Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• fastdolphin

  Overall 5.5

  Story 5,  Acting 10,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 1

  This review may contain spoilers
  
  Regrettably, the Chinese drama in question has failed to live up to expectations. Initially, the series presented itself with charming appeal and engaging episodes, promising an entertaining journey. However, as the plot progressed, the storyline took a nosedive from which it never recovered. Particularly disappointing was the shift in dynamics when the protagonist's confidante developed feelings for the leading man, a twist that contributed to the narrative's decline.
  
  Compounding the issue was the finale, which left much to be desired and...

  raised serious questions about how the narrative had spiraled to such unsatisfying conclusions. Despite a deep affection for the actress known as Lusi, her character's arc suffered from inadequate development as the series approached its end, undermining the initially strong portrayal.
  
  The actor Li Hongyi, together with the character of the police officer pining for Lusi's role, were among the highlights, however, even they could not salvage the unraveling story. The conclusion was particularly jarring as it unjustly rewarded the antagonist with a seemingly joyful resolution, while the virtuous characters met untimely and inexplicable fates.
  
  Despite the spoilings of its potential, the cast did deliver commendable performances, particularly in the initially delightful and intriguing segments of the show. These moments are the foundation of the modest rating attributed to the series. Nonetheless, the latter half of the drama, especially the poorly articulated script, belied the promising start, leaving this viewer markedly disappointed.

• JollyOprah76

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 6,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 3.5

  Please be aware, this review might reveal key plot points
  The narrative unfolds at a languorous pace, devoid of any thrilling elements. Initially, the opening episode captured my interest, which quickly waned into monotony. The romantic dynamic portrayed in "Love Better Than Immortality" was mesmerizing; his adoration, the tender care, and the heartfelt expressions of love were simply captivating. This led me to venture into viewing another series with expectations of a similar emotional connection, only to find it absent—a rather disappointing discovery.
  
  As the story...

  progressed toward its climax, there was a buildup suggesting an increase in the hero's abilities, ostensibly to vanquish the malevolent adversary. However, this proved ineffective, leading me to speculate that a combined force with the female protagonist—who had partaken in the mythical fruit—would be the decisive factor. Contrary to this expectation, her lone actions proved sufficient, though resulting in her own demise, leaving me unsatisfied with the direction of the plot.
  
  Confusion ensued regarding the conclusion; whether the heroine's reemergence was a dream, a spiritual visitation, or something else entirely remained unclear. The connection between the central characters lacked the spark I had been seeking, and the dialogue failed to resonate with their established personas. The male lead, in particular, was frequently relegated to a passive bystander, simply observing events rather than engaging with them. Regrettably, the narrative as a whole felt disjointed and underwhelming.

• fastzoolander6

  Overall 4.5

  Story 4,  Acting 5.5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 1

  Beware: Potential spoilers ahead
  
  Utterly Disappointing and Underwhelming Journey
  
  The series that recently concluded was nothing short of a trainwreck, straying significantly from the intrigue its promotional material promised. It's a classic bait-and-switch scenario where the glossy exterior of previews doesn't translate into substance within the full episodes. Imagine a narrative teeming with petty rivalries, bewildering character decisions, and an overwhelming number of plot twists that might leave viewers more exhausted than entertained.
  
  Character-wise, brace yourself for a parade of frustrations. The male protagonist's words and deeds...

  seemed to originate from two entirely different scripts, to an extent that pondering his motivations might become your new pastime. As for his proclamations of love, they remained just that—empty, unconvincing proclamations that were painfully mismatched with action, or indeed, inaction.
  
  On the opposite spectrum, the female lead embodied a perplexing concoction of mistrust and an alarmingly forgiving nature. Her vacillations between suspicion and easy reconciliation with the male lead defied common sense. Complicating matters further, her dynamic with a deceitful confidante appeared as a looping side-story that tested viewers' patience.
  
  Adding to the maelstrom was another character whose purpose seemed solely to complicate things with her unbridled fixation on the male lead—a narrative direction that seemed not just unnecessary, but nearly headache-inducing.
  
  While the drama's premise suggested a rich tapestry of tribal affiliations, medical collaborations, and the birth of romance amid adversity, what unfolded on screen fell dramatically short. Rather than a tale of personal growth and unity through healing, audiences were subjected to a convoluted mess that failed to capitalize on its initial promise.
  
  One wonders if it would not have been better to let one's imagination run wild with the allusions of the trailer and the series synopsis than to witness the actual storyline unravel in such a disappointing fashion. The union of two souls from different worlds, blending their skills to become better healers and lovers, all playing out against a backdrop of cross-cultural exchange—this was the story that should have been told but sadly never was. The final verdict? An opportunity tragically squandered, leaving viewers to mourn what might have been.

• SoftChoe

  Overall 10

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

  Warning: The following review may contain details that reveal crucial plot elements.
  
  
  
  For those of you looking to embark on an emotional televisual journey, the series in question could be a suitable candidate. Some sequences might tug at your heartstrings, eliciting a waterfall of tears, while others could leave you feeling somewhat disengaged, as certain episodes might not hold your attention as firmly as others.
  
  The series undoubtedly evokes strong emotions, stirring a sense of deep distress that seasoned viewers will likely resonate with. There's something...

  about the story that strikes a chord, making it a gripping watch overall. The lead performances are nothing short of magnificent. The connection between the main actor and actress on screen is palpably electric; their chemistry is so convincing, one could be forgiven for mistaking their onscreen partnership for a real-life romance.
  
  Their talent shines bright in every project they undertake, and in this particular series, their portrayals are remarkably authentic, almost blurring the lines between fiction and reality. However, a point of personal contention was the aesthetic choice regarding one character, specifically the decision to style (Mu Xing Chen)'s hair long and tied up. While this is purely a matter of taste, in my view, a more natural, flowing hairstyle might have better suited the character's persona.
  
  Regardless, the series makes for a fascinating watch, weaving a narrative that, despite its critiques, brings a depth of realism and raw emotion to the small screen.

• livelylion

  Overall 9

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

  The series in question is a riveting piece of visual storytelling, seamlessly blending elements of traditional martial arts fantasy with modern social commentary. At times, a few segments might prove challenging to endure, yet, as a whole, this production leaves a remarkably endearing impression. The commendable performances by the lead cast stand out as a testament to their skill, offering an immersive viewing experience.
  
  Candidly speaking, the narrative's strength lies in its unpredictability. The journey is rife with twists and turns that captivate and keep you...

  guessing throughout its duration. Indeed, should one embark on a second viewing, it would ideally be after a significant intermission, allowing for the rediscovery of its intricate details.
  
  Fans of martial arts epics and sagas of an ancient ilk will find this to be right up their alley. Those curious about the romantic content need not expect a copious display of affection; the series chooses to focus on its narrative intricacies instead. The plot, centered on a primitive clan ensconced in nature's embrace, harboring a mysterious and powerful fruit, beautifully mirrors pressing environmental themes that resonate with current global concerns. There's an active dialogue on how society's neglect manifests in devastating consequences—a parallel drawn with thoughtful precision.
  
  The characterizations are skillfully woven, with many individuals echoing the viewers' own lived experiences. Albeit the finale may have room for improvement, it remains gratifying and veers away from the perils of a disheartening conclusion, definitely ending on a high note (rest assured, spoiling the exact nature of the finale is not on the agenda).
  
  Initially, the series grips you with such intensity that breaking away from the screen feels nearly impossible. However, there's a perceptible shift in pacing as the episodes continue—what started as a sprint might feel like a marathon mid-way. Nevertheless, the show commendably contains its story within a tight episode count, avoiding the pitfall of becoming overly tedious. Perseverance is key, and those who persist are rewarded with a richly satisfying tale.
  
  The caliber of acting throughout is noteworthy, from the protagonists to the supporting roles—the portrayal of villainy, in particular, is nuanced and deceptive. As for the score, it harmonizes beautifully with the thematic elements, adding depth to the already vibrant scenes.
  
  For advocates of enchanting narratives infused with magical realism, this series represents an exemplar worth admiring. Its brevity compared to typical genre counterparts is refreshing, making it more accessible without sacrificing quality. It's a memorable viewing experience, one that may entail skipping through certain portions for some, but nevertheless, a small concession for the enchantment it provides.