Spoiler-Free Mini Review: Legend of Zang Hai
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Plastic surgery and revenge in ancient times wherin bystanders be catching too many strays.
Title: | Legend of Zang Hai |
Platform: | Viki, Youtube, Youku |
MDL Rating: | |
Genre: | Period Idol Mystery |
Episode Count: | 40 |
Parental Guidance Rating: | PG-13: This should at least be TV-16. Violence, bloodshed, blood spewing. Gruesome deaths including but not limited to, women, children, and the elderly. |
Staring: | Xiao Zhan (Untamed) Zhang Jing Yi (Blossoms in Adversity) |
RBTS Rating: |  |
Stay tuned for my full review!
Synopsis:
Zang Hai was originally the son of the Imperial Astronomer. However, when he was young, he witnessed the murder of his entire family. Deciding on the path of revenge, Zang Hai withdrew from the scene temporarily and began training himself by learning construction and the art of war. Ten years later, he returned to the capital as an unrecognizable figure and became—through mentoring—the adviser of his enemy, Duke Ping Jin. From the Lord's manor to the court, from an ordinary advisor to becoming the chief minister of the imperial cabinet, Zang Hai struggled in the face of treacherous political plots and battles, finally getting a chance to kill his enemy. @MDL
Spoiler-Free Mini Review:
The Legend of Zang Hai is a prequel to the Lost Tomb series, focusing on a brilliant architect who was raised to avenge his deceased family, while uncovering conspiracy after conspiracy. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the show, which kept me guessing who the big bad might be. This is tailored for those who enjoy action, mysteries, and moral complexities. The drama was high quality but somewhat gruesome. Expect a lot of innocent people catching strays.
The weakest piece was the romance but it did grow on me by the end. The FL’s character wasn’t well developed but I do think her role as a love interest was completely necessary for the story being told. Although she comes on strong, the FL grows on you. They really played a reversal of traditional drama trope roles which was kinda fun. The FL takes on the typical male lead attitude, while Zang Hai steps into the usual role of an FL.
Also, shout out to the queen of Dongxia. She was out here on these ancient streets with a full Instagram baddie face beat. It took me out of the story a little because she has a face that has taken selfies. And god bless, indulged in filler. But she looks great & can act, so who am I to judge? Lastly, shout out to the triangle side burns
It was announced recently that this is getting a sequel! I am both afraid and excited!
Story=4.5 (Layered and gripping.)
Acting=4.5 (No objections, except for the big bad. I didn’t need this person to go full princess from the Double, but a little pep in that step wouldn’t have gone amiss)
Production Quality=4.5 (Overall, excellent. Especially the lighting. But then the last 5 eps we have a jarring painted backdrop. And the hairlines looked colored in w/ permanent marker)
Ending=3.75 (RUSHED but didn't bomb)
Enjoyability= 4.5 (Rare to say, but could have been longer)
Trailer:
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