Tiger and Crane (2023)

Overall, I like this drama. I don't understand why many people drop this drama or why they are giving it a bad review. I believe that this drama doesn't deserve such a low rating. The actors and actresses all did a wonderful job and the plot is pretty solid. The ending of the drama was definitely a twist, but it brings the story to a full circle.

It explains the true events of 500 years ago. It also explains the truth behind the Qi family curse. With the truth coming to light, we can see the reasoning behind Yi Mei's actions and Qi Yanran's actions. I'm not making excuses for them since I hated them throughout the entire drama, but it gave me a clear understanding of why they did what they did, especially Qi Yanran. I understand that they explained the twin theory earlier on, but after finding out the truth of the curse, it does explain why there is an "evil" twin and a "good" twin.

My rating of this drama is actually 8/10. I did took two points off for the fact that they killed off so many people towards the end of the drama. I should have expected this, since it is always almost the endings for majority of dramas with this kind of storyline, but I was hoping that they will keep everyone safe and sound. We already knew going in that the battle was long with unforseen dangers, but I was still hanging onto a tiny sliver of hope that everyone will make it alive -- injured, but alive. And yet, there were so many deaths at the end.

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B-I-N-G-O and Most of the Plot was Very Lame-O!

All I can say is, what happened? Started out well but then took a nosedive into the damn Mariana Trench! This wasn't a drama I was anticipating this year but I've watched two ZLH dramas already and he did well there as he and pretty much all the others as well did here but this plot was an absolute mess. I was singing the B-I-N-G-O song randomly in my head and came up with the title for this review. It really was lame-o.

Pros: Very few here, sadly. The fight scenes, CGI (though the winged monkeys and beasts looked more modern day or futuristic beasts then anything ancient), Fab 4 (when actually together), and certain side characters did well. The Qian/Yan plot as well finding out the 500 year old lie/secret which included Huzi's origins were the best. Also have to give it up to ZLH for being able to handle playing totally opposite twins essentially. That's all they should have stayed with. It would have been more than enough for the storyline. Actors did what they could with what they were given. Only reason this series even got the current score is because of what's mentioned above.

Cons: This was an original screenplay but who let it near the shredder? After the drama made most of the plot about those lord forsaken elders that had zilch to do with the actual story, I knew the rest of it would be a mad dash to the finish line. The main antagonist wasn't even introduced until maybe the final 4 or 5 episodes. Furthermore, killing off two of the four mains and the way it was done was idiotic at best. Firstly, Brick had no business fighting a demon God with goat horns (don't get me started on that whole thing; even the modern devil would role his eyes) in the first place. ZXT dies maybe 5 minutes after Brick as she alone faces off against the demon God for a few seconds while Huzi and QXX just stand there. I was like "um hello, do something! Are y'all frozen?" But at least she got that Phurba thing back to Huzi. Then they continue to say their farewells as what? The demon and QXX just wait and watch? It made no sense.

Everything was rushed, even the deaths were like um ok...no explanation or hasty. So with both of them dead, who's going to run that one state? And does the sister get her title back as Commander in Chief or does it go to QXX? She turns good only after she gets her ass whooped by YM and her resurrected grandma reads her the riot act. But grandma of course dies again as does Eldest Master, 2nd master, and Mo Guzi. Even Yan sacrifices himself for Qian but then in the second to last episode the mountain God everyone thought dead pops up to Qian and goes, "well your twin sacrificed himself for you and you broke the curse, so wham bam boom curse broken and you get my crane power, go kill the demon." And again this couldn't happen at the point when Yan was gone and Qian was rescued by his friends before more than half died? Bird was busy?

Finding out some of the truth first from Huzi's mom (who also dies, can't do without that) and the other half after killing the demon; if only they found out about the 500 year old secret before demon killing, maybe they could have kept Brick and ZXT alive; as their deaths made absolutely no sense and because of how they were presented, you were left with a feeling of disbelief more then sadness at first; because they were completely and utterly meaningless. The one death that I think everyone felt was Yan's. Even YM's death wasn't satisfying as the chipmunk puppet or doll, whatever she was, died slowly and looked very creepy as she opened her mouth like a fish out of water and fell over. Lord just why?

Disbelief had to be suspended for most of it as so much just didn't make sense. The delayed facial expressions or reason for something happening; like the two states leaders or officers hating each other's guts from past prejudices but are best buds after catching chickens for a dinner? Like huh? Or the sudden relationship between that Ya woman and the Chiang guy who got a redemption arc. Where? How? Why? So much is being thrown at you and you are just trying to piece the puzzle together as most pieces belong in the twilight zone.

Even though there was hope, with that fortune teller who I secretly think is the Mountain God, that QXX and Huzi will reunite in the future....even their separation doesn't make sense. Why would Huzi stay on that island alone? You lost so many people but your best friend is still alive, stay by his side. But why bother making it make sense? Barely anything else did.

Would I recommend it? Personally, no. The plot was a serious dud; could have been good but just fell and busted its ass hopelessly. And what they did to the mains plus Yan was just very bad writing. If you're a fan of any of the actors, watch something else of theirs.

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Just give it a try, don't read other people's review

This is my first C-Drama in the friendship genre. Honestly, I watched it only for Zhang Ling He & Wang Yu Wen.

The story was good. I liked it. I don't know why people keep saying that the main plot started in the last few episodes, in fact, it started from the very beginning. The main plot was not highlighted enough at the very beginning, but it was there. There were many sub-plots which were unnecessary, like Wang Yu Qian plot with the State Preceptor & Zhao Xin Tong kidnapping.

Acting of all the cast was good. This is my 3rd drama of Zhang Ling He. First time seeing Jiang Long, he is good. He Lan Dou was a surprise for me. I hadn't seen her acting before, but when I saw her picture on the casting list I didn't expect her to play Yi Mei a kind of character. I thought she would play a carefree, happy kind of girl. She did great. I even thought she would be the love interest of Wang Yu Qian.

Qi Xiao Xuan is a cold hearted, expressionless, clean freak, though they didn't show it, it was only mentioned. It would have been great if they had shown Qi Xiao Xuan freak out of cleanness. Girls going gaga over Qi Xiao Xuan. Yan & Qian story, true brothers. Hu Zi is a free sprite person, always speaking for the right, fighting against injustice, bullying and helping & saving people. He is great at naming people by their personality like Ice Cube & Brick. Zhao Xin Tong is a girl who wants to prove to everyone that she can make her own name in a sorcerer's world. Wang Yu Qian is a person who wants to roam around the world.

My biggest complaint is why the fuck did they dubbed Zhang Ling He voice.

I love Eldest Master, he is so funny, Granny is love. She is the biggest support of Qi Xiao Xuan.

Hated Qi Yan Ran in the beginning but, in the end, she remedied herself. Didn't like Yi Mei also. Cheng Ji Nian is annoying at the beginning. Hated the Elder Council. My Journey To You Elder Council was the best.

Hu Zi, Zhao Xin Tong & Wang Yu Qian expressions whenever they see Mu Dan & Qi Xiao Xuan together.

Hu Zi scenes with the puppet were cute & sweet . Wang Yu Qian & his father scene is heart touching.

It's not a high budget drama, so the cinematography is not that good. Some places are similar to other dramas. The fighting scenes are good but not as great as My Journey To You.

If anyone wants to watch both My Journey To You & Tiger & Crane, 1st watch Tiger & Crane, then My Journey To You.

Some characters are introduced only to kill them. Some characters' deaths were heartbreaking.

If you are thinking of watching this drama give it a try, ignore the reviews.

I gave the story 9.5 because of the the plot twist in last few episode & also from beginning it kept me hook to know why Yi Mei doing all these things to Qi family when they're descendant of her beloved master.

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Cool

Tiger and Crane is the Best Historical Chinese Drama in my life. I am satisfied with the acting/cast, the music, but I looked most of the comments said that the ending is not satisfied. I haven't seen this drama till the end, so the story/plot I'm not gonna judge first. The thing that I REALLY LOVE is the main characters friendship/bonding. I LIKE how they protect and defend one and another, like when HZ's mother was being captured by the Qi ancestor, QXX even debated with his ancestor and rather defend HZ without caring about his life. So in conclusion, I think you guys should have a try watching this drama, I am sure you guys would definitely LOVE this.

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I think I expected too much of this since I adored Zhang Ling He and Jiang Long. It was great in the beginning and then it started to decline. I ended up unsatisfied with the storyline and the ending. Zhang Ling He did great portraying 2 characters: Qian and Yan. Fight scenes were great but CGI was mmmmm.... questionable especially when it comes to the beasts. There were characters that I could not stand *cough cough* all the elders and Qian's sister. The whole Yi Mei revenge plot and her being the villain was something I didn't like. I had a feeling she was sus but they dragged the plot too long to reveal her plans in that last 4 or 5 episode was not it. And then Brick died and so did ZXT. *face palm* Their death was soooo unneccesary not was not emotional at all. Rewatch value is definitely a 0/10 for me.

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Fun and thrilling adventure with an awful pace

This story is mainly about two young men, Huzi and Qi Xiaoxuan, who team up with each other and fight to overcome a crisis that threatens to destroy the world. The structure of the story and the way it develops in each episode reminded me a lot of certain action tv shows I watched as a kid, in a good way: I really felt like I was embarking in a great adventure and the setting was very charming to me. Despite this, the plot was not easy to follow because of its pacing, which is just terrible: the story seems to slow down or even come to a halt at the worst moments, it speeds up way too much right when it's supposed to take more time to let the events develop naturally, and so on. I felt confused multiple times as I wondered why were certain events in the story taking so long to finish, all while some very important parts of the story felt rushed for no good reason. If anyone dropped this drama because they were getting bored or they couldn't understand the plot, I wouldn't be surprised.

The strongest point of this series is definitely in the characters. The main characters, the antagonists, even the secondary roles and a good chunk of the supporting cast were very captivating and well-detailed, most with a well developed story and personality that made for a very colourful cast.
Huzi and Qi Xiaoxuan are amazing as the main characters and make a very good pair: seeing their mutual dislike slowly turn into quiet acceptance, then respect, friendship, and even brotherhood was very satisfying. I'd go as far as calling it a bromance, because I feel like the chemistry they had with each other was unmatched. Seeing someone like Huzi as a main character was also a pleasant breath of fresh air to me, after seeing male protagonists who are always elegant and refined in all the Chinese fantasy dramas I've ever watched. Zhao Xintong and "Brick" Wang Yuqian completed the quartet very quickly, and their characters were explored to an extent that left me pleasantly surprised. I was afraid that their group would feel like "Huzi, Xiaoxuan, and friends" for the entire story, but that wasn't the case at all.

The production looked pretty good to me: the entire drama looks incredibly pretty to look at, and the fighting scenes are probably my favorite. I wasn't a huge fan of the CGI monsters, but that's something that I could overlook easily.

This series could have been a 10 out of 10 to me, if it wasn't for the bad pacing, which might easily discourage anyone from watching more than a handful of episodes. I still feel like Tiger and Crane deserves a chance despite this, because it's still a fun adventure and the characters are just too easy to love.

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Everything was a lie.

Overall, it was a good series. Especially a friendship series. It contained loyalty, self-sacrifice, friendship, heroism, divinity, unity and solidarity, human emotions, demonic emotions, a little bit of love, and sensuality. The death scenes were especially sad. The series we watched is a fantastic series, but it was not possible to shake the story just because it was fantastic. Some places were too extreme. A fantastic hero who intervenes in everything turns into a helpless hero a little later. You are surprised. Everyone is stronger than each other. Some things never fell into place, for example, let me give an example from the last scenes. Wu Ji's brother Wu Shuang could not walk, he was imprisoned in a room without being able to show any existence, he could not even move. Only his brother was the helper. However, when they see the Mountain God and they don't have a wish, he suddenly gets up, casts a spell, attacks and kills the mountain god, so this was an attraction that went beyond fantasy and would not make the viewer suffer or be patient. He goes even further, that helpless man replaces his brother. Beyond fantastic. In my opinion, there were these and similar faulty events. I did not like. These cast a shadow over the series.
I liked the actors, I watched them with pleasure. However, Jian Long's over-expression, exaggeration and reactive play disturbed me. He has a big face, so when he smiles, he smiles a lot. When he gets sad, he gets very sad. He opens his eyes too wide. He acts very overreactively. It looks like a waste. But is he playing? At first I found it very strange, but then I got used to it. Zhang Ling He's role is kept a little low. It's like it's called "scalping". That's how I saw it. Although Wang Yu Wen is still, that is, this role is not suitable for him, his face is not a hero's face at all. No matter what an innocent face does, it doesn't work. But he played very well. Well done. I especially liked He Lan Dou, who played the role of Yi Mei. He coped with this role with that facial expression and those movements, I liked him. Other supporting roles were very successful. It ended as if it was going to be a second season. It seems that way depending on the ending, but would I watch it again? No.

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Well buried plot

*series still airing so I am reserving edit and final review when the series is complete.

Watching as paid subscriber of iQIYI
There is alittle spoiler but nothing major

After enjoying MJTY with Zhang Ling He playing the male lead, Qi Xiao Xuan I can't pass this series of course. He plays a totally opposite character here: serious and cold henced he is nick named Ice Cube by Hu Zi played by Jiang Long. Jiang Long has played a lot os support roles in the past so it is refreshing to see him on a lead role like this. He is portraying the role well so far.

I am halfway through the 36 episodes and I still cant guess what the real plot is in this story.
Theres so many twists and turns that I am unable to have a solid thought as to what is being planned and who actually is the REAL villain. Tho so many murders have been directed by female elder who looks so young, it still gives me the sense that somehow she has a righteous reason.
We get that Hu Zi is the tiger, and possibly Xiao Xuan is the crane but again, halfway through and I have no idea if Xiao Xuan is a mortal or a demon if he is a crane. His sect kills all demons without distinguising good or bad. Being a demon automatically means not good.

I like the friendship story here and glad that romance js light and not heavily focused on.

Let me praise casting and director and the actress herself who played the sister of Xiao Xuan- I truly hate her lol

The scene set and wardrobe are wonderful and fits the story well. You can telm production worked hard to make every scene remarkable and fitting.

Initial credit music is catchy and fun - I LOVE IT!

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It gets better, give it a chance

When they say this drama has no plot, I scratch the back of my head wondering how so. The story was a full circle. 500 years ago, peace was achieved by all the states when their ancestors fought demons but then something started brewing and demons start to attack again. In his journey of finding the red stone, Xiaoxuan met Huzi and Xintong. And back in the capital, they met Yuqian. Their friendship developed quite naturally in my opinion. They fought demons together, and has always been on each other's side when another character pick on one of them. Alone in the capital, they have no one else. Meeting each other meant having someone and they started to cherish that.

The plot was slow at the start but the pacing was just right for me. Mystery after another, and Xiaoxuan and his friends begins to unravel each, uncovering a part of the whole plot. And finally in the end, achieved the whole truth. The plot twists had me gasping. I couldn't predict what will happen next. I have a problem of dropping cdramas but this was not the case. It gets better the more I watch it. I wasn't expecting to watch until the end but I got attached with the characters and most especially got me curious on what will happen next. There were a lot of scenes that really struck me to be very memorable.

I really liked the costumes. They didn't look cheap. The characters looked really great in it. The cgi was okay. I actually didn't have any complains about it. The fight scenes are chefs kiss. I don't know if my standard is just low but the I loved watching the fight scenes. The choreo and camera angles were great.

Something that also surprised me about this drama was how they made me despise some characters but ended up loving them later. I got my blood boiling at the early episodes but then the writers gave depth to these characters. I didn't expect their redemption arc could make me care to these characters I originally wanted to have nasty deaths. And those who didn't deserve redemption arc got their downfall in the most satisfying way.

Speaking of character development, the four mains have it the best. Xiaoxuan is a serious and grumpy type. As they say, his eyebrows has a life of their own lol. Always frowning, serious in his job of being commander. But then, Huzi and his friends melted him. Xintong went to the capital to bring back honor to her family. Among of the four, I really like how she's always rational. A female character that is not annoying. She did more than bring her family's emblem back in that hall, she became the best chief commander. Brick grew up really spoiled, someone that is not good enough to be next in the throne but ended up being a great king to his state. And Huzi, well he was annoying at the start and still is I think but his love for his friends knows no bound. He will protect them with everything he has.

Special mention on Xiaoxuan and Huzi's bromance. The chemistry was fire.

While I understand why others dropped this or find it boring, I'm glad it wasn't the case for me. I really loved and enjoyed it. 🥹💕

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It's fun to watch. Just try not to be angry in the end.

In the last few episodes, it could have been better if that Qilin God (inside Brick's heart) have told Huzi that he is also a god as he's the son of the White Tiger God. That he doesn't need any help to activate the Phurba because he himself has divine power to activate it. But since Huzi still don't know how, Qilin God will help him activate it so they can go to that valley.

As for the death of the others(grandma,2nd master,mozi), well it is fine. But with Yimei, they could have done the fight scene in another place, then make Yi mei be injured so much but will still escape and go to her master's coffin (of course with the help of the white tiger), after opening the coffin, only skeletons remain. So she will use her remaining power to return her master's body into its original form. They will very happy to be reunited again, Yi mei will learn everything and then she will be very regretful to her wrongdoings. She will then ask her master to punish her by taking back her life, but her master will tell 'we made a promise to be with each other always. you made so many unforgivable things but this is because i have not properly inform you of it this making you misunderstand. Let's face this punishment together'.... then Yimei will ask forgiveness to the white tiger, thank her for bringing her to her master, then yimei and her master will then both disappear into thin air.

White tiger then go to Huzi. But after showing them what happened 500 years ago, there should be a nerve wrecking situation about the heart of the mt.god. They will all try to control it to no avail, so the white tiger will need to sacrifice her life in order to stabilize it. Before she disappear, she will then tell Huzi that it is time for him to be awaken, because that will only be the way to save everyone, Huzi is a God, he needs to forget all human emotions (which is being in love, happy,sad, angry, in other words- to be emotionless) *well let's say his mom fell in love with his human dad thats y Huzi's divine power got sealed*.

During the last fight, Huzi got injured and fainted, QXX died as his heart was taken by Wushang, Wushang went to the top of the valley to celebrate his new life as a human again, ZZ died (but her primordal spirit disappeared immediately and went inside a magical bead). Huzi regained consciousness & saw ZZ died and disappear, he went crazy for a moment,collapsed and became quiet,then suddenly, he started gaining his divine power. Everyone saw it and can't believe that Huzi is actually a god,not a demon. As QXX, Brick is still a genius healer; he immediately went to take the mt.God's heart ( of course he'll be heavily injured after) and put it inside QXX's body. This will make him posess the power of the Mt.God Crane. Then the 2 will go and defeat Wushang, and will also appease his resentments.

Those 2 (Huzi and QZZ stayed in the valley as Gods. Brick went and govern Qianyu state, Yanran because the chief commander(or head), Wudan and the rest as commanders.....

Then lastly, Bricks will accidentally discover a huge hibiscus tree, and he felt that there's something wrong with it. After some checking, he realised that ZZ's spirit is in there. He then remembered her saying she wanted to become a treee. And so Bricks will then say "It’s been so long Zhintong, i guess it's time for us to go back to D* valley. " then it will show Huzi and QZZ medidating separately in the valley.
= THE END=

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