We still have a long way to go. Let's meet again in the martial arts world.
Everything about this drama was just so well done. In a country where this type of content is almost as good as banned, they made it so well that even love confessions passed through without even being noticed. I have to admit that to this day i still play the OST while i am doing other things and i still cry over some of them. A master piece of literature and story full of poetry in every spoken dialogue and beautiful hidden meanings in each corner of the story. I totally recommend it, speacilly cause i'm already re-watching as i'm typing this.Was this review helpful to you?
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This review may contain spoilers
It is becoming addicting!
UPDATE after EP 13: I'm obsessed! Highly recommend you START WATCHING NOW :DEarlier review after Ep 6: I did not have a lot of expectation knowing that most BL dramas had to be straight up bromance so that it'll pass screening. But boy was I so surprised with the first 6 episodes! Boldness aside, I love the humor so far. I know that set or over-all drama might have limited budget vs other wuxia dramas, but the colors and cinematography is making up for any lack of whatever CG I'm used to with magical wuxias. with CASTING gahd! I never thought GJ would be this good in such role. He's on fireee as WKX! Also, if you have ZZH in a wuxia, you're pretty set and sold. ZZH is made for wuxia and for martial arts. I think having ZZH in this BL drama would be a very big advantage compared to past or upcoming BL adaptations- primarily because his fighting scenes look naturally good and he's probably one of the very few who can proudly flaunt and show multiple times his abs and good body and then still look pretty- like how!? Anyways, I'm so excited to see more of this drama. I hope it won't go downhill from here. I'm really really tempted to read the novel now just to know wth is really up with WKX but I'll stop myself cause I want to enjoy this as it goes.
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a beautiful and entertaining series laced with some very naughty dialogues and non-verbal gestures
this is arguably a beautiful and an entertaining series with segments/moments, dialogues, and performances that can be very naughty (suggestive; flirty). it is also one of the few good CDrama available in current market that attempts to stretch/push the boundary/ies of traditional/cultural norms on homosexuality. even with the voices dubbed to bypass China's censorship (and possibly to bypass other countries'), the series is still very naughty (suggestive; flirty) compared to almost all other mainstream CDrama. no doubt, too, the level of care and efforts in writing the dialogues, costumes, set designs, props, camera shots, direction, editing, performances and the communication of non-verbal gestures.there are actually quite a lot that this series has to offer to different audiences. a few of the things i really like is the vast amount of proverbs or idioms, some beautifully thought-out and witty dialogues (including the flirty dialogues), the chemistry of two main protagonists, and the different ways each of the two main protagonists bring life to the roles they play.
the wire-fu and martial arts choreography in this series are aesthetically planned, designed, shot, performed and edited with care. the camera slow motion shots and editing of these slow motion captures are contextually proportionate and not superfluous. the series has many beautiful and intricate ornaments, costumes and designs. the background music/sound arrangement and selection are contextually fitting to the corresponding segment.
a few other things i observed are, the lighting can be a bit off at certain segments, some of the suggestive sexual/sensual non-verbal gestures might not be appropriate for younger audience, there are consistent traces in the series of influences from mainstream Japanese pop-culture arts/styles, and sometimes the special effects or computer graphics can be a bit annoying. also, in real life, depending on which country you are and who you are dealing with, some of the flirty verbal dialogues and non-verbal gestures can be misconstrued as a sexual harassment.
one of the big turnoffs in this series is that there are parts where certain supporting characters' non-verbal gestures are expressed/exaggerated in such a way that audience can easily decipher that those gestures are obviously meant/tuned for the camera/s. these non-verbal are sometimes communicated subtly, and sometimes blatantly. there are also moments where i feel that there are certain supporting characters are not very well acted out or the acting are not convincing in certain segments. a few of the supporting characters have way more screen time and redundant dialogues that could have been invested in other supporting characters to enhance the quality of the series. another turnoff is that there are segments that feel long-winded or superfluous.
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Definitely worth the HYPE
After The Untamed (Chen Qing Ling) in 2019, it can be safe to say that there was a dry period for Chinese bls. Word of Honor or ‘Shan he Ling’ in 2021 offers a pleasant viewing experience after this period. Inspite of the low budget, the series did a pretty good job on delivery of performance. The story is adapted from the novel Tian Ya Ke (Faraway Wanderer) by Priest, a famous web novelist of China. As an avid bl viewer the series is quite satisfactory so much so that it is the best Cdrama so far in 2021 for me.Story: A dying ex-assassin trying to seek redemption meets another crazy guy and eventually they end up travelling together (because the crazy one won’t leave the ‘sick dude’ alone). In between all these they are entrusted with a child who has poor martial arts skills but strives to be better. Other than this found family there are a lot of royal politics and revenge plottings. I also recommend some tissues because there are a number of character deaths.
Negative points: Owing to the low budget, the series faced a lot of limitations. The CGI was not up to the mark. In lot of parts it seemed pretty unrealistic. In some other it looked quite poor. The set designings were okayish but a number of them got repeated. They used the same set with little difference in decorations for multiple scenes. Another negative point is the pacing of the show. The dramas started as nice and slow but by the end of it, it seemed quite rushed. If the series had a little more episode length or there were 2 or 3 more episodes then it wouldn’t feel as much of a problem. The editing of certain scenes could have been better. Other than the technical part the show did a good job in other aspects.
Positive points: First thing that I absolutely love about the drama are the male leads (fangirls over the CP!!!!!!). The chemistry between them can make butterfly erupt in your stomach. The flirting was the first thing that got me hooked to this show. The flirtatious gestures and the relationship between them are more explicit than previous shows (like Guardian and The Untamed). Even with the censorship you will be able to call them a couple. The lead actors i.e. Zhang Zhehan and Simon Gong Jun did a pretty good job bringing the characters to life, especially Gong Jun. I was a little sceptical about his acting but after watching the show I have no doubt about how good his skills are. The supporting cast was also fantastic and had many famous faces. I have become an absolute fan of the character ‘Scorpion King’ and the actor who played the role. Next is the music. The opening theme will boost up your enthusiasm for the drama and the ending theme will leave you sad about how quickly 42 minutes have passed. The background scores also suit the scenes good.
The script and the story didn’t disappoint the viewers. After Guardian and Legend of Fei, Priest really deserved a good adaptation of her work. The original story was really short for a 36 episodes drama. The script writer did a good job of adding material while sticking to the original work. I love the back stories of a number of side characters which were added by the scriptwriter.
An additional thing I absolutely love is Wen Ke Xing’s wardrobe collection. His makeup and costume as the Ghost valley Master are my favourite. I also love the way the leads’ costume reflect their current emotions.
My verdict: Inspite of being low on money, the production team worked really hard for the drama and achieved what many high budgeted drama can’t. The off screen friendships between the actors are also lovely to see. Our flirty Wen Ke Xing raised the standard for a lot of future dramas (Half of the times I was like “HOW DID IT GET PAST CENSORSHIP!!”). Also if anyone is wondering it is not a sad ending drama. Believe me, it has a happy ending. Anyways I love this series a lot and be sure to check it out.
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A love story from China!
I don't know where to begin so let's just say I really liked it.The love story of the two main characters was beautiful and in fact quite explicit, there is also a lot of details and symbols throughout the series to express their love in a subtle way. The chemistry between WKX and ZZS makes us really believe in their affection towards each other. Someone made a video on YouTube about those details if you want to know more about it but in the comment section of the episodes on Youtube there is also people explaining. I think it really adds something to know about those details. That is one of the reasons the censorship couldn't censor their love and obvious relation.
One other is that the actors emotions and expressions are truly mastered, all of them really played perfectly but I'd like to emphasize Simon Gong (Wen Ke Xing)'s acting as I was really touched by all his scene and it was said that people were worried about his ability to act. It turns out they were SO wrong.
Also the ost were beautiful and OMG the costumes! That was beautiful and both pleasant to ears and eyes.
The only default is the story in itself: it was interesting and all but I really felt struggle to comprehend it. It was difficult for me to know who was who and who was who's allies (it's a lot of who). Maybe if there was more episodes it would have been easier for me...
PS:be sure to watch the epilogue as it is really changing the ending and is essential.
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Yet another drama so brilliant that I must read the book.
I'm gonna pause this.I'm on minute 2 of episode 36 and I'm going to pause right there, because the girl isn't ready to say goodbye.
I've read only one Priest book and that's Guardian. It is BRILLIANT. Everything about that book is beautiful. So much so, that I was pissed that the screenwriters changed a lot of great plot points in the show—and the ending ಥ_ಥ
I'm going to read Faraway Wanderers before I watch the whole of episode 36. Then I'll write a proper review.
What I can say, though:
• Simon Gong and Zhang Zhehan are my new favourite ship (in the show).
• I always knew ZZH was a good actor, he just need a good script.
• SG is going places and wherever they may be, may he find his way back to ZZH.
• Priest is my new favourite BL web novel writer.
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This review may contain spoilers
Is NOT worth watching
if u want to watch this drama, consider theses:1- it's really boring for the first 10 episode.
2-there is NO happy ending and not a single happy scene that doesn't switch to a sad situation in just 10 second.
3- after that, the story become more interesting but there are too many political scenes.
4- if u have never seen dramas that 2 man are in love, this will be a great shock for u.
5- The only thing that's good is the music, xiao flute sound, and Gong Jun & Zhang Zhe Han act.
6- seeing this drama was a waste of time.
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Worth falling in love with them
What can I say other than that I've never been more content or in awe of a pair of soulmates, than I have been with Zhou Zi Shu (Zhan/Zhang Zhe Han) and Wen Ke Xing (Gong Jun) since I watched another well known bl series. That's where that little mention ends because this series was nothing like it to me. I didn't get to read the actual manga this was based off of, but I feel the writer, screenwriter, directors/production team, and heck all involved, did well to express that it was bl without twisting it to due to censorship issues. Some of the fight scenes, the graceful moves, skilled timing and choreography therein are just to be in awe of. Oh the scenes and backgrounds/drops do that too! There was mention that this was low budget, but I was thoroughly impressed. The lead actors really made tangible the relationship between ZiShu/A'Xu & KeXing. From the flow of their dialogue, interactions, wealth of their emotions smh I just love it. In the beginning the use of light or makeup on ZiShu was a little excessive to me because it almost whited out his face. Were they trying to make him seem and look ethereal/heavenly? But they cut back on the heavy use as the series progressed. There was a little bit of a disconnect, where I felt a little lost, in later episodes, but I think they did this because we're mostly going off of Zi Shu's point of view so for there to be confusion & a little secrecy that we are not able to see through is because they want us to find out as Zi Shu does.I'm a fan of Zhan but this series not only allows us to see his strong performance capabilities, but that of all of the actors; all of them were incredible! Li Dai Kun is playing Scorpion King/Xie, a dark, sad, scheming and brilliant character who contrasts greatly with the character he played from another series name Xiao Qian Qiu (The Taoism Master) and he did not disappoint with his performance. He brought out the Scorpion King's character so much so that not only did I dislike him, but I ended up liking him despite myself and feeling for his emotional turmoil, hoping he would do better - then feeling a bit upset that he didn't really want to redeem himself.
Then there was the couple of cute, the definition of budding trust & devotion - Gu Xiang (Zhou Ye) and Cao Wei Ning (Asher Ma). I'm almost speechless here as I think of them; their individual performances were sweet and defined their characters. And together, boy the things my heart felt & hoped for them. I felt really attached, especially WeiNing, who played the part of wide-eyed and innocently sweet so well that I could feel my teeth ache but I loved him for it. That's all I can say there as not to spoil it. Definitely watch this series & while watching it fall in love, scream, cry, get angry, gasp and feel all the skill & beauty they put into it for us. Jiao/much luck to all involved to all their future endeavors!
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Close To Perfection
This is a stunning and brilliant romance story between two men in the most obtuse way imaginable. Yet, it accomplished what it set out to do. And that was to tell a story of two men in the world of Martial Arts during the time of Imperial China, that love is possible and that soulmates are real. It is a breathtaking journey of intrigue, love, and power sprinkled with the wonderment of martial arts skills within the splendor of the natural beauty of China. I was so engrossed in this story that I felt like I was also flying through the trees! Yes, it is long and a bit convulsed but none of that matters. It is a story of two men destined to be together and by each other. They indeed complimented and supplemented each other as well as completed one another. There frankly is nothing more romantic than that.Read my full review of this epic series at BLBliss.com.
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Missing Wenzhou.
Okay, where do i even begin?I started watching this drama with zero expectations and knowledge about it.
I have never read the novel and i have never heard about this drama until about a month or two ago.
I will be completely honest, after watching the untamed i never thought i will be able to find another drama that will have the same impact on me, but i was not disappointed.
The chemistry between the two leads was overflowing and their little moments together and the way they looked at each other every single time made me feel so fuzzy and warm inside.
AND THE SOUNDTRACK? it's one of my all time favorites.
whenever i start a new drama i pay attention to the music, good music is one of the first things i notice in a drama and it's what makes it more enjoyable for me, and word of honor's soundtrack definitely did not disappoint.
Having a soulmate is one of the most precious and beautiful things one can have, and that is what word of honor portrays so well.
If you watched the untamed and loved it, i promise you that you will fall in love with Word Of Honor too.
don't forget to watch the special episode for their happy ending!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Simon Gong shines!
Positive: The story has a good pace and keeps you interested. The characters are likable and interesting. The two ML are attractive.Negative: The ending episodes. Could have ended with a happy wedding.
OST: Okay
Zhang Zhe Han's role was a bit boring and tasteless. He is a man who is like a coward, but is somehow admired, respected and excels in martial arts. He created a self-inflicted system (if you leave, you get 6 nails put into your body) in which Simon Gong's character tries to find a cure for. Since he created the system, somehow I find no sympathy for his struggle. But find it annoying that Simon Gong has to try to save him. Overall, Zhang Zhe Han's character is not the best here. But I liked how they gave him a tan and he's handsome as always.
Simon Gong's character was likable, interesting, and filled with depth. He's faithful, a loyal friend, excel in martial arts, and mysterious. He brings light to the scenes. And it is really his character that makes the drama interesting. He's cute, funny, and charming. I was amazed at his acting. Simon did a wonderful job portraying a carefree, playful, yet troubled character. I really think he excelled in this role and will get many fans from now on. Loved his character!
I really liked the pace of the drama. The whole drama was interesting and came together well until the very ending twist. The first episode was really unnecessary, as I thought the drama was going to be about the Window Of Heaven organization, but that organization was hardly in the drama. The first episode could have been flashback scenes, which would make more sense. The scorpion clan is also very interesting, but wished they had more fight scenes with them. Overall, it's about a bunch of clans fighting for all the fragments of a key to an armory full of powerful scriptures. And because of that, there's betrayals, and grudges.
I picked up this drama because of Zhang Zhe Han, but came out loving Simon Gong instead.
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