Drama Digest
Adapted from a novel by Chen Xue, Zhong Meibao a coffee shop owner dies in the condominium of The Horizon tower. Meibao was known for her beauty and people were often impressed by her looks. When her dead body was discovered, her face had doll-like makeup. The peculiar makeup on her face earned the case of her murder the moniker – the doll murder case. The case of her death shocks the whole tower and several suspects are already under the radar of the police. Among them were the tower’s security guard, the architect, and the property manager. All three of these men had extremely intimate and close relations with Meibao. So naturally, the case was proceeded to keep these men as the primary suspects. However, by diving further into the case and life of Meibao, the investigators find out more about Meibao’s life. Mei bao had a complicated and painful youth. Initially, the death of Meibao was being written off as a love crime and investigated from that angle. With new clues coming up and about regarding her demise, the police were compelled to look beyond the three primary suspects, in doing so they looked into the lives of her family members. As more people get implicated such as her stepfather, her mother, her younger brother, and her foster brother, just who killed Meibao and why.
The Feel-Good Part
The way this show builds up the suspense is unique. It places the viewers in the shoes of the investigators and does not reveal its cards from the start. Some amazing crime dramas come up in the Chinese entertainment media industry however most of the good ones slip under the radar of crime show watchers. The murderous affairs in the Horizon tower are one of those. It puts the lens right at the ugly core of societal issues and created a drama surrounding them, skilfully integrating all the issues like child abuse and domestic violence into a crime drama. It does not desensitize the viewer but rather makes them understand how there are various elements to societal issues at play. Women centered. Did not shy away from making the women in the cast a central and pivotal part of the storyline. This along with the message the drama aimed to give especially about the social issues that often get side-lined when we talk about abuse or a very linear perspective on the consequences. The drama gives attention to the aftereffect of such abuse.
The Disappointing Factor
Slow in the beginning. When the makers had such a good story in their hand it was sensible to make the first episode a gripping one. However, they decided to take it slow and steady at the beginning, making it seem like the drama is the same old run of previously tried murder mysteries. The pace very quickly picks up after the first few episodes. Besides that, the show is extremely good with a very good ensemble. The cast did their job well and was perfectly suited for the roles they were cast in.
In-Depth Analysis
There are a lot of suspects in this crime show. Some of them have shocking stories, some very vulgar, and some are wholesome, but up until the end, we don’t know who or why the victim was killed. Amazingly paced drama with content to support its success. Including the acting of the cast, this show is a must-watch for every mystery lover out there. the detective is an earnest and righteous character that sticks to the viewers long after the show has ended. The episode starts with Xie bao Luo, who is a dark and mysterious character but also has the personality that makes the viewers root for him. he cements the show and the dark tone initially.
Star Power
Angelababy acts as the victim in the show Meibao. Yan Zi Shan is one of the main casts along with Guo Tao. The latter has previously worked in the show the game of desire.
Overall Opinion
People who enjoy crime mysteries are bound to love this show. It would be better to give it some time before it picks up the pace in the beginning, but rest assured it does the job well as the show really puts the societal issues at the forefront and does not shy away from showing the gruesome aspects of it on an individual level. The drama is also woman-centered and paced the content as well as the storyline sublimely. If you enjoy mystery and crime thrillers then this show is just the one for you.
