Divine Destiny (2023)

Great Story, Fine Acting

Step into the enchanting world of "Divine Destiny," a captivating romance between Zhang Yinyin (played by Yang Ying aka Angelababy) and Ji Ruochen (played by Ma Tianyu). Their love knows no bounds as they face incredible challenges, even risking their own lives for each other. Together, they become stronger with their increasing supernatural abilities, fighting for love, for their fellow cultivators, and for the salvation of the three worlds. In the realm of fantasy, the gods are thought to reign supreme with goodness, and the demons and devils wicked and bad. In reality, it's precisely the opposite.

Zhang Yinyin shines as an intelligent, chivalrous, headstrong and spirited character who is adored as the big sister of her sect. She may be authoritative and explosive at times, but that's what makes her so endearing. Yang Ying's acting brings a lovable charm to the fiery Zhang Yinyin, even with a few moments of imperfection. And her stunning transformation into the foxy fox devil - the CGI work is top-notch!

Zhang Yinyin meets and falls in love with Ji Ruochen who has a mysterious background which adds intrigue to the story. From operating a black shop to a mistaken identity, his journey is filled with twists and turns. With a burst of enthusiasm, Zhang Yinyin simply couldn't resist bringing Ji Ruochen home to her sect, and that's where his amazing cultivator journey begins, and the sparks of love start to fly between him and Zhang Yinyin. Ma Tianyu does a commendable job portraying the seemingly clueless and obedient Ji Ruochen, and later, the powerful demon lord.

A compelling story wouldn't be complete without its fair share of antagonists. In this tale, we encounter several outright obnoxious characters and some with shades of gray. Among them, the most vexing is the consort to the crown prince with that distinctive sneer and high-pitched voice. Alongside the cunning prime minister, they plot and scheme to gain control. But their journey takes a twist, leading to a resolution that brings relief.

Among the more complex characters are the disgraced gods, whose actions stem from obsession and vengeance. Thankfully, they eventually come to their senses and reflect on their deeds. It's a journey of redemption for them, adding depth to the story.

My Verdict

While "Divine Destiny" may have some plot holes and logic flaws, it's a delightful drama that keeps the viewers entertained. It's a pleasure to see familiar faces and enjoy the chemistry between the main leads. So if you're looking for some romantic fantasy fun while waiting for new releases, "Divine Destiny" deserves a chance.

Recommended!

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One of the best costume dramas in 2023

For me, this is one of the best costume dramas in 2023. Below are my points of view about the drama:

Pros:
* Great acting. Ma Tian Yu, Angelababy and other cast are all good choice for their roles. They portrayed their roles very well. Especially, Ma Tian Yu used to successfully play a similar complex character like Ji Rou Chen so he is perfect in playing his role in this drama.
* Great story, exciting plots, no dragging scenes with unnecessary characters or details.
* Wonderful chemistry between the two main leads, lovely and passionate romantic scenes.

Cons:
* Not a high budget invested drama so the CGI, costumes and cinematography are not as good as high budget dramas.
* The male lead, Ji Rou Chen, is an anti-routine character so the audience can easily misunderstand him as a bad character in the beginning. Patient and non-judgment/bias are needed to watch and enjoy this drama till the end.

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