Chinese drama Strange hero Yi Zhi Mei (2011) review:
Title: 怪侠一枝梅 / Guai Xia Yi Zhi Mei
Also known as: The Vigilantes In Masks / Strange Hero Yi Zhi Mei
Genre: Wuxia, adventure
Episodes: 30Synopsis
Li Ge Xiao is skilled in martial arts and has the brain to match it. In his former life, he was a high ranking Marshal with great law enforcement authority. But after his enemy framed him with false crime and executed his family, he went on the run. Years later, he came out of hiding to help a former colleague recover stolen gold for disaster relief. With his new partners, thief Yan San Niang, grafter He Xiao Mei, and muscle Chai Hu, they formed a bandit called "Yi Zhi Mei" that robs the rich and the corrupted and gives to the poor and the helpless.
Cast
Wallace Huo as Li Ge Xiao (离歌笑)
Liu Shi Shi as Yan San Niang (燕三娘)
Ma Tian Yu as He Xiao Mei (贺小梅)
Shi Yan Neng as Chai Hu (柴胡)
Edwin Siu as Ying Wu Qiu (应无求)
Deng Li Min as Gao Song (高嵩)
Review:
The series resemble the Robin Hood theme and remind me Hong Gil Dong series. The story revolves around the Li Ge Xiao and his gang - Yi Zhi Mei. The beginning shows why LGX became the outcast of society and his sorrow. This series could be a lot more darker and tragic for ex LGX and Wu Qiu loved the same woman so they could kill each other or fight for her and one of them die as it was in Damo but there it was lover vs. brother while here childhood friend vs. lover.
The gang is capable and strong bunch of people that admire the boss and would do everything necessary to help him. While he stays strong and unsociable through the series. He is dense not noticing San Niang's feelings and giving up while being captured by the authorities without noticing their will. Despite his character I found him interesting and captivating so ended up watching the whole story.
I especially liked the story of Xiao Mei background as it was seen like a regular ghost story but after finding out the truth is was intriguing.
The story is like an ancient detective series as the gang cheats bandits and robbers e.t.c they manage to deceive them so it is certainly not a usual skill.
It is Funny, interesting, and enjoyable story without tragic parts and sad moments. Of course LGX had a sad past but the creators managed to make it balanced without too much sadness for the viewers.
At the end the emperor was seen like a total fool so it was ironic and surprising to see it.
