THE LEGEND OF ANLE

The long and short of this- riveting beginning, a bit dragging in the middle and has a good, solid happy ending.

Not everyone would agree with me though. Some reviews I've read stated that it seems unfair to the second male lead to have done so much for the female lead only to die alone in the end. However, it was blatantly obvious as the story goes that Luo Mingxi will have to exit this existence. Besides, the very person who took care of him unselfishly for so long has gone ahead herself.

So much for the ending. Allow me instead to share with you what I like in this story. The male and female characters of this story are both strong, smart and good looking. I admire how the writers made it a point to show that both genders are capable of anything like commanding an army and governing a nation. Most especially, both can be deeply in love and would stubbornly go for what they want.

The brother-sister dynamics of this story are obviously aplenty and all endearing how they each take care of each other. Loyalty is also a common trait that is, for me, necessary in life to succeed. It is the dedication of the people surrounding you that will provide a stable support paving the way to your success.

It is worth noting also that the villainous characters of this story are really just humans in their portrayal. Meaning, they committed mistakes because of greed but beyond that is their desire, albeit warp, to please and protect the people they love. That is how people function after all. Everyday we are inundated with choices, good or bad, and so what will ultimately shape our characters and destinies are the choices we make along the journey.

Before this observation escapes me, I would like to make mention that Di Ziyuan coercing the Crown Prince Han Ye into declaring his love for her publicly did not sit well with my sensibilities. The people around them persuading him so many times in so many ways is cringey to me. Then again, it is supposed to be the way of the female bandit character and done in the name of fighting for love, so be it.

Also, most Chinese series lack intimate scenes but still they manage to produce quality shows. However, for this particular series, I noticed the blandness of some scenes without it. They could have inserted some but then again, who knows they were just deleted by censors before the final cut?

In summation, The Legend of Anle provides us with a good story, notable characters and great stars to entertain us. Fans of the fantasy genre should not miss this one.