I’ve been watching a lot of wuxia lately and I’m getting used to the terminologies they used back in those days. This particular drama I was drawn to because of its cast. With Peter Ho, Hu Ge, Eddie Peng, Liu Shi shi and the wonderful older actors Amy Chan and Wang Jia Ming, how can I not watch?!
The story began with masked characters in black breaking into the palace to steal an object that seemed to hold an important value. Side note: I didn’t see the resolution of this story to the very end of the series. The 2 masked men was revealed to be the princess and Yang Clans 6th son Liu Lang.
What I like~
1. Qi Lang (the youngest brother and seventh son) he’s just so adorable and I think that Eddie Peng fits the role of the playful, mischievous son perfectly. I cried a bucket when he died and how he died. tong tong tong T.T
2. Si Lang (the 4th brother) Peter Ho plays the role. At first he was thought to be dead. He showed up a few episodes later as Mu Yi, a kind-hearted man with a vengeance against the Yang Clan. Later on, the love of the family and Qi Lang’s persistence won him over. He’s love connection with Liu Shi shi is an added bonus.
3. Yelu Xie (general of the Liao’s army) and Guan Hong There was just something so magical about these two. I was totally shipping them instead of Yang Wu-lang. Every time they have a scene together, it’s bittersweet.
4. The Death scenes. My heart still hurts until now. Oh, their heroism, love of family and pure bravery. I cried a bucket of tears for a good 2 episodes! Damn that Pan Ren mei. I hated his scheming ways and that stupid king!
5. The naming system. The Yang’s call their children as Yi Lang, Er Lang, San Lang, Si Lang, Wu Lang, Liu Lang, Qi Lang and Ba Mei. Cute! They actually have real names which were mentioned in certain episodes but are usually called by these nicknames. Even the in-laws are called as such (Si Niang, Wu Niang, etc.)
But I felt that the series ended somewhat halfway. Too many loose ends or it must be that another series comes after this. I’ll sure look forward to that. I think it should be called The Yang women (kick ass!).
photo cr: ancientchinese.net