Love and Redemption (2020)

Perfect. Everything you could ever want in a drama.

This is on par with the directors cut of Goodbye My Princess for the best show I have ever seen. It has everything from breathtaking scenery and sets, jaw dropping special effects, gorgeous costumes, intense action sequences, nail-biting suspense, both wonderfully sweet and bitterly heartbreaking moments, romance that is cute & funny but also hot & steamy, complex characters who each have their own struggles yet are all important to the plot, deeply thought provoking concepts, flawless acting, a detailed screenplay written with care and precision, top-notch direction and camera work, an epic soundtrack, and masterful story writing. It's absolutely perfect.

I cannot even describe how much I enjoyed watching this. I cried buckets of tears, sobbing one moment and screaming for joy the next, but ultimately leaving me with a good feeling. I don't care what else is on your watchlist, watch this RIGHT NOW. You won't regret it I promise.

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A Good Heartbreaking Story

If you were a fan of Ashes of Love and Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms then grab a tissue box and settle in for a good, heartbreaking ride.

The styling of the drama was well done with each person looking great in their costumes. No one was too flashy or near comical looking. The CGI and and fight scenes were obviously a higher budget and very well done; it's a real treat to watch the fight scenes. I didn't love the color scheme for heaven since it's been done over and over but it's a minor thing compared to the rest of the sets.

The soundtrack is beautiful. Every track elicits a certain scene is my mind. Shuang Sheng's "Thousand Years of Love" brings me straight to episode 3 when Si Feng smiles because Xuan Ji tells him his smile reminds her of the intoxicating wine she drank. "Lover's Curse" brings me to episode 37 when Si Feng looks heartbreakingly at Xuan Ji after she accidentally attacks him and activates the 2nd part of his lover's curse. Then of course there's Zhou Shen's "Love Like Colored Glass" which makes me think of too many scenes to name them all. The soundtrack will be on my replay playlist for a good while.

The acting in this drama is fantastic. This has been said many times but Cheng Yi is amazing in this drama. I've never heard of him before but I'll for sure be keeping tabs on his future projects. I dare say his portrayal of Si Feng is near equivalent to Mark Chao's Ye Hua of Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms. Cheng Yi speaks volumes with just his eyes and facial expressions and dramatic roles are truly where he shines. Yuan Bing Yan was not far behind either. She reminds me of Zhao Liying; not so much for acting prowess but because she can play innocence and naïveté well yet she's fierce when her character needs to be strong. If you watch the BTS of this drama (especially the dramatic parts), it'll show the dubbing does not do her acting justice. I know Zhang Yu Xi gets a lot of flack for her acting but her portrayal of Ling Long and her struggle with overcoming her trauma was beautifully done. Her crying scenes made me cry along with her. Overall the casting was very strong and there isn't a weak link in the characters.

This drama is VERY angsty but also very fast-paced once the true problems are revealed. (When watching episodes 37-48, take a 10 minute break between each episode. Those 11 episodes are extremely heavy and may induce hyperventilation from anger, frustration, or heartbreak (in a good way)). You can see the reasoning behind every character's actions and even though Xuan Ji gets a lot of hate, she made her decisions based on the actions of those around her. A lot of crucial information is kept from her both from the main antagonist, Hao Chen and from her love interest, Si Feng. They did it for different reasons but the action was still the same nonetheless. It's nice that this drama has no love triangle/square between the two leads. Yes, you have Hao Chen and Xiao Ying Hua but Xuan Ji and Si Feng's feelings are solidified from the get-go. There's no thinking he/she loves another so the misunderstandings do not stem from that.

There is a twist to the story and I love that the author strayed from the cliche. The author cleverly makes Si Feng a red herring for a plot reveal that would otherwise have been a common trope. Xuan Ji's growth as a character is so excellently well done, especially once truths are revealed. Xuan Ji's background as Luo Hou Ji Du is so beautifully sad and I honestly rooted for him to exact his vengeance on the friend who betrayed him, cut him up, sealed away his heart, and made him kill off his own people.

This is definitely high on my drama list and ranks in my Top 3 xianxia dramas right behind Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms and The Untamed. Once subtitles are available for all 59 episodes I'll probably buckle down and marathon this again.

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Finished!!!

Hello, this is my first time writing a review.

I would like to say that I just finished watching this drama in Chinese subtitles.

The reason I love this drama is that its similar to Ashes of Love and Eternal Love that about "One Live and One Afterlife" and based in immortal/ fantasy setting. Ther story involved, human, heaven and demon realm. The story plot is unique, not repetitive and not slow. The main leads (ML and FL) always appear in every episode compared to other Chinese drama hence I felt that I'm watching their story.  First couples of the episode are funny due to the FL character and above episode 25 the story gets really serious.

The main cast is a really good actor/ actresses before i watch this drama i only know "Cheng Yi" due to The Lomb Tomb 2 he was a fantastic actor and portray the character really well! I know Crystal Yuan since The Mystic Nine, Royal Highness and Listening Snow Tower. I felt that her acting skills have been improved since the last drama i watched so highly recommended! Lastly, i only watched Yu Xi from Intense Love and the rest of the cast it was my first time watching them so i learnt something new!!! I would like to say that every cast members in this drama is fantastic and portray really well... no wonder why this drama is is really famous in China.

I will continue to support the main cast other dramas, i recently saw Cheng Yi new drama "The Promise of Chang'an" just broadcasted right after Love and Redemption so i found that part funny ...

I never skipped any seconds, minutes or episode with this drama so I'm proud to say is that i love this so much!!! Highly Recommended!

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Decent drama but over-hyped

Goodness.
Where do I start with this show.

So it's not the worst I've seen but I definitely don't understand all the hype that has surrounded this show. In my opinion, the chemistry was average and the story wasn't terrible but definitely had a lot of draggy bits and some ridiculous moments.

I would say the worst part of it all was the characterization of the FL - pretty much 80% of the show she is gullible, manipulated and basically used as pawn for everyone's selfish motives. You think things get better when the plot changes a bit and she realizes what she is but NO - she's still manipulated and basically has absolutely no autonomy over her decisions, destiny and life in general. It's super frustrating as a viewer because I can't help but be mad at her the entire time and groan every time she starts waving that ridiculous sword.

The ML was great in the acting department and he kept the show alive and carried it - in my opinion.

I'd watch this if you have nothing better to do and want to watch some new actors on your screen.

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A downward spiral

Honestly, this drama started out amazing, and maintained it's streak until the 40th odd episode. Then it was a downward spiral. I've read the reviews from other viewers and this is probably unpopular opinion, but to each their own.

I understand that it was adapted from a novel, but the last twenty episodes were honestly a hot mess to me. That final debacle on that floating platform, deciding whether or not to overturn some giant floating teapot to destroy the three realms was just too sudden. Then there was the split personality gender-switcharoo period that just made things a little strange, an undying cockroach of a villain who gets killed like 3x but survives to push the teacup off, another villain who instantly realizes his guilt after the heavenly emperor points out a few semblent points that everyone else has been telling him since day 1. Then bam, suddenly everything is resolved.

Also, the ML was stabbed like a porcupine throughout the entire 59 eps and there is not a moment where he isn't putting himself between blades. Counting the 9 lifetimes his reincarnations went through, I'm pretty sure he was stabbed at least 20 times. It builds his character, but it also takes away the angst. With him getting stabbed every 5 episodes or so, you can more or less predict what's going to happen next.

That aside, I loved the interactions between the ML and the FL. All that fluff made the countless misunderstandings much less frustrating. The side characters all have depth as well, I was especially fond of Tengshe and Zihu, though I was much less invested in the side couple. The acting was not bad, the ML (Chengyi) really did quite well considering the amount of dying scenes he had.

Overall, will not rewatch and will recommend Ashes of Love over this. But if you have time to spare (59eps worth) and want to be emotionally invested into something, this drama would be a good choice.

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AMAZING ACTING

WONDERFUL

I am in love with their acting, they are all amazing but the FL is just... WOW, the personality that she played is totally opposite of each other. While watching this drama I had many mixed feels, I be angry sad and happy. This drama is just amazing, the leads the supports are just marvelous. we get both the cute and sad part. I LOVE THE OST.

THIS IS THE BEST DRAMA THIS YEAR FOR SURE
I know why people are saying they can't get over it, I take turns watching dramas and I just keep on thinking about this drama while watching the other dramas.

IT'S BEAUTIFUL but SAD

They so cute together and she so cute, I'm going to find some other dramas that they are in

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Complex, Intriguing and Heart-Wrenching

This story is complex and twisted, but at the same time intriguing and heart-wrenching. The plot is initially very hard to understand, as I have felt I needed 10 brains to dissect and digest the story. The journey to discovering and finally understanding the plot is littered with blood and romance, love and hate, trust and betrayal, friendship and animosity. The story telling and the acting are amongst the best in recent dramas.

Yu Sifeng (Cheng Yi) is a son of a human mother and Golden Bird race which disguises as a cultivator sect wearing masks. He's the top disciple of the sect and his biological father is the sect leader. Their masks are never to be removed but somehow Yu Sifeng's mask is removed by Chu Xuanji (Yuan Bing Yan aka Crystal Yuan). This is their 10th lifetime meeting each other. For his past 9 lives, Yu Sifeng has loved and been devoted to Chu Xuanji but dies in her hands or under her who doesn't even know of his love and devotion. In this tenth lifetime, she finally falls in love with him but he's now a Golden Bird that is considered demonic and persecuted by the cultivation sects. The couple goes through a lot of trials and heartaches, especially for Yu Sifeng. In every episode from beginning of the drama till the end, he suffers enormous pains, both physically and emotionally, and each time, his love and devotion for Chu Xuanji never wane. Their love story and romance are beautiful and heart-wrenching. All the viewers' hearts go out to Yu Sifeng because of his sufferings and committed devotion to Chu Xuanji. As the story develops, we begin to see this is only part and puzzle of the overall plot. Who is Chu Xuanji? Who is Yu Sifeng?

Cheng Yi’s acting is fabulous. As Yu Sifeng, he’s quiet, patient and reserved but compassionate and passionate. He’s the kindest being ever, protecting others and sacrificing himself. He’s always the last to speak and endures all the mistreatment others throw at him. His face is always emotionless and leaves everyone guessing what he is thinking. And yet, Cheng Yi speaks with his emotions. The viewers can feel his agony, torments, despairs, pains, resignation and anger. With Chu Xuanji, he is always patient and forgiving. He loves her so much that viewers can feel his affection by how he looks at her, so tenderly and lovingly. Cheng Yi delivers 100 percent of Yu Sifeng to the viewers.

Yuan Bingyan’s portrayal of Chu Xuanji is close to perfection. She is beautiful and young with a naïve and innocent look. Time and time again as Chu Xuanji, she hurts and torments Yu Sifeng, either unintentionally or intentionally, physically or emotionally, and then she would return to him to help him heal, only to throw him back into his misery again. However, when the lives of those she loves are threatened, she changes into a fearsome warrior that is completely different from that silly young girl. Yuan Bingyan is very believable as Chu Xuanji and has had a great performance.

Other cast members are equally impressive in their acting. I’m particularly impressed by Bai Shu’s acting as Teng She; the way he talks and slithers, exactly like a snake which he has transformed from.

The CGIs in this drama are not too bad. The backgrounds are pretty well done. I love the golden wings that come out from Yu Sifeng. They’re so beautiful and look so authentic, and Cheng Yi’s acting blends right in with the wings naturally as if those are part of him. I absolutely love those ethereal visuals of him.

Of all the three realms – heaven, underworld, and mortal world, both Yu Sifeng and Chu Xuanji want to live in their current lifetime in the mortal world – as they put it, it’s great to be humans. The endings are satisfactory to most viewers with all characters having proper closures, the deserving awarded and the villains redeemed.

Despite its length of 59 episodes as I was hesitant initially, this drama is a great watch that tugs at our hearts. I have truly enjoyed the journey. Strongly recommended. Two thumbs up!

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Great ML, Not a fan of FL, Plot started off strong, very weak in the middle, ended decently

I watched this drama because of all of the hyped that surrounded it among C-drama watchers- especially those who were fans of wuxia/xianxia like myself. The show fell short for me and I thought it was overhyped. I will highlight my opinions on negative aspects.

I did not like the FL's (Crystal Yuan) acting. Early on she acted too much like a child (though people tried to defend this as child-like naivety) but it persisted for way longer than necessary. She wasn't very good at portraying emotion like her counter ML (tears, heartfelt moments). It seemed so fake and was very noticeable to me. People are raving that she's a powerful strong FL which is true but they could've written it better. She's the God of War but she's more powerful than any other deity in heaven? When she barely just discovered her powers? And her body is still mortal?

The sister, Linglong, also was not the best actor. She acted like an annoying child almost the entire show. People say she experienced trauma but it wasn't her that did it, it was the flower demon. I don't understand why she felt so hurt when it wasn't even her.

The ML, Cheng Yi, did an amazing job. His acting was really good. He was able to portray emotions very well. He seemed overpowered though, for being a demon and being stronger than some of the gods and being able to do things that seem like it was out of his scope when he couldn't do other stuff.

Liu Xue Yi also did a very good job with his character.

Props to the team for the BL between Tengshe and Qinglong and Bai Lin and LuoHuo Jidu.

The music was pretty good.

For me, pretty much episodes 15-50, were really really bad. I skipped a lot and was bored most of the time. It finally picked up again at the end. The ending also wasn't the best imo. People are happy that it was a happy ending. I was wondering tho like why did Luohuo Jidu also disappear when Bai Lin drank the wine? Overall it was ok. I would not rewatch but will now keep an eye on some of the male actors that I liked in this show.

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In love with Xuan Ji and Si Feng ❤

I'm loving this drama with a BIG capital L! A great story line, off the hook on-screen chemistry between Si Feng and Xuan Ji, and so far this drama is not draggy.

Crystal Yuan as Xuan Ji is without a doubt the CUTEST beautiful girl I've ever seen in a Chinese period drama. There are some beautiful Chinese actresses out there but I think Crystal Yuan as Xuan Ji is not just another pretty face but her cuteness as Xuan Ji is what totally win me over! You should check this drama out to see what I'm talking about.

Cheng Yi plays Si Feng who is the "cool and distant" type but Cheng Yi is able to bring out Si Feng's warmth from the way he's looking at Xuan Ji, from his glances, and little smile. He looks cold but not arrogant. You can totally see it on his face how much he loves her.

Their superb on-screen chemistry is definitely what makes me loving Love and Redemption so much.

I can't wait to see the rest of this drama but as usual non Chinese viewers must wait longer for English subtitles.

(UPDATE: September 11th 2020)
Just finished watching this series and I must say this drama has the most satisfying ending I've ever seen in any Chinese period / fantasy drama. Bravo!!!

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a surprise xianxia!

I started this without knowing anything about it, had no clue who the actors were...and wow! easily became one of my top favs. it has all the elements of true love storyline, lots of sweet and romantic scenes of the main leads, and best of all, the CGI/action scenes were well done, nothing cringey or cheesy...! the overall arc was interesting, the pace of the series was perfect and the side characters were not wasteful/forgetful. the awesome OST was the cherry on top. i've rewatched this series 3 times now- it has been a long time since a series got me this addicted. i am a happy viewer.

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100% recommend

I enjoy this drama so much. It gives me so much feelings sadness , sorrow, anger , sweetness and so on.
I really think it is worth watching.
The acting is so perfect too.
The story doesn't make me bored in any episode.
(for eg, in TMOPB I am really bored in first ten episodes but later i really love it )
Before watching Love and redemption , my favorites are just TMOPB and Ashes of love but now Love and redemption is in my all time fav list too.
If you loves TMOPB and ashes of love , you may like Love and redemption too.
Those three drama have a common point which makes me love so much is that the main lead in thise three drama is willing to give up everything for their loved one.
You will have to cry a lot or feel deeply sorry for Si Feng , the male lead character. The whole drama was about his deep love and sacrifice.

Do not watch if you hate to get angry and sad at the same time?

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You Won't Regret Watching This One!

After 2 Hours of sleep each day, I finished this in 4 days. Defintely worth my/your time. Wish I could wipe out my memories and start over slowly.

STORY
The story of L and R was well written. While most dramas are predicable, I promise this one is not. The plot goes smoothly and doesn't have many plot holes unlike other dramas I've watched. I've given this a 10/10 because of how the plot goes smoothly into one thing to another. The schemes were obviously well thought out by a intelligent mind and with many thoughts. The past of all the characters made them who they are today whether good or bad. The characteristics of each character portrayed exactly how they were written. The plot is one that you'll never find in any of the other dramas/fantasy for sure.
ACTING/CAST
To be honest, I've never heard of any of these actress/acters before. But their talent is incomparable. Acting was so on spot that I often forget about the real world. Crystal Yuan did her role perfectly and so did Cheng Yi. Great chemistry and acting. Xian Ji (Crystal Yuan) went from a naive girl who doesn't have her 6 senses to an female warrior/God of War. You can clearly tell that her personality changed over the things she experienced. Si Feng(Cheng Yi) did an amazing job on his role. When he was sick/ weak, his acting was on spot. Being hurt by the Lover's Curse and having heartbreaks, he learned many things out of life. For the support roles, they did phenomenal job on their part. They made me cry, hate, love, and ect.
MUSIC
To be honest, I didn't really paid much attention to the music. But I can say that for the most part, the music went really well with the parts. Sad music in the sad parts. Intense music in the intense part. Humor music in the Funny parts.
REWATCH VALUE
I would defintely re-watch this since it is my favorite drama/fantasy.

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