This drama has been really helpful to me in practicing my listening skills for learning Chinese. There's a good 2-8 minutes of cringe every episode, but the dialogue is fairly wooden and the plot is extremely predictable. I can't knock it in good faith because I am very grateful to this drama as a means to an end. In the world of the drama, there is one (1) halfway reasonable person: the mary sue protagonist. She has little to no personality and is good at everything. All of the other characters are basically caricatures. Zhao Erxi is my favorite character because she is so silly and petty and over-the-top. Mao Xiaotong is acting the hell out of her role and chews up every scene she's in. 20/10 wold watch again.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Story of Yanxi Palace
(2018)
What it says on the tin
3 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is a stunningly beautiful tale of the rise to pwer of Wei Lingyou, an imperial courtesan hell-bent on discovering the truth behind her older sister's death. The costuming is beautiful and the dialogue reads as generally realistic. If late imperial Chinese palace intrigue is your cup of tea, enjoy this series for what it is worth. It is a mural of lies, manipulation, kindness, rage, cruelty hope, and betrayal. Don't expect large setpieces scenes or fancy camera work. I'll probably give it another run through when I am looking for Chinese drama.
Story of Yanxi Palace
(2018)
Well made for what it is
3 May 2019
This dramatic depiction of Wei Yinglou's rise to prominence in the imperial court is a captivating exercise in cinema. The spell of the drama falls apart at many of its edges if interrogated too deeply, but under a proper suspension of disbelief, the series is very fun.
It is very important to memorize the differences between the courtesans and servants early on. It can take a while for their character traits to distinguish them from one another.I particularly recommend rewatching the second episode a few times before moving on, especially if you're a non-native speaker of Chinese.
If you particularly care for palace intrigue or exceedingly vicious machinations of jealous wives, you will certainly enjoy the film. It is incredibly easy to love and to hate these characters. You can find far better plot synopses elsewhere, but I am here to encourage you to give it a shot based on fun alone. Go for it!
It is very important to memorize the differences between the courtesans and servants early on. It can take a while for their character traits to distinguish them from one another.I particularly recommend rewatching the second episode a few times before moving on, especially if you're a non-native speaker of Chinese.
If you particularly care for palace intrigue or exceedingly vicious machinations of jealous wives, you will certainly enjoy the film. It is incredibly easy to love and to hate these characters. You can find far better plot synopses elsewhere, but I am here to encourage you to give it a shot based on fun alone. Go for it!
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