If you are looking for a visually stunning cdrama with a strong female protagonist, an inspiring gender message, a beautiful romance and a gripping revenge/redemption narrative, look no further than The Legend of the Female General (Viki).
Based on the novel, Rebirth of a Star General, by Qian Shan Cha Ke (whose work has proven to be fertile ground for adaptations) and directed by Jeffrey Chiang, LOTFG is 36 episodes long and never outstays its welcome.
The drama is an engaging example of the gender swap trope. Okay, He Yan/He Ru Fei (Zhou Ye’s)’s actual gender is never less than obvious. However, her story is so compelling and handled so well that you just don’t care.
LOTFG is also a wonderful example of the enemies to lovers trope.
Ryan Cheng is brilliant as Xiao Jue (charisma for days) and his on-screen chemistry with Zhou Ye is electric. Their romance kept me invested throughout and particularly at times when the wider political scheming felt a little wearisome.
Meanwhile, I loved the show’s balletic action scenes. Who needs realism when you can have gorgeous fantasy sequences? No spoilers, but there is a moment in the last episode that took my breath away...
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