This shortish serial was probably the best plot in a TV series I've ever seen. So cleverly worked out, everything is top notch - the sets, costumes, the score, the characterizations. Really heart wrenching plot lines and the finale is something I don't think anyone who followed the series will ever forget.
They handled the time travel determinism quite well too - the lead actress works out the hard way no matter what she does to try to change the fates of those around her it only ends up creating the events that actually happened historically, usually disastrously!
The only thing I found was that it took a while before I was able to work out who was who. At first especially 8th, 13th and 14th princes looked quite similar - since they all have identical Qing dynasty hair styles (the shaved forehead and long ponytail) and look a little alike anyway. Thankfully some of the guys like the lead actor are very distinctive. It's a bit silly in places but I can overlook that for the overall plot.
If you're looking for something a bit different, a taste of a totally foreign culture - outlandish costumes, hairstyles, hats, ceremonies and a cracking plot with twists and huge surprises - and don't mind subtitles - this is great stuff.
They handled the time travel determinism quite well too - the lead actress works out the hard way no matter what she does to try to change the fates of those around her it only ends up creating the events that actually happened historically, usually disastrously!
The only thing I found was that it took a while before I was able to work out who was who. At first especially 8th, 13th and 14th princes looked quite similar - since they all have identical Qing dynasty hair styles (the shaved forehead and long ponytail) and look a little alike anyway. Thankfully some of the guys like the lead actor are very distinctive. It's a bit silly in places but I can overlook that for the overall plot.
If you're looking for something a bit different, a taste of a totally foreign culture - outlandish costumes, hairstyles, hats, ceremonies and a cracking plot with twists and huge surprises - and don't mind subtitles - this is great stuff.