First time not to skip any episodes
I watched from start to end and was hooked at the amazing chemistry of the two leads. It’s not too lovey dovey but you can just feel their overwhelming love for each other. As any dramas there are conflicts and misunderstandings but it gets resolved right away. I love how they are both strong and weak at the same time. Their mistakes and learnings made them more relatable. I love this drama so much. I also love the chemistry of the other casts and their side stories which completed the whole entire series. The character developments, their rise and fall and it has just the right amount of angst and heartache. All of the actors are so good with the acting, not a single one of them I can criticize. For me this series is close to perfection. I love all the fight scenes tooWas this review helpful to you?
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What I liked about it:
1. It's wuxia. Lots of long hair, pretty headpieces (some really freaking weird ones too), beautiful, draping clothes, stunning sets, intense martial arts, etc.
2. The male lead really did a phenomenal job in his role. That was a hard role to play and he did outstanding.
3. It was unexpected and twisted. Things didn't go the way I thought they would.
What I didn't like about it:
1. Pretty much every female character, most especially the female lead.
2. While there were moments that were romantic, overall, it wasn't terribly romantic.
3. There was *a lot* of talking and a lot of scenes repeated over and over.
STORY: There is a *huge* cast and I got really lost at first trying to learn who everyone was. There were some scenes at the beginning that didn't come into play until near the end and then they flashed back to them. I feel they should have just flashed back rather than confuse me at the beginning. I remember feeling like I'd watched twenty episodes and I'd only watched six. There's just *so* much information upfront. This isn't one you can tune out for even a minute. You'll miss something. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was heavily invested in its outcome. It wasn't terribly complex in and of itself and was led by some typical themes but when wrapped in each of the many characters' viewpoints and moral codes, it got much more intricate and thought-provoking. It explores a theme that China went through in its own history - how do you achieve peace, through pacifism or through war?
ROMANCE: This was the slowest of burns. Other reviewers have said that the main couple had no chemistry and they're right, but I don't feel that's the fault of the actors. I think the characters were written that way. Yi Qing was very clear how he felt and I loved that. He was not shy or hesitant in acting on his feelings. Jing was the problem and that was part of her character. Every relationship in this story was highly dysfunctional in some way, including the main couple's and that affected how their romance developed.
CHARACTERS: By far, the most incredible character in this story was Yi Qing. I almost wish the story had been about him without the clutter of the effed up romance. He was a brilliantly written character who I came to love deeply. Granted, I never did get his love for Jing but I'm not sure we were supposed to. It didn't seem any of the other characters understood it either. Other reviewers have said he was expressionless and I disagree. He was very reserved and there's a reason for that, but he did have expressions and they were intense once you got to know him. Jing ... I hated her. From start to finish, I hated her. That said, she did have a deep character arc and strong growth (almost too much, honestly), but it didn't make me like her. She just wasn't likable. In her case, I can't tell if she was written that way purposefully or if she was just poorly written. Either way, I thoroughly despised her. Nan, I adored him. I was actually shipping him and Yi Qing, personally. He was an awesome support character with so much expression and loyalty. I absolutely adored him. I also really loved Huang Quan, Ren, and Lei Chu Yun. Xiao Tai ... hate hate hate. Qing Ming, also hate.
Overall, I enjoyed it and it was worth the watch. It was an emotional roller coaster ride with a lot of tragedy, angst, insane jealousy, revenge, loyalty, betrayal, and dysfunctional love.
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LOVEEEEE
this drama was long yes but there wasn’t any dragging and it kept going to the point ... I’m impatient but I did skip lots because I didn’t care for the side couple .. i just really loved the drama and wanted to know if I guessed right and stuff and some parts even made me not skip which NEVER happens.. I’m the type to skip skip skip because some parts are predictable but omg this was not. I love this drama so much It makes me feel like the time I watch “a love so beautiful “ or “nice to meet you” that drama ... there is a few misunderstandings that get in the way but they know each other so well it only lasts one or two episodes EVEN LIKE 10 mins .. there’s situations that they plan or schemes but they don’t let us know and it’s like what the heck it was all just a plan.. this is a power couple and they hurt each other to help each other ... if that makes sense .. like they hurt each other but they know it’s all for the better.. and the jealous situations in this towards the end will have u so surprised but lots of heartache when they hurt each other even though you know they know it’s for the better and that they will reconcile after they settle the situation so like 10 mins but it’s jus the acting is so good it feel so real and hurtful ugh this is the first review I’ve ever done . And it’s probably gonna sound illiterate because I’m typing so fast but shoot I love this drama. They don’t drag at all.. it’s always drama after drama which is exciting not a boring drama after dramaWas this review helpful to you?
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I see things from a different perspective, her perspective.
I disagree with the idea that the FL was overly weak, when she wanted to learn and grow at Snow Tower the ML kicked her to the curve. (Which many say was to help her grow, but was actually him using her as bait to take out mutual enemies. He literally admitted this to his best friend. He told them where to find her.) Yes, he wanted her to get stronger, but according to his desires and plans not the way she would choose for herself. It was selfish and underhanded, no wonder she no longer trusted him, she shouldn’t have after that. The fact that he kept a look out for her from time to time is not enough to redeem him purposely endangering her over and over again. He was wrong, thankfully she forgave him when she understood that he had been watching out for her, but his behavior was still inexcusable. The ML is spoiled and use to having things go his way and people do as he says, so he has a hard time comprehending her desire to not be controlled by him. They grow up together and discover what love is really about to the point where he is actually willing to give up his power/control at the Snow Palace to live a normal, lovely, happy life with the FL. He learns that being in power is not the same as being loved. The FL grows at a great pace and learns as she does, but ultimately she would give up the whole pugilistic world for a normal life with love and a family. (Which is all she really wanted from the beginning.)Was this review helpful to you?
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What I like about it:The fresh faces and the side characters. Often you get too many side characters that it drags away from the main story and causing the series to lose its main purpose and drag on. But the side characters added on to the story, surprisingly they made it work! The two stories that come to mind are the south sea emissary and Qian Mei and Huang Quan and Zi Mo. I think there is something going on with Bi Luo and poison girl but that is probably just my imagination.
Jessica Hsuan playing as the bad guy. The last time I watch any of her works was a long time ago and she was the main lead. So, it was interesting and refreshing to see her play as the bad guy.
The chemistry between the main leads. At first, when I saw who played the ML I was a bit disappointed, maybe it was because I just got done watching good-looking Xu Kai that I was expecting that same kind of wow factor. But he one I like to describe as good looks based on character. I always give characters a chance to “wow me” and boy I’m glad I did. I really enjoy his acting and his character. I know that the story really revolves around FL but I think ML kind of took the spotlight.
I love love LOVE the outfits! I adore the colors in here, especially the red that they had the FL in the entire time. This bright red made me focus so much more on the intensive action scenes. Talking about the action scenes, the cinematography, and the action….what a visual feast! What a wuxia without its awesome action scenes!! I’m a bit bias but I did get a tiny spark of excitement when I saw the ethnic minority outfits in here, mainly because it is close to my heart.
What I found annoying:
Of course, in every series, there has to be that annoying character you despise. I found Xiao Tai to be super annoying, her innocent, selfish, bratty attitude and thinking caused her to lead a rebellion and the guy who adores her to follow suit. It wasn’t until his death that she realized what she did. The only reason why I put up with her was because of Qing Yu or Meng Fei was super cute!
The poisoning, I should stop holding my breath each time ML or FL gets poison or injury. They were continuous injury/poison that I had to fast forward through some of these parts.
Everyone wants FL dead, first it was Moon sect leader and now the daughter wants her dead too because she wants to covet “senpai” to herself.
And I know this is just a pet peeve, but I often was upset at the choice that ML made even though it was thoroughly thought out and meant to be the well-being for everyone. As a leader, he shouldered a lot of the decision-making and burden. I had hoped they would have this selfish getaway, to blossom the romance between ML and FL. We only got a small taste of this when FL injury ML for a small getaway to heal him.
What makes me often think about this series after it ends:
The chemistry between the main leads. I like this mature feeling of mutual understanding of one another, making sacrifices for one another, and this natural love that doesn’t seem to be forced. I love just how simple their love is.
Re-watch value: as much as I love the characters in here, I probably won’t be re-watching it.
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Very slow paced drama but overall good wuxia fight scenes in it
I've watched this drama after Love and redemption so It was pound to be compared to it especially it has the same Female leadAlso I love the Male lead's acting so much ,, he's one of the best chinese actors who actually can act different roles with a lot of depth ,, he's real self is so loud and too energetic person ,, in his other dramas his face was so expressive and he was fussy most of the times moves and talks a lot ,, that was more of his real personality from what I've seen in behind the scenes his personality but in this drama he's too calm , composed ,,, really really cold and mostly week because of his poisoned character so he did a great job portraying a character that is totally the opposite of his own character
The female lead here wasn't good match for him or she wasn't wrote right for his character in the script ,, I felt her love and care for her senior martial art brother stronger than the male lead's most of the time ,, I felt she was supposed to love her senior martial brother but they got separated and the male lead got in the way practically forcing her to love him
so the romance story here wasn't as good as Love and redemption drama at all ,, there she was perfect fit with the male lead even her intimate kissing scenes there were more believable than here
the other actors did their characters as they can very nicely ,, I can't complain about them ,, they were really good even the annoying ones they were written in the story that way to annoy us LOL but really all the actors did great job in their roles
.....
The story
the plot was really really draggy after episode 12 ,, it diverted to other useless side stories that has nothing to do with the main plot or the main lead ,, they just went to an Island exploring a family dispute with no connection to the main leads at all just that it included them like guests in this story ,,, It went on for about ten episodes then returned to the main course of the plot then divert again to another side story ,, it was like that switching to side stories of other characters
this drama could have been much shorter than this if they just stick to the main plot and the main lead's story
so the story wasn't very good overall because of all the draggy side stories included also it had some very stupid judgments from the leads like when the male lead threw a tantrum and spoiled the only medicine that could have been cured him because he was angry at the female lead ,, I was so angry about that
sometimes they made the Master of the snow tower like a child acting out in a very stupid way
.......
the ending ten episodes or sow were so good even if they killed a lot of characters but I was interested watching the final part of the drama it was fast paced and thrilling after all the boring side stories
so if you're not a patient person skip a lot in the middle to reach the third part of the drama then watch it you won't miss much from the middle
,,,,
the production was amazing in every way cinematography ,, costumes ,,,, makeup ,, graphics and the wuxia fights were the best
it was really enjoyable to watch
overall this drama is very good but needs patience with it ,, you can't binge it on a sitting or watch it as if it has every episode interesting ,, you will be disappointed
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Majorly Underrated
This is on par with Ashes of Love, 10 Miles of Peach Blossom, Princesses Agents in my opinion. The 56 episodes fly by with lots of sub plots introducing new charancters which adds to the main plot. The male lead is perfect, despite the fact he looks pale and ill throughout the drama, when he enters a room or speaks he has a very strong presence and aurora. I fell for him completely. The female lead lacks a little, some of her expressions are not quite convincing but not a bad job. The female villian is great, she shows both vulnerable and evil side well. All supporting cast are good. The fight scenes are beautiful. The romance is ever present which was enjoyable. I immediately rewatched my favourite scenes after completing the drama..... give this a go!Was this review helpful to you?
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Coming into this drama, i didn’t expect much, apart from it has really good production (and only watching a 1’30” trailer a year or so ago with all the wires visible!).Ep1: was slow but you can see the quality of the production, my problem was it feel sooo slow. The whole time I watched it, I have to keep remind myself it’s a wuxia, and they need to explain the conflict, and the backstory of the main character, but it was still testing my patience a lot. The music they used for the fight scene was out of place, and was taken from the flame daughter, which make me feel maybe the fighting sequence/director was the same as the flame daughter. The flame daughter fighting sequence was excellent and top notch (despite many didn’t like the drama), and the music works well there. But for this one, it is just not. The music is epic, however, the dude was fighting a bunch of minions, which doesn’t have a high and low moment of the battles, it’s just hitting, so that’s why the music was out of place. The highlight of ep1 was the kick in the fighting sequence. And then we met with a stubborn and rather stupid girl, or at least I felt the FL was just uh -.-!
Ep2: focus on the ML, his illness, FL and her sect brother, which gives a fault sense that they might develop a love story. The child actress was good, and even though her character annoys me, I like her and don’t mind seeing more of her. And the two leads meet again so soon, also recognise each other identity immediately, which is a surprise, no draw out like other series.
Ep3-5: somehow it went into hi, here are other 2-3 potential couples, here are the backstory of the father, here are more flashback of the FL (ep1 stuffs). And it just went down hill for me. Oh also, here is a 2 mins of the FL walk through a few rooms to deliver medicine to the ML, just so we can extend the drama time and showcase how beautiful the tower is. While I admit the set is beautiful, it does not make me feel like keep watching, if I want to watch beautiful stuff, i’ll Just turn on my Apple TV, let it go idol and watch earth from the space station or London from bird eyes view -.- or the Chinese farm ladder! Because of so many things being throw in, and multiple flashback (like 1 every 5-10mins), then switching between couples on top of that, it feels disjointed!
The main stuffs:
The love story between the two leads: so in ep1/2: it wasted our time trying to hunt there might be something between the oldest sect brother and the FL, just to end it with her do a pinky with the ML, hoping him to be well (at this point, it’s fine and we can put it as she has a good heart). But the second she saw him when they finally reunited, it seems that she’s totally concerned/into him >_>? No mention of the sect brother, while that sect brother seems to have another potential partner? Then why did you waste my time at the beginning with all that unnecessary dialogue and screen times???? And while I enjoy their scenes together (the FL and the ML), I just don’t feel the passion, the chemistry. He meant to be cold, but his lack of acting skill fail to demonstrate the complexity of his emotion, and her lack of character basically means two dead fishes delivering lines to one another, with the direction insert emotional cue actions so the audiences can “feel” their emotions for one another.
And this is another minus! Way too many of this! I don’t need a zoom in in the clench hand, the twitching eyes, the fluttering of the eyelashes to get what emotions the character meant to be feeling, yet I’m being spoonfed while feeling nothing from their eyes! It likes watching those daytime drama with really bad acting!
The fight scenes:
I love wuxia and love fighting sequence. I thought I would get decent one, but it’s rather a let down. Sure the production quality was good, but the sequence is too short and too simple. The only one worth while so far was the kick in ep1. The short dagger technique is too fast and therefore not really being displayed properly. For a wuxia, so far, I’m unimpressed with their fighting scene.
The female lead: for the first 5eps, she’s literally like a servant. Not a main character, a servant with a lot of flashback and screen time! She does nothing, totally useless (understandably why but still!). Her advantage? She looks a lot like ZLY. My main grip is why does she have to wear red? What’s the obsession with dressing the FL in red: the flame daughter, the legends, and now this. At least the two formal has a legitimate reason for it, and also explained in the drama. Whereas for this drama, I kid you not, in ep2, I was having a hard time figure out who’s the fl when two girls with same hairstyles and dress in practically the same clothes -.-‘
Should you give it a try? Possibly! Should you put your Hope up? Nope, possibly keep it as slow as possible. I didn’t have much expectation, only hey I might like this because it looks promising. But I come out totally not happy, but I will keep watching as I might be too hard!
If you have seen legend of qin, I think you should expect that same level. High production value, however, slow, uninteresting, with the occasional goodness, but overall, a big disappointment. At least that drama has good music, this one doesn’t >_<
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The only reason I give this a high score is because of Ming He and Jia Rou, Although her ending was known in advance (and sad), the chemistry between the actors was what kept me going! Love, love love! their scenes together. So happy that in the end, he remembered also the 3 years he spent with her and obviously felt feeling for her so he protected her to the last minute. He went back when he thought something had happened to her, and though he was rightfully mad at her for blocking his memories he didn't forget she sacrificed herself to help him live longer... Such a refreshing change from other dramas where the evil characters are just... well... evil.Plus that kissing scene felt so real on her side! She is such a good actress! I wish they had more kissing scenes but for them not being main leads I'm very grateful for the one I got
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When The Child Actors Outshine the Rest
This drama started strong. I was into it, that child actress and the child actor were awesome!! Unfortunately, they had to grow up and get replaced, which ruined the drama. ?I can't stand Crystal Yuan, which is too bad because there are a lot of Chinese actresses which are much worse. She is, and please, please pardon me for saying this, she is the most ordinary looking leading role actress ever, so when she is cast to play a woman of notable beauty, I tend to have a hard time believing in her character. It's so mean to say, but it is my personal opinion on the matter. She may have a wonderful personality in real life, which is maybe why she keeps getting cast in leading roles? I don't know, but nothing about her on screen presence makes her notable to me. I've dropped every drama she is in because I can't really bring myself to like any of her characters.
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Lo bueno de la historia es que ni bien se terminaba un arco argumental, ya se empezaba a tejer el siguiente. Por lo que no teníamos el problema frecuente de estar capítulos y capítulos hasta que pase algo digno de mirar.
Lo malo de la historia. Estaba plagado de altibajos por momentos genuinamente la disfrutaba y por otros sinceramente no me podía importar menos. Otro problema recurrente del drama, fue el uso excesivo del troop del envenenamiento y la venganza por la matanza de una familia.
Personajes:
En general no había casi química entre ninguno del elenco. La actuación era lo más plana, no transmitía ningún sentimiento, esto es especialmente una contra teniendo en cuenta la cantidad de parejas que se habían formado.
La actuación me pareció un poco exagerada por el lado de Xiao Tai y Gao Meng Fei. No me creí nada como los escribieron, sobre todo la actitud de este último para con la protagonista con la que se había criado y la reacción al saber la verdad de uno de los pilares de la trama. Otra cosa que me pareció occ fue la actitud de Qing lan cerca del final con Ming He.
Otro problema fue que al menos uno de los personajes desapareció un buen día y nunca se la volvió a ver, sin explicación.
Respecto de la FL, nos hicieron creen que la protagonista maduraba en el camino y siempre pecaba con lo mismo hasta el fin, la imprudencia. Contadas con los dedos de una mano nos dieron escenas donde se lucía por usar la cabeza. El ML en vez de darle el camino se cansó de salirse de las supuestas reglas para ir a ayudar a la que le gusta. Respecto del nacimiento de su romance tampoco hubo claridad.
Lo positivo
Tal vez el punto más fuerte de esta serie es el estilo de filmación y el cuidado que le pusieron a las escenarios que se utilizaron. Muy poco CGI y se nota que le pusieron un poco más de plata al tema de los trajes y el ambiente en general, cosa que no sucede en todos los dramas.
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