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A magical dream that you don't want to come out of
This drama has been out for more than 1.5 years and pretty much everything that needs to be said has been said. The only thing I want to add is that this drama is probably the most magical drama I have ever watched. It's like a dream that you don't want to get out of.The things I liked:
1. The story was tight knit, solid and had good consistency throughout even though towards the end it felt a little disjointed but the thematic coherency they maintained was good.Execution was elegant, character development, plot development, dialogues everything was done with thoughtfulness and effort.
2. The acting. Aside from Dylan and Esther being downright spectacular, I liked how the supporting cast also proved themselves especially Zhang linghe as changheng and ronghao's actor was brilliant.
3. This drama has probably one of the best osts I have ever heard. It complemented the scenes and even provided context for the characters emotional states in such a way that was so raw and so poignant sometimes that you forget it's a drama.
4. The costumes. Especially dongfang qingcang's costumes that Dylan rocked. Man is made to be wearing long dark elegant beautifully embroidered robes! I loved the color schemes and the aesthetics that they were trying to going for that addr an extra layer to their identities, be it cangyan tribe or shuyuntian people or the XISHAN people.
5. Production value and cgi was through the roof. The budget reflects that and it delivered. One of the c dramas that I have seen with Hollywood level cgi.
Things I felt could be better:
1. The drama being 4 episodes longer which would have made the finale more impactful and not feel rushed. Especially dongfang qingcang's death and his revival.
2. Xunfeng and danyin should have been a couple.
3. More background on taisui and how the first goddess subdued him. I felt like they just introduced him as a plot device, about whom we got to know very little about. He just appeared few times and suddenly after ep 31 he is the big threat. The transition seemed forced.
4. Ronghao killing the xilan tribe and the supposed ties between xiyun and chidi was introduced and then was never addressed which is odd.
This drama is one of the best xianxia love stories that I have watched and many more dramas will come and go but this will have a special place in my heart.
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Additionally, the acting of Zhang Ling He, Xu Hai Qiao, and Cristy Guo was equally impressive. Kudos to all the remaining actors and actresses who played vital roles in bringing this captivating storyline to life. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved; each team member played a crucial part in making this drama unforgettable.
However, I do have one critique—I found the ending a bit confusing. The complexity left me wondering about the possibility of a sequel. I'm truly hoping for a part two to provide further clarity and continuation of this intriguing story.
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Such a sweet romantic tale
Started watching it randomly and was blown away and got hooked BADLY, finished it in 3 days and just wish I could experience it all again for the first time.The acting by the main leads is amazing, this was my first ever time watching Dylan Wang and I am amazed by how good he is. I think I am gonna watch more dramas of the two main leads.
The story is amazing, I honestly wish there was more. The tracks are all so nice to hear as well.
I never skipped the ost track because of how beautiful it was.
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This review may contain spoilers
perfect "opposite attracts" shot of serotonin
SECOND WATCH REVIEW (never wrote a review on first watch, it was one of the first c dramas i had watched back then)This show is very much a cutie-patootie. Dylan Wang really plays Dongfang Qing Cang so well. And his acting is really showcased when he “switches bodies” with Orchid. His mannerisms and demeanor completely change, you really forget it’s an actor just acting.
That said, Esther also played Orchid pretty well. I just think I’ve watched too many shows with her in a row that I actually kinda hate the personality she always seems to play. Not quite dumb but also not that smart, always bubbly and cute with a splash of dramatized innocence. I did appreciate the complexity of Orchid’s character as the show goes on.
Most importantly, their romance WORKS. Dongfang Qing Cang is cynical and broken, Orchid is optimistic and determined. While it was “enemies to lovers”, it also wasn’t. Orchid doesn’t see him as an enemy beyond the logistical reality of his Moon Tribe background. It’s also warming how her gift of life revives his emotion tree from day one. He is domineering and bossy, but clearly trying to resist falling in love. It was too cute to watch. I think in this way that we are actively watching them fall in love with each other for their *core* personalities and quirks, you root for them despite the odds and cliches.
Shang Que was a cute loyal dragon sidekick ready to support Dongfang Qing Cang always and then Orchid and of course Jie Li. His and Jie Li’s romance was cute. I wish it was *explored* a tad more but overall it does work. I like that the fierce dragon is the “dummy in love” while Jie Li is the cunning orphan. It’s basically a gender-bent version of the main couple on a smaller scale.
Rong Hao was pretty annoying. I get that he was basically possessed but I wanted to throw my screen across the room every time he talked about saving Chi Di Nu Zi. I will say the scenes with him and her were pretty poignant and I like that it was more maternal/familiar love than romantic. Their ending was sad but very fitting and satisfying. The only thing (due to translations I feel) I’m not sure I understand is why Rong Hao was so surprised about her “mortal desire” being caring for him. I guess he didn’t realize she literally brought him back to life…pretty quid pro quo resurrecting that happens between them.
Chang Heng was great. It’s been a long time since the secondary love interest is *not* bad. I wish there was more of this. He never turns evil, in fact, he persists him being righteous even as his brother the Heavenly Emperor threatens to kill him over and over.
Fairy Dan Yin was also a solid side character. I always love when the “mean girl” becomes friends with the main lead. Like Chang Heng, I wish they could have their own happy romance (not necessarily together but just with a person for each of them).
IDK if it’s because I’ve watched so many more c-dramas so I “get the set up” for these shows now, but the ending wasn’t as bad as I remembered. That said, I do feel like the second half of the show “loses” control of the plot as compared to before the “battle”.
I know in fantasy death is not always permanent but I hate when the logic is inconsistent. I am ALWAYS happy with a HEA, but I still don’t fully understand *how* he came back to life? They claim he has to die for the evil Tu thing to also die. If he’s back, is the evil spirit also alive??? It’s very similar to Love You Seven Times in that you get a “happy ending” but you still feel a little wary because it just doesn’t 100% add up. If Orchid had died instead, would she also have just come back to life lol?
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I wished the ending was slightly different which is why I rated story as 9.5 (would be KEEN for season 2)
I love the FL, ML and 2nd ML.
I laughed, cried, got angry, cheered, shouted 'whyyyy?!' at the screen 😂 highly recommend this series!
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So funny and too good!
The first few minutes were confusing and I thought this is going to be a long complicated drama trying to figure out all the character names, but as I got watching it turned out to be seriously good! And incredibly funny - there were loads of moments where I couldn’t stop laughing! I didn’t expect it to be this good!The leads actors not only did their roles justice but I feel went up and beyond. They were perfect for the roles and made the drama enjoyable and entertaining to watch.
Great unique storyline and execution! It’s one of my top favourite Cdramas.
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true love
such an amazing plot and good casting with perfect acting and visuals. Anf the way tgey expresses how the love works between a devil and angel it was so nice and tgat unexpected mysteries of female lead also a nice turning point for the story that it makes the viewers more curious and interested to watch it even more and again. And damn their way of selecting costumes and their makeups alll looks so perfect for their character. And the graphics and background for suitable situation and the back ground musics are even more so suitable for its situation and with good vocal.Was this review helpful to you?
Excellent drama 10 /10
Background sound system kill me its just too great and nice to listen. The chemistry between hero and heroine perfect and enjoyable. The characters between male lead and second lead super and great . Esther yu acting excellent and perfect following her characters. The story line perfect and different. The ost of drama fantastic can listen every day. The actress and actors look great with their costumes.Was this review helpful to you?
Love, Fate, and Heartbreak
I just loved the ML! This drama was hilarious, but it also had me crying so much because of both the ML and FL. I was not okay. This show broke my heart in some parts.I was a little disappointed with the side characters. I didn't like them as much as I hoped I would, and I got annoyed by their behavior at times. I also found the FL's voice kind of annoying at first, but I could handle it.
What I really loved was how this show focuses on emotions and how powerful they can be. Sometimes you just need someone in your life to help you find and unlock those emotions. I also liked how the drama shows that when you truly love someone, living can feel like hell itself, causing you to lose yourself.
This show touches on some really heavy themes, such as how love can drive people mad and how, if you truly love someone, you can let them go. It also shows how fate can be unfair and that you can't run away from who you are, because it will always find you.
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A Love Story Like No Other
If you love Xiaoxia or Wuxia this is definitely a must watch, I've watched many Wuxia and Xiaoxia but this show stands out completely against Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, Ashes of Love and Love and Redemption.Story : Dong Fang Qing Cang and Xiao Lan Hua love story is a beautiful journey, it will make you laugh, cry, give you butterflies and warm your heart. Many who watch the show may find Xiao Lan Hua a little immature/childish in the beginning but as the story continues her character grows and so does their love. You must give this show a chance to understand the story and I promise you that you won't regret it. When I finished the show I was blown away by how amazing it was, I cried for a half hour and felt so sad that it was over. This show touch my heart in ways that really made me enjoy the show at the fullest, the show has a unique charm to it like no other. The love between Dong Fang Qing Cang and Xiao Lan Hua is one told in a very poetic way. What also stood out is that all of the side characters also have such a beautiful and painful story being told at the same time, which drew me in even more because it helped me feel for all of the characters and not only the main characters.
Cast: The two actors that act as Dong Fang Qing Cang and Xiao Lan Hua are amazing at their roles!!! I promise you that you will not be disappointed in the actors, you can see every emotion through there eyes, they absorb you into the show with their acting. The other actors as well did a wonderful job in their roles,
Music : Now the ost and music for this show it out of the world, the way they direct the show with the music makes you feel every emotion. The scenes become so much more intense and sad, they have a beautiful variety of background music. They produced the best sound track for this show without a doubt, I was honestly astounded how they managed to fit every song into the show appropriately. The soundtracks add into the story and the emotions of the show, making your heart clench every time a song comes on. Each song is so beautiful and well written.
Overall I can't get enough of this show, I hope those who watch it enjoy it as much as I did. If you watched and loved "Love and Redemption", I would recommend this as a watch 100%. I honestly wish I could erase my memory and rewatch this all over again. TT
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An Easy Binge Despite Its Length
Summary: I really LOVE this incredibly romantic fantasy period love story! Although the series was 36 episodes long, I easily gobbled up this true romance (like it was half that length), which provided a generous helping of hilarious, touching, and edge-of-seat moments with an epic, bittersweet soundtrack in the background. Despite the classic protagonist-in-peril scenes in almost every other episode, there was always an interesting storyline or plot twist or visual until the very end except for some strange story holes (explained below) and the last episode left me disappointed. I still give it a 10 and would definitely watch again. Also, the illustrations in both opening/closing credits are STUNNING (wish I could find where to buy a poster).Details: Only through a Viki viewer recommendation was I introduced to this amazing drama (watched on Netflix to avoid commercials). I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story creator Jiulu Feixiang also inspired “The Legend of Shen Li,” another drama I liked, and she’s easily becoming one of my favorite story makers. I’ve also seen Dylan Wang and Esther Yu separately in other shows and really enjoy each actor’s work, so it was no surprise that I’d love this show as well. Dylan Wang and Esther Yu did amazing jobs playing contradicting good/evil characters with some cringe-inducing scenes.
You can feel the natural sparks between the leads with such cute/sweet interactions like cooking for each other and coming to the other’s rescue. One of my favorite scenes (among many) is when Dongfang Qingcang put his hand around Orchid’s waist and commands everyone to stop messing with HIS woman! And Orchid's nicknames for Dongfang Qingcang are so adorable.
Some critiques I do have are:
- the fact that they introduced a new concept towards the very end and then dropped it like a bad habit, a power called glazed fire; I would have loved to see how that tied into the storyline and connected the main characters to their real destiny
- the episodes toward the end dragged out and were overly dramatic, leaving little time for a solid ending in the last episode
- the last episode felt rushed and empty, and a bit inconsistent with previous scenes in the beginning and middle of the show; for example…
- the strange, contradicting dialogue between Orchid and Xunfeng in which Orchid doesn’t think Qingcang will return but asks whether Xunfeng believed in miracles
- why it took 500 years for Orchid to have to see Qingcang again when it seemed like he only had to wait a few months for her return; the filmmakers could have given them an actual 500 years of marriage instead and expounded on those scenes, like showing Dongfang Qingcang / Orchid teaching their children the power and legend of glazed fire (which I’d also like to learn about :D)
- when they were reunited, Orchid’s reaction seemed out of character; I was hoping Qingcang would put the two-finger smile on her but the scene was so anti-climactic
I did check out the epilogue which was also disappointing, unless you like montages of past scenes in a show. I was hoping for some new material.
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Golden Standard for Chinese Drama
This show is the Golden Standard for Chinese Drama. There is a reason other shows are so often compared to this one. The main cast's acting is so on point that one actually forgets there are actors on the screen rather than the characters themselves. The emotion, the micro-expressions, the sorrow, and the jubilation... The audience feels it all right along with them. The story is so expertly interwoven with each character's personal journey that it can be difficult to tell where one ends and another begins.I cannot speak for anyone else, but characters are what capture me in a story. Give me a good character--flawed but captivating--and I will become emotionally involved every single time. Dongfang Qingcang was that character for me. His story was breathtaking in its depth and sincerity. Wang Hedi (Dylan Wang) played him expertly. I hope he takes on another such role in the future.
This is the very Chinese Drama I have ever watched all the way through. I heard about it through fan videos, watched it, and literally signed up for Viki because of this show. It got me hooked on historical C Dramas. On a personal note, I discovered this show a few months after the passing of a loved one so some of the themes touched on in this particular drama hit very close to home.
"Love Between Fairy and Devil" will always be one of my favorites. In fact, I am rewatching the show on Viki now! MUCH better subtitles.
If you haven't watched this show, put it on your list. You won't regret it.
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