This review may contain spoilers
I just finish the drama and I'm shock. The story was good and it had power female characters. MC was a good hero and I ship him with Xun Er. I really happy that they didn't go the harem route for the MC like in the book. I hope he pick one girl to stay with.The only thing I dislike was that it has a lot of loop holes in the story, but there not too bad. You still can get the plot flow even though some time things are clearly missing. The story plot goes normal speed and isn't slow like a manga or webtoon tends to be.
I really hope there a season 2 and the MC comes back(there been rumors that his not coming back). I hope the MC pick ome girl and keep it that way for season 2.
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The one thing I'm confused about is they never really explained why was there another Xun'er in the villain valley.
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Watch Fights Break Sphere for the story
I deliberated a long time over 8.5 or 9.... Finally decided on 8.5 becos the camera work and production quality affected my watching experience quite a lot. If the props and costumes quality was better, or the camera men were more experienced and know to shoot at angles that would not make the props look so fake, this drama would have been a 9.5 or even 10 for me.This is an idol-led drama, with a really young cast and it was before Wu Lei and Xiao Zhan were such hot property. It didn't have much budget or good camera men so the watching experience feels like I'm at a school stage play at times.... But the story!! The story is GOOD! One of the best wuxia plots in recent times! And the screenwriters are quite respectful of the work, the changes it made from the original did not take too much away from the story. The drama is free from usual tropes, at least I haven't spotted any.... I don't consider the bro-sis romance to be a trope as this is in the original book.
If you like a good wuxia drama without much romance, Fights Break Sphere is a strong contender. Wu Lei fits the ML role well, and he puts in a commandable performance! I'm quite excited to see how he would develop in acting as he mature, like 10 years later? For a 17 yo to put in such a credible performance, he would probably be mind-blowing when he is 28.
And you have members of XNine in supporting roles, including uber hot Xiao Zhan! And a really pretty FL who unfortunately couldn't act well, but that is okay, won't distract you too much. I really like Li Qin's cameo here! She has such good chemistry with Wu Lei, it is unbelievable they are 9 years apart in age. Her CP with Wu Lei is more sizzling than the FL with Wu Lei.... Haha.
This is a fun watch with a very good, engaging story. I do not know if there'd be a season 2, but the ending is good enough for me. There is the donghua version too! You can continue the story in its animated version.
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The Boy Wunderkind
I was very surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this drama, even though 2 people I follow are in it and I wanted to see knowing Wu Lei was a child actor and having now seen him in many things as a young adult, was curious how he was as a teen. He met every single one of the expectations and then some for the role. I heard people hated on him at the time this was released; I'd just say they were jealous or had nothing better to do. Many actors that I've seen since in other things, seeing them here was always a pleasant surprise. Obviously, watching a 2018 drama in 2023 is an entirely different ballgame but I go into each drama with literally zero expectations even if it's an anticipated one. Call it a personal pet peeve. Xiao Yan was the boy wunderkind.Pro: Though called an "idol drama" just for the sheer number of boy banders in it; I viewed it as just another drama. As mentioned above, WL or XY was really great in every scene of his. He was able to hit each emotion and movement on the nose. He was 17 then, 23 now and it was there when he was really angry that I saw a young Ashile Sun or Ling Bu Yi in the making. That smoldering glare of "if looks could kill or at least maim" was very impressive and on point. Am I praising him because I follow him? No. I'm an equal opportunity critic especially since I'm an author/writer myself and know how a character should express their scenes even if I haven't read the material. I know this thing was popular when it aired so obviously he did something right. His evolution was fantastic. I have to praise the author of the IP for the character itself. To go from almost no martial art skills to that of a near God in 45 episodes is impressive to say the least. Truly wish he and many others reprised their roles in the sequel though I know that's not happening. The martial arts scenes were awesome, especially as XY ascended in power.
Had many favorite secondary characters but the one he had the best banter with was Yao Chen or Yao Lo aka the psychedelic-haired genius trapped in the ring. Baron Chen was an absolute riot as him. I would have loved to see more scenes with just them two. They had the best back and forth friendship even though they were essentially Shifu and student. I lost count how many times I was cracking up at their mutual bitching or antics. This relationship was the best tension breaker when Soul Hall was getting out of control with their evil. It was like a grab and release, each and every time.
If I start listing all of the other great characters that molded so well by XY's side, we'll be here all night. But just about every character was an awesome addition, including the antagonists like the Omega (JR Ward BDB novel reference) looking Old Fan, just 86 the evil cackle which always just destroys the credibility of a villain as it makes me think of a Halloween store decoration. I had forgotten Xiao Zhan was in this one way back when he was still a new face on the block. He's one the Yan Sect pact boys I really liked, so it was a pleasant surprise to see his face on screen. Just wish they didn't poof him from 20 episodes only to return him in the last few (but I'm guessing that had more to do with his own filming schedule conflicts). Everyone XY aligned himself with like the snake tribe and its gorgeous queen was awesome. When it came to chemistry and who he was ultimately best with, in part one I couldn't tell because it seemed like Xun'er was the obvious choice and the one he got jealous over, but he played his naïveté so well, everyone's guess is good. Hopefully in part 2, they appropriately address it and have him choose just one and not 471. Head of the academy Elder Mi was more like a father figure to XY than his own father though the latter did everything in secret to protect XY. Also loved his older brothers from the desert. Just too many people to put down, but overall the support from family and acquired friends and allies was pretty outstanding.
Production itself was alright but not super tight; I was actually happy with the less is more concept. Costumes, OSTs, sets, etc were well done and believable for the time. The cliffhanger was pretty well executed even considering audiences 5 years plus are still waiting for part 2. It gave people hope instead of many that just confuse the hell out of everyone. As far as cliffhangers go, it was the best way to do it. I liked it a lot; though I wasn't a fan of Xun'er's betrayal as he's "dying." I hope she gets a crack in the head from him for that.
Cons: As many mentioned, there were plot holes in the series that never were resolved or understood. How did XY's mom stick Yao Lo and a bunch of treasures into a ring when she was so badly wounded and he was already dead? What happened to the Mo Clan after its leader was killed? How did the snake tribe know where to go during that last battle? And the student friends of XY from the academy arrived on scene after everything was cratered, just like "wifey" and her new magical beast. Did some bulletin go out to the rest of the world? Or was everyone psychic and telepathic? Where did his brothers from the desert go? How were they not found before for years but magically when XY is doing that 30 day trial underground, they poof and no clue to whether they're dead or alive. Many, many others. At a time with no limit on episodes, they could have explained a lot of this and better. Didn't like that there were a few episodes without XY at the end just so they could shove in small subplots to make room for the final battle, but it opened the door to even more questions that were never revealed. I also wish they had told him of what happened to his clan sooner, it was very anti-climactic.
Why couldn't they get rid of Han Heng before part 2 because it seemed to me like he possessed more power then even Old Fan and all he did pretty much the entire series was whine, throw his hair around like some cocky Fabio, and try to pin every problem of their lands on XY; it got old quick. How did he even know where the cave was, how to use the spatial ring, etc at the end? It just cut off any logic. The guy was a straight up douche and didn't deserve to outlive other, perhaps better even antagonists. The zombies were just undead people with eye makeup, quite lousy. The camera shook repeatedly and could be extremely noticeable. So I hope in part 2, they bring everything full circle and use better fantastical elements instead of the cheap zombie extras.
Would I recommend it? I would. And am even going to try part 2 despite the change in everything from cast to production. If you want an adventurous, fun, well moving story with great martial arts that's like a blend of wuxia and fantasy, give this a try.
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Wow! Just wow! Lots of action, the way I like it! This is a story of growth, self-discovery and heroism all bundled up in a package filled with gaming-type CGI and story line. Basically by the end of Season 1, the male lead is very powerful...if he gets any more powerful, he might as well be god! LOL Sure, there were cheesiness and dodgy CGIs along the way but the journey was fun. The story is generally interesting though at parts, it got a little 'complicated' along the way. Maybe it's because of the many story lines happening at one go. After all, this is a series that will probably be nearing 100 episodes in total by the end of Season 2 (if there is a Season 2)! My suggestion....sit back and enjoy the action. If certain parts get uninteresting, just fast forward them. But generally, for those who appreciate fantasy series and gaming, this is an enjoyable ride. I look forward to Season 2 where I hope to see our hero further develop his skills and self-confidence to fulfill the 1000-years' prophesy of him. After all, no one is born a hero. You become a hero. :)
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The thing that i don't like from this drama: The male lead is too easy that make girla fall in love with him. It just make me feel cringy.
The acting of the casts are good. I've no problem with their acting
The song is quiet good
This drama is quiet good but you need to prepare for several plot holes and for a draggy story
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Let me just say the person I hate the most is Han Feng.
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Main roles are not suitable.
The cam is shaking in many episodes 👎The main actor is too cute, his face/eyes looks always smile. I find it hard to be emotionally involved when he's angry or sad.
The main actress is also cute. Luckily, she didn't have to be in an angry situation. Except when she become dragon mother. And she's not fierce enough, as I suspected.
I can not say much about storyline, because it will continue in 2nd season. Except it tells us about a man who raise from looser to hero...by being kind, persistent, and (of course) lucky.
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............................. Please release date of season2.
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This review may contain spoilers
I think Xun Er in the last episode took back her life pearl cause she sees she cannot save Xiao Yan. .... she didn't betray him. From reviews, the storyline is very different from the manga. I really enjoy how he keeps surprising the people around him. The school and his family didn't even know his status as Snake King. The funny thing is he keeps hiding his flame essences. He even kept his Grade 3 Pharmacy Officer status from his own dad. I like how the story develops and the highlight towards the end.
I cannot stand how Han Feng keeps getting away each time.
I can't wait for Season 2. I hope he marries Medusa and Xun Er...and Yi Xian...
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Honest opinion
Honestly the story and the characters had a lot of potential but it was not explored in this series. I felt the series too boring some times but kept on watching hoping it will become better, but it is ok not good according to my point of view. The series only focuses on the protagonist's journey and his ambitions nothing more nothing less. Also i felt like he became a little too arrogant in the middle of the show. One thing I liked about wuxia dramas was that they explore each character, their journey and relationships throughout the series. Here in this series nothing like that is visible and it is all about the ML. The female lead though strong but totally useless according to me. All of them fall in love with the ML without any reason. Especially Xun'er i am totally ignoring the fact that the ML was her first cousin and she was in love with him, but that love was never return by the ML also their was zero chemistry between them. The ML had better chemistry with his teacher another poison girl and even Medusa. Also the screentime the characters were so good especially female character but the screen time was too less. I watched this drama for Xiao Zhan but he was not even in half of the episodes. Though I liked thier friendship with the lead but all of them when facing the challenges waits for the ML to command them and save them, even the senior who was their. It makes no sense that every time there was danger or some kind of competition all of them relied heavily on Xiao Yan, Even when he was not that powerful. Medusa is totally useless and only comes out 3 or 4 time. Also i don't like harem system and Xun'er though dragon mother but her priority was always Xiao Yan. Her whole life revolves around the Ml and one scene i find really absurd is that in one episode the ML is saying he regards Xun'er as his little sister but in the next scene when she talks with another male he gets jealous. His affection makes no sense to me. I liked the character of Nalan Yanren with a 3d personality and life of her own not revolving around the ML but too little screen time was given to her. For me this drama gets really boring too many times although I am finishing this drama but compared to other wuxia dramas i have watched this drama falls flat. I liked the character medicine elder a lot. Music is ok not good according to me.All in all i was thinking of watching the donghua after this but now I am not so sure.
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Leo Wu carries this drama...don't watch this for Sean Xiao
10/9/2021As I continue to search for great martial arts dramas with amazing fight scenes, I stumbled onto "Fights Break Sphere". This is actually not a traditional wuxia/martial arts drama, but more of a fantasy drama. The drama ends with a small cliffhanger as to what would happen to our ML next. But don't worry, it has a good enough closure that I think it's safe to watch Season 1 and patiently wait for Season 2 with a totally different cast.
Leo Wu, not Sean Xiao - First, watch this drama because you are a fan of Leo Wu. His acting is great and carries the drama on his back all by himself. Do not watch this drama because of Sean Xiao, Li Qin or Xin Zhi Lei. This drama is all about Leo Wu's character and how he developed from a 15-year old without any great martial arts skills to be the savior of the world. Sean Xiao has a very small part in this drama. He's only one of the side kicks. Li Qin also has a very small role and only appears in a few episodes. I even find her character quite annoying and she appears a little too old to act young and naive, and definitely looks too old to be Leo Wu's love interest. Xin Zhi Lei's part is even smaller. I don't think she has more than 30 minutes of screen time.
Strong female cast - Even though all the female characters are only in the supporting cast, I am happy to see that they are all strong women with great martial arts skills. They are no damsel in distress and are not whiny and naive. They get stronger throughout the drama as they themselves continue to learn and develop their skills. Our FL supports ML in his fight and is always ready to come and save and help him.
Romance - Romance plays a very small part in this drama. I was hoping to see more developed between Xiao Yan and Xun Er. After the side story of Xiao Yan and Xia Yi Xan, I was waiting for Xiao Yan to realize that he truly loves Xun Er and not only sees her as a sister. I never get that satisfaction. Even up till now, I don't really know if Xiao Yan loves any of the girls. Maybe I have to wait for Season 2 to find out.
JianNan Academy/Hogwarts - Jian Nan Academy reminds me of Hogwarts (from Harry Potter). Students learn to fight, to cultivate and to make medicines from different teachers specializing in their crafts. Doesn't it sound like the different lessons in Hogwarts? They also have different colored uniforms, like the different Houses. JianNan Academy is protected by a seal cast by the Fight God, just like how Hogwarts is protected from enemies. There is even a marketplace for students to buy and sell, just like Hogsmeade. The snake that they fought against reminded me of Nagini, the sword that ML uses is like one of Voldemort's Horcruxes! Isn't the big bad guy Voldemort? Ok, maybe it's just me because I love Harry Potter so much.
Fighting/CGI/Music - I was excited in episode 1 when I saw our ML practicing his martial arts skills, the Fist Techniques. I was impressed with Leo Wu's movements and can see how much he's rehearsed. His movements are full of strength. I was cautiously optimistic that I found a good wuxia drama. Unfortunately, this is not it. The rest of the fight scenes are full of CGI and not actual fighting. The CGI is ok, nothing to write about. Music is not memorable. Well, except for the ending theme sung by X Nine. The ending theme is so upbeat and modern that it felt out of place. But then, the more I listen to it, and think about the drama about a bunch of teenagers trying to make it into the world, I start to enjoy it more. I then looked it up and realized 4 members of X Nine are the side kicks of our ML, including Sean Xiao.
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