Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• livelycameron34

  Overall 9

  Story 8.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8

  Lost in a mesmerizing fantasy world, this underappreciated drama is truly a hidden gem. From the very first episode to the gripping conclusion, I found myself utterly engrossed, not wanting to miss a single moment (unlike some predictable and monotonous shows out there). At its core, the story revolves around the classic battle of good versus evil, but what sets it apart is its exploration of what drives someone to the dark side — unveiling that within every villain lies a glimmer of goodness.
  
  Set against...

  a backdrop of fantastical elements and celestial imagery, the thematic depth of the narrative is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The talented ensemble cast delivers standout performances, with Peter Sheng shining as the compassionate and rational Quin Wen Tian, endearing himself to viewers effortlessly.
  
  Throughout the series, I found myself alternating between laughter (particularly thanks to the charming young character) and tears, as the unwavering bond of friendship and trust among the disciples tugged at my heartstrings. While romance takes a backseat in this tale, the tender love shared between the central duo is as delicate and delightful as the fragrance of spring blossoms.
  
  For those willing to immerse themselves in the intricate web of emotions — friendship, loyalty, trust, and love — this drama promises a rewarding experience. Each episode unveils a vital piece of the overarching narrative, so skipping is strongly discouraged. While the special effects and green screen work may not reach cinematic perfection, they never overshadow the captivating story and the stellar performances on display.

• calmhwang4

  Overall 8

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

  Despite its potential, this series falls short of reaching greatness. The storyline had promise, with a standout performance from the female lead (let's call her Mira) and a compelling portrayal of the male villain (we'll refer to him as Victor). The supporting cast also delivered solid performances, immersing viewers in a captivating world of intrigue and magic. However, there is one weak link in the chain – the male lead (we'll name him Alex). Unfortunately, Alex's lackluster acting and wooden delivery detract from the overall...

  viewing experience. His scenes often feel disconnected from the rest of the narrative, leaving much to be desired. Despite this setback, the series remains worth watching for its other redeeming qualities. If only a more capable actor had taken on the role of the male lead, this series could have been truly exceptional.

• youngsamuel

  Overall 7

  Story 8,  Acting 7,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 3

  This review delves into a highly anticipated drama which, unfortunately, falls short of expectations in various aspects. Despite its shortcomings, there are elements that manage to captivate the audience's attention. The drama boasts an outstanding OST featuring remarkable opening and ending themes, along with the standout performance of actor Chen Meng Xi.
  
  The storyline itself holds promise, entwining mystery and intrigue throughout. However, the overall execution falters due to flawed staging and misdirection of the actors. The inconsistencies in the presentation often lead to unintentionally comedic...

  moments, underscoring the lack of cohesive direction. With dual directors at the helm, perhaps a third visionary could have enhanced the drama's visual impact.
  
  While the pacing tends to drag, there are intermittent highlights that engage viewers. The narrative centers on the imminent disruption of the Immemorial Demon Sword's enchantment, precipitating chaos in the mortal realm. Protagonist Qin Wenxian, portrayed by Peter Sheng, emerges as a central figure with unexpected capabilities tied to the Stone of Star Soul. As alliances shift and betrayals loom, the overarching question of Qin Wenxian's ultimate path looms large, culminating in a decisive reveal in the final episode.
  
  Interwoven with the main plot are intricate love stories that traverse joy and heartbreak. Princess Qingcheng, portrayed by Olivia Wang, unknowingly holds the key to the Demon Sword's fate, adding a layer of sacrifice and determination to the narrative. The chemistry between the leads, while palpable, lacks the depth to truly resonate, leaving room for improvement in their portrayal of profound emotions.
  
  Amidst the mixed performances, Jerry Chang shines in his role, embodying a complex character with finesse. The ensemble cast delivers varying degrees of effectiveness, with Chen Meng Xi standing out for his portrayal of a character teetering on the edge of darkness.
  
  In essence, the drama offers a blend of action, mystery, and fleeting moments of brilliance. While it may not satisfy discerning viewers, fans of Peter Sheng and Olivia Wang are likely to find moments of enjoyment in this tumultuous tale.

• gentlehuang

  Overall 9

  Story 10,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  From the moment I pressed play, I was swept into a world of drama that had been flying under the radar for far too long. Despite initial reservations fueled by mixed reviews and ratings, I found myself pleasantly surprised by what unfolded on the screen. Olivia Wang, known for her captivating performances, shines with a newfound radiance in this series, while Peter Sheng, previously seen in "Oh My General," exudes a charm that is impossible to resist. Their on-screen chemistry, complemented by impeccable styling, is...

  a sight to behold.
  
  However, as much as I appreciated the central duo, I couldn't shake the feeling that the series overstayed its welcome. The excessive focus on secondary characters, particularly a couple whose presence felt more like a hindrance than a complement, bogged down the narrative progression in the latter half of the series. While I understood the importance of fleshing out the world around the main characters, the execution left much to be desired.
  
  **Spoiler Alert:** The opening moments of the series set the stage for a complex web of relationships and hidden identities. As the story unfolds, we learn about the true lineage of the protagonists – one the successor of a revered figure, the other the offspring of a once-powerful couple. Their intertwined fates lead them on a journey of discovery, facing political intrigue, personal battles, and the weight of their destinies.
  
  One character, in particular, Bai Qiu Xue, stands out for her manipulative actions driven by greed and ambition. Her turbulent engagement to a captivating villain adds an extra layer of tension to the narrative, albeit at the cost of diverting attention from the main storyline. The constant focus on this turbulent relationship and the struggles of a secondary character felt like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the overarching themes of the series.
  
  The musical accompaniment, while enjoyable, leaned heavily on a collection of songs rather than a diverse score. Nonetheless, as the series approached its conclusion, I found solace in the satisfying resolution provided to the central characters. A well-crafted ending can often redeem a meandering plot, and in this case, it served as a fitting conclusion to a tumultuous journey.
  
  In the end, despite its flaws and excessive diversions, this series succeeded in delivering moments of intrigue, romance, and growth. While not without its faults, it managed to capture my attention and offer a glimpse into a world where the line between hero and villain blurs, leaving behind a lingering sense of satisfaction.

• calmchinatown

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 1

  This intricate drama series presents a web of complex relationships and intertwining destinies that kept me captivated throughout its entirety. The story unfolds with the introduction of an enigmatic evil sword that sparks a series of events leading to a tragic sacrifice and the descent of a once noble figure into darkness. The narrative branches out to include a diverse array of characters, from an earthly king and his loyal subjects to a formidable sect known as Jiu Hua.
  
  Central to the plot are the male...

  and female leads, whose fates are intricately linked through unexpected revelations and hidden identities. The male lead embarks on a journey of self-discovery at a deity school, where he encounters allies and adversaries alike, while the female lead grapples with the complexities of her lineage and heritage. Meanwhile, a menacing alliance forms between a power-hungry scion of the Ye family and the male lead's adversaries, setting the stage for a gripping showdown.
  
  Despite the sparse moments of romance between the main characters, the emotional depth and tension between them are palpable, culminating in a poignant climax that ties up loose ends and resolves lingering conflicts. The final episodes deftly weave together disparate storylines, merging the separate paths of the protagonists into a cohesive and satisfying conclusion that left me pondering the intricacies of fate and free will.
  
  While the series may meander at times and introduce a multitude of subplots, its underlying message about the enduring power of love and sacrifice shines through, resonating long after the screen fades to black.