RS Lee

The pace, acting, setting, and direction all very well done. So far, best Chinese Costume Wuxia drama I've seen. The series is simply sublime. Zhao Lusi's acting is perfect as an adolescent girl, daring out of ignorance, and naive out of lack of education. But her street-smart got her out of trouble many times. Meanwhile, Leo Zhao's portrait of the general is perfect. The story reminds me of something of the Jane Austin era. The scenes of the ladies gathering in one room during a party and the men on the other side. All they are missing is a ballroom dance. It gives a feeling of being a western TV series like Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Pride, and prejudice, but more conservative of course (Don't expect passionate kissing and other stuff.) The second season, it was a bit choppy at the end. Rumors have it that the director had cut out 10 scenes which explains the continuity of the story towards the end. But, the director promised to come out with a Director's cut adding all the deleted scenes back. for next year's New Year. So, do anticipate that! Can't wait!

I really liked the series at first. I find the story fascinating and refreshing. The beginning is a bit messy at establishing the premise of the story, but I let that go. The entire story was good until after the first Act. Then it starts to go downhill, but I still enjoyed it since I already invested so much time into it. I followed the story all the way to the end, then Boom! The last 3 episodes totally threw me off! I think the original editor must have raged quit. The editing was different and messy. The storyline was uncoordinated and appears that a few people had put their own ending into it. It left me angry, confused, and betrayed. Angry because I had invested all this time into the series and it gave me that amateurish chaotic ending. I would have given it a 5 star if the producers had the responsibility to come up with a decent ending. Bottom line is, this is one example where the ending ruined the entire series and left the viewers giving merciless reviews due to that mistake!

Perplexed. Have to watch it again by dissecting scene by scene because every scene has a purpose. Most difficult Nolan film yet. The film definitely does not leave you feeling empty afterward.

Beautiful and haunting. Forever embedded in my memory after all these years and with more appreciation every time I reminisce it.