The Double

Jinyan Wu plays Xue Fang Fei who is betrayed by her husband and loses everything and is believed murdered. She is in fact alive and through luck meets many people who are kind and allow her to assume the identity of an important figure and she then not only seeks justice for the people but also plots revenge against her and her friends enemies. On this journey she meets Duke Su a close ally of the Emperor played by Xingyue Wang who initially uses her as a pawn in his intrigue but eventually grows to have feelings for her. It starts slowly as there are many characters to be introduced but soon picks up and is well written and I quickly moved on to the next episode to find out what happens. Overall a very enjoyable palace plot drama with excellent acting from the entire cast, particularly the lead actress.

"The Double" is a masterful production that stands out in the realm of contemporary Chinese drama. The series is a testament to the genius of its creators, weaving an intricate and compelling plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Each character is crafted with remarkable intelligence, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative. The show is nothing short of mesmerizing, offering an immersive experience that captivates from start to finish.

One of the most innovative aspects of "The Double" is its daring use of ancient Chinese opera to narrate parts of the story. This bold choice not only pays homage to traditional art forms but also enriches the storytelling with a unique cultural texture. The opera scenes are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of the series.

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring classical music that elevates the emotional tone of various scenes. While the exact pieces are not specified, the music's ability to convey intense, joyful, or regretful emotions is undeniable. The classical compositions provide a timeless quality to the series, making the viewing experience even more profound.

Overall, "The Double" is a brilliantly crafted show that leaves a lasting impression. Its innovative storytelling, intelligent characters, and exquisite use of music and traditional opera make it a standout production in the world of Chinese drama. This series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a rich, emotionally resonant, and culturally immersive experience.

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.

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!