MIRROR: A TALE OF TWIN CITIES

After watching this series, I still could not get why it is entitled Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities. I thought the story would be about twin cities simultaneously existing in different planes of existence- sort of quantum universes. However, it was more of different timelines where the main characters have been reincarnated to go through the same issues but they somehow managed to change their destinies because this time, they are more on the path of service to others. In their first lives, the protagonist was obviously of service to self.

I agree with some reviews that the main female lead, Chen Yu Qi (Bai Ying/ Bai Wei), is not that impressive. Her facial expressions do not convincingly reflect the myriad of emotions that should have been conveyed and so the portrayal of her two characters/ incarnations do not make much of a difference. The first and second male leads though are impressive enough. You can easily spot the changes in their characters from the past compared to the present incarnations. They can also express with their eyes the things they want to say effectively especially the second male lead portrayed by Zheng Ye Cheng (Zhen Lan/ Lang Gan). This guy is truly a great actor who can change his personality simply by changing the intensity of his gaze. With his aura, good looks and grace, he exemplifies "the second lead syndrome" when most viewers would root for the second male lead instead of the first one. As for the male lead, Li Yi Feng (Su Mo/ Chun Huang) is no less commendable too. He doesn't need to say much. His every move will tell you exactly what he meant to accomplish. A hero in true form, this is the first series I've seen of him that made me truly impressed.

I learned a lot of lessons from this story but I would like to highlight a few. First, that there is no such thing as being imprisoned in the so called "destiny". We can always choose to make changes in the present to create a better future. It is not what's already written but what we decide to do. It is not the circumstances that define us but the values we hold dear and the truth we believe in.

I also got reminded to always think of the best possible outcome and the best possible explanation for any situation. What we put belief and attention to will always magnify itself. In MIRROR: A TALE OF TWIN CITIES, a little jealousy and misunderstanding led to a destruction of a beautiful empire and thousands of years of suffering for the people. It could have been prevented from the start if one person did not give in to his misgivings.

Third and most importantly, forgiveness will always free anyone from bondage. It would allow the letting go of the pains of the past and pave the way to a new beginning.

This story might seem like just a fantasy, a folklore to entertain the children at heart but it actually reflects the nature and journey of man. The values we can glimpse of from the events of these make-believe places will remind us to take the time to stop and listen to the stirrings of our hearts before we make a decision. Any small thing that we do, does create a ripple towards mankind. That is a responsibility each of us is accountable for.