Playing Ep 09

What people are saying

• giantshrek

  Overall 7

  Story 7.5,  Acting 7,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 3

  My anticipation for this series rose through the roof, especially given my admiration for the performances of Zhang Ling He and Jiang Long in the past. The initial episodes were promising, but as the storyline unfolded, it gradually lost its shine, leaving me feeling dissatisfied by the time the credits rolled. Zhang Ling He's portrayal of both Qian and Yan was commendable, showcasing his range as an actor. The fight sequences were captivating, although the CGI effects left much to be desired, particularly in rendering...

  the fantastical creatures. Certain characters, notably the elders and Qian's sister, grated on my nerves with their actions. The arc involving Yi Mei's descent into vengeance and villainy felt forced and predictable, lacking the nuance I had hoped for. The drawn-out revelation of her true intentions in the final episodes felt like a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling. The sudden and seemingly unnecessary deaths of Brick and ZXT towards the conclusion failed to evoke the emotional impact I had anticipated, leaving a sense of detachment. As for a potential rewatch, the prospect doesn't hold much allure for me.

• crazylim4

  Overall 6.5

  Story 6,  Acting 8.5,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 5

  This TV series had so much potential, but sadly, it missed the mark by a long shot. The actors did their best with what they were given, and there were a few standout moments like the fight scenes and certain side characters. The twins' storyline was intriguing and well-executed, but that's where the praise ends.
  
  The plot took a bizarre turn focusing on irrelevant elders, and the main antagonist was introduced way too late in the series. The rushed pace left me bewildered, especially with the...

  sudden and senseless deaths of two major characters. It felt like the writers were simply ticking off boxes without any real emotional impact.
  
  The story was a puzzle with many pieces missing, leaving viewers scratching their heads at the illogical character relationships and questionable decisions. Even though there were hints of a hopeful future reunion, it wasn't enough to redeem the muddled narrative.
  
  Overall, I can't recommend this series. The plot was a major disappointment, and the treatment of the main characters, particularly the way certain deaths were handled, was a letdown. If you're a fan of the cast, it's best to explore their other works.

• QuickCamel

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 6

  Entering the realm of a new drama genre, I was drawn to this series primarily for the dynamic duo of Zhang Ling He & Wang Yu Wen. The storyline had me intrigued from the start, despite claims that the main plot took a while to unfold. In my opinion, the essence of the central narrative was subtly woven into the fabric of the entire series, even if it wasn't immediately apparent. While some sub-plots felt extraneous, such as the tangents involving certain characters, the overall...

  acting prowess of the ensemble cast shone through.
  
  Each character brought a unique flavor to the story; from the enigmatic Qi Xiao Xuan to the spirited Hu Zi, their interactions and individual quirks added depth to the unfolding drama. The portrayal of relationships, especially the bond between certain characters, was a particular highlight, showcasing themes of loyalty and camaraderie.
  
  One aspect that chafed was the decision to dub Zhang Ling He's voice, which seemed unnecessary given his talent. Nevertheless, standout performances from unexpected characters like He Lan Dou as the enigmatic Yi Mei added layers to the narrative. The evolution of certain characters throughout the series was a satisfying arc to witness, showing growth and redemption in unexpected quarters.
  
  Visually, the series may have lacked the grandeur of high-budget productions, with some settings feeling familiar from other dramas. However, the emotional depth conveyed in pivotal scenes, like the heartwarming father-son moments, compensated for any shortcomings in cinematography.
  
  Ultimately, this series is a rollercoaster of emotions, with twists and turns that keep you invested till the very end. For those contemplating watching it, my advice is to dive in without preconceptions and let the story unfold organically. The blend of mystery, intrigue, and heartfelt moments makes it a journey worth taking, despite its imperfections.

• boldbison33

  Overall 8

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

  This drama managed to capture my attention and keep me intrigued throughout its storyline. Despite the mixed reviews it has received, I genuinely feel that it deserves more credit. The ensemble cast delivered exceptional performances, and the plot remained engaging and consistent. The conclusion of the series took a surprising turn, effectively tying up loose ends and unveiling the long-hidden truths from the past. By shedding light on the mysterious Qi family curse, the motivations behind the characters' actions, particularly Yi Mei and Qi Yanran,...

  became clearer. While I harbored a strong dislike for these characters, understanding their backgrounds added depth to the narrative. The earlier hints at the twin theory found validation in the curse's revelation, distinguishing the "evil" twin from the "good" twin. My personal rating for this drama stands at a solid [...]. However, I deducted points due to the significant character deaths towards the finale. Though anticipated in such storylines, I had hoped for a more optimistic outcome, where everyone would emerge unscathed from the challenges they faced. Despite the casualties, the series successfully maintained its intensity and brought a satisfying conclusion to its intricate tale.

• MightyReindeer

  Overall 6

  Story 5,  Acting 7,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 3

  Warning: This review contains spoilers!
  
  The screenplay of the show could have definitely been improved. The pacing and storyline seem somewhat disjointed, failing to live up to the promising trailer that was released. The plot oscillates between moments of intrigue and dullness, leaving viewers wanting more. Despite these shortcomings, the opening theme music sets the right tone, and the CGI effects are passable. The cast, while constrained by the script's limitations, deliver solid performances. It's disappointing to see the character Yan disappear without a proper...

  resolution - he deserved a better fate. The unresolved endings of the two main characters also leave a lingering sense of melancholy.