Fangs of Fortune

One word: BRILLIANT

Tl;dr: I highly recommend, especially if you're into the demons and magic fantasy. Amazing frames, exceptional soundtrack, incredible mood setting.

As per usual, I expected something quite different, based on the teasers (I don't really read summaries, if I do, I forget what the drama is about lol). I thought it would be a great demon bewitching regular people with fever dreams, a storyline composed of multiple single stories. I do LOVE what they did with this drama.
First thing hitting me in ep. 1 were the incredible frames and environment. The huge, huge spaces of the Demon Hunting Bureau, where you feel so small because it is so huge and yet so big because it looks like inside a mini copy of a city. The gardens, the rooms, the exteriors, just wow.
The color grading of the frames. I have seen quite many c-dramas by now, but I have not seen any drama do such exceptional mood setting for each and every frame. Some parts are warm tones because they are funny or uplifting, the other parts are grey and dark because there's action and drama. Just genius work.
The soundtrack??? I'm not an OST person, but this OST really hits home for me. This is the second drama where I really like the soundtrack and can immerse into the lyrics and music. This drama has in fact my most favourite soundtrack so far. It sounds so grand, so emotional, just really, really beautiful.
The casting. I will always prefer to watch Neo Hou as a thousands years old demon/god/mythical creature in a human form. His facial features are ageless, he can make his face very soft and also very sharp. He was a fantastic casting option. From the rest of the cast, I have seen Chen Du Ling and Gulnezer Bextiyar before (I knew also Yan An and Cheng Xiao, just have not seen them in dramas before). I love that Chen Du Ling is a very strong FL here. Gulnezer Bextiyar is forever a goddess. I absolutely adore the rest of the cast too, everyone is so good in their character.
The comedy. I really did not expect this drama to have comedy, I totally expected just darkness without a glimmer of hope. The comedy element was very refreshing. Bai Jiu's screams, Ying Lei's personality, Zhu Yan's pranks, really really loved it.
I'm currently at ep. 26, we are having a little Team Crisis™ since ep. 23. I'd have preferred a smooth sailing, but I guess it would have been boring. There are twists and turns in the plot, they are never out of character. There is usually a small foreshadowing. I hope that the ending will be satisfactory to me. Even if it won't be, I think won't be mad (I'll add an ETA when I'm finished).
This is the first drama (correction: fifth) where I put a 10/10 for rewatch value. I'd rewatch it for the soundtrack and aesthetics especially and pretty much everything I wrote above.

ETA after finishing, in case anyone wanted to read it: Personally, I did not quite like the ending, because I like a certain type of endings (not going to say which because I'd spoil you). From an unbiased point of view, the ending was on brand with the title of the drama (advice: get your tissues ready). There is an extra episode after the official last episode. I think the creators could've added this extra episode within the final episode and make one more extra episode. Despite me not really liking the ending, the 10/10 rating still stands.

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Tragically beautifully crafted; emotionally stirring most memorable dream the drama delivered!

It started with arousing curiosity of what the characters' lines and attitudes were heading to. Then, it became light, fun, family themed, filled with comedy, bromance, and romance every chance it can in every epi but gradually geared towards the tragically beautiful ending it was primarily written for.

I like how it was well casted, performed, and written and the suspense I got throughout the story.
It is one among the no skinskip, no kiss yet engrossing drama.
The unique bond of gods, goddesses, demons, half-gods, half-demons, and mortals living together as a "family" fighting for the greater good of and protecting all living beings
The have destinies they couldn't avoid, the promises they could either break or fulfill
I also like how it showed various types of love and bond formed. The nemesis to besties, strangers to brothers and sisters, re-strengthened sibling bond, father and child relationships, and the romantic love.
These are the varied forms of warmth I felt from the story that were strengthened but could either last long or short lived.
On the other hand, there is also the wrong way of loving others, causing them grief and sorrow which happened to the villain and to what and how he turned out to be. But his hate turned obsession doesn't validate his sins
I like the bromance and the bickering of my 'brople' Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen and the romance of my beautifully paired couple Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao, the great demon and baize goddess as well as the always screaming and funny little doctor Bai Jiu, the wannabe-mortal-chef mountain god Ying Lei, and the badass mortal relying on her well-trained combat skills and signature weapon bow and arrow (hello Katniss Everdeen)
I like how their own stories, their entanglements, connections, and wishes were gradually unfolded
The friendship and brotherhood, the strong male lead vibe was very well shown throughout the story
The writer however appears to be more male centric. The story had strong brotherhood theme that I think overshadowed a bit the romantic theme.
Nonetheless, the injection of comedy and bickering in the epis even after some much dramatic plots made this ride an unforgettable experience.
The parallels in the story enriched the overall plot too.
I like the backstory of Ying Long and Bing Yi, the dragon god and the dragon slayer and its connection with ZYZ and ZYC but hated what was coming.
I like how the story of Zhao Yuanzhou changed after his death and was recognized for what he's sacrificed for: his wide understanding and love for all beings, his love for his besties, most strikingly his love for Wen Xiao that in all places he would return to, was his 'home' with her
The most heartbreaking is when the prophecy couldn't be stopped. One last sacrifice is needed and it had to be ZYZ, he chose to be the one. It was the freedom he had long wished for; however, at that very moment, he struggled, reluctant and unable to leave
I hated how the malicious energy and the BG divine power has to do with the couple
It was tormenting hearing and seeing him wanting to be consciously delusional for a moment with WX by his side in the dream of indulgence which was similar to when he endured the pain in his heart due to breaking the contract of staying with her a s a colleague, only to enjoy his imagination of a future with his beloved.
I give credit to the inserted comedy and bickering because it helped balance my emotions in a way, acting as the pain killer or anesthesia
Most of which were from ZYZ and ZYC interactions: E.g. When WX didn't inform ZYC of her plan and he took it seriously firmly standing up for ZYZ; he couldn't move on from the embarrassment and was pouty all over; ZYC making ZYZ not look like the great demon, the most powerful, him seeing though his acts; ZYZ fake acts, his responses, and many more
ZYZ and WX: 'The sound of jealousy' scene which was both sweet and hilarious ; the beg epi with his fake act being caught by WX and affected by her little tricks and ZYC rushing to the scene and slightly misjudging the situation as WX was in danger; the eavesdropping scenes for WX and ZYZ's words of love and ZYZ holding her hands act, dying act, and more; WX's with other's reactions to the funny scenes such as ZYZ kissing the previous BG's puppet act to provoke the thousand-year-old demon Cheng Huang (Ryan Cheng's guest role)
The story wasn't all perfect, I had my own complaints
Some instances:
Ying Lei (Xu Xhen Xuan) endured Li Lun's attack to wake Jiu was being possessed by LL; Bai Jiu (Lester Lin), the youngest, gave his best to destroy ever burning wood to cut the villain's immortality; women power moment such as Pei Sijing (Cheng Xiao) defeating her most feared enemy that became a more fearful demonized human through her own 'mortal trained combat skills' whilst Wen Xiao was often put to a situation where she'd be subject to criticisms. Others made important sacrifices, given enough screen time for the dramatic effect but she wasn't given enough moment to showcase her being Baize Goddess and its divine power, didn't have her own shining moment except for 2 scenarios but with someone else's help and had less impact. I think it was better she was interrupted while giving her all as Baize Goddess to save the human race and had flashback memories of her and ZYZ to add to the heaviness and impact of the scene. The difference prolly will add to the character's growth. There were also some prolly minor inconsistencies that may be overlooked by their editing crew that in my perspective could add to her character's emphasis
The last fight scene with Li Lun (Yan An) in his redemtion arc joining Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen, the CGI, the winged ZYC, everything, with its drama and all was epic. It goes back to the drama being more male centered in my view. I have no issue with it but even ZYZ's death, the should be most heartbreaking couple moment came out less impressive
Nevertheless, it was harder to let go of this drama with all its potential to be a masterpiece
I was glad there was a hopeful extra epi
The extra individual bts is a plus to the cast specifically Chen Duling (Wen Xiao) acting improved a lot
The main ost auto plays in my head whenever I remember their group dance, their solo parts, their voice, the individual focus of the camera, their group hugs as well as the stage performance of Hou Minghao, Chen Duling, Tian Jiarui, Cheng Xiao, and Yan An where they all wore white, their promotional dance and all clips, Neo and Jiaru funny short singing promo, and their online meetings where funny hardow TJR is always eating
The OSTS, BGMs, the instrumentals (the sound of coming death and insertion of comedy) the ending BTS/Group dance have been part of my unforgettable viewing experience.
Jiarui's make up was very elven, insane face card that equalled Neo's. Bing Yi and his new look as Zhuo Yichen and him riding the horse were fairytale-ish very eye catching (hello Legolas, L.O.T.R.)
Neo's Ying Long to his curly silver haired Zhu Yan, cub days, to his 3 silver striped hair Zhao Yuanzhou look were all flawlessly done and carried by him, very attention grabbing. Not to forget he had a scene showing off his figure, insane body card
Their acting performances were on point, Neo's eye talking, delivering hilarious as well as dramatic scenes, the fight scenes and the cast' trainings for those
I don't want to wake up from this long beautiful dream and await the return of the great "white ape" demon, a reunion with his loved ones and a whole new adventure with them
All actors and actresses in this drama are part of its success.

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Drama Worth the Watch!

If you want to watch a wonderfully crafted drama, then Fangs of Fortune is that drama. Yes, I loved this drama, but I have to give some shoutouts here:

Hair/Jewelry - You did that hair - braids, hairpins, bells and just decorations in the hair were fly! Yes!
Makeup - Hello and holler, the makeup was on point. Looking at that tat going down ZYZ's neck, and the demon marks, whoever design those, you are bad.
Costumes - Two snaps for real. They were all slaying those looks. Loved them all.
Stunt Coordinators - We all know there were a lot of you working on those stunts. Each and every one was bad ass! We appreciate all the hard work! So worth it!
Special Effects - You all did the damn thing with those effects!
OST - The beat stayed in your head when things were about to go down. That's what you want. Good job!

There were thousand in front of the camera behind the camera who never get the kudos. Sending out much love and appreciation to those in the highest and lowest positions. We see you and trust we know all the hard work you all do. Thank you!

So many beautiful people in this drama. But the men. FINE! FINE! FINE! Seriously. I couldn't stand it.

I have to say, the crying these actors/actresses did, I don't know how you all kept it up. I felt like I needed to be crying too. And speaking of actors/actresses, nicely done and executed. Big shout out to ZYZ, ZYC and LL. You three -- WOW. Especially, ZYZ you owned every scene you were in. Bravo.

Definitely one that is worth the watch and truly we are fortunate to watch such a beautifully crafted work of cinematography.

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Friendship is forever

Fangs of Fortune was such a ride—absolutely stunning visuals, top-tier world-building, and a soundtrack that gave me chills. The acting was phenomenal, especially in the more emotionally intense scenes (Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen? HELLO). I wasn’t super into the main romance, but the friendships, rivalries, and team dynamics hit so much harder anyway. There was a lot of retconning—which isn’t really my thing—but the overall plot was still super engaging. I laughed more than I expected to, and I’ll be haunted by a few character deaths forever. Not perfect, but honestly? Really worth the watch. Be sure to watch the special episode after the finale!

"Meeting you all was like a wonderful dream... but dreams must end" - I'm gonna go cry now that the dream's ended.

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Amazing & Emotional Journey : Beautiful but Tragic

When I first saw the poster, i thought, "Of course, the cinematography is gonna be great because has same director as MJTY." I really loves the cinematography, CGI, visual, and the tone was very aesthetically pleasing.

The storyline is solid overall, focus to relationship between main roles with very slowburn romance. Actors and actresses did a great job. The chemistry between the cast? No question, both on-screen and off-screen, it’s insane. I love bromance between ZhuYan-LiLun, Zhuo Yichen-BaiJiu-Yinglei. The visual is no joke! From the main leads to cameo, everyone’s visuals are on point. Makeup and costumes suit each character perfectly. The ending was kind of predictable, but still hits hard for me, especially Zhuyan and Bai Jiu and Ying Lei (my chaotic duo💔), so sad it had to be tragic. There’s so much value we can learn from this c-drama about love, hate, regret, accepting fate, and defying fate. Totally worth watching!

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MY SOUL IS SHATTERED BECAUSE I LOVED THIS DRAMA

I have to start for this drama from the actual start - The trailer. The trailer heavily leaned on the fact and made it pretty clear that this show is not for the ones with a weak heart. And after completing the drama I agree. I am not the type of person who cries when a character dies. I didn’t even feel sad when I watched Drawing Closer (a Japanese movie - it’s good) And yet here I am, I lost count of how many times I cried while watching this drama. But don’t get me wrong it is not only sad and serious it has a lot of comedy and team bonding. The characters are deep and meaningful. Let alone the main characters I cried even for the side characters.
This drama is a journey. It takes you from enemies to friends to found family. It talked of love and family, of friendship and fate. It is beautiful. I don’t think I will ever have enough words to truly express the brilliance of this team. The actors stole my heart and the director made sure to make good use of it. If you come into this drama, Get ready to create a watch list because after this you will watch all the dramas the actors have worked in and all the dramas the director and screenwriter have worked in. I am not kidding.
Another think to praise is the brilliant cinematography and CGI. Shots of water and rain. Shots of characters. You realise how much cinematography affects a show after watching a masterpiece like this. The cinematography and OST can take a drama from 100 to 1000, and in case of this drama they took it to 10000. The OST is a masterpiece again. I will be saving all the songs in my playlist and listen to them on repeat… well anyways.
A drama is not just a story it takes everything to make a great drama and this one has out done it all :

cinematography- 10/10
OST - 10/10
Acting / casting - 10/10
Story - 10/10

Did my heart break when I watched it? - yes
Will I do anything to see the main caste again together - yes
Did I laugh a lot in this drama - yes
Are my eyes puffy from crying - yes!
So I am going to sleep off all my exhaustion and you guys can try out this masterpiece…

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A Genuine Masterpiece of Storytelling

Let me tell you, this series is an absolute masterpiece. Truly. From the impeccable acting to the stunning use of CGI and set design, particularly the striking contrast of colors. However, all of this pales in comparison to the story itself. Typically, with dramas of this length, there tends to be a decline in quality at some point, usually in the middle where the story may drag a bit before reaching a mediocre conclusion. But this series defies that norm and remains consistently captivating in every single episode - a rarity from what I've seen.

Be prepared to shed tears, and I mean **a lot** of them.

I cannot emphasize enough how every moment in this series contributes something significant to the overarching narrative. If you are hesitant about watching this drama, let me assure you - do not hesitate any longer. Dive in and experience it for yourself, but whatever you do, **DO NOT** overlook the special episode that beautifully ties up the series with a perfect bow.

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