I really love the main leads in the movie, amazing chemistry with great acting skills. Some movies have to rely on more affectionate scenes or kissing scenes to hook the audiences but the leads mainly eyef--- each other and that was enough to make the audiences swoon. You really see the transformation of both characters as they go through the hardships together. Over time, you can really feel the tenderness and affection they have for each other. Such tenderness is seen in their interactions and glances, not through words.
Seven Tan is so good here as Jin Xia and she's terrifically funny, and I always think it's much harder to make people laugh than cry. She really made me care for her character, so lovable and also very independent, brave, loyal and caring. She's truly the heart of the movie. Allen Ren is also terrific here. He's perfect for this role, with his arrogant manners and intense gazes. He's also so dashing in his uniform; he looks the best when he's sneering at his interrogated prisoner (yum!!!). He looks even sexier in a black assassin outfit (tres sexy!!!). Both actors also refrained from overacting and their subtle glances and expressions really nailed the vital scenes.
I also love the relationships between all the characters (friendship between Jin Xia and Yang Yue, and her Sifu). Really love Madame Qui!!! What a badass!!!! I want to grow up to be like her lol. She's an mazing character and that episode with her in it was one of the best episodes of the entire movie.
The rest of the story was also entertaining, but I did have to FF some parts. It wasn't a perfect movie, like other viewers have said, there are definitely flaws, but I gave it a 10 because it's been such a long time since I felt this way about the main leads. I really fell for them!! Both of them!!
Overall, really recommend this movie!!! I have watched a lot of C-drama over the years and this is one of the few that I would rewatch!!