The Legend of Shen Li (2024)

Excellent Xianxia : same universe as TMOPB, but different vibe.

For me, the universe is quite similar as TMOPB, but the tone is different.

PLOT: A young phoenix/demon general, (the FL) meets -in the mortal realm- the last of the old gods (the ML) in cultivation. She flees her arranged marriage with the grandson of the Celestial God, whom she considers frivolous and brainless. ML & FL will spend time together and form a deep bond. But this divine lord carries on his shoulders the balance of the 3 kingdoms and cannot let himself be disturbed by love.

This first narrative arc, short (10 episodes), is quite light. The narration is fast and the main characters well described. Overall, the CGI is good, but the spirit beasts and other animals are unconvincing.

The 2nd story arc tells the return to the immortal kingdom and the rise in power of the “villains”. New characters appear (granddaughter of the Celestial God) to lighten the rather dark tone. The FL will fight to the death. We then have several painful episodes, both for the FL and the ML.

During the 3rd story arc, the ML is now ready to accept his love. This is where he is most vulnerable and most moving. He puts the FL back on her feet, with Lady Jin 's help, a wacky character well-found to bring a little touch of humor. And everyone prepares themself for the final Great Battle.
There are a lot of flashbacks, cleverly introduced, to provide explanations for the arrival of events. I really like the characters of Liuyu and Fenglai.
The Happy Ending is well developed (2 episodes), but the "wink to Lady Jin - her fiancé" is a bit forced, not too successful.

PROS:
+ A great CL with Lin Geng Xin and Zhao Li Ying (alchemy & talent: a GREAT couple)
+ The actors are TOP (all).
+ The CGI (except animals) are very successful
+ The fight scenes are perfect
+ Sceneries, settings, make-ups, .... perfect.
+ The OSTs are epic and well suited (except during a painful scene, catchy music :( )
+ No real love triangle.

CONS:
- The romance / action / humor / melodrama balance is not as good as expected. There is too much suffering and the humor is a little forced.
- Some twists seem a bit artificial.

=> An excellent Xianxia, ​​fast paced, not too long, with a great cast and a great CL... but not up to the level of the mischief and humor of TMOPB for me.

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Excellent Xianxia avec Lin Geng Xin et Zhao Li Ying en CL.
L'univers est assez semblable à TMOPB, mais le ton est différent.

PLOT: Une jeune phoenix / générale démon, (la FL) rencontre -dans le royaume mortel- le dernier des anciens dieux (le ML) en cultivation. Elle fuit son mariage arrangé avec le petit-fils du Dieu Céleste, qu'elle juge frivole et écervelé. Ils vont passer du temps ensemble et tisser un lien profond. Mais ce seigneur divin porte sur ses épaules l'équilibre des 3 royaumes et ne peut pas se laisser troubler.

Ce 1er arc narratif, court (10 épisodes), est assez léger. La narration est rapide et les principaux personnages bien décrits. Globalement, les CGI sont de bonne qualité, mais les bêtes spirituelles et autres animaux sont peu convaincants.

Le 2e arc narratif traite du retour dans le royaume immortel, de la montée en puissance des "villains". De nouveaux personnages apparaissent (petite-fille du Dieu Céleste) pour alléger le ton plutôt sombre. La FL va se battre jusqu'à la mort. On a ensuite plusieurs épisodes douloureux, tant pour la FL que le ML.

Durant le 3e arc narratif, le ML est désormais prêt à assumer son amour. C'est là qu'il est le plus vulnérable et le plus émouvant. Il remet la FL sur pied, avec l'aide de Dame Jin, personnage loufoque bientrouvé pour apporter un peu d'humour. Et tout le monde se prépare pour aborder la Grande Bataille finale.
Il y a beaucoup de flash-backs, astucieusement introduits, pour donner les explications sur l'arrivée des évènements. J'aime beaucoup les personnages de Liuyu et de Fenglai.
La Happy End est bien développée (2 épisodes), mais le "clin d'oeil Dame Jin- son fiancé" est un peu forcé, pas trop réussi.

PROS:
+ Un CL génial (alchimie, talent : a GREAT couple)
+ Les acteurs sont au TOP (tous).
+ Les CGI (sauf animaux) sont très réussis
+ Les scènes de fight sont parfaites
+ Les OST sont épiques et bien adaptés (sauf lors d'une scène douloureuse, une musique entrainante :( )
+ Pas de réel love triangle.

CONS:
- L'équilibre romance / action / humour / mélo n'est pas aussi bon qu'attendu. Il y a trop de souffrance et l'humour est un peu forcé.
- Certains twists semblent un peu artificiels.

=> Un excellent Xianxia, rythmé, pas trop long, avec un super cast et un CL génial ... mais pas à la hauteur de la malice et de l'humour de TMOPB pour moi.

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An absolute slaughter of all the other badass female Lead plot.. Wuxia cum Xianxia at it's limit..

This is the most Unique drama that i have ever seen. I really don't know where to start since every little thing in this drama is way too perfect to comment.


Zhao Li Ying as Shen li was the best here, since she is the Hero herself in this series, there was no 'saving of damsel in distress' plot in this series rather it was saving ML by FL in few scenes. She really did too good with her weapon even. I didn't know that, even FL can use spear this good. Why is she so good?. I Never felt bored in any of the fight scenes rather I watched all the fight scenes repeatedly and i was really wonderstruck with the way Shen Li fought in this series..woah, the courage , the valour, the arrogance she had definitely suited her the best. A TOTAL BADASS FL

The expressions passed the emotions she wanted to deliver. When she cried while looking at her father i felt how innocent a daughter can be in front of her father. Then the love of Shenli on Xingzhi was too good. How can someone fall in love like this?my goodness. I loved Shen Li the most, especially her arrogance. The strength and power she showcased was admirable. I don't know how many times she has spun to deliver the extraordinary fight scenes.

Furong took the role of a comedian and he actually nailed it. The atrocities he did to stop their marriage was hilarious to the point that i have to take break in the middle to stop my laughter. Her sister was the cream of the top to beat his brother up to see wat happened btw Xing Zhi and Shenli and ship them. The came the character development of Furong being matured in the last episodes. It was good to see how he accepted the relationship btw the leads and became a good buddy to shen li

Mofang, Woahh one of my favourite characters. His loyalty, his love for Shenli is truly emotional to me personally. He protected her till the end . i know how difficult it is to act dual personality and being possessed but he just slayed it. His Blood filled hand at the end which was risen to ask forgiveness melted my heart. how can they be this good? i really wonder

Xing zhi: I noticed many of them talking about his bad acting but it is not the way i see it coz his character itself is like that. Being nonchalant and aloof. towards the end he really showed how good his acting was. This plot is actually biased towards Female lead, So i feel like he wasn't much highlighted but towards the end everything changed and the plot went too well

Ms.jin and her seductive act made this drama more beautiful. though she came for hardly 3 eps, she nailed it and she isn't forgetful for some reason may be coz she is beautiful or may be she acted the best

The love story between Fenglai and liuyu(Shen Li's parents) was too short but you know what it was perfectly executed in a very short time. the emotions went right through my heart and i cried a lot at their tragic end. Omg it's still lingering inside me.

The background score was the Finest. The most different and the most beautiful BGMs, OST's in Chinese drama. I'm serious. All the scenes are truly enhanced by the music, and that is how a music should work. Singers did so great. I loved it to the extend that i set those as my ringtone. The VFX and CGI was also great.

I really didn't find anything bad in this series. Everything is perfect, just perfect.
why is everything this good in this series?? whyyyyyyyy?

Thank you for the team and cast for this masterpiece. You guys have worked really hard on it.
and It's definitely rewatchable for N number of times.

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Bestttttt combo

One of the best drama. Amazing chemistry between leads which is already proven. Still they have charismatic chemistry which made watch this at first. Story seems to be more interesting at the end for me. Lord xingzhi characterization is entirely different from other lords or divines in Chinese drama. He's always smiling and cool personality. I loved him. Character development of furong jun is also greatttttt from a Playboy to responsible guy. I also liked the chemistry and love story between liu yu and feng lai. As always zhao yiling has portrayed a strong self independent incompatible lady rather than sticking to the typical cute shy foolish Chinese drama female leads. It's always good and great feeling to watch something different in acting, stories etc. I should say MUST WATCH..... U GET SEE ONE OF BEST LEAD CHEMISTRY AND ROMANCE. I would appreciate director for giving them happy ending which is also rare in c industry. I m gonna miss this and I m glad I could watch this

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A breath of fresh air from stereotypical xianxia endings!

Another masterpiece from queen zly! In a world of repetitve xianxia plots and endings, this one has proven me wrong. Xianxia dramas are more than just heaven vs demon troupes. Despite the simple plot, I can say that everything was flawless from the acting, production, costume, and especially the film scoring, it sets the whole mood of the drama. They never fail to make me feel so many emotions at the same time it's fun and this is one of the dramas that I can say every actor played their part well. The last eps had my eyes bawling but the last ep has taken those sorrows away cause xianxia dramas always give us awful endings. Will consider this as part 2 for princess agents. Thank you for collaborating again zly and lgx, you have continuously proven that you are deserving veteran actors. This will surely be one of my faves!!!♡

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Good one

The Legend of Shen Li" follows the journey of Shen Li, a girl who flees from her betrothal as the Fire God, ultimately losing her powers and transforming into a Phoenix. She is taken in by a mortal man who raises her until she eventually reverts to her original form, albeit powerless. This marks the beginning of her quest to regain her powers and uncover her past, as well as the start of her love story. While the initial part of the drama may feel monotonous, it gains momentum once the male lead confronts his feelings, making the last 15 episodes particularly engaging. The chemistry between the leads adds depth to the storyline, making it an overall enjoyable drama.

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I watch here for Lin Geng Xin

Lin Geng Xin acting was absolutely perfect with his role as Ancient God. His demeanor and calm composure was superb here. He successfully played his role in this drama and potrayed them flawlessly.

I am quitely disappointed with the other production teams that always chose the younger one for the male lead instead of him.

LGX is incredibly handsome with his broad chest, height and manly physique. Despite his age, which i think not a big issue at all, his talent and physical just absolutely ideal/great as a male lead. His last drama as a ML was a Princess Agent. Just why?? Please, we want to see him as ML in other dramas after this.

As for the story, the ending was really satisfying but they didnt follow the novel’s ending. In novel, they had twins and soon after one year, FL was pregnant again. When he wished for the second wish that FL promised him, in the novel he said he wants many children. But in the drama, he only said that the second wish took a long time to be fulfilled by FL. In my opinion, i loved to see if the drama followed the novel’s epilogue.

Theres no betrayal between FL and ML. The graphic and the ost was too good to be true. In this drama, ML was omnipotent, by watching his divine power when he froze the North Sea was really a goosebump for me. He went to such a great length just to find FL. I loved his unconditional love towards FL.

The most important thing, it was a very happy ending. Please watch it guys.

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NEVER HAVE I FELT SO SATISFIED BY A XIANXIA DRAMA ENDING!!!!

This is by no means a professional review, I'm trying to offload all the crazy emotions I felt while watching this and I hope they give you the nudge to try it for yourself, that being said, let's dive right in.

Let's start with the CGI;
Wow! Just wow! This is some of the best work I have seen, the different realms with their various settings, even the underwater realm didn't look ridiculous in this. The fighting scenes were so believable and immersive. Let's not forget the awesome displays of power. If I thought I'd win, I'd fight you baby girl of an ancient god for you Lord Bicang.
But the best part of it all would be the hall of the fallen gods, Xing Zhi's comrades.

The acting;
You know the actors were prepared to serve c**t when the CGI is complimentary and not the entirety of their work. You can tell they trained and worked hard, especially for those fight scenes, I even tried pausing to catch the background fighters slipping-- I'm talking to you untamed-- but everyone was focused on the game. It made everything truly thrilling to watch.

SHEN-LI!!!!!
Never have I met a fl I didn't want to shave and water board for being ridiculous and annoying. She got the character and became the character. Her wit and humour were nice additions. Her strength was visible and not something forced on the viewers to support a narrative.
Let's not forget the face card....and her wonderful wardrobe, I want to be isekai-d into a xianxia solely for the clothes I'd get to wear.

XING ZHI!!!!!!!!!!
The man that you are.
Have you met a god who was so in touch with his emotions you forgot he was a god--except for the catching lightning part, cause holy hell was that all godly and hot--- never? Well, let me introduce you to this one.
He was delightful when he was a mortal, the humour was there even when you could tell it wasn't supposed to be, but as a god turned fisherman, he was a marvel to watch.
His crush on Shenli and all the jealous stuff he did because of it were the highlights of some of the episodes.
One of my best scenes is when he spars with her, but more like claims her in front of her soldiers. Shen li was a strong warrior to not jump his bones right there.
Xing Zhi aka bored ancient god aka Shen Li's baby girl, I wish you were real so i'd have a better excuse to reject normal males.

THE CHEMISTRY!!!
Just one thing: HOW THE HELL DID THAT EPISODE GET THROUGH CENSORSHIP!!!
They had me watching my screen guiltily because I knew there was no way I got to watch all that for free, and so easily!!

Slight comedy my a** this was a full blown comedy with a side of fantasy rated R, with zero drag and zero skip episodes.

THE ENDING.
The main reason I even decided to write a review.
Most Xianxia endings are just tortures and merciless executions disguised as entertainment. Tell me why i'd suffer for 40 plus episodes with minimal fluff and disguised spiciness------i'm talking to you long ballad the hell was that making us watch two parrots kissing---- to have the ml or fl die a horrible totally unnecessary idiotic death???? Or have an open ending leaving the rest to the viewers imagination???? IF MY IMAGINATION WAS RELIABLE I WOULDN'T BE WATCHING THIS THINGS LIKE AN ADDICT!!!!!!!! I'D BE MAKING MY OWN!!

Anyway, that was the most satisfying ending in the history of all historical dramas, even ones I haven't watched, you cannot beat the fluff overload we got on that final episode. I'll let you watch and see for yourself.

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o casal mais maduro que já vi

Comecei esse dorama sem conhecer os atores, e me apaixonei perdidamente por cada detalhe dessa obra magnífica. O começo da história me fez rir muito, me diverti na fase dela "galinha" enquanto ele, para ela, era apenas um mortal enfermo. Foi uma fase muito divertida, ri como nunca, foi muito fofo e alegre. Claro que todo xianxia vai de diversão para angústia, e certamente com esse não foi diferente. Eu fiquei muito triste com a história dos pais da Shen Li, e mais ainda com o fim trágico do pai dela, que não merecia isso, mas por infelizmente, contra sua vontade, foi destinado a isso desde sua criação. Uma pena. Pai e filha não tiveram tempo de conversar, apenas um abraço e uma despedida sem muitas palavras. Perder sua amada e sua filha dessa forma foi muito triste, realmente me comoveu. Fiquei com imensa vontade de ver um dorama com a história dos pais da Shen Li. Show de atuação, principalmente do ator que interpretou o pai dela. Maravilhoso.

Mofang também teve um fim trágico, um destino fatal que só poderia acabar em morte. Shen Li não teve a coragem de matá-lo, e ele mesmo tirou sua vida, me fez derramar lágrimas. O amor que ele sentia por ela realmente era verdadeiro, desde criança. Achei muito triste o fim dele, mas infelizmente foi necessário. Espero ver esse ator como protagonista em algum dorama, achei ele extremamente lindo hahahaha. Confesso que no comecinho tive uma queda por ele, e queria eles juntos, mas nada superará o amor e o vínculo entre Shen Li e Xin Zhi.

Amor além de tudo, compreensão e diálogos maravilhosos, coisas raras em doramas. O que mais me pegou foi, com certeza, a maturidade dos protagonistas. Tanto Shen Li quanto Xin Zhi sempre foram muito calmos, eu diria até frios, mas acho que essa característica deixou eles muito mais únicos do que qualquer outros protagonistas que eu tenha visto. Xin Zhi me chateou em esconder algumas coisas dela, mas entendi que sempre foi em prol do bem estar dela. Ele sempre esteve preocupado com a rebelde fênix.

Shen Li...o que falar? QUE MULHER! Que protagonista fantástica. Até hoje, foi a mulher mais forte que vi em qualquer xianxia/wuxia. Extremamente determinada, uma líder nata e que sabe manter a calma em situações complexas. Eu simplesmente me apaixonei por ela, me derreti. Não a vejo sendo interpretada por mais ninguém, show de atuação da atriz que além disso é BELÍSSIMA. estarei de certo acompanhando ela em outros doramas. Shen Li sofreu tanto, principalmente quando estava sem os cinco sentidos e quando ficou selada momentaneamente, disposta a sacrificar a si mesma. Espetacular, parabéns a autora pela protagonista incrível que fez. Vou sentir falta de uma mulher dessas na tela.

Amei também os coadjuvantes, como a mãe da Shen Li (a mestra), que a criou. Até que suspeitei um pouco dela bem no início, mas, de fato, o amor maternal dela pela Shen Li é imenso. Lindo de se ver. Fico feliz que a protagonista tenha tido ela como família. Gostei muito também do Furong e da irmã dele, ambos tiveram desenvolvimentos incríveis ao longo da trama. Gosto muito quando os personagens evoluem para melhor, amo ver histórias assim. Também fiquei encantada com a moça que fez o demônio serpente que curou a Shen Li, simplesmente magnífica, linda, forte, amei a atriz e a personagem, fiquei muito feliz de a ver tendo um bom final, podendo se casar e ser amada.

Enfim, um sólido 10 para A Lenda de Shen Li. Foi uma ótima jornada de 39 episódios que me fizeram rir e chorar.

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If this were in America, it would sweep the Oscars!

This is the drama to beat of 2024! The acting is Oscar-worthy., the soundtrack is Oscar-worthy, the Production and plot and the CGI are all Oscar-worthy. Unfortunately there is nothing like this in America. But fortunately, we get to watch it on different platforms. I am glad we were given this opportunity to watch something so exciting and riveting and beautiful and tragic and of course the Ending being simply PERFECT!! The chemistry between Xingzhi and Shen Li was so palpable and sizzling, you just could feel them as Thee Romance of the history of the 3 Realms. And in real life, the drama couple of the year.It will be very hard to move on away from the 3 Realms and all the excellent characters. I hope there is something like the Oscars in China, that will hugely recognize Legend of Shen Li. Good bye, Lord Bicang and Your Excellency. You will be missed.

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