#novoland

STORY

The drama starts with the backstory of where it all began, the Pearl Tax. After the rebellion of Prince Yi, the newly established Emperor Chu Zhong Xu decreed the “Pearl Tax” which was supposedly to barter using the pearls that not only benefits the fishing villagers but also bring in more funds for the newly established emperor but High Ranking officials used this decree to mooch of the people by doubling the amount stated by the original decree and imposing punishments and quotas. 

The first episodes starts off at the middle of the ocean and how the fishermen “harvest” the luminous pearls for the Pearl Tax, by harvest meaning tying children in a rope, throwing them in the ocean to lure the merfolk and when they surface, choke the children death to make the merfolk cry then collect the pearls that was formed from their tears. But harvesting the pearl through method is proven lethal as the merfolk are protected by sharks and practically the ocean. 

So far from the first episode to the latest (Ep 14) the story is very gripping and very full which makes it very entertaining but not too overwhelming. I know it's just the first week but I’m already losing my mind, replaying OSTs, trailers and other snippets just to get a glimpse of what's to come and I’m so exited.

We definitely get to see the main relationships of the drama from the Master-Disciple relationship between Hai Shi and Fang Jian Ming and also Zhou Ying, brotherhood relationship between the Emperor Chu Zhong Xu and Fang Jian Ming and Hai Shi and Zhou Ying, the cute interactions with Zhou Ying and his crush on Zhe Liu to the tormenting/confusing/toxic? relationship between the emperor and his Consort Shurong.

I know that this was based on a Novel but I have not read it nor have I watched any of the novoland series (if they have any relations), so I’m not really sure what to expect and am just going with the flow so I might be reading some of this relationships or interactions wrong but this is just based on my observation. 

The Jifeng Pavillion is basically the CIA and private death squad of the emperor, they are his spies and personal assassins and is led by his most trusted friend Fang Jian Ming. They are loyal to their master Fang Jian Ming who is in turn most loyal to the emperor. Master Fang only has two disciples, Fang Zhou Ying and Fang Hai Shi and they are addressed as “Young Master” since they took Fang Jian Ming’s family name which makes them somewhat of a family. I really love the close knit relationship between these three.

 Although Fang Jian Ming can be strict, he always shows compassion to his two disciples, caring and protecting them, teaching them lessons and morals as well. And I need to mention the “brotherhood” between Hai Shi and Zhou Ying and their cute banters just like real siblings. But its very clear from the beginning that the two disciples have quite different views on their master, Zhou Ying sees Fang Jian Ming as a father/older brother figure while Hai Shi already feels something else from the moment they met. And so they are very different in interacting with their master. 

I’m really loving the progression of the relationship between Hai Shi and her Master Fang Jian Ming. We definitely get to see that despite their Master/Disciple relationship, there is something going with this two (or am I the only one who sees that LOL) Hai Shi has become quite vocal about her “other” feelings towards her master, although not directly at times but she is often just openly acting like a schoolgirl to be honest and it was quite cute. But two of my favorite lines from Hai Shi were when he was drying her when she got caught in the rain and when they were playing Go when she came to say her goodbyes. 

“You are not much older than us…. I’ve counted carefully….Being several years older made a big difference when we were young, while it doesn't as we get older”

“ You are special to me, so please don’t take any step further either for old times’ sake or out of concern. Don’t do it. One misstep and I might say or do things I shouldn’t. When that happens, I’ll have to spend the rest of my life far away from the capital and we’ll never see each other again.”

We’re only in the first week and the tormented/Forbidden lovers theme is already so heavy. So far I don’t see many annoying characters although the tormented Emperor was definitely a strong character that does not leave a nice after taste at the beginning, his character is “slightly” getting better in the following episodes despite his temperamental outbursts. Just like Zhou Ying said, he could be a great emperor since we clearly see that he has empathy for his people but he does have violent outbursts and anger issues that he should definitely address.  

But he does have a close relationship with Fang Jian Ming, the only man who has the guts to defy his orders. Not gonna spoil much on their relationship but from what I have seen they have quite an interesting story. 

PRODUCTION

It's definitely a S+ Production. CGI is really good and definitely above average for most dramas. And don’t even get me started with the cinematography and the fighting choreographies on this drama. From their training grounds to Hai Shi’s examination, the choreo’s were just so beautiful and will definitely get you at the edge of your seat. 

I need to mention separately the action scenes on Episode 13 and 14, the battle on Well Town and the battle for Huangquan Pass. Hai Shi is a skilled fighter but an even greater Archer. From hand to hand combat to close and long distance archery, the fighting choreography for Hai Shi was extremely well crafted and always on point. The Battle for Huangquan Pass alone surpasses so many dramas in terms of cinematography, choreo and just plain intensity. So kudos to the team for such an amazing episode. 

The costumes on this drama are just to die for. I love every single outfit Hai Shi has from her men’s clothes, women’s clothes to her battle armor. Not a fan of some of the hairs and I specifically mean the two hairs for William Chen (lol) on the earlier episodes and Xu Kai Cheng’s hair on episode 12. And glad that we get to see William Chen’s hair in a neat bun lol. 

CAST

Queen Yang Mi is a perfect fit for Hai Shi and no one can convince me otherwise. She really does shine in this kind of badass female warrior role. She can be cute for a second then a badass warrior in the next just like Fu Yao and Bai Qian.

First Drama with William Chan and so far I kind of like him while I can’t say much for Xu Kai Cheng. No hate against him and I’m sure he is a great actor and has good dramas it's just that I have not watch a lot of his works to be completely sold by him and those that I have actually watched did not do him any favor in my eyes but I’m optimistic and has high expectations on him on this drama. 

OVERALL FIRST IMPRESSION

An incredibly solid first week! I’m loving the pacing of the story and the chemistry of the cast. Production, Costume, Acting, Cinematography down to BGM is on point and well executed. Definitely looking forward to upcoming episodes but let’s see after the 2nd week, I might put it on hold to wait for it to end before picking it up again ‘cause the suspense is not good for my heart LOL.