On July 12th, the costume drama “The Legend of Anle” took over from “Hidden Love”, bringing a second wave of cdrama frenzy for the summer season. The premiere episode delighted viewers with amusing plot points such as “gazing through veils,” “mutual rescue at sea,” and “proactive marriage proposals.”
“The Legend of Anle” tells the story of Ren Anle, a righteous individual dedicated to the well-being of the people. While investigating a family mystery, she gains recognition from Prince Han Ye, who shares her commitment to their family, country, and citizens.
As one of the highly anticipated dramas for the summer season, “The Legend of Anle” quickly captured audience affection with its compelling characters, light-hearted comedy elements, and profound themes – securing its position as number one on popular ranking charts.
Multi-dimensional characters
Historical costume dramas have always been favored by audiences; however, with an abundance of similar content available today comes a certain level of viewer fatigue caused by formulaic productions that perpetuate gender stereotypes like dominant men and weak women. In truth, it is the characters themselves that form the core essence of any story. The success or failure of a drama hinges upon whether these characters can truly resonate with viewers.
In terms of character development in this drama, traditional tropes such as male dominance or delicate female leads are rejected in favor of establishing both male and female protagonists as equally strong individuals. Protagonist Ren Anle evolves from being an orphaned girl from an imperial family into becoming leaderess of Anle Village and subsequently Chief Minister at Dali Temple Court.
Despite carrying the burden of seeking justice for her family's reputation, she also cares deeply about societal well-being. Possessing both intelligence and resilience enables her to assist Prince Han Ye in solving various cases using wisdom and courage, earning his trust and admiration.
The male lead, Prince Han Ye, may appear silent and gentle on the surface but is actually a brilliant strategist who loves his country and its people. Together, they work hand-in-hand in court cases to uphold justice while their emotional bond gradually deepens – making them representative of an intellectual romance within historical dramas.
In terms of emotional expression, “The Legend of Anle” resonates with contemporary societal themes, provoking thought on realism and philosophy. Ren Anle's unwavering determination in the face of adversity showcases her self-reliance and fearlessness against destiny. Despite appearing delicate and vulnerable at first glance, she possesses inner strength and resoluteness that radiate positive energy.
The intricate portrayal of love in the drama reflects the characteristics of modern women who are strong-willed, fearless when facing challenges – demonstrating that Ren Anle can overcome obstacles and seize true love with a bold attitude. This not only contributes to exploring deeper themes within historical contexts but also mirrors the confident lifestyle embraced by contemporary women.
Light comedy with a strong core
In addition to the strong character development, the elements of light-heartedness also add entertainment and amusement to “The Legend of Anle.”
The scenes depicting the playful rivalry and sweet interaction between Ren Anle and Han Ye not only allow viewers to appreciate the historical legend but also immerse themselves in a romantic and humorous atmosphere. The contrasting personalities of both characters create a unique sense of contrast and novelty within their emotional dynamics.
On the career front, Ren Anle pretends to be innocent while Han Ye maintains a serious demeanor throughout their performance, showcasing their intelligence and compatibility. This gradual progression further intensifies their feelings for each other as they simultaneously navigate through professional aspirations and love interests. By intertwining these two aspects seamlessly, it not only elevates the quality of “The Legend of Anle” but also deepens its portrayal of emotions.
Upholding righteousness & safeguarding people
Underneath its fated romance narrative structure, “The Legend of Anle” does not confine itself solely to petty love affairs. Instead, it portrays acts of genuine compassion and multidimensional characters who uphold virtues like justice on a grand scale.
The underlying values rooted in patriotism are consistently emphasized throughout this series. Protagonist Ren Anle carries out her mission to seek justice for her family by actively assisting the prince in upholding righteousness during times when governance is pure-hearted.
In doing so, she fulfills her own desires as well. Through this central storyline, we can clearly discern how patriotic sentiments are promoted. Rather than becoming entangled in personal grievances, female lead resolves individual issues through serving one's country first, a value system that conveys: “Without a nation, there can be no small home.”
Furthermore, “The Legend of Anle” conveys its message of patriotism through various details within the plot. For instance, the dialogue includes a quote from “Book of Documents,” stating that “the people are the foundation of a nation; only when this foundation is secure can a nation be prosperous (民惟邦本，本固，方得邦宁).” This reflects the ideology of prioritizing citizens' welfare.
The scene where the prince offers an umbrella to a mother and child walking in the rain showcases benevolence. Additionally, Huangpu, an official at Dalisi Court, along with several colleagues fearlessly removes his black hat and rings the Qinglong Bell to thoroughly investigate cases involving examination fraud—thus exemplifying the unwavering spirit of upright scholars who dare to admonish their country. These vivid details mirror precisely what it means to embody patriotic sentiments.
With the arrival of “The Legend of Anle,” the summer season has once again become lively. In terms of its strength, plot highlights, and the popularity and depth of its cast, “The Legend of Anle” may not be inferior to any other currently airing series. As its momentum continues to build in the later stages, it is destined to become an absolute champion in terms of popularity.
