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Dated Xianxia that's a little too long with noticeable crappy CGI/AI technology
It’s very unfortunate that “Love Never Fails” was filmed in 2021 but didn’t air until 2025 due to former female lead, Crystal Yuan’s tax evasion problem. Even though Hu Yi Xuan did a fantastic job stepping in, reshooting many scenes with the help of AI technology/CGI/green screen and Liu Xue Yi’s help, the drama still looks dated and low-budget.
Plot:
“Love Never Fails” has a very traditional old-school xianxia plot. It’s full of angst, misunderstanding, and noble idiocies. I would say this drama has 4 different arcs. The Heaven Realm was a good (but long) introduction of all the characters. Hu Yi Xuan plays a very lovable red camellia demon Hong Ning. She was innocent and sweet, yet not annoying. Hong Ning’s character growth throughout the drama was central to the plot and great to witness. Liu Xue Yi’s Jin Xiu is the typical stoic King of the Central Heavens. The second arc is the first of two mortal realms. I like the setting of the academy and seeing a more human version of the leads. Unfortunately, I feel that this arc lasted a little long. I also did not enjoy seeing ML turn into a lovesick jealous puppy from a more reserved teacher figure. The white camelia demon also irritates me. The third arc is my favorite as it's shorter, and I enjoy a different dynamic between the leads. I enjoy seeing a more human ML who plays a general that’s not too stoic and will chase after a girl (yet not as lovesick as the previous trial). I was also glad to see that the trials are over, now I am looking forward to the background story of the leads and what the scheme the drama has been alluding to by the Heavenly Emperor. Unfortunately, it drags and I eventually lose interest in the last 5 episodes or so. Looking back, I think the character development of all the major characters is the best part of the show. They have all matured so much, little by little through their different trial experiences.
Romance:
The main romance is very eventful. Hong Ning (FL) and Jin Xiu (ML) have gone through a lot. They have some really sweet and cute scenes, and also scenes where I want to shake some sense in them. There are too many unspoken explanations, self-sacrifices and noble idiocies throughout the drama. I was exhausted. Every time Jin Xiu says he will protect his little red camellia, you know something bad is going to happen. The chemistry between Liu Xue Yi and Hu Yi Xuan is fine. I am not sure if this has to do with the changing female lead. They are both great actors, but given the circumstances, it’s really hard to expect a sizzling, fluffy or heart-wrenching romance when you have to act in front of crappy green screens and AI face swap. I also find the evil, clingy third wheel very annoying, especially when he's there for most of the drama. Many viewers like the secondary romance. I like it fine, and they do have a more fun dynamic compared to the main romance. But I feel that it’s not given enough time to fully execute.
Acting:
The acting for the four main actors carry this drama on their back. As I said, Liu Xue Yi and Hu Yi Xuan are great. A younger Ao Rui Peng shows potential that he can be the main lead in future dramas (and we’ve seen that happen). The 9-tail princess might be the least well-known of the four, but she did fine (not great). However, the rest of the supporting cast is only OK. None of them really impresses me but they are not horrible either.
Production Quality:
Unfortunately, I don’t have anything good to say about the production quality. This drama screams low-budget and old. The Heavenly Realm is blinding me with all the white! I was even missing the pastel colors from other dramas. Everyone is dubbed, even for Liu Xue Yi, and I don’t think the voice acting is that great either. The CGI is dated which makes the fight scenes look like child’s play. The AI technology/green screen is so noticeable. The costumes for our female lead look great and Hu Yi Xuan looks beautiful in her different characters. Unfortunately, the male leads look like they are wearing oversized clothing. The top knot hairstyle does not suit anyone. Thank goodness I get to see Liu Xue Yi looking fantastic when his hairstyle changes when he was dressing in simple attire during the cross of the bridge and in the final episodes.
Do I recommend this drama? Unfortunately, no. I don’t regret watching it though, because I want to support all the actors' hard work despite Crystal Yuan’s departure. It wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. I especially want to support Liu Xue Yi for reshooting scenes with Hu Yi Xuan, and her great work stepping in and probably acting in front of green screens all the time. I just wish this drama aired sooner and the technology/quality is better.
Completed: 2/21/2026 Review #668
Plot:
“Love Never Fails” has a very traditional old-school xianxia plot. It’s full of angst, misunderstanding, and noble idiocies. I would say this drama has 4 different arcs. The Heaven Realm was a good (but long) introduction of all the characters. Hu Yi Xuan plays a very lovable red camellia demon Hong Ning. She was innocent and sweet, yet not annoying. Hong Ning’s character growth throughout the drama was central to the plot and great to witness. Liu Xue Yi’s Jin Xiu is the typical stoic King of the Central Heavens. The second arc is the first of two mortal realms. I like the setting of the academy and seeing a more human version of the leads. Unfortunately, I feel that this arc lasted a little long. I also did not enjoy seeing ML turn into a lovesick jealous puppy from a more reserved teacher figure. The white camelia demon also irritates me. The third arc is my favorite as it's shorter, and I enjoy a different dynamic between the leads. I enjoy seeing a more human ML who plays a general that’s not too stoic and will chase after a girl (yet not as lovesick as the previous trial). I was also glad to see that the trials are over, now I am looking forward to the background story of the leads and what the scheme the drama has been alluding to by the Heavenly Emperor. Unfortunately, it drags and I eventually lose interest in the last 5 episodes or so. Looking back, I think the character development of all the major characters is the best part of the show. They have all matured so much, little by little through their different trial experiences.
Romance:
The main romance is very eventful. Hong Ning (FL) and Jin Xiu (ML) have gone through a lot. They have some really sweet and cute scenes, and also scenes where I want to shake some sense in them. There are too many unspoken explanations, self-sacrifices and noble idiocies throughout the drama. I was exhausted. Every time Jin Xiu says he will protect his little red camellia, you know something bad is going to happen. The chemistry between Liu Xue Yi and Hu Yi Xuan is fine. I am not sure if this has to do with the changing female lead. They are both great actors, but given the circumstances, it’s really hard to expect a sizzling, fluffy or heart-wrenching romance when you have to act in front of crappy green screens and AI face swap. I also find the evil, clingy third wheel very annoying, especially when he's there for most of the drama. Many viewers like the secondary romance. I like it fine, and they do have a more fun dynamic compared to the main romance. But I feel that it’s not given enough time to fully execute.
Acting:
The acting for the four main actors carry this drama on their back. As I said, Liu Xue Yi and Hu Yi Xuan are great. A younger Ao Rui Peng shows potential that he can be the main lead in future dramas (and we’ve seen that happen). The 9-tail princess might be the least well-known of the four, but she did fine (not great). However, the rest of the supporting cast is only OK. None of them really impresses me but they are not horrible either.
Production Quality:
Unfortunately, I don’t have anything good to say about the production quality. This drama screams low-budget and old. The Heavenly Realm is blinding me with all the white! I was even missing the pastel colors from other dramas. Everyone is dubbed, even for Liu Xue Yi, and I don’t think the voice acting is that great either. The CGI is dated which makes the fight scenes look like child’s play. The AI technology/green screen is so noticeable. The costumes for our female lead look great and Hu Yi Xuan looks beautiful in her different characters. Unfortunately, the male leads look like they are wearing oversized clothing. The top knot hairstyle does not suit anyone. Thank goodness I get to see Liu Xue Yi looking fantastic when his hairstyle changes when he was dressing in simple attire during the cross of the bridge and in the final episodes.
Do I recommend this drama? Unfortunately, no. I don’t regret watching it though, because I want to support all the actors' hard work despite Crystal Yuan’s departure. It wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. I especially want to support Liu Xue Yi for reshooting scenes with Hu Yi Xuan, and her great work stepping in and probably acting in front of green screens all the time. I just wish this drama aired sooner and the technology/quality is better.
Completed: 2/21/2026 Review #668
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