Too long for me

66 episodes that I thought I will enjoy because I love all Dee Renjie works however, this dragged for me.
It may be because I have seen all the recent Dee Renjie works that this click for me. The story was slow and the romance added seemed forced. I may be biased because I prefer mystery without an added romance. There was more chemistry between renjie and the empress than the female healer that us supposedly his love interest.
The character of Dee Renjie here seems off from the typical Dee Renjie character played.

This is available in YT to watch for free.

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Well choreographed fight scenes

In some scenes, I felt like I was watching through the eyes of the charcoal 😁 you have to watch to understand what I mean.

If not for the story, stay to watch the fight scenes that were excellently choreographed. The very end scene with the sword pointed at Prince Qi's neck was awesome.

The story is good too. It has a nice ending and it didn't disappoint. Production's hard work is evident in this movie from scene sets, props, lighting, and wardrobes. Everything were done well to help tell a vivid story.

One beautiful scene was the dancer performing beautifully during a siege and not stopping complete with a smile kn her face.

The synopsis made it sound simple and boring but it is far from it.

I recommend for costume and period viewers.

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Could have been edited better

Pack some patience when watching

Multiple stories of different characters wasn't shown relevance with fluidity.
There's a scene that was repeated.
The transition of scenes weren't smooth.
To surmise, it's a chaotic way of telling the story of demons who take over human bodies and are openly living in society but being hunted by demon hunters/alchemists which do not make sense to me.
A man who was saved by the cat he took care, sold her out. His reasoning was absurd and the story showed him as someone who cares for the cat, even stealing fish for her. So sending her to her death out of the blue didn't make sense.
This could have been a good fantasy movie if it was directed and edited well. Best part of the movie is the fight scene between the demon cat and alchemist.
The set scenes were great and wardrobes used were beautiful. Production did a great job in this aspect. The ending credit song is nice and sweet.

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Endearing

I find this short series endearing. The story contains or/& mentions bullying, mental issues, homophobia, family issues, crammed within 8 episodes of 30m each episode. Having done this, there are some issues that were left unanswered or unsettled like the confrontation with the father, the vagueness of the 2nd CP's relationship, and the suicide of one of the characters. The series felt rushed to me, or I may be just wanting more.🤷‍♀️
If you are into jazz, you'll enjoy the pieces played here and the melding of pop and jazz towards the end.
I appreciate the production for a good wardrobe selections and not recycling for other scenes, scene set-up and props.
At first, I made a mistake that one of the main actor is the same one as 8 sense. This series has also same vibe as 8 Sense which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Recommend to any BL genre fans.

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New Face for Bao

iQIYI has this under the title: The Mystery of Jade
Awesome choice for the new face of Judge Bao - Joe Xu Hai Qiao played the character excellently. Li Ming Xuan as Bao sidekick kicked butt with the fight choreography. There aren't a lot of fight scene but I think its just right for the story.
Just like Dee Renjie movies and series changing actors who play the role, Judge Bao series, however far in between, is always a satisfying watch for mystery genre viewers. The entire production: sets, scene props, wardrobes, lighting, effects, fight choreography and especially camera work were all done well.
Recommended viewing for Mystery lovers. If you are a Dee Renjie fan, you wouldn't be disappointed with Judge Bao selections.

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Gory, bloody, no character evolution

I am not a fan of gory films but I gave this a watch hoping it has a good story that can balance out the gory scenes.
What's common in this movie is "no explanation" leaving viewers questioning why:
●C. Ping is the way he is
●100 coins no more no less to kill
●the science project on the women
●What's with the flag marker
●Relevance of the cockfight
●And so many, many more

Production such as scene set, costume and props were aptly mastered here.

Acting was convincing.
Characters written are chaotic.

I can't recommend this movie unless you love gore movies that makes no sense.

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Strong Female Lead Movie

Story of two young ladies who want to get back their family blade that their father, a Chief Commander, used while valiantly fighting against the Liao during war. The Liao took the blade as a trophy winning against the brave Chief Commander.

The story entirety revolved within 2 days; from the time the blade was taken back by the 2 sisters then fighting the Liao soldiers who went after them.

The fight choreographies were good and theres a lot of them. Set scenes were done convincingly. Costumes matches the story told. There was just a quirky scene wherein the fight was turned into a staged production complete with spotlight so it threw me off. A serious story that has this made me scratch my head.
No beautiful costumes, emperor's, or palace shown in this story so don't expect them.
Overall, I can recommend it for viewing if you are into period action movies that has a good plot a strong female lead.

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Good Concept, Poor execution

I am not being fair for dropping this before watching the entire series so my review may not hold water.
my POV: if there is no distinction between human and AI, what made the protagonist accept this AI when he is a recluse and introvert? The set setting is not matching the concept. AI is supposed to be aiding emotionally but so far, what I have seen was the AI being a physical help. The AI doesn't seem to be set with boundaries and has overflowing emotions - more than the human. The concept hooked me but lost me when I didn't see the execution matching the idea. I might have a preconceived notion of an AI that is clouding my judgment, so I may not be being fair.

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Amazingly Entertaining

I regret ignoring all seasons and series of Ossan's Love. I have never laughed this much watching a series. Episode 5 hot spring scenes was the most hilarious of all for me.
Some viewers will find some characters irritating. However, I find the writer a genius for meshing a hotpodge of characters together and making them work harmoniously, producing a very entertaining series. This has a little bit of everything and nothing excessive except for Chief's screaming and Haruta's reactions but I think they were necessary to complete the comedic aspect of the series.
I truly hope they do another sequel.

I enjoyed all Ossan's Love sequels but this is my most favorite one.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VIEWING

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More than a BL Fantasy series

Honestly, I dropped this series after 2 episodes 2 years ago. I felt exhausted with Adachi character. Rewatching it this time taught me a huge lesson: It will not always be fireworks at first but given the opportunity and time, it may not just be fireworks but dancing beautiful colors along with it.
Best part I love about this series is how it didn't end in just their romance story but it included dealing with their filial responsibilities. I love the bravenes of Adachi of wanting their parents' blessings and fighting for it.
The animation for this is slightly different in few areas but I like it the same. Still turned out satisfying to watch. I did flinch a bit couple of times for the overreaction in some scenes that is typical of Japanese series.
Overall, I will recommend this series and don't stop there. Watch the movie because it has a lot more to offer.

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Simple and Edible

A simple story portraying life of 2 friends starting their college life together. No heavy drama to be seen but lots of simple recipes that viewers will be able to try. I am a foodie so I love this aspect of the movie.
There is underdeveloped relationship between the 2 friends. They are very close but no clear statement of anything beyond special friendship. Viewers can decipher the emotions of the characters for each other based on their actions, words, and gazes for each other. However, the movie will end with no clear statement other than strong and special friendship.
Production did well with scene set up and props. I am big on recycled/reused wardrobes so I am a bit disappointed with scenes having used wardrobes for characters. (I am aware diff scenes were shot on same day explaining the wardrobes but good director and production will know that this impact the storytelling).
There is a season 2 slotted for July per MDL which may show evolvement of their relationship. There is also a cute short segment after the credit so don't be quick to end watching when end credits comes on.
Saw someone sharing a link for Season 2 trailer which I will definitely watch after submitting this review.

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Director needs training

Dropped: Unable to continue watching.

2 CPs, scene started in Japan for location. Great location setting that gives viewer a look of Japan.
first 10 minutes is truly nothing worth watching. It was mostly nonsense chat. Scene transition isn't smooth on most. Acting by actors - I felt like watching a HS freshman school play. However, I believe this is on Director's shoulder. A good & talented director would only film an acceptable, good and excellent depiction of character/s. An artist will continue the way they act if they aren't told to correct or improve. Sadly, the artists are the ones who gets the judgment. The finish product was allowed by the executive producer.

I have to commend the production staff and the artists for their effort and work for this series. I may revisit this series later and start watching mid series to see if there's a reason to edit this review and rating.

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Awesome Fight Choreography

This is one of the best martial arts movie I have watched. The plot is simple and direct but the way it was directed kept me glued at my seat. It is fast pace, shot in beautiful locations, wonderful sceneries, costumes and wardrobe fit perfectly with the scenes, all artists were convincing in their portrayal of their characters.
One of the best movies in this genre that I have seen.
of there is one thing negative to say, it will be somebofnthe brutal scenes but then again, it's my personal disposition. My brutal may not be anything remotely close to others' meaning of brutal.

Highly recommended watch. I will now watch the season 2. Hopefully, it will also keep me glued.

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Blending Old & New

The lack of promotion for this series, plus the lack of proper subtitles, made it difficult for viewers to discover & enjoy this series. A unique story of blending new & old arts, plus the hurdles of keeping and maintaining an old culture not only by the older generation but also the new generation. This series not only offered entertainment but also education on China's exquisite entertainment culture. I came out of it learning a lot. It also depicted brotherhood and sisterhood in different ways. It's a good watch if you can get through the rough subs. I had to use a translator 80% of the series for better understanding so it took me longer to watch it.
There's no synopsis nor list of artists who participated here. Some of the main artists are
Liu Yi Hun, Mu Hao, Yang Jun, Yang Wen, Liu Xiao Li, Li Xuaner and other veteran artists.
Its a story of a young man with a family entertainers in Peking Opera. He excels as a performer in this field and could follow his grandfather's footsteps as an international awarded Peking Opera performer but his focus is on his rock band. Upon stumbling on the opera's situation after returning home with him bandmates, he was grapling on how to continue his path in the rock band, and help salvage his family's Peking Opera group.
Whole production did good in setting, scenes, and props but could improve in wardrobes for the characters. Repeat and recycled wardrobes are always easy to catch. The opera costumes and headress were exquisite though. Love the little information shared about it.

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