I started watching this series after a long day of work. My cloggy mind didn't allow me to digest the story properly. Heck! I couldn't even distinguish the bearded characters one from another; they all looked alike to me. This was such a heavy drama for me wanting something light and funny to end my day, so I put it aside. Then I read my good friend's, PeachBlossomGoddess's, amazing review. Her articulation and insightful analysis piqued my curiosity and encouraged me to pick this drama up again. I'm glad I did. Since then, there's no one moment that was not filled with heart pounding excitement, suspense and intrigues.

The Wind Blows From Longxi is not your normal Chinese historical drama with beautiful faces and costumes, light hearted dialogues or "wirefu" fighting scenes. There are no wuxia elements nor romance here. This drama is heavy, authentic, and fast moving, with vicious killings and amazingly believable combat scenes. The acting is immaculate. The plot is tight with plots within plots, and twists and turns. Every episode is nail-bitingly tensed and enjoyable.

Set in the Three Kingdoms period (220 to 280), some very famous historical figures such as Zhuge Liang, are featured (not main role), with the capital city of Chengdu, and the chants of restoration of the Han Dynasty are repeatedly echoed. The settings, costumes, decorum and some events follow closely the historical records though the main characters are fictional.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this drama. This is a must-watch for history buffs and anyone who loves spy stories and espionage, and values authentic acting and believable settings with great plot.

TWO THUMBS UP!