Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)

top-tier show!!

Tried watching this last year and dropped it by episode 4 because I couldn’t take the CGI seriously. I’m glad I got around to picking it up and trying it again this year.

The universe is huge. The story has so many layers to it and so required much building up. There were lots of things to cover and yet there were little to no plotholes at all. They started something and made sure to keep it up to the end. Though I guess there were some loose ends for me that I wish had more closure and explanation. I think Chinese dramas could do a little bit better with their minor characters arcs (or maybe it’s the subtitles that lacked better translation).

I love that everything had significance which unfolded beautifully by the end. My eyes were glued to the screen the entire time; I couldn’t even pick up my phone because I was just too engrossed. The story was fairly consistent to what they started and I’m so amazed by how they achieved this somewhat ambitious feat. The writing and acting were amazing (more so during their body switching!!), but I guess my only negative comment about it is the CGI. Hands down a top-tier show still though

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Best xianxia I've watch so far

Didn't expect anything from this one since the leads aren't that popular and I have a little bad Impression of Dylan at acting but I was so shocked with the quality. From stunning visuals, effects, costume, character depth, it was so good. Acting is also not bad. I just want more brother scenes with dongfang and his brother plus more scenes with the two long lost sisters and Yu Shuxin being DongFang.. Not a fan of cute childiah character so it took me a while to love the drama.
Ending felt quite rushed but it's okay.

Ost was super super super good. I keep replaying Farewell Love.

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Taming the heartless Devil God | Love can soften even the ruthless and coldest Hearts.

Honestly speaking, after I completed this drama, various thoughts and opinion invaded my mind. I know this is going to be controversial but two of them are "How the heck is this the biggest Xianxia of 2022?" and "Is this really the best they've produced last year?" and even before anyone get offended, please let me explain why I feel and think this way.

First, the introduction, pacing, story progression are fine—great even! However, the story itself specifically the plot seemed plain to me. I'm not saying it's bad but I kind of have high expectations for this drama being 'The best' of its peers last year (2022) and yet all we've gotten is a story which has scant thrill, climatic vibe and feel to it. I also wasn't hoping for an extremely complex narrative but wouldn't it be great if this has that mind-blowing and unpredictable sense to it? Something that can make you feel frustrated from guessing the future events and either get disappointed or satisfied at the end once the mysteries unfolds? I think what this drama is truly lacking/short of are the exciting and impactful climax and ending.

Second, Climax and Ending. This is when my uncertainty then later on dissatisfaction has truly kicked in. I expected the war to be an all out showdown of strength and power between the most powerful races of the story but for some reason they chose to shortened all those scenes and ended up focusing on the more dramatic side of the story. I mean, I get that the FL has to finally step up for the story to move forward, however, I feel like even that part wasn't executed good enough. I am displeased by the fact that they never gave us any decent battle at all. That's a supposed epic battle turned into a dust!! When it comes to the ending, all I can say is that they played it safe way too much. It was genuinely 'plain' period—Almost uneventful per se. The typical happy ending for everyone... Which is why I find it even more ridiculous and unbelievable that this was considered as most sought out drama of the year. Well, I guess, simplicity is truly the ultimate sophistication. Lol!

Moving forward... Something I found fascinating is the duality of the Main Leads. I know that exchanging bodies is not a new concept but for some definite reason, it helped this drama to define both of the characters and make them even more unique and interesting. Another big factor that made it happen is actually the Leads versatility and passion to their profession. The two of them did a great job executing 2 different personalities and it feels nice to see two individuals with contrasting aura and vibe build this perfect synergy and chemistry.

In terms of CGI, Color grading, Costume and Design, I would say that the production, styling and editing team are on the same page and has a clear communication on how they want the drama's overall visual and effects to look like. The only concern I have is with the ML and 2nd MLs battle costume. Damn! Those outfits looks heavy, disruptive and uncomfortable overall.

Lastly, I love that the progress of their love story didn't happen in a single day. Because love at first sight can get really irritating sometimes.

Story - 9.5, It was executed well but is lacking when it comes to proper utilization of hype and climatic scenes. Story flow and direction is really good, it's just that the way they played it safe by not adding any major plot twists kind of made this plain/bland for me. Nonetheless, this drama is still really good and very easy to watch.

Acting/Cast - 9.5, I got no beef with the set of Actors/Actresses in this drama. However, I Just have to address on how awkward some of their scenes are when they tried to act it out. I know a scene if it's meant to be funny or not and I can clearly say that the way they deliver some scenes/lines aren't as polished as they want it to be. Like it's not the best and they can still surely do better but since the Director said "it's okay" so they just settled with it... I got that feeling multiple times for this production and they're mostly from the supporting actors/actresses.

Music - 10, Okay, I will give credit to where it's due. The music and sound team did an amazing job in bringing out the emotions, life and vitality of the scenes for this drama. The OSTs played for each and every scene perfectly matched the vibe of the events it's used for and it truly elevated the mood every single time as well.

Rewatch Value - 9.5, I would still re-watch this honestly. Like I mentioned above, this is such an easy to watch drama and the only reason why I have those feedbacks is because I expected a lot more from this story but was instead provided with a 'bare minimum'. Like they can still give more but since it's 'good enough' so they just settled with it.

Overall - 9.5, First of all, It was never my intention to provide negative feedback on this drama. I even have high expectations and anticipations for this show. However, I guess it's my own conciousness speaking for myself.... that I'm not satisfied yet and is still looking/asking for answers on why they did it that way given all the potential it has. Nevertheless, this is definitely a good one and would still recommend it to anyone who's planning to watch it.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Lovely and painful

LIKE

Si Ming who could foresee the future of everyone including immortals

When Rong Hao learnt the truth from God of War and their final decision - so touching

That moment when Xiao Lan Hua said to Qing Cang before she left - omg I just died

When Qing Cang was still living in his dream and would not wake up

When Qing Cang realised Xiao Lan Hua's destiny and what he did

What happened between Qing Canng and Xiao Lan Hua at first - so hilarious Didi is really good in acting!

DISLIKE

Nothing to complain

MUSIC - personal fav

诀爱 Jue Ai - 詹雯婷 Zhan Wen Ting
失忆 Shi Yi - 虞书欣 Yu Shu Xin
寻一个你 Xun Yi Ge Ni - 刘宇宁 Liu Yu Ning

REWATCH VALUE

Yes and I have re-watched once

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My opinion

This drama really pulled at my heart strings. It had me in a chokehold the entire time I was watching it. I don't think I've ever seen a drama that makes me feel the emotions with the characters. I mean I have but not like this one did. The only other drama that had me feeling like this one did was Tail of the Nine-Tailed. Dylan Wang sometimes had me questioning whether or not he was the good guy. Zhang Linghe really had me crying for him sometimes too. The fact that at times both Dongfang Qingcang and Chang Heng were both in love with Orchid also made me sad only one could have her

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"She has left traces all over the sea of my heart."

CLJ is the first xianxia drama that I watched and followed through. Tbh, the first episodes were hard to get into along with the annoying voice of the female lead. But when things started to get escalated in ep 9, I found it very intriguing and I couldn't stop watching. The forbidden love trope wrapped in war problems and myths was so fun. I was happy and sad for the leads throughout the series. And the annoying voice of the female lead finally made sense to me because she was supposed to be that way, naive and young. The only downside was the episodes in the mortal world were kinda draggy and the resolution in the end felt kinda rushed. I liked how in the last few episodes, the story between DFQC XLH mirrored with Ronghao and his master, the only difference was, DFQC was surrounded by love and Ronghao was blinded by obsession. It was a nice touch. Wang Hedi gave an immense performance as DFQC, I could feel his pain, his hatred, his frustration and his happiness. Yu Shuxin also potrayed XLH really well and their chemistry was on fire. The Cinematography and the CGIs were very pretty and the OSTs were really good and matched the scenes. Overall, a very enjoyable ride for me.

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How this drama set itself apart from other xianxia for me

This is a great watch. This is like other xianxia drama that I’ve watched but also feels slightly different. The kind of slight difference that sets it apart from other xianxia. (Funny how a lot of people comment on how it’s different from other xianxia.) It shares all the major similarities with the xianxia genre but for me what set this drama apart is how they added a comical pacing to the drama which breaks up the traditionally serious and extremely “fairy”-like presentation of xianxia. And this comical element isn’t over done, it’s weaved in thru the main leads portrayal, interaction, and character development. And it works (it’s acceptable) without being overly cheesy exactly because it’s portrayed to us from the getgo that the fairy is extremely young for fairy standards, the lowest ranked fairies, and that she’s weak and powerless because of her damaged roots that hinders her cultivation. And on the other hand is the ml who’s much older, the cruel ruthless moon supreme, one of the most powerful beings on their universe, but devoid of any emotion or conscience (literally was plucked out of him.)

The plot is interesting without being too complicated or too simple. There are no backstabbing or dumb misunderstanding that would make this drama unbearable to watch and cliched. Character development is written very well for many characters besides the main leads (Chang heng, Dan yin, and Jie li). Even though the plot is rather straightforward, it’s probably one of the harder dramas for them to act in. Many characters need to act more than one role ( a complete opposite from their original role.) For the ml, major inherent changes in his character literally made him a new person (he’s more himself than he ever was).

The music and soundtrack is awesome. It sounds original and unique, scary, beautiful , and made the scenes more engaging. For example the folk song that was sang by the villagers of the moon tribe when they stood vigil for their lost ones. That made the scene much more sad and beautiful.

And lastly Dylan wang fit his role very well. From his looks to his acting. And I’m not talking about his good looks. I’m talking about how his mean cold angular features fit the face of the evil and cruel moon supreme. Most xianxia has feminine male paired with beautiful goddess which is how xianxia are. But this drama is different and the ml is drastically different. Here we have the ml bring to our eyes a scary and crazy moon supreme, whose piercing cold eyes convey nothing but fury, hatred, and the desire to slaughter.

Not to mention by casting an a class actor like li yi tong it seem to deepen the complexity of the universe the story takes place. Like we know si Ming is there for a very good reason and we will be expecting something from her.

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One of the most beautiful fairy-tale of 2022

Romantic, funny, dreamy, heartwarming and heart-wrenching. The amazing CGI enhances the fantasy feel. I was blown away by the artistic set design as well as the heartfelt portrayal by the cast.

Dylan Wang nails a challenging role of the intimidating and villainous but inadvertently funny and loveable Lord of the Moon Tribe, Dongfang Qingcang. Esther Yu as Fairy Orchid Xiao Lanhua is initially annoying with her high-pitched, whiney, babyish way of talking but she eventually grows on you when you realize Lanhua really has a baby's innocence and purity .Everyone out there should definitely added to their watch list.

The characters of the Lord Devil and the fairy role (after the body swap). The transformation of both leads is absolutely amazing.

Just like other Chinese fantasy dramas, this series, too, has brought in many interesting aspects. Falling under the genre of xianxia, i.e., the trope packed with angst and intertwined destinies, the drama series is bringing out many intriguing twists and turns.

Loved this drama from Ep 1 all the way to the end! I don’t think I’ve watched a drama and loved it as intensely as this in a long time.

The ongoing chemistry between our fairy and demon lord is immaculate. Their journey together on the search for a way to undo the spell has been incredible so far. All in all, the drama series is a must-watch in all possible aspects. The setting of the show is not only visually pleasing, the music, the whole plot execution is just WOW.

In summary, it's a beautiful and powerful drama that dares to make viewers believe in the supremacy of love.

I’m so grateful to be able to see this beautiful master piece .

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Epic love story in a well built fantasy universe despite some little shortcomings in the making

The drama depicts the love story between two characters diametrically opposite and that are brought together unexpectedly. It explores many narrative arc through its 36 episodes, allowing some much needed character growth for both the heroine and the hero. Annoying at first, with some real childish and quite frustrating / stupid behaviours, they both improve drastically over the run of the TV show.

Even though some arcs were stronger than others, the story was well-paced and never boring as the romance develops with some heart-warming and heart-wrenching scenes, as well as a lot of epicness and cool fights scenes. It provides a feeling almost reminiscent to the one you have when reading some fantasy mangas.

In addition to the romance, the fantasy universe portrayed here is really well-built with 3 very different realms with factions with various goals, as well as multiple heterogenous secondary characters with each their own motivation and backstory. Some are quite one-dimensional and may lack nuance but they make it up by being key in driving the plot and increasing the stakes.

The acting was good overall. It was really an ensemble cast with no obvious weak link. The stand-out for me were the actors Xu Hai Qiao and Zhang Chen Xiao playing respectively the best friend of the second male led and the brother of the hero. Those two had the most interesting secondary characters storylines and I would have loved to see them even more.

One of the strongest point of the show is its music. I found the OST simply beautiful, each one of the songs were complementing amazingly well the story. They were very present but I never got tired of them. Overall, all the sound effects were nicely done and brought added value to many scenes.

Contrary to the soundtrack, the quality of the visual FX felt a bit unequal to me: some were suitable while some were clearly lacking and looked a bit too cheap. Similarly, some of the props looked a bit plastic as well as some of the scenery conveying an uncanny impression.

Despite these little shortcomings in the making, I found that the overall vision and directing was full of great artistry. All the drawings shown in the opening and ending generics were magnificent. The production of the series was not able to match totally the quality of the concept art but still managed to approach it enough to allow the viewers to properly immerse themselves in the universe.

I would recommend this to people looking for a fantasy romance with some epic scenes in a well-built universe. If you love manga such as "Yona of the Dawn" or drama such as "Alchemy of Souls", this show is likely for you!

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