My introduction to actor Hou Minghao
I feel a little biased here for liking this drama so much. This drama was my first time seeing Hou Minghao and I fell for his visual the second I saw him and hence why I feel a little biased for liking this so much. I also watched this drama right after Beauty Resilience in which I dropped so I have low expectation from the get go (I don’t want to disappoint myself). However, the first episode got me hooked. The characters are loveable and it’s actually funny. The comedy works for me. The start of the drama was strong with a plot that was easy to grasp. I’ve watched tons of xianxia and the plot for this one was easy to grasp.Story wise- I’ve seen a lot of disappointment on the plot where Tianyao stabbed Yanhui witho it warning. And I have to say, I love that plot. it created a great build up for their romance and when it was finally resolved, their bond become stronger than ever. However, towards the end where they are working together to end the villain, it did feel a little anticlimactic for. The ending too is a little too short for my liking. However, looking back at the journey I had with this drama, I still consider this to be one of the best dramas I’ve ever watched.
Acting and casting wise- I only know Zhou Ye from Words of Honour and honestly, I didn’t like her character in there so I didn’t think I’d like her so much more in here. While for Hou Minghao, this is my first drama of him and since this, I’ve become a fan. I’ve watched five of Hao dramas until this point of time and I could see his growth as an actor. And I hope to see him more in costumed drama especially xianxia because he’s gorgeous.
Music wise- this drama has songs that fits the tone of the drama and match the era. I feel like xianxia needs ost that fits the theme of the drama and this drama delivers that. The opening song is strong willed while the ending ost is so sad. Not to mention Hou Minghao singing the ost and despite it being used in a more romantic scenes, the song still remains sad in my head.
Overall- This drama managed to combine great comedy with the cutest love story with tons of angst. I laughed a lot but I also cried with the characters. This drama is one of the best xianxia that came out this year.
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SO GOOD! I am so emotionally attached to this drama
Omggg I cried! But it felt good. The characters had so much dimension! Tian Yao was definitely written by a woman. A lot of the things he said just felt so heart wrenching. Examples: "I would wish the couple happiness" or "You want too much. All I want is her". And he didn't just say it, his actions showed it too! I really understood his past and how it affected his future. It all gets connected in the end. IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE once you make it to the end. It all stemmed from one person and everything is connected. The plot was well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I havented watch a well balanced drama in a long time. The plot was intriguing, the characters felt real, I cried. THE OST MAKES ME CRY! BFTB had its happy moments but also a few PAINFUL moments. A perfect medley of love, pain, and mystery. Tbh, the ending felt rushed and I still have no idea whether it's a happy ending or he's dreaming... WHICH I STRONGLY DISLIKE. If it's a happy ending, I need confirmation; I need to see the characters living their happily ever after and explaining to me how she's still alive etc.Also, Hou MingHao is an amazing actor! His eyes speak so much! I definitely need to see him in more xianxia/wuxia dramas
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THE BEST DRAMA EVER HONESTLY
Okay so listene to me the drama is AMAZING I love the chemistry between the ml and fl like how much they are willing to do stuff for each other and the story line is amazing in this drama the fl isn't a weak girl who needs protection she literally slapped the villan of the drama ( throughout the drama I had so much laughter cuz of her) and the other characters also had such good chemistry with each other and whole group of thier just love it in this each villan had thier own reason the ending made me a bit sad but don't worry no one died but I didn't really care cuz the drama was too good like I couldn't stop myselfWas this review helpful to you?
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Neo Hou and Zhou Ye Acting Supremacy
This cdrama is surprisingly good. And I find it quite underrated. Zhou Ye and Hou Minghao did well.Romance is a bit lackluster. I felt like they're just best friends because of lack of kissing scenes and romantic contacts. However, they have good chemistry. Not great chemistry but good.
Story pacing is well done. It's not everywhere unlike other wuxia/xinxia dramas. It made me cry, and made me laugh. Bai Xiangsheng's character as antihero/hero is commendable. He became a God of Love/Matchmaking/Marriage in the end. It made me smile.
This drama gave you a lot of love perspective
Epic love - Tian Yao and Yan Hui
Obsessive love - Su Ying to Lu Mu Sheng
Til death do us part love - Lu Mu Sheng to Princess Yun Xi
Wrong and naive love - Tian Yao to Su Ying
Friends to enemies love - Zhu Li and Huan Xiao Yan
Hidden love - Xian Ge to Feng Qian Shuo
Destructive and dark love - Fu Yin (Dark Phantom) to Queen Xue Lin
Unrequitted love - Bai Xiao Sheng to Yan Hui
Patient love - A Cha to Master Qi Yun
Romeo and Juliet kind of love - Ling Fei to Zi Feng
The challenge of love and duty - Xue Lin and Chen Yi
Overall, I enjoyed this drama and might rewatch if I have time since I have a lot on my list right now. Lol.
Neo Hou is sooo handsome. :D
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Back From the Brink: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption, and Unlikely Bonds
"Back From the Brink" plunges viewers into a fantastical world of ancient dragons, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond that forms between two unlikely companions. The story begins with the ancient dragon Tian Yao, whose existence takes a tragic turn when he falls victim to a lover's betrayal. His beloved dismembers him, strips him of his dragon scales, and seals his body parts in five different places. Only through a stroke of luck does his soul manage to escape this dire fate.Reborn into a new life, Tian Yao's path intersects with that of Yan Hui, a young woman who makes a solemn vow to protect him as he embarks on a quest to retrieve his scattered bones and regain his full form. As the story unfolds, Tian Yao discovers a crucial seal within a lake, and he realizes that Yan Hui possesses his heart protection scale, the key to breaking this seal.
What initially appears as a reluctant partnership takes unexpected turns. Tian Yao uses Yan Hui's assistance to recover his stolen body parts, while Yan Hui initially plans her escape but eventually finds herself drawn closer to Tian Yao. Their relationship deepens as they navigate the challenges posed by betrayal, destiny, and a world filled with mysteries.
One cannot help but be captivated by the evolving dynamic between these two central characters. Tian Yao, despite suffering from profound betrayal, gradually learns to trust his newfound companion, even if it means missing opportunities along the way. This transformation underscores the theme of redemption and the power of forgiveness that runs through the narrative.
Yan Hui, on the other hand, may initially come across as naive, and her actions may appear questionable. However, her character undergoes significant growth as she learns to protect herself and assert her independence. Her evolution from vulnerability to strength is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
"Back From the Brink" is a drama that surprises and enchants its viewers. While the male lead's striking visuals may draw initial attention, the story's depth and plot development quickly take center stage, captivating the audience's interest. It's a tale that effortlessly combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, drawing viewers into a world where ancient dragons and human connections hold equal sway.
As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to tear oneself away from the screen. Episodes fly by, and before you know it, you've devoured 40 episodes without realizing it. This is a testament to the narrative's immersive quality and the magnetic pull of its characters and storyline.
In conclusion, "Back From the Brink" is a story that transcends first impressions and visual appeal, delving deep into themes of trust, redemption, and the unexpected bonds that form in the most unlikely of circumstances. It's a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you eagerly awaiting each new development. If you're seeking a captivating and emotionally resonant drama, this is one that promises an unforgettable journey through a world where love and destiny collide.
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a nice story about pure heart
The drama follows Tian Yao, a dragon spirit betrayed and left in pieces, and Yan Hui, a spirited young woman who stumbles into his quest to recover his dragon bones. What begins as a reluctant partnership evolves into an adventure of trust, healing, and romance.Yan Hui becomes Tian Yao’s true “heart protection,” guarding him not just physically but emotionally, helping him heal from betrayal and loneliness.
this drama is about love Heart Protection as follow:
Second chances — even a betrayed dragon spirit can find trust again.
Healing romance — love as mutual protection rather than sacrifice.
Partnership — the FL is not a damsel; she actively shapes the journey.
During this journey, Yan Hui often risks herself to protect Tian Yao, and he, in turn, becomes her shield — emotionally and physically.
What amaze me is the test for a couple in order to get the book of ghostly theology, this test make yanhui reconsider what happened before.
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Obsession
This story was really slow at the beginning. I literally stopped watching several times and kept going because of all the good reviews. But it really picked up around episode 15 and I just kept watching.The only part I didn't understand was Suying's obsessions and her refusal to see that she is unhinged. Because of her obsession with a man who didn't want her, she was used to attack the dragon who was ready to marry her. She then justified her actions by calling him and all demons evil when they were just existing. And everyone was like, yup let's agree with her. No other human was like, wait didn't you attack him, how is he evil? Because of her obsession with the man, she killed his wife in front of him and was mad that he still didn't want to be with her. Everything she did was supposedly for the man but she just couldn't get over the fact that he didn't want her or that the dragon ultimately got away.
These people ignored the fact that the whole family was crazy and just let her do whatever.
And the Phantom Lord, what was wrong with him? Why was he giving off hunchback drag queen?
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Funny, fun, romantic, and beautiful
This is on my rewatch list. Just finished the series for a 2x time. Found it funnier than the 1st time thru. Literally lol numerous times. Quirky bits and piece that purposely makes fun of itself and ensures no one gets too serious. Don't look for historical accuracy or realism here. Just go along for the ride and you'll have a blast.Some annoying side stories and not much screen time of them being an actual couple but the build up is beautiful. Significant growth and development for the ML.
The last few eps were confusing and had too much unnecessary stuff going in then the last ep seemed rushed. Other than that, it's a happy ending story with minimal annoying side people.
Exceptionally good visual production. Beautiful people, backgrounds, sets and costumes.
Acting is excellent with the exception of the 2nd ML. Riley is cute and fun but seems overly dramatic with some of his facial expressions. Loved the child actors interacting with Neo.
Lastly, no real kisses just a couple scenes with their lips touching. I guess I need to see more romantic dramas with Neo and see if he's like this all the time or maybe it was just poor direction. Despite this, this show is a dreamy fantasy love story that's a feast for the eyes.
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Likeable characters and a fun watch
BFTB remains one of my favorite Cdramas. This is a fun watch with a great story, likeable characters, and great humor. Humor is a little subjective but this one jibed with me- I laughed out loud many times. The show is also pretty straightforward in who to root for and who not to, with a nice anti-racist underlying message and only a few characters to feel ambiguous about. This makes it easier on my emotions. (There is still heartache, but only just enough).Yanhui, the female lead, remains one of my favorite characters in a drama. Although she’s not particularly skilled or strong, she is self-aware and down-to-earth. No BS; she sees situations for what they are and calls it out. She is cute, funny, and not a racist. She’s also great in a lot more subtle ways… I could go on and on, but I’ll stop. Zhou Ye plays this cheerful character quite well.
The male lead, Tianyao, is a little stiff, but also fairly likeable and oh-so-good looking… great styling for Neo. I thought the development of his relationship with the FL was exceptionally good for about 15 episodes. They are both so sweet and have a mutual respect, I loved watching their relationship grow.
Then the Dragon Valley story arc happened. I found both of their behaviors a bit annoying during the arc, but overshadowed in annoyingness by what happens next. Less than halfway through the drama, a nonsensical event occurs to stir up trouble. It made no sense, even after it was explained. The development after this fallout was fine, just the plot point felt so forced that it took away from my enjoyment of watching them recover. For my own sanity I ended up just seeing it as a device to advance the plot (something has to happen with this outcome) rather than looking too carefully at what actually happened.
The second male lead, Bai Xiaosheng (aka dimples guy), was a drama addition who was not in the book. I personally thought he was hilarious. Loved his style, which I think also matches Riley’s personality. Unfortunately after the nonsense plot point mentioned above, he becomes less likeable. I feel he got used for plot development; he’s forced into a silly love triangle that doesn’t match his personality, and he never stood a chance. Even accepting this, his trajectory afterwards is a missed opportunity… they could easily have done a lot more to develop his character in the latter half of the show. Instead, he gets sidelined. Poor guy.
There were also several likeable side characters in their merry band of friends, many broken up neatly into side couples. I enjoyed seeing them on screen, but they weren’t as captivating to me as the main characters.
The villains are a mixed bag. Suying might have been interesting but ends up being a bit too obsessive and one-dimensional. She spoke so slowly and mostly said predictable things, I wanted to fast forward through all her dramatic speeches. The story of the twins is sad. Unfortunately the main villain is somewhat one-dimensional and not very interesting, also shows up midway out of nowhere. I do wish he were more nuanced and less cliché, but ultimately I enjoyed the protagonists’ story enough to overlook this lameness.
I thought the sets were pretty and the costumes looked good- the colors of the clothing often reflect the character. I also liked the music, both BGM and songs. I will point out, though, that the CGI is kind of bad. It makes the entire thing feel lower budget. This didn’t matter as much for me because I’m here for the story, but I did have to laugh a few times at how bad it was.
There was some sloppiness in filming, like things moving around between when the camera cuts away and back. And of course, regular inconsistencies and plot holes, both big and small. This was the first xianxia I watched so I don’t know if I’d still be so horrified now that I’m more used to a bit of nonsense.
Ultimately, despite some flaws, this is still one of my favorite shows and the only one so far that I have fully rewatched. I like the lighthearted feel and lovable characters. It does get darker towards the end, as many shows do, but it still has some humor even in the last 10 episodes.
ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS
The ending is happy, but also a typical rushed and unsatisfying Cdrama ending. It’s probably one of the worse ones I’ve seen, because random things happen out of nowhere. Couldn’t they have played fewer flashbacks near the end and used that valuable airtime to explain some things?
The resolution of the final conflict is very confusing. Explosions, sparkles, and dramatic-looking scenes are great and all, but what I really care about is what’s going on. My bafflement changed to vague horror as I started to realize the net outcome, which was looking quite sad… then in the last minute or so, everything turns around and an unexplained happy ending arrives. Fin.
They had to deviate from the novel because censorship bans reincarnation, but I don’t think that’s a good excuse. I was really attached to the characters by the end of this drama and wish we had gotten more closure.
Sometimes I read the novel or just its epilogues to get closure, but in this case the novel seemed quite different- my beloved characters were a bit less lovable, and the ending premise was also different- so I didn’t bother. Random fan theories on reddit helped me come up with a conclusion of what happened.
By the way, Yanhui’s transformation into a dark magic user in the last 10 episodes wasn’t in the book, but I think it worked well with the plot and story development of the drama. Still, I thought it came a bit out of nowhere and her change in personality was a bit jarring. It probably could have been pulled off better.
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Not bad one
Starting of the story I liked it then 2,3 and 4th episodes ,I didn't like it. For a while I thought drama is for kids . Too much animated devils looked fake . After 7th episode I guess story picked up and I started liking the story . For this story one's needs patience. Actors were good and acting too . I like the lead male acting more when he become kid. He acted so naturally that it looked like that he actually became kid.Indirect happy ending had been shown in the drama. But I am not happy with the ending.
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It's better than what I expected
LIKEHow the entire saga between Tian Yao and Su Ying was due to greediness of some evil force
The painful moments of Tian Yao and Yan Hui because of numerous misunderstandings - I'm insane like that..
DISLIKE
Su Ying's love for Lu Mu Sheng driving her to path of no return - it's touching but at the exchange of someone else's death
MUSIC - personal fav
浮游 Fu You - 周深 Zhou Shen
风吹过 Feng Cui Guo - 刘宇宁 Liu Yu Ning
启明星 Qi Ming Xing - 侯明昊 Hou Ming Hao
涅槃 Nie Pan - 炎明熹 Yan Ming Xi
飘雪 Piao Xue - 薛黛霏 Xue Dai Fei
REWATCH VALUE
Five for now
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