Chamnong Sneh Tepthida Pka [ Ep-03 ]
I watch for the story, and in this case, I can only say I am completely blown away by the incredible storytelling. The characters have believable starting points, and their actions from there through the story's progression consistently make sense, growing organically out of the story. (Even tertiary characters get some growth, too!) I was kind of skeptical of both the leads going into this drama -- very few (if any) in the main cast has a really deep CV of work -- but I have been nothing but impressed at how the cast's risen to the challenge. Especially the two leads! They're nailing both their own roles and the times they switch to play the other lead. Phenomenal, but it doesn't hurt that this is also one of the rare cdramas that shows the growth of a truly healthy relationship. Like, these two people TALK. To EACH OTHER. A LOT. And RIGHT AWAY! Their misunderstandings aren't the "if only you opened your mouth" nonsense; no, more often misunderstandings come from one not (yet) understanding the other's point of view -- and then they realize the disconnect and WORK ON IT. whodathunkit. (oh, and the story is beautifully sure-footed in handling grief, respecting the characters as they work to heal from serious traumas. no melodramatic insta-healing here!) Like Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life, this is one of those rare shows that really does benefit from multiple rewatches -- because once you know what's going to happen in later episodes, the subtle foreshadowing in earlier episodes hits you twice as hard. So many quick reactions and small gestures that seem like throwaway things the first time around, but damn if the director and screenwriter weren't totally on the ball at planting all the details, pretty early, that need to be in place as the story unfolds. And the set design! For anyone tired of the all-white monochromatic heavenly realms of most xianxia, wait 'til you feast your eyes on the set designs for the Moon Tribe. The costumes and accessories are gorgeous with a true otherworldly sort of feel -- and they're more than eye-candy. They're designed to signal and underline where the character is, emotionally and mentally -- and where the character is changing/growing. (That'll take a rewatch to catch the details, but trust me, it's worth it.) Cannot recommend enough.