Qin Dynasty Epic

10/10 because it's an amazing epic, on an epic scale.

First off, costumes are finely detailed. It's the terracotta army brought to life. Then the sets are very detailed, even down to seemingly obscure details like chariot axles which have finely engraved Chinese artwork. No less the buildings and interiors, similarly finely detailed. We found ourselves pausing it to wonder at the sets and costumes, and then there's the scenery!

The story easily pulled us along with its believable characters, their loves and hates, plots, revenge - both women and men, some very dangerous. Director and writers know their stuff, not forgetting sets, makeup, costume!

The battles were bloody and intense, in which the characters are enmeshed.

Immersive, enjoyable, and historic too, loved it!

This drama is certainly an epic with over 70 episodes each lasting 45 minutes. After visiting the Terracotta Army in China this month, I wanted to learn more about the Qin dynasty. It covers the unification of China under the first emperor, Ying Zheng. He is buried in the mausoleum, surrounded on 4 sides by 4 armies (only 1 has been excavated so far). The mausoleum of the first emperor, Ying Zheng is said to have rivers of mercury with booby traps using crossbows. So, this got me interested in the Yin Dynasty and this epic. The visual quality of this drama is very high and the acting is superb. The plot is complicated with lots of palace intrigue between the 7 warring states: - Yin, Zhao, Han, Wei, Chu, Chi and Yan. I particularly liked the military strategy aspect and the ebb and flow of power between the different states. You'll need a lot of time to watch all the episodes. Fortunately, I had time because I was on holiday in China for 2 months.

This is a high quality production, but it does require some knowledge of the history of Qin, the first united China and the first emperor, in order to understand the complex plot and intrigues. GOT fans, with a lot of patience, might like this.

The costumes, sets, acting, action, etc are magnificent and close to historic accuracy in all the lavish antique details.

If you want to understand China, its political traditions, philosophy, psychology, strategies, art of war, etc. This is not to be missed.

Giving it top ratings because it deserves much higher scores.