This review may contain spoilers
A great adaptation, for they strayed from the source material and made it way better.
While being quite plot-driven, FH built up one of the most beautiful relationships I could remember from C-dramas - one based on respect, equality, total trust and understanding that they slowly earned towards each other. No miscommunication, no noble idiocy.Another remarkable aspect is the use of parallel and juxtaposition to convey the main plot points/themes; which, i might say, were fascinating to identify and connect, such as (but not limited to):
- Revenge, the most obvious one
- Patriarchy/relationship between father and son: Feng, Zhuang and Murong
- Relationship between mother and son: two Empresses and their sons (puppet emperors)
- Romantic relationships: Fu Yixiao Feng Suige vs FYX Xia Jingshi
- Royal sibling relationships: Fengs and Xias
- Between FSG and XJS: similarity in status and, to some extent, rough upbringing; contrast in how they choose to lead their life, their people, and their revenge.
- Kindred spirits or fated hearts: the main leads' relationship
- Blind royalty: following a savior blindly out of gratitude, leading to being used and discarded.
There was no moment that felt out of place, even when a trope was used, it was to serve the plot - to create a parallel, or to bring a plot point "full circle". Additionally, a lot of trivial scenes were actually very deliberate, so as to display a parallel or progress.
FH is not about palace conflicts, but rather about how people are a product of their environment, how we all have our trauma/obsession and the many different ways we act upon it.
Each character’s motivation and actions are justified to some extent by their own experiences. No matter how petty or cruel their motives are, you understand where they are coming from, and feel for it. Because, at the core, it reflects human nature, be it greed, or blind love, or jealousy etc. It might seem over the top, but at the same time, is very real. People have been proven to do more for less.
Nothing is perfect, neither is this show. However, it was as good as it could be. You can tell the team behind Fated Hearts had a vision, an identity that they intended for the show, and they followed it through. Both LQ's and CZY's portrayal really blew me away. It wasn't all perfect, but they sold the characters.
The story, despite its flaws, prompted a lot of discussions which made the entire watching experience much more fulfilling. Having watched many shows, but I have only been this involved in drama discussion twice this year, so this has been a real blast. Definitely among my top favourites of the year, and of this genre.
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Beautiful adaptation. Definitely among the top xianxia adaptation.
It is by no means perfect, but definitely among the best of novel adaptations. They managed to keep the essence of the novel, expanded some elements for more depth, but did not forget to connect it all in a sensical way.The plot was almost never dragged out by adding cliche romantic moments or misunderstanding, which is actually harder said than done, so props to the writer and production team for that; although this does make any character that aren't the leads feel like just plot devices as very little effort was put into fleshing their story out.
This show also raised the bar on how to write and portray a romance. Beautiful, healthy and also very intimate relationship between the leads. Also love the fact that even in a relationship, they still stay true to their core. One remains a kind and simple slacker, while the othet is still that ruthless grandmaster working towards his original goal. Male lead didn't just magically turned into a self-righteous cultivator after experiencing peace and love.
Overall, this was a great experience. Can't remember the last time I have enjoyed a xianxia this much. Definitely my top favourite for this year and I can see myself rewatching this a lot.
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