Drama Digest
“Stand By Me” is a Chinese historical drama, released in 2021. The drama is set in the late Tang Dynasty era during the reign of Emperor Wenzong.
The Feel-Good Part
The production quality for the show is reasonably high. The technical execution is also excellent. The swordplay formations and sword fights are exceptionally well choreographed. There are all the elements required for a historical drama, palace politics, romance, betrayal, and revenge. There are unpredictable twists and turns and multiple instances of switching sides and surprising revelations that elevate the show to much higher ground. The action scenes are top tier and the story has a fast pacing, which does not make it dull. The momentum of the show is maintained well until the end.
The Disappointing Factor
While this drama is a pure masterpiece, grasping hold of the plot might be difficult. Multiple characters are thrown in and it gets hard to keep track sometimes.
In-Depth Analysis
During the 9th century Tang Dynasty era in China, the Emperor is caught in a struggle for power amongst a group of eunuchs who held extreme power at the court. To strike at them, the emperor orders the death of their ringleader named Qiu Shi Liang. But the mission was not carried out in order. The eunuchs then come forward to avenge the emperor by killing the emperor’s most loyal first minister and his entire family. But his twin daughters, Cheng Ruo Yun, and Qiu Yan Zhi escape. After the incident, the eunuchs gathered more power over the royal court and treated the emperor as mere puppets. The two daughters of the minister then moved in different directions and have different fates. Yan Zhi enters Qiu Zhi Liang’s household and plans for revenge secretly. Her sister, Ruo Yun, joined a group of military professionals enlisted by the present Emperor Li Yan. The emperor now plans on removing the entire eunuch’s committee and Ruo Yun is determined and swears on her life to help him. The two of them know each other and romance blossoms.
Star Power
Cheng Yi is a magnificent actor. He is playing the role of Emperor Qi Yan. Chen Yi provides us with the display of some intense emotions in the show. Zhang Yu Xi and Xuan Lu played the twin sisters and delivered their performances gracefully. Among the supporting characters, Xi Xue, Yang Xi Zi, He Zhong Hua, Li Jun Yi, Ethan Yao, Fu Fang Jun, and Bai Shu were some of the remarkable actors.
Overall Opinion
This drama is one of the most anticipated and undoubtedly does not disappoint anyone. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride with intriguing moments that will keep you hooked on the show from the beginning to the end. As the story progresses, you will gain an understanding of all the characters and their hardships. It is worth the investment.
