If you happen to’re craving a drama that’s mature but emotionally partaking, the most recent C-drama “Dear Enemy” must be in your radar. “Expensive Enemy” is a compelling fashionable story that explores womanhood, marriage, envy, friendship, and rivalry by the lens of three very totally different ladies. Whether or not it’s the ache of watching a wedding collapse or the quiet envy between longtime associates, “Expensive Enemy” doesn’t draw back from the messy realities of life.
From sharp dialogue, layered characters, and emotionally charged plot traces, listed below are 4 causes to observe Chinese language drama “Expensive Enemy.”
Warning: spoilers forward!
Not only a love story
In a dramascape full of romantic leads and grand gestures, “Expensive Enemy” dares to go in a unique path. Whereas romance exists on the sidelines, it’s by no means the primary occasion. As a substitute, the drama affords a nuanced, character-driven story about womanhood, ambition, betrayal, and the invisible requirements society expects ladies to fulfill, whether or not they pursue careers, select household, or try and steadiness each.
On the heart of “Expensive Enemy” are three very totally different ladies: Luo Man (Gao Ye), Chen Kai Xi (Michelle Chen), and Zhong Qing Cheng (Wan Peng). Luo Man and Chen Kai Xi had been as soon as inseparable school associates learning literature. Years later, Luo Man is a celebrated screenwriter, whereas Chen Kai Xi has change into a stay-at-home mother, married to the person she as soon as liked fiercely in her youth. Though they sustain appearances as shut associates, their relationship has curdled right into a delicate rivalry, with every resenting and envying what the opposite has. Zhong Qing Cheng, however, an formidable influencer and aspiring actress, unintentionally turns into entangled in Chen Kai Xi’s troubled marriage and provides a layer of stress to the already delicate steadiness between the previous finest associates.
Fleshed-out feminine leads
“Expensive Enemy” might not reinvent the wheel plot-wise, however what units it aside is the depth and humanity of its three central ladies. Luo Man, Chen Kai Xi, and Zhong Qing Cheng aren’t simply archetypes—they’re advanced, flawed, and painfully actual.
On paper, Luo Man looks as if she has all of it: a profitable screenwriting profession, trade respect, and monetary independence. However beneath that assured exterior lies deep-seated insecurity. Whereas she loves the independence her laborious work is providing her, she envies Chen Kai Xi, whom she sees as somebody who “gained at life with out making an attempt,” stunning, married, and seemingly easy in her wins. In a single placing analogy, Luo Man compares herself to the hare who provides the race her all, solely to observe a swan, Chen Kai Xi, win just by present. It’s uncooked, bitter, and deeply human. Her resentment turns Chen Kai Xi right into a villain in her personal thoughts, even when that’s removed from the reality.
In the meantime, Chen Kai Xi’s rigorously curated picture as a rich housewife begins to unravel. Initially judged by Luo Man’s biased lens, we quickly be taught that Kai Xi as soon as selected love over cash, fought her household to be together with her husband, and poured herself into her household. Her seeming perfection hides quiet heartbreak, self-doubt, and a eager for id.
Then there’s Zhong Qing Cheng, who at first look looks as if a typical social media “homewrecker.” However there’s extra to her than meets the attention—she’s a lady with ambition, boundaries, and company, refusing to be simply one other trope in another person’s story.
A contemporary tackle storytelling
“Expensive Enemy” units itself aside with a singular storytelling type that avoids the overused flashback trope. Whereas some dramas rely closely on flashbacks to elucidate character motivations or previous occasions, generally to the purpose of confusion, “Expensive Enemy” makes use of them sparingly and purposefully, guaranteeing the viewer by no means loses observe of the timeline.
As a substitute, what makes the present particularly partaking is its artistic use of fourth wall breaks. Very similar to the beloved British collection “Fleabag,” Luo Man sometimes speaks on to the viewers, including an intimate, usually humorous layer to the narrative. These moments not solely assist to tempo the story but in addition draw the viewer into her internal world, making you’re feeling like a confidante in her journey.
Nevertheless, it’s value noting that Luo Man is a flawed and admittedly unreliable narrator. Her commentary doesn’t at all times replicate the total reality, which provides a compelling layer of ambiguity to her standpoint. You’re entertained, however you’re additionally left questioning what’s actual and what’s tinted by her personal biases. It’s a intelligent narrative machine that retains issues contemporary and retains viewers guessing.
A narrative about friendship
Whereas “Expensive Enemy” might start with stress and resentment between Luo Man and Chen Kai Xi, it slowly peels again the layers to disclose a heartfelt story about therapeutic previous wounds. As Luo Man steps in to assist Chen Kai Xi navigate her crumbling marriage, the 2 start to reconnect and rediscover the bond they as soon as shared. By moments of vulnerability, honesty, and surprising assist, their friendship is rekindled, stronger and extra real than earlier than. It’s a touching reminder that even probably the most fractured relationships can mend with time, empathy, and somewhat effort.
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Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring total Ok-dramas in a single sitting. Good screenwriting, stunning cinematography, and a scarcity of cliches are the way in which to her coronary heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to a number of artists throughout totally different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You may speak to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
At the moment watching: “Spring of Youth,” “Second Shot at Love,” and “Our Unwritten Seoul.”
Wanting ahead to: “Squid Sport Season 3” and “Good Boy”
