A love story that spans across lifetimes and universes

This show is just… wow. Well deserving of 9/10⭐️ (I cannot in good conscience rate this 10/10 when we were given That Tragic Ending): the characters, the cast, the dynamics between them, the SOUNDTRACK... even with the plot, which could get crazy at times, this show still left me speechless.

Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan’s story may have had to be downplayed due to censorship, but there was never any room for doubt on how much they loved each other. How much more clear can it get, when one is bloody and beaten and still calling for his beloved’s name, begging for him to be safe, for no one to touch him? When one is on the verge of death and you scream for his killer to take you too, to at least be with him in death?

Shen Wei has been devoted to Zhao Yunlan from that very first day they met 10,000 years ago. To be able to convey that kind of longing devotion is a rare talent, and Guardian’s leads, Zhu Yilong and Bai Yu, did an *incredible* job with the limits they had to work with. I honestly cried so much watching this drama, the emotions were just that apparent. Zhao Yunlan also never faltered in his faith, his trust, his own devotion to Shen Wei; it was clear in each action and decision he made.

WeiLan are each other’s person, across time, in all lifetimes. Their ending may have been tragic, but we know it’s not The End of them— they said so themselves. They’ll meet again, and again, and again, and perhaps one day the world will choose to be kind and grant them the peace they deserve with each other.

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Funniest Cdrama I’ve ever seen, hands down

I could not stop smiling and laughing while watching this show. Seriously, the actors all did such a good job with their line delivering, facial expressions, and so on— it’s no wonder I fell in love with this show right away. It had the right amount of humour, emotions, and drama and I just could not stop watching. Huge kudos to all the actors, especially Zhao Lusi (Chen Xiao/Qianqian) and Wu Yijia (Zi Rui) for cracking me UP all the time.

Practically every single character is so lovable and fun to watch, and even those that are the “bad guys” make you feel emotions for them too. The story is endlessly meta and compelling, and the in-universe storytellers had me losing my mind over FRUITS. There is nothing else quite like this show, with its charming storytelling, character portrayals, comedy and romance, and how they manage to show the reversal of gender roles in ancient China.

I could go on and on about how great this show is, but I do have a bone to pick for the finale ending. I am pretty happy with it, as it wraps up the story quite well, but man, they should have kissed. One star off for no kiss, nine stars for the rest of perfection.

Other than that? Please watch this show if you can. With its short length, fantastic cast, plot, humour, and characters, you definitely won’t regret it.

In the words of Chen Xiaoqian— The End!

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Watched for Xuan Lu, stayed for Xuan Lu... and the plot, I guess!

As indicated by my review headline, I chose to watch this show because of Xuan Lu acting in it. After watching The Untamed, I wanted to check out her other projects with her in a larger role. I also saw several images of her character- Liu Hanyan- with another actress, Wang Lu Qing, playing Liu Que [Courtesy name Hetian], shown as a sapphic relationship, and wanted to see more. I was not disappointed- the arc that the pair showed from the first 8 episodes, as well as the little reminders of each other and a certain scene in episode 32, was well worth it. Hanyan's arc of self acceptance and character growth was so wonderful to watch, alongside her two sworn brothers.

The Unknown is very well done with the way it's set up, split into the several story arcs that take place over 6-10 episodes before moving onto the next. I really enjoyed how they worked with character dynamics, different relationships, and how this impacted them. The main trio- the three siblings- were enough of a reason for me to continue the show, even when it started lagging in places. They have an unbreakable bond and will do anything for each other.

The flaws and the traits of all the characters were highlighted too, which makes you even able to sympathize with the "villains." I found myself crying for the "demons" they were fighting, not just the "good guys". This show showed that there isn't really a black and white when it comes to these matters, and how these heroes have to deal with their morals and beliefs.

The only things I'd have to critique are the repeating clichés when you get to arc 4 and onwards, and how the last few plots weren't very engaging to me. Apart from that, I'd definitely recommend this show to any Xuan Lu and Cdrama enjoyers, she's incredible in this one! I've already made a video edit for this show, and I can't wait to make more content for it even if I'll be the only one! <3

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