Thank you Drama Deities for this Masterpiece!

Have been watching drama and anime since the 90s and have never left a review, but I want to put a lot of love out in the world for this amazing show.

Is it absolutely perfect? Nothing is,
(not even Goblin) but hot damn, did the stars still align for this one!

Insane chemistry between the leads, solid and compelling writing (oh, how we’ve missed you), gorgeous cinematography and a beautiful performance by Dylan Wang that can only be described as inspired by the muses.

Have never finished any of Dylan’s dramas before and Holy Heck his portrayal of Dongfang Qincang has got me wondering where he was keeping all of THAT. His “micro-expressions” (ugh, buzzword, but had to) and body language are masterful and nearly every shot of him is a work of art. I kept on pausing and rewinding just to marvel at his beauty. It’s hard to play emotionless characters without coming off as wooden, and Didi succeeds here where so many have failed.

It begs to be said that DFQC is an amazing character. Smart, powerful, straightforward and unshakeable in everything he puts his mind and heart to, he’s a demon who gets things done. He’s so expertly layered that we quickly find there’s more to him than an evil guy who just wants to kill everyone for no particular reason. And when he falls in love? Good God. Tell me when you’ve watched THAT SCENE.

Have never heard of Esther Yu before this, and like many others I was bothered by her voice and cutesy acting in the first episode, but thankfully I was tided over by Changheng long enough for her to grow on me.

Again, cute and naive characters like Orchid are hard to play or get right in writing, but Esther and the drama somehow nail it (after ep 1 for me, heh). She’s also got the layers going on—not just a dumb, crybaby female MC but a positive girl with a big heart that has the capacity to love everyone and treat others with kindness. Orchid in love is a force to behold, so unlike most female MCs who run away at the first hint of a challenge. I think she revived many jaded viewers’ emotional roots when she displayed an internal tenacity and steadfastness that a lot of female MCs sorely lack. Please tell me what you think when you get to THAT PART. The chills.

And don’t get me started on the kiss scenes. So sweet and natural, never lusty (nothing wrong with lusty, but well executed “pure love” kisses are hard to come across in dramaland). And the way DFQC looks at her! I know it’s called acting, but calling all Dylan Wang experts: is he like that in all his other dramas and BTS?

The story itself is simple but effective. I usually wait for dramas to end so I can binge but I couldn’t do it with this one. I just needed to see all the episodes that were out there, and while I was waiting for the new ones I rewatched from the start. I couldn’t even watch other dramas to pass the time. It just keeps getting better.

The soundtrack further elevates the drama
with some epic orchestral BGM pieces and surprising rock moments that breathe fresh life into the tried and true ballad-paloozas.

Costumes were fantastic, especially everything the Moon Supreme (lol does his title remind you of pizza) wears. I can see why the headgear and armour were criticised, but you can also see where the designers were going with it, and eventually…Dylan pulls it off, lol. Sorry, Shuiyuntian gods. Moon tribe threads ftw.

Some well-executed, refreshing special effects to be enjoyed here. I won’t spoil the big ones for you but I especially enjoyed the way they teleport, and the Hellfire…!

And as with any xianxia, there will always be parts that look artificial, some awkward wire work and inescapable tropes, but none of these take away from what an amazing drama LBFAD is.

Thank you to the LBFAD team for giving us this beautiful gem!

[Still reading? Why hello, fellow fan, thank you for your time.]

HERE BE MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!


*****

*****


There are some things that I think could be better, but didn’t want to mention lest they spoil it for others:

After DFQC’s epic agony at losing Orchid, I think she could have cried and shouted more when she lost him…? Why couldn’t she follow him while he was drifting away? And is it just me or would you be shouting “I love you” repeatedly when your loved one is dissipating before your eyes? (see: Goblin)

I also couldn’t get past her Christmas tinsel Goddess scarf thing. It bounced obnoxiously while she walked.

Was also confused by IQIYI translation of Orchid’s conversation with Xunfeng about whether or not DFQC will come back. The subtitles kinda say flat out “no” (but we know he does) so I asked a native speaker to translate. Turns out Orchid doesn’t say “no”, she says “it’s hard” but that there are “miracles”. So in short, it was really a yes, she believes he’ll be back.

Finally…I wish we could have had a slightly longer ending! A more magnificent comeback for the Moon Supreme (given how he brought Orchid back) and a bit more reunion time / happy montage for our leads.

Still, I’m grateful for the happy ending and that kiss, which is infinitely better than, “Qian Qian, come here.” (See: Eternal Love)

Looking forward to seeing Dylan and Esther work together again!