Playing Ep 20

What people are saying

• SmartBrad

  Overall 10

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

  In this captivating drama, viewers are invited into a world of laughter, emotion, and unexpected twists that leave a lasting impact. Set during the reign of Emperor Zhe Zong of Song, the plot follows the intertwined experiences of three remarkable individuals.
  
  Qiao Feng emerges as a fearless leader of the beggar clan, revered for his heroic deeds in protecting the people of Song. However, his reputation takes a dark turn when he is unjustly accused of treachery, leading to isolation from his fellow martial artists....

  Determined to clear his name, Qiao Feng embarks on a journey of self-discovery, encountering love and camaraderie along the way.
  
  Joining him on this transformative journey are Duan Yu, a cheerful prince of Dali, and Xu Zhu, a virtuous Shaolin monk. Duan Yu's peaceful nature belies his hidden talent for martial arts, setting the stage for unexpected challenges and romantic entanglements. Meanwhile, Xu Zhu's purity leads him on an unforeseen path towards martial arts mastery, immersing him in the complexities of a war-torn era.
  
  As these three distinct narratives converge, a tale of courage, identity, and loyalty unfolds against the backdrop of a divided kingdom. With each character facing their own struggles and triumphs, the series weaves a rich tapestry of heroism that will resonate long after the final episode.

• calmblow

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 7.5,  Music 6.5,  Rewatch Value 1

  If you're seeking a captivating wuxia series, this drama might not meet your expectations. One aspect that didn't resonate with me was its retro essence, though some viewers may appreciate this retro touch, it didn't quite resonate with the remake. The interactions between the main characters - Duan Yu, Qiao Feng, and Xu Zhu - feel slightly disjointed, and their bond as sworn brothers forming from a mere accidental encounter may not sit well with all viewers.
  
  Moreover, the overall narrative fails to build anticipation for...

  the subsequent episodes, sometimes leading to a feeling of watching just for the sake of it. The element of intense suspense seems to be lacking throughout the series. Duan Yu's lack of prowess in this adaptation serves as another setback. The fight sequences are passable, with the CGI, particularly in the portrayal of the Tibetan monk character, appearing somewhat peculiar and devoid of contemporary CGI effects.
  
  Romance enthusiasts might find themselves disappointed as the romantic aspect is noticeably absent. Even for those less inclined towards romance, the chemistry between Duan Yu and Lady Wang falls flat. The series concludes on a lackluster note, leaving much to be desired in terms of a satisfying conclusion to the storyline. While the acting performances are commendable, the overarching plotline ultimately diminishes the show's overall impact.
  
  In essence, this series falls short of expectations and may not warrant a repeat viewing. For those hopeful for a more faithful adaptation of the original novel, it might be prudent to await a potential future remake. While negative reviews aren't typically my style, the shortcomings of this particular series left a lasting impression that compelled me to share this critique.

• ShyRaccoon

  Overall 9

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

  The moment the trio finally graced the screen together left me positively elated. The director’s deliberate pacing leading up to this union was a masterstroke. The unique storytelling approach, focusing primarily on one lead initially, had me initially perplexed, but as the layers began to unfold, I found myself appreciating the depth it added to each key character. The unconventional color grading, though jarring at first, gradually grew on me, ultimately enhancing the overall viewing experience. The performances were commendable, particularly in conveying intense emotions,...

  with the palpable tension in the angry scenes leaving a lasting impact. While the crying moments fell slightly short, they were still passable. As for a lingering question or gripe, the placement of the Wang Yu Yan character among the main leads seemed somewhat misplaced; if anyone deserved that spot, it would unequivocally be Murong Fu. All in all, a series well worth delving into - happy viewing!

• MightyBen48

  Overall 6

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

  This particular series did not quite hit the mark. It failed to leave a lasting impression on me. Here are a few of my observations:
  
  Pros: The scenic landscapes portrayed in the series were breathtaking, and the adaptation stayed true to the original novel's content. The CGI usage was acceptable and added to the visual appeal.
  
  Cons: Certain characters like Xu Zhu and the confrontation with MRF were introduced too early in the series, disrupting the pacing. The storyline itself lacked depth and failed to draw me...

  in. The casting choices were questionable, leading to a lack of chemistry between the actors. The choreography was mediocre at best, and the overall visual quality, especially the filters used, left much to be desired. The costume designs were unimpressive and seemed out of place in certain scenes.
  
  In summary, this adaptation can be deemed mediocre at best. It failed to stand out, with its most notable aspects being the poor casting decisions and character portrayals. Some characters were mishandled, which detracted from the viewing experience. While it may not have been a complete disaster, it certainly did not live up to the standards set by other successful adaptations of similar IPs in recent years, such as LOCH, HSDS, and HS.

• olddaniel

  Overall 8

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

  Approaching this remake after being a big fan of the original version, I held my breath, unsure if it could live up to its predecessor's standard. Surprisingly, I found myself pulled into an engaging narrative that took me on a journey of personal growth alongside a humble monk who defied the odds. The standout performance for me was the lead actor portraying Qiao Feng; his portrayal was truly captivating. His acting prowess shone through, capturing the essence of Qiao Feng's tragic character with finesse until...

  the very end. The storyline unfolded seamlessly, allowing me to immerse myself in the drama with ease. While the action scenes could have been a bit more intense, they still managed to deliver a satisfactory punch. Overall, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the series. My advice? Keep your expectations in check, relax, and let yourself be taken on an enjoyable ride.