Playing Ep 23

What people are saying

• sleepynicole78

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 10,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 4

  Warning: Spoilers Ahead
  
  Upon hearing about the mesmerizing leads, I was persuaded to delve into this drama. The synopsis hinted at an intriguing storyline, but I was left disappointed. The chemistry between the protagonists lacked spark, devoid of any palpable romance. Throughout the narrative, the male lead's expressions remained monotonous, failing to convey genuine affection. Their backstory revealed a connection forged in a time of need, rather than a blossoming love story. Despite her sacrificial act of saving him with her core energy, his feelings...

  seemed more rooted in gratitude than love.
  
  Years later, a chance encounter reignites their connection, with the female lead falling for him instantly. However, his feelings remain shrouded in ambiguity, casting doubt on his true intentions. While she showers him with attention and affection, his responses remain stoic and uninspired. It's not until a pivotal moment much later that he tentatively admits to his fondness for her, leaving viewers perplexed about the authenticity of his emotions.
  
  Although the premise held promise, the execution faltered, leaving much to be desired in terms of emotional depth and character development.

• wisejaws45

  Overall 8.5

  Story 9,  Acting 8.5,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 6.5

  A captivating tale of missed connections and unfulfilled potential...Immersed in the unfolding narrative of a certain TV series, my anticipation for a grand love story that defied all odds was palpable. Alas, the show failed to grasp the essence of romance, leaving a void in that crucial aspect. The focus remained unwavering throughout, centering on the intricate love saga involving a saintess, Yun Xi, from the spirit clan, and a courageous mortal general, Lu Yan. As the narrative progressed, the torch of affection was passed...

  on to Deng Deng, a look-alike of Yun Xi, thus extending the thread of longing that Lu Yan harbored for years.
  
  Regrettably, the on-screen chemistry between the duo portraying Yun Xi/Deng Deng and Lu Yan lacked the spark I had hoped for. While aesthetically pleasing, their portrayal failed to evoke the desired emotional connection, relegating them to the role of investigative comrades rather than a couple. The narrative, in my opinion, would have soared higher had it veered away from the romantic angle and delved deeper into the realms of mystery and adventure. The backdrop of a xianxia landscape set against the tumultuous Republican era provided a compelling narrative canvas, bolstered further by engaging subplots and a host of endearing characters.
  
  The series navigated a spectrum of emotions adeptly, seamlessly transitioning between moments of levity, suspense, and poignant melodrama. Despite its commendable efforts, the script begged for refinement, with noticeable inconsistencies and dialogues that could have been more tautly crafted. A notable highlight for me was the exquisite attention to detail evident in the character costumes, meticulously designed to reflect each character's essence. Furthermore, the pulsating OST served as the emotional backbone of the series, tugging at heartstrings and underscoring pivotal moments with finesse.
  
  While the CGI effects and choreographed fight sequences were commendable for the most part, there were instances where the execution veered into unintentional comedy. Performance-wise, Li Qin's portrayal stood out with her seamless transition between the ethereal Yun Xi and the audacious Deng Deng. On the other hand, Ren Jia Lun's interpretation appeared subdued in comparison to his previous works, missing the magnetic intensity that typically defines his characters. The dubbing work, particularly noticeable in RJL's case, lent a flatness to certain scenes, detracting from the emotive depth one would expect.
  
  In addition to the subdued romance, the portrayal of antagonists felt underwhelming, with motivations and actions lacking the necessary depth to make a lasting impact. While the series had its moments of intrigue and charm, the culmination veered towards an underwhelming climax, failing to deliver the anticipated grandeur.
  
  Despite falling short of its romantic aspirations, the series offered an entertaining watch, with the sleuthing exploits of Lu Yan and Deng Deng adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative. The exploration of threats looming over both the spirit clan and humanity provided a compelling backdrop for the protagonists' adventures, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.

• gentlehugh60

  Overall 8

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

  Captivating premise with lackluster chemistry between the main characters.
  This particular series had been on my radar for quite some time, mainly due to my admiration for the two lead actors. The storyline, while falling into the familiar xianxia genre, offered a refreshing twist with a strong female lead who defied the typical archetype by leading a gang—a compelling choice, indeed. Yet, my excitement waned as I found myself underwhelmed by the lack of chemistry between the main characters.
  Despite numerous scenes designed to showcase...

  their evolving relationship—from bickering to affection—I failed to sense the spark until the final episodes, a disappointing realization for me. Although I typically enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, it failed to resonate in this instance.
  While one lead actor portrayed a similar character archetype with noticeable emotional depth in a past performance, the portrayal in this series lacked the same intensity. I struggled to connect with his character due to the limited emotional range presented, ultimately leaving me unfulfilled.
  Similarly, the casting choice for the female lead did not quite hit the mark. While she excels in more mature roles, this particular character felt forced and overly exaggerated—a stark contrast to her previous successes. However, as the narrative shifted towards adventure and fantasy elements, her performance improved, shedding light on the character's complexities.
  Another contributing factor to my disconnect was the use of the actors' own voices, which, while commendable, highlighted certain shortcomings in line delivery and emotional expression. Although improvements were noticeable, these aspects, compounded with character development and writing issues, hindered the overall viewing experience.
  On a positive note, the plotline itself offered moments of intrigue and excitement, particularly as the story delved into confrontations with adversaries. Despite a slight lull in pacing mid-series, the narrative picked up momentum during pivotal conflicts. However, the conclusion felt somewhat rushed, lacking a comprehensive resolution that could have enhanced the overall impact.
  In terms of production quality, while not considered high-budget, the series maintained an acceptable standard. The CGI, although lacking at times, did not detract significantly from the storytelling. Musical contributions, notably the OST, added a layer of depth to key moments, enhancing the viewing experience.
  Additionally, the portrayal of the female lead as a strong, independent character deserving of admiration was a compelling aspect, steering clear of clichés often found in similar narratives. The dynamic between the main and supporting characters proved engaging, with secondary characters adding depth without becoming overly intrusive.
  Despite the critiques outlined, my experience with this series was not entirely negative. While my expectations were not fully met, there were elements within the plot that offered entertainment value. Overall, I would recommend this series to dedicated fans of the lead actors or those intrigued by a fantasy-adventure narrative with a touch of xianxia flair.

• mightykwon44

  Overall 10

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

  I can't help but feel frustrated by the creative choices made in the finale of this series. It's disappointing to see a story with so much potential take such a drastic turn in its final episode. While I appreciate that certain characters weren't written off, the narrative decision left much to be desired. Despite this misstep, I feel compelled to acknowledge the standout performances of Ren Jia Lun as Lu Yan and Li Qin as Yu Deng Deng. Their acting was the highlight of the...

  show, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. The blend of fantasy elements, martial arts sequences, and stunning visuals added a layer of excitement and intrigue to the series. Kudos to the production team for their efforts in creating a visually captivating world. Moving forward, I hope that the feedback from viewers prompts a more satisfying conclusion in the future. In a time where negativity can easily overshadow positivity, it's crucial to deliver narratives that offer solace and inspiration to audiences.

• energeticjupiter

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  This TV series offers a mix of adventure and romance, but leans more heavily on the adventurous side. While the story starts off strong and keeps you engaged, the focus shifts from romance to ongoing escapades, leaving viewers hoping for more heartfelt moments between the main characters. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, despite the narrative sidelining their romantic interactions in favor of intricate plot developments and action sequences.
  
  As the series progresses, some viewers may notice a disconnect between the title's promise of a...

  romantic journey spanning centuries and the emphasis on unraveling mysteries and overcoming challenges. The pacing feels rushed at times, with unresolved plot points and deleted scenes contributing to a somewhat erratic editing style that detracts from the overall viewing experience.
  
  In terms of performances, the lead actors bring depth to their characters, albeit with some room for improvement. While the male lead's portrayal may come across as overly restrained at times, a deeper understanding of his role adds nuance to his performance. The dynamics between the characters are further influenced by the dubbing choices, with contrasting vocal styles affecting the perceived emotions and naturalness of the actors' delivery.
  
  Despite its shortcomings in balancing romance with adventure, the series manages to intrigue viewers with its fantastical elements and problem-solving scenarios. The soundtrack and costume design are highlights, enhancing the visual appeal of the show and complementing the on-screen chemistry between the main actors. Fans of fantasy genres will find enjoyment in the series, even as they long for a more pronounced emphasis on the romantic aspect that the title suggests.
  
  While the series may not fully deliver on its romantic premise, the potential for a more cohesive blend of adventure and love remains, offering hope for future collaborations between the talented lead actors in a more refined production.