Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• gentlesun98

  Overall 9

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

  I just finished watching this fantastic Chinese movie today, and let me tell you, it was a breath of fresh air! Whether you're familiar with the book or haven't seen the drama, this movie stands on its own as a unique and captivating concept.
  
  From the moment the film started, I was completely drawn into its world. The cast, the plot, and the production were all on point, but what really blew me away was the stunning CGI. It brought everything to life in such a...

  vibrant and magical way, and I couldn't help but crave more!
  
  One thing that impressed me was how the characters were portrayed. Despite the shorter runtime of a movie compared to a series, the cast delivered exceptional performances, seamlessly transitioning between different characters and leaving me in awe.
  
  Now, I know there might be some die-hard fans of the drama, but let's not compare apples to oranges. This movie deserves recognition in its own right. It's a delightful balance of maturity and lightheartedness, and it had me engaged from start to finish.
  
  To the director and everyone involved in bringing this movie to life, thank you! You've created something truly special, and I can't wait to see what you'll do next. And to those who may not be fans, give it a chance before dismissing it. Trust me, you might just be pleasantly surprised!

• sadinterstellar6

  Overall 7

  Story 6.5,  Acting 6.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 4

  I had the chance to catch this movie in our local cinema, and while I won't go as far as calling it a bad movie, I have to admit that it's quite mediocre. But let's focus on the positive aspects first! The special effects are remarkably well done, miles ahead of the obviously fake CGI animation in the TV drama. Additionally, I found myself preferring the lead actress in the movie. Liu Yifei looks more endearing to me than Yang Mi in the drama. It...

  did take some time for me to warm up to TV Yang Mi. Oh, and the pacing is fast, almost too fast at times, which means you won't get bored watching it.
  
  Now, onto the not-so-great parts. Regardless of whether you've seen the TV drama or not, this movie has some significant shortcomings. If you haven't seen the drama, the plot will be quite baffling. It's important to note that special effects can't make up for a lack of a cohesive story. The constant back and forth between the present and the past was initially okay, but it ultimately diminishes the impact and can be confusing for moviegoers without any background knowledge. Additionally, while I understand the need to cut down on characters and side stories, there were important parts left unexplained. On the bright side, the acting is passable, although not brilliant.
  
  If you have seen the drama, the story will be understandable (thanks to your pre-knowledge), but the movie itself might disappoint you. Chinese netizens have been hilariously pointing out some ludicrous parts, like the audience laughing when certain supporting characters' costumes appeared on screen - definitely not the reaction the filmmakers were aiming for! Thankfully, the lead actors' costumes are (mostly) on point, although even one of them elicited laughter during a supposedly dramatic scene due to an over-the-top costume. But let's not dwell on the costumes too much. What really left me unsatisfied was the lack of emotional connection. Actor Yang Yang isn't terrible, but if you've seen the drama, it's hard not to compare him to Mark Chao. Many dramatic scenes fell flat, and one of the highlights of the TV drama, the reunion between the lead actor and actress after a separation, was reduced to more of a "boy meets girl for the first time" rom-com vibe in the movie.
  
  For fans of the novel or the TV series, don't be discouraged by this review. Go ahead and watch the movie, but keep your expectations low. You'll enjoy the beautifully shot scenes and be able to relive the story. Time will fly by quickly, that's for sure. However, for non-fans, I recommend staying away. It will only leave you baffled and wondering what all the fuss is about.

• quickaliens70

  Overall 3

  Story 3,  Acting 5,  Music 4,  Rewatch Value 1

  So, I just finished watching this movie and I get why it's getting so much hate. Let's talk about the story first. Honestly, it was all over the place. The scenes didn't flow well together and the characters' actions didn't make much sense at times. It left me feeling confused and disoriented. Even if you know the backstory, it's still hard to keep up and figure out what's happening on screen. It was a real struggle to connect with the characters and the story. And...

  let's not even get started on the ending. It was just chaotic and made no sense.
  
  The pacing was all over the place too. Some scenes were way too long, while others were just a blur. It felt like my brain was constantly trying to catch up with what was happening. It made the whole viewing experience feel scattered and disconnected. If they had spent less time on certain scenes and given others more room to breathe, it could have been better.
  
  Now, let's talk about the acting. It didn't help that the story was so choppy and inconsistent because it made it hard for the actors to establish their characters. It felt like they were just going through the motions without any real depth. Yang Yang and Crystal Liu looked the part, but their performances were just okay. Crystal didn't quite capture the authority her character needed, and Yang Yang's portrayal of Ye Hua felt off compared to the original material. The rest of the supporting cast didn't have much screen time, so they came off as one-dimensional.
  
  I honestly couldn't focus on the music because I was too busy trying to make sense of the plot. So, I can't really say much about that.
  
  Overall, I didn't enjoy this movie at all. There was very little to like about it, so I definitely won't be watching it again.

• fastflamingo3

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 7

  Once upon a time, in a land not very well-known to me, there existed a mesmerizing tale of ancient warriors and mystical powers. I, as a humble person who had yet to delve into the world of wuxia or witness such grandiose dramas, approached this series with an open mind, devoid of any preconceived notions.
  
  From the very beginning, I found myself pleasantly engrossed in its enchanting narrative. Though it became evident that the pacing of the story was hurried, causing occasional confusion, I persisted, eager...

  to uncover the essence that lay hidden within. It was through the characters' dialogues and delicate interactions that I gradually pieced together the puzzle, grasping the essence of the intricacies it presented.
  
  There were numerous aspects that stood out and left their indelible mark on my experience. The exquisite animation breathed life into the breathtaking world that unfolded before my eyes, while the meticulously crafted costumes adorned the main cast, transforming them into ethereal beings. These visual elements added a layer of authenticity and allure, captivating me further within this unfamiliar realm.
  
  If, like me, you find yourself unaccustomed to the novel or previous incarnations of this tale, I implore you to take a leap of faith and immerse yourself in this series. Who knows, just like me, you might discover unforeseen joy and appreciation in its captivating narrative and complex characters.

• energeticjupiter29

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 7,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 4

  So, here's the deal. I stumbled upon this TV series while I was chilling in China for work. I couldn't really find anything else to watch, so I gave it a shot on iQiyi. Let me tell you, it didn't exactly blow my mind. It just couldn't hold a candle to the awesomeness of "Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms."
  
  The whole thing felt like a rushed mishmash of the best moments and lines between Bai Qian and Ye Hua from the original TV drama, but...

  with different actors. It was a chaotic mess to follow, especially if you weren't already familiar with the story.
  
  Now, don't get me wrong, the lead actors were both good-looking and had some decent chemistry. But they just didn't quite measure up to the incredible Yang Mi and Mark Chao. Liu Yifei's portrayal of Bai Qian felt way too young and sweet for the fierce goddess queen of the fox tribe. And as for Yang Yang's Ye Hua, he was undeniably handsome but lacked the emotional depth of Mark Chao.
  
  Sure, they made a cute couple and all, but their relationship didn't have enough substance. It seemed like they went from zero to hooking up in no time. But hey, I can't really blame the actors for that. When the storyline jumps all over the place and characters barely develop, it's tough to make a lasting impression.
  
  There was one change in the story that I actually liked though. Instead of four beasts, they combined them into one, and our leads had to take it down together. That was pretty cool, I must admit.
  
  On the visual side, props to Alibaba for splurging on the sets and costumes. They were stunning and even more revealing than before. But unfortunately, the whole package just didn't come together in a satisfying way. If I had watched this first, I definitely would have skipped it. It's not total garbage, but it's definitely a clear attempt to cash in on the success of a mega-hit TV romance.