War and Beauty

Through TV shows, we learn, we learn the language, we learn new words, we learn values, we learn the drive of life, we get inspired. War and Beauty is an epic drama that revolves around the struggle of power and the emperor's favor between concubines of the Qin dynasty. This drama was aired nationwide in 2004 and has received nothing more than rave reviews. Recently, this drama has reaired on TVB Xing He(Channel 314) and has brought back endless memories to me.

Featuring 4 of TVB's top actress, Sheren Tang, Charmaine Sheh, Gigi Lai and Maggie Cheong, this is no doubt considered the true drama that defined the drama of the century, inspiring others, captivating the audiences with the spectacular scenaries of the ancient Forbidden City and convincing acting. These four actress each played a different lady from completely different family backgrounds, each telling a story of her own, each having their own motives, each having both beauty and brains. Beauty can be used as both a lethal weapon to protect oneself and also as an extra asset to charm others. Using their beauty and brains, what all these four women aimed for is to climb to the top and gain the emperor's favour. Each using different tactics, including treachery and trickery to gain their aims. Betrayal, hatred, backstabbing are the most appropriated words to describe these four concubines' journey in the Forbidden City.

Everyone has a different story. Lets take Sheren Tang's portrayal of 如玥 an initially favored concubine who eventually fell out of favor with the Emperor after losing a power struggle with the Empress. Not everyone is born with a cold heart. Not everyone is cruel at first glance. In order to survive in the Forbidden City, she understood that only power could take her all the way to the top and most importantly save her life. After entering the doors of the Forbidden City at the age of 16 , she had to fight her way through different obstacles to gain the emperor's favour. After her first miscarriage(caused by the Empress), the once gentle and soft hearted girl turned into a cold and bitter lady. Using her intelligence and power, she was both demonic and threatening to other concubines. She was like this lethal beauty and she has those almost demonic stare . I have the give Sheren a thumbs up for being so convincing as this powerful figure.

Yet, this epic story is truly a touching one. Some may see it as boring compared to shows with lots of drama-Moonlight Resonance. To me, this drama is not completely all about the drama. Its about the true meaning, the message its trying to portray. Whenever these concubines plot against each other, its just so exciting and scary at the same time, keeping me thinking- can this end up to me? Is all this backstabbing really happening in the real world? The truth is, all these is truly evident in today's concrete jungle where the lust ,envy and greed prevails. I admire their strength to survive. after all, this is truly the survival of the fittest.In future, friends may betray you, use you and by that time, there is nothing much you can do. Trust, to me among friendship in any single relationship is dominant. However, i do not believe that lies and treachery can bring you any where. You may have it all-power, money. Yet, is this all worth it? i hope i do not see that in any part of my future.

And to add, the wardrobe of those concubines are exquisite i have to say. Every pattern, every single motif is like a marvel to me. Chinese culture is amazing. War and Beauty is truly a remarkable drama.haha

It is not humans who are complicated. It is humans themselves who make things complicated. Live your life the fullest as you only live once.