Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)

Defies all expectations

When this drama first came out, many thought it would fall flat with its leads. Little did they know, this is both Dylan's and Esther's magnum opus, topping iQiyi's charts. It's a beautifully thought-out romance with great acting, endearing characters, and a compelling pacing. That being said, I might be doing some comparisons with 'Til the End of the Moon' here simply because both have a similar concept in terms of characters : )

Defying all expectations just like this drama (very cringy, I know), I'm going to start by writing about the OST. This is probably the single best OST that's ever graced a C-drama. There's been good ones, for example 'The Long Ballad', 'The Untamed', and 'Til the End of the Moon,' but oh my. This one is beautifully done, with the songs representing the characters' emotions and thoughts in all the right ways. The lyrics are touching and the melodies are achingly beautiful; considering I'm a classical musician (violinist who appreciates mostly classics), I was surprised to find myself enjoying an OST as I almost never do (I just start off with a base of 7 as the OST score). I didn't even skip the starting and ending of the episodes just to listen to the OST many times- it's that good.

I guess where this drama really did hit it out of the park is the acting. From the body swaps (must be very difficult to portray... the characters are completely opposite in terms of personality and demeanor) to the characters in dramatic scenes (Orchid dies the first time, etc.), everything is perfectly portrayed. While Esther Yu played her roles nicely, I did not find anything too special about it... Dylan Wang however really surprised me. The subtle facial expressions, changes in demeanor, and substantial nuances in his performance were effective and vital to really bringing Dongfang Qingcang alive (which he did). You cried for this character, laughed for this character, and cheered for him if you watched this drama. The only performance in a C-drama that I think beats this by a tad is Luo Yunxi in 'Til the End of the Moon', mostly because that one's incredible when it comes to portraying the multiple facets and fates of a single character. Additionally, the demon king in this one is more romance-focused while the other drama is more story-focused overall. If you're looking for a romance drama, I'd definitely recommend this one. If you're looking for an epic fantasy, I'd probably recommend the other one : )

I think the story is where this drama loses a little bit of its appeal for me. It's definitely a great story and worth watching, with fewer plot holes than my favorites and also including the most compelling romance of all. Yet, I do think the plot sacrifices some of its complexity for the sake of the romance, and there aren't as many arcs/ideas as I typically enjoy. Nevertheless, it's one of the best Xianxia's out there. I'd compare this plot to maybe 'the Untamed' in terms of how much it explores iykwim- it's not completely idea-jam-packed but definitely has enough of them to keep you watching. However, the romance is the best executed I've seen, so for the fantasy-romance lovers, you'll enjoy this. Like many others, I did find the ending rushed, but I guess the directors had ten minutes to serve up something happy for the sweet romance lovers...

Either way, this is a beautiful and well-rounded drama overall. It's enjoyable for I'd think all audiences and definitely takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions (WARNING: also fries your brain for maybe a week).

Leggi di Più

So this is love ❤️

Wow!!! AMAZING from start to finish! I LOVE this show and it ranks in my top 3 of all time (Nirvana in Fire & Joy of Life). Was gist of the story new? Nope! Were their familiar tropes? Of course! But we’re they able to make it feel fresh?!? ABSOLUTELY!! DFQC & Orchid complemented each other well and were able to grow as a individuals and as a couple! Their acting was AMAZING! I felt every joy and heartache with them. The supporting casts were not one dimensional and all had reasons behind their actions. Everything made sense (for the most part).

I know many people (including myself) had major issues w/Orchid’s voice and some of the choices she made. However, after awhile, her voice no longer bothered me. As for her actions, she remained true to her character - she was kind, caring, and empathetic. That’s why she made the choices she made throughout the show. Some may see her as dumb or annoying, but I only saw her kindness and her wish for a peaceful world. Who wouldn’t want that?!? I loved Orchid & DFQC’s relationship. It was so nice to see adults who love each other communicate their wants and needs, and be able to accept each others choices. It was refreshing!

As for the 2nd ML Cheng Heng, wow, did I love him too! Oftentimes I feel that 2nd ML (and FL) are often at a disadvantage because they’re portrayed as less than compared to the ML so of course the FL would love the ML instead. However, Cheng Heng was a hero in his own right & in any other show, he would’ve gotten the girl. I loved his growth as a character too! But alas! Everything in life is fate- except love.

Lastly, the show was beautiful - music, design, CGI, and costumes. I loved how the three realms were distinct in culture and clothing. One of the most BEAUTIFUL shows I’ve seen in a looooong time!

Leggi di Più

Great fantasy story, with creative writing.

Thoughts:
My gateway drama. I wish they had given more time to when they are finally together without all the challenges. I would have liked to see more of their happy life at the end of the journey.

Plot:
Epic fantasy story about an anti-hero who is misunderstood and a FL who is underestimated.

Action/Martial Arts: Minimal
Romance: Main theme
Hidden/Unknown Identities: Yes
Past Connection: No
Time Skip: No
Separated: Yes
Amnesia: Faked
Love Triangle: Yes
LD Chemistry: No fish kisses. Connection feels real.
Evil/Troubled Supporting LD's: ML's brother is a problem in the beginning.
Parents/Family: 2ML's brother is an issue and is constantly trying to control him.
Misunderstandings: Not between LD's.

LD's
Eventually becomes power couple. ML chases FL first. ML is supportive but possessive/jealous. Not in a creepy way. Loved the way the LD's grew into their original intended personalities together.

Support LD's:
Great side stories for SL that explain their actions and intentions.

OST:
I have saved this OST to my playlist. Enough said.

Leggi di Più

I'M A CHANGED WOMEN

I honestly have no words when I started watching this drama I knew there would be some level of enjoyment based of the premise alone but what I got instead was a heartwarming, gut-wrenching, iconic and beautiful love story that had me laughing in one episode and crying in another.

I love each character the lead couple did what they needed to do and did it flawlessly I was rooting for them from start to finish but what I didn't expect was for my heart to be stolen so quickly by the secondary couple they had me in a chokehold and I had no chance of getting out.

If I had one complaint it would be the decision to not have danyin and changheng end up together or at least hint at them trying to "date" each other, they had the chemistry and honestly it felt like unnecessary torture to have them not get a happily ever after and they would be amazing together *in my humble opinion*

Besides the romance aspect the story was really well written too every action the characters took made sense, their development felt natural and I never felt the narrative was bending a character so that the plot could move forward.

There is still so much more I wish to say but that would leave me rambling on for far too long. This show is amazing every episode was meant to be there, the story never felt like it was dragging along and that made me very happy.

Leggi di Più

LOVE IS MAGIC

I have just finished watching this VERY AWESOME drama which deserved a perfect score of 10. LOVE can do wonders that even the coldest, heartless and emotionless man can fall in love. I giggled, laughed and cried watching this drama. A very awesome drama indeed which is VERY RECOMMENDABLE to watch.
I've read all reviews with perfect score of 10 that's why I could no longer describe the most notable features of this drama because they already said it all. The most detailed is BLIZZARDAHM's review.
I admire the acting of DYLAN WANG in this drama better than his acting in Miss the Dragon.
Thank you and hope to see you in another drama.

Leggi di Più

Absolutely amazing

An amazing watch! The story ties everything together seamlessly, with every detail connected to the main plot, yet it never feels overwhelming or overly complex. Character development makes perfect sense, and nothing feels abrupt or out of place. Usually, when the FL is portrayed as strong, they turn her into someone remarkable, a genius scholar or martial artist —nothing wrong with that, but it's not the only way. This FL is naive, feminine, and sometimes powerless, but still strong in her own way. The fairy makes pivotal decisions on her own, not "strong" in the conventional sense, but certainly not your typical pure-hearted damsel in distress either. It's so refreshing to see a female lead who is both influential and strong without losing her pure, angelic vibe. If you're looking for a story with love, family bonds, friendships, and a gripping mix of war and politics, all with a dash of humor, don't miss this one!

Leggi di Più

Coming from a novel reader

So, finally finished watching it and it was better than what I expected, but less than what I wanted.

My perspective is from someone who has read the novel:

They changed quite a few things between the novel and the drama, and I can understand some changes as things need to be changed sometimes for live-action, but I didn't like the changes they made to DFQC. I can stand changes to plot lines and events as long as the spirit is present, but changes to characterization should never be accepted. They made the foundation of the character interaction, and if you change that, you change the story in essence, and that what I think happened in this show. It was the story of Fairy and Devil, but not the story that was told in the novel. It felt like the watered down version of it. DFQC was pretty evil in the novel, very conniving, and I honestly LOVED that about him. Every other story I read is either about a really good guy, or a black-lotus who only treats the FL well, this is one of the few novels where we actually get a black-lotus as a ML, who is selfish and motivated by purely his own interests and they completely watered him down in the show. In the novel, Orchid is very charming but also persevering, and totally lives up to being a weed in her tenacity in trying to outwit DFQC and second guessing him all the time while trying to stay alive. I loved that dynamic between them in the novel. DFQC tried his hardest but still lost out to a flower, which made for a delightful read as it made you really root for Orchid. In the drama, I didn't have that feeling of being on edge because DFQC wasn't that mean towards her. He kind of facilitated her in everything and Orchid didn't face the immense hurdles and didn't fight tooth and nail for her life against DFCQ.

The body-switching /feelings plot was also completely abandoned by the middle of the show, whereas in the novel, Orchid uses it quite a few more times to get back at DFQC and later actually gets better at playing DFQC LOL! However, I think in the context of the drama, it made sense for them to focus more on other plots after they initially used the body switching as a means to keep the leads together. So, overall, I don't find that too much a negative.

As for the visuals in the drama, they were superb! I really have to thank the team for keeping the spirit of the world alive from the novel to the drama. I loved the effects they used and the sets were amazing. The only thing I wish they could've done better was the costuming. There were some really really good ones, like the ones for DFQC and the God of War, but I think they made Orchid into the same old white fairy like all the other Xianxia dramas. They could have played around with her flower background and given her flamboyant and colourful costumes. I would have really liked to see her in yellows, fuscia's, some bright red colours or even a dark black when she's trapped in the Moon territory and not just pasty pastels all the time. Also, can I just say that the costume for Jieli was atrociously ugly? Why? She had that costume on the entire show! I think the hairstyle was even uglier than the clothes.

Anywho, I wish I could have watched the show without comparing it to the novel as I think it was pretty good and leaps and bounds better than the garbage being pumped out these days. I just wish they had stuck to the source material a bit more to make this show even better.

Leggi di Più

visuellement jolie, un drama qui réconforte le coeur

L'automne s'installe durablement, le froid envahit peu à peu nos humbles chaumières et une envie subite de chocolat chaud sous le plaid nous oblige à envoyer le petit dernier à la machine à café régulièrement (et sans honte...). C'est donc le moment de dégainer ce drama de votre liste "to watch" à " currently watching".

Dès l'introduction graphique, nous sommes plongés dans un univers prometteur. L'opening reste très longtemps en tête avec la chanson "burning love" d'Aria. Il est tellement rare de tomber amoureux d'un opening aussi rapidement. C'est ce qui m'est arrivé, dès les premières notes, mon attention était déjà accroché, oubliant peu à peu le bruit du quotidien. La magnifique animation y a joué un rôle non négligeable. J'adore ce genre d'illustration, l'aquarelle des dessins est "feutré" et donne le ton sur l'ambiance du drama.

L'univers féerique de ce xianxia est magnifique. Le visuel graphique est coloré et soigné. La représentation des royaumes est sublimée par une palette de couleur propre à chaque univers et il faut l'avouer que c'est tellement bien fait que l'impression de se retrouver devant une peinture nous prend à la gorge. J'ai été particulière touchée par la représentation graphique du royaume de la lune, de ses diverses lumières à travers l'élégance sombre du palais. Cette élégance que l'on retrouve avec fascination sur Dongfang Qing Cang. Cette touche de lumière à travers la noirceur du royaume que l'on retrouve à travers les différents temps et moments (jour ou nuit) était sublime. Je l'ai préféré, et de loin, à la représentation du royaume des fées malgré sa blancheur immaculée. La "maison" d'Orchidée respirait réellement une douceur et un havre de paix et étrangement nous rappelait notre héroïne.
Les costumes ne sont pas en reste. Les robes d'Orchidées sont superbes, fluides, elles suivent les mouvements spontanées de la jeune femme et nous donne cette impression de légèreté si caractéristique de la protagoniste. Le pastel des tissus souligne la fraicheur mais aussi la fragilité de la jeune femme. J'en bavais (pas très glamour comme terme mais qui reflète assez bien l'mage que je devais avoir face à la multitude des robes d'Orchidée) d'admiration et d'envie. Et que dire des tenues de Qing Cang? Sombres et d'une élégance raffinée, ses tenues mettent en valeur la prestance magnétique du jeune homme. J'a adoré sa tenue de guerre, créative et impressionnante, elle transcende ce côté sensuel et noble de notre seigneur de la Lune.
La mise en scène fut d'un lyrisme magique. La première scène de rencontre entre Orchidée et Qing Cang est sublime! Les couleurs, l'animation, la musique. Et j'ai rarement eu un tel frisson de plaisir face à une première rencontre telle que celle-ci. D'autres scènes sont magistralement mises en place donnant un souffle épique parfois inattendu, comme le voyage à dos du dragon que j'ai particulièrement apprécié ou lorsque Qing Cang débarque tel un dieu vengeur et sauve Orchidée face à l'assemblée des fées.
Nous pourrions louer le budget alloué qui a dû permettre cette profusion visuelle, mais j'aime à penser que le talent et l'imaginaire créatif de l'équipe y soient majoritairement à l'origine de cet univers riche et soigné.

Bien que beaucoup de personnage ne soient pas écrits d'une manière profonde et travaillés avec minutie, à l'image de "Joy of Life" ou plus récemment mon coup de coeur de l'année " Love Like the Galaxy", les protagonistes principaux réussissent toutefois le pari de nous émouvoir et de faire battre nos petits coeurs assoiffés de jolie romance.
Mon coup de coeur fut indéniablement et sans conteste Qing Cang. A l'image de Zi Sheng dans "Love Like the Galaxy", ce type de personnage, maniant avec virtuose la limite du bien et du mal, me fait fondre. Je suis ravie de voir de plus en plus de protagonistes étiquetés "antagoniste" comme Prince Bo de "The wolf" ou encore Qiu Yue de "Love Better Than Immortality" apparaitrent, j'avoue avoir un faible pour les "bad boy" (et cela depuis Terrence G Grandchester....)
Qinq Cang est tout ce que j'adore. "Mauvais" et pourtant un coeur profondément bon qui n'a pas eu d'autres choix que de disparaitre afin de survivre, afin de faire survivre son peuple. Cette dualité du bien et du mal fut intéressante car contrairement à ce que l'on peut voir habituellement, Qing Cang ne fut pas originalement une personne dont l'once du mal rongerait au fur et à mesure sa personnalité. Si je prend pour exemple Yuan Qi dans "Nirvana in Fire 2" dont la gentillesse cachait en réalité une âme fragile, prête à exploser et à devenir mauvaise dès l'étincelle nécessaire, Qing Cang fut tout le contraire. Sa bonté, son empathie furent très vite étouffées par des obligations "politiques", enfouissant ainsi sa véritable nature. Certains se sont plaints de son changement d'attitude après sa rencontre avec Orchidée. Je trouve bien au contraire, que ce changement fut sensé et logique, correspondant à son lui réel. Orchidée ne faisant que réveiller ce qui dormait profondément, sa réplique ferme face à l'âme de son père témoigne de sa volonté de vouloir à nouveau ressentir des émotions oubliées, de porter sur ses épaules ces sentiments, culpabilités et souffrances, sans fuir, ni se défausser. Et c'est là, le véritable courage. Combien d'entre nous souhaiterait oublier la douleur. La perte d'un proche? La culpabilité d'en être l'instrument? Le poids des responsabilités d'un souverain. Combien d'entre nous ne souhaiterions pas vivre juste une vie d'insouciance? Qing Cang a le mérite donc de regarder tout cela avec assurance, d'englober tout cela dans son lui sans aucune fausse pudeur. Et c'est une des raisons dont j'en suis tombée (presque) amoureuse. Un peu comme Zi Sheng (lui totalement). Qing Cang, une fois conscient de son amour ne tournera jamais autour du pot, proclamant d'une manière tellement simple mais sincère son amour.
J'ai adoré l'attitude détachée et froide du protagoniste, sa prestance qui en impose. Je dois donc saluer la magnifique prestation de Wang He Di! Je n'était pas très fan de son travail, ayant eu une mauvaise impression notamment, de manière subjective de j'avoue, à cause de son rôle de Ning Que dans "Ever Night2" (l'adoration que j'avais pour Chen Fei Yu dans la saison 1 fut en la raison principale), et ses rôles dans "Meteor Garden" ou "the Rational Life" n'avaient pas réussi à me réconcilier avec lui. C'est chose faite. La maturité de son jeu en tant que seigneur suprême de la Lune m'a presque coupé le souffle (au sens propre). He Di transcende son personnage à l'extrême, le rendant émouvant et sensuel à la fois. Je ne vous dirais pas le nombre de fois où j'aurais aimé être à la place d'Orchidée. Le jeu de He Di a énormément progressé, nous le voyons lors du changement de corps. Sa tenue corporelle en étant Orchidée dans un corps dégingandé trop grand, trop lourd pour Orchidée était parfaitement interprétée. He Di nous a donné l'illusion d'une femme dans un corps d'homme. L'expression faciale illuminée et juvénile nous rappelait sans une once de doute Orchidée. Toute la gesture a été minutieusement travaillée, rendant le personnage d'une crédibilité redoutable, que cela soit au niveau du jeu de corps comme lorsqu'Orchidée, dans le corps de Qing Cang court ou trébuche, ou que cela soit au niveau du langage et de l'intonation vocale féminisée. C'est ce que j'appelle savoir jouer (pas comme Jung So Min dans "Alchemy of Soul, où son double jeu, voire triple jeu est horriblement mal joué ou réalisé, à voire....). Cela m'a fortement rappelé ces rôles d'échange de corps parfaitement réussi comme "Secret Garden" ou encore "Kill Me, Heal Me" avec Ji Sung. Savoir que He Di n'a que 24 ans est prometteur. Je n'hésiterai donc plus à voir ses prochaines oeuvres!

J'aurais moins à dire sur Orchidée et l'actrice Yu Shu Xin. Je n'ai pas vraiment accroché à son personnage, bien qu'elle soit plutôt jolie et adorable. Sa voix ne m'a pas vraiment dérangé, un tantinet criard mais lorsqu'elle devenait Qing Cang, l'actrice n'était pas trop mauvaise. Je dirais juste qu'elle ne m'a pas impressionné avec son jeu. Le personnage n'est pas typiquement l'héroïne que j'aime habituellement suivre, de par sa maladresse et son côté pleurnicheuse. Je n'ai pas de problème réel à la regarder évoluer mais je n'irais pas vers ce type de personnage, aussi jolie soit-elle. Malgré tout, elle évolue et gagne en maturité tout au long des épisodes et c'est ce qui rend aussi son personnage plus supportable à regarder.

Les personnages secondaires ne resteront pas dans ma mémoire. Je n'ai pas grand chose à dire à leur encontre, je ne les ai trouvé ni mauvais, ni bons. Ils sont plutôt classiques et interprétés de manière correcte, sans briller d'éclats particuliers.

La romance n'est pas à proprement parlé intense et exceptionnelle. Elle est agréable et à suivre et l'alchimie est bonne. Je pense que si Orchidée avait été un peu plus comme Niao Niao ou Shi Yi (One and Only) ou encore Kim Yu Ri (Law Café), j'aurais sûrement plus apprécié la romance. C'est donc une question de goût personnel.

Je finirai sur l'OST qui est très agréable à écouter, avec des BGM qui donnent parfois un frisson d'émotion lorsqu'ils sont couplés à une scène grandiose. Les chansons mettent en valeur les scènes d'émotions et je prend beaucoup de plaisir à les réécouter en boucle.

Mon verdict sur ce drama qui a su m'attacher à mon fauteuil pendant quelques jours : Visuellement magnifique, un univers coloré et riche, un protagoniste dont on tombe facilement amoureuse, une jolie bande-son, n'hésitez pas à lancer le premier épisode, si xianxia vous êtes. Si vous ne l'êtes pas, cela serait un bon début.

Leggi di Più

Love story of all century

What an amazing love story between this characters. I have fallen in love watching it. now I am hooked at all Chinese drama because of watching this. The characters, the costume, the music, the special effects had made me just absolutely love love this I love to see more of them, watching this has got me, Ballin, on the edge of my feet, and my heart pounding. I consider this is one of my all-time favorite love story. I have fallen in love with Dylan Wang from the moment I saw him played His character Esther Lin Was so adorable and beautiful. Everybody else was just as amazing. I have watched it over and over and have recommended it to all my friends to watch this.

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