesting, the only memorable one is the painting case. Their strength is not in the plot but in the wonderful job the production does humanizing the victims as people who lived, laughed, loved, and will be missed. They also tie in nicely with the main conspiracy which is well-conceived. While some of the villains are too obvious, the mastermind hides in plain sight and surfaces with a nice twist. Although I suspected them quite early on, the acting was so masterful I doubted myself until the reveal. As for the ending, it was a mixed bag - an epic showdown, a great escape, some noble idiocy, a bizarre reversal, a ruler is anointed and loose ends aplenty. All things considered, this drama is true to its hot and cold theme in leaving me lukewarm. I rate this 8.0/10.0 simply because of the mastermind twist, without which it was a solid 7.5 all the way for me.

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