Here's Why You Should Watch The Story Of Yanxi Palace now!
I only realised how just how out of touch I was (with current affairs?) when my mother and her friends were eagerly chatting about 'Story of Yanxi Palace' and I was like:
Huh? Whats that?
The look they threw me immediately, was a mixture of disbelief and even contemptuous. It was written all over their faces. How could you not know?
Photo from MIA
Just in case all of you out there are as 'Suah Ku' as me, here's the lowdown on the most highly anticipated show from China this Summer, which has already garnered a viewership of a whooping 15 billion and many obsessed fans.
Photo from Steemit
In case you are quick to dismiss me as 'just another Chinese period drama', there must be valid reasons behind the cult following of this 70 part series.
The storyline is both compelling and gripping, charting the rise of Wei Yingluo, a palace maid who enters the Forbidden City to uncover the truth of her sister’s death and ultimately attaining highest status in the palace, to becoming the Emperor's most loved concubine.
Photo from TVmao
This is of course not without it's fair share of drama, betrayal, intrigue, politics and backstabbing...because you need to have some excitement to keep people hooked for 70 episodes right?
Why does this suddenly sound like a typical Girl's School/America's Next Top Model?
Photo from 57.Gif
Due to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and wanting to appear as 'hip' as the rest of the world so I could say, " Hey have you watched 'Story of Yanxi Palace yet? No? Why you so slow" I hurriedly started to delve into the series before I became further 'left behind'.
Here's why you too, need to jump on the bandwagon and catch this show so bad.
- The Fashion/Outfits in the show are just breathtakingly beautiful
Photo from China Daily
You might not be a huge fan of period costumes but these costumes are gorgeous enough for fashion inspiration.
These costumes are absolute works of art with delicate silk flowers embroidered painstakingly on every piece.
What's interesting is that no two concubines look the same or wear the same costumes because different concubines wear costumes of different colour codes. That explains why the whole series is littered with a delightful melange of fashion in multi colours, creating an exciting spectacle for the eyes!
Photo from Soompi
Photo from Soompi
We've got peach, green, blue, purple, pink...just like Agar Agar!
2. It's so relatable
Photo from China Atilla
If getting betrayed and backstabbed by some evil 'friend' or colleague sounds relatable, then this show has plenty of that in the form of scheming concubines.
Photo from 57.Gif
With death setting the tone for the drama, this thrilling show focuses on the tensions between characters, on power struggles and revenge.
Sounds like something everyone can relate too.
Catfights and nastiness galore!
Like social climbing and politicking or your bitchy next door neighbour.
Photo from 57.Gif
3. The Lead Actress is our modern day inspiration
Photo from China Daily
The lead star Wei Yingluo/Consort Ling, played by Wu Jinyan is our modern day heroine. *Move over now, Hua Mulan* She is smart, witty and adaptable. She's no pushover and she's gung-ho (feisty) as hell. She uses all her wits and cunning to make it to the top and the most favoured position in the palace. #winninginlife
Photo from Beauty321
She's no hapless damsel-in-distress and know how to kick ass when she needs to. She's so empowering and such inspiration for all of us girls out there.
Photo from Sohu
And she's pretty too. Yeah. We love her.
4. The Cinematography is amazing
Photo from Soompi
Set in the Qing Dynasty, this show features gorgeous palace grounds and amazing scenery. The palace is washed in beautiful colours and each scene is painstakingly crafted to perfection, with every single scene shot impeccably. It makes us want to teleport back in time to the Qing Dynasty now.
Photo from Soompi
Some scenes look like they could come straight out of a 1000 Places To See Before You Die guide book!
In fact, the number of tourists to the Palace Museum in Beijing, where all the main characters in the show used to live in, has been increasingly rapidly!
Photo from Pixabay
5. You could become smarter
Photo from China Daily
If that sounds a bit much, at least this show is informative!
I mean, it's history after all right? Never hurt to know a little more about Chinese History so you can sound just a little more intellectual (or not) at gatherings!
The director says it's an accurate portrayal of history and Qing-dynasty settings.
Photo from Newsing
Good. No need a history book for that. Just got to grab a remote control.
Photo from Aishow
Are you convinced yet? Don't blame us if you suffer from sleep loss/sleepless nights because this show is supposed to be terribly addictive.
At least you can tell your boss the next day when you're late for work that you were doing something 'educational'!
Girlstyle SG
