This review may contain spoilers
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
it's been a week since i have been indoors due to the corona virus outbreak and this drama made this week pass by in the blink of an eye !First if all it's best to leave behind whatever knowledge we have about Feng Jiu and Di Jun from ten miles of peach blossoms as that story focused mainly on Ye Hua and Bai Qian and the directors there didn't have the rights to adapt FJ and DJ's story... So they couldn't portray the real story of DJ and FJ in TMOPB....
I had hated both DJ and FJ's character in TMOPB as the former was too cold and emotionless while the latter was very immature and naive and naturally i wasn't interested about their story... But their characters portrayed in this drama was just amazing.... We finally get to see Feng Jiu evolve into a queen and Di Jun turn into a hopeless romantic for FJ... At times they were soo sweet that i almost got diabetes watching them... It was especially cute to see Dilreba acting like a fox whenever DJ touched her... The was she rubs her head against his hand or the way she sniffs when he taps her nose was just plain adorable... Vengo Gao as Di Jun was too good especially his playful and mischeivous moments with FJ and the others.
The cast as usual was amazing... I wish we could get more of Lian Song and Chen Yu in the future... It would have been really good if Ye Hua also had a cameo appearance like Bai Qian... I like how the writer connected every part the story... Some parts were confusing and unnecessary but then again it wouldn't be a chinese drama if it wasn't and the good parts of the drama kinda overpower the bad parts... According to me Ah Lan Ruo's dream was unnecessarily long... I wanted more of DJ and FJ in the heavenly world.... FJ's decision in the 54th episide kinda annoyed me but as long as those two end up together i am fine with it... In the absolute end of the drama, when FJ and DJ say to each other that FJ is DJ's and DJ is FJ's, Bai Gun Gun retorts saying that they both are his and that was the best ending this drama could have had....
The OST is also pretty good. I enjoyed this journey of Bai Feng Jiu and Dong Hua Di Jun, the couple that was not destined for each other but ended up writing their own destiny..
PS- you need absolute patience to watch this. For me, TMOPB will always have a special place in my heart but i will defintely not forget this either..
PPS- i liked the new actor who played the role of Bai Zhen... The actor whole played High God Zhe Yan was likable but at times i felt that he had a villainous face... But i'm really interested to know more about the relationship between these two...
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This review may contain spoilers
I have looked forward to this story since Eternal Love (Ten Miles of Peace Blossoms). It was everything I hoped for and better than the books! Ignore all the plot lines featuring DongHua and Fengjiu in Eternal Love. They f-ked it up. But thankfully it was redeemed in this stand alone series. Don’t get me wrong, Eternal Love is one of my favorite Chinese dramas. I have re-watched it several times. But now after watching this story, I will fast forward through all of the plot lines in Eternal Love that contain Donghua and Fengjiu and instead just rewatch this again as a companion show. I loved that they used the same actor and actress as the previous series. They have great chemistry together and really play off each other‘s personality types. I think their acting was consistent with before and maybe better even. I liked how the writers/producers maintained the world of the gods. Even though they weren’t done by the same writing (?) team you can see how the two series still kept continuity with the world building and characters and rules.
My only complaint with the series is the time that they spent within each section of the story. At times I felt like they spent too long in some areas and two little in other areas. For instance some of the stories really dragged on but yet the last 10 episodes they really waited to make everything happen last minute. I would’ve liked the reunion to have lasted longer than five minutes in the very last episode. Imagine the hijinks and the fun that could’ve been had if they would’ve at least devoted one last episode to Donghua getting to know his son! Too much time was spent on the pointless story of Alanruo and why she died.
Plus the actress and the character she played, JiHeng, was the most off putting person and a blatant grab at attention. From what I’ve read she really wanted to playing the main female character and that was why she bought the rights to the story. But upon finding that the fans didn’t want her to play that character she still managed to find herself a role in the series. Which is fine, I can get that. But then she made her character so clingy and obnoxious. And gave herself way too much screen time. It was obvious she was trying to make up for the fact that she couldn’t be the lead. I could’ve done very well fast forwarding through all her parts, and will do so when I rewatch this again. There was nothing I liked about her fake face, bad acting, and pointless character.
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Not perfect but binge-worthy show.
First meeting these characters in TMPB, I actually liked them a lot more than the two leads there. But knowing this was a totally separate story, gave it a go once it was fully uploaded and translated here. What can I say, I like to binge watch. Though, absolutely beautiful costumes, CGI, and script. It got a 9 from me because it got off to (in my opinion) a slow start. I love the chemistry between the leads and the humor of practically every character. The main antagonist could have laid off on the “evil laughing” all the time as it was not convincing in the slightest. Wish there was a more rounded ending of our two leads as that seemed a bit rushed. But overall, I’m satisfied with this series and would recommend it to friends.Was this review helpful to you?
It is a good drama overall.
There are already many reviews on this drama, so I would not say much.Overall, as my headlines says, this drama is good, the CGI are good, the music is good, the cast acted well and the chemistry between the leads are very good.
The only part I didn't really enjoy was the aranya dream. It was a little confusing at times and you really had to listen carefully to the dialogues to fully understand what's going on. Throughout that part, I kept wondering, when exactly are they going to leave this dream?!...it was just too long and sometimes really boring and slow-paced, I fell asleep sometimes even.
Aside from that, there is nothing negative about this drama. It was well-made. However, it wasn't one of those dramas that was so exciting and captivating that you want to know what will happen next. Nothing of that sort I felt while watching the drama.
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Other than the leads, I think generally everyone else was okay, not exactly super fantastic, but definitely watchable. However there were one or two minor characters who really bothered me with their acting - I shall not name, but it was very painful to watch them on screen, hence I brought the acting down to a 9.0.
For the story line, I actually really love it. Like all Chinese fantasy dramas, it is dramatic, and I’m a sucker for that. It generally followed the flow of the novel, so I’m pretty satisfied with that. Some minor details changed here and there, but don’t let it bother you. The story is actually rather intense, but there were many light-hearted moments too, so it balances out pretty well. Don’t worry! It’s not really a show that will drive you to the wall (like palace dramas haha), so just relax and enjoy everything.
The music was good. I personally enjoyed it. But you know, having heard TMOPB’s iconic ending song for so many times, I couldn’t help but expect an OST that would shake the charts. There wasn’t any that was up to that level unfortunately, but that’s alright! The music is still enjoyable nonetheless, shoutout to Zhang Bichen!
Now I’ll briefly talk about the production of the show. Like many others, I’ve watched TMPOB and I had high expectations for ELOD, since it was a so-called sequel to that. But I was disappointed with the production of the show. When I look back, everything felt rushed. It wasn’t the story that was rushed (ok other than the last few episodes which literally flew by so quick... they could’ve taken it slower!!!), it was the production value. Filming was quite sloppy - very often the camera was shaky. CGI was also awkward, but then again that’s Chinese fantasy dramas for you - we can’t expect Hollywood CGI or something. I guess this is actually a pretty minor point, but just wanted to point it out.
Overall, this show was definitely fun and didn’t disappoint me at all. Other than the production value, I think everything was amazing. Now would in watch this again? Definitely, but not all parts. I still go back occasionally to rewatch some cute scenes between the leads. It’s really enjoyable, I cannot help but want to watch it over and over again. I might be a little biased because I absolutely adore the DongFeng couple, but I really really hope I can convince you to give this show a shot.
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Great Overall But…
Generally, I don’t have much to complain about Eternal Love Of Dream. It is a highly watchable production. The CGI is better than many xianxia dramas and the interaction between Dong Hua and the fox feels real. All the characters look good in their beautiful costumes and it is obvious that this is a big budget project. The most important factor is, of course, the chemistry between Vengo Gao and Dilraba Dilmurat. I dare say that without that chemistry, The Pillow Book might indeed make us all fall asleep as we follow their story.Acting
After watching Vengo Gao as Dong Hua in Eternal Love Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms and again in Eternal Love Of Dream, I think viewers would not be able to picture any other actor in this role. He completely nailed it to give the character the required aloofness and an aura of seniority and reverence. Dong Hua is not an excitable immortal but calm and rational. He doesn’t make a lot of movements when he talks but Vengo Gao’s expressive eyes and micro facial expressions make Dong Hua a pleasure to watch. He looks so different here compared to his role in Legend Of Fuyao.
On the other hand, Feng Jiu is a complete opposite. She is young and innocent. She dares to love and is full of life. Dilraba Dilmurat’s portrayal is spot on to give the character a level of innocence and that suits her age and lovestruck demeanor. Hence, when the 2 opposite characters interact, the chemistry is palpable due to their great portrayal of their roles.
Plot
Unlike Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms and Love And Destiny, The Pillow Book’s story is more abstract. For some dramas, you will know what is going on even if you don’t understand Mandarin. But for Eternal Love Of Dream, you will need to listen or read the subtitles carefully to follow the story. It can get confusing especially during the Aranya’s Dream part.
Overall, the plot outline is nothing new. It is not as unique as another popular xianxia drama, The Untamed. Basically, it is about the hero using all his cultivation powers to defeat a Demon Ruler while falling in love with the heroine and trying to protect her in his own way.
Perhaps the first part is refreshing when they start off their relationship as master and pet fox. But once we get through that, the romance is kind of predictable with unrequited love in the beginning. What saves it is, as mentioned, the chemistry and unique dynamics of the couple. Many dramas are saved from being mediocre or even unwatchable this way such as Under The Power and Love Of Thousand Years.
My Verdict
Eternal Love Of Dream is a great drama and you should watch it. But certain parts can be a bore. I think one of the problems is the beginning of the romance and the couple’s time in the mortal realm mirror the story in Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms. The difference is they have lengthen their interactions and change a bit of the story here and there in Eternal Love Of Dream. But the gist of it remains the same. So, if you have watched Ye Hua and Bai Qian’s story, you will know what Feng Jiu will eventually do to Dong Hua in the mortal realm. That is why some people would suggest we start watching from Episode 21 which is the tail end of their time in the mortal world.
Personally, I also find the story in Eternal Love Of Dream to be less compelling compared to Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms. It doesn’t move me as much emotionally. In Ye Hua and Bai Qian’s story, there is much more angst and pain. Hence, you would feel more for the couple. The story is also more straightforward and flows better. In Dong Hua and Feng Jiu’s story, there is a vague feeling of being sidetracked at times especially during their time in the dream world.
Having said that, I would still recommend a watch for this Eternal Love Of Dream review. In fact, some people would prefer this to Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms. The bottom line is the relationship dynamics of both couples are different. If you like a more serious tone to your romance, then Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms should be the preferred choice. But if you like a sweeter and cuter couple, then Eternal Love Of Dream would beat the earlier drama hands down.
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Fenjiu is absolutely gorgeous, brave and super cute! These two characters compliment each other so well. I love the interaction between them!
The acting is admirably excellent! I have to say Dong Hua's makeup, hairdo and costume was way better in Eternal Love! The music was also better there. I think it's because of the production company.
The first 8 episodes lost my interest a little bit. I think it would be better if they start the story like in the novel and recall the past as it goes along (it might be confusing the those who did not read the book). I didn't like to not seeing any interaction between the main leads. If you have the same feeling, stick along, it gets way way way better! I promise you will love this drama!
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PLEASE WATCH IT AS IT IS ON ITS OWN WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
The casts are excellent. Vengo & Diliraba are doing a fantastic job as DH and FJ. No one else can be in that role except them. They really brought out the cold aloof DH yet shameless n flirty side of DH n cheeky n mischievous yet spunky, full of spirit FJ. I'm glad the director didn't do flash backs of DH trial but layout for us viewers to see and understand easily. It's less confusing. The story slowly unfolds and shows FJ growth from a young girly fox who is quite childish to mature up when she was made to understand her actions have consequences and she has to be responsible for those consequences. Ep 21 is epic ... the acting of OTP is excellent.
Now I'm enjoying the courtship of our OTP. I'm also beginning to enjoy little Ah Li. He is too funny. Yes he still looks like a girl but in real life there are little boys who are too handsome that are often mistaken as girls too n vice versa. The child actor is excellent. Ah Li is too wise for his age. Ep 25 & 26 is hilarious. Ah li & DH are definitely not helping FJ at all. One did it innocently while the other does it blatantly and shamelessly. Poor FJ is always outwitted by DH. ????
Love the friendship between FJ and Simin. Like I said before, even the supporting .... everyone is excellent in their role.
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This review may contain spoilers
I dont know how to rate this dramaI waiting from 2017 when know about this drama, but when i end the "hot blooded youth and very angry for the f*cking ending i search the director and found he direct this drama,i hesitate for the first for watching this drama,and same as i thought, very disappointed drama, he ruins this drama,and also ruins the s1 character story(zilan) too,,all the dramas directed by him that I watched ,all is disappointed "classic mountain " (ridiculous story and ending), "noble aspiration " (hanging up for a long time) ,hot blooded youth (ridiculous ending) ,,beside "ash of love" the only drama i can accept from him
This drama make me so confused,messy timing, drain my brain for arrange the timing ,i like eternal love because the timing is clear and not leave alot of question (almost no),but for this season, i would rather it never release
1. Make me confusing,should i watch it connected with the season 1 or not? It make by same creator right?
If said connected, it not make a sense with alot scene from season 1
(1). Zilan identify, if zilan is the twin brother of yan chi wu, why he can be together with ghost clan yanzhi? He is from the demon clan,whereas fox clan is fine if they want( bai qian and the secong prince of ghost clan)
(2). the scene of donghua and fengjiu in season 1 totally different with the season 2,when fengjiu be a maid for taicheng palace in S1 she helped by cheng yu,but in S2 She helped by si ming,,,,, the mortal realm story different too,,, a li ages, and fengjiu age different too with the S1, in S1 fengjiu being help by Donghua when she 70000 years old, she born the same with ye hua (maybe)( before being moyuan being seal+70000years when baiqian seal it again,so her age 70000)but in S2 she just 30000 and born when demon war
2.So donghua choose god clan because touching by the kindness of god tribe or being invite by godfather?
3. Some acting are too exaggerated and lame
4. i think the director and scripwritter not really understand the relationship between the characters? In season 1 siming and dong hua more closer but in S2 dong hua close with lian song
5. will connect if watch it separately, if watch it separately, the existence of yehua, baiqian, zilan must be present at least once or not present or talk about them at all ,because if they talking about them but not present them, the watcher who not watch S1 dont understand who yehua,baiqian,and zilan
6.And when yan chi wu help ji heng out from the jail he also use magic,and cheng yu help fengjiu healing in the jail nothing happen?isnt they said if immortal use magic in mortal can get backfire
7.timing when ji heng fall to mortal is before donghua reincarnation to mortal realm but why she dont feel weird? Because she dont know she from demon clan, and then she asking for being donghua mortal identity concubine
8.When enemy want to take the lingbi stone, the mechanic sword go out very slow its very funny thats can hurt people
9.Ep 33 when competition for pimpo fruit ,isnt they said that green plum lake is the place that seal the magic,why ji heng can control yan chi wu with her demon lord spell?
10.Isnt they said cant get out from fanyin valley?,why in ep 35 yan chi wu can go back to demon clan?,
11. where the night owl bird clan live? Why they said the first prince of biyi bird go war because night owl clan declare for war because of neighbors fight of both clan? ,when fengjiu and yanchiwu accident fall from fuyu mount they use night owl clan student name, so that mean they not live in the fuyu mount but out of fuyu mount,and fuyu mount only open 60 years once
12. why donghua and su mo ye doesnt find shen ye appearance similar with dijun?,,di jun just change the clan imagine of xize but not change his Appearance ,or they also can say "why xi ze appearance similar with shen ye?"
13.how miao luo soul go inside the alanya dream?
Isnt they said the valley just open 1 time in 60 years? ,and just a high cultivate immortal can go in to the valley, but why miao luo can? And if she is the one of high cultivate immortal, she can go in the valley but not the dream，she is being seal by donghua, and even dong hua, he injured when get in to the dream.
14. how demon clan nie chu yun know about alanya dream? ,even biyi bird clan,clansman they also dont believe about the alanya dream
15. Ep 42 when fengjiu back to her real body, she said"maybe this is my real body?" but when saw dijun she recognized him and know miao luo is the person who fought with dijun when in the fanyin valley HAHAHA! she should no remember it,she still in the alanya dream!
Why the queen very hate alanya ?but why she treat chang di better?
16. If shen ye is dijun shadow and alanya is fengjiu shadow the timing not match,, dijun shadow born 300 years ago when dijun sleep for 100 years,and when fengjiu and netherworld lord meet, it been 100 years laters,it mean fengjiu shadow age is 200 years old and when su mo ye bring alanya as his student when she 25years old, and her shape already adult shape ,same immortal but a-li already 300years but still a child shape
17.If see from ep50 dialog between netherworld lord and fengjiu ,they came back from mortal realm already 200years and its match with ji heng already 200years in fanyin valley,,if like that, it mean bai qian married 200year after fengjiu back from mortal realm
18.at the last when they want to trap miao luo at fanyin valley,why miaoluo didnt know how to enter the valley? Isnt she cant easily go inside when alanya dream?
And fanying valley only open 60years once, and they said its to late if fanyin valley open and the dark energy exit,it mean its been pass 60years? And fengjiu and his son already in mortal realm for 600+years?
19.the ending is a bit forced
20. Alot fo character being change, zhe yan, bai shui, cheng yu, a -li (for the first i confuse she or he)
21. Some character have a weird characteristic changing at the last, not match
22. Dong hua and fengjiu character is famous because of they sad relationship in s1, IN MY OPINION it would be better if the story isn't changed far from season 1, because that's what the audience likes
23. They should not tell about fengjiu and donghua son at first, it reduce the excited
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I probably will have to rewatch because the story was boring for me in the first few episodes but it picked up when Dong Hua went to the mortal world which makes up for the first few episodes. The visual fantasy was amazing. It seemed real to me. More action in this one than the first season. The ending was terrific! I could write more about this but I won't. This is a great watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Good, but incredibly slow.
It's been like three years since I've watched Eternal Love 1. It was my first, or second cdrama too. Having seen Dream now I'm thinking that perhaps I've been looking at the original drama with rose tinted glasses. The reason being that Dream is incredibly SLOW and thinking back perhaps EL1 is just as bad in this regard.The original novel is titled "Three Lives Three Worlds, The Pillow Book". I have not read it, but I'm guessing that all the reincarnated, or semi reincarnated lives witnessed in this drama originate from the novel and oh boy the author did not fail to exhaust this plot device. This is the single worst thing about the drama. Spending 10 episodes in the mortal realm & 10 in another realm living different, or semi different lives is not my definition of a fun story. Had this been a normal 24 episode drama I would have been okay with that, but it's 56 episodes. That's not even all, the show has many makjang-ish moments, it's way beyond what I would consider a frustration free viewing experience.
On a more positive note, there are a lot of amazing things in this drama as well.
In my opinion this is how a cultivation novel should be brought to screen. Sure the CG is pretty low fidelity, however all the daoist powers, formations, creatures and realms were portrayed pretty closely to how I imagined they would be after reading about them for many years. Even an ascension pool is featured!
Of course ultimately this is a romance drama & the OTP had great chemistry and - whenever the characters were aware of each other's identities- their romance was really entertaining to watch, with lots of comedy included.
The supporting cast is absolutely amazing.
The love triangles may be weak, but the secondary love interests caused a decent amount of angst and many misunderstandings. So the overall score is not that great, triangle-wise.
The audiovisuals were excellent, bad CG notwithstanding.
Overall I would say that I greatly enjoyed about half the drama, most of the other half was on the boring side of frustrating, however considering how memorable this drama is for me I think rating it at 8/10 is more than fair.
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