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.

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.

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.

Yeah I don't really like this genre of drama, although I like Yang Zi and Li Xian. But the previous drama was better, maybe I was also quite dependent on the make-up that was adapted to that era. But my yangzi is still beautiful, it just feels awkward. Miles' role is somehow more wow and makes you irritated .

So far I will still watch and see the development. Maybe in the future this drama will present something unexpected. For now I stop and save the episode first. For the rest I like especially the setting and editing I have no doubts about the background used in Chinese dramas. Very beautiful.