The Imperial Coroner is a historical detective Chinese drama of this year. With a clever storyline composed of intellectual characters, it is a work completely worth enjoying. It is about the story of a commandery prince (the male lead), and a dreamer of becoming a coroner officially (the female lead) who cross each other’s paths and solved mysteries about crimes happening within the capital (the setting of the story which is set during the Tang dynasty). With regards to its plot, it is very simple but looking through its overall content it reveals how wise it was written.

These are some certain points why this drama deserves a try from my point of perspective.

First, the production. Expecting too much from an apparently identified low budget production may bring disappointment but this one is an exception. It is without doubt that the costumes are not that absolutely pleasing to eyes however this flaw was covered when the cinematography from different angles provides a very distinct view which totally matches the temperament of drama. The editing also hints how much effort was exerted by the people behind it. In a dramaland, most dramas usually focus on the actions of the actors in the scenes or objects which may have an important function to that specific scenario, but this drama flashes a graphic illustration which entails reliable information as the character is investigating thoroughly to the origin of the case. Also, the aspect in which how the drama was arranged is different leaving us, the viewers, without any unsolicited spoilers. I’m referring to the opening and ending of the drama. Almost all of the dramas in cdramaland have opening and ending songs with some cut scenes appearing on it but this drama have the prologue instead explaining a few details of the previous episode/s which will also be the highlight of the characters’ journey on this current episode. Hence, it is drama stuffed with numerous ideas about imagery as its major weapon.

Moreover, a simple drama with interesting characters. I love it how the portrayal of the characters was all concentrated to who they are until the end with no unnecessary dynamism. I’ve seen dramas with characters that changes on the halfway and it did not end well. I mean it is fine if that character was a part of the antagonist side and transforms into a good person but if it is the other way around, I’m already fed up with that concept which only generates nothing but anxiety. All of the actors in the team are new to me yet they are all excellent in delivering their roles. Only that there are minor imperfections in some of the developments such as the “innocent” at first personality of Chu Chu which is played by Su Xiaotong (the female lead) and later it was revealed that she is “smart and crafty”. Thankful I remained until the last episode and witness her capabilities in accomplishing the description of the role. Wang Zi Qi who portrays Xiao JinYu or Prince An (the male lead) has this charm that would easily pull you into observing him and his way of acting. He is an actor with potential talents as what this drama unfolds. Only that, on the last episodes, his depiction of being a keen and sharp judge somewhat has dropped. Well, I quite understand the situation he is experiencing, at those moments, everyone is at stake so he can’t rush and make a decision to capture the principal criminal when the safety must be considered in the beginning (nevertheless, well you need to check the last episode to see what they have planned). On the other hand, the co-starring roles such as Zhao Yao Ke, Yang Ting Dong, and Wang Yan Bin displayed utmost skills to justify their roles forming a companionship which is meaningful and helpful to the two main leads (very plain manifestation of camaraderie yet with deep roots and free of toxicity).

The well-built series of events were made up coherently allowing the story to unfold step by step. Every cases handled by the leads and other characters involved has a clear and expounded explanation. The comprehensibility is also visible. The story does not only put emphasis on the answers needed to solve the case but also the assertions behind those solutions. The concept of the faction of the powerful eunuchs in the court is also an unusual outline. There are Chinese historical dramas in which the eunuchs have some influence on the palace but not extremely comparable to this one wherein the head of the eunuch which is the antagonist of this story was a leader of an army and even higher than some officials. Other notion regarding about it can be discover when you watch the drama and also the particular characters that have significant impacts to the plot. Although the ending is a little bit condensed for me, they could just have added one last episode (for the leads and supporting characters to have more time) but we seldom have a drama in cdramaland with 37 episodes, so yeah I’m still satisfied with that.

Thus, you have to watch this drama or you will be missing it. I’m favorably recommending it to those who are into historical dramas especially the crime detective genre. It is not perfect but you will truly be entertained just like what I have experienced. Also, the osts and bgm too are beautiful for the ears.