Back From the Brink is a true gem among historical c-dramas, charming with its compelling narrative of love, betrayal, and vengeance. It truly sets itself apart from other dramas with a delicate balance between lightheartedness and seriousness, often injecting moments of delightful humor.

Tian Yao and Yan Hui not only make a remarkable couple but also stand as enchanting characters in their own right. Yan Hui, in particular, breaks the mold of the typical female lead. Her unwavering determination, when added to her feelings for Tian Yao make for a refreshing change, deviating from the common trope of pining for love. Furthermore, her fear of death (although it may seem like something basic and obvious) adds a nuanced layer to her character in many moments, distinguishing her from other FLs in the genre.

At first glance, Tian Yao may appear as the archetypal male lead, but as the story unfolds, we witness the unveiling of a pure-hearted individual with a touch of innocence and youthful charm.

While the story may have a slightly slow start in the initial episodes, it quickly gains momentum and it becomes quite interesting moving forward. However, there are some plot points in the middle, particularly the love triangle involving Bai Xiaosheng, that feel underdeveloped and lack proper buildout. Another issue lies with the main antagonist, Fu Yin. His origins and true desires remain unclear, leaving his motivations seemingly rooted in baseless anger towards the world. This shallow portrayal fails to elevate him to the status of a formidable major villain. In contrast, Suying proved herself as a stronger antagonist with a comprehensible motive. Her obsession with Lu Musheng, which she misconstrues as love, drives her to take extreme measures to save him and get him to love her again.

Despite these flaws, the drama's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. The romance, in particular, is expertly executed, eschewing the tiresome cycle of on-again-off-again relationships. Once Yan Hui and Tian Yao come together, they remain steadfast, a welcome departure from the endless obstacles that often plague main couples. However, more passionate and intimate moments between them would have further enriched their connection (and the few kiss scenes felt somewhat lacking passion).

Zhou Ye once again delivers a stellar performance, portraying an immensely funny and charming female lead. Her ability to convey emotions and provide comedic relief is commendable. Hou Minghao also impresses as Tian Yao, showcasing remarkable facial expressions that effectively convey his character's emotions (the reactions when Yan Hui unloads his own trauma onto others are especially noteworthy for their hilarity.).

Regarding the OST, there is little to critique. It is good overall, with a great opening theme, but it fails to leave a lasting impression or emerge as a standout aspect of the drama.

In conclusion, while Back From the Brink may not be a drama I would rewatch in its entirety (although certain parts, such as the Dragon Valley arc, Tian Yao baby arc, and the episodes surrounding the wedding, are worth revisiting), it is definetly a drama I recommend to anyone who enjoys xianxias. This drama does particularly well what it sells and brings a fresh perspective to the genre, offering something new and captivating to watch.