Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• wisesong

  Overall 8

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 6

  I recently immersed myself in a series of captivating Chinese dramas. After diving into the captivating world of Bu Bu Jing Xin and Chinese Paladin, I embarked on my third consecutive Chinese drama in just as many weeks. The entertainment industry is a tightly knit community with familiar faces, which only enhances the viewing experience. In this particular drama, the lineup of characters, reminiscent of Robin Hood, stole my heart. The writers succeeded in creating a group of lovable characters, even managing to evoke sympathy...

  for the antagonist. Each character's backstory was carefully crafted, adding depth and substance to the overall narrative. While at first glance, Guai Xia Yi Zhi Mei may appear like a typical tale of vigilantes redistributing wealth, it goes beyond that. It explores the theme of reconciling the past to forge a brighter future. This unique dimension sets it apart from other dramas in my opinion. However, the show fell slightly short by devoting too much time to individual "cases" and neglecting the overarching plot. Consequently, the ending felt somewhat rushed and anticlimactic. Although satisfying, it was evident that the drama's runtime wasn't evenly distributed. Character development and the general plot receive top marks, but the overall plot distribution brings it down slightly. In terms of talent, they hit the jackpot once again. Karen, the brilliant producer behind BBJX, Chinese Paladin, and Strange Hero YZM, has a pool of exceptional actors and actresses at her disposal. Both Wallace Huo and Liu Shi Shi, who take on the lead roles, have garnered substantial popularity and are selective in their choice of scripts. Personally, I became a fan of Wallace Huo, whose rugged handsomeness had me swooning with every episode. The entire cast's performance was impressive, speaking volumes with just a glance or a subtle expression. The chemistry between the Yi Zhi Mei team was palpable, and I would gladly rewatch the drama solely for their exceptional acting. Perhaps my expectations were heightened due to the brilliance of the previous dramas I watched, but this particular drama failed to leave a lasting impression. The instrumental tracks barely registered during the show, and even the opening and ending songs didn't quite captivate me. They weren't bad, but neither were they exceptional. On the bright side, they harmonized well with the overall tone and theme of the show. All in all, this drama left me with mixed feelings. It seemed simultaneously slow and fast-paced, an intense ride I'm not quite ready to tackle again anytime soon. However, I certainly wouldn't mind revisiting it in a few months. The captivating story and talented cast are compelling enough to draw me back, with the only exception being the prolonged story arcs. And finally, a word of caution: the last three episodes deserve an A+, but their true impact can only be felt after experiencing what comes before.

• fiercewu5

  Overall 9

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

  This spectacularly crafted drama completely captivated me from start to finish. Initially, I anticipated a narrative centered around the enigmatic bond between two brothers, embarking on thrilling escapades. Yet, the story swiftly veered in an unforeseen direction, taking me on an exhilarating journey.
  
  One of the standout elements was the remarkable team known as Yi Zhi Mei, united in their unwavering determination to confront formidable obstacles. The cohesion and synergy among them was truly inspiring, demonstrating the power of collaboration when faced with the most daunting...

  challenges.
  
  While there were moments that felt slower in pace, I found solace in the exceptional suspense and mystery woven throughout the narrative. This relentless intrigue served as an enticing lure, compelling me to dive deeper into the series, unable to resist its captivating pull.

• calmhitchcock

  Overall 9

  Story 10,  Acting 9,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 8

  I recently completed a drama that left a lasting impression, although the specific details have faded from memory over time. It was one of those delightful surprises that unexpectedly came my way while I was searching for a Chinese drama to indulge in. The show turned out to be a truly enjoyable experience on multiple levels. From the beautifully designed costumes to the thrilling fight scenes, every aspect was visually captivating. What impressed me the most, however, was the refreshing storyline. Chinese dramas often fall...

  into predictable patterns, so it was a breath of fresh air to encounter something unique. Fans of Wallace Huo will undoubtedly be pleased with his exceptional acting skills, just as Cecilia Liu delivers a strong performance as well. The intriguing cases presented throughout the series managed to hold my attention, making the longer episodes bearable. It's worth mentioning that there are indeed a few extended cases, but trust me, they are well worth the investment of your time. The entire cast deserves commendation for their excellent portrayal of their respective roles, with special mention to Edwin Siu, whose portrayal of the villain was particularly convincing. Overall, my feelings about this drama are somewhat mixed. While it may not have had the most elaborate background or subplots, the theme song managed to strike a chord with me. Regarding rewatch value, I would personally hesitate to revisit it, fearing that it might lose some of its original meaning. However, I can see myself revisiting it sometime in the future. Despite its length, this drama managed to hold my interest throughout due to the captivating cases and the wonderful dynamic between the four central characters. Each character brings their unique qualities to the table, making their collaborative efforts to help the less fortunate truly engaging. If you're intrigued by my vague description, I encourage you to give it a watch and discover it for yourself.

• hotlim

  Overall 9

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 10

  This recently discovered TV series from China was just what I needed during a drama slump. While some may compare the story to "Robin Hood", it's far from that. I can't quite put it into words, but this is one of the best dramas I've seen in a long time. The story unfolds beautifully, with each character getting their own episodes that reveal their pasts, and I found that to be a great touch. The bond between the main characters grows stronger with each episode,...

  which I really loved. The acting in this series is amazing, evoking both laughter and tears from me every time. The chemistry between Huo Wallace and Lu Cecilia, who portray the main characters, is consistently present and well-done. I must also mention that I appreciated the fact that the main female character is strong and capable, not relying on anyone else for protection. Although it's not the main focus, the OST of this series was beautiful and refreshing. Despite its length, I would definitely watch this series again; a rewatch would allow a deeper understanding of the story and the actions of the characters. Overall, if you're in a drama slump, I highly recommend not missing this series. It will help reignite your love for dramas and remind you exactly why you fell in love with them in the first place.

• LoudEarth93

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 7

  The TV series in question delivers a storyline that is both unique and captivating. Although some compare it to the legend of Robin Hood, I found it to be distinct in its own right. The plot unfolds seamlessly, offering a diverse range of situations that are executed with finesse. Each new challenge presented had me on the edge of my seat, pondering how the characters would maneuver their way out. While some outcomes were foreseeable, others pleasantly surprised me with their cleverness.
  
  There were a few...

  minor aspects that left me wanting more. For example, I couldn't help but wonder why the protagonists only donned their matching attire on specific occasions. Additionally, certain elements could have been approached differently. Nonetheless, these did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the series.
  
  The acting in the show is superb, with the chemistry between the main characters being particularly notable. Watching their relationships evolve was truly a delight. Whenever an episode focused on one specific member, I found myself thoroughly invested, particularly in the storyline of He Xiao Mei. However, I must admit that Chai Hu's character became somewhat grating over time. I personally would have preferred him to possess a silent and stoic demeanor, obediently carrying out his tasks. On the other hand, seeing a female character who is strong and capable of holding her own was a refreshing touch.
  
  The ending, though unremarkable, didn't leave a lasting impact. Considering the length of the series, I would likely choose to rewatch only the episodes that stood out to me, rather than sit through the entirety again. Nonetheless, it was an overall worthy viewing experience that left me satisfied.