Shan Hun Hou Ming Wang Ta Zhen Xiang Le (2025)

Great VFX, romance & character development led to my enjoyment of this supernatural drama

I was drawn to this drama when it was a fresh release but somehow I didn't have the urgency to watch it until the first week of October. I was in the mood for supernatural themed vertical dramas so I chose to watch this drama. It went over my expectations - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

Edit: I forgot to add trigger warning - abuse, attempted rape, suicide.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - Great VFX. I loved it when ML went to FL's patisserie to save her from baddies. I also liked the abandoned building scene.
2. Romance - Their blind date was cute. I liked that they were sweet & affectionate right from the start. Wow, I was surprised by the kisses. Full of passion and desire (I knew Zhang Bei Xi can kiss but hadn't seen Jin Yanna doing steamy kisses).
3. FL characterisation - She had a traumatic past but was compassionate and mentally strong. She could also stand up to bullies. Qualities that I like in a female character. Jin Yanna gave a great performance here.
4. ML characterisation - I was surprised by how ML was written. I had assumed that he would be domineering & cocky since he was the devil but no, he was actually sweet and compassionate. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing. Great acting by Zhang Bei Xi - this is my favourite role of his.
5. Supporting characters - The cat / ML's subordinate was entertaining especially when he interacted with ML and the little girl! I also liked the little girl.
6. Secrets - I liked the fact that both FL & ML had secrets that they were ashamed to share with each other. This added a layer to their characteristics.
7. Styling - ML wore great outfits - Zhang Bei Xi was devilishly handsome. FL's outfits were appropriate for her character too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's school mate was vicious for bringing down FL because of a stupid grudge. I did, however, like the arcs for the antagonists.
2. FL's mother - I disliked her for asking FL to return the little girl to her adoptive parents. She should have supported FL's decision.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his subordinate to sleep in another room

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Be ready for the plot twist

A romantic fantasy comedy with a great cast, styling and soundtrack until the story itself nosedives into darkness. The comedic timing and dialogue is superb until it isn’t. I was laughing and enjoying to the fullest until a plot twist knocked me askew. There was no recovering my enthusiasm for the show afterwards. It’s a lower rating due to the storytelling. This is the best facial acting I’ve watched Zhang Beixi perform and he’s super sexy in this production. Jin Ya Na I praise for delivering a lower dramatic style of acting for her characters traumatic and tragic circumstances. The soundtrack is great with popular songs injecting the very mood itself into scenes. I don’t plan to watch this again due to disliking the plot. If I happen to come across in future knowing the story beforehand may change my viewpoint.

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