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I have rewatched this drama so many times and I still love it so much.

This is always the drama I recommend when someone asks for one.

I love everything from the handsome Dylan Wang to my ultimate favourite Esther Yu, to the emotional music to the beautiful costumes, to the plot twists. There are some scenes that are boring, but I was able to get through them without much skipping. But nonetheless, I ended up rewatching the drama like 5 times and even watched the "boring" scenes again because the drama ended up being so so good!

If you are debating whether or not you should spend time on this drama. I beg you to watch it!! It is the best!

SPOILERS:
I know some people were not as satisfied with the ending because it was this cyclic idea where he waits for her, then she waits for him, then he waits for her again. But I think that's the whole point of their story - that they're always there for each other. I think it's the perfect ending for them where they are finally able to settle down in the place they grew most close together yet still have the powers and control of the universe.

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This is truly worth the watch and I think it will be hard for me to find a drama to top this.

I have watched thousands of Chinese dramas. I have watched pretty much every thing out there, and I can say that the moment I finished Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, it took #1 of my favourite drama lists.

I've heard and read lots about this drama and every aspect, I give 10/10. I have so much to say about this drama. SPOILERS AHEAD as part of analysis.

Story:
I get bored from Chinese dramas very easily and I will skip scenes that I find redundant and not worthy of screen time. In this drama, every second was successfully intriguing, and every detail contributed to the exemplary plotline. Unlike other dramas where some episodes could clearly be cut out or scenes could be shortened, every second is meaningful in this drama. The story is so unique and carries such important lessons.

I love the focus on the the Four Masters of the Bamboo Forest which showcases the power of friendship bonds and that no matter what they went through, they fought for each other, as a group. Sometimes these friendship groups are executed in other dramas, but leave the group focus as the characters shift to their sub-romantic relationships. This drama shows the characters falling for each other romantically, but that friendship bond continues to hold them together.

Another key element about the storyline that I was deeply moved by was the narration and antagonist shift at the end of the show. At first, it may be irritating that Miao Miao "forgets" her dream/what happened (though she does end up remembering once she sees Fu Zhou), but that's the whole point. As Zi Qi is in his memory/game capsule, he is told that he was always meant to just be the "side character". Which is why we've been seeing Miao Miao as the antagonist. From this moment on, I love how the narration shifts to Fu Zhou and his healing of his childhood trauma as he decides to finally become the main character of his life. It blended the Demon-Catching world really effectively to the real world, which contributed to such a satisfying ending. It is such a beautiful element of a Chinese drama that I have not yet seen up until now. From the personal healing of every single character in the show, to the well woven plot twists, the story was exceptional.

Acting/Cast:
The acting of every of the main characters was also top tier. I love Yang Shi Ze's acting skills in portraying Fu Yi as a strong and stable man, yet gentle and just. I love Zhu Xu Dan's portrayal of Mu Yao's gentle, feminine, kind, yet strict, powerful, and strong character. Esther has been one of my top favourite actresses since Love Between Fairy and Devil, and I have watched all of her works, her acting never fails to impress. Her duality in being cute and bubbly yet strong and powerful always so emotional. Ding Yu Xi was the perfect cast for Zi Qi , joke-y and energetic yet dominant. All the characters are so complex, characterized in the most impactful way, and acted perfectly.

I know some people complain about how there was not much "kissing scenes" for Miao Miao and Zi Qi - but that is also so intentional. I perceive it the way that because, it is written by Fu Zhou and he was never able to confess to Miao Miao or get enough courage to start a relationship with Miao Miao. So how is he supposed to include romantic scenes with Miao Miao in the book if it was intangible to him in reality? Also it is obviously a directorial choice as Fu Yi and Mu Yao have such cute scenes. That being said, Esther and Ding Yu Xi didn't need kissing scenes to have such excellent chemistry. And if you want more kissing scenes with Esther and Yu Xi, just go watch Moonlight haha (you'll find Fu Yi there too).


Music:
The music is perfect for every situation. Some dramas fail to include music that matches the scene's ambience and tone. The musicality of the entire OST is perfect and paints the emotional picture that the director is aiming to reveal. Esther and Cyndi Wang have such a beautiful voice.

Rewatch Value:
I have not rewatched it yet, but even just thinking back about the earlier episodes, there are so many Easter Eggs that pop up. I'm sure rewatching it will be just as engaging and exciting as watching it for the first time.


Overall:
I'm so happy that this director got an award for this drama. This is truly worth the watch and I think it will be hard for me to find a drama to top this.

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