Drama Digest
The drama is set in the 1930s and Adapted from the web novel “Winter Begonia” by Shui Ru Tian Er”. It centers on a wealthy businessman and a Peking opera performer. Shang Xirui has a great love for Peking opera and is a performer himself. However, he is an outsider. Thus, the natives tagged him as one and did not support him. Despite that, with the help of his exceptional skills, he gains massive fame in Beiping. One day, Cheng Fengtai, a wealthy businessman, attends one of Shang Xirui’s performances and is utterly mesmerized. He befriends Shang Xirui, and due to their mutual admiration towards Perking opera, he decides to help him. Cheng Fengtai helps Shang Xirui fulfill his dream of spreading knowledge about the art of Perking opera. He becomes an ardent supporter of Shang Xirui as well as his work and helps him in opening Shui Yun Lou, where he trains a new troupe. Everything was great until the Japanese army invaded the capital in 1937. Everything that anyone holds dear is threatened as people fight to protect themselves and things, they believe in. Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui are also compelled to do something for their country and protect what is valuable to them.
The Feel-Good Part
The drama has a highly elite vibe; you will feel as if you are actually in 1930’s China. The cinematography is terrific, and the drama has this pleasing vintage color palette that sets a heartwarming nostalgic mood. Everything is done so beautifully and with so much precision that you get an in-depth look at Chinese history. You can completely sympathize with the struggles and obnoxious changes that the people of that era had to go through due to the invasion. The genuineness of the main characters will mesmerize you. You will fall in love with them, as they make you smile and cry with them.
The Disappointing Part
The drama is based on a web novel written by Shui Ru Tian Er. The original book was a BL story, and the relationship between Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui was a romantic relationship. However, the drama portrays a rather brotherly friendship between the characters. Somewhat following the idea of soul mates. It isn’t very pleasing to an extent because the writer had to edit the storyline so that it could be more fit as per society’s norms.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama whirls around two enthusiasts of Peking opera, and it indeed provides you valuable intel about the Chinese opera world. You get to witness the greatness of Peking opera through many elegant performances. The storyline is compelling, and it will enchant you through its balanced setting. Although the drama is set in the tragic period of war, the story does not have only a gruesome side. Instead, you can watch the light and funny side too. The satire against the stereotypes of that period is done quite intelligently. It is not just the main characters who are focused; instead, the story blooms beyond that.
Star Power
‘Huang Xiaoming’ plays the role of Cheng Fengtai while ‘Yin Zheng’ plays the role of Shang Xirui. They did such a great job portraying the bond between the main leads that you often find yourself swooning over them. ‘Charmaine Sheh’ is a part of the main cast too, and plays the role of Fan Xianger, who is Cheng Fengtai’s wife. The supporting cast includes ‘Tan Jianci,’ ‘Merxat,’ ‘Huang Shengyi,’ ‘Bai Bing,’ etc.
Overall Opinion
It is one of those beautifully done dramas that leaves you amazed at its details. It is definitely worth watching. Also, lovers of historical dramas should probably not miss this show.
