Flourished Peony

The costumes in the drama are great, which is a positive aspect. However, for a drama to be considered truly good, the plot, story, and characters should also be equally compelling. Unfortunately, it seems that many costume dramas nowadays focus heavily on looking visually appealing, while the actual content feels superficial. At first, I barely recognized Yang Zi. She used to have a round face, but now her face appears slim and oval-shaped. I might have thought she was someone else entirely. She seems quite different from her earlier self. Additionally, the plot comes across as somewhat forced and unnatural. To establish the heroine's character, the story includes numerous contrived situations. While these early hardships are meant to showcase her strength and intelligence, they often feel like they are just there for show rather than being genuinely impactful.

Modern issues are incorporated into costume dramas in a way that can feel like they're simply shouting for slogans. The plot revolves around Yang Zi's familiar portrayal of the heroine, but it often falls into predictability with the stereotypical storyline. While the makeup and visual presentation are undeniably appealing, the story is monotonous.

Yang Zi's performances have become quite formulaic. Despite the time that has passed, she hasn't demonstrated significant growth in her acting skills, and her approach now feels exaggerated at times. Her expressions can leave the audience unsure if she's laughing or crying. Li Xian delivers solid acting, but even his talent isn't enough to lift the overall production.

Originally, I was intrigued by the premise of this drama and had high hopes for it. However, the leading actress's makeup was too heavy, and during the emotional scenes, I couldn't help but think of "Lost You Forever" because her acting was strikingly similar. It became so apparent that it was hard for me to enjoy the performance. Additionally, it seems that crews specializing in ancient idolized love dramas struggle to handle business-themed narratives effectively. The plot often feels trivial and overly drawn out, leading to increasing boredom. Furthermore, dramas with female protagonists are becoming standardized and formulaic, which is very similar to other dramas. The pacing is slow and the lack of novelty. The characters' interactions feel stiff and difficult to relate to.

The film boasts an impressive texture from start to finish, captivating viewers with its striking visuals. Each scene is enriched by a beautifully crafted setting that immerses the audience in the enchanting world of Flourished Peony, where vibrant flowers bloom and stunning landscapes unfold. However, despite these aesthetic strengths, Yang Zi's performance falls short of the emotional depth the drama requires. Her portrayal lacks the nuance and expressiveness needed to fully engage the audience, particularly due to her technologically enhanced appearance, which seems to restrict her range of facial expressions. Furthermore, the storyline feels predictable and dull, lacking the originality to elevate the drama beyond visual allure.

This series truly stands out with its highlights. Unlike other costume dramas, it adopts a bold and unique approach to costumes and makeup. It shuns the extravagant and unrealistic styles typical of ancient immortal dramas, instead focusing on a faithful representation of the attire found in cultural relics. From the characters' hairstyles and makeup to the intricate patterns and styles of their clothing, the presentation masterfully captures the essence of the Tang Dynasty. The creators have also meticulously crafted the settings. In the night scenes, the soft glow of oil lamps creates a captivating ambiance, while the muddy streets effectively transport viewers back to that era. However, despite my appreciation for these artistic choices, I have some reservations about the character portrayals. I find Yang Zi's acting lacking, especially when compared to Li Xian, who clearly outshines her performance.