It is time for the great finale! This is the last post of the Passion Blog. Throughout the semester I have showcased many series, especially ones that were very mainstream, even more so in Western media. I think for the last post it is time to show how much the world of film has the offer. There are so many beautiful cinematic pieces, yet so many people only see the ones currently popular in America, or they get deterred by a language barrier. After reading this final blog, I hope you take the time to appreciate good films and step outside your comfort zone, watching something you may not typically go towards.
The final show is… The Princess Weiyoung!
For a bit of backstory, it is spring 2020 and I have been cooped up in my house during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The time nears 3 a.m. as my friend and I talk on the phone, each of us scrolling Netflix for a new show to watch, as everything felt so boring that it could not hold our attention. We come across The Princess Weiyoung, a historical Chinese drama series from 2016. Within the first few minutes of the show, we were completely enthralled. So, it began, every day after online school we would sit and watch this show from our separate homes until the entire 54 episodes had been completed.
This show follows the story of the Princess of Northern Liang after her land is attacked, overthrown, and many of her closest family and friends has been killed, all because of a deceitful plot. She must conceal her identity as she tries to prove her family’s innocence. To do so she takes on the identity of a girl she meets and enters the home of another wealthy and powerful family, the Li family where she pretends to be one of the daughters. There she finds rivalry, romance, and friendship as she works towards her goal. Romance is a key element in the show as she and Prince Touba Jun navigate their feelings towards each other, while also protecting each other.
The show keeps the audience’s attention by not only keeping a consistent fast pace, but also including many characters, all of which receive screen time and character progression. There are many side plots as each character has a goal and motivating factor, such as the race to become the next Emperor after the current one passes the throne off to his chosen successor.
For some of the elements, visually, the costumes and set design for The Princess Weiyoung are extremely beautiful. Each costume is intricate with jewelry and hair accessories. Also, having a strong female lead and strong female supporting characters is a refreshing take as many romance series will show women as “damsels in distress”, but Wei Youn takes her own fate into her hands.
I would recommend this show for people who enjoy historical or romantic shows. Also, this show is a great gateway piece into a world of foreign shows. Do not be dissuaded by having to read subtitles, it truly does not take away from the experience.