The Legend of Shen Li (2024)

Dream xianxia - Chemistry, chemistrying.

The Legend of Shen Li is a story that should be watched without having any expectations. I'm always lazy to write reviews, yet it's one of those dramas I want to write some little one at least. This drama is a fantastic remedy for any tragic or painful romance. It just requires patience with the pacing when you start, that said I find engaging from the very firsts episodes credit to the setting and leads interactions. I think everything was thought out to give the spectators a good time.

The main actors mature look gives such an exhilarating satisfaction just from their screen presence to the acting. The chemistry and complementary dynamics between them in the same frame is so excellent that it leaves you wanting more. The plot was interesting in his own way not complex to understand. Although the leads epic love story captured my full attention more throughout the whole show. One of the best slow burn romance for me to this date, between a rom-com feel in an historical set, and slice of life scenery in a world Chinese fantasy. I laughed, I had tears, I smiled, I screamed, I was impatient from enjoyment that imperfections were less important. No lie the ships was really superior.

The costumes are impeccable in accordance with the portrait painted by the characters. The female lead apparence giving this strong aura for her imposing personality while highlighting her feminine beauty. Then, the male lead was just as convincing in his relax look, befitting mood and seniority which gave him an virile and attractive side - A big crush for both.

The cinematography is a big plus with some soothing sets delightful to watch for some arcs. The CGI which is fairly good quality for most of the drama is notable. It was so spectacular during a few fights scene, emotional moments going along vibrant OST. There are also characters that I find remarkable acting and which take time to grow on you.


The last 2 episodes were pleasing that I can’t possibly move on. Yes, you know an ending who deserves absolutely your watch time.


Anyway, I highly recommend for people who want to watch a different refreshing xianxia or for someone starting their first in this genre.

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While there are some nice moments of drama, comedy and fights in this xianxia drama, I found it far too long and repetitive to make a profound impact for the audience who is looking for more than its romance story. Its generic plot and characters are somewhat shocking to me given the caliber of actors in the cast. Shen Li and Xingzhi, aside from their romance, do not undergo much development or growth in their characters. Some of the supporting roles and side/guest roles are far more distinctive in their growth such as Furong and Youlan as they become true leaders of the Divine Realm/Clan - or just more interesting such as the former god Qingye and Lady Jin.

Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin are skilled enough actors to make their story work - I especially enjoyed the first several episodes in the mortal realm. The rest of the cast are great with what they are given to work with, but don't expect any deeper themes to be woven into the story that would stand out compared to some of the better xianxia dramas in the past several years. If you are a fan of the actors and xianxia, this is still worth a check, but it is unfortunately more of the same in my opinion.

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NOT THE USUAL XIANXIA

The Legend of Shen Li takes a slightly different route from other xianxia dramas, steering away from the usual plotlines and angst. Instead, it focuses exclusively on romance and character development, which might be a nice change of pace for many seasoned xianxia viewers. There is minimal build up and conflicts are resolved FAST!

The two leads are incredibly powerful, especially the male lead. He wields IMMENSE power. He can basically defeat any villain or big bad just with a dramatic swish of his hand. But most refreshing is that the female lead is equally strong-willed and empowered. She has full agency and is a great match for the male lead.

One thing I had to get used to, however, was the pacing, especially in the beginning. It was a bit slow, as the drama took its time to develop the relationship between Shen Li and Xingzhi. Some of the side characters felt like filler /comic relief to me, though I enjoyed the occasional meta elements (Goddess Youlan becoming the representation of the viewer's voice!)

One of the highlights is definitely the cast. Zhao Liying is fantastic here, bringing power and depth to her character. She is unapologetic for being strong and NON-whiny! Lin Geng Xin is not the most expressive actor in c-dramaland, but he shines here, playing the stoic and infallible last surviving ancient god to perfection. I can't imagine a different actor in this role.

Finally, while this drama did not have the same gut-punching impact on me as other xianxia dramas, there is something undeniably compelling about it that has kept me coming back for more.

I recommend it!

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It gave JUSTICE to the novel

From the trailer to the drama, everything was a masterpiece. This is one of xianxia dramas that I will never get tired of re-watching and re-reading. The pacing is great and it never felt lile it was rushed. Moreover, everytime they deliver a line from the novel, I always fold. My favorite side character is Lady Jin! She mothered so hard (bless her and her cave of desires). I also commend them for giving Furong's character more substance in the drama and how they incorporated Fenglai and Liyiu's story and Lady Jin's marriage. LGX and ZLY delivered their roles perfectly. The BGMs and OSTs are not to be missed! Curley Gao and Zhang Bichen are the GOATs of cdrama OSTs.

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Excelled in every aspect

From the plot, the acting, the cast, the production, the CGI, the action sequences, the comedy, the romance and the OST have all been top notch.

I consumed this drama so quickly, it was hard waiting for more episodes to come. It is ideal to binge watch because you can't stop once you start watching.

I enjoyed the strong FL and mature depiction of affection between the two leads. But romance is more subtle and the story deals more with the responsibility these two characters carry. It had a strong start and I don't believe any point of the plot did I find the story boring. There are some interesting plot twists so avoid spoilers. Some of the comedy towards the end was most enjoyable. The action sequences paired with the OST is thrilling. The CGI is quite beautiful in those moments as well.

I enjoyed most of the secondary characters as well especially a female character towards the end - lady in red. But Shen Li definitely is the show stealer and it is nice to see a female given such a strong role.

I happened to watch this drama by chance and I'm glad I started it. Will definitely be recommending to others as well.

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Best drama I've ever watched, definately worth your time!!

This drama has literally been my top 1 cdrama ever since I started watching it for so many reasons, I love how both main leads are actually powerful and independent characters rather than one of them (mostly the fl) being a weak frail character that relies on the other person. This cdrama has got me in tears in so many scenes, both good and bad ones (especially when Mofang died and Feng Lai sacrificed himself). Honestly this is my first time watching Zhao Liying's drama and second time watching Lin Gengxin's drama but I was very still surprised and impressed at how good the visuals and acting skills are with both main leads. I know that they have collaborated before in Princess Agents (which I haven't watched yet) but honestly I'm still hoping that they can get more dramas together cause this pairing is just so perfect! Also another reason on why this drama is my top 1 is also because of the ending to it, in most Xianxia dramas there would be either a sad ending, open ending or a slightly happy ending but in The Legend of Shen Li it is just a perfect happy ending, they reunite together again and have about an episode and a half together, and the fact that Xing Zhi asked Shen Li to marry him was super cute!! But the cutest scene for me was when Shen Li revealed that she was pregnant right afterwards, Xing Zhi's expression was absolutely priceless.
Honestly, I do wish that we got to see their wedding and their child but that was okay for me as this was the best ending that I've ever scene in a cdrama so I was still happy with it.
And now with the drama ending I feel like there's a empty hole in my heart cause of how good this drama was and also because of how quickly it's ended already. Goodbye 与风行 and we hope to see this cute pair collaborate in another drama soon!

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The Romance of CluckCluck and Sick Fella

One of the fastest & easiest 10/10 I ever gve a Xianxia or even CDrama, EVERYTHING is PERFECT 👌

The casting: absolutely adore ML & FL, XingZhi isn't just handsome, I think he ascended beyond that, he's like old wine that has depth of flavor, his charisma is fire 🔥, I fell in love with ZLY in PA, my girl got the strong female lead act down pat, she's got the mannerisms to make you believe she is THEE Big Boss around, I've followed her to Legend of Fei & MingLan and she's never disappointed me once, this role was made for her.

The humor is on another level, it's not slapstick or in your face, it's so subtly and artfully done you'll catch yourself laughing before you realize it

The OST, the CGI omg I love Cluck Cluck that was the most hillarious arc I've ever had in any cdrama, funny thing is the 🐔 actually looks abit like ZLY herself 😅, too cute.

All side characters were interesting but never taking too much screen time. There were no annoying or frustrating tropes, no overacting either.

I love everything, I mean EVERYTHING about this show, I never watched on 2x speed or dropped entirely, I was too interested in what was happening to miss a beat.

I wonder when next I'll get something like this again, for me some shows just click, and this was one of them.

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I like the effects and all the actors & actress has done a very good job. Especially the FL & ML, they are so funny and cute too. At first i thought is just a normal drama, but once i start the 1st 2 episode, I could not stop already, but let me tell you, the wait was absolutely worth it! It not only met but exceeded all expectations.
The FL is so feisty and at the same time she is also delicate. I love it when she tries to control her feelings towards ML. She was mistaken for a chicken, and leads the market to be in a mess, she then is rescued and healed by the ML. Fed and washing part is also funny. Cluck cluck that is what the ML called her.
As for the ML he is soft and slow, but in fact he is very powerful. He just takes all the time he has in the world to do things. The way he treats the FL is so delicate, like she is going to break anytime. Although he lies to her, but all are for her own good. He understands her well enough to give her space for her recovery.
Overall the drama is superb.

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An excellent wu xia drama after 10 miles peach blossoms.

I'm an avid Chinese drama fan especially wu xia and xin xia genre. After lost you forever season one, I asked myself why dramas like love between demon and fairy and back from the brink are not airing. The quality was just not there. Either they were not engaging or had disappointing endings. So I started to read Chinese novels . I'm neither a cho see nor can understand Chinese. But I have watched this heroine in the legend of Shen Ming lan before. She's a very good actor. Very talented. So I started watching this drama. Have to say, this is one of the best in recent times. Be it the acting, production value or the choice of actors, it's just outstanding. This heroine especially, she's not some lily livered dramatic girl. She's emotionally strong, independent, feisty and intelligent. She's not prone for dramas nor does she make a fuss on anything. She's really dignified. And the male lead, I've never seen his drama a before, but he's an apt choice for this drama. He has done justice to this role. He doesn't talk much, but his emotions are clearly conveyed to us nevertheless. He's protective, and powerful yet calm and dignified. They're are made for each other. So far really loving this drama. And really hope they won't spin it with hanging or sad ending. That's my one request.

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