Flourished Peony

In costume dramas, it's easy to miss important points. The female main character often goes through a lot of suffering that leads to tears, but not many moments create real emotion. Instead, the story relies heavily on suffering rather than meaningful character development.

The predictable plot and weak performances get a lot of praise, but they are confusing and uncomfortable to watch. The excitement around the series makes it hard to enjoy; each episode feels more like a task than fun. I want more depth and authenticity, but instead, I find an experience that only increases my discomfort. It's stressful.

The drama "The Blooming Beauty" feels like a cure for insomnia. Its slow pacing, repetitive dialogue, and lack of engaging plot twists make it a tedious watch. Despite its lavish costumes and set designs, the story struggles to hold attention, leaving viewers yawning rather than captivated. Even the characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with their journeys. Overall, it's a visually appealing but emotionally hollow production that fails to deliver the excitement or depth one might expect. Also the overly smoothed skin of the actors, particularly the lead, Yang Zi, gave them an unnatural and plastic-like appearance.

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.

Flourished Peony had the potential to be a grand historical drama, but it ultimately falls short in several key areas. Despite its beautiful visuals and elaborate costumes, the story is bogged down by predictable plotlines and underdeveloped characters. The narrative leans heavily on clichés, with palace intrigue and romantic subplots feeling recycled from countless other dramas.

The pacing is another significant issue. Lengthy, drawn-out episodes filled with unnecessary scenes make it difficult to stay invested. The dialogue often feels flat and uninspired, failing to convey the emotional depth or intensity needed for the high-stakes setting.

Li Xian's performance as the male lead was underwhelming, to say the least. His portrayal lacked nuance and failed to capture the complexity of his character. In emotional scenes, his expressions often felt stiff or exaggerated, making it hard to connect with his struggles. This lack of authenticity undermined pivotal moments in the drama, leaving audiences frustrated.

Moreover, his chemistry with the female lead was virtually nonexistent. Their interactions felt forced, lacking the spark or emotional tension that the story desperately needed.

It was as though he was going through the motions without truly embodying the character.

I find the female main character to be a bit fragmented. When she interacts with others, she often comes off as overly optimistic. She reassures those around her that everything will be fine in the future and that success in her career will lead to better days. While I appreciate her positivity, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by these repeated affirmations. It makes me wonder: why is she so confident? It's like I have a special insight, knowing that she's the main character who is destined to succeed. However, the tone of her dialogue feels a bit off; she seems a little too soft, which can take away some excitement from the plot. Additionally, her success doesn't appear to come from her hard work or intelligence but rather from the good conscience of the male protagonist.

YZ's facial expressions are a bit stiff. I feel unemotional when she acts, but when she cries, it feels like overacting. I recall my memories of other dramas she has been in.