Flourished Peony

The picture quality is very high, making it feel like you're watching a movie. It's definitely a great drama to kick off the new year. The clothing, intricate details, and the sea of peonies in the yard are truly beautiful. However, the dialogue is quite stiff, and the plot feels forced, which makes it uncomfortable to watch. The script is rather dull, relying heavily on rules and formulas, and many serious scenes come off as trivial. These shallow situations only lead to superficial emotions.

The cast consists of well-known actors from mainland China. While the heroine is working hard to promote the drama, her acting skills don't seem to be as strong as they once were. There are a few standout moments, but her expressions often appear stiff. On the other hand, the male lead, Li Xian, is quite impressive. His acting skills are evident, and he truly embodies his role.

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.

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.

I find the female main character to be a bit fragmented. When she interacts with others, she often comes off as overly optimistic. She reassures those around her that everything will be fine in the future and that success in her career will lead to better days. While I appreciate her positivity, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by these repeated affirmations. It makes me wonder: why is she so confident? It's like I have a special insight, knowing that she's the main character who is destined to succeed. However, the tone of her dialogue feels a bit off; she seems a little too soft, which can take away some excitement from the plot. Additionally, her success doesn't appear to come from her hard work or intelligence but rather from the good conscience of the male protagonist.

YZ's facial expressions are a bit stiff. I feel unemotional when she acts, but when she cries, it feels like overacting. I recall my memories of other dramas she has been in.

Apparently, too many fans have come here just to hate Yang Zi. FLOURISHED PEONY is an excellent drama! Don't listen to other if you haven't even try to watch this. Flourished Peony has a strong start. It excels in every aspect, whether it's the pacing, storyline, character design and performance, historical setting restoration, OST, or cinematography. It's TANG DYNASTY. It is truly a masterpiece!

From kneeling and begging for help, to the shock of being exposed, then breaking down in tears confiding in Yulu, and finally erupting in anger and despair upon hearing Liu's father and Liu Chang, exclaiming, "She is not my servant; she is my sister!"-it was all seamless and absolutely perfect. The emotional transitions were executed flawlessly, and Yang Zi's acting is truly the biggest draw of the show. It's so moving; I was completely wrecked and in tears.

Also, passerby's reflection on the depiction of the sensitive topic of domestic violence in #FlourishedPeony and how it reflects the limited protection of women's rights during the Tang Dynasty

"Every word and every action of He Weifang is not to magnify the helplessness of the victims, but to let the audience see the resistance and rebirth after violence. This writing style is not divorced from the historical truth, but also shows the rare modern progress."

Yang Zi's drama will always assure you one thing, SHE WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT YOU when it comes to acting. Sometimes the script aren't that good but it will always be her who will keep the audience watching. When you see her act, you'll want more and more from her. Now that she have her own studio, she can choose whatever drama she wished to be in to. Also, never undestimate her as an actress. Even her "Love Endures" did great despite the lack of promotion and was aired in different countries TV including South Korea and trended on SNS when the twists happened. How versatile Yang Zi is what makes the viewer hooked and stay.