dramafanNC
So hats off to Ariel and all the (many!) actors. Ariel had amazing chemistry with everyone, male or female, so you just get caught up with her in loving all the people who come to care for her. I first noticed this drama because I've loved Bin Bin in other roles, and he was awesome here as always--so engaging it's hard to take your eyes off him long enough to read the subtitles. But I was surprised by the SML (Austin Lin) who appeared kind of late in the series. I don't have much sympathy for ruthless types usually, but the way his character developed stole my heart and made me desperately wish for his happiness. By the end I was watching for him more than for Bin Bin.
The plots within plots aren't too difficult to follow and keep the suspense going. As others have said, it's a huge shame they ended this so poorly. They throw you a little bone at the end to make you feel better, but what a disappointing wrap-up to an otherwise superbly-crafted story.
There was one really good song, but otherwise the music was just okay. I'll definitely re-watch the scenes of Ariel squabbling with the male leads--so fun!
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Unrealistic degree of female empowerment
Yes, this had excellent production, and Leo Wu did a fantastic job in his conflicted and complex role. I was super excited to see these two actors together as leads, BUT the show got just ridiculous with the over-the-top female empowerment theme. I've seen other C-dramas with smart, capable women in a historical context that were realistic about what they could and couldn't do in that time period and you really respected them (as did their men), but this just got ridiculous. The people who took orders from her and apologized to her would never have done so in reality, and it was just so unbelievable that it kind of ruined it for me.Not to mention, the show is promoted as a romance but the second season is a bunch of palace drama and then our FL trying to convince us she don't need no man. I've seen Lusi in other shows and I like her, but she had no romantic expressiveness at all, while Leo Wu was rocking the puppy dog eyes. Also, I get that this was kind of a coming-of-age story but our FL never really outgrew her childish demands to be indulged by everyone. She becomes less joyful and vivacious over time due to her wounds and losses, but she learns little about extending grace to imperfect people, even those who love her. Her stubbornness and coldness as the season wore on made me lose any compassion I'd once felt for her difficult background. IDK why people are raving about this so much... go watch Yanxi Palace or Sword and Brocade for a decent palace romance with a smart FL. Or watch Who Rules the World or The Blue Whisper for a 2022 decent epic.
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What was the point?
IDK why people wrote such glowing reviews for this. It's like I was watching a story of mostly happy people becoming more and more UNhappy in the name of maturing. Seriously, what is the point of this story? The only good part was Rowoon's cute romantic pursuit in the middle episodes, but the FL never came across as worthy of his admiration. She was consistently self-centered, and it seems like the writers think that is a GOOD character trait.Unless you want to be unhappy, don't waste your time on this.
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Don't miss this gem just because the name is dumb
I have watched A LOT of wuxia C-dramas and this is one of the best I've seen. The story is complete, moving in a logical progression that keeps you interested and finishing with a satisfying ending rather than the choppy, rushed ending that many C-dramas are guilty of. It's a nice balance of suspense-driven action, a decent amount of romance, and some comedy to lighten it up. I personally really liked the set-up of having the martial arts skilled FL act as the protector of the physically weak yet mentally strong and courageous ML; it's a nice complementary relationship. I also really appreciated the artistic shots--just unnecessarily beautiful.As others have said, Alan Yu's character is very subdued for most of the drama, so the chemistry is not where it could have been. But he loosens up a bit in the latter episodes and his teasing of the FL will make you smile.
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Deserves a higher MDL rating
I debated whether to even start this one because of all the strongly negative reviews, but I ended up happily surprised that the show was much better than its MDL rating implies. If you haven't watched many Cdramas and are comparing it to the top tier dramas, then yeah, it's not going to be anyone's top ten of all time. But if you've watched a number of Cdramas and enjoy the jianghu adventure genre--with good pacing, an interesting and continuously unfolding plot, and decent acting--then I can tell you this one is good. The villains can be OTT, and the chemistry between the leads is a bit lacking, but as a story it pulls you along and keeps you invested in the characters' fates. The TMOPB actors were all very good (BinBin was gorgeously pouty and Wayne Liu's character was fantastic), and the ending was good.Was this review helpful to you?
Different from other youth crush dramas
I usually dislike dramas that feature a young girl crushing on an oblivious older guy. But I gave this a try thanks to my fellow reviewers and I really liked it because the FL MAINTAINS HER DIGNITY. She isn't a lovable ditz who endlessly and annoyingly chases a guy who has no interest in her; she admires him quietly and he finds her likeable as well--just too young to consider romantically. Until one day she isn't too young, and then the ride gets even better. The other thing I liked was how the drama kept its focus even after they got together. So many Cdramas veer off into boring storylines about business or family in-fighting after the leads get together, but this one remembers it is a romance and comes up with small hurdles that our leads face by mutually supporting each other. It is sweet and refreshing and packed with some really good acting. A delight to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Best C-drama I've seen in a long ,long time
I've watched a LOT of this genre and rarely do you find a drama that does well at all the important stuff.--The story progressed smoothly and introduced characters and kingdoms gradually so that it all made sense.
--The storyline kept me hooked and going back for episode after episode, never losing momentum as so often happens in C-dramas.
--The characters all had clear motivations and unique personalities and became more likeable as the story progressed.
--The romance factor was thoroughly enjoyable, with each love interest captivating in his own way.
--All the actors were perfect in their roles, and the FL did a good job creating chemistry with each ML, even when she was in male persona.
--And the ending--unlike so many Cdramas--was not rushed and disjointed and contrived; it arrived with perfect pacing, a logical progression, and provided a satisfactory end for what is only the first season. I usually don't watch a 1st season until there is actually a 2nd season underway, but other reviewers gave me hope and I agree with them that this was enough closure to be satisfied (but still excited for Season 2 which supposedly will come out in 2024).
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with this drama.
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A fun ride
I don't get why people are hating on this season. It's twisty and fast-paced and maintains the wry, snarky vibe of S1. The characters--with two excellent additions--knew their places and felt comfortable in their roles. And I personally thought the Krystal storyline added some emotional resonance that was missing in S1.If you're looking for soul-shaking feelings and deep philosophical quagmires, this is not your drama. But if you want some comic book action where the good guys come out on top, and some clever one-upping schemes that aren't entirely predictable then you'll enjoy this.
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A nicely paced martial arts coming of age drama that kept my interest from start to sensible finish.
After 9 pages of reviews, I don't know why I feel the need to add my two cents except that I've watched a LOT of this genre and Legend of Fei was a such a pleasant surprise after the numerous disappointing storylines that have been served up lately. The plot was dished out one course at a time, not too rushed and not to draggy, with each resolution leading logically to the next mystery. There were no awful censor edits making it disjointed, the ending wasn't stupid or needlessly tragic, and it wasn't a cliffhanger (another fave of late).Sure, the kids start off whiny and immature, but they grow over the course of their adventures (although Li Yan remains annoying to the end). The main romance grows organically, which takes time, but their mutual admiration and eventual interdependence portray a love that feels really deep and beautiful, even without a lot of skinship. And Wang Yibo's acting was really good. I enjoyed the playful character he created, but he had some nuanced fear and anguish that came off really well too. The secondary characters were more comic-booky, except for Li Sheng, but I liked spending time with them on their quests (except for Li Yan).
So if you're looking for an enjoyable, comfortably paced adventure and enjoy this genre, you should give it a try. Oh, and the music is very good too!
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A drama you'll feel glad you watched
This drama is so real and yet beautiful. It's fascinating to get a glimpse into China's (post-revolution) history from the perspective of the common man, but that is just a side benefit. The greatness of this drama is in how it portrays varied and true-to-life characters and how their moral compass (or lack thereof), their character, and their choices will over time lead them to very different paths. The pacing is on the slow side (especially at first as you are introduced to the many characters and become acquainted with their backgrounds and relationships) but there is always a "next thing" you are watching for, so it never gets tedious. Pretty soon you find yourself very attached to and sympathetic with the characters, so their emotions and hopes and disappointments are incredibly moving. The acting was excellent all around and very nuanced. Sean Xiao in particular was perfect in this role and created an inspiring but sill human character. It's just a meaningful and beautiful story that feels like it was based on real people that the writer knew.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
3 yrs later there is still no Season 2!
I'm writing this purely for those who are coming to this a few years after its release and assuming it has a conclusion...NO, it does NOT. After 45 episodes, there is a climactic battle, yes, but no conclusion. It leaves you with a "To be continued in Season 2," only there IS NO SEASON 2 in production as of late 2021.If you want to watch cute little Leo Wu and an enjoyable, slowly building story with decent music, then yeah, this is a decent all around drama. Just be warned that it doesn't have an ending. And like others have said, Xiao Zhan has a very small part.
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