Plot vs. Plot Triggers
To start with, the world-building was a little confusing, but it definitely definitely grew on me. I grew to enjoy the different rules, aesthetics, and customs in different Clans — it's sad that we rarely see all of the groups get together because so much of the story is focused on individual characters, but as a backdrop they were still great to see.The characters were plentiful but not confusing (at least not once you got used to them) and I particularly liked the female lead Baiqian, who was a strong female lead both in name and in personality. The relationship with Yehua was also great — a male lead who was so faithful and never wavered is always so satisfying to watch, even though there were some scenes where he was forceful and it made me uncomfortable.
Other than that, there is one thing that really bothered me and that's how the plot points were triggered — always by the cliche backstabbing, jealous, second female lead trying to sabotage the main leads' relationship. I've always been very annoyed by how the misogyny present in the writing of second female leads, and it was so obvious in this drama. It felt like there was an entire magic world and a faction war out there and yet everything was triggered by the pettiness of female characters. There had to be over three of them, and I honestly can't think of many female side characters that were genuinely good and important. I'd rather have the Ghost King or another antagonist be the main plot-driver.
Still, I think this drama played on tropes pretty well — while amnesia and time jumps usually bother me a lot and still sometimes felt convenient or rushed, I understand how both of them were an essential part of the plot and were explained generally well.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A beautiful and touching, romantic story about love even beyond death...
I will not write in detail, I will write briefly... you must watch it for yourself....a beautiful story, I watch it for the second time and each time I get moved at the same moments when the leads have to go through another trial of separation... but I am very happy with the happy ending for them... I love their little son, "the little rice ball".. ...But I don't understand the plot of Dong Hua and Bai Feng Jui... in this part they knew each other and were undergoing a test of love on earth... but in the next part dedicated to Dong Hua and Bai Feng Jui - Eternal LOve of Dream, they seemed to not know each other and showed up. Bai Feng Jui's plot from her leaving home to the heavenly wages in disguise, because she saw Dong Hua earlier who saved her and she fell in love with him... and they also went through further trials in the world of mortals, and it seemed that Dong Hua did not know her previously as Princess Quin Qian, then what happened in the meantime? I can't really connect these threads together...
To sum up, this part is great, great actors, great set design, costumes, music, everything at a high level!!! this is my favorite drama as well as the rest of this series! Well done to the whole team!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
1. Complex well rounded characters with believable motivations for what they did. A bit of noble idiocy here and there but it's all very convincing and doesn't seem like merely something added to artificially create more drama. A number of characters surprised me at some point in the drama which was excellent.
2. A plot that takes you on a whole journey. The beginning is indeed quite slow but it grows and feeds the story very beautifully.
3. I haven't seen an actor as amazing as Mark Chao in a long long while in Asian dramas or western movies or ANYTHING. His facial expressions, body language, brief glances communicated complex feelings with such amazing clarity. He not only brought Mo Yuan and Ye Hua to life but also the entire drama. He was simply phenomenal.
4. An enjoyable plot with interesting and enjoyable side stories as well that are woven well into the main plot.
5. Rewatch value is 100. ONE HUNDRED, I tell you. I have been rewatching this drama since I first watched it last year. The more I watch it, the more I appreciate it and the details in the plot. The more I watch it, the more deeply I feel about all the characters.
6. Good balance of action with romance and drama.
7. I'm weird and I like suffering so I love the fact that there was some good heartbreak as part of the couple's journey.
What I didn't like:
1. CG was not that great but I got used to it after a while and it didn't affect my enjoyment of the drama as a whole much.
2. The beginning is confusing and a bit slow. (However, in hindsight after seeing the end, I enjoyed the beginning watching it the second time.)
3. First time watching a Chinese period/fantasy drama. Some things were just straight up weird for me. Can't describe it in any other way.
4. End slightly unsatisfying.
5. Slow paced at some points, some side drama was kind of unnecessary and didn't add much to the plot.
But overall, it's a yes a thousand times yes for me regarding this drama. One of the best I have ever watched.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
After coming off of The Untamed and Ashes of Love, my standards are VERY HIGH for what I expect from a fantasy/wuxia series. So far, with only 7 episodes in, I've been pleasantly surprised. My attention has been 110% on Li Ying, the Ghost Tribes 2nd prince, and not even remotely on Mo Yuan, so I'm struggling a little bit there since I know the series focus is going to eventually shift toward Mo Yuan (or his reincarnation) and Beng Jiu and less on the tragic story of Li Ying. I've been rooting for him. He came into the story as a begrudging friend to Beng Jiu and cast aside any care for himself in order to be with her. He even stayed hidden in a cave for an undetermined amount of time in enemy territory in order to be with her even though she barely gave him the time of day. He eventually reached a point of total emotional despondency when he fully believed he had no chance to be with her, and he caved in to his loneliness with Xuan Nu after her long insistent, and touchy come-ons. I don't honestly fault him in that way. He didn't think he had a chance with Beng Jiu then she walks in and is upset and betrayed? As a viewer, I could see she was beginning to be swayed by his charms and insistent public displays of affection (which were very sweet and childish) but she never once confirmed her feelings for him or reciprocated in any way other than to show annoyance and impatience for his sweet gestures. When he returns to the Winged Realm, it's obvious he lacked total regard for his well-being and sought comfort in death. It was Xuan Nu, in her ruthless ambition and obsession with Li Ying, that saved him. He did not offer information to hurt the Heavenly Realm, nor did he support Xuan Nu in her betrayal. In fact, it seemed like he craved death and was more despondent than ever after that. All he wanted was to reconcile with Beng Jiu.
Anyway- I'm very obviously pining after the 2nd prince right now. I just feel like he's a beautiful, tragic, sympathetic, and grey character that I find very charismatic.
Episode 19 Thought Update:
Although the CGI is OK at BEST, I'm constantly mesmerized by how gorgeous and well-designed the costumes are. They're absolutely stunning. I remember watching Ashes of Love and being so underwhelmed by how cheaply made everything looked, despite the grandiose scale of the sets/costumes. Even when watching The Untamed; although the costumes were gorgeous, the sets weren't convincing and the CGI was terrible. Even the wigs sometimes looked too fake (the zombie puppets). Still, the stories in each series were always the main attraction and so beautifully woven together, that I was able to overlook those issues. In Eternal Love, the CGI is bad, but the set design is a lot nicer (usually), the costumes are GORGEOUS, and even the makeup isn't bad on the creatures (mercreatures and the winged realm). Also, Ye Hua's wig is probably the most natural wig I've ever seen. It's gorgeous, smooth, and the hairline and baby hair placement is so nearly perfect, I kept questioning if it was extensions to his real hair or if it was a wig (until i'd sometimes catch a glimpse of the wig hairline).
Was this review helpful to you?
TALKING ABOUT MARK CHAO
This is one of my favorite drama. I would say Yang Mi and Mark Chao meant to play this drama because they're compatible in chemistry and performance. Sound tract was amazing. By watching this drama, you'll be hoping to have a great love story of your own. One thing that I don't like was visual effect, too much imaginary flashes although it's understandable since it supposedly out of this world - supposedly in heaven where Gods and Goddesses resides that has super power. Mark Chao were brilliant portraying both Mo Yuan and Ye Hua, their love to Bai Qian were pretty devoted and last eternally (yes, I think Mo Yuan has loved Bai Qian way long before Ye Hua too). Bai Qian had temper and attitude problem, she's a beautiful Goddess but don't mess around with her heart, look to what happened to Li Jing or even Heaven Crown Prince Ye Hua would get reprimanded. Her devotion to Mo Yuan was admirable, with his coma in so many thousand years, she took care his body hoping he'd come back which happening. But their relation had changed, not just he (Sin Jin) was actually a girl but also she had a son as well as a husband (fiancee) - the dynamic different and relationship far behind to catch up.Mark Chao as Mo Yuan/Ye Hua was an excellent cast. A reserved dignify Crown Prince that express himself very little but intensity on his feeling, love once and hell with the rest of women. He could express his character in disgust, hate, stillness, regret and sad perfectly. No one could act the way Mark Chao perform as a serious (reserved) noble person, some actors need to learn his acting (as most acted like spacing out blank expression) while Mark has deeper expression in his eyes (glare, glance, happy, seriousness, anger, no nonsense) to communicate with his apposite. His lips could also indicate his feeling to his character. Mark doesn't have the beauty of God (maybe Yang Yang or Xiao Zhan can vouch for this type) but we all could relate to him, he's down to earth and charismatic (noble aura), he did an excellent job.
Bai Feng Jiu obsession to Dong Hua was tiring, in my opinion Dilraba's acting is not great as what her fans thought - She fakes everything like annoying baby brat voice & forced cried. Su Jin and Xuan Nu were worthy opponent for Bai Qian to win back their men, these bad s**t women fight to the teeth for love - all tricks and lies just to get rid of the common enemy. I love Si Ming and Lian Song, fluently delivering their dialog with spark in their eyes and smile in their lips. This drama became classic to me...
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
These long journey is worth watching..
Complex story line with profound character developments. Even the somewhat minor characters were given beautiful subplots. Thus making it super long.ML and FL've been through so much together and even when they were apart. They were immortals, in their long life, they've experienced multiple trials and triumphs.
Throughout the whole story many things happened to them. In our FL case, from student to god, from mortal to immortal, from being loved to being lost and broken. With the ML, it was about his journey of falling in love with a mortal, to losing her, to finding love again. They've experienced different kinds of sacrifices and betrayals. It was just a blessing that they still managed to have each other in the end. It's really hard to explain, so just go and see for yourself.
Oh the son of the main lead is really entertaining. His innocence is refreshing to see.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Has one of the most beautiful OSTs
I basically re-watch this all the time, and I adore this show. The OST is beautiful, the costumes are gorgeous, the acting feels real and raw, and the acting makes me yearn for that kind of love.Oh Ye Hua, you messed up, but we can all say that you really love Bai Qian. He truly loved her, and how lovely would it be to be loved like this! This drama makes me cry, laugh and scream. This is what good television is.
The villains make me angry, and the heroes make me happy. Highly recommend this drama if you love Xianxia and devoted male leads.
Was this review helpful to you?
It was an emotional roller coaster ride!!
Women are trouble, that's what they say in this series but the love stories will give you the reason why ;) Ye Hua and Bai Qian's love story will give you all the reasons to get excited, smile, shout and cry throughout the series. The character Ye Hua, played by Mark Chao, is brilliant and not to mention Mark Chao himself delivered a praiseworthy performance from the beginning till the end. Both the characters played by him, Mo Yuan and Ye Hua, were beautifully performed by Mark Chao and the way he distinguished two almost similar characters using his body language (especially the look of his eyes) is commendable. Honestly speaking, Ye Hua's introvert yet majestic and charming personality was what kept me going on throughout the series and it was worth it ;') I absolutely loved, loved, loved Ye Hua's love for Bai Qian portraited in Eternal Love and how deep, meaningful, reasonable and mature his feelings for her has been ever since Ye Hua realized his love for Bai Qian. Yang Mi also beautifully performed the multiple characters she had in the series, so as rest of the leads and supporting characters.The negatives about this series in the CGI quality and, to some extend, the lack of variation in costume. I would have enjoyed the series more if the CGI were more mature and the costumes were not so monotonous. Other than that, there wasn't really much things to complain about regarding this series. If I rewatch this series, I'd love to see only Ye Hua and Bai Qian's romantic times after Ye Hua he discovered Bai Qian is Su Su. All in all, it was a series worth watching, I would highly recommend it ^_^
Was this review helpful to you?
The story:
The story itself is controversial because there is a plagiarism issue about it. That’s why I had to knock a star off, but how the script writers presented the drama was very well done. I think I’ve seen all the material about this story (manga, drama, book) but I like this interpretation best because It had a totally different tone than the book itself. It shows the perspective of both leads not just Bai Qian (heroine).
Acting/Cast
OMG! The cast was epic! Yang Mi and Mark Chao blew me away with their incredible chemistry and acting. All the supporting cast did a very impressive job. I have to admit even though I totally hate her character, Maggie Huang(Su Jin) was great. Where did they get such an outstanding cast?! How can they cry at a drop of a hat?! And please do not get me started on Mark Chao’s acting skills. He just made my love for Western acting just silly.
Whoever pooled the cast together should be given an award!
Music:
I just downloaded the songs so enough said! They were all that good to listen to!
Rewatch Value:
Let me put it this way, I’ve already rewatched it five times and am still not tired of it! How am I going to recover fron this epic drama?!????
Overall:
Drop everything and just watch it. I’m not a fan of long dramas because I get bored easily so I watch only korean dramas. This was highly recommended so I decided might as well give it a try. I watched a few episodes and the rest is history . I am now one of the biggest fans of Eternal Love! ??
Was this review helpful to you?
A long review spanning three lives and three worlds~
Ten miles of peach blossom- a classic Xianxia story which has many characters that you'll love or love to hate and a story you're bound to be obsessed with!We all love our main leads Ye Hua and Bai Qian. They have a beautiful love story that shows you how deep the longing is and how the heart grows fonder with distance.
But this review is a tribute to the supporting cast.
Mo Yuan - the shifu of our fl and the God of War. This is a man with integrity and always does what he deems is righteous. Despite being in love with the fl he chooses to not say anything and goes as far as to make sure she's happy with the ml. He was only in for a few episodes but left an deep impression on me.
Xuan Nu- TMOPB has several villains but this is a character that despite being a villain gains my pity. Yes she's jealous of the fl but that's justifiable when everyone compares her to fl. Unlike Sujin she's not a unjustified man-crazy woman, she grows from a insecure but innocent young lady to a person that'd do whatever it takes to be powerful. And when she becomes powerful she tries to get Lijing's love to solidify her position but in the process actually falls in love with him. Her end is pitiful but she's a character with depth and complexity.
Lijing and Qilin- despite being a second ml who is supposed to be obsessed with our fl, I think Lijing is a well developed character. Yes he cares deeply about the fl, but never does he back away from his responsibilities. And his Qilin is just adorable lol.
Yanzhi and Zi Lan- these two are the cutest side couple in this story. Yan Zhi is a princess of the ghost tribe but she has a golden heart. She treats everyone fairly. A strong independent yet kind character. Zi Lan despite being a immortal is not judgemental in the slightest, he's also quite fun to watch.
Bai Zhen and Zhe Yan - The fourth fox Prince Bai Zhen, he's kind, witty and powerful. He loves his sister deeply and is a man that holds friendships over silly rules. The phoenix Zhe Yan is said to be by withdrawn from the world. But he's the best uncle anyone can hope to have. He's friendly, funny and great doctor. Also these two act like an old married couple, I live for their interactions.
Si Ming, Cheng Yu, Lian Song - the gossip trio of the heavenly realm. A breath of fresh air among the rigid heavenly tribe. They are the best friends you wish you had.
Dijun and Fengjiu - the side couple we all ship. A cute little fox princess gets saved by a retired grumpy heavenly lord and tries her best to return the favor. They fall in love and just to know are not fated to be. Starts as the cutest love story ever. Fengjiu is soooo cute smh, and Dijun, well who won't fall for him lol.
The Kunlun disciples- a group of disciples that have zero shenanigans going on. No jealousy over who their master treats better, no judgement based on family background, no bullying just pure brotherhood and helping each other.
There are so many and I mean too many more characters to list. The fox King and Queen, the snake couple and their son. The bratty cousin of Ye Hua, the most disgusting villain ever who I wish just died several times-Sujin and so many other characters that I loved to the bits.
Overall this drama has great cast, godly soundtrack, beautiful cinematography and a heart wrenching story spanning three lifetimes. And MARK CHAO!!!! What else do you need. If you like xianxia this a cult classic. Don't wait any longer just watch it! ♡
Was this review helpful to you?
a good watch, but a bit overhyped
Eternal Love was a decent drama. Just middle of the road. A good watch if you're bored, but nothing spectacular. The issues I had were the two main characters. I honestly just didn't care much for them. The Emperor Dong Hua character, I found myself more interested in him.Su Su: Mortal identity of Bai Qian. She was extra needy, extra clingy, and cried majority of the time for her man.
Bai Qian: High Goddess in the heavenly realm. She turned into a mean alcoholic in the third act of the drama and she pretty much abandoned her child.
Si Yin: Alias of Bai Qian when she was the disciple of Mo Yuan. Essentially she was a teacher's pet who got a free pass because the teacher had feelings for her.
Mo Yuan: He was okay, but not really memorable.
Ye Hua: I didn't like how he treated Su Su once she was in heaven and when he reunited with Bai Qian, he just turned into a simpering love struck fool.
Was this review helpful to you?
