While he nails it as the archetypal ice-block, noble idiot shifu, a more daring and intense portrayal should have delivered a better glimpse into the dark ruthlessness, frustration and temptation that torments the character. Even though I find Chen Weiting incredibly handsome despite the terrible wig and enjoyed his performance overall, I don't think he managed to convey the multifaceted, fascinatingly complex character that is Fang Jianming.
Their unspoken rapport only becomes evident later on and that is when the drama starts to get interesting. Xu Kai Cheng overacted in the beginning and he and Chen Weiting were not connecting. I don't think it is particularly fair to pick on only one of them but they are all rather seasoned actors so it is disappointing. This is made more difficult because their backstories are told in flashbacks which works well in novels but is harder to do onscreen when the actors are not in character. The drama seems slow to start because it took all three leads a surprisingly long time to get into character and to convey the many layers of their intertwined backstories.
And to Jianming's credit, while undoubtedly tempted, he avoids Haishi's many overtures because he already pledged himself to Dixu. Their depth of shared history and sorrow and Jianming's sense of guilt and his obsession with putting Humpty Dumpty together again are practically insurmountable challenges. Poor Haishi, hers was a lost cause from the start because Jianming already was inextricably bonded to Dixu by ties far more powerful than the baixi.
Novoland pearl eclipse free#
It is by far the most uniquely fascinating relationship in this drama because they are so entangled neither has free will. The novel has heavy BL elements to it and the incredibly dark, complicated and almost parasitical relationship between Dixu and Jianming is quite well portrayed in the drama. Although not quite as dark as the novel, this is an angst filled, tortured tale about tragically flawed characters that won't appeal to everyone. Although the plot and many characterisations deviate markedly from the novel, the core message that we can choose our destiny but cannot overcome fate remains. It is an unforgettable and heartbreaking story about guilt, obsession, love and the futile struggle against fate that inextricably entangles the three main protagonists Fang Jianming, Emperor Dixu and Fang Haishi. Pearl Eclipse is adapted from a beautiful, dark and tragic novel Madame Huzhu 斛珠夫人 set in the Novoland universe.
~~ Adapted from the novel of the same name by Xiao Ru Se (萧如瑟). Her feelings for her master and their opposing sentiments towards the emperor become a matter of conflict while secret plots and schemes threaten the very fabric of their kingdom. Years pass and Hai Shi joins the royal military. The kingdom is in peril due to a self-indulgent and apathetic ruler, unrest in court, and constant conflict with neighboring kingdoms and only held together by Fang Zhu's sheer determination. Fang Zhu offers to accept Hai Shi as a disciple on the condition that she hides her true identity and poses as a boy. She then meets Fang Zhu who is an official of the imperial court and the emperor's closest confidant. Hai Shi's town was ransacked by soldiers and she develops a grudge against the emperor whom she holds responsible for the tragic events and vows to seek revenge. It was on such a fishing trip that Hai Shi's father was killed. Hai Shi is a young girl living in a coastal village where people use the ruse of killing their children to make mermaids cry and gather the pearls to pay for taxes. If one can make a Naga mermaid cry, the shed tears will turn into priceless luminous pearls.
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