Playing Ep 19

What people are saying

• LoudZhang10

  Overall 6.5

  Story 7,  Acting 6.5,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 6

  This drama presented a myriad of challenges that ultimately hindered its potential success. One of the glaring issues revolved around the transformation of the female lead's character. Initially portrayed as a strong force against a time-traveling general set on preventing a catastrophic war, her development into a timid, passive individual was disappointing. Lacking the assertiveness and strategic thinking befitting her initial role, she failed to embody the strength required of a leader on a mission to alter the course of the future.
  
  The convoluted storyline and...

  inconsistent time travel elements added further confusion to the narrative, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The only redeeming qualities lay in the female lead's physical beauty and the male lead's exceptional acting skills. Despite harboring disdain for his character in previous projects, his portrayal as an antihero in this drama was undeniably captivating.
  
  However, even as an antihero, the male lead exhibited significant flaws primarily stemming from the script rather than his acting abilities. The use of manipulation and exploitation towards the female lead for personal gain detracted from his character's appeal. His willingness to inflict physical pain and endanger her safety without regard for her well-being was unsettling, failing to evoke empathy or admiration for his antihero persona.
  
  While the male lead's character does exhibit some improvement later in the series, the abrupt shift in behavior feels contrived and unnatural. The absence of a gradual evolution towards understanding, remorse, and genuine affection undermines the authenticity of his character development. The lack of exploration into his motivations and emotions stifles any potential for meaningful growth and redemption.
  
  Overall, this drama's failure to capitalize on its promising premise resulted in a missed opportunity for compelling storytelling. Despite the initial allure, the inconsistent character portrayals and narrative missteps detracted from its overall impact, leaving viewers yearning for a more cohesive and fulfilling viewing experience.

• HappyHuang36

  Overall 7.5

  Story 8,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 6

  WARNING: This analysis contains significant plot details.
  
  For those who enjoy intricate and mind-bending narratives, this series is a must-watch. It defies the conventions of a typical time travel story by introducing elements like timeloops and alternate timelines, reminiscent of certain other beloved adventures. The complexity of the plot can be daunting, but let me break it down for you.
  
  The story unfolds across multiple timelines, with pivotal characters meeting different fates in each iteration. There's Adult FengXi, whose tragic demise gives rise to the vengeful spirit...

  Eryu, set on a collision course with the orphan WenXin. As the characters navigate through shifting timelines, their connections and destinies intertwine in unexpected ways.
  
  One particularly intriguing aspect is the relationship between WenXin and Eryu, which transcends time and space. Their mission becomes clear: to ensure the survival of FengXi at all costs, as his existence holds the key to their own. The intricate web of relationships and motivations keeps viewers on the edge, waiting to see how each decision ripples across the timelines.
  
  Amidst the temporal chaos, themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and destiny are expertly woven into the narrative. The characters, from the enigmatic DongYue to the valiant young WenXin, each play a vital role in the unfolding drama. While some may find the female lead's distrust of the male lead frustrating, her resilience and martial prowess add depth to her character.
  
  As the series reaches its conclusion, the fate of the characters hangs in the balance, with a tantalizing glimpse into a mysterious future. It's a tale that challenges viewers to reconsider the nature of fate and choice, leaving them pondering the power of decisions both big and small.
  
  Intriguing, complex, and emotionally resonant, this series is a masterclass in storytelling that will linger in your thoughts long after the final credits roll.

• sunnyjeong

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 8,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 2

  Beware of spoilers ahead. While initially captivating, the series eventually loses its momentum due to excessive length and repetition. The dynamic between the female and male leads becomes a source of frustration as her lack of trust in him feels stagnant and unchanging. On the other hand, the male lead shines with his intelligence, strength, and romantic appeal. The side characters' love story provides a charming distraction but possibly receives more focus than necessary. Despite skipping parts to hasten the conclusion, the intriguing story concept...

  is somewhat overshadowed by weak script execution.

• braveblow42

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 5.5,  Rewatch Value 3.5

  I recently indulged in a captivating drama that I believe is worth exploring. The storyline, though somewhat lacking in depth, did manage to capture my attention from the initial episodes. One of the aspects I appreciated was the portrayal of the female lead as a strong and independent character. It was refreshing to see her able to stand her ground without constantly needing the male lead to intervene on her behalf. The calculated, sharp demeanor of the female lead added an interesting layer to her...

  character.
  
  Speaking of the male lead, I found his initial attempts at charming the female lead to be quite endearing. There was a subtle sweetness in watching him try to win her over, which added a delightful dynamic to their relationship. However, I must admit that at the beginning, determining the true nature of his feelings towards the female lead proved to be a bit of a challenge. The ambiguity surrounding his emotions created a sense of intrigue, albeit at times bordering on confusion.
  
  The acting in the series was commendable, with each actor effectively embodying their respective roles. It was evident that the cast approached their characters with dedication and skill, making the viewing experience all the more enjoyable.
  
  The plot, while promising, took its time to fully unfold. The focus on both the burgeoning romance and the looming threat of war was a clever choice by the writers. This juxtaposition kept me consistently engaged, as I found myself invested in both the personal and political aspects of the story.
  
  Despite its strengths, there were certain elements that didn't quite sit well with me. The issue of trust between the characters, particularly the male lead, posed a recurring problem throughout the series. His tendency to keep secrets and operate behind the female lead's back often had me questioning his intentions, leading to moments of frustration. The back-and-forth of trust and doubt between the characters felt somewhat repetitive and hindered the overall progression of the narrative.
  
  On a positive note, the genuine affection between the male and female leads was a highlight of the series. Their undeniable chemistry and heartfelt interactions added a layer of authenticity to their relationship, making their scenes a joy to watch. The mutual respect and protective instincts they displayed towards each other further endeared them to viewers, including myself.
  
  In conclusion, despite not having completed the series yet, I find myself thoroughly enjoying the journey it presents. While the pacing may be a bit sluggish in certain areas, the stable and well-developed romance provides a strong foundation for the story. If you're hesitant about giving it a chance, I would recommend taking the plunge and discovering this drama for yourself. It may have its shortcomings and occasional dull moments, but the overall experience is worthwhile, especially for fans of heartfelt storytelling. And yes, for those wondering, the series concludes with a satisfying and uplifting ending.

• GiantKoala

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  This review delves deep into the core of a captivating TV series, filled with strong characters and incredible chemistry between the main leads. The cinematography is nothing short of beautiful, adding a layer of visual richness to the narrative.
  
  The character dynamics are intriguing, particularly the Female Lead, who shines as a sharp and highly skilled martial arts expert. Her portrayal as a war general adds a compelling layer to her character, showcasing strength and resilience. On the other hand, the Male Lead, portrayed as an...

  anti-hero, brings a complex and misunderstood persona to the screen. Despite his fierce and arrogant exterior, his hidden altruistic actions add depth to his character, making him a standout figure in the storyline.
  
  The casting choices for the main leads are commendable, with both actors embodying their roles with finesse and maintaining a strong on-screen chemistry. The visual elements, including cinematography and CGI, contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the series, although some aspects could have been further enhanced.
  
  While the action sequences are decent, there are moments that showcase the production quality of the series, elevating it above standard fare. Additionally, the costume design adds a touch of luxury to the characters, enhancing their on-screen presence.
  
  In terms of the plot, there are instances where certain political aspects may feel dragged out, impacting the pacing of the narrative. Despite this, the story remains engaging, albeit with some forgettable moments scattered throughout.
  
  However, there are elements that detract from the overall viewing experience. The Female Lead's persistent lack of trust in the Male Lead, despite his repeated acts of kindness, becomes a point of contention. Similarly, the Male Lead's reluctance to communicate crucial information to the Female Lead leads to unnecessary misunderstandings, affecting the progression of their relationship.
  
  Moreover, the inclusion of an amnesia plotline adds a somber and angsty tone to the series, which may not resonate with all viewers. Additionally, while the secondary couple's storyline brings a touch of sweetness, the excessive focus on their romance detracts from the main narrative.
  
  Ultimately, the series culminates in a satisfactory ending, albeit with a slightly ambiguous final scene. Despite the recurring themes of love and trust being tested, the journey of the main characters towards a happy resolution is a fulfilling one. The dynamic between the main leads, filled with ups and downs, unfolds in a compelling manner, leaving viewers rooting for their eventual happiness.