The headline of my review says it all. This is how you create a drama! I shamelessly skip and drop dramas like no other and NEVER leave reviews. However, I felt bad even skipping 10 seconds in this drama. That’s how AMAZING this is. If this is the standard for Chinese dramas going forward, I have no doubt Chinese entertainment will reach more international audience and become even more mainstream globally.

CASTING- 10/10 -Leo and Bailu were MADE for this drama. At first, I wasn’t sure about Leo. He was not my type when I began but i grew to LOVEEE Leo and I can’t imagine both lead roles going to anyone else. They brought the story to life and I really hope to see them in future historical/costume/fantasy dramas. The other actors and actresses were a treat to watch as well. All around applause for the casting!

Plot - 8/10. Overall, it is intriguing, original, and fast paced enough where I didn’t feel like i need to skip around like i do in other dramas (eg Ashes of love, starry love, LBFAD, etc). Thank god angsty and misunderstanding scenes were minimal and resolved quickly thanks to how intelligent how leads are. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the plot unfold even when the resolutions for sub-plots and ending somewhat disappointed me. Sure there were some loose ends and lazy details that bothered me (hair ornaments when sleeping, mysterious mortar in the forest) but it can’t be perfect, right?!

CGI/music - 10/10 - They are jaw dropping and can’t be missed/skipped even in the most annoying and angsty parts.

Scene cuts - 7/10 - The scene cuts didnt bother me too much, but some episodes felt jumpy and confusing. I wish they didn’t have to cut so much but it is what it is.