HOOKED FROM THE 1ST EPISODE
I usually read the romance tag and run away, but watched The Legend of Shenli's first episode and didn't stop after that. The actors, the story, "the fancy bird", they are all so good that even if you don't like romance genre, you will still find yourself watching all the episodes and complaining "Why didn't they drop 2 episodes today??"This is my first time watching Lin Geng Xin and the way he flirts or interacts with the Zhao Li Ying is so sweet. I am also happy to see Xin Yun Lai after watching him in Dream Catcher; he is a really good actor. Must say Zhao Li Ying is so fun to watch. Please start this drama if you haven't already, because you'll love it.
Writing this after watching episode 18 and it is truly wonderful to see Shen Li's character. She doesn't repress her feelings for Xing Zhi and she acknowledges them. She doesn't lead Mofang on and makes it clear that she doesn't have any feelings for him, but she doesn't mistreat him as well. She is aware of her own emotions and feelings, and is a very strong character. All praise for her.
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A masterpiece of absolute crap, Narcissism and Divine Stupidity
If you enjoy watching a supposedly "elite" military general treat the creator of the universe like a footstool while he thanks her for the privilege, then this is the "masterpiece" for you. For anyone else with a functioning grasp of logic, hierarchy, or basic human decency, The 39 episode 45 minute each The Legend of Shen Li is an infuriating exercise in "Rubbish Writing."The "General" Who is Just a Bully
The Female Lead, Shen Li, is marketed as a "badass warrior," but by Episode 15, it’s clear she’s just a narcissistic brat with a spear. She struts around the Immortal Realm with a level of "raisin cheek" that defies belief. Whether she’s laughing in the face of her betrothed while he’s literally trying to save a city from lethal miasma, or nearly strangling a prisoner because he said something she didn't like, she is consistently unlikable, impulsive, and cruel. She hasn't earned her status; she just screams the loudest and hits people who can’t hit back.
The Divine Lord Turned "Simp"
Then there’s the Male Lead, Xing Zhi. He is the last Ancient God—the literal pillar of the universe—yet he spends the entire drama "simping" after Shen Li like a brain-dead servant.
She commits a war crime? He feeds her a snack.
She orders him around like a medical intern? He complies with a smile.
She disrespects the entire chain of command? He looks on with "affected indifference."
His "devotion" isn't romantic; it’s pathetic. Watching a cosmic deity lose his dignity for a woman who treats him with contempt isn't "goals"—it’s a character assassination. By Episode 31, when he’s ready to sacrifice the safety of the entire world for her, the writing has officially collapsed into a logic-void.
A World Without Rules
The show completely ignores its own world-building. The Spirit Realm acts like they own the place despite being entirely dependent on the ML’s power to keep the Abyss from swallowing them whole. The Immortal Realm is a collection of useless bureaucrats who let a "vassal" General walk all over them. There are no consequences for her arrogance, no respect for divinity, and no growth.
Verdict
The only reason this show gets high marks is because fans are blinded by the lead actors' previous chemistry. Strip that away, and you’re left with two toxic leads burning down the universe for a relationship that feels entirely unearned. I didn't want to see them win; I wanted to see the Abyss swallow them both so the universe could finally have some peace from their combined ego.
Don't waste your time. It's 39 episodes of a God acting like a waiter for a brat.
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"Captivating Romance: A Visual Feast with Genuine Affection and Compelling Storytelling"
"I am enthralled by the deliberate restraint in showcasing intimate moments, allowing the genuine affection between the male and female leads to shine through. Their love resonates with such sincerity and passion, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of their romance, adding depth to every scene and making it a visual feast. With such compelling storytelling and mesmerizing effects, this drama is truly worth watching. Here's hoping for a happy ending that will leave hearts warmed and spirits uplifted." Make a headline out of the above reviews.Was this review helpful to you?
The Gold standard for mythology inspired dramas
I couldn't hold myself back from writing this review. I started watching this drama as a FILLER while I waited for some kdrama. I don't care about the kdrama anymore because this xianxia has exceeded my expectations in every way.My only problem with it is that ITS WAYY TOO LONG for my attention span.
1) Acting - if you have cringed at some highly marketed xianxia with actors selling eccentricism and loudness as "good acting", this drama is for you. Both the leads have made the characters extremely believable and have picked up the nuances so well. They are SEASONED actors ! By that, I simply mean, they know a lot more than screaming to show great pain, widening their eyes to show anger and staring into each other's eyes to show love. Its a treat to watch them. As for the side characters, many of them are exceptional actors while some are slightly weaker but serve their purpose (comical). IF FU RONG WANTS A LAWYER FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE...I am available!
2) Story - Its surpassed any mythology inspired chinese (and korean) dramas I have seen. Many dramas have used similar tropes but they failed to do justice to it like this drama does. They let the story breathe in the beginning and take time with character introduction of the FL but manage to not make it boring. The female lead is ferocious yet very level headed. As for the ML, his complex character is introduced a few episodes later and kept slightly simpler as we are focusing on the FL's journey in the beginning. This God needs to write a book called "HOW TO BECOME A GREAT GOD" and that is all I will say about him. The side characters also had interesting arcs but never overshadowed the main story. The politics between the realms (which is the boring part of xianxias in general) is surprisingly engaging here and serves as a perfect tool to move the story forward. The romance is THE SLOW BURN kind of romance but I wouldn't have preferred it in any other way.The writers did a great job.
3) Music : They have used elements of chinese folk music and that's my favorite. The flute music is quite beautiful as well. There's a perfect description of the flute music in the drama which I won't spoil for you. If the story is a bowl of ramen, the music is MSG.
4) SPECIAL EFFECTS - This is where I will give it a 5/10 but that's because I am comparing it to some movies and high budget shows. For a chinese wuxia, its pretty good. This would have reached a much larger global audience had the CGI been great.
overall, its a great drama and I highly recommend it. I wish to add a few more points but I shall have to wait for it to end which will be a bitter sweet experience regardless of the happy/sad ending.
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Very funny and entertaining
I began watching this the day it was released and I could not get enough of it.Both leads where phenomenal.the acting was perfect and also the pace was normal .neither fast nor slow.Fu Rong and his sister were another grade addition to the story line.I lived Yu lan she was like and diene in the show watching the male and female leads live story .I did not like her at the beginning when she first came but as her character changed I began to really like her and even fu ring who also was like a cp to both of the leads.It felt like he was in love with Shen li closer to the ending tho I am not fully sure but that’s what it seems to me or her was just curious.I hope to know someday.Was this review helpful to you?
A True Treasure for 2024 CDRAMALAND ✨
Well, well , well . I truly didn’t expect that I would actually finish watching a xianxia drama anytime soon , but here I am!THE LEGEND OF SHENLI! Just as the title suggests, it was truly legendary.
This drama , to my surprise , actually had the best CGi , storyline and character development that I’ve seen in a while !
The relationship between the female lead (Shenli) and the male lead (Xingzhi) started in a very soft and amusing way and continued being a slow burn all throughout the episodes. I loved how Xingzhi, even though he knew Shenli’s real identity in the Mortal Realm , actually treated her with care letting her to show her vulnerable side and being the first who made her feel like a real Lady and not just a War Weapon.
The way they cared and helped each other was truly heartwarming to see .
The CGi and special effects really shocked me as well. All the realms were so well crafted. This has to be the best Heavenly Realm that I’ve seen before in other xianxia dramas . All the floating white clouds in the gardens and surrounding every place made it look really magical . The Gold and White pallete truly looks Heavenly . The flying scenes , the fighting scenes, the mystical creatures were all impressive as well and I truly appreciate the efforts they’ve put into it .
The storyline was mostly different than what we are used to see in xianxia , wasn’t it ?
For me it was really unpredictable and I couldn’t stop watching since I was dreadfully curious to see what will happen next .
The Characters were quite lovable and I really liked their development and their stories . Some worth mentioning ones are Furong ( who went from a careless playboy who only wanted to play and waste his time , to a true Diviner who saved people and fought in a war to defend the realms !) , Shenli’s Parents and their story which was very touching and emotional . Fenglai was absolutely adorable and naive , how could he play the part of King of the Chimeis? Even when he couldn’t really understand the meaning of ‘’daughter’’ he still rushed to save his daughter because his late wife cared about her..and that’s all he understood and wanted to protect. Him and Liyu’s love was pure and beautiful. So was his brief meeting with Shenli. I shed quite a few tears at that scene . Mofang is also worth mentioning. Even though he was forced into completing a mission by his evil ‘master’ he went against him all the time only to protect Shenli and never truly hurt her . I think we all felt pity for him in the end . Now I could go on about this all day since all the characters had something special which would make you get attached to them.
The OST was beautifully done too , I can’t go on without mentioning the opening track which was very unique but fit for Shenli’s fighter character. I got chills every time I heard it .
Beautiful Costumes , Hairstyles , Unique and creative Makeup and more importantly the happy ending that I’ve been craving for!
Get your phone’s storage ready because this drama has many aesthetic scenes !
10/10 From L.Alexandra !
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I can't believe their love story started with a chicken
Honestly this drama wasn't even on my radar until I saw so many people talk about it whenever a new episode is released. After seeing a few stills, I put it on my watchlist and still I kept putting it off until last week. Then I finally played the first episode and... well, I got a subscription and payed for the express episodes just so I can finish it today. Just a beautiuful love story between 2 heavily burdened people finding refuge in each other.Gawd I can't even begin to put into words just how much I loved this drama. The music, the casting, the story, the cgi were all done so beautifully. With xianxia, I always expect a few (or several) loose ends and moments that didn't quite make sense (that is, moments that you would just attribute to magic to explain), but I don't think there were a lot of those for this one. We more or less got to see how everyone ended up (except for that one person whose love story is still vague, though that one was definitely on purpose no matter how much I wanted to know who his actual fated lover is), AND we got an ACTUAL happy ending!!!! Not the typical xianxia bs (open endings that show only a hope for future meetings or a revival that shows just the 2 leads making eye contact at the end and nothing else). No, we got a REAL happy ending!!! And an "epilogue" that lasts about 2 episodes' worth!!!! The drama could have ended at the middle of episode 38 and I would've already considered that an actual happy ending, but they gave us more than that!!!!
Just so many beautiful character stories all around. So many characters I found annoying or irrelevant that I ended up cheering for. Characters I hated but found myself relating to after a point (yes, I am talking about Goddess haha). Story was so good I was actually rooting for THREE couples other than the main couple, and all of them got decent screen time too!
The moments of humor that never left, making tense moments lighter and heartfelt moments even more heartbreaking. The love between Shen Li and Xing Zhi. The way they're both powerful individually and that never changed. The understanding between them, and the acceptance of each others' duties and responsibilities. The way they protect each other and support each other. Just... everything was so beautiful.
I can keep gushing about this drama for ages, but I'll stop here. If you're trying to decide of you should watch this drama, I highly suggest you give it a try. You might end up liking it as much as I do.
PS (and SPOILERS!!!!!): Don't you just love it when a stubborn/restrained man who suppresses his feelings almost loses the love of his life causing him to just snap and lose control? Followed of course by said man just holding on to that woman for dear life and never letting her go again. One of my fave tropes fr.
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The female role is very attractive so awesome.
Both of them character is fits the role.
The back sound music is amazing. Watch on stereo speaker is fantastic and make the movie is more alive.
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The Sweet, Sweet Balm on My Xianxia Hatred LOL
Rated= 10~ 46/50 ~ 9.2Scene // A unicorn, a trident and the Crystal Palace. I'm about to activate God Mode.
A Genuine 10
That Ashes of Love review is going to haunt me. First it was Immortal Samsara that blew expectations out of the water and now this just topped it. I had resigned myself to hating the genre. In fact, after the AoL review, I went through my 'to watch' list removing the xianxia stuff and I do believe, Shen Li was one of them. I was only determined to watch IS because I have a Cheng Yi bias. I also don't give out 10s easily. I only recently gave a 10 for a show that I haven't even finished yet, before my heart gave out, and again, it's because of Cheng Yi.
I don't have that excuse this time. I genuinely loved this. The story flow kept it's pace. I was invested from the start. I loved the leads from the start, it didn't get too melodramatic, there were no stupid love triangles or miscommunications and I cared enough about the side characters. And when things got heated or emotional, I felt it in my stomach.
That scene in the cave, I was feeling seduced 😂That little random clip of the rhythmic movement of the waves with the dancing. Damn. Symbolism, I see you 😂
What really turned this show from a 9 to a 10 was the depiction of the ML's God role. I have this thing in Xianxia's were the deities are always the assholes and I'm routing for the demons. This show pretty much sets you up that way, with the FL being an elite warrior demon God, running away from a marriage from one of the Heavenly Immortals. From the first few seconds I was running with her. I'd have been running too.
I had the ML sussed out early. To be fair, it's pretty obvious what's happening but when we really get to see him use his God powers, I could hear a choir of angels singing 'Hallejuah' in my head. Finally. FINALLY. A God character acting how I imagine a God to act. Aloof but kind, fearless because he knows he's the most powerful thing walking and has nothing to prove and unhurried because when you're eternal, what is time? He doesn't care that you've got all the legions of hell behind you, one snap of his fingers, boom, sit down. He was also hilarious LOL
Bringing in this idea that as a God, he can't have desires or be too in his feelings because of attachment, makes perfect sense in this reality. It's not just some stupid plot narrative to create drama. We can see why that kind of power can't be wielded for personal gain.
As for the actual romance, damn. I kind of felt it, I got caught up in my feelings a few times towards the end LOL
As for the villains, they honestly weren't too complicated or were even frustratingly evil. They were just the bad guys, which can be a nice comfortable watch if you struggle with anxiety. Everything keeps an even pacing and there's nothing majorly upsetting.
Would like to mention the side quest happening with one of the ML's fallen God friends. I kind of like the mystery happening here. Sometimes we do get a little side story happening in the back of the main plot but this was a whole other series happening and it really made me smile. He's obviously being trialled between the two women which makes me wonder what he actually did in order to fall in the first place LOL It served a purpose to the main plot while still holding a little of it's own mystery. It has that 'our stories are intertwining' feeling and I love when writers do that.
There was also an overall melancholy and wise approach to the nature of life and death. It touched me a little as well as how the characters, esp the ML, dealt with this eternal cycle. And as someone who believes in hope and looks for it in my entertainment, it was lovely seeing that hope restored in the ML, particularly in that ending scene. I was honestly waiting for it and am satisfied with the look on his face. The actor nailed it.
Music- There was a nice little mix happening here, I really liked it. They had some chunky guitars, softer, romantic vocals and as with MLC, I'm pretty sure they used the same track for an ancient tribal vocal happening in the back, off which I loved. It's like a deep throaty 'waaah' sound. There is one tribal wail backing track that really added to the 'wrath of God' feel when the ML was told something that broke his heart.
I'm pretty sure this is now my highest rated series so far. I will definitely be rewatching this one.
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A Laidback & Entertaining Drama | A delightful show that exhibits how amazingly cozy retired life is
"How much courage would it take to cast aside one's life, accept another person, and even change one's way of living?" - Shen LiOh Gosh! I am so mad of myself. I was already counting the # of characters for my subject line but accidentally hit "Clear" on my phones notepad and in just a blink of an eye, everything was gone! ㅠㅠ
First of, I just wanna sincerely extend my gratitude to the entirety of the crew who worked hard to make this show possible. It has served as my salvation and redemption after watching such a horrible show that put me on a slump. So, thank you so much for being my getaway and saving me from that demise. <3
Before I proceed, I just want to share this line by XingZhi which I find funny and cute (Episode 36)
"I was beaten by my Father-in-law" - XingZhi 😂
I honestly don't have much things to say as I find this story extremely comfortable and easy to watch. I even failed to write commentaries while watching it because I was so engrossed on the show and don't wanna be bothered at all. I just seize the moment, took my time and suddenly I am already on the last 3 episode of this drama—that is how GOOD this show truly is. I was so lost, more so, doesn't care much about the time while watching it. Haha!
One thing, I eagerly wanted to mention is how 'Laidback" and "Cozy" this drama is overall. I appreciate how the show started with XingYun being chill at the same time playful towards the Phoenix Form" of Shen Li. + I find their earliest interactions as silly at the same time adorable. It felt lke, I am watching a couple enjoying their retired life on a rural paradise while being mischievous towards each other. It suddenly made me look forward to my retired life in the future. Lol!
Hilarious and Comical relief scenes are like the backbone of this drama—the main core element which made this show extra entertaining. I honestly think that all the funny moments combined have had contributed in making this the fantastic drama it is right now. Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy and appreciate each character and episodes.
Villains/Antagonists, Climax and Final battle - are something I think they've decided to go easy on. The antagonists, although are really infuriating but are somehow manageable because of Mofang. Man is totally uncommited. Hahaha! alAnd towards the end, it even feels like they were not given that much moment to shine as the final conflict/battle solely focuses on the fixing their hideous work but not about fighting them directly. I can say that they were utilized as a mere plot device to provide hurdles for the main leads and nothing more.
CGI, Colour and overall design - are good. I specifically love the animation of Shen Li's 'Phoenix Form' as it was so adorable. The execution of the special effects of the fight scenes are all done splendidly too. I am satisfied on this area overall.
Lastly, I want to express my grattitude to the director and writer for giving us Episode 39. I appreciate them a lot for giving us a whole episode dedicated to show how Jin Niang Zi & Mu Zi Chun's love story unfolds and also provides us more scenes of Xing Zhi & Shen Li's life after all the chaos they went through. I am very happy for this special fan service episode. <3
P.S. This drama made me imagine and fantasize how my retired life would be in the far future.
Story - 10, I was thinking of giving it a 9.5 but I watched Episode 39 and my reservation over this drama suddenly vanished as if it's the missing piece I have been looking for that completes this show for me. I need all production to be this generous when it comes to providing us fan service special episodes.
Acting/Cast - 10, Solid! The level of comfort and compatibility Lin Geng Xin and Zhao Li Ying is immeasurable—that even their kissing scenes exudes this playing-around vibe. I love how chill and playful they're that it inevitably shows on screen even if they don't mean to. Acting is really good too. I feel like the overall theme of the drama helped all the actors to act freely without inhibitions.
Music - 10, One of the very rare C-dramas which OSTs are all good. Everytime a new song plays, I always goes "Oh wow! Another good music!"
Rewatch Value - 10, Most definitely! I will re-watch it ONLY if I don't have a long list of dramas to watch.
Overall - 10, I wanted to thank the entire production again for creating such a wonderful drama. I healed myself through this show and had helped me get over that feeling of disappointment towards the terrible drama I watched before this. Highly recommend!!
IF you find my reviee helpful please let me know.
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A Xianxia Masterpiece: Why 'The Legend of Shen Li' Deserves a Perfect 10
If you are looking for a drama that redefines the Xianxia genre, The Legend of Shen Li is an absolute masterpiece. I rarely give out a perfect 10/10, but this series earns every single point. The story hooks you immediately by subverting typical tropes: instead of a weak damsel, we meet Shen Li, a powerful general of the immortal realm who is fierce enough to reject a forced political marriage and fight for her own freedom.The dynamic between the leads is nothing short of spectacular. The premise of a mighty general injured and reverting to a phoenix form, only to be bought by the "sickly" Xing Yun in the human world, sets the stage for a relationship built on unexpected fate rather than clichés. Unlike many dramas where the romance feels rushed, their bond grows organically as they navigate the complexities of the three realms.
What truly elevates this drama is the emotional stakes. As they face revived ancient evils and shocking betrayals, their love becomes a "dangerous taboo" that forces them to defy Natural Law itself. It is rare to see a show balance humor, high-stakes fantasy action, and heart-wrenching angst so perfectly. The adaptation of Jiu Lu Fei Xiang’s novel is brilliant, delivering a satisfying conclusion to a story about revenge, truth, and a love strong enough to save the world. This is a must-watch for fantasy lovers.
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