Nhật Nguyệt Lăng Không - Nhật Nguyệt Lăng Không (2007)

'Rise to the Sun and Moon' (2007) stands as a significant historical drama, meticulously exploring the tumultuous twilight years of the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Director Yu Ming-Leung skillfully crafts an imperial tapestry rife with political intrigue and power struggles, where each character operates as a strategic piece on a merciless chessboard. Eschewing sensational adventures, the series delves into a profound psychological analysis of Wu Zetian's complex persona, brought to life by Liu Xiaoqing's unparalleled performance. She doesn't just portray the empress; she inhabits the role, depicting a ruler simultaneously ruthless and isolated, whose decisions shape the empire's destiny.

The inclusion of Vincent Zhao as Di Renjie also adds a distinct flavor, transitioning from a martial arts star to an astute intellectual official, creating an intriguing counterbalance. From a cinematic technique perspective, despite being a television series, 'Rise to the Sun and Moon' impresses with its meticulous costume design and grand sets that authentically recreate the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. The film solidifies its place in the Chinese historical costume drama canon, serving as a compelling case study of one of history's most powerful female figures, thereby influencing the perception of feudal political dramas.