[Chinese Drama] The 'Realism' of the Cycle of Love: Beginning, Peak, End, and New Love, Resides in the Details of 'The Tale of Rose'
She is so beautiful that she is constantly being fallen in love with at first sight.
Not only is she beautiful, but she also has a rich sensibility.
In addition to her rich sensibility, she has an intelligence that allows her to master anything quickly.
She is loved by her colleagues, family, and female friends alike.
She has it all. Even so, setbacks in love are unavoidable.
I am hooked on a drama featuring such a woman as the protagonist.
It is the drama 'The Tale of Rose' currently streaming on 'We TV' (Japanese title: Kanojo wa Bara / English title: The Tale of Rose).
[The Tale of Rose - Trailer]
A drama depicting 20 years in the life of the female protagonist (commonly known as 'Rose' / Cast: Liu Yifei').
This story follows Rose's career transitions and several romances. The cast is lined with popular actors, and as of the latest episode (episode 22), several actors have yet to appear.
I have watched up to episode 22 of the 38 episodes, and it is incredibly interesting!
The story's lead, Rose, is a bright, active, and intelligent woman. She possesses a captivating appearance and grew up loved by a kind older brother and supportive parents.
After solidifying the impression of 'Rose, the Unrivaled!' in the first few episodes, the subsequent episodes begin to delve into Rose's own romances.
Although Rose is extraordinary in every way, her romantic troubles are just like anyone else's.
The way it depicts the process of going through the beginning, peak, and end of love, and then shifting from the heartbreak period to a new romance, is skillful.
'You should never marry a guy who says things like this!' - examples like this, and the way she recalls lost love, are extremely realistic.
Everyone has a 'true self' that they hide from others.The dialogue that peels back the veil layer by layer until reaching that person's 'core' is also excellent.
Occasionally, there are scenes where you think, 'Did this technology exist in the 2000s?', but I think the structure is so solid that the power of the story bounces back all such questions.
This drama also features compelling main characters other than Rose. Just like people in the real world, they are depicted as living while skillfully hiding the 'sour,' 'bitter,' and 'salty' parts of life. They don't say everything in dialogue. But they give you a glimpse. That balance is wonderful.
Now, from here on, it's about Rose's love life.
After ending her romance with the first guy and choosing the second, the development made me want to gasp out loud.
Warning: The following contains spoilers up to episode 22.
[Synopsis up to the middle. The following contains spoilers (about Rose's love life)]
The first person Rose entered into a romantic relationship with was a handsome, popular man who was capable at work, had good taste, was well-educated, and quick-witted.
From the moment they saw each other and felt a sense of destiny, the process of strategically playing games to close the distance is something that keeps viewers excited.
Their feelings reached each other, and they finally became lovers! Happily ever after.
...is not how this drama goes.
Rose, who had plunged into love for the first time, could not be satisfied unless the other person returned as much as she felt for them.
However, having grown up watching his parents fight, he held no illusions about love. No matter how much Rose loved him, his priority remained 'career first, love second,' and he would not waver.
Facing the difference in values with her partner, she could not control her intense feelings and was swallowed by the 'passion of love.'
In the end, she finished a short, great romance and spent her days shedding tears at unexpected moments.
......And then, the next man Rose chose was a man who was deeply in love with her, kind, and devoted to her.
He would cook, wash the dishes, clean, and was polite to her parents. He was always by Rose's side.
From a scorching love to a calm love. Happily ever after.
...is not how this drama goes.
This man was a guy who had a feeling that was not love, but rather 'loving Rose' was less important than 'compensating for his lacking self-esteem with Rose, dominating her, and wanting to make her his 'possession''!
He looks humble and kind. But he is clingy, with strong possessiveness and narcissism.
Stimulated by an inferiority complex toward Rose's first boyfriend, who seemed flawless, the second boyfriend's attitude gradually changes. The realism of the process leading up to his words and actions—like strangling Rose with silk—becoming prominent and giving off a smell of emotional abuse is enough to give you goosebumps.
The production team is amazing for making the viewers think, 'After an intense love, it's definitely a calm love where you are loved, right?' and then putting them on a 'plunging roller coaster' where they realize, 'The second guy is way more dangerous than the first!'.
From here on, what kind of romances will Rose have?
Also, keep an eye on Rose's brother's love life.
And I am looking forward to seeing how my favorite actor, 'Lin Yi,' will appear in the future.
'The Tale of Rose ('Kanojo wa Bara')' is currently streaming on 'We TV'. 38 episodes in total (as of 6/18, up to episode 22 is available).