1
ASTER
SAMSARA
This review may contain spoilers
A tale of hatred and obsession wrapped in love.
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot Summary:
This is a story built around the intense emotions of love and hate. It beautifully portrays how "love" never allows distance, while "hate" never lets closeness prevail.
Characters:
Yue Jin Chen:
A boy who seems to have everything but is left with nothing. I found his character captivating, and the actor who portrayed him did a remarkable job. His emotional conflict was gripping and left a strong impact throughout the series.
Gu Jun Yao:
A girl whose world shattered with the destruction of her clan. She returns as a martial artist, seeking revenge after many years. However, her character was a bit of a letdown. Despite her background, she continuously made impulsive decisions and failed in every fight, relying on Yue Jin Chen to save her time and again. This inconsistency in her portrayal weakened the storyline.
What I Liked:
The concept of "love and hate" driving the plot was intriguing. Yue Jin Chen's character and his emotional journey were the highlight for me. The two standout moments in the series were especially heart-wrenching and impactful:
1. The scene where the "wing is cut", leaving a lasting emotional scar.
2. The chilling nightmare with the line, "I will do it very gently." Both moments hit hard and left a lasting impression.
What Could Have Been Better:
While the core concept was strong, the narrative and character arcs were not as well executed. When a character's background is established, it should be reflected consistently in their actions. Unfortunately, the characters often contradicted their backstories, lessening the emotional impact. Repetition of the scene was not a good idea its weaken the impact.
Gu Jun Yao, in particular, should have been portrayed as a stronger, more competent fighter given her quest for revenge. Yet, she came across as reckless and overly reliant on the hero. Additionally, the plot's political intrigue was underdeveloped. Despite so much planning and plotting, none of the key figures—kings, ministers—seemed to be aware or involved, making them feel invisible. This lack of engagement from powerful characters left the story feeling incomplete.
The political tension could have been more thrilling if the series had explored the rivalry between the two sides with more complexity, showing them outmaneuvering each other at different points. This would have added depth and excitement to the plot.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the series was enjoyable if you're watching for the push and pull of love and hate. Although it had some narrative weaknesses and missed opportunities with certain characters, it delivered moments of emotional intensity that made it worth watching. If you're in the mood for a story that tugs at the heartstrings with its themes of pain and passion, this is worth a try.
Plot Summary:
This is a story built around the intense emotions of love and hate. It beautifully portrays how "love" never allows distance, while "hate" never lets closeness prevail.
Characters:
Yue Jin Chen:
A boy who seems to have everything but is left with nothing. I found his character captivating, and the actor who portrayed him did a remarkable job. His emotional conflict was gripping and left a strong impact throughout the series.
Gu Jun Yao:
A girl whose world shattered with the destruction of her clan. She returns as a martial artist, seeking revenge after many years. However, her character was a bit of a letdown. Despite her background, she continuously made impulsive decisions and failed in every fight, relying on Yue Jin Chen to save her time and again. This inconsistency in her portrayal weakened the storyline.
What I Liked:
The concept of "love and hate" driving the plot was intriguing. Yue Jin Chen's character and his emotional journey were the highlight for me. The two standout moments in the series were especially heart-wrenching and impactful:
1. The scene where the "wing is cut", leaving a lasting emotional scar.
2. The chilling nightmare with the line, "I will do it very gently." Both moments hit hard and left a lasting impression.
What Could Have Been Better:
While the core concept was strong, the narrative and character arcs were not as well executed. When a character's background is established, it should be reflected consistently in their actions. Unfortunately, the characters often contradicted their backstories, lessening the emotional impact. Repetition of the scene was not a good idea its weaken the impact.
Gu Jun Yao, in particular, should have been portrayed as a stronger, more competent fighter given her quest for revenge. Yet, she came across as reckless and overly reliant on the hero. Additionally, the plot's political intrigue was underdeveloped. Despite so much planning and plotting, none of the key figures—kings, ministers—seemed to be aware or involved, making them feel invisible. This lack of engagement from powerful characters left the story feeling incomplete.
The political tension could have been more thrilling if the series had explored the rivalry between the two sides with more complexity, showing them outmaneuvering each other at different points. This would have added depth and excitement to the plot.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the series was enjoyable if you're watching for the push and pull of love and hate. Although it had some narrative weaknesses and missed opportunities with certain characters, it delivered moments of emotional intensity that made it worth watching. If you're in the mood for a story that tugs at the heartstrings with its themes of pain and passion, this is worth a try.
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