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This review may contain spoilers
Rewatch review...
My initial review of this series came at a time when I was just getting back into C-dramas and was highly critical of the lack of depth with the more modern evolution of them. But after a few years of watching enough of these more modern series, I've grown more accustomed and decided to re-watch this one again. My initial score was an overall 6 at the time.
I've upgraded the score this time around to be closer in line on the comparisons to other more modern series. And while this one still has its flaws, it was more enjoyable this second time around having become more forgiving with accepting the quality and having seen plenty of more horrendous ones.
Pros:
-- The friendships are very endearing in this one. Particularly between our main protagonist, his disciple, and his former "enemy". The supporting cast also do a pretty good job with building up their bond.
-- It's nice that while there is a main underlying mystery to uncover, the series follows a variety of cases that are solved by the ML which keeps the plot flow moving along.
-- Thankfully, the romance aspect in the series is kept at a minimum.
-- Multiple people undergo some level of character development which was appreciated.
Cons:
-- As with many other modern series, the dialogues sometimes feel shallow and predictable.
-- The resolution to the cases are a mixed bag. Some are intriguing as they try to consistently add a twist but others feel too convenient (easily finding the item they need or coming across a hint they just happened to overlook).
-- There are some sections where it felt like the scenario moved far too quickly and other sections that dragged on for too long.
-- Because there's so much going on with the series, it left a lot of room for plot holes.
-- (Slight spoiler) I would have preferred the ending of the original novel even if it is pretty depressing. There's a time and place to keep certain endings open-ended but it felt a bit pointless in this one.
The acting and action scenes are also pretty average but nonetheless it's still enjoyable. Of the main MLs, Li Lian Hua was the most convincing but also because he's usually cool-headed. The actor for Fang Duo Bing didn't emote very well but he manages to still be quite charming and was a much needed character to really make the series come together.
I've upgraded the score this time around to be closer in line on the comparisons to other more modern series. And while this one still has its flaws, it was more enjoyable this second time around having become more forgiving with accepting the quality and having seen plenty of more horrendous ones.
Pros:
-- The friendships are very endearing in this one. Particularly between our main protagonist, his disciple, and his former "enemy". The supporting cast also do a pretty good job with building up their bond.
-- It's nice that while there is a main underlying mystery to uncover, the series follows a variety of cases that are solved by the ML which keeps the plot flow moving along.
-- Thankfully, the romance aspect in the series is kept at a minimum.
-- Multiple people undergo some level of character development which was appreciated.
Cons:
-- As with many other modern series, the dialogues sometimes feel shallow and predictable.
-- The resolution to the cases are a mixed bag. Some are intriguing as they try to consistently add a twist but others feel too convenient (easily finding the item they need or coming across a hint they just happened to overlook).
-- There are some sections where it felt like the scenario moved far too quickly and other sections that dragged on for too long.
-- Because there's so much going on with the series, it left a lot of room for plot holes.
-- (Slight spoiler) I would have preferred the ending of the original novel even if it is pretty depressing. There's a time and place to keep certain endings open-ended but it felt a bit pointless in this one.
The acting and action scenes are also pretty average but nonetheless it's still enjoyable. Of the main MLs, Li Lian Hua was the most convincing but also because he's usually cool-headed. The actor for Fang Duo Bing didn't emote very well but he manages to still be quite charming and was a much needed character to really make the series come together.
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