Dream xianxia - Chemistry, chemistrying.

The Legend of Shen Li is a story that should be watched without having any expectations. I'm always lazy to write reviews, yet it's one of those dramas I want to write some little one at least. This drama is a fantastic remedy for any tragic or painful romance. It just requires patience with the pacing when you start, that said I find engaging from the very firsts episodes credit to the setting and leads interactions. I think everything was thought out to give the spectators a good time.

The main actors mature look gives such an exhilarating satisfaction just from their screen presence to the acting. The chemistry and complementary dynamics between them in the same frame is so excellent that it leaves you wanting more. The plot was interesting in his own way not complex to understand. Although the leads epic love story captured my full attention more throughout the whole show. One of the best slow burn romance for me to this date, between a rom-com feel in an historical set, and slice of life scenery in a world Chinese fantasy. I laughed, I had tears, I smiled, I screamed, I was impatient from enjoyment that imperfections were less important. No lie the ships was really superior.

The costumes are impeccable in accordance with the portrait painted by the characters. The female lead apparence giving this strong aura for her imposing personality while highlighting her feminine beauty. Then, the male lead was just as convincing in his relax look, befitting mood and seniority which gave him an virile and attractive side - A big crush for both.

The cinematography is a big plus with some soothing sets delightful to watch for some arcs. The CGI which is fairly good quality for most of the drama is notable. It was so spectacular during a few fights scene, emotional moments going along vibrant OST. There are also characters that I find remarkable acting and which take time to grow on you.


The last 2 episodes were pleasing that I can’t possibly move on. Yes, you know an ending who deserves absolutely your watch time.


Anyway, I highly recommend for people who want to watch a different refreshing xianxia or for someone starting their first in this genre.

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A fantastic gaming contents.

I decided to write my first review after finishing an keen surprising drama which I think didn’t deserve severals prejudice before grasping its entirety.

I’m going to start saying this drama is quite unique on his genre. It’s not another costume dramas we're used to watch and you quickly understand foremost the storytelling game alike. Everything is done to make you experience the game through this show. The slow plot pacing is pretty well making it easy for you to understand his setting.
The story transports us into Chinese mythology with supernatural elements and xianxia themes that require attention so as not to be lost.

​If you are interested in a plot talking about two main characters who woke up without any memory. This loss has influences on the portrait drawn up of them. They’re not stupid nor weak but just two amnesiacs who learned to live relying on each other as two siblings dynamics. They’re going to grow on you throughout the show in the search for their past. Anyway, this enigma behind them isn’t easy to guess even after so many episodes keeping you wanting the next one. It’s not predictable plot because everything has always a twist. You will be intrigue trying to make your own guess or theory. The main characters undergone designs of unknown individuals who end up taking meaning for the awaited revelation along. On the way, the protagonists make destined encounters similar to specific quests for each identity which introduce us to a world full of others puzzles to solve too.

The OSTs were all incredible to listen with strong meaning (the opening song for example) behind them intensifying the mystery and emotional scenes played by the actors. The actors in this series were incredible at giving you emotion in the right scenes that required it. I was further captivated with the dual role-playing from Xu Kai. We get to saw Esther's character evolution clearly because she did played her role right. Expected to see an good chemistry between the two main characters which was just natural getting along, adorable acting like siblings but also touching and sparkly comparable to childhood lovers and the bloom of love with a first love. The trust and connection between these two characters was wonderful even in angsty moments. Secondly, I fell for the second pairing Wang Peng and Fu Xin Bo which was similar to my own crush taking shape over the time. The chemistry is just as good between the group of friends and even more so between Esther and Wang Peng. You would be just as surprised by your attachment to black and white characters, because some actors play their role decently making you experience mix-up feelings for them. I remember crying for antagonists which are more than just evildoers (ex. Bian Luohan or Luo Maiming). Ultimately, it's not about knowing who is right or wrong among all these complex characters. Everyone works in their own self-interest to accomplish their goal or change their destiny.

The cinematography remained enjoyable to watch. The CGI was not bad for almost all the drama remaining a lesser imperfection to not care in my opinion. Once again everything depends on your watch. I liked the one present in the fight scenes doing good visually. Few action scenes at first glance but the majority were well executed. The story was gripping enough not to ask for more. Before watching, I didn't think about his adaptation from a game but I was okay with the world building which set the right tone from the start. Everything was not perfect of course. I found scenes that deserved better execution to leave you amazed. I'm talking for example about this scene where the Head of Zhenwu alliance in the human world hands over a sword which is said to have recognized Jinzhao. There were characters who had less impact or annoying not worth mentioning. That been said, I would like to highlight the costumes that were worn in this drama. I thought about them taking inspiration from the game beyond just the colors. They're definitely not the same as any other drama costume I've seen so far. The traditional style has been taken but remains somehow different. I found lovely the aesthetic matching a gameplay in a meaningful way.

To conclude, everyone getting an proper closure in the end seems satisfactory while leaving you little imagination conform to any fantastic narrative. Contrary to what one might think, this drama remains very focused on his characters development. You shouldn’t trust your first impression too much. Definitely my taste, I won’t forget how this drama manages to make me emotionally torn until the end.

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