Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• CalmNotorious99

  Overall 5

  Story 5,  Acting 5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 5

  Caution: This review may include spoilers.
  
  
  The lead performances in this particular series fall short of expectations. There's an issue with the cinematography, as the footage often has an unsteady, shaky quality that can be distracting. The primary male protagonist, despite his charm, presents an almost perpetual sense of amiability; his expressions seem fixed with an incongruent cheerfulness, making it difficult to connect with him during scenes requiring depth of anger or sorrow.
  
  On the other hand, the female lead brings her own allure to the...

  screen, fortuitously her character rarely demands an expression of rage. Her transformation into the so-called 'dragon mother' fails to pack the persuasive punch one would anticipate. An indomitable ferocity is missing from her performance, leaving her character's authority wanting.
  
  As for the narrative, speaking in depth about it would prematurely reveal the evolution planned for the upcoming season. However, it sketches out the rise of an underestimated individual from obscurity to prominence—a transformation achieved through kindness, unyielding determination, and a considerable stroke of luck.

• lazycai27

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  Having binge-watched the entire series, I find myself drawn back to several episodes, indulging in repeated viewings – a testament to the drama's captivating allure. The compelling performances and meticulously crafted settings elevate this narrative to a level of exquisite execution. Each actor and actress embodies their respective roles with such precision that errors, often apparent in other productions, are practically nonexistent here.
  
  The ensemble cast is exceptional, each member fitting their assigned characters flawlessly, as if the roles were tailor-made. Beyond the commendable acting, it's...

  the music and landscape that envelop you, enveloping the viewer in a cocoon of stunning aesthetics, resonant with emotional depth.
  
  Despite my glowing praise, a slice of perplexity remains. The series introduces an intriguing plot point involving a doppelgänger in a nefarious locale, but never fully resolves the mystery surrounding their existence. This narrative thread dangles, teasing the audience with unresolved questions, and leaving us pondering the true nature of this shadowy counterpart.

• SleepyLaLaLand

  Overall 9

  Story 8,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8

  This review may contain spoilers
  Adolescent Prodigy
  Color me impressed with this unexpectedly engaging drama series. I plunged into this narrative curious about the transition of a known youthful actor into his teenage roles, and boy, did he deliver. Despite the initial backlash he received upon the series' debut — which I can only attribute to envy or undue criticism — his performance soared beyond my expectations and cemented his place as an actor of note.
  
  The series, though decked with a constellation of idols, struck me...

  as more than just a showcase of pretty faces. The central figure, portrayed by the aforementioned actor, was a firebrand, churning out riveting emotional turns and movements with finesse. His portrayal hinted at the emergence of iconic roles akin to fiery warriors and stoic heroes he would later embody. His evolution throughout the narrative, from a fledgling martial artist to an almost deified warrior, was a spectacle. The praise doesn't end with him, though; the source material's creator deserves accolades for crafting such a transformative journey.
  
  Supporting roles were a veritable treasure trove, each actor bringing something special to the table. Particularly, the character with neon-tinted hair was a breath of fresh air. The actor behind this quirky genius navigated the humorous dynamics of a master-pupil relationship with expertise that left me in stitches.
  
  Many other characters each added layers to the story, resonating perfectly with our young hero, from the majestic queen of a serpentine tribe to his desert-raised elder brothers. The portrayal of the protagonist's support network — from close-knit family ties to newfound allies — was, in a word, impressive.
  
  The production may not have been the epitome of extravagance, but it held its own with a 'less is more' approach. The aesthetics, from costumes to music to sets, were immersive and authentic for the period depicted. The cliffhanger was masterfully delivered, toying with emotions yet leaving room for hope — a stark contrast to the frustratingly cryptic finales of some series.
  
  However, the narrative wasn't without its blemishes. Plot inconsistencies were an issue, with unresolved threads and baffling moments that left me pondering. The unexplained nuances, from the embedded treasures and allies in a ring to the sudden disappearance of familial characters, were a source of frustration.
  
  Furthermore, the absence of our hero in the latter episodes to pave the way for secondary plots seemed to unravel the tightly woven narrative, potentially crowding the final arc with unanswered questions. One antagonist, in particular, overstayed his welcome, proving more nuisance than nemesis, with his fortunes seeming implausible at best.
  
  Despite these gripes, the overall experience was rewarding, and I would readily recommend this series to those in search of an adventure steeped in martial arts with a dash of fantasy. I'm even gearing up to dive into the sequel, undeterred by the casting and production changes, for a promise of a journey as exhilarating as its forerunner. If a blend of martial prowess and fantastical elements is your cup of tea, consider giving this narrative a whirl.

• BraveFlashdance

  Overall 8.5

  Story 10,  Acting 8,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 9

  As I spent time considering the appropriate score for a particular martial arts-themed series, the decision tugged at me for quite a while. In the end, my verdict teetered on the brink due to the technical aspects that significantly impacted my viewing pleasure. Were it not for the quality of the props and costumes, which sometimes felt less than convincing, and the inexperienced camera work that failed to disguise these shortcomings, this series may well have climbed higher on my rating scale, potentially hitting a...

  terrific peak.
  
  This drama, led by a budding cast of idols, presents a tableau of youthful vigor and talent. It showcases actors who had not quite hit their celebrity stride at the time of production—before they became household names. Financial limitations and less skilled cinematography occasionally left me with the quaint impression of watching a high school play rather than a polished production. However, the story itself is a magnificent tapestry of martial arts lore, deserving high praise amongst recent entries into the genre.
  
  The writers of this series managed a commendable job, adapting its original material in a way that remained faithful to the core narrative, curbing any drastic deviations that might dilute its essence. Impressively, the drama sidesteps the pitfalls of clichés often overused within the genre; the central relationships, including what one might at first glance label as a typical "brother-sister" dynamic, are rooted firmly in the source material and skillfully explored within the plot.
  
  For fans who prefer their action-packed series sans a heavy dose of romance, this work emerges as a formidable option. The male lead is portrayed by an actor who brings remarkable depth to his role. His potential is palpable, hinting at a fascinating future in the acting world, as maturity and experience hone his craft to what one can only imagine will be astounding levels.
  
  Within the supporting ranks, we are treated to the presence of popular band members who sizzle on-screen—none more so than a particularly well-known star whose fan base has grown exponentially. As for the female lead, despite a performance that might not have reached the zenith of emotional depth, her portrayal doesn't detract from the overall allure of the series. An exceptional guest appearance by a seasoned actress manages to captivate with her electric chemistry with the male lead, so much so that their combined screen presence overshadows the primary romantic storyline.
  
  All in all, despite technical hiccups, this series is a delightful journey carried by strong storytelling. Whether there will be a continuation remains uncertain, yet the existing conclusion stands satisfactorily on its own. For the enthusiast yearning for more, the animated adaptation awaits, ready to perpetuate the adventure in a colorful, new medium.

• wisepak

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  Be advised, spoilers may be present
  Having recently concluded a viewing marathon of this gripping drama, I find myself somewhat astounded. The narrative was compelling, bolstered by a cast of formidable female figures that injected the series with a dose of empowerment. The male protagonist stood out as a commendable hero, and his dynamic with a specific female counterpart—Xun Er—was delightfully nuanced, sparking a viewer's urge to root for their union. It was refreshing to see the television adaptation chose to sidestep the conventional harem...

  storyline that the original novel embraced. One can only hope that he remains true to a single love interest if the tale continues.
  
  Admittedly, the series was not without its narrative discrepancies, featuring multiple plot holes that viewers may find somewhat jarring. However, these hiccups did little to derail the overarching storyline, which maintained a steady momentum, pleasantly diverging from the often sluggish pace associated with manga or webtoon adaptations.
  
  The whispers surrounding the potential absence of the lead in upcoming seasons do cast a shadow of concern. As a viewer, one eagerly anticipates both the return of our central hero and a commitment to a singular romantic path if we're graced with another installment of the drama.