Sunbath12

My fondness for the Ancient Love Poetry universe led me to this drama. While it is far from the worst Chinese drama that I have watched, it is the weakest of the 3 dramas (so far) set in this world in my opinion. The incredible world building and themes established in the original Ancient Love Poetry drama are not developed here in a deeper way. Characters are mostly archetypal sketches, and the full length of 40 episodes somehow works against the storytelling, making it feel a bit overstretched by the end.

Still, there are moments here and there to be enjoyed. Personal highlights include when Bai Shuo's Dad sacrifices himself in the beginning, Tian Huo's story, and Bai Xi/Fu Ling's story. The drama's take on the timeless theme that love is the most powerful and enduring force in the universe still brings out a sense of hope and sincerity by the end of the story. But maybe it's my age speaking; having been around for a while, it will take something more than this type of drama to truly captivate me for 40 episodes.

If you are a fan of ALP or The Last Immortal or a fan of any of the cast (who do their best with what they have to work with), it is still worth checking out. If anything, it will be worth it to have playing Sa Ding Ding's OST over and over in your head - it's an incredibly catchy song and tune.