Mysterious Lotus Casebook

I dont care what the ending is, this show is 10/10!!!

Best historical drama of 2023, and possibly of many , many that I've watched. The acting of Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng is next level. They basically became Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing. There are little cases to solve, which lead them to a bigger case/conspiracy. There are NO dull moments, no long drawn misunderstandings, no annoying love triangles. There is plenty of action, bromance, funny/endearing moments, and overall the plot makes sense. The villains are not just bad for evil's sake, they each have their own agenda/motive for their actions. The dog Hulijing is a huge bonus as i love dogs, and she is super adorable and i had so many "nawwwww" moments watching her.

The cases being solved are interesting, and the antics of Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing will make you laugh. Di Feisheng joins them at some stage and the 3 of them form a begrudging bromance. Nothing is as it seems in this show.

The production is super high quality, no overuse of fake CGI. Cheng Yi does all his own stunts, Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shunyao have amazing screen presence too. The scenes blend nicely to the next without choppy editing. Its well paced, well written and no dull moments or fillers. The costumes are simple yet elegant, and depict each character well.

The 3 main ML use their own voice which enhances the show 100% for me. Finally Cheng Yi gets to use his own voice as Li Lianhua, though Li Xiangyi is dubbed by a voice actor. Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shunyao have such booming and commanding voices it really suits their characters.

Overall this is a very high quality production and im so glad to have watched it. Will definitely rewatch it when it ends! Just hope the ending is kind to Li Lianhua 🙏 he deserves it ❤️

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Wuxian Sleuthing And The Search For Peace

Rated= 8 ~ 42/50 ~ 8.4
Scene // Mermaid Floating through Sky City. Excalibur glowing blue like Li Xiangi's LOL

I need to be hooked from the first few episodes or the a.d.d drops the show. I was about half way through episode 2 when I had an itching to stop watching but I didn't and holy cow, am I glad I didn't. (I now need to go and give the other shows I dropped a chance lol)

Plot -
I love watching a mystery unfold. Battle of wits can be just as, if not more entertaining that combat. There's a lot of information to digest though. There were a few times i had to rewatch just to understand what had happened. It's one of those mysteries that deliberately with hold information to surprise you. I dont mind that but I can imagine some people might find that annoying and perhaps even lazy for detective writing as it can be fun to try and work it out with the characters. I loved watching the characters unfold their pasts and it was done without too much melodrama and was very human. As is the case with c-dramas there's so much happening and such a big cast that there were things kind of being cut or left out, never revisited again simply because it just wouldn't fit into the timeframe. Minor complaint though as I found the pacing pretty consistent over all. I'm usually pretty good with foreshadowing so there were a few things I predicted but there were also some things that got me. The villains were a little unpredictable at times and weren't too cliche for this genre.

Fang is a slow evolution. It was only when I was in the 20s episodes that I began to notice it. At the start, he really was very spoiled and arrogant and had to be guided through the mystery solving and watching him mature slowly is like watching a child grow up. He really does come into his own character eventually, both by Xiangi's teachings and also, most importantly, through his own merit, so that by the end, you really do believe that he is the next big thing in the martial arts world, and that is enjoyable for me as a viewer.

Xangi definitely needed new friends though. Once the Ex arc was dealt with they kind of just disappeared until the end and I kept wondering to myself if I was going to see them again. They very much took a back seat when I thought they would play a larger role but again, c-drama's love a 100 character cast and then can't fit them all in. All but one, I honestly felt like these glorified friends were pretty useless. Thankfully, they didn't play too much into needless drama which I am thankful for because I really hate that. The traitor friend was the only friend I liked because he was the only one that showed some kind of depth. The rest of them just kind of stood around or just whined.

Music -
The music was awesome in this show lol I loved the tribal humming happening during the fight scenes. It was a beautiful mix of the traditional chinese instruments combined with the more tribal slightly middle eastern sounds to add to that ancient dark magic feel that follows the main plot.

Acting -
Shout out to the ML, Cheng Li because there were a few times I kind of wanted to cry with him. He was both hilarious to watch and also got me in my feels a few times. I only call out actors when they really get me and his work here will definitely have me looking into more of his shows.

Designs -
There were so many sets in this one I could not keep up but it's ok, they all were a backdrop to the variety of mysteries being solved so well done set creators, they had their work cut out for them in this one. But mostly importantly, the creativity of that ancient chinese mobile home. That is straight out of a ghibli anime, it's so cute LOL The outfit designs weren't too stand outish to me but I think that's good for this kind of show. There's so much happening and so many places that a simple wardrobe looks better. There are plenty of visuals already in the background that if the characters were in anything more ornate, it would be just too much.

Ending Thoughts -
It is an open ended ending so forewarning for that, seen in the special 41 episode. However, this is the first time I've watched a show and my brain saw two endings at once lol It really is a choose left or right kind of ending so I can absolutely accept either one but when I put the rest of the plot into perspective, the themes it dealt with and the consistent messages it kept coming back to, as well as the Lead character's journey, I'm inclined to lean more into the bittersweet ending.
We begin the series at sea and end looking out at sea. Xiangi was meant to die in that opening scene and somehow survives. In his quest to find his marital brother's remains, he finds another reason to live. Martial arts was thrust on him from he was a small child and then propelled forward by his genius and youthful arrogance, so when he was alone and making decisions for himself, he found that a simple life was what he actually wanted. It gave him the peace and wisdom he needed throughout the series. Even though it feels like he's a character that doesn't seem to change, it's because he doesn't really have to. He's dying, We're told that right from the start and that he's tired. All he wants to do his find his friend's body so he can die in peace. The only change he makes in the whole series is opening himself up to being cared about again. This might annoy some viewers as it can feel like he's just martyring himself and running away from his friends again but I can understand his reasoning here. He's already learnt what he needs to know throughout the whole show, and he brings that sense of peace to help heal old wounds and tie up loose ends, from his youth. He admits his fault and regrets and does what he can to right those wrongs, and teach what he's learnt, so that when I got to the ending scene, it honestly just felt more natural to end with his death and that his body had gone back out to sea like a karmic completion. He was given a second chance so that he could be at peace. And honestly, I don't feel like that's a sad ending. The character feels finished.

EDIT- I was reading some other comments from viewers and realised that some of them felt like Xiangi had unalived himself at the end and since I'm going with the death ending, I don't want to stress anyone out so if you've read my spoiler, hello, don't worry, let me explain.
I personally don't think he would do that. We seen in a previous scene with Fang that Xiangi is pretty much at death's door by the end. I understand that Wuxia is based in Buddhism and there's a shot of the Monk that Xiangi was in touch with meditating and then stopping suddenly to look up at the Buddha statue when the sunlight hits, reminiscent of the first mystery, signifying a spiritual ascension. Xiangi explains briefly in an earlier episode that he was told he didn't have any Buddha threads in him, as though he was just destined to repeat his karmic cycles as per Buddhist beliefs. When we see him dressed up in all white on the beach, I feel like that's a portrayal that he has died on the beach but has repaid his karma and that's his soul ascending into his next life, to be reborn free either in another life or in Nirvana. Xiangi wanted to go fishing and feel the sun, so going to the beach feels right, and just as the waves washed him up there, it took his body back out to the sea, and that's why we're looking at the waves in the final shot. From a Buddhist perspective, that's not a sad ending. His soul was set free. He was long done with the martial arts world and passed his torch to Fang, while also sparing him and his family from the Emperor's wrath and paranoia. For me personally, I feel like that's what truly makes him an Ascended Master. He proved himself to be noble and a true leader and his afterlife will reward him with that, in whatever form that takes.
****


Overall, I would sit and watch this again. Don't know if it's something I'd on in the background though. I think this is one I would have to want to sit and watch through all the mysteries again with a snack.

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A lotus in full bloom

This is a story about a hero who once stood at the top of the world, before his whole life changed overnight. Through his journey as a wandering physician solving mysteries and closing the lose ends of his past, he forges everlasting friendships with two if the most unexpected people. This drama was a meaningful one as it illustrated various life lessons stemming from human desires, resentment, loss and letting go.

Although the first chunk of the series is relatively slow paced (and a bit dry), the story unfolds to reveal events that are intertwined allowing the viewer to appreciate the first few cases that set the stage and tone for the main plot.

From the amusing bromance/friendship between the main leads to the beautifully choreographed martial arts scenes, this drama leaves a deep impression that was only strengthened by Cheng Yi’s elegance and good grasp of his characters. Not all heroes wear capes and wield swords. Some carry a heart of the lotus in full bloom.

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finally some good food!!

Nothing major that other reviews haven't said, so reviewing just for the vibes and putting my rambling (as usual) thoughts out there:

i would give it a 9/10 but it took me a while to get into the groove of the show (i had to skip straight to ep 4 to get the pace up) the premise and building was taking too long and i kept getting bored (li lianhua/cheng yi in the beginning didn’t excite me that much as a character bc we didnt see how op he is at crime busting, and fang duobing/zeng shunxi was too young and inexperienced at case cracking for me to feel satisfied when watching).
it was only until di feisheng (xiao shunyao) appeared when i was like FINALLY SOME GOOD FOOD (it was like ep 6 or 8 iirc) bc his visuals, the characterization,,,,, ugh
ah fei is like a sports-type male lead who is wholly focused on just being the best at martial arts but he slowly learns to trust the leads and we can tell that from the beginning he’s always had righteous and good intentions (if not good, def he has his own moral code that he sticks by, no exception).

i really enjoyed it when it was the 3 of them trusting each other (mostly) and solving cases (around when fang duobing didn’t know about di feisheng and when di feisheng forgot his memories) they make an incredible team and whenever ah fei wasnt there i got sad bc whenever ah fei is there its like lu lingfeng.. like i just know that no one can get hurt bc hes just that strong + that much 安全感

li lianhua vs nirvana in fire’s mei changsu/lin shu is really interesting and the discussion of mortality, what it means to live, and philosophical life outlooks is def something i didnt expect going into this show.

the martial arts fight scenes are super fun to watch. everyone could fight and they filmed the fight moves really well (the weiya and no stunt doubles was super impressive)

really enjoyed the costume, makeup, set design. esp the costume like not a single flop outfit the entire time for all the leads…. they always look so good (this drama made me understand cheng yi’s appeal and also to look up xiao shunyao….)

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Great acting, and action

This is my first review on the site, although I have been a member awhile now.

So I binged watch this within a week and just finished it around an hour ago. It had me glued to my seat and other than work and eat, I wanted to just watch and finish the drama. Kinda zombie mode.

From the start till the end it had my full attention. The humour was great whenever you see the trio. The fighting scenes was fabulous. The actors that portrait each of their role was really good, strong cast. I love the detective/mystery of the drama the most. But I hated the ending and just before, I know I seen the special, it seems like an open ending, wish it was more concrete.
To be honest 2/3 into the series , I cried in frustrated tears for LXY, he could have been on top of the wuxia world but was tricked to crashed down to the bottom and dying! Most of the ending was pretty stupid, I didn't like it and wish it was different. For this reason I only have it 9.5 out of 10, else this drama is perfect

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My Favorite Drama of The Year

Story:
Mystery is always an intriguing trope in wuxia drama. In this drama, the mysterious cases continuously hooked me. The script is written very compelling, though they were some plot-holes. Yes you can call this drama a cliche wuxia, the goal of everyone who live in jiang hu is to be no.1. But the process every person go through is not the same, the choice they chose, the action they took based on their personal value make eye-opening thoughts about someone personality. Although I found the court politics an unnecessary trope, overall the story and the emotion's knot they tried to show audience is very much moved my heart.

Acting: Li Lianhua is one of the most hilarious character I've ever met. He is carefree, annoying yet kind, compassionate and smart. It's a pity we don't get many scenes with Li Xiangyi with his arrogant, selfish and stubborn character to show us. Or I will give Cheng Yi two thumbs up for his top notch acting. Joseph Cheng has a big improvement in acting as Fang Duobing. His emotions showed in every scenes with Li Lianhua. Their friendship/bromance is warm-heartedly deep. Yet the relation between Li Lianhua and Di Feisheng is the most fascinating one. I crave for their goofy interactions as enemy to bromance. Can't help but shipped them.

Overall: I recommend this drama if you are action, mystery and wuxia lover. Because this drama is S+ drama, so the production is so much better than other recent wuxia drama. Yet the impressive story and the excellent acting are the most substantial points for this drama.

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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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Really good drama for Wuxia fans

MLC team Hi6 show attracted me to watch the drama and I was drowned in it…
I am literally not a fan for all 3 actors before but I found myself truly fond them after watching.
Chengyi’s swordsmanship works is so so amazing. Joseph is heartwarming cutie pie and puppy eyes at here, love him so much. The 3rd ML cast is also good and his chemistry with other really cool. Overall it’s worth watching for my time.
Less romance and energetic bromance….
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

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A review from a chinese speaker :) (watched 2 yrs ago)

I will keep this review straight to the point than reviews I normally write because this is by far my top one favorite show at the moment. I usually like to break everything down but this show is a lot harder to in this review because my english and chinese brain isn’t working lol so bear with me.

I love our main character, acted by Chengyi (成毅). I speak mandarin thus I watched the show in mandarin, but I chose to give this review in English since I wanted others to see my view or whether the translation might be different in English :)

PLOT
After going back and forth through the show for about 10 times…. not exaggerating — I would always find new details to Li LianHua (李莲花) and how he had lived his life somewhat peacefully for ten years until the final goodbye. I thought this show was made to show how ten years was enough for him to understand that it’s okay to have regrets and that like a lotus, one should turn away from the past and focus on the present. He was such a beautiful character, acted by Chengyi who had a very special kind of acting different from actors you have never seen before, his acting makes a character come to life — by first, adding his own style, interpretation and also taking the time to live this character’s life to fully understand him. I think he did it because this is the 李相夷 (Li Xiangyi) or 李莲花 (Li LianHua) we see.

I really really enjoy this show not just because Chengyi’s acting but because I see Li LianHua as an actual person with a kind soul — someone who should’ve existed or had existed. I saw him as a character who has the ability to understand 众生 (common people) and thus, became just an ordinary person. This was a story where 李相夷 (Li Xiangyi) who believed his arrogance made 四顾门 (the sect that stands for righteousness) whom he was the leader/master of the sect back then, turn into shambles and people blamed him for his arrogance which added to his hatred of his past self. Then again, I believe it’s a beautiful story of someone falling from a high pedestal in society to just an ordinary being like the common people. He blamed himself when he saw how many people died because of him — but I FELT BAD for him. He didn’t do anything wrong, sure he was young, but the jealousy of other people made me see how ugly humanity can be.

Li Xiangyi, now Li Lianhua saw how he was betrayed by his very own sect, the person who he used to be his friend and now hates him for no freaking reason (OMG if you have watched the show — you know who), married his love and the other people of the sect who couldn’t even recognize him when he came back while Di Feisheng (老笛), his nemesis (“so called enemy”) and soulmate hahaha — more like confidante, recognized him first. Even the bad guys who wanted him dead too, recognize he was 李相夷 — sometimes I wonder if people from his sect don’t want him back — because he’s a burden that should be dead and if alive would make other people feel guilty. I hated how Li Lianhua is too kind to the people who betrayed him even if they’re evil to us. I guess he just doesn’t care anymore. 老笛 was portrayed in the beginning as an enemy but when you have finished watching the show, you will see how lovable and kind he is to Li Lianhua. He has a cold heart due to his past, but his actions are warm towards people he cherish. I think he loves Li Lianhua as a very dear friend and nemesis but don’t want him to die, so his way of showing his affections appear harsh to the audience. I love their dynamic so much, wish Li Lianhua didn’t have a love interest though and I hope the three of them can live their life all together (I mean they have each other right?).

This show told us a lot about friendships, people you meet along the way, and how you never know what someone is going through. Fang Duo Bing (方多病) was Li Xiangyi’s Senior brother’s son whom his Senior Brother neglected and abandoned while he was trying so hard to kill Li Lianhua for the last time in ten years. His hatred for our Hua Hua has come so far that I am laughing AT how much he will fail when he realized no matter how strong he becomes (he didn’t even become stronger lmao, killed their master who was like a father figure to them and stole his master’s sword/strength) and how much poison he tries to inject into our Lotus, he can never kill it. Someone who has kindness and compassion for others will never lose even without the Wuxia context. Li Lianhua’s swordsmanship (少师 & 刎颈), his two swords, even till this day only belongs to him. I hate how much this jealousy could make him kill someone who was trying to find him… who thought he was dead…who bared the guilt of making him die…who hurt the most when he found out the truth: that his brother whom he loved was jealous of what he had — the skills — all along. There was no brotherly love, it was all fake and a facade.

I remember the quotes Li Lianhua mentioned:
“有人弃剑如遗 有的人终身不复
人和人的信念 总是有所不同的”

“Some will abandon their swords as if discarding a burden, while others never break their promise for a lifetime. People's beliefs are always different from one another.”

This means everyone is different, if one day you are tired holding the sword, then maybe this is a burden you are not able to carry. Li Lianhua wanted to start a brand new life and thus want to acknowledge Li Xiangyi is dead, his past life is over and now, only the lotus in his heart exists that is the real him.

I remember wanting to hug Hua Hua, and now this poison he had within him for 10 years will truly kill him in the end — the only medicine he gave to the emperor and now he is truly making the audience cry for him. But I am happy, even with the skills, his skills are unmatched and no one would be able to beat him. I guess in the beginning, he wanted to hide that it was poison and he trusted Di Fei Sheng (笛飞声) so he didn’t care if he was related to the one who gave him poison or what — he doesn’t care. If 笛飞声 wanted first place then he can have it — but I don’t think Fang Duo Bing (方多病) would be happy hahaha. Li Xiangyi is the number one in the audiences’ and his heart.

I guess the answer is, maybe Li Lianhua (莲花花) never wanted to live and after that incident 10 years ago, he has always blamed himself and now he’s free from that burden so perhaps dying is the best ending.
BUT….
That was originally what I think, yet the alternate ending made me think otherwise! I think Li Lianhua’s two buddies found him since I remember he said he didn't have anything to regret or miss — but now he does! He has two people who genuinely cares about him :) and would risk getting hurt to save him.

So maybe…. just maybe — he chose a secret ending — an ending we don't know because now his life is starting as the actual Li Lianhua. However, in the book's ending, he lost the normal mentality of a human being — and his two buddies are taking care of him while Di Fei Sheng help him get crabs to play hahaha. i love this show since it made me so happy when I was sad.

It’s a nice gift after I legally became an adult :)

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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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