"Lost Love in Times," a Chinese television drama, masterfully combines the elements of romance, wuxia (a genre that encompasses martial arts and chivalry), and fantasy. Set against the historical backdrop of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the series centralizes around the character Feng Qing Chen, a sorceress hailing from Mingyi Tower. This organization has the critical responsibility of safeguarding the royal family. Qing Chen is characterized by her formidable willpower and skills, navigating through a web of complex political and mystical challenges.
At the core of the series is Qing Chen's intricate relationship with Yuan Ling, a prince from the Western Wei Kingdom. Their romantic journey is set against a tumultuous backdrop of political strife and warfare. Yuan Ling's character is richly portrayed, torn between his royal obligations and his profound love for Qing Chen. Their relationship encounters numerous obstacles, including interference from other royal family members such as Yuan Zhan and Yuan Ming, each harboring their distinct motivations and conflicts.
A distinctive feature of "Lost Love in Times" is its incorporation of time travel and its implications. Qing Chen utilizes mystical stones to reset the universe in an effort to save Yuan Ling, a decision that brings about significant consequences. The series delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and the grave repercussions of altering destiny. This aspect of time manipulation intricately intertwines Qing Chen's personal trajectory with the broader political narrative of the kingdom.
The drama is also notable for its high production values, with significant contributions from style director William Chang, costume designer Fang Sizhe, and artistic director Chen Haozhi. The meticulous attention to detail in costume design and set construction, which was built from the ground up, lends a remarkable visual depth to the storytelling.
"Lost Love in Times" has garnered mixed reviews. Some critics have lauded the series for its inventive blend of genres and the compelling performances of its lead actors. However, criticisms have been leveled at its complex plot and the execution of the time travel theme. Despite these complexities, the series presents a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and historical drama, marking it as a notable contribution to the wuxia genre.
