So, my journey with this donghua started when I saw drawing of the main pair on Instagram. I thought they looked great together and was curious where these characters came from. Unfortunately, the hashtags didn't help me find the source material (because I'm stupid) and I forgot what I saw for a while. And then a video with this couple appeared in my recommendations on YouTube! I watched it, looked at the comments and finally found out that they're from the Chinese animation Tian Guan Ci Fu! So I quickly started watching.
Yes, my first attempt at this donghua was blind. I didn't really know what was going on and I was lost in names, especially being completely unfamiliar to the Chinese language. However, it didn't change the fact that I ate the whole series like a hungry animal and I really, really liked it. So I decided to read the novel to find out what will happen next. And then my life changed forever...
Story: 10
So yes, I am well aware that this donghua is not perfect and has its flaws, as well as the novel. But well... I can't help but be a hopeless romantic and the whole story is just wonderful to me. Lots of people who watched MDZS came here for something similar, but the fact is, they won't find it here. Of course, a lot of things happen and the plot is divided into arcs, but romance is a big part of the story nonetheless. I would even say that this is by far the most romantic of the MXTX's novels.
It is true that the animation just touched the tip of the iceberg that is the whole story. Therefore, for people who are unfamiliar with the source, everything that happens seems pointless and actually nothing is happening there. No wonder, as this is literally the very beginning. Fortunately, the second season has already been confirmed, so hopefully it'll be a bit longer than the first.
Art: 9
The styling was... clean. This is probably the best word I can describe it. I have the most to write about character design and animation. The characters are drawn in a way that I like a lot so I have nothing to complain about. Honestly, I like donghua's character designs more than manhua's (even if the manhua is a real work of art). San Lang especially looks wonderful. As for animation, it has its ups and downs. Overall it's good, but in some scenes the quality drops a lot, not to mention the moments when 3D is used...
Sound: 10
It was absolutely breathtaking. Opening and ending were beautiful, both in terms of music and grafic. They also perfectly matched the tone in which the story is kept. The most memorable, however, is the song from the end of the first episode - One Flower One Sword. I literally listened to it in a loop for days.
Character: 10
Well... someone wrote it before, but yeah - San Lang is Mary Sue. You can see it, hear it and feel it. And usually something like that bothers me, but in this case... I couldn't care less. Really. It didn't bother me for a moment, and it didn't stop me from loving him with all my heart. This only proves my theory that any pattern can be pleasant if solved in a thoughtful and enjoyable way.
I like Xie Lian a lot too. He is the type of character who only wants to do good things and protect those who cannot protect themselves, but is punished by the world at every turn. At the same time, he is not as pure and spotless as it may seem. This adds a lot of depth to his character.
I also liked Shi Qingxuan and, in the later development of the story, also Mu Qing and Fang Xien. But I don't want to go into details to avoid possible spoilers.
Enjoyment: 10
Before reading the novel, I very enjoyed it and even though I was confused, it didn't take away any fun. But it was only when I watched it again after reading the source that I could fully appreciate how the creators perfectly portrayed the atmosphere and characters. Honestly, the second time I watched, I cried half the time, alternating between sadness and joy.
Overall: 10
I'll end this review only with the words: love it. I'm in love with this story and can't wait to watch its sequel.
