Although the contexts are different, from ancient costumes to modern, the common point of these stories is that the main characters marry for circumstances or benefits, and then gradually develop feelings. Two recent films, "Pearl Axis" and "Love of Pure Years", are typical examples of this trend.
In "Jade Axis", the female character is forced to marry to keep family property, while the male lead accepts being a son-in-law to hide his true identity. Similarly, in "Love of Pure Years", the marriage of the two main characters initially only originated from real needs such as dividing houses or learning opportunities. From a calculated agreement, they gradually develop feelings in the process of living together and overcoming difficulties together.
In fact, the "marry first, love later" motif is not new in TV series. Many famous works before that such as "Chiet yeu", "Cam tam thua ngoc" or "Truong phong do" also exploit the type of relationship that starts from arranged marriage or interest agreement. The characters initially come together for their own purposes: protecting the family, investigating secrets, or simply because circumstances force them to marry.
The attraction of this motif lies in the emotional change process between the two characters. Initially, they may be suspicious, even cold to each other. However, over time living together, small acts of concern in everyday life gradually make them understand and trust each other. It is the process of transitioning from strange to attached that creates a great attraction for the audience.
In addition to the romantic element, many opinions believe that the attractiveness of "marry first, love later" also reflects the reality of marriage in society. In life, marriage is not only based on love but also related to material conditions, status or family circumstances. Therefore, when films exploit the story of marriage starting from calculation, viewers easily feel close.
However, what makes the audience attached to this motif is not the "transaction" element in marriage, but the journey of two people gradually finding true feelings. Such stories often emphasize that love does not always appear from the beginning, but can be formed from companionship and sharing in life.
It can be said that the appeal of "marry first, love later" lies in the balance between reality and romance. Films admit that marriage sometimes starts from calculations, but at the same time still opens up the possibility for love to blossom in the process of living together. It is the belief that emotions can grow over time that has made this motif continue to be loved by audiences on screen.
