Complexity

"Ripe Town" is the most exceptional Chinese period drama of this year. This drama stands out in the market without any comparable works. It is a period mystery that delves deep into social and historical analysis, offering a captivating deconstruction of complex human nature from different perspectives. In terms of the story, it intertwines a murder case with another arson case from twenty years ago, weaving together a tightly-knit web of revenge with numerous character lines that repeatedly intersect across two timelines. It explores themes of injustice, desire, and regret. Visually, it captures the essence of ancient Eastern paintings and the aesthetics of Jiangnan gardens, constructing a lush and intoxicating small town in late Ming Dynasty. Its English title, "Ripe Town," is fitting, as the entire drama feels like a "fully ripened and almost decaying fruit." Its meticulous attention to detail and profound depth truly make it a standout dish in the autumnal lineup of cdramas. Up to now, "Ripe Town" has received a high rating of 8.5 from over 120,000 viewers on Douban, surpassing the reputation set by "The Long Season" and "Fearless Blood." Many industry insiders believed that such a quality production must have come from an experienced…