Du Kai’s Best work yet - gripping and intense the kind that makes history
Despite the veteran powerhouse actors crowing this delightful offering, it’s Xu Kai that stands out in this brilliant production. The story is gripping the treatment is perfect and the casting is a dream. It’s hard. It’s gritty and it’s painful. He is not the heartthrob hero this time. He is so wrong and yet so right. You empathise with him despite everything he is doing because his eyes tell a story of love, suffering and desperation. It’s perfect. His villainousness is perfectly balanced with his fragility and determination. It’s a treat to watch this wonderful work where the actor known for his smooth looks and model appearance has willingly forgone the polish of glamour for a hard hitting role. It could have gone either way. But this is one villain we will all love because somehow his story means more than morality itself. His father’s stark high moral character in the drama is a perfect foil for his flawed broken person. His weakness and actions seem superfluous despite how wrong they are. Because the audience is still cheering him on. For once, waiting for the good guys to fail. What a treat! And definitely not to be missed. I’m hooked and I know I’ll watch it again. Every episode was a gift. You start with trepidation- anxious whether the 2 leads will miraculously come out the other end as winners. But this is so real that all that hope is dashed in the wake of facts and real life. It feels wrong to support the ambiguity of Xu Kai's Chen Hui. But you support him anyways. He is chilling and thorough. But still so vulnerable and human. Can’t say enough about how well the layers and complexity of the character has been portrayed. I also can’t understand the low ratings. Are some viewers retarded?Was this review helpful to you?
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The best watch of 2025
Absolutely the best watch of this year and worth waiting for. From production and direction to unmatched performances by both the leads this slow burn historical romance with its fantasy elements, a kickass strong FL and a torn hurting ML subduing his emotions to find his father’s killer and unwillingly but surely compelled to fall for his life mate is an endearing watch that deserves multiple binge rewatches - just to see the two drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Burning and irresistible. The comments regarding the deadpan face acting from KAI are baseless. Read the book. The character is SUPPOSED to be withdrawn, expressionless and restrained. Both Kai and XiWei are well matched in talent and chemistry. The way he falls for her first while she unknowingly is bewitched is so beautiful. She has a strong storyline of an uber strong powerful demon lead while he has humble beginnings and rare unmatched talent and bravery. It’s an enduring story - the kind that fairytales are made of. And the 2 actors have loved the story to its full potential. The way Kai’s expression goes from stone face composed to full panic and fearful when she is in danger is like a page turner from great story to great romance. The best thing about the series is that the story is strong and meaningful and not just and excuse to throw a couple together for a few kiss scenes and irrational romantic moments. Despite being a tv production, the AI, CGI and all manner of special effects are expertly executed. Its a high quality timeless legend that will go on to become an all time classic.Was this review helpful to you?
