The Story of Mystics (2024)

Perfect combination of comedy, romance and angst!!

I randomly added this drama to my page and soon after it started airing, I watched with no high hopes but oh my, I was hooked from the first episode. The banters/interactions between the characters were amazing!!!
Acting. Actors/Actresses did a really good job. This is the reason why while watching this drama, I cried, laughed and felt everything with them.
Storyline. The storyline is perfect. Some regarded female lead as the weakest character, but I think it is totally otherwise. Every character has its place just like a puzzle and they fill the gaps. This drama uses a found family trope, and I love it! Also, the plot twists were really good and actually unexpected.
Romance. Male and Female lead have great chemistry even though there are no kissing scenes (I hope that it is not a spoiler). In my opinion ML's protective and FL's caring sides were just enough as the main focus is not about romance and when I say great chemistry, I mean it! (watch the series, trust me)
OST/BGM. I think the background music really made me feel like as I was a part of the series. (Especially "Little poem/verses" and "Unintentional big dream" available on YT with pinyin and English lyrics). While some liked the background music, some didn't. But I think it's tolerable.
Comedy. The comedy in this drama held a special place and every single joke characters made didn't fail to make me cackle.
Action scenes. The action scenes were incredible that I had to make a special passage. Firstly, I love the weapons characters used (even the weapons have their backstory and quite interesting one actually!) Secondly, the fighting scenes between main and second main male lead were very professional (They have trained a lot BTS to show us such masterpiece)
Conclusion. The drama has only 34 episodes, yet every character's backstory was clear and well explained. Is this drama worthy of your time? Heck yes!!
(Maybe there were flaws but nothing is perfect so, I rate it 10 stars)

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They were once a group of six, now reduced to three, then ultimately separated.

This drama by far was one of my most anticipated drama since the first trailer release. I have always known that this story will revolve more on each characters and have a found-family genre. I have always been fond of found-family genres, especially to the fact that one of my favorite books is "Six of Crows"

Reminded me greatly of that as to how quite similar they are that they formed a group, though Six of Crows were a group of thieves.

Now let's talk about the plot. I must say, the first impressions were quite epic for me, the visuals, cinematography, CGI, and fighting choreography were stunning. However though it started quite slow, but I get that since they were actually building up each and everyone's story so them as a group can develop into something more than a group, more like a family. That it until you'll reach around the 16 episode, the story drastically change the route of the quite comedic and epic vibe to the most depressing thing you'll ever see. I must warn you that episodes 16 upto the finale, your heart will start aching for them and wouldn't want anything to happen to any of them.

Zhu Yan/Zhao Yuanzhou is the most fitting for being the main character of this story, his character is really complex. He's the most pitiful character among them, even though he hides it among his sweetest smile, you can feel his pain through his eyes

Wen Xiao, though I have seen people hating on her character but I think those who instantly call her weak does not understand how her character was written. She might be a goddess but she's still a mortal. She might be weak physically but she's still mentally strong. She's very well-written and almost feel like the mother-figure of the group. Sometimes, we don't need the usual strong badass FL, we just need a well-written FL, whether they're weak or not.

Zhou Yichen, he's your typical hero complex character but he in fact is not the bland type of hero. He has singlehandedly became my favorite character as how he developed really well and understand each other in the group. I also found him one of the most pitiful character, it seemed that in his life, those whom he considered very important to him always leave him (EYEING ZHAO YUANZHOU RLLY HARD).

Pei Sijing, this girl too. She started out coldly in the group and also probably rlly started as a spy. But slowly, she warmed up to the whole group and even teamed up with Zhao Yuanzhou's plans with the Chongwu camp. I also made a realization that she started wearing lighter colors after warming up to everyone.

Bai Jiu and Ying Lei, these two were my favorites when it come to something comedic, they always made me feel relieved that they seem to be the one who wants to lighten up the groups mood. But man, they were still so young, too young for them die. Their deaths actually hurt me. They were also one of the closest to Zhou Yichen, and they both left him at the same time. My heart still stings whenever I remember their inevitable fate.

Music:

I actually lost the count how many times I've praised their songs and BGM's, this drama has the most beautiful OST'S. Those Emotional BGM's as well as those epic ones are very engaging. Personally, my favorite will be the main theme

"Big Dream Return" - this song was dedicated to the whole group, no one can convince me otherwise

"Plants do not grieve" - this one is my current obsession at how emotionally good it is, the voice is also quite swift and ugh, I dunno how to explain how beautiful this song is. I must say that this song is dedicated for Yuanzhou and Yichen, you can't change my mind.

"Broken-tailed Bird" - imma tell you how I start bawling my eyes whenever I hear this song, it sounded like a lullaby, quite comforting but also quite hurt. Tian Jiarui's voice kinda hurt here

"Heaven and earth are unrivalled" - No words, just love YANAN'S Swift and smooth voice.

As per rewatching, LOL, I'd rewatch this all day whenever I'd have the chance, it has too many iconic scenes.

Overall: it's more than 10/10 for me. This is the type of magical and engaging series that I kept looking for in the western media. That last one movie that made me felt like this in terms of western media was "The Maze Runner"

Paired with such a fleshed out plot and great world building which is something what I want, just made this drama the best one for me, not just in 2024 but in almost the CDrama years

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Unforgettable Performances and Complex Characters

I have never cried this much for a drama. Fangs of Fortune is a true emotional rollercoaster, and the best thing about it is the acting, particularly Tian Jia Rui’s stellar performance. His portrayal of Zhuo Yi Chen is absolutely captivating, striking a perfect balance between subtlety and intensity. Tian’s ability to convey complex emotions with remarkable depth makes each scene feel incredibly authentic, drawing viewers into the character’s world. Whether in moments of vulnerability or strength, his expressions and body language bring Zhuo Yi Chen to life in a way that is both mesmerizing and heart-wrenching.

What truly sets Tian Jia Rui apart is his versatility. As Fake Zhuo Yi Chen, he effortlessly transitions into a completely different persona, showcasing an impressive range that highlights his acting prowess. The contrast between the true Zhuo Yi Chen and Fake Zhuo Yi Chen is striking, and Tian navigates this dual role with such precision that each character feels distinct yet equally compelling. Additionally, his ethereal performance as Lord Bing Yi adds an entirely new dimension to the drama. With a regal presence and subtle vulnerability, Tian perfectly captures the character's internal struggle, further elevating the overall experience of the show.

The supporting characters in Fangs of Fortune are equally captivating. I loved Both YL and BJ characters.

Also The complex dynamics between Wen and ZYZ offer an emotionally rich, evolving relationship that is both touching and complicated. Their romance, filled with obstacles, never feels forced, and the way they navigate their feelings is both beautiful and heartwarming. Meanwhile, the friendship between ZYC and ZYZ, which transitions from adversaries to brothers, is equally compelling. The chemistry between the entire team, including the villains, is electric. The relationships are multi-faceted, each character bringing something unique to the story. From the tender bromance to the intriguing tension between LiLun and ZYZ, every interaction feels meaningful, adding depth to the plot.

The backstories of the characters also add to the richness of the show, with each reveal offering insights into their motivations and shaping their actions. The emotional complexity of the entire cast is on full display, especially in moments of intense conflict or tenderness. The way the characters express their emotions, whether through small gestures or grand declarations, draws the audience deeper into their lives. The villains, cunning and powerful, add layers of intrigue, making the stakes feel even higher and the challenges more daunting. Overall, Fangs of Fortune is a gripping drama, and the stellar performances across the board make it an unforgettable viewing experience.

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FANGS OF FORTUNE: TALE OF LOSS, LOVE, AND RESILIENCE

Fangs of Fortune,” also known as Da Meng Gui Li (大梦归离), is an unforgettable Chinese drama that left me both heartbroken and deeply moved.

The story follows a dedicated team of demon bureau hunters solving intricate cases while uncovering painful truths about the malicious acts of demon beasts. Along the way, they face immense responsibilities and devastating losses. At its heart, this is a story about unbreakable friendships and a love that endures, even in the face of great sacrifice.

The storytelling was gripping, even with its occasional flaws. I loved how the drama’s theatrical elements and like the symbolic use of staircases as spaces for reflection and confrontation gave it a unique and almost poetic quality. The balance between humor and the darker moments added richness to the narrative, ensuring it was never too overwhelming but still emotionally impactful.

The performances were exceptional. Neo You’s portrayal of his character was deeply nuanced and heartfelt, demonstrating a great range of emotion. His chemistry with the female lead and the other male characters was palpable, adding significant depth to the relationships throughout the drama. Lester Lin’s performance as the younger character was also remarkable his presence brought both innocence and complexity to the story.

Chen Duling’s character may not have been the best-written, but her quiet strength and maturity were portrayed with grace. While the drama had a male-centric focus, her moments of impact were meaningful and added emotional weight to the story.

The demon hunting team truly became the heart of the drama. Their camaraderie, banter, and shared pain felt authentic and made the audience invest in their journey. Watching their relationships evolve brought an extra layer of warmth to the drama.

The soundtrack was another highlight. Liu Yuning’s OST was exceptional it blended perfectly with the story, amplifying the emotional depth of key moments. The cast’s contributions, especially Neo You’s songs, added an additional layer of resonance, with each track complementing the drama’s tone and themes.

What stayed with me the most was the recurring theme that demons don’t fear death they fear losing those they love. It’s such a poignant and universal truth that resonated deeply. “Fangs of Fortune” wasn’t perfect, but its stellar performances, compelling world-building, and emotional depth make it one of my top ten dramas of all time. I’m so proud of this cast and hope they get the recognition they deserve and reunite for another well-written project. “Fangs of Fortune” is a drama that will stay with me for a long time, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves a tale of loss, love, and resilience.

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A JOURNEY OF REDEMPTION AND HEARTFELT CONNECTIONS

This drama weaves a captivating tale of love, redemption, and personal growth, centering on the lives of its flawed yet endearing characters. What I truly admired was how the story focused on their journey and the pivotal choices they made. Some decisions, driven by their inability to let go of the past, caused pain—even to those they cherished most. Yet, the beauty of this narrative lies in how these characters grew, changed, and sought to right their wrongs once they understood the weight of their mistakes.

The chemistry between the main couples was undeniable, bringing a raw authenticity to their scenes. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the drama subtly leaned into a queer narrative, which added layers of depth and nuance to the relationships. Every actor brought their A-game; their performances were not just convincing but deeply resonant. I found myself unable to choose a favorite character each one, from the leads to the supporting cast, brought something unique to the story.

Chen Duling’s portrayal of Wenxiao was mesmerizing her emotive range reminded me why I’ve admired her since TTEOM. Neo Hou's performance as Zhu Yan was equally remarkable, exuding depth and emotional vulnerability. Even young Lester Lin’s transformation from the cold and menacing Li Lun to a character with an evolving arc was a testament to his talent.

Fangs of Fortune left a profound impact on me. Its exploration of family, teamwork, and the consequences of our choices felt deeply meaningful. The slower pacing allowed the narrative to breathe, and the emotionally charged dialogues brought an added layer of richness to the story. The heartbreaking ending was a fitting culmination to this beautifully crafted journey, leaving me in awe of the storytelling and the incredible cast.

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A Spellbinding Masterpiece: Fangs of Fortune Delivers Unforgettable Performances

As a fan of fantasy, suspense, and adventure, Fangs of Fortune delivers everything I love and more. It's easily the best drama to grace our screens this year, capturing all the elements that make for an unforgettable experience.

The cast, both male and female, are delivering exceptional performances, bringing their characters to life in such a spectacular and flawless manner. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, with their interactions making each moment engaging. The villains are brilliantly portrayed, cunning and powerful, heightening the stakes and adding layers of complexity to the challenges the main characters face. The beauty and talent of the actors and actresses only enhance the drama's allure, making it even more captivating.

The romance between Wen and ZYZ is beautifully complicated yet utterly heartwarming, while the friendship between ZYC and ZYZ evolves from enemies to true brothers, warming my heart every time. Their progression is a testament to the writing and acting. The dynamic between LiLun and ZYZ is another highlight, full of mystery and intrigue, unfolding slowly but surely. The backstories of all the characters are fascinating, keeping you invested in learning more about their pasts, their choices, and their emotions. The bromance and sismance moments are equally delightful adorable, bittersweet, funny, and full of excitement.

What truly impressed me, however, was the performance of Tian Jia Rui, particularly his portrayal of Zhuo Yi Chen and his dual role as Fake Zhuo Yi Chen. His acting skills are truly remarkable, and I was absolutely captivated by his portrayal of Zhuo Yi Chen. Every scene felt so authentic, with his expressions and body language bringing the character to life in an incredible way. Tian mastered both the subtle moments and the intense ones, adding so many layers to Zhuo Yi Chen that I found myself drawn into the story. His ability to convey complex emotions made every scene memorable, and it’s clear he put so much heart into the role. Watching him perform was a genuine pleasure, and I’m already excited to see his future projects.

In addition, his portrayal of Fake Zhuo Yi Chen was equally impressive. This character demanded a different kind of energy deceptive, manipulative, and often darker. Tian's ability to seamlessly transition between these two roles, with Fake Zhuo Yi Chen embodying the opposite qualities of the true character, showcased his impressive range as an actor. The contrasts were stark, yet both roles felt equally compelling, and Tian made each one distinct from the other.

Tian Jia Rui also looked absolutely ethereal as Lord Bing Yi, embodying a regal and stoic presence that instantly captured the attention of the audience. His portrayal of Lord Bing Yi was a masterstroke, bringing a sense of majesty, wisdom, and inner turmoil to the character. His calm, commanding demeanor radiated authority, yet there was a subtle vulnerability that Tian conveyed with such precision, making Lord Bing Yi both captivating and deeply human. The actor's ability to balance these two extremes of his character, graceful yet burdened, was a testament to his talent and made his portrayal of Lord Bing Yi unforgettable.

The storytelling is captivating, with each twist and turn of the plot adding new layers to the mystery. The way past events are revealed, tying into the current storylines, is brilliant and keeps the suspense high. The gorgeous costumes, stunning cinematography, beautiful fight choreography, and impressive sound and visual effects only enhance the drama’s immersive experience. The OSTs are equally moving, adding an emotional depth to the entire show.

Overall, I am completely in love with this drama and wish it would never end. I am savoring every moment of this thrilling, satisfying experience. The pace is just right neither too slow nor too fast and every episode leaves me eagerly anticipating the next. I truly hope viewers give this drama a fair chance and watch it all the way through to the end. It’s a masterpiece that should not be missed.

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Fangs of Fortune: A Masterpiece That Heals the Heart

I had been waiting for Fangs of Fortune for a long time, and with such anticipation, there’s always the fear of disappointment. However, from the first episode, I knew my patience was worth it. This drama has been the most incredible piece of media I’ve experienced in a long time. As someone who loves cinema and is often let down, this show exceeded all my expectations—it’s the best I’ve ever seen.

What makes it so special? Everything. The acting, the plot, the characters, the visuals, and the music all come together to create a masterpiece. The themes—dreams, guilt, forgiveness, responsibility, and friendship—are explored with such depth and sincerity. At its heart, this is a story about love: romantic love, friendship, and selfless love. It captures how bonds can form from nothing, grow into something unbreakable, and sometimes fade despite years of affection. The characters’ journeys of growth and understanding are both heartbreaking and deeply comforting.

This drama also stands out for its maturity and the philosophical reflections it inspires. It delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas in a way that feels natural and unforced. It invited me to reflect on my own dreams, regrets, and capacity for growth. I loved the balance of emotional depth and entertainment which I don't see often.

The world-building is phenomenal. The writing makes the world feel vast and real, and the production and cinematography bring it to life. From starry nights to deep waters, every scene is a visual treat that draws you in completely.

The acting is another standout. HMH’s performance as ZYZ left me in awe. He masterfully portrays two sides of the character: a sensitive, determined man burdened by guilt and a ruthless, bloodthirsty demon controlled by malicious energy. His transitions are so convincing that you feel the shift in your bones. The rest of the cast also delivers amazing performances, bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity.

The romance in this show deserves a special mention. Some viewers may find it too soft and understated, but to me, its subtlety makes it even more powerful. It doesn’t rely on grand declarations or over-the-top drama; instead, it shines in the quiet moments and at the most critical points of the story. The love portrayed here feels real, sincere, and deeply moving.

This drama took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The comedy made me laugh, the action scenes kept me on edge, and the emotional moments brought me to tears. It’s rare to find a show that balances all these elements so well, but Fangs of Fortune does it effortlessly.

Even though no one involved in the production may read this, I want to say thank you. Watching this drama felt like healing—it was a balm for my heart. This show will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t wait to watch it again.

If you’ve read this far, don’t hesitate to give it a try. It’s worth every moment, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

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A Story About Dreams & Destiny: "Although I know my destiny, I still courageously choose to face it"

Fangs of Fortune is a fantasy drama that is based from Chinese Mythological Creatures. It tells a story about a heavily discriminated great demon named Zhao Yuan Zhou and the journey of his life as he chooses to face his destiny. Along his process of walking onto this new path he had chosen, he managed to be involved with a group of beings ; either mortals, gods, demons. They later formed into a team at the Demon Hunting Bureau who at first were only bonded together for the sake of solving mysterious cases about creatures that had gone rampant. They each face each other with indifference and mistrust at first, but the more they unravel truths about the past - especially of their own, they gradually began to warm up to each other and thus, formed a friendship that later turned into found family. Regardless of their differences, they began to understand each other and stand in equal footing eventually learning to separate evil and good from origin, and coming to accept life's greyness and the complexities of beings - whether mortals or creatures.

What had heavily made me gravitate towards this drama is its compelling storyline that is thought provoking and how it finely touched different gradients about morality. It isn't all for a captivating watch as viewers are also challenged to put their perspectives into each of the characters shoes to understand the different contrasting layers of these characters ; their decisions and actions towards certain events or situations. Adding to these is the unabashed portrayal of intense emotions from every character no matter what gender which in turn pinches at the corners of the viewers hearts. To say it is merely a fantasy drama is a bit of an injustice, beyond the excellent cinematography and gorgeous visuals lies a much more meaningful story about life and its lessons.

The great demon Zhao Yuan Zhou's journey came with a lot of loaded heartache but as the plot progressed, his heart became vividly clear. He is a very courageous character who had accepted and had long awaited his destiny, yet still he chose to face it. In the process of doing so, he found himself spreading warmth towards everyone and at the same time receiving the same warmth which he thought he is undeserving of. His selfless act of sacrificing his life for the greater good and his loved one despite having already grown roots for living, proves his heroic character, great love, and how he holds his dream of a peaceful and carefree life ever so importantly. He didn't just simply accept his destiny, he fulfilled his dream along with it. The immense amount of greatness of his character is immeasurable.

This drama might not have been centered solely on the romance between the main leads, however, their love story turned to be the most beautiful yet tragic to be foretold. The love between Zhao Yuan Zhou and Wen Xiao is one that is seen as subtle on the surface, barely palpable - but as you take off the heart shaped rose colored glasses, what awaits is a love that conquers all. Deeper than the romantic moments or sweet intimate scenes, it's the strength of their feelings towards each other that time and time again, they constantly and gravely chose one another. Zhao Yuan Zhou's journey to life started because of Wen Xiao, but it also ended because of her. His love for her is so vast and selfless. While Wen Xiao became the living testament to his deep love, her devotion to wait for 300 years in the sundial and her willingness to guard his home ; the wilderness, while endlessly waiting for their reunion. The nuanced and subtleness of Zhao Yuan Zhou and Wen Xiao's love, proved against odds how deeply rooted and ever lasting their love is, even if their fate is tragic, their feelings for each other never cease to exist, and continue to live on, for every rain shower is their reunion.

All the performance of the actors in this drama are praiseworthy. I specifically have to praise Hou Ming Hao's phenomenal acting skills, his portrayal of Zhao Yuan Zhou connected the most with me. The expression and emotions he delivered on screen screams how great and talented of an actor he truly is. He always left me in awe. I instantly became a fan of him. On the other hand, Chen Du Ling's role as Wen Xiao spoke so much volumes about humans limitations when faced with destiny, her portrayal has been admirable. Tian Jia Rui and Cheng Xiao doesn't fall behind much, they also did a commendable job with their roles. I am looking forward to seeing more of Lester Lin's growth as an actor, he carries so much potential at a young age. Lastly, Yan An, Zhen Xuan and Lai Wei Ming deserves more recognition for their acting performance, I applaud their performance too.

I highly recommend this drama. Perfection is something unachievable in life, even the best comes with flaws. This drama is no exception from such flaws but what makes this stood out is the amount of good qualities it had. From storyline, to cinematography, to acting, to characters and to chemistry.

The 'Fangs' in 'Fangs of Fortune' surely carved into my heart ♡

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RETURN OF THE BIG DREAM / RETURN TO THE OLD HOMETOWN

First Impression:
The storytelling, cinematography, costumes everything was very poetic. I got the feelings of reading a poem while watching this. The pace might be slow for some but trust me it's what makes it more like a poem.

Storyline :
The story revolves around Zhao Yuan Zhou who is a 34000 years old ape demon. He constantly wanted to die. He was charismatic and chatty in front of all. Loves to annoy his teammates but all was simply a disguise to keep his broken heart away from them. When you will get to know his true heart you have already fallen into a deep pit with him. My heart was broken along with him. He's like the poet of this story. He wanted to badly tell us that he is not okay at all. He constantly lives in a despair. He needs someone who will understand his pain, his desperation.
Oneday he will meet those persons who will be the sunshine of his dark life. Even though they didn't want to understand his pain at first but situation forced them to witness the horror he was going through everyday.
It's a story to find out how they will heal his heart and if they can change his will to die. Will they succeed or not? Along with this journey there will be some small stories of the side characters. But the moral of everyone's story is pinpointing ZYZ's miserable life.

Plus points:
Romance, Bromance, Sismance !!!

Acting:
I'm impressed with Hou Ming Hao's acting the most. Zhao Yuan Zhou is a complex character and I believe it's hard to play this type of extreme roles. But there wasn't a single moment where I thought his acting was lacking. A 27 years old boy totally pulled of all the emotions that complicated Zhuyan wanted to tell us. His eye expressions were on point and he forced me to understand each and every pain of ZYZ. As for visual ZYZ was a dashing demon thanks tp Minghao. ZYZ's main wig isn't that good from the front side. Only Minghao can pull off that wig. As Yinglong he looked like a white moon. It's a pity his screentime was too low. I was captivated by Minghao and I am looking forward to his upcoming dramas. There's a high chance he will become a traffic idol soon because of his acting range and gorgeous visual.
I wasn't sure about Chen Du Ling's acting but she proved me wrong. Wenxiao is a character which can be criticized by viewers a lot because of not being strong. But her portrayal of WX was really good.
Other actors and actresses also did an amazing job. I loved Pei Sijing's fighting scenes, Bai Jue's acting. The guest actors were also a treat to my eyes. Though I had a slight problem with ZYC's frowning forhead but it's not a big deal.

OST:
FOF got some splendid osts which is the best of this year. My favorite OST is Yuanzhou's Youth by Minghao ! Tears keep falling from my eyes whenever I listen to it.

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In the Land of Saints and Sinners

If I had to describe what Fangs of Fortune is about in just a phrase, I would say it is a series about free will; the freedom of choice.

In a world where humans, demons and gods reside, one might expect good and evil to be clearly divided, but that is not the case.

Both humans and demons are prejudiced against one another. Humans see all demons as evil, and demons believe humans are fragile and incapable of truly understanding them.

Humanity, and subsequently mortality, is about the beauty of an ephemeral and mundane life; it’s about emotions and fragility. Demonhood, and consequently immortality, is about power and the inability to truly feel.

The thing about Fangs of Fortune is that it is not just about the beautiful, yet fantastical, world we see on our screens. It is also about the real world, the one we wake up to every morning. It’s about judging someone without truly knowing them. It’s about labelling someone as good or evil, simply because of a specific characteristic they have. It’s about being hated, even if you did nothing wrong; being hated because of something you couldn’t control. It’s about realizing that you cannot truly understand a situation, unless you have been there. And finally, it is about the fact that no matter who or what you are, no matter what you experience, no matter the hardships you have been through, in the end, what you become is your own choice.

All the characters in this series are proof that everyone is different, and that is the beauty of life, immortal or not. Not every person turns into a villain because of a tragic past, and not every individual becomes kind and considerate just because they lived a good life. It's all about choices, and we always have the power to choose, even in situations where everything seems like a dead end.



Below, I will analyze my personal experience with most of the technical aspects of the series, and I will also answer some common questions you may want to consider, before watching.

DIRECTING AND CINEMATOGRAPHY
Guo Jing Ming has quickly earned a place among my favorite directors. He has the ability to create magic on screen. Every frame is not just beautiful; it is spellbinding. The world he has created here feels like the one my 6-year-old self would have dreamed of living in, despite the dangers it might have held. He captures the beauty of what I envision when I think of Chinese culture. Of course, the slow-motion scenes, the close-ups, and the techniques he is using as a director are a hit or miss. You will either love or hate them, and I am enamored with them.


MAKE UP
If you have also watched My Journey to You, then you’re probably aware that Guo Jing Ming has a tendency to make his characters appear pale on screen. In my opinion, although they don’t always look "real", this choice works in his favor most of the time. However, there were some scenes where I was bothered by the fact that some actors and actresses appeared so pale that it became visually unappealing.


ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
I have to admit that the songs are somewhat overused in the series. However, individually, every single song is soulful, touching, or simply electrifying.

Here are my three personal favorites:
- Return after a long dream (大梦归离) by Li Yuchun (李宇春)
- Unintentional big dream (无心生大梦) by Liu Yuning (刘宇宁)
- Yuan Zhou’s youth (远舟的少年) by Neo Hou (侯明昊)


ACTING
All of the actors in the series did a solid job with their roles. I wouldn’t say that all of them delivered award-worthy performances, but none of them took away from the drama, while I was watching. Each had their moment to shine, with some performances standing out more than others.

The two people who stood out to me the most were Neo Hou and Tian Jia Rui. Starting with Tian Jia Rui, I had high expectations from him, since I had enjoyed his performance on My Journey to You. Despite having limited experience in acting, he managed to truly bring Zhuo Yi Chen, his character, to life. His eyes are incredibly expressive.

Now, onto Neo Hou. Even though I knew of him as a rising star, I hadn’t seen him in a series before. I was impressed by his performance and how well he managed to portray a character with so many different layers.

On the other hand, if I had to mention one person that impressed me the least, it would be Xu Zhen Xuan as Ying Lei. While he was excellent for the most part, especially in the more lighthearted scenes, I do believe he needs more work when it comes to delivering more emotionally charged performances.

As for Chen Du Ling and Tian Jia Rui, if I could, I would award them the Queen of Tears and King of Tears titles, respectively. It’s truly astounding how effortlessly they manage to cry, and in such a magnificent way (while also looking impressively beautiful).


MYTHOLOGY
Fangs of Fortune may not be based on a book, but it draws inspiration from a classic text, that contains information about mythological creatures, called "Classic of Mountains and Seas" (山海经).

The drama -with liberties involved- manages to intelligently portray various creatures from the text. Not only does it retain many of their key characteristics, but it also incorporates other elements like clothing, make up and more to enhance their depiction.

Take Zhu Yan (朱厌) for example. According to the Classic of Mountains and Seas, he is an ape-like creature with a white face and red feet. In the series, aside the “ape jokes” that gave us a hint of his true form, there were other creative ways that the crew used to portray his demonic form. For instance, in the first few episodes, his clothing is dark red with a white fur, something that is obviously done intentionally. In fact, the red "energy" that surrounds him, made me wonder if it was another way for the director to portray Zhu Yan’s red feet.


PLOT
While Fangs of Fortune has an entertaining plot, with some truly amazing scenes, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it from start to finish, it would be inaccurate to say that it is perfect. There are several aspects that the scriptwriter/director could have handled differently. For example, aside the first few episodes not being entirely captivating, there were many scenes where conversations were taking place, and the “big threat” was just standing there, waiting for them to finish.

That aside, some characters are underdeveloped and, at times, even forgotten in terms of the plot. There are several liberties taken in this regard. Did it bother me? Not really. However, I do believe that if certain scenes had been portrayed differently and more effectively, the final result would be even better.


HUMOUR
The drama is comedic from start to finish, despite not being advertised as such. As with any “comedy”, it’s something you’ll either love and laugh along with or dislike and roll your eyes at. At first, it caught me off guard, but the more it happened, the more I warmed up to it. Now, I can clearly say that the comedic elements were absolutely hilarious (and pure gold).


CHARACTERS
Like many viewers, I became attached to the characters. Every single one of them brings something unique to the team, and every member is essential.

Zhao Yuan Zhou, Zhuo Yi Chen and Li Lun
In my opinion, these three characters were written with the utmost attention to detail. All of them were very complex, with rich backstories and current experiences that made them layered and multi-faceted and I couldn’t help but feel for them.

Wen Xiao
As the female lead, Wen Xiao serves as the emotional backbone of the team. I do think that in general her character is underdeveloped, but I will touch on that later.

Pei Si Jing
Who doesn’t love a strong female character who can fight and stays true to her values?

Ying Lei
A humorous and kind-hearted character who made me laugh countless times.

Bai Jiu
The team’s doctor, another pretty well-written and multi-dimensional character with a complex, yet fascinating personality.


FEMALE LEAD (?)
As mentioned earlier, Wen Xiao is the emotional backbone of the team. Unfortunately, she is noticeably underdeveloped compared to the others, and she ends up feeling more like a supporting character than the main female lead.

Wen Xiao is portrayed as weak and fragile, something she openly acknowledges. She is kind-hearted, but like everyone else, she can be too quick to judge others sometimes. The main issue I had with her character is that, even though her introduction was magnificent and powerful, she ended up doing very little throughout the series. In the most dangerous and pivotal moments, she was merely a spectator.

Her weakness remains constant throughout the series and many times it felt like she was inserted into certain plotlines/scenes just to be present, rather than having a significant role in the events. There were many scenes where all she did was lie helplessly on the ground, while everyone else fought for their lives. What frustrated me the most is that, despite being portrayed as someone with potential power, she never truly feels like a powerful and important character.


ROMANCE + BROMANCE + SISMANCE
The romance between the two main characters was slow-paced and, unfortunately, underdeveloped. Even though the actors had good chemistry, the portrayal of their characters and their actions never convinced me that they were truly in love. Their "relationship" felt sudden, with barely any build-up. Some of their grand gestures for each other were impactful in concept, but because the romance itself was super underdeveloped throughout the earlier episodes -with most meaningful scenes not being between them- "their moments" failed to leave an impression on me and left me wondering why they are acting the way they do.

On the other hand, the bromance between Zhao Yuan Zhou and Zhuo Yi Chen (and even Li Lun) was the kind of “romance” the series was missing. Not only were the actors phenomenal, with their scenes oozing chemistry, but their relationships were also better written. Because of that, as a viewer, I could better understand and connect with them. Plus, they shared some of the most emotionally impactful moments in the series. Why though? I will get to it later.

Bromance aside, the relationship between Pei Si Jing and Wen Xiao was also beautifully portrayed. Despite their differences, they formed a deep connection and felt so much for one another. Their scenes were magnificent and their conversations were truly beautiful to watch.


ENDING
Obviously, I won’t spoil it for you. I will just say that even though the last episodes were not flawless in terms of execution, thankfully the series did not crash and burn.



Now to the questions:

-> WAS IT AS GOOD AS MY JOURNEY TO YOU?
Fangs of Fortune is fundamentally different from My Journey to You, which makes it impossible to truly compare the two. Even though both series share the same director and as a result they are both visually stunning in their own ways (with some amazing OSTs), that’s where the similarities end.

MJTY was a much darker series -both in terms of cinematography and atmosphere, as well as plot- with limited fantasy elements. It was more dialogue-driven and political, with a heavier atmosphere and barely any comedic elements. On the other hand, Fangs of Fortune, was a fantasy drama through and through, filled with an exquisite amount of comedy and a generally lighter atmosphere. So, it all depends on what you generally enjoy.


-> IS IT BINGE-WORTHY?
Yes and no. For those who generally dislike GJM's directing style -his meticulous attention to visual detail, slow-paced dialogues, hushed voices, and frequent use of slow motion- it might be challenging to watch, let alone binge. However, for viewers that enjoy his approach, binge-watching will probably be a delight.


-> HOW IS THE ROMANCE?
The romance unfolds slowly and it takes a backseat to the series' main storyline, as the focus is mostly on the ensemble of main characters rather than the two "leads." That said, as mentioned above, it is also quite underdeveloped. So, if you are looking for a romance-focused series, this is not the one for you.


-> DOES IT PORTRAY A NON-PLATONIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO MALE LEADS?
That is a very complicated question. Of course, it could never truly be a same-sex romance, since there is a ban on same-sex relationships portrayed on screen in China. However, Guo Jing Ming has incorporated many homoerotic undertones between some of the characters -and this is not the first time he’s done so-.

For me, it’s evident that the director/scriptwriter would likely have pursued a different kind of relationship between the two male leads, if it wasn’t for the ban. I know many of you may disagree, but I’d like to share my thoughts on this.

First of all, there are many scenes that are undeniably not purely platonic (like the hairpin scene between two of the characters or the red string scene). Additionally, the main male characters are much more complex and layered compared to the female lead. In fact, the most impactful moments, the ones that really stand-out, happen between the two male leads and not between the male and female lead.

In addition, the way that GJM directed the drama makes it evident that he was willing to go in that direction if he could. Their interconnected fates, their glances, their touches, their bickering, their reactions when it came to one another -all of it- had far more depth compared to the main romance. The fact that the female lead was weak and underdeveloped, coupled with her random appearances in certain scenes, further reinforces the idea that the romance between the mains was never meant to be the central focus.

Lastly, it doesn’t matter whether you consider their relationship platonic, brotherly, romantic or something else entirely. Their bond is unquestionably powerful, something that I don’t believe anyone can truly deny. The fact that the female lead is not the focus of the series at all and barely appears in the last few episodes, made me even more convinced that this was a story about something much different and deeper than what we initially expected.


All in all, Fangs of Fortune took me by surprise and I think it will be a long time before I get over it. It ruined me and healed me simultaneously. Despite its flaws, it was an incredible watch. The characters, their stories, the OST, the underlying message and the overall experience of watching it are things I won’t forget.


I will leave you with one of the many beautiful quotes of the drama about mortality and death:
"Tears has nothing to do with age and nothing to do with strength or weakness. It has something to do with our hearts. Humans are soft-hearted. Soft things will always be pricked by something hard and cold and death is the hardest and coldest thing in this world."

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BEST CDRAMA OF 2024! REALLY!!!

I recommend this drama to all of you!
You should watch this drama because it's really good.
Don't listen to all the negative reviews about this drama.
watch this based on your preference because it's you who will judge the drama if its good or not.
This drama contains a lot of plot twists, which I really liked because there were no boring episodes.

I love this drama so much!
I like the plot and the characters here.
the casting is so good; they are all visuals!!
I love their bickering and when they roast each other!
I will definitely miss all their chaotic scene

for me, I really liked this drama because I really understood the plot here and I understood all the characters problems and their hard work
Like the male lead, he is really smart and strong, but he is a miserable person that makes me want to take care of him!! The female lead is so smart, lead, pure, and understanding. But I felt bad for her because she witnessed all her loved ones die...
I also liked the second lead here; he is strong, and you can actually learn from him!

I love their friendship here; they are ready to risk it all just to save each other.
The romance is so sweet and calm between the FL and ML, even if their romance is not physical touch. You can feel their love through their gaze and actions. The amount of trust and understanding for each other is so great. I like their romance because there is no unnecessary misunderstanding, unlike other couples in dramas.

I understand why the ending is like that but it still hurt me hhuhu but good thing we got a special episode that save us.

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Fangs of fortune! Totally worth the wait!

I have been waiting for months and months until the release of FOF! And it was totally worth it!
I knew that some of the cast members of My Journey to You was in this drama but had no idea that practically everyone from MJTY was in the drama except for the main leads of MJTY.
The FOF drama has a good mix of everything! Mystery, thriller, comedy, horror and they have managed to keep it just right without overdoing it. Zhu Yan and Yichen make a great duo, each trying to throw the worst possible insult at the other lol, but also secretly value their friendship just as much. The friendship between the Goddess and Ms Pei is adorable, and our Mountain God and doctor duo makes the tragic scenes a bit more bearable. Somehow all the characters on the team fit really well together!
I love that each of the demon-human cases and storyline in the drama have a good screentime. It doesn’t drag on, and the episodes cover what's necessary without glossing over the details too much.
Neo has perfectly mastered the Great demon serene all-knowing look and you really feel like he is thousands of years old! The Great demon and Goddess do have a certain aloofness about themselves which adds to their character really well. Afterall they aren't human, and Zhu Yan has limited bandwidth where emotions are concerned. Some people might think the pacing is a bit slow, but tbh I think it really fits the theme and asthetics of the drama!
The only thing they could have cut down on was too many OSTs in between episodes, sometimes simple bgm could have worked as well. But overall 10/10 from me!
Give this drama a try! You won't regret it!

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Finally finished watching!

After watching the special extra episode I know for sure the Director had BL in mind but had to add in FL storyline to avoid censorship. The fact that Wen Xiao is waiting for Zhu Yan in the Wilderness but even his last shred of soul sought Yichen who was searching for Zhu Yan in the mortal world says it all. With his last breath Zhu Yan was looking at Yichen and not his crying gf. You can't tell me its not BL.
Both Neo and TJR have amazing chemistry. Sure Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan have cute moments, but all the moments with heart breaks, love-hate relationship, the one or nothing, sacrifice for each other, belong to the Zhu Yan and Yichen duo. They went through thick and thin together and oh the dialogue delivery was flawless when Yichen got a glimpse at Zhu Yan's self inflicted wounds. The fact that Li Lun being his best friend for thousands of years didn’t completely understand Zhu Yan, but 30 yr old Yichen could hear and understand Zhu Yan's heart says it all. They were born to be each others soulmates. And in cdrama you know what soulmate actually means 😅 This is another version of Untamed, Spirerealm and Word of Honors moments mixed together. The drama was a masterpiece and even its comic moments were good.
Although I do feel that Jiu getting burned in the barrier was unnecessary. His mother could have saved him and everyone would have been happy with it. The last 4 eps really take a toll on your heart 🙁 I was bawling so hard when we get to the part of Yinglei sacrificing himself for Jiu. It was the saddest main character death for me. We were reminded time and again that Zhu Yan was ready to die throughout the drama, but Jiu and the cute Mountain God dying really broke my heart.
I'm just a tiny bit happy that we got a somewhat open ending. At least I can console my poor heart that Zhu Yan is still there somewhere waiting to reunite with his soulmate Yichen after hundreds of years ❤️ I'm probably going to rewatch all the happy moments of FOF 😭 I already miss this cast.
Fingers crossed Neo gets a happy ending in next drama. After Dashing Youth and FOF my guy needs some cute ML and FL live happily ever after moments.

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