Si Teng (Rattan) combines good story-telling, wonderful acting especially from Jing Tian, and great guidance from the director to produce a story of fantasy and sci-fiction.

The story tells of Si Teng, a monster that grew from a rattan (Teng) plant into a little girl, trained to hunt and kill other monsters. She wanted to have human life like other kids, her master wouldn't allow this as monsters and humans cannot mix. Without giving away the story too much, she escaped from her prison existence but was murdered, by whom? However, she was resurrected by the blood of Qin Fang, a fashion designer, who agreed to be her servant (who wouldn't.. :-) ). As they set out to find what happened and Si Teng's history. Through the trials and difficulties, they fell in love. But love is a fragile thing... Let the story begin.

What I like:
-------------
The beauty of the drama is the scene that is stunning. I heard the director traveled to remote places of Yunnan to film the scenes. The other beauty is Si Teng, she really has this otherworld beauty in this drama - beautiful, cold and elegant played perfectly by Jing Tian. In this drama, Jing Tian proves that she isn't just a pretty face as everyone titled her with. Her acting is spot on; from the elegant way she moves to the little facial expressions to the subtleness of her demeanor, she nailed it especially when she had to play duel roles of Si Teng and Bai Ying. One of my favorite scenes is when Si Teng splits into two different people and Jing Tian this scene using just mirrors and changes in facial expressions. Blew me away.

For me, Jing Tian made this drama work under some great guidance from the director, Li Mu Ge. Jing Tian shows the wonderful and beautiful actress she really is; playing a dual role of Si Teng and Bai Ying, she demonstrates her ability to get into the inner thoughts of the characters, distinguish the character through facial expressions that cross from the cold and unfeeling queen to a child-like nature.

I also think that the director, Li Mu Ge did a brilliant job. Some of "behind the scene" videos show how detailed and careful he is. He knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it out of the actors. He even did Jing Tian's makeup for a scene because he didn't think the makeup artist got it right. He combined good old fashion storytelling with filming, not just relying on CGI which many of the new directors tend to lend towards.

Overall I would give this drama a watch. I think I must have rewatched this show several times now. Still as good as the first time.