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The plot was the first thing to hook me in: a gumiho in search of her last liver? AND she gets to try charming the pants off Chunderella to do it? Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily follow the description I gave it to the letter, but that's what my wild imagination read. hee. The screen writer (Kim Gyun Tae) for this drama also wrote Hyunhaetan Marriage War; I had enjoyed that cheesy yet fun drama, so I had good expectations about how the writer would handle the romance parts. The character development was at times abrupt, but done well in the parts that mattered. The relationship between the two main actors evolves quite nicely--and the cute side stories show how the human heart can be affected by adorkable persistence. The hopeful romantic in me would have wanted a different ending, but this one was pretty good. Keep in mind that this is a fantasy drama and you shouldn't really take it so seriously--it's not a melo.
The cast was excellent: Jeon Mi Sun is straight up LEGIT. She has been in so many top dramas! She's a really good supporting actress, but when will she get her own drama?! Park Jung Hak, bless his soul, is out-dorked Chunderella; his sad, puppy dog face made me exasperated yet "AWWW" at the same time. I can see how he drove Gu Mi Sun crazy. Seo Kyung Suk was hilarious; did you know he majored in French and Lit at Seoul Nat'l University? Color me impressed. I wish they could've delved more into the relationship between Kyung Suk and Eung Suk--I love a good bromance. They didn't show a lot of the bromance, NONETHELESS, tears were streaming down my face in that last episode. Lee Chun Hee was fantastic. He was able to add so much depth to his eyes; you could feel how deeply he cared for his loved ones. Seriously, if those eyes were turned in my direction, I'd melt. Kang Ye Won is an amazing actress; she was able to control and convey easy to read emotions to the point where it was like you KNEW what was going on in her mind. The way she was able to make streams of tears flow down her cheeks was just so freakin awesome. As for the young actors, Hyomin and Woo Hyun, they did pretty good. I was impressed with Hyomin, but WooHyun needs a little more acting experience--he could do so much better! I like a handsome guy stripping as much as the next girl, but I'd rather he woo me into loving his character.
The music was so cute! I loved it! I'm looking to get the OST soon! The sound effects and visual effects were pretty great too. I mean, it wasn't Avatar-good, but it's a drama--I didn't expect much.
*update*-Finally got the OST: worth it! I definitely recommend it!
The chances I'd rewatch this are pretty good. But we'll see. So many shows, not enough time.
If you fancy aggressive-love-triangles-that-are-mainly-forced-upon-by-one-person, strong-women-and-their-puppy-eyed-pursuers, a supernatural-element-mixed-with-a-hint-of-silliness, a short-but-sweet-story, tragedy, ticking-time-bombs, and a little French, then, yes, let the short marathon commence!
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Different story
The way the story solve the solution of the problem was different. Here problem was tyranny king whose obsession destroyed so many lives . His greed made him restless. He totally drown in his power . The solution was to run away from the problem without acknowledge the problem.Good acting ,all the characters of the drama was amazing . At some point I lost the interest with the drama but the way story was progressed I liked it . I love the chemistry between the leads and their assistance's love story too.
Give a try.
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"It's not that I've fallen in love again. I've never stopped loving you."
All These Years is a beautiful film about two young people finding the very best version of love and helping each other grow through life's hardships, family's expectations, distance and time.The script is tight, coherent. Beautifully sad and hopeful at the same time. The characters well rounded with very real problems based on actual contemporary issues, such as social classes and expectations based on gender, which makes it even more heartbreaking. You understand the decisions they are making are the best option for each other, even if it means being apart. Still, their love always makes them cheer for the other to become the best version of themselves.
Sun Qian and Zhang Xin Cheng's chemistry in INSANE. Like, DAMN! Not once I didn't believe in their performances or the story they were telling me. They carried the entire film flawlessly. Bravo.
I enjoyed every single minute of this film right up to the end, which left me with a chuckle and the biggest smile.
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A Heartfelt Tale of Friendship
One of the most striking aspects of the drama is its exploration of friendship heartbreaks, an often-overlooked theme. Friendship heartbreaks can be some of the most painful experiences, and this drama captures that emotional intensity with remarkable authenticity. The portrayal of this dynamic is brought to life by the characters Saint and Shin, whose journey of friendship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Their bond, its challenges, and its eventual evolution are handled with such care that it feels incredibly real and relatable.Acting Excellence
Sky and Nani’s performances are nothing short of extraordinary. These two actors have proven their mettle by delivering some of the most emotionally charged scenes with finesse. Their ability to convey a wide range of emotions through subtle expressions and body language is commendable. At times, even without dialogue, their eyes alone communicate volumes, allowing the audience to feel the depth of their characters’ emotions.
This kind of nuanced acting is rare and speaks to the skill and dedication of the actors. Whether it’s a moment of joy, a heated argument, or a tearful reconciliation, every scene feels genuine, pulling the audience deeper into the story. Their chemistry on screen is undeniable, not in a romantic sense, but as two individuals navigating the highs and lows of a profound friendship.
Themes and Impact
What sets this drama apart is its focus on relationships that are often overshadowed in mainstream storytelling. By emphasizing the significance of platonic bonds and familial connections, it offers a refreshing perspective. It reminds viewers of the importance of cherishing these relationships and acknowledges the emotional weight they carry.
The storytelling is complemented by a well-written script, meaningful dialogues, and a narrative pace that keeps the audience engaged. The director deserves praise for weaving together the various elements acting, cinematography, and music into a cohesive and impactful production.
Final Thoughts
In a world where relationships are often reduced to romantic entanglements, this drama stands out as a genuine celebration of friendship and familial bonds. Contrary to common misconceptions, this is not a BL (Boys' Love) drama and has never been promoted as such. Instead, it delves into the profound beauty and complexity of friendships and family ties, offering a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the joy and pain of such relationships.
This drama is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories rooted in emotional depth and authenticity. It is a testament to the power of platonic relationships and the profound impact they can have on our lives. Sky and Nani’s performances elevate the narrative, making it a memorable experience that will stay with viewers long after the final scene.
In celebrating friendship and family, this drama offers a poignant reminder that love exists in many forms, and each one is worth cherishing.
For me it is a 10/10.
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A well-executed story about humane and inhumane issues surrounding death in our society. A stellar ensemble cast who are convincing in their roles and a soundtrack that perfectly fits the mood in each scene and situation right down to the music at the end of each episode. While this drama took on a very serious topic it also had humorous light-hearted moments and camaraderie. I never watched US CSI however, I did watch the early years of House and Jung Jae Young's character (Baek Beom) as the male lead reminded me of him; a cantankerous tortured soul, which he portrayed beautifully. I liked the fact that the writers made Jung Yoo Mi's character (Eun Sol) as the female lead strong and realistic; a young idealistic woman vying for her independence and identity through her job as a prosecutor. We as viewers can watch her personal growth as she acclimates to her job and various situations. Kudos to the writers for not turning this smart savvy female character into a typical k drama contradiction; unrealistically naive, bratty, turns into simple-minded high school girl in tough or uncomfortable situations. I look forward to season 2 and I hope there will be more character development and back stories for other members of the cast like Lee Stephanie (Stella Hwang) and Lee Yi Kyung (Chi Soo Ho).
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life is hard, but you can still find happiness
As soon as I was at episodes 3-4 I got super invested and then the investment fizzled out, prob because my break from the show went too long. It’s weird but after the first few episodes, I didn’t really feel like unpacking the show despite the great things it has going for itself. The thing I loved about this drama was the script. What prompted me to watch this in the first place was a tik tok with Miyeong talking about not caring if the world ended but the way she described her fatigue for her life and people was so relatable I had to watch. One of my fave parts in the script was Miyeong talking about wanting to be worshipped. That was pure poetry right there. The way the character expressed their emotions and worded their hardships really stood out to me so props to the screenwriter. This is one of my favorite scripts now.The characters were great too. The brother ended up being the most interesting character, even though he was the most ridiculous at first. I personally really like Miyeong and found her to be relatable for the most part. The sister was decent but her storyline wasn’t as interesting as her siblings. The liberation club was heavily underutilized and focused more on the characters than the coworker group at the beginning. I would have loved to see them hang out more together so you could feel their different journeys coming together if that makes sense. Gu was really great. The actor did a great job with portraying the demeaner and facial expressions of the character.
The ending was kind of open but I’m gad for the most part the characters decided to continue on their journey to happiness despite life not being perfect and to me that was the point of this show. The human ability to continue to live and seek happiness even when life becomes unbearable. That message in itself was beautifully conveyed.
I def recommend this drama is you’re into slow melodrama type shows as you might get a lot out of this one. I must admit this show is more of a one episode a week thing for me but feel free to binge if that works for you :)
life is
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Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms
24 people found this review helpful
Epic Chinese mythology movie not to be missed
[PARDON ME, THIS IS LONG]I'm giving this 10 stars, not because I'm Chinese (and naturally biased as many would probably think). I have never read the Investiture of the Gods (the novel on which the Trilogy is largely based), nor properly watched any relevant TV/movie production. (To those who are familiar with the original story, the Trilogy focuses on Jifa rather than Jiang Ziya who is traditionally depicted as the protagonist.)
I am giving this 10 stars, because I am truly in awe of the high quality of the movie consistently demonstrated in all aspects, a master-piece conjured with the blood, sweat and tears of a team of 8000+ crew: the mind blowing cinematographic effects, the exceptionally amazing actors (whether it be men or women, new or seasoned), the extremely elaborate costumes, the lavish grand palace and buildings crafted by 2000+ carpenters, the beautiful original scores and songs, the simply superb and talented Director Wuershan who has dedicated whole heartedly more than 9 years to the Trilogy while constantly striking nothing but perfection throughout... The list goes on.
I am very impressed by the new actors and actresses who survived 6-8 months in a very intensive training camp. Their daily routine usually ran from 5am to 9pm, 6 days a week, where they were required to undergo various types of training including riding, archery, combat, music, history, physical training, swimming and performing, all of which helped transform them into what warriors should look like 3000 years ago - not just the muscles, but also the SPIRIT! And yes, their acting skills may be debatable, but they are by no means awkward. They are meant to play roles that are in the teens/early twenties, which are exactly where they were when the movie started shooting more than 5 years ago. Practically all of them were new to equestrian, one of the many subjects they had to master in the training camp. By the time they graduated, they all became excellent riders that were able to perform amazing acts in concert. That's why the horseback riding shots are so breathtaking - no stunts at all. About this, I would in particular raise my glasses to Yu Shi (Yosh), the actor that plays Jifa. He has a reputation for constantly pushing himself to the limit, back then and throughout those years while waiting for the movie to be released (which was overdue for 3 years). There is a jaw-dropping scene where he turned around and shot arrows from the horseback without reins, something apparently so dangerous that no one else (the equestrian director included) in the set was able to complete. He insisted on performing the whole series of actions himself and after endless practice, day and night, he pulled it off with flying colors. I am sure this is only one of the many spectacular moments that he will be remembered for, down the line.
As for the King, I personally adore Kris Phillips' (AKA Fei Xiang) portrayal and I beg to differ from those who took the view that his acting was terrible. Anyone who goes to the movie with a peaceful heart cannot possibly have come up with that blatant conclusion. His dramatic expressions and awesome physique imparted life to the King who is known in history and novels as someone smart, strong, tall but most of the time, brutal... Many Chinese are of the view that no one else in modern days is better fitted to play the King.
Jichang, played by Li Xuejian, is another role that truly touches my heart. He is a veteran Chinese actor who has won probably all the awards in China that can be garnered. Some may laugh at the way he speaks in the movie, but please try to understand that he has been fighting nasopharyngeal cancer for more than 2 decades, which has seriously affected how he articulates and his hearing too. Why did they insist on using his own voice? It is because only that way, an actor could fully unleash to the audience what the role should really be like. Mr. Li's performance is powerful and flawless in every scene.
Surely, there are areas that require improvements. The special effects - yes, they could have been better but considering the lack of funding and the fact that the Director had to pay out of his pocket to keep it going, I am only hoping the first Installment of the Trilogy could score better in worldwide box office so that more funds can be injected to improve that area which is very important to the 2nd and the 3rd installments. The plot - yes, some wonderfully shot scenes did not appear in the movie, which arguably could help audience understand better, but the Director had to make a judgement call in order not to compromise the integrity of the story line, and having a movie longer than 2.5 hours means more difficulty in getting it released in Chinese theatres, apparently...
Truth be told. I've seen the Creation of the Gods 4 times, all in iMax theatres. Each time, I was able to find details that I previously missed. Each time, I was able to feel more. Last time that I did such a thing was for Titanic, and I only watched it 3 times...
So if you have a big heart and are happy to embrace all cultures, may I urge you to give this movie a chance, and please do so in an iMax theatre if you can!
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The boy gradually overcomes his memories from his first love as the focus on the relationship deepens.
This is a simple story without any confliction caused and purely concentrates on the main characters.
Would like to make a note that the animation in this was done creatively and beautifully.
The music was simple, easy-listening and fit perfectly into the movie to create an 'airy' yet beautiful feel.
I gave a low rewatch value due to the reasoning that the story is simple, and therefore it will be boring to watch again.
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Best C. Drama in 2023
I want to write a review but am too lazy to write a review so please understand me...sorry Bai Lu and Dylan Wang...love you tooZheng Shu Yi is a hard-working reporter for one of China’s leading financial newspapers. She’s determined to land a front-page story, so she is pulling out all the stops to land an interview with one of the most talked-about young CEOs in the land – Shi Yan. For his part, the businessman is looking to make a series of investments in promising startup firms as a way of giving back to the community.
A mixup occurs between the two, and their paths cross again. But as they (inadvertently) get to know one another, they start to realize their destinies may be intertwined. Shi Yan discovers that Zheng Shu Yi’s extensive reporting career means very few people know more about local startups. He agrees to let her write a series of stories about his company, causing them to meet again and again. But could this blossoming working relationship also lead them on the path to love?
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2 reasons it's a groundbreaking show
The school bike racks are empty, the lockers are empty, as are the shelves in the teachers' office. It is a sign of the times, pandemic precautions.There are none to few bystanders in the parking lot, in the cafe, in the street. This is one reason this show is groundbreaking.
Second, although BL genre has long been around, I like how this show is groundbreaking by the way the writers portray the easygoing perspective of most of the supporting characters.
Thank you Tokyo MX. If you are at all open-minded, it is a groundbreaking romantic comedy that will lighten your mood. Please watch it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Through their eyes....
This movie is currently airing on local cinema in my country so that is why i already watched this movie. Gonna give the review with less spoiler as much as i can.Personally, i haven't watched the original aka Always so i wouldn't know the storyline at all when i watch your eyes tell. The storyline is really beautiful and i believe Always would be top notch movie even i haven't watched it. Ryusei and Yuriko really did their best to deliver heart-warming and sometime aching love story. Love with the acceptance of one another's flaws. Did i cry? Yes i did to the point i had to change my face mask since i wet it.
Through eyes both metaphorically (in case of Kaori, she could tell whatever Rui's do even though she suffers eyes impairment) and literally (in case of Rui whom could find warmth of love and affection in Kaori), you could see the meaning of what the love is.
OST ofc you know sung by BTS and it completes the movie. Worth watch for you who loves romance stories.
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painful and beautiful
I began watching this BL with no expectations. In the first episode, I encountered a character immersed in a dirty and disorderly environment, lacking the will to live. Surprisingly, he survived a close encounter with death, and a grumpy angel awaited him in his room after being discharged from the hospital.As the story unfolds, we are led through a peculiar journey between Koki and his angel. Over time, Koki notices subtle changes in his life. Revisiting all these episodes, I realized that the plot goes much beyond. I've been through the same situation as Koki, and, bro it's dreadful, but just as he found a reason to live and discovered that life isn't so bad after all, I realize that this is a true work of art.
The relationship between them deepens as the angel reveals its fragility: its wings fall when Koki is sad. This unique dynamic adds an emotional layer to the plot, emphasizing the importance of small joys in Koki's life.
As Koki rediscovers himself and finds meaning in seemingly trivial things, the drama's message becomes clear: life, despite its challenges, reserves precious moments.
This BL not only captivates with its unique narrative but also offers a sensitive reflection on the importance of finding joy in small things and valuing life, even in the most challenging moments.
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This review may contain spoilers
Zhang Chi's begging eyes while saying "jiejie" is not for the weak
Zhang Chi and Yue Yuting are one of the CP's I can fully trust to deliver and they did it so brilliantly in this drama. I have only seen a few dramas of Zhang Chi's before and all of his characters I have seen were more of a restrained type. I knew he could act especially in his ancient drama where he was sick and sat in a wheelchair for the most of the story. He was very pitiful there especially when his sickness was acting up. But here, omg, the way his eyes change from a pitiful puppy to a predator was so exceptional. It's not a simple smiling then being blank face. There's something about his stare that really captivates you. . Before, I thought him and Yang Peng Cheng has a similar vibe but this drama definitely put him on a higher acting skills than Peng Cheng.Yue Yuting's versatility is one of the reasons she's one of my favorite short drama actress. She can switch from fragile to scheming to fierce effortlessly. While she's very beautiful, it doesn't take away the fact that she's truly a great actress and her performance in this story is a proof of that.
Onto the story, I gotta say I haven't seen this trope before. I love the dominant woman and submissive man trope but I don't think I've seen it done literally in a short drama before. The camerawork did great at making the mature scenes hot without making it feel like p0rn. At first, you'd think Jiang Xu is taking advantage of Lu Zhi but once you see the true nature of Lu Zhi, you'll realize they're just two unhinged people who are obsessed and need each other. I absolutely love how supportive Jiang Xu's family was to her despite her sickness. It definitely parallels how Lu Zhi's family shunned him because of his dad even though he himself wasn't sick. Rather, he just became ruthless because of he went through after being abandoned.
I'm not sure if I completely dig the antagonist. I won't write who it is but I can say it's definitely a different perspective.
Nothing can be said more about their chemistry. I love Jiang Xu and Lu Zhi's unwavering support of each other. Sure, they had a dysfunctional relationship at first BUT !!SPOILER!! Lu Zhi is actually into it. It's not that he's into sadomachism but he's into Jiang Xu!!SPOILER!! And the kisses omg they didn't held back at all. I noticed that they did a scene of the two lying opposite on a bed with their heads close together. They did a similar scene in their previous work of historical drama (where Zhang Chi is the emperor and Yue Yuting is a cannon fodder concubine) and if it's gonna be their CP signature scene then I'm loving it.
And applause to whoever chose and edited the bgm. I think this is the first short Chinese drama I gave a high score to music because the music for the steamy scenes added more flavor to those parts. I finally didn't have to hear "See The Light" and that bolbangan 4 song repeatedly in a drama.
Favorite scenes:
- the wax, the ice and oh my gosh the wax (iykyk)
- everytime Zhang Chi acts like a puppy begging for affection. Yue Yuting definitely has a stronger will than me because I would have given him my entire being.
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Love this series so much that i cant even watch any other show right now.
Thank you for producing such an amazing show. And the actors and actresses are really the best. They had chosen the right people to film this show!
Hope this show can reach out to more people, and also allow more people to understand the LGBT community. All the best! Hoping for movie or season 2
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An Average Drama that is NOT a Must-Watch. Or watch for Xiao Zhan and Alen Fang
Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75A drama starring the mega heartthrob and superstar, Xiao Zhan, is not garnering a lot of attention (at least not on MDL feeds). This is quite surprising as “The Longest Promise” marks the return of Xiao Zhan in a period drama after his success in “The Untamed”. Is the female lead actress, Ren Min, to be blamed? Or her character? Or just the somewhat messy writing in the second half of the drama? Perhaps all of the above.
Zhu Yan (female lead)
I have seen my fair share of xianxias, and I don’t think Zu Yan is such an annoying character. Is she the best FL written? Of course not. However, I’ve seen much worse innocent, naive, pitchy voice female leads before. Zhu Yan though was innocent, she’s not naive and is quite smart in her own right. She might not always make the most thought-out decisions for half of the drama or follow repeated instructions, but she also is independent, courageous and reasonable. The hate on Ren Min is really uncalled for, as I actually think she did a pretty good job here.
Master/Disciple Relationship
This relationship is actually a lot more ‘tolerable’ as the leads met when they were children, then reunited by chance before they became master/disciple This makes the romance also more palatable as they already have very positive feelings and attraction towards each other before they enter into this ‘forbidden love’.
Main Romance
Viewers should be aware that the “slow burn romance” tag is no joke. This is one of the slowest romances in xianxia dramas. Do not expect cute and fluffy scenes between the leads. Their romance is slow, gradual and very quiet. Unfortunately, I don’t think the leads have a lot of chemistry. It’s very average. Even though Xiao Zhao looks great as the handsome Priest, he also looks a lot older than his 18-year old character. Ren Mi looks a lot younger and when they are together, they do not look like lovers. They look more like friends or siblings. The romance is not angsty enough, and not fluffy enough.
Supporting Romance
They could have been so much better. The shy prince and princess are really a cute couple. However, their scenes pop up here and there, and have no substance. Qing Gang and Bai Xue Lu fare a little better and have a more interesting relationship. Unfortunately, the initial setup of the romance is not done right, thus, making it difficult for me to believe Qing Gang’s strong and dedicated affection. The acting is great, but the writing of the plot is not. My dear merman’s story is probably the best out of all 3 supporting romances. I wish to see more scenes of him and his beloved.
Acting
Overall, I think the acting is great all around. Xiao Zhan is the main attraction and he does not disappoint. I think Ren Mi did fine as well and maybe a little better than expected. Alen Fang (merman), Wan Chu Ran (Princess Bai), Wang Zi Qi (General), Marcus Li (Chong Ming bird) and the rest of the younger and veteran cast all met my expectations. I don’t think there’s a weak link. Luckily, there aren't any annoying side characters as well.
Pacing/Writing/Editing
I was having an enjoyable time in the first half of the drama. The pace of the drama is average and decent. The stories of the disciples up the mountain are interesting. We also get to know each of the main characters pretty well. Fight scenes and action picked up in the second half, as well as politics. Unfortunately, despite the pace being faster due to the fight scenes, the writing also gets messier. The backstory of the Demon and Ice tribe is not well done. There’s more telling us what happened, instead of showing us what happened. Editing got choppy and scenes pop up here and there without continuity.
Production Value
I was quite impressed with the CGI Sand Monster in the first episode. I thought the drama opened with a BANG! However, then I realized CGI is inconsistent. There are fight scenes with great visual effects, and then there are scenes so obvious that you know the green screen is right there. The fight scenes and CGI are average and I do no like the slow mo action scenes. Xiao Zhan is the only one who uses his own voice for dubbing. I applaud his effort and maybe being in a play has helped Xiao Zhan build up confidence and experience. I think he did an OK job but it was definitely encouraging. Unfortunately, everyone else is dubbed by voice actors and there is no live recording at all. The sets are not bad and I do like the costumes and accessories. The music and songs are fine, but not memorable.
XianXia Tropes
It’s interesting how “The Longest Promise” does not have some common tropes, e.g. evil second female lead who won’t take no for an answer, super cold male lead (ML here is cool, but approachable and not overly rude and cold), or many love triangles/squares/pentagons. But then, in the second half of the drama, we have noble idiocy, common and predictable miscommunication, and a very xianxia ending.
Overall, “The Longest Promise” is a very average drama. It is not a must-watch but if you need to curb your thirst for Xiao Zhan, then it’s not bad. There are many better xianxias out there.
Other Random Observations:
1. There are some scenes that are very Harry-Potter and Lord-of-the-Ring like.
2. Chong Ming Bird is a good sidekick and provided a little comic relief (not much).
3. The kiss scenes are few and disappointing. Side-hugs appear uncomfortable and scripted/pose-like.
Completed: 8/1/2023 - Review #336
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