Power struggles and a love story destined to end in tragedy

This was my very first chinese drama. I got wind of it on Instagram and just saw someone gushing over Chen Kun so I checked it out and watched the trailer which led me to Netflix where I started watching it. The chinese language was completely new to me at this point (I watched it with english subtitles) but it didn't take long for me to get used to it. I had only watched anime in japanese up to that point so I wasn't used to a new language. I pretty much binge-watched this drama which was due to the mindblowing performances of Ni Ni and Chen Kun because they totally nailed their roles. The way he brought his character to life was unbelievably mesmerizing which was why I was so glued to the screen the entire time while clicking on "Next Episode" like someone close to starving. Me who had never seen any chinese themed drama before in her life, was enchanted by the setting, the costumes and the politics. Some things in this drama aren't historically accurate (i researched it) but the fact that an eunuch would announce Ning Yi's arrival every time he was summoned by the emperor was hilarious yet fascinating to me. This drama basically set the foundation of my newly found obsession with chinese historical dramas and will forever have a special place in my heart, especially with the way it ended.
I probably won't rewatch this in the near future because it made me cry like a bitch. The music was beautiful and fit each scene perfectly. I loved the political intrigue (it's also one of my favorite tropes in books) and how some plot twists unraveled. Overall a drama absolutely worth my time.

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A beautiful story about two lovers overcoming hardships and staying true to each other.

If I had to sum up this show in one word, it would be: BREATHTAKING.
I loved everything about this drama. Starting from the world, the costumes, the scenery and the characters. I was in love the moment I started watching the first episode and was immediately captured by the story revolving around Xuanji and Sifeng. Starcrossed Lovers doesn't even come close to describing this tragic couple. I normally don't cry as much watching tv shows as I used to but these two rendered me speechless and turned me into a sobbing mess at times. Sifeng is one of those characters you can't even help but adore and love. Cheng Yi did an incredible job in portraying a tortured young man just trying his best.This self sacraficing cinnamon roll didn't deserve any of the shit he went through, giving up everything for Xuanji so many times. He went through torture, a world of ice, numerous lives being reborn in the human realm while getting killed by the one woman he loves more than himself, seemingly destined to die in each life when he gets even remotely close to said woman. I cried with him, for him, for their tragic love. Crystal Yuan as Xuanji was impeccable as well. Their chemistry on-screen was phenomenal and thus I melted a little every time Sifeng gave Xuanji one of his rare smiles or looked at her in adoration.
The side characters made this drama even more enjoyable, especially Linglong's side arc. I kind of saw myself in her a little and really felt for her. Sifeng's familar, the snake girl (I forgot her name) had me feeling frustrated at times but all she did was for the most selfless reasons and it made me sob.
The soundtrack was perfect and fit each scene incredibly well, especially the emotional ones.

Yeah well, to end this review: This show is a sobbing feast and everyone should suffer the way I had to suffer :)))

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A beautifully composed drama that's far from perfect but that's what makes it so amazing!

What a wild ride. Ashes of Love is my fourth C-drama I have watched since April and I'm really satisfied with how this drama concluded. The casting directors cast their people well and while every single one of them did a tremendously well job at portraying their characters, I especially fell in love with Luo Yun Xi who plays Run Yu, the misunderstood dragon boy who captured my heart from day one with his mysterious personality and gentle smile. But let's not forget to mention Andy Yang, who outdid herself playing an at first innocent and naive Jin Mi who later transformed into a responsible and selfless immortal, Deng Lu as Xufeng, the on the outside arrogant and stoic looking Fire Immortal, Faye Wang as the ruthless Sui He and Kathy Chow as late Heavenly Empress. All of them drew me in right from the beginning which made watching this 63 episode long drama feel like it passed by in the blink of an eye.
I did end up skipping several scenes but most of those included the Heavenly Emperor and the late Floral Immortal whose love story I wasn't very invested in. Shit happens though :D

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Sassy demon girl saves the future love of her life

I knew from the very beginning that I would love The Legends. The female lead Lu Zhaoyao was right up my alley of sassy, strong and independent women. Her outfits were literally so stunning I posted pictures of her on Instagram saying how much I adored them. By the end of the series she had gone through some changes to her character but never lost that spark that made her so unique and sympathetic. Mo Qing was an amazing male lead which was mostly thanks to Xu Kai whose performance was outstanding. His role was definitely a complex one as Li Chenlan was the demon king's son and had difficulty handling that other side inside of him at times. What ultimately broke my heart was the way he "died" but then came back years later. The ending is the only thing I would criticize because it didn't sit right with me. I was also really confused when the same two faces appeared at the end and they turned out to be their Children???? The side characters consisting of Zhi Yan, Jiang Wu, Qin Qian Xian, Gu Han Guang, Qian Jin and Sima Rong (plus a dozen other ones) gave this drama the right amount of humor, spice and tragedy. I'm gonna be honest, the story of our grumpy doctor and his beloved Qian Jin was very poignant and brought me to tears. In conclusion: the side plots were engaging and did not feel forced at all. What stood above all else was the ending song "Lu Zhiyao" by Sa Ding Ding. I never, I repeat, NEVER skipped this glorious song once and immediately downloaded it on my phone afterwards.

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I don't know what happened but...

I'm probably in the absolute minority here but I did not like this show. It did start off interestingly enough and I was digging Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian but something (I can't even put my finger on what it was) didn't appeal to me. Maybe it was the plot as a whole or perhaps the fact that I wasn't as invested in the side characters as they wanted me to be, but I had to drop this drama, as hard as it is to admit. I also wasn't a big fan of Lan Wangji since all he did was looking at people with contempt or arrogance and it bored me after a while because his emotions were pretty much nonexistent or at least weren't plain enough for me to recognize. Overall I was bored of his emotionless face and the same expressions. I'm sure it wasn't even Wang Yibo's fault because I've seen snippets of his other dramas and he was REALLY good so I'm guessing it's the way his character had to be portrayed that didn't move me in the slightest. Too bad because I really tried liking this show :(
I don't remember anything about the soundtrack so it's not worth mentioning unfortunately. As for the rewatch value I wouldn't dare recommending this since I haven't even finished it myself but due to its popularity (internationally) I won't be too concerned :)

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