Did not Connect

I always go into dramas with an opening mind. I did not know what to expect with this one and thought it got off to a strong start with the refreshing introduction of a character with an interesting scar and job. In addition I liked how it looked dark which was different.

I did not like the shift to a different actress and while I generally admire the beautiful actresses in these dramas (hey that level of beauty usually takes a lot of effort from the actors) it seemed a bit tone deaf IMO and unnecessary. But I also know from what I have read about mainland Chinese audiences is that they are very demanding that their leads fit a certain standard of beauty while the US is more comfortable with different types of female lead looks. So I don’t know if it is fair to criticize the drama for this.

My score is based almost entirely on the story and acting. It injects light hearted comedy that does not seem to fit with its plot of shadowy manipulators and murders. It feels awkward and forced. The chemistry between the leads is lackluster. I have seen dramas where people want to marry someone for the reasons stated in this show and liked it but in this drama it was not executed very well because we had little time to see a foundation established for the relationship.

In addition I did not like that the main character was an expert in things that were not consistent with her before the face switch: why is she so skilled at make up, flirting, ect things that do not seem consistent with her personality. Why is she so comfortable jumping into danger without fully considering the consequences? And why is she so comfortable being near the male lead who she initially suspects is trying to kill her?

I don’t usually like comedy in Cdramas perhaps because it seems very childish and cringey maybe this is a cultural difference?

I fast forwarded through most of the show in the second half because I was that bored with the plot and pace.

However many people liked this drama so take my review with a grain of salt and remember you won’t know until you try to watch if it is for you.

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I have not read the book

My understanding is that this book is very good. I tried to read it online but could not find a free translation.

My issue with this drama is all in its story and plot. I can’t find fault with the acting because everyone was playing incredibly one dimensional characters

In the wake of newer trends in dramas featuring intelligent and nuanced characters, including supporting characters and villains, the people in this show were collectively irrational and irresponsible doing and saying things often with little or no regard for others at all and humans were just this group of people who in my opinion should have revolted against the powers that be. But that could not happen because they seemed mindless and just kind of there.

No one seemed to learn from their actions and everyone believed in the absolute worse or best in others. There was no gray. And that is extremely hard to watch and left me not caring what happened to the characters because they were so unrelatable.

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Surprising Gem

Story
I have seen a number of ‘rebirth’ stories but this one is the most compelling and realistic of this genre IMO. In addition to the effort to inject realism the story creates a surprisingly human and well acted female lead. Although she does fall into the ‘bodhisattva’ category in her determination to seek justice for others she is not insufferable nor is she overly calculating to the point that one thinks ‘well of course she is going to win’. Her enemies are for the most part fair matches but for different reasons: some are physically strong, some are greedy, others are extremely selfish and bitter.

The male lead is well acted and supports the female lead, respecting her intelligence as their love blossoms slowly.

The story itself is not super unique but its execution is what I think makes it a great show: the good acting, attention to detail, effects, and chemistry with characters.

What I liked the most:
While some of the villains were a little flat I extremely liked the effort put into creating some of the more realistic villains for a costume drama. Princes Wanning especially had a very interesting backstory that is slowly revealed over the course of the show. Several characters are foils for other characters and showcase one of the major themes of the drama which is we are all responsible for our choices in spite of the hardships faced. Sometimes people are strong enough to make better choices and sometimes others are so scarred by what happened to them that they become terrible people and can never get away from the trauma.

Final thoughts:
Any person who researches China will understand that their media industry places several requirements on content creators that emphasizes morality, serving the nation, and evil doers never winning. That being said, I think the creators of this show did a great job of working around these rules. I have no clue if the version I watched in America is the same version that aired in China but the version I saw in America was pretty solid.

I did not give the show a perfect 10 because it isn’t the kind of show I would likely rewatch.

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