So the big C-drama of the spring 2024 season may not just be In Blossom, now we need to add Blossoms in Adversity to it as well. Blossoms in Adversity wasn’t big budget or had a big name cast, and actually started off with criticism of male lead Hu Yi Tian and a general been there-done that impression of the plucky female lead Zhang Jing Yi overcoming obstacles story. But it apparently kept getting better and better as the story went on, the two leads had chemistry, and the story ended well. The opening Douban ratings was 6.4 but in the three months since the drama finished airing it’s now gone up to 7.3. That’s quite an achievement in that the little engine that could kind of way.
I actually enjoyed the story and the complicated relationships without the drama. It is basically The Double without the all thr noises, glares, dramatic background music and slow mo and a debatable unclear ending. This series makes it clear and I like the ambiguity of the king and that reputation and social standing matters. In The Double it seems no one cares about ranks except it just means maybe a more powerful position without explaining much.
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Maybe I should take a look then. I had stayed away because of all the bashing of the ML, but maybe it was haters all along.
I am actually just finishing it after having put it off and it’s a very watchable drama.
The ML’s acting is horribly stiff but he has great lines and a very deep tone of voice so it actually helps. The supporting cast of the women from her family alone are worth a watch! They are so good and actually developed characters with flaws and all.
If anything the biggest issue are some plot points but it’s nothing too awful so just go for it. It’s not a masterpiece but it is good and very watchable.
You should definitely take a look. The ML and his story is more of a supporting and secondary role to the FL and her story and her family’s story. I can see how HYT got a lot of criticism in the beginning, but I think as viewers saw what the story was really about and his smaller role in it, it was more acceptable. The romance was also very light. The drama didn’t try to push the ML in this story about female empowerment and about women banding together. We needed someone to support the FL, and HYT did his job. If the ML was some bigger name or a more charismatic actor, the ingredient combo wouldn’t have worked.
I think we also needed to give Zhang Jing-yi and her character more credit. Just saying she was plucky doesn’t describe the heroine well. The heroine was calm, level-headed, resolute, sensible, and creative in the face of adversity. Maybe the role didn’t have much range, but ZJY did wonderfully.
The drama really lived up to the title, “Blossoms in Adversity”.
Second your points.
The ML had one of the most wooden acting from alpha to omega. Dang how often had I cried out begging his facial muscles to move a little bit when he’s on screen?! LOL. That being said, he has great physique and looked pretty cool in fighting scenes that many actors are lacking. I personally think HYT handsome in costume, unlike C netizens’ complaints about his visuals. BiA is one of very few C dramas I got to finish with the past few months. The plot and the acting/character of the heroine sorta made up for the weakness IMO.
Perfect timing to hear this as I am about to start this drama as soon as I am almost done with The Double.
Can anyone tell me what period in Chinese history this drama is set in, please?
No particular dynasty is referenced. It’s a made-up kingdom.
I concur with most of the comments here. I actually enjoyed this show a lot. The Double was good, but it felt overly dramatic at times and I didn’t like the overly done stare into the camera thing. The OSTs are also part of what I enjoy. I replay them every few days. 😀 The only thing I disliked was the emperor character.