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I don't know how entertaining this will be, I just have Feelings and noone sufficiently interested in het cdramas for me to feel comfortable rambling to them in sufficient length.
I'm only up to episode 11/45 and already have enough rambling to fill multiple posts, so am just going to start with a masterlist and character guide and go on from there.
So!
The Sword and the Brocade is a Chinese m/f live action TV romantic drama.
I was inspired to watch it by this spoilery ffa thread where a couple of people agreed that it is far from the objectively best cdrama but somehow makes it's self indulgent wish fulfilment incredibly enjoyable.
The slightly less spoilery but long Viki summary starts with:
tl;dr And then she gets into an arranged marriage with an emotionally distant famous general and they Uncover Mysteries and Fall In Love.
Based on the first ten episodes I agree with the people at FFA: this is not the best cdrama in any objective sense but it is sure COMPELLING.
Also, every remotely complex plot point and important character dynamic is explained repeatedly. There are multiple characters whose main role is to ask dumb questions so someone has to explain everything to them. It's not very subtle but is great for my sleepy brain, which can otherwise find subtitled historical dramas a bit confusing.
Viki has the whole thing available for free if you make an account.
Content notes: Not involving the main characters: Terminal illness, miscarriage, sick children, violent spouse
Involving the main characters: Violent abuse from heroine's sort-of-parent. Love interest is sometimes kinda mean to those he has power over. Heroine is technically underage but the actress is in her 30s lol. People in arranged marriages being pressured to have sex they don't want, though in every onscreen interaction they say no and this is respected. Past rape.
( No major spoilers just a character guide and list of posts )
I'm only up to episode 11/45 and already have enough rambling to fill multiple posts, so am just going to start with a masterlist and character guide and go on from there.
So!
The Sword and the Brocade is a Chinese m/f live action TV romantic drama.
I was inspired to watch it by this spoilery ffa thread where a couple of people agreed that it is far from the objectively best cdrama but somehow makes it's self indulgent wish fulfilment incredibly enjoyable.
The slightly less spoilery but long Viki summary starts with:
Born a concubine’s daughter, Shi Yi Niang (Tan Song Yun) was very well aware of her low status and lack of social connections. However, her low rank never once stopped her from speaking her mind or pursuing her dreams. Believing women should be free to pursue a life outside the home, Yi Niang hoped to someday use her embroidery skills to secure her freedom. But destiny had something else in store for her.
tl;dr And then she gets into an arranged marriage with an emotionally distant famous general and they Uncover Mysteries and Fall In Love.
Based on the first ten episodes I agree with the people at FFA: this is not the best cdrama in any objective sense but it is sure COMPELLING.
Also, every remotely complex plot point and important character dynamic is explained repeatedly. There are multiple characters whose main role is to ask dumb questions so someone has to explain everything to them. It's not very subtle but is great for my sleepy brain, which can otherwise find subtitled historical dramas a bit confusing.
Viki has the whole thing available for free if you make an account.
Content notes: Not involving the main characters: Terminal illness, miscarriage, sick children, violent spouse
Involving the main characters: Violent abuse from heroine's sort-of-parent. Love interest is sometimes kinda mean to those he has power over. Heroine is technically underage but the actress is in her 30s lol. People in arranged marriages being pressured to have sex they don't want, though in every onscreen interaction they say no and this is respected. Past rape.
( No major spoilers just a character guide and list of posts )
