lay catches conscience of kingsa

Among the many highly popular television drama series depicting palace intrigues one stands out, not only for its superb cinematography and beautiful locations, but also for its convincing plot and characterizations that are almost Shakespearean in context and substance.

The rebellious prince in Mu Jia Feng Yun, which literally translated means Tempest in the House of Mu, is a complex lead character in the Shakespearean mold, although he is eventually redeemed by the magnanimity of his nephew the king instead of falling on his own or his enemy's sword.

The plot revolves around the ruling Mu family in Lijiang, Yunnan province, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). At that time the region was inhabited by various ethnic groups. The largest was the Naxi to which the Mu family belong. and although a vassal to the Ming court the fictional Mu family rules with absolute power in the region.

The aging patriarch of the family has two sons. The peace-loving elder son, who is the heir apparent, is a devoted admirer of Han culture and a scholar of Han classics. His younger brother on the other hand is tempestuous and paranoid. Although he has gained control of the army, he lives in constant fear that his elder brother is plotting to kill him.

At the center of the seething family feud is a survivor of the ruling family of a tribe subjugated by the Naxi in a clan war. Masquerading as a lowly servant, this avenger gains the confidence of the younger Mu and uses his influence in the Mu's household to plot his revenge together with his young and beautiful niece.

What sets this drama series apart from the many others in this genre that cropped up over the past few years is that the villains' dark tricks are foiled by their own consciences and the forgiveness of their intended victims, rather than counter-plots that are even more ruthless and deadly than theirs. Though blinded by jealousy and greed for power, the younger Mu prince has resisted time and again the outright murdering of his elder brother and his only son, who eventually ascends to the throne.

His conscience denies viewers the drama of a classic tragic hero led by fate into a trail of bloody crimes until the end when only death can release him from the grip of evil or remorse. But, of course, tragic heroes in the form or either brutal Macbeth or gentle Brutus in Julius Caesar are alien to the Chinese culture. Similar characters in Chinese legends are all branded as murderers and traitors deserving no respect or sympathy whatsoever.

In this series the belligerent prince is pardoned by his nephew and supposedly lives out the rest of his life in peace and harmony. The evil avenger's niece, who was a princess of the fallen clan, rises above her personal vendetta to become the loyal and loving wife of the young king.

I was most impressed by the performance of the lead actress playing the princess torn by love for her enemy's grandson and her vow to avenge her parents' demise.

This moving story is set against the exotic scenery of one of China's most enchanting regions of green hills and gentle rivers. Much attention has been given to ensure the elaborate costumes of the different ethnic groups from the intricate headdresses to the unusually designed footwear, are historically authentic.

The plea for ethnic harmony may seem clich. But the plot and fine acting succeed in making it convincing. Watch it, and I am sure you'll be impressed too.

(China Daily 08/13/2012 page8)