This review may contain spoilers
A Good vs. Evil Romance With Some Hits and Misses
Okay, so Love Between Fairy and Devil?? I somewhat liked it—mostly the first few episodes, because I tend to love a good vs. evil romance. And honestly, this setup? Classic. A ruthless demon lord, Moon Supreme Dongfang Qing Cang (Dylan Wang), falling for a sweet, headstrong fairy Orchid (Esther Yu)? Sign me up.One of the best parts? The comedy. Qing Cang literally starts off as an emotionless powerhouse, and thanks to Orchid’s accidental curse, he begins feeling things—which, honestly, leads to some hilarious moments. Watching this terrifying demon lord unravel because he suddenly has emotions?? Priceless. And seeing how that slowly changes him into someone capable of love? Chef’s kiss.
I also loved that Orchid had her own agency—she wasn’t just a damsel waiting to be saved. She pursued her own goals, whether it was passing the immortal exams or helping people regardless of their faction (Moon Clan or Fairy Clan). She actually did what she believed was right instead of just blindly following others, which made her more than just the token love interest.
Speaking of visuals, let’s talk about Qing Cang’s costumes. ICONIC. His wardrobe was distinct, memorable, and honestly? Perfect for a villain-turned-lover. That dark, regal aesthetic? Flawless.
One of the arcs that really stuck with me was Orchid proving her love to the Moon Clan. After centuries of war, of course they’re going to hate the idea of Qing Cang marrying a fairy. So Orchid has to prove herself—which means enduring a brutal cave trial where she gets tortured?? Like… that is a LEVEL of devotion. Messed up? Yes. But undeniably compelling? Also yes.
I also appreciated Dongfang Xun Feng (Zhang Chen Xiao) and his role in this whole mess. Everything about him screamed loyalty to his Moon Clan people, and even if he was frustrating at times, I got it. His actions made sense, even if they made me want to throw something at the screen.
And Rong Hao (Xu Hai Qiao)? His entire character arc? Pain. His devotion to his master was so intense that when she died, he spiraled into pure madness. Do I approve of his actions? Nope. But do I get why he did them? Absolutely.
Now, the dislikes (because oof):
- Orchid being pushy. Look, I get it, she has strong morals. But expecting Qing Cang—who has literally been emotionless for 30,000 years—to suddenly care about the Fairy Clan overnight?? Girl. You need to meet halfway.
- CGI overload. Was it good CGI? Yeah, sure. But it was so much that nothing felt real. It’s like the entire show was filmed inside a green screen bubble.
- THE DUBBING. I will never stop complaining about this. The leads were dubbed, and I hate it. Imagine Gandalf’s “You Shall Not Pass” voiced by someone other than Ian McKellen—that’s the level of existential crisis this caused me. I get that Dylan has a strong Sichuan accent, but actors should be trained in accent work. Line delivery matters, especially for a drama like this.
- The high-pitched voice trope. WHY does every female lead in C-dramas sound like they inhaled helium?? It’s painful. This voice type works in anime—but in live-action? No thanks.
- The flying scenes. They looked so awkward that I felt like I was watching actors literally dangled on wires for a play-pretend flying moment.
- The Fairy Clan’s costumes? Meh. All pastel and white—zero distinction between who’s who.
- Jie Li (Hong Xiao) getting a free pass. She was a thief and a fraud who caused serious harm, and yet Orchid keeps her around?? Why. And why did she end up with the kind-hearted dragon Shang Que (Charles Lin)??
- The amnesia arc. WHY. It felt like the writers ran out of ideas and just tossed in memory loss as a cheap way to drag things out.
And finally: the ending felt rushed. It was fine, happy ending and all, but I feel like they could have done more.
Would I recommend it? Kinda. If you love good vs. evil romances, there’s definitely something here. But be ready for CGI overload, some frustrating plot choices, and my eternal grievance against dubbing.
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Beautiful artwork, epic love story. Best xianxia of 2022
To start off, the artworks in this drama is the best I've seen so far. You can see that a lot of thought was put into designing the drawings and the scene settings. The costumes in the 3 realms are so distinct, white for the fairy realm, mostly black for the moon tribe and reddish tints for the mortal world.The music is also amazing. My favorite is 'I still remember that day' which played when DongFang QingCang (ML) asked Changheng (SML) to choose whether he'll save Orchid (FL) or the fairy realm. It's just full of regret. The OSTs of this drama is now part of my regular playlist and might stay there for a little long time. I'm still trying to find the haunting flute song.
On the acting, I love Esther Yu and Dylan Wang as Orchid and DFQC. They are perfect for the roles and I am totally aboard their ship. I have to give Esther some credit because I felt Orchid was annoying in the beginning but she made me love her. She may have a weak body but she's smart, caring and loyal. Dylan just shines as DFQC. I really loved how he transitioned from a person who has no feelings to a person who feels very deeply. Dylan had so many microexpressions that I never thought he can actually have. He proved his naysayers wrong in this drama by showing he can really act. I also loved it whenever he shows off his badass powers. All I can say is that both actors deserve awards for this drama. Esther completely charmed me and I still can't get over Dylan's pleading eyes. And their kisses, wow the kisses are the most believeable kisses I've seen. Each of the kisses is needed in light of the storytelling and not just for fan service. When they have accidental kisses, both actors mouths were closed. When it's a forced kiss, the one who's forcing the kiss looks more passionate while the other looks unwilling. When it's a lovers' kiss, even though they don't really look like they're french kissing, both looks like they're into it. Their reactions after the kisses are also consistent with their characters at that particular parts of the drama.
Another great revelation was Zhang Ling He as ChangHeng. The microexpressions of this guy is at par with Dylan. As the God of War in the fairy realm, he is great in his own right and deserves someone who is also great. He is the kind of SML you also want to root for but just can't because you know the ML is really the best choice for the FL. I really love his backstory and character development. If only I can split Orchid into two so both guys can be with her. But alas there's only one Orchid and she can only belong to DFQC.
On the story itself, it's just obvious how much work was done to the script. The storytelling may not be perfect but it was very good. What you think is just some dialogue in one scene can turn out to be very significant later. The characters' actions were consistent and logical. The support characters like Sangque, Jieli, Dayin, Ronghao, Chidi, Xunfeng, etc were given ample time to also have character development, but not too much, meaning they did not overpower the main story. I also did not hate any character, well okay I strongly disliked Yunzong, but maybe he was needed as someone really ancient to explain some things. The ending, though good, wasn't quite enough. An epilogue or an additional episode would probably make this perfect.
I have to admit that I still can't let go and want to see these actors in new dramas. I want Charles Lin and Hong Xiao to have their own drama, Esther and Dylan to have a modern drama and even if I'm a Dixin shipper, I still want a Zhang Ling He and Esther drama. But for now, I guess I'll just have to be content in rewatching this drama.
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watch only if you can tolerate the FL
I love Dylan Wang but this is one drama which I actually skipped all the parts whenever the female lead started talking. gosh, her voice is so ANNOYING. Her voice and her acting simply put me off. I understand she is well known for her "cutesy" voice but it doesn't appeal to me. I feel that a different female lead would have elevated the entire show. Thumbs up for Dylan Wang's performance and he is the redemption of the entire drama. I hope there will be a remake with another actress, of course, it's my wishful thinking.Was this review helpful to you?
Cotton Candy Costume in the Clouds... With Thunder
Come away with me.... and will kiss... Watch this drama and get swept away to a fluffy worlds high up in the sky gorgeous colors, flying whales and flowers as far as the eye can see.This is a drama that you start watching and without noticing you have seen 10 episodes and long for more. The plot has a lot of well known and well loved tropes and cliches, and can feel a bit rich a costume dram made light and highly accessible making it a dram that fits both new comers and people who have seen a lot of these, as far as I understand, me I am more of a newcomer but not a complete nube.
What I love about this is the pace, the visuals and the rare fact that no one annyd me to the extent of me wanting to skip scenes. Do not get me wrong there is one annoying character and a whole bunch that had my blood boiling. But the annoying character was manageable and got less annoying with time. The blood boiling types well they kept my blood boiling throat and in a good way.
The female lead is a naive one, but not to naive and though she may not always be my cup of morning dew at the end of the day she has some pretty powerful scenes, and delivers her character/s really well.
The male lead is just perfect, not in a ooh I want to date this guy but in a entertaining, cute, romantic at times, cold as an iceberg other times. Acting is spot on and the chemistry between the two makes not only fierworks but makes way for a lightning storm or ten...
The Second male lead and second female lead (if that is what she is) are also this rare commodity of lovable but not to lovable. They will not give us SLS but not make us want to throw them in to a pit either.
There is also a pretty good balance between suspense, fluff, intrigues and humour. I for one could not help but laugh every time the cold male lead smiled.
And then there is this whole body swap thing, that always has had some parts to it that have gotten on my nerves in other dramas, but did not in this one so an extra point for that too,
I am in no way saying this drama is perfect, but it is just so pretty, entertaining and definitely worth a watch. It is also a lot shorter than many other dramas of its kind and to be honest I would not have minded another episode or 20.
P.s. This is deffinetly a drama you will want to binge so make sue you have the time for it when you watch it.
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Best chinese drama of 2022 for me
Due to my high standard of chinese fantasy drama after watching Eternal love by Yang Mi,I don't really enjoyed today dramas and dropped most of them.But after I watched 1st episode of this,I was like "Woah woah".The story line is indeed refreshing unlike other dramas(you know most cdramas have similar story line).The effects used in this are also great.The actings of both leads are supreme especially Dylan.(I don't totally satisfy his last work MTD so I'm glad to see his other side).I can clearly feel the emotion every scene since they deliever very well.Like I am invisible man being together with them and experiencing their hardships. I cry,I laugh,I surprise while watching this..I thought there will be no drama that like the way Eternal love touched my heart.I am really glad to the production team for bringing this.Over all,highly recommend.I guarantee you will not regret watching this and gradually ,totally fall in love with this.Was this review helpful to you?
Zhang Linghe Heaven Official's Blessing!!!!!!!!!
I started watching this drama because of Zhang Linghe. I haven't seen a drama with him in it so far and had to because he is going to be Hua Cheng is the Heaven Official's Blessing live action that is going to be coming out in the very distant future. What made this drama even more appealing is that I saw he plays the second male lead in this drama and Mr. Luo Yunxi (aka Chu Wanning aka Immortality when) played the second male lead in one of my favorite Chinese dramas "Ashes of Love".I have fallen in love with the story, the characters, just everything about this drama I love so far.
I was skeptical at first after hearing a few things about this drama; I was not expecting it to be so good.
Story:
pt 1: This is a xianxia drama and as far as I know about these types of dramas is that the tropes and the settings tend to be very similar to one another. Dramas have a hard time standing out and each can seem the same and that becomes bland. However, this drama really does stand out to me. The story is fairly easy to follow. I haven't been lost once watching it so far, which is a really good sign. It is as the title says "Love Between Fairy and Devil." I really love the concept of enemies to lovers and this drama really pulls it off nicely. It isn't a dumb coincidence that the characters have to be with each other all of the time. They are truly opposites of one another. Orchid is a beautiful fairy who lives up in some heaven scape; she is very innocent and has her head in the clouds 24/7, nonstop talking about her crush on the second male lead. On the other hand, Devil just got out of prison for 30,000 years. He is determined to reign over the world again and will do anything he can to get just that. It is told to us pretty early on that Orchid is the goddess who saves the Devil; they are intertwined with one another. He doesn't want to put up with her shenanigans, but has to otherwise his plans will be crushed. Devil has to look out for Orchid and protect her because if she dies he will literally die. I love the fact that we are going to get to see them fall in love!
pt 2: Things play out like most fantasy dramas do. They eventually end up going to the mortal realm, but that arc doesn't drag along like most do. They fall in love gradually, it is quite a slow burn, but so worth it. The climax of the show really hits hard because of this. It is tragic. They're love is tragic. Orchid sums is up perfectly. In short, she loves him, but will she give up her loyalty to the fairy realm and love for her people to love him? Devil loves her, but is he willing to let all of his hard work go to waste (ex: killing his dad and a couple of realms along the way). They love eachother, but to what extent... and seeing how much they love eachother is truly something... I was surprised to see who ended up sacrificing what at the climax of the show.
Acting:
pt 1: Ester Yu plays an innocent fairy called Orchid. She starts off as a clutz and very air-headed. Dylan Wang is the male lead who I will call Devil to keep things simple. He starts off as very cold and serious. Their chemistry is very good. They play very well off of each other and have great comedic moments between them. The bickering and teasing that goes on between them is enjoyable to see. It is especially fun to watch the moments where they switch into each other's bodies (seriously one of the best things about this drama is when they switch bodies, makes my heart skip a beat just thinking about it, sooo cute). However, the more sentimental grounded moments that they portray have been very touching too. They have moments together that have me tearing up. You empathize with both of the leads and learn why they act and feel the way they do. Also, this drama is aware of the character's flaws. The devil calls Orchid out for being an annoying idiot and Orchid calls him out for being heartless and coldblooded. I really appreciate this because I have seen too many dramas that are not aware and it just gets soo aggravating and makes some dramas unwatchable.
pt 2: The whole cast really surprised me with this one! First I'll talk about Zhang Linghe. His character is at its peak when they go to the mortal role. Seeing him play the playboy of the town and goof around is so much fun. He has great chemistry with Dylan and honestly, that whole arc was so much fun to watch. I have heard that in previous dramas they're acting is just decent, but in this show it is superb. It is so good! Dylan Wang portrays his character so well in this show. Devil is such a complex character and Dylan does such an amazing job at truly showing the complicated emotions that he feels. Esther Yu's acting really surprised me. She is such a beautiful crier. Every time she teared up, I couldn't help but do the same. The chemistry that they have with each other only gets better as the show goes on. The scenes that really hit hard leave such a big impact on you...
Lastly, not to spoil, but what I'm guessing is the climax of the show is acted out so well. Had me balling my eyes out and rewatching a couple of times.
Cast:
Ester Yu is perfect for her character. So many people found her voice to be annoying and babyish, but I think it suits her character. Plus her voice is only really like that at the beginning of the show and as she grows you can hear it in her voice that she matures. She really pulls off the innocent types and does a great job at playing the ruthless devil once they switch bodies. Dylan Wang is great as the devil. The facial expressions he makes and the way he carries himself as a ruthless overlord is so good. This man looks so good in a costume drama. He is shockingly good-looking and has strikingly good facial features. I love watching him when they switch bodies; watching him act all cute really is a treat, and it slept on. Zhang Linghe who plays the second male lead plays his role so well. The emotions this man shows because he loves Orchid, but can't have her are so authentic. I really believe that he loves her too and honestly it really gets to me that they both loved each other at the same time, but it won't work out. The second male lead syndrome in this drama is real. All in all, big round of applause to the cast so far, they are a huge reason as to why this show is so enjoyable so far, the chemistry is great amongst them all.
Setting:
It just looks so great. Everything in this drama looks so good. The costumes are really pretty and yes, I even think the second male leads costume is good. The set design and makeup are 10/10 so far. And lastly, the setting is so beautiful. I would watch this drama for the beautiful scenery alone. The CGI is the best I've seen in any period/costume/fantasy Chinese drama so far. I am seriously blown away by how good everything looks. The sky, especially at Orchid's home, is a prize to look at. You can tell great detail went into the backgrounds. It isn't obvious the green screens are being used, nothing like that stands out. The people behind the scenes did an amazing job creating a fantasy world that actually looks believable.
Music: The music used helps tell the story being told. Certain songs are played at the right time. I wouldn't say any of the main osts are bad, actually, I wish that some were on Spotify so I could add them to my sad playlist.
In conclusion:
pt 1: What I love the most about this so far is how fun it is. Yeah, this show probably isn't perfect but lemme just say I laugh out loud at the outlandish moments and over-the-top scenarios and actions that occur. This drama is aware of how bizarre it can be at the time and it plays it up at times. On the contrast, there is also time for deeper moments. Nearing the second half of the show I can see that it is going to switch from less of a comedy and more to an emotional, plot-driven show. Characters are self-aware of their own flaws. Everyone in this drama is beautiful. They all look too good to be real. The setting is amazing, the script is funny, and the chemistry among the leads is adorable and hilarious. The touching moments really hit hard. The costumes, hair and makeup compliment the actors. The osts need to be released on streaming platforms (especially the one played during their underwater kiss/ air transfer moment!!!!). Orchid is adorable. Devil is also adorably handsome.
pt 2: This drama only gets more beautiful in the second half. The osts get better. The story progresses very fluently. Everything just makes sense. I never once got bored watching this drama, which says a lot, trust me. Seeing them fall in love was such a treat. It happened so naturally. You really root for them as a couple. They are hilariously cute at times, but then at others, they love each other to the point where they would die for each other.
Chu Wanning is no where to be found....
Lastly:
No, this drama does not quench my thirst for Immortality. Nothing will. Seeing Chu Wanning on screen in pain and agony is something that you just can't replace or even try to with these other dramas. Everything reminds me of him. I started watching this drama because Immortality seems to not be airing any time soon Zhang Linghe is in this drama and he reminds me of Chu Wanning because he plays a character that is in Eternal Faith. It all is just one big giant circle that is inescapable. Whatever you do, do not get into Immortality. I am not kidding you when I say I think about this show every day and it has shaped me as a person. That is crazy because the show has not even come out yet and has shown no sign of doing so in 2 and a half years. To those who are reading this IMMORTALITY TOMORROW!!!!!!
that is all I am going to say for now....
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Absolutely amazing
An amazing watch! The story ties everything together seamlessly, with every detail connected to the main plot, yet it never feels overwhelming or overly complex. Character development makes perfect sense, and nothing feels abrupt or out of place. Usually, when the FL is portrayed as strong, they turn her into someone remarkable, a genius scholar or martial artist —nothing wrong with that, but it's not the only way. This FL is naive, feminine, and sometimes powerless, but still strong in her own way. The fairy makes pivotal decisions on her own, not "strong" in the conventional sense, but certainly not your typical pure-hearted damsel in distress either. It's so refreshing to see a female lead who is both influential and strong without losing her pure, angelic vibe. If you're looking for a story with love, family bonds, friendships, and a gripping mix of war and politics, all with a dash of humor, don't miss this one!Was this review helpful to you?
Dylan Wang is versatile as Dongfang Qing Cang, the supposedly supreme evil who terrorized the world to gain ultimate power, that even the God of War could not defeat him. Yu Shu Xin is lovely as Orchid, the free-spirited fairy who sees the good in everybody, so she does not equate that a person being imprisoned in a tower could be the same evil that she has been hearing about. The two are sweet and lovely together. The scenes where the oblivious Orchid befuddles the emotionless Dongfang are adorable and funny.
The relationships in this drama are also deep and meaningful, such as the bromance between Dongfang and his henchman Shang Que, or the bro-buddyship between Chang Heng and Rong Hao, the sismance between Orchid and Jie Li. Speaking of which, characters here are multi-dimensional, for example Jie Li, who is as complex as she is simple, neither black or white, and it is indicative of how the realms actually are, rather than what they should be. We learn that not one person is all good, or all bad, be it if they are fairies or demons.
I also loved this drama because the characters go through gradual development, and the plot, though intriguing, is not too intricate to follow. Though there are a lot of fantastical elements, they are believable and logical within its context. The transitions between scenes are also seamless, without jarring flashbacks that are out of place. The CGI is breath-taking and not laughable as in some other dramas I have watched. The production team really outdid themselves with this one. But most of all, LBFAD proves that you do not need over 50 episodes to tell a compelling story.
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This review may contain spoilers
Best C-drama of the year!
This drama was outstanding! Never once did I get bored; I watched every scene without fast forwarding – every detail is important, and there’s a lot of detail, which makes rewatching a must. The storyline was gripping and engaging even though it’s the old star-crossed lovers’ plot; only instead of warring families, it’s warring tribes. Most of all, the acting was top-notch, especially by Dylan Wang. This ML shot to the top of my ML Hall of Fame to share top honors with Ah Min-Hyuk of ‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ and Grand Tutor of ‘Be My Princess’. Additionally, the OST was emotionally powerful and the special effects/idyllic setting visually beautiful. Although I didn’t understand a lot about what they were saying – I’m not into primordial spirts, etc. – I was still engaged and understood the basic plot. There were a lot of great messages too about how love overcomes hatred as well as other sins. So, let’s get started on the characters themselves.ML (Dongfang Qing Cang) – he was just badass cool, especially in the earlier episodes as he’s kicking butt with his hellfire. It’s amazing how Dylan Wang could look supremely cold yet dangerously intense at the same time. When he rescued FL from the fairy interrogation in ep 9, all I can say is ‘WOW’! He kicked butt, both old nastypants, the High Wizard or whatever he was, and Changheng’s. Then when he took the rest of the lightning bolts for that bratty brother, another ‘WOW’! I did enjoy him lightening up a bit when he was playing Orchid, but he was best as the badass Supreme Moon. His dream scene in ep 31 was beautiful yet tear-jerking at the same time. He also managed to provide a bit of comedy/cuteness with his grumpiness – especially when they were in the mortal world. I liked how he softened after FL restored his love tree, but he was better as the badass, and the badass returned as he's preparing for his final battle with the evil god.
FL (Orchid) – she was naïve and sweet yet smart and courageous at the same time. Nobody else dared talk back to the Supreme Moon like she did, and I loved when she stood up to Danyin and the other fairies who tried to bully her. I especially loved how ML secretly helped her throw them on their butts during the exam. I literally cheered. I get so tired of seeing FLs just accept the bullying. She was the perfect FL to warm up ML’s love tree. That being said, I didn’t care for her as the Goddess in the last few episodes. Like ML and Changheng (he didn’t seem particularly happy with the change either), I wanted my sweet, bubbly Orchid back. I’m glad at the end, the Orchid we all fell in love with returned to greet ML home.
Second couple: it’s rare for me to be interested in SCs, but I was interested in the Black Dragon and Jieli’s relationship. My only complaint is I wish we’d seen Shang Que in his dragon form more often. It was nice to see the female bestie as a deceitful character needing redemption rather than the typical dingbat.
Changheng was the perfect SML, but at no time did I ever prefer him over ML. I’m glad that he didn’t accept Danyin’s feelings in the end. I’m glad they became friends instead. Not everyone needs romantic love for a happy ending.
The characters I disliked the most: 1) ML’s bratty brother. He was never happy; he was continually whining and causing problems; 2) those Moon people wailing on and on about those 100,000 soldiers instead of considering the burden it placed on ML; and 3) – that hypocritical and merciless brother of Changheng. He was always saying how bad the Moon people were, but he wasn’t much better in terms of behavior/character. He was just as hateful as the Moon tribe.
I liked how the screenwriter avoided a lot of the typical plot devices such as an obsessed female love rival and control freak parents. Yeah, there was a lot of unrequited love going around, and big brother Fairy was an asshole, but this mostly affected secondary characters not our main couple. But, of course, we had to have the noble idiot thing starting with ML and ending with FL. Ok, I can accept sacrificing for someone you love (like ML at the end), but I personally don’t think a leader needs to make such a sacrifice for ‘the people’, especially when most of them are ingrates. The drama managed to only be angsty in the final few episodes, which is a welcome relief.
Although I loved this drama, I have to admit that there were a few unanswered questions like 1) what happened to the spikes that ML had to endure at night? Were they removed after FL withstood the cave?; and 2) how exactly did ML return from the dead? I'm glad he did - don't get me wrong - but they kept saying how if you kill FL, you'll kill ML so apparently killing him was something that could happen yet here he is, alive and well, at the end. So, I wish the drama would have given us a few more minutes at the end to explain and show our MC marrying, etc.
UPDATE: YAY! IQIYI has a special episode (36+) in which ML is talking about his married life with FL. So, so cute and wonderful! Thank you to IQIYI or whoever decided to have mercy on us fans!!!!
There’s so much more I could say, but let me stop here. It was an awesome drama. WATCH IT! YOU'LL LOVE IT! Read less
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Peak Xianxia Romance
This was such a surprise — I didn’t expect it to be this good 😭 Would definitely recommend this! The acting, plot, script, score, cinematography, everything was on point! A breath of fresh air from the usual xianxia we are used to seeing.I especially love how the show incorporates score and OSTs to highlight particular scenes. Absolutely broke my heart when the opening theme song started playing in the later episodes. I was always crying ><
Xiao Lan Hua, my baby!! She’s so so bubbly and cute, I want her to be my younger sister haha. Dongfang Qingcang is of course so cool. I like the way Fairy Danyin subverts the usual xianxia trope of bitchy villain who’s in love with the God. Fairy Danyin and Jieli scenes were very cute <3 I crud a little at the Rong Hao x Chidi Woman storyline, ngl 🥲
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the drama. Hope to rewatch in the future 🫶
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This review may contain spoilers
You will love it, but hate some basic aspects of it
Love between devil and fairyI know some are gonna hate me for saying this.
It’s not a review, just random thoughts:
- The intro and the outro are ethereally beautiful, telling the story in a symbolic way. Also, the scene where the 2 friends hang out inside a painting is mesmerizing.
- The CGI and special effect budget were like 3$ max and probably deducted from the costume budget!
- Rong Hao’s back story was very short and needed more details than that.
- Basically no one is evil, and no one is good too. Everyone has his ideology and noble purpose to fight for. Though a good conversation over a drink would've solved all their so-called hefty disagreements.
- Dylan and Xu Hai Qiao were the saving grace when it comes to acting. Can’t say the same about the others, they were below average, and FL was in a league of her own.
- The War Lord, and The Great Emperor of the Sea Salt left the battle and their people to save their love interest! Let’s talk about priorities here guys! (What a man does for love!!)
- The ruthless Demon who is fearful and magnificent, turns into cute little duckling runs after the FL quacking. 🙄 A rule that has never changed in fantasy series.
- As usual the FL has to be annoyingly stupid and cute. But MAN! She took it to the next level, her acting as cute little fairy is terrible, her voice made my ears bled, I hate dubbing, but that actress needs it the most, i understand that she is some sort of a singer, but she is definitely not any sort of an actress. (Sorry to her fans, I tried to like her, but she kept getting worst episode by another, and standing next to Dylan made her acting looks worst comparing to him)
- The twin story was abrupt and forced.
- The Great Emperor/ King of the Immortals celestial heavenly whatever kingdom acts like a 3rd world government employee who needs a signature and seal on every paperwork and stating that the rules and regulations can never be broken all the time. Chill man!
- Love the costumes except for the weird shields of war which don’t seem to protect anything at all. Dylan’s costumes were the most lavish and beautifully embroidered, fits his character very well.
I guess that’s most of what I want to say.
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This review may contain spoilers
Almost the best Xianxia i've ever seen (apart from The Untamed)
This is going to be a long review. There is just so much to say about this excellent drama!As a longtime big fan of Dylan Wang this was a mandatory watch for me and I could not be happier. Where his acting in Xianxia and Wuxia could use some work before, he's bringing it in this one. Where he could not muster a lot of emotion in his expression before, he is even doing micro-expressions this time and it is a joy to watch him exploring his range. He is regal, cold, majestic when we first meet Dong Fang Qing Cang, and we discover his soft, giddy and happy side when he meets the love of his life. We see his jealousy, anger, uncertainty and deep sadness as the story progresses.
Esther Yu, the Female lead is equally impressive portraying both the child like and happy fairy Orchid (Xiao Lan Hua) and the Goddess Xi Yui, who is much more serious and has a very different demeanor than the fairy, mainly because she needs to act like she does not remember DFQC at all.
The other main roles, as Orchids initial love interest Changheng, Fairy Danyin, Rong Hao, Shangque and Jieli really give the story its cohesiveness and have their own interesting stories and tragedies. I would have liked to see more of the Black Dragon Shangque, but I am certainly not complaining about the visuals of this drama.
The story is told in a direct and dynamic way. Between following the storyline, watching the stunning visuals and admiring the actors, there is no getting bored with this drama. Although riddled with tropes, it never feels copied or easy. Not with the visit to the mortal world, or the body-swaps, or the dying for each other.
Apart from the stunningly beautiful cast, the backdrop of the different realms, with its colored skies, ice, lakes, forests and flowers are breathtaking. Every detail has been considered, everything looks heavenly, ethereal and divine as it should since these are heavenly realms after all. All realms have their own distinct aesthetic, even the mortal realm looks colorful and fantastic
The costumes in this drama are in a league of their own. They are perfection, especially those made for Dong Fang Qing Cang. They start off as mainly black, but gradually more color is added. Blues, Greens, Gold, Brown. All stunningly embroidered and fitted. I found myself distracted by them more than once.
Special attention also went into the soundtrack. Aside from the fantastic theme songs, the score and sounds throughout are perfect. Birds chirping, (cloud)whales singing, minimal music, the beautiful flute sounds of Rong Hao. The story is, although mostly a standard dramatic and partly tragic Xianxia, very well-paced and with hardly any plot holes, loose ends or rogue characters. It all fits neatly together, has a start, middle and finish. There's (of course) a lot of death and destruction, but also a lot of hope and actual sense made out of the messes made.
There was not a detail that was overlooked in this drama, everything was done with so much care and attention, it is almost unbelievable. I would like to believe this will set a new standard for the genre.
Well, was there anything I did not like? Why yes, yes there was. Dylan still needs kissing lessons....
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