The Seventh Generation (2023)

This is a rant review

The filters and setting are quite similar to many recent xianxias. There are more diversity in unique concepts such as the demon king story arc.

One thing i find unsettling is the lack of fleshed out characters. Everyone had a character setting that regulated their screen time and personality to. For example the red string master, heavenly emperor, Chu Kong, and almost the rest of the characters.

The red string master had no background and only in times of need or necessary attendence, he'd be gone. His role was somewhat significant but there were a lack of story in his character. For example, his place of origin.

The heavenly emperor had a one-track mind and never changed goals. Not a single women around him and he's never thought to reflect upon himself. Considering his rather long age, he should have gotten a more complicated mind rather than that one motto: I want to be strong.
Even with that motto, what event would have changed his mindset so drastically while growing up.

Chu Kong is a wild card. His personality is never set in stone but we can see how much of a softie he is after the second tribulation. Playing with his cold persona doesnt last very long because he is then molded to becoming a henpecked partner. No females to bother him since he's such an attractive single bachelor also with a high status.

Cang Hai aka Xiang Yun are pretty different. Xiang Yun is cheeky and full of smiles however Cang Hai is more modest and dignified due to her upbringing. The way the actress protrayed the two really shows just how well she carved the character details. I'd say they did a great job with her characterization.

I also want to rant about how they didn’t need to really get Cang Hai's dormant power to take down Hao Xuan, the heavenly emperor.
The scene of Chu Kong and Hao Xuan battling allowed me to see their power. Although I'm not sure if Hao xuan was weak due to the demon-devouring array or being inside the forest.
Although it did end with Hao Xuan falling into the void the same way Cang Hai fell into the void.

I really enjoyed the bgm and costumes. It was really amazing how everything collectively came together and formed this story.

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A very good Xianxia with a Ding Yu Xi in one of his best roles

A wuxia series for which I had a lot of trouble immersing myself into because of the resolutely Comedic tone of the 1st episodes and because I don't like the FL at all (nor the actress with her frozen doll face + her mouth, without expression, nor the character)...

PLOT:
A little immortal from the Marriage Pavilion is accidentally drawn into a series of 7 love tribulations (in the mortal realm) with the God of War who wants to restore his spiritual Energy, damaged in the past. During these tribulations, they will encounter love rivals, villains, demons thirsting for vengeance, many plots, etc.

Despite my initial reluctance, I let myself get caught up in the plot during the 2nd tribulation (from episodes 8-9?).
+ Story very well written, intelligent, with clues scattered little by little and excellent actors (Ding Yu Xi is, as always, remarkable as ML).
+ Lots of excellent actors who bring their characters to life (well developed).
+ I like the way the director represented the celestial kingdom, very aestheticly pleasing, with great CGI. The production is dynamic, without length, and keeps the viewer in suspense.
+ the OSTs are well suited, without being memorable, but they accompany the action well.

BUT
- Some characters (such as the eldest Red Thread from Marriage Pavilion, in particular) are caricatures. They're probably there to add a touch of humor, but it doesn't work, they're just annoying!

=> A very good Xianxia, of quality, which maintains the suspense well.
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Série Wuxia dans laquelle j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à m'immerger à cause du ton est résolument Comedy des 1ers épisodes et parce que je n'aime pas du tout la FL (ni l'actrice avec son visage figé de poupée + bouche en coeur, sans expression, ni le personnage)...

PLOT :
Une petite immortelle du Marriage Pavilion est entrainée par accident dans une série de 7 love tribulations (au royaume mortel) avec le Dieu de la Guerre qui veut restaurer son Énergie spirituelle, abimée dans le passé. Lors de ces tribulations, ils vont rencontrer des rivaux amoureux, des evils, des démons assoiffés de vengeance, etc.

Malgré mes réticences initiales, je me suis laissée prendre par l'intrigue durant la 2nde tribulation (à partir de l'épisode 8-9 ?).
+ Story très bien écrite, intelligente, avec des indices disséminés peu à peu et d'excellents acteurs (Ding Yu Xi est, comme toujours, remarquable en ML).
+ Beaucoup d'excellents acteurs qui donnent vie à leur personnage (bien développés).
+ j'aime la façon dont le réalisateur a représenté le royaume céleste, très esthétique, avec de super CGI. La réalisation est dynamique, sans longueur, et tient le spectateur en haleine.
+ les OST sont bien adaptés, sans être mémorables, mais ils accompagnent bien l'action.

MAIS
- certains personnages (tels que le vieil ainé Red Thread du Marriage Pavilion, notamment) sont caricaturaux. Ils sont sans doute là pour donner une touche d'humour, mais ça ne fonctionne pas, ils sont juste agaçants !
=> Un très bon Wuxia, de qualité, qui maintient le suspense.

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Just say it's an original why drag a good novel down the gutter with adaptation tag

My god I specially signed in and made a profile in mydramalist so I can rant about this pathetic drama. Now before any of those fandom freaks come to bite I wanna maje myself clear that I watched the whole thing ( painfully) while it was ongoing and this is strictly my opinion. Okay, first of all WHY are they saying it's an adaptation when it's completely unrelated to the original, only basic plot is there, every thing elese is different. I had super high hope but Oh My God it was worst than I imagined, pacing was diabolical, it was very hard to understand ir even like the characters, most of the time they are just sentences for plot development not even canon fodders and this applies to leads too. Ending was a big fat mess and what's up with the emperor, is he on drugs? And don't get me started on fl, she can't act my god please, one moment she's in the scene and next she's completely out of it, I can't even blame her the writting is terrible,honestly Male lead was the only thing there to watch (not saying he's phenomenal). If they were going to destroy the fairy and Devil ip world then they should have just made a prequel about the ancestor's love story, it would have made more sense. Honestly I don't know why I'm so angry cause fox matchmaker was worst than this but I had so much more expectations, I waited for so long and they destroyed such a great potential story. Whatever at the end I hope Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (I know horrible English name translation) does well, it's been 2 yrs not a single good fantasy, why do they do this we're not stupid🙄🤡🙄

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An amazing Xianxia with a Happy ending!

I love Ding YuXi. I loved this drama. Simple but not entirely related. Ding YuXi was the motivation but gosh I loved this drama! zthe story was so nicely interwoven and so perfectly executed that I was in awe. The romance was sweet and obviously we had YuXi and Chao Yue (always a plus) so I was pretty happy with the cast.Tbh there were some things that didn’t make sense like how he came back at the end or how he became a cat demon or how Lao Li knew what happened 30,000 years ago. But I am not complaining. It was a good story, I was never bored, never tired and never exhausted from this drama. It is a cute Xianxia with a very happy non-open ending. Definitely recommend. (I hated Xiu Ming. I won’t argue with anyone on the subject.)

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Why I think is 5 star

I find the show is a five-star because I find some episodes funny. I really enjoy watching their first love tribulations can be traced back to 30,000 years ago! The storylines from the beginning to the end are good. I really like the six characters in the show. I don't like Xiu Ming and Haoxuan. I understand why few people don't like Xiu Ming. I just don't like him in the tribulations even trying to get revenge against Chu Kong. it seems like Xiu Ming has been going through a lot even since 30,000 years ago. After Xiu Ming understood Chu Kong, my feelings of not liking Xiu Ming changed. I was watching Haoxuan with that electric lightning wand makes me hot boiling. I just wish he was hit by it as well! Even though he hurt and killed many people which is unforgivable. His crimes which he didn't admit but blamed on someone else who is evil but he doesn't realize he didn't do anything wrong in the six realms. Haoxuan changed when Chu Kong had a desirable future with someone he cared for and loved 30,000 years ago. The ending of the beginning was sad. It was sad when Chu Kong gave Xiang Yun his messages with he told her to live well, take a good look at the world for him, and maybe one day they will meet again, and he called her his dear wife which was touching and made me sad. The ending was a happy ending!
ALL full episodes of Love You Seven Times Chinese Drama Show with English Subtitles are free found on the IQIYI website. I will warn you that there are ads if you aren't logged in or a VIP!

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Love the outifts, the characters, and the concept.

While both Ding Yu X and Yang Chao Yue played all their characters to the T, Ding Yu X is a pro. They both also looked great in all the life times they shared together. Except for Chu Kong's standoffishness after the couple's first love tribulation together, he was pretty decent to the FL. They also had good chemistry.

We got to see so much of their lives as Lu Chang Kong & Song Xiang Yun that I had hoped, we could have gotten more details about the other life times as well. The ending was also too rushed and just not enough closure for us who sat through all these lifetimes.

Except for the first tribulation where Xiu Ming practically engineered their sad fates, his characters mellowed down and didn't do much damage. There was too much wasted potential there.

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A Good Drama, But Not a Great One

I will be overtly critical of the drama, however, I don't mean to diminish it's value as good. It has it's flaws, but I still managed to complete it, while relatively enjoying it. Of course, that may just be my love for Ding Yu Xi speaking.

Now, I believe Love You Seven Times' biggest flaw is the start.

The first life is charming, as many seem to agree. It is short, and sweet, while establishing the lead dynamics. Of course, from there, it is a downhill trek.

The second life feels draggy, and only really gets interesting around episode 10. Not to mention, the female lead was just silly, and dare I say, a little annoying. Why is XY so worried about being killed by CK if she knows he agreed to the love tribulation? Not even agreed, but urged for it. Not to mention, it was his character pursuing her. Of course, it's a key arc in the development of both leads, so it's not as if I don't understand the necessity of such a long introductory tribulation, or even misunderstandings and conflict. I don't believe that erases it's faults, however.

The third life, however, was my personal favourite. Of course, watching CK deepen his feelings for XY was great... But the real charm was the chemistry flowering between Qian Ren, Qian Mou, and CK. I found myself wishing we could've seen more of their banter in later episodes.

The rest of the lives, I had no particular comment on.

Now, story aside, the characters often fell a little flat.

It felt as though, a lot of the characters weren't fleshed out at all. Zu Hui and Jin Luo's development was abrupt, and frankly felt a little forced. Jin Lian and Zu Hui's just fell short of something great, and fizzled out into nothing. The three, are great characters, but with how much the story had to focus on, it sacrificed a lot of potential. Hao Xuan, as the main antagonist, felt a little cookie cutter. His aims, and ambitions more than bland. Of course, the inferiority complex could've been great, but it was never really fleshed out beyond, "my brother was born with everything, while I was not". Overall, Immortal Li, and Red Thread Master were one of the few characters I think stuck with me. Xiu Ming didn't really stick out to me in any way.

In conclusion, the story has its flaws, but it had great potential to be something great. Though, in my opinion, it did not achieve that, it's still something good.

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An enjoyable watch, but not primarily because of the story

This series does offer a lot of romantic plotlines one can gush to, but the writing is one of its weaker points, often feeling like it's being written as the story plays out, trying to revise and connect certain points with some success. While it's nice to see how Chu Kong and Xiangyun's fates echo across every lifetime through details such as crabapple flowers, the Xun musical instrument, red threads and marriage temples, the whole thing doesn't feel as solid as I would have liked, with some arcs and details feeling like afterthoughts (*cough* Zihui, Ming Yue *cough*), but it's better than most dramas I've watched in terms of pacing. It didn't drag on too much, and so heightens its rewatchability. The balance of tragedy, romance, and lighthearted fun is also done well. I would like to highlight the animal arc: it had me laughing so much, but it's also really sweet that the tiger and the boar became one of their motifs throughout the series.

The acting, production, and music definitely carried the drama to a new height. For acting: Ding Yuxi in particular is all kinds of excellent in every role-- mischievous being, cold immortal, tragic hero, further magnified by his breathtaking costuming and styling (convinced that the stylists love him a lot). He's meticulous in his body language and expressions, especially as the cat demon. Props also to Yang Chaoye (Xiangyun/Cang Hai etc.); she looks so cute but she's also able to act out 'powerful empress'/'demonic-aura princess', as well as capture the mannerisms of Chu Kong in the body-swap arc. She's a dynamic actress who manages to match and complement Ding Yuxi. In general, the main cast are actually so good in playing different roles in a single drama, they worked hard! (Shout-out to the Qianren and Qian Mou brotherhood in the Shengling Sect arc.)

For production: I have so much love for the costume designers and hair and make-up artists, and I hope they got paid really, really well for this series, because they have made a work of art in every outfit and look. I'm pretty sure they asked themselves, "How do I make this character the prettiest character ever" and just went absolutely wild. My absolute favorites are: Chu Kong and Xiangyun's demon looks (this is a given, iconic really), Chu Kong's General outfits in the body-swap/Princess and General arc as well as his God of War outfits (the pieces of armor fused with flowing fabric, the color layering, the gold qilin details, wow), Jin Luo's witch-doctor outfit (she's so pretty....), and every version of Xiangyun's eye make-up throughout the series. As for the special effects and set designs, while some of it are a bit awkward, grade A for setting the right ambiance and providing a feast for the eyes.

The soundtrack is absolutely lovely as well. In particular, Faye's "Love Only" must have been played more than 40 times (in the title credits and in the drama itself), but it gives me goosebumps every single time.

Overall, Love You Seven Times is a decadent work, a story that's a bit weak in the knees but helped up by a good cast and amazing production. It's able to give laughter and heartache, and so much beauty.

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Ding Yu Xi's back must hurt from carrying this drama

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 30%
Romance - 50%
Misc comedy - 20%

Background plot - Fantastic
Romantic chemistry - So incredibly disappointing
Misc comedy - Fine
Production value - Really good

So, here's the thing. I liked Yang Chao Yue in The Double and Fireworks of My Heart, but she was really bad in this one. The chemistry in Love You Seven Times felt one-side (all Ding Yu Xi', none Yang Chao Yue). He tried really hard. Some of his longing looks mid-way through the drama got me in my feels. But Yang Chao Yue gave him nothing. She was the romantic chemistry equivalent of a brick.

The story here was quite good! And the production values were excellent. The romance aspect-- which was the main storyline-- fell flat because of the FL, and it was such a shame. :-(

I still like Yang Chao Yue and will look forward to her dramas, but maybe she's not capable of being a lead in a romantic drama.

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Sweet and playful without the heavy angst (extremely high rewatch value oh my god)

It's very fast paced, sometimes to the point of the various incarnation arcs feeling a bit rushed. I think it probably needed a few more episodes but as is it means you don't linger too long in angst or heartbreak which keeps the tone up.

There is also a slapstick comedy aspect to it that I found it a little hard to get past at first. However, that slapstick element is mostly confined to the first third to half of each arc. As you move into the climax and later half of each one it transitions from cartoonish comedy to just the leads being playful and silly with each other.

The actors also have good chemistry.
I've heard some people say that the female lead wasn't as good as the male lead, and I'll concede that her acting in her tragic or melancholy scenes wasn't as impactful. But on the other hand she's really good at the playful, vivacious scenes and those are a lot more common in this drama. When the two leads are being silly and in love together they are a pure joy to watch.

Finally I thought their villain was very solid. Well written, with consistent motivations, a steady escalation pattern that convinces you he's a serious threat to more than just the leads, and a touch of humanity that made you sympathize with the characters who cared about him without ever making you feel bad for the villain himself.

Overall I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, but I really want to rewatch it again.


Edit: OH MY GOD REWATCH IT, YOU MUST REWATCH IT, IT REFRAMES THE WHOLE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS, IT'S SO SUBTLE BUT SO GOOD?!?!

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In this drama you can certainly tell that they spent a lot of money and time into it. The props and costuming looks really elegant and nice and the cg effects are beautiful. The color might be a bit too flashy and pastel for me though. Another point is the drama does very well with the plot. It was really easy to identify and uderstand. I like how the point of the story is they have 7 lifetimes but they accidentally discover the conspiracies of what actually happened.

I have an issue with the casting. Ding Yuxi is the only person who actually has experience and is fit for role. He has the ability to pull off minor expressions and he’s fit into the style. Yang Chaoyue, I can’t really say the same. Her acting in this drama was way better the “The Journey of Chong Zi”. But even if it was better, her acting skills are still very poor. Her crying scene’s look really fake and forced. Especially during her begging science in her 2nd life to release Lu Changkong, I couldn’t feel the sadness and her expressions were really bad.

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Wasted Opportunity

This cdrama could have been spectacular. It had a good start. That's all. After the 3rd story, it went downward spiral. It was so difficult to finish watching this. I had to force myself just for the sake of finishing it.

The leads had potential. I read that the FL was heavily criticized for her acting. Brah, she was decent enough for me. She's beautiful. Her voice is not irritating nor monotonous. Come on, there are worse actresses out there. I want to give her a chance and see her grow as an actress. I saw the harsh comments online against the FL and it translates to me that a lot of people are jealous of her. I saw the FL in "The Double" and she was okay there. As for the ML, it's my first time watching him. He is okay. I can watch him again. Another thing, I read also that the FL and ML are close friends in real life. That didn't work to their advantage. Their chemistry was so-so, a bit lacking. They look good together. They both have pretty faces. But whenever there's a romantic scene especially kissing scenes.. something is amiss. Like I feel that they are so respectful of each other that they don't want to cross the line. It cannot convince me that they want to do it and enjoy doing it. Unsatisfying.

The script was bad. Draggy. Repetitive plot. Tried to be suspenseful but failed. Tried to be romantic but failed. The costumes were amazing though.

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