In an era where Chinese period fantasy dramas are booming, Drunken Linglong (醉玲珑) is one of the works that has been talked about less than it deserves, despite being full of interesting elements: court politics, cross-class romance, and complex magic. This 2017 drama is adapted from a famous novel by Shi Siye and stars Liu Shishi and William Chan Wai-Ting, whose chemistry is surprisingly good.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Drunken Linglong tells the story of Feng Qingchen (Liu Shishi), a woman from the Wu tribe who has the special ability to see the future and connect all things. She enters a competition to become the leader of the mages, but a prophecy about a major change emerges. She meets Prince Yuan Ling (William Chan) of the Western Wei dynasty, and they fall in love. However, due to differences in status and complex politics, their love is severely tested as they fight enemies both inside and outside the court.
Acting and Characters
Liu Shishi as Feng Qingchen does well in conveying both strength and tenderness; she has a charm that makes the audience root for her. William Chan as Yuan Ling portrays decisiveness and warmth perfectly. Their chemistry makes the romantic scenes feel natural. Unfortunately, some supporting characters like Joe Xu as Yuan Zhan and Cecilia Han as Tao Yao lack depth, making certain parts of the story feel drawn out.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The direction by Lin Yufen and Liang Shengquan does well in maintaining the story's pace. Despite the 56-episode length, it is not boring. The visuals and sets are stunningly beautiful, especially the palace scenes and magical locations with meticulous CGI. The soundtrack by Wei Ying and Chen Xue enhances the mood effectively, particularly the theme songs sung by Liu Shishi and William Chan, which are melodious and fit the story.
Editorial Analysis
Drunken Linglong's strength lies in its seamless blend of romance, politics, and magic. However, its weakness is that some parts of the story are drawn out, and the supporting characters are not as outstanding as they could be. Nevertheless, for viewers who enjoy complex plots and forbidden love, this drama will hit the mark. The chemistry of the lead actors and the beautiful production make this drama one of the memorable works of 2017.
Verdict
In conclusion, Drunken Linglong is a drama suitable for those who like romance, politics, and magic combined, and are not afraid of 56 episodes. The acting and visuals are beautiful, but be prepared for some drawn-out parts. For anyone looking for a Chinese drama that is both entertaining and sophisticated, this is a choice not to be overlooked.
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👍 Pros
- +Excellent chemistry between the leads
- +Beautiful visuals and CGI
- +Complex plot that challenges the mind
👎 Cons
- −56 episodes may feel drawn out
- −Supporting characters lack depth
Top Cast
FAQ
The drama has a total of 56 episodes, ending in a single season.
It is adapted from the Chinese novel '醉玲珑' by Shi Siye.
No spoilers, but the ending is reasonable and emotionally satisfying.
It is currently available on WeTV, iQIYI, and Netflix in some countries.
