Fake Princess

Fake Princess is an enthralling series produced by Jetsen in 2020. Based on a South Korean web novel of the same name, the series weaves together strands of romance, comedy and historical drama, set predominantly within the backdrop of the imperial court during the Tang Dynasty. The drama unfolds a tapestry of emotions, political intrigues, complex relationships, and quest for love and power.

The series revolves around the central character, Li Chu, a charming, daring, and street-smart girl. Born in an impoverished background, Li Chu struggles daily, using her wit and cleverness to survive the harsh realities of life. However, Li Chu's world is turned upside down when she is shockingly offered a chance to impersonate a princess, Hui Yan.

Princess Hui Yan, due to a convoluted series of events involving the conspiracy of the royal palace, is forced into hiding and creates the necessity for a double. As Li Chu remarkably bears a similar appearance with the princess, she is chosen by the imperial court advisors to assume the role. Thrust abruptly from the streets to the imperial palace, Li Chu finds herself in the midst of courtly politics, palace conspiracies, and regal duties.

The key driving factor of the series stems from Li Chu's transformational journey as she navigates her way through the delicate balances of power, the unfamiliar territory of etiquette, traditions, and strangled in the webs of deceit spun in the cobbled corridors of the palace. However, as Li Chu progressively immerses into her role, she begins to question her own identity, her feelings of displacement, and the deceptive nature of her existence, shaping the dynamic course of the story.

Romantic undertones are introduced as Li Chu, as Princess Hui Yan, crosses paths with the revered Prince Qi, who is noticeably aloof, but admired for his bravery, intelligence, and unyielding resolve to protect his kingdom and its people. The Prince, obliviously falling in love with a "fake princess", weaves a romantic trajectory into the series. As their relationship deepens, the pair navigates through a maze of emotional entanglement, illicit love, veiled secrets, and the looming threat of the truth coming to light. The story thoughtfully explores the budding romance, tumultuous emotional journey, and the complex dynamic that evolves between Li Chu, Princess Hui Yan and Prince Qi.

The vibrant characters featured in Fake Princess are not just confined to the royal court. It also exhibits a palette of captivating supporting characters like the Palace Maids, Court Eunuchs, and other nobles from neighboring kingdoms, each with their own nuanced personality, contributions to the plot, and engaging storylines that add an additional layer of charm to the plot.

Packed with visually stunning cinematography and opulent period costume designs true to the era, the show transports viewers back in time, rejuvenating the glory and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Furthermore, the show also boasts compelling performances from the lead and supporting cast that beautifully bring each character to life, amplifying the overall viewing experience.

Embroidered in the plot are themes of self-discovery, love, the struggle for power, personal growth, and the transformative nature of life, all which crescendo throughout the series leading to an unpredictable ending. With a mix of suspenseful cliffhangers, dramatic twists, and turns, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The series stands out for its mature and complex portrayal of relationships that make the audience engage, sympathize, and root for the characters. Jetsen’s Fake Princess successfully marries the tradition of historical drama with elements of comedy and romance, making it a compelling watch for viewers interested in a wide genre spectrum. This attention to detail, meticulous scripting, and high production values, provides not only an engaging story but also an enriching portrayal of Chinese history and culture, making it one of the standout productions of 2020.

In essence, Fake Princess is an intriguing series that masterfully combines elements of historical drama, comedy and romance, crafting an unforgettable tale of love and deception amidst the opulence and conspiracy-ridden political environment of imperial China.