Be the chess player, not the chess piece.
Sword Snow Stride evokes all my best wuxia memories; action, adventure, chivalry, an old murder mystery, political intrigue and a dash of romance and a medley of eccentric surrounding characters with astounding martial arts capabilities.Set in a fantasy world, Xu Fengnian is the son and heir of the fearsome warlord Xu Xiao, king of North Liang, Liyang's largest and most powerful fiefdom. Adapted from 烽火戏诸侯 Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou's epic 20 volume novel The Snowy Path of the Heroic Blade 雪中悍刀行, this first instalment focuses on the coming of age of main protagonist Xu Fengnian.Anchored by Zhang Ruoyun and adapted by Wang Juan of Joy of Life fame, this was one of 2021's most anticipated dramas and for me, it did not disappoint. The leisurely pace at which the plot unfolds gives the viewer the time to imbibe the rich complexity of the interplay between characters and their relationship dynamics. Wang Juan has taken his writing to a new level, delivering a crisp dialogue that gives the first impression of wit and occasionally irreverent humour that masks profound layers of hidden meaning, wisdom and emotions in conversations within conversations. This is most evident in Fengnian and Jiang Ni's delicious repartees but it also underlies multiple exchanges between Xu Xiao and Fengnian and belie numerous other superficially adversarial relationships. This requires a level of sophistication and nuance in the portrayals that is only done justice by the more experienced actors.This is unfortunate for Li Gengxi whose lack of experience is evident in her immature and shallow rendition of the marvellously atypical Jiang Ni. Despite some endearing moments, she does not "own" the character quite the same way Zhang Ruoyun is Xu Fengnian but he is a tough act to follow and not a fair comparison for a young actress. She warms to the role considerably in the latter half and I would be happy to see her return for the second season.
Do not be deterred by the fact that this drama did not live up to the high expectations of Chinese viewers, whose main issues are with the slow pace, the choice of female lead and the slo mo action scenes. It is true that the direction of some scenes, in particular action scenes could have been better. While the director wanted viewers to appreciate the grace, artistry and difficulty of the actors movements, the end result is the scenes lack the intensity and thrill of imminent peril. This is understandably a dealbreaker for some hard core wuxia action fans but it didn't really bother me. As the drama progresses, there is some speeding up of the fight scenes that are boosted by Marvel universe like CGI. The final encounter is spectacularly ferocious, thrilling and violent enough to satisfy most critics.
The drama opens with the roguish young Xu Fengnian living in the moment while traipsing the world with his groom Old Huang. He is not comfortable with his father's ruthless tactics and eschews his legacy, one that puts him in the crosshairs of those in the highest circles of power. While Fengnian draws inspiration from many mentors, Xu Xiao and Old Huang are by far his most important early influencers. An unconventional thinker, Fengnian refuses to compromise, strives for win win outcomes but does not hesitate to be ruthless when he needs to be. As he steps up into his role, he starts out as a mere chess piece in a high stakes game where his father Xu Xiao is many steps ahead. Along the way, he grows to be the chess player, not the chess piece. He also better understands his father's choices and become more like his father in some aspects. Zhang Ruoyun and Hu Jun have great chemistry and I found their unorthodox banter and relationship hilarious and moving; we really didn't get enough of them together! This must be Zhang Ruoyun's best role, I enjoyed both his portrayal and Xu Fengnian the character even better than his fabulous Fan Xian in Joy of Life.
While Fengnian starts out protected by his father's retainers, he manages to win hearts and minds using his own unique methods and inducements and finds himself surrounded by a formidable entourage of martial artists, retainers and maids with mysterious pasts; leaving a string of alliances and favours owed in his wake. These are classic wuxia archetype characters that make me shiver with delight at their single minded obsession with the quest for supremacy that comes with inevitable sacrifice and regret; who willingly barter their swords and their lives to advance or to honor past promises or debts. While the story revolves around Xu Fengnian, so many of these surrounding master swordsmen captured my heart and imagination with their prowess and their backstories from the laconic and lethal White Fox, Old Huang, Qing Niao and of course Sword God Li Chungang. The many awe inspiring female swordsman makes it hard for Jiang Ni to really shine and leaves the indelible impression that Fengnian is a man with a fleet of many ships.
It is said that a hero is only as good as its villain and in Zhao Kai, Liu Duanduan explores a deeper villain, a riveting opposite character to Xu Fengnian.and pulls off an oddly empathetic antagonist that practically steals the show. They are both scheming and ruthless characters who attempt to escape their destiny but that is where their similarities end. Zhao Kai is utterly lacking in moral fibre and can only win by foul means ,regardless of consequences or how many must die. He is dangerously and humorously self aware of this and stalks Xu Fengnian looking to exploit a moment of weakness. He won my heart with his unabashed appreciation of Xu Fengnian's brilliance and insight; were their goals not in such conflict, Zhao Kai would be Xu Fengnian's greatest fan. It is a great pity Zhao Kai is not an out of box thinker that could have found a way to align his interest with that of Fengnian. Even though Zhao Kai is far from the most powerful antagonist, a big chunk of the season one plot revolves around his pursuit of Xu Fengnian.
Season one draws to a very satisfying conclusion with an epic and very satisfying showdown and major immediate tasks achieved. It leaves me hungering for more but not in that awful cliffhanger kind of way. It will undoubtedly take a few years for season two to materialise but even if it doesn't, we can still think of this as an immensely enjoyable and very satisfying slice of life kind of drama. This is the second 9.5 from me for 2021 that closes the year on the same high note that Word of Honor started it on.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Epic Journey of the True Son of Bei Liang.
This show is a wholesome package. From politics to scheming and strategies, romance and comradeship, family bonds and the journey of growth +cute beasts and martial arts manuals :).....This has a little of everything in a way that doesn't overwhelm you.This is the story of Xu Feng Nian, the much anticipated future lord of Northern(Bei) Liang. But that doesn't mean he will be under the limelight throughout the show. Each and every person he meets has a character arc that could impress us in the long run. The story is very well developed. The pace may not be uniform but the overall effect is heightened due to this.
This is a show which you must definitely watch once completely before forming an opinion because everything( even what you might think idiotically unintelligible and frustrating) make sense eventually at various check points in the story.
'Once' you finish it I am sure you will hurry to rewatch it and gather clues on what is yet to come.
Can't forget to raise a toast to the stellar cast and their solid performance. Although we have only seen little of some, their roles are too consequential to the storyline to be ignored in the upcoming seasons. So although season 1 has given a worthy closure to the first part of the story, I am looking forward to even brighter follow up seasons.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best TV Show of 2021
I fell in love with the world instantly. The martial arts or the so called “magic system” in this universe is really well thought out. It makes so much of the tension during the political plot-lines heighten because of how well-defined the kind of martial artist can exist in this world. Yes, a person who can wipe whole armies exist but somehow it makes sense because they are almost always philosophically defeated individuals and are not willing to party with the political players.That’s where the main character comes in. He chooses his moments of authenticity and cunning well, so much so that he wins the hearts of the strongest in the realm to work with him. The other characters have their stories and layers of personality. No characters are left behind in terms of development.
I’ve seen some people say the fight scenes are bad. The slow motion scenes are a stylistic choice and I like it. I do agree however that they’re not as flashy as some of the best anime fight scenes. But it’s up to the viewer whether fight scenes have to be as good as they get. I don’t care much about them, the rest of the drama is excellent.
Was this review helpful to you?
Top notch
I had high hopes for this and I am glad i didn't get disappointed. Although i would say that I thought that this would be more wuxia oriented rather than political but the storytelling is great, the flow is good. The pacing is good, kinda slow but only cause there is so much going on so the plot and characters have to develop accordingly. The characters are interesting to watch. It resembles Joy of life a quite a bit but it is own story. The acting is great. There are a lot of familiar faces, so make it easy to watch. They keep me captivated, I don't have any urge to fast forward or anything.Zhang Ruoyun is a treat to watch, like his charisma is wow. He is smart and cunning, knows how to turn things his way. His interactions with other characters are fun to watch, there are many hidden messages in them. The dynamics between him and his father is funny and sweet at the same time. They clearly understand and care for each other just have different ways of showing it. There seems to be a lot of gray characters, makes one wonder how that will play into the story. No ones motive is clear expect Xu feng nian's, well most of the times. Lovely chemistry between the cast. I have to say that Xu feng nian and Jiang ni are so refreshing to watch. Both have done so much for each other but Jiang ni less conniving/scheming about it tho. I love seeing Qing Niao on screen is so pleasing and satisfying to watch. She's quite captivating to watch, glad she got good amount of screen time.
Money definitely went into this, the production is big. The beginning is quite light and comedic but I wont be surprised if this turns heavy later on (which it did). There's a balance in the plot, it has a bit of everything. I would say that this is more focused on the political and power struggle. One thing i didn't like was how it was advertised to be very wuxia oriented but there are barly any fighting scenes. Other than that i would recommend it. Glad that this didnt end up in a cliff hanger and was tird up nicely. Hope they announce Season 2 soon.
Was this review helpful to you?
Is peace an excuse to hold on to imperial power?
If you want well-paced, fully realized world-building, well-written characters and relationships, intriguing political plotlines, and good action scenes, then this is the drama for you. It is the best chinese drama I have seen yet that fits my criteria neatly. It toes the line between classic chinese wuxia and the fantasy elements perfectly. The characters are all multi-dimensional and the plot is carried along through a fun-loving main character who doesn't lack any depth himself. Xu Fengnian is the most interesting main character I've seen in a long time. He tries to embrace both the meticulous scheming as well as the martial foolhardiness and the writers and ZRY are good enough to pull it offThe biggest plus point of this drama is the use of a rather slow plot advancement to build on intercharacter relationships. No character in this series is black and white, complete good or evil and it wrestles with the debate about what peace means in an exploitative imperialist state.
Was this review helpful to you?
卧虎藏龙 Crouching Tigers and Hidden Dragons – Witty, Humorous, Philosophical
I love this story. It is inundated with hidden talents that are unexpected, mysterious, interesting, complex and contrasting. Each character has distinct characteristics and is unforgettable. Adapted from a very popular web novel by the talented script writer Wang Juan who has also written for Joy of Life and Young Blood, this drama has a very similar vibe as Joy of Life which was also played by Zhang Ruo Yun as the main lead. Together with Hu Jun, this drama gives the viewers an unusual wuxia story with modern vibes.Within the first episode, my interest was piqued: Why is the heir to the King (Lord) of Bei Liang displaced? He is like a beggar, dirty in rags, stealing food. Why are there assassination attempts on his life? In fact, seemingly insignificant, how would anyone know he’s the heir and track his whereabout? Why does his old hag of a horse servant run faster than him but not fending him when they are being chased? Why does he want everyone to think that he’s a good-for-nothing idiot? Why is his fearsome father so fearful of him? All these questions, and more, pop up in my head and urge me to continue.
Xu Fengnian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) is well known to be the number one useless playboy in the world. That’s what he wants others to think. Those who know him, including his own father, know he’s the most compassionate, intelligent and strategic person around. For Xu Fengnian, his philosophy of 不取舍, 不妥协 (Bù qǔshě, bù tuǒxié) -- never abandon (as in sacrificing), and never compromise -- brings him a fortunate stroke of serendipity with friends and followers that vow to protect him with their lives. It is this uncompromising conviction that his father, the fearsome General Xu Xiao (played by Hu Jun), thinks his son too naïve and need to be exposed to the reality and darkness of life. During Xu Fengnian’s quest, his father exposes his track to his enemies, at the same time, sends diehard top warriors to protect him. The actions are both ironic and hilarious.
Xu Xiao perhaps can be considered as an ideal father for any child: ruthless and fearsome for others but doting on, even to the extent of submissive to, his own children. He is like a tiger when facing his enemies, but immediately morphs into a little mouse when facing his own children. Unlike most ancient Chinese parents who demand absolute obedience, Xu Xiao doesn’t. In fact, seemingly letting Xu Fengnian having his own way, constantly Xu Xiao teaches him without the youngster even realizing it until very much later when things finally fall into place and reveal themselves. As a great chess player, Xu Xiao is always multiple steps ahead of everyone. Though disagree with the way his father handles things, Xu Fengnian comes to realize and respect his father for his foresightedness.
As romance is not the central theme to the story, as of season one anyway, nonetheless viewers do get a peek at Xu Fengnian’s possible love interest. As a princess of a by-gone kingdom which is conquered by Xu Xiao, Jiang Ni (played by Li Gengxi/Teresa Li) has a love-hate relationship with his family. On one hand, she understands that Xu Xiao has saved her, on the other, she is upset that Xu Xiao has taken her country and destroyed her family. She takes her torments out on Xu Fengnian by repeatedly assassinating him. Despite her continued laments that she is now a maid for Xu Fengnian, she is happy to dry his books for him under the sun.
Perhaps the most pitiful character is our antagonist, Zhao Kai (played by Liu Duanduan). His one-track mindedness to kill Xu Fengnian is both funny and pathetic.
Xu Fengnian’s relationship with all the characters has been very well developed, and from here, viewers can clearly see his values and baseline. He loves all his siblings and constantly want to protect them. He cares for all his people, including his maids and servants, and treat them like his own family.
Hu Jun has a commanding look. One look at him would conjure up images of ruthlessness, and in wrath, he could order to kill everyone that comes in his way. And yet, at a click of the fingers, Hu Jun can become the most affable grandfather any kids would love to cuddle up with. Hu Jun is simply amazing and has captured his character with flying colors. Zhang Ruoyun’s acting here is rather similar to that of Joy of Life with an apathetic look. His chemistry with Hu Jun is so great that most viewers do not have enough of their scenes together. Most of the criticism of choice of actors has perhaps fallen on Li Gengxi, who comparatively, is less attractive than the others and has less experience in acting. However, I find her acting acceptable and she has brought out the Jiang Ni character rather convincingly. Her chemistry with Zhang Ruoyun is good too.
My Verdict
This is not your normal kind of wuxia story. Every character has its story and each may carry a big mystery behind it. What each character says is not necessarily what it (the character) means, and its action not necessarily the actual motive. Everything is not what it seems and it is hard to fathom until the treacherous events brought forth to light.
Some of the actions can be illogical, and the logic can be so simple that it becomes illogical and unusual, making the whole thing hilarious. The use of analogies, double or hidden meaning in each sentence which consists of blunders layered on top of each other, making the dialogues extremely amusing. Every move and word from the characters is out of expectation. Though speaking with dialogues in ancient poetic verses, they are infused with modern vibes. The humors have come from the conflicting ideas and situations, in the satirical of human weaknesses. When it exaggerates, it doubles down. It is all these that make the whole story intriguing and captivating.
A lot of the criticism has come from viewers dissatisfy with the slow motion of martial art actions. Perhaps some viewers are expecting the type of martial art fighting scenes of the Hong Kong style of the old days when many of such actors were indeed martial art masters themselves. For me, I would have preferred the current style, as the director attempts very well to show the viewers the beauty of the fighters’ choreography and stance with hair flying and robes floating in the air. The current style of shooting emphasizes more on aesthetic values rather than the actual fighting itself. Therefore, this is a matter of taste, and should not be used to judge the quality of the drama.
Unlike the cliff hanger ending for Joy of Life, and despite the unresolved mysteries in this story, the ending here for season one is at a very appropriate point. This is a drama that makes you smile and feel warm from within.
Great drama! Recommended! Two thumbs up!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Very Clever Chess Games Between Brilliant Players
Seriously the best Cdrama of 2021 for me. I personally feel like the episodes are too short despite it being 38 episodes. Everything moves so fast and there are a lot of things happen at the same time. It’s one of the drama that you feel that you can watch hundreds of episodes of them since it is simply entertaining and intriguing, and believe me, 38 episodes of this is not enough at all. It is cleverly written with well-developed characters and most of all, I love the message that the author wanted to deliver in his story.One of the greatest premises of the drama is the well planned and clever schemes that took decades to materialize. I love how Xu Xiao is like a master of chess that no matter how Fengnian tried to break away from his plans, he ended up following exactly what his father has set for him. It just made you shudder on how Xu Xiao has planned for literally everything and how even when Fengnian did things opposite of him, he ended up following his father's plans again. It was cleverly written with so many interesting details.
Aside from that, I love how they cover the details and address the seemed 'pretentious' act that many leads like to make in historical dramas. Like one of the Lady pointed out Fengnian's hypocrisy of saving the whole Wang family at the expense of killing his army. The way he answered it holds so many truths as soldiers are different from innocent civilians. Their job is to protect the civilians and he is with them fighting the bad guys all the way at the expense of his life as well. Or the motivations of his mother not revealing the assassination attempt on her and his father's choice not to wage war with the royal family for personal vendetta is handled really well. Everything made sense, with no plot holes and every decision holds true to every character's motivation even when they only appear couple of minutes in the drama. For someone who appreciate details and bullet-proof story with no plot holes, this drama is a total joy. I also appreciate how the schemes are done with basis and very detailed preparations and it is not like they are solely predicting the enemies' moves and actions but they are actually geared the enemies to move according to their narrative. This is the brilliance of Fengnian and how he is as dazzlingly intelligent and probably smarter than his father or his teacher. That’s is why when he said he will get ‘both’, I believe him since he has the brains to get all the things that he wants without compromising either one, whether his beliefs or morals.
Zhang Ruoyun did amazingly in this role. I think the brilliance in his acting is how he separate Fan Xian and Fengnian completely despite both characters are very similar in many ways -- extremely brilliant & intelligent, talented at martial arts, unpredictable, loyal, warm-hearted, funny, playful, full of love but underneath all that, both are a reluctant hero who just wish to live a happy and untroubled life with their family. Both have 90% traits similar with each other but there are not 1 ounce of Fan Xian that I see in Fengnian. Fan Xian seemed like someone who didnt care about anything at all while Fengnian is someone who cares so much -- so much to a point that even his enemies can know and predict his moves. Zhang Ruoyun handles Fengnian delicately and proved again how he is one of the best actors of his generation.
The last episode pretty much very satisfactory and while I can predict why Fengnian wants to make a do with XuanXuan family for the water routes, I never thought it is for his mother's revenge, I thought it is to bring his siblings home. I was intrigued to know who is his accomplice at the court and everything is answered with many hints of secrets lurking at the background. I know it will be gazillion years before we can watch the 2nd season but I will wait patiently. Great dramas are not made in one day and this is the case for this one.
Was this review helpful to you?
There will be a season two
I felt like Zhang Ruoyun's character was marvelous, didn't show much of Zhang Tian'ai and Vengo Gao but their acting skills were not bad also. I loved the story line the most. The drama had good actors as a whole, the dram has a good theme song. The fighting scenes were superb. The way the characters were revealed gave me this kind of feeling that it is one of the best drama to watch and enjoy. But I can't wait for the next season two.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Quite enjoyable and never gets boring.
It only took few glimpses of this drama for me see how confident it is in its dialogue, plot, acting, execution.... everything. It doesn't waste time to make it apparent that you need a shift of viewing lens to watch it- as the characters are not gonna behave/plots are not going to unfold in the way you'd expect it to, therefore you need to brave yourself for a ride and let the story sweep you away in its witty, crackastic, dangerous glory. And the essence of Sword Snow Stride is perfectly represented via Xu Fengnian, and honestly there's no better man for this job like Zhang Ruoyun.At first you might think it's like Joy of Life. But as you go, it feels like a strange mix of all sorts of genres, but somehow it works. To me it felt like a mix of slice-of-life, deadpan humor, politics, prime wuxia and also some Greek Hero-friends-on-quest-across-the-world vibe.
And I think Sword Snow Stride is really good at creating atmosphere, and in fact one of the best I've seen recently.
Sure, the drama suffers from color palette issues, poor martial arts choreo issues and all, but in the scenes where it really mattered, they went all out creating the gravitas of the scene and I was blown with the impact. Also throughout the drama it had a particular affliction with using rain and wind to heighten the scenes, and not in a cringey way but in a way that you'd feel it in your bones through the screen. The following scenes are best examples imo.
1. The Capping Ceremony
2. The Naval battle (Reminded me of Argonautica haha)
3. Battle of the Reed field (goosebumps just from thinking about it)
4. The Thunderstorm battle
5. Sword cloud
And it has some really good wuxia logics/theories, you'd think the stuff they do would really be probable in real world, only if we had the extra oomph of Qi cultivation. It's definitely no casual scriptwriting. And overall Sword Snow Stride has quite solid planning, and lot of plot-within-plots.
(Though I won't deny it did have its lazy writing/deux ex machina moments, and the "Daddy Xu Xiao is the almighty Chess master/God" thing started to get old after a while)
But overall one of the best wuxia dramas I've seen recently, despite some flaws here and there. Though I have to say it's the kind of a drama that appeals to a specific palette. If it works for you it works, if it doesn't then it doesn't.
So I think SSS is definitely worth checking out, if you are a fan of *handwaving motions* any of the stuff I mentioned above.
Was this review helpful to you?
Only 38 episodes? - enough
Hello allI enjoy this series a lot. Indeed one of the best
I wonder why in some places they say they are 50 episodes and here is listed as only 38?
does anyone know?
I am wondering if they will be able to have a satisfactory ending in episode 38? let's wait for tomorrow?
I hope it will not be a cliffhanger loke Joy of Life?
Acting is excellent, and the story is intriguing - watch it! it is worth it
Is this season 1? If it is I hope we will not wait for another 2-3 years for a second season - how it happened to Joy of Life - for which we do not have any update for a second season... even though they have announced it for a while now...
have a Happy New Year
Was this review helpful to you?
Best cdrama of to end 2021 and start 2022
Sword Snow Stride is one of the very few dramas that have all of what I usually look for in dramas - a revenge plot with smart schemes, brotherhood and family bonds, light comedy, great fighting scenes, and cunning characters. I like the build up per episodes in this drama. Even though it was a little bit slow at times, but the anticipation and the not knowing what might happen next, really kept me interested and fully invested in every scene. I've seen some people said it but I'll say it again, for fans of Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life, Sword Snow Stride is a must-watch. You won't regret it.Was this review helpful to you?
Good pacing and overall acting - but lack mini climaxes here and there
Completed - 1/18/2022"Sword Snow Stride" is one of my highly anticipated dramas as we seem to lack a true wuxia drama in 2021. However, after watching it, I realized it's not a wuxia drama in a traditional sense. There is a lot of special effects instead of martial arts fighting. The story is a combination of politics and pugilistic world.
It's undeniable that Zhang Ruo Yun, our male lead, has some great acting chops. I've seen him in the highly rated "Joy of Life" and also his earlier work in "Novaland: Castle in the Sky". He's an amazing actor. He reminds me of the Korean actor, Yoon Ah In. Both give off similar vibes, not handsome in the traditional sense, but with such charisma. In this drama, he is surrounded by some great veteran actors, especially, Hu Jun (ML's dad), Qiu Zin Zhi (God of Swords), Tian Xiao Jie (Grandpa Wei) and Wang Jian Guo (Old Wang). Comparatively, our young female lead, Teresa Li, pales in comparison. She's not horrible, but when you are playing against someone like Zhang Ruo Yun, she's not quite at the same level. Hopefully, we get to see more of her in Season 2 and her acting improves.
For a 38-episode C-drama, the pacing is good. There are enough events and little missions throughout the drama to keep me entertained and focused. But when looking back, everything feels very smooth-sailing. I don't think I was ever on the edge of my seat, worried something awful might happen to our leads, or that I really, really want to find out what happened next. I feel like it's missing some thrilling events. However, maybe it's also a strength that even without these minor climaxes, I am still engaged throughout.
We have many strong female and male characters in this drama. No one is naïve or makes dumb decisions. There isn't anyone annoying that I want to yell at. We have women who can fight and/or use their brains. How awesome is that! We have a family of intelligent people who are ruthless and cunning, yet selfless enough to sacrifice for the common good. They have some pretty fun and heartwarming family scenes and dynamics.
However, when "Snow Sword Stride" was promoted as a wuxia drama, it comes with certain expectations. I was hoping for amazing fight choreography and strong fight scenes, esp. from our male lead. What we have is a "modern" version of a wuxia drama with slow-motion fight sequences and a lot of special effects. I do enjoy the special effects - leaves, water, raindrops, flying swords, etc. But I was also hoping for actual fight scenes and not posing and slow-motion sequences.
Other Observations:
1. It seems like our male lead doesn't fight much and have others do the dirty work for him.
2. Our female lead seems quite useless in the first half of the drama, a little better in the second half. I hope she has a more significant role in Season 2 both in politics and in romance.
3. Why is the white fox at the fight in the last episode? What's that got to do with her? Just to help out a friend? Or want to give her some screen time before the drama ends?
Was this review helpful to you?
