An Ode to Word Of Honor
And that’s a wrap!
The last 5 episodes of WOH was physically and emotionally draining. I was sobbing to the point where there were no tears left - I don’t think any other drama has incited such a visceral reaction from me. I think this stands as a testament to how affective and effective this drama was on a whole.
I didn’t have much expectations going in ... And to be honest, for the first few episodes I did not have much expectations moving forward. I mean, the drama was fine until that point (episode 10?), but I did not love it. I can usually forgive a drama that gradually falls apart (and let’s be honest, this happens far too often in Cdramas) when I am wholeheartedly invested in its premise, but rarely the other way around. So, this is a rare case where my watching pleasure continued to grow with each episode ...
The first issue I had with WOH that stopped me from loving it immediately was that it was a Wuxia. Now, while I grew up with the genre, the plethora of characters and subplots dumped on us at the start with little to no exposition left me baffled in some instances. Do not fret, the threads all tie up beautifully at the end but only in retrospect.
Secondly, I did not believe in the relationship between the main leads at the start of the drama and this is usually an important factor when they’re set up to be “soulmates” for life. WKX’s flirtatious nature, while fun to watch, was hard to accept as genuine feelings for ZZS. I know, I know, I was truly foolish for even thinking such a way.
Now, I remember the very moment in the show when it went from this is enjoyable to holy shit, I am in love. It was the moment where WKX and ZZS were sunbathing and A’Xu called out to ‘Lao Wen’ - the tender and understated nature of the scene made me feel like I was a passerby in their life and the magic of WOH began to work its way on me.
After the dust has settled, I dearly appreciate the natural development of WKX and ZZS’s relationship - it was authentic and understated. As the story progressed, the verbal flirting ironically subsided as WKX’s feelings deepened and this was a tool that the screenwriter cleverly used to not only reveal the blossoming relationship between both men but the development of his character. Then there’s ZZS, oh how I swooned over the way he gradually allowed himself to be vulnerable to WKX and to him only - to take a leap of faith and reveal his greatest aspirations and deepest fears to the other - the thought makes my heart tremble!
And that brings me to the point where this drama, I think, excels leaps and bounds above any other dramas I have seen as of recent - the team did a marvellous job of instilling humanity within these flawed individuals. How can we not cheer them on their journey to healing when all they desire is to be a ‘better’ person for the one/s they love (regardless of what form of love that may be). This single motivation to me is more noble and humane than any other. Leading on from this, it is clear to see that while WOH markets itself as a Wuxia, at its heart is a parable about what it means to be human - a character study where no one is purely good or evil but instead, the different shades in between.
On a technical standpoint, the show falters in the CGI department (I understand it was filmed on a shoe-string budget) BUT the amount of artistry in certain scenes continue to astonish me. You can tell that the people who made WOH loved and cared for it. Look at the stunning cinematography and colour palette! Don’t even get me started on those breathtaking costumes.
And to my FINAL point of why this drama will remain superior in my books - Gong Jun and Zhang Zhe Han’s acting and chemistry! Not only did each actor go above and beyond in their respective roles, their performances were elevated by their genuine rapport with one another (just watch the BTS and their interviews and you would know what I mean).
The way they gaze at each other with stars in their eyes, the tenderness of their touches and the unspoken exchanges they paint with a single gesture - swoooooon:
This is probably one of the longest ‘odes’ I’ve written but this drama sincerely deserves all the love in the world! To me, A’Xu and Lao Wen will always exist in a small corner of the world ...
