As mentioned before, the performances by the cast, main and supporting, was stellar. Apart from the leading couple, there is the flawless representation of the cold blooded, selfish, eccentric antagonist Princess Wan Ning adeptly played by Li Meng.
There are many lengthy and detailed reviews about this drama that could give away some details as spoilers. Read as many as you want but the viewers only need to know that this drama has it all, action, revenge, great costumes, beautiful cinematography, a well written story, and a love that will definitely leave the audience completely satisfied. Enjoy it!
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
Must watch!!
Story about female lead getting a second chance at life meeting male lead in which they use each other in a kinda way and the way their romance progressed gradually was beautiful-really was scared of 'wanning',actress killed the role
I know many ppl have said this but the age --difference between female lead actress and male lead actress wasn't a problem
-Top notch acting
-I would rewatch it again 😁
-i really don't watch historical cos same old plot:living different lives, reborn,etc was skeptical at first but loved it
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
“Love” and Ambition Brings out the Cunning and the Crazy
Xue Fang has what seems to be the perfect marriage to Shen Yu only for him to betray her in the worst way. This was one of the many interesting things about the series that Xue Fang and Shen Yu’s marriage was actually good. I think he even loved her, to a point, but he love himself and power more. Hence, the reprehensible decision he made.This story has been done before. So overall the premise and even the execution wasn’t anything new. But that still didn’t make the story less intriguing. Though I enjoyed Xue Fang/ Jiang Li ,she was the typical and predictable heroine of the story. Superior intellect and always 10 steps ahead of her enemies. The Duke was the predictable male lead in being smart, tough and always there to get the heroine out jams she couldn’t get herself out of. Very predictable characters as was the love story but still entertaining to watch.
I found it interesting that many of the women featured on the show had been through some type of trauma or was heavily influenced by a parent, usually a father, which was a big part of why they were either kind or hateful. This was a nice touch by the writers which worked to give the villains some complexity rather than being one note evil.
The Princess was the perfect example of this. She’d been through hell and as a result had some interesting vulnerabilities , but she was a horrible person and quite mad. Shen Yu was similar in that he was put in a difficult situation beyond his control. Thus he at times generated some sympathy. However, he was a coward . Yet intelligent, cunning and ambitious. Both were vile characters whom I loathed but I found them compelling to watch because of their complexities.
The writing in this was generally good, but at times there were scenes that went on too long or too much unnecessary detail was provided. The show spent a lot of time showing backstories for supporting characters that wasn’t needed. The big battle with General Chen was anticlimactic. The Longwu “army” was only about enough soldiers to fill a courtyard. And the “face off” consisted of tender moments between Xue Fang/Jiang Li and the Duke. Xue Fang/Jiang Li was completely out of place here, and the Duke, General Chen and Shen Yu pontificating about their issues with each other. Very disappointing.
The last episode was way too long. It had about 5 different endings. They could’ve cut out most of those scenes and still tied up the series nicely. Honestly the last 8-10 episodes could’ve been compressed down to 3-5 episodes making the series 30-35 episodes rather than 40. The show lost momentum in the last several episodes and as a result dragged quite a bit. Again a lot of time was wasted on unnecessary backstories and such.
Despite all this , the acting was strong.. The leads had good chemistry. The love story was well done as was the conspiracies and treason. Overall it was a good series. The bonus “episode” was cute. I’m glad Xue Fang got her HEA with the Duke. Is this worth watching? Yes but just know it’s more about the conspiracies than the love story. Would I watch again? Probably not.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Intense & Stunning
THE DOUBLE is an excellent revenge drama filled with memorable characters, fascinating storytelling, and beautiful costumes and visuals. This series was truly an amazing show and will stand out among the many wonderful Cdramas.“A county magistrate's daughter loses everything but regains her life by masquerading as a minister's daughter, overcoming injustice with help from Duke Su Xiao Heng, rescuing her imprisoned father, and upholding justice.”
This series really shines, especially with Wu Jin Yan as our lead heroine (as Jiang Li / Xue Fang Fei / Xue Li). She is such a great actress. I’ve loved her in just about everything I’ve seen her in since far (Story of Yanxi Palace, Legend og Hao Lan, Royal Feast). She really brings some extra intensity to her dramas.
Overall, this was a really great series with so much to offer the drama world. Highly recommended for fans of Chinese dramas. A great show, with excellent plot and compelling story. Highly recommended!
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
wonderful drama
the reason i started this drama was because i love the actress, my favorite actress. seeing that she has a new drama without thinking i decided to watch, and as expected i wasn't disappointed.all about the drama was good: the cast was spot on and the acting impeccable, the plot was interesting and it kept us hooked. what i loved most is the female lead who is strong, independent and resolute. she had one goal and she stuck to it to the end, always maintaining her morals and principles, not getting soft-hearted but also not getting cruel.
Wu Jinyan is a wonderful actress in my opinion and this role suited her a lot, she really brought the character to life,
Wang Xing Yue is also a wonderful actor, not only these two but all the cast was well chosen and the acting wonderful.
the plot was very well written and interesting, it had everything in it, revenge ,romance, comedy, politics.
highly recommended.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
Best Drama Ever
Loved the story and the FL anf ML were great. The love story was slow but beautifully done.I have seen many Chine dramas and this one now ranks 1st for me.
Many of the other actors were also excellent.
The ending was also shot beautifully.
The music was also excellent, evoking so much emotion at key moments in the story.
The age difference between th ML and the FL did not impact the chemistry between them.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
The best C-drama I've seen in a while
The plot is one as old as time... revenge!!But don't let this deter you from watching probably The best C-drama I've seen in a freaking while!!
The "revenge" them have been overuse over time but this drama manage to captivate you and draw you in with excellent character development! Disney should watch this show so they can learn how to create a strong female character!
Acting... what can I say... The main casts not only deliver good acting... but the emotional range is good lord... soo good!
Special praise to the main actress... I've watch a few of her shows and her acting skill has only gotten better...
The music.... Ahhh the music...I don't understand chinese but i was drawn to tears in episode 11...
Rewatch value.... hmmm I've watch episode 11 like 10 times already and rewatch the entire serie up to episode 31 twice already.
Not gonna lie I need to find a way to buy and add this serie to my collection.
One of those serie that will haunt and stay with you forever!
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
strongly recommend
I rarely review drama but this drama is worth it. If you love strong and smart female and male lead, suspension and little touch of comedy here and there this drama is for you. There's romance involved but it would have still been good even without it. the chemistry between actors are 100%. The acting was also 100%. Yeah you'll see some being a little too dramatic here and there but it doesn't bother at all. The plot was full of twits, it was a master piece. Strongly recommend!!!! 😎Esta resenha foi útil para você?
I highly recommend watching this!
This was the first historical chinese drama that I watched and I loved it! I was glued to my screen throughout the entire drama!Why did I love this drama? Where do I begin...
The plot is well written and executed. The casting and acting is top tier. The cinematography and soundtrack is beautiful. The lead characters have great chemistry.
This is one of the dramas I will always recommend watching. I am definitely adding this drama to my list of top ten c-dramas and I'm sure I'll re-watch it.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
The Story Beautifully Writen
The story had nice flow, between ravenge and love story, there also some comedy slip in between.Xue Fang Fei / Jiang Li - Wu Jin Yan
She took ravenge to whom wronge her. She took her own path, at first she act like nothing to lose cause she tought everything that she care for already gone but when she found out that her father still alive, she show some vulnerability. She start to fall in love with Xiao Heng and found path of ravenge with him.
Duke Su / Xiao Heng - Wang Xing Yue
He is the type of ML character, cold, smart, had power, and handsome. He is person work at shadow, stay on his own principal.
As novel reader :
The drama change some story and blending character such as Prince Cheng with Yin Zhan.
The reason for Duke Su father die because of Yin Zhan. Duke Su mother found out affair between Empress Dowager and Yin Zhan, which they had child named Yin Zhi Li. Duke Su mother eventually die and because of this, her husband trying to find the reason and led to his death.
I actually miss some character that not been potrayed in the drama, like Wen Ren Yao. He is Duke Su friend and had ability to read future, the person that Wen Ren Yao can only read is Duke Su. He saw that Duke Su only had fate with one woman and if this fate failed, he either become monk or devil.
Situ Jiuye in novel is only Duke Su friend and not falling in love with him. She is princess from Molan, she only visited Duke Su house cause Duke Su house had a lot rare plant. She eventually falling in love with Xue Zhao and he follow her to Molan, only came back when Jiang Li giving birth to her daughter, Ji Meng.
Duke Su grandfather
He's relationship with Duke Su actually pretty nice in novel, they lived in the same house, there is some area that free of plant, that area is the place of Duke Su grandfather trained cause if there is some plant around is gonna get cut by his sword. He die when killing Yin Zhan.
Yin Zhi Li
Yin Zhan and Empress Dowager child. Yin Zhan killed his son so he can replace him with Yin Zhi Li. Yin Zhi Li parents plan on treason so he can sit on the throne. He fall in love with Jiang Li, even plan to propose.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
A thrilling revenge story with top tier cinematography and an exquisite slow burn romance
(Review contains ending spoiler)A spectacular show that hooks its viewer in from the first to the last scene. Packed with multiple plotlines and characters, yet every arc is distinctive, and every character is memorable in their own way. It’s hard to really pinpoint my favorite thing about this show because everything just stands out and leaves me thinking about it long after I finish the show. But if I have to pick what draws me to this show and what the show excels at the most, it is the thrilling action-packed plot, commendable characters, strong acting and absolutely stunning cinematography.
The first thing I notice about this show is the cinematography for sure. Every random still from the show can be used for wallpaper, THAT is how gorgeous this show is! Director certainly knows how to capture the essence of these beautiful sets and characters. I love how the gothic, eerie vibe is set from the first scene in. You know you’re in for a dramatic story. As the show progresses, I fall in love more and more with the approach to an almost theatre-esque directing style, with close up shots of characters dialogues and surprisingly instead of making it cringe, I find it very entertaining.
The characters have very distinctive introductions, and each storyline feels full on its own. For shows with so many characters, it can be hard to get viewers to care about or even remember the more minor characters. But with The Double, I feel like every minor character’s storyline is closely intertwined with the main plot in a way that feels like they are more than a role or a plot device, but their own character.
The leads are super interesting characters on their own, but it is their relationship to each other that fascinates me. Xue Fangfei/ Jiang Li and Xiao Heng are both strong, independent and charismatic leads who are well written and easy to root for, but their foils, or should I say, their “Double”(s), the main villains Princess Wanning and Shen Yurong, are equally interesting and well written characters. These 4 characters each hold their own in terms of personality, character development and plot importance.
Xue Fangfei has become one of my favorite female leads I’ve watched lately and she is undoubtedly the center of this revenge story that is The Double. Meanwhile, the other 3 characters make up the triangle that surrounds her tragic fate and her road to seek revenge and justice. I like how she started out as a total tragic figure, losing everything and “died”, but by the end she survived all her enemies and prevailed. It might be cliché trope nowadays, but a good revenge story will always put a smile on my face! I also like that she is not invincible, that she makes mistakes, that she’s not even totally “good” but also never evil, that she uses people but also gives her opponents their deserved karma.
Xiao Heng is one of my fav male leads as well. His story, his relationship to XFF, to the royal family especially the Emperor and Wanning, to his father and grandfather, to his men, are all memorable and interesting. I like how he’s kind of morally grey but romantically a total green flag (that is lowkey everyone’s favorite kind of male lead isn’t it HAHA). I also like how even though it’s Xue Fangfei’s story, he is his own distinguished character and not to dependent on XFF’s plot to uplift the writing of his own plot. His connections to the corruption schemes, the peace of the country, his political schemes and agendas with the emperor, all are intriguing plots that tie altogether with the main plots.
Some people say this show doesn’t have a lot of romance because it’s a revenge story, and to that I disagree strongly. Not only is romance one of the main plots driving the show forward, it is also one of the main themes of this story. The thing about The Double is it’s a slow burn done right, and for that I am more obsessed Xue Li and Xiao Heng’s love story. Their relationship is one built on understanding, partnership, equality and trust, which I think are the best foundations of a good love story, and also make for a great foil against
1/ Xue Fangfei’s relationship with Shen Yurong and
2/ Shen Yurong and Wanning’s relationship.
Together with SYR and WN, these 4 make a relationship square that fascinates me greatly. Even in modern standards, their love-hate relationships would make for great drama, let alone back in historical times where things such as dignity, political power struggles are involved.
Shen Yurong is such an interesting villain. He manages to make me despise him so much and yet I can still see where he comes from. He’s evil in a pathetic way, but not dumb. His character is nuanced and tormented in a way that, instead of wanting him to die early, he makes you wanna see him live to see what other evil schemes he would come up with and how much more manipulating his gaslighting can get, as well as to see how his satisfying (or not) his end was gonna be. Personally, I dislike how the show ended him, because I wanted to see him truly suffer. But I guess in a weird way, his death makes for a more thematic ending, relating to the themes of guilt, love and hate. The poetic irony of him being a character so afraid of death, willing to kill his own wife whom he loves to escape dying, and ends up killing himself for said wife? I think it’s beautiful. Do I find it satisfying? Not totally. But it’s beautiful. =))
In the same reasoning, I think Wanning’s death is a beautiful and tragic poetic irony as well. Her tragic past and subsequent descent to madness makes her story a perfect foil to Xue Fangfei’s. Both are victims of sexual crimes, both are deemed as “ruined”, both loved the same man, both suffered under said man. Where XFF found strength to seek her justice, Wanning lost all her strength and succumbed to the darkness, becoming a total villain. I thought she deserved a worse ending then getting to choose how she died, but the way her story is told, I think having SYR be her ender is a great irony.
As for the technical aspects, I LOVEEE the acting in this show. Everyone brought their A-game. I was mesmerized with every performance, from the leads to the villains to the minor characters. Shout out to Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, Liang Yongqi and Li Meng who play our main leads and villains. This is my first time watching all of them, except Wang Xingyue whom I knew as Zhang Zhe from Story of Kunning Palace, and I must say they all impress me. Wu Jinyan has such raw and emotional eyes that just makes every crying and sad scene so much more emotional TT. She really nailed that soft and vulnerable look when she was betrayed and then the tough and cunning look of a person on a revenge path. Knowing that she was a ballet dancer before impresses me more because she makes Xue Fangfei so ethereal with her elegant movements! Li Meng was such a maniac as Princess Wanning, and it was such a captivating performance. Every time she says “Kneel” I get chills TT. She made Wanning so alive and scary and yet pitiful at the same time. And the more I hate Shen Yurong, the more I’m impressed by Liang Yongqi. This character has dead eyes for the majority of the first act and yet you’re able to see his guilt and greed and madness in the second act so well and not feel like 2 separate characters. And lastly, Wang Xingyue is fast rising to my top fav actors. Duke Su can be charming and soft, but he can also be tough and cunning. You can see the transition from his suspicious era where he was using Xue Fangfei and trying to get her to admit her identity, and his partner era where he and XFF finally became a team and him falling in love with her. Also seeing his role in Kunning Palace and then in The Double impresses me even more, because he pulls off two very different characters and it’s so satisfying to watch!
The chemistry between the leads Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue are really something else. I see many people are put off by the actors’ age gap and being agist towards WJY, but honestly you can barely see that gap on screen at all. They have effortless chemistry, and they make the slow burn so delicious! This couple barely has kisses, but they have a good amount of skin ship that makes your heart flutter! The tension and build up was so great that’s why when they finally get together you feel earned!10/10 writing and acting for me!
Lastly, I want to take a moment to appreciate the music in this show. Every song is a 10/10. I’m a sucker for ballads, especially sad ballads and this show really nailed it. My fav is Withered by Huang Shifu, but all the songs are so good, and the lyrics just match the story so well!!
Overall, this drama was such a feast for the eyes. Not a moment of boredom for me. A captivating story with characters that leave you thinking for days. I might be watching new shows but I just know The Double is that one drama that will be on my mind for months and I will be randomly referencing it whenever I watch anything else!!
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
