Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• giantyang

  Overall 6.5

  Story 7,  Acting 7,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 5

  An Immortal Realm Saga That Tried My Patience
  
  I must begin by confessing my fervent adoration for immortal realm stories. When I stumbled upon the trailer for this magical series, my excitement knew no bounds. Anticipation bubbled within me as I eagerly awaited its premiere, marking the start of my year in fantastical bliss.
  
  The initial episodes proved to be delightful, albeit with a noticeable low-budget presentation. While some sets sparkled with beauty, others veered towards a plastic-like artificiality that I chose not to dwell upon. Ah,...

  yet another leading man with lustrous white locks – a charming touch, indeed.
  
  As for the central duo's tale, a generous assessment would award it a modest score. However, it was the secondary characters who truly stole my heart with their compelling narrative. Hence, I suppose the overall storyline garners a middling rating. Alas, the series swiftly spiraled downward, leaving me uncertain of the exact misstep. Perhaps it was the recycled plotline that left me increasingly disenchanted. Fans of immortal realm tales may detect a striking resemblance to other sagas, such as Eternal Love or Love and Redemption, albeit with a duller flavor.
  
  The saga spins around Yuchi Longyan, a dragon demon captivated by a mortal maiden. Their encounters, particularly when he appears to her in snake form, present a myriad of perplexing questions. Why, pray tell, was a serpent contained within a bamboo cage easily escapable? It is, after all, a pivotal rule that a girl fearful of serpents would abide by. Additionally, the repeated refrain of "men and women should not touch" directed at a snake seemed a curious oversight. I may nitpick, but these inconsistencies grated on my sensibilities.
  
  Returning to the primary narrative, the series unfolded in waves of enjoyment, then indifference, eventually plunging into tedium. By the fourth reincarnation, my lingering question was why I continued to endure the saga – ah, right, for the captivating secondary characters. The trove of tales could have thrived within a single existence or even two, for by weaving four iterations, the storyteller merely echoed their narrative, akin to my recycling of scrap paper. The female lead's journey unfolds predictably – born anew with each cycle, watched over by the male protagonist, rescued from impending dangers at every turn. A word of caution to prospective viewers: do not be swayed by the promise of a "strong female lead." For in Liu Ying, I found little semblance of strength but rather a damsel requiring perpetual safeguarding.
  
  Ah, the secondary couple – a beacon of light amidst a murky sea of disappointment! Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing held me captivated, their love story a luminous gem encased in an enigmatic past. These enchanting moments demanded no utilization of the fast-forward button, a rare respite in an otherwise trying narrative.
  
  Bambi Zhu's portrayal of Liu Ying initially charmed me, though a persistent voice suggested her villainous roles suited her more. Nonetheless, her ascent to the protagonist's pinnacle was a refreshing twist, yet her character felt lacking in fortitude. Among the various incarnations, A'Yu from the second iteration left the strongest impression. A simple mortal with a courageous spirit and sharp wit, she embodied the resilient heroine I adore.
  
  Dylan Wang's portrayal of Yuchi Longyan left me underwhelmed. While visually striking in posters with cascading white tresses and regal attire, his character's depth failed to resonate. A dragon demon reduced to a mere guardian felt bereft of purpose beyond safeguarding his beloved. Wang's performance, though challenging to articulate, lacked the emotional gravitas required to breathe life into his role.
  
  The revelation that Xue Qianxun marked Deng Wei's inaugural foray into Chinese dramas astonished me. His portrayal exuded a commanding presence as the Lord of Luofeng Pavilion, radiating a chilly demeanor underscored by formidable powers. The evolution of his relationship with Yuchi Longyan from cautious acquaintances to steadfast allies delivered moments of levity that were truly memorable.
  
  Qing Qing, portrayed by Pan Mei Ye, outshone Liu Ying and her successive incarnations in my esteem. The lively demon bird's unwavering loyalty and endearing antics provided a welcomed respite. Her unfaltering companionship with Liu Ying transcended the series' shortcomings, evoking genuine amusement and warmth.
  
  Regrettably, the antagonist's lackluster presence failed to inject any real menace into the tale. Their bland disposition rendered them inconsequential, their absence inconsequential to the overall narrative.
  
  The series' musical offerings, while serviceable, failed to leave a lasting impression, with only a handful of tracks lingering in memory. The repetitive cadence during key moments wore thin, prompting a desire to silence the familiar strains. OST enthusiasts may find little to savor, as the melodies failed to resonate deeply.
  
  To my cherished secondary couple: a replay of this saga in your company? A tempting offer indeed, but I daresay I've exhausted my reserves of patience on the initial viewing. While I harbor reservations regarding a wholesale recommendation, viewers enamored with picturesque vistas and mythical creatures may find solace in this series' fleeting charms. At a mere X episodes, a trial viewing may yield moments of enjoyment, albeit tempered by the narrative's shortcomings.
  
  In conclusion, this foray into the fantastical realm tested my endurance like never before. While disappointment loomed large, scattered moments of enjoyment salvaged my viewing experience. My sincere gratitude extends to the fast-forward function, a trusted ally in navigating this tumultuous saga. Though my faith in the genre wavered momentarily, the initial episodes remain a beacon of hope in an otherwise lackluster journey.
  
  And to you, discerning reader, I extend my gratitude for traversing this winding review. May it serve as a guidepost in your own exploration of the boundless realms of storytelling.

• oldmel

  Overall 7.5

  Story 8,  Acting 4,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 7

  A modest fantasy series that delves into the realms of immortality and reincarnation embarked on a promising journey akin to a beloved epic. Initially, the narrative unfolded with the customary trope of a mortal girl mistaking a supernatural being for something else, setting the stage for a blossoming relationship between the two leads. The charming dynamic between the Dragon and the mortal was endearing, despite the dialogue occasionally veering into cringe-worthy territory, it managed to captivate the audience's attention.
  
  However, as the storyline progressed through multiple...

  lifetimes and settings, the repetitive nature of the plot began to emerge. The cyclic pattern of the female lead being reborn and the male lead faithfully protecting her in every iteration started to feel disconnected and somewhat tiresome. This led to a shift in focus towards the unconventional second couple, who brought a refreshing dynamic with their complex master-servant relationship and witty banter.
  
  In terms of performances, while the second male lead brought a natural charisma to his character, the portrayals from the rest of the cast fell short of expectations. The male lead struggled to convey the depth of emotions required for his role, while the female lead, though competent, seemed miscast for the innocent character she was meant to embody. The exaggerated expressions of the second female lead occasionally detracted from her character's intended charm, making her portrayal seem more juvenile than intended.
  
  Despite its budget constraints, the series managed to hold its own, offering viewers a mix of decent storytelling, attractive visuals, and passable special effects. While it may not reach the heights of larger-scale productions, it serves as a satisfactory standalone offering for those seeking a lighthearted fantasy escape. With its brief episode durations, it provides an easily digestible watch that can be indulged in for some simple, fantastical entertainment.

• LazySamuel

  Overall 10

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

  In all honesty, the true stars of the show for me were the second lead couple. Their chemistry and performances stole the spotlight. The main couple's storyline started to feel repetitive and lacked depth as the series progressed, failing to truly engage my emotions. However, I appreciated the character development of one of the leads, as she evolved into a more empowered and independent individual throughout the narrative.
  
  One of the highlights of the series for me were the interactions between two supporting characters, where they...

  would share relationship advice or find themselves in amusing predicaments that never failed to make me burst out laughing. Unfortunately, the romance between the main couple didn't resonate with me as much.
  
  I found myself wishing for a spinoff featuring the second lead couple or hoping to see them cast as the main couple in a future drama. It's worth noting that this project marked one of the actor's first ventures into the world of television dramas, and I must say that he delivered an outstanding performance that left a lasting impression.

• lazyunforgiven86

  Overall 8.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 7

  I must admit, what truly captivated me throughout the series was the second couple's dynamic. Deng Wei and Pan Mei Yi truly stole the spotlight with their on-screen chemistry. While the main couple's storyline started to feel a bit repetitive and lacked emotional depth, I appreciated the script's efforts to develop Bambi's character into a more empowered and independent individual with each episode.
  
  The comedic moments between Yuchi and the Luofeng Immortal, where they shared relationship advice or found themselves in hilarious predicaments, never failed to...

  make me burst into laughter. However, the central romance between the main couple didn't quite resonate with me as much.
  
  I can't help but hope that Deng Wei and Pan Mei Yi will either receive a spinoff or perhaps lead another drama in the future. It's hard to believe that this was Deng Wei's debut performance, as he delivered an exceptional portrayal that left a lasting impression.

• YoungLi

  Overall 7

  Story 7.5,  Acting 7,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 6

  What an intriguing concoction of humor, adventure, and mystique in this latest xianxia drama, which I shall refrain from naming to preserve its enigmatic charm. Throughout the series, I found myself marveling at the witty dialogue and the characters' quirky antics. The writer's ability to blend self-awareness and light-hearted humor truly shines in certain scenes, prompting bursts of laughter from unexpected corners.
  
  The narrative kicks off with the unexpected encounter between the gallant dragon king Yuchi Longyan and the compassionate maid Liu Ying, who mistakes him...

  for a mere snake. As the story unfolds, we witness Liu Ying's endearing habit of rescuing injured creatures and her whimsical fantasies involving the legendary dragon king. While the initial storyline may draw parallels to other popular xianxias, the series embarks on a distinct journey, exploring the evolving dynamics between the protagonists.
  
  Although the central couple's relationship could use more depth and resonance, the performances of the lead actors are commendable. Zhu Xudan's versatility in portraying multiple characters deserves applause, even if the potential for character development is left somewhat untapped. Wang Hedi, in his portrayal of the enigmatic dragon king, captivates with a unique blend of stillness and mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
  
  The series excels in its portrayal of secondary characters, particularly the enchanting love story between Xue Qianxun and Qingqing. Their charming banter and palpable chemistry inject freshness into the storyline, paving the way for a captivating subplot that is as engrossing as it is heartwarming.
  
  As the series draws to a close, viewers are treated to mesmerizing magical duels and unexpected revelations that tie the intricate plot threads together. While the primary antagonist may lack depth, the resolution of the narrative is both satisfying and poignant, weaving together themes of love and destiny in a manner that resonates with the overarching legend of Nuwa.
  
  In conclusion, this enigmatic xianxia drama offers a blend of entertainment and emotional resonance that transcends its occasional shortcomings. With moments of laughter, intrigue, and heartwarming romance, the series culminates in a climactic ending that leaves a lasting impression. My appreciation for the series is bolstered by the delightful subplot and the resolution of the narrative, warranting a rating that reflects its captivating qualities.