Goodbye My Princess

The 2019 Chinese serial based on a book has many similarities with the Korean series ‘Empress Ki’ which was aired in 2013-14. Around 29 episode the ninth princess is still struggling to get back her memories. Both the serials are very long comprising of 50 odd episodes.

She marries the prince who is the fifth prince of the Li dynasty for the second time. Both had jumped into the river of oblivion so they have no memories of having met or falling in love. This is a political marriage what we call the convenience marriage today. It is expected that no feelings are involved, but as he has two consorts he is continuously irritated.

The princess of the Xi Province, Peng Xiaoran, believes he is in love with his other wife, Sese. The prince,Chen Xingxu, loves her but cannot care for her openly. Shang Wei as her master is superb. He is in love with her but doesn’t express it at the right time. Before the prince arrives he has time then it is too late.

In ‘Empress Ki’ she is Korean & gets married to the Chinese Emperor. She is in awe of the Korean king but marries the Chinese Emperor. He is already married to the prime minister’s daughter. The story has many similarities. The fate of the king with two wives. The admirer who is hesitant & later misses his chance. His love is forever but one sided.

The expansion of the kingdom, the rivalry, the tussle for power, politics in the palace, beautiful locales are the same. Till I finish with the ‘Empress Ki’ commenting on it will be wrong. It established Ji Chang Wook & Ha ji won as bankable stars. Their careers got the boost that they needed then. I watched her drama ‘Secret Garden’ when I liked her in her stunt woman role. Little did I know then that she is famous for her historical bold portrayals. She is a natural in the badass garb.

Ji Chang Wook is an endearing actor who looks wonderful in ‘Healer’ or an upright lawyer in ‘Suspicious Partner’. I did not like him being spineless in the opening episodes of ‘Empress Ki’ but the story is powerful & around 12-15 nothing appeared to be changing when I saw a lot is yet to come!

Developing characters in the drama was never easy & along with the story the locales, costumes had to be perfect. With the expense, it had to be relatable. Hats off to all those who make it happen!