asmitha chandini
INDIA
This review may contain spoilers
Minor spoilers included.
This series is going to put you through a rollercoaster of emotions!
First, the plot. The story goes from innocent flirting in the countryside while killing demons to sect politics discussing marriages to a full-blown war between the three realms and the imminent destruction of all existence without you even noticing how it got there. Even though some things are not explained in all detail, it does not affect the logic of the plot too much. Another note: While The Untamed (if you haven’t watched this, what are you even doing with your life?) focused on the question “What is evil?”, this series questions “Who is evil?” and it is very well done without being too much in the foreground. Series with a well explored ethical question among their plot are usually very good and this series is no exception.
Second, the Characters. They are so well done. Not only the main characters who are often opposing even sect leaders to do what they think is right (which is very refreshing) but especially the support characters. They really earned the *support* in their title. Whenever you are shouting frustrated at your screen because of another misunderstanding or THAT guy (we will come to him later), usually one of the support characters will come and call everyone out on their bullsh* or explain things (which is sooo satisfying). You will love many of these characters!
There are three villains in this series. You will probably love Wu Tong if you know him from Word of Honor (there, he is Ye Baiyi) and he is lovingly hatable. The second villain is your normal standard I-want-to-conquer-the-world-because-of-reasons villain. Not too bad and you despise him normally. And *then* there is THAT guy. At first, you will find him annoying, later you will stop having any affection for this guy before you begin to hate him. And then he just does not stop. Whatever hope you had for him, for humanity he will just sink lower and lower. Multiple times you will find yourself thinking that he reached the bottom but think again! There he is, ruining everything and everyone while being convinced to be in the right *all the time*. Never was a villain so despicable or hatable. Props to the actor but I just hate you!
Third, a few shoutouts. The costumes are soo beautiful. Especially the armor and visual effects for the Gold Birds. Also the fights are usually very nice to look at and some of them are simply epic, not only in choreography but also just visuals. Then we have Lord Teng She who is just so great and unfortunately only joining the cast after the first half of the show. Luckily, there are some minor scenes before that to allow you to board the ship with Green Dragon (you’ll know what I mean).
Flaws. To be honest, it would be really interesting to watch this series again and count the times Sifeng is spitting blood. It’s number really can only be matched by the times Xuan Ji shouts ”Sifeng”. You will definitely notice after some time and maybe roll your eyes. Also, Sifeng should probably spend 0,00001 second near THAT guy to learn enough about selfishness to not sacrifice himself every time he sees an opportunity for that. We all know, it is kind of normal for a male lead to be selfless and self-sacrificing but *come on* Sifeng!
Also, not really a flaw, but prepare to suffer! There are so many misunderstandings and overheard-conversations that need some time to be resolved. Until then you will contemplate your life-choices and ask yourself why you are doing this to yourself in the first place. Luckily, a support character will usually save you from your misery. And you get a lot of fluff for compensation later.
First, the plot. The story goes from innocent flirting in the countryside while killing demons to sect politics discussing marriages to a full-blown war between the three realms and the imminent destruction of all existence without you even noticing how it got there. Even though some things are not explained in all detail, it does not affect the logic of the plot too much. Another note: While The Untamed (if you haven’t watched this, what are you even doing with your life?) focused on the question “What is evil?”, this series questions “Who is evil?” and it is very well done without being too much in the foreground. Series with a well explored ethical question among their plot are usually very good and this series is no exception.
Second, the Characters. They are so well done. Not only the main characters who are often opposing even sect leaders to do what they think is right (which is very refreshing) but especially the support characters. They really earned the *support* in their title. Whenever you are shouting frustrated at your screen because of another misunderstanding or THAT guy (we will come to him later), usually one of the support characters will come and call everyone out on their bullsh* or explain things (which is sooo satisfying). You will love many of these characters!
There are three villains in this series. You will probably love Wu Tong if you know him from Word of Honor (there, he is Ye Baiyi) and he is lovingly hatable. The second villain is your normal standard I-want-to-conquer-the-world-because-of-reasons villain. Not too bad and you despise him normally. And *then* there is THAT guy. At first, you will find him annoying, later you will stop having any affection for this guy before you begin to hate him. And then he just does not stop. Whatever hope you had for him, for humanity he will just sink lower and lower. Multiple times you will find yourself thinking that he reached the bottom but think again! There he is, ruining everything and everyone while being convinced to be in the right *all the time*. Never was a villain so despicable or hatable. Props to the actor but I just hate you!
Third, a few shoutouts. The costumes are soo beautiful. Especially the armor and visual effects for the Gold Birds. Also the fights are usually very nice to look at and some of them are simply epic, not only in choreography but also just visuals. Then we have Lord Teng She who is just so great and unfortunately only joining the cast after the first half of the show. Luckily, there are some minor scenes before that to allow you to board the ship with Green Dragon (you’ll know what I mean).
Flaws. To be honest, it would be really interesting to watch this series again and count the times Sifeng is spitting blood. It’s number really can only be matched by the times Xuan Ji shouts ”Sifeng”. You will definitely notice after some time and maybe roll your eyes. Also, Sifeng should probably spend 0,00001 second near THAT guy to learn enough about selfishness to not sacrifice himself every time he sees an opportunity for that. We all know, it is kind of normal for a male lead to be selfless and self-sacrificing but *come on* Sifeng!
Also, not really a flaw, but prepare to suffer! There are so many misunderstandings and overheard-conversations that need some time to be resolved. Until then you will contemplate your life-choices and ask yourself why you are doing this to yourself in the first place. Luckily, a support character will usually save you from your misery. And you get a lot of fluff for compensation later.
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