This review may contain spoilers
Slow burn fantasy battle
Overall I enjoyed this even though I usually avoid xianxia genre. This is a slow burn, low romance between an ancient god and a demon (warrior) princess type. The series can be separated into several different parts with the first two more lighthearted and fun with playful banter and situations. It would be fine for a family to watch together. The rest of the series might get a little dark for young ones.
The first part has Shen Li defying the marriage order, falling to the human realm and becoming under the care of Xing Zhi. No surprises here but it has a gentle warmth. The CGI phoenix chicken is a bit cheesy but I rather liked that. This sets the stage for the romance with a suppressed male lead who emotes little (after all he's thousands of years old and a god), with a fiery female lead who would like to kill whoever bothers her.
The second section is mostly in the demon realm where Shen Li and Fu Rong (playboy immortal) square off against each other regarding this arranged marriage. We get a hint of the bigger problem (the Chemi and sealing off the abyss), and of Xing Zhi's jealousy. About halfway through we FINALLY learn why Xing Zhi is keeping Shen Li at a distance - the price is high if he gives in to his emotions. I think this does a disservice to viewers as it becomes frustrating wondering why he can't just love her (until we gain this explanation).
The third part our villains get more dangerous and a lot of people are harmed. Shen Li makes a huge sacrifice (and why, why doesn't Xing Zhi go with her? that was super unclear to me. Because she didn't ask for his help? Because he wanted to separate himself from her problems? why??).
The last part is Xing Zhi's journey, and there are some real tear jerkers here. Him going to the ocean to try to find her, when he does find her, and then helping her to heal got me to mist up.
While I am glad they gave me a HEA, the end seemed shoe-horned on. And the last episode with Jin was completely out of the ballpark in terms of tone. In the end, it just lacks the emotional resonance that I found in Dream within a Dream, and The Double.
Plot confusion: I really think the hall of ancestors of the gods was way underutilized in the worldbuilding. They gave Shen Li certain memories of Xing Zhi so they had some sentient awareness. At the end they seemed to thank Xing Zhi for his actions or at least send him off with respect. It was my thought that since Xing Zhi was born without a known purpose, his actual purpose was to act outside the Natural Law and bring down a system that prevented free will.
Romance: this is going to be a slow burn, mature lovers, with only a few steamy scenes. Most of the relationship is going to be banter and looks (his are far more guarded). This might not be satisfying to some viewers but I was fine with it.
Music: excellent.
Sets: Probably my favorite was the Sky Above with the white circle and marble/brush line throughout. The Immortals was the most boring (as were the Immortals themselves LOL).
Costumes/Jewelry: Loved the costumes, especially the military uniforms of the demon squad. Shen Li had some jewelry I really loved. The turquoise necklace paired with the gold chain; and the dark blue stone that were earrings and a necklace of three pieces edged in gold. Very pretty.
Underutilized roles: the goddess You La- really glad she was showed up to help Shen Li break out (and I also liked her eye makeup during this scene). General Shang Bei who wanted to hear all the gossip. Would have loved to seen him more.
Villains: they bored me. The situation with Mofang went on way too long. Just kill him already. PLEASE!
Overall it was a good watch and kept me wondering what would happen at the end.
The first part has Shen Li defying the marriage order, falling to the human realm and becoming under the care of Xing Zhi. No surprises here but it has a gentle warmth. The CGI phoenix chicken is a bit cheesy but I rather liked that. This sets the stage for the romance with a suppressed male lead who emotes little (after all he's thousands of years old and a god), with a fiery female lead who would like to kill whoever bothers her.
The second section is mostly in the demon realm where Shen Li and Fu Rong (playboy immortal) square off against each other regarding this arranged marriage. We get a hint of the bigger problem (the Chemi and sealing off the abyss), and of Xing Zhi's jealousy. About halfway through we FINALLY learn why Xing Zhi is keeping Shen Li at a distance - the price is high if he gives in to his emotions. I think this does a disservice to viewers as it becomes frustrating wondering why he can't just love her (until we gain this explanation).
The third part our villains get more dangerous and a lot of people are harmed. Shen Li makes a huge sacrifice (and why, why doesn't Xing Zhi go with her? that was super unclear to me. Because she didn't ask for his help? Because he wanted to separate himself from her problems? why??).
The last part is Xing Zhi's journey, and there are some real tear jerkers here. Him going to the ocean to try to find her, when he does find her, and then helping her to heal got me to mist up.
While I am glad they gave me a HEA, the end seemed shoe-horned on. And the last episode with Jin was completely out of the ballpark in terms of tone. In the end, it just lacks the emotional resonance that I found in Dream within a Dream, and The Double.
Plot confusion: I really think the hall of ancestors of the gods was way underutilized in the worldbuilding. They gave Shen Li certain memories of Xing Zhi so they had some sentient awareness. At the end they seemed to thank Xing Zhi for his actions or at least send him off with respect. It was my thought that since Xing Zhi was born without a known purpose, his actual purpose was to act outside the Natural Law and bring down a system that prevented free will.
Romance: this is going to be a slow burn, mature lovers, with only a few steamy scenes. Most of the relationship is going to be banter and looks (his are far more guarded). This might not be satisfying to some viewers but I was fine with it.
Music: excellent.
Sets: Probably my favorite was the Sky Above with the white circle and marble/brush line throughout. The Immortals was the most boring (as were the Immortals themselves LOL).
Costumes/Jewelry: Loved the costumes, especially the military uniforms of the demon squad. Shen Li had some jewelry I really loved. The turquoise necklace paired with the gold chain; and the dark blue stone that were earrings and a necklace of three pieces edged in gold. Very pretty.
Underutilized roles: the goddess You La- really glad she was showed up to help Shen Li break out (and I also liked her eye makeup during this scene). General Shang Bei who wanted to hear all the gossip. Would have loved to seen him more.
Villains: they bored me. The situation with Mofang went on way too long. Just kill him already. PLEASE!
Overall it was a good watch and kept me wondering what would happen at the end.
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