I can understand why people have different viewpoints. For me, Love and Redemption will always have a special place in my heart, even after watching the classic Xianxias (TMOPB, AOL, Love and Destiny, ALP).
Love and Redemption has brought me back to watching CDramas after years of not seeing any shows. I find many dramas predictable but the identity reveals in LAR are so unexpected. The drama is filled with references to Taoism, Buddhism, and the Bible. In fact, the entire story alludes to an old Buddhist fable about the Garuda’s glazed-glass heart (the Chinese title of LAR is glazed glass 琉璃). Along with the religious allusions, I also enjoy the philosophical debates on topics like juvenile delinquency (whether to punish Yu Er), rational ignorance (whether Xuanji should gain all senses), and scapegoat mechanism (Sifeng being tortured at Fuyu Island).
In my eyes, LAR isn’t just a Xianxia romance but also a story of self-discovery. While the show has its flaws (especially in the later episodes), the overall storyline is memorable and unique.
Love and Redemption has brought me back to watching CDramas after years of not seeing any shows. I find many dramas predictable but the identity reveals in LAR are so unexpected. The drama is filled with references to Taoism, Buddhism, and the Bible. In fact, the entire story alludes to an old Buddhist fable about the Garuda’s glazed-glass heart (the Chinese title of LAR is glazed glass 琉璃). Along with the religious allusions, I also enjoy the philosophical debates on topics like juvenile delinquency (whether to punish Yu Er), rational ignorance (whether Xuanji should gain all senses), and scapegoat mechanism (Sifeng being tortured at Fuyu Island).
In my eyes, LAR isn’t just a Xianxia romance but also a story of self-discovery. While the show has its flaws (especially in the later episodes), the overall storyline is memorable and unique.