The Story of Mystics (2024)

One of the best if it's your taste. ✨

I am willing to gloss over the awkward transitions and the somewhat rushed plots when it came to fixing the "stuffs" it all felt like plot convenience. The overly used illusions were somewhat tiring to watch but they did well to explain the difference between each occurrence though it was to us viewers just ... Same. ?

When it comes to the usual criticism. I don't mind the quite whispering as a slow talker myself the slow talking didn't bother me Q.Q The overly used soundtracks were sometimes overwhelming but I quite like them so it's a pass. Well when it comes to the Female lead I was not annoyed nor displeased with her though some what frustrated with her passiveness in some scenes.

Point deduction for the visuals came from the ?‍? fight sequence which had pretty inconsistent quality compared to the other fight sequences. It was end game it should have been the best. To anyone who says that the entire drama's CGI is lacking I have no words maybe I am easily satisfied and this is visually just normal (can you see the sarcasm ?)
Another point is the filter they used kept changing so by the end of the drama all flashbacks have different filters on. ?

The low acting score is cut for the early episodes where baiju and ying lei were really animated. As the show went on it slowly shifting though. Furthermore out villain actor at end game was meh but maybe it's just his character being a meh character. Usually older actors I tend to praise as they tend to do better.

Finally I just want to say that. This drama is about:
Humans, demons, mortals, immortals , hot, cold, weak, strong, burdened and unburdened forming a bond each one different then the other. Each villain's story tells a tragic tale. Each episode draws the group of seemingly different individuals together. Forming a family and I love it with my dear heart. Surely gonna miss this one. I ain't asking for a second session cause the ending was enough for me. ❤️‍??

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THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE AND EMOTIONAL JOURNEY.

This drama was so good that I'm doing a review for the first time. What I love most about this drama are the characters. Each and everyone is so unique that you can't help but love them, even the bad guys. The OST is everything. I adore the relationship between the main characters, especially Zhu Yan and Zhou Yi Chen. But be warned this is an emotional ride that will probably leave you a wreck and I don't know if I'll ever be able to find such another masterpiece. The only thing I hate about this show is that it doesn't have more episodes, cause now that it's finished what can I watch that will be on par with it yk. But I definitely suggest watching this especially if you like bromance, because trust me, it is TOP TIER. You won't regret, promise.

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Best 2024 C-drama

Cast, plot, acting, music - everything was great!!!!! undeniably best 2024 historical/wuxia c-drama. The group of main leads chemistry was good. Computer graphics looked realistic and vibrant. Plot was logical and mostly made sense. Pace was a good of fast and slow scenes. Jokes were lighthearted. I’m still slight sentimental having just finished it. Ending was very fair - emotional but ties everything throughout the building up together. Music also did its job well - setting well the scene moods, lingering in our ears, and fits the overall theme well.

SHOULD GIVE IT A GO!

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The most beautiful visuals

What a great watch, my eyes were so satisfied with this drama that I had to reflect before writing a review.

Let's start with what I liked:
- the drama was filmed in such an amazing way the storyline became secondary. You can turn of the sound and just watch. The visuals were simply breathtaking. I liked especially the way the malicious energy was portrayed
- the actors are the definition of handsome. Every single demon was stunning.
- it was funny at moments and sad at others, I laughed and cried,
- some storylines are really beautifully sad, I do like that
- nothing to do with the drama, but I loved watching the cast dance at the end of the episodes, I always watched them until the end

But what did I like less?
- the storyline was just inexistant. The idea was great, with the demon seeking death teaming up with the demon hunters to save the wilderness, but no, it wasn't convincing at all. For example, whenever there was no issue someone came up with a line such as "ok, it's the end... but I heard of this item in that dangerous area, if we retrieve it we can save the situation", and they all went to get said item. It was just like in a video game, they got to fullfill missions and staggered along a plot without consistence.
- the tears were overdone. A tear, okay, people crying, all good, but during the last episodes it was just rivers of tears. The effect only lasts this long.
- I didn't like the OST that much, but that's just on me.

I can't say anything about the acting as the visuals did so much, I'm unable to say if it was the actors or the directors and his crew.

All in all, it's a drama I highly recommend, even though I didn't rate it that well. But those visuals are absolutely worth it!

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A Masterpiece That’s Tragically Beautiful – Fangs of Fortune Took Me on an Unforgettable Ride

I meant to write this review yesterday, but I needed some time to process everything. Honestly, there are no words to fully capture how incredible this show is. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Fangs of Fortune since the 1st day of filming, mainly because of Hou Minghao. And with that kind of anticipation comes the fear of being let down—especially when you have high expectations for the drama/story. As a seasoned viewer, I’ve learned to manage my hopes, particularly when it comes to my favorite genres and tropes. But from the very first episode, I knew it had been worth the wait, and honestly, it was because of HMH (I LOVE HIM SO MUCH) ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
The first episode was nearly flawless, but I still had that lingering worry—what if it goes downhill? It’s common for shows to lose their charm as the story builds toward the climax. But with this one, I can sum it up in one word: CONSISTENCY. From the pacing to the character dynamics, nothing ever felt out of place. There were no character moments that felt forced or out of character, and it maintained that quality throughout. If I tried to list everything that made this show so consistent, I’d never stop!

Acting
The cast was not only incredibly skilled but also stunningly beautiful, which added to the drama's allure and made it even more captivating. But especially my favorite, Hou Minghao—he truly carried this show, Period. His micro expressions and the way he brought both Zhao Yuan Zhou and Zhu Yan to life are indescribable. He perfectly captures both sides of the character: the selfless, guilt-ridden man and the cold, bloodthirsty demon consumed by dark energy. His transitions between these two personas are so seamless literally feel the energy shift. I really wished they had showed his full potential more—he was such a powerful presence, and I was craving more intense fight scenes to see him unleash his strength.

Cinematography
Honestly, everything about this show is so well done—the cinematography, the CGI, the LED effects, and the costumes? All phenomenal. Each detail is so carefully crafted, especially when it comes to how the colors and designs reflect each character's personality and depth. It’s like the costumes aren’t just clothes—they’re part of the storytelling, showing us who these characters are without even saying a word. The way they play with lighting and angles also adds an extra layer to the scenes, making everything feel more intense or emotional at just the right moments. And the relationships between the characters? Chef’s kiss. The visuals really enhance the way they connect, whether it's through subtle glances or intense moments. It all just comes together so smoothly, adding to the drama’s overall vibe and making it impossible to look away.

The Story/Plot
The characters were so well-developed—it’s crazy how deep each of them goes. Their journeys are full of growth, and it’s both heartbreaking and comforting at the same time. The way their relationships evolve is kind of like slow-burn romance, where there’s no kissing, but the tension and connection between them? So intense. It’s all in the looks, the subtle moments, and the way they support each other. You feel all that emotion without needing a traditional romance arc. The bromance and humor also add to that—it's just perfect. Every character was so well thought out, and you could easily understand their motives.
For me, character development is a dealbreaker in any drama. I hate when a character doesn’t change at all, and then suddenly has this big shift in the last episode. The growth needs to feel earned, and here, it was so gradual yet totally believable—they nailed it.
Also, I’m not usually a fan of comedy (I'm more into the dark, angsty stuff), and in a lot of intense dramas, humor feels forced, like it doesn’t belong. But in Fangs of Fortune, the light moments actually balance the heavier stuff really well. As I said before, it’s all about consistency, and the humor here kept things fresh without ever throwing off the vibe.

Pacing
I’ve seen a lot of people say the pacing was slow, but honestly, I think that was the best choice. It really suited the story. If they’d sped things up, it would've totally messed everything up. The slower pace gave the show space to build tension and let key moments land with more weight. It let the characters’ journeys develop naturally, and the emotional beats hit way harder because they had time to sink in. It just felt like the pacing was perfectly in sync with the story’s vibe.

OST
Another thing that really helped make this show a masterpiece is the OST and score. They were mostly so well done—honestly, the show wouldn’t feel as complete without them. Sometimes in dramas, the music doesn’t match the vibe of the scene, but here, they clearly put a lot of effort into getting the score right. The instrumentals fit almost every important moment—and even some of the smaller, quieter scenes—just perfectly. There were maybe a couple of moments where the music didn’t quite land or match the tone, but honestly, those were rare. Overall, it really worked.
My favorite track was Yuanzhou's Youth by Minghao !

The Ending
I know a lot of people hated it, but honestly, I thought the ending was breathtakingly bittersweet. As much as I wanted a happy ending, especially for Zhao Yuan Zhou, it was honestly the most fitting one. If they h ad just made it so everyone survived, it would’ve felt totally off. Also, thank you for that special episode! The drama ends with a sad, open ending, but the special episode lowkey gives us the closure we needed, wrapping everything up and showing that, even with all the ups and downs, the characters' journeys came full circle.

But honestly, the whole drama including the ending, was so tragically beautiful. The way it handled its moments of heartache and triumph, the emotional rollercoaster of the characters’ growth, and the way everything intertwined—it was all just perfectly done.

Lastly
Yeah, there were some flaws, but honestly, they don’t even compare to all the amazing stuff this drama brings. Long story short, this is definitely the best C-drama of 2024, hands down. I wanna say more, but I’ve already written a lot—and honestly, this drama has a special place in my heart. I really hope you vibe with it too! It's in my top 10, and it's one of my favorite dramas for sure, especially when it comes to character growth and the way they handle friendships. The dynamic between the characters? Chef’s kiss. If you haven't watched it yet, you're seriously missing out.

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CDrama of the YEAR and the Best Fantasy CDrama for me!

CDrama of the year!
I’m not saying this just because I’m too emotional right now, but I’ve watched almost 9-12 Cdramas aired this year, and not one—NOT ONE—made me feel this way. I was so invested in this drama.
The Cast slayed! I felt every single emotion they portrayed!
The Plot and the Directors slayed!
Cinematography!
Even the costumes!
The little details throughout the series!
I loved how the cast had so much fun on set!
Of course, the OSTs! It’s my first time listening to a whole album of a CDrama on repeat!
The fantasy element felt alive. It reminded me of Alchemy of Souls.

I have to admit that there were some sound mixing problems, but aside from that, everything was PERFECT!
So, this is the Cdrama of the year and the best fantasy Cdrama for me!

The special episode saved me! For me, this is not an open ending, it’s perfect In it’s own way.

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A mesmerizing gothic tale in Chinese version

To be honest, I’m not expecting much from FOF since I’m here only to support Neo Hou. But goodness, am I mistaken? FYI, FOF aka Fangs of Fortune is an original-script-based fantasy drama which is under the command by our notoriously controversial yet aesthetical director Guo Jingming (I’m sure everyone has known all sorts of things that he did before, but he sure knows how to make such a masterpiece). As you can see, FOF is also fighting neck-to-neck with Love Game in Eastern Fantasy and The Story of Pearl Girl (excluding Smile Code which is currently starting to flop), so it’s not that easy for it to achieve such a wonderful rating. Let’s delve into the story now, shall we?

FOF revolves around nine main characters (according to the individual posters posted in Weibo) consisting of the shameless yet loyal 1000-year-old great demon Zhao Yuanzhou/Zhu Yan, the astute Baize Goddess Wen Xiao, the cold-outside-warm-inside descendant of Bingyi Clan Zhuo Yichen, the badass female archer Pei Sijing and her faithful younger brother Pei Siheng, the timid little doctor Bai Jiu, the mischievous Mountain God Ying Lei, the green-eyed pagoda tree demon (also Zhao Yuanzhou’s former bestie) Li Lun, and most of all is the vengeful and malicious Wen Zongyu (I’m hoping to make every character arc, but it doesn’t seem to be possible since it will only lengthen my review).

In my pure opinion, FOF is not a facile and cheesy script like your typical old-school romance drama. Instead, it’s a very meticulous and stunning one, in which the scriptwriters managed to input several plot twists into that none of the watchers could predict the outcome of the show. The show not only focuses on the topic of friendship and self-growth, but also probes into the meaning of love, desire, yearning, and the pain of being betrayed, all of which are beautifully portrayed, of course. Back to Guo Jingming again, we know that he always has the tendency of producing angsty drama and FOF is not an exception. There are lots of angsty scenes in every existing episode and somehow the actors will always cry whenever something goes off or someone dies. However, these scenes don’t have much impact on me (I myself don’t understand too) so I always watch with my usual expressionless eyes as they keep crying. But, the most striking scene would probably be Ying Lei’s death and his dying wish of how he wants Bai Jiu to live well – it’s just so heart-wrenching…

Shout out to every actor from main to supporting and guest roles for acting out the multi-faceted character in an insightful way. This show will also boost Neo Hou’s popularity and he proofs himself to be a force to be reckoned with (can’t wait for his next projects). Chen Duling also acts well, but her excessive crying scenes is irking me very much. Thanks to her good acting skills, Wen Xiao is still a bearable character. This is my first time watching Tian Jiarui and I don’t have any complain about him – he does just as good as the others. Finally, Cheng Xiao is out of her comfort zone and her character doesn’t seem to be as annoying and cliché as the one in Falling into Your Smile. Lester Lin is the youngest out of the whole bunch, but he can portray Bai Jiu beautifully even when he’s in the dark mode (as the saying goes, age isn’t everything). Special mention to Yan An (Pentagon) too – he’s a K-pop idol and also a hidden gem in acting that I can’t help but keep waiting for his scenes (FYI, currently Pentagon is in a hiatus, so I hope Yan An can do more dramas until Cube Entertainment calls him again).

FOF is indeed an S++ drama, every set is done aesthetically and every scene is taken intelligently to ensure its quality. As I mentioned in the title, FOF has a gothic vibe akin to those in historical Europe sites, but in Chinese version. I particularly like Bingyi Forbidden Area, which reminds me of a domain in Genshin Impact. A user also reminds me that the ancient runes in Kunlun Peaks is similar as Paimon’s when she is summoned.

I think I’m going to rave about the OST especially Liu Yuning’s hip-hop/rock song – it’s my first time hearing him rapping lol. I also like Xu Zhenxuan, Yan An, Cheng Xiao, and Lai Weiming’s OSTs. If it hadn’t been for these songs, the OSTs would’ve been particularly meh.

Would I recommend this show? AN ABSOLUTE YES! As you follow their adventures, you’ll be enamored by their witty dialogues, gorgeous and impressive sets, and the heartbreaking OSTs. Don’t hesitate to watch this masterpiece because your every second is worth it. Good luck and happy watching!!!

P.S.
There is a BL-like vibe between Zhao Yuanzhou, Li Lun, and Zhuo Yichen. Unfortunately, they have to tone it down a bit to fit the shitty censorship, otherwise we'd get another BL show. Also note that Wen Xiao may play a pivotal role in protecting the Wilderness, but she's only there so that she can have a love line with Zhao Yuanzhou (to make sure FOF isn't banned like Immortality, Winner is King, Eternal Faith, and so on). Still, you can enjoy their scenes and feel the bromance between them tho.

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Epic traumatic masterpiece

Take with a grain of salt, as I'm criticizing a production online whereas in real life I would bow before them ?)
The last 4 episodes are very sad. I feel like there was a lot more redemption and compassion for the baddies than the good guys. I waited for the goddess to do more, after all it seemed like her life was more important to keep the balance. The extra half episode at the end is nice but I kept longing to see the great demon pushing our goddess on the swing again.
Don't get me wrong, the drama is a great one and definitely worth the watch. Neo has grown so much. If the roll requires expeessive eyes, he was the best choice. He had that skill pinned down since Back From the Brink and perfected it here. His one word spells are the sexiest scenes I've witnessed in Cdrama. Pei has the win for best choreography during the fight sceens. The jokes and teasing were refreshing.
The OST will live rent free in your head all day. It's very catchy and moving along with the little dance. Sometimes the dramatic music was queued too early. It was a slight spoiler to who would win or lose.
There was some continuity problems. I think a lot was cut during production. I would sometimes start some episodes and have to stop it and see if I skipped an episode by accident, which I never did. The costumes are divine except for the evil mastermind's robes at the end.
Overall it gets a 9. Parts of me want to rewatch it because there are things I missed or need clarification. But the ending is traumatic and the feeling of loss is greater than the win. I have important things to do in the real world that require motivation and a positive attitude but I'm left with a lingering heartache.

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Best Fantasy 2024- Great Cast, Good Story, Fabulous Visuals.

"Fangs of Fortune" is a Fantasy drama that blends romance, historical elements, and intriguing plots surrounding ambition and power. It successfully entertains with its blend of loyalty, friendship, romance and intrigue, appealing to fans of the genre. However, it could benefit from tighter pacing and more nuanced character arcs. Overall, it's a worthwhile watch for those interested in fantasy historical dramas with engaging narratives.

Intriguing Plot - The storyline revolves around themes of ambition, love, hope and treachery, keeping viewers engaged. The twists and turns add excitement and keep the audience guessing and waiting for the next episode, certainly binge worthy watching. Comedic elements subtly spread throughout, nicely executed.

Cinematography - The production quality is high, great CGI, with beautiful sets, costumes, great makeup and cinematography that captures the senses and the historical essence of this fantasy perfectly.

Character Development - Great casting. The characters are well-crafted, with distinct personalities and growth arcs. The protagonist's journey often resonates with viewers, making them relatable - morals, ethics, judgments… walking in someone’s shoes.

Cultural Insights - The series incorporates elements of Chinese culture and tradition, providing viewers with a view of mythological beliefs, the values and practices from the world beyond.

Shortcomings

There were some Pacing Issues - At times, the pacing felt uneven. Certain episodes seem to drag on, while others rush through crucial developments.

Of course there were some Clichéd Tropes - Some plot elements relied heavily on common tropes found in many dramas, such as love triangles and betrayal. This may deter viewers seeking originality.

Underdeveloped Side Characters - While the main characters were well-explored, some side characters could have used more depth and development to enhance their importance to the story.

For me this ranks in my top three of Chinese Fantasy Drama. Certainly worth watching and rewatching.

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