Meineke
Canada
From a sceptic to a believer
For months I hesitated watching this series for mainly two reasons :
1) 50 episode count
2) BL storyline
I’m happy to report that both my concerns were unfounded. The episodes count is high but they are only 40 minutes long and once you start watching you’ll binge through the rest. As for the BL storyline it’s there only if you look extremely close. The show portrays them as two individuals with a deep bond - more like soulmates than lovers.
In the end it took me all of 5 mins of watching Wei Wuxian and his antics to fall hopelessly in love with this masterpiece.
A helpful tip: The show begins at a pivotal moment and keeps moving back and forth in time which is a little confusing. I would suggest you start watching from the beginning of the flash back in the last few minutes of ep 2 until it ends in ep 33. Then go watch ep 1-2 and finally the rest from ep 33 onwards.
The story: The story was engaging throughout, presenting a broad range of characters, each with a proper back story. Having read the novel simultaneously, I was amazed how faithful the show is to its source material, down to the actual dialogues even. Aside from some changes, here and there, it truly felt like the novel had come to life. I also appreciate how every story had a conclusion, there were no loose ends.
Acting: Everyone did a good job but I must mention that Xiao Zhan really blew me away. I did not know of him or Wang Yibo being idols so I am very much unbiased in my opinion. WWX is such a layered character who is fun, lovable, mischievous and yet sometimes dark. Xiao Zhan brings so much depth to the role. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the part. Wang Yibo also did a good job given the limited scope in his role. WangJi is such a stoic character, I enjoyed how he brought some warmth into the role with his micro expressions.
Music: The music was pleasant and suited the scenes well. WangXian, sung by the leads is very soothing to hear. I enjoyed the OST a lot.
Rewatch value: I probably will watch this show again. But first I need to watch all of the other adaptations. Be prepared to go through serious withdrawals once you complete the drama.
To sum it up, this show exceeded my expectations and truly deserves all glowing reviews. I am so glad I decided to watch it. I don’t give high ratings often but this show truly deserves a 10/10.
1) 50 episode count
2) BL storyline
I’m happy to report that both my concerns were unfounded. The episodes count is high but they are only 40 minutes long and once you start watching you’ll binge through the rest. As for the BL storyline it’s there only if you look extremely close. The show portrays them as two individuals with a deep bond - more like soulmates than lovers.
In the end it took me all of 5 mins of watching Wei Wuxian and his antics to fall hopelessly in love with this masterpiece.
A helpful tip: The show begins at a pivotal moment and keeps moving back and forth in time which is a little confusing. I would suggest you start watching from the beginning of the flash back in the last few minutes of ep 2 until it ends in ep 33. Then go watch ep 1-2 and finally the rest from ep 33 onwards.
The story: The story was engaging throughout, presenting a broad range of characters, each with a proper back story. Having read the novel simultaneously, I was amazed how faithful the show is to its source material, down to the actual dialogues even. Aside from some changes, here and there, it truly felt like the novel had come to life. I also appreciate how every story had a conclusion, there were no loose ends.
Acting: Everyone did a good job but I must mention that Xiao Zhan really blew me away. I did not know of him or Wang Yibo being idols so I am very much unbiased in my opinion. WWX is such a layered character who is fun, lovable, mischievous and yet sometimes dark. Xiao Zhan brings so much depth to the role. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the part. Wang Yibo also did a good job given the limited scope in his role. WangJi is such a stoic character, I enjoyed how he brought some warmth into the role with his micro expressions.
Music: The music was pleasant and suited the scenes well. WangXian, sung by the leads is very soothing to hear. I enjoyed the OST a lot.
Rewatch value: I probably will watch this show again. But first I need to watch all of the other adaptations. Be prepared to go through serious withdrawals once you complete the drama.
To sum it up, this show exceeded my expectations and truly deserves all glowing reviews. I am so glad I decided to watch it. I don’t give high ratings often but this show truly deserves a 10/10.
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