The Legend of Shen Li

Finally a good ending!!!!

It is such a rarity to watch a drama that is good and ALSO has a good ending. It is not rushed, no cliff-hanger, and no open-ending.

The chemistry of the leads were very explosive. Like even the subtle actions of each other where they were acting so hard and kept lying to themselves how they shouldn't fall in love and yada yada but bruh anyone can literally see how much they want each other so bad lmao. And their kisses!!!! I can't- like yesss!!!!!

I would just say though as a critique, would be either the character Mofang or the actor because his character to me lacks depth...either it is the way the character is written or it's just the actor's lack of ability to act but honestly his parts were easily forgotten and just boring. I feel like the actor should've shown more resistant and despair when it comes to killing his comrades rather than just only being protective of shenli because shenli wasn't the only one who was their for him throughout his life.

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In love with this show~

This is by far one of my favorite dramas out there to be fairly honest.

When I first started to watch it, I debated on dropping it within the first few episodes BUT the more I continued to watch, the more I started to adore and value the smaller things that these main leads cherished so much. The simple things they desperately so desire that many of us often take for granted in the real world felt so refreshing to me.

The biggest highlight of this show is that all the characters had such a wonderful development throughout the course of the show. Especially FuRong who I personally believe to have the biggest character development throughout the entire show.

I think the only character in the show that I don't like is MoFang. His development and importance in the show felt very butchered- like he didn't really have a personality which sucked. Even when they showed snippets of ShenLi's and his childhood together to XingZhi, it didn't save anything regarding to him as a character. His character overall was so devoid of personality to the point where his death was very lack luster, I showed and felt very little about it.

And a bonus note: It's really rare for me to stumble upon an ending I truly love. From personal experiences, I've watched a lot of shows where the ending felt either very abrupt, rushed, or it feeling like a massive cliff hanger. The ending to this one was really wonderful and I absolutely love the fact that we get to witness a little bit of their life AFTER they've been reunited.

Overall- the chemistry between all the casts were awesome, the story felt solid and beautiful, and I would 100% rewatch this and recommend everyone else to give this show a chance :)

Also, I found out that the main leads are in a different show called Princess Agents and since I crave to see their chemistry once more- I shall waltz on over there and check it out!

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This review is biased.
I must admit that my review will be a little biased and might give a higher score than it should. However, I'm rating it highly because of how it made me feel while watching it and how it captivated my attention the entire time. The plotline is probably an 8/10. There are some parts that don't make sense to me, and the amount of CGI used in this drama did bother me. But because of the flow this drama had, I was able to overlook it all.

This drama is not really for the "professional" drama viewer. It's more of a lighthearted drama with comedy and lots of entertainment. Additionally, the actors did a great job with their parts, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.

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visually and audibly pleasing Xianxia

Having just finished the final episode of The Legend of Shen Li, I feel compelled to acknowledge its standout conclusion. Unlike many xianxia dramas that rush their endings, this one dedicated an entire episode post-climax, allowing for a satisfying resolution. While the series isn't flawless, I found myself fully engaged throughout, which is a rarity for me. Completing it without skipping much content was a significant achievement. One of its strongest assets lies in its production quality—the OST, CGI, and costumes were visually and audibly stunning, elevating the overall experience. Despite its lacking plot, this drama is worth considering for its impressive production values, strong and smart FL and ML, as well as their great chemistry.

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Beauty in Pain

I've been in a drama drought the whole year and was solely waiting on this drama to finish airing because from the trailers, I've been absolutely looking forward to watching 'The Legend of Shen Li' and boy did this not dissappoint.

Talk about an honest ROMANCE, talk about non-cliche's, talk about breaking the mold, talk about character development, talk about non-one dimensional villains, talk about great dialogues, talk about fleshed out happy endings; this had everything that makes a great drama!!

The romance is truly the main star of this drama. The last couple of episodes were heartbreaking yet so beautiful to watch because you could see and truly feel from the screen the enormous amount of love Shen Li and Xing Zhi have for each other. I don't think any other couple have made me think, "Wow, what an absolutely beautiful and sincere display of love this is!" while balling my eyes out at the pain the characters and viewers were being inflected with.

My main highlights of this drama are self explanatory, but to expand on one aspect of what I mean by breaking the mold, I really liked the whole part of this drama that deals with the discussions regarding the Ancient gods, why they were created and how they they are expected to carry themselves. Specifically, I loved that our leads were defying norms by not just accepting their fate but fighting the 'Laws of Nature' and condemning the hypocricy/conflicting expectations the higher powers have towards the Ancient gods as well as the expectations of the citizens. It was just so satisfying to see characters curse at the higher powers, and stand up for themselves when faced with pressure to act a certain way. Like no, f you, why should I keep suffering for your sins? Can't I rest and enjoy my life too? Why give me emotions but dissallow me from expressing them? I just really loved this whole discussion. The overall dialogue in the drama was written so well.

This drama was just completely refreshing to watch. The cinematography and CGI were beauuutiful, the OST is 100/100 (probably my second fave thing about this drama), the acting was soooo freaking good - Episode 38 was the most painful episode but both actors did such a fantastic job, I know I'll be going back to rewatch this and more episodes in the future.

The drama did have a few shortcomings. My main problem with it was the lack of story/plot line. In the beginning it just felt completely aimless, I kept asking myself, "Where exactly are we going with this?", "What's the story here?", so you might watch this and feel things are progressing slowly but it eventually picks up. Also, although the romance was intense and there was great chemistry between the leads, the kissing scenes were minimal (save for last ep) and a bit off; I felt like ZLY was at least trying, while LGX was not giving at all lmao.

Overall, a fantastic drama. If you don't know what to watch, give this a go. If you're tired of clichés and same old stories, give this a go. If you're in the mood for a slow burn, angsty but intense romance, give this a go, you'll definitely finish this with something good to say.

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I saw the trailer for this show and I got really excited. Not only is Zhao Liying and Li Gengxin doing another collab but I get excited when I see my favorite actors and actresses star in a fantasy drama.

My favorite thing about this show is the music. The background music of Shen Li's battle scenes is really good. The first time I heard it, it struck me and it gives this feeling of bravery. The OST in general for this drama is very good.

The costuming was wonderful. I loved all of Shen Li's outfits and I loved seeing her in different outfits throughout the drama. Her hairstyle was fantastic. As someone who is constantly on the battlefield, her outfits give off a General's vibe but also show her feminine side. I can't really say the same for Xing Zhi. His hairstyle was very simple and so was his clothing which I could deal with it.

The acting in this show was super good, especially on the last episode. I loved watching Shen Li's attitude and her stubbornness. It really was giving off strong female lead and I loved it. I also loved watching Fu Rong and You Lan mature in this drama.

I'm not disappointed in this drama and I gotta say it's decently good.

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Epic!!

Man, did I bawl my eyes out in the last handful of episodes… This was one epic show wow. I loved the beginning and knew immediately that I would have a fantastic time watching it. And I was right (obviously🤭). While it had its quieter moments (in comparison to future epic moments), this was amazing from start to finish. I loved the beginning and second half (especially episodes 20 to 26), and last handful of episodes (8 maybe). I loved the steadiness of the characters, their loyalty and understanding of each other. The chemistry between the lead actors was amazing, and I just generally loved how despite the occasional banter the overall romance remained quite mature🥹. They both listened and tried to see the other’s perspective despite having different principles or views in specific situations. Their love was unconditional. I also loved the OST, it’s so perfect and epic. Whenever Shen Li’s theme played, I was happy. I was always anticipating it whenever a fight scene came up because I knew it was going to look extra cool with the music🙏🏻! The cinematography, settings, styling, fight scenes, etc. were also just *chef’s kiss*. And that ending… 🥹🥹 Granted, the last episode was like a big side quest for our couple, and hilarious at that, but the final scene was just so wholesome🪻🥹. Overall, great show, loved it a lot!!💞

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Excellent Xianxia : same universe as TMOPB, but different vibe.

For me, the universe is quite similar as TMOPB, but the tone is different.

PLOT: A young phoenix/demon general, (the FL) meets -in the mortal realm- the last of the old gods (the ML) in cultivation. She flees her arranged marriage with the grandson of the Celestial God, whom she considers frivolous and brainless. ML & FL will spend time together and form a deep bond. But this divine lord carries on his shoulders the balance of the 3 kingdoms and cannot let himself be disturbed by love.

This first narrative arc, short (10 episodes), is quite light. The narration is fast and the main characters well described. Overall, the CGI is good, but the spirit beasts and other animals are unconvincing.

The 2nd story arc tells the return to the immortal kingdom and the rise in power of the “villains”. New characters appear (granddaughter of the Celestial God) to lighten the rather dark tone. The FL will fight to the death. We then have several painful episodes, both for the FL and the ML.

During the 3rd story arc, the ML is now ready to accept his love. This is where he is most vulnerable and most moving. He puts the FL back on her feet, with Lady Jin 's help, a wacky character well-found to bring a little touch of humor. And everyone prepares themself for the final Great Battle.
There are a lot of flashbacks, cleverly introduced, to provide explanations for the arrival of events. I really like the characters of Liuyu and Fenglai.
The Happy Ending is well developed (2 episodes), but the "wink to Lady Jin - her fiancé" is a bit forced, not too successful.

PROS:
+ A great CL with Lin Geng Xin and Zhao Li Ying (alchemy & talent: a GREAT couple)
+ The actors are TOP (all).
+ The CGI (except animals) are very successful
+ The fight scenes are perfect
+ Sceneries, settings, make-ups, .... perfect.
+ The OSTs are epic and well suited (except during a painful scene, catchy music :( )
+ No real love triangle.

CONS:
- The romance / action / humor / melodrama balance is not as good as expected. There is too much suffering and the humor is a little forced.
- Some twists seem a bit artificial.

=> An excellent Xianxia, ​​fast paced, not too long, with a great cast and a great CL... but not up to the level of the mischief and humor of TMOPB for me.

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Excellent Xianxia avec Lin Geng Xin et Zhao Li Ying en CL.
L'univers est assez semblable à TMOPB, mais le ton est différent.

PLOT: Une jeune phoenix / générale démon, (la FL) rencontre -dans le royaume mortel- le dernier des anciens dieux (le ML) en cultivation. Elle fuit son mariage arrangé avec le petit-fils du Dieu Céleste, qu'elle juge frivole et écervelé. Ils vont passer du temps ensemble et tisser un lien profond. Mais ce seigneur divin porte sur ses épaules l'équilibre des 3 royaumes et ne peut pas se laisser troubler.

Ce 1er arc narratif, court (10 épisodes), est assez léger. La narration est rapide et les principaux personnages bien décrits. Globalement, les CGI sont de bonne qualité, mais les bêtes spirituelles et autres animaux sont peu convaincants.

Le 2e arc narratif traite du retour dans le royaume immortel, de la montée en puissance des "villains". De nouveaux personnages apparaissent (petite-fille du Dieu Céleste) pour alléger le ton plutôt sombre. La FL va se battre jusqu'à la mort. On a ensuite plusieurs épisodes douloureux, tant pour la FL que le ML.

Durant le 3e arc narratif, le ML est désormais prêt à assumer son amour. C'est là qu'il est le plus vulnérable et le plus émouvant. Il remet la FL sur pied, avec l'aide de Dame Jin, personnage loufoque bientrouvé pour apporter un peu d'humour. Et tout le monde se prépare pour aborder la Grande Bataille finale.
Il y a beaucoup de flash-backs, astucieusement introduits, pour donner les explications sur l'arrivée des évènements. J'aime beaucoup les personnages de Liuyu et de Fenglai.
La Happy End est bien développée (2 épisodes), mais le "clin d'oeil Dame Jin- son fiancé" est un peu forcé, pas trop réussi.

PROS:
+ Un CL génial (alchimie, talent : a GREAT couple)
+ Les acteurs sont au TOP (tous).
+ Les CGI (sauf animaux) sont très réussis
+ Les scènes de fight sont parfaites
+ Les OST sont épiques et bien adaptés (sauf lors d'une scène douloureuse, une musique entrainante :( )
+ Pas de réel love triangle.

CONS:
- L'équilibre romance / action / humour / mélo n'est pas aussi bon qu'attendu. Il y a trop de souffrance et l'humour est un peu forcé.
- Certains twists semblent un peu artificiels.

=> Un excellent Xianxia, rythmé, pas trop long, avec un super cast et un CL génial ... mais pas à la hauteur de la malice et de l'humour de TMOPB pour moi.

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