This review may contain spoilers
End is the Beginning.....
Li Xiangyi (Cheng Yi) head of Sigu Sect, the greatest sword master at a young age of 20, made a peace agreement with another sect Jinyuan Alliance of the cult of the Devil whose leader was Di FeiSheng(Xiao Shunyao). Li Xiangyi's senior Shan GuDao's (He Gang) was unhappy with this treaty. Shan GuDao had a disagreement with Li Xiangyi over this issue where Li Xiangyi ended up saying some bitter words. Shan GuDao decided to leave Sigu Sect and continue opposing Jinyuan Alliance independently. Some time later Li Xiangyi received news of his senior's murder, all the clues pointed at Jinyuan Alliance members.
Li Xiangyi got information that his senior's dead body had been taken away by Di FeiSheng. Therefore he engaged in a fierce battle on a ship with Di FeiSheng to retrieve his Senior's remains. Unbeknownst to both, Li Xiangyi was already poisoned by deadly incurable 'Bicha poison' before their confrontation. Both Di FeiSheng and Li Xiangyi were severely injured, there were rumours abound that both opponents perished in the battle, as a result Li Xiangyi's associates decided to dismantle Sigu Sect. Only Bichuan Academy, the hall of punishment remained from the Sigu Sect. Li Xiangyi was guilt stricken over the death of his sect members by Jinyuan Alliance so he chose to hide the fact in the martial world that he had survived.
Ten Years later, Li Xiangyi had changed his identity and was living as a traveling doctor, Li Lianhua in a mobile, caravan like Lotus Medicinal Tower. He has cut all association with the Martial world but somehow contrary to his wishes he gets embroiled back in the Pugilistic world. Li Lianhua meets Fang Duobing (Joseph Zheng) the young master of Tianji Manor on one mysterious case. Tianji Manor was renowned for making intricate devices. Fang Duobing was quite sickly when he was a child and was wheelchair bound, his uncle was Li Xiangyi's Senior, Shan GuDao. Many years ago Li Xiangyi had told the invalid child Fang Duobing that if he could lift the sword, Li Xiangyi would take him as his direct disciple. Fang Duobing tried his best to recover his health and had now become a temporary detective of Bichuan Academy to await his master's return and revive Sigu Sect. Fang Duobing told everyone that he was a direct disciple of Li Xiangyi because of Li Xiangyi's earlier promise.
In the beginning Fang Duobing doesn't know that Li Lianhua is Li Xiangyi. Fate keeps throwing them in each other's path, at first reluctantly they join hands to solve bizzare cases. Fang Duobing is a greenhorn, eager to uphold justice whereas Li Lianhua is a world-weary embittered person grappling with the effects of the Bicha poison. Li Lianhua is slowly losing his senses, it's a mystery as to how he survived 10 years after being poisoned because the deadly poison would result in death of the person within a month.
Slowly Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing establish trust, friendship and affection. As they solve mysterious cases one after the other, many hidden details regarding their 'Past' comes to light. The viewers get answers to many questions as the series progresses. What is the Real Identity of Fang Duobing and Li Xiangyi? Who benefited from Li Xiangyi and Di FeiSheng's battle? Who is the mastermind and what is his end goal?
There are two Narrative Arcs to the story, The Major Arc explores the Hidden Identities of the protagonists, revealing piece by piece their past relationship with friends, associates and families. Second Arc encompasses various mysteries that these two solve to get closer to the final showdown.
Apart from the case solving, the portion of the story delving into Fang Duobing's family and Tianji Manor was quite interesting. Fang Duobing was blessed with the most loving supportive even though a little strict mother. Although his family would have chosen a different life path for him, Fang Duobing's family loved him unconditionally, were always proud of his progress and achievements.
Overall: A fast paced drama managing to keep me glued throughout with solid cast and good storyline. I did not have a problem with the open ending however I would have favoured for Li Xiangyi to stay at Lotus Tower after the final resolution, him leaving everyone at the end to live the rest of his short life alone was somehow feeble excuse and dissatisfying. I would have preferred the ending to not just allude at but show Li Lianhua, Fang Duobing and Di FeiSheng continue to roam the Jianghu world, celebrating life with good companions.
MAJOR THEMES
**********Changeable Public Opinion*********
What people love more than worshipping a person is to watch his fall from grace. Li Xiangyi had reached the pinnacle of success at a very young age, he had established the Sigu Sect to uphold justice and peace in the pugilistic world. However his one perceived misstep turned the public opinion against him, even his closest friends turned their backs. This opened Li Xiangyi's eyes to the truth. He had boasted in front of his senior, Shan GuDao's at one time that the Sigu Sect could operate without anyone but Li Xiangyi now realised that all the people around him actually hated him for his brilliance and prosperity. They were eager to replace him all the while criticising his leadership.
*********All Heroes have feet of clay********
PERCEPTIONS versus REALITY plays a major role. Li Lianhua/ Li Xiangyi spent ten years of his life in search of his senior, Shan GuDao's dead body because of his guilt stricken conscience. As per his perception, his senior was a saint who died prematurely due to Li Xiangyi's arrogant behavior. The reality was quite opposite, his senior was an envious, jealous man who hated Lu Xiangyi's success and achievements. Then there is Fang DuoBing whose perception of Li Xiangyi was of a hero, infallible and perfect. In reality Li Xiangyi was an arrogant ambitious man who disregarded others' opinions when he was young.
******How do you choose to live your life?*****
After Li Xiangyi became disillusioned, he chose to live his life in relative anonymity as Li Lianhua. Some people chase fame and for others Fame chases them. Li Xiangyi was a person who always attracted attention in spite of his efforts to remain shrouded in obscurity. A person is always lonely at the top, constantly looking over his shoulder. There is always a new legend awaiting to replace the old. Whereas a mediocre person lives a peaceful and happy life with trustworthy confidants. After working hard for half of his life, a person achieves his goal and fulfills his ambition only to realise he is isolated and companionless. The beauty of simple life is highlighted in one of the conversations of Fang Duobing and Li Lianhua. Fang Duobing proposes a partnership to Li Lianhua enkindling him with the thrill of solving cases, leading an adventurous life, Li Lianhua ironically asks Fang Duobing then what after that, Fang Duobing replies that after such life they can retire to a calm place and lead their life enjoying wine with good friends. Sarcastically Li Lianhua replies, Isn't that what he is doing currently... Another instance of life choices is while Li Lianhua is reminiscing about his past, he says that after his battle with Di FeiSheng, when he was wandering penniless, he had only one valuable item in his possession, the badge of the leader of Sigu Sect when hunger pangs bothered him he decided to pawn that badge, bafflingly he realised the value of most coveted badge in the martial world was just 50 teals of silver. At the end fame is insubstantial what matters is living a tranquil and harmonious life.
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This review may contain spoilers
“Sherlock Holmes & Watson” wuxia style!
The rapport between the 2 male leads when solving their cases is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson and it was enhanced further when the villain ML joined them!A good break from romance dramas, this drama gives you 3 brilliant MLs who brought their characters to life not just when they interacted with each other but also in the well executed fighting scenes. I also loved the cool looking mobile house drawn by 4 horses and the life he led with his dog - the touch of humour on his cooking skills was nicely brought up throughout the drama.
The storyline was interesting in the way that the various mysteries they solved were related to each other and developed the bigger story behind the ML. I enjoyed the reveals behind each mystery. While some may prefer to be given enough clues to see if they can figure it out, I was happy enough to be spoon fed the deductions which were generally quite smart albeit a bit far fetched at times.
I am confused about the ML’s former love interest who on one hand seems to have gotten over him but on the other hand seems to show that she still cares for him… on one hand she writes him a break up letter and on the other hand she says she didn’t mean it… she even got married to someone just because that person loved her and cared for her throughout the ML’s disappearance for 10 years… no sign of love on her part and she was quick to leave him when he started getting jealous.
Some good twists in the drama especially the one with the mother bug which caught me by surprise. A good drama to watch if you’re not looking for romance and if you are ok with an open ending.
Random note - same Emperor and Empress from Destined made me do a double take as I had just finished that drama ;)
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Sherlock Holmes vibe! For those who enjoy a murder mystery series!
I decided to make a review since I can't move on from this series. Haha! Its been a week since I've finished Mysterious Lotus Casebook (MLC) and I can't find another cdrama to watch.Anyway, I am always facinated with the murder mystery genre since I was in high school. So, when I saw the trailer of MLC I was immediately captivated with it plus it features Cheng Yi and I am currently obsessing over him after watching Love and Redemption and Immortal Samsara!
The first few episodes got me hooked immediately. First off, I am enjoying the cases they are solving. The stories are unique and non-repetitive. Secondly, I am loving the camaraderie and "bromance" of Li Lian Hua (LLH) and Fang Duo Bing (FDB) and the "cat and mouse" bickering of FDB and Di Fei Sheng (DFS). It also doesn't hurt that the three mains are all good looking and eye candies! Thirdly, I love that there is no romance in this series so it can focus on the mystery solving part! Fourth, I am impressed on how each cases being solved are interconnected with each other. It gives a nice cohesive storyline. Fifth, the plot twist is an A+ for me as I was really not expecting it, which gave me the "wow" factor. Lastly, the ending was not rushed. Tho it was not the ending I want but it is better than what I was expecting! ♡
This series is definitely now part of my top 3 cdrama of all time! I hope to find and watch another one that is as engaging and as entertaining as MLC!
#4everfangir1 #4everfangir1review
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I will definitely miss LLH's sarcasm, superb martial arts skills and his to die for smirks
Hail Cheng Yi!!!! This is definitely one of the best Wuxia series I've ever watched in my entire journey as a Cdrama fan. Every element included in this series, to be made as complete and whole did their part amazingly and perfectly.The story may be cliche with revenge, betrayal, good vs evil, but! they did it with a twist.
There's mystery, adventure, brotherhood, good camaraderie, perfectly executed fight scenes (which takes my breath away) and couldn't helped myself but to rewind it to watch that scene again, and a lot more. You'll cry, get frustrated, upset, laugh, be curious, be on edge on your seat and just simply be awed with Cheng Yi's acting on this series. I love how he portrayed LLH's character. I love the sprinkled jokes, his sarcastic jabs/remarks, his to die for smirks, and his growth as a person. From being a proud, kinda selfish but fiercely loyal person, and was oblivious on what's happening around him, him as an excellent person, a martial artist genius, to having experienced betrayal, his downfall and realisation as a mature person.
I love how Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng interact on screen. It looks natural and convincing. How they bicker with each other but you'll know for sure that they're ready to save and protect one another if needed.
Let me say it again, the fights scenes here are all perfectly executed! Most especially LLH's fight scenes! OMG!!!! I simply love those scenes, they looked sooo convincing and natural! Kuddos to their hard work!
Also, I really love this drama because there's no unnecessary romance plot that sometimes, ruin a good series.
I hate all the villains, I wanted to skinned them alive, that's how good and convincing they are with their parts/roles. 😭😭😭
My only complain was the subtitles were too fast for a scene. I for an expert as a subtitle reader did had a hard time reading them all. 😂😂😂 I had to rewind some in order to understand some.
If you're still contemplating whether you have to watch this series, I can gladly say, go for it! Give it a chance and you'll never regret it. Just as I didn't regret buying the express package just to know what's gonna happen in the end.
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Ik it might be boring for some ppl to watch and know every detail of the the case but for me it's really interesting even though there's no romance it's still good. that's what it makes it an amazing drama it doesn't necessary rely and focus on romance and love just Martial arts World which really took my attention the cinematography of the fight scenes are just fire 🔥 and the plot is flowing nicely. I like the plot twist too i didn't really expect it 😍
❤️ looking forward for the next eps ❤️❤️❤️
I completed this drama and I'll definitely watch again it's absolutely the hest drama for 2023 🔥
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Overall this drama worth 1.3B as LLH queencard dance views. The most funny, awkward & terrible dance in a GOOD way 🤣. Can’t help but keep coming back for it
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Best drama, extradionary casts
This is the first time i wrote a review for any drama. This drama is a surprise for me. I saw it on you tube and decide to give it a try. Since then i got caught and can´t stop. Never once i fast forward . It really a refreshing to see a drama that is different from other drama. It about life journey and friendship while investigate all this weird cases. You laugh, angry, cry together with the characters. The feeling is real. It done beautifully and i would give a BIG applaud to all who involved in this production. Hats of to all the actors/ actresses esp. Cheng Yi, Jospeh Zeng and Xiao Shunyao. Cheng Yi is so amazing with his expression , body language and the way he talk. He is really a remarkable actor, a gem. He prefect for this character . I watched few of his dramas but this make me a fan. A new fan of him. A best drama so far in 2023.Was this review helpful to you?
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Seemingly lighthearted story of wasted lives
Great and enjoyable story where there are no heroes and mostly flawed humans even if you have your moustache twirling, maddly laughing, perpetually monologing villains. The fact that they made the celebrated Sigu sect populated with nothing but idiots and self-involved characters with LXY as their uncontested leader will forever be dear to my heart. Especially as they were all written as likeable or at least understandable.I enjoyed most the slow peeling of layers of hero-worship that clouded the narrative - for the character and viewer alike. Considering the main motivation of the LXY is not being able to deal with said hero worship (and his perceived inability to fulfil it with healthy dash of burn-out wonderchild), that was very nicely done. This is also a reason why I wasnt annoyed about the fact that everybody was obssessed with our LXY. It was ridiculous but played nicely to the whole theme of hero worship, meeting expectations and child geniuses dealing with glitches.
LXY can´t deal with the whole thing and runs away to live a simple life. But no matter what, he cannot escape fame and his past, which ultimately results into his death (the irony is - the legends remains). On this note, I loved the dynamic between LXY and DFS (the guy in general) - for me it created an option of carefree future where LXY is alive and well, where he truly let go of his past (as opposite to the zen-like statements LLH is spewing all over the place whilst living in this own portable tomb). DFS is another prodigy who, contrary to LXY, has much healtier approach to his past traumas, i.e. confronting them. and dealing with them.
In this sense, him pestering LXY for another match is sort of... asking him to live and be f*cking less sucidal, to let go of the guilt and truly move on, i.e. not throwing everything away just because of one mistake. Unfortunatelly... LXY is and awfully stubborn and arrogant man, so - there goes the ending. (Side note: the little side-story about the two drinking-fighting budies was a nice mirror to this LXY-DFS motif).
You could watch it as a hero´s journey where the MC is FDB on his road to adulthood (it´s rather explicit) - which could be to some extent viewed as casting off the rose-coloured glasses. All his heroes are f*ck-ups, most of the adults are rather useless and the whole martial world is filled with selfish, scheming or just hurt and confused people. And the boy goes through a journey and grows up while magically protecting his bubbly personality, just somewhat temepered, Which is cool and plausible.
And then there is the ending. Our bubbly boy forever optimistic and... nothing had seemingly changed. We are back on the starting point where the legend lives and people who should live their lives keep pining for one scared and scarred person who is too wrapped up in past for anybody´s well-being (dont get me wrong, i like LXY and accept the validity of his issues, but he is a deeply flawed creature - which makes him so wonderful, i guess).
Side note to this - the whole show can be viewed just as a prolonged and higly aeshetized suicide, basically. LXY most of the show talks about letting go of the past but he is unable to do so when it comes to himself (no matter what he says). He gives great advice, just doesnt live according to it, as it usually happens.
The detective cases and their reasoning is sometimes awfully farfetched but given the genre, it´s not really that much of an issue. On the positive note, in the initial stories not everything was explained in various explanatory monologues, which was nice. Not that there were none, but at least initially they offered some clues to chase for the viewers first.
There are some tiresome parts in the later part of the story where they try to keep up the detective structure which doesnt add much to the supposedly rising tension of the story. The main consipracy was interesting especially for the emotional impact. The final siege got a bit ridiculous.
However, if you want to see strong or even interesting female characters, don´t botther with this story. I greatly appreciate that the past love interest had some agency, but it doesnt change the fact that all the female characters are written either as fawning over one of the three main guys or/and having no personality and agency aside from helping them. Main evil lady is obssessed with a man, another woman marries a person after couple of days to aledgedly piss of another guy, young girl plays the wikipedia role to impress the guy and so on, and so on. The only one who maintained some levelheadedness was always faithful to LXY and pops up usually just to resolve some administrative issue (especially at first).
Still, it is a good and enjoyablel show. Just watch it for the boys.
As for acting, music, visual apeal etc - all nice and withtout much issue. the cgi is sometimes slightly subpar but nothing to cause much bother.
To sum this unexpected rambling up - there are many annoying tropes in this show but despite that, it´s very enjoyable and good watch because of the story (so many fix-it musings, so many...), the slight subversion of certain tropes and mostly the characters.
It could be viewed as tragedy, hidden behind the grand schemes and light elegant tones. Same as LXY hides his own issues with jest and diversions and never speaks of them, the show never overanalyzes (or even explicitly states) many of the issues he or others face . Whether that is done because dwelling too much on such things would only cheapen them or to forcibly preserve the elegant and rosy image, that is up to interpretation.
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I need more
One of the best cdramas i've watched with amazing fight choreography. The choreographer and director really know how to film an exciting wuxia martial arts series. It actually reminded me of Ip Man a lot with the way the fight scenes were filmed. The sword fighting was beautiful I can't help replay them multiple times. Choreography reminded me of the live action version of Rurouni Kenshin. Fast sword work makes for a very satisfying fight. I hate it when they slow down the fight scenes(ahem immortal samsara).A lot of wuxia and xianxia dramas the fight choreography mostly made up of flashy skills and sword glares and CGI but otherwise don't look particular skilled but chengyi did such a wonderful job with the overall choreo. The lines of his body extended beautifully in wide motions to give the illusion of skill and grace when fighting. I can't stop watching and rewatching those scenes. Especially when he uses a stick of bamboo and still dominated his opponents it was soooo satisfying to watch.
I actually clicked on this cdrama by accident and got hooked by chengyi's acting and now i'm a huge fan of his. The fact that he does the fight scenes himself is also admirable.
The one gripe i have about this series is that iT'S NOT ENOUGH i need a sequel and a happy ending and I feel like we really missed watching Li Xiangyi / Li Lianhua at full power. We got hints of it and a very very satisfying last boss fight at the end (again beautiful choreography it was like watching art) but it's not enough. I need more of his prowess, i want to see him recovered and go on with his nonsense. Throughout the series he was never at 100%. He was either poisoned or had one last burst of power before it faded. I want to know what his 100% looked like. And let Lao Di get his life's wish!!!
I also love that the romance wasn't the main trope and it wasn't overdone. It ended cleanly (more or less). Tho tbh i didn't need the romance at all. The cases, the fighting, the deadpan jokes and the bromance was more than enough to satisfy me endlessly.
Overall, i'm recommending this series to everyone i know. It's been a week since I finished it but It's just so good i had to get it off my chest.
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My favorite c drama
This drama is so good. Every single mystery cases connects to the main story. It makes you think the whole entire show.I love love the characters so much.
The ending is bittersweet but I know in my heart he lives.
Chengyi brought li lianhua to life. Such a sarcastic but complex character. He nailed it.
Other actors all did a great job. I never rewatch dramas but i rewatched this 3 times.
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Masterpiece of a martial arts chinese drama
A wonderful heart warming series focused on heroism and the true spirit of the wuxia world. Let go of fame, power and the past. A great story with powerful acting, great action and flawless production. There's not much romance, but that's ok. The focus of the story is the solving of cases and bromance. The tropes are classic, but delivered so well. It's truly a one of a kind chinese drama. And as with many chinese dramas these days, the special episode is a must watch.I personally thought the ending was fitting and true to the main character. A must watch!
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Spectacular plot, unexpected twists, one of the best wuxia series there is (teeny spoilers)
Starting with the acting, we have ChengYi and Joseph, two actors who are absolutely perfect and acts out their roles to absolute perfection. ChengYi acts as the young LXY, and the older more mature LLH, the two personalities creating a stark contrast; Joseph as the young and vigorous 'kid' who dreams to be the greatest hero like LXY. Even ShunYao was great at being the cold and aloof, sometimes evil yet sometimes seemingly good-hearted DFS. The complex characters really add to the fun of the whole series.Then there's the evil characters. The multiple plot twists here was amazing! Some weren't entire shocking as there was quite a heavy foreshadowing of the twist since a few episodes before it actually happens, but it was still unexpected to say the least. And then the least expected twist happens and I just sat there with my mouth open. JianLiqiao is simply gorgeous, yet also insidious and down-right sinister, but yet I can't ignore her absolute loyalty for DFS up until a certain point.
The 'bromance' was something i had expected, but didn't really get, but I wasn't let down at all as I love the master-disciple relationship of LXY and FDB. They are just absolutely a hilarious and genius. The most bromance we can get is between LXY and DFS, really DFS's conflict of wanting to win yet keep LXY alive at all costs is just so sweet.
The fighting scenes are beautiful, and the OST is very nice and suiting to the theme of the series - heroes, brotherhood - wuxia.
The ending really made my cry buckets, it may not have ended on a happy note, but it is slightly open-ended, and I'm much more willing to interpret it in a happy way.
Spoiler incoming:
LXY is highly likely dead, and that is the most logically conclusion. But without a true ending, I can always assume that Heaven favours LXY, and send him a miracle cure. He can continue traversing the world as a different hidden identity, and he may never be found by FDB/DFS, or maybe he will. Nothing is for certain, and that is a much more hopeful ending that what is most likely the true ending of LXY.
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