This review may contain spoilers
what you need to know
I've seen the other reviews on this drama and I'm not entirely sure why it got less than 8.5 for a lot of people. I'm not new to the xianxia genre of cdramas but they're not my go-to genre if I must choose however, because of certain people in my life who are very picky when it comes to cdramas who recommended this to me, I just had to come and see what the hype was about.
STORYLINE: A lot of watchers who are considering to watch this drama even though you haven't seen it's prequel, 'Ancient Love Poetry' or read the novel 'Hidden God', you are not disadvantaged in my opinion, if anything, it gives you a chance to see this masterpiece in it's fullest. The storyline was fulfilling; it portrayed each of the characters' development as well as honing in on the individual struggles that they face, with the main focus on the main couple of course. There weren't a lot of plot twists, rather, there were originally devised plans created by the antagonists that were meticulously elaborated and altered to suit the storyline as the drama progressed. I really commend this, considering a lot of other dramas would add in irrelevant side issues that honestly have no purpose of being there except for filling excess time. The intense love between the leads make for a heartbreaking story at times as their love is constantly being tested, exploited and manipulated. It comes to show how important trust is in a relationship, especially when superficial aspects such as status and third-parties intervene. The friendship that is formed between the four main leads also leaves quite the impact as their chemistry on screen is immaculate.
CASTING: I have no idea why people are hating on Wang Anyu because I thought the execution of his character was exceptional. He acted childish when he had to and you will notice that he does mature as the drama progresses and same goes for Zhao Lusi's character. She had to act childish at the beginning because she literally just hatched from her egg; she knows nothing of the world so her innocence and naivety is expected but when the time came, she was able to be cold and indifferent. Anyways, the chemistry between the two was incredible; you would've thought they were lovers in real life. The sheer joy and sadness you will feel while watching these two will have you swirming and squealing as well as cry your eyes out. Furthermore, you know the actors are good if you want to pull their hair out. The actress of the character Hua Shu (i forgot her name, my apologies) who was one of the main antagonists, was able to convey her character so well that when it got around to watching the behind-the-scenes, I could not fathom that these two people are the same. It's hard to visualise hatred and envy on one's face without it looking so fake but she did it perfectly that I have no complaints.
OST: I am a SUCKER for shows who go above and beyond delivering the bare minimum. When I say this, I mean that they got the actors and actresses to sing their respective OSTs. Jaw-dropping, earth-shattering music to my ears. The theme music was sung by Zhao Lusi and the ending credits was sung by Wang Anyu with the other main leads singing their OSTs. Whenever the OSTs play up in a scene, it just adds another layer of sentiment and emotion in that scene, making it even more impactful on the audience. It shocks me everytime that they all have such amazing singing voices; I am hooked on this dramas OST and I haven't heard a soundtrack this good since "Till the end of the moon".
Rewatch Value: Yes. Just yes, although you'll have to wait a bit so you can forget the main plots and stuff. It won't hit the same if you remember all the important scenes.
It's a pleasure to have watched this drama and I really hope you don't go comparing it to it's other counterparts i.e. the prequel and novel. It's a wonderful standalone drama with all it's little hidden gems that also deserve to be recognised.
Happy binging!!
STORYLINE: A lot of watchers who are considering to watch this drama even though you haven't seen it's prequel, 'Ancient Love Poetry' or read the novel 'Hidden God', you are not disadvantaged in my opinion, if anything, it gives you a chance to see this masterpiece in it's fullest. The storyline was fulfilling; it portrayed each of the characters' development as well as honing in on the individual struggles that they face, with the main focus on the main couple of course. There weren't a lot of plot twists, rather, there were originally devised plans created by the antagonists that were meticulously elaborated and altered to suit the storyline as the drama progressed. I really commend this, considering a lot of other dramas would add in irrelevant side issues that honestly have no purpose of being there except for filling excess time. The intense love between the leads make for a heartbreaking story at times as their love is constantly being tested, exploited and manipulated. It comes to show how important trust is in a relationship, especially when superficial aspects such as status and third-parties intervene. The friendship that is formed between the four main leads also leaves quite the impact as their chemistry on screen is immaculate.
CASTING: I have no idea why people are hating on Wang Anyu because I thought the execution of his character was exceptional. He acted childish when he had to and you will notice that he does mature as the drama progresses and same goes for Zhao Lusi's character. She had to act childish at the beginning because she literally just hatched from her egg; she knows nothing of the world so her innocence and naivety is expected but when the time came, she was able to be cold and indifferent. Anyways, the chemistry between the two was incredible; you would've thought they were lovers in real life. The sheer joy and sadness you will feel while watching these two will have you swirming and squealing as well as cry your eyes out. Furthermore, you know the actors are good if you want to pull their hair out. The actress of the character Hua Shu (i forgot her name, my apologies) who was one of the main antagonists, was able to convey her character so well that when it got around to watching the behind-the-scenes, I could not fathom that these two people are the same. It's hard to visualise hatred and envy on one's face without it looking so fake but she did it perfectly that I have no complaints.
OST: I am a SUCKER for shows who go above and beyond delivering the bare minimum. When I say this, I mean that they got the actors and actresses to sing their respective OSTs. Jaw-dropping, earth-shattering music to my ears. The theme music was sung by Zhao Lusi and the ending credits was sung by Wang Anyu with the other main leads singing their OSTs. Whenever the OSTs play up in a scene, it just adds another layer of sentiment and emotion in that scene, making it even more impactful on the audience. It shocks me everytime that they all have such amazing singing voices; I am hooked on this dramas OST and I haven't heard a soundtrack this good since "Till the end of the moon".
Rewatch Value: Yes. Just yes, although you'll have to wait a bit so you can forget the main plots and stuff. It won't hit the same if you remember all the important scenes.
It's a pleasure to have watched this drama and I really hope you don't go comparing it to it's other counterparts i.e. the prequel and novel. It's a wonderful standalone drama with all it's little hidden gems that also deserve to be recognised.
Happy binging!!
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