However, besides the attraction from the cast, "Mac Ly" also makes many people question whether the film is different enough to escape the beaten path of the current Chinese idol drama genre.
In terms of plot, "Mac Ly" continues to follow the familiar motif: the female lead carries past hatred, is caught up in an arranged marriage with a king family carrying many secrets, then both go from suspicion to collusion to fight for power and revenge.
This is a type of script that has helped many Chinese films succeed in recent years because it hit the psychology of young audiences: intelligent female lead, cold male lead, continuous intellectual battles and the feeling of "revenge is refreshing".
But precisely because it is too popular, this formula has also become a double-edged sword. Audiences today are no longer easily convinced by just revenge scenes or power struggles built in the style of "the main character always wins".
Through the trailer, "Mac Ly" still carries the colors of ancient costume idol films: beautiful images, fast pace, characters are built leaning towards temperament rather than psychological depth. The power struggles mainly create a feeling of superficial drama instead of going deep into politics or real intellectual battle.
This puts the film at risk of becoming a typical "farce theater" - a place where audiences watch for entertainment, admire beautiful actors and wait for "revealing" details, rather than a powerful and profound work.
However, "Mac Ly" still has factors that help the film to be expected. The most important thing is the appeal of Bach Loc. After "Chau Sinh Nhu Co", "Ninh An Nhu Mong" or "Di Ai Vi Doanh", the actress is in the group of female stars with the ability to "carry heat" strongly in the period film segment.
Bach Loc's strength lies in her ability to create a feeling of both softness and strength. She is suitable for the intelligent female lead type, with a hurtful inner self but not too tragic. This is also an image that is being favored by young female audiences in the ancient romance film genre.
Meanwhile, Thua Loi is considered a noteworthy new factor after making a good impression through many ancient costume supporting roles. His sharp appearance and calm temperament help the male actor suit the type of king-like character with many hearts.
Another point that makes "Mac Ly" noteworthy is that the film is adapted from the novel by the author who was behind "The Youngest Tycoon". This makes many viewers expect the work to create a similar attractive world of power.
However, unlike modern films, the Chinese idol drama genre is currently in a state of saturation. Revenge, power struggle, first marriage, later love, or male and female leads "blackening" motifs appear too densely, making the audience begin to show signs of fatigue.
In that context, what determines the success or failure of "Mac Ly" is probably not in the familiar revenge story, but in the way the film creates new emotions for the audience. If it only stops at "beautiful people, beautiful scenery", the film may cause a short-term fever but it is difficult to become a truly outstanding work in the fiercely competitive Chinese ancient costume market.
