The Ghost Bride

I absolutely loved the book, so I was very excited to discover this was on Netflix. Unfortunately, it is nothing like the book, only small remnants of the amazing story. I was very disappointed, but watched it through to see how it ended. If you didn't read the book it is a very interesting fantasy show. For me, I wish it was truer to the book, but still didn't mind it as a stand alone.

If you read the book, this adaptation will disappoint you. As someone from the Baba nyonya culture, I felt that the series isn't an authentic representation; though, I'll give them credit for attempting to include a few elements here and there. I tried to watch the series as something separate from its source material but I still don't enjoy it. The ending is so cheesy.

Ironically, the only one I'm rooting for in this series is Tian Ching.

During another COVID weekend of solo Netflix and chilling, I watched the Korean horror series "Sweet Home," then the quirky "School Nurse Files." I thoroughly enjoyed these vastly different productions, and when "Ghost Bride" was recommended after each of them, I thought, "Why not?" I was unfamiliar with the source and mistakenly thought this was another Korean production.

I cannot comment as to the historical or linguistic accuracy of this show, but I'm glad I decided to watch it. Briefly, the heroine is the only daughter of a spice merchant. Her mother died when she was young, and her father raised her with the assistance of a nanny and cook. However, his business is suffering and his health begins to fail. When the wealthiest family in town presents her with the opportunity to marry the deceased heir, she must decide whether to accept the offer and save her family from destitution.

I binge-watched the entire series. From my point of view, it was an effective period piece set in the 1890s with exquisite costumes and settings. The cast is solid all around. The storyline has elements of romance, humor, drama, and, of course, the supernatural. While I would not describe it as particularly complex, not once did I think that teens were the target demographic. The insight into the religious and cultural beliefs in play was fascinating. I happily recommend.

Overall Good, script is well written(I didn't read the book). The Peranakan elements in the series are eye opening,but the accent of the main actors are not-so-local,as I was expecting a more Malaysian- style accent.(not to mention their accent are different from one another). Also, the Malay pronunciation could be better(esp Er Lang).

This series has some strong points: the dead-living interactions and the interesting and refreshing historical setting (not Victorian England for once lol). For a teen series it's perfect but a more adult public may not enjoy it to the fullest since the the plot doesn't always make sense and some characters are clearly meant to appeal younger people.