Another red flag? In Kill Me Love Me (春花焰), Liu Xueyi’s portrayal of Murong Jinghe, the Prince of Great Yan, embodies the quintessential “red flag” male lead—a dangerous mix of black-bellied schemer and deranged anti-hero. His character is ruthless, as evidenced by the extreme measures he takes against the heroine. Yet this time, the female lead, played by Wu Jinyan, seems just as formidable, matching his level of crazy. Rather than being typecast in another revenge-driven role, Wu Jinyan shines as Mei Lin, a heroine who is determined to avenge her family, holding Murong Jinghe responsible for their deaths.
A “Mad” Prince and a Vengeful Assassin
Adapted from the novel Weariness of Spring Flowers (春花厌) by Hei Yan (黑颜), the story follows Prince Murong Jinghe, once a noble figure poised to inherit the throne. He becomes infamously known as the “Butcher General” after the city of Qingzhou is engulfed in flames, leading to thousands of deaths. His reputation and sanity deteriorate as rumors spread that he ordered the city’s burning in revenge for its betrayal. Murong Jinghe maintains a façade while secretly investigating the true cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, Mei Lin, a survivor of the fire, swears to avenge her family’s death. She joins a secret organization called the Shadow Works, enduring brutal training to become an assassin. Her first mission is to kill Murong Jinghe, disguised as a political marriage arrangement. What she doesn’t know is that Murong Jinghe orchestrated her entire path of revenge.
The Supporting Cast Adds Depth
Who knows what will happen later on, but for now, it’s hard not to feel for Bi Wenjun’s character Yue Qin, the unfavored prince, a hostage in the enemy kingdom who’s also the gentle second lead with feelings for Mei Lin. Zhao Xiaotang plays Luo Mei, the nation’s celebrated female general, while Baron Chen portrays Murong Xuanlie, the emperor’s ambitious eldest son whose outward humility masks a ruthless nature. Huang Riying brings to life Zigu, a princess from Xiyan, sent to the Great Yan as a bride to ease tensions between their warring nations.
Their Chemistry Is on Fire
So far, the show has been stylistically dark, with a polished visual appeal. The kiss scene teased in the previews occurs early in the series, and it’s just as intense as expected—after all, this is a heroine who will do whatever it takes to accomplish her goals. Wu Jinyan and Liu Xueyi definitely have chemistry and both actors have been known to carry historical dramas. Granted, it can be a bit overboard too. Liu Xueyi’s voice acting drew criticism from some viewers who find his delivery too slow. After all, he has say lines such as “I can take you right here, or I can kill you,” which may come off as either too much or just the dark allure that keeps you hooked, depending on your taste.
Rama
The first few episodes are promising that this will be a good show, but I wonder if it will be as good as The Double.
Monamania Len
So far the story has similar elements as The Double. But it isn’t nearly as good. The role of the female lead was written much better for The Double, and gave WJY room to showcase good acting. In KMLM, the FL turns from a psychotic assassin into a cute darling in less than 8 episodes. It may be that the assassin comes to life again in later episodes, and this is even quite likely, but I must say, up until now KMLM does not live up to the high expectations it garnered upfront. The male lead has some good moments but overall he is not as fascinating and mysterious as Duke Su in The Double. Similar comments can be made about the supporting characters. WJY tries her best to play against a weak script that wants her to portray an inconsistent, poorly developed character.
Kumar
I tend to agree. I started to watch “Kill me love me” because of Wu Jinyan. She performed superbly in “Yanxi palace”, of course, and very well in “The Double”. There are so many similarities of “Kill me love me” with “The Double”. The vengeful female lead character having to go through many hardships, Slowly developing feelings for the male lead who is kind of a mastermind and is unfathomable. In “the Double”, this kind of narrative unfolds well. In “Kill me love me”, I am constantly wondering where the writers want to carry the story and its characters. For the central lead actors, it is kind of a mission impossible. They can never give there characters suitable emotions or manerisms. Particularly Wu Jinyan seems to have had difficulties to approach her character. Too many contradictory character traits that she is told to optimize. Apart from all that, there are set design flaws and costume issues with the side characters. And some of the acting for side characters is low level. Together with the muddled story and problems with the character potrayals the way they are scripted, I can’t help but feel some disappointment.
Simona
In my opinion The Double and Kill Me Love Me are two different dramas. They only have the theme of revenge in common. The plot is not the same and the characters are also different in status, education and experience.
For example, Wu Jinyan ( wonderful actress) plays a betrayed wife in The Double and an orphan thirsty for revenge in Kill Me Love Me.
In The Double the female lead is a married woman, cultured, intelligent and refined, while in Kill Me Love Me she is a girl who is not cultured and refined (she doesn’t even know how to dance) but she is an exceptional skilled assassin with a pure heart.
In my opinion the actors in the drama Kill Me Love Me are all very good.
Liu Xueyi is very credible as the tormented and ruthless prince Murong Jinghe.
His choice to speak with ostentatious slowness seems perfect to me and consistent with the feelings of the character.
His slowness in speaking and his low and threatening tone of voice reveal all the pain and anger for the betrayal suffered by his brother and for the dishonor endured for years.
Also good is Baron Chen who plays Murong Xuanlie, the introvert older brother of Jinghe and Crown Prince, always forced to hide his real abilities and to compete in the shadows and with deceit in a world that in words exalts merit, but in reality only status and birth.
Huang Riying brings to life with great lightness and vivacity the adorable and carefree Princess Zigu, young and fresh as a rose.
Zhao Xiaotang plays Luo Mei, the female general, she is too stiff and seems like a beautiful doll without expression. However what her face does not show, it appears in her voice which is truly harmonious and full of nuances of feeling.
I agree with the common judgment of weak script and muddled story, but the actors really did an awesome job. All of them!
One last note. The opening theme song is perfect: music and words are intense and engaging. They express the central meaning of the drama well.