This review may contain spoilers
A storytelling review!,
First and foremost, I know that this is not a short story so my ratings may not be taken seriously. However, to really make a reasonable rating for the story, I will have to divide the parts into the plot of a short story. At least that way, the best part will be taken into account despite the draggy pacing and unnecessary events that happened.Exposition/Beginning: 8
The story began interestingly. It was hooky and would try our patience just because we couldn't wait for another episode again. The setting and context of the story were well laid. It was into my liking and it was pretty worthwhile.
Rising Action: The happenings before the climax. 7.8
Poisoning. Peach Village. Parting. The events were pretty much acceptable though some little events felt unnecessary to me. Perhaps the beginning of the story was more memorable to me.
Climax or should I say, Episode 12? Lol. I'm gonna give this an 8.9 rate. It was the best and most interesting part of the story. Purest Sun Flame mastery at the most crucial time, discarding sword, starting anew to wander and see the world that was deprived-- it was a masterpiece. I was particularly hooked and I awaited for much meaningful journey that lies ahead. I wondered how the soldier would warm up to the world. It was so intense. Notwithstanding, that climax couldn't afford to get a 9 from me because, maybe,some dialogues felt off and/or an edit esp. with the PSF wasn't polished enough? Nevertheless, it was still an 8.9 to me.
The events after the climactic part weren't very good to me. Family issues all the way through: QJT and QC; QT being unable to see through her brother earlier; Fugui sent to Western regions, being friends with Fan Yunfei; Rumu assuming the role of the soldier because he was too heartbroken for his cousin; 3rd couple; the conflict between the 3 clans in Western regions and how the love story of the 3rd couple survived the crises---were either interesting or boring. I hoped they resolved QC's issue after an episode or two of being a villain rather than making it too long and deep to show us how evil he in all actuality was. And how about the case of the Mistress of Silk Cave? After being illumined and helping Fugui once, she never appeared again. Only her messenger/s was/were seen. No crucial alliance was formed. Perhaps, the best part among these was the pulling of Heaven-and-Earth Strike. I might as well count the astrologer's dance, Fan Yunfei vs. QC and Fugui vs. the guard parts for these were at least fun to watch. Hihi. Hence, I'm gonna give this a 5.5. It was just underwhelming altogether.
Let's talk about the Myriad Blight Formation (MBF) case. It wasn't impactful enough but was rather unconvincing. Among all the living beings in Western Regions, only the 3 in the MBF, 1 against Gulizan and Fugui against the spreading MBF were there. It was too big of a case to not be noticed by others. Why were there no other beings to give a hand? 🥹 Too bad, it didn't do well to me. It is a 5.
Towards the end- 6.2
The denouement was sad but it wasn't the reason why I gave it 6.2. QJT (I hate him to the bones) "I hate you because you are hateful," said Di Feisheng🤭🤣. Poor decision making was depicted.😁 The ending was peaceful but painful. Yes, I accept such ending but, does the way have to be like that? Was there no other way? Fugui was smart. His character was made smart but, how were those deeds smart?
The beginning was better than the ending.
I don't mind sad endings but, I mind how it turned out that way.
Overall rating for the story: 8, 7.8, 8.9, 5.5, 5, 6.2 will give an average of 6.9. It shall be 7 then.
Note: I love the acting though there were flaws. Cheng Yi acted the emotionless soldier exceptionally. I also loved it when I caught a glimpse of Xuan Ye.😁😁The editing wasn't bad but it wasn't polished enough.
Gonna wait for another actor Cheng Yi's drama. For the meantime, I'll watch his other dramas and surely, will rewatch the ones that I personally favor (TJOL and MLC).
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A drama worth your while.
Despite knowing how actor Cheng Yi's dramas typically end, I still hoped he would not die here. The ending was open, but it implied something. This drama gave me a different feeling. He was always misunderstood. He was betrayed but, he kept going. He served justice. He forgave. He let go. Li Lianhua's character was sincerely amazing. A very well written character, I must say. He didn't seem to have flaws. He was matured, understanding and forgiving. His former self, Li Xiangyi, was proud but firm. Li Lianhua's main strength was mental, Li Xiangyi's was physical. Fang Doubing/Xiaobao was also a charming character. His sense of justice was astounding. Di Feisheng was pretty interesting. No wonder Jiao Liaqiao was so obsessed.🤣🤣🤣Anyway, the three faces of this story, Li Lianhua/Xiangyi, Fang Xiaobao/Doubing and Di Feisheng/Fei are all great characters. The author seemed to have carefully thought how the characters would grasp the heart of the audience. Another thing worth mentioning is the twist towards the end (ep 39). That had me taken aback! Just wow! I also love to watch how people repent and work together for a peaceful future. Although many characters have little screentime, the plot of the story was still flawless. Great work! Congratulations!
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This drama is well executed and projected.
At first, the drama seemed a little light-hearted. As we watched it continuously, it got deeper and deeper not only picking the interest but touching the hearts of many. Very great drama with exceptional execution of the fight scenes and heartfelt acting. The drama set the bar high to me and I can't find any drama with such astounding fight scenes. (I am very particular when it comes to fight scenes because I love watching martial arts).I love how the story unfolded and I realized how difficult it is to be a hero, seeking righteous justice. The denouement broke my heart but it made me realize that no matter how painful the consequences are, if we're doing something for righteousness, we should accept the duty, responsibility and result. Too much for my soft heart but too good to be disregarded.
I love the osts here and hearing them from time to time pleases my ears.
This is the BEST drama I've ever watched despite its flaws. Congratulations to all who contributed to the success of this drama! Salute to you all!!!💙💙💙💙
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A great drama, but painful in its own.
This is just too painful for me to watch again. I liked the story, it seeps through the bones. It touches the heart but, it also breaks it. Any time something undesirable happened, I would say "Despicable! How despicable!"Although the drama is good and so is the acting, I can't bear to watch it again as it would only break my heart and I would grieve over the fate of the characters all over again.
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