Completed - 8/12/2022 - 7.75

“Heroes” has a very strong pugilistic world theme that is rare these days. Most recent wuxia dramas have elements of the martial arts world but then would be overshadowed by palace politics or fight for the crown. Luckily, the politics in this drama is minimal and the drama does focus on the power struggles between different sects and clans.

What I Like:

1. Overall Plot - As mentioned earlier, this drama has very minimal court politics and I like that the focus is on the struggles and the rise of our heroes. This is the primary reason I want to watch this drama because I was hoping for a true wuxia drama.

2. Smart Characters - All 5 main characters are pretty intelligent in their own ways. They don’t easily fall for others’ tricks and are oftentimes schemers themselves. I was initially worried that Wang Xiao Shi would be naive and dumb, but glad to find out that he’s just inexperienced. I have the same concerns for Wen Rou. We really don’t need another spoiled, annoying and dumb female lead. Though she was sidelined as a supporting character most of the time, at least she’s smart in her own ways, and didn’t really get into too much trouble and need saving.

3. OST - Instead of noticing the songs first, I actually was impressed with the background music this time. There’s this particular piece that sounds like a movie score. It’s beautiful and I am not sure the name of it. But whenever it’s played, the word ‘movie’ comes to my mind. I really like the BGM in “Heroes”. This drama also has several songs played throughout (and not overplayed) and I enjoy them all. My favorite song is probably 《奈何奈何》https://youtu.be/2VbFPoZgR8s


What I have Mixed feelings about:

1. Brotherhood - Plot wise, I really enjoy the brotherhood between Wang Xiao Shi, Bao Chou Fei and Su Meng Zhen. This is usually a plot that I enjoy in wuxia dramas. However, I feel that the chemistry is lacking, or there isn’t enough time spent on the development of their friendship to create such a tight bond. I did not read the novel, so maybe more time is spent on the friendship than the drama.

2. Romance: Su Meng Zhen + Lei Chun - I am usually a sucker for a tragic romance like theirs. It reminds me of the romance between Dugu Ban Ruo and Yuwen Hu in “The Legend of Dugu”. Both romances are forbidden because they were on different sides. But the chemistry between the Dugu pair was off the charts. In “Heroes”, I don’t feel any chemistry between Su Meng Zhen and Lei Chun during their secret rendez-vous in the chess house. Their quiet moments together should be loving and heartbreaking, but what I get is quiet and boring. They were much more interesting when Lei Chun changes in the latter part of the drama.

3. Su Meng Zhen and Di Fei Jing - Two of my favorite characters in this drama that are mysterious and complicated. Su Meng Zhen has the sexiest gaze but I wish he was just a little less sickly so that I could see him fight more. I wanted more screen time for them, especially for Di Fei Jing. He would have a much bigger role in the latter half of the drama, but we barely saw him. I was hoping to see his big fight with Fang Ying Kan but got nothing.

4. Acting - Decent acting all around for the main characters. I think it started a little rough in the first few episodes, but then it got better. I wasn’t sure how Liu Yu Ning would do in this role, as it’s very different from his very popular role in “The Long Ballad”. I think he did fine, but not as nuanced as he could be. Out of the 5 main leads, I’ve enjoyed Baron Chen’s role as Su Meng Zhen the most. But I think the veteran actors are the ones that shine.

5. Production quality - There are times when I noticed the weird CGI and green screens. Same goes to the set designs. But then, other times, I would think to myself that the sets are pretty nice. Either the drama’s quality is inconsistent, or I was (LOL). As much as I dislike the men’s hairstyles (see comment below), I quite like the female characters' costumes, hairstyles and accessories.


What was most disappointing:

1. Fight Scenes - This has to be my #1 disappointment. This is a wuxia drama and it comes with the expectation that there should be great fights. Our three male leads and the supporting cast are all martial arts experts. I understand if they’re fighting regular soldiers that the fights are quick and easy - one slash and you’re done. However, we don’t even see long fights between the main characters. The camera cuts away after a second or two, and adding to this, is the annoying slow-motion camera. Moreover, I was hoping to see the big fight between Fang Ying Kan and Di Fei Jing, and see how Di avenges Lei Chun. Well, we saw the aftermath but not the actual fight. The same situation happens between the two Masters.

2. Romance between Wang Xiao Shi and Wen Rou - Their romance is the most boring romance I’ve ever seen between two main characters. The drama basically tells us that they like each other, but doesn't show us how they really fall in love. There aren’t any longing gazes, fluffy scenes, or romantic banter. Their bickering seems to be between friends or siblings. The lack of chemistry and the lack of romantic development make it hard for me to like this pair, or to suffer with them.

3. Male Hairstyles - Someone in the costume department must not be feeling well. All the male characters have horrible hairstyles. Just look at the pictures and you’ll see. Thank goodness the ladies still look good.

4. Wen Rou - I wanted Wen Rou to have a more prominent role in this drama. She is not a bad character. She’s smart, brave, somewhat sensible and understanding. But she’s only always on the sidelines being a cheerleader.