Fangs of Fortune

Tears, Humor, Love & Stunning Looking Actors

After a hiatus of more than a year from watching dramas, I was eager to dive into something captivating. Fangs of Fortune caught my eye, largely because I’ve enjoyed Neo Hou’s performances in his previous works. All the stunningly good looking main cast members have also attracted me. However, the 4.9 rating on Douban gave me pause. Still, knowing how meme bots, stealth accounts and contemporary competing dramas can skew ratings hence opinions in today's world, I decided to take the plunge.

I’m glad I did. For the past two weeks, I’ve been immersed in a breathtaking journey with a group of closely knitted friends who love and trust each other, and willing to die for each other. Almost 100% of the dialog time between our main characters, the actors have tears streaming down their faces as the writer(s) and directors try to capture viewers' heart. The sheer volume of tears is astonishing—this is, without a doubt, the most tear-filled series from the actors I’ve ever watched. It felt like every conversation started and ended in tears, to the point where crying became so normal that it lost its emotional impact on me.

Storyline
The plot is surprisingly compelling. It revolves around a love story between a demon who has a conscience and a human girl, exploring themes of redemption, transformation, and the power of love. Another human who vows vengence against the demon, but becomes empathizing with the demon as he turns into one himself. The story takes the characters through harrowing trials, strengthening their bonds and forcing them to grow amidst relentless antagonists who seem nearly invincible.

If not for the hints of romance between the demon and the girl, viewers might mistake the dynamic between the two male leads for a bromance, which is one of my most enjoyable moments. It's heartening to see a deep confidant friendship between the two main male characters.

While the central narrative relies on familiar xianxia tropes, the journey itself is engaging. The characters' struggles, setbacks, and triumphs create a tapestry of perseverance and emotional growth.

The Characters
I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, but I was particularly drawn to Zhu Yan/Zhao Yuan Zhou (Neo Hou) and Zhuo Yi Chen (Tian Jia Rui). Their interactions are captivating, and the chemistry between them is both endearing and compelling. Despite Zhuo Yi Chen's vow to kill Zhao Yuan Zhou for vengeance and Zhao Yuan Zhou's desire to sacrifice himself for redemption, their emotional struggles are portrayed so authentically that viewers can't help but be moved as their relationship evolves into a deep bond of mutual understanding and trust.

Although Wen Xiao (Chen Du Ling) is a main character meant to complement Zhao Yuan Zhou, her role feels comparatively weak, ultimately overshadowed by the more dynamic presence of Zhuo Yi Chen.

I also found myself appreciating the character of Li Lun (Yan An), despite his role as the antagonist. His character elicits a complex mix of emotions—hatred intertwined with pity—as his tragic backstory gradually comes to light, adding depth and nuance to his character.

Performances
The acting is another highlight. The young cast is talented, particularly the two male leads, who deliver strong performances and exhibit great potential for their careers. The ensemble cast is full of visually striking actors, making even the villains such as Li Lun, Fei, Ran Yi, Cheng Huang etc charismatic and memorable.

Dialogue and Humor
The dialogue is often predictable and at times even childish, but as I settled into the story, I began to find its quirks endearing. There’s a paradoxical charm in the light-hearted humor that surfaces during dire situations. The rivalry between the two alpha male leads, for instance, injects a layer of amusement as they constantly try to outdo each other and earn approval, eliciting genuine chuckles from viewers.

Visuals and Special Effects
As is typical of xianxia dramas, the fight scenes are fast-paced and visually dazzling, with special effects that are remarkably well-executed. The visuals are well polished, and the characters, even the demon antagonists, are stunningly portrayed. With the flip of a coin, the pace slows, allowing viewers a moment to catch their breath. These slower, dialogue-heavy scenes often unfold with an abundance of tears from our characters, adding an emotional weight that permeates the narrative.

Music
As a fan of Chinese historical music, the OST is a major draw for me. The songs are beautiful, especially Zhao Yuan Zhou’s character song which is my favorite. The lyric is deeply moving and capture the essence of the character, allowing listeners to visualize the emotions and scenes of the character even without context.

Ending and Final Thoughts
Like many dramas in this genre, Fangs of Fortune doesn’t shy away from bittersweet endings. Some beloved characters meet untimely fates, which might leave viewers with heavy hearts. If you’re someone who gets attached to characters, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.

While there are occasional editing flaws—some scenes feel out of sequence or poorly spliced—the drama overall is enjoyable. If you can handle a few heartbreaks and a steady stream of tears, Fangs of Fortune is worth your time.

Two thumbs up! Great watch! Don't miss this great drama!

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Best Drama this year

This is the best drama I have watched this year I would definitely watch it again. Watching this made me laugh and cry, the ost was fantastic I loved every song they played in the drama. Would totally recommend to watching it ☺️ 100/100
The actors and actresses were amazing made me become a fan of some of those i didn’t know yet. I have watched Neo Hou in dashing youth and seeing him in this drama was brilliant he such an talented actor.

For me this was definitely the best drama I have watched out of everything I have seen coming second to the untamed

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The Heart of Fangs of Fortune: A Journey Through Characters, Mysticism, and Emotional Depth

Fangs Of Fortune also known as " The Story of Mystics" or " The Big Dream Returns" , is a supernatural and mystical drama that follows the adventures of a group of people with unique talents and powers who come together to solve cases and uncover various mysteries. This drama features incredible action scenes, top-notch cinematography filmed in a gloomy and fantastical style that captures the mood perfectly, and strong performances from the cast, making it a standout in its genre.

As flashbacks in this drama were used, they really added layers to the story and helped show why the characters acted the way they did. It wasn’t just random moments thrown in they tied the past and present together, making the plot flow better and giving more meaning to the characters’ decisions and growth. For me, this worked well in the drama because it made everything feel connected, and the timing of those flashbacks was perfect, revealing just enough to keep me interested while also showing how their histories shaped who they became.

The comedic tones in the drama were also necessary, especially with how gloomy and depressing some of the characters’ situations were. Without those lighter moments, the story would have felt too heavy. The humor balanced it out and showed how the characters coped with everything going on, which made them feel more real to me. And honestly, the shift from comedy to something darker and more emotional hit harder because of that. It started out funny, but once the truths were revealed, the tone became intense and heartbreaking. The shifts felt natural, too, like they were preparing me for the heavy emotional impact later on. By the time things got angsty, it didn’t feel out of place is it felt like the natural progression of everything that had built up.

CHARACTERS / ACTING

Neo Hou as Zhu Yan / Zhao Yuan Zhou

Zhu Yan is a 34,000-year-old great demon who carried the weight of his past and was determined to die because of it. His character was deeply depressed and used comedy as a way to cope with his guilt and loneliness. After spending so many years in seclusion, he decided to search for the Bai Ze Token while helping the team uncover not only their pasts but also his own. As the journey progressed, Zhu Yan found peace through his growing bond with the team. The friendship, love, and camaraderie they shared turned into a connection so strong it felt like family to him. Despite being the most powerful character, Zhu Yan wasn’t just defined by his strength but also by the emotional vulnerability he revealed over time. The drama centered heavily around him, and even though some scenes were cut, his presence and impact never dimmed.

Neo Hou’s performance was absolutely brilliant. He brought so much life to Zhu Yan, capturing the comedic, action-packed, and emotional moments perfectly. His portrayal was so convincing that I felt every emotion whether he cried, laughed, or fought. He embodied the character in such a way that my words can’t fully do it justice. Neo Hou as Zhu Yan surprised me in the best way possible, and his performance left me in awe. He made me cry when Zhu Yan broke down and laugh during his lighthearted moments, showcasing incredible range.

Chen Duling as Wen Xiao

Wen Xiao is a mortal chosen as the Bai Ze Goddess to protect the people and wilderness. While she wasn’t written as the strongest physically, her character was far from weak. Wen Xiao had a heartbreaking past, and her dedication to waiting for Zhu Yan after their time together showed her strength and loyalty. She spent years researching demons to better understand them, as seen in the first episode, which set up her role as a key problem-solver in the group.

Wen Xiao was smart, mature, and the glue that held the team together. She felt like a mother figure to the group, offering encouragement and wisdom during tough moments. I did wish to see more of her in the final episodes, but overall, I was satisfied with her character arc. Her chemistry with Zhu Yan was subtle yet incredibly intense, and their interactions were filled with unspoken emotions and tension that left a lasting impression.

Chen Duling portrayed Wen Xiao so naturally that every scene with her felt impactful. She made me cry during her emotional moments and smile in her lighter ones. Her talent really shone through, especially in her portrayal of the demon side disguised by Ao Yin. She played it so convincingly that it felt like an extension of Wen Xiao rather than a separate character. This balance between vulnerability and strength, along with the ability to switch between a heroic and villainous aura, showed how talented she truly is.

Tian Jia Rui as Zhuo Yichen

Zhuo Yichen played an important role in this drama. He started out bound by his goal to kill the great demon Zhu Yan, but as he spent more time with the group and got to know Zhu Yan, his character began to change. ZYC was an upright character who stood firmly for what was right, but when he found himself in the same position as Zhu Yan, he finally understood him.

Tian Jia Rui portrayed his character really well. He showed great versatility, transitioning from a reserved, quiet demeanor to someone who experienced real growth. The way his character’s before-and-after was shown was done very well, and I appreciated his acting in this role.

Cheng Xiao as Pei Sijing

Pei Sijing started as a cold and distant character due to her past experiences with demons and her brother’s situation. However, as the story progressed, she began to open up. Pei Sijing is best described in one sentence: “cold on the outside, but warm at heart.”

Cheng Xiao portrayed her character in a very good way. It’s not easy to convincingly portray a cold character without coming off as flat, but she balanced it well. I loved her action scenes, and her role as an archer fit perfectly with the group dynamic. She handled both the emotional and fighting scenes excellently, and I really liked her performance in Fangs of Fortune.

YaNan as Li Lun

Li Lun was a lonely character who made the wrong choices because of how he viewed humans and his strong desire to protect the wilderness. His actions broke his friendships and turned him into a villain, but as the saying goes, “villains are not born but made.”

I appreciated that his character had development toward the end, even though he caused so much damage to the demon bureau and the people. His final decision helped the group when they needed it the most.

YaNan played this character very well. He wasn’t just a good-looking villain with no substance he showed the contrast between his happy times with friends and his darker side after becoming a villain. His acting was impressive, and I’m proud of his performance.

MY FAV SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

I wish I could write longer for each character, but here’s a quick summary of two key members of the group:

Lester Lin as Bai Ju - Lester was phenomenal as Bai Ju. As a young actor, he showed a lot of potential and versatility. He played three parts: the comedic boy, the spy, and even an evil version of Li Lun, all of which were well-directed and well-acted. I truly believe he’s going to become one of the best Chinese actors someday.

Xu Zhen Xuan as Ying Lei - Ying Lei was such a comfort character for me. I loved his portrayal as the mountain god and his overall contribution to the group. He genuinely cared about the team and loved them all.

Xu Zhen Xuan did an amazing job as Ying Lei. His comedic moments brought so much light to the group and made me laugh a lot. He also did well in his fight scenes, and when it came to emotional moments, especially during that heart-wrenching choice he had to make, I cried so much for him.

GUEST AND SIDE CHARACTERS

All the characters, even the guest ones, played an important part in the story. From Aimi as Qing Geng, Zuo Ye as Fei, Zhang Miao Yi as E Shou the rabbit demon, and Ryan Cheng as Cheng Huang to Riley Wang as Ran Yi and Xiao Ran as Miss Qi, everyone’s performance was excellent. Lai Wei Ming, who played Pei Sijing’s brother, was another standout. I especially loved the sibling dynamic between Pei Sijing and her brother it felt natural and heartfelt.

ROMANCE AND CHARACTER DYNAMICS

The romance between Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao was delicate yet deeply impactful, reminding me of an “old married couple.” Their mutual understanding, words of encouragement, and sacrifices embodied the phrase, “What would you do for love?” Both answered in their unique ways, and their story has earned a place in my heart as a second Romeo and Juliet.

This drama also stood out with its subtle portrayal of relationships. From hints of BL and GL elements to the depiction of a polycule-like bond within the group, it offered layers of complexity. Wen Xiao, despite her physical frailty, wasn’t a weak or unnecessary addition to the plot or added due to censorship. Her character brought depth, warmth, and an essential perspective to the group dynamic.

CINEMATOGRAPHY AND OST

The cinematography in Fangs of Fortune was breathtaking. Every frame held purpose, allowing the emotions and thoughts of the characters to shine without excessive zoom-ins or unnecessary exaggerations. It gave space to interpret the story and characters’ struggles naturally, enhancing the overall experience.

The OST was equally masterful, amplifying the emotional and narrative depth of the series. Neo Hou’s “Yuanzhou’s Boy” (translation) and Liu Yu Ning’s “Unintentional Big Dream” were standout tracks, perfectly aligning with key moments like epic fight scenes or introspective character arcs. These songs added another layer to the storytelling, making each scene resonate deeply.

FAVOURITE SCENES

* All the fight scenes in this drama
* Wen Xiao in the sundial for 300 years to save her loved one
* Zhu Yan saving Wen Xiao
* The banter between Wenxiao and Zhu Yan
* The banter between Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen
* Lord Ying Long and Bing Yi backstory
* Ran Yi and Miss Qi heart breaking story
* Li Lun and Zhu Yan past story
* The Mpreg joke
*Qing Geng and Fei heartbreaking 💔 story
* Wen Xiao and the Rabbit 🐰 Demon fight ( Ep 1)
*ZYZ fake acting to take out his inner core
* THE Demon Bureau GROUP and so much more...

OVERALL THOUGHTS AND REFLECTION.

While Fangs of Fortune isn’t without its flaws, no drama is truly perfect. Despite minor mistakes, the story’s heart and intent shone through. The inclusion of characters like Lord Ying Long and Lord Bing Yi, portrayed by Neo Hou and Tian Jian Rui, respectively, enriched the narrative with a historical weight that complemented Zhu Yan and Yi Chen’s arcs beautifully.

The drama tackled themes of human nature, moral choices, and the balance between worldly desires and higher ideals. These elements, combined with intricate relationships and seamless directing, created an unforgettable experience. Fangs of Fortune reflected on the ugly realities of the world while marveling at the characters’ resilience and courage. One thing I have to say is the double standards for females, whether they are strong or weak, is so sad to see. No matter how they act, their choices and behaviors are often judged more harshly than those of males. It’s a frustrating pattern that highlights how women are held to different standards, no matter their strength or vulnerability.

The ending of Fangs of Fortune really pierced my heart, leaving me torn with emotions. As each character faced difficult choices, their struggles hit deeply, and I couldn’t help but cry. Even with the special episode that added something new, offering a glimpse of hope, the overall feeling was still bittersweet sad yet uplifting. It captured the weight of their journeys, and while I felt a sense of closure, it didn’t erase the heartache that lingered.

I am proud of all the cast hard work for this drama because it paid off well and it is was successful in it's own way, I do hope that one day we would have a reunion project with this amazing cast again.

For me, this was the most anticipated drama of the year, and it exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t expect. It’s rare for a series to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, but Fangs of Fortune achieved just that. It is truly a gem that I will remember for a long time. I recommend this drama to anyone who likes fantasy dramas with poetic dialogues and a story that deals with choices and this a drama that requires patience.

Fav Quotes...
" A little starlight, a candle flame and a street lamp left on travellers can all Pierce the darkness and you" - Zhuo Yichen

" There are thousands of laws in the world but none of them can defeat a single word of willingness" -Qing Geng

" When everyone was treating me as an evil demon and had feared me, hated me or respected me, she was the only one who still looked at me with warmth and sympathy" - Zhu Yan

" There are many ways to live your live.
Responsability is a choice, not a constraint.
Neither shouldering responsability nor pursuing dreams is wrong. Some people only wish to be a quite lake in the forest, while other people want to became a running river". - Wen Xiao

Thanks for reading!!!

જ⁀➴ ♡ ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡🪐༘⋆

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Chemistry that Kills!

This is one of the best productions I’ve watched. The fight scenes, emotions, and attention to detail were all on point. The cast was solid—everyone, from the leads to the villains, did a great job. The plot was strong, but the sequencing could have been better. The story has demons, humans, gods, and tree spirits, each with their own interesting backstory. Honestly, this could have been a 3-4 season show because there was so much to explore—Bai Jue, Ying Lei (the half-god, half-demon), the siblings, and the Baize goddess. If they had more time, this could have been next-level amazing.

Now for the issues. It feels like the writers were trying to appeal to both local and international audiences, but they messed up. They tried forcing a BL vibe into a bromance plot, probably because BL dramas like The Untamed and Word of Honor blew up. The problem? They didn’t fully commit. It was like they were scared to make it BL, so they just threw in a female lead to avoid censorship. But her character, Wenxiao, was completely wasted. She was supposed to be the Baize Goddess, but instead of being badass, she was mostly there to cry and wait to be saved. If they had focused more on her arc, the story would’ve been way better.

The villain, Li Lun, started out strong, but by the end, he was just... there. They hyped him up, and then he flopped. Super disappointing. On the bright side, the music was great—both the intro and outro slapped.

Overall, the show was good, but definitely not for everyone. The pacing was slow, and I ended up skipping a lot. But the chemistry? No complaints. Whether it was romance, bromance, friendships, or sibling relationships, the cast had it all.

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FANGS OF FORTUNE: TALE OF LOSS, LOVE, AND RESILIENCE

Fangs of Fortune,” also known as Da Meng Gui Li (大梦归离), is an unforgettable Chinese drama that left me both heartbroken and deeply moved.

The story follows a dedicated team of demon bureau hunters solving intricate cases while uncovering painful truths about the malicious acts of demon beasts. Along the way, they face immense responsibilities and devastating losses. At its heart, this is a story about unbreakable friendships and a love that endures, even in the face of great sacrifice.

The storytelling was gripping, even with its occasional flaws. I loved how the drama’s theatrical elements and like the symbolic use of staircases as spaces for reflection and confrontation gave it a unique and almost poetic quality. The balance between humor and the darker moments added richness to the narrative, ensuring it was never too overwhelming but still emotionally impactful.

The performances were exceptional. Neo You’s portrayal of his character was deeply nuanced and heartfelt, demonstrating a great range of emotion. His chemistry with the female lead and the other male characters was palpable, adding significant depth to the relationships throughout the drama. Lester Lin’s performance as the younger character was also remarkable his presence brought both innocence and complexity to the story.

Chen Duling’s character may not have been the best-written, but her quiet strength and maturity were portrayed with grace. While the drama had a male-centric focus, her moments of impact were meaningful and added emotional weight to the story.

The demon hunting team truly became the heart of the drama. Their camaraderie, banter, and shared pain felt authentic and made the audience invest in their journey. Watching their relationships evolve brought an extra layer of warmth to the drama.

The soundtrack was another highlight. Liu Yuning’s OST was exceptional it blended perfectly with the story, amplifying the emotional depth of key moments. The cast’s contributions, especially Neo You’s songs, added an additional layer of resonance, with each track complementing the drama’s tone and themes.

What stayed with me the most was the recurring theme that demons don’t fear death they fear losing those they love. It’s such a poignant and universal truth that resonated deeply. “Fangs of Fortune” wasn’t perfect, but its stellar performances, compelling world-building, and emotional depth make it one of my top ten dramas of all time. I’m so proud of this cast and hope they get the recognition they deserve and reunite for another well-written project. “Fangs of Fortune” is a drama that will stay with me for a long time, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves a tale of loss, love, and resilience.

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Fangs of fortune! Totally worth the wait!

I have been waiting for months and months until the release of FOF! And it was totally worth it!
I knew that some of the cast members of My Journey to You was in this drama but had no idea that practically everyone from MJTY was in the drama except for the main leads of MJTY.
The FOF drama has a good mix of everything! Mystery, thriller, comedy, horror and they have managed to keep it just right without overdoing it. Zhu Yan and Yichen make a great duo, each trying to throw the worst possible insult at the other lol, but also secretly value their friendship just as much. The friendship between the Goddess and Ms Pei is adorable, and our Mountain God and doctor duo makes the tragic scenes a bit more bearable. Somehow all the characters on the team fit really well together!
I love that each of the demon-human cases and storyline in the drama have a good screentime. It doesn’t drag on, and the episodes cover what's necessary without glossing over the details too much.
Neo has perfectly mastered the Great demon serene all-knowing look and you really feel like he is thousands of years old! The Great demon and Goddess do have a certain aloofness about themselves which adds to their character really well. Afterall they aren't human, and Zhu Yan has limited bandwidth where emotions are concerned. Some people might think the pacing is a bit slow, but tbh I think it really fits the theme and asthetics of the drama!
The only thing they could have cut down on was too many OSTs in between episodes, sometimes simple bgm could have worked as well. But overall 10/10 from me!
Give this drama a try! You won't regret it!

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Finally finished watching!

After watching the special extra episode I know for sure the Director had BL in mind but had to add in FL storyline to avoid censorship. The fact that Wen Xiao is waiting for Zhu Yan in the Wilderness but even his last shred of soul sought Yichen who was searching for Zhu Yan in the mortal world says it all. With his last breath Zhu Yan was looking at Yichen and not his crying gf. You can't tell me its not BL.
Both Neo and TJR have amazing chemistry. Sure Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan have cute moments, but all the moments with heart breaks, love-hate relationship, the one or nothing, sacrifice for each other, belong to the Zhu Yan and Yichen duo. They went through thick and thin together and oh the dialogue delivery was flawless when Yichen got a glimpse at Zhu Yan's self inflicted wounds. The fact that Li Lun being his best friend for thousands of years didn’t completely understand Zhu Yan, but 30 yr old Yichen could hear and understand Zhu Yan's heart says it all. They were born to be each others soulmates. And in cdrama you know what soulmate actually means 😅 This is another version of Untamed, Spirerealm and Word of Honors moments mixed together. The drama was a masterpiece and even its comic moments were good.
Although I do feel that Jiu getting burned in the barrier was unnecessary. His mother could have saved him and everyone would have been happy with it. The last 4 eps really take a toll on your heart 🙁 I was bawling so hard when we get to the part of Yinglei sacrificing himself for Jiu. It was the saddest main character death for me. We were reminded time and again that Zhu Yan was ready to die throughout the drama, but Jiu and the cute Mountain God dying really broke my heart.
I'm just a tiny bit happy that we got a somewhat open ending. At least I can console my poor heart that Zhu Yan is still there somewhere waiting to reunite with his soulmate Yichen after hundreds of years ❤️ I'm probably going to rewatch all the happy moments of FOF 😭 I already miss this cast.
Fingers crossed Neo gets a happy ending in next drama. After Dashing Youth and FOF my guy needs some cute ML and FL live happily ever after moments.

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A Must Watch!

Brilliant! I have never liked a fantasy cdrama before. But this one changed my perspective on Chinese drama, its VFX and its production. I mean, even the makeup and costume are so meticulously well done that it left me in absolute awe! Masterpiece for sure.
I am super impressed with the actors who pulled off such great acting. I am in love with every character's gradual growth in finding their way.
I like ZYZ's confidence and his depth of understanding of every situation. The layers in his character are intriguing. Love every bit so far. His character is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The complexities are intense, but the relationship with his friends is so strong and fascinating that he may have some hope. The eventual realisation that he does not want to die, after all, is built perfectly in the story.

Overall, there are a few loopholes that I am not quite sure of, but it does not affect my 10/10 score. I just love understanding these well-written characters.

P.S.: In love with the end credits song and dance. Indeed, it is a breath of fresh air. Whoever thought of it is a genius!!!! This is the first time that I did not skip the end credits. Thank you for this

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They were once a group of six, now reduced to three, then ultimately separated.

This drama by far was one of my most anticipated drama since the first trailer release. I have always known that this story will revolve more on each characters and have a found-family genre. I have always been fond of found-family genres, especially to the fact that one of my favorite books is "Six of Crows"

Reminded me greatly of that as to how quite similar they are that they formed a group, though Six of Crows were a group of thieves.

Now let's talk about the plot. I must say, the first impressions were quite epic for me, the visuals, cinematography, CGI, and fighting choreography were stunning. However though it started quite slow, but I get that since they were actually building up each and everyone's story so them as a group can develop into something more than a group, more like a family. That it until you'll reach around the 16 episode, the story drastically change the route of the quite comedic and epic vibe to the most depressing thing you'll ever see. I must warn you that episodes 16 upto the finale, your heart will start aching for them and wouldn't want anything to happen to any of them.

Zhu Yan/Zhao Yuanzhou is the most fitting for being the main character of this story, his character is really complex. He's the most pitiful character among them, even though he hides it among his sweetest smile, you can feel his pain through his eyes

Wen Xiao, though I have seen people hating on her character but I think those who instantly call her weak does not understand how her character was written. She might be a goddess but she's still a mortal. She might be weak physically but she's still mentally strong. She's very well-written and almost feel like the mother-figure of the group. Sometimes, we don't need the usual strong badass FL, we just need a well-written FL, whether they're weak or not.

Zhou Yichen, he's your typical hero complex character but he in fact is not the bland type of hero. He has singlehandedly became my favorite character as how he developed really well and understand each other in the group. I also found him one of the most pitiful character, it seemed that in his life, those whom he considered very important to him always leave him (EYEING ZHAO YUANZHOU RLLY HARD).

Pei Sijing, this girl too. She started out coldly in the group and also probably rlly started as a spy. But slowly, she warmed up to the whole group and even teamed up with Zhao Yuanzhou's plans with the Chongwu camp. I also made a realization that she started wearing lighter colors after warming up to everyone.

Bai Jiu and Ying Lei, these two were my favorites when it come to something comedic, they always made me feel relieved that they seem to be the one who wants to lighten up the groups mood. But man, they were still so young, too young for them die. Their deaths actually hurt me. They were also one of the closest to Zhou Yichen, and they both left him at the same time. My heart still stings whenever I remember their inevitable fate.

Music:

I actually lost the count how many times I've praised their songs and BGM's, this drama has the most beautiful OST'S. Those Emotional BGM's as well as those epic ones are very engaging. Personally, my favorite will be the main theme

"Big Dream Return" - this song was dedicated to the whole group, no one can convince me otherwise

"Plants do not grieve" - this one is my current obsession at how emotionally good it is, the voice is also quite swift and ugh, I dunno how to explain how beautiful this song is. I must say that this song is dedicated for Yuanzhou and Yichen, you can't change my mind.

"Broken-tailed Bird" - imma tell you how I start bawling my eyes whenever I hear this song, it sounded like a lullaby, quite comforting but also quite hurt. Tian Jiarui's voice kinda hurt here

"Heaven and earth are unrivalled" - No words, just love YANAN'S Swift and smooth voice.

As per rewatching, LOL, I'd rewatch this all day whenever I'd have the chance, it has too many iconic scenes.

Overall: it's more than 10/10 for me. This is the type of magical and engaging series that I kept looking for in the western media. That last one movie that made me felt like this in terms of western media was "The Maze Runner"

Paired with such a fleshed out plot and great world building which is something what I want, just made this drama the best one for me, not just in 2024 but in almost the CDrama years

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Beautiful yet Pretentious; Great character development but poor plot writing

“Fangs of Fortune” is no doubt the product of director Edward Guo. I enjoyed his other drama “My Journey to Love” so much that I wish I could feel the same about “Fangs of Fortune”. Unfortunately, just having a good-looking cast and beautiful cinematography are not enough for me.


What I Like:

1. Characters
The main reason I am not rating this drama lower than 8.0 is because of the characters. I like each of them, main cast, supporting cast and guest roles. Each character’s story is unique and I had a good time getting to know them and following their journey of growth. They are interesting individually and together as a group. “Fangs of Fortune” is able to make me care about each of them and their stories touched me.

2. Acting
I am happy to see a much-improved Neo Hou. He is able to convey more than just a blank pretty face. I am most impressed by Tian Jia Rui. This is only his second drama after “My Journey to You” and he has so much potential. Chen Du Ling is fine. Cheng Xiao improved from her blank look in “Falling into Your Smile”. The rest of the cast also did an admirable job and I don’t really dislike anyone’s acting.

3. Cinematography
Edward Guo’s signature beautiful cinematography and camera angles make every actor and actress look good. Screenshots of this drama flooded the Feeds with many posts throughout the airing and after the completion of the drama. But…..(to be continued below)

4. OST
This drama boasts a huge soundtrack of beautiful songs. I enjoy them all, especially ‘Spring Breeze Does Not Ask’ 春风不问 and ‘Broken-Tailed Bird’《斷尾鳥》. However…. (to be continued below)

5. Production Value
I love everyone’s creative, unique and beautiful hairstyles, costumes and accessories. I also like the use of natural lighting and the realistic sets in the indoor scenes. The fight choreography is unique and the actors did a great job with their wire work and moves. It does a great job in using Chen Xiao’s dance background in giving her excellent moves and she did not disappoint.


What I have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like:

1. Slowness
This drama is SLLOOOWW. The characters talk slowly, they move slowly and the pace is slow. This could have been a 30-episode drama (instead of 34) if people would just walk and talk at normal speed. The last episode is a waste of time. Everything could be told in 15 minutes. What pisses me off the most (my personal pet peeve) is characters standing around during important battle scenes. The good guys would be talking amongst themselves or crying or staring at each other, and the villains just stood there waiting. I just want to shout at my screen for them to move or do something! So much time is wasted and it doesn’t make sense!

2. Plot Holes
There are so many plot holes in this drama. Actions that don’t always make sense. Why parade a suspected murderer in front of a crowd to be easily recognized and then humiliated? If you knew you were the cause of a pandemic, why not kill yourself sooner? You already knew the solution! There are powerful demons and genius human beings yet you can’t detect someone is hiding around the corner eavesdropping? I thought you could smell their scent from a mile away! Plot logic becomes secondary (or sacrificed) when the drama focuses so much on the characters and making them look good. A good drama must be able to balance both plot and character development. Even if you can’t balance it well, it can’t be so lopsided.

3. Close-up/Camera angles
I complimented on how beautiful this drama is. But if you repeatedly show me a close-up look of a pair of attractive eyes every 5 minutes, it becomes really pretentious and fake. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed but if you give me the slow-mo version of it, it interrupts the flow and the excitement. I don’t need to see them posing when fighting. This drama also loves the fog and wind machines.

4. Non-stop Music
I also complimented the OST, but gosh, the music is overplayed. Song after song, music after music. It doesn’t allow the viewer to decide how to feel in silence, but manipulates my feelings with the non-stop music. I counted one scene (one conversation between the leads) when 2 songs + 2 more instrumental music were played non-stop! At times, the music is so loud that I could barely hear what the actors are saying. I really don’t need the fight song being played at every single battle, no matter how cool it is.

5. Romance
Disappointing main romance. I enjoy the initial bickering between Zhao Yuan Zhou and Wen Xiao. A battle of wits and sarcasm! But then, not much happened and not enough chemistry or longing looks. It was boring. I had more fun watching the guest roles suffer in their forbidden love than or sad romance than the main leads.


OK, if you are a fan, don’t hate me. Go back and read what I like before throwing stones at me. LOL🤣 I will still recommend "Fangs of Fortune" because it’s a well-acted darker story with a good-looking cast, beautiful cinematography and likable characters. If you are a big fan of character development, you will enjoy this. But if you are like me and can’t stop your brain from noticing plot holes and things you don’t like, you might have a harder time enjoying this.


Completed: 11/27/2024 - Review #521

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Fangs of emotions that touch our hearts!!

Fangs of fortune is a different concept of all the dramas that I have watched so far.It shows us the basic concept of triumph of good over evil in a new way, interwoven with emotions and lifetime bonds formed throughout the journey.
Plot-The story starts off with the intro of Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan,the great demon,who willingly volunteers to help the demon hunting bureau to catch evil demons alongside,Zhuo Yichen, the descendant of Bingyi clan and makes a pact with him.They are joined by Pei Sijing,an excellent archer and Bai Jiu,a talented physician kid.Later on Ying Lei,mountain god,too joins them to solve mysteries in and around Wilderness and Tiandu.
Cast-Neo Hou,as,Zhao Yuanzhou/Zhu Yan is excellent and perfectly cast.I think this is one of his best performances.
Zhu Yan,is,naughty,smart,patient, emotional,caring, loving, kind hearted responsible,great demon.Though he is widely knows as the evil demon,he has a painful side of him but has kept it only to his heart.Neo Hou carried the role of the great demon perfectly.Be it costumes, emotions,teasing, action scenes, charismatic,protective of loved ones,he is the main asset of this drama, in my opinion.His character is well written and presented.
Chen Duling as Wen Xiao,is smart,beautiful, knowledgeable,caring,kind human who feels demons and humans are the same and demons are not to be treated badly.Her acting is also good.
I particularly liked the little romantic scenes between Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao.Their chemistry was also good.
Zhuo Yichen, played by Tian Jiarui,is one friend that everyone dreams of.He is like an elder brother to Ying Lei and Bai Jiu(also a hero for him).I liked the way he always tries to protect his friends and also tries to understand people and their situations.His acting was excellent.
From a person who vows to kill Zhu Yan to a dearest friend who waits for the return Zhao Yuanzhou,I think his inner conflict, struggle,was beautifully portrayed.The best part of this drama is the friendship between Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen.I liked how Mr.Zhuo was able to understand all the pain and agony that Zhao Yuanzhou had to endure and hence could not pull himself to kill Zhu Yan.Their relationship is one of the highlights of this drama.
Ms.Pei Sijing,a cold and distant ,introverted,talented archer joins the group to become a friend for a lifetime.Together with her brother Pei Siheng, they are always there to take care of their friends.Theirvsiblung bond was very good.He was always there for his sister in times of need.Cheng Xiao as Pei Sijing and Lai Weiming as Pei Siheng were the best.Their acting was on point and brought the Pei siblings to life.
Lester Lin as Bai Jiu ,who is pampered by the whole group,is outstanding in his role.Be it a timid innocent doctor or a ruthless villain after getting occupied,he was outstanding in his performance.His story was a bit heartwrenching for me.
Xu Zhenxuan as Ying Lei,is surely a good trio with Zhuo Yichen and Bai Jiu.Ying Lei is indeed the best Mountain god.
And finally,Li Lun,played by Yan An,is phenomenal in his acting.Be it sinisterous,threatening,villainous,he is surely that antagonist who makes you fear him.But I liked the way he stood for the protection of the world at the end.
All the other star cast were good in their performances.
The costumes.sets,visual effects, screenplay,and particularly MUSIC were excellent.The music matched well with all the situations and was perfect.
On a final note,Fangs of Fortune is a highly recommended emotional drama which show cases lifetime bonds formed through Demon hunting bureau.The six members are protective of others and are willing to go to great lengths for their friends and the world too.
Also,it show cases that seeing us not believing but everything has its own reasons and causes.
Understanding a person emotionally is tough yet important.
A MUST WATCH DRAMA!!

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