I had known about Legend of Fuyao for some time, though its trailer, alongside its seeming popularity internationally (outside China) made me decide to dedicate time to this 66 episodes-long, Rollercoaster fantasy Chinese drama.

That being said, I will review Legend of Fuyao along these parameters: martial arts, storyline, plotting, characterization.

Martial Arts (Legend of Fuyao)

To be honest, the fight choreography in Legend of Fuyao is quite tight. I became impressed with the fight between Fuyao and her 5th Older Brother first, and the other ensuing fight choreography scenes did play to part very well, to be honest.

However, would I say the fight scenes were particularly spectacular? No. But incredible and entertaining and well choreographed, yes.

Storyline

For a TV series this long, spanning across different kingdoms, and with numerous cast choices, I had expected storyline lapses and inconsistencies. I didn't get it. The storyline flows effortlessly. However, there were a few areas that weren't tightened up towards the end, but that's about it. The ending was extremely confusing for many viewers, especially those who'd not read the source novel. Someone had to literally explain it to me on YouTube before I could understand it. Furthermore, episodes 1 to around 34 made incredible sense, but the remaining sub plots fell flat and were unnecessary, especially numerous areas that did nothing to advance Fuyao's quest.

Characterization

Yang Mi as Fuyao. Fuyao is the titular female lead. Yang Mi plays the role of Fuyao and Feng Wuming (the Real Queen Heir of Plough Nation). As Fuyao, she is a woman born from a divine lotus petal and owner of the five-colored stone, this stone which sets her on a path to meet a predestined fate. She was also a lowly servant at the Xuanyuan Sect until she learned the Po Jiu Xiao, the invincible fighting technique of the Mt. Mystic Cove and thus begins her journey to gather the five magical artifacts to break the five seals placed upon her at birth. She will meet many dangers and adventures and become a Magistrate (Yao City) and then Queen (twice)

Ethan Ruan as Crown Prince Wuji.

In Legend of Fuyao, Ethan Ruan plays Zhangsun Wuji, the Crown prince of Tianquan kingdom. He is the descendant of Chang Qingzi, Grand Mentor of the Ancient Firmament; and is the owner of the Xuanling True Leaf. Wuji also owns a magical pet hamster named Yuan Bao. Yuan Zhaoxu is Wuji’s fake alias as the Crown Prince’s assistant and he used other aliases through the series, confusing Fuyao too much.

There are other secondary and minor characters, so many of them, in fact, that it would take up hours of reading time to go through them all. But I had my favorites.

Dr. Zong Hue. He is cold, mysterious and silent, with a cold, smoldering gaze that would freeze off a bucket of water and also heat up your insides, watching him. Fuyao had names for him: "Hateful Doctor". "Devilish Doctor". Zong swiftly rose to become a fan favorite, and I personally looked forward to seeing him throughout the series. Since I watched this entire series from start to finish on YouTube, with the privilege of reading the countless thousands of comments there, I was right in rooting for Zong. He's well loved.

Other Characters

Yan Jingchen (Huang Ming) – this guy is literally stuck between a rock and a hard place: his domineering father wants him to marry Pei Yuan (Li Yi Xiao) for politically motivated reasons, an insanely ultra-jealous, absolutely awful young woman who loves him to death and whose unhealthy obsession is for him to love her back. She also viciously hates the woman he truly loves (who happens to be the lowly classed Fuyao). Instead of standing up to his father or staying true to his feelings, he marries Pei Yuan…and suffers the disastrous consequences.

Because Legend of Fuyao is 66 episodes long, so many other characters appeared in this series, so many of whom deserve to be mentioned, but I can't do that, as this review will literally go on forever.

The OST

Singer/actress Karen Mok sings the opening theme song, a piece appropriately entitled “Fuyao.” The song is a solemn tribute to the series' female lead.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5_kpVlpNxw8

You Zhangjing sings “Proud Humans Of Society,” a hauntingly melodic song that blends so incredibly well with some of the deeper, tears-inducing scenes in Legend of Fuyao, it'll literally bring tears to your eyes. This song is the emotional backbone of the series and is a compelling song. This song carries the brothers' scenes perfectly well. ❤️❤️

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ffLo5x4Heas

The ending theme song, “A Love Is Hard To Wish For,” is sung by Taiwanese singer-songwriter Lala Hsu, recently named Best Mandarin Female Singer in the 29th Golden Melody Awards.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zihwDHR_W7o

Asides these ones, the stunning instrumental melodies that strummed through the series will literally give you goosebumps.

I would have been happier to add one more rating, but then I can't, because of the slight plot areas mentioned above.