" THE HEART OF FANGS OF FORTUNE: A JOURNEY THROUGH CHARACTERS, MYSTICISM, AND EMOTIONAL DEPTH"

Fangs Of Fortune also known as " The Story of Mystics" or " The Big Dream Returns" , is a supernatural and mystical drama that follows the adventures of a group of people with unique talents and powers who come together to solve cases and uncover various mysteries. This drama features incredible action scenes, top-notch cinematography filmed in a gloomy and fantastical style that captures the mood perfectly, and strong performances from the cast, making it a standout in its genre.

As flashbacks in this drama were used, they really added layers to the story and helped show why the characters acted the way they did. It wasn’t just random moments thrown in they tied the past and present together, making the plot flow better and giving more meaning to the characters’ decisions and growth. For me, this worked well in the drama because it made everything feel connected, and the timing of those flashbacks was perfect, revealing just enough to keep me interested while also showing how their histories shaped who they became.

The comedic tones in the drama were also necessary, especially with how gloomy and depressing some of the characters’ situations were. Without those lighter moments, the story would have felt too heavy. The humor balanced it out and showed how the characters coped with everything going on, which made them feel more real to me. And honestly, the shift from comedy to something darker and more emotional hit harder because of that. It started out funny, but once the truths were revealed, the tone became intense and heartbreaking. The shifts felt natural, too, like they were preparing me for the heavy emotional impact later on. By the time things got angsty, it didn’t feel out of place is it felt like the natural progression of everything that had built up.

THE CHARACTERS / ACTING

Neo Hou as Zhu Yan (Full Name: Zhao Yuan Zhou)

Zhu Yan is a 34,000-year-old great demon who carried the weight of his past and was determined to die because of it. His character was deeply depressed and used comedy as a way to cope with his guilt and loneliness. After spending so many years in seclusion, he decided to search for the Bai Ze Token while helping the team uncover not only their pasts but also his own. As the journey progressed, Zhu Yan found peace through his growing bond with the team. The friendship, love, and camaraderie they shared turned into a connection so strong it felt like family to him. Despite being the most powerful character, Zhu Yan wasn’t just defined by his strength but also by the emotional vulnerability he revealed over time. The drama centered heavily around him, and even though some scenes were cut, his presence and impact never dimmed.

Neo Hou’s performance was absolutely brilliant. He brought so much life to Zhu Yan, capturing the comedic, action-packed, and emotional moments perfectly. His portrayal was so convincing that I felt every emotion whether he cried, laughed, or fought. He embodied the character in such a way that my words can’t fully do it justice. Neo Hou as Zhu Yan surprised me in the best way possible, and his performance left me in awe. He made me cry when Zhu Yan broke down and laugh during his lighthearted moments, showcasing incredible range.

Chen Duling as Wen Xiao

Wen Xiao is a mortal chosen as the Bai Ze Goddess to protect the people and wilderness. While she wasn’t written as the strongest physically, her character was far from weak. Wen Xiao had a heartbreaking past, and her dedication to waiting for Zhu Yan after their time together showed her strength and loyalty. She spent years researching demons to better understand them, as seen in the first episode, which set up her role as a key problem-solver in the group.

Wen Xiao was smart, mature, and the glue that held the team together. She felt like a mother figure to the group, offering encouragement and wisdom during tough moments. I did wish to see more of her in the final episodes, but overall, I was satisfied with her character arc. Her chemistry with Zhu Yan was subtle yet incredibly intense, and their interactions were filled with unspoken emotions and tension that left a lasting impression.

Chen Duling portrayed Wen Xiao so naturally that every scene with her felt impactful. She made me cry during her emotional moments and smile in her lighter ones. Her talent really shone through, especially in her portrayal of the demon side disguised by Ao Yin. She played it so convincingly that it felt like an extension of Wen Xiao rather than a separate character. This balance between vulnerability and strength, along with the ability to switch between a heroic and villainous aura, showed how talented she truly is.

Tian Jia Rui as Zhuo Yichen

Zhuo Yichen played an important role in this drama. He started out bound by his goal to kill the great demon Zhu Yan, but as he spent more time with the group and got to know Zhu Yan, his character began to change. ZYC was an upright character who stood firmly for what was right, but when he found himself in the same position as Zhu Yan, he finally understood him.

Tian Jia Rui portrayed his character really well. He showed great versatility, transitioning from a reserved, quiet demeanor to someone who experienced real growth. The way his character’s before-and-after was shown was done very well, and I appreciated his acting in this role.

Cheng Xiao as Pei Sijing

Pei Sijing started as a cold and distant character due to her past experiences with demons and her brother’s situation. However, as the story progressed, she began to open up. Pei Sijing is best described in one sentence: “cold on the outside, but warm at heart.”

Cheng Xiao portrayed her character in a very good way. It’s not easy to convincingly portray a cold character without coming off as flat, but she balanced it well. I loved her action scenes, and her role as an archer fit perfectly with the group dynamic. She handled both the emotional and fighting scenes excellently, and I really liked her performance in Fangs of Fortune.

YaNan as Li Lun

Li Lun was a lonely character who made the wrong choices because of how he viewed humans and his strong desire to protect the wilderness. His actions broke his friendships and turned him into a villain, but as the saying goes, “villains are not born but made.”

I appreciated that his character had development toward the end, even though he caused so much damage to the demon bureau and the people. His final decision helped the group when they needed it the most.

YaNan played this character very well. He wasn’t just a good-looking villain with no substance he showed the contrast between his happy times with friends and his darker side after becoming a villain. His acting was impressive, and I’m proud of his performance.

The Other Characters

I wish I could write longer for each character, but here’s a quick summary of two key members of the group:

Lester Lin as Bai Ju - Lester was phenomenal as Bai Ju. As a young actor, he showed a lot of potential and versatility. He played three parts: the comedic boy, the spy, and even an evil version of Li Lun, all of which were well-directed and well-acted. I truly believe he’s going to become one of the best Chinese actors someday.

Xu Zhen Xuan as Ying Lei - Ying Lei was such a comfort character for me. I loved his portrayal as the mountain god and his overall contribution to the group. He genuinely cared about the team and loved them all.

Xu Zhen Xuan did an amazing job as Ying Lei. His comedic moments brought so much light to the group and made me laugh a lot. He also did well in his fight scenes, and when it came to emotional moments, especially during that heart-wrenching choice he had to make, I cried so much for him.

Guest and Side Characters

All the characters, even the guest ones, played an important part in the story. From Aimi as Qing Geng, Zuo Ye as Fei, Zhang Miao Yi as E Shou the rabbit demon, and Ryan Cheng as Cheng Huang to Riley Wang as Ran Yi and Xiao Ran as Miss Qi, everyone’s performance was excellent. Lai Wei Ming, who played Pei Sijing’s brother, was another standout. I especially loved the sibling dynamic between Pei Sijing and her brother it felt natural and heartfelt.

ROMANCE AND CHARACTER DYNAMICS

The romance between Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao was delicate yet deeply impactful, reminding me of an “old married couple.” Their mutual understanding, words of encouragement, and sacrifices embodied the phrase, “What would you do for love?” Both answered in their unique ways, and their story has earned a place in my heart as a second Romeo and Juliet.

This drama also stood out with its subtle portrayal of relationships. From hints of BL and GL elements to the depiction of a polycule-like bond within the group, it offered layers of complexity. Wen Xiao, despite her physical frailty, wasn’t a weak or unnecessary addition to the plot or added due to censorship. Her character brought depth, warmth, and an essential perspective to the group dynamic.

CINEMATOGRAPHY AND OST

The cinematography in Fangs of Fortune was breathtaking. Every frame held purpose, allowing the emotions and thoughts of the characters to shine without excessive zoom-ins or unnecessary exaggerations. It gave space to interpret the story and characters’ struggles naturally, enhancing the overall experience.

The OST was equally masterful, amplifying the emotional and narrative depth of the series. Neo Hou’s “Yuanzhou’s Boy” (translation) and Liu Yu Ning’s “Unintentional Big Dream” were standout tracks, perfectly aligning with key moments like epic fight scenes or introspective character arcs. These songs added another layer to the storytelling, making each scene resonate deeply.

FAVOURITE SCENES

* All the fight scenes in this drama
* Wen Xiao in the sundial for 300 years to save her loved one
* Zhu Yan saving Wen Xiao
* The banter between Wenxiao and Zhu Yan
* The banter between Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen
* Lord Ying Long and Bing Yi backstory
* Ran Yi and Miss Qi heart breaking story
* Li Lun and Zhu Yan past story
* The Mpreg joke
*Qing Geng and Fei heartbreaking ? story
* Wen Xiao and the Rabbit ? Demon fight ( Ep 1)
*ZYZ fake acting to take out his inner core
* THE Demon Bureau GROUP and so much more...

OVERALL THOUGHTS AND REFLECTION.

While Fangs of Fortune isn’t without its flaws, no drama is truly perfect. Despite minor mistakes, the story’s heart and intent shone through. The inclusion of characters like Lord Ying Long and Lord Bing Yi, portrayed by Neo Hou and Tian Jian Rui, respectively, enriched the narrative with a historical weight that complemented Zhu Yan and Yi Chen’s arcs beautifully.

The drama tackled themes of human nature, moral choices, and the balance between worldly desires and higher ideals. These elements, combined with intricate relationships and seamless directing, created an unforgettable experience. Fangs of Fortune reflected on the ugly realities of the world while marveling at the characters’ resilience and courage. One thing I have to say is the double standards for females, whether they are strong or weak, is so sad to see. No matter how they act, their choices and behaviors are often judged more harshly than those of males. It’s a frustrating pattern that highlights how women are held to different standards, no matter their strength or vulnerability.

The ending of Fangs of Fortune really pierced my heart, leaving me torn with emotions. As each character faced difficult choices, their struggles hit deeply, and I couldn’t help but cry. Even with the special episode that added something new, offering a glimpse of hope, the overall feeling was still bittersweet sad yet uplifting. It captured the weight of their journeys, and while I felt a sense of closure, it didn’t erase the heartache that lingered.

I am proud of all the cast hard work for this drama because it paid off well and it is was successful in it's own way, I do hope that one day we would have a reunion project with this amazing cast again.

For me, this was the most anticipated drama of the year, and it exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t expect. It’s rare for a series to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, but Fangs of Fortune achieved just that. It is truly a gem that I will remember for a long time. I recommend this drama to anyone who likes fantasy dramas with poetic dialogues and a story that deals with choices and this a drama that requires patience.

Fav Quotes...
" A little starlight, a candle flame and a street lamp left on travellers can all Pierce the darkness and you" - Zhuo Yichen

" There are thousands of laws in the world but none of them can defeat a single word of willingness" -Qing Geng

" When everyone was treating me as an evil demon and had feared me, hated me or respected me, she was the only one who still looked at me with warmth and sympathy" - Zhu Yan

" There are many ways to live your live.
Responsability is a choice, not a constraint.
Neither shouldering responsability nor pursuing dreams is wrong. Some people only wish to be a quite lake in the forest, while other people want to became a running river". - Wen Xiao

Thanks for reading!!!

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