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This review may contain spoilers
The Best Thriller This Year
Adapted from the novel “Auspicious Pattern Lotus House” (吉祥纹莲花楼) by Teng Ping (藤萍), Mysterious Lotus Casebook was one of the most anticipated releases this year, from the IQIYI flagship. Starring Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng, Xiao Shun Yao in lead roles, this male centric wuxia drew attention because of its unique storyline and stellar casting. Directed by Guo Hu and Ren Hai Tao, the story focuses on the adventurous life of our main protagonist, Li Xiangyi (Cheng Yi). Once the revered leader of a powerful sect, Xiangyi falls from grace after an eventful battle with his arch nemesis, Di Feisheng (Xiao Shun Yao). Ten years later, he reemerges as a humble physician, Li Lianhua, while cutting all ties with the martial arts world. But as fate wouldn’t have it, his peaceful existence is disturbed when he accidentally gets entangled with Fan Duobing (Joseph Zeng), a rich young master who intends to work as a detective at the Baichuan Court.Mysterious Lotus Casebook raked in 4 million reservations on the date of its premiere. Audiences were ecstatic with the prominent casting, that includes some big names like Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng. If you are an avid fan of the “Lost Tomb” franchise, then you will probably understand the charm. Both Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng have been a part of this popular franchise; with Cheng Yi playing the lead role Zhang Qi Ling in “The Lost Tomb 2” and Joseph Zeng starred as Wu Xie in “Ultimate Note”. Those who are familiar with this storyline might know that Wu Xie and Zhang Qi Ling are an insanely popular fictional couple (known by their ship name, PingXie). As such, the excitement surrounding this show was high pitched. Cheng Yi was recently in news for his xianxia romance “Immortal Samsara”, while Joseph Zeng was cast in the recent wuxia romance “Heroes”; both being major Youku productions. Joining them on this crusade is Xiao Shun Yao, who is slowly gaining popularity after playing negative roles in “The Blue Whisper” and “Till the End of the Moon”.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/19/mysterious-lotus-casebook-series-review-ep-1-to-40/
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A well-told story about the irreplaceable legacy of a sect leader after a selfless self-destruction
This was my very first watching a Chinese drama that was a non-romantic genre that hooked me all the way. A drama that has a substance in which the underlying conflicts, twists, and turns in the development of the story hardly made me stop watching it continuously. There were some predictable scenes at some point in the episodes however; it did not weaken the flow of the story.The selection of casts was great. Joseph Zeng was particularly outstanding here. His performance in this drama went beyond Cheng Yi’s acting as the main lead. His characterization stood out among the rest and was noticeable in the entire drama. I recently watched him in “Romance on the Farm” and he already captured my attention there with his baby face looks, not so much of the acting yet. But in this drama, he properly delivered the role and saw in him a promising actor to watch for.
The component of humor I think also brought this drama receptive to viewers. The shift of tone to make a certain dialogue or scene funny by adding background sound effects was amazingly done by the technical and editing team which indeed made me laugh. Well, the fighting scenes were given for the wuxia enthusiasts and I also enjoyed watching those sharp moves.
I was absolutely satisfied after relying on my choice to watch it from one of the many approving reviews I have read.
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Can’t find any fault
Great drama with so much suspense and things to look forward to after every episode. I love the story line, the smaller plots as they travel across cities and how they compliment the wider bigger plot of the drama. Not a fan of mellow dramatic plot so I’m glad it has minimal of that sorta stuff. Love the unexpected twist towards the end of the drama as well, it gave me such great satisfaction in the end. I must commend, superb performance/ acting by the cast especially Cheng Yi. I wished they’d casted someone else than Chen Duling though - her character is supposed to be a strong martial arts guru/leader but she looks so pitiful /weak 80% of the time. That’s the only miscast I can think of from the entire drama otherwise it’s a really great work by the team.Was this review helpful to you?
Average but charming
It's a good series to watch if you aren't looking for anything that can cause lack of sleep due to wanting to get to the next episode. Having recently getting back into the Asian series mode, I was super excited to see a new Wuxia series with high ratings. However, the series has the same flaws as with many others. The acting of the main protagonists are just slightly less than average and the only saving grace is they have some chemistry with each other. It feels like actors these days are chosen based on looks and less on their ability to act and draw the audience in. The actions scenes were below average and it made me miss again the days when actors with some actual martial arts skills were chosen for these types of roles. The plot had potential but the transitions were choppy.I did appreciate that the historical costume and makeup weren't as ridiculous as some other series, and nothing was too overly dramatized. And despite it being an overall average, it was still entertaining enough to finish.
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Stand By Me, Immortal Samsara and Love and Redemption.
He is actually an excellent actor in all three although I appreciated his character, Si Feng, the most - in Love and Redemption.
L&R is still by far my top pick when it comes to Cheng Yi.
I have been waiting weeks and months for the MYSTERIOUS LOTUS CASEBOOK and finally it has been released!
What I like about this one so far (two episodes in) is that it leans more towards epic sword fights, physical battles, lots of action and adventure plus some good story telling rather than a drawn out love story or two which ruins it each and every time for me. 1%-5% is fine, but that is about it! However, this isn't original, especially if you have seen other dramas with murder cases being looked into and ultimately solved.
In this one I wonder if it is Cheng Yi's real voice being used rather than a voice over - if it is dubbed over I prefer the person that did it in L & R. However, it isn't too bad even if it is Yi's own natural voice, but whoever did it for the character of Si Feng had the best voice ever.
With most dramas it seems it is normal to start out great for the first 10-15/20 episodes, lag in the middle then pick up again for the last 10 or so episodes. Mind you, I didn't find that with L & R or Ashes Of Love probably because they were my first real C Dramas.
I'm hoping that MLC is going to be just as good and hope it will remain interesting throughout without too many boring moments.
I believe this is meant to be more Wuxia style than Xianxia so there is a strong chance it will deliver 100% as long as there aren't too many weak females in distress with annoying high pitched voices or overdone cliches.
Currently, Cheng Yi in this drama series is nothing like his other characters except maybe one. I'm sure as each episode unfolds there will be more to him than meets the eye.
Have watched 8 episodes now and although I like it - it isn't one of Cheng Yi's BEST drama series at all nor is it going to be one I'd rewatch compared to others.
32 episodes to go!
Made it to Episode 10 and don't know if I will continue - this is most definitely not Cheng Yi's greatest choice when it comes to dramas. His acting is fine, but he reminds me of another actor who played a very similar role. That actor was Li Hong Yi in The Blood Of Youth.
This would have been somewhat tolerable had it stayed with the three main males rather than bringing in an old love interest from the past, also, if Cheng Yi's character had more charisma and exceptional fighting techniques rather than a mere shadow of his former self with no fighting abilities whatsoever.
Cheng Yi needs to find another role like Si Feng only more Wuxia than Xianxia with little romance - bromance is fine!
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Thought-provoking series
I haven't seen such a good martial arts drama for a long time. The action scenes are smooth and beautiful. I like it very much. Especially I appreciate the protagonist Li Lianhua's attitude towards his life. After watching this TV series, I have many new ideas about my work and future. Li Lianhua's story healed me. I used to feel that no drama would interest me anymore, but this show gives a great surprise. I even dreamed that I could live in that fantasy world so that I could see Lianhua with my own eyes. I wish I can be part of the show so that I can know more of the details of him. The design of all the customs and weapons elucidate what traditional Chinese society looks like. It makes me feel like I could go back in time to experience everything.Was this review helpful to you?
Frumos, Emoțional, Captivant
Mie mi-a plăcut mult acest serial, Merită de apreciat, și merită răsplătite eforturile și munca depusă de actori, Păcat că doar la sfârșitul serialului și - a aflat indentitatea reală Li Lian Hua În ansamblu, este acțiune, dragoste, și loialitate, totuși mie mi s-a părut puține că ucenicul : Fang la eclipsat pe Li. Ca deobicei Cheng Yi, este un actor calculat, muncitor, și de asemenea perseverent, astfel succesul nu va întârzia să apară și în Viata lui, eu îl voi sprijini mereu. Mulțumesc frumosWas this review helpful to you?
Bromance
Uma trama muito bem elaborada, personagens desenvolvidos e atuações de primeira! Os mistérios eram como peças de quebra-cabeça, que conforme eles iam resolvendo tudo ia se encaixando. Sempre com um plot twist pra nos surpreender. A dinâmica entre Fang Doubing, o Li Lianhuan e Di Feisheng é demais, variando com brigas, discussões, cuidados e demonstrações de carinho. O fato de não ter foco em romance, (mas ainda ter umas migalhas) foi muito bom. O detalhe das ilustrações da casinha do Li Lianhuan andando conforme os lugares que eles iam passando achei uma graça. Fang Doubing foi meu personagem favorito, e não tem ninguém acima dele!!! A vilã feminina, uma diva, linda, maluca, psicopata, amoo!Ainda não digeri o final! Devastada!
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This review may contain spoilers
O roteiro é envolvente, os personagens Li Lian Hua e Fang Dou Bing são apaixonantes ao primeiro olhar, Di Fei Sheng é dúbio no início, mas ao longo do drama se torna gostável. O vínculo de amizade formado entre Li Lian Hua e Fang Dou Bing rende muitas cenas emocionantes. Durante as investigações, novos elementos são adicionados a trama e, o desfecho em relação ao sênior, que ele gastou tantos anos procurando o corpo, é surpreendente. A finalização, mesmo que aberta, é bem amarrada e transborda emoção, pois desde o início do drama, o personagem não buscava uma cura para o veneno que estava em seu corpo, ele tinha ideais mais nobres do que manter a simples existência. A direção conduziu o drama com excelência, em todos os capítulos, sempre acontece alguma coisa. A fotografia é bonita, os efeitos bem utilizados, as cenas de ação bem coreografadas e a música utilizada torna a cena mais memorável.
O elenco teve ótimas atuações. Os três protagonistas interagiram de forma natural e agradável, tornando seus personagens inesquecíveis. A atuação do ator Cheng Yi foi muito acima da minha expectativa. A única coisa que não me agradou foi a risada da personagem Jiao Li Qiao, pois o som da risada não combinava com o semblante da atriz, tornando a cena pouco agradável.
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3 detectives
40 episodios que amé de principio a fin.He llorado, reído y amado a muchos de los personajes, incluso los que fueron secundarios.
Vale muchísimo la pena verla, la hermandad que se va creando a medida que avanzan los episodios es preciosa y significativa.
La música la amé, me gusta cómo queda en cada episodio.
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