The Story of Ming Lan (2018)

Grande fresque historique vue des cours intérieures

J'hésitais à me lancer dans cette grande fresque historique de 73 épisodes, malgré les commentaires si favorables. En général, elles tournent autour des intrigues de cour, des luttes pour la succession, avec des complots complexes... Dur de tenir sur la durée malgré le talent des acteurs !

MAIS
- Le point de vue de ce drama est original, car on suit cette histoire avec une vision essentiellement féminine : la vie dans les grandes familles chinoises vues de leur cour intérieure. Et les combats n'y sont pas moins féroces que sur les champs de bataille !
- l'histoire est bien construite, (relativement) réaliste, sans longueur.
- les acteurs sont géniaux et on rit, on pleure, on se bat avec eux.
- Le CL est hyper attachant, même si la pudeur de l'époque n'est pas très favorable aux "sweet moments".

Conclusion : n'hésitez pas et regardez ce chef d’œuvre !! (que je visionnerai certainement à nouveau, malgré sa longueur, car des séries de cette qualité, on ne s'en lasse pas :)

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A rich tapestry of Song dynasty life

From the writers that brought Battle of Changsha, you can expect a tightly-woven, authentic slice of life story. Each character and plot line, even the minor ones, have been written with so much raw detail that you feel every undercurrent of emotion simmering within. It is for viewers to sip and savour like fine wine - the longer it takes to ferment, the more intoxicating the fragrance. The subtle nuances, layered plot lines and complex characters...they all come together to paint a picture of quiet beauty, like our MC Ming Lan. Some viewers complain the pace is slow, but you'll be surprised how quickly you get drunk.

The acting is top-notch, delivered by a superb cast of veterans and not just pretty faces, lending justice to the well-written characters. These are not characters to fawn over, but you can imagine every flawed individual in the flesh, because that's how good and how real the acting is. There are no caricatures of stereotypical villains or dumb self-sacrificial heroes. The covert glances, slight hand gestures, undulating voices and variable facial expressions are all on point to hit right in the feels. Even the maids and servants can have their own unique charisma.

Not to mention, other aspects like the music is simple but sophisticated without the usual lyrical overtures of historical dramas. The instrumental scores are effective in supporting rather than outshining the storyline. The costumes and sets are a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is exquisite. I personally love the soft sepia tones created by lots of warm natural light. There is a lot of effort spent on shooting every scene to maximize the visual impact.

Ming Lan is the definite, must-watch family drama! Watch it if you love period dramas of depth and complexity.

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