I got recommended this anime by a friend of mine who's really into Shounen ai, and i know what you're thinking "shounen ai, this doesn't look like ai" At first i was hesitant to why it was tagged as specific. So i got curious and decided to give it a watch... And OHHHHHH Boy! was i surprised. I guess this is one of those things where "Dont judge the book by its covers" Same thing can apply anywhere honestly.
The scenary of the places shown in the series is spectacular, This kind of art i would say is able to rival most, if not all artstyles drawn in "Japanese Anime" and others.
Story: 8.5
Personally i've not read the novel, however i would adivice in most cases if not all, reading the novel/manga etc of series while you watch the animes simply because there's always information that's left unissued in anime, and better portrayed with a stronger backstory etc.
It is a Shounen Ai, so either you watched this knowing that or you were simply curious like me.If not well i guess here's a way to get into BL or well, can't really call it that is its more based on "Brotherly love"? im not sure what to call it, only thing i can say is dont expect your "Average" Shounen ai, you might be left disappointed. The story is very heavily based on flashbacks pointing back to what i mentioned about reading the "Novel/etc" earlier that the anime explains mostly what happens during these flashbacks etc, but for 100% accuracy i'd read the novel as well. Atleast if you're one of those with "ferfectionist disorder" ... Not even sure if that's a thing or maybe just me. At the start its abit slow im not gonna lie, however it picks itself up quite quickly.
Character: 9
The main character of the series is called "Wei Wuxian" he's a young man with quite the playful impish side, he isn't afraid to speak up about things, he often comes out as "THE" troublemaker. However he's a loveable MC, and for the rest of the cast we've got "Bi shounen" characters everywhere, its impossible to dislike how alot of these characters portray themselves, they've all got their unique ways of living as well as quirks who makes them what they are. Oh and just to throw it in there "Wangji Lan" is well, a damn hot guy not gonna lie.
Art: 10
To me the setting portraying a old China is exceptionally well drawn, nature, effects, architecture and clothing (Speaking of which kinda reminds me of alot of "JRPGS". Everything, and i mean everything looked goregeous and insanely tasteful.
Sound: 10
Coming to a "Chinese" anime as a newcomer is an experience that's kinda similar to watching anime for the first time, you come in not knowing what to expect, just ending up being blow away, and i mean literally "BLOWN AWAY" The voice acting is very professionally done and quite soothing to listen to. As for the music chosen for this anime in particular was spot on, im sure if they had chosen any music but the one played it wouldn't have been nearly as good as is. Its hard to explain, but the sounds are of such quality fitting the scenary of the anime just being played out before your eyes. I would compare it to the "most succulent of steaks" But i'd be scared of potential vegetarians.
