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Finally Yang Yang picked the right role!
Note: Not a part of any fandom so I can enjoy the story for what it is (or isn't)
What's working:
1. Yang Yang in a role that suits him
This feels like a role tailored to his looks and strong dance background. The fight scenes really highlight his physical ability. While there are still quite a few stunt doubles, his own scenes stand out far beyond what most actors can pull off. I just wish he had taken on more roles like this in his 20s.
Honestly, I’ve never really enjoyed most of his dramas—he tends to lack chemistry with female leads, and his line delivery can feel stiff. That’s still the case here, but with so many action scenes, it doesn’t matter as much.
2. Alen Fang and the supporting cast
I’m a fan of Alen Fang, so I may be a bit biased, but overall the supporting cast is strong and delivers solid performances.
3. Fight scenes
There are a lot of them—probably more than I’ve seen in any single drama in years. Of course some scenes are just superior because you can do more with actors like Yang Yang and Xiu Qing (Bad master dude) vs others
4. Lighting and production quality
High production value overall, and thankfully, the actors actually have visible skin texture. I really dislike excessive skin smoothing where faces look overly pale.
What could’ve been better:
1. Female lead (FL)
She fits more of the modern, fragile princess archetype who needs rescuing. It’s hard to buy her as a strong, martial arts–skilled character.
Compared to actresses like Tian Xi Wei (Pursuit of Jade) or Li Qin (The Wolf), she just doesn’t feel on the same level.
2. 2nd FL .... just *sigh* There are plenty actresses with stronger dance background to do these kind of roles. Why not give them a chance?
3. Camera work
Some of the spinning shots during fight scenes are overdone and gives me a headache.
4. ML Yang Yang, what can I say? Role is "perfect" for you but ... still no chemistry with any FL and bromance didn't really work either so... yeah....
Still overall an enjoyable watch!
What's working:
1. Yang Yang in a role that suits him
This feels like a role tailored to his looks and strong dance background. The fight scenes really highlight his physical ability. While there are still quite a few stunt doubles, his own scenes stand out far beyond what most actors can pull off. I just wish he had taken on more roles like this in his 20s.
Honestly, I’ve never really enjoyed most of his dramas—he tends to lack chemistry with female leads, and his line delivery can feel stiff. That’s still the case here, but with so many action scenes, it doesn’t matter as much.
2. Alen Fang and the supporting cast
I’m a fan of Alen Fang, so I may be a bit biased, but overall the supporting cast is strong and delivers solid performances.
3. Fight scenes
There are a lot of them—probably more than I’ve seen in any single drama in years. Of course some scenes are just superior because you can do more with actors like Yang Yang and Xiu Qing (Bad master dude) vs others
4. Lighting and production quality
High production value overall, and thankfully, the actors actually have visible skin texture. I really dislike excessive skin smoothing where faces look overly pale.
What could’ve been better:
1. Female lead (FL)
She fits more of the modern, fragile princess archetype who needs rescuing. It’s hard to buy her as a strong, martial arts–skilled character.
Compared to actresses like Tian Xi Wei (Pursuit of Jade) or Li Qin (The Wolf), she just doesn’t feel on the same level.
2. 2nd FL .... just *sigh* There are plenty actresses with stronger dance background to do these kind of roles. Why not give them a chance?
3. Camera work
Some of the spinning shots during fight scenes are overdone and gives me a headache.
4. ML Yang Yang, what can I say? Role is "perfect" for you but ... still no chemistry with any FL and bromance didn't really work either so... yeah....
Still overall an enjoyable watch!
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