One of my favorites
This is by far one of my favorite chinese dramas that i've watched. Great story, great characters, great writing. Only con was some action scenes. But I'm big on story and character development and this is top notch.Every main and side character was extremely well written and interesting. The characters were anything but 1 tone like 90% of c dramas. Look forward to season 2
Rise of Phoenixes, joy of life season 1 are the only c dramas that compete with this one in my opinion
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Some nice characters but overall I didn't care for any of them
STORY/PLOTThis show suffers from having too many characters in general. They are introduced when the ML comes across them but then quickly forgotten and then later on "revived" when you've long moved on to other new characters that appear. There is not much backstory to most of these characters and so you're not really invested in what happens to them generally. The show also relies too much on flashbacks to fill in the gaps (i.e. stuff that wasn't shown before). For example ML when in a pivotal moment in a fight performs some new move - cue flashback to when the grandmaster showed him that specific move. Certain people are shown as being very important to the ML but because that relationship/journey has not been explored very much, I don't buy it.
The ML is introduced as a smart but stubborn character. He wants it all - to have his cake and eat it too. He is scheming and has his own agenda and seems to like going against his father's plans/wishes. That is all fine but the problem I have is he has just come home after 3 years gallivanting in the wilderness - I find it hard to believe how he has managed to have informants and loyal people under him when for all intents and purposes, he wasn't doing much for those 3 years.
There doesn't seem to be a clear FL in this show. Yes the ML has a servant he is interested in, and she has a backstory too. Their romance is as dumb as dumb gets - fake assassination attempts and getting paid to read books to him. Constant teasing like "You can't die because I want to be the one to kill you" is just eye-rolling.
One of the things that makes a show great is a good villain - one that creates chaos and can really hurt the ML. This show doesn't seem to have a good one. Everything was dealt with easily by the ML with the grandmaster at his side. For much of the show, the illegitimate prince is portrayed as the main villain but he was so weak!! His red armour that followed him around wasn't much help either. The master eunuch put up a good fight at the end but being outnumbered he should have eliminated them one by one to increase his chances. Overall this big fight turned out rather disappointing.
ACTION
There is a fair bit of action but I find that some of the grandmasters are just too overpowered and just takes the fun out of it. Having the grandmaster Li by his side also meant it was kinda boring because nothing much was going to happen to ML while the grandmaster was there.
Some of the powers of these grandmasters is just a bit ridiculous and not really of interest to me. I prefer more realistic type wuxia but I find this show is a bit more magical/fantasy type (e.g. magical flying swords, riding waves, tornadoes lol).
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Could have given it a high 9 but....
I love the story line, and the production is fairly good. I don't even mind the bleached out look. The Jiang Ni character is quirky and provide a fairly good comedy relief to the funny side of the drama. The one thing that bring my rating for the drama down to 8 is the sword fighting scene, there are too many of them shot in slow motion and that breaks the momentum of what could be an excellent sword fighting scene. The director and cinematographer is trying to show something that is done to death by other Wuxia.. its nothing new and why shot in slow motion? And also some of the fighting scene takes too long in setting up the scene, and only leaves one frustrated instead of feeling the excitement and anticipation. Why can't they do a perfect drama, they have all the right script, story, actors, and instead it let us down with the fighting scene, which is the second most important element of the drama! I hope the second season they will do something different with the fighting scene, as long as don't over do the slow mo.Was this review helpful to you?
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Very nice but not the wuxia drama one will expect
One reason why this show got criticisms despite it's marvelous plot is that they promote this to be a drama with lots of martial arts. I mean, people have different likes. There are people whose only after the fight scenes. So when they watch this, they're like -wtf little to no fight scenes. The martial artist just stands there then boogsh. Its focused more on the political stuffs and schemes. Safe to say more similar to Nirvana in Fire than Word of Honor. You get what I mean haha.Well for me, I give importance to plot. The fight scenes just adds color. This made me love this series so much. There are also a bit of humour.
What I don't like though is the acting of Jiang Ni. Very weird especially in the first episode. Like she's forced to be funny but it's not. She's okay at the later episode though.
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Good but not Great
From the same screen writer of Joy of Life, Wang Juan. Overall it is still good, funny and good pacing. But not a master piece like Joy of life. The fighting also not really a good to watch, it's all CGI and editing, so those who expecting a good fight martial arts or sword play, please don't expect to see that in this series. Here all they do are only raising hand, 1 swing of the blade and a very strong power come and then the hero win. Fast and easy with CGI, which I don't really appreciate.But still I will watch session 2
Positive points:
- Make up is good or maybe Zhang Ruo Yun looks younger now? and definitely slimmer compare to his appearance in Joy of Life. He is suitable to play an arrogant type of guy, since Novoland time
- Nice sceneries
- Pacing is good not boring and story is not predictable
- Cute love portrayal by the ML and FL, not the cheesy or too much lovey dovey but u can feel the love
Negative points:
- Every single time during the fight, too many idle time like why don't you attack together instead of waiting for the enemy to attack? On the last episode, Chen Zi Bao need to see all his soldier killed and just stare there? Same goes to Xu Feng Nian, just stare there until Han Diao Shi attack him?
- A very too easy win for Xu Feng Nian, yes I know he is the main lead, but the fight is just too easy to win for him, every single times. In the beginning Qing Niao Kung Fu looks very impressive, but then as times goes, she actually quite weak?
- Everyone after vomiting blood suddenly back to healthy like nothing happen? On the last episode all the sisters and the brother injured, but can walk back like very healthy without any single blood stain at all?
- The editing, especially the flying scene is very very fake and unnatural
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?️❄️ Sword Snow Stride: A Wuxia Epic Where Strategy Outshines Swords ?⚔️
If you’re craving a wuxia epic that flexes its mental muscles more than its martial arts chops, Sword Snow Stride delivers in spades. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace—think more chess match than lightning-fast duel—so give yourself permission to settle in 📖♟️. The early episodes ask you to lean in for every whispered plot twist 🤫🔍, but once you’re invested, the payoff is a masterclass in intrigue and strategy 🏆✨. Unlike a roller-coaster ride like Joy of Life, this drama savors each moment: a quiet stare carries more weight than a sword clash 👀⚔️, and dialogues are peppered with dry wit that sneaks up on you 😏🎭. If you’re patient, the world-building is rich 🏯🌳, and the humor popping out of unexpected father-son banter provides a delightful counterpoint to the grave scheming 👨👦😂.At the center is Xu Feng Nian, the heir who’d rather indulge in a prank than swing a blade 🤡🗡️, yet never lets you forget he’s two steps ahead of everyone around him 🧩🚶♂️🚶♂️. His interplay with his father, the steely warlord Xu Xiao, is like watching two grandmasters spar with words—each line is loaded with double meanings and hidden intent 👑🗣️🔒.
If you came for romance, you’ll have to look elsewhere 💔🚫. Despite a cast brimming with celebrated actresses—Jiang Ni, Nangong Pu Ye, and a host of others—the few hints of attraction float by so subtly they’re practically camouflaged in the courtly conspiracies 🕵️♀️🌸.
And yes, the production values are top-notch: sweeping landscapes 🌄, stately costumes 👘, and a soundtrack that underscores both silent schemes and sudden jests 🎶😄. Just don’t expect epic CGI battles—when fights do erupt, they lean heavily on effects rather than swordplay artistry 🎥✨. It’s a drama you savor for its storytelling finesse, not its flashy visuals.
All told, Sword Snow Stride is a slow-burn that rewards those who appreciate a brilliant strategist on screen and don’t mind putting romance on the back burner 🧠🔥. If sly humor, political intrigue, and cerebral duels are your cup of tea 🍵🧐, you’ll find it utterly compulsive.
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IT’S OFFICIAL! ZHANG RUOYUN IS MY FAVOURITE ASIAN ACTOR!
I’ve watched “Joy Of Life I and II”, and now, after watching this new drama, it’s only reinforced how much I admire Ruoyun’s talent. He’s an absolute force of nature. Not only does he act brilliantly, but he also has a comedic touch that few actors of his generation possess. The way he balances seriousness with humour is so effortless and natural, which really draws the audience in.
Curious about the top-notch writing and storyline, I looked it up and, to my delight, discovered it’s the same screenwriter behind the two seasons of “Joy Of Life”, a huge hit. The quality is undeniably high, both in terms of professionalism and production value.
As this drama is from 2022, I’m eagerly hoping the Chinese producers follow through on their promise of a second season, because there’s clearly so much more story left to unfold.
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MUST WATCH!! HIDDEN GEM ?
i can't believe how good this drama, it easily became my no.1! I'm geniunely not the type to like wuxia dramas or be interested in "popular" dramas because I was always seem to find it overrated but oh gosh this one is definitely underrated! The drama is not only a good drama because of actors and actresses or because of the overall story about beiliang and XFN but its an amazing drama because of life lessons it gives, it illustrates the importance of family and peace! it shows that if we do not like the choices then we should stand up and find a way, just like XFN says "if there's will then there's a way."Even the villain here was so likable to the point you'd start loving him and rooting for him (not the old man, im talking about ZK), i literally was loving his role and omg Liu duan duan did an amazing job here!! I want to see him as ML in the future! :)
TBH, the only hard time I had with this drama is the ships like omg every single character had chemistry with XFN like they all were so adorable and trust me if the guys of this drama were girls then I'd be shipping them too because XFN is that amazing and kind hearted! obviously, Jiang Ni is cool too but all the others are as cool as her aswell!!
in the future/for season 2, I would also love to see more interactions between Qung Niao and Ning e Mei!! I hope I'm not the only one shipping them because omg they have so much chemistry!!! anyways, it'd also be nice to see the relationships of all the sibilings such their love interests!! Also maybe battle between WXT and XFN where Master Li watches them and roots for them!
Overall, I love this drama especially the bond between the whole family!! :> 100000/10!!! ♡
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Like the premise, dislike the delivery
Great world building and exciting fight scenes. The plot in itself, as of episode 9 is compelling yet what has caused me to drop the show is the ML.A man who seeks to protect those he loves, yet is unwilling to become stronger to do so. He is surrounded by some of the best fighters in the world, who all encourage him to learn martial arts - but he refuses. Why? Because he thinks being good at martial arts as a leader makes you a target - and invariably live a short life.
At the same time, his younger brothers very life and wellbeing is on the line. He is faced with an ultimatum - yet he remains obstinate and states he can protect his brother, despite not knowing how to protect even himself.
The ML was not well written. His character has a lot of inconsistencies and frankly, I'm am genuinely struggling to like him. A man, who acts like he has everything in his palms, yet is constantly requiring others to protect him.
I understand that later on he picks up martial arts, but almost 25% way through the show and he is still just an aloof and stubborn person who is unwilling to grow to protect those around him.
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Dysfunctional crazy family you will fall in Love with.
I have just watched the first 12 episodes and I am being on conservative side in my rating until I updated at the finale.First I would like to say that beside Game of Thrones and Vikings this has the best musical and visual intro I have seen. It is a gorgeous artistic watercolor show with an antiquated flute drum soundtrack that had me captivated.
Next it starts off with what you think is the typical narrative of someone giving you an update of histories past....but shows your lead in a vulnerable comedic position. So it had me at Hello.
I have never watched an asian period piece with such a royal/Ruling family as this. You are not quite sure if they are dysfunctional or insanely intimate; but the relationship between the characters are what I like best.....deep..complex...intimate...clever and funny...but mostly loving. Most unique king prince relationship I have ever watched....loved it. I think so far the King/father is my favorite character.
The dialog is long and may put some off ...and if it does this show is not for you because the brilliance is in the dialogue and the mystery within.....and the actors are brilliant and portraying the most amusing characters.
The show definitely has a drawback and that would be the contrived brilliance and luck of the ML.(this was also only thing I didnt like in Joy of Life)..but due to the humble vulnerability of his character I let that pass. I would also love a little more feminine intrigue or storyline... whole lots a yang...not so much yin...but I see its coming. I love strong Female characters and the set has been staged for many.
I am thoroughly enjoying
the show is Very Good.... You can tell it is related to the makers of The Joy of Life.
Costumes...cinematography....actors ...music and editing...are so far brilliant.
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if mystery is all there is, then there's no substance
There was so much hype for this and for Joy of Life, but unfortunately, both of these shows Zhang Ruo Yun gives the impression of basically acting the same character in the same story-- i.e., an invincible protagonist who pretends to be weak, conquering a world where everyone is stupid and no one knows what's going on except for him. And that includes the audience, because the plot straight up doesn't make sense.Why should a young powerful prince leave home and pretend to be a beggar without fighting skills for 3 years just to evade an arranged marriage, then come back... without really having evaded it, or indeed any of his bloodthirsty political enemies?
Why does a top martial artist who enjoys roast chicken, coincidentally the man who rescued the Prince's life a decade ago, live underwater in the middle of a lake?
Why should the prince's father, coincidentally the most powerful man in the military, pretend to be stupid and spend all of his effort trying to outplot his own son by e.g. installing martial artists in his harem?
Why should a princess, coincidentally the last of an almost extinguished noble line, put aside learning real life skills in order to alternate trying to assassinate the MC and working as a maid for him?
After asking questions like this every single episode, and never getting any answers, we start to suspect... that the answer to all of our questions is simply, 'because this way it the protagonist gives off an air of mystery as he shows his superiority during epic feats of deus ex machina'.
It's fine to have a show that builds mysteries within mysteries, enigmas within enigmas. But if mystery is all there is, then there's no substance, no core. It's like the author tried to think of the most badass character settings possible, and had some inspirational scenes in their mind, but got tired before they could actually write the story. For one, we never find out what exactly what Xu Fengnian and Xu Xiao really did wrong to motivate all these assassinations that are the core driving force of the plot -- except for holding too much military power.
The icing on the cake is 'strong women leads' like Jiang Ni and Nangong Pu She who are meant to look beautiful and cool respectively, but basically have no brains and follow the protagonist around. It doesn't help that the acting for these female leads is basically the weakest in the show.
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I like the story getting developed .The way Xu feng nian(Zhang Ruo yun) character potrayal and i like the Jiang ni(Li Geng xi) and her cute expressions.And screen play is very similer to joy of life1 and every episode is thrilling with a plot of suspence.There are so many familliar faces like Crystal Zhang and vengo gao and their acting is very cache and extrodinay characerisations.They keep me captivated, i dont have any urge to fast forward or anything.
especially,zhang ruo yun's brother character Xu Long Xiang(Rong Zi Shan) very natural and showing the very lovely relation between siblings . and also showing love towards the servents relation.
And must prise the Martial Arts fights and the dilongues
Money definitely went into this, the prodection is big. The beginning is quite light and comedic but I wont be surprised if this turns heavy later on. There's a balance in the plot, it has a bit of everything. Like the sword fighting and the wuxia elements in this, Im guinuely looking forward to how the story and the characters develop.
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