Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• younganne46

  Overall 6

  Story 3,  Acting 7,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 2

  Caution: Spoilers Ahead
  For fans deeply invested in the dynamic between the two central characters, this series was highly anticipated, promising immersion into a captivating narrative world. The premiere on iQIYI was a moment of great excitement, with eager viewers eagerly counting down to dive into the story. However, initial episodes left a stark impression, leading to lingering disappointment. It took me quite some time to navigate through the -episode series, primarily driven by unwavering support for a particular lead character.
  
  Despite sharing a producer with...

  the widely acclaimed "Ashes of Love" and the presence of three familiar faces, this series fell short on multiple fronts. The title felt uninspired and lacked the magnetic pull associated with successful dramas. The visual aesthetic and filming locations failed to evoke any substantial praise, maintaining a rather mediocre standard. Action sequences felt lackluster, failing to deliver the anticipated thrill. The storyline itself was plagued by inconsistencies and unresolved plot holes, diminishing the overall viewing experience. Performances struggled to engage, with the lead actors frequently wearing expressions of melancholy, detracting from the emotional depth required to resonate with the audience. The music, though serviceable, failed to leave a lasting impact, contributing to a lack of memorable moments that could warrant a re-watch.
  
  One of the most glaring issues with the series lay in its narrative core. Presented as a love story between two key characters, the overarching plotline involving a malevolent force vying for domination felt like a mere distraction to elongate the series. The love story itself unfolded swiftly, with an abrupt union between the protagonists in the initial episode. Their journey towards marriage, marred by continuous sorrowful expressions, lacked the complexity and depth necessary to sustain audience engagement. The absence of significant challenges or obstacles to their romance, save for minor misunderstandings, rendered their relationship devoid of the necessary tension to captivate viewers. Witnessing the lead actress' perpetually despondent demeanor over forty-plus episodes proved taxing even for an ardent fan, detracting from the supposed strength and resilience her character represented.
  
  The male leads, too, failed to infuse their roles with the necessary vitality to resonate with the audience. While one actor's penchant for portraying somber characters was well-established from previous works, the other's portrayal as a despondent bodyguard mirrored his past performances, further diluting the freshness needed for a compelling viewing experience. The lack of standout moments and the absence of a compelling reason to revisit the series underscore its shortcomings, leading to a prolonged viewing experience that relied heavily on viewer loyalty rather than narrative excellence. Recommended only for die-hard fans invested in the central characters; for others, there are more rewarding viewing options available.

• BluntDwayne43

  Overall 9.5

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

  This review delves into a heartfelt drama that serves as a source of solace for fans of a particular actor who played a beloved character in a previous series. The decision to cast this actor as the main lead is deeply appreciated by the reviewer, who found comfort in witnessing a different, more favorable journey for the actor's character in this new setting.
  
  The reviewer highlights the parallel between the actor's roles in both dramas, noting the contrast in paternal love and sacrifices made for the...

  character. They express admiration for the actor's performance, noting the emotional depth and skill displayed in bringing the character to life.
  
  The central focus of the review is on the dynamic between the main characters in this drama. The reviewer reflects on their evolving relationship, particularly emphasizing the growth and development of the female lead. While acknowledging the flaws in the storyline, the reviewer finds the chemistry between the lead actors captivating and worthy of revisiting.
  
  The review closes with a reflection on the drama's impact, expressing a desire for a longer runtime to prolong the enjoyment. Despite some character losses that left a mark, the review underscores the overall positive experience of the drama and recommends it to fans of the actor and those seeking a heartfelt narrative.

• GentleFlashdance

  Overall 6.5

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

  This series in review is a mix of historical costume drama and wuxia elements, featuring a young mistress seeking to redeem her sect's reputation after a turbulent past. The plot embarks on a journey filled with cliches and intricate character dynamics. The playboy master from Moon Valley is tasked with protecting the naive young mistress, leading to a complex romance between them.
  
  The characters are portrayed with depth and flaws, particularly the rakish playboy who struggles with commitment and unresolved issues from his past. Despite the...

  captivating performances, the series falters in its pacing, with the central romance overshadowing the external plot elements.
  
  As the story progresses, the focus shifts towards political conspiracies, neglecting some intriguing characters along the way. The antagonist's motivations feel lacking, and the external arc's resolution falls short of expectation. However, the series shines in its emotional scenes and the chemistry between the main characters.
  
  Ultimately, while the series has its moments of intrigue and strong performances, the imbalance between romance and plot development leaves much to be desired. The themes of fire and ice play out metaphorically, resulting in a lack of substance beneath the flashy exterior.

• LivelySquid

  Overall 6.5

  Story 7,  Acting 8.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 2

  Caution: Spoilers Ahead
  Upon diving into this series, my expectations wavered due to lukewarm reviews. However, the magnetic charm of Leo Luo in the trailer caught my eye, leading me to give it a chance. The series unfolds with a blend of action-packed sequences and heartfelt romantic interludes, ticking the boxes of a standard drama without offering any groundbreaking elements to captivate its audience.
  
  The character Shang Guan Tou emerges as the shining star, embodying a persona that is not only enchanting but also embodies traits...

  of beauty, intelligence, protectiveness, and gentleness throughout the narrative. His portrayal leaves little room for viewers not to adore him. On the contrary, the depiction of the female lead paints a starkly contrasting picture. Regrettably, she stands out as one of the most unsatisfactory female leads I have encountered in the realm of C-dramas. Expected to exude skillfulness from her mastery of potent Kungfu and embody bravery and intellect as the clan leader, she falls short, portrayed as unintelligent, feeble, ineffectual, immature, overly reliant, prone to tears, and impulsive.
  
  While it is customary for male leads to play the hero and rescue their female counterparts, the excessive frailty of this female lead stretches the bounds of realism. Despite her superior martial arts prowess, she consistently finds herself in need of rescue, leaving viewers bewildered. Furthermore, the perplexing decision of the female lead to part ways with the male lead following numerous rescue missions, fueled by baseless misunderstandings, amplifies the prevailing sense of frustration, souring the love story and diminishing its appeal significantly.
  
  In retrospect, the series offers a moderately engaging storyline, marred by the unappealing portrayal of the female lead. While not a top recommendation, viewers with an affinity for Leo Luo's performances may find some solace in tuning in.

• crazyrocky

  Overall 6.5

  Story 5,  Acting 9,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 2

  I initially tuned into this series attracted by Luo Yunxi's undeniable charm, which he effortlessly exudes once again in this show. However, the pacing of the episodes left a lot to be desired, so much so that I found myself hurrying through them at 1.5x speed. The lack of attention to detail in the storytelling was disappointing, as intriguing plot points were often overshadowed by the weak execution of their development. The reliance on misunderstandings and dishonesty, particularly with the male lead making assumptions on...

  behalf of the female lead due to gender stereotypes, greatly detracted from my viewing experience. The combination of a flawed script and sluggish pacing made it challenging for me to fully invest my emotions in the series and truly savor it. It's a missed opportunity that ultimately left me wanting more.