Dull. (still)
EDIT:I originally dropped this after 3 episodes. Now I've finished the whole show.
(I'm leaving my original review below the line)
What do I say about this? It's still not great.
It's definitely been overhyped and at best it's sort of slightly above average.
The story is functional - you see where it's going from the beginning and it does indeed get there pretty much as you expect. Which is not a bad thing necessarily, it's just a bit predictable.
The bits I enjoyed the most were the case investigations. Sadly, there are two issues with that:
1) The cases are of fluctuating quality, and many of them are solved in a way you cannot do yourself. Because as in other badly done mystery shows - the show witholds crucial information from you and it is only presented at the very end, when the detective is explaining how he figured it out. That's just lazy and uninteresting.
2) The show insists on being a wuxia story about Big Things, and it constantly gets in the way of the fun.
My main problem with this show and why I still rate it fairly low is the premise and the main protagonist.
I am sick, so sick and tired of these Very Special Boys With A Mysterious Past. Li Xiangyi is VERY similar to the characters in "Love in Between", "Blood of Youth" and even "Nirvana in Fire" and "Word of Honor" to some extent - a soft sickly boy with lovely long hair and flowy robe and a fur lined cloak. And he used to be a powerful martial hero, the most specialest of them all, a real genius. But now he's sickly and disabled and look at the poor bunny, so cute.
And I get that this is a trope that people (especially lady fans of these idols/actors) like. I do not. It's tired now. I've seen it.
I think the story would've worked much, much better with older characters and actors.
So yes - I still put a lot of fault with Cheng Yi. He is older than Joseph Zeng, but it doesn't feel like it. They're too close in age and vibe. And he doesn't have the acting ability to pull this kind of character off, especially in the really dramatic moments. His serious delivery feels fake and flat.
In short - the only way we know he's this super special boy is because everyone keeps talking about it. He doesn't have that kind of charisma to make me believe it.
Joseph Zeng is mostly fine, he does the same thing in most of the dramas I've seen him in. He's like an ok piece of toast. Nothing you'd sing the praises of, but fine to eat.
The villains are kinda terrible. I get that the mustache-twirling evil-laughing villain is a genre thing, but they feel a bit out of place in a modern style drama. That said, I think Rain Wang is just bad, and she wasn't helped by the weird dubbing they did for her character.
The only person whose acting I enjoyed fully was Xiao Shun Yao - his Di Feisheng doesn't change a lot, but he pulls that subtle transition off pretty well. And at all times he FEELS like someone who could seriously hurt people, I believe when he fights.
Speaking of fights - they left them all for the ending, which was odd. They're...fine I guess. The bigger mass battles were a surprise, because the show had been so stingy with fights up to that point. They're all very modern wuxia cdrama in style - lots of flowy stuff, CG energy blasts and not a lot of blood. Compared to something like Sakra, or oldschool 90s wuxia it feels super sanitized. I wasn't impressed, but it wasn't offensively bad either.
In summary - this is a very run of the mill modern wuxia with all the typical flaws, or a mostly decent detective show ruined by also being a modern wuxia drama.
Don't believe the hype, but you might still enjoy some of it.
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Original rating: 3.5*
This is dull, incredibly dull. Just boring as hell.
I have to remind myself that cdrama hype is largely caused by fangirls looking forward to watching shows with their beloved idol/s.
Some episodes in this is just incredibly forgettable, entirely derivative and uninteresting.
The actors are bland as chalk bread, except for the main guy who's straight up bad. He's a bad actor, stop giving him roles where he's supposed to speak.
The premise, the story, it's all cliches piled on cliches, nothing cool or intriguing happens, the fights are not entertaining.
Just another super mediocre/bad wuxia drama.
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They'll never let you go, hard as you might want it.
Li Lianhua, Li Lianhua, what a beautiful story. The trailer didn't do justice to this drama as it was vague and didn't reveal much, I could have missed out on this one.This drama was worth all my 40 hours spent on it. Very suprisenly for me, there was no character I hated in here, even the bad ones.
Although LL adopted FDB as his own (not what happened in the drama, you'll understand if you watch it), I wish he had actual kids of his own for FDB to raise.
Everyone had their role to play and everyone did it beautiful, no cheesy, no overcompensating, just professionalism.
I would watch a sequel if one ever gets into the works.
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A Masterpiece from Start to Finish
The Mysterious Lotus Casebook is nothing short of a masterpiece, an extraordinary work that captures the heart and mind from the very first episode. Every single second is meticulously crafted, making it a flawless viewing experience that’s impossible to look away from. The story is beautifully woven, with every detail playing a crucial part in the unfolding mystery, making it a truly immersive journey.The acting is superb, with the cast delivering performances that are both compelling and nuanced. The leads, in particular, shine, bringing their characters to life with emotional depth and authenticity. Their chemistry is palpable, creating moments that resonate deeply, making the highs and lows of their journey feel genuine and earned.
The story itself is flawless. It’s a perfect blend of mystery and emotional exploration. The narrative unfolds in such a seamless way that every twist and revelation feels natural and satisfying. The philosophical depth of the story, especially in the ending, is both thought-provoking and poignant. The final moments are not just a conclusion to the plot but a meditation on life, letting go, and embracing the inevitable. It's a powerful lesson about the importance of moving forward and releasing the past.
The direction and pacing are equally remarkable, ensuring that the story never drags or feels rushed. Every scene is thoughtfully constructed, allowing emotions to build naturally and ensuring that the tension always feels earned. The balance of suspense and emotional moments is perfectly maintained throughout, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The set designs, costumes, and cinematography all contribute to an atmosphere that pulls you deeper into the world of the story.
In addition to its narrative brilliance, the drama teaches valuable life lessons about forgiveness, letting go, and accepting the things that cannot be changed. It reminds us that holding onto pain or regret only prevents growth, and that sometimes, the hardest but most necessary thing is to let go and move forward. This theme is beautifully conveyed through the characters' journeys, leaving with a sense of catharsis and reflection.
The martial arts fight scenes in Mysterious Lotus Casebook are nothing short of fantastic. Choreographed with precision and executed flawlessly, each battle is a stunning display of skill and strategy. The direction of these fight sequences adds a dynamic energy to the drama, perfectly complementing the intensity of the narrative. The fluid movements and beautifully shot action scenes not only showcase the characters’ abilities but also enhance the emotional stakes of the story, making every fight feel meaningful and impactful.
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thanks???
BAGUSSS POLLLLLLLL🔛🔝meskipun aku nangkepnya ini sad end, isokeyyy itu lebih releated sama alurnya, dan untuk FDB sama DFS, makasih jugaa udah jadi beban LSS, sengganya dia hidupnya bisa lebih ber warna karena kalian berdua, meskipun banyak hal yg bikin orang ikuy emosi jugaaa, but isokeyy makasii ya gw bakal gamon u/ bbrp hari, cheng yi lu suksessss bgt bikin gw keluar banya tisuuu :((
ditunggu project selanjutnya ya ge, sehat-sehat seruss😭😞😻🤍😠🔥😮🫂😎🏃🏻♀️🎉🌹😆🤪🥺😒💀💤🤺🏊🏻♀️🧟♀️🏖️🐉🕊️🦮🐎🫕
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The best wuxia drama I've seen thus far!
Mysterious Lotus Casebook is hands down one of my favorite Chinese dramas to date. Though it is not perfect by any means and it doesn't have the most satisfying ending, it didn't leave me frustrated or disappointed unlike another C-drama that would've been without flaw if not for its horrid ending. In fact, it leaves you hungering for more with its open ending that may or may not lead to a second season. Despite the fact that it is a solid detective story dripping with political intrigue, mysticism, and evil schemes for world domination, the true driving force of this series is its characters. It boasts of well-written characters that each have their own story arcs and go through significant character development as the plot progresses.Cheng Yi plays somewhat of a dual role, the young and brash, Li Xiangyi, who basks in the glory of his achievements in the martial arts world, and Li Lianhua, the reclusive wandering physician with a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit. I love how he contrasts these two characters, showing how much the ambitious and arrogant Xiangyi has changed over the years and become the more mature and grounded Lianhua, who is content in lazing about with the company of his dog and growing vegetables in his garden. I love love this snarky bastard! 😍
Zeng Shunxi is Fang Duobing, the young and impressionable son of a noble man who grew up idolizing Li Xiangyi. He also undergoes a major change as the series goes on, from a bratty rich kid to a young man worthy of becoming Xiangyi's successor. Xiao Shunyao plays Di Feisheng. He starts out as an anti-hero but soon proves to be one of the most compelling characters in the series. His friendly rivalry with Li Xiangyi or Li Lianhua is quite possibly one of the best bromance dynamics I've seen in any drama. While he is the typical stoic “tsundere” character, his interactions with the other two protagonists are the funniest moments in the whole series. And damn, he's such a striking figure, an absolute badass!
The villains are absolutely despicable! You will never find an ounce of sympathy to spare for these hateful people. But they are not exactly your cookie cutter type of villains since their motivations aren't solely rooted in the fact that they are evil. The supporting characters are also engaging albeit some of them are not as memorable as the others. But perhaps the one character that really struck me was Yun Biqiu. His story of remorse and redemption is truly touching.
The writing could've been better, though. There are parts in this series that left me scratching my head, trying to find logic in them. Some seem too contrived, convenient, and coincidental that I had to suspend my disbelief more than a few times in order to enjoy this series. I wish they could've been more precise in the writing department, but since it is a fantasy drama, I figured I could just chalk it up to mystical arts.
As for the production value, they didn't skimp on the set designs, costumes, and cinematography although there are some scenes that looked iffy to me. I suppose I could attribute that to bad CGI due to lack of budget. The fight scenes are spectacular, though. Most costume C-dramas don't play around with their fight choreography, but this drama, in my opinion, has some of the most convincing fight sequences and the main actors really look like martial artists. I give the stunt coordinators and fight choreographers (apart from the actors of course) the credit for that.
All in all, this was an enjoyable 40-episode drama that I don't regret watching and would probably watch again if I can't find another series to obsess on, or when I miss Li Lianhua. But for now, I'm saying goodbye to my old friends, Lianhua, Fei, and Duobing. Yes, they're my friends now!
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Youth falls but meaning of life eventually find you even you are in mess
First of all ,I watched this drama having normal expectation but how story developed and played my mind was actually blown I was very emotional due to cheng yi superb emotional drawn of feelings .things he talked about how the youth goes we never understand..Basically, I watched many dramas around the year but chengyi overly-talented literally makes me feel he deserves more recognizance.
People still bully him what???
Back to pov , this drama will be my safe place actually the betrayal we feel in friendship and love are shown but li lianhua/li xiangyi never bore hatred towards them but let them go that was actually so heart breaking but key to peaceful life.he sacrifice everything for others even tho he Didn't show it but he did. I hope every youngster should watch it many meaningful words and advices are there
I totally love it...
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This review may contain spoilers
The Best Thriller This Year
Adapted from the novel “Auspicious Pattern Lotus House” (吉祥纹莲花楼) by Teng Ping (藤萍), Mysterious Lotus Casebook was one of the most anticipated releases this year, from the IQIYI flagship. Starring Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng, Xiao Shun Yao in lead roles, this male centric wuxia drew attention because of its unique storyline and stellar casting. Directed by Guo Hu and Ren Hai Tao, the story focuses on the adventurous life of our main protagonist, Li Xiangyi (Cheng Yi). Once the revered leader of a powerful sect, Xiangyi falls from grace after an eventful battle with his arch nemesis, Di Feisheng (Xiao Shun Yao). Ten years later, he reemerges as a humble physician, Li Lianhua, while cutting all ties with the martial arts world. But as fate wouldn’t have it, his peaceful existence is disturbed when he accidentally gets entangled with Fan Duobing (Joseph Zeng), a rich young master who intends to work as a detective at the Baichuan Court.Mysterious Lotus Casebook raked in 4 million reservations on the date of its premiere. Audiences were ecstatic with the prominent casting, that includes some big names like Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng. If you are an avid fan of the “Lost Tomb” franchise, then you will probably understand the charm. Both Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng have been a part of this popular franchise; with Cheng Yi playing the lead role Zhang Qi Ling in “The Lost Tomb 2” and Joseph Zeng starred as Wu Xie in “Ultimate Note”. Those who are familiar with this storyline might know that Wu Xie and Zhang Qi Ling are an insanely popular fictional couple (known by their ship name, PingXie). As such, the excitement surrounding this show was high pitched. Cheng Yi was recently in news for his xianxia romance “Immortal Samsara”, while Joseph Zeng was cast in the recent wuxia romance “Heroes”; both being major Youku productions. Joining them on this crusade is Xiao Shun Yao, who is slowly gaining popularity after playing negative roles in “The Blue Whisper” and “Till the End of the Moon”.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/19/mysterious-lotus-casebook-series-review-ep-1-to-40/
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Best drama
Cheng Yi doesn't have romantic partner n rhis drama so his acting skills are uninterrupted by bad actresses, and in some previous dramas.Story and places where is recorded and perfect! Beautiful scenery!
Story also is perfect. Fairy tale but also realistic!
Cheng Yi plays perfectly hos role
Yosef Zeng also!
Xiao Shunyao also!
Best trio ever
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A well-told story about the irreplaceable legacy of a sect leader after a selfless self-destruction
This was my very first watching a Chinese drama that was a non-romantic genre that hooked me all the way. A drama that has a substance in which the underlying conflicts, twists, and turns in the development of the story hardly made me stop watching it continuously. There were some predictable scenes at some point in the episodes however; it did not weaken the flow of the story.The selection of casts was great. Joseph Zeng was particularly outstanding here. His performance in this drama went beyond Cheng Yi’s acting as the main lead. His characterization stood out among the rest and was noticeable in the entire drama. I recently watched him in “Romance on the Farm” and he already captured my attention there with his baby face looks, not so much of the acting yet. But in this drama, he properly delivered the role and saw in him a promising actor to watch for.
The component of humor I think also brought this drama receptive to viewers. The shift of tone to make a certain dialogue or scene funny by adding background sound effects was amazingly done by the technical and editing team which indeed made me laugh. Well, the fighting scenes were given for the wuxia enthusiasts and I also enjoyed watching those sharp moves.
I was absolutely satisfied after relying on my choice to watch it from one of the many approving reviews I have read.
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Can’t find any fault
Great drama with so much suspense and things to look forward to after every episode. I love the story line, the smaller plots as they travel across cities and how they compliment the wider bigger plot of the drama. Not a fan of mellow dramatic plot so I’m glad it has minimal of that sorta stuff. Love the unexpected twist towards the end of the drama as well, it gave me such great satisfaction in the end. I must commend, superb performance/ acting by the cast especially Cheng Yi. I wished they’d casted someone else than Chen Duling though - her character is supposed to be a strong martial arts guru/leader but she looks so pitiful /weak 80% of the time. That’s the only miscast I can think of from the entire drama otherwise it’s a really great work by the team.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Wow, such an incredible show
Not much needs to be said about this show, it is one of the best dramas I have ever seen. The cast was incredible which is to be expected of Chung yi he is just so good. I enjoyed how powerful the women were. Qiao Wan Mian, Shi Shui, Su Xiao Yong, He Xiao Hui and Princess Zhao Ling. Were some of my favorites and Fan Duo Bings mother was hilarious. The script was expertly written, including Li Lian hua’s humor. I think Li Xiang Yi is one of my favorite heroes of all time now. His character development was incredible and the way he grew compassionate and humble was endearing to see. It’s incredible how much Dei Fei Sheng connected to him, he saw him as a contemporary. They had an unspoken bond that transcended their differences. It was odd at times and yet impressive. The cases added to the shows overall enjoyment. It is a must watch!!!Was this review helpful to you?
The heroes story with very good brotherhood and mystery
My number one chinese drama so far. Cheng Yi as Li Lian Hua is sooo hot that I need to watch it all the time. This is his best performance.The story involves mysteri, brotherhood, love, and life experience. It has many great scenes with witty dialogs.
The only negative thing about the drama is the romance. The romance is weak and boring. Yet, as everything else is perfect, it doesnt matter.
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