A Compelling Idea Undercut by Disappointing Direction
I’m sorry, folks—but this ended up being a disappointing watch. And I hate saying that, because it had so much potential, only to fall short for me by the end.There were many strengths that had me fully invested through the first half. The plot was unique, the cases involving the relics were fantastic and highly engaging, and the supporting cast—with their hilarious subplots and great chemistry—really shined. Their dynamics felt intentional and well-developed, both in romantic and platonic ways. However, I struggled with the leads—especially as their relationship began to take precedence, while the relics, which should have been the main focus, were pushed into the background. The main characters also had several subplots that didn’t make sense to me and felt like they belonged in an entirely different drama. By the final stretch, those unrelated storylines had completely taken over, made relevant through weak and convenient associations. So while I genuinely loved the core concept, we mostly ended up with a very different story—one that didn’t appeal to me and wasn’t what I signed up for when I started this drama.
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Enjoyable, but Overextended
I enjoyed this drama, but I honestly think I would have liked it more if it had been trimmed down. While I had a lot of fun with the storyline and characters, the subplots began to feel repetitive by episode 24. That said, I found it to be an engaging and unique drama for the time it was released. It had the feel of a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of war or national conflict. In some ways, it reminded me of Toy Soldiers (an American movie), with students taking on heavy military responsibilities that threatened both their lives and mental health.I thought the characters and their stories were where this drama truly shined. I really appreciated the relationships between the characters — how they grew together despite their different personalities and family backgrounds. The cast did a wonderful job bringing their roles to life, and the backstories of the older minor characters added a thoughtful layer to the main plot. I also loved the comedic moments woven throughout the drama — they gave the story a much-needed balance. Still, as much as I could rave about certain elements, the overall experience would have benefitted from tighter plotting. A more concise episode count could have made the narrative stronger and more focused.
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Flawed Execution, but Interesting Plots
This drama has significant execution issues, and the ending fell short for me. However, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who don't mind watching imperfect dramas, as the storyline is worth overlooking the flaws. The narrative itself is engrossing and, for me, unique, making it easy to become absorbed in the story. I also enjoyed the character development and dynamics. It was interesting to watch how the lead was torn between love interests, with their histories equally well-founded. It also includes political intrigue, adding depth to the narrative, while its fantastical elements offer a fresh and unique twist to the storyline.Was this review helpful to you?
A Rare Chinese Horror That Actually Works
I absolutely loved this. I’ve been searching for a Chinese horror film that delivers true horror, and until now, I’ve always come up short. I’ve found films that are gripping and eerie—but not truly scary—until this one. There were several sequences that genuinely made me jump, and I felt real fear for a good portion of the screen time. As someone who grew up watching horror from many different countries, I think this holds its own—and I found it genuinely terrifying. If you’re looking for a real horror flick, this could be your next watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Messy, Imperfect, and Completely Engaging
I enjoyed this, but I don't know if everyone can watch it. It has every hallmark of a short-length drama. It is low-budgeted, the storylines aren't well explained, the transitions between subplots are choppy, and there is no concrete ending. So, this watch takes a certain viewer. With that said, this is one of my highly-rated dramas. The overall narrative is interesting and the subplots are equally captivating. I love that we get two devil characters with backstories that drive this drama forward. Watching how entangled their lives are in different lifetimes keeps the story unique and engaging. I had many questions about key details, which is a sign of being absorbed into the narrative. I wish there had been a better finale though.Was this review helpful to you?
A Story That Sneaks Up on You
I really enjoyed this transmigration story. It took a few episodes to draw me in, but I was surprised by how emotionally resonant it became. Like many of Li Fei’s films, it’s a low-budget, short-length feature, but the subplots are engaging and the storytelling has real depth. I especially appreciated the character development and the narrative layers—it made for a captivating and multi-dimensional watch.Unfortunately, only half of the series is currently translated, so I had to finish it without English subtitles. The ending might not be for everyone, but I personally found it impactful and satisfying.
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Low-Budget Charm with Strong Storytelling
I really enjoyed this. I loved how the plot evolved—themes and structure, the depth of the characters, their lifelong connections, and the costume design during the final transitions. It was all compelling and thoughtfully done. The only downside is that it lacks a proper ending. It was clearly created with a second season in mind, but it’s been years and there’s still no follow-up.Samael and Lilith productions are definitely low-budget and raw, but I find there’s something undeniably special about them. The on-screen chemistry and the emotionally engaging storytelling always draw me in. If you’re not looking for something polished or Hollywood-style, I’d definitely recommend this—just be aware the story doesn’t conclude.
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Absurdism Meets Existentialism: Loved It
I really enjoyed this movie. The style is unconventional—similar to a Wes Anderson film or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind—with a narrative that is sometimes non-linear and dream-like, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination and occasionally leaning into absurdism. The visual effects create a surreal tone, and the intentional color palette enhances the kind of consciousness the camerawork evokes. It was a fun watch and, somehow, surprisingly impactful as an existential mouthpiece.Was this review helpful to you?
Guilty Pleasure Done Right
This is definitely a guilty pleasure—it’s poorly executed and a bit weird, but so, so good. I enjoyed the narrative, as strange, awkward, and unbelievable as it was. The plot felt unique, the character dynamics were strong, and the conflicts were engaging with a satisfying build and resolution. It also had elements of mystery and an intriguing romance. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of Han Dong and Zhang Yuxi, as well as to anyone who doesn’t mind movie aesthetics and props that are a little rough around the edges.Was this review helpful to you?
Strong Performances, Standard Watch
I originally dropped this halfway through. I really like Luo Yunxi and enjoy true crime and forensic dramas, but I found the cases fairly standard and relatively easy. I’ve seen many similar shows, and this one felt like it was missing novelty. But after finding a few new releases underwhelming, I decided to return and finish it out.My impression didn’t really change in the second half. I thought there were some standout moments, particularly when the drama touched on the psychology of certain side characters. But overall, it was just a filler watch.
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A Compelling Story Undone by Execution
This was just okay for me, but I am glad I watched it and would do it again. I loved seeing all the original performers who used to dominate the scene. Especially, Zhang Zhehan and Merxat. And I thought the story was incredibly unique. I absolutely loved the wardrobe—this era always catches my eye, evoking a beautiful, gothic feel. However, I found it a real struggle to get through after the initial episodes. There were beautiful sequences and the opening short-stories to each episode were engaging. But the storyline became repetitive and relied on tropes that used to be heavily used, such as illogical character-blaming and obsessive revenge. That dragged down what could have been a flawless show.Was this review helpful to you?
Not My Cup of Tea
I’m sorry, folks, but I did not enjoy this drama, and I only finished it for the group I run on Facebook. The style and narrative didn’t speak to me and I found the pacing slow. Although I like Wuxia and pugilist themes (e.g., Proud Smiling Wanderer, Sword Dynasty, and Dominator of Martial Gods), this specific execution doesn't land for me. That said, I did enjoy certain elements—mainly the martial arts sequences and the special effects. It felt fantastical yet still rooted in inner force and secret sect arts.Overall, this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
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Nice in Concept But Didn’t Quite Land
I'm sorry folks, but this just wasn't my cup of tea. I enjoy both Hu Yiyao and Zhao Yiqin, but this was a miss for me. The overall concept was a win. I always enjoy playing with timelines and the idea of reincarnation or rebirth. But the execution felt off, and the villain, in particular, undermined conflicts that could have been stronger. So, the subplots felt underwhelming and somewhat sleepy for me. I also think this would have benefited from a shorter run to help tighten the pacing. There were a few scenes that stood out, but they felt interrupted.Was this review helpful to you?
Strong Premise, Inconsistent Execution
This one felt a bit uneven for me, and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. I started off intrigued—the storytelling was unique, and I liked the sense of mystery around what happened to the sister. The gradual reveals and flashbacks worked well for me, almost like peeling back layers, and they helped me connect with the characters.However, once part of the truth came out, I found myself underwhelmed. The impact didn’t really land, and the pacing felt off. That unevenness continued for a while, until after the halfway point when other characters and their intersecting storylines were introduced. At that stage, the family’s psychology became more central, and the themes grew heavier. Each episode became increasingly dark, leading up to a full reveal that did match the emotional weight of what the family had endured.
So, on one hand, I think the pacing weakened the narrative, and some of the subplots felt dry or anticlimactic. On the other, the overall story was pretty wild, and some of the performances were impressive. Ultimately, though, the execution didn’t fully land for me, and I struggled to stay invested in events that were treated with more gravity than I personally felt they had.
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A Haunting Drama That Lingers
I really enjoyed this drama. The ambience of the always rainy, overcast town fit the tone perfectly and reflected the emotional states of the characters. The cast delivered grounded, authentic performances that gave the story a haunting and often poignant quality. At its core, the drama revolves around a 20-year-old case that turns out to be far more layered than it first appears. As those layers are peeled back, we learn how the case shaped the characters’ lives, robbed them of happiness, and kept them from finding peace. I felt the story lost some of its momentum in the final two episodes, and the ending was a bit muddled. But overall, this is a strong watch for anyone who enjoys investigative dramas that offer more than a straightforward true-crime narrative. It delves into the psychology of its characters, draws us into their lives, and builds heartfelt arcs that interweave into a compelling and emotionally resonant whole.Was this review helpful to you?
