No expense was spared in this production- sweeping landscapes and wild places, intricate Forbidden City-style monumental architecture and interiors, a stellar cast generally and the sparkling presence of Zhang ZiYi and Zhou Yi Wei specifically. The revelation among the huge cast was Zhou, an old fashioned Hollywood era hero. His acting was understated, an upright man dealing with corrupt officials, military leaders, courtiers and noblemen. His work is utterly convincing and moving.
As a capable General who has risen through the ranks himself, he has earned the respect and loyalty of his army. But due to his success, he becomes, reluctantly, a force in imperial court politics which endangers all he has vowed to protect.
Zhang ZiYi plays a strong, well born woman of extraordinary integrity and intelligence who must navigate betrayals, manipulations and humiliations. And she does.
The romance trope involves an inconvenient marriage, meant to neutralize him and remove her from court. The relationship, and mutual admiration develops organically in the story. It's lovely and their love is hard-won and well-deserved.
As a capable General who has risen through the ranks himself, he has earned the respect and loyalty of his army. But due to his success, he becomes, reluctantly, a force in imperial court politics which endangers all he has vowed to protect.
Zhang ZiYi plays a strong, well born woman of extraordinary integrity and intelligence who must navigate betrayals, manipulations and humiliations. And she does.
The romance trope involves an inconvenient marriage, meant to neutralize him and remove her from court. The relationship, and mutual admiration develops organically in the story. It's lovely and their love is hard-won and well-deserved.