Thượng Thực - Royal Feast (2022)

'Royal Feast' (Shang Shi) transcends the typical historical palace drama, establishing itself as a visually and gastronomically sumptuous journey within the Chinese imperial culinary genre. The direction meticulously portrays a vibrant Ming Dynasty, where cuisine serves not merely as an art form but as a political instrument. Cinematographic techniques exquisitely detail each dish, transforming cooking scenes into high-art gastronomic presentations, thus crafting a distinct world-building narrative.

The performances by Wu Jinyan and Xu Kai, while echoing their past collaboration in 'Story of Yanxi Palace', demonstrate a certain evolution. Wu Jinyan embodies the complex inner world of a tenacious female chef amidst palace intrigue, while Xu Kai maintains his imperial demeanor, though perhaps lacking the breakthrough needed to fully shed his previous persona. The series conveys messages of perseverance, passion, and the quiet sacrifices behind royal walls, emphasizing the cultural value of gastronomy and the role of women in feudal society. Nevertheless, the narrative sometimes feels protracted, diminishing the overall captivating momentum.