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Eternally yours, Yuan Zhong/Ji Tan Yin
I watched this for the leads, mature but skillful actors and aesthetically pleasing too. Without them, I would have stopped a quarter way through. Much of their dialogue holds hidden meanings despite the seemingly simple words uttered. Saying without saying - that’s the lingo to describe the roundabout way they speak sometimes. It makes one think and some of those scenes are delivered with such intense emotions they fly out of the screen and ram straight into the hearts of the audience. The one they had at the wishing well was particularly memorable for me.Ji Tan Yin’s skills in craft are also formidable as is how Yuan Zhong stays unfettered when weapons fly within an inch of his face. I like how the drama took time to develop their characters and their relationship - slowly and steadily - to one that I am inclined to believe will run eternal. It’s a wistful end but beautifully done.
I said this in another forum but I’ll say it again in this review - YZ’s belief in JTY is so strong it’s almost a religion.
The strength in her convictions is enough to turn an atheist into a pious believer. That belief is stubbornly held onto by a man whose life changed because of the woman who gave him hope. Love too. She’s his reason to live. And to wait for day they may reunite. I don’t believe she’ll return but she’ll exist in the dragonflies, flowers, the wind and in his heart. Not sure about his lifespan and how long he has to wait or if the wait would bear fruit, but he defied death, and where she is concerned, the gods have strange rules. Hope lives.
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Rare Xianxia Treat
This is a fantasy romance drama with gorgeous visuals,breathtaking leads, and a rare sort of ending that satisfies.
Deng Wei absolutely steals the show as Su Yi Shui - his
ethereal beauty, combined with his ability to convey deep emotions through the smallest raises in eyebrows, pretty tears and hidden smiles, makes his performance both mesmerizing and heartbreaking. There’s a certain elegance in the way he moves, from his sword fights to the way he simply looks at the female lead, and honestly, it’s hard to take your eyes off him. The man was made for Xianxia and long, flowing robes.
His co-star, Xiang Han Zhi, is adorable as the reincarnated Xue Ran Ran. She brings an infectious charm to the role, balancing playful mischief with hints of her past life’s wisdom. While she could do with more gravitas needed for her Shifu role , she nails the cute and lively side of the character, making her a perfect contrast to Deng Wei’s brooding elegance. Their romance is sweet and true, and watching their relationship evolve, especially in eps31-34 which were corny, was both hilarious and entertaining .
And that ending—finally, a Xianxia drama that doesn’t
leave us in emotional ruins! Instead of the typically
tragic fate, we get a deeply satisfying conclusion that
actually rewards the characters (and the audience!) for
their trials and tribulations. Deng Wei’s character also
took an amusing turn for one of the cardinal sins took
centre stage. For a person who waited two lifetimes for his love to come true, we must understand his needs. The playful conversations are full of innuendos and tells us what’s been happening in his dreams. The boy disciple has definitely grown into a hot blooded man.
The mix of romance, fantasy, and action keeps things engaging, and while some CGI moments could have been better, the overall production is a visual treat.
If you love a beautifully shot drama with a stunning cast, heartfelt romance, and a lead actor who looks like he stepped out of a dream, Love of the Divine Tree is definitely one to check out.
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Tension, Tension, Everywhere
As someone who devoured the novel with the restraint of a squirrel, I was, as usual, a wee bit skeptical about the drama adaptation.Thankfully, the drama gets so much right with Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruonan as leads. While it makes a few adjustments for pacing and side character development, it stays faithful to the heart of the novel: two people who once let misunderstandings and bad timing tear them apart, finally getting the second chance they deserve. And yes, Sang Yan is still the same smug menace we all love.
Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan’s dynamic is the heart of this story, and the drama adaptation absolutely nails it. Sang Yan is exactly as he should be: annoyingly charming, quick with a joke, and 100% the kind of man who would rather jump down a cliff than admit he’s been emotionally wrecked for years. Meanwhile, Wen Yi Fan remains the warm but emotionally-guarded girl who is composed outwardly but internally, also a wreck.
Sang Yan spends much of the first half acting flippant. Throwing out shameless one-liners? Check. Smirking like he owns the world? Check. When Yi Fan looking at him like he’s an overgrown child? Double check. Bai JT and ZhangRN do this so well.
Come Ep 17 a.k.a. The Moment I Ascended to Another Plane of Existence: Sang Yan, who has spent YEARS acting like nothing matters, finally lays his heart bare with vulnerabilities all laid out, though to a sleeping Yi Fan. The scenes immediately after totally turned the relationship. At this point, my logical self had clocked out. All that remained was my romance-loving soul screaming.
The drama is as much about first love and tardy communication as it is about timing, growth, and learning how to not mess up a good thing for the second time. If you loved the novel, you’ll love this adaptation. If you’re new to the story, prepare yourself for an emotionally -constipated male lead who thinks he is smooth, a sharp and independent heroine who can dismantle his entire existence with a look, AND enough emotional tension to power a small city.
Highly recommended!
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Love is the Cure
Much touted revenge-themed period drama with smart leads navigating venom-laced paths together under the weight of a bitter past and heavy familial burdens.Though forced together by an awkward alliance to sooth the terrible betrayal years back, both leads know nothing good would come of the wretched union. Yet, mutual attraction seems thinly-veiled — 5 eps in and we see gradual understanding and respect despite what is deemed irreconcilable differences. There were some good moments- a great sign hopefully of what’s to come!
The tension in the story is kept taut, and the layers are coming off bit by bit. Characters are being nicely developed with backstories and side stories. So far, very good!
Liu Yu Ning’s character reminds me of the one he played in The Story of the Pearl Girl - brilliantly savage yet kind but to only a few. Song Zuer is fun to watch as she flits from one emotion to another, but is steadfast in her pursuits.
A priority on my must-watch list!
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