An Unexpected and Unforgettable Experience with Xianxia Drama

Rather than a review, this is more of telling an experience. There I was, one night, trying to kill time watching some random shows on Netflix when this series popped up in the recommendations. "Ah~ A xianxia drama", I thought. I NEVER succeed in watching one xianxia drama, not even the infamous Eternal Love & Ashes of Love. I'm more inclined towards realistic period dramas without a shred of fantasy eg. Princess Weiyoung and Yanxi Palace. So, with absolutely no expectation at all, I watched it thinking I'd never make it till the end of the first episode. The lore in the prologue just flies over my head.

Oh, how wrong I was. The CGI is awesome and not cringy at all. CGI in xianxia dramas has always been the element that made me not giving xianxia dramas a chance. I know a lot of xianxia dramas have good storylines despite bad or borderline good CGI, but I rather not watching those dramas if I can't find myself enjoying them. Another thing that amazed me is the actors' and actresses' gestures, postures, hand and body movements look so natural in scenes such as conjuring spells, flying and fighting which required layer of CGI. The actors' smooth action scenes, topped with good CGI, ended up look so natural and satisfying. Though, truth be told, it's maybe because I'm not exposed to other xianxia/wuxia dramas.

The cliff hanger by the end of the first episode is enough to make me hooked. Other than the prologue at the beginning, the drama focuses its first few episodes on the introductions of the characters, especially the main leads, Xuanji and Sifeng, and this is where I applaud the drama for making me invested. Keeping the lore on minimum, and focuses on the characters establishment first. Convoluted lore is another xianxia element that tires the hell out of me. I want to know the characters and watch their interactions first rather than digesting a lot of information but not enjoying the characters interactions.

Getting over these two main obstacles, watching this drama is such a smooth-sailing experience for me. I'm a hardcore masochist when it comes to a tragic love story, and this drama totally delivers the angst I'm looking for. Misunderstandings, heartbreaks, deception and tragedy are a common staple for this genre. Many would state that they are sick of it, but for most viewers, me included, these tropes are drugs that made them addicted and cannot take their eyes off the story. To each his own.

Each character in this story has their own arcs, and they serve their own interests and move towards their own missions and ambitions. I liken the story arcs like the main quest and side quests in a game. All of them are laid perfectly throughout the drama. The closure this drama gives towards all characters is also a major satisfying point to me. Revelations are laid at a timing when it perfectly coincides with suspicions. Plot twists are done so well, it's been so long since I was so moved and shocked with plot twists occurring in a drama.

Now, how could I leave the fundamental core of this story? The romance between Xuanji and Sifeng is definitely one that I could never forget among a lot of main pairings in other dramas. Many argue that Sifeng sacrifice a lot more compared to Xuanji, and it definitely true to some extent. But Xuanji's growth from a naïve and childish character, to a person who knows how to love despite still being gullible, to recognize good and evil despite their backgrounds is something worthy of respect. Despite few mistakes, Xuanji can never be who she is at the end of the story without Sifeng from the very beginning. I thoroughly enjoy watching their sweet moments and it certainly made those frustrating times worth it.

Of course, each drama has its own downside and this one cannot escape from that. There is one misunderstanding that went too long for my liking and I can't take some scenes in episode 50++ seriously no matter how much I watch. The OST placement at the beginning of the drama is awkward and I just can't help but laugh. Alas, the enjoyment I got from this drama outnumbers the dissatisfaction.

As someone who got into this drama blindly, I'd never expect myself to be this invested. Still cannot move on from this drama, I kept searching for BTS videos, listening to OSTs and watching FMVs.

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