A totally enigmatic character in a great story. Highly recommended!!!

A really great central character can totally make a drama sing even if the story isn't quite there. But, in this case, that truly amazing character is a fully story in, and of, himself and so he elevates the whole drama to quite an impressive level.

Overall, the Joy of Life world, it's premise and the story are novel; original. It starts extremely well with a talented younger actor and then it rolls out quite seamlessly with an adult actor who is genius at making his characters really come to life. The writing, the dialogue, the story's development are all impressive. It's intelligent. It's vibrant. It's clever and witty. The older characters are smart and cunning. Ruthless. And all the supporting characters are interesting, alive, and each is enigmatic too; each in their own, very memorably way. There are riches in this cast. And the production values are high as well. In fact, there's quality shot through it in every way. Everything is there. Nothing is missing.

And then there's Fan Xian who I honestly love and I bet you will too. Which is what happens when a great actor is cast to play an amazing character. Fan Xian is a good guy but not too good. He's charming, smart, talented. He's brave and loyal and all that. But he's also irreverent and cheeky and delightfully imperfect. You can't help falling in love with him. He's so easy to love. Easy to root for. He's so bright but he's also so out of his depth in ways that he isn't even aware of. You just have to sit on the edge of your seat and sweat it all out with him as he learns which way is up, down and around. And so he becomes easy to grow with. His story becomes our story and, well, it's really very involving, very motivating. Very easy to watch and so very easy to enjoy.

Yes. There's no doubt about it. Fan Xian is a special kind of character. A great central character went to an actor who could bring him to life for us to follow and really care about as he swims among the sharks and tries to survive with honour. It's really an excellent drama. Unique. Involving. Easily a 9.5. Highly recommended as long as you want to be entertained.

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A top tier mystery, martial arts, historical drama that will hold you in tight from start to finish.

I really enjoyed this drama! The dark tension, the suspense, the careful unfolding of the story lines and the development of some very complex characters all held my attention from start to finish and it definitely impressed me with it's top tier level of quality! The writing (plot, characters, setting, dialogue ... ), the performances, the OST and the cinematography were most often exquisite and there were many moments where a character's loyalty and love for another ... genuinely moved me. I hope that there will be a follow up series but, even if there isn't, this was time well spent. My feelings for each of the characters kept shifting and, for me that made this drama quite captivating. It was a memorable story with provocative leads and intricate relationships. And, I have to say, I'm actually quite sorry that I finished it and it was over so quickly. I wish I'd savoured it a little bit more. So I'll easily rate it at 9.0 to 9.5. I'll be re-watching it in the near future. And I will totally recommend it to you, if you're looking for a high quality, martial arts, historical drama. Honestly it's an excellent drama in all respects.

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