I watched WRTW again to answer some questions that I had and to better appreciate some of the finer details. All told, this is almost a perfect ten and I believe that if the Director hadn't left with their crew in the middle of filming, it would have come very close.
The story is very complex, and while there is a lot of focus on the duo, Bai/Hei Fenxi, and on the palace intrigue of Feng Lanxi, the story of Huang Chao (who after all is said and done becomes the next Emperor) and of Yu Wu Yuan (who turns out to be the arch villain) is short changed.
Likewise, the viewer is asked to forgive and forget several incidents which I, for one, found it difficult to do. Most glaring is the King, Feng's father, who subjects him to a brutal, near fatal beating, and to drinking the drink of grief. Later we see him presiding over their wedding and abdicating the throne. Not so fast! In another example, Bai Fenxi's sect sister stab's her in the back (literally) but is somehow forgiven by the next episode. And finally, the Prime Minister, who is in love with Feng Lenxi, steps aside for Bai Fenxi while continuing to swear eternal loyalty to her former love.
It seems ironic that after facing off against Hei/Bai Fenxi for almost 39 episodes, and engaging in several battles with a huge loss of life, Hei/Bai Fenxi are willing to hand over the throne to Huang Chao in the end. Why then did the world have to be plunged into war in the first place?
The chemistry between Yang Yang and Zhao Lu Si is electric - I am in awe of actors who can kiss passionately before a camera and crew - I know I could never do it - and likewise, their grief in the face of death, and of losing the one you love, brought tears to my eyes.
The costumes are splendid - Oh why can't I sail off to work in one of those layered silken robes! The sets are breath taking. The cinematography is eye candy, and the screenplay is top notch - except in a few scenes where the lovey doveyness is over done.
All told, this is a splendid tale, and splendid in the making. Give yourself the time and the setting to sit back and enjoy it - and keep that box of tissues handy!