moondoge

Same I didn't really care much for Lan Ling Wang after he trusted that Zheng Er over his own wife tho they were very cute in the beginning

No I meant the Prince of Lan Ling drama - the one with Feng Shao Feng and Ariel Lin, is also really good. It's about Lan Ling Wang himself lol

When they first promoted Viagra I literally cannot believe what was happening LOL

Prince of Lan Ling (not Princess of Lanling King) was really good also! Probably my other favorite C-drama before this one took top spot. Also Go Princess Go will make you laugh

First off, it's nothing like American sexual content- far from it. It's done rather tastefully. Also they're just following the novel- as they've been doing the entire drama, intimate scenes in novel are actually much more graphic. And don't let the door hit you on your way out

There is a hierarchy for immortals. From basic immortals, high immortals, Gods and finally High Gods. Heavenly trial allows one to ascend in immortality/status which gives them more power etc.

underwhelming def isn't best word choice to describe how I find Mark more impressive than her....m'bad. By no means is she disappointing she still kicked ass here. Updated my review !

Second Lead Syndrome is real here. Rewatching this and Yuwen Yong is just as awesome the first time around. He was ruthless, manipulative, self-centered and is an underdog in both politics or love, yet he was selfless, loyal and passionate to those he cared about. Never changed who he was, but makes exceptions for those who deserved it Makes him so real as a character - why I can never get over how awesome he is :(

Geez do we have the same tastes when it comes to male leads or what?! My heart hurt for a week after Prince of Lan Ling, because I am also on that Yuwen Yong ship the whole time.

I believe what others mean when they describe Mo Yuan as "restrained" is his principled demeanor as a Master and with that role comes responsibility and certain things he can't do or say as freely. But by no means is he inflexible. He is strict and principled, yet not afraid to bend when necessary. Just like all those exceptions he made for Si Yin and completely ignored any warnings or consequences because he realizes who/what is more important to him at the moment. Unlike Ye Hua, he has no one to answer to that's why he doesn't give a sh*t what others have to say.

As for YH, he definitely is more aggressive - but only in terms of pursuing Bai Qian. I don't think MY loves BQ any less than YH. Both equally love her and show it in different ways.
Agree with you completely that Ye Hua learned from his mistakes which redeemed him in their third lifetime. His mistake in the Su Su arc is not being more protective of his love, and letting others dictate their relationship. Also he was too confined by the Heaven's rules and played within it rather than try to work around it. It has a lot to do with him being young and inexperienced, it is his first time loving someone after all. I get that YH's hands were tied during the Su Su arc, but my biggest issue was his passiveness. Compared to MY who's lived for many years now and knows who/what is important or needs to be protected and when. There is no doubt in my mind the God of War would've raged a mini war on Heaven Realm for Su Su if he was around then. Although I love Ye Hua and think this couple is meant to be, these are all the reasons why Mo Yuan is my favorite and can't help but ship her with MY at same time. Apparently Mo Yuan was supposed to be Ye Hua's first lifetime, until the author decided to change it.

Might be alone on this but I'm GLAD they cut out that "it might hurt a lil" line when he first made love to her. Perhaps the director could've talked Mark into another line instead? maybe sub it for "I'll be gentle" or something - the drama does follow the book and its dialogues faithfully for most part anyway. The conclusion to the wedding night leaves a little more to the imagination when her bridal robe fell to the floor.

Mark Chao is Canadian - born in Taiwan but lived in Canada until he graduated from university. I also expected him to be more daring as he's raised in the West but this director respects her actors and part of the show's success is a happy cast comfortable with the director.

Chinese dramas surprisingly have been more open with skinship in recent years - even more so than Korean dramas. For example, the drama Sound of the Desert has a steamy hot-spring scene with implied nudity and sex which surprised me about progressiveness of C-dramas especially historicals. And General & I as well in other recent examples.

Yup too many favorites ! That's why I had to include a 6. its just not possible to have 5 :p

1. When YH found Bai Qian again in the peach blossoms and wow that tension and longing on his part. Like he desperately searched for Su Su for 300 years and their 'first encounter' in that lifetime was MAGNETIC
2. Ah Li -BQ- YH reunion scenes in the Sea Kingdom and whenever Ah Li makes things difficult for his mother
3. When YH got jealous and his angry kiss
4. When Bai Qian raided Purple Light Palace for Mo Yuan's body, she was super badass and a pissed off Bai Qian is amazing on all sorts of level. This all started Ye Hua's jealousy which gives me so much satisfaction
5. When Bai Qian jumped off Zhuxian Terrace and returned as a High Goddess. On one hand super happy she's back yet it was beautifully tragic and you feel for her pain - understandable why she chose to forget her Su Su life

6. Mo Yuan and Bai Qian scenes -emotional and bittersweet especially once you realize he's always seen her as more than his favorite disciple.

I personally found it good even in the beginning but for others it took until ep10 and after to get interesting since the main storyline doesnt actually begin then. However the events before that are absolutely necessary to the plot. Personally enjoyed it but didn't love it until ep10 and after, one thing for sure it does get better. Like it gets really good before you even realize it. This is one show I cannot recommend enough

Great article! And I see that others have already mentioned Do Bong Soon lol

Some have pointed out Mo Yuan as more restrained and not aggressive in love unlike his bro and tho I agree, he certainly isn't holding back as much since woken up. He didn't go any further when she didn't get his hints, perhaps out of respect for BQ and his bro, and I respect him for that. Tho part of me is entertained by the idea of seeing her reaction if MY made his feelings candid to BQ it would also be out of MY's character.

Mo Yuan is a very admirable character written to be respected and appreciated by readers/audiences, while Ye Hua is written for Bai Qian. This is reflected in the sacrifices both make. YH's every action is motivated by Bai Qian. As for MY he might come across as strict and disciplined and places the world first, yet he knows who/what needs to be protected and when. Whenever Si Yin was in trouble, he didn't give two sh*ts about warnings or consequences. That's why I wonder how different things would be if it were MY in that Su Su situation, he will NEVER in a million years compromise Si Yin or let anything happen to her.

He's always struck me as someone who because he started acting at an early age, wants to do more than just act which is why he doesn't line himself with projects. And the work he chooses are a bit different than most actors his age. But I feel ya pain. I love him as an actor and would love to see more of him :(

Rewatching this subbed and I just feel bad for Mo Yuan all over again. Shifu I'm all yours <3

I cannot deny that they are similarities, but some of the similarities you pointed out are not exclusive to JoF, in that they are recurring themes in almost any drama (jealous females who grew up with male lead) but because it's put in a fantasy setting they seem to overlap even more.For example, cold quiet male leads and love triangle involving characters between opposing factions. In any historical context, it would be kingdoms but in xianxia (immortal fantasy) most likely it is going to between gods and demons. Jealous females as "love rivals" exist in any drama, and since they're all immortals here it makes sense she's a goddess.

I think the biggest difference is that JoF the master/disciple relationship is the clear theme and OTP, but here they are not - it's merely a plot device and subplot that isn't as significant in the grand scheme of things.

As for a sidekick creature under her wing - I guess you're referring to Feng Jiu? Well I wouldn't go comparing Feng Jiu to Tang Bao for many reasons, but for one she is her niece, who isn't even supposed to have much of a storyline here if the drama did not decide to incorporate the spinoff novel The Pillow Book about her niece and Dong Hua Dijun. Also a spinoff is almost like a sequel/prequel "based off" some existing parent story and its characters (or related to).

Woah he's a Chinese Muslim ! That's so cool haha