Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• SmoothSaturn

  Overall 5

  Story 5,  Acting 4,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 2

  This review may contain spoilers
  Initially drawn to the fantasy-driven narrative and the allure of a leading actor I greatly admire, I ventured into this series with expectations that unfortunately were not entirely met. The leading actor's portrayal of his character—a figure meant to epitomize the quintessential stoic and taciturn hero—was pleasing to the eyes but not always convincing in depth. Particularly when the scripts demanded intense emotional responses, his performances of anger and affliction often fell short, resulting in scenes that felt uncomfortably forced...

  rather than authentically heartfelt.
  
  Despite my admiration for the actor's visual appeal, I found the excessive portrayal of his weaknesses throughout the narrative grating, although he invariably emerged as the triumphant savior by the finale. The female lead's role was equally frustrating. This is through no fault of her own, as writers are the architects of character development—or in this case, the lack thereof. Nonetheless, her acting did not surpass the benchmark set by her male counterpart.
  
  The supporting cast delivered middling performances, marred by awkward interactions that jarringly detracted from the storyline's potential immersion. Among the primary roles, one character stood out for inducing exasperation—a clever officer who, despite such a promising description, ended up leaning heavily on the protagonist. This dependency detracted from the progressive fortitude one might expect from a character with her background.
  
  While the main protagonist had all the makings of an exceptional hero—wise, amiable to a fault, and enduringly forgiving—his predictability rendered him somewhat dull. The leaps in his logical deduction, while impressive, often seemed implausibly convenient within the plot's framework. Yet, there was a glimmer of relief in the form of a jovial best friend whose transformation throughout the series provided rare moments of levity and humor amidst the strained narrative. As for antagonistic forces, despite some compelling moments, their expressions of pain and sorrow too frequently appeared ungainly and lacking in believability.
  
  For those seeking a sprinkling of romance, this series offers scant satisfaction. The connection between the protagonists is tepid and progresses at a sluggish pace, leaving one pining for just a hint of progression in their relationship.
  
  An additional qualm I held was with the frequent utilization of flashbacks within the series. These not only consumed a disproportionate amount of screen time but also suffered from an excessive repetitiveness that tested my patience to the extent that I found myself skipping over them without a second thought, indifferent to the potential loss of context for the present storyline.
  
  Midway, the series succeeded in briefly capturing my interest, but this was soon diminished by a resumption of its repetitive motifs: the protagonists engaging in a quest, adversaries in close pursuit, ensuing captures, and a cyclical rinse and repeat of these elements. Alongside the often illogical character decisions and developments, this pattern left much to be desired.
  
  In closing, I would advise viewers to brace themselves for the series' denouement, which could elicit a range of reactions.

• energeticwhale

  Overall 8.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 8

  The anticipation for this series was palpable from its edge-of-your-seat trailers, suggesting a cinematic experience rather than the episodic journey that unfolded. Admittedly, my initial interest was piqued by the inclusion of a beloved actor, yet as the narrative progressed, it was the story that truly ensnared my attention, making the wait between episodes almost unbearable.
  
  The series did shine in moments of tension, especially when delving into its meticulously crafted suspense-filled chapters, as well as in a handful of its concluding scenarios. However, amidst the...

  labyrinth of its storytelling, the scriptwriting faltered at times; certain sequences felt disjointed, leaving a sense of disconnect from the overarching plot.
  
  As for the romantic thread woven through the tapestry of intrigue, it unraveled predictably due to its stagnant nature throughout the series. One could say it was a foregone conclusion that this particular subplot wouldn't reach a fully fleshed-out resolution.
  
  The finale left me bewildered, with more questions than answers—a frustrating cliffhanger that has me secretly wishing for the announcement of a subsequent season to tie up the loose ends.
  
  Despite the series' imperfections, it remained a compelling watch. The magnetic pull of its storytelling had me revisiting the series not once but perhaps thrice, uncovering new details with each viewing.
  
  The supporting characters—a friend and a police officer—who initially came across as slight irritants, eventually found their footing, adding substance rather than detracting from the central narrative.
  
  In the end, the series retained its charm and entertainment value, so much so that a re-watch is on my agenda, primarily to relive the performance of the aforementioned magnetic actor whose presence elevated every scene.

• shydeng81

  Overall 10

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

  My adoration for this series knows no bounds. Truly, it is a pinnacle of TV viewing, especially within the realm of Chinese dramaturgy. Affection floods my words when I describe my experience: no caveats, no qualifiers.
  
  The richness of this series is not just in its narrative; it's the mesmerizing visuals—the breathtaking locations and a soundtrack that envelops you into its world. Yet, above all, the characters steal the show. We're introduced to a pantheon of personalities, from the diligently ambitious protagonist, played to perfection by...

  the talented Zhang Yixing, to the charming sidekicks and even the villains who send shivers down the spine with their menacing presence.
  
  But let's talk about the beating heart of the series: our protagonist, a paragon of intelligence, hard work, and selflessness. His journey is not merely about his endeavors but also about how he encompasses a whirlpool of people, bringing them into his fold through trust and integrity, forming a rich tapestry of bonds and relationships.
  
  Furthermore, for fans of heightened drama—this series delivers. With high stakes and emotional roller coasters, our protagonist often finds himself in dire straits that only heighten our emotional investment.
  
  All in all, from my perspective, this series is more than just another notch on the entertainment belt. It's a standout, a drama that resonates with me on multiple levels. To those who have yet to delve into this captivating tale, consider this a wholehearted endorsement. Join in, and maybe, like me, you'll find yourself completely captivated.

• energeticgeorge87

  Overall 8.5

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

  **Warning: This critique may unveil pivotal plot points.**
  
  The series certainly captures the imagination with its engaging storyline and deft plot maneuvers. One can appreciate the narrative's intricacies, yet a notable critique would be its protracted episode lengths. This element suggests perhaps an overzealous effort to stretch the narrative, which, despite this, somehow maintains a grip on viewer interest.
  
  The dynamic between the male leads provides a welcome layer of camaraderie, though this rapport is not as prominently showcased as one might hope.
  
  As for the conclusion...

  of this tale, it leaves audiences teetering on the brink of ambiguity. The finale serves up a perplexing concoction of despair and inconclusiveness, akin to a subtle cliffhanger, leaving interpretations of the ultimate fate up to individual viewers. In a saga that has sailed through turbulent emotional waters, particularly following the pivotal revelation of the protagonist's perilous abilities, one might argue that a conclusive, perhaps even joyful denouement would be fitting. Yet, the creators have opted to tread an opaque path, potentially frustrating those yearning for clarity in the characters' fates.

• brightmel

  Overall 10

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

  The series has undeniably left a mark on my viewer's heart, enchanting me with a rollercoaster of emotions that had me clamoring for a continuation. The culmination of its storyline left me on tenterhooks, a precarious cliffhanger that seemed to beckon for further exploration. The historical elements interwoven into the narrative were not only captivating but enlightening, adding a rich and educational layer to the entertainment.
  
  Eagerly, I am left pondering the possibility of a second installment. The brilliance of the show, how seamlessly it can...

  pull one into its universe, is a testimony to its well-crafted storytelling and firmly grounded historical roots. Despite a slight delay in the accessibility of subtitles, the wait was trifling compared to the enjoyment and immersion delivered by the series.
  
  The commendations only soar from there, with the cast delivering performances that resonate with authenticity and depth. The dynamics of relationships, sprinkled with a humor that perfectly balances the drama, only enhance the show's appeal, making it highly recommendable to any viewer in search of quality content. The absence of negative reflections speaks volumes of my experience; it was nothing short of exceptional, instigating a newfound fascination with the annals of history.
  
  The show imparts wisdom in the most unexpected ways, divulging intriguing historical facts that traditional educational settings might overlook. A vehicle for both entertainment and learning, it broadens one's intellectual horizons subtly and enjoyably, a rare feat in the realm of television. One can only hope that the producers heed the call for more, for its absence would leave the landscape of television series all the poorer.