This review may contain spoilers
Underrated. Misjudged. Emotionally Wrecking. A Stunning Journey from Start to Finish. ?
I just finished Lament of the River Immortal (临江仙), and honestly? I don’t even know how to recover. This drama came in looking like a simple xianxia — and left like a quiet emotional bomb. I went in expecting fluff and pretty aesthetics, and came out with heartbreak, plot twists, healing, and characters I still can’t get out of my head.
What Makes This Drama Special:
1. The Story – Not Your Typical "Immortal Love" Rehash
This isn't just about immortals falling in love and fighting fate. It's about two people — lovers — who descend into the mortal realm for a love trial, only to end up torn apart by misunderstandings, manipulated by those around them, and pulled into a brutal cycle of mistrust and revenge.
And yet, the way the story rebuilds their relationship from enemies back to lovers again is so satisfying. Nothing feels rushed. Every misstep has weight. Every reconciliation has emotional payoff. It’s slow-burn, yes — but it burns right.
2. The Characters – Complex, Flawed, Human (Even When Immortal)
The main leads aren’t perfect. They make mistakes. They doubt each other. But they also learn. And grow. And communicate. Watching the female lead’s emotional collapse, her thirst for revenge, and eventual realization of the truth — it hurt. And watching the male lead — even through memory loss — still gravitate back to her? That was beautiful.
His amnesia phase? Surprisingly wholesome and heartwarming. I expected it to drag — but it brought so much softness and balance after all the heartbreak.
3. The Acting – 10/10, No Skips
Let’s talk about the leads. Bailu and Joseph delivered. There were entire scenes where no words were needed — just the micro-expressions, the emotion in their eyes. Their chemistry was insane. Whether they were in love, at odds, or silently aching — you felt it.
Even the supporting cast did great, and yes, the villain arc actually had depth. It wasn’t just evil-for-evil’s-sake — everything had a backstory, a motive.
4. The OST – Goosebumps. Tears. Saved to Playlist.
Giving this soundtrack a 1.0 rating should be a punishable offense tbh. The OST is hauntingly beautiful, and fits every major scene like a glove. I’ve already seen it blowing up on Xiaohongshu and being covered by vocalists — and for good reason. It elevates the emotional beats of the story in a massive way.
5. The Ending – You Will Cry, But You’ll Also Smile.
For a show that dragged me through emotional glass, I was so scared the ending would leave me empty. But it didn’t. The ending is hopeful, healing, and full-circle. It doesn’t erase the pain — it respects it. And that’s why it lands so well.
To the Ones Who Dropped It at Episode 4:
Look, I get it — not every show is for everyone. That’s the beauty of personal taste. But if you’re going to rate an entire drama as a 1.0 — based on four episodes — and call it “childish,” “absurd,” or “a waste of talent”? That’s not critique. That’s impatience trying to wear a critic’s hat.
Slow burns exist for a reason. They build. They layer. Feud doesn’t give you all the answers in the first act — because it’s not supposed to. The pain, the confusion, the “Why is he doing this?” — it’s all intentional. And trust me, once the truths start unraveling, everything hits differently.
You’re allowed to dislike a show. That’s valid.
But to drag down the cast, the music, the entire production just because you didn’t wait for the payoff? That’s not being objective — that’s throwing a tantrum with a keyboard.
Final Thoughts:
This drama was never meant to be “easy.”
It’s meant to be earned. And once it is? It’s unforgettable.
For those who love:
Emotional storylines with real consequences
Character-driven romance with heavy angst
Plot twists, painful reveals, and eventual healing
Beautiful OSTs that make you cry on cue
Actual growth and communication between leads
This is your drama. And it’s worth every minute.
Feud is not perfect, but it’s powerful.
And if you give it the time it deserves — it’ll stay with you long after the screen fades to black. 🫶
What Makes This Drama Special:
1. The Story – Not Your Typical "Immortal Love" Rehash
This isn't just about immortals falling in love and fighting fate. It's about two people — lovers — who descend into the mortal realm for a love trial, only to end up torn apart by misunderstandings, manipulated by those around them, and pulled into a brutal cycle of mistrust and revenge.
And yet, the way the story rebuilds their relationship from enemies back to lovers again is so satisfying. Nothing feels rushed. Every misstep has weight. Every reconciliation has emotional payoff. It’s slow-burn, yes — but it burns right.
2. The Characters – Complex, Flawed, Human (Even When Immortal)
The main leads aren’t perfect. They make mistakes. They doubt each other. But they also learn. And grow. And communicate. Watching the female lead’s emotional collapse, her thirst for revenge, and eventual realization of the truth — it hurt. And watching the male lead — even through memory loss — still gravitate back to her? That was beautiful.
His amnesia phase? Surprisingly wholesome and heartwarming. I expected it to drag — but it brought so much softness and balance after all the heartbreak.
3. The Acting – 10/10, No Skips
Let’s talk about the leads. Bailu and Joseph delivered. There were entire scenes where no words were needed — just the micro-expressions, the emotion in their eyes. Their chemistry was insane. Whether they were in love, at odds, or silently aching — you felt it.
Even the supporting cast did great, and yes, the villain arc actually had depth. It wasn’t just evil-for-evil’s-sake — everything had a backstory, a motive.
4. The OST – Goosebumps. Tears. Saved to Playlist.
Giving this soundtrack a 1.0 rating should be a punishable offense tbh. The OST is hauntingly beautiful, and fits every major scene like a glove. I’ve already seen it blowing up on Xiaohongshu and being covered by vocalists — and for good reason. It elevates the emotional beats of the story in a massive way.
5. The Ending – You Will Cry, But You’ll Also Smile.
For a show that dragged me through emotional glass, I was so scared the ending would leave me empty. But it didn’t. The ending is hopeful, healing, and full-circle. It doesn’t erase the pain — it respects it. And that’s why it lands so well.
To the Ones Who Dropped It at Episode 4:
Look, I get it — not every show is for everyone. That’s the beauty of personal taste. But if you’re going to rate an entire drama as a 1.0 — based on four episodes — and call it “childish,” “absurd,” or “a waste of talent”? That’s not critique. That’s impatience trying to wear a critic’s hat.
Slow burns exist for a reason. They build. They layer. Feud doesn’t give you all the answers in the first act — because it’s not supposed to. The pain, the confusion, the “Why is he doing this?” — it’s all intentional. And trust me, once the truths start unraveling, everything hits differently.
You’re allowed to dislike a show. That’s valid.
But to drag down the cast, the music, the entire production just because you didn’t wait for the payoff? That’s not being objective — that’s throwing a tantrum with a keyboard.
Final Thoughts:
This drama was never meant to be “easy.”
It’s meant to be earned. And once it is? It’s unforgettable.
For those who love:
Emotional storylines with real consequences
Character-driven romance with heavy angst
Plot twists, painful reveals, and eventual healing
Beautiful OSTs that make you cry on cue
Actual growth and communication between leads
This is your drama. And it’s worth every minute.
Feud is not perfect, but it’s powerful.
And if you give it the time it deserves — it’ll stay with you long after the screen fades to black. 🫶
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