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Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

I wouldn’t say “Spring of the Blade” is my most anticipated drama, because I don’t anticipate much. LOL But Xu Kai and Zhou Ye are two of my favorite Chinese actors and I believe in their acting (probably more than most). Although I am somewhat unexcited about yet ANOTHER revenge story, I am happy to check this out as it’s only 30 episodes. This episode count might end up being a curse afterall.


What I Like:

1. Xu Kai/Yan Rui/Shen Rui - As I said, he’s one of my favorites since his “Arsenal Military Academy” days and playing the role of Yan Rui shows how much Xu Kai has matured as an actor. His big eyes show so much emotion even without saying a word. And if he is saying something, his eyes add volume and weight to what he’s about to say. Yan Rui could be cold and ruthless, pettily jealous but sweet, calm and imposing, and a little controlling and possessive. Xu Kai portrays this so well.

2. Zhou Ye/Xie Qing Yuen/Chen Yun Ya - A change of scenery for her as this is probably one of her more mature and quieter roles. She’s always deep in her thoughts, controlled without reacting to unkind words, but always has a smart comeback when needed. I don’t think Zhou Ye has quite mastered those subtle facial expressions yet, as compared to Xu Kai, but I do like her portrayal as this stubborn, revengeful daughter.

3. Chemistry - The leads chemistry is sizzling, especially in the first half of the drama. Their back-and-forth comebacks and trying to outsmart each other is another way of flirting. Who knew Xu Kai could flirt with such a serious face, without actually flirting? There isn’t a lot of skinship (except for one somewhat long makeout scene) but it still shows how electric their interactions are. Unfortunately, they didn’t really have much to show towards the end of the drama.

4. Acting + Supporting Cast - The acting in general is solid. The younger generation of siblings performed well. But the veterans are the ones who truly shine. The older generation really makes you hate, pity, or want to root for them. Oh, and I get to see Bai Shu play an angry commoner instead of yet another Prince or Emperor. It’s always lovely to see him.

5. Action scenes - There aren’t many, but the ones we do have are well choreographed and hard-hitting. Xu Kai was great in these scenes. We got blood splatter on the faces, dirty faces and messy hair, while trying to slash with a sword. It’s refreshing to see blood splattering instead of blood spitting. LOL

6. Family plot twist - I was surprised about the real reason for the murder of FL’s mother. I definitely didn’t see it coming. So, in a way, it was a pleasant surprise how all the secrets unfolded in the last 5 episodes. But the execution of these episodes go into the category of “What I don’t Like”.

7. Pacing (first two-thirds of drama) - I was engaged for most of the drama. There’s enough going on between the leads and each of the Xie family members. I was not bored and had high hopes that I would end up giving this drama a higher score than 8.0. Then, the last 5 episodes happened.

8. Production - The production quality seems high. The costumes, hair accessories and sets look glamorous and well-made. I am especially pleased that the actors are using their own voices even if there’s no live recording (more about this below).


What I have Mixed Feelings and Dislike;

1. Last 5 episodes - This is the big elephant in the room and the reason why my rating got dragged down. The leads disappear during the 5 episodes. The parents were just spitting out all the secrets and letting us know what really happened 9 years ago. But the execution is not good. There are monologues and monologues for each of them. Xu Kai was barely there. Zhou Ye was there, but rarely had anything to say. I wonder if this is due to the editing and cutting down the drama to 30 episodes only. The pacing is totally off. Maybe if there are a few more episodes to the drama, they can do a better job mixing in the secrets revelation with other events to not feel like they dumped every single plot twist on us in slowly spewed out words by the parent generation. It became a pity party and we are supposed to feel bad for them? And the big bad villain became a cartoonish character. Some of these deaths don’t make sense, or they cut out scenes that’s why they don’t make sense. It’s disappointing that the drama couldn’t stick its landing.

2. ML’s real plan - That was a disappointing and uninteresting revelation of his real plan. The revenge plot might be better. But politics and reforms without an interesting setup becomes disjointed and boring. I’d rather see Xu Kai kill more people and be covered in blood.

3. Love Square - The 2ML is a boring character. He was introduced as this charismatic man on a horse with archery skills to be the love of all women’s lives. He then resorted to being a love sick puppy who won’t take No for an answer. Luckily, he’s not annoying and is quite harmless. But the 2nd Sister really needs someone to knock some sense into her. She’s the annoying one.

4. Sound editing - As much as I love the actors using their own voice, the sound editing and mixing are off. Xu Kai’s voice seems so much quieter than the veterans. It could be because he’s not experienced enough to dub himself and to enunciate better. Sometimes music is played so loud that I can’t hear the lines. Luckily, they don’t plan the same song over and over again.



Despite a disappointing end, I did have a great time for most of the drama. I get to see my favorite actors performing well wearing fancy costumes and looking dashing. The pacing was good for the most part and the acting is solid. Even though I don’t like the execution of the last 5 episodes, I do like the surprising revelation of all the secrets. I do think it’s worth checking out “Spring of the Blade”.


Drama Completed: 10/2/2026 Review #726