This review may contain spoilers
FRICKIN GOATED SHOW ...with a lowkey toxic ml and a strong fl
IGNORE THE HATERS THIS IS SO GOODto start off, if you're looking for a romance-heavy drama, this is not for you lol the mcs kiss like four times in this 37 ep drama LOL
anyways, i've always enjoyed dramas with a strong/martial arts fl as the dumb ones lowkey pmo so this was just a fun and refreshing watch! zhao zhao is so badass so strong so smart so good at fighting... ugh i love her sm
the first few eps were a bit confusing as there's just a lot of characters, sect history, and just information overload in general. however, once the drama progresses a bit more, its so addicting. the different subplots and journeys they make along the way as well as the forbidden romance... its just THAT good.
one thing i would nitpick in this drama is that the relationship between the mcs is lowkey (highkey) toxic LOL well once you know the backstory you'd feel quite conflicted (like i am) but ig because i'm watching this ongoing, every time something happens and i'm left on a cliffhanger... makes me also want to h**g myself (satire). oh btw the ml is a YEARNER! he's definitely a bit crazy... and cunning... and calculating... and manipulative... and morally questionable... but he's so good to zhao zhao. he never wavers and mentioned multiple times that he would drop everything if they could just be together. mu is def my fav character in the show. there's just so much depth and layers to his character he's just written so well.
watched for zhou yi ran, stayed for bao shang en (and him too lol).
p.s. THIS IS THE YEAR OF STRONG FLs IN WUXIA DRAMAS !!! highly recommend pursuit of jade for a strong fl character too (its really good, trust me)
after express:
i feel like the whole "man in black" situation panned out so boringly lol idk like yea everyone found out who it was but i wish they actually showed everyone's reactions etc. cuz i mean its definitely a BIG shock for everyone. also idm the ending but the first third was us thinking mu was gonna... yk... and then the next third was closure for the main man himself and pingshu, and then the last third was the wedding. like its good. i liked the happy ending but i wish they just gave us a short timeskip after or something just to see what life is like after for them yk. idk it felt lacking in that sense.
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Worth the wait i tell you the points of this drama in my reviews
UPDATE : IT'S VERY WORTH IT FOR ME CAUSE THE END STICK LIKE IN THE NOVEL YAYYY (But not extra chapter included like in the novel)🥰, Sorry too excited i tell you the points of the drama below in this review (The points is below after my personal thoughts)Personal thoughts first :
For me this is one of the best dramas in 2026 and i hope their will win the awards because of their chemistry because you will see in the future episodes how complicated and struggle their angst scenes and the way they serves us emotions to each others. You can see the acting of them and their chemistry they serves us emotions scenes towards each others in their new original MV first : https://weibo.com/7845601852/5268700368212813
For me this is the most awaited dramas and turn out amazing i know theres many plot holes and differents scenes comes out not 100% same like in the novel. But i’m here because the chemistry is a top notch and the actor and actress suit the characteristics and roles so much seriously, Zhou Yiran and Bao Shangen are like Mu Qingyan and Cai Zhao that come out from the novel, if you guys read the novel you will know how the author describes Mu Qingyan and Cai Zhao from the appearance and their personality.
(UPDATE : you can watch their acting and their serving us with angst scenes in eps 18, this is still early in the future eps you will witness many of angst, dramatic, and poetic scenes) (UPDATE : eps 25-26 27,28, 29 are peak angst 😭 they cooking with their acting on angst scenes in this eps) (UPDATE : their acting is good too for both of them who says the FL can't act ? watch eps 7,8,18,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,36,37 you will see their emotional acting, whoever say the chemistry is only him is amiss for me cause theres will be no chemistry if the FL didn't respond the same BUT YOU SAW THE EPS RIGHT ? HOW THEY RESPOND TO EACH OTHERS ESPECIALLY IN THAT ANGST SCENES ? FOR ME THEY PLAY A BIG ROLE PART FOR THEIR CHEMISTRY CAUSE THE RESPOND AND ACT TOWARDS EACH OTHERS IS THE REASON WHY us crying and felt the pain not only the story but their acting is filled up the atmosphere and the feelings for us to intrepret (Okay sorry every people have their own taste and preference so sorry if my comment make some of you guys felt annoy, let's respect each others preference and sorry if i'm rude)
The points of the drama (update) :
0. You know actually this story is intriguing and interesting about the history from previous generation until the new generation (This timeline with MumuZhaozhao) and has many mystery and reveals about the truth about the history of the Big 6 sect (righteous sect) and history of the Demon sect with a twist but the bad editing, presentation of the story and fast paced plot that's makes a plot holes it makes the story less interesting and hard to follow because theres many skipped and cut scenes that the fact it has not to be cut. Many scenes in the novel that has to be important to be shown that not shown in the drama.
1. Why there’s a plot holes ? so this is the reason why many of the watchers felt hard to enjoy the story and follow the story because the scenes of the history and story of their sect being cut and there's many important story that get wiped out so the audience have to follow along with the fast forced story and many scenes were missed and not get to the points and the editing make it look more bad but actually the editing is fine but because of the fast forced plot they give us bad interpretation of presentation of the story. The beginning of early episodes in the drama have different start from the novel, cause in the novel at the beginning there's many scenes and dialogues about the history of the Big 6 sect and the Demon sect internal affairs and many dynamics and interactions between the FL & ML and the main leads with the support roles that not felt like fast emotions or feelings.
2. This drama will makes you feel many genres of romance like slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, and angst romance, dark romance. You will see the ML is already fell first and fell hard for the FL because she is his ray of lights for ML in his miserable and dark life, all of his new emotions and feeling are begin to unveil because of FL and he cannot turn back and will be down bad for her because he custom to what it feels to touch the light by being with the FL. All of his obsessiveness and possessiveness is shown and described from the beginning he feel this feeling towards her in the novel more clearly than in the drama that we seen he already obsess without an explanation because theres many cut scenes from the novel to the drama itself so that’s why the plot holes.
3. Theres many big sect will be shown and describes by the story begin but you guys can focus on the Big 6 sect first : Qingque sect (the one with the leader named Qi Yunke who is master of the FL), Guangtian gate (the leader named Song Shijun who is the father of the second male lead (Song Yuzhi), Tianchu observatory (The one who has story of the tragic Yu Wuanying and Yuanrong heroes), Peiqiong manor (The leader named Zhou Zhizhen who has a son named Zhou Yuqi and the son has arranged marriage (Betrothal only) with the FL), Siqimen sect (The leader named Yang Heying who is the father of the support role named Yang Xiaolan), and Luoying Valley the leader is being led by FL parents named Cai Pingchun and Ning Xiaofeng (the wife of the master from the luoying valley). This big 6 sect will have important roles to the story because they have history connected to the history of the Demon sect that will reveals in the future episodes.
4. There will be a history and story about the internal conflict and conspiracies of the Demon sect there will be conflict faction within faction in the internal Demon sect because of the power struggle within the people in the sect. So basically Demon sect real ancestors are surnamed “Mu” but because there are many incompetent descendants the sect begin to adopt a child that will bring good reputation to the sect so that’s why the surnamed “Nie” begin to take the role of the leader of the Demon sect and led by them. But eventually because of the greediness and chaos that led by Nie Hengcheng the sect became more strong and ruthless and greedy that’s why the righteous sect and the heroes of the righteous sect Cai Pingshu (FL aunt) will stop this chaos and madness caused by the Demon sect. After the death of Nie Hengcheng the leader of the Demon sect the sect begin to unstable and lost the “power” of their greatness and the internal affairs became more risen up that’s why the ML who is the blood and descendants of the “Mu” family begin to reclaim his positions and his family ancestors belongings to the “Mu” family only.
5. I have to warn you guys this story takes a center stage to the history of the righteous sect and demon sect and romances mostly because that’s the main plot of this story. You can see the genres is Mystery, Romance, Wuxia and Fantasy. This is because we have the center of the main leads that have a Forbidden love plot that’s why the romance is strong and is more like a dark romance because of the title what ML has and FL has : A disciple from the righteous sect (FL) who’s being loved by the leader of the Demon sect (ML), and we know how obsessive and possessive the ML towards the FL.
6. If you like genres that involve a Yandere man or obsessive and possessive who’s down bad for his girl and have dominant and aura within his morally grey title by his side (Leader of the Demon sect) and his personality is tough, cunning, scheming and sinister but loyal, softie and obey his girl obediently and “I can fix you ahh moments” yes you are in the right places. Because his personality and character is complex he is a puppy lover boy to his girl but towards others will not hesitate to bite or kill you without a doubt. He is obediently obey her, care for her and love her deeply but his personality, aura, and authority is still theres and not be toned down he has his own way to attract, pursue and get her by his sides without hurting her or harmful her life, and scheming the plot to get her by his side and make her his one and only for him. His dominance is only shown because the FL is stubborn to keep push him away even though she’s like him too but because of the elders of the FL not allowed their relationship the FL has to act like this, that’s why he keep pursuing her until the end. There will be a funny part and cute little silly fight for them too and jealousy scenes that we will witness the ML being a lovesick man for his girl.
Update again :
1. Seriouslyy it pissed me off when MumuZhaozhao have to be parted away for 4 episodes from 10-13, like in the novel it's not that long AND MOSTLY WHAT'S THAT CUT SCENES WHEN MUMUZHAOZHAO FINALLY MEET AGAIN LIKE PLS why have to be the main leads part that got cut, you know this novel is centered around the main leads eventhough they have their own missions but eventually always end up met and go missions together, i know in the future episodes will be them traveling together mostly and their big iconic scenes and events been shown like in the novel, but plss this is just 37 eps and the story has many plot holes but then now the main leads scenes together got cuts again and the angst become more fast, wow this is a torture for MumuZhaozhao fandom seriously if not because MumuZhaozhao scenes that's i yearning for i will be gone nuts for patiently watch this drama.
ATTENTION : If you wanted to see MumuZhaozhao fast and not really into the story you can make it 1.5 fast speed in episode 10-13 because MumuZhaozhao will meet again in episode 14-18. (This is just a suggestion to some ppl who wanted to see MumuZhaozhao only and can't bear with the SML, but if you okay with it you can watch in normal speed).
I’m here sat and wait patiently because of the MuMuZhaoZhao plot that’s very interesting and fun and emotional to see because their dynamics, interactions, chemistry is match made by heaven they really belong to each others. Okay thank you for read this until the end i appreciated it a lot and sorry for the long explanation and opinion of mine and sorry if you guys see me like “gloryfying” this drama, because i like this drama mostly because of the main leads chemistry (MumuZhaozhao) from the first i read the novel and then now that’s why i’m here sat patiently waiting all the romantic, angst and dynamics of their acting in the drama.
and once again this is only my opinion and thoughts about them thank you.
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This review may contain spoilers
Generation to Generation: An Emotional, Imperfect Gem That Rekindles Wuxia’s Golden Age
I have finished the drama and will try to provide a thorough review because I LOVED this drama. It takes patience and strong media comprehension, because it is nothing like the saccharine love stories of present years. They are not going narrate every thought or plan for you, and viewers will need to pay attention, but if you do, you will be hooked!Final Verdict: MUST WATCH! If you loved Wuxia dramas of the past, especially those from TVB, this will harken back to yesteryears, bringing back memories and a nostalgic kick that I’ve craved from dramaland for a long time. I truly enjoyed the good, the bad, and the ugly here, but mostly good. Great even, imperfections and all. I loved all of the characters, can even empathize with the bad guys, and loved character development for all of the essential main and supporting cast. You will not regret seeing this through to the end.
Plot & Pacing: 7/10 -- I will start with the obvious imperfections. If viewers have patience, the drama is absolutely worth the payoff. The first five episodes move very quickly; it is not for those who only watch for romance, who like clear black and white characters, and definitely not for the impatient. Admittedly, the editing in the first 5 eps feels choppy, transitions are almost nonexistent, and anyone unfamiliar with the Wuxia genre or its rapid character introductions may feel overwhelmed. The Generation to Generation team had to condense a long novel into 37 episodes, and it is rumored that the original cut was closer to 40. Those extra episodes would have helped ease viewers into the world, build out the character introductions, and guide the audience through the backstory. Unfortunately, we work with what we have, and nothing is ever perfect.
If viewers can make it through those early episodes, the plot and pacing improve dramatically. From that point on, the story becomes engaging and emotionally rewarding. What stood out to me most was how the drama centers on the younger generation as they try to unravel and correct the mistakes of those who came before them. The older generation leaves behind calamities, chaos, bloodshed, heartbreak, and also nostalgia, love, regret, and a deep wish for the next generation to avoid repeating their fate.
At its heart, GTG is about breaking free from family trauma and learning to live authentically without compromising your conscience. Live with the intensity of fire, but move through the world with the curiosity and freedom of the wind. This idea is perfectly embodied by Cai Pingshu, the main protagonist’s aunt, who is admired across both the Six Sects and the Demonic Sect. Cai Zhao, our female lead, has also continued to preserve her aunt’s legacy and build her own path in the world, which is to be a business owner and live peacefully in Luoying Valley with her loved ones, Mu Qingyan included.
Overall, the plot is very strong. It does deviate from the novel, but it brings its own charm and perspective. As a Wuxia drama, it feels reminiscent of the classic TVB golden era with familiar themes, memorable characters, and clear hero and villain archetypes. The show balances the main love story, the Jianghu conflicts, the side characters, and the flashbacks in a satisfying way. Its weakest point is the main villain, whose arc drags on longer than necessary, and I wish Uncle Li had received more backstory. Even so, the flaws do not outweigh the many strengths.
Characters/Chemistry: 9/10 -- Zhou Yiran’s performance as Mu Qingyan is the standout of the entire drama. He carries the role with incredible nuance, and his portrayal of a young man shaped by trauma, loss, and moral ambiguity is unforgettable. Bao Shang’en also deserves a great deal of praise. As Cai Zhao, she holds her own in a major role and actually has more screentime than Zhou Yiran. She brings a grounded, sincere energy to the character that makes her easy to root for.
Mu Qingyan is neither good nor evil. He is a broken young man who grew up with a painful childhood and then lost the only person who ever made him feel safe, his father. After that, he suffered under the Demonic Sect, which rightfully belonged to his Mu clan. His father was his one source of light, and after his death, that role shifted to Uncle Chang. When Uncle Chang died, Cai Zhao became the only constant brightness in his life. She is direct, honest, free-spirited, and has no hidden motives. She becomes his guiding North Star.
I love that neither character fully trusts the other at first. They are destined to be enemies in this world, and Mu Qingyan often treats Cai Zhao like a chess piece in his larger plan. Yet she is sharp enough to see through him. Their romance is a slow burn that can feel uneven at times, but both characters remain fully themselves. They learn to understand each other’s perspectives and refuse to give up on one another.
Cai Zhao needs Mu Qingyan to push her beyond her safe, predictable life. Loving him forces her to feel deeply and take risks she would never take otherwise. Without him, she could easily end up with Song Yuzhi and live a peaceful, comfortable life, but she knows she would be bored and unfulfilled. There would be no real passion there.
Mu Qingyan, on the other hand, learns to let go of his abandonment issues and becomes more open about his intentions. He is willing to give up revenge, his past identity, and even his life for the girl he loves. He chooses her over everything he once believed defined him. If any couple deserves a happy ending, it is these two.
Their adventures together were a joy to watch. The romance and chemistry are clear without ever becoming overly sweet. By the end, they truly feel like equal partners. Their ending felt earned, and I am going to miss these two bickering, stubborn, lovesick fools.
The side characters were incredible. I cried countless times because of them, and twice because of the leads. The nostalgic tone of the show was beautifully executed, and several scenes will stay with me for a long time.
Four unforgettable moments stand out:
1. Luo Yuanrong and Wu Yuanying’s final moment as they jump off the bridge together, leaving behind their tragic past.
2. Qian Xueshen remembering his family in the snowy village and realizing why he must continue living.
3. Madam Yin’s heartbreaking grief over losing her young love.
4. Guo Zigui’s final memory of enjoying Gentle Breeze and laughing by the fire.
I cried the hardest during the first and last scenes, but the other two also hit me deeply. When this drama decides to deliver emotional punches, it does so with full force.
As for the leads, the “death bed” scene in the final episode completely fooled me. If the show had committed to that ending, I would have been emotionally wrecked for a long time.
Acting: Zhou Yiran continues to be an absolute gem. He can express entire emotions with the smallest shift of his lips or a glint in his eyes. He poured everything into this role and captured the depth, cunning, and loneliness of a misunderstood character who almost enjoys being misread by the world. The only person he allows to see the truth is Zhao Zhao. Watching his pain, longing, humor, scheming, quiet joys, and especially his jealousy was incredibly fun. He brought Mu Qingyan to life in a way that feels definitive, and I cannot imagine anyone else reaching the same level of complexity and impact.
There has been criticism of Bao Shang’en for being stiff or lacking the same nuance as Zhou Yiran. It is true that she is less experienced and he is the stronger actor. However, Cai Zhao is not an easy role. She can easily become one-dimensional because she has many traits associated with a Mary Sue. What saves her from that is her internal struggle. She is drawn to someone like Mu Qingyan but cannot fully accept her feelings, so she lives in a constant state of denial while still caring deeply. Bao Shang’en captured her free-spirited nature beautifully. She gives Cai Zhao the right balance of righteousness, curiosity, and discernment, which allows her to deviate from the rules when her conscience demands it.
She is not rigid like Yuzhi. She tries to live with integrity, even when that means going against what the Six Sects believe is right. Bao Shang’en walks a fine line between portraying a tomboyish girl, a rising hero, a model disciple living under the shadow of her legendary aunt, and a young woman discovering what real love feels like. Cai Zhao grew up adored by everyone, cherished and protected, which is the complete opposite of Mu Qingyan’s upbringing. For these two worlds to collide, both actors needed to create a believable push and pull, a yin and yang that balances duty, love, and revenge. It is not an easy dynamic to portray, and although Bao Shang’en still has room to grow, I cannot picture anyone else playing Cai Zhao either.
I love both of these actors and want nothing more than to see their careers continue to rise. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I would be thrilled to see them reunite in another drama.
Both the young and older cast did a fantastic job. Everyone acted their roles perfectly, and I honestly craved more scenes and expanded background stories for everyone. 37 eps was not enough to fully showcase everyone’s backstories, but a commendable job to the casting team.
OST & Cinematography: 8/10 – You can tell the production team put real effort into the cinematography. They filmed in many live locations, and those settings captured the vastness of the world the characters inhabit. Several scenes were genuinely breathtaking and created a strong sense of wonder. However, the visual quality is inconsistent. It is easy to see which scenes were shot on location and which were filmed on sets. Since this was not an S‑tier production, the show did not reach its full visual potential. Even so, the beauty that was achieved still outweighed the weaker moments, and it never took away from the story or the characters. My only complaint is the makeup in certain scenes, where the characters looked overly pale and the makeup was very noticeable.
The OST, on the other hand, was absolutely beautiful. The music elevated every scene, especially the emotional ones. Without such a strong score, many moments would have felt less impactful, which shows how essential the right soundtrack is. The songs were used thoughtfully, supported by lovely instrumentals, and were incredibly effective. My tears usually started the moment the music began, which says everything about how powerful it was.
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Just bear with the editing coz the drama is really good
Before anything else...what in the world is that editing??? I mean it so bad that even a layman could pinpoint it out, yet the makers gave it a green flag. Seriously, this drama's worse thing is its editing, nothing else. It is so good that even after all that you will binge watch all the episodes.First of all the actors are just gorgeous and it wouldn't have worked if the acting wasn't up to the mark. Every character has a story to tell and sometimes it feels like I am watching a sequel to another drama. If it wasn't for bad editing all the moments would have really great impact especially in scenes where they talked about earlier generation. But look at the beauty of it that even after all the editing mayhem it still conveyed the emotions. The main characters are perfect for the cast they visually look good and have great chemistry. I did find FL little bit on the weaker side in acting but her character is really well written at least for now her acting doesn't bother me much. Plot is full of suspense and witty dialogues and you wouldn't want to miss the smart leads which is rarely bestowed to cdrama viewers. You will keep on guessing who is villain who is not. So in keeping suspense the show is doing great and I am loving the storyline so far. Cinematography and action scenes are really well done and the music is really very beautiful. All I can say is- just give it a try it has a promising premise and good actors plus in later episodes their chemistry is sizzling. Though the actors are quite young so don't expect too much romance from it. It is more about Generational struggles in jinaghu than just the romance.
(Am I the only one who thinks they have gone overboard with their makeup? They all look a little plastered.)
I would suggest to watch this show when you are in drama slump, only then you could have to patience to bear with certain elements of the drama. Though I highly recommend the novel.
PS: Can't believe it was written by the same author who wrote Love Like the Galaxy and The Story of Minglan, I mean these are one of my favourite dramas of all time, now I can definitely see similarities in the writing style. This really had so much potential but the execution couldn't do justice to the story.
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So fun, visually stunning, emotionally deep and living up to its potential!
I always make my decision on whether a drama is good or not based off of my willingness to watch all the scenes and story in which the main leads are not in. If I just skip through, then the drama hasn't been done well enough to keep me interested in the other characters and story plot points. But I'm loving every part of this drama! It has been so much fun.I've seen a lot of reviews criticizing the editing and storytelling and saying it is done poorly. But there are different variations and methods to directing and I think we should be careful before saying 'it is done bad', when really it isn't done the way you normally like it. Bad editing has to do with clipping shots, incomplete motions, going from one angle to another and not having the depth and angles line up so that it jars on the eyes. I haven't seen these things. The issue I think they really have is the story boarding, and this is referring to how the story gets told.
This drama is storyboarded more like a shounen than a romance drama. I think many people thought that it was going to be more of a romance drama than a heroes adventures drama. I really enjoy the heroes adventure type dramas which focus on painting a bigger picture than just the story between the main leads. The story is going to be moving from many different characters perspectives and often, and certainly in this case doing back storytelling. It can feel like jumping from one scene into another. I get that some people don't feel this flows well. But I disagree. Especially after now having rewatched it twice. It's actually really well done.
But I will say I have noticed we don't get as many long scenes like in romance focused dramas do and I confess I would have liked many scenes to be a just little longer. But I think they did a fantastic job overall. I was super interested in the older generation's stories just as much as our main leads story. They wove all of these generations together into one big story that was truly exciting to watch.
So our main leads are viewers themselves of the stories of the older generation, and we are getting told piece by piece as their present story unfolds. I swear, never has a title 'generation to generation' been so on point with telling us exactly what this drama revolves around. If you don't force the story into a box, you will absolutely enjoy it. The way the story has been given has constantly left me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next without drawing things out too long. With long dramas it is normal to feel bored or just be trying to get through the episodes but I'm not feeling that way with this drama. I'm just wanting more!
For the directing, storyboarding and editing, truly it's rated at something like a 8-9. It isn't bad. But it's also not doing anything exceptional or new. But its solid work.
I think the main leads in this drama have so much chemistry that feels natural. This just makes watching them together a wonderful and fun experience. I love the characteristics of the main leads. They also feel refreshing and new. So many dramas really give the main leads the same temperaments and it can feel boring or trivial.
The sets are actually really nice. They feel new and expansive. The colour and toning is gorgeous, giving this drama a dark moody vibe yet also a with a bright magical vibe. The world feels fantastical and vibrant. So many gorgeous epic shots of this magical landscape. The CGI is done well. Even though a lot if it I can tell is CGI, I think what they created is very beautiful to look at (ah if only it were truly real). The costumes have a new feeling as well with the styling. And the fabrics and colours are wonderful. They play a wonderful part in setting the vibe and creating that 'this is new world' I've never seen feeling.
And excuse me! But Zhou Yiran were have you been all my life!!!!!! So happy for him that he is starting to get more lead roles and I believe and hope that this drama will and is setting his career on an upward trajectory. He is super talented! And literally looks like an anime character come to life! I went and did research, that is his voice! It isn't a voice actor, which a lot of dramas use. Oh! I'm a big fan of his now and just loving seeing him do his thing. Great acting, truly.
Bao sheng En is lovely as well. I really enjoyed her acting and bringing a new quality to the main female lead. She is not that overdone clumsy or bubbly girl, nor is she the overdone go getter, strong, I can do it on my own girl. She is very beautiful and is truly giving us a great character to fall in love with. She feels insightful and careful while being laid back. She is strong, and it naturally comes through but hasn't made that the main focus of her character.
Also, the main leads are, one from the demon sect and one from the righteous sect. The story also has a unfolding of uncovering the righteous sects' secrets and in turn seeing the demon sect in a different light. There is a theme through making the characters and viewers look at what is good and what is evil - it isn't about what sect you are in but the individuals intentions and actions. Can our MLs face dispelling prejudice from both sides and find a harmonious solution?
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this drama. It is my favorite so far this year. Episode 22 is the best!!!! I loved this drama. The ending was perfect. What a phenomenal job the actors and crew did! Thank you so much!
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Basically Cai pingshu's legacy
The story is about a legendary female general who killed a villain of her time and traded peace with her life. The time setting is three years after she died but from start to the end everything is about HER. Everyone speaks of her, her life, martial arts leacy. At one point I thought it would be better to just make a drama on Cai pingshu cause it really feels likeall the characters were created just to commemorate pingshuNow why did I rate this a 8? because the role of female general Cai pingshu was played damned well by the actress. dare I say for the first time I felt like this is how a female general should be. Second reason is Mu qingyuan, he just knows how to act. and his visuals are a bonus point. From pathetic, to manipulative. He switches from a loser boy to a cunning master of demon sect so effortlessly that I couldn't bear to stop wathing. He was the main force driving the whole narrative. Another character Song yuzhi , he also grew on me later on
the story had a strong fl which i appreciated but the scriptwriter really butchered the whole narrative. There is no coherence in what is happening, no consistence character growth. Besides the ml , fl's acting couldn't really match. and for the final reveal it was predictable who the man in black really was. From the start to the end there was a lot of character and I could see the potential of the story but alas a good story needs a good scriptwriter and director.
In my opinion, you can give it a try if your fav actor is in it. I watched it because of zhou yi ran. I don't regret it. He freaking delivered but the director failed the potential this drama had
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Generation to Generation is the Thinking Person’s Wuxia
While some might mistake this drama’s intense emotional beats for simple tropes, Generation to Generation is actually a sophisticated study of loyalty, trauma, and the gravity of choice. It refuses to give the audience "easy" romance, opting instead for a story where actions have heavy consequences.The Power of the "Devoted" Lead
The criticism of the Male Lead being "obsessed" misses the profound psychological layer Zhou Yiran brings to the role. In a world where everyone is a betrayer, his singular, unyielding focus on the Female Lead isn't a "trope"—it’s a survival mechanism. He isn't an "obsessed freak"; he is a man who has lost everything and found his only North Star. Seeing this as "annoying" ignores the raw, high-stakes vulnerability that makes their dynamic so electric.
Realistic Stakes: Family vs. Passion
Many dramas have the FL abandon her entire life for a man after two episodes. Generation to Generation is refreshing because it portrays the actual weight of familial duty. Bao Shangen’s character doesn't just "leave" for no reason; she represents the classic struggle between personal desire and the deep-rooted responsibility to one's kin. Her hesitation isn't a "loop"—it’s a realistic portrayal of a woman with a backbone who refuses to be a hollow character defined only by her boyfriend.
Cinematic Storytelling (Not "Choppy" Editing)
The editing style is clearly a deliberate artistic choice. It mirrors the fragmented nature of the Jianghu (the martial arts world)—it’s fast, it’s disorienting, and it keeps you on your toes. If you approach this like a standard, slow-paced idol drama, you might feel lost, but if you treat it like a cinematic mystery, the "chopped" style becomes a brilliant way to build tension.
Don’t let the "cliché" labels fool you. This is a drama for viewers who appreciate nuance, gorgeous aesthetics, and a romance that actually feels like it costs something. It’s not "garbage"—it’s a gem that requires you to actually pay attention. Must watch!
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"through generations, jianghu is always there."
This drama is getting a lot of hate that it does not deserve. After 37 episodes, heres my genuine opinion.Firstly characters, Cai Zhao actually just might be one of my favorite characters ever. Free-spirited, smart, and lovable girl who doesn't have a care in the world. I have begged for a FL like this and shes finally here. Overall, on the cast, this is my first time watching Bao Shang'en and she did so so well as Cai Zhao like I said. I feel like she was perfectly casted for this role. I also LOVE zhou yiran in MQY's role he looks SO good here. I kept seeing people say how they had no chemistry, but I honestly disagree especially after watching BTS, they are so cute together, but..I do see how this is a CP some ppl wouldn't invest in.
Honorable mention: the music for this drama is so good, especially “清风醉(the episode ending music)” I keep coming back just to listen to the music it makes me want to go outside and enjoy life. The cutscenes in the middle with Cai Pingshu and her friends fits this so well it really fits the quote of this review: "through generations, jianghu is always there."
Lastly plot, personally I absolutely loved the story, but I have to agree with some of the comments that the script writers kind of butchered parts of it, however its nothing thats too bad. I think it definitely could have been written a little better. Also the editing, it got a little better by the end but genuinely this drama needs new editors, I agree with this 100% but it wasn't bad to the point where I couldn't understand what was happening. If you feel like your midway and REALLY can't understand I really do recommend searching it up!
Other than that I 100% recommend this drama, one of my fav watches of 2026 so far!
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The chemistry is IMPECCABLE
I usually can’t sit myself to watch costume style cdramas but the plot and chemistry is having me sit at the edge of my seat. It might be a slow start but the plot thickens real quick and the subs might throw you off. I’ll likely rewatch everything when it’s all complete!!!I love how the story gets more complex and we see more characters within the story. Some people might find it hard to keep up with many storylines here and there. I like how the story doesn’t go in a straight line, very unpreditable, and really strong characters. I understood why the title is named generation to generation once we start to see the bigger picture of the conflict. The main leads are basically the ones changing the divide between the clans/“sect”. Not really much of a spoiler but I haven’t set an eye on who the “villain” is other the the fact that we are following the story of the mcs.
Updated: THE DRAMA GETS BETTER AFTER A COUPLE EPISODES ONCE THEY ESTABLISH THE CHARACTERS. It looks like everything is going fast and slow at the same time just means that I’ve enjoyed watching it. At first it seemed overhype but people just need to give it a chance. For those who are rating this very low just be hating. it actually has a good plot, cliche but good.
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This review may contain spoilers
In love
Definitely one of my favorite dramas I've watched in the past couple years. The negative reviews truly don't make sense to me, and I'm highly convinced that those that didn't like it were either of low intelligence and had a hard time with the plot, or they are fans of the ML's previous drama and are review and rate bombing. Ignore the negative reviews and for sure try it. Mu Qingyuan is definitely going on my favorites list.My only criticisms of the show are
- It does get repetitive at times
-While I love the toxic vibes of their relationship, it was kind of just going in circles until the very end. She shouldve given something up to be with him.
- I wish we had the hero at full power. He was weak most of the drama and weaker towards the end. And heroine was weaker. Really wish the poison thing was resolved earlier.
- The end was probably the most disappointing. It made some things confusing, and I wish they stayed in the Demon Sect. And I wish we got to see kids or martial bliss or something since instead of the random side character scenes and that singing part towards the end.
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It gets better!
I will say this, the first 5 episodes got me so confused to the point I had to go on reddit just so I could understand everything. After ep 5 things will suddenly make sense so give it a shot. Now, why did I like this drama so much? Because of the simplicity and intensity that balances out.The story itself is simple, demon sect and the six sect don't get along. Despite the fact they're enemies, they fall for each other. The female characters here are well written its not one of those, "I'm the strongest, oops! That's a lie", especially the female lead. She sees right through the male lead's plans, has self worth and doesn't just come crawling back. The male lead is so unhinged that its entertaining. He's a red flag, but you enjoy how much of a red flag he lowkey is (Similar to the story of the kunning place, though not as intense)
The acting is good, and the side characters were well thought out. We understand that there was Yuzhi liked Zhao but didn't actually pursue her, which kinda saved his character. Glad they didn't go that love triangle route. The pacing is great, it gets straight to the point. But here are some cons--the main theme is basically the love story of zhao's ancestor. How it was played wasn't done properly, it felt kinda off--out of place to be exact.
Overall, it's good. You like strong leads? Good pacing? Amazing chemistry? Amazing fight scenes? Then try it.
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A love letter to Love itself
What can I say, I created an account just so I can praise this amazing show in hopes more people watch it. I think that says it all. What caught my eye was the actor Yiran, but the female lead Bao stole my heart, and the two of them together just put this show in my top 10. I love a broken ML and sunshine FL and together their love breaks all boundaries and they overcome hardships together. The young actors did so amazing in their roles, Yiran's eyes are so expressive and the fact he was able to play two roles really tells you a lot about his acting skills. They have such a bright future ahead of them.Don't even get me started on the script, I loved the intricate storyline, spanning across generations and the way it flowed together without becoming a mess. The supporting characters were all great too, they all had their time to shine. I LOVED the battle scenes, the choreography of the fights were interesting and my eyes were glued to the screen. I will be rewatching this from time to time, that's for sure. IF you're reading this wondering if you should watch it, I highly recommend you don't hesitate.
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