Mo yu yun jian

"The Double" (2024), currently streaming on Netflix, is a Chinese historical drama about a path of double revenge. Xue Fang Fei, the daughter of a county magistrate, takes on the identity of her savior, Jiang Li, who suffered a painful death. Both lost everything to politics, one was buried alive by her husband and the other was abandoned. Shortly after Li's death, Fang Fei's mission becomes personal - aimed at double revenge for herself and Li. But over the course of 40-episodes, the series evolves into a much more selfless battle as Fang Fei slowly, and unwittingly, uncovers greater injustices through the silencing of communities, some by economic means and some through war. She then becomes the vehicle by which to challenge the political system, which she can now do because she's assumed the identity of a high-ranking official's daughter, and provide for them a better life. Besides being complex, the show is also brilliant in its storytelling and visually stunning, from its cinematography, to set design, to vibrant costumes and accessories. One of the coolest - and most unique aspects - of the series is its homage to ancient Chinese opera, integrated throughout the series as Fang Fei and her polished foil (and soon-to-be love interest) Duke Su Xiao Heng, reverse roles from participants to spectators.

I decided to finish the series before giving my review. Firstly the plot (which is based on the novel with a number of changes) is very captivating. It's fast-paced, hauntingly sad at times, has some humorous moments and what I loved most is that the female lead is strong, intelligent and resilient - not your damsel in distress who needs rescuing constantly. All the characters in the series are interesting too and you may even sympathize with the villains when it is revealed what they have been through in their lives. I think there's a big gap in age between the female lead and male lead - something like the FL is more than 10 years older than the ML. Whilst the female lead looks youthful but the gap shows when they are together in romantic scenes. However, the interesting plot, cinematography and pace of the series will keep you glued to the series. I didn't like the last episode too much as it felt a bit rushed. The songs and music in this series are really good. There are many scenes in this series I will no doubt want to re-watch as they are beautifully choreographed. A recommended watch!

RIGHT FROM THE FIRST EPISODE, I WAS COMPLETELY ENGROSSED. I COULD NOT STOP WATCHING IT. AS EACH CHARACTER BEGAN TO GET RICHER AND DISTINGUISHED, I WAS FULLER DRAWN INTO THIS DRAMA. ALL THE CAST, CHARACTERS WERE AMAZINGLY TALENTED AND GIFTED. ALL THE COSTUMES AND SETS WERE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL. I FELT AS IF I WERE PART OF THIS WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL DRAMA. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE MAIN CHARACTERS. I ALSO GREW VERY ANGRY WITH THE MEAN, SPITEFUL AND EVIL CHARACTERS AS WELL. THIS DRAMA AT SOME POINT DIDN'T PLAY THROUGH, SO I WAITED IN ANTICIPATION FOR THE NEXT EPISODES. I WILL DEFINITELY WATCH AGAIN.

I really enjoy this genre of entertainment, so wholesome and tells a story. The story lines were top notch, the writers did an amazing job with the dialogue!!! You have to watch it... no spoiler alerts here.😂🤣. Will there be a season two? Will there be a season three? I am honestly really impressed with this storyline, I am really trying not to give anything away, so I'm really being careful with my words. How the writers show both sides and how each seem to know what the other side is thinking is an excellent plot and writing technique. Hopefully, there will be more to this amazing story, please!

Overall this period piece well reflected my understanding of that time period. Some fantasy elements which took away from the story (like people flying). Otherwise a story akin to Count of Monte Cristo done at a much larger scale and with far more depth.

Pros: beautiful sets and direction, attractive caste, superb acting, witty dialogue, good character development, and the story line moves along at a rapid pace.

Cons: not all plausible (as with most revenge plots at that scale) and some places extended to include side characters which detracts from the main story.

Highly recommend for those that like this genre and want to follow a complex revenge plot.