Drama Digest
Adapted from the 1994 classic of the same name and a novel by Ni Kuang, the iconic Deadful Melody has been adapted for modern audiences. The original story follows a young man who works as a young security guard. He is trying to prove himself worthy, and he wants to do so by defending the one object that is desired by masters of the Martial Arts world. This object is the Magic Lyre. When he manages to get it, he must put his life, reputation, and power on the line to keep the thing safe. But what is so good about this object? Why do so many masters of martial arts around the world want it? Is there something significant about it, or is there something that they are trying to keep dormant? Will this young security man manage to keep his reputation intact? If he does so, at what cost? Is there more than what meets the eye? Watch this drama and find out. With more than 20 years in the public eye, let’s see what happens and how this iconic story has been adapted.
The Feel-Good Part
Artistically, this drama is one of the best of the year. It manages to incorporate several artistic elements and historical elements to give us something exceptionally unique and unlike anything else. The show undertakes a lot of pressure by being a remake of a classic. Still, it manages to do so while also using modern effects and cinematography to keep it fresh for modern audiences. The action sequences within this drama are extremely well-choreographed and keep you on the edge of your seat. Perhaps, the thing that keeps audiences coming back to this drama is its mystery of what the instrument is. It maintains and paces its mystery exceptionally well, and you can’t help but enjoy it and everything it offers. When you watch this drama, you are indeed in for a rollercoaster ride.
The Disappointing Factor
Anything that is an adaptation of a previously known piece of media is going to face criticism and will never be truly able to meet the standards of the original. This drama makes up for it in presentation, but at its core, it still fumbles. The episode runtime is also exceptionally long for a drama with an otherwise streamlined and straightforward plot. A 40-episode run for any drama is already too much to handle, but a historical fantasy drama with 40 episodes may be too much for the general audience. Some of the action sequences, while being well choreographed, still manage to be a bit comical and out of place. There is a lot of potential in this drama.
In-Depth Analysis
The legend of the default melody and the lyre has been showcased throughout several media pieces over the years. This drama takes that iconic symbol and delivers an exciting concept that can be enjoyed by a lot of people. It misses a lot of what it can offer, and with some minor changes, it can be one of the best historical dramas out there.
Star Power
Guo Hu directed this drama. He established a brand of great action and historical elements wrapped in simple stories with this drama. Some of his well-known works include Legend of Nine Tails Fox, Sound of the Desert, Wu Xin: The Monster Killer, Eternal Love, Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky, and The Mantis Killer. He was also a Golden Guduo Film & Television Award winner for quality director of the year. The star of this drama is the writer of the source material. Ni Kuang wrote several stories, including Zuan shi hua, You fa, The Mystery Of The Golden Sphere, Chain, and Tian wai tao yuan. Our two lead roles are Dong Fang Bai and Yun Miao Miao, played by Benny Chang and Michelle Hu. Both deliver a stellar performance filled with significant interactions and intense action sequences. Benny Chan stars in movies and dramas such as Fighting Fragrance, Imperial Physician Huangfu, The Legend of Chu Liu Xiang, Zhong Kui, The Monkey King: The Volcano, Flirting Scholar from the Future, and Exorcist Judge Bao. Michelle Hu stars in movies and dramas such as The Great Adventurer Wesley: Mind Port, Master of Destiny, Twin of Brothers, Epic The Judge, Tales of Mystery, and Mr. and Mrs. Gambler. We also have a stellar supporting cast with great actors such as Dean Liu, Cheng Fu, Shen Yao, and Ma Qian Qian.
Overall Opinion
Does this drama live up to the original? Arguably, not really. But it still manages to have its charm that you can enjoy.
