Ru yi zhuan

My very first Chinese series and it did not disappoint. Awesome acting, great cast. This show is so addicting. Great cinematography. It is quite long but worth it. This movie really got me interested in all the dynasties that ruled China, Korea and Japan. Countries that are very rich in heritage and history. It makes me want to travel to all these countries, too bad Covid19 is everywhere. I want me some Ruyi.

As a Chinese viewer who have watched lots of Qing Dynasty harem dramas, the main female lead are always portrayed to undergo a malicious change to evolve into a 'strong, capable and victorious' character in the end. Zhen Huan had casted away her love for Emperor Yongzheng and Yun Li, and only became the Empress Dowager for 'feeling safe'; while Wei Ying Luo can easily be summarized by a single word, which is 'revenge'. Falling in love with Fucha Fuheng or becoming the Imperial Noble Consort wasn't her initial motive either.

We have been so used to the concept in these dramas that to succeed, one must 'cast away our pure original heart, and embrace the dark side in us', while at the same time these dramas also portray that climbing up the peak of the haram is equivalent to as 'achieving success'. But is that the real case?

Ru Yi clearly knows that she CAN choose this path that'll lead her to success and prosperity but she refused to, as she still persists and held on to her true self. The beauty and essence of the drama lies exactly at here: A constant reminder that in the materialistic world where succeed is measured by the power and wealth you hold, it is still a façade and not as important as to holding on to your 'true self'.

I personally believe that a good drama doesn't necessarily mean that it should have a fast exciting pace, superb acting skills or flawless editing, but rather the moral values that it brings. This drama impacted me very, very deeply and changed my views on life. Of course, I dare not say that RRLITP brings out the best moral values, but it definitely embodies the Chinese idiom: Blooming from piles of mud, yet the lotus flower remains unstained.

Signing off here, and I hereby wish everyone a good day. Enjoy the series!

My two visits to the Palace Museum / Forbidden City invited imaginings of the lives lived there. This extraordinary series provides insights on so many levels. I spent 7 years in China and wish I had seen-and learned from-some of the content of this interpretation of history before moving there. It reveals much about a culture that continues to this day. And, it would have helped with workplace machinations!

The visuals are extraordinary-as is the Forbidden City itself. Costumes reflect the astounding embroideries seen in many of the crafts today. I was intrigued by a Suzhou artist's (can't call her a seamstress) work-really amazing.

The acting is great and with 87 episodes, there is ample time to feel you now these characters as people. Yes, it is a bit of a soap. But look beyond that and you are well rewarded.

English subtitles are...well not so good. There are errors. Still, the sometimes awkward expression seems (weirdly) to contribute to a sense of reality.

FOr architecture & art fans, the film is a visual feast.

Highly recommended.

Believe it or not, I watched three times already. It worths your time.

Very elegantly made. Each episode builds up to an epic ending. You will fall in love with the main character Ruyi. She is a really selfless character full of heart. And the people that she cares about are like angels in her life. You will love watching this show. All episodes are in YouTube.