Ancient Love Poetry (2021)

An impressive Xanxia drama

Let’s start with personally - I think the drama surpassed my expectations. I remembered very clearly watching the trailer and being uninterested when the hype was all over social media. I honestly didn’t think much of it.

I decided to give it a try to humour my love for Xanxia dramas, it was after all, my very first genre I started with to get into C-dramas. ALP gave me the same feels I felt watching things like Ashes of Love and Ten Miles of Peach Blossom which was what started my love for C-dramas. I can safely say, I wasn’t disappointed at all.

The Story:
Though the storyline did feel like they dragged it between episodes 1-15 (to me), I think to some degree it was necessary to show the backstory of each character. But that in itself resulted with the show getting its initial low ratings. Having said that, it’s not long until it picks up and I can reassure you, if you’ve stayed past episode 15-20, then you’re good!

I especially liked episodes 47-49 because you finally see everything coming together and all the emotions coming into play. Bai Jue and Yuanqi’s rekindled relationship was so sweet to watch, watching Bai Jue tear up at the sound of Yuanqi calling him “father” was pulling on my heart strings.

I personally felt they rushed episode 49 to try and wrap things up and to personally explain what everyone’s ending would be, and if you’ve already watched spoilers (like I did) you would know what the outcome and endings were, so there wasn’t much surprise but I wished they didn’t rush it so much. I would have loved more of the ending of Bai Jue and Shanggu’s reunion.

The Cast:
Firstly, I think the negative comments about Dong Yu were uncalled for. I personally felt her character suited her. She was after all meant to play the youngest out of 3 ‘siblings’, naive and carefree, she had to learn to bear the responsibilities of the Three Realms—she had to portray a child that had to learn to grow up quickly and I think she played that so well. You could tell her physical transformation aided in her ‘growth’, I loved watching her looks change and evolve as she matured i.e. with her fringe down vs her hair back. You could also tell by the colour of her clothing changing.

Very similarly with Bai Jue’s and Tianqi’s characters having to evolve. You see their personal character develop as well as their relationship with others. Though I admit, there were scenes which I felt could have evoked more emotion i.e. when Bai Jue was watching Shanggu be blown into pieces during her tribulation, I expected the level of emotion of Fengran crying as Jing Jian sacrificed himself in episode 47.

BUT I think as an actor having to play 3 different characters and be able to tell them apart for the viewers let alone themselves, is amazing. I don’t doubt that there would obviously be set backs or things that they could have ‘done better’ or ‘said differently’. But for what it was, I think Xu Kai and Dong Yu played their characters so well being able to differentiate between Bai Jue, Bo Xuan, Qingmu, Shanggu and Hou Chi. This was my first drama watching Xu Kai and it’s what made me watch ‘Falling into your smile’ as well. You can clearly see his different acting skills in both.

As much as I hated watching Wu Xuan, I think her character development deserved it just as much as the rest. If she was able to make you feel annoyed and angry, then I think she portrayed her character well. Same goes with Jing Zhao. You will always have one of those in every Xanxia drama. But I must say, her acting was great, I didn’t feel like she was having to fake much (except her evil laugh), she was mean when she needed to be and she was honest and raw especially in her final days.

I think you’ll hear a lot of people say that they cherished Qingmu’s and Hou Chi’s relationship most, because it was the sweetest. But I beg to differ. I thought Bai Jue’s and Shanggu’s love was so honest and raw. It wasn’t without effort that the two developed their relationship. They were the real MVP’s in my opinion for having to learn about friendship, then love, then sacrifice and then having to relive that over again. Can you imagine how difficult it must be, to have to push the one you love and not be able to tell her that EVERYTHING you did in the last 60,000 years was actually for her wellbeing? Like, how can you say that wasn’t the sweetest love. Just because he didn’t give her as much forehead kisses or hugs and wasn’t sweet with his words, I thought Bai Jue’s love for Shanggu was so beautiful. I mean, without Bai Jue and Shanggu, you wouldn’t have had Qingmu and Hou Chi.

Also! Much admiration for the child actor that played Yuanqi, I find some child actors to come across really fake especially with subbed voice overs that make them sound really high pitched. I think he played his role so professionally.

The Production:
For the level of CGI that was in this, I think it was spectacular. I can imagine the amount of post production work this took. As a fellow creative (for context, I’m a graphic designer by trade), it’s so easy to point fingers and say some things could have been done better. But I don’t think you understand the amount of work it probably took them. I could say that this was just on parr with Ashes of Love and Ten Miles. There wasn’t anything too cringey watching, I thought the monsters were going to look a bit fake, but they didn’t. The part that amazed me was the overview of each palace that they displayed to show you where things were taking place. You can clearly differentiate all of them and the props, colouring and decor of each palace internally was taken into consideration. So much thought process! I loved it.

The costumes were fantastic. I really liked most of Shanggu’s and Yuemi’s wardrobe! You can tell there were so much detail in it. Can’t forget Wu Huan’s extravagant display as well, I actually liked her with white hair and her appearance as a devil was actually quite stunning all in black.

The Soundtrack:
I HAVE to make mention of this. They literally pulled all the big names in C-drama artists to sing in this drama. I love all the tracks—they’ve all got their own vibe but overall has the general theme of like ‘chasing one’s destiny’ (to me at least).

I can’t remember which episode it was, but definitely somewhere between 1-5 where I think they first played Mao Bu Yi’s “Yearning” in a sad/emotional scene and I had goosebumps. I still to this day, get goosebumps every time I hear it.

I honestly think that the soundtracks in this drama made the conversations and scenes so much better and much more convincing. I really think that’s what made me cry in the scene with Qingmu being replaced by Bai Jue’s awakening. Mao Bu Yi’s track is my favourite out of the lot— there’s something so haunting but comforting about the melody and lyrics. SO SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.

Zhou Shen’s track “Penannular Love’ also has very notable scenes attached to that song, which to me gives out that affectionate and fleeting vibe. The kind you find in a Disney movie. Hah! But his humming version which is in the intro is just as beautiful. It really gives you that period drama feel.

Overall, I think this was a beautiful drama. I think it’ll be hard to top this for a while. I think it’s important to watch the show with an open mind and have patience. Considering this was only 49 episodes and shorter than some if not most Chinese dramas, it does pick up it’s pace and you won’t be disappointed! I’m going to miss watching this!

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The actors at their best

Creative story writing and production. The many twists and turns to make it interesting only grips your heart. While this fall a little short of Ten Miles of Peach Blossom in my opinion, it is a great Xianxia drama above all the others.

I still lament that they did not pick a better looking FL, but Zhou Dongyu did not disappoint me. Her acting is very natural and fun to watch. Xu Kai... wow. He surpassed all the previous characters I've seen him in. The two had great chemistry. The supporting act did a wonderful job as well. I did not give it a perfect score because there were places where I thought acting was a bit lacking, like Fengran's reaction when holding the fallen Jinyan. Akin to Ten Miles Peach Blossom's Baiqian holding Yehua's fallen body. Yanmi did a much better job than Zhang Yaqin. Another delight to watch was the boy Yuanqi. I'm looking forward to watching him grow into a great actor.

The music, though too modern for my taste, was quite appropriate as well. I only would like to see more variation. It feels like the composer is only capable of this one style.

Though it is a great Xianxia drama, I probably would not want to rewatch it. There's nothing unclear that I need to go back and figure out, and there's also not a scene that I feel I must watch again.

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Haven’t seen something come close to TMOPB/ELOD in a while!

I seldom write reviews and only do so when I feel very strongly for a show. Case in point, I’ve only penned down my thoughts for TMOPB and ELOD haha loved those!

This was a highly anticipated one for me, namely because I loved TMOPB/ELOD so much (the first xianxias I’ve ever watched) and when I read that ALP was of a similar concept… with xukai!! I did enjoy some of the other xianxias in between like LAD, LAR but it didn’t come close (didn’t enjoy AOL, dropped it)… Until ALP. I didn’t skip a single scene.

Beautiful plot and love story, felt like the timeline was nicely planned for the different arcs. It felt like 3 different lifetimes (ep 1-16, 17-39, 39-49) where our OTP beat adversity time and again to find their happy ending! It was bittersweet each time and it reminded me of LAR in a sense where the ML would do anything for the FL time and again.

Xukai’s acting was top notch. I felt his pain as baijue, and he also felt like a different character as qingmu. I liked them both and I felt like he did such a good job in distinguishing the 2. ZDY did a good job too but I felt like she paled a little in comparison, though there was still some difference between shanggu and houchi (felt kinda flat). But nonetheless I love this pairing and will always root for their happy ending!

Like most people, I also loved the side characters and the different realms. Heck I even loved our dear villain as much as I hated her LOL… goes to show casting was on point.

Even the music was literally on point, the right verses and the right songs were played on cue at the right scenes which made it all the more poignant. The lyrics were beautifully crafted to suit the story.

Overall, I only have praises for ALP 100/10 will highly recommend this show to anyone who likes xianxias!

Now time to catch xukai in his other works XD

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I would reccomened anyone who enjoys Chinese drama fantasies to watch this

I have read the reviews of the series and was hesitant to watch for a while due to the reviews. I have seen several series lately with multiple of the leading acting cast, so i decided to watch this series. I watched the whole series in 3 days, i enjoyed it so much. Don't listen to the reviews, it does not do this series justice. I am not writing this to spoil for anyone, so i will keep that to myself. The story does a really good job of feeling the emotions of the story as it takes place. It was almost the end when i figured out what the goal of the full story was. In any case, if you like Chinese drama fantasies this is a must watch. I have already decided this will be a must buy so i can watch over and over again. The acting is very well done, the effects are good, the story is very well done and i am very pleased. I look forward to finding more jewels like this that i was so hesitant to watch. This series has made me write a review for the first time, and i am going to look for more series by this director and cast. Hope you enjoy this as much as i did.

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PERFECTION IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!

I'd proudly claim to have watched every "possible" popular fantasy C-Drama and I mean the ones that include the realms and so on; Three lives three worlds: Ten miles of peach blossoms, the pillow book, Love and redemption etc. But again I'd have to say , this is the most perfect one I've watched. Everything in this drama was measured to enoughness and perfection. Less drag, the cast was solid, acting was one of the best in C-Dramas, the music and finally the storyline which was say a gorgeous and unique one considering some C-Dramas try to try to replicate it but to no avail.
I've so far rewatched the drama 3 times I suppose . The music is just so in line with the acting and the editing, costumes just get the C-Drama lover in me on board and going.

It's definetly not worth a watch but rather a MUST watch. You really cannot just turn your back on this draama or realistically drop it. You'd be out of your mind really! Don't be fooled by the ratings by the way as they're not accurate and not everyone reviewing these dramas understands and they can sometimes be blockheads in reviewing because they sometimes rush, But all in all, it's a drama definetly worth your time or money.

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They portrait well what love is in Ancient times!

Whole package drama so far! From the story line, acting, visual, character, ost and especially, the CGI is almost perfect. I entered Chinese Drama world since Dec 2021 and this drama is my first. I've seen chinese drama like A love so beautiful since it's popular in my country year 2018? I guess hmmm?! I've seen this drama on facebook, i watched the stabbed scene and they got my attention. I thought the ML would caught my attention that time but I'm wrong hahaha, coz the truth is the female lead caught my attention because of her smile while stabbing her beloved ones. I think that this drama will probably make me cry. When i watch the first 15 ep. I feel sad about her fate being chief god, knowing her responsibilities make me feel sick. I feel sad when she died because of her responsibility to saved the common people. In the ep 13 when gods and goddess has fallen 'till ep. 16, even those important cast died in that episode and some of them reincarnate. In the next generation, when they live as houchi and qingmu, we thought they will get what they want...but this generation make me cry river in tears..😢

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Beautifull love story and fantastic side characters

This drama was such a beautiful love story, the actor did an amazing job. The actress that played the female lead did such an incredible job, never saw any work of her before I'm a fan now. Xu Kai did amazing protraying two different characters, QuingMu was such a fresh air in this drama, Is the character that I will miss the most. Tianqi and Gu Hu deserve kudos for their role, the best side characters ever always loyal and passion.
My only complaint is that since Shanguu woke up the romance part of the drama died, It would be better if they added on more episode or more time in the last episode so we could see more happy moments with the happy family. They ended Wu Huan case so quickly and this episode was just a filler till the last 10 minutes...
Still one of the best Xin Xian dramas I watch till today.

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!CAPTIVATING!

Simply AMAZINGG! The story-telling and scenery is spectacular, everything about "Ancient Love Poetry" is indeed beautiful. It was such an emotional roller-coaster, You'll be so enthralled by the twists and turns that you won't be able to stop watching. The story is engaging and you keep wanting to know what's next, it'll be as if you want to finish the entire season immediately.

I'd want to express my gratitude to all of the actors and actresses, as well as the director, storywriters, camera directors, and everyone else who contributed to this story. They have all done an outstanding job. Furthermore, I'd like to thank them for providing me with a truly touching drama that will remain in my heart for a very long time.

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Between a great love and even greater responsibility

Ancient love poetry has been a slow drama to get into right from the very start. The first episodes were a bit tiring to go through and the setup they hold for later execution felt weak and underdeveloped. Supposedly the lives of the great Gods should have a bit more backstory than what we were given in the beginning, considering everything that comes after is reminiscent of their relationships and origin. From about episode nine or so there is more development where the story is finally getting somewhere interesting, but then eventually we have a huge time skip, and oh my, does it help to keep the show alive. Although at that point the story becomes a rehash of cliches a lot of Xianxia novels and shows made after them have, I still think this was the strongest point of the whole show.

This brings me to the last part of the story where all of the beforementioned development goes nowhere in particular, as the same old problem from the past is brought back again. Unlike Ten miles of peach blossoms, for example, a story where love is a secondary objective at best, Ancient love poetry is a story primarily about love and sacrifice for the greater good. The whole time during watching this the viewer struggles alongside the characters with the same dilemma they have, in the process hating many decisions the characters make for the sake of attempting to keep both love and responsibility satisfied. Is all of that worth it? The ending itself makes it unclear, but I suppose the whole point is that we get to see just a glimpse of that story, and we get to decide how much trouble a love that great is worth.

Plot discussion aside, I was impressed with the male and female leads that were chosen; their acting leaves little to be desired and their chemistry is superb. Whatever faults I can find when it comes to them I attribute to cliched writing at times and lack of romantic scenes for a good portion of the story. We could have had and certainly deserved to see much more than that. The love triangle is practically unobtrusive and non-existent; the second male lead has his faults but treasures his friends above everything else.

One major positive aspect of this story are its supporting characters, as there are more than a few of them that you will come to care about during the progression of the show. Despite some plot holes and unresolved stories, the majority of what is shown gets a resolution in the very end, which is also another plus for me.

The villains are of the saddest and scariest kind, those that start of perfectly normal but end up evil due to blackening over time. Of course, this means you have a lot of tedious scenes of power misuse that people around them tolerate beyond any reason or common sense, which made this old cliche dampen a lot of screentime that could have been used differently. However, it's not as bad as in Ten miles or Ashes of love, but maybe only because this drama has fewer episodes. I'm kind of scared to think what other scheming we could have had with an additional ten to twenty episodes, for I have already seen more than enough of it. The villains get away with a lot and get little to no repercussions for it, and at times it feels like the protagonists just ignore a lot of what they do which will make just about anyone watching this angry. But hey, it's a cliche.

The music that was used in the background of the scenes, as well as the opening, was pretty good, however not as memorable as some other similar shows.

I wouldn't rewatch this show; it's a bit too sad and too frustrating to deal with for a second time. However, for its very likable female lead and sometimes the male lead as well (when he is not hit by the hammer of the scriptwriter/novel writer themselves), side characters that I cared about and that each had a purpose for being there as well as overall world-building and great acting from everyone, this drama was more than a good watch. I'm hoping we get a second season that is based on the sequel of the book so our collective grievances over some characters can be put to rest.

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Epitome Masterpiece

Three words to describe this drama: AWESOME, AMAZING, & ASTONISHING!!! Honestly, the very reason I decided to watched this is because of Xu Kai, not knowing I could also turn to love this girl so much given her superb acting skills and her adoring smile, which promotes good aura. My mind still stuck with every scenes which full of domineering chemistry, cute jealousy, hilarious moments, and heart-rending part especially where they firmly proved their unbreakable love to each other countlessly even it means accepting death. I cried silently especially in the last 3 episodes, blame it to my syndrome that makes me aching more. This destiny played with them big time as they both sacrifice their own life alternately in the tribulation of chaos, though they are both True Gods but death is also evitable to them. Still, I was pleased with the little compensation they have for me as a viewer when these two had a child with a naughty and intelligent personality. If I'm gonna rate this, I will strongly give it 10/10....hopefully they will be partnered again in more dramas🙏because I was really hooked with their genuine chemistry. I hate to say goodbyes, now I have to deal with this FDS (Finished Drama Syndrome) of mine....gonna watch this again next time😅. ONE OF THE BEST XIANXIA DRAMA✔💯
#UtterlyWorthy👏👏👏

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ANCIENT LOVE POETRY: The Underrated XiaXia Drama

I find this drama quiet boring at first yet I started to love it when Shanggu started to became powerful.

FL:
Many people don't like this drama because the FL doesn't look that beautiful and they say she is bad acting but for me she's perfect for this role. This drama is the reason why I fall in to Zhou Dong Yu. Her aura as a chief god of chaos is undeniably great. When you watched all episodes you can see the difference between Shang Gu and Hou Chi. Even at first sight anyone can tell if it is Shang Gu or Hou Chi. Both characters have cruel fate. Shang Gu the girl who was born in Heaven and Earth Platform in the name of Chief God, died in Tribulation of Chaos to save God Realm from being destroyed, and being alone in void for 60,000 years. Hou Chi the girl that was made by Bai Jue by god creating spell, became a goddess even before she was born, hated and became a laugh stocking all around the three realms. In her life she only wants to live freely with her father, husband and children. But died and didnt even got to see her son grow up. Both characters have only wished to be with the person they loved yet they died to save the world (Shang Gu) and to wake up the sleeping chief god in her body (Houchi).

ML:
I can say that Xu Kai acted so well in this drama. Its hard for many young actors to act as a cold, powerful, and mature guy like Bai Jue and Qing Mu. Speaking honestly I like Qing Mu more than Bai Jue even tho they are the same person. Bai Jue's love for Shanggu is boundless that he didn't even care how much she will hate him because he only wants her to live as long as three realms. I cursed Bai Jue a lot especially since the time he woke up in Qing Mu's body, when he didnt care when Houchi's spiritual vein was cut, when he let Wu Huan hurt Hou Chi, when Gu Jun had to die just for Bai Jue's sacrifice for 60,000 years will not be in vain. I find his plan so stupid yet you can't fully hate him since he only did that for Shang Gu. While Bai Jue wants Shang Gu to hate him so that she will not be sad once he died, Qing Mu is different, he knows that he and Hou Chi is a couple so they should bear their problems together. He knows that they shouldn't lie to each other. Even though knowing that he will disappear soon once Bai Jue wakes up he didn't regret waking up Bo Xuan instead he wants to spend his last years with Houchi. I feel so sad to Qing Mu whenever I thinks that he didn't even see Hou Chi or he's son before he died. Qing Mu's and Houchi's story in this drama is heartbreaking yet I love their powerful love to each other.

Support Actors/Roles:
Liu Xue Yi, Leon Lai, and Jenny Zhang did great to their characters. Liu Xue Yi character as Tian Qi is lovable and sad. His one sided and brotherly love to Shang Gu/Houchi is also boundless like Bai Jue. His funny character made me fall for him completely especially when he wanted to kill all beings in three realms just to became the Chief God Of Chaos so that he will take the tribulation for Shang Gu melted my heart. Like Tian Qi I also loved Gu Jun he's. Leon Lai's character as a loyal disciple, impartial god and lovely father to Houchi. When he cultivated the shred of Original Being of Chaos so that he can give it back to his master once Shang Gu will wake up. Shang Gu is right when he picked Gu Jun than Mu Guang. I loved Jenny Zhang not because of her character but because of her acting. Her acting is top notch and perfect for her role as villain. Her character is freaking annoying yet I loved her when she was still a humble maid in God Realm than as the selfish Heavenly Empress in Immortal Realm. Other than this 3 I also loved Feng Ran, Jian Jian and many more. And don't forget Yuemi the Goddess of Moon and Stars. It's a pity that she died and not reborn I feel bad for her.

CGI:
Other than the actors the one I loved the most is the CGI effects and the set.
I loved the way they portrayed God Realm, Heavenly Realm (Immortal Realm and Demon Realm). While Heavenly Palace is full of gold and white backgrounds portrays that people inside only cares for powers than three realms. While in Demon Realm is full purple backgrounds that portrays their loyalty to the Demon God (Tian Qi). While Heavenly Palace and Demon Realm both portrays their greed in power, God Realm is different. God Realm has the most simple backgrounds yet beautiful. From their dress to jewels and everything, God Realm shows how gods cares for three realms and all beings than their status or power. All gods knows their responsibility as gods and deities. And for fighting effects the best and most detailed are when Shang Gu came back from Nether World at Ep 11-12. As they said Tencent Games effects is indeed the best.

Story:
The story was slow at first so you will feel bored and suddenly drop it so to the people who will start watching it please don't be impatient. The story will start to move to its pace in Episode 5. I also love that the four True Gods stands as the four or five most important elements of the world. Shang Gu the Chief God, God Of Chaos and the Master of Pilrimage Hall, Bai Jue the God Of Fire, God Of War and the Master of Changyuan Hall, Tian Qi the God Of Water, God Of Demons and the Master Of Taichu Hall, Zhiyang the God Of Earth and the Master of Chaos Hall, Xuan Yi the former Chief God and God Of Air.

Their first life is fun where all of them was still living happily and freely in God Realm, while the second life is tragic and heart breaking and the third life is more heartbreaking. As summary as the episode goes, the story become more and more heartbreaking. Remember to bring tissue when you watch it.

This review contains some spoilers. Sorry.

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Ancient Love Poetry

Its really heartbreaking story. I Agree in order to save FL's life, ML has decided to sacrifice his life and show that he doesn't love and has to break her heart.But that doesn't mean that she has to get insulted ruthressly and become a joke in front of everyone. She was carrying his child in her womb yet he showed least concerned, she was totally devasted by getting abonded by the ML.
I agree he wants her to be safe but still what about her respect and dignity also the future of the child. As a women i would rather die 100 times respectfully that treating like trash in front of everyone.
Even though ML sacrificed his life, I would still hate him as Houxi.
Finally her father has to sacrifice his life for the sake of her dignity and to awake her goddess powers.
Even though FL's(Shangu) last wish was that she would not become goddess which means she wants to live a normal life with her lover. But what the ML did, he just fulfilled her half wish by sealing her godess powers yet she could not live a normal life. but this time her life was more miserable because of ML.

I have also watched "THE LOVE BETWEEN FAIRY AND THE DEVIL" even he broked the fairie's heart but it was just love breakup and he was ready to sacrifice whole world for her.

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