This review may contain spoilers
A grand tribute ~ Scheming that's done magnificently! | Well served Justice.
"Don't be afraid of falling once and don't let that deter you. You have to forget about the pit and move on. No matter what, I am behind you." - Xue Huai Yuan
The above line from Xue Fang Fei's father truly has left a significant meaning to me. Although it was delivered to encourage XFF to never lose hope and keep the faith. I also felt comforted on behalf of her, because I know, as a viewer, that it somehow has a different meaning for her. It's a reminder and an advise that she should let go of her traumas and free herself of the chains that's keeping her caged in the past. That life is much more brighter and vibrant as long as she keeps on looking at the people who truly loves and cares for her.
Anyways, I want to officially start this review by saying that this story left me in great awe this year and most probably the drama with one of the best story line and character progression of all. I consider it so close to my heart that I want to take my time to carefully dissect the story by highlighting my most favorite elements about it. So, shall we start?
Story line - It was told without haste. I love that they took their time to show us all the crucial events that occured in the show. And despite having lots of scenes to show and address, they simply never took the liberty to magically skip through anything. They made sure that each important scenes are executed and shown in detailed way which also helps us viewers understand the story the best way possible. + The fact that they are able to incorporate a great amount of humorous and hilarious skits left and right made this show extra entertaining to watch. Also, I just wanna add up how crazily jam-packed and/or action-packed this dramas is. I myself was astounded on how skilled they're in deciding which scenes should make it to the final cut. No wasted episode at all!
Overall camera works, editing and all those related stuff - I'm speechless and too overwhelmed to even tell people how satisfied I am on how meticulously this drama was filmed and edited. They seriously got the best team out there. The transitions between scenes are smooth and flawless—well done! Not to mention how insanely indulging the camera angles, focus and choreohraphies are! Chef's Kiss! The camera position and direction are exemplary as it gives us a better and wider view of the horizon where the story is happening. Another thing I extremely love are the close up shots because it somehow made me feel like they're talking to me...like telling me words through their expressions. For some reason those shots expressed and conveyed their emotions clearly and precisely even better than them exchanging actual dialogues. Those are also my most favorite scenes of this drama. The main leads looking at one other without speaking as if they can read one another's mind felt so magical and endearing to me.
I also just want to mention how the cinematography and CGI was insane during the Qin competition. Like, Hell Yeah!! They gave me so much chills!! At one point it feels like I was watching a Xianxia drama all of a sudden which was mesmerizing and captivating all at the same time. What a performance they got there.
Chemistry and compatibility is Oozing! Something about the main leads has conquered and devoured this entire drama completely. I never expected them to be this charismatic, captivating and tempting all together. Their eye contacts are enough to melt my soul and awaken my romantic bones into life. They've got this chemistry and synergy that is rare for pairings to have. So I would say they have developed a mutual understanding and intangible connection that gives me this heart flattering feeling whenever I watch them. I guess they simply understand each other and has long found the secret recipe on how to make their chemistry work even when they're only giving us the bare minimum. Also, I love that they're not really lovey-dovey but are mature enough to understand and acknowledge their feelings for each other. And on Episode 33, their holding hands scene after XFF went out of the prison was such a mood. I myself was shock to see them being on that stage already even when they seem on guard of each other. Chess piece my ass Xiao Heng. Hahaha!
Ending was satisfying! I appreciate how everyone who the Main Leads seeks justice from got their own well deserved miserable ending and punishment. And although Lu Ji and Wen Ji died at the end, I am just glad that Xiao Heng didn't end up getting killed as well. I better watch the special episode right after writing this review.
Lastl, I personally want to thank the writer for the well deserved Happy ending of the Xue Family. I'm very grateful and is elated to see XFF spending her life in peace and harmony with her little family after all the mess Shen Yurong brought to their life.
"Living is the best revenge against your enemy." - Jiang Li (The real one)
Story - 10, I have nothing but praises and good words for this drama. The story was well written, progression was smooth and systematic and I immensely appreciate how the writer and producer avoided making such ludicrous plot twist and devices.
Acting/Cast - 10, Let's not talk about acting! Cause Heck!! They nailed, cemented and put up a statue of themselves in my head as one of the best in actors/actresses in terms of acting. Wu Jin Yan specially got me on my knees. She's overflowing with this indescribable force that will automatically hook you up to her acting performance. While Wang Xing Yue got me with his charming smile and stoic yet soft facial expressions. The supporting roles are the best too! Special mention to Ai Mi. Girl is on every drama I watched. A person who got good eyes and sense in choosing her projects.
Music - 10, Overall music choice are good. They're melodious and almost heavenly. Specially their main BGM! Their song placement is good and balanced as well. I never feel like it overshadowed or overlapped with any of the scenes it was used to.
Rewatch Value - 10, Solid 10. This is one of those dramas I will surely watch over and over again if only I have time to do so.
Overall - 10, Other people saying otherwise must either have personal beef against any of the casts or their taste is simply nasty bad. This drama deserved a higher rating and success, just to be very honest. Highly recommend!
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
The above line from Xue Fang Fei's father truly has left a significant meaning to me. Although it was delivered to encourage XFF to never lose hope and keep the faith. I also felt comforted on behalf of her, because I know, as a viewer, that it somehow has a different meaning for her. It's a reminder and an advise that she should let go of her traumas and free herself of the chains that's keeping her caged in the past. That life is much more brighter and vibrant as long as she keeps on looking at the people who truly loves and cares for her.
Anyways, I want to officially start this review by saying that this story left me in great awe this year and most probably the drama with one of the best story line and character progression of all. I consider it so close to my heart that I want to take my time to carefully dissect the story by highlighting my most favorite elements about it. So, shall we start?
Story line - It was told without haste. I love that they took their time to show us all the crucial events that occured in the show. And despite having lots of scenes to show and address, they simply never took the liberty to magically skip through anything. They made sure that each important scenes are executed and shown in detailed way which also helps us viewers understand the story the best way possible. + The fact that they are able to incorporate a great amount of humorous and hilarious skits left and right made this show extra entertaining to watch. Also, I just wanna add up how crazily jam-packed and/or action-packed this dramas is. I myself was astounded on how skilled they're in deciding which scenes should make it to the final cut. No wasted episode at all!
Overall camera works, editing and all those related stuff - I'm speechless and too overwhelmed to even tell people how satisfied I am on how meticulously this drama was filmed and edited. They seriously got the best team out there. The transitions between scenes are smooth and flawless—well done! Not to mention how insanely indulging the camera angles, focus and choreohraphies are! Chef's Kiss! The camera position and direction are exemplary as it gives us a better and wider view of the horizon where the story is happening. Another thing I extremely love are the close up shots because it somehow made me feel like they're talking to me...like telling me words through their expressions. For some reason those shots expressed and conveyed their emotions clearly and precisely even better than them exchanging actual dialogues. Those are also my most favorite scenes of this drama. The main leads looking at one other without speaking as if they can read one another's mind felt so magical and endearing to me.
I also just want to mention how the cinematography and CGI was insane during the Qin competition. Like, Hell Yeah!! They gave me so much chills!! At one point it feels like I was watching a Xianxia drama all of a sudden which was mesmerizing and captivating all at the same time. What a performance they got there.
Chemistry and compatibility is Oozing! Something about the main leads has conquered and devoured this entire drama completely. I never expected them to be this charismatic, captivating and tempting all together. Their eye contacts are enough to melt my soul and awaken my romantic bones into life. They've got this chemistry and synergy that is rare for pairings to have. So I would say they have developed a mutual understanding and intangible connection that gives me this heart flattering feeling whenever I watch them. I guess they simply understand each other and has long found the secret recipe on how to make their chemistry work even when they're only giving us the bare minimum. Also, I love that they're not really lovey-dovey but are mature enough to understand and acknowledge their feelings for each other. And on Episode 33, their holding hands scene after XFF went out of the prison was such a mood. I myself was shock to see them being on that stage already even when they seem on guard of each other. Chess piece my ass Xiao Heng. Hahaha!
Ending was satisfying! I appreciate how everyone who the Main Leads seeks justice from got their own well deserved miserable ending and punishment. And although Lu Ji and Wen Ji died at the end, I am just glad that Xiao Heng didn't end up getting killed as well. I better watch the special episode right after writing this review.
Lastl, I personally want to thank the writer for the well deserved Happy ending of the Xue Family. I'm very grateful and is elated to see XFF spending her life in peace and harmony with her little family after all the mess Shen Yurong brought to their life.
"Living is the best revenge against your enemy." - Jiang Li (The real one)
Story - 10, I have nothing but praises and good words for this drama. The story was well written, progression was smooth and systematic and I immensely appreciate how the writer and producer avoided making such ludicrous plot twist and devices.
Acting/Cast - 10, Let's not talk about acting! Cause Heck!! They nailed, cemented and put up a statue of themselves in my head as one of the best in actors/actresses in terms of acting. Wu Jin Yan specially got me on my knees. She's overflowing with this indescribable force that will automatically hook you up to her acting performance. While Wang Xing Yue got me with his charming smile and stoic yet soft facial expressions. The supporting roles are the best too! Special mention to Ai Mi. Girl is on every drama I watched. A person who got good eyes and sense in choosing her projects.
Music - 10, Overall music choice are good. They're melodious and almost heavenly. Specially their main BGM! Their song placement is good and balanced as well. I never feel like it overshadowed or overlapped with any of the scenes it was used to.
Rewatch Value - 10, Solid 10. This is one of those dramas I will surely watch over and over again if only I have time to do so.
Overall - 10, Other people saying otherwise must either have personal beef against any of the casts or their taste is simply nasty bad. This drama deserved a higher rating and success, just to be very honest. Highly recommend!
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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