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A cultivation story with powerful metaphor about humanity, mortality, and purpose
Xianxia drama is not a new thing to us, to the point that they are highly predictable. We have enjoyed various similar dramas before with the same composition involving cultivation, martial arts, magic, power leveling, immortality, godhood, righteousness versus evil, etc.. Characters like Han Li are plentiful, for example, Tang San in Douluo Continent (2021), Ning Que in Ever Night (2018), and even Xiao Se in The Blood of Youth (2023). We already know how the main character will end up: becoming the strongest among people. One thing that makes The Immortal Ascension (TIA) stand out is TIA takes the perspective of a mortal striving to attain immortality. A bottom-up view of the vast world where the story unfolds feels very fresh and adventurous.
So many things are praise-worthy in TIA, I won't repeat them in great detail for you. The cast is perfect, especially Yang Yang. He is very suitable for playing Han Li. The music, the opening and ending OSTs, are great. The game-like visuals for battle scenes, magical creatures, artifacts, place and setting, etc, are so eye pleasing. The way the story is structured is easy to follow, fast-paced, and thought-provoking, with quality dialogue. TIA has clearly set its themes and premises: (1) You were once a mortal. Don't forget that. (2) The world is vast. You must see that. (3) You are weak. You must be more tactful and fully prepared. TIA is about becoming an adventurous, high-achieving, and adaptable person without losing one’s humanity. Because of this, it is perfectly crafted as a character-driven story. We can closely observe Han Li’s changes and growth, and it resonates with us as the audience, who see reflections of our own struggles to become the best version of ourselves.
However, after finishing all episodes in this season, I have some worries to share about future installments. Will the director dare to take the risk of diverging from the manhua/ donghua version while maintaining the established premises, in order to further explore human issues with this story as a reflection? This drama should answer at least one question: If you have already reached the peak after all the struggles and sacrifices, what would make you remain human? The antagonists already show us the opposite: they cease to be human after gaining power, knowledge, and status. With great power, they abuse it and oppress the weak. With knowledge and so-called enlightenment, they turn their backs on the world and the suffering of others. With status, they build rigid structures to prevent others from ever reaching the peak. So, what should a protagonist be like? I want a whole portrayal of a hero who is not only triumphant on the battlefield, but also has the wisdom to write a better history for mankind.
I believe, cultivation stories can be powerful metaphors about humanity, humility, mortality, and purpose, yet too often they stop at power escalation and fan service. TIA Season 1 already shows us 50% of this potential. It is a meaningful story that resonates beyond its genre. People should see these "intellectual gems". TIA is not just another flashy xianxia power fantasy.
For Season 2 in the future, I hope this drama does not abandon the human aspect of becoming an immortal, for it is not only about the sense of justice in the face of oppression. It is also about valuing life—the everyday struggles, love, and relationships—despite the weakness and inevitability of death. I believe life is not only about a man's goals. There should be a righteous "why" behind the power cultivated. Since no one in the real world can truly become an immortal or a god, I hope this drama does not dwell too much in the fantasy realm or become obsessed with power leveling to the point of impossibility. Otherwise, this drama will be nothing more than a typical show, rather than a story that truly resonates.
So many things are praise-worthy in TIA, I won't repeat them in great detail for you. The cast is perfect, especially Yang Yang. He is very suitable for playing Han Li. The music, the opening and ending OSTs, are great. The game-like visuals for battle scenes, magical creatures, artifacts, place and setting, etc, are so eye pleasing. The way the story is structured is easy to follow, fast-paced, and thought-provoking, with quality dialogue. TIA has clearly set its themes and premises: (1) You were once a mortal. Don't forget that. (2) The world is vast. You must see that. (3) You are weak. You must be more tactful and fully prepared. TIA is about becoming an adventurous, high-achieving, and adaptable person without losing one’s humanity. Because of this, it is perfectly crafted as a character-driven story. We can closely observe Han Li’s changes and growth, and it resonates with us as the audience, who see reflections of our own struggles to become the best version of ourselves.
However, after finishing all episodes in this season, I have some worries to share about future installments. Will the director dare to take the risk of diverging from the manhua/ donghua version while maintaining the established premises, in order to further explore human issues with this story as a reflection? This drama should answer at least one question: If you have already reached the peak after all the struggles and sacrifices, what would make you remain human? The antagonists already show us the opposite: they cease to be human after gaining power, knowledge, and status. With great power, they abuse it and oppress the weak. With knowledge and so-called enlightenment, they turn their backs on the world and the suffering of others. With status, they build rigid structures to prevent others from ever reaching the peak. So, what should a protagonist be like? I want a whole portrayal of a hero who is not only triumphant on the battlefield, but also has the wisdom to write a better history for mankind.
I believe, cultivation stories can be powerful metaphors about humanity, humility, mortality, and purpose, yet too often they stop at power escalation and fan service. TIA Season 1 already shows us 50% of this potential. It is a meaningful story that resonates beyond its genre. People should see these "intellectual gems". TIA is not just another flashy xianxia power fantasy.
For Season 2 in the future, I hope this drama does not abandon the human aspect of becoming an immortal, for it is not only about the sense of justice in the face of oppression. It is also about valuing life—the everyday struggles, love, and relationships—despite the weakness and inevitability of death. I believe life is not only about a man's goals. There should be a righteous "why" behind the power cultivated. Since no one in the real world can truly become an immortal or a god, I hope this drama does not dwell too much in the fantasy realm or become obsessed with power leveling to the point of impossibility. Otherwise, this drama will be nothing more than a typical show, rather than a story that truly resonates.
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