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| Comparing Yuan Shao to Cao Cao, Cao Cao has more ambition and talent |
Warning: This post may contain spoilers.
Secret of the Three Kingdoms 三国机密 is a work of fiction that fills in the blanks about the Emperor Xian of Han, played by Ma Tianyu as the main protagonist, with its own version of what could have been. I have no words to express my excitement, but there’s a reason why Emperor Xian is often portrayed as spineless and cowardly. Having spent most of his life as a puppet head of state, Emperor Xian eventually abdicated the throne to Cao Pi to live out the rest of his life as a Duke.
A smarter and capable Emperor certainly adds drama to a character that has often been considered insignificant in the grander scheme of things, yet it may all be for naught considering how things went down in history. I worry for the hero in what seems like a losing fight against the major players of the Three Kingdoms.
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| If I, Sima Yi, wish to contend, is there anyone who can win against me? |
Sima Yi, played by Elvis Han, will likely be a friend turned enemy. He agrees to serve Cao Pi and becomes a significant force to be reckoned with. The Sima family will later rule the newly-established Jin Dynasty.
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| Without a country, where is the home? |
Empress Fu Shou is ambitious, ruthless and firm in her resolve to defend the imperial family. Wan Qian delivers her lines powerfully like a monarch.
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| If you want to see me, come here yourself. |
Don’t know much about this one, but she seems badass. I also like Dong Jie, the actress playing her.
No shortage of schemers here. Guo Jia is a strategist under the service of Cao Cao.
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| Before I kill Cao Cao, I won’t leave. |
Diao Chan is one of the great four beauties of ancient China.
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| Long live the king. |
This is Cao Cao, the Emperor’s savior, captor, subordinate and enemy.
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| It is my turn to write the history books. |
Emperor Xian will have another enemy in Cao Pi, one of Cao Cao’s sons.
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| Those eyes look almost exactly like the King’s, but you can’t fool me. |
Did I mention that Ma Tianyu plays twins? One brother assumes the identity of the other. Catch the 10 minute trailer here.
Julieta
Do we have any word on which streaming sites will sub English in the US?
Tia
Cao Cao, Sima Yi, Cao Pi have all been played by very capable actors in the past (Three Kingdoms, The Advisors' Alliance, etc) so this will be a real challenge to this crop of actors.