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Who Rules the World chinese drama review
Completed
Who Rules the World
0 people found this review helpful
by kidd
May 17, 2022
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Let it be bound to me for life

It was a story of love, ambition for the world, friendship, and above all kindness. It was a web of people and the stories they had to tell. For some it was a story of loyalty. For others, it was one of revenge. It was interesting to see even the most insignificant side characters making a difference with what little screen time they had. All of them carried a will, a voice, and character that made them so interesting to analyze. For me, it was all of these things. It was a story of Hei-Bai Fengxi (sorry bai fengxi XD)

The story revolves around Bai Fengxi, a free spirit, roaming the martial world seeking justice and constantly at odds with Hei Fengxi. Known as a deadly goddess and renowned for her martial arts and free spirit, only the elegant and mysterious Hei Fengxi can match her. We follow them through trials of their individual personal life that gives rise to discoveries in their identity, the walls they break through together in the martial world, and the love that arises as they see one another's world. It was innocent, pure, and unbroken. It remained that way.
As much as it is a love story, it is one about world peace, aspiration, and identity. I have to say, I got a bit emotional whenever the characters found a spark in the life they live, whether it was love, following a respected person, or a pursuit for happiness. Even those who wished to rule the world had a drive in them, a fire that made me a bit envious. Despite the flaws one can find within this tale, I found myself not caring. It delivered me more than the eye-candy I was expecting and spun me into a philosophical spiral on how I should be living life. It was a refreshing look into a couple that wasn't toxic, listened to one another, and stood on equal ground. They were really made for each other. They made their own mark on the world and a name for themselves before coming together. They were their own person before a couple. They saved each other rather than the typical damsel in distress plotline :) It was interesting because in many wuxia and dramas of similar nature, there is always some sacrifice involved. While there was sacrifice here, it wasn't someone denying the others right to choose. It wasn't a selfish self-justified sacrifice for the other pair that allowed for no input from the other party. I think that was a real interesting point for me. They all had a say (when they were able to) and there weren't decisions being made for one another being justified by love or righteousness. I guess it was refreshing for characters to be selfish and admit it rather than fake this selfish and righteous motive. I have to say that this drama kept the line of right and wrong, while allowing its characters to step beyond them as "there is more to life than right and wrong."

I have to say, the OST is beautiful. It was one of emotion and lead the story along. I can think of at least three scenes for each OST upon a listen. That is pretty amazing. I have yet to actually re-watch it (aside from episodes while waiting for the others to air) but I know I will enjoy it. I will find myself smiling at the little interactions and keeping my eyes peeled for the little details I missed. There will be no experience quite like the first watch but it won't be a minus. I do think a clip spree every once in a while via youtube will be really fun and refreshing.

All in all, like most of the reviews I do for dramas that I just watched, the numbers of stars don't matter. No matter how good or bad a drama is, for me, the enjoyment I felt from it matters more. So while this was a 8 star (maybe even 7.5) drama, it was honestly a 9 or even 10 for me in enjoyment and there is nothing wrong with that.
I have to say, I will miss not staying up and waiting for it to drop. I guess it is time to re-watch as Netflix uploads :)

No spoilers but my favorite quote and most memorable section really encapsulated all of the characters struggles in some way. I hope both you and I find that one thread within the thousands of worry that we can't bear to let go, binding it to us forever.
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