Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• SmoothToucan75

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 9.5

  Once upon a time, there existed a remarkable duo known as Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi, or, as they were more commonly known, Hei and Bai. Like the colors black and white, they were inseparable and bound by a complex relationship that defied simple description.
  
  Bai Fengxi was a courageous and intelligent heroine who fearlessly stood up for justice. She possessed a carefree spirit and an insatiable love for good food. Yet, behind her playful facade, she hid her true identity as Princess Feng Xiyun of...

  Qing, renowned for her brilliance and eloquence.
  
  Hei Fengxi, on the other hand, portrayed the image of a diplomatic and just hero, renowned for his grace and elegance. But beneath that facade, he was cunning and ambitious, earning him the nickname "Black Foxy" given by Bai Fengxi herself. Like her, he also harbored a secret identity as the Second Prince Feng Lanxi of Yong. Forced to feign illness from a young age, he had to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics to secure his position as the royal heir. Though merciless in his dealings with enemies, he displayed a tender and compassionate side when it came to those he held dear, especially Bai Fengxi.
  
  What fascinated me most about these two characters was their duality. While they embarked on thrilling adventures in the martial arts world, they remained completely dedicated to their royal duties, tirelessly working towards peace and prosperity for their citizens. The trust and teamwork between Hei and Bai Fengxi were unwavering, making them an unstoppable force. It was refreshing to see two characters who were equal in talent, martial arts skills, and status. Although politics and wuxia values played a significant role in the plot, the emphasis was more on the blossoming romance between the two.
  
  The chemistry between the actors portraying Hei and Bai Fengxi, namely Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi, was both sweet and overwhelming. I had my doubts about how they would fare in a historical drama, but they surpassed all my expectations. Their on-screen connection was truly magical. Yang Yang's experience in subtle expressions and action scenes added depth to his portrayal of Hei Fengxi, while Zhao Lusi's energy and charisma made Bai Fengxi a truly badass character. Despite the age gap in real life, their on-screen pairing was seamless. Off-screen, they displayed a humorous and competitive dynamic, leading Yang Yang to jokingly claim they had the mental age of a -year-old.
  
  The supporting cast of the show was equally impressive. Xuan Lu portrayed Feng Qiwu, a character who exuded girl power and complemented Bai Fengxi's abilities. The chemistry between the two was electrifying. Additionally, the young actor who played Han Pu brought a delightful charm and intelligence to his role. Feng Chang, portrayed by Zhang Tian Yang, provided a wonderful older brother figure for Hei Fengxi, showing a genuine care and protection for his character. Zhang Feng Yi's performance as the sly and cynical King of Yong, Hei Fengxi's father, was heart-wrenching, as it portrayed the painful suffering endured by Hei Fengxi due to his father's cruelty.
  
  The production quality of the drama was excellent, thanks to the director's expertise from previous works such as Love and Redemption, Ancient Love Poetry, and Under the Power. The costumes were stunning and perfectly highlighted the contrasting personalities of Hei and Bai Fengxi. The action sequences and CGI were seamless, with Hei Fengxi's use of a fan and Bai Fengxi's handling of her silk ribbon adding a cool and effortless touch to their fights. The aerial sequences were particularly satisfying to watch. Although the last few episodes felt rushed, the overall plot remained coherent and easy to follow. While not as politically focused as other dramas like Nirvana in Fire, the show prioritized the personal journeys of Hei and Bai Fengxi as they discovered the true meaning of life. Despite a few controversies and production issues, the cast and crew delivered a remarkable final product.
  
  The soundtrack of the drama was also noteworthy. Liu Yuning's empowering and intense song, "Unparalleled," was a perfect fit, though it was admittedly strange to hear it from the lover of Zhao Lusi's character in The Long Ballad. My personal favorite, "Breath of Wind," performed by Tiger Hu and Ye Xuan Qing, captured the essence of the Hei and Bai Fengxi couple. "A Dream Come True" by Silence Wang served as a beautiful love confession, while "Like A Dream" by Sunny felt like a bashful reply to that confession. Finally, Tan Wei Wei's "Orphan" evoked unexpected emotions.
  
  In conclusion, this drama captured my heart with its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning production quality. The Hei-Bai Fengxi couple charmed both the audience and me, showcasing an undeniable chemistry. The talented cast, accompanied by a vibrant supporting ensemble, breathed life into the intricately crafted world. Despite its flaws, the drama managed to maintain its coherence and left a lasting impact through its emphasis on personal growth and romance. Truly an unforgettable experience.

• ToughRyan

  Overall 9

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

  The TV series under review is an immersive drama that seamlessly weaves together elements of traditional wuxia, palace politics, epic warfare, and romantic love. Set in a fictional universe, the story revolves around the relationship between two martial artists, Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi, as they navigate the treacherous world of ancient politics and pugilistic rivalries. The production design is visually stunning, with opulent indoor sets and picturesque outdoor scenes. The martial arts choreography is breathtaking, featuring spectacular wire-fu and impressive battle scenes....

  
  
  The romance in the series is portrayed as wholesome and charming, with likeable lead characters who bring depth and chemistry to their roles. The supporting cast delivers memorable performances, with standout performances from Xuan Lu and Lai Yi. However, the transition of directors midway through production may have affected the quality of direction and editing in the second half of the series. The storytelling feels disconnected in some scenes, and the final episodes feel rushed. Additionally, the focus on certain kingdoms and factions leaves little room for exploring intriguing minor side stories and subplots. Despite these shortcomings, the series is still highly recommended for fans of the genre. Overall, it ranks among the better recent releases of historical dramas and wuxia productions.

• mightyleonardo30

  Overall 8

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  So there's this TV series I recently watched that's based on a really popular book with a strong female lead. Normally, that's right up my alley. But let me tell you, the production of the show went through some serious drama. The director and a key writer left amidst some scandal, which definitely had an impact on the final product. There were even accusations of plagiarism floating around. But here's the surprising part: despite all that, the show actually turned out pretty good. It's definitely...

  a result of some "borrowing" from other shows, but if you approach it with a sense of humor, you might just enjoy it.
  
  The story starts off strong, with a mix of romance, action, politics, and martial arts. It's set in a fictional empire where a token that gives the ruling family power goes missing, causing chaos. Two martial artists, who are also romantic rivals, get caught up in the search for the token and the power struggle it represents. They uncover a shady group with its own hidden agenda. These two characters, Bai Fengxi and Hei Fengxi, are seriously awesome. They have great chemistry and make an absolutely stunning couple. You can't help but root for them, even though their relationship feels a bit stagnant at times.
  
  One thing I appreciated about this show is how it portrays strong, independent women. Well, most of them anyway. There's one character who falls into some boring love rival tropes, but overall, the female characters are smart and capable decision-makers. However, the focus ends up shifting to one character more than the others, which was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for a truly female-centric story, but it didn't quite pan out.
  
  Now, let's talk about the actors. This was my first time seeing Yang Yang in a drama, and let me tell you, he's easy on the eyes. Plus, he's a better actor than I expected. His expressions are spot on, especially in romantic scenes. But there were some missed opportunities with his character. He could have had more depth and complexity, but the writing didn't fully explore that.
  
  Towards the end of the show, things start to feel rushed. Some plot threads are left hanging, and not all the loose ends are tied up neatly. And let's not even talk about the characters who meet untimely ends. I definitely think they deserved better. But overall, the ending is satisfying, and everyone gets what they want.
  
  In the end, this show is like a mixture of familiar elements. It may lack a bit of substance, but it's still entertaining. I had a blast watching it, thanks to the lively discussions on the online forums. It's definitely a show that's better enjoyed with others. So, while it's not the most groundbreaking series out there, I can still recommend it for a good laugh and some enjoyable escapism.

• smoothhelen

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 8

  Alright, guys, let's talk about this amazing Wuxia drama that I recently watched. I can't spill the beans on the title, but trust me, it's a match made in heaven! This show has everything you'd expect from a Wuxia drama - martial arts, epic battles, and a captivating storyline.
  
  The heart of the story revolves around two martial artists, Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi, who team up with a group that aims to conquer the world for a noble cause. These two characters are...

  incredibly skilled and beautiful, and they share a unique friendship that you can't help but root for. The best part is, they both have secret identities that add some serious depth to the plot.
  
  The actors who portray Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi are absolutely perfect for their roles. Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi deliver outstanding performances and showcase their versatility in portraying a range of emotions. Lusi, known for her rom-com roles, impressively brought out the serious side of her character, while Yang Yang was simply flawless as the elegant Hei Feng Xi and the mysterious Feng Lan Xi. I love how they blended their characters' emotions and made them incredibly memorable.
  
  The supporting cast also deserves a round of applause. Familiar faces like Xuan Lu, Leon Lai, and Lui Rui Lin make appearances, and let me tell you, they are the best supporting actors a Wuxia drama can have!
  
  Now, let's talk about the romance in this show. It's one of the sweetest and most endearing love stories I've ever witnessed. Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi aren't just lovers; they're partners who support each other through thick and thin. It's refreshing to see a relationship portrayed this way, without unnecessary misunderstandings or jealousy. Their love story feels genuine and beautifully complements their individual personalities.
  
  I was relieved to see that there wasn't a love rivalry between the female lead and the second female lead. Instead, they formed a genuine friendship, which was a breath of fresh air. The last thing I wanted was a love triangle overshadowing the main story. The cinematography and choreography in this show are top-notch. The battle sequences will leave you in awe, I promise.
  
  There were a few things that didn't sit well with me, though. At the start, I felt a bit lost because I wasn't familiar with certain terms and concepts introduced in the show. It would have been helpful if they had explained them more clearly. Towards the end, the pace felt rushed, and the final confrontation with the main antagonist could have been given more time to develop. I also noticed some disjointed sections that made it harder to follow the main storyline.
  
  But all in all, this drama is a masterpiece. It's a story that will capture your heart and leave a lasting impression. The stellar cast, the beautiful romance, and the amazing action make it a must-watch for any Wuxia enthusiast out there. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

• wisegrease

  Overall 9

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 9

  Adapted from a popular novel, the TV series under review seamlessly blends multiple genres, including romance, court intrigue, and political drama. Boasting high production values and stunning visuals, the show delivers on its promise of a captivating viewing experience. The story follows the intertwined narratives of two strong lead characters, who fight side by side against their enemies while also grappling with their own complex relationship. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their engaging performances elevate the series.
  
  One of the highlights of...

  the show is its exceptional choreography in the fight scenes, which are brilliantly executed and free from distracting slow-motion effects. The main duo's martial arts skills are showcased beautifully, adding an extra layer of excitement. Additionally, the performances by the ensemble cast are commendable, with Zhao Lusi and Yang Yang delivering standout portrayals. Zhao Lusi impresses with her nuanced acting, while Yang Yang exudes elegance and charm in his role. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable and adds depth to their characters' dynamic.
  
  While the series has many strengths, it does have some weaknesses. The editing can feel choppy at times, resulting in a rushed storyline and detached scenes. This is particularly noticeable towards the end, where the CGI effects also suffer, appearing cheap and artificial. Furthermore, the heavy focus on political intrigue detracts from the engaging jianghu plot, leaving it somewhat neglected. Despite these flaws, "Who Rules The World" remains an enjoyable watch, especially for those seeking a lighthearted historical drama or those new to Chinese dramas.
  
  Overall, "Who Rules The World" showcases the talent of its cast and the high production quality associated with Tencent S+. It successfully combines various genres into a cohesive narrative, with captivating fight scenes and a compelling central relationship. While it may have some drawbacks in terms of editing and CGI, the series still provides a satisfying viewing experience.