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The 2017 Chinese drama, starring Dilraba Dilmurat as Gongsun Li, Zhang Bin-Bin (Vin) as Ying Zheng, Li Tai as Han Shen, and Chang Liu as Jing Ke.
Brief synopsis: Gongsun Li is a brilliant, talented, fiery young woman who is especially skilled in martial arts. Although she could do other things with her skill set, Li wants nothing more than to settle down and lead a simple life with people that she loves. But when she accidentally saves the life of Ying Zheng, king of Qin, he’s got different ideas for their relationship.
What a rollercoaster of emotions! This drama is one big and connected story, totally binge-worthy. Even if you’ve heard enough rumors about the ending, this is a hot-blooded drama you can’t afford to miss!
While watching this drama, I was reminded of several pop culture items and themes. The drama in the harem reminded me of The Selection by Kiera Cass and the TV show “The Bachelor.” Of course, it’s all up a notch because Ying Zheng is already married to each of them 😂😂. If you like “Beauty and the Beast” themes, enjoyed the Korean drama “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo,” and admire extravagant costuming, this Chinese drama is probably right up your alley!
I occasionally thought that “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay could have fit with the story very well, but the OST was already so moving!
When did we start seeing Ying Zheng as a protagonist instead of a villain? It came to look like the roles of Ying Zheng and Jing Ke were switched from what they started as in Li’s heart- Ying Zheng was softening up to be a caring partner but Jing Ke was becoming quite the killer. I thought I was looking at so much character development (and so did Li) before the ending set in.
Without spoiling it too much, all I can say is that this drama is not for the faint of heart. It can make you smile, but it can also make you cry. What a brutal finale. But it succeeded in making me reflect on the entire series and story. In episode 48, Ying Zheng says “War is just a method. Peace is the goal.” Did the end really justify the means? We sometimes may say that we’d do anything for our dreams and ambitions, but do we really want anyone to do the same? It’s said that “the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” However much we may be willing to do for what we want, may I suggest that it’s how you get it that defines your character.
Here’s the thing about that ending: those kids got what they wished for, but it didn’t exactly mean happiness for any one of them. If wishes came true like that, shouldn’t we be more careful what we wished for? Ying Zheng ended up alone, just as his wishes and actions led him to be.
Although it’s certainly a ride for the emotions and I can’t recommend it to people with a strict grudge against sad endings, this drama was still beautiful and way more than I expected it to be. 5/5 stars!
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