Fangs of Fortune (2024)

Never have I ever seen deeper care among friends on screen!

Throughout a consequent and touching drama. There were a few things I've never seen in c-dramas until now. That is emotional comfort in a physical way. Yes, parents or grandparents sometimes comfort their children by hugging, but I haven't that much among friends. Wen Xiao (FL) and Officer Pei (second FL) shared really intimate monents, holding eachothers hands or cuddling, just as you would do irl with your friends too. I loved the children, like Bai Jiu and Ying Lei are so adorable, I cant bear it. I also love that Officer Zhou has more than a rival relationship with Zhao Yuanzhou, these two plus Wen Xiao have such a funny dynamic, like everyone's flirting with everyone? (Pretty sure some of the interactions were ad-lib) Another thing I loved, is the fact that Officer Pei never felt in love with anyone, but she did have her own people to care about and felt like a rightfully done empowered woman, making her emphathetic and strong.
(Only downside I have is that they cried a record amount of tears, but even though that makes it a bit draining to bingewatch, but it certainly makes us feel that their life and emotions are real for them)
I think the acting that stood out for me the most is Bai Jiu's, his actor is now only 13 years old, but he played all these emotions and different sides to his character very well (+an obsession arc).
Oh and I love Yinglei's character as well, his humour and playfullness and his love for Bai Jiu.
I really enjoyed that there were no misunderstandings, no solo-mission like trust me bro, but they always tried to solve it all within a group.
Actually in the end I have come to terms with the not so strong FL, because even though she has a lot of spiritual power, she is described as a person of weak physique. Although physical power isnt her strongest point, but she knows a lot about demons, does it help her to protect? No. It helps her to be more forgiving and open-minded, it'd be overpowering to put all the virtues into her. And like this their group of six still has four strong fighters. (I think I gonna agree that this drama reads as Danmei (BL) and Baihe (GL).)
Anyway go watch, but prepare some tissues.

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The details of Hu Minghao's acting from tears to fingertips in Big Dream are truly amazing!

Every tear from this big devil character is so contagious.

Every facial expression is so precise and every detail conveys deep emotions that make people sink into it.

Hu Minghao has fully explained the life of patience and endurance of this big devil character named ZhaoYuanzhou, and it must be said that his acting skills are extraordinary.

The series has ended, but the evil character of ZhaoYuanzhou will always exist! We look forward to Hu Minghao surprising us with more projects.


_ Excellent cinematography
_ Excellent fighting moves
- Good comedy
- Excellent acting by Hominghao;  Beautiful music

- I don't think Zhao Yuanzhou
final death scene was meaningful enough for Zhao Yuanzhou death, they could have watched it much better, he lost his life for the world, I think they ended it in a hurry

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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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2024 cdramas endings are just....too soul shattering!

"Fangs of Fortune is a captivating fantasy historical drama that follows Zhu Yan, an age old demon as he joins the demon-hunting bureau to help capture the various demons that have escaped into the human realm. This chaos ensues after the disappearance of the Bai Ze Order, which was responsible for maintaining the balance between the human and demon worlds following the tragic death of the Bai Ze goddess. With demons now running rampant, the formation of the demon-hunting squad becomes crucial.

Throughout the story, Zhu Yan meets a diverse group of characters, and together they confront the challenges posed by these escaped demons. The plot is intriguing and exciting, and I appreciate how the narrative weaves multiple storylines without spoiling the overall experience. Each subplot contributes to the main narrative, introducing a wealth of interesting characters along the way. The acting is good; most of the characters have managed to deliver subtle yet impactful performances that enhance the overall storytelling.

The interactions among the characters are fascinating to watch, showcasing their amazing chemistry. I particularly enjoy the random comedy moments sprinkled throughout the show; while they might seem off-putting to some, I find them timely and essential for lightening the mood. The drama itself is visually stunning, with beautiful aesthetics, impressive cinematography, and captivating CGI. The costume designs for the various characters are equally remarkable. All of this is complemented by upbeat soundtracks and soothing background music that enhance the viewing experience."

The ending to me was foreshadowed Ofcourse I didn't expect the writer to go on a killing spree but I sort of saw it coming...that aside...this drama was good.....the plot, the acting the visually appealing cast, the characters and the bonds and chemistry between the characters the visually appealing aethestics...the cgi and more..this drama was a whole package but the ending traumatized me.

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fantastic world, characters, and story

"Fangs of Fortune" lured me in with its beautiful cinematography, lore-rich world, and interesting characters but kept me with its captivating and stimulating storyline. The series is an examination and reflection on the nature of humans and demons. Is one more inherently more evil than the other? The series raise this as a topic of contemplation as well as many others. We explore themes of choice and free will, hate and anger, life and death, love, friendship, forgiveness, and much more. There are some great developments and backstories to help us understand the motivations of a lot the characters, including the villains. There are lots of emotional moments that really hit the feels, some nice comedic breaks here and there, and just a lot of philosophical questions to think about. Overall, I thought this was a well-done series. And as a Pentagon fan, seeing Yanan as Li Lun was a nice bonus. I think a lot of the cast has some kind of music/idol background but I'm not familiar with a lot of them.

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● SHORT REVIEW
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LIKES:
-- I love the intricate storytelling. Backstories and flashbacks are used to unravel plot and character developments. Characters who seemingly have simple motives are revealed to be more complex ones as we learn more about them. This includes the villains. They aren't villains just for the sake of being villains.
-- Along with the thought-provoking nature of the story, the series offers many great lessons about life and adversity.
-- Great world and lore building and beautiful cinematography. Although visually, it feels very bleak and gray, it was still aesthetically nice. Best I can describe it is that it's like watching the captivating rain even if the day feels gray.


DISLIKES:
-- scenes sometimes feel like they linger too long just to drag out and fill the time.
-- lots of mourning, grieving, remembrance, and reflection scenes. Related to my first point, a lot of those scene go on longer than I feel they need, which wouldn't be so bad if there weren't so many of them.


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● IN-DEPT REVIEW
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[ --STORY/PLOT-- ]

The series right away does a good job of setting up the heart of the story. We see a deceptive rabbit beast fall into the custody of Wen Xiao, a fair and just demon hunter. However, we are also introduce to the merciless hunters of the Chongwu Camp who kills demons indiscriminately. Their goal seems to be to eradicate all demons, while also profiting off some of them. Meanwhile, the great demon lord Zhu Yan wants to die. Zhuo Yichen of the demon-hunting bureau wants to kill the great demon. However, he cannot, at least, not yet. Until that day comes, Zhu Yan volunteers to help the bureau in its tasks. Several other members join the bureau, each with their own goals and motivations. As we progress though the story, flashbacks are used to help us understand each of the characters better. The bureau takes on and investigates several cases throughout the series, each one presenting questions and themes to think about. There is also a larger over-arching plot involving the Chongwu Camp's quest to kill all demon . We also have Li Lun, a great demon who resent humans. However, motivated by past events, hatred blinded both the leader of Chongwu Camp and Li Lun, leading one to hate demon and the other to hate humankind.

The series really reinforce the idea that "villains are not born, they are made." A lot of the bad actions of the demons in the story are due the actions or influence of others. Human or demon, what does it really mean to be one or the other? Both have the same potentials to be good are evil.

Choice is another heavy theme in this series. The weight, burden, and consequence of our choices but also the choices of others that affect us. There are many example of this theme. The willingness to sacrifice for one another. The courage and determination to carry on in spite of fear or adversity. The will to defy fate. We often have a choice in how we react to things. Ultimately, we shouldn't let the evil and cruelty of others affected our own kindness. Our choices can also have lasting effects on how the world perceives and remembers us. In the past, a character chose to die to protect innocent lives, but ultimately was deemed a demon. Another was a god and revered as a hero but ultimately chose to be mortal.

There are also the circumstances and situations where the freedom of choice is no longer in one's own hands. They are merely a puppet. If they are made to do evil things, what level of burden, accountability, and responsibility do they hold for those actions? There are a lot of complications and complexities to the theme of nature and choice, and this series does a great job at making us think about them.


[ --ACTING/CAST-- ]

There were a lot moments where my eyes became watery and blurry. Either I'm just allergic to this series, or the cast was just skilled at poking at the heart. There are so many sad scenes and the cast did a great job portraying the longing, hurt, will to sacrifice, anger, hesitation, and sadness. There were also some nice comedic moments as a break from the more serious acting. We get some awkwardness, cuteness, and just more bright/colorful acting, which is a much welcomed relief in a series like this. The chemistry and bonds built between characters are also noteworthy. Cast and crew did a great job.

[ --MUSIC/OST-- ]

The series has a lot of beautiful OSTs that invoke emotions and greatly enhance the scene when they are played, leaving an impact in your heart. 大梦归离 (Return After A Long Dream) from 李宇春 specifically is still etched in my brain. And there are also inspirational and hard hitters like 无心生大梦 (Unintentional Big Dream) from 刘宇宁 that gets me hyped/pumped, ready to take on any challenge/obstacle. There are many songs I need to go back, listen to, and review, but I've already added a few to my playlists.

[ --REWATCH VALUE-- ]

I thought long and hard about whether this was something I could rewatch, mostly because there is a lot heavy heart-wrenching scenes. However, the lesson to be drawn, the talents of the cast, and the layers in storytelling are all compelling enough that it's worth at least another revisit. There are just so many great dialogues/quotes and beautifully emotional moments that deserves a second viewing.

[ --FINAL THOUGHTS-- ]

In the cases that the bureau investigated, I ended up feeling sad for the demons involved. A lot of the stories ended tragically. Aside from our main casts, the series does a great job at building complex characters that I could feel sympathy for. Even the antagonists' motivations stemmed from a place I could understand, even if they were on the extreme end. There was just great character development for everyone. I loved the journey the series took us on to learn about why certain characters are the way the are and how events in the past affected current events. Very aesthetic world and costumes. Great accompanying soundtracks. Overall, I enjoyed this series a lot.

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● NOTE
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I'll always conclude my review by saying that ratings and reviews is not really a indicator of whether you may enjoy something. We all have different criteria and standards. Don't let a bad rating, review, or comment discourage you from watching something. My advice will always be to give something a chance if the premise interests you, and only use the ratings/reviews to determine priority if you have a list, or if you're deciding if you want to continue it due to time limitations.

♥ Thanks for reading my review! Feel free to comment or hit me up if you want to discuss anything ♥

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Endearing Characters

Just like that the journey is over and what a journey it was.
This was one of my most anticipated dramas this year and despite it's flaws it didn't disappoint me.
It's visually stunning with gorgeous costumes and beautiful cinematography. The OST is moving and memorable. The fight scenes are elegant and well executed. But above all else, we have a team of endearing and interesting main characters we can root for to overcome all obstacles thrown their way.

You will either love or dislike this drama, because like all dramas out there it has its flaws. Whether you can ignore the flaws and enjoy the drama is subjective.

The biggest flaws in this drama for me were the lack of explanation regarding some important details as well as some illogical choices regarding the plot.

Did those flaws ruin the drama for me? No, not at all. It left me with questions and a head shake here and there, but overall I still enjoyed this drama immensely.

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Started off strong...

I had high hopes for this drama and was eagerly looking forward to it. It started off strong and captured my attention right from the first episode. However, as I watched more episodes, it started to feel drawn-out and repetitive. One particularly annoying aspect was the excessive crying and tearing from all the actors. Did every close-up really need someone tearing up? It made it hard for me to connect emotionally with the scenes.

The music was also underwhelming. While the piece associated with Li Lin was nice, hearing it on repeat became monotonous. As for Wen Xiao's character, she felt rather useless. Most of her screen time seemed to involve sitting on the floor crying, with frequent close-ups of her looking miserable—or getting choked repeatedly. It almost felt like the show had some strange fixation on making her appear helpless.

Overall, this drama turned out to be a disappointment for me.

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A Mesmerizing Gothic Tale in Chinese Version

To be honest, I’m not expecting much from FOF since I’m here only to support Neo Hou. But goodness, am I mistaken? FYI, FOF aka Fangs of Fortune is an original-script-based fantasy drama which is under the command of our notoriously controversial yet aesthetical director Guo Jingming (I’m sure everyone has known all sorts of things he did before, but he sure knows how to make such a masterpiece). As you can see, FOF is also fighting neck-to-neck with Love Game in Eastern Fantasy and The Story of Pearl Girl (excluding Smile Code which is flopping badly), so it’s not that easy for it to achieve such a wonderful rating. Let’s delve into the story now, shall we?

FOF revolves around nine main characters (according to the individual posters posted in Weibo) consisting of the shameless yet loyal 1000-year-old great demon Zhao Yuanzhou/Zhu Yan, the astute Baize Goddess Wen Xiao, the cold-outside-warm-inside descendant of Bingyi Clan Zhuo Yichen, the badass female archer Pei Sijing and her faithful younger brother Pei Siheng, the timid little doctor Bai Jiu, the mischievous Mountain God Ying Lei, the green-eyed pagoda tree demon (also Zhao Yuanzhou’s former bestie) Li Lun, and most of all is the vengeful and malicious Wen Zongyu (I’m hoping to make every character arc, but it doesn’t seem to be possible since it will only lengthen my review).

In my pure opinion, FOF is not a facile and cheesy script like your typical old-school romance drama. Instead, it’s a very meticulous and stunning one, in which the scriptwriters managed to input several plot twists into that none of the watchers could predict the outcome of the show. The show not only focuses on the topic of friendship and self-growth, but also probes into the meaning of love, desire, yearning, and the pain of being betrayed, all of which are beautifully portrayed, of course. Back to Guo Jingming again, we know that he always has the tendency of producing angsty drama and FOF is not an exception. There are lots of angsty scenes in every existing episode and somehow the actors will always cry whenever something goes off or someone dies. However, these scenes don’t have much impact on me (I myself don’t understand too) so I always watch with my expressionless face as they keep crying. But, the most striking scene would probably be Ying Lei’s death and his dying wish of how he wants Bai Jiu to live well – it’s just so heart-wrenching…

Shout out to every actor from main to supporting and guest roles for acting out the multi-faceted character in an insightful way. This show will also boost Neo Hou’s popularity and he proofs himself to be a force to be reckoned with (can’t wait for his next projects). Chen Duling also acts well, but her excessive crying scenes is irking me very much. Thanks to her good acting skills, Wen Xiao is still a bearable character. This is my first time watching Tian Jiarui and I don’t have any complain about him – he does just as good as the others. Finally, Cheng Xiao is out of her comfort zone and her character doesn’t seem to be as annoying and cliché as the one in Falling into Your Smile. Lester Lin is the youngest out of the whole bunch, but he can portray Bai Jiu beautifully even when he’s in the dark mode (as the saying goes, age isn’t everything). Special mention to Yan An (Pentagon) too – he’s a K-pop idol and also a hidden gem in acting that I can’t help but keep waiting for his scenes (FYI, currently Pentagon is in a hiatus, so I hope Yan An can do more dramas until Cube Entertainment calls him again).

FOF is indeed an S++ drama, every set is done aesthetically and every scene is taken intelligently to ensure its quality. As I mentioned in the title, FOF has a gothic vibe akin to those in historical Europe sites, but in Chinese version. I particularly like Bingyi Forbidden Area, which reminds me of a domain in Genshin Impact. A user also reminds me that the ancient runes in Kunlun Peaks is similar as Paimon’s when she is summoned.

I think I’m going to rave about the OST especially Liu Yuning’s hip-hop/rock song – it’s my first time hearing him rapping lol. I also like Xu Zhenxuan, Yan An, Cheng Xiao, and Lai Weiming’s OSTs. If it hadn’t been for these songs, the OSTs would’ve been particularly meh.

Would I recommend this show? AN ABSOLUTE YES! As you follow their adventures, you’ll be enamored by their witty dialogues, gorgeous and impressive sets, and the heartbreaking OSTs. Don’t hesitate to watch this masterpiece because your every second is worth it. Good luck and happy watching!!!

P.S.
There is a BL-like vibe between Zhao Yuanzhou, Li Lun, and Zhuo Yichen. Unfortunately, they have to tone it down a bit to fit the shitty censorship, otherwise we'd get another BL show. Also note that Wen Xiao may play a pivotal role in protecting the Wilderness, but she's only there so that she can have a love line with Zhao Yuanzhou (to make sure FOF isn't banned like Immortality, Winner is King, Eternal Faith, and so on). Still, you can enjoy their scenes and feel the bromance between them tho.

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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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The world is saved, but at what cost?

The world is saved, but at what cost🤔?

Should I start from the end? Or maybe the beginning? Never mind, I won't spoil anything. I just wish there was an epilogue or something to show how they lived after everything that happened.

Aside from that, it is a great story. But let’s be honest, many things were lacking😶
The beginning was amazing, with so much potential. The characters were strong, the acting was great, and their chemistry was spot-on. They worked well together as a team, and the backstories were genuinely mesmerizing🥰

But as the story progressed, something started to feel off. There were gaps, not exactly plot holes, but just... empty spaces. At times, I felt emotionally detached from what was happening.

That said, it was still a good experience overall. I enjoyed the acting, the cinematography, the fight scenes, the costumes, it was all visually satisfying🤩

But the most amazing, absolutely wonderful part of the entire series? The music. Oh. My. God. The music! It was, hands down, my favorite thing. I’d rate the series a 6 or 7 out of 10, but the music? A solid 10/10.

I’m not someone who easily gets hooked on OSTs. I could watch a long series "40 episodes even" and barely remember a single track. But this one? It had so many incredible songs. I downloaded them, listened to them over and over, and each time, they hit me right in the feels. The use of instruments, the emotions they carried, it was just magical. I can’t even put into words how deeply the music moved me throughout the show.
1. Spring Breeze Does Not Ask
2.Return After A Long Dream
3. Yuanzhou's Youth
4.Unintentional Big Dream

I’ll really miss these characters, and I hope to see the cast again soon, in something even better than this😌

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