The ending was definitely sad but I still thought it was well done, especially the leads acting in the last 2 eps. I agree though, the complete obliteration of everyone we love was rough to stomach. And people who cannot handle sad endings should avoid this drama. Like they could've left at least ONE couple alive! The two that survived don't even end up together. And we know that from Red Moon Pact, which I couldn't even finish. I'm curious about Sword and Beloved now. Because that should be the end of the story I believe.
thanks for this review. I will not waste my time on this.
You might be missing out. It gets good after episode 8. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but this one is a little harsh to me. The demon king in the beginning had murdered 1000s of innocent people and built a bone chandelier from their remains...not exactly innocent. Yes it was in retaliation for his lover's tribe being slaughtered but the male lead is the acting head of the Yiqi Alliance, a group of powerful families who don't like demons and who were calling for war. The male lead is forced to be a part of this because of his powerful family but he secretly disagrees with the alliance so he creates the Masked Group, comprised of other children from the powerful families who also secretly disagree with their elders. He showed up as the Masked Leader for the demon king's core because he knew it was the only way to save the rest of the demon tribes. And the demon king willingly gave up his demon core to pay for his crimes even though his uncle stepped in to protect him. And the FL you will learn is very capable. Judging her from the first 3 eps isn't fair. She turns into a badass character after ep 10. I wasn't even hopeful this drama was going to be good bc I dropped Red Moon Pact. I watched this for the supporting cast and out of curiosity. I wasn't a fan of the leads but by the end they won me over. The ending was actually well done for a xianxia. If you try and don't like it that is understandable. Film is always subjective and there are no trulywrong opinions to me. I'd just implore you to try it for yourself first because I was pleasantly surprised.
I agree with this whole post! Well written. I didn't make it through RMP either so my expectations were low. I'm very curious about Sword and Beloved now because I told myself if LIP sucked like RMP I would not even bother with the last one lol
I don't think they ever actually showed Dongfang Huiazus parents together? And even if they did, her mother got with him with evil intentions. Who cares if she fell in love with him after. Not a cute story.
I'm only watching this because it hasn't completely bored me yet and the setting/theme is modern and interesting. As a snowboarder there are many plot holes to ignore but LY does look/act the part of pro athlete well. No issues with him in this role what so ever and agree with everything you said.
I actually don't mind Esther's baby voice if the character was better. I'm a fan of hers and comedy is where she shines to me. In Moonlight, LBFAD and even Love Game her characters were all interesting, independent and went through character growth. Similar to her real life personality. I wasn't a fan of MJTY because her expressions just seemed like it was physically hurting her not show interest in anything. She has a naturally cute face and voice with a bubbly personality. So the stoic, quiet role just didn't fit her in my opinion. Not when you're a fan who loves her for her funny facial expressions and comedic timing.
Wei Zhi is just a poorly written character. She has very little depth and acts like a toddler that can draw well. Yes, she's caring and protective of those around her. But those traits alone don't negate her naive/childish side which is how she acts a majority of the time. It's just not believable that someone serious like Shan Chong would fall for someone this needy and silly.
I stand to my statement; I honestly think there are actors and actresses in Cdramaland whose managers drink with…
I agree. I like both actors separately and never thought about them together but figured I'd give it a chance... It's not doing wonders for me. I just don't feel like the chemistry is there. The couple has nothing in common. It seems like he likes her initially because she grabbed the kids off him when he was in the bear suit but then when they meet face to face finally, he's mean to her and annoyed, so it just makes me think he only finds her physically attractive. It seems like he's more of a babysitter than her shifu at times. I could accept that they don't look good together if the chemisty was there, but it just isn't. The height difference is dramatic but LY is a tall guy in general, so I think he will have this problem with a lot of FLs. Esther isn't short either for a female.
I don't disagree with anything you said. I just don't think this drama really cared about the details. It's a romantic comedy with a snowboarding theme, but was never about the snowboarding. That's why I don't feel like there's been much effort put into the specifics. I love snowboarding as well although my skills are mediocre, I don't care because it's about the fun/ free feeling when you're on the slope. And especially with a group it's more about the camaraderie when riding together and less about beating each other. Even among Olympic level boarders, a lot of them are friends. I completely agree that the show misses this essence in all the riders they've presented us. Everyone seems more focused on "slope drama", personal problems and/or competition, even Shan Chong. But that aside, it's a cute fluffy love story and Esther Yu looks beautiful in every scene as always. It's definitely not going to be in my top favorites but it's an easy watch with no boring scenes or characters. And even with the flaws in depicting the snowboarding culture and logistics, I'm also just enjoying the setting and seeing snippets of the sport. I need those goggles Shan Chong gives to Wei Zhi XD
I feel the same. Netflix doesn't say when the next batch of episodes will be released and I can't find any solid answers anywhere on the web :( I hope it doesn't take too long either because if it's months later I'll probably have to scan through the first 10 episodes again. I'm so into this beautiful/sad story so far. Why do they have to torture us???
I feel the exact same way. I tried rewatching it to see if my feelings changed but you're right. After the first half it just feels like we were on a roller coaster cranking up to the top, and then the ride just got stuck...The chemistry was there, the plot was there and it was all building up so nicely. Then the couple got together and it fell flat until the fever dreams that were the last 2 episodes. Really disappointed too that I didn't love this like I thought I would. I mean it's watchable until the end, no boring parts, but for a drama that's supposed to be centered around a game of love, that just didn't happen. I wish we could rewrite LGIEF because Ziqi and Miaomiao were not done justice. If you need a palate cleanser I watched Melody of a Golden Age previously with Ding Yuxi and I'd rate that drama better overall. It's slower paced and a different vibe but his acting is just as good and the romance is solid.
This wasn't my favorite drama but the review is a little harsh if you're just centering your hate around the age gap. That's literally the whole theme of the show so why watch it if you don't like age gaps? Also at some point after they got together they said he was 26 with a 5 year age gap so wouldn't that make her 21? 5 years isn't that big of an age gap but I do agree it depends on what decades the 2 people are in. Both in their 20s and up is perfectly fine. Sang Zhi's voice was very innocent sounding but I found her to be very mature actually. She wasn't a little flirt and she was intelligent at her work. That being said Jianxu is an okay character but the story was eh. Nothing against Chen Zhe Yuan's looks or acting but the good chemistry and attractive CP here wasn't enough to give the show a high rating for me. I know it happens that people get together with their childhood crushes but it's not THAT common as this trope makes it seem. So, even though I'm okay with the age gap, I do agree that I don't buy how easy it is to go from seeing someone as a younger sibling and then suddenly a love interest. Also, besides the romance the plot was boring/almost non-existent. Sang Yan was my favorite character.
hey, it’s lovely to see your response to my review and it’s great to hear your thoughts on it too. i definitely…
I think the show is underrated because it was produced in the shadow of LBFAD and certain expectations were there. Also book fans are always overly critical because they want things a certain way. But if people wouldn't pigeon hole this drama and let it stand on its own, it's definitely a great story/rewatch! Look forward to your future reviews as well. Happy viewing :)
The only thing that annoyed me about this drama was the ending! [SPOILERS FOR ENDING]Like how hard was it for…
Same, girl, same! After they got together the effort into their romance just went away. And neither of them actually spoke a word in their "confession scene". Like that setting with the room that Mu Sheng beautifully decorated just went to waste because all he did was hold out a dream catcher and then she cried...and cried. Not even a "wo xihuan ni" or anything?? Mu Yao and Li Fuyi actually consummated their marriage and we got a forehead kiss for the main couple in the end XD and I also did not like that they weren't shown together back in the real world. Even if they didn't embrace, they weren't even shown in the same frame together. Very annoying like you said!
I'm watching it right now and I love the plot but the female lead's acting feels too childish for someone who…
Esther is great at comedic timing and delivery. If you look at her acting this way she's easier to digest. Yes, she often acts and sounds babyish but it's never deterred me from liking any of her dramas. It's just how she is. Even in her BTS or variety shows she just has a cutesy, extroverted personality. In LBFAD she did tone it down towards the end of the drama which made her character way more likeable. That won't happen in this drama but I implore you not to hate this drama because of her. You get used to her and if not the ML's incredible acting will definitely make up for it. I also encourage you to watch Moonlight and/or My Journey to You. Her characters in those 2 dramas are way better in my opinion. Also Moonlight is with the same ML but in modern day so it's like a part 2 of LGIEF.
Since it had such a high score, I thought it was just me that didn't like this drama and dropped it. Reading through…
I liked the drama but not for the romance. The romance fell flat once they actually got together and the confession scene was terrible. But I thought it was worth watching until the end for the production/visuals and for the bonds between the rest of the characters. There weren't any boring parts. The last 10 episodes it just felt like watching a very well done kid's show.
You took the words right out of my mouth. I started watching because of all the good reviews I read first. I don't want to write an official review until I'm done but I'm almost halfway through and I'm so lost. It feels like watching a season 2 without having watched the first season. I feel like everything is so serious right out of the gate, like we are supposed to understand this world and already have a connection to these characters. Bai Shuo started out really annoying to me but she's grown on me. I usually prefer Bai Lu in modern dramas, I feel that her gorgeous face and acting style fits modern shows better but can't deny how beautiful she looks in this. I think I struggled with liking Bai Shuo in the beginning too bc Bai Lu has such a mature face and voice so seeing her act like a bratty daughter just didn't seem to fit her. As for the ML, I will admit Ao RuiPeng looks really cute in his costumes here but the acting isn't doing much for me. I agree with you 100% about the 2nd CP! and this almost never happens for me. Chong Zhao is just so fine, like wow he needs to be a ML in his own drama already. And I liked Fu Ling from the 1st episode. She is so pretty and her little girl baby Groot looking sidekick is adorable. So far, their story has me wayyy more interested. I feel like with the main CP, there is definitely chemistry but there's not enough story building to support the romance. It was kind of like they just want us to assume this was where it was heading and not be surprised they are holding hands and kissing out of no where. Well, here's to hoping it gets better! Happy viewing :)
Definitely had to see the dentist after watching this drama from how sweet it is. Great review! There are definitely some obvious parallels to LBFAD like the music, body swapping, overall setting/vibe. But I found this show completely different and loved it for different reasons. First of all, the male lead was a good guy/green flag from day one. How could you not love him throughout the whole journey? I found this love story way more sugary than LBFAD. Don't get me wrong. The latter will always be in my top 10. But the love story in that show took a while to develop and wasn't "destiny" per say. In LYST, knowing from early on that they are lovers from a past life, and now going through tribulations and falling for each other again and again in different lives...it was all just too adorable. I would have to say, aesthetically the Mystery forest is my favorite lifetime. But story wise, their original lifetime 30,000 yrs ago is my favorite. The look on his face when he finds out she is the empress is priceless. I also like Cang Hai's personality the best. She's smart and fun but also powerful. A perfect match for the young and rebellious god of war. This is only my 2nd time watching Yang Chaoyue and she definitely did a better job here. She is undeniably pretty and not too annoying when she whines or cries. Overall, I liked her for this role and there's no one else I could think of who would fit better. Ding Yuxi did what Ding Yuxi does. You give him any assignment, he understands it and he crushes it. I didn't mind the side characters. The bromance in the shifi/disciple lifetime was endearing but the side love story between the stone and the twin girl was just okay. Not so bad that I needed to fast forward, but not much passion there. I felt more for her brother and how hard he was working at helping his people. It was weird he looked exactly like his dad though but again...whatever. The 2ML didn't bother me. He was annoying at times but by the end he did the right thing and I liked that he let go and took the red thread bracelet so he could maybe find his own love in the future. I liked him by the end and how he just became sweet and supportive. Won't get into the villain. I've seen this actor play one in a few other dramas and he's got the look/voice for it. But other than that, eh. I'm glad you enjoyed this drama as much as I did! It's definitely on my rewatch list.
This review had me laughing. Your writing is too funny. I don't completely agree but I get where you're coming from. I agree about the FL and her being so cringe in the beginning. Almost dropped it here too. I will say she does get better by the end, more serious about her career (even breaks up with him for a minute because he doesn't support her talent etc...) He stays about the same. Definitely seen way better performances from both of these actors. Honestly, I think your standards and expectations were just way too high going into it. I knew right away from the trailer that this was going to be a fluffy, brainless romance. The promotion doesn't promise any character depth or compelling storyline. It's supposed to be a silly romcom and it's decent as that. There is an audience for these types of shows/movies which isn't us lol But occasionally I'll watch stuff like this if I'm coming off something more serious or want to put something on that I'm not fully engaged in. I watched this because this ML was in Moonlight, which was 100x better. Kinda wish I didn't go backwards lol
I wasn't even hopeful this drama was going to be good bc I dropped Red Moon Pact. I watched this for the supporting cast and out of curiosity. I wasn't a fan of the leads but by the end they won me over. The ending was actually well done for a xianxia. If you try and don't like it that is understandable. Film is always subjective and there are no trulywrong opinions to me. I'd just implore you to try it for yourself first because I was pleasantly surprised.
I actually don't mind Esther's baby voice if the character was better. I'm a fan of hers and comedy is where she shines to me. In Moonlight, LBFAD and even Love Game her characters were all interesting, independent and went through character growth. Similar to her real life personality. I wasn't a fan of MJTY because her expressions just seemed like it was physically hurting her not show interest in anything. She has a naturally cute face and voice with a bubbly personality. So the stoic, quiet role just didn't fit her in my opinion. Not when you're a fan who loves her for her funny facial expressions and comedic timing.
Wei Zhi is just a poorly written character. She has very little depth and acts like a toddler that can draw well. Yes, she's caring and protective of those around her. But those traits alone don't negate her naive/childish side which is how she acts a majority of the time. It's just not believable that someone serious like Shan Chong would fall for someone this needy and silly.
But that aside, it's a cute fluffy love story and Esther Yu looks beautiful in every scene as always. It's definitely not going to be in my top favorites but it's an easy watch with no boring scenes or characters. And even with the flaws in depicting the snowboarding culture and logistics, I'm also just enjoying the setting and seeing snippets of the sport. I need those goggles Shan Chong gives to Wei Zhi XD
That being said Jianxu is an okay character but the story was eh. Nothing against Chen Zhe Yuan's looks or acting but the good chemistry and attractive CP here wasn't enough to give the show a high rating for me. I know it happens that people get together with their childhood crushes but it's not THAT common as this trope makes it seem. So, even though I'm okay with the age gap, I do agree that I don't buy how easy it is to go from seeing someone as a younger sibling and then suddenly a love interest. Also, besides the romance the plot was boring/almost non-existent. Sang Yan was my favorite character.
I would have to say, aesthetically the Mystery forest is my favorite lifetime. But story wise, their original lifetime 30,000 yrs ago is my favorite. The look on his face when he finds out she is the empress is priceless. I also like Cang Hai's personality the best. She's smart and fun but also powerful. A perfect match for the young and rebellious god of war.
This is only my 2nd time watching Yang Chaoyue and she definitely did a better job here. She is undeniably pretty and not too annoying when she whines or cries. Overall, I liked her for this role and there's no one else I could think of who would fit better. Ding Yuxi did what Ding Yuxi does. You give him any assignment, he understands it and he crushes it.
I didn't mind the side characters. The bromance in the shifi/disciple lifetime was endearing but the side love story between the stone and the twin girl was just okay. Not so bad that I needed to fast forward, but not much passion there. I felt more for her brother and how hard he was working at helping his people. It was weird he looked exactly like his dad though but again...whatever. The 2ML didn't bother me. He was annoying at times but by the end he did the right thing and I liked that he let go and took the red thread bracelet so he could maybe find his own love in the future. I liked him by the end and how he just became sweet and supportive. Won't get into the villain. I've seen this actor play one in a few other dramas and he's got the look/voice for it. But other than that, eh.
I'm glad you enjoyed this drama as much as I did! It's definitely on my rewatch list.