WhiteTea

A Romantic&Light Xian Xia

While this seem to just another XianXia cdrama trope. Master-disciple , reincarnation and etc. But the feel probably will be different especially with how romance is shown. Im a sucker for "undying love between 2" trope in romance.

However what I like about this drama is how the main cp know their own hearts and sort of follow it. (Even though right now ML is supressing it in order to help and fulfill his master wish but I am sure that soon he will do what he wants).
Su Yishui and Ranran scenes are just so worth giggling for. And I have big smile everytime their sweet scenes come. I guess i like this trope of cold but devoted ml and bubbly cute and straight forward fl.
I like everyone actings here. They all just fit to their roles.
And the cinematography and cgi (for c drama) is perfect. I hope to see more of the white tiger in upcoming eps both its original size and the small cute one. The lightning in fighting scenes do not bother me like some other Xian Xias do.
And the osts are just so nice. I love all the 6 songs i have listened. But my two favourites will be One Tree, Two People by Tia Ray and Circle of Fate by Liu Yining.

Update on my thoughts (Spoilers 🚨)
The production and CGI never fails till the end.
I love all the actions and fighting scenes. Its 100/10 for me.
As for the story, I love how we SYS/MQG loves each other as shown. I was giggling in most of their scene.
The ending is actually quite happy. (Feel rushed a little)
I am grateful this adaptation keeps many characters alive just like in novel. But i find the last scene to be very childish cringe in way they (mature cultivators ) taking token to be domestic slave. Lol Imany find it cute. I just cant. 😅 WHY CANT THEY DO IT TOGETHER which would be more fulfilling for me.

All in all I enjoy the show despite something i wish there is. My overall score is 9.5/10.

(I personally prefer the novel and the build up plot for the divine tree. Guess i prefer more grounded Ranran in novel although I do appreciate straight forwardness of mqg/rr in the drama. Im annoyed mqg was quite nice to Suyu in drama even after things happened. Another thing is I dont like this lotus freeze technique to torture ML whenever he felt emotion. And him having to push away fl when she confessed . I prefer the version of novel more in which Su Yishui can control Spirit Spring to a level. I somehow did not feel hes pushy. Besides i, as novel fan, also cut score drama for cutting out on their original lives in heaven while ML was sent to mortal world as demon child and why MQG had to recruit and forced him to be her disciple. I much prefer how in novel he is demon immortal and can control his demonic power to use it very consciously , not actually possessed by it as shown in later eps in drama. Of course these are just my personal preferences. )

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Beautiful Aesthetic and Heartwreck!

Story of Sword and Beloved tells of a perfect hero who was born to save the world and sacrifice. And yep I will say the villain is very powerful.
I like all the casts here. However, the story doesnt connect to me. I think Fugui character overall is fine. He is born for being a hero. There seem to be somewhat romantic love between ml and fl. But the story take different direction in ep16. Overall one should not expect romance from the main couple in a sweet passion and romantic way at all. There are a lot of focus on side characters and side couples. In 10 of episodes male lead Fugui only appear few mins like 2 to 5 mins. And ml and fl were separated over 10 episodes. I would say ml character is steady. However, I dislike the progress of female lead.
Although in the the main villain Black Fox is defeated, hero has to sacrifice almost everything, including having to those who he care. So this is still tragedy. That is why my ratings are low.
I recommend it to every Cheng Yi's fans. The action scenes are well short. And of course those who dont mind tragedy.
The production of course is a standard....the world building and cgi are just beautiful.
My favorite osts are Unyielding Against Ten Thousand Swords by Liu Yun Ning.
Who Can by Li Qi and My Dear by Ye Xuanqing.

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Strong Woman and Handsome Marquise!

FINALLY DONE! 🎉
Pursuit of Jade is certainly not the best drama I have ever watched. The themes and ingredients are hardly new. However, in a long long time, this is the Chinese drama that I got hooked most until near end episodes. It is undoubtedly enjoyable but also undeniably flaw.

Grounded Humble Theme with Blend of Royal Politics&War

The drama started with humble village Lin An, where the humble Fan Chang Yu made a living by butchering pigs and selling pork, and looking after her little sister. Then one day she helped this handsome injured man (Marquis of Wu An) covered in snow , out of compassion and taking it as her mother telling her to save him since, her decased mother hair pin from her head fell into the unconscious man hand. I like her compassion. I do like how the story takes place long time in the village which gives warm, cozy but also chaos feeling of each episode alongside with how the main couple feelings growing for each other as getting close. The village has both bad and good people. There is Fan Chang Yu's ex betrothed family. Because her deceased father had helped him got education, the mother had promised to let her son marry her as a repay but as Fan Chang Yu parents died, she no longer want to involved with the poor girl so she spread bad rumors about Fan Chang Yu as a bad luck and another woman from the town spread this and bad mouth even further. As annoying as they are, its actually entertaining to watch. And then there's the town thugs who try to mobbed Chang Yu's home but later this group would become one of her strongest aid. As good or bad as they are, I like how the town and its people as still "innocent" comparing with the high power that effect the town. And it is we because I bonded so much with them that when the place was masscared, I was very heart felt and sad. I even feel felt so much for the bad mouth woman who just come to accept Chang Yu not so long ago.
Politics and background story was not clearly explained until late episodes. And throughout , we would like to know what are the connections between female lead and male lead.
Romance
I think the main lead couple romance is told well done. However it's not overly angsty. In fact, they had more important issues to handle than hating each. Most of the time they treat each other with caring a lot. Its super clear the two attracted to each other a lot. The issues such as male lead or marquis, not telling her his real position and her dad being traitor(framed) are handle quickly. I like this type of romance when the two lovers tried to understand each other with love. Even though I still cannot call it absolute green as we can male lead was possessive and show firery enough. For me, it is a caring union with strong passion.
And we also have second couple, Kongsun Yin, Marquis's best friend and Princess Qi Shu, who were also clearly in love since start. Nevertheless, miscommunication and other stuffs keep this couple from telling each other feelings for a long time. Their interactions and scenes are cute and I enjoy watching them as well. Nevertheless, I think their scenes are still few and also I wish their story is told better. I still prefer main couple to them.
Villains
I'd say this drama has many villains. Their actions are unforgivable, from Rebel Prince Sui Clan, to Grand Tutor Li. And the main cause of the matters actually rooted in the past, caused by past people, that cause losses in present. The current generation suffer because of what is done before. For example, someone like the sick Qimin (son of deceased crown prince) become too damaged ever heal his sickness again, but physical and mental. All hes willing to do was to do damaged to those who wrong him before, or he believed it that way, that he missed to care about someone who was geniune to him as Sui Yuanqian, or to care properly for someone whom hes attracted to such as Yu Qian Qian. I am not going to spoil how he ended up. But it was a bitter sweet end for someone like him who was in pain throughout his life and commiting wrong doings. As for the rebel prince's son, Sui Yuanqian, its not surprise whom he was because after all he was born among the rebel with much less moral. At times, he gives me feeling that he was kind of a sadomasochist and can kill anyone very easily, moral and ethics are not in thoughts though he did care enough for his side of people, Dying at the hands of someone he cares and continue finish himself off to show repent to his side of person was the most suiting ends for him.
I cannot call Li Huai An "villain" as he certainly have good amount of compassion in general. But sadly he was very tied to his Li family and cannot go against his granddad Li, who was in fact the real one kinda encouraged the deceased King into doing such nonsense damages and wars with rebels. As consequences, Li Huai An has to suffered.
Another kinda grey character, that I'm quite intrigued with is Uncle Wei Yan. He is not a bad person, but have to act very to very tough and was harsh on his nephew. It is the way he care for nephew, male lead though. In final, episodes, he seemed to be very proud of what Xie Zheng, male lead has become. Because this position and place needs ruthlessness to survive and protect the ones that they care. He seems to accept the punishment with ease and leave this world with satisfactory. I hope that in after life or another lifetime, he get softer and successful in love life.
The Flaws
I wish the last 10 episodes could tell in more serious tone about those past ties. This would have made this drama impactful more for me. But what they showed was comedic clown emperor with his dumb eunuch and some other unnecessary stuffs. Its the comedy that doesn't make me laugh. And those real important facts looks slow down and dragged in telling and put it all in last two episodes. Nevertheless, cps scenes are still well done.
Despite that Pursuit of Jade is one the most perfect happy ending I have seen in a while. All the bad have to pay back and repent. Better ones get good endings. For this reason happy end sucker like me do not cut any scores at all.
I am also satisfied with the extra they put in as "what if" or "another dimension", where characters lives are more normal and happier. For me this is the good way to farewell to the characters that I care for last 40 episodes.
As for OST, it takes a while but I am now loving the end credit song, "I Tread Carefully with Fate" sang JJ Lin, and a couple song, "A Single Thought", sang by Zhang Zhining and Li Xinyi.
All in all my score is 10/10.
As for whether anyone will enjoy this show will depends on one's own taste in liking the story and casts. For me, the casting is superb, especially Tian Xi Wei. She is the perfect Fan Chang Yu I can think of.
I`m saying goodbye to Pursuit of Jade though I will visit this world again time to time.
Thank you to anyone who come into my review and reach here.
Sincerely,
WhiteTea (Winny)

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Below is my first review after I watched first 23 eps.

I came into this drama casually without any excpectation. I just would like to join my friends watching it.
But Hella...!!
I HAVEN'T BEEN ADDICTED TO ANY DRAMAS LIKE THIS FOR LONG TIME!
Storytelling!
Of course, the way the drama tells a story is very important because it needs to hook the viewers. The pace for this drama is just perfect. The viewers can get into story easily and engaged with the characters. We would just like to know what will happen next, what's been connection with these characters before eyesmet and we would like to see how the story will reveal them.
The Main CP
Its such a cozy heartwarming start which totally won over me. I'm into love stories when a couple care for each other.
Both are very strong. She had to struggle for life, working as butcher to look after her little sister. If she doesn't butcher pigs they might have enough to eat. Its cute how she pray for little pigs to go born as good human before killing them. Our kind female lead could not abandon the random man frozing in snow.
He was injured and physically weak, however even with that we can see whenever he recovered, he can become quite a strong and smart guy. He had plans and stuff. We can all see he fell in love and hesitate to leave. There is this one thing, we viewers can see the two leads are clearly in love. But both of them do not confessed it. Even up to ep23, they haven't confessed it yet. That's frustrating. I am not fond of the fact that male lead didnt tell the truth to female lead of who he is. (I think this is probably because of their different in status? and probably think she may leave if she know who he is. But LOL making her knowing delay will increase her anger for feeling decived) However, their union of smart, strong general and looking normal and cute but also very strong and street smart lady is just my cup of tea.

The Villains
I like how the main crazy villains come in a little later in story. And those baddie in earlier in village are in comparison are much innocent. (That's including the bad mouth gossip granny but for female lead's ex betrothed and his mom, they are good for nothing).
About main villains, or true real grey characters such as Yuan Qing and Qimin and others, the show did well on showing to viewers on how smart but also mad they can be and its probably due to their past trauma.
I give props on how the show make thier vibes to be engaging and interesting.

The Cinematography
This is a winter snow falling theme that ryhme with the bloody war that is happening for me. It gives me the vibe of beautiful but also rough weather. And i also the war scenes between mountains and valleys.

The osts are bit slow for me but not bad.
Im giving the show 10/10 so far. I hope it stays this way to end with good wrap up.

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Legend of Shen Li

Review with Some Spoilers!!(Not Major Spoilers Though)

Plot (10/10)
There is nothing really I do not like when it comes to the storyline of "Legend of Shen Li". It is still unique in its one way although it has similar plotline. Despite the politics and heavenly war stuffs, the plot is mainly romance focus and I could say it is bickering type. It is not something I favor most of the time. However, everything has exception. I completely love our main couple romance. It is just so deep. With blend of their bickering comedy, it falls into romantic comedy genre which is my favorite genre of all times. Of course its not only main couple relationship that is intrigueing but also their relationships with other characters are also special. The way Shen Li and her master, Shen Mu Yue, came to understand each other is awesome. Apart from main couple, Shen Li's parents love story is also very heart felt one.

Characters(9.8/10)
Shen Li
We have a female lead who is headstrong and is strong both physical and mental. Shen Li mostly sounds rational and even masculine at times as if she's the goddess of war. Her collection of weapons was awesome. However, Shen Li is a woman. She does have this vulnerable side. After all she ran away arranged marriage that might benefit her tribe because she cannot stand her groom to be, whose known as playboy, and also the marriage does not involve mutual love.
Zhao Li Ying is perfect for Shen Li who is beautiful, proud, brave, strong, stubborn but also straight forward with her feelings. And it's good news to me that Li Ying is executive producer of this drama.

Xing Shi/Xing Yun
He just reminds me straightly of Dong Hua from Eternal Love of Dream. The tricky ways he used on Shen Li, to look after him and stay with him, are evidences. Of course theres no harsh ways. And the scenes are cute. TRUELY ROMANTIC COMEDY!. One more thing he is similar to Dong Hua is that of his being highest status in heaven, and his being lonely because of it. He is usually behind the scenes, helping or support our female lead, Shen Li.
I must have seen Lin Geng Xin before. I just did not exactly where. At first he did not really look that good on me. But as I continue to watch the drama, I find him more and more handsome. He really is a good looking man, and his acting is flawless here.

Apart from the two main characters, Fu Rong Jun, Shen Li's fiance and his cousin, You Lan are entertaining characters, especially the way You Lan took Fu Rong Jun's memories of Shen Li and Xing Yun scenes, and watch them as if she's watching a romantic drama and the CP fan, that make me fall off chair from laughter. But she's someone I resonate with at times though.

And about Mo Fang, Shen Li's General, I already have a feeling he did have some feelings for Shen Li already and was likely feeling sorry for him but as the plot progressed, his plotline did not go as I imagine. It is good I does not have heartbreak for him that much at his ending.

Cinematography(9.5/10)
The Legend of Shen Li is a good standard quality of Chinese costume production. Every visual is a standard. (I am saying like this because I am encountering the ones that I prefer the cinematography this year.)
My favourite cinematography had to be the scene Xing Yun turned the ocean into ice and looked for ShenLi with heart break, because he thought she was under the ocean. That's so majestic for me and also reminding me of Frozen.

The Flow(9.5/10)
It is nearly perfect with 39 episodes. But there are times when it is a bit slow which is why I cutting out some scores. Moreover, I wish male lead was able to confessed earlier. But overall, the story is told very well.


The Ending(10/10)

It is one of the best drama ending I have come across. It wrapped up everything so well, not leaving out on any characters. Our main couple is very sweet. It is one of those drama end that left smiles on viewers and a warm heart.

The Music (8.5)
It is not the best but smooth and heartfelt along with drama. The thing is because I got more into soundtracks after getting into the drama.

I overally give it 9.5/10.
If you like Chinese Fantasy Costume Drama with a slice of Romantic Comedy (and with great acting) please give this drama a favour in trying out.

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Smart Heroic!!

This has been out for years now. But I just happened to finish watching. It's a good drama that I enjoy. No wonder why scores are quite high on it.

Plot
I love how much male lead is smart and planned everything, so his friend can be crowd king for the good of people, as well as to get those bad people who wronged him before. The development of his friend character from straight rightuous into adjusting it for the good.
The drama focuses a lot on game of politics yet characters'bonds and emotional sentimental feelings are also there, which is why its a delight. And yes theres enough fighting and wuxia(martial arts) scenes to enjoy. Romance is not main focus at all but its still included. A mature romance!
The only thing is that, it ended with ML having to be hero till end. It annoys me as I actually wanted him to live in peace after all. For that reason I deducted 1 score. But then I still don't call it bad ending.

Pacing and Cinematography
The pacing is perfect for me. Lol for some reason I got into the drama with ease, I like the way the characters are introduced, it doesnt give me much confusion as some other of this genre type drama did.
Cinematography is natural or it gives natural feelings. It relaxed my eyes. I love how its so different from CGI usage these days. But the drama is S+ production of the time for sure.

All in all, I give it 9/10. A Grade.

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Entertaining beyond my expectation!

I have now watched Love Beyond The Grave tup to episode 20 that is reaching to the half now. So its the time I come to express how I feel about the show before another half and overall come.

Initially, I just thought this is a typical Xianxia and not was not so much hyped on it. But I give it a chance. I am very happy that I did. And I also found this is not a Xianxia but a Xuanhuan.

Love Beyond the Grave tells a story of a strong powerful 400 years old ghost queen He Simu who yearned for the five senses she didnt have, and willing to experience them. (Bcos she was born out of love. Her own mother was once a mortal. But she could not enjoy the five sense just like her father who ruled the spirit). She met this young general called Duan Xu who held the sword called The Deliverance, which could said that it could lift her curse not able to have five senses. She surprised that a mere mortal could master such object, so she used her own wits to get closed him. She pretend as if she were a poor delicate lady and victim of the war. Its not that he didn't suspected at all. Of cousre I guess Duan Xu suspected her from start that she was not ordinary, but just not openly say anything and let her forecast weather for the army and direction of the war he was leading.
Under a friendly face, Duan Xu had a very dark past, in which he had to slaughter a lot of people for survival, in which he was no longer scared of anything whether death anything beyond human. He can be nice to people in general but when he kill and have to do the deed, he was indeed and cold and ruthless. For me he was both green flag and red flag in the right way. In my watching drama experience, I have liked and admired many mls who are mostly green, red and even dark flag at times. But this is very rare few time I have ever head over heeled and deeply completely wipped. No matter how much ruthless Duan Xu is, he is still a good guy and devoted to love so he wont regret when death come to him. Actually both He Simu and Duan Xu are strong and cunning but also maintain a good heart. I like how He Simu mostly only show her girly cute and warm side to Duan Xu in which he fell for her. He risked all to follow her to her spirit world when she must return. He Simu would push him away for their own good even though its so obvious shes deeply in love with him too now.
Its not easy for two different species to get together although not impossible.
The sensual between the cp is here, we can all see and feel (i guess). Diliraba and Chen Feiyu` chemistry is superb and im looking forward to see will they will be when both confessed, how much more passion&sensual we will be feeded.
That is for now.
My rating for this drama is 10/10. Its such a surprise that this become another rare drama I am very hooked. I just hope its good till end, and I will be back to review the whole drama again.

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