sunako_yue | Entries tagged with cdrama

A thousand years since the battle between the demons and heavens took place, the souls of the Star of Mosha and the God of War are sent to the mortal realm to serve penance.

In the mortal realm, Chu Xuan Ji, daughter of the Shaoyang Sect Leader, is deprived of her six senses. At a tournament, she meets Yu Si Feng, a skilled disciple of Lize Palace who was born on the same day as her, and the two develop a friendship. Promising to meet again, Si Feng returns to his sect where he is punished for breaking the rules and forced to wear a mask that could potentially harm his life, while Xuan Ji leaves her home to train in martial arts.

Four years later, their destinies intertwine anew. While traveling together, recovered memories from their past lives surface, revealing secrets and conspiracies involving themselves and the three realms; demon, heavenly, and mortal. These revelations have a profound impact on their relationship, creating an imbalance in all three realms.

(Source: linfifi8 at MyDramaList- 2020)

I am finally done 😫 While I liked the first episodes, it got super draggy and several events made me roll my eyes. Still, I think this is the 2nd of the 3rd xianxias I've watched so far... better than Eternal Love but worst than Ashes of Love.

My own comparison to Ashes of Love:

- Female Lead: both are lacking in senses but XuanJi seemed more naive and innocent while JinMi looked like a psycho. By far XuanJi is the best one, she can actually fight, she is the God Of War for God's sake, she protects SiFeng like 90% of the times, and her "stabbing" wasn't as insulting as JinMi's. While both are manipulated and gaslighted by other people, XuanJi's situation was more understandable because the others wanted to use her and what better than to guilt-tripping her? JinMi's was just unforgivable. Also, while both of them didn't "feel" anything, XuanJi actually "felt" something for SiFeng, an affinity, friendship, etc. JinMi's supposedly curse was not to fall in love, but it seemed like she actually couldn't feel a thing... XuFeng could die before her eyes and she wouldn't even blink. I think Yuan Bing Yan (XuanJi) was better actress than Yang Zi.. YangZi just had to look pretty with tons of make-up, while Yuan Bing Yan was able to portray the innocent and the resentful GOW at the same time (with a very natural make-up).

- Male Lead: both are "Feng" and have beautiful, golden wings <3 tbh, SiFeng got on my nerves most of the times and I could never really liked him. A hero with a victim/martyr complex? Nah. He didn't care even for his life, as long as XuanJi lived. Bad guys could get away because SiFeng was so forgivable. He was never angry, impatient, resentful... his character was to love Xuanji, unconditionally, only. And of course, to vomit blood every episode. In this case, XuFeng wins by far, being a ML with many flaws (spoiled, resentful, fun, naughty); and while he also loves JinMi unconditionally, when she betrays him, he resents her; when she is being a pain, he rolls his eyes; when she was being silly, he teased her... that's what I liked in their romance. I also didn't like most of the times the make-up on SiFeng... 90% of the times his eyebrows were awful, not to mention his lips either full of blood, or totally white.

- Romance: saccharine and dramatically sweet in L&R; playful and dramatically sweet in AOL; the big plus in L&R is that there is no RunYu; the big plus in AoL is that they have a whole arc of being sweet and romantic with no rivals at all (except a bit of SuiHe but she loses very soon :D) I think there was more chemistry between the leads in AoL than in L&R.

- Supporting Characters: both have good supported friends and awful villains. In L&R we have several, like Teng She (who provides the comedic relief), the merman, brother Liu, and Wu ZhiQi was underdeveloped, or he would have been amazing too. And Purple Fox was the voice of reason! Demon Lord was so good I wished he was the main character :( I really disliked LingLong, she was so annoying and I couldn't understand why MinYan would love her, but she loved her sister and her own story was so painful and it made me cry :( It made me crazy to read comments in Viki saying Linglong had all the fault.. the fault to being RAPED? Because that is what that disgusting WuTong did.. he RAPED her. I hated him the most grrr. So the 2nd couple is much better in L&R, the 2nd couple in AoL was boring and I just wanted Muci to die, but the princess was so good :(

- Villains: honestly the villains in L&R were disgusting. WuTong was the most repulsive of all of them; Bailin the most disgusting of all but as manipulative as RunYu was anyway, the sect leaders were all stupid and useless, and worst of all, most of these villains do not get what they deserved. I honestly couldn't believe that that asshole Bailin made a mess of everything for more than 50 episodes, thought he was right (like a Nazi) and in the final episode, realizes he was wrong, has a minor punishment while all his men cry. Whut. The sect leaders were all manipulative and behave awfully with Sifeng, and then you have them in the final episode cheering for SiFeng and XuanJi, all good friends... Whut.

- OST: the good thing about xianxia, as far as I can see, is their OST. L&R has an excellent OP song but the ED is even better. But my favorite of all of their soundtrack is "Love Like Colored Glass" by Zhou Shen. So beautiful and moving. Nevertheless, there would be no song that would beat Sa DingDing in the near future. This song is just THE BEST, period. Besides, AoL has songs performed by YangZi and Deng Lun, beautiful songs too.

- Plot: there is no winner in this. I love that AoL had 3 arcs, but I also like that L&R was mostly in Human Realm. Both of them had very draggy parts and a better first half than second half, and both of them have very nice CGI. Both of them could have been at least 10 episodes shorter.

**My rating: 6.5/10**

Gao Liang and Gu Yi Ye are recruited into the same unit and thrown into action the first day of enlistment. Their careers start ‘on a bad foot’, even if their bravery is undoubted, as they both come from different backgrounds and thus have different personalities. Though they are rivals in love and competitors in army, they cherish each other as comrades-in-arms. With time passing, their lives are put through constant trials, forcing them to make hard choices as they strive forward.

This is the story of young heroes, that once had dreams, and that grew and strove for nearly four decades, to become the heroic Ace Troops. (MDL - 2021)

The things I watch because of Xiao Zhan. Even propaganda drama.

Taking aside the Chinese propaganda (it is directed to their country after all, I can't comment on that, as a foreign), the edition was terrible. I am aware the original amount of episodes was 60, so that the final was 40.... you can tell. There were times where I was ?? why? what happened? how?, like I missed a couple of episodes, which makes sense since TWENTY were cut off.

Besides the nonsensical plot, even if there are 40 episodes, because of the terrible editing, I never understood or knew these characters. Gao Liang was loved by everyone and every superior liked him... the favoritism of him over Gu Yiye was ridiculous, and I could never, even till the end, understand WHY Gao Liang was THE best. It was obvious Gu Yiye was better, but for some reason, he was not.

As a soldier, yes, Gu Yiye was better. As a character.... wow, the hero complex he had... I more or less understand his reason to marry AXiu, but still. I was never invested in him and his story, and it was played by Xiao Zhan! He was wonderful of course, but this role was disappointing. When he was meaner (in ep 48? 49?) he was more interesting, but overall, he was boring and too intense. On the other hand, I love to see an "older" Gu Yiye... XZ looked amazing <3

NanZheng's actress was really good, her tears were moving and she had a nice chemistry with both leads. Unfortunately her story arc was ridiculous. Not only nepotism, what was her relationship with her father? An absent father for almost 20 years, and then he is all "my beloved daughter" bs. They get tight so out of nowhere; he didn't deserve it. And of course he, the superior and most serious character, had to like Gao Liang and see him as his son **eye-rolling**

The romance was boring, totally unnecessary but well... stupid Gao Liang gets invalid, NZ helps him, he mistreats her, he comes back as a new man, but not really, so better let's break up. WHUT.

This drama is like the military version of Grey's Anatomy: loads of drama, deaths, unrequited love, reciprocated love, blood, tears, etc, etc. As a plus side, the action and battle scenes were excellent; the episode were the platoon leader loses his life was O_O it looked so real it made it painful to watch it.

Took me 3 months to end this show... Hallelujah, I did it!

**My review: 5/10**

Gao Bing Zhu is a notorious deputy marshal who in society, sits on the bottom rung of the ladder. One day, he finds himself a suspect in a crime, requiring him to prove his innocence. While investigating, Gao Bing Zhu meets a young man named Baili Hong Yi, who is searching for the truth behind his father's death. They team up to solve both mysteries.

A woman from a well-moneyed family with superior martial arts skills and in possession of strong survival instincts is on a mission of her own. She approaches Gao Bing Zhu to pry information out of him. Despite their mutual dislike for one another often stemming from annoying class differences, they soon find themselves joined at the hip. Their investigation unearths a shocking conspiracy. Once made public it will likely destroy the entire city and leave Luoyang with blood on his hands. (MDL-2021)

"Great gowns, beautiful gowns"

That is what I can say most about this drama. Stunning. Visually soooo pretty, you watch the trailer and you will think it will be the best drama ever. And unfortunately it wasn't but my, it was really beautiful.

The setting: plenty of water, lights, lanterns... scenes at night were stunning. True, there may be a lot of water and for what? no other purposes than to look pretty, tbh. Who would have all that water in their personal library? I know I wouldn't, and someone like Baili Hongyi shouldn't either if he truly appreciated book.

The script was lousy because the mystery was MEH and the execution was bland. Could have been at least 20 episodes shorter... many episodes I felt like the story didn't move forward at all.

There is a bit of romance, on one side between Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue, and on the other hand, Baili Hongyi and his wife Liu Ran. The first couple lacked chemistry, it was totally unnecessary, while the 2nd couple was cute but Liu Ran had no other purposes than say "Er Lang" in every episode. I didn't hate her like most viewers did (I liked to see Yibo in an aloof, but slowly being in love, with a pretty, cute girl like Song Yi <3 and BH needed someone to be with him after losing one and another in his life) but I admit she was a bit meddlesome and useless sometimes.

Wu Siyue was supposed to be a baddass, but I think she cried too much and was mostly just moping for GB. Her wig/hairline was so tragic :S

GB's actor was very good, very intense and I love his eyes. Too bad his revenge ended so quickly and then his role changed dramatically. MEH.

I hoped for more interaction between the 3 leads, but they weren't together many times, and honestly, they didn't have the chemistry of partners-in-crime like I was hoping :S

I am no expert in Cdrama but I know there will be a couple of important deaths. But in this drama it was ridiculous, there is a stabbing or suidice every couple of episodes, either of an important character or one that has been only for a couple of episodes. Every time one was dying I was rolling my eyes, so except maybe for BH's father's death, no one impacted me.

Yibo is getting better but I still see him as Yibo in his roles. Nevertheless, he was more handsome than ever and the episodes that bored me a lot were saved by his beauty. Shallow but true, he is soooo beautiful. Every time there was a close-up of that face I was in awe.

Other positive aspects were the OP/ED sequences... no spoilers at all. Music was also good.

Overall... pretty, but boring :S

**My rating: 4/10**

The Nine-tailed Fox Bai Qian, the youngest daughter of the Fox King, is brought to Kunlun Mountain to become a disciple of the God of War, Mo Yuan. While studying there, a war breaks out that leads to Mo Yuan sacrificing his life to seal a demon lord. Seventy thousand years later, Bai Qian attempts to also sacrifice herself to re-seal the demon lord but is instead thrown to the mortal realm where she loses all her memories and divine power. Living alone on a remote mountain, Bai Qian saves Crown Prince Ye Hua of the Nine Heavens, who is actually her fiancé in Heaven and greatly resembles the late Mo Yuan. The two start falling in love, not knowing the true identity of the other person and their love tribulation that involves them meeting in three different lives and three worlds. (MDL-2017)

These xianxia dramas stress me out but I can't stop watching them :S This drama is one of the most recommended for xianxia beginners, so of course I had to watch it.

There are 2 main romance stories; Bai Qian + Ye Hua; and Emperor Lord + Fengjiu. The first half was just an ok (and rather stressful) story of Bai Qian/Su Su + Ye Hua while Emperor Lord + Fengjiu was sweet, cute and light. The 2nd half was better for Bai Qian + Ye Hua, but Emperor Lord + Fengjiu went downhill and it never got better....

The first half... unfortunately I didn't fall in love with the romance of Ye Hua as I was hoping. His love, while deep and limitless, was so fast and there were so little moments of tenderness between them, it was hard to love them. I wish their romance was more gradual, I wish their lives in Human World was as cute as it was in Ashes of Love, but nope, it was all so fast and Su Su seemed so emotionless.... The 2nd half was better because I did like how Bai Qian was more bitchy, and of course I loved how she didn't let herself being bullied by that nasty Su Jin. No doubt the best episodes were the ones where Su Jin got what she deserved... what an awful character! If only she had a hobby or something... this b*tch had too much free time; once and again Ye Hua rejected her in every mean (politely, rudely, even trying to kill her) but that b*tch just couldn't give up! I wish Bai Qian was more maternal to poor cute A-Li... she liked him, but didn't love him, and that was heartbreaking.

Since this is my 2nd xianxia, I can't help but compare it to the 1st:

- less romantic scenes between the leads, even if their kisses had more passion.
- SFML was even worst in EL because at least in AoL she was the lead of her tribe; the one in EL did nothing more than to scheme to have Ye Hua for her.
- SML in EL was rather pathetic but at least he was respectful. Yes, he moped for about 40 episodes, but after he talked to Si Yin/Bai Qian and she rejected him for good, he stepped aside. He was also a good brother and a good King. Husband? He was an asshole but his wife was crazy so they kinda deserved each other.
- 2nd romance was a bit better in EL; Emperor Lord was mature and wise, and Fengjiu was also a bit mature and cute; however, their mortal live arc was boring, and once they get back, Fengjiu just couldn't accept their couldn't be together. Tragic, true, but girl, accept it already! He said no once and again, the others who care for her told her it was not meant to be but she still persisted, cried a river and then tried again. Stressful.
- I love how Ye Hua ignored rules and just followed his heart whenever it was about Su Su / Bai Qian, but the 2nd arc was... arrrrgghhhh. He was with Su Su a couple of days, then had to disappear for a couple of YEARS. Once in Heaven, he had to be aloof so the others couldn't hurt Su Su, but doing that, he hurt Su Su so much! When he had to take her eyes... it was like a stab to the heart. Not as treacherous as JinMi stabbing Xu Feng, but almost.
- I love/hate less characters than I did in AoL. I did like all the disciples, little A-Li, the Ghost Tribe's sister (she deserved better... couldn't she have a HEA??? What was the point of that love story then??) but there wasn't a single character I adored.
- there are too many bitches in this drama; not only Su Jin but Xuan Nu, Miao Qing, the other princess... sumary, the 3 fools that were in love with Ye Hua when he didn't even glance at them once, and the miserable wife of the Ghost Tribe prince. Girls, find a hobby or at least another guy who look at you!
- I did like Mo Yuan, perhaps more than I liked Ye Hua so his story felt pathetic/sad and unfinished. Too bad he had to fall in love with someone who only saw him as a master (an OLD master).

The OST was excellent, love the OP and ED song.

Sadly I didn't love this drama as much as most did... I guess I was expecting too much? It was draggy and half of it I had to use the 1.25 speed :(

**My rating: 6/10**

The year is 626 C.E, and the realm and its political center Chang’an, are shaken to its core by the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a successful palace coup to take charge of the Tang Dynasty. A scheming prince leads the bloody coup and kills the family of Li Chang Ge during the raid, although she manages to escape. Now the prince has placed himself on the Imperial throne, and rules as Emperor Tai Zong.
Li Chang Ge has her mind firmly set on revenge – and musters a powerful army intent on overthrowing the new Emperor.
But her plans are thrown into disarray when she suffers an unexpected defeat against the armies of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. The victorious General, Ashile Sun, decides to keep her in his service, making her his military strategist as he looks to pursue his own military goals. The duo forms a formidable military partnership. And over time, she finds herself falling for her captor – as he also starts developing feelings for her. (MDL-2021)

Production-wise, it is a very well done drama. Story-telling and characterization... overrated.

I swear to God almost everyone in this show was dumb and the script was trying so hard to sell that they were all smart but it didn't work at all (and it didn't help that I watched this at the same time I watched NiF). In almost every episode someone was saying "you are so smart". Bish, where?? Every "good" character was or either making a wrong decision (Changge, Hao Du, Shuyu) or were acting with hysteria (Mimi, the Crown Prince). The script was horrible; Changge was supposed to be a smart strategist, and all she said was "let's put this group to the right and this to the left" and the other party was "wow Changge, you are so smart, be my right-hand commander".

First episode, Changge is this intelligent, tomboy girl who knows how to fight, physically and mentally. Second episode, Changge swears to take revenge. 40 episodes later and all Changge did was saying this and that and was the smartest; as for the battles, where was the girl so agile who could fight? She was constantly saved by others; the forever damsel in distress.

Yueyan had a better character development; seemed like she was going to be the damsel in distress but she had more adventures and dangerous situations than Changge and even knew how to overcome them ON HER OWN. She may have been timid but she was braver. Except she has another facepalm moment around episode 40-42 where she still thinks she has a chance with Shuyu.... she has a heartbreak in one episode and in the same episode she overcomes it and realizes she loves Hao Du. Character development made wrong.

The only smart character was Sun.... he was honest and knew how to say things straight and also could sense when something was wrong. The others **facepalm** Hao Du was all talks and no action and poor Wei Shuyu was just so dumb.... the sweetest boy but very dumb.

OST is excellent. Performed by the King an Queen of CDramas OST. So of course the songs are good. I did not fall in love with them but I can admit they are powerful songs. And I did like the use of illustrations to show battles and fires and flood.... I was expecting more use of it because it was unique.

This drama was 10 episodes too long; should have ended around 40 at least.

My rating: **5/10**

In sixth-century China, Emperor Xiaoxuan of Southern Liang orders the unjust execution of his brother-in-law General Lin Xie, alongside the Lin family, his 70,000 army soldiers, and Crown Prince Qi. Secretly surviving the massacre is Lin Xie's son, Lin Shu, who undergoes medical treatment that changes his appearance entirely and leaves him in a weakened state, unable to perform martial arts again. Lin Shu changes his name to Mei Chang Su and later becomes the chief of the pugilist world and establishes the Jiangzuo Alliance.

Twelve years later, Lin Shu returns to the capital with a secret plan after being sought after by Prince Yu and Prince Xian during their fight for the throne. He decides to covertly assist Prince Jing, the unfavoured son of the Emperor, and wisely rids the court of all scheming officials. (MDL-2015)

I am so happy this lived up to my expectations! I was saving it for later on because I knew I was going to have withdrawal symptoms once I finished it (and I do... 2 days later I am still thinking about it) but once I knew the original version was removed from Viki and seeing there is a new version without a certain actor's scene on it, I just had to watch it.

Truth is, while it is interesting from the first episode, it didn't WOW'ed me for the first 19 episodes, so I was feeling very disappointed. It was a very witty drama from the get-go but I don't know why I just wasn't hooked. Was it because of the millions of characters and the very complicated character chart? No idea, and I will find out once I rewatch it (hopefully very soon) but till The Worst Birthday Party episode, I wasn't feeling it. But once we get to ep20, everything is going to O_O unexpected and with twist here and there and I loved how, while the antagonists are very smart, the good ones are even smarter. Seems like the antagonists have the upper hand in this new scheme, but nope, again come the MC outsmarting them, so satisfying.

The cast was marvelous, everyone was so good. Just when I was thinking, oh, this actor/actress takes the crown, someone else had a great scene and stole the show again. I did shed tears several times, and a couple of them were because of the actress who played Princess Nihuang... her tears were so convincing :( The actor for Jingyan was amazing; when he was looking at Mei Changsu! The chemistry wow. The Emperor was so good as well, I mean, everyone was excellent so they each added a layer to their characters so even for the antagonists/villains, you can't hate them.

The music was fine, I didn't love it but they suited the drama, and the OP song specially, + the OP sequence, was excellent (The Untamed has a similar OP sequence). Finally an OP sequence with no spoilers!

There were so many memorable scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat, like ep33 where Jingyan cuts ties with Mei Changsu, or when Nihuang and the Consort Jing confirm Mei Changsu is Xiao Shu, or the battle in ep44.... like WOW, how isn't this drama more popular with the Western? Should have a fandom as big as GOT.

I also love the fact that the women in this drama are strong and intelligent and no one is a bitchy just because. If they are (like the mother of the Crown Prince at the beginning) is because of thirst for power, not because of jealousy or love or other silly reason like in xianxias.

I admit that the last 2 episodes are a bit underwhelming, so that makes 21episodes out of 54 where I wasn't too impressed. But nevertheless this was an amazing drama that doesn't deserve anything else below a 10 star rating.

**My rating: 10/10**

This variety show pairs up new Chinese singers with popular and well-established Chinese singers that have been singing for years to bring you a new version of classic award-winning songs. At the same time, they will compete with their performance. (MDL-2019)

Best Competition Show I've watched. It is not rigged, the talent is immeasurable, the songs are divine, the chemistry and friendship between all participants is **chef's kiss**

The good thing about this show is that the participants are all established singers, so there is no desperate feelings of having to win. All of them are in the show to learn and to have fun.

There are a couple of new singers that didn't really need any improvement and were more like veterans, so in that sense, the competition was not equal. You can't really compare the likes of Zhou Shen and Ayunga to Xiao Zhan and Jiang Yi Qiao. The first two exude confidence in their field; the second pair was shyer and with less experience/confidence and in spite of being very talented and having an amazing voice, they were still obviously new.

Group A is like the artistic group that wants to experience new genres and styles, Group B was more close-minded.

The last 2 episodes are not subbed, sadly, and my understanding of Chinese is null, but I still enjoyed every minute of it, since they are only eating, performing amazing songs and just having fun. Even the MC (Lin Hai) was a sweetheart, I dare people who watch this show to not love every single one of them by the final episode.

SPOILERS BELOW:

- Fei Yu Ching + Timmy Xu Duo: I think anyone with a deep voice would have done great with FYC. His voice is so fitting for Chinese songs and I loved all his performances, whether it was with TX or Ayunga. To me he was the winner, this Buddah-like old man. He was truly there in the show to enjoy his last days before retiring. I've never heard anything from this singer before and I am sad he retired.

- Zhou Shen + Hacken Duo: this was obviously the winner from the very first time they performed (blindly nonetheless!) I mean, a couple of people cried because of their performance for God's sake. They complimented each other so well, the higher voice of ZS + the deeper voice of Hacken. My favorite song was the one from the Return of the Condor heroes... WOW

- Luo Qi + Xiao Gui Duo: this is the only pair where the younger singer seemed the most veteran, only because this young guy exudes such a confidence! And the veteran even cries once O_O and was obviously more nervous. He was full of ideas and really just enjoys music, but to me he was my least favorite only because I am not a fan of rap. But he is certainly very talented and was born to be on stage... a real performer!

- Richie Ren + Liu Yu Ning: how sweet was that LYN wanted to be with Richie from the moment he knew RR was on the show? And they get paired till the end. Vocally speaking, Richie was the least talented, but he performed so well and has such a charm. Very outgoing and truly like a father to LYN. Honestly speaking, I think they deserved to pass the next round instead of Emil-ge + Yi Qiao.

- Ayunga + Tanya: they were like the Queen and King of the prom, winners from the beginning. Heavenly voices. Too bad she was in only a couple of episodes, but I still loved Ayunga + FYC and to me they were the real winners. One of the reasons I wanted to watch this show was to get to know more about Ayunga and I wasn't disappointed. A handsome gentleman with such a talent.

- Xiao Zhan + Na-jie: thank you XZ for make me your fan and make me watch this awesome show. In spite of being his fan and loving his voice and everything about him, I knew from the beginning that he was no match to ZS nor Ayunga. And although I loved the chemistry between him and Na-jie and I love he worked with someone he is fan of, I think he was better with Angela Chang. Na-jie didn't really challenge XZ like he deserved. In my opinion, he shined with Angela both in Faded and Ho-hi-yian. The songs selected with Na-jie were MEH.

- Wakin Emil + Yi Qiao: I really liked their relationship of mentor + apprendice but I think Emil-ge didn't challenge YQ like she deserved. She had the potential but could not shine with the songs they performed (except the 1st (?) one, the one from an old movie). Although I started to listen to Emil-ge after this show and liking his songs, I think their performances were lacking the WOW factor.

- Mimi + Christopher Wong: unfortunately they just didn't click from the very beginning; they got together only because they had to so their performances weren't that memorable (except for that one that was more lively). Christopher Wong, just like Na-jie and Emil-ge, was also very close-minded and all 3 of them were like afraid of perform something different from what they are used to.

Thank you Our Song for introducing me to beautiful traditional Chinese songs; I am going to miss all of them.

**My rating: 10/10**

Four thousand years ago, when Jin Mi was born, her fate was already sealed. She is to be a prisoner in Shui Jing. Mi's mother Zi Fen, a flower deity, abandons her for the afterlife. Near death, Fen feeds her infant daughter the ‘unfeeling pill’ and orders her subordinates to keep her identity a secret from Mi.
Four thousand years later, Xu Feng, the second son of the Heavenly King and fire deity, is caught in an enemy trap, leading him to Shui Jing, where Mi comes to his rescue. Over the following century, these fated souls find comfort in one another.

(Source: ChineseDrama.info)

Up to date, this is the longest drama I've completed so far... 63 episodes. It didn't feel long though, especially the first half, and I finished it all in 2 weeks.

When I started it, I thought it was all too bright, colorful and well, fake, with all that CGI. In that sense, I consider this my first Xianxia, because of the beautiful costumes, the dancing in the air, the fake scenery, tragedy and multiple love stories, magic, supernatural creatures an d deaths + rebirths.

I would say there are 3 arcs in the drama: First Years (JinMi coming to Heavenly Realm and working as a Page Boy for Xufeng); Mortal Realm and the last where all tragedy is. Needless to say, my favorite arcs were the first and 2nd one. While not necessarily super light, these arcs were fun and cute and I was rooting for the MCs. The romance had me smiling, it was so cute and light; there was teasing and flirting and smiles. By far the Mortal Realm arc was more precious and fun because the feelings were reciprocated, and I loved to see Xufeng happy and flirtier, and how fun was to see Suihe trying one and again and never gaining anything XD. Also, JinMi in First Years seemed like a psycho with her lack of romantic feelings... Xufeng was so nice and cute and all and she just stays there looking like a fool after one kiss. Or saying she loved everyone, making all think she was in love with Runyu... made me nervous so much that if it were other drama I would have dropped it. But in Mortal Realm she was more human, she was much more mature and smart and used her brains, and she fell for Xufeng at least (who wouldn't).

Once their return to Heavenly Realm, for me, it started to go downhill slowly. JinMi still going ahead with her marriage with Runyu, making Xufeng suffer; the mother-in-law being so controlling and evil while Xufeng knows nothing about it; Runyu being calculating over everything.... the last straw was JinMi stabbing, literally, Xufeng on the back. In my eyes she never fully redeemed herself.

I loved to see Xufeng coming back as a Demon Lord (he looked so handsome) but his resentment was too much and Suihe slowly making her place and then becoming engaged was **eye-rolling**. This drama suffers from "Antagonist Smarter than MC", Runyu and Suihe were always one step ahead (Runyu more than Suihe) and they were scheming while the other 2 never questioned anything. I got to a point, between 50 and 60, where I used the 1x25 speed because I just didn't care for anyone anymore. JinMi was always crying and fainting; Runyu and Suihe were the craziest mf and Xufeng was blinded by his hatred towards JinMi.

I understand why there are fans of Runyu. The actor that portrayed him was very charming and handsome. Even though he was calculating and a bit crazy, I cried when his mother died. And I totally supported him when his revenge was successful and he won over his father and stepmother. I understood his grudge towards Xufeng, who had it easy all his life (and was a fool when it was related to his mother). Thinking about it, Runyu was more fleshed out, and I would have liked him more if he wasn't so obsessed over JinMi. Runyu and Suihe keep saying "I lied/schemed/killed for you, why can't you love me?", or "I don't care you love Xufeng/JinMi; I don't care you don't love me, I just want you to be mine, even if that makes you unhappy" ??? Total nuts. Alledgely he was engaged to JinMi since before she was born; however, he totally machinated the whole thing so her father would approve of said engagement; he knew since the beginning JinMi had that Yun Elixir and amend it constantly so she wouldn't know about her love for XuFeng and even kept her prisoner a couple of times so she wouldn't be with XuFeng. And taking the whole Floral Realm prisoner + initiating a war to take JinMi back against her wishes! What a crazy, possesive and obsessive guy!

I think the only one that truly loved someone was KuangLu.. her love was selfless and she just wanted Runyu to be happy, and she never schemed against his wishes. All the other characters were, not in love, but obsessed. They were so intense, are all Immortals like that in other dramas? They all needed or a shrink, or to go out and meet more people. It seems all of them have 2 people involved in their love life: Xufeng + JinMi/Suihe; JinMi + Xufeng/Runyu; JinMi's mother + her father/Xufen's father; Evil Mother + her husband/husband's brother; Runyu + JinMi/KangLu.

Some characters are obviously based on the Greek mythology: the Heavenly Emperor is Zeus, falling for every pretty lady and having bastards children (ok, just one in this case); the Heavenly Empress is Hera, jealous of all the mistresses and Runyu. JinMi is Helen of Troy, the Most Beautiful and the reason of the final battle between Runyu and Xufeng.

A tiny reason I watched this drama was because I wanted to know more about Yang Zi (JinMi), the actress who got to kiss Xiao Zhan so many times in OoL. I can't say I became a fan, she was OK, but nothing memorable. Or maybe because her character was the typical cute, nice, pretty girl. 2D.

On the other hand, I fell in love with Deng Lun, his eyes! his voice! his cute smile! he looked great in high ponytail, and while in the last arc I didn't love Xufeng like I did at first, I still couldn't NOT like him because I loved looking and listening to the actor. He reminded me a bit of Kitamura Takumi, in his expressions. Truth is, Xufeng's character goes downhill from the moment he dies: there is no Deng Lun for about 5 episodes :(( and once he comes back, he is all resentment and in spite of all the proof being RIGHT THERE, he resents JinMi so much he even believes Suihe. I almost lost it when he kissed JinMi and called Suihe's name... why wouldn't he take any of the several maids who applied to work for the handsome Demon Lord, instead of that sticky Suihe? But no worries, he never took any mistress XD

My favorite characters were: Fox Immortal, Liao Yuan (Xufeng's bodyguard) and Liuying. All of them share the same trait: loyalty. And they weren't a fool like the others. Although I didn't care for the 2nd couple (Muci was a bit too pathetic for me), I loved Liuying and I almost wish she and Xufeng got married for real at the end... they may not be in love with each other but they respected each other and were the best of friends. Another good character that seemed untrustful at first was Yanyou, but he just seemed selfish, and he truly cared for JinMi and his foster mother. The interactions between him and Fox Immortal were so much fun, specially because both of them despised Suihe (their scheme against her in Human Realm was so hilarious XD), and I also enjoyed the interactions between Fox Immortal and YuanJi (who is also the amazing singer of the ED song).

By far, my favorite thing in the whole drama was the OST. The main reason I started watching it was because of the OP song, but the ED is till now my favorite, I never skipped the OP song if I could help it (because of Netflix). There were scenes that made me roll my eyes and I almost used the 1x25 speed but listening to the BGM made everything better and bearable. The OST is the thing I will miss the most of this drama.

While it did not become one of my favorite drama, I did love it with all its faults. I wish they toned it a bit with the crazy, evil mother-in-law + the love triangle... I even think Runyu was more of a main character than Xufeng; Runyu just couldn't leave JinMi alone, he was always THERE, except in the Mortal Realm (reason why this is the best arc). Suihe was always there, almost winning. I would rewatch some scenes in the first arc, and all the Mortal Realm arc, but I can't see why people would rewatch THE WHOLE drama...

**My rating: 8/10**

Fan Xian grew up in a small town by the sea with his grandmother. After an unexpected visit from a poison master, his peaceful life becomes filled with hardships and even danger!
He becomes skilled in medicine, the art of poison creation, and the martial arts. Needing to discover more about his mysterious mother, he heads for the capital. There, he sets out on an adventure of discovery, filled with political intrigue, new marvels and deeply buried family secrets. More importantly, he determines his purpose in life and finds true love along the way. (MDL-2019)

This drama should have been called "Fan Xian Collecting Geges/Guniangs" because all older guys wanted to be his father and all pretty ladies fall for his charms XD

I started this drama because of Xiao Zhan, but he is in the last 8 episodes or so, and since the very first episode I didn't mind because I was immediately hooked. The little boy that played Fan Xian was so good and charming I was sad to see "older" Fan Xian... I wouldn't have minded to have at least 10 episodes with little Fan Xian.

But I didn't know this was just Season 1 and Season 2 has not even started filming yet till I was on Ep15 or so :( so I think people who starts this should keep that in mind.. the cliffhanger is O_O

While I liked the characterization of all characters, and I specially like Fan Xian (thank G.. I think it is very important to like or respect the MC to enjoy a drama), I didn't trust half of them. Or more than half of them. Is this one a bad guy or a good guy? It was like this for most of the drama, but even with that, I was enjoying it. The passive-aggressiveness is hilarious, from Fan Xian and the Princess Royal, to the Crown Prince and the 2nd Prince, to the stepmother and Fan Xian at the beginning of the drama.

I am not one that particularly enjoys too much romance, so this one has just the perfect amount of it. Not too much and besides, Wan'Er makes Fan Xian happy. And she isn't dumb nor a damsel in distress, except for the fact that she is sick. So I don't understand why people do not like her :( If this was a harem, I wouldn't have minded to see Fan Xian married to Wan'Er, Si Lili and Duo Duo... all these girls were good in a way or the other and very different from each other, and best of all, they all had chemistry with Fan Xian.

The acting was good, wigs and costumes were excellent; the plot is WOW, so there isn't a single dull moment in the entire 46 episodes. In fact, I even think it was a bit short because I wanted to see more of Uncle Wu Zhu, of Fan Xian's siblings (Ruo Ruo and Fan Si Zhe... so smart and caring one, while so funny and charming the other), of the headmasters (I wanted more fight scenes tbh). The songs were so fitting, specially the OP song, while the ED song became easily one of my favorites... I listen to it regularly <3 with XZ beautiful voice.

If I had to complain, it would be that I didn't understand a few things... or it was extremely witty and too advanced for my poor brain, or some things got lost in translation...

As for XZ, this is the kind of role I love to see him play: a dubious one, not nice, not charming with big eyes, but suspicious with fierce eyes. Looking forward to see him in Season 2! I love that little smile from Zhang Ruo Yun at the end XD

**My rating: 9.5/10**

Having lost his mother at a very young age, Tang San grew up relying on his father just as much as his father relied upon him. Meticulous and mature for his age, with extraordinary talent and wit, he was sent to Nuoding Academy, at the age of sixteen, to begin pursuing his dream of becoming a great soul master. There, under the tutelage of Yu Xiao Gang, he befriends an orphan by the name of Xiao Wu, and together they begin the long and difficult journey of cultivation. As time passes, the two friends draw ever closer, eventually swearing to look out for each other as siblings for life.

As their power and connection grow, Yu Xiao Gang realizes they need more guidance than he can provide. Sending the pair to the Shrek Academy, Tang San and Xiao Wu join five other prodigies from various academies, in their journey of cultivation. Strong in their power, the seven students become known throughout the land as the “Shrek Seven Devils”. With their fame ever-growing, the talents of the Seven are eventually noticed by a few very prominent nobles who invite them to continue their cultivation at the esteemed Tian Dou Royal Academy.

Not long after accepting the invitation, the Seven Devils find themselves caught up in an imperial struggle for power, between the first and fourth princes. At the same time, Tang San uncovers a long-hidden secret about his mother’s death. Suddenly facing battles on many fronts, Tang San finds himself forced to fight, not only to protect those he loves, but to bring honor to his sect, save his country, and complete his quest to become the greatest soul master of all time.
(Source: Viki)

Like a Sentai show, only fancier. A group of young students who form a team and learn to be better and fight arm in arm to defeat the bad guys.

**The Good**:

- The Mentor: the Grandmaster is truly a Mentor, he is fond of not only Tang San but of all the other students. He guides them and scolds them when they need it. Tang San couldn't have asked for a better guide. And not only him, the Headmaster was also always there, they were good fighters and they were good teachers (unlike that awful Fights Break Sphere). There may not be a physical academy, but the students were taught like they were supposed to. The only tiny thing that bothered me a bit was that he was too young... his partners (the headmaster and the other woman) were obviously much older than him.
- The costumes: they were thick and with good colors, and thank G the show was filmed when it was cold.
- The team: individually, I think I like Rong Rong and Ou Si Ke more than the others. He was funny and she has a character development. The others were just ok, but as a team, they were better. I started to like them when they participated in the competition.. it made me remember One Piece, in the Corrida Colosseum. For about 30 episodes there wasn't much chemistry between them, no actually bond, but for the last 10 it is much better.
- The world-building: it looked good on screen, with the rings and Spirit masters, and I like that there were several types of powers.

**The Bad:**

- The MC, Tang San and Xiao Wu: together and by themselves. Together, they were both so clingy and I see I despise the whole meimei/gee relationship, it is so cringe! He was pulling her wrist like she was a child, ALL THE TIME. He was going to the bathroom, she was also going with him. She was sleeping in the girl's bedroom, he was visiting her every morning to braid her hair, what. She was supposedly strong, but has many "damsel in distress" moments and he was always trying to save her. "I will protect you, Tang San/Xiao Wu" moments x100000. "his weakness"; ughhh cringe! Every time one of them was in real danger, the other was overacting like it was the end of the world.
Individually, Tang San is a Gary Stu and Xiao Wu has the tag of "Childish Female Character" which says everything. I don't know if it was their 2D characters only, but to me they were both the worst actors in the series, which pains me so much because I adore Xiao Zhan and he brings tears to my eyes every time he cries, but in this series, when he is listening to his mother talking for 10minutes straight, he just stands there crying like a fool for 10minutes straight! I was almost laughing and thinking "what a lousy acting" and this is Xiao Zhan! My poor Zhanzhan...
- The wigs: the main guys and their stiff, wavvy hairs. Terrible.
- The bgm: what with that song in the background at the least imaginable moments! The song is nice, kinda like a music box, but it didn't suit ANY of the moments and it made my skin crawl.

As a big plus point, at least XZ looked extreeemly pretty, even with that hairdo. The close-ups of his beautiful face, **chef's kiss**

**My rating: 5/10**

In a parallel world, Super Star Academy ranks people based on one's horoscope sign. Cheng Zhi Er, who has been bullied all her life, was suddenly recruited for enrollment at this academy. Her own supernatural power is slowly awakened and thus begins her new life with the heirs in this parallel world. (MDL - 2016)

One of the most ridiculous drama I've ever seen. But the good thing is that they didn't take themselves seriously and overall, it was just ridiculous funny. Charming in some way, like with all that product placement throwing in your face that made me go from 😳 to 😅. The fight scenes were so stiff and so ridiculous I was laughing the whole time.

But the reason I am rating this 4 only is because it was like watching a fantasy shoujo anime, and currently I hate fantasy shoujo; it is full of cliche and stupid tropes, like: 2 smart and handsome guys, rivals, falling for the same dumb and useless girl. The heroine is cute but serves only to be a damsel in distress. The most beautiful and rich girl in school is obviously jealous of the new girl because the boy he likes is in love with the new girl. The new girl is, of course, motherless. And of course, at the end, turns out the useless girl is not entirely useless since she is the reincarnation or whatever from the most powerful goddess. **Eyerolling**. Redemption of the bad guy at the ending.**Eyerolling**

Once again the editing of a CDrama... it ends out of nowhere, one thing happens and the next scene, other thing is happening; the pace is weird; character development, was there any? etc, etc.

Nevertheless, I don't regret watching this. I loved to see a younger, chubby-cheeks, brown-haired Xiao Zhan (he even has the natural color of his teeth!), playing the role of a rich, tsundere boy (more like Irie-kun than Domyoji, thank G). I was dying to watch him in a romantic role, with more kisses and hugs and longing, and isn't the girl lucky or what! The hugs were ok but that one kiss was so stiff and awkward ^_^ I was expecting more tbh, but if he goes and kisses the girl in surprise, no wonder it was so stiff.

I also liked to see the other members of XNINE. After "Fights Break Sphere" I am fond of 3 of them and I liked seeing them having fun. The ending, though, was ridiculously bad. Like, "whut the f" bad. Why in the world did the girl disappear if she was going to show up again? What was the point? Who was that heir?? The last 10 episodes were unnecessarily long, for the last 5 episodes I had to use the 1.25 speed.

I think that the most important thing to consider before watching this drama is: to not take it seriously and just have fun.

**My rating: 4/10**

Two talented disciples of respectable magical clans unit during the cultivation training and through many hardships they are together. (IMDB-2019)

I wonder when I will be able to get our of this rabbit hole that is Chen Qing Ling. Currently on my nth rewatch, and I'll probably rewatch some scenes multiple times. I fell in love with the story, setting, actors, characters, music, bts clips... everything. Objectively it may not be perfect, but in my eyes it is.

Starting with the "not perfect" part first: the cast is like 80% men and 20% of women, if we are lucky, and it still managed to kill all of the female characters :( And they were so good! Madame Yu, in spite of being a terrible stepmother (I hate how cruel she was with WWX), she was a badass. Shijie :( one of the 3 favorite people of WWX (maybe his nr 1) and Wen Qing... the injustice of her death! We do not even see it, there is no proper goodbye :(

There are many errors in sequences, like when WWX and LWJ reunited after 16 years, one cut LWJ is holding WWX's arm, the next one he isn't and the last one he is again. Wang YiBo's hands are so pretty without being too pretty but still manage to make me squeal, so of course I noticed right away when they were a double's hands. In Phoenix Mountain when they are watching Jin SiXuan doing the archery, at the back is not Wang YiBo but his double again :S TBH, I noticed every time LWJ was not played by WYB, it was too notorious. Or stuff like, when WWX uses Jin Ling's sword.. that is not possible, is it? to use it with powers I mean, not like he did with Lan JingYi.

Besides these 2 negative points, which didn't bother me too much and as a whole, were unimportant, I love, LOVE this show. I don't remember a fantasy story where I adore both main heroes. True, my favorite is and will always be Lan WanJi/Wang YiBo (is someone out there who hasn't fall in love with this man??) but Wei WuXian comes very close by and he is totally deserving of Lan WanJi's devotion and loyalty. I love smiley and naughty Wei WuXian, but I also adore dark Wei WuXian (except when he breaks LWJ's heart... TWICE). And most of that adoration comes also from Xiao Zhan's interpretation.. I loved his maniacal laughs while crying, he was superb.

Sometimes I think the first arc, when they are young and studying in Cloud Recesses, is my favorite arc because it is light, you get to know everyone and love them, and see how LWJ falls for WWX in spite of them being somewhat different and in spite of LWJ losing his composure when they are together. But I also love post-Burial Mounds (in spite of WWX telling LJW TWICE that awful "who do you think you are"... my poor LWJ) and Dark-WWX, and how both of them stood for each other in that reunion (testosterone loaded with 99% men except for awesome MianMian in reunion #1) where WWX goes against everyone to save the Wen Clan and drinks for LWJ. And it goes without saying that I ADORE the 16-years-after arc, because everything is lighter, WWX and LWJ together is **chef's kiss** and LWJ drunk + the golden core revelation are just two of my favorites scenes.

I am listening to Wu Ji while writing this review... gawd this song is so precious. I love it so much, makes me cry a bit remembering all the pain and little happy moments LWJ and WWX have. WWX is of course the hero that goes through the most painful things, but LWJ also... to be rejected by WWX so rudely after the Burial Mounds (after LWJ has been searching for him like crazy), to witness his soulmate go crazy and then to his death, and to wait 16-years to be reunited... D: just thinking about it makes me cry.

I am forever rewatching scenes and clips and interviews and bts clips and listening to the songs and following the actors through their awful times in crazy China (if only they were in J...). Will be forever a fan, I wonder when will this fever go a little bit down.

**My rating: 100/10**

A 20-episode cut of The Untamed made for better integration and comprehension of the series. This special edition focuses more on Lan Wangji/Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian/Wei Ying. (MDL-2019)

My first C-Drama. I've wanted to watch a wuxia for the longest time ever, but the 50 episodes were so intimidating and my Jdrama always came first so I kept postponing it. I decided to try at least 1 episode and when I saw that The Untamed had a 20 episode edition only, the choice was made.

For better or for worst, The Untamed is my first Cdrama. I say this because it is truly a beautiful, beautiful drama. As if I could watch one episode only, ha! Impossible to start and not continue. I didn't even know what it was about, I came into this completely blind, except that it was a very popular, censored adaptation drama, and that was it.

I am completely mesmerized by everything: the songs, the characters, the setting, the bond between siblings, the battles, the wigs! (except for the villagers/puppets'), the waist of the leads (OMG!), everything. I love Wei Wuxian and his personality: arrogant, impulsive, childish, caring, intelligent, quick. I love his relationship with his sister (just writing this makes me cry). I love Lan Zhan (Lan-chan) and his majestic port, his loyalty, how stoic he is. Loved the relationship between the Wen siblings, Qing and Ning :(((

Visually everything is stunning. But what I love the most so far are 2 things: 1) the ED song, I am obsessed about it, and just yesterday (?) I found it it was sung by both lead actors! Amazing, makes me love the song even more. And 2) the loyalty Lan Zhan has for Wei Wuxian. It is so strong, he will die for him, will believe everything Wei Wuxian tells him. Makes me cry all the hardships both of them went thru, but still, Lan Zhan, with his stoic face, makes me sadder.

Both leads are amazing, I wish them the best. The chemistry inside and outside the drama... ahhh love them. I absolutely adore how serious Wang Yibo looks, but how happy he was working with Xiao Zhan; the admiration this boy (because he is a boy! he was just 21 when he portrayed Lan Zhan!) feels/felt for Xiao Zhan, who seems a sunshine and who is 6 YEARS OLDER than Wang Yibo, wtf. But not only them, the actor who portrays Zewu Jun (100 points), Wen Ning (his face makes me weep), Senior Sister (aww), even Yao (his dimples!)

If I had to be objective, this edition does not deserve a 10. The drama? It deserves every praise. But this edition is choppy and disjointed; since I am a new watcher and do not know anything about the story, I am lost in several parts of the story. In one episode you have Lan Zhan walking like the model he is and in the next he is hurt and limping and I am, whut? how? when? it never showed...

Even if the edition is messy, I don't care... I still have not finished it (currently on ep14 of 20) but it is already one of my favorite drama/shows and I am already missing Wei Ying and Lan Zhan (I wonder why they have so many variations of their names?)

The ED is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard. Truly an epic show.

EDIT: I finished it, I miss them already, calming my thirst with BTS clips. I didn't understand many things, which is also a blessing because it gives me another reason (as if I needed it) to watch the longer version.

**My rating: 9.5/10**

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sunako_yue

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S. Yue Michaelis

a hyphen thru and thru

Entries tagged with cdrama

Love and Redemption

Ace Troops

Luoyang

Eternal Love / The Eternal Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms

The Long Ballad

Nirvana in Fire

Our Song

Ashes of Love

Joy of Life

Douluo Continent

Super Star Academy

The Untamed

The Untamed Special Edition

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March 2022

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**a hyphen thru and thru**

Entries tagged with cdrama

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a hyphen thru and thru