Full disclosure: I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with Chinese [Fantasy] movies & dramas. I've enjoyed them (the visuals are to my vision what "umami" is to taste), but it's always been in spite of something, such as distracting voice overs, incomprehensible (to me) spiritual references, blatant sexism, etc. Also, I admit that I'm a basic, [Western] b*tch who loves a happy ending, & I can't think of more than 1 or 2 C-dramas I've seen that have scratched that itch. I do believe our definitions of what one is differ considerably.

This movie, while not absolutely perfect (I still have an itch I can't seem to scratch), has come more close than any other show of Chinese origin I've ever watched. I really, really loved it! The story was compelling & easy to follow, the audio was well done, the cast was all *mwuah!* ...chef's kiss! I cared about the characters rather quickly so the development was there, & the visuals! Ahhhhh! Amazing! I honestly didn't want it to end. Where is a 75 episode-long saga when you want one, eh???

If somebody asks me for a Chinese-based recommendation, I finally have an answer that doesn't come with disclaimers, & I'm pretty happy about it!