Aesthetic but loud and unmemorable
I expected way more from a drama starring Zhang Ling He. But surprisingly, two things helped me overcome my skepticism and finish this: the scenery and the supporting characters.
The Visuals
The sets here are so stunning that I actually paused just to examine the details. Nan Yan's home, the whale boat, the markets, the sect courtyards — they are all amazing! The color scheme, the small details, the wide shots — everything creates the perfect atmosphere, ranging from cozy to ostentatiously grand. Visually, it’s a feast.
The Cast
The supporting characters are colorful, vivid, and thankfully not annoying. They brought just the right amount of drama and comedy. Honestly, the main couple was... fine? Cute, funny, dramatic at times. But it’s kind of embarrassing to admit that their storyline didn't hook me at all. Instead, the side characters stole the show. The little Dragon, the Fox and the older generation caused way more worry and emotion than the leads. Especially Chang Long — he turned out to be charismatic and memorable.
The Sound
I really disliked the sound design. There are way too many cartoonish comedic sound effects, which feel strange and completely out of place in a Xanxia. Maybe it's just me, but I hate those loud, goofy noises. The music, in general, is too loud and pompous. It often draws attention to itself instead of emphasizing the emotions of the scene.
Script & Editing
I also had issues with the editing and the rhythm of the narrative. I read that four episodes were cut, and maybe it would have been better with them... but I doubt it. The main problem is that there is too much talking. The characters constantly narrate their thoughts, intentions, and actions (ignoring the "show, don't tell" rule). The final fight isn't a fight at all — it's just a long, pompous conversation with threats. It felt like the script was written by a novice. Overall, the plot is predictable and full of clichés.
Verdict
In general, I thought the drama was mediocre. Only the older generation evoked real emotions, and only the scenery and a couple of supporting characters were memorable. I really expected more from my favorite genre and the magnificent Zhang Ling He. He deserves a better script.
The Visuals
The sets here are so stunning that I actually paused just to examine the details. Nan Yan's home, the whale boat, the markets, the sect courtyards — they are all amazing! The color scheme, the small details, the wide shots — everything creates the perfect atmosphere, ranging from cozy to ostentatiously grand. Visually, it’s a feast.
The Cast
The supporting characters are colorful, vivid, and thankfully not annoying. They brought just the right amount of drama and comedy. Honestly, the main couple was... fine? Cute, funny, dramatic at times. But it’s kind of embarrassing to admit that their storyline didn't hook me at all. Instead, the side characters stole the show. The little Dragon, the Fox and the older generation caused way more worry and emotion than the leads. Especially Chang Long — he turned out to be charismatic and memorable.
The Sound
I really disliked the sound design. There are way too many cartoonish comedic sound effects, which feel strange and completely out of place in a Xanxia. Maybe it's just me, but I hate those loud, goofy noises. The music, in general, is too loud and pompous. It often draws attention to itself instead of emphasizing the emotions of the scene.
Script & Editing
I also had issues with the editing and the rhythm of the narrative. I read that four episodes were cut, and maybe it would have been better with them... but I doubt it. The main problem is that there is too much talking. The characters constantly narrate their thoughts, intentions, and actions (ignoring the "show, don't tell" rule). The final fight isn't a fight at all — it's just a long, pompous conversation with threats. It felt like the script was written by a novice. Overall, the plot is predictable and full of clichés.
Verdict
In general, I thought the drama was mediocre. Only the older generation evoked real emotions, and only the scenery and a couple of supporting characters were memorable. I really expected more from my favorite genre and the magnificent Zhang Ling He. He deserves a better script.
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