This review may contain spoilers
Eternal Love is brilliant in the quality of acting but infuriating in the drawn-out angst of the plot. I watched 22 episodes consecutively, skipped forward while reading recaps, and came back to watch the ending episodes (45-58). The strength of Eternal Love is in its beautiful cinematography, music, actor expressions, and ability to go from comedy to tragedy. I'm glad that this one gives a happy ending. If anyone else felt frustration with Bai Qian's character, I recommend watching this YouTube video by AvenueX:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNmjyYW5F0.
WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS INVOLVED.
All in all, a strong beautiful drama that can either make you sigh in delight or drive you up the wall.
Hope this is helpful.
-KA
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This review may contain spoilers
WOW! okay, where do i start!?First of all , dont be put off by the total that is 58 episodes, there's no messing around in this drama and 58 episodes is just the right amount! there's no boring or draggy parts in this drama!
If you've started this drama and its getting confusing, don't be worried, i'd advise to read a drama recap/intro to the story if you're confused, i know theres a lot of characters to keep track of but after the initial first few episodes the story will come together and it makes a lot more sense...THEN YOU GET HOOKED.
The story is very interesting from beginning to end and the main couple's story was unpredictable! I literally couldn't predict what was possibly going to happen next and had no idea what the ending would be like... i was prepared for any kind of ending and it was magical! The components of the story were nothing i'd seen before, i thought that the hype was just because of the cast but the story really is as good as they say! and there's not another drama like it!
The only reason why the story got 9.5 with me is because I have unanswered questions, which i have posted in the discussions section. THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THERE. so dont go looking and ruining it for yourself if you havent seen the whole thing!
I only really knew of Yang Mi out of all the cast and even then I hadnt actually seen any of her works so the cast was completely new to me. I loved each and everyone of their acting and their representations of each of the characters, they were very believable to the point where I was wondering if 2 of the same people actually existed?
Although, the only thing i'm really gutted about, which i know cannot be helped, is the fact that mainland china dubs the voices of their original actors with other mandarin voice actors so you dont get to hear their real voices. I understand why it is done but i would much prefer to listen to their actual voices!
The music is spot on! I've not skipped one opening or ending whilst watching the drama for the first time, that's how beautiful the songs are!
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This review may contain spoilers
The characters in this story really surprised me (or bored me) and I think the writing has something to do with it. Bai Qian and Ye Hua's relationship should have never been revived. The final battle at the end felt like a cheap shot on Ye Hua's part to atone for his transgressions on Bai Qian/Su Su. The personalities of these characters were inconsistent. Unlike the other background characters - mostly the villains - their motives and actions stayed the same throughout the drama. Is this the writer's way of explaining that never changing one's end goals is bad for them or something? Heavenly Lord wanted power, yes. However Su Jin just wanted Ye Hua to love her back. How is her love to Ye Hua's inappropriate and impossible but Ye Hua's blundering and cruel attempts to make Su Su love him back/Bai Qian to love him enough to forgive him without even apologizing okay? It's not.
My main issue with this drama is the main character's love story and the treatment it deserves like a divorce and custody settlement not them reuniting after a short amount of time, breaking all of it's previous rules that coming back from the dead is highly improbable and a long arduous task just like Mo Yuan suffered? How is it okay to suddenly flip the switch on the story's Universal Laws to contradict themselves on behalf of the main couple? A couple that should really never be together again? If things can suddenly change then Feng Jiu can write The Emperor's name with hers on the Three Life Stone to be together. She couldn't so why can Ye Hua come back from the dead and be with Bai Qian again? At best it can be said that Fairytale Logic is logical or at worst that Ye Hua emotionally manipulated Bai Qian into finally loving him back enough to forgive him in the end. And after all the things the Ghost Princess went through with her sister-in-law to revive her niece, why couldn't Zi Lan and her be together despite the fued between Kunlun Mountain and the Ghost Tribe? Why couldn't he be with her but instead separated himself and then punish himself again? I believe their love story had more progression than the main couple's ever did. Child or no child (Riceball is adorable but even Mi Gu said how Ye Hua is using the child to manipulate her into being with them as a family. It's not okay.
If the story wants to be unfair and unpredictable that come up with a better reason than a romance between two distinctly different people with conflicting personalities and philosophies to be together. There was potential.
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I think everyone should know by now that the drama is adapted from the novel of the same title written by Tang Qi Gong Zi. The novel is plagued with plagiarism accusations, and apparently there is ample proof of it as well. I don't think it's fair to give the story a low grade because of the plagiarism claims; the production itself is innocent after all.
Anyway, I'm not a fan of fantasy-wuxia dramas. There hasn't been any fantasy drama which caught my eye since Chinese Paladin. The genre simply doesn't appeal to me. This is also the reason why despite being an avid reader I've never thought of reading the original novel. However, according to the book fans, it's a pretty loyal adaptation. I also like how there really isn't any overly cliched plots, though it certainly took time for the villains to get their comeuppance. I really really do wish that they gave a happier ending to Feng Jiu and Dong Hua but I get that they have their limitations [2]. I also wanted a "happily ever after" for Zi Lan and Yan Zhi, which unfortunately also didn't happen.
There are some actors in the drama whom I thought were hopeless in their craft. In particular, Vengo Gao. He was absolutely terrible in Les Interpretes but he improved a lot in 3L3W. Yang Mi too, seemed to have recovered her form from her earlier years. Her double act as Bai Qian and Xuan Nv was impressive. I'm not as awed as everyone is by Mark Chao's acting - he just doesn't look the part, but I guess he must be good judging by the positive responses. I liked Dilraba the most though. It helps that she's stunningly gorgeous and her character is super likable as well. Overall, the casting is incredible because of the visuals. It's hard to find a drama like 3L3W where every single female character is so freaking good-looking.
On the music, I don't skip the opening theme because I quite like it, but I can't say the same for the ending soundtrack. I don't think the music is anything to shout about, I'll say that it's just fine.
There are still some minuses though. First is the special effects. I don't think Chinese dramas right now have the technical expertise to make a xianxia drama look believable yet. So this is not a huge knock, just a disadvantage of the genre itself. Next is the styling. Mark Chao looks like Severus Snape when he lets down his hair. Yang Mi's high forehead (when she's disguised as a man) is also slightly distracting. Also, I'm not exactly sure how the deities "grow". Su Jin looked 6 at age 500, but Feng Jiu is still a toddler after thousands of years. I guess perhaps (nine-tail) foxes don't age as quickly, but it's sure confusing.
In all, it's a pretty solid production. I'm not sure if it's because I've just finished the god-awful G&I, but the comparison did help. It's amazing how a fantasy drama feels more natural than a pseudo-historical drama. The drama has a pretty good rating on Douban at 6.2 and that's despite a lot of people giving it only one star due to plagiarism. I don't love the drama, but I liked bits and pieces of it and I think it's at least entertaining. You'll probably skip some parts here and there but the length of the drama is actually tolerable. They do have a story to tell and the episodes are not merely fillers.
-- Footnotes --
[1] The movie version stars Liu Yifei as Bai Qian and Yang Yang as Ye Hua. Just looking at visuals alone, this is an awesome cast.
[2] Another production company has picked up the rights to the Feng Jiu and Dong Hua spinoff and thus they cannot replicate the story from that novel. Also why you most probably will not see Dilraba and Vengo Gao reprising their roles.
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Of the fantasy/xianxia shows I've watched this one is the most adult/serious. It's not necessarily the one with the best growth and themes (that goes to Ashes of Love). But this focuses mostly on adults with adult issues (marriage, raising children, feuding families, honouring ones mentor etc.)
I enjoyed watching it, it was addicting and I was curious how it would resolve. But, I don't have the same fondness for the couple as I do for some of the other shows I've watched.
The plot was very engaging and rarely too repetitive, and the actors on their own were quite good. But, when the couple was on screen together, you didn't get the little looks/touches energy of a couple in love. In the end, I was happy with the story and glad I watched it all the way through, but I wasn't sad to leave the universe behind.... EXCEPT
I really enjoyed the secondary couple between Bai Fengjiu and Dong Hua, and I'm glad to see they are getting their own spinoff. It never felt like wasted time, and they actually seemed to have a more give and take, naturalistic type interactions than the main couple.
Music was nothing special, and I'm not sure whether I'd watch it again, perhaps certain scenes.
Other Criteria I score by
Complex Themes - 6
(Ye Hua and Bai Qian go through a lot over their lifetimes, but there are not strong themes besides appreciating the love that you have, and being loyal/having honour). Also, giving in to overbearing parents is endless, one needs to find the moral strength to stand up to them.)
Character Growth -7
(Both Ye Hua and Bai Qian show a decent amount of character growth, as they go through romance and lots of loss)
Nuanced Women -7
(Bai Qian and Bai Fengjiu both have nuanced personalities, and are good playing different types Bai Qian is more tom boyish and then stoic/austere, whereas Bai Fengjiu is more silly and headstrong)
Cinematography/Production Values - 6
(It's all CGI and green screens unless they are in the human world, I didn't find the worlds created or the costumes very beautiful, but it was all competently done)
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I rarely watch Chinese dramas, but when I do they blow me away! I watched Niravana on Fire and had little expectation that this would be in par with it. Eternal love surpassed all my expectations. Ye Hua, Ye Hua.. Ye Hua he is the character of my dreams! Mark Chao made the magical drama, more magical with his portrayal! No matter how many adaptations this story will have, only Mark Chao will resonate in my mind as Ye Hua.
The love story between Ye Hua and Bai Qian is soul soothing. Watching them fall in love, again and again will bring shivers down your spine and make to chant Ye Hua name as you sleep. There were other love stories in this, but I could never really focus on their love. I just craved for more Ye Hua and Bai Qian.
The only problem I had was, it started of quite slow and picked up pace at around ep 6-7 I think. Thus you have to be patient and reep the rewards later.
I guarantee that whoever you may be, will fall in love with Ye Hua and this tale forever, like I did.
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Must watch!
One of the first Chinese dramas I've ever watched and still remains one of my favorites!The story is so rich and involves a huge cast but all the characters have their part to play in the story. The main leads are so perfect! Yang mi is so good at Bai Qian. I can't imagine another actresses doing this role. She transitions from lively young disciple to helpless mortal to powerful immortal so easily. You can really tell the difference between each stage of her characters growth. Mark chao is so good as Ye Hua. The leads have amazing chemistry.
The pacing of this drama is really good. There was not a single point where I wanted to stop watching. The story is so rich and even the side stories (Feng Jiu and Dong Hua) are interesting.
Overall this is a must watch for cdrama fans!
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This review may contain spoilers
Eternal Love was the first Chinese Drama I'd ever watched. From the very first minute of episode one to the very last second of the last episode, I had been hooked. Yang Mi and Mark Chao gave the preformance of a lifetime. Never have I seen such chemistry before. I'm gonna be honest: before I figured it out, I had thought the spirit of the golden lotus, Mo Yuan and Ye Hua were three different people (absolutely stupid, I know). Then I was like.... "wait, is this not the same guy?!". It was the same guy. Mark Chao as Mo Yuan and the lotus spirit gave me fomo... I want a Master that awesome and a spirit friend that sweet. However, Mark Chao as Ye Hua was ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (You'll understand when you watch the series).
The acting was phenomenal, the scenes, costumes and the supporting cast was the best cast family I've seen work together. Whether it was on screen or BTS, everyone was having the time of their life.
If they were to reboot the series ten years from now, I'd beg the universe to have Yang Mi and Mark Chao reprise their roles (of course, they'd need to time travel to the future or find a fountain of youth to make sure they look as young as they did).
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MUSIC: The music is simply gorgeous. So beautiful in fact that I actually bought the soundtrack for it. I really thought the OST was lovely, and I listen to the song ALL the time when I'm working or studying. Unlike some dramas, this song was actually written for the drama and really fits with the lyrics. Really though, all the music was great - grandiose when it needed to be grandiose, bright and fluffy appropriately, etc. VERY Well done!
SPECIAL EFFECTS: Once again, I know several reviewers and commentors said the special effects for the drama were not good. Maybe I'm just easy to please, but I thought they were great. I have a passion for Fantasy dramas, and I've watched as many as I possibly can. Perhaps there are spots here and there where you can spot the CGI or effects, but on the whole -- this drama nailed it. I did of course get so caught up in the plot that I may have just been oblivious, but I've rewatched several of my favorite parts of the drama about 13 times so far and I still think it was solid effects. Beautiful colors, gorgeous costumes, great make-up, stunning architecture -- that peach tree orchard begs me to go visit. I'm definitely getting my future husband to make me an orchard.
CHARACTERS / ACTING: The acting was simply brilliant! I can't really name a single character that I thought didn't hold up their part. Mark Chou as Ye Hua was just fabulous -- you really felt the emotionless aspect at the beginning as well as his confusion at the lengths people would go to for this "love thing." But then later, when he is crying over Su Su, it's just heartbreaking. His little shocks when he first meets her and then his bravery and sacrifices later in her name - you just wanted to give him a huge hug and tell him everything would be okay. Seriously, the dude ripped out your heart. And the adorable little boy - he's just SO CUTE! OMG he is the sweetest little kid ever. I love his "little dumpling" title - fits him to a tee. And his interactions with both Ye Hua and Su Su were so precious. I could keep going - I won't because this would be too long - but the acting was definitely fab.
LENGTH: This drama is long, and I would definitely divide it into three parts plot wise. Unlike some dramas though, I don't think there was really an episode you could skip and still move forward. Part of the reason for its length is that it had a TON of plot lines running at the same time. You had about 4-5 different couples, plus the whole "saving the world" theme, the Mo Yuan plot, the Ghost world plot. . . . you get my point. It was just a whole lot going on in one story. But I've got to say, I watched it all. Usually I'm pretty quick to skip over boring fighting or "plotting" parts that seem to take up so much of the Chinese drama time. But here, I just soaked it all in. And I actually enjoyed all of the plot lines.
PLOT: Just so good! It was complex, it was convoluted, it was chock full of emotions and action and movement. There were a million things interacting and impacting one another - the romance of once couple subtly igniting events that struck another which triggered reactions flowing on to a third. You felt the romances and tragedies alike. Even when you really hated Su Jin and the Ghost Prince, you could also feel their pain and heartache at the same time. Everyone had their reasons and passions - it was just a story of how you should respond to them.
One of my favorite parts of the drama was how much it taught me about A) Chinese culture and B) their understanding of Buddhism / how the ancient religion worked. You'd be surprised how much of it was part of their mythology and actual hierarchies. For example, I was fascinated by the use of "fate" and "self-will" in this story. Part of the question was how much you can fight against fate and how much your actions will impact your future if fate is already predetermined. I was also fascinated to see how they explained the who saints and gods thing. Like how the whole "earthly test" thing went and what it meant. I actually learned quite a bit :P
Also, it gives you a good glimpse into how China's culture is different from that of Korea or Japan. For example, although Bai Qian can be sweet and kind, she's far from submissive or willing to just take abuse. She doesn't lash out and yell at people like the Kdrama starts sometimes do, she doesn't just accept it like the Jdrama girls do. She gets mad and then gets even. Smart girl - she waits and plots and then just does it. And in China, that doesn't make her a bad person. She's loyal, honest, and kind to those who deserve it. If she's a bit brutal to the bad guys, well they are bad guys after all. I liked her :)
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