One of my guilty pleasure this year
When I first heard of this drama, it had a lot of negative feedback. But I gave it a try because of Neo and Chen Duling, Dudu being I rewatched MLCB. I was blown away by the production and the beauty of the two main leads. However, as the story progressed I got captivated by the whole cast, they are a great actor. I’m ngl, the story is kind of mediocre but they are excellent actors so it got carried. I enjoyed this drama immensely. I laughed, I cried, I got super pissed, I felt so much giddiness between ZhaoYuanZhou and WenXiao, the bitterness because it makes me sad at the end. Some folks are bashing FoF because it only has 34 episodes and that it ended abruptly because of the low rating however the other drama w/c they comparing this with ended at 32 episodes. I am not sure about the rating but I will believe IQIYI, that it is popular and some sites that I will not be naming here, that it did well in China and received lots of love.With all this long review, I can only say that it was worth it and I rewatched it yesterday. I paid for the early access btw that’s how hooked I was in FoF
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This review may contain spoilers
My take
**may contain spoilers**First of all, I am so confused, let me preface that I have no idea about the origin of the story (books, novels, etc).
In the first 20 episodes, I was so hooked, I like how the story progresses, with so many intricate web surrounding Xu Qi An’s cases. I love DW's portrayal although sometimes he can be stiff and there are some cringe moments however it doesn’t bother me much because overall I like it. The fl is ok but not too much exposure except for the latter part but I'll delve into that later.
The thing that surprises me is the comedic part, I love it, especially the one involving Xu Xin Nian, also his acting chef’s kiss, always in point!
About the story, like I said, I'm so confused! After episode 28 onwards the story suddenly becomes confusing, there are elements that I cannot follow especially involving the Duchess Zhenbei to Chuzou, it’s like there’s no time anymore and they have to finish the story, for me, there’s no rhyme and felt force. I was left confused since no explanation leading to that moment. I guess there’s part 2 since the ending is a cliffhanger with his father, the supervisor, the resurrection of Wei Yuan, Witcher’s sect, Shen Shu, the reason to erase all memories, and many more!
With all the disappointments I experienced in the latter part, would I recommend it, still yes. The actors especially XQA and his family are too endearing and most episodes are really solid! I would love the 2nd season and hope that it can clarify all the confusing part.
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Contain spoilers
I’ve been waiting for this drama to air. And I am not disappointed. I like the build-up, I’m not Chinese and I do not also live in China and also do not know the other tomb stories as mentioned by a well-versed audience, so I appreciate that I can enjoy this without knowing the other stories. I like the political plot, although Zang Hai is not a martial artist, I like the cunningness of his character but you can still see his heart. Xiao Zhan embodies once again the character, he is an excellent actor, I will not say much about Zhang Jingyi’s acting prowess yet since she doesn’t have many scenes where she can showcase it at this point but I know her as a good actress, and Xiao Zhan as a phenomenal actor which is very few in c entertainment.** Start of spoilers**
In episode 9 where Zang Hai discovered his parents were skinned, the emotions he displayed at that moment made me tear up, it was so raw and you can feel his sorrow, his disbelief, and his unrelenting anger for the disrespect his parents had to endure even after death. This reminds me of the young Zang Hai (Zhinu), the child actor who is also outstanding, as young as he may be.
In episode 14, once again Zang Hai (Xiao Zhan) displayed his versatility, the awkwardness when he looked for Xiang An Tu and found her bathing, I watched many and I always cringe because they cannot display it fully. Still, Xiao Zhan can bring it to life, the awkward smile, his eyes conveying his awkwardness, and his body language, excellent! Also, in later scenes where he was dragged by Cao Jiang Xian, the seemingly innocent act where he didn't know what was happening, he is a masterclass!
For Zhou Qi, he is also someone to look out for, he’s still kinda rough around the edges but he can act nicely. Duke Ping Jin (Huang Jue) is phenomenal too, in c entertainment the villains are the ones who are usually all good actors. Another villain who can display their acting skill is Jiang Xiang (Zhao Zi Qi), the way she delivers her line and the minute detail of her expression is a chef’s kiss!
These are just the tip of the iceberg, I cannot wait and I am getting ready for the heaviness and looking forward to the acting prowess of Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi and the other cast. I am excited about what they can bring to the table.
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