Hong lou meng

This is China's 1987 TV-series version of The Dream of Red Mansions, featuring the tragic love of Bao Yu and Tai Yu, and the prosperity and decline of the four notable feudal ruling-class families of Jia, Shi, Wang and Xue. The story also features the revolts of the many nurses and servants of the Grand View Garden.

The location and elaborate sets of the village, gardens, temples and palaces were detailed, elegant and colorful - capturing the beauty of the architecture of ancient China. The music score was brilliant with its haunting and elegant songs, and the large ensemble cast of characters each gave a powerful portray of their respected characters - charming, rebellious, humorous, authoritative, cold, kind, among other traits. The make-up and costumes for each character were realistically and superbly done.

My mom introduced this TV-series to be as a little kid, and I have grown to appreciate the history, characters and lessons of the story. Many movie, opera and TV adaptations of this story exist, but this 1987 TV-series is the ultimate and best version that exists!

Grade A