"through generations, jianghu is always there."
This drama is getting a lot of hate that it does not deserve. After 37 episodesFirstly 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 the gods for a type of FL like this and I finally got one. Next, lets just talk about 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. This is my first time watching Bao Shang'en and she did so so well. 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.
Okay, the music for this drama is so good, especially “清风醉(the episode ending music)” it makes me wanna go outside and enjoy life. The cutscenes in the middle with Cai Pingshu and her friends fits this so well and idk listening to this song just makes me happy. Now story, so personally the story is so so good, 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 do agree with this but it wasn't bad to the point where I couldn't understand what was happening.
Other than that I 100% recommend this drama, one of my fav watches of 2026 so far!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Romance Written Across Rival Sects
👍 What the drama does well❤️🔥Strong chemistry between the leads- The biggest highlight for me was the relationship between Cai Zhao and Mu Qingyan. Their dynamic felt like a slow-burn romance, full of tension and emotional push-and-pull that kept me invested in their story.
🔴Interesting morally gray male lead- For me, Mu Qingyan doesn’t feel like a typical hero. I see him as strategic, manipulative, and emotionally complex, which gives the story a darker tone and keeps me wondering about his real intentions.
🪷Beautiful wuxia atmosphere- I feel the drama prioritizes poetic cinematography, traditional costumes, and the politics between sects rather than relying on flashy action scenes.
💪🏻Strong female lead- Cai Zhao is calm, intelligent, and capable in martial arts. Her growth from innocent disciple to resilient fighter is one of the main emotional arcs.
👎 Weak points
😩Uneven pacing
🎬Action scenes are not very impressive
💻Editing issues
For me, it's a good but not perfect wuxia drama. The leads carry the show. You can give it a try.💓
💬 Simple verdict: Worth watching mainly for the chemistry between the main couple and the emotional romance, even though the storytelling and editing are sometimes messy.
Was this review helpful to you?
I AM SPEECHLESS RN!!!
This is so goooodddddd!!!😭😭And so different!!!
And the fact that the two leads weren't the usual A-lists actors we are found of. And for them to dish out this masterpiece??? 🥺
At some point, I thought it would end with a tragedy, my bed was already soaked wet with tears.
But all in all, Mu Qingyan deserved more. I mean, he suffered all his life but he still lost his inner power and handed over his sect to his two right hand men. I am definitely not satisfied! I wished he ruled even the whole sect, for a change.
And as for the osts used in this drama, I hummed all along 😹😹. Especially the "intoxicated" song that plays at the end of each episode.
And to all haters home and abroad, PISS OFF!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Stable personality from the ML, cunning and schemer until the end
Story wise, this drama is just standard. However, the ML characterization is gold! It is rare for the C-drama to have morally grey as ML, and he is staying that way until the end. FL is infuriating. She just does not want to lose her comfort zone. I actually like how the drama add tragic scene in ep 37 where Mu Qing Yan literally dying and only saved by some deus ex machina. Sometimes people can only treasuring things that they have lost. All these time, Cai Zhao treated Mu Qing Yan like clothes that can be put on and take off at will. She will go to him when she sees fit, and let go of him when it is an inconvenience.Zhou Yi Ran acting as Mu Qing Yan here is very surprising. His Mu Qing Yan has such strong aura from the beginning until the end. It does not fall out even when he playing pity card with Cai Zhao or during his torture moment. It is very enjoyable to watch his performance.
Was this review helpful to you?
A good story turns into complete garbage by a lot of cliches
Generation to Generation" is a classic case of highbudget production being wasted on a script that feels like it was written by an AI recycling old tropes. While the aesthetic is beautiful, the actual experience of watching it is deeply frustrating and irritating.Lets talk about drama
Story and romance:The writing is the biggest letdown. The romance is built on the most tired cliches imaginable. We are stuck in a loop of the female lead (FL) leaving the male lead ML because she "can't leave her family," followed by inevitable, repetitive reunions that lose all emotional impact by the third time it happens. The writer seems to have no idea how to develop a relationship beyond these circular conflicts.
The "Obsessed" ML Trope: The show falls into the trap of making the ML an "obsessed freak." It’s a trope we’ve seen a thousand times, and here it’s handled poorly. What’s worse is the FL’s complete lack of reaction; she doesn't seem to care about his behavior, making their dynamic feel hollow and unrealistic. Throw in a forced, unnecessary love triangle, and you have a romance that is more exhausting than endearing.(Some people called it cute you might be one of them if you think its cute)it was annoying and irritating (fl was loved by her family and ml was constantly pulling strings without her knowing ofc she not gonna leave her family for a man who keep playing but it was happening again and again instead of cute it turned into garage
Acting: The actors do their best with the material they are given. Zhou Yiran and Bao Shangen have visual chemistry but even their talent can't save a script that gives them nothing new to work with. idk why tf bao and zhou yi ran even choosed this script
Ost:The OST is actually quite good and manages to create a mood that the plot fails to sustain. It’s the only part of the show that feels "good"
Final :
If you like looking at pretty costumes and listening to a nice soundtrack while ignoring a nonsensical, trope-heavy plot, you might get through this. Otherwise, the "obsessed" ML the chopped editing and the repetitive "I must leave for my family" cycle make this a skip.
Was this review helpful to you?
the heavy weight of past generations
this cdrama really follows it's own title, where its about ties and grudges from a previous generation that weight on the current one.this show has many pros, but also many annoying elements. i think what makes it worth a watch is the main lead who carried the cdrama!
>>>the main leads:
MQ is a grey, bold character . His character was played very well because i think he showed the nuances of many decisions he took. the character has so many red flags, but the actor really delivered here.
CZ is also a bold character, lively too... but she is mostly boxed in a righteous idealism for a long time in the show. it's understandable as she represents the legacy of the heroine of the past generation... but i think it's one of the elements i thought were overdone... even when she was resolute, the actress did not show us enough nuance or internal struggles as she had a lot if them!!
both main characters evolve and it's beautiful to see them slowly break from a status quo of who they are told to be.... ( the most interesting part of the cdrama for me) however, i have to admit CZ growth comes so late in the show! (albeit her angst and bittersweet moments are amazing!!! ) it's beyond frustrating because they are too few! and even then, it's inconsistent!
>>> plot :
it starts nicely but it quickly feels alllll overrrr the placeeeee ahhhhhh!
then the plot keeps revolving around itself in a wierd way . i think it could have been a shorter cdrama. reveals and hidden elements were all over, some were really cool to discover along but others felt forced.
The past generation's story is so heavy it's overwhelming sometimes. i really enjoyed the intertwining stories of the present and past, we see really well how the past affected the present.
Some characters are refreshing ( like CZ parents!) while others are classic.
some episodes were really memorable, especially the ones where the ML are on their journeys together.
>>> execution
there's something about the way it's filmed or the script, i can't point my finger on it, cringe? disconnected? stereotyped? flat? despite beautiful angles and scenes.
action scenes are nice though!
>>> it's a rich complex story with fun moments and intrigue. i think MQ carried the show till the end as other roles felt a little 2D...
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WAITED LIKE CRAZY BUTT....
First of all a big praise for the ml and fl they were the couple who are really compatible with each others visual both fresh and young with good acting skills.. So firstly the plot is veryy good or atleast can say was supposed to be a good one, if anyone has read the novel with the very starting of the first chapter you would know how the drama is lagging behind, apart from the editing and weird cgi, the story consistency is not there, like the plot is very good, strong leads, strong troupe, forbidden love story but the storytelling is not good. No body is at fault but the directing team. Some parts will leave you confused like at the beginning of the first episode i was confused of the fl 's family history. I had to read the novel to understand the context by the time of the 5th episode. Secondly at the show mountain part where the face shifter guy suddenly died and alive again, might be only for me but still it was kind of confusing. Anyways till now love it soo far, Fine as hell ml, fl, sml, the healer ,uncle, and the side characters too like everyone is so good. Talking about ml and fl's relationship both look very good together... Good troupe most important thing is their chemistry which was so good. Also the sml is so handsome like his chemistry with fl too but ml is to die for, if anyone had watched 'till the end of the moon' you may find it similar, like forbidden love, something like that but that was xinxia and this is wuxia. So thats the major difference also the storyline is veryyy different. Till now everything is well and in a good pace but if it has the same ending as tteotm then I AM GONNA CRASH THE HELL OUT, THEY BETTER NOT DO IT LIKE THAT!!!!!!!UPDATE:
the drama may have flaws but in the same time its nothing more than just editing issues and some scenes which were poorly executed. The drama in sense of wuxia sticks to its roots, proper action scenes, clever characters and unique weijin styled dresses. Every aspect of the drama was 10/10 characters, story but for some they stubbornly stick to its editing issues and directing issues. May be it sounds biased but this was one of the best dramas i saw. Yea there are some parts i feel like could be written again, the cai pingshu part. And qi yunke's shits but apart from it i feel love story was little bit lagging like cai zhao and mu qingyan must get more time to themselves apart from fighting it was overwhelming for some, me too. But overall chemistry was very good and nice plot. I like the actor of yuzhi. He seems a very good potential for a new face in cdrama industry, so directors you should
start analysing/ recruiting him. Apart from this. MY GUY MU QINGYAN, YOU MAD MAN, OH GOD YOU OBSESSED FREAK😍🤚. Fuckinggg made me giggle like crazyyy. ALSO YUZHI THE MAN YOU ARE 😔🛐. Bao shang en and zhou yiran so good,they should do moree dramas together like them together soo much.
Was this review helpful to you?
Poignant Storytelling: Between Shadows and Healing
"Light and darkness travel side by side."I thought this was a beautiful examination of how layered good and bad can be, told through people trapped in a generation of hurt. Some characters were able to heal and find closure, while others remained caught in the cycle, hoping at least to leave a better world for those who came after them.
For me, it was the emotional depth that truly hooked me. The storytelling felt especially poignant, centering on a strong core theme while weaving in alternate arcs that allowed the drama to flourish with tension and excitement. This was an absolute win for me. I was mesmerized by every dimension—from the setting to the cinematography to the layered characters. There was so much intrigue and connection to the storytelling that I found myself completely absorbed in it.
This was such a win for me that I am now reading the novel.
Was this review helpful to you?
