A Xianxia That Tested My Patience
Let me just say this off the bat: I am a huge Xianxia lover, and after I watched Miss the Dragon's trailer, I was more than excited, I was ecstatic! As this was going to be my first Xianxia of the year, I counted each and every second until it started to air.
The first few episodes were fun. It was evident that this was a low-budget drama. The pink and white trees were plastic-like, but I'm not going to complain about the sets. Some of the sets were very beautiful, just a little too fake. And another male lead with white hair? Nice!
Story- 7.0
Okay, the leads' story deserves a 6.0 at the very most, but I simply loved the second leads, and as their story deserved at least a 9.0, I guess the overall score for the story will be a 7.0. The drama went downhill so quickly that I'm still not completely sure what went wrong. Perhaps it was just the recycled plot, because I was getting more bored by the second. If you've been watching Xianxia dramas for long enough, you'll notice that the plot of MTD is very similar to Eternal Love, Love and Redemption, etc, with its four reincarnations. (but much more blander)
Yuchi Longyan, a dragon demon, falls in love with a mortal girl. She first meets him in his snake form, but that part of the story left so many unanswered questions. Firstly, why was a snake kept in a bamboo cage that he could have easily slid out of? Yes, he wouldn't escape, but this is basic common sense for a girl who was supposedly scared of snakes. And, Liu Ying kept on saying 男女授受不清, which means "Men and women shouldn't touch each other" TO A SNAKE. Liu Ying, how would you have known if the snake was a male or female? I'm probably being a little nitpicky, but these loopholes are quite bothersome.
Back to the main plot. The drama was enjoyable and fun in the 1st life, 2nd meh, 3rd boring, and in the 4th, I was seriously wondering why I was still watching the drama. (But of course, it was for my amazing second lead couple) This drama would have been much better off as one life, or even just two. With four lives, the screenwriter was recycling the story better than I recycle my scrap-paper. The female lead is born into a different setting, the male lead watches her grow up, and every time she's in trouble or danger, he appears and saves her from whatever that's endangering her. If you're considering whether or not to watch this, please do not set your hopes high when you see that 'strong female lead' tag. I understand that everyone has different views on what a strong female lead is, but from what I saw, Liu Ying is NOT a strong female lead. She falls off a cliff, ladida! Yuchi Longyan is there. Some demon is attacking her, poof! He's there again. *sighing* The plot really tested my patience. It also really tested my fast-forward button clicking fingers.
The only good thing the plot gave me was the second lead couple. Man, I could watch Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing for days! Like many viewers who have watched Miss the Dragon, I seriously wish that there will be another drama just about them, and I almost never hope for sequels and season 2s. Gah, Mr or Miss Screenwriter, why did you have to torture me like this! If only they were the main couple, I would be smiling nonstop...Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing's love story is a gem, I have to say, with a mysterious backstory involved. No ff button was used during their scenes.
Acting/Cast- 7.0
I've only previously watched Bambi Zhu in two dramas, Eternal Love and Sweet Dreams, both as antagonists, so I was anticipating her bubbly and cheerful character. I loved Liu Ying the first few episodes, and even though there was this faint voice in the back of my head telling me that I liked her more as an antagonist, I was delighted that she was given a chance the opportunity to be the protagonist in a Xianxia drama. But of course, I should've known that not all cheerful female leads are likable. She was just, too, how would I say this? She wasn't useless, but she wasn't very strong and useful either. She seemed to just be there, something for the male lead to protect. And with four reincarnations comes four different girls. My favorite girl was probably A'Yu (second life). She gave me the best impression, and although she was a normal mortal girl who went to the market everyday to sell produce, she was witty and brave, and that is the kind of female lead I love.
Miss the Dragon is my second drama with Dylan Wang as the male lead. I did not enjoy Meteor Garden, and Dylan Wang did not exactly impress me with that role. He looked fine in MTD's posters, with his long white hair and billowing robes. But sometimes, appearance is not everything. His character, is just so, bland. Does a dragon demon have nothing to do but protect his love? I understand that when you're in love, you want to know what your love is doing every second of every day, but what is the purpose of his existence? I'm pretty sure Yuchi Longyan was going to do something before he met Liu Ying, but all his goals and purpose just evaporated. After he met Liu Ying, his only purpose was to protect her. Save her from countless dangers, hurt himself to protect her, and the list goes on and on. Dylan Wang's acting is hard to describe, but it just did not convince me. His expressions need more emotions, I dare say.
I was shocked when I learned that Xue Qianxun was Deng Wei's first Cdrama role. He's a natural at acting! This Lord of Luofeng Pavilion has a cold but dominating air, and his powers are not to be underestimated. He wasn't exactly enemies with Yuchi Longyan in the beginning, but they weren't friends either. As time went by, they learned to help each other and slowly became friends. The bromance in this drama is hilarious! The interactions between Yuchi Longyan and Xue Qianxun is one of the few highlights of this drama.
I liked Qing Qing more than Liu Ying, or any of Liu Ying's reincarnations, to be completely honest. Pan Mei Ye did a great job as Qing Qing, a lively and caring demon bird. As bouncy as she was, she was not annoying at all, and was always by Liu Ying (and reincarnations)'s side as her best companion. Not to mention Qing Qing never failed to make me laugh!
I'm not going to be writing any spoilers here, but I have to say that the villain in this drama is so bland and boring that there would barely be any different if he or she weren't even there. Seriously, Screenwriter, is that the best villain you can give us?
Music- 7.5
From the top of my head, I only remember three songs, and tbh, there weren't that memorable either. There was one song that always played during the leads' scenes, and it got so repetitive that I got to the point that I wanted to mute my computer. Perhaps other people loved the songs, but not me. The singing was so-so, and the melodies just got annoying. Low budget dramas almost never have many songs or an amazing OST anyway.
Rewatch Value- 5.0
This 5 is for my beloved second lead couple. You want me to rewatch the whole drama with you? No way! Only if we just watch the second leads' scenes. I've already used up all my patience watching this once. (Why did I finish this, you might be wondering? I love Xianxias and I'm not big on dropping either. I also really love the second couple (sorry, I've said this so many times).)
Overall- 6.5
Would I really recommend this? Deep inside, not really. But if you like beautiful scenery (pink trees) and white dragons, you might want to give this a try. At least it's only 36 episodes. Maybe I kind of regret watching this but it was pretty enjoyable. I'm very thankful for the 2x speed option and the ff key. First Xianxia that disappointed me, but I really enjoyed the first few episodes.
Also, please forgive my sarcasm in this review. And thanks for taking the time to read it!
The first few episodes were fun. It was evident that this was a low-budget drama. The pink and white trees were plastic-like, but I'm not going to complain about the sets. Some of the sets were very beautiful, just a little too fake. And another male lead with white hair? Nice!
Story- 7.0
Okay, the leads' story deserves a 6.0 at the very most, but I simply loved the second leads, and as their story deserved at least a 9.0, I guess the overall score for the story will be a 7.0. The drama went downhill so quickly that I'm still not completely sure what went wrong. Perhaps it was just the recycled plot, because I was getting more bored by the second. If you've been watching Xianxia dramas for long enough, you'll notice that the plot of MTD is very similar to Eternal Love, Love and Redemption, etc, with its four reincarnations. (but much more blander)
Yuchi Longyan, a dragon demon, falls in love with a mortal girl. She first meets him in his snake form, but that part of the story left so many unanswered questions. Firstly, why was a snake kept in a bamboo cage that he could have easily slid out of? Yes, he wouldn't escape, but this is basic common sense for a girl who was supposedly scared of snakes. And, Liu Ying kept on saying 男女授受不清, which means "Men and women shouldn't touch each other" TO A SNAKE. Liu Ying, how would you have known if the snake was a male or female? I'm probably being a little nitpicky, but these loopholes are quite bothersome.
Back to the main plot. The drama was enjoyable and fun in the 1st life, 2nd meh, 3rd boring, and in the 4th, I was seriously wondering why I was still watching the drama. (But of course, it was for my amazing second lead couple) This drama would have been much better off as one life, or even just two. With four lives, the screenwriter was recycling the story better than I recycle my scrap-paper. The female lead is born into a different setting, the male lead watches her grow up, and every time she's in trouble or danger, he appears and saves her from whatever that's endangering her. If you're considering whether or not to watch this, please do not set your hopes high when you see that 'strong female lead' tag. I understand that everyone has different views on what a strong female lead is, but from what I saw, Liu Ying is NOT a strong female lead. She falls off a cliff, ladida! Yuchi Longyan is there. Some demon is attacking her, poof! He's there again. *sighing* The plot really tested my patience. It also really tested my fast-forward button clicking fingers.
The only good thing the plot gave me was the second lead couple. Man, I could watch Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing for days! Like many viewers who have watched Miss the Dragon, I seriously wish that there will be another drama just about them, and I almost never hope for sequels and season 2s. Gah, Mr or Miss Screenwriter, why did you have to torture me like this! If only they were the main couple, I would be smiling nonstop...Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing's love story is a gem, I have to say, with a mysterious backstory involved. No ff button was used during their scenes.
Acting/Cast- 7.0
I've only previously watched Bambi Zhu in two dramas, Eternal Love and Sweet Dreams, both as antagonists, so I was anticipating her bubbly and cheerful character. I loved Liu Ying the first few episodes, and even though there was this faint voice in the back of my head telling me that I liked her more as an antagonist, I was delighted that she was given a chance the opportunity to be the protagonist in a Xianxia drama. But of course, I should've known that not all cheerful female leads are likable. She was just, too, how would I say this? She wasn't useless, but she wasn't very strong and useful either. She seemed to just be there, something for the male lead to protect. And with four reincarnations comes four different girls. My favorite girl was probably A'Yu (second life). She gave me the best impression, and although she was a normal mortal girl who went to the market everyday to sell produce, she was witty and brave, and that is the kind of female lead I love.
Miss the Dragon is my second drama with Dylan Wang as the male lead. I did not enjoy Meteor Garden, and Dylan Wang did not exactly impress me with that role. He looked fine in MTD's posters, with his long white hair and billowing robes. But sometimes, appearance is not everything. His character, is just so, bland. Does a dragon demon have nothing to do but protect his love? I understand that when you're in love, you want to know what your love is doing every second of every day, but what is the purpose of his existence? I'm pretty sure Yuchi Longyan was going to do something before he met Liu Ying, but all his goals and purpose just evaporated. After he met Liu Ying, his only purpose was to protect her. Save her from countless dangers, hurt himself to protect her, and the list goes on and on. Dylan Wang's acting is hard to describe, but it just did not convince me. His expressions need more emotions, I dare say.
I was shocked when I learned that Xue Qianxun was Deng Wei's first Cdrama role. He's a natural at acting! This Lord of Luofeng Pavilion has a cold but dominating air, and his powers are not to be underestimated. He wasn't exactly enemies with Yuchi Longyan in the beginning, but they weren't friends either. As time went by, they learned to help each other and slowly became friends. The bromance in this drama is hilarious! The interactions between Yuchi Longyan and Xue Qianxun is one of the few highlights of this drama.
I liked Qing Qing more than Liu Ying, or any of Liu Ying's reincarnations, to be completely honest. Pan Mei Ye did a great job as Qing Qing, a lively and caring demon bird. As bouncy as she was, she was not annoying at all, and was always by Liu Ying (and reincarnations)'s side as her best companion. Not to mention Qing Qing never failed to make me laugh!
I'm not going to be writing any spoilers here, but I have to say that the villain in this drama is so bland and boring that there would barely be any different if he or she weren't even there. Seriously, Screenwriter, is that the best villain you can give us?
Music- 7.5
From the top of my head, I only remember three songs, and tbh, there weren't that memorable either. There was one song that always played during the leads' scenes, and it got so repetitive that I got to the point that I wanted to mute my computer. Perhaps other people loved the songs, but not me. The singing was so-so, and the melodies just got annoying. Low budget dramas almost never have many songs or an amazing OST anyway.
Rewatch Value- 5.0
This 5 is for my beloved second lead couple. You want me to rewatch the whole drama with you? No way! Only if we just watch the second leads' scenes. I've already used up all my patience watching this once. (Why did I finish this, you might be wondering? I love Xianxias and I'm not big on dropping either. I also really love the second couple (sorry, I've said this so many times).)
Overall- 6.5
Would I really recommend this? Deep inside, not really. But if you like beautiful scenery (pink trees) and white dragons, you might want to give this a try. At least it's only 36 episodes. Maybe I kind of regret watching this but it was pretty enjoyable. I'm very thankful for the 2x speed option and the ff key. First Xianxia that disappointed me, but I really enjoyed the first few episodes.
Also, please forgive my sarcasm in this review. And thanks for taking the time to read it!
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