softforwangxian
This review may contain spoilers
I AM NEVER COMING DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN
The Chinese BL drama race of 2021 is off to an *incredible* start with "Word of Honor"/SHL.
Story/Production - Majority of the episodes were pretty good in terms of costumes and set design, though the CG was a bit of a letdown at times. I do wish we had gotten more episodes overall, like another big battle and more exposition towards the end (it felt like the last few eps were a bit rushed and I swear I thought I skipped an episode between 30 and 31 because the plot just jumps off from nothing), but this was possibly due to budget constraints (supposedly there were originally plans for 45 episodes instead of the final lineup of 36). Fair warning, episodes 32 and 35 broke my heart. Like, A LOT. I'm really glad Youku released that special episode 37 (yes we get a Happy Ever After), or else the official ending would have left me sobbing for hours. A huge round of applause for the scriptwriter and directors/producers and staff for their hard work—it definitely paid off!
Acting - The chemistry between the main leads AND the second couple pairing were incredibly well done: Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing's flirt game was off the roof, and Gu Xiang and Cao Weining were so adorable together. Zhang Zhehan really brought his A-game and showed his industry experience in Zhou Zishu's more subtle emotional moments (that drunk confession scene in episode 34 kills me every single time), while Gong Jun's raw talent and ability to pull of multiple personalities (crazy chief? flirtatious philanthropist? loyal subordinate? bloodthirsty warrior? check, check, check, and CHECK).
Music - I absolutely love the opening theme song "Tian Wen" and the ending theme song "Tian Ya Ke" (sung by Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun!!!), they're both incredibly emotional, and so meaningful after I looked up the english lyrics translations. My other favorites would have to be "Gu Meng" sung by Zhang Zhehan, an absolute masterpiece especially when he performs it live; and "Wu Ti" by Hu Xia, the OST that prepares me for heartbreaking moments every time I hear the first notes being played in a scene.
Story/Production - Majority of the episodes were pretty good in terms of costumes and set design, though the CG was a bit of a letdown at times. I do wish we had gotten more episodes overall, like another big battle and more exposition towards the end (it felt like the last few eps were a bit rushed and I swear I thought I skipped an episode between 30 and 31 because the plot just jumps off from nothing), but this was possibly due to budget constraints (supposedly there were originally plans for 45 episodes instead of the final lineup of 36). Fair warning, episodes 32 and 35 broke my heart. Like, A LOT. I'm really glad Youku released that special episode 37 (yes we get a Happy Ever After), or else the official ending would have left me sobbing for hours. A huge round of applause for the scriptwriter and directors/producers and staff for their hard work—it definitely paid off!
Acting - The chemistry between the main leads AND the second couple pairing were incredibly well done: Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing's flirt game was off the roof, and Gu Xiang and Cao Weining were so adorable together. Zhang Zhehan really brought his A-game and showed his industry experience in Zhou Zishu's more subtle emotional moments (that drunk confession scene in episode 34 kills me every single time), while Gong Jun's raw talent and ability to pull of multiple personalities (crazy chief? flirtatious philanthropist? loyal subordinate? bloodthirsty warrior? check, check, check, and CHECK).
Music - I absolutely love the opening theme song "Tian Wen" and the ending theme song "Tian Ya Ke" (sung by Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun!!!), they're both incredibly emotional, and so meaningful after I looked up the english lyrics translations. My other favorites would have to be "Gu Meng" sung by Zhang Zhehan, an absolute masterpiece especially when he performs it live; and "Wu Ti" by Hu Xia, the OST that prepares me for heartbreaking moments every time I hear the first notes being played in a scene.
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