Love-Sacrifice-Love-Sacrifice-Love.
Finished it finally after dropping it the first time after 8 epiosdes, and thinking about dropping it the second time around the same point, I want to thank the people who told me to watch up to ep 16 before deciding, thanks to them I finished the drama. The story starts picking up slowly starting from ep9 and change completely later on (ep16), that doesn't change the fact that the drama was still too draggy, and that took away a lot of its quality. My final rating 8/10.2 reasons for dropping the drama at the first arc, the story was slow without any interesting character that keeps you going, the FL was annoying at times and had no self-esteem other times , ML the typical cold main character. The second reason is the 2 main leads didn't have chemistry, I've seen them both making better chemistry with other actors and actresses. But they grow on you afterward. Maybe because their characters change.
I wasn't sure about casting Xu Kai as the ML at the first arc until I saw him as Qing Mu, he fited him perfectly. ZDY was good enough, I fell for her beautiful smile.
What I loved most about the drama are: OST, CGI, some very good support characters and some emotional scenes that put me to tears (The OST made them even more emotional)
They had enough time to give us a complete satisfying ending, still chose to drag the parts before it instead.
Was this review helpful to you?
All 49 episodes available on YouTube
What's not to love XuKai is superb. Its really hard not to binge watch this series. The story line was captivating and the actors were chosen well, even Jenny Zhang left a taste in your mouth like suihe did in ashes of love. The combination made this on par with 10miles of peach blossom and ashes of love.By episode 47 I was hoping for a season 2 not wanting it to end but unable to linger even after 36 hours of binge watching. Zhou dongyu smile lights up a room, you cried when she did and blushed without thinking as she did. There was instant sparks between her and xu kai making the plot even more believable. The child actor used was extremely engaging and witty. This is totally worth a 10 for rewatch value.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best wuxia/period C-drama of the year.
I am going to keep this review short and sweet. Loved loved and loved the drama. I am big Xu Kai fan and this will be my fav Xu Kai drama now. I loved the FL too in this drama strong and sassy. All the other main and supporting characters were very well portrayed. This drama is just awesome, i don't know why i kept postponing to watch this may be because of what it said in the description. This drama was fast pace for most of the time except in between it became slow paced for some 10-15 episodes when Haouchi comes into picture. I watched it full in its entirety without fast forwarding and it has 49 episodes. Of course i binged it. Just go and watch it. I wish they would have given a little more insight at the end of in their lives trying to keep the spoiler away as much as possible so go and watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
An Alright Xianxia
I watch a lot of Xianxia’s, and there’s nothing particularly wrong with this Xianxia, but it hangs low in a sea of excellence.The performances are excellent, but it brings nothing new to the table. I also want to add that I nearly dropped this drama in the first 16 episodes because exposition should never be that long.
The mortal arc was fun to watch, and the aftermath was tragic. But there was nothing here that felt enlightening. Now, it is called Ancient Love Poetry, so that was likely a sign, but I would have loved for the SML to pine for someone other than the FL, and for there to be less of a focus on destiny in this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Xianxia Dramas are starting to go downhill
Why did I start watching?I can't say that I originally watched this drama for the main cast, however, the drama has left me disappointed.
Story
There's nothing too new but I feel like the story like is the same old same old along with other xianxia dramas. The story went downhill after Shang Gu (the female lead) was reborn in the immortal realm.
Casting
I was looking forward to this drama after Xu Kai's Arsenal Military Academy and Legend of Zhao Yao. Zhou Dongyu isn't a bad actress either cause I've seen some of her other dramas. But I just feel like her appearance doesn't match the fairy-like appearance of the drama and in my opinion, the side female leads were more of a candy to the eye.
Overall
After the storyline went down, I couldn't raise my interest for the rest of the drama. But I did ultimately finish the rest of the drama. The ending was HE.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Xianxia Fairytale
Being one who hasn't always enjoyed historical dramas, I didn't hold high hopes for this drama. I had never given a chance for xianxia dramas, but seeing as people seemed to have very mixed reviews, I decided to watch it, and this drama did not disappoint.The story is very intricate, and although it has a slow start, everything pulls itself together nicely. It starts off in a very cliche way, the cold ML and the bubbly FL fall in love, but then it takes a turn (around episode 20 ?) and starts to become more engaging. I have to admit that while watching the first few episodes, I was slightly tempted to bench the drama and watch another, but eventually the story does gain traction and prompt viewers to be more intrigued.
Zhou Dong Yu has been criticized a lot during this drama for her appearance, acting, and popularity, but I think that she portrayed Shang Gu/Hou Chi very well. In the first arc, Shang Gu develops from an immature carefree goddess with little power to one that looks more mature and acts the same. In her second character, she plays someone quite similar to Hou Chi, but I still do think that there are differences between the two that could've been shown more by Dong Yu. In my opinion, her appearance matches the role perfectly, she can look very young and also portray a more mature role, which she also does in her other works. I believe that her acting skills are some of the best in this generation, and that her appearance is very refreshing and unique.
Xu Kai, in my opinion, is one of the best actors to play a cold-hearted role, whether it be in a modern drama or a historical one. He knows how to control his face to show different emotions, and especially in his eyes. Bai Jue and Qing Mu are polar opposites, yet Xu Kai manages to pull off both characters and convince the viewers that they are two completely different people even if they do have the same appearance.
Both the FL and ML played multiple characters and personas throughout the drama, and although I do think that the acting lacked a bit in the second life, they still deserve a round of applause. In addition to this, the remaining of the cast also did an exceptional job at portraying their characters, and I was equally invested in watching their relationships bloom.
Both the CGI and the OSTs for this drama are some of the best I've seen in awhile, and the lyrics are especially matching to the story. If you're considering watching this drama, I'd say that you should do it. Yes, there are almost 50 episodes, yes, the start is a bit offsetting, but it's a great xianxia drama that's worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
There is a balance between mystery, romance and action in this drama.
This drama is sooo good. I read many negative comments about this drama before, mostly because the visual of the main female leader, they also gave negative opinions on the chemistry between the main leads and the acting of them. Thus I was hesitate but I’m so glad that I give it a chance and watch it. Otherwise I would miss a super good xianxia drama. The CGI of this is chef kiss, everyone notices this, so no need to speak more about it. This drama might have the best CGI compared to other xianxia dramas so far. And the thing I love about the drama the most, besides CGI, is the plot. The story is so interesting, I just can’t stop watching it. It does not only focus on love between the gods. It has a complicated story about the Ancient World of Gods, about the responsibility of Gods for their people, I love how the drama expresses those things. The drama actually builds the details about the God world and their problems, not just mentions it and turns it into some situations for the characters to show their love. This is the reason I like this much more than Ten Miles of Peach blossom and Eternal love of dream. Plus I really love that the drama describes clearly how the battle between the gods leads to miserable life for normal people, which is not mentioned or mentioned really briefly in other xianxia drama. And the main female leader, no matter when she is Shang Gu which great power or Hou Chi with weaker power, she still cares for her people a lot, she is thoughtful and is always willing to sacrifice, which are the attitudes that a real god should have. Shang Gu officially becomes my most favorite character in Xianxia drama so far. Additionally, there is not much unnecessary scenes in this drama like many others I’ve watched before, that’s why it’s so interesting to watch. I didn’t need to skip a part at all.Speaking of acting, I like the way Zhou Dong Yu acts here. She acts really naturally, her bright smile is so cheerful, her acting is fresh and not cliché. I really want to see her in more ancient costumes dramas. I also love her chemistry with Xu Kai.
Was this review helpful to you?
Must watch!!! Best C-drama ever! With the best plot ever!
It will make you cry like a river.. ! Best for all time! I highly recommended it to you! Xukai acting was very on point.. his eyes tell about all his pain , he truly one of the best C- actors i've known.. All the ost in these drama are truly amazing like, even your not Chinese you will learn to sing it because of it's nice sounds and ofc the meaning of the songs was truly beautiful.. The Plot and twist of the story line was beyond my expectation like i never realize how good the writer was.. it makes your heart heavy to hold... And it's the first c drama i applause so much!Was this review helpful to you?
Solid Xianxia Drama, would recommend to anyone
First of all, the plot, music, and acting was pretty good. The storyline is pretty easy to follow and was really good emotionally wise as well. Out of all the xianxia dramas, I think this ranks behind three lives three worlds.Im a big fan of deep, layered stories and like most xianxia dramas, this was pretty surface level. From episode 1-16 is the backstory, and onwards the plot really starts picking up. I felt that the story lagged near the ending and lost its vigor, especially the ending episode.
Overall, a solid 8.5/10. If your looking to watch a xianxia, then yeah its probably good. I wouldnt rewatch it though because there arent really any scenes that really made it memorable.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watch it, totally worth it!
My emotions are still a mess, i can't explain how beautiful this is! Won't deny, i fxcking cried a lot during the last episodes, so happy they ended up together! A love as beautiful as that really deserves a good ending because if it doesn't, i'll bash this drama to death! Imagine living three lifetimes devoted to only one woman and doing everything just for her without her knowing because her man took her memories in order for her not to worry about anything and just live a happy life. It'll be totally unfair for the guy because he suffered alone and all he got was death. But well, the ending was what I hoped for and I am very very glad they ended up being together! I hope everyone will find a love like that! Ashes Of Love can never compare. This drama has mature casts, no cringe moments and no over dramatic casts, it is more than perfect for those who wants to watch a high quality xianxia drama!Was this review helpful to you?
Xianxia but it.actually has something new!
Absolutely breathtaking cinematography., Honey-sweet chemistry. Yes it might seem trope-heavy but that's what this is a "class Xianxia". You won't find Xianxia anywhere else and there's hardly one good Xianxia drama in a year. So this is a treat. Tencent does CGI like no one else, it's grandiose. The OSTs??? It's the best you'll here in quite some time- Zhou Shen, Liu Yuning, Mao Buyi all together. It's a blessing to my ears. I loved it to the core. I found it kinda absurd how the scene changed after 15 episodes but I got used to the new setting real quick. The side characters are all memorable and very cute. I'd recommend it 100% if you like wuxia/ xianxia.P.S: Just wanted to say that Tian Qi (Liu Xueyi) blew my mind. I was swept off my feet by him. I guess I really like that kind of a character a little bit dark but with a strong will and protective of the people he loves. I loved this drama much more than I'd have if he wasn't present!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Best Xian Xia Drama of This Year So Far
Story: Although this drama is typical xianxia drama in general, the interesting point of this drama is the main character, which is the strong female god. Many of xianxia drama describe the female MC as badass and strong one, but only this drama consistently tell this attitude until the end. The story is middle-pace but gripping me fast enough to finish it only in 5 days in proximate. Almost no grey character in the story, just the good one or the bad one, despite many hilarious ones. I think the production team was playing safe for choosing this drama because the story is easy to digest and probably just as easy to become big fans drama.Acting: Maybe because this was her first time acting in costume drama, at first I found Zhou Dongyu's acting was a little bit out of line. Many of her expressions were not match the scene, like too many smiling in serious or touching scenes. But after the halfway, her acting became better and better, specially the crying scenes. I have watched some of Xu Kai's drama and my deepest impression of him is in The Legend. And I think this is another Xu Kai's best costume drama. Though I'm not really fond of his appearance in costume drama, but have to admit that he has magnificent acting skills. For addition, I fell in love with Liu Xueyi's character in this drama. Gosh, he was so cute and hilarious.
Music: This drama has many OST which probably will be my favorite OST playlist. The music score was very beautiful and touching. Special mention for the ones Mao Buyi and Zhou Shen sang.
Overall: There was no doubt that this drama spend big budget on production. The settings and CGI are very exquisite. The costumes also beautifully designed. This drama will be one of my favorite Xianxia drama following TMPB and LAR
Was this review helpful to you?
