Love and Redemption (2020)

Sweet Romance and Epic Story

L&R took me on a wild adventure and it has the sweetest romance. I went in with medium expectations - kind of high because of the ratings, kind of low because the premise seemed tropey. The storyline and world-building is what drew me in but the cast of characters is what kept my attention.

Story: seems kind of tropey and predictable but actually pretty well thought out with interesting twists. The pace is pretty fast in the beginning which kept me interested and pacing is pretty good. I personally had a really hard time grasping what "loss of six senses" meant (the physical senses? also emotionless? but why does it seem more like trouble understanding social norms?) so that was an initial roadblock for me. The world-building is awesome partly in due to the excellent production and CGI. It felt like being immersed in a video game at times. It's only after finishing the drama do I realize the ending really makes this drama. In an effort to increase suspense, the drama purposely withholds things until much later. It makes for a great twist but as someone who likes to fully immerse and understand the plot, it kind of felt more like a plot hole or that the story was not well-written until the twist is revealed. Rather than an unpredictable revelation, it was more like 'oh, why didn't you just say that sooner'? The mask thing would be the best example. Some of the conflicts were overly frustrating and repetitive, which prevented me from giving a higher rating. There a few scenes that are overly flashbacked (like, you might get bits of the flashback as the story progresses, then longer versions of those bits then the entire sequence so by the end it is shown 4-5 times). On the other hand, there a few scenes or plot points that are hinted at or built up that never fully get explored. One of the villain's endings was too abrupt and it felt like all of his other characteristics were taken away. I have mixed thoughts on what they did with the female lead's character toward the end. But the overall story is cohesive with a sound message.

Characters/Acting: While the story is the foundation of the drama, the characters are the heart. I liked our main leads, which are both acted very well. I probably would not have liked these leads if it were not for the actors. The naive/cutesy/stupid female lead trope is a hit or miss (mostly miss) for me but I really liked Xuan Ji. Like I've indicated in other posts, despite her naivety, she is charmingly straightforward, relatively calm and values proper communication. When she is aware there is a problem or misunderstanding, she tries her best to fix it, through words or actions. This is very consistent throughout the drama. And her physical strength is a nice bonus. And who does not love Si Feng and his sweet devotion to our female lead? I melted at the way he would stare at her. He pretty much tops the charts for selfless love and is always silently sacrificing himself for the female lead's sake. But is that really a good thing? Si Feng is the kind of boyfriend/husband that would (if he could get away with it) hide the fact you have kidney disease, secretly donate his kidney to you and sell all of his assets to pay for the medical bills. That's...romantic, but it's also a bit much. IMO, communication is an important part of a healthy relationship. My point is, Si Feng is written as the most flawless male lead and superficially, it looks like it is the female lead that is causing all of their conflict. But (imo) he is not blameless, even though the drama never addresses this. That aside, the romance is still very touching and that two actors have a lot of chemistry.

The supporting roles are also well-written and well-acted. I loved Ting Nu, Brother Liu and Purple Fox. You could tell they had many years of cultivation under their belt because they were often the voices of reason our leads needed. Brother Liu was essentially the group relationship counselor. Wu Zhi Qi is someone who is name-dropped a lot and does not appear until very late into the show but he is so worth the wait. His causal swagger and lazy, flirty demeanor that hides a sharp eye and keen insight are so swoon worthy. But my #1 spot has to go to Teng She, who is a scene stealer and basically carries the drama. This actor is such a comedic genius; he is able to control the level of humor a scene has and also influences the other character's vibe around him. Take Hao Chen for example, who is a very serious person. The same facial expressions or eye widening that come off as serious or angry become completely comedic under Teng She's influence. Adding to that, I cannot believe he was the drama I has finished just prior to starting L&R (Miss Gu Who is Silent) and I didn't even recognize him! That aside, he is very witty and his commentary almost breaks the 4th wall. He is such a loyal friend. I loved watching his friendship with Xuan Ji because of how they trusted and supported one another. He reminds me of a more platonic version of Tal Tal in Empress Ki.

Music: beautiful, exciting and epic. The pieces were really nice to listen to on their own and really added to the emotions of the scene.

Rewatch value: I don't typically re-watch dramas but I just finished it and am skimming though episode 1 again while writing this review, mostly to help recapture my initial thoughts on this drama. Actually, it might be a better watch the second time around since I'm not so busy trying to keep everyone straight and all those details at the beginning now make sense.

Bottom line: Xianxias generally have an expectation to be epic, with an intricate storyline, detailed world-building, varied cast of characters and passionate romance spanning lifetimes. But they can get predictable, because it is always the same types of characters and same conflict . This drama does not escape from the tropes but presents them from a fresh angle. That, plus the good actin and great production make this a worthwhile watch.

Leggi di Più

Anybody that says this drama isn’t worth it is just plain BITTER!!

I thought I would never see a drama I’ll love more than Ashes of Love(which I’m obsessed with) but this drama actually stole my whole heart and mind... everything was Epic...I literally cried my eyes out and it has tons of actions too compared to ashes of love..I’ve recommended this to some of my friends who doesn’t even watch C-dramas and they all loved it.. I’m Psyched!!! ..Kudos to everyone involved in this production..and to all those saying it was a flop..I wonder who broke y’all heart and made y’all to b so blind as to enjoy a great drama like this tbh..lol..

Leggi di Più

This drama started out really good, until it dragged halfway through. I liked Yuan Bing Yan here better than in "My Sassy Princess" but her character became annoying towards the second half. I mainly plowed through this drama because of Cheng Yi's portrayal of a devoted man who sacrificed everything for the sake of love, including multiple deaths in several lifetimes and realms. How much more a guy can take is beyond me, but apparently a lot if you are to base on Si Feng's actions. This was supposed to be a tragic love story, with heart-wrenching moments, but what I found ridiculous are the numerous times characters are brought back to life, some who I even have long forgotten. Also, I found myself inappropriately laughing during scenes where Si Feng implores with Xuan Ji in the body of the Devil Star, as if they are starring in a body-swap BL drama. I just can't.

Leggi di Più

honestly one of the top tier dramas i've watched

i just finished this drama like minutes ago and i need to rant so bare with

story:
the storyline is honestly really complicated with a bunch of plot twists and was a bit difficult to keep up with. the love story was so painful to watch and i can't even count how many times i cried during this drama. the ending was so fast, they squeezed everything into like thirty minutes. i don't really like the fact that they had a kid bc it just steers the attention away from them if there's ever a sequel. this drama was an emotional rollercoaster and if you want to cry, go ahead and watch it.

acting/cast:
i've found a new actor to respect, cheng yi is so good at playing this role, i can always sense the pain and that's what makes me cry lol. i don't really have much opinions on the rest of the cast, besides the fact that the actor who played the older sister is so annoying lmao. i heard she has a drama with cheng yi that is modern and thinking about it makes me uncomfortable.

music:
i mean it's a historical drama, the music will always be good. now i have more songs to add to my "listen if you want to cry" playlist

rewatch value:
i don't think i'll rewatch this just because it was so painful to watch si feng get hurt over and over again. the amount of times i cried out of frustration is just too many. the miscommunication and misunderstandings were so annoying to watch, i don't want to go through that again, even though i know it will be a happy ending.

overall:
again, watch it if you want to cry. i binged this in a couple days and pulled an all-nighter LOL overall great drama. just pretty stressful to watch.

Leggi di Più

A full package, totally worth waiting

Love this drama from the beginning to end
The story was captivating, keeping me glued to my screen
It was so well acted
And the ost is so cooling
I love this drama too much,for me it is perfection.
The casting was totally on point
From the Heros to the villians you can't help loving them
The vice palace chief was very much it
He made the show even better.
I doubt ever finding something so addictive
It just gives the feeling of authenticity
It will definitely take a while to get over this piece if I do get over it
Overall the drama is captivating to watch
Prepare your tissues though
Let this drama take you on an amazing ride

Leggi di Più

No matter how good one is, there are some who will hate them.

No wonder, when it comes to best xianxia lists, LaR is always one of the best. I couldn't search the right praise about this but one thing is for sure, i will always ask God to give me my own kind of SiFeng. This is also my first time watching a xianxia where a female lead is stronger that the male lead, nevertheless, both powers are excellent! The male lead could really protect the female lead easily. Also, the amount of frustrations whenever Xuanji don't believe Sifeng, and will stick to what the elders' sect are saying and her Senior annoying Hao Chen.

And for me, the title itself gives justice to the whole content of the series. For me, LOVE of xuanji and sifeng, and REDEMPTION for Dijun and Star of Mosha. Nevertheless, they're connected with each other. Stunning CGI and OSTs!!

Leggi di Più

Thank You Cheng Yi.

Rated= 7 ~ 37/50 ~ 7.4
RPG Scene // Mages falling in love in the Enchanted Forest. Staffs summoning cherry blossoms

*edit*
Rewatch Value Rating has changed from a 1 to a 7
I am now such a kiwi that not only did Cheng Yi get me to watch this show for him, I have now found myself rewatching it because of him as I understand that a lot of his characters are tragic with sad endings, whereas this one is a satisfying conclusion. People are more than their face. This was his breakthrough role and I can see why 💕
***

I was told that Cheng Yi is still alive at the end of the series so I made it to the end alive with him but feeling just as comatose.

I am starting to pick up on cues in the first few episodes that tell me whether or not I'm going to like a show. This is one of those shows. I initially dropped this at episode 3 but Mysterious Lotus Casebook is defeating every other C-drama as my favourite C-drama right now and I'm a little in love with Cheng Yi and I wanted more of him so I picked it up again just for him. I was honestly not interested in any one else. I was skipping the sister (I found her very annoying) and 6th senior scenes loads of times before I was interested in them. I skipped a lot of side stories. It was around episode 21 when Cheng Yi starts getting tortured was when I finally stopped skipping and paying attention.

The FL not having her 6th senses didn't make a lot of sense to me because she could still see and hear and smell etc so she technically still had them but a minor thing I could overlook. The one thing I had a big problem with was the cheesey battle moments. I found this very cringey at times when Xuangi would unleash her powers and you would get this Power rangers style level up. I would burst out laughing when I was supposed to be cheering her on. She starts off as the typical FL in too many asian dramas. Naive, childish and a little stupid passed off as innocent. Listen, I get that she doesn't have her senses and doesnt feel the same way as others but she falls face first into Cheng Yi's lap while he's sitting in a bath and just continues like, oh, wait, I dropped something and just smiles happily while she gropes around the tub, and my sweet boy is just sitting there, cupping his manhood, speechless. I mean, I laughed but really? That's not innocence, that's just dense.

This pretty much continues until she realises that she's the reincarnated God of War. After that, we lose the naivety, and we get a deeply manipulated and emotional FL instead. Again. This is where Cheng Yi saved me because I would give up with this kind of character and would make jokes about taking a shot every time you hear 'Si Feng'.

But Cheng Yi. I like his work. I like his face. I like his voice. He calms me and I was able to find my grounded centre every time he appeared. He did the best with the character he had been given. He does seem a little bit more stiff in this series but that may be how he's was told to play the character, who's whole purpose is to get beaten and abused through out most of the series. His whole purpose is to love and redeem and the FL which can feel a little flat after a while. But again, my bias saved me here. If it had been anyone else or if I didn't know Cheng Yi, I'd have dropped this series really quickly.

Another notable mention is Liu Xue Yi. This is the 3rd series I've seen with him and he's creeping up beside Cheng Yi in my favouritism. If I didn't know this actor, I would have been wanting to rip his eyes out but I actually enjoyed watching him play an incredibly hateable villain, which makes it easier when you are faced with a character like Hao. He's the worst kind of villain because he's obsessed with his own self righteousness and he's a little psychotic, that I honestly found it a little strange at the end that everyone felt sorry for him while he just faded into dust to be reborn as a mortal, WHILE MY BOY is lying fricking bleeding and dead for the 100th time.

The Jade Emperor is probably the most useless, all powerful character I think I've ever seen.

By episode 40, I was back to skipping again. It lost it's momentum for me and as per trend, the last stretch of episodes just went off the wall crazy that I was rolling my eyes at just how ridiculous and off the wall the plot got. It wasn't enough for Xaungi to be the God of War, she's the Devil Star as well. And was a man. So I can imagine a lot of people just being like huh? by the time they get to those episodes. The ending was also ridiculous but at least it was a happy conclusion. Cheng Yi was Momma while Xuangi ran around drinking and enjoying her mortal life, seeming to have reverted back to her old clueless self. AKA. Si Feng continues to get walked over but this time it's in the name of having fun.

I really loved the characters Teng She and Liu. If I had seen more of them earlier on in the series, I'd paid attention quicker. They were great to watch.

An unexpected big hit of this show is the soundtrack. I am absolute Si Feng in love with the song Love like Coloured Glass. It was ep 28, with a scene on the bridge when I suddenly clicked on the song. If it played before I hadn't noticed but that's what happens when you're not fully invested in a show. You miss things. I immediately stopped the video to look up that song and it's been played ever since.

So again, thank you Cheng Yi. I enjoyed watching you and I got introduced me to a new favourite song.

Leggi di Più

Amazing drama

Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending! Great storyline and satisfying ending!

Leggi di Più

Impressive, really deserves its success.

I usually never write reviews, but this drama has left me in awe. At first, I was skeptical; not going to lie, but I'm not a huge fan of the female lead. Over the past two years, I've seen/heard so many good reviews, and finally watched it. Wow. I am ABSOLUTELY mind-blown. There are so many plot twists, and the story is very captivating. The acting by Cheng Yi (male lead) will make you absolutely head-over-heels for him. **NOTE** if you don't really like the "misunderstandings" trope... well lets just say this drama could be titled "Love and Misunderstandings"... haha. However, the plot and everything else will just make you... go CRAZY for them!

One thing I will say, is the amount of times the male lead spits out blood is a little... haha. I would say this drama is on the same level as Ashes of Love, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, etc. It's really a masterpiece. I have yet to rewatch it yet (because I don't want my heart to break again for Si Feng... ) but I know I will be rewatching it soon. Trust me. You will NOT regret watching it. Don't worry- it's a happy ending!

Leggi di Più

Great story

I really loved the story and the characters. You get to know the real meaning of love. The male leads love is unconditional. He just love the female lead. It’s true love cause it does not matter whose body or what gender he just loves her as she is and ready to accept her in any form.
The plot and detailing was so good. It had good mystery and at the same time it showed how mortal cherish and enjoy their life. It was somewhat giving message that mortal life we enjoy and experience everything in life like sorrow, love and sadness. This Drama also focus on three reclaim that every one is equal not just heaven or those immortal living in heaven are superior than demon. Lastly the male lead and female lead was v beautiful character including the supporting role they all made us interested and hooked up.

Leggi di Più

Amazing Drama!

Loved the show! Music and set was so beautiful! I loved the characters as well. At first I thought Xuan Ji was kinda dumb and not the cutest but Crystal Yuan portrayed the character so well that at the end I thought Xuan Ji was so beautiful. I think they did well with aging the character. Si Feng was always hot and when he’s dressed in red he looked gorgeous.

Supporting characters had interesting storylines and really kept things interesting, especially Teng She and Qing Long.

I’d probably have to wait like a couple months to rewatch since the show is so long, but definitely worth it! Especially episode 52 with one of the only kisses I’ve seen in cdramas that isn’t like eyes open and just a peck. It was adorable with how happy Si Feng was, and the chemistry between the main couple was believable and beautiful.

Leggi di Più

This drama did an outstanding job with the drama. Heard a lot about it from social media platforms so I decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad that I actually took the time to watch this drama. It has a nice storyline, the character roles are unique, and visual scenes are also appealing. I really enjoyed the acting skills of cheng yi. This drama let me enter another world of cdrama fantasies. Though to me it has some parts that are similar to the Ashes of Love drama. In a way where it was similar yet also contrasted Ashes of Love. I think the production team did a good job.

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