Where does one begin? This drama has just blown me and millions of viewers away since it started airing a few weeks ago. It came out of nowhere, without warning or fanfare. A low-budget production with no buildup of expectations and yet suddenly one's world's is no longer the same having seen it.
It is attracting a lot of viewers because it is a BL drama, but I would say even more importantly it is a great wuxia tale. It's good vs evil, but the good guys are slightly damaged and tarnished and there's more gray than black and white in the story. It's also a love story and about finding redemption through the love of another person.
I was immediately impressed with how both MLs showed a whole new side to their acting. If you have seen either in previous costume dramas, I guarantee that you too will be doing double takes and don't be surprised if you fall into fandom after this.
So many elements have come together to make this a great hit - the two male leads and their chemistry; their very able supporting cast; one of the best scripts ever in C-drama; beautiful flirt-fight scenes - I could go on and on.
Watch it also to see how the scriptwriter and the producers play cat-and-mouse with the censors - this is the first time I've ever watched a drama which uses the overdubbing which we all find so annoying to get away with original lines that would never have seen the light of day. The script is interlaced with classical Chinese poetry and idioms and due to the explosive interest in the drama, tons of videos on youtube have popped up to explain all these things to non-Chinese speakers. So not only are you going to be entertained but should you so wish you'll be able to access Chinese culture and learn a thing or two about gay Chinese references in a very fun way.
So what are you waiting for, just start watching already.............