*Story*
I'm gonna be honest. When I first watched it, the whole time I was like WTF is this? The plot is lame, the jokes are lame, the acting is really exaggerating and... Wait a minute, am I watching the right drama?! I remember a lot of people being very confused about the genre of the drama. The two female leads call each other wifey, the two male leads has... Like THE most romantic moments EVER! Reading the summery again, I would swear that it's not a gay drama. A lot of people call it Queerbaiting but I actually disagree. It kind of suits the style of the drama and the synopsis clearly states that the male lead will end up with the female lead. The whole drama is just one big comedy with some serious plot in it that will slowly uncover as time passes by. The jokes are so bad in a way that's hilarious. The male lead is someone of modern time who rebirth to the world of this drama and I just love how the lead is also dissing the script so much. To put it short, you need to get through a few episodes to get used to the weird concept, but the moment you do, it becomes so good XD. However... the arcs never really ends... well. There are so many times when I'm like "Uhm, writer? Do you still remember that love line?" But yeah... unless they make a season 2, I felt the plot quite unfinished after finishing the show.
*Characters*
I've not read the original novel so I can't really say if they were similar to the novel or not. However, it did feel a bit exaggerated at first. Especially the female lead. Whether it was her personality or look, I felt like she took the wrong role. Not that she was a bad actor, but it simply didn't suit her. However, as time passed by, I actually started to like her a lot. I guess I had to get used to a foreigner (or at least a mixed race) playing an ancient role. I found her really pretty later and began to love her as well. I guess you have to keep in mind that it is meant to be a comedy so some exaggeration is completely normal. You just gotta get used to it. Generally speaking, none of the actors were really bad. Maybe a bit awkward here and there but not to the point of bad. Generally speaking, it was quite alright.
*Music*
I liked it. Have nothing else to say about it
*Rewatch value*
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely. Would I watch it again.... Probably not. One time is enough, but some lame parts/scenes are definitely worth to be put on repeat
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This review may contain spoilers
Choppy, Campy, Cute
So my take on this drama is that Xu Kai's role in this took a little while for me to get used to because the character he plays (Wan Lu) is soooooo conceited. I kept on watching though because Sandrine's character (Wan Wu) reminded me of myself and some of my best friends... kept me laughing myself sillyAltogether, I think I started warming up to him in the episode where his ego takes a serious beating and he shows some much needed humility and vulnerability... his likeability score before that episode wasn't very high.
The connectivity of each episode sometimes felt ever so slightly choppy... sometimes a "theme" would be introduced that would carry for maybe 3 or 4 episodes before that would be completed and another "theme" begun. This choppiness made the storyline feel more like a tv show than a smooth plotline, focused drama.
However, once I started the show, I didn't feel like dropping at all... the action, and tension were constant, the humor was funny most of the time ( to me), although I know others might prefer less campy comedy and more seriousness in the dramas they watch.
The start of the very first episode felt extremely cryptic and confusing, and half way through the drama when I began to suspect that Wan Lu was Ouyang reincarnated, I had to go back and rewatch the first episode to understand the from the strange occurrence of his birth. At the end when it's revealed otherwise, I had to read other fans assessment to discover that he WAS supposed to be Ouyang reincarnated in the book. I'm not sure why they changed that --- it makes a better storyline and also makes it easier to believe that they fall in love, because while I liked the not-serious, playful flirting between the two, I don't know how I feel about real budding feelings between WL and WW...I don't know if they can pull off the chemistry they need if they are supposed to fall in love. I guess we'll see since this show seems to be heading toward a second season.
I'll be keeping my eyes open, cuz it entertained me enough that I'll watch it as long as it has the same people acting in it.
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A drama that lightens up your day and absolutely deserves a 2nd chance!
Once upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain (let me shorten this to Lingjian) is a funny and lighthearted drama that will cheer you up in every possible way. At the same time, you will be seduced by the delicate balance between BG and BL romances between the characters. I can really recommend those in doubt to stick around a bit longer (after episode 12-13) to give it another chance. You will not regret it!I started Lingjian when it was airing around the end of 2019 because it had a high ranking. Similar to many others, my mind was full of "WTH is this?..." I found Sandrine Pinna's acting too exaggerated and the jokes very forced. I also could not stand the cheap-looking CGs and sets. So I put it on hold at around episode 12 and gave it a 6.5. The fact I did not entirely drop the ball is because I did not completely dislike it. Fast forward to early 2020, out of curiosity, I picked up the Legend and fell under the charm of Xu Kai. After also watching YanXi Place and Arsenal School of Military, in which Xu Kai showed utterly different sides of capabilities as actors, I just had to pick up Lingjian again. And I did not regret it. On the contrary, this has become one of my favorite c-dramas. I even watched it twice and I rarely do that with any dramas.
Let me start what I absolutely love about this drama: the courage to make a fool out of itself entirely. The origin of Lingjian is a very long but famous web novel that was adapted into a manga and an anime. The scriptwriters of the drama did their best to mimic the characteristics of the Shonen manga: serious and original main storyline but funny mixing with foolish connecting dialogues. The serious main story touches on relationships, love, family, friendships, loyalty, effort, immorality, and the constant fights between good and evil, questioning what considers as right and wrong in this world (sounds familiar?!). I have not seen many drama adaptations daring to mimic this style because of one simple reason: they are afraid to lose the audience by appearing to be too foolish. Real actors simply cannot make the same funny faces and turn themselves into walking emojis and animated characters! But the makers of Lingjian did it! They deliberately broke walls (e.g., Wang Lu mentions the names of Wei Ying Luo from Yanxi Palace or often declares he has the "protagonist aura"), incorporate parodies from other dramas/famous mangas (e.g., Naruto and Dragon Ball) and even Asian dramas (e.g., Meteor Garden and O2O) and request the actors to showcase the most improper expressions one can recall. Indeed, this is something you need to get used to. But once you do, you will start to adore this drama and be entertained through and through.
The other excellent watchpoint is the sweet combination of BG and BL romance. The brotherhood (BL) relationship between Wang Lu and Hai Yun Fan is something that did not exist in the original story but added by the makers. And they are so sweet. Their bond is very strong, and the two have the most beautiful moments together. I am amazed that some of the dialogues and scenes can even passed the Chinese censorship screening!
Many scenes made my BL-loving heart aching like crazy as there are some unexpected turns towards the end of the drama (I am not going to spoil more, but in my view, they even crossed the level of Untamed!)
Again, hats down to Xu Kai's over the top performance as Wang Lu! Unlike many other young actors, he showed he could step out of his comfort zone and display all types of expressions without any shame. But at the same time, his performance is to the points for all the serious scenes. In terms of the "wifey", I had to first grow into Zhu Yuan Bin's performance as HYF at the start. But as the show goes on, I liked him more and more. HYF has a charming personality but hides some darker obsessions within (does it remind you of someone?!). ZYB was able to show both sides convincingly. I will be looking forward to his future performances and his growth as an actor.
In terms of the GB romance, Wang Lu and Wan Wu's chemistry is not the strongest, but you can understand why and how they are falling for each other. Their romance is very subtle, and even towards the end, it is not very obvious whether there is a mutual feeling towards each other. Therefore this does not interfere with the BL aspect. I have to admit that I needed to get used to Sandrine Pinna's interpretation as WW (esp. the dubbing did not help!). But also here, you begin to like her after a while, and soon you cannot imagine someone else playing WW other than SP. She would just make expressions other pretty Chinese actress would not dare to do, and that is what makes out the charm of WW.
Finally, I would like to mention a few last arguments: the supporting characters are adorable. Wen Bao is absolutely my favorite here. I also really like Zhu Qin. The fighting scenes are surprisingly well made; combined with the FX, they mix well with the humorous side of the drama. The drama has a digestible of 37 episodes. Except for the first few episodes, there are limited fillers, and pacing is good. Finally, I like the ending! We know that many C-dramas have a lousy tail. Though many viewers complain about the open end, I find it just about right. It features a great and unexpected climax in the last few episodes and leaves us viewers wanting more. I really hope they are going to produce a second season! Otherwise, I am going to complain about the hell out of the studio!
I already mentioned a few improvement areas at the start, so I will not repeat them. Also, there are a few unlogical character development and storylining to create a dramatic effect. But ok... this happens so often in c-dramas that I start to ignore them.
All in all, this is an excellent drama that deserves a 2nd chance. In this time of global chaos and downturn, let Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain and its cast lighten up your day.
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Meh...
This is supposed to be a campy, light-hearted sort of drama and it hits those targets ocassionally, but that's where the entertainment ends. Granted, this is not my type of humour, I prefer a battle of wits, satire and dark humour. The only thing I found marginally amusing were the references made with regards to the 21st century. While I thought the jokes were too lowbrow, my boyfriend enjoyed the humour because he wholeheartedly likes lame jokes.Storyline: Since the plot is based off a 漫画, it is hard to really comment on the plot. I find animation and web novels to be too derivative. Because of that, I suppose it is average at best. It's been a long time since we watched this. I consider the plot to be unmemorable.
Cast: Right off the bat, I did not like Sandrine and it wasn't just because I thought she looked very odd and unattractive. Even if she had meant to recapitulate the animated/cartoonish portrayal of the character, I found her gesticulation and expression so overly exaggerated that it got on my nerves. This show could have used a better looking FL who could pull off being cute, because Sandrine couldn't. Another thing that bothered me is the inconsistent Chinese accent. This needs to be said! When we have a film whereby a French is portraying a British, the French has to learn to put on a British accent. Similarly, if you are Taiwanese and you are cast for a Mainland Chinese show, YOU MUST HAVE A PROPER CHINESE ACCENT! 东南西北, might as well have a fucking Indian accent! *angry* I've dropped so many titles because of this problem. Ok, frustration vented. My boyfriend and I agreed that of the two main leads, Xu Kai stood out in terms of acting. Although at times he had to behave comically, he transitioned from stupid to serious quite seamlessly. We also liked Xiao Ting, she made us hungry.
Music: Not really a fan of such songs but they're tolerable, possibly even good for the right audience.
Conclusion: I would have preferred a different FL and I may have rated it slightly higher if it was someone else. Otherwise, it's ok.
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But then, as I continue watching the entire series, I never thought it is very unpredictable and satisfying at the same time. XU KAI is the best for me. Not only he is handsome; but he really did a great job in here. He made the drama a whole lot better. And also kudos to other actors and actresses. WELL DONE! :)
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Xu Kai’s amber eyes
The storyline felt more like a parody to all that are utterly ridiculous in all Chinese fantasy and modern dramas.This little morsel of satire gem was just a delight to watch.
I have now a new favorite Taiwanese actress. As for Xu Kai, lately his screen performances have been just exemplary. Never could I expect that from a formerly known “eye candy”...
I Completely regaled myself with this piece of Satire.
I absolutely yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy recommended it.
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This review may contain spoilers
My favorite wuxia-fantasy chinese drama
This is a belated review-- I saw Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain back in Dec 2019. Unlike most viewers, I fell in love with the drama within the first 5 mins of ep 1. It was that simple-- a funny conversation between Wang Wu and Feng Yin (Head of the Lingjian Sect) and I was sold. With most dramas I need a few eps, but for Lingjian it took only 5 mins and 我入坑了。 Because of this I have also seen My Unicorn Girl (by the same director), that was not as charming. I guess having 2 experienced actors in the opening scene with really fantastic comedy lines made a difference :) And I was tickled how the very handsome Roger Kwok (Feng Yin) look like an Uncle here.To be honest, the next few episodes are a bit flat (the back and forth between the Old Man and Zhu Qin in the quest to find Wang Lu was a highlight though). The RPG part of the quest although refreshing, was a bit uninteresting as it drags. But the story picks up again when Wang Lu was accepted into Lingjian Sect and became Wang Wu's disciple. With Wang Wu in the scenes, the drama brightens up a lot!! The S&M part of Wang Lu's training was so hilarious and fun that quite a few period dramas copied this (the recently ended Court Lady is an example, hack it even has the same ML Xu Kai undergoing the same S&M training).
And as Wang Lu goes through various quests in alternate realities, illusions and more RPG situations-- the drama is a fantastic dreamland of wonders and fun! Supported by an amazing cast of actors, Ling Jian should be that comedy drama which you MUST watch.
My utlra favorite parts of the drama are:
1) When Wang Wu was held captive by Hai Tian Kuo. The shenanigans that Wang Wu got into in order to escape was hilarious and showcased her great acting skills ❤
2) The boyband performance of Wang Lu, Hai Yun Fan and Wen Bao. Initially I found this part very cringe and didn't like it. But on subsequent rewatch of the drama, I start to accept the craziness of the boyband and enjoyed it more.
3) When Feng Ling fell in love with Ouyang Shang. It did a parody of rom-coms -- the accidental meet in the rain, the female impersonation as male in order to enroll into a school, the fall into his arms, etc. were very well done and fun
In conclusion, good comedy becomes GREAT when you have a cast of capable actors with great comic timing and willing to sacrifice their image for the story. Sandrine Pinna was not worried that she'd look ugly in the scenes, but just went ahead and act according to script. And Xu Kai made a sacrifice to dress up as female in one scene! Do check for the behind the scenes for that as there are more that was shot but due to censorship, they were eventually axed in the final edit.
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My first impression of this series was more like WTH? Is this a troll drama? Some people said they found it confusing at first. But I think if you game you will understand the early references. At first, I only watched it because the drama was so different from my expectation of a wuxia drama (even for a comedy). I just wanted to see what was going to happen next. Than I got suck in and yelp..I finished it in 3 days. I then had to go back to re-watched the whole thing because I completed the series so fast I wasn't sure WTH I just watched.
Story line: I think the story will be better appreciated by guys. It's action pack like a gaming journey, little romance, and strong buddy friendships. It has a very Shonen manga vibe. Overall, I actually like the story because it starts really funny but gets meaningful at the end.
Acting: Everyone was good at their role. People disliked the main female lead but I actually find it refreshing. Like wow, finally a female character who is shamelessly herself. I also liked the female actress because I feel many Asian actresses would refuse to showcase the expression that she did. I can see why they cast her for the role.
Music: I think there was only 3 songs in this series but they were used effectively so no complaint. I have one currently on repeat.
Rewatch Value: I rewatched the whole thing so I would say yes.
Overall: 10/10. Did not know what to expect. Was more entertaining and enjoyable than I'd anticipated. 10/10 would recommend for my brothers, gaming and guy friends. Also, I pray they do a second season because I want to know what happens next.
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This review may contain spoilers
I think one of the reviewer "angelvsdevil" actually sums up pretty much everything. This is somewhat comedic dumb drama that you cant or shouldnt take too seriously (although the story picks up better mid the drama).I have to say I myself wasnt AT ALL A FAN of this genre, i drop this weeks back on ep2 but because I have plenty time decided to pick this back via netflix recommendation. Once you get used to the exaggeration and comedy, somehow I get sucked to binge and loving it.
The whole impression just reminds me of multiple drama parodies. WL gives me a little like WWX of untamed parody (even the look at times), the budding of WL and HY reminds me of untamed parody, the wolves story which is F4 meteor garden parody. also O2O ost cracks me up hard. Damn I love that song! The games story reminds me of liar game parody. The way WL insult the story line cracks me up so bad and the ways they use some line from other drama/idol. It is bizarre how I actually ended up liking this but somehow those weak points turns up to be the only things pushing me to watch more and more. i have to be honest I skip about 20% of the drama when the jokes get a bit too draggy or overboard.
The only 2 major complaints I have
1. I really like WL ego narcissistic smartass character, but takes me awhile to actually like WW. When i started to get used to the character, i actually really likes her but to be honest the love line between WW WL is just too forced. I absolutely hated this love line. First I feel that WL looks wayyy too young for her. Second, I really like their master discipline relationship which feels like WW is hard core mama bear, but the love line just totally ruin that perfect relationship. I dont know how everyone eventually liking it at all. It sort of giving me the disgust like a son loving his own mother sort of feeling. Yucks. Third, their personalities are too similar to become a couple, I dont feel one ounce compatibility at all. I was actually hoping HY brother ended up to be good and have a love line with WW instead, I find them really compatible and how they handle the jokes even age wise also more compatible. I am just terribly speechless and utterly disappointed with the ending. I thought this drama can surprise me with a better pairing.
2. Letting the first complain go because I enjoy the budding relationship between WL HY but why is the ending so unclear for HY story???? So who killed his family? Is it himself? How did he master the devil thing? Is he the one who killed his own parents from the start? The ending isnt legit at all as it feels like simply just flipping away rather than answering all the questions.
So to sum it up. I am recommending this to everyone, it was a light, packed with punches, crazy dumb drama that gonna crack you up. My suggestion is dont take it too seriously and just enjoy it. But although I like it, I wont rewatch it. Its sort of lame to hear the same jokes again and again. I enjoy the acting and loving most of the cast, even HY brother, love the music used, love the buddies relationship, love HY LL love line, love mentoring relationship, love the dumbass joke, love the parodies. Absolutely HATE the main love line, dislike the open ending. And funniest thing is I would hated to see sequel (if there is any) as I wont want to see the main love line, but at the same time I am damn curious what happen to HY).
This drama just sort of doesnt follow the law of drama, but still good. Hope this helps.
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Story- It's wacky, out of the box kind of humor. Although it's not everyone's kind of humor but the story actually revolves around relationships- family, friendship and enemies. A lot of unexpected events that will crack you up and will make you cry.
Acting/Character- As I've said earlier, I can't get pass the FML at first, but she slowly grew on me and I find her hilarious!!! I love her. So if you're like me, give her a chance, it's worth it
Well as for Xu Kai's acting... it's given... XU KAI is XU KAI, he breaks his comfort zone, ready to try different genre, although without formal acting training, he's a creme dela creme actor. If this is your first drama of XK, you may want to check Arsenal Military, The Legends and Yanxi Palace (which btw, skyrocketed his career). The supporting actors are good as well. All of them fits their roles so well.
Music- love the Formerly - Dong Zhen & Yao Yang ost!!!
Rewatch- I will definitely rewatch this again if i feel like I am pretty bored with the usual drama. This one is unique on it's own, it's like you're reading a manhua. lol Sorry, I can't explain what I am trying to say. hahaha!
Overall- Don't give up on this drama after just watching a few episodes, who knows this could turn out to be one of your all time favorite cdrama, no harm in trying! Jiāyóu!
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However, I really did not like the ending. While it does kind of wrap up most of the dangling plot threads, I feel that the ending episodes were generally rushed and really did not provide an emotionally resonant conclusion to the drama. It also seems that the ending is hinting at a sequel and purposefully leaves some conflicts unresolved for this purpose. Even accounting for this I lost interest around episode 30 and had to drag myself to finish the series.
Good but not great due to an unsatisfying ending.
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