Fangs of Fortune

Come For The Aesthetics, Stay For The Found Family Dynamics

After an up-and-down drama year, this was finally it: the drama obsession that I've been waiting for in 2024.

I was completely hooked from the very moment the great demon Zhu Yan entered the Demon Hunting Bureau and asked its greatest hunter, Zhuo Yichen, whose family Zhu Yan massacred 8 years prior, to kill him. In exchange the demon offers his help with solving demon related crimes, and Zhuo Yichen, who has been waiting for years to get his revenge, agrees to these conditions – which is where the tragedy begins.
Because Zhu Yan isn't the cruel and fearsome demon Zhuo Yichen expected him to be at all, and while they travel together and collect a merry little family of misfits around them, the great demon's endless kindness and compassion is slowly chipping away at the demon hunter's resolve and makes him question both his personal feelings towards Zhu Yan and his moral code ...

I've watched several of Guo Jingming's works before, so I already had an idea of what to expect in this one. There was a very clear aesthetic vision for how this drama should look like, and I'm not just talking about the gorgeous costumes, but also the spectacular CGI and the breathtaking sets that make every single shot look like a painting.
The soundtrack is an absolute masterpiece as well and enhances the mood considerably; I swear I can't name a single song from it that I didn't love.

When it comes to the plot, this drama is very much character-driven. If you're looking for complex political intrigue and jianghu conspiracy stories, then this is probably not the drama for you. The plot of FANGS OF FORTUNE is driven by the characters' hopes, desires and grievances and spends at least 80% of the time exploring the complex relationships between the main characters.

And it's those relationships that are this drama's greatest strength.
At the core there are the upright and incorruptable Zhuo Yichen (played brilliantly by Tian Jiarui), his childhood friend, fellow demon huntress and work-in-progress goddess Wen Xiao (played by Chen Duling with much spirit and sass) and Zhu Yan, an old and powerful great demon with a serious death wish (probably Hou Minghao's best performance to date). The plot revolves primarily around those three and their vaguely polyamorous relationship.
They are later joined by the teenage medical genius Bai Jiu, the composed archer and former rival demon huntress Pei Sijing and the foodie godling Ying Lei, as well as Zhu Yan's ex best friend slash boyfriend Li Lun.

And as I've said somewhere in the comment section before, I'll say again here:
I have NEVER seen the whole 'found/chosen family' trope this well executed in a Chinese drama before. This is not just a story about pursuing a common goal only. This is a drama about deep friendship, about overcoming prejudices, finding the good in each other and building trust, about forgiving and making amends. It's about intense emotional and physical closeness between people who are not related by blood, and about love, both platonic and romantic and every single shade in between.
And it has been quite some time since I've felt so much joy following the adventures of such a mixed group of fictional people.

Speaking of the characters:
The quality of the acting of everyone involved was absolutely top-notch. Every single actor/actress delivered a memorable performance, even if they appeared for only 3 episodes at most.
The biggest surprise for me in this was Hou Minghao, though. I've seen several of his dramas by now, but none of his roles have left the same deep impression on me as the world-weary great demon Zhu Yan. I could just FEEL how tired he was, how lonely and sad. Fate has treated him unkindly and my heart was breaking for him more times than I can count.
The same goes for Tian Jiarui's portrayal of Zhuo Yichen, whose inner moral conflict over the course of this drama was mirroring that of Zhu Yan beautifully. Their incredible chemistry was what got me invested in the story in the first place.

But this drama also has a few issues that I just can't ignore.
The drama lost its plot several times along the way because it was focussing too much on the main characters' personal and self-made problems and then took its sweet time to get back to the initial action. I also hated that one specific narration technique that Guo Jingming just loves to use far too often: showing an event/situation from one perspective and then showing it again later, telling us that 'actually, THIS is what happened instead in that scene' by adding small details that were not obvious the first time around. This can lead to some shocking plot twists when used sparingly, but it just feels like lazy writing when it happens too often. The amount of twists caused by this in some episodes almost gave me whiplash.

Other than that I was completely happy to submerge myself in this fascinating world every evening for the past three weeks, though. This drama will stay with me for a long, long time and I can't wait to rewatch it and appreciate its ethereal beauty and the love between its protagonists once again in the coming days.

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Overflow in everything - and in a good way

If there was one word to describe many, many things of this gem, it would be: Excessive overflow. Okay, it's two words :P And I definitely don't mean that in a bad way but the opposite.

There's an excessive use of beauty:
- Make up, costumes/clothing and cast. Just looking at that alone makes you want to shed a tear.
I haven't seen so many beautiful people (main, side, supportive and guest cast) in one place with such delicate and accurate make up, being put in such well-designed high quality costumes that are not only rich in detail and diversity but also show each characters uniqueness.
- Scenery, Settings. Every scene, every landscape, every close up. Every single image has its own tempting beauty. Each one prettier than the next. You can't point your finger on one or two because there are just too many to choose.
- CGI. No idea about the budget, but every penny was worth it.

There's an excessive use of slow-mo.
- Like almost every scene - except during dialogues (I guess? I forgot). Ironically it doesn't diminish the drama's quality. It's the other way around actually. The slow-mo is an important part that blends in with every scene it's used and supports each character's extraordinary abilities. And every time it creates a feast for the eyes.

There's an excessive use of talent.
There are so many talented people in this. The main cast is one thing, but also the supportive and even the guest roles deliver like gunshots. Every single side story tackled my heart.

- Hou MingHao aka Zhao Yuan Zhou / Zhu Yan (ML). Well, we know that he's outstanding. And he showed a variety of emotions here, so in the end I hope other directors will let him act out everything he wants in the way he wants in future dramas and won't cut him short and waste his talent. The way he portrayed a 30,000 years old demon was one of the best performances I've seen in a while. The character's background, his experience and knowledge, thinking 5 steps ahead, the weight of emotions he's been carrying for all those years and the verdict he imposed upon himself... I felt every emotion with every fiber of my heart.
- Tian JiaRui aka Zhuo Yi Chen (2nd ML). Haven't watched anything with him yet but he definitely convinced me of his acting and earned my respect. The development of his character was a journey if its own. With unshakable sincerity his motivation shifted from hatred and denial to friendship and devotion.
- Chen Du Ling aka Wen Xiao (FL). First time seeing her as well. And man. I really liked the character. A goddess without power, yet still always trying to help the ones who are in need, never giving up. Her progress was at some point predictable, yet it was not. It's hard to explain.

As for the ML's personal antagonist... Well matched and well played, I dare say.

- The rest of the main cast whether friend or foe portrayed their respective roles similarly to equally well, so there's no need to explain in detail. Let's just say there are no unnecessary positions. Everyone owned his place and reason of existence.

The story itself can be separated into two parts. The first half concentrates on single cases, the atmosphere is dark, chilly and exciting which is a welcoming change. The second part resolves around the main villains, loose hints from the beginning start to finally connect and the main group's primary bonds get rearranged while your own bond with the characters unnoticeably grows stronger, too. I loved the humor in the first half as well as the way they cheered up right after dead serious or sad moments.

While other Xianxia concentrate on the main romance, this story's main core lies in many different kinds of love and other feelings. Friendship, romance, bromance, family bond (blood related or not). Guilt and atonement, prejudice, hatred, condemnation, redemption, grief, forgiveness, sacrifice, self-respect, relying on others, trust.
I loved that with every move, every expression, every tear you could feel how deep their bond grew. An impressive thing was that you could somehow sense what would happen moments before it really happened - just by watching their eyes. (And you already start crying though nothing had happened yet...).

There is still so much to say about this drama, yet I don't really know what else to write about without expanding to a 10-page journal. Everyone should experience this ride for themselves, judging by themselves. For me, this was a true gem that luckily found its way to my screen and my heart.

~ Btw, this includes the special episode as well ~

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A Sorrowful Story with a Visual Feast

Edward Guo’s Fangs of Fortune is an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from the very first episode. It’s visually stunning, emotionally gripping, and the kind of story that stays with you long after the credits roll. While the acting may not have been flawless, it was heartfelt and genuine enough to make the audience fall in love with the characters and the world they brought to life.

The plot is about personal growth and transformation. Each case, adventure, and even the moments of saving the world are more about who the characters are becoming than the external events themselves. The drama unfolds slowly, layering moments that may seem mundane or even drawn-out, yet each conversation and interaction is rich with meaning. If you’re not paying close attention, you could miss the subtle insights each scene offers, conveying the internal struggles and realizations that shape the characters.

Though the dream-traveling sequences and certain cases may not always be executed perfectly, the real heart of the story lies in the characters’ evolution. They wrestle with defining their identities, their values, and what they ultimately want to stand for in the world.

Take, for instance, our Great Demon Zhao Yuan Zhou. Initially, he’s a man who's lived for a thousand year and is weighed down by his willingness to sacrifice himself at a moment’s notice for those he cares for. His journey is heartbreaking yet inspiring, as he transitions from being ready to die at any second to finally wanting to live. Tragically, fate doesn’t align with his desires, and he is destined to die. Wen Xiao, our female lead, stands out as a consistent anchor throughout the drama. She embodies kindness, loyalty, and a deep understanding of both humans and demons. By the end, she hasn’t lost these core traits, but her perspective has expanded immensely. She now sees both worlds with greater clarity and complexity, solidifying her role as a bridge between the two.

Zhou Yicheng’s transformation was another standout. Initially rigid and set on destroying all demons, he gradually came to understand that not all demons are bad and not all humans are good. Watching his eyes soften and his perspective change throughout the series was so rewarding, especially when he ultimately became what he once despised. Then there’s Pei Si Jing, who starts the series with a similar disdain for demons, a sentiment partly rooted in the revelation that her brother was one. Her character’s stoicism makes her arc especially striking. At the beginning, she barely emotes, but as she spends time with the group, her walls come down. She experiences and expresses worry, fear, sadness, and even forgiveness, becoming someone far more open and empathetic by the end.

Bai Jiu’s story broke me. At first, he was the group’s scaredy-cat, jumping at every shadow, but over time, he grew braver and more confident. His bond with the group, especially with Zhao Yicheng, was so heartwarming, but his arc took a tragic turn. Manipulated by someone he trusted, his master, Bai Jiu unintentionally hurt those he cared for most, and later, his body was taken over by Li Lun. His ending was devastating—DYING ALONE to save Zhao Yuan Zhou and Zhou Yicheng. Knowing how scared he must have been in those final moments, yet still summoning the courage to make that ultimate sacrifice, was utterly heartbreaking. The Little Mountain God was another character I adored. He started off carefree, dreaming of being a cook, but losing his grandfather and taking on the responsibility of guarding the Kulun Gate forced him to grow. His bond with Bai Jiu was so pure—he wanted to be someone Bai Jiu could look up to, just like Bai Jiu admired Zhao Yicheng. His death hit me the hardest. He didn’t deserve to die, but he sacrificed himself to bring Bai Jiu back. It was both beautiful and unbearably sad.

And I can’t talk about this drama without mentioning the OST. It’s absolutely stunning—so raw and emotional, perfectly capturing the tone of the series. What made it even more special was that each cast member sang their own theme song, adding a personal, emotional connection to their characters. Neo Hou’s OST, in particular, stood out to me. It’s drenched in sorrow and pain, and every time it played, it hit me right in the chest.

Visually, the drama is stunning. The CGI and VFX were beautifully done, and every scene felt like a piece of art.

I also have to give a special shoutout to Qing Geng and Fei. They were such a lovely addition to the story, and their relationship felt so genuine. They deserved happiness, but like so many others in this drama, they didn’t get their happy ending. I pray that if they ever star in a drama again together that they get their happiness!

Fangs of Fortune might not be perfect, but it’s unforgettable. The visuals are gorgeous, the storytelling is heartfelt, and the characters feel so real by the end. It’s a drama about growth, sacrifice, and love, and it’s one that will stay with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a show that’ll tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking about it long after it’s over, this is the one to watch.

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Epic

Epic. Clear and simple, this is in a class all by itself. Granted, it might not be for everyone, and I certainly had a hard time following the complexities of the story itself. Being a lover of period pieces, I was enthralled with this fantasy series. Is it a BL? Nope. Is it romantic. Yes, and no. Certainly, it has impassionate connections between characters but to say they were romantic is a matter of interpretation. As a Westerner, I know next to nothing about Chinese culture, customs, religious practices, or history. So, I became intrigued by this story. It is difficult for me to separate fact from fiction here in a sense that these characters seem so relatable with human strengths and foibles, yet their circumstances were beyond my reference points of understanding. In addition, I find the Chinese language almost hypnotic and sounding like imagery poetry. I adored this series and felt a deeper connection to these characters, ironically. This is a long, long series and you invest a significant amount of time watching and therefore you become weirdly attached to them. Perhaps some more than others but all in general. Why? Because they all remind us of ourselves – be they mortals or demons. Watching this series becomes an experience. To some degree, it is representative of our own world.

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THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE AND EMOTIONAL JOURNEY.

This drama was so good that I'm doing a review for the first time. What I love most about this drama are the characters. Each and everyone is so unique that you can't help but love them, even the bad guys. The OST is everything. I adore the relationship between the main characters, especially Zhu Yan and Zhou Yi Chen. But be warned this is an emotional ride that will probably leave you a wreck and I don't know if I'll ever be able to find such another masterpiece. The only thing I hate about this show is that it doesn't have more episodes, cause now that it's finished what can I watch that will be on par with it yk. But I definitely suggest watching this especially if you like bromance, because trust me, it is TOP TIER. You won't regret, promise.

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Perfect combination of comedy, romance and angst!!

Moony💕✨
I randomly added this drama to my page and soon after it started airing, I watched with no high hopes but oh my, I was hooked from the first episode. The banters/interactions between the characters were amazing!!!
Acting. Actors/Actresses did a really good job. This is the reason why while watching this drama, I cried, laughed and felt everything with them.
Storyline. The storyline is perfect. Some regarded female lead as the weakest character, but I think it is totally otherwise. Every character has its place just like a puzzle and they fill the gaps. This drama uses a found family trope, and I love it! Also, the plot twists were really good and actually unexpected.
Romance. Male and Female lead have great chemistry even though there are no kissing scenes (I hope that it is not a spoiler). In my opinion ML's protective and FL's caring sides were just enough as the main focus is not about romance and when I say great chemistry, I mean it! (watch the series, trust me)
OST/BGM. I think the background music really made me feel like as I was a part of the series. (Especially "Little poem/verses" and "Unintentional big dream" available on YT with pinyin and English lyrics). While some liked the background music, some didn't. But I think it's tolerable.
Comedy. The comedy in this drama held a special place and every single joke characters made didn't fail to make me cackle.
Action scenes. The action scenes were incredible that I had to make a special passage. Firstly, I love the weapons characters used (even the weapons have their backstory and quite interesting one actually!) Secondly, the fighting scenes between main and second main male lead were very professional (They have trained a lot BTS to show us such masterpiece)
Conclusion. The drama has only 34 episodes, yet every character's backstory was clear and well explained. Is this drama worthy of your time? Heck yes!!
(Maybe there were flaws but nothing is perfect so, I rate it 10 stars)

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Beautiful visuals with garbage storyline

GJM is great at making every shot look pretty, but when it comes to writing a script and creating well-thought-out characters, he has absolutely zero talent.

Let's start with Zhu Yan / Zhao Yanzhou - the character is either bipolar, or a hypocrite of the highest order. He blames Li Lun (his alleged friend of 30,000 years) for killing humans while he himself has absolutely no problem exploding a man's heart just to prove a point. He puts humans on a pedestal while he doesn't care about demons at all. He is lying, manipulative, gaslighting coward with a sense of grandeur. He lives through a traumatic experience, but instead of being proactive and making up for his mistakes, he chooses to spend 8 years wallowing in his own trauma and then turns his victimhood into a weapon and an excuse for every single bad action taken afterwards. In fact, he is so passive that if not for Li Lun's scheming, he would never have gotten a chance to atone for any of what he did. He is positioned as the hero of the story, almost a messiah, but in reality he is a pathetic coward who wants to be suicided by another hero's hands and does nothing to pay for his mistakes.
(Sidenote - Neo did a great job with the garbage script he was given, and judging by interviews, he had a much better grasp at what ZYZ should really be than the director ever did).

Wen Xiao - the first episode she's in portrays her as a quirky, charming, smart and brave, but starting with episode 2 she makes a 180 turn and becomes weak, useless, and turns into a damsel in perpetual distress, there only for the sake of others saving her. Which is such as SHAME, because her character had so much potential!!

Zhuo Yichen- perhaps, the most well-written and flashed out character in the whole story. The only one whose actions more or less make sense. Saving grace of the whole show. The only complaint I have is how fast he forgave ZYZ for what he did.

Li Lun - I can't even call him a villain, to be honest. The whole premise rests on him killing some humans in a situation where, truthfully, going berserk is totally justified. He gets chastised, mortally wounded by ZYZ, betrayed by him again, and abandoned. Then, the said friend spends most of the show antagonizing him and theatrically offering his new human friends more compassion than Li Lun has ever received from him. It gets so bad in the end that another character dies because of ZYZ's cowardice and inability to make amends. The whole story arch would've made more sense if Li Lun killed ZYZ's friend, but he did not, so ZYZ's antagonizing him comes off as ZYZ's own attempt at portraying himself as a hero at Li Lun's expense, which in turn cancels out any of his attempts at atoning for his sins. What's worse, in the end ZYZ again does NOTHING to make amends, and it is ZYC who gets through to Li Lun and stops his spiraling out.
Side note- Li Lun is the driving force behind the whole show. If he weren't scheming and planning his "revenge", the main lead would have nothing to do, which to me is another huge problem with the script.

What pissed me off the most- the sheer amount of unnecessary queerbaiting. GJM spent so much time putting queerbaiting and innuendos in the show while forgetting to actually write a decent script; it's unforgivable.
The "romance" between ZYZ and WX is not fleshed out; more time is spent on trying to hammer down the idea of ZYZ and ZYC being "soulmates".

Another pet peeve of mine is the amount of crying. I'm sorry, but if you have one or more characters shedding tears every episode, it completely negates the impact.

I need to commend the cast for doing a marvelous job with the trashy script they were given. Brilliant performances and commendable attempt at making the story palatable. I wish they had more input in the show, perhaps the storyline could've been salvaged.

Soundtrack is also very well done, beautiful songs by beautiful singers.

The visual line of the show is gorgeous, but too many plot holes and awful characterisation that don't make sense overshadow it.

P.S. There is no happy ending like others have claimed on this website- in the extra episode, there is a teaser that maybe... but in reality, it has been stated before in the show that in a situation like that, a demon cannot come back to life. The screenplay also says he does not. To be honest, the whole exposition of the last 2-3 episodes (including an extra one) seems to serve only one purpose- pain and suffering fetish, most of which is completely unnecessary.

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Unforgettable Performances and Complex Characters

I have never cried this much for a drama. Fangs of Fortune is a true emotional rollercoaster, and the best thing about it is the acting, particularly Tian Jia Rui’s stellar performance. His portrayal of Zhuo Yi Chen is absolutely captivating, striking a perfect balance between subtlety and intensity. Tian’s ability to convey complex emotions with remarkable depth makes each scene feel incredibly authentic, drawing viewers into the character’s world. Whether in moments of vulnerability or strength, his expressions and body language bring Zhuo Yi Chen to life in a way that is both mesmerizing and heart-wrenching.

What truly sets Tian Jia Rui apart is his versatility. As Fake Zhuo Yi Chen, he effortlessly transitions into a completely different persona, showcasing an impressive range that highlights his acting prowess. The contrast between the true Zhuo Yi Chen and Fake Zhuo Yi Chen is striking, and Tian navigates this dual role with such precision that each character feels distinct yet equally compelling. Additionally, his ethereal performance as Lord Bing Yi adds an entirely new dimension to the drama. With a regal presence and subtle vulnerability, Tian perfectly captures the character's internal struggle, further elevating the overall experience of the show.

The supporting characters in Fangs of Fortune are equally captivating. I loved Both YL and BJ characters.

Also The complex dynamics between Wen and ZYZ offer an emotionally rich, evolving relationship that is both touching and complicated. Their romance, filled with obstacles, never feels forced, and the way they navigate their feelings is both beautiful and heartwarming. Meanwhile, the friendship between ZYC and ZYZ, which transitions from adversaries to brothers, is equally compelling. The chemistry between the entire team, including the villains, is electric. The relationships are multi-faceted, each character bringing something unique to the story. From the tender bromance to the intriguing tension between LiLun and ZYZ, every interaction feels meaningful, adding depth to the plot.

The backstories of the characters also add to the richness of the show, with each reveal offering insights into their motivations and shaping their actions. The emotional complexity of the entire cast is on full display, especially in moments of intense conflict or tenderness. The way the characters express their emotions, whether through small gestures or grand declarations, draws the audience deeper into their lives. The villains, cunning and powerful, add layers of intrigue, making the stakes feel even higher and the challenges more daunting. Overall, Fangs of Fortune is a gripping drama, and the stellar performances across the board make it an unforgettable viewing experience.

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I'll always remember fof, what a great way to close up the year 2024 🩶.



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Worth the watch

The visual effects and cinematography are just so amazing, that is what reeled me in to start watch at first but then the story hooked me in until the end, loved their journey with many laughs and sorrows. The costumes of everyone is also soo beautiful, it always amazed me + the jewelry, i too would like a jewelry as pretty .
I started watching this when it was still updating and all i can say is that i was looking forward to each episode every week.
Many scenes made me laugh while others made me tear up but i don't complain it worked with the story and vibe.

I recommend 100% but i would like to leave a warning that you will cry .... but please don't like this warning stop you from watching this amazing drama. You will not regret starting this :)

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Beautiful Demons and Mortals Battle with Themselves and the World in this Mystical Drama

So this was mostly about a bunch of beautiful people, mainly the male characters, walking around looking beautiful , often huskily whispering their dialogue, with some modern C-Rock/Pop scoring over the impressive CGI….we’ll sort of. Lol. There is a story of adventure, self discovery , along with a mission to gain the means to stop the ultimate evil. We quickly learn who the villains are in this. After which each episode repeats the same story with Li Lun (a demon) in partnership with Chong Wu’s leader, having convinced some poor demon to ally with the former because they believe he’s going to help them get something they want. The only differences is the demon and the setting in which the conflict takes place. This was interesting to start but began to get stale after a few episodes. Thankfully, Li Lun’s villainy changed up halfway through the series.

The characters spend a LOT of time standing around calmly talking in intense situations where things should be moving quickly. Moreover, if something goes terribly wrong there were a LOT of moments where the characters literally stood there for 10 minutes starring prettily at the horror unfolding before them, doing nothing. For this to be a show about sword wielding mortals who were fighting powerful demons, the pace was at times a bit too slow. Again, many scenes dragged focusing on one “epic” CGI moment for far too long before moving the story forward.

Despite my qualms, thus far, the series has been incredibly engaging. The leads have fantastic chemistry especially Zhu Yan ( Demon ML), Zhuo Yi (Mortal ML) and Wen Xiao (FL/Goddess). These three have had some great scenes all together and when it was just one with the other. I really enjoy Zhu Yan. He’s a demon, but he’s far from evil. He’s mischievous and compassionate with a hilarious sense of humor. Love him. The brotherly love between him and Zhuo Yi is palpable while his chemistry with Wen Xiao is incredibly easy, natural , with some lovely swoon moments thrown in.

The acting is not award winning and doesn’t need to be. However, it does work for this series. I will say though, the actress who plays Pei Ji (Cheng Xiao) is a horrible. Her delivery lacks emotion and almost stops short of being deadpan. SMH. The series still has a few more episodes before it finishes but considering what has been shown thus far I don’t believe it’ll end happily for our heroes. :( If the series continues to maintain the compelling aspects of the story/characters it will have been worth watching, and will be worth watching again.

Update: Finished this series. Overall this was more character driven than anything. Though the story was quite interesting too. I will say the last 7 episodes were so good, but emotionally draining. Heartbreaking storytelling. Thus, binging may not be the best approach. As expected the ending was extremely painful to watch, but the bonus episode revealed that all may not be lost. Great series. Most of it will be fun to rewatch save for the last few episodes which I think many will not want to experience again.

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