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This review may contain spoilers
BEST DRAMA of 2025!
I’m still a bit at a loss for words after finishing this drama—and honestly considering a rewatch just to catch all the details in such a plot-dense story. Very few dramas keep me constantly on edge or deliver twists that genuinely surprise me. The unpredictability was refreshing. This was a revenge series done right.
Highlights:
- Cast: A star-studded lineup led by Cheng Yi and seasoned veteran actors who fully embodied the complexity of their characters. Every role felt raw, layered, and shaped by experience—they truly were the heart of the show.
- Production & cinematography: Visually stunning. While Cheng Yi’s character leans more toward strategy than martial arts, the action scenes handled by the rest of the cast were beautifully shot and impactful.
- Cheng Yi’s performance: Seeing him take on a darker, morally gray role was refreshing. He excels at portraying tragic heroes which is due to his ability to express very deep and complex emotions. I think he really showcased more his acting range in this role. Xie Huai An’s intelligence and calculated cruelty were almost terrifying. Watching his journey felt like a chess match—perfectly mirrored by the episode intros. You cannot help but root for him and just wish he could freely live his life (maybe lie on a chair with his cat - like the painting his sister made) until his hair would naturally turn gray again with age.
- Tight storytelling: No filler, no dragged-out arcs. Characters exited the story once their purpose was fulfilled (and yes, the show did not hold back on deaths). Everything served the plot.
- Themes: Beyond revenge, the drama explores cause and effect and how interconnected everyone is. Even as this is Xie Huai An’s story, viewing events from other perspectives makes it hard to truly hate his enemies.
Lows / things I hoped to see:
- Xiao Wen Jing’s development: His actions felt inconsistent at times—especially the impulsive killing early on and later stabbing his brother. While it can be explained as rash decision-making under emotional stress, his shift from 'enemy'/brat to ally felt a little off.
- Plot armor: Xie Huai An surviving repeated encounters with powerful enemies felt unrealistic, particularly the finale. The extra episode really needed a clearer explanation for how he survived the explosion (if the man shown was really him).
- Limited backstories: Some additional context on certain characters and their relationships would have added depth, even though the streamlined plot still worked well without it.
Overall, I still give this drama a perfect score. What I felt were 'small gaps' are far outweighed by the strong performances and gripping plot. If you’re looking for something darker than i.e. Nirvana in Fire, this is an easy recommendation.
Highlights:
- Cast: A star-studded lineup led by Cheng Yi and seasoned veteran actors who fully embodied the complexity of their characters. Every role felt raw, layered, and shaped by experience—they truly were the heart of the show.
- Production & cinematography: Visually stunning. While Cheng Yi’s character leans more toward strategy than martial arts, the action scenes handled by the rest of the cast were beautifully shot and impactful.
- Cheng Yi’s performance: Seeing him take on a darker, morally gray role was refreshing. He excels at portraying tragic heroes which is due to his ability to express very deep and complex emotions. I think he really showcased more his acting range in this role. Xie Huai An’s intelligence and calculated cruelty were almost terrifying. Watching his journey felt like a chess match—perfectly mirrored by the episode intros. You cannot help but root for him and just wish he could freely live his life (maybe lie on a chair with his cat - like the painting his sister made) until his hair would naturally turn gray again with age.
- Tight storytelling: No filler, no dragged-out arcs. Characters exited the story once their purpose was fulfilled (and yes, the show did not hold back on deaths). Everything served the plot.
- Themes: Beyond revenge, the drama explores cause and effect and how interconnected everyone is. Even as this is Xie Huai An’s story, viewing events from other perspectives makes it hard to truly hate his enemies.
Lows / things I hoped to see:
- Xiao Wen Jing’s development: His actions felt inconsistent at times—especially the impulsive killing early on and later stabbing his brother. While it can be explained as rash decision-making under emotional stress, his shift from 'enemy'/brat to ally felt a little off.
- Plot armor: Xie Huai An surviving repeated encounters with powerful enemies felt unrealistic, particularly the finale. The extra episode really needed a clearer explanation for how he survived the explosion (if the man shown was really him).
- Limited backstories: Some additional context on certain characters and their relationships would have added depth, even though the streamlined plot still worked well without it.
Overall, I still give this drama a perfect score. What I felt were 'small gaps' are far outweighed by the strong performances and gripping plot. If you’re looking for something darker than i.e. Nirvana in Fire, this is an easy recommendation.
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