I have always been a fan of xinxia/wuxia dramas, with series like UNTAMED, Eternal Love, Love and Redemption, The Starry Love, and Word of Honor captivating my attention in the past. Now in 2024, a new drama has taken the top spot in my list of favorites - SWORD & FAIRY. From the gripping ost to the intricate storyline and the stellar acting, this drama has truly captured my heart. Xu Kai, who portrays the characters Yue Jin Zhao and Bian Luo Huan with incredible depth and emotion. His portrayal of these complex characters has truly impressed me, and he has quickly become one of my top three favorite actors in China—I wasn't initially a fan of the him, despite having seen him in "Falling Into Your Smile" multiple times (lol), I have now found myself completely enamored with him. His portrayal of both JinZhao/Luo Huan was truly incredible. There were moments where I found myself rooting for Huan, and other times where I was firmly on Jin Zhao's side. Their friendship and shared journeys were so well-developed and heartfelt, it was impossible not to be drawn in. Every single character in the series, from the main protagonists to the supporting cast, delivered outstanding performances. I have to give credit to everyone involved in the creation of this series, as their hard work truly paid off. "Sword and Fairy" stands out from other stories or series I have watched before. It doesn't rely on tired tropes like families torn apart by conflict, or protagonists pitted against each other due to their opposing natures. There is no betrayal among the characters, which was a refreshing change for me. I appreciate the unique and refreshing take on the xinxia/wuxia genre that this series brings to the table.

Watching Sword and Fairy was a deeply emotional experience for me, especially when it came to certain characters who really touched my heart. I found myself shedding tears for them, feeling a connection that I didn't feel with the more villainous characters. Each character in the series seemed to have their own unique purpose, and even those with negative intentions had motivations that I could empathize with. One character in particular, Ming, really stood out to me and brought me to tears.

The OST of Sword and Fairy also played a significant role in my emotional connection to the series. Among all my favorite OSTs, the songs from Sword and Fairy, especially "MIRACLE" by JS, have topped my list. There's something about that song that resonates with me on a deep level, bringing to mind memories of my mom and melting my heart with its poignant lyrics. The lyrics speak to the power and beauty of love, reminding me of the importance of connection and resilience in the face of challenges. Lines such as, "Love is the most beautiful meaning in life" and "Love never leaves and is not afraid of ups and downs of reunion" When I listen to the OSTs and read their translations, the effect is truly unique and indescribable. I found myself unable to skip past the intro and outro of each episode, as they helped me understand the deeper meaning behind S&F. The OSTs really captured the essence of the series and added another layer of emotion to my viewing experience.

There was something truly special about it that left me yearning for more, even though I understand the impossibility of extending its storyline further. It's natural to want to hold onto something that has brought us joy and entertainment, and in this case, I find myself wishing for just a few more eps/special eps to delve deeper into the characters and their journeys. The ending felt like a bittersweet farewell—Perhaps, in an ideal world, there would be a few special eps to tie up loose ends and give fans like myself the closure we crave.