It’s fitting that one quarter of 2024 is over already so it’s easy to assess and the biggest idol drama hit of Q1 is xianxia C-drama The Legend of Shen Li. The drama wraps its run for VIP subscribers this weekend and the ending has been lauded by fans as wonderfully done, logical within the worldbuilding, satisfying, and even a big whole easter egg bonus gift after. This must make fans of leads Zhao Li Ying and Lin Geng Xin from their Princess Agent days extra happy to have their second go-around get a happy ending finally. I watched the entire drama which is rare since I liked but didn’t love it, this one reminds me of my feeling towards The Blue Whisper, the same like but not love but still finished the series. The leads were well cast for their roles but I didn’t particularly love the strong woman/beta male set up here because she was way to strong willed and he played way too passive most of the time, though both were hella powerful since she was an immortal and he’s the last ancient god. I also didn’t think they had good chemistry, don’t stone me fans haha. They had chemistry, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t very good for me, conversely the story and acting in The Blue Whisper was way worse but the chemistry of the two leads were on fire. I liked Shen Li for the nicely plotted and paced story and finding two younger male leads in He Yu and Xin Yun Lai who are definitely up-and-comers. The final consensus on C-ent is that Shen Li is a bona bide hit drama but not a mega hit.
Both of their acting was bad, I had to drop it around episode ten, so it’s not like I didn’t try. I have no idea what people see in it, apart from maybe learning how not to use filters.
Did cnets not call that fat actress ugly? They go around calling decent looking actors and actresses ugly but the apparent ugly celeb gets away with her ugly looks unscathed? Even slimming down won’t help her coz her facial features are way unattractive. There’s another fat girl that looks better than her that gets casted in way smaller roles. If they wanted a fat actress they should have casted that one. Did she get casted on the casting couch? The director sure has a heavy taste…
Even Lin Geng Xin got called ugly. He just needs to fix his eyebrows and he’ll be fine. Someone needs to let him know ffs
Someone fell off the wrong side of the bed this morning.
Is everything ok at home?
Dud she snatch your man?
We know that you are not talking ab ZLY,you seem to have a problem with “ugly’ ppl,get a life, just cuz she not ZLY doesn’t give you the right to insult her
Hehe it seems so 🤣
I’m not talking about Zhao Li Ying omg. ZLY at her age is still cute with her baby face.
It’s Jackie Li the ugly fat actress. Why isn’t she getting any hate for her looks from cnets? Seeing her on my screen is really such a pain urghh
The reason is simple, cos she’s never a threat to their faves. LOL.
Yup! She’s not good looking. But that doesn’t change the fact that some other popular actresses aren’t good looking either. LOL
just coz it’s not ZLY, is it ok to insult them then? makes no sense.
Why do you think Jackie Li is not getting hate from netizens? Every time she appears on the screen, comments from netizens flash saying she is ugly and they shouldn’t have cast her. Compared to ZLY, she is getting more flak for her looks.
Wow. So toxic. We wonder why actors feel insecure and pressured to lose an unhealthy amount of weight.
Jackie is not pretty, that is true, but the REAL CNETZ are not as toxic as we think, the reality is there are no toxic people. Cnetz will only get toxic when they get paid to be toxic.
Jackie is not getting hate because ZLY owns the biggest portion of water armies. ZLY is the producer. ZLY made Jackie play the role “most beautiful fairy in the heaven” because she is insecure if a pretty actress play the role. ZLY paid Jackie a huge salary as well. ZLY marketed that Jackie has only a few scenes but eats most of the budget. So Jackie is very crucial, for ZLY’s sake, she will not get much hate.
Maybe because they aren’t as toxic and ugly as you seem to be? And this is a free world. You DO have the ability to switch to something else. Or do you prefer showcasing your vile immature nature for the world to see? I hope Karma gives you the day you deserve.
I can do with less Lin Geng Xin. He just doesnt hit the right notes. Princess agent fans may enjoy his reunion with ZLY but I too dont feel much chemsitry for this CP. I kind of miss ZLY in her older works. Theres sth amiss in the older her that seems very harden. This was a good production but not a homerun.
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Surprisingly I quite liked this, it had a lot more comedy and touching moments than I had expected. I found it alot less boring than other Xianxia with younger actors such as Ancient Love Poetry,The last immortal or even ten miles of peach blossom.
Positives were a really good sound track, (I loved the music in the opening), comedy (hurray I’m a sucker for funnies), good action scenes (reminds me of Monkey King), some of the CGI was pretty good (phoenix parts), I liked some of the costumes ( no sequins or dangling bits yay), Zhao Li Ying is visually my cup of tea, both leads acting is quite natural and lively (no frozen stone faces with protruding fish lips yay).
Negatives was the majority of the story was typical/generic Xianxia which dragged at points. Weak side characters even though they got quite a bit of screen time they didn’t have much of a impact or stand out in terms of acting.
Overall I enjoyed the funny parts, and the banter between the leads, and I want to see them in another drama together.
Not even a fan of the cast, wasn’t even going to watch it, tried In Blossom and the Burning Flame, both disappointing. Might as well try shen li to see what the hype is about! Surprisingly really really good! I fell in love with the pair. I have 4 more episodes to go, hopefully it’s not going for to have bad ending! I guess I’ll try to watch Princess Agents while I wait. I want to see if the chemistry is the same as in Shen Li.
It has a really adorable ending so rare in Cdrama land.
I like this drama. I don’t know why, but I find this drama to be very endearing and charming in its own way. The FL is an Alpha female but I do think the ML is quite an Alpha male as well. It’s just he compromises a lot for the FL. Their chemistry is good as well, but mostly when they do the romantic bantering and kiss scenes, rather than just when they have to stare at each other.
Lin Geng Xing really knows how to be witty as Xing Zhi and I like that he’s very natural during the scenes which he has to be witty. Zhao Liying is really fire during the action scenes.
The story was great at the beginning though it though it became a lil bit draggy during the middle parts, but then the story picked up again at ep 23 and I love this drama very much. Happy that this drama is doing very very well
Agree! I am really satisfied with this drama too! The blue whisper had the worst chemistry! One of the worst adaptation I’ve seen from a novel. The chemistry for the two leads in TLOSL was very natural, I can’t get enough of them! This drama has such great set, cgi, ost /BGM, the acting from the lead was really good! You laugh and cry throughout the drama.
Xin Yun Lai’s acting was really wooden here!
I disagree. The chemistry was explosive but they are considered adults in love. Nothing over the top and nothing exaggerated. It is rather down to earth. Some editing issues, some scenes didn’t make sense but you can explain with love making one lose his mind. No doubt the fl is alpha but the ml is even more powerful. However the fl likes that she has someone she can depend on and he I suppose fell for her because he had been alone for a very long time. She did sacrificed her power for him vice versa. And both leads acted well, played off each other well. I don’t get the criticism of bad acting or no chemistry. Their love story isn’t insipid but believable and the acting consistent. If this quality also has many dissatisfied, I wonder all other c dramas can just stop broadcast. By the way it isn’t just for princess agents fans. I like it because it is mundane and it has a happy ending. Far better than many cdramas. And lin gengxin matured as an actor and zhao living looks at him like he’s the only one for her. As for the actress as divine lady, I’m rather impressed with her although at first I thought her casting was for laughs. It isn’t. Best cdrama 2024 for now.
This is an interesting one because I see a lot more people who say they don’t love it but enjoyed it enough to finish it. Lol I also see more comments who say they are new to Xianxia and this was a great introduction to this genre. Many international fans I come across are interested.
Firstly, I also disagree on the chemistry between LGX and ZLY. I thought they were on fire! They team up in a few action scenes and were great together. The romance, don’t get me started 😂 in my opinion, LGX and ZLY is my top onscreen couple in Cdramaland, it will be hard for any couple now to top this spot. It is rare to have such a successful return for couples so I am very happy LGX and ZLY did it right this second time on this collab.
I saw that many actors on the show were past costars of ZLY, considering she is one of the producers, she hand picked some of the actors herself, including LGX. That’s really cool of her to reunite with so many of her friends in the industry. Only complaint about this show is the plot, not as good as I thought it would be but what do you expect from this genre? Cliche of all other existing Xianxia. The CGI was impressive in some fight scenes.
Best part of Shen Li is LGX. He was casted perfectly as the ancient God. I don’t care what anyone says. I see it this way. He looks like elf Legolas from Lord of the Rings but is wise like wizard Gandalf who is lovestruck LOL. He was able to create such a powerful being even when his character had very subtle traits.
I LOVE it too!!!??!!
@Somebody You are Chinese, even if you left your native country, you share the same stupidity as violent Chinese Internet users. Is it genetic? LOL.
LOL LGX looked like Elf Legolas from my favorite Lord of the Rings? Such an insult to Legolas and the epic legend Lord of the Rings. Your taste is really questionable. LOL
@Somebody
LOL And your taste is better? This is my opinion, who said you needed to agree with it? Lol if everything was so distasteful, nothing would ever get made. Ideas wouldn’t come to life. Besides, we aren’t the same people so our views aren’t the same, that still don’t mean I am wrong and you are right.
Also, I’m also an avid fan of LOTR. Probably why I thought of it when I saw LGX in this role. Not an insult at all really. Lol
@neen, LOL. I disagree with you and that’s why my comment. It’s not about right or wrong which is wording related to moral judgment and isn’t applicable here where we’re talking about art. I’m honestly thinking you’ve got a crappy taste about acting and performing art. LOL.
@Somebody,
Well then, I guess fans of Lord of the Rings can have bad taste too. 🙂 Thankful we all don’t have the same type of taste in this world, which is how it should be. Lol
LGX always looked bland in ALL his dramas. Comparing him with Legolas and Gandalf? That’s why Cdramas are always subpar bcos of fans like you with such a low taste. LOL.
Low taste…Ain’t this question for Chinese viewers? I heard this show got 1.3 Billion views on Chinese platforms. It would be a good question to ask why Chinese dramas are always subpar, is it because Chinese fans have such low taste?? LMAO
@Voo, you read most comment in C section of this blog and should be able to get it. It was a question addressing to ALL C fans, international and domestic included. I do think C fans have lower standards and lower taste about drama and film making. I’m not shy of saying so. I spent the whole pandemic years from 2020-early 2023 just watching C dramas only. That’s the conclusion I got from checking out so many C dramas. I don’t criticize out of blue cos I’m familiar with Chinese language and used to be an avid reader of C novels (aka IP) for years.
It is ridiculous to compare LGX’s aging looks under heavy makeup with angelic looks of LoR Legolas and LGX’s stale acting with Gandalf, one of the souls in LoR.
@Somebody
You sure you don’t have bad taste yourself? You said you spent 2020-2023 watching only Cdramas then concluded they are lower standards. Yeah I don’t get you people who keep torturing themselves by doing things they find to be distasteful. You got sucked in. You like lower standard dramas as much as the next person. LMAO
@Voo, what’s your point? Your conclusion about me is so bizarre! What’s wrong with me spending the pandemic years watching dramas in my first language? It’s easy to watch stories without having to read subtitles even most of the C dramas I checked were crap and I did waste a good chunk of time just browsing through different genres of C dramas. That’s why I can be so sure now C dramas are subpar compared with western films and K dramas.
I did find some early C dramas interesting though and that’s why I didn’t give up looking for good ones until giving up in 2023 LOL, e.g., Nirvana in Fire, Scarlet Heart, Ashes of Love, and specifically The Untamed. These old dramas had their own unique artistry and intriguing ways of storytelling. These great dramas triggered my interest to search for more C dramas to watch but ended up disappointment most of the time. That’s why I’m sure C dramas, specifically the ones produced within the most recent years, have low quality. How is this funny? LMAO.
LOL My point was right there. I didn’t get people who suffered through things they found unsatisfying. You had to have watched many low standard dramas and still sat through it without dropping out. Even though we consider these low standard shows compared to the west or even SKorea, you still kept watching when you could easily watch a show from other countries regardless of what language you speak. I know I would. Besides, only one drama you listed would not be included in the list of low standards: Nirvana on Fire. The rest…very questionable.
@Voo, You didn’t get why I still checked and watched C dramas even I consider them bad in average because you simply misinterpreted me. I got your point to discredit C dramas as a whole. I do give up watching C dramas for now but as I said, I continued to check out some to see if there’s hope in improvement. Why not? It has much to do with my home language, literature, and culture I’m familiar with. I did complain about it a lot for wasting time checking it out or even watching a few eps but ending up dropping the whole series. How is my hope for C dramas to be better an indication of low standards and how is that tough for you to get? Where is your logic? LOL.
It’s your personal opinion that only NiV good enough. For me, the others I mentioned are equally good and I enjoyed watching them a lot. We just agree to disagree. Everyone has different preference. For example, many K fans are raving Queen of Tears to the moon but it’s not my cup of tea. The production values of Kdrama are better in average. But it doesn’t mean individual C drama is always a loser comparing to K drama. For me, those C dramas I enjoyed are good examples. Please respect my opinion. Peace.
@Somebody
Please respect your opinion? Peace? LMAO OK. Please, learn what you preach. Everyone here has an opinion, you’ve been respecting it right? LOL, even fans who you consider to have lower standards? You have hopes of Cdramas to get better? Yeah…complaining to me and everyone else doesn’t change anything. I know, go to film school and create us another Nirvana please. 🙂
LOL @Voo, don’t think you can get your points across by a sequence of questions that don’t make sense. Be straightforward and just just make it clear without rambling confusion. It’s futile to have dialogues with you this way. You watch what you like and I’ll continue with what I enjoy, review, and critique. If you don’t take my wish for peace to you in a good way, then just go berserk and forget about getting a grip! LMAO. Bye!
@Somebody
LMAO. I’m bummed out, you didn’t get my digs at you either. It was fun though. Next time.
@Somebody Lmao, do not be a hypocrite. If you want your opinion to be respected, you shouldn’t tell others that they have bad taste just because you don’t like LGX. Put into practice the values you ask others to have.
It even seems like you got mad lol. Just because you enjoyed those dramas, doesn’t make them as good as NiV. Production is measured objectively, not based on feelings. If you enjoyed them regardless of whether they are good, average or bad, it means that others can enjoy LGX even though he is bland. So why do you mess with their tastes?
Lol. It’s always fun to read your hypocritical comments. Don’t you have mental problems? You look like two different users lol.
totally agree with especially abt casting LGX as the ancient god
@Somebody If The Untamed is spectacular as you point out, tell us how to make more Nirvana In Fire? Lmao.
I agree 100%. Well said!! I love this pairing so much and was impressed with the mature acting and love story of the leads. It’s a phenomenal show and I don’t understand how anyone could say the acting was bad. Were they watching the same show as me?! The chemistry between the leads was 🔥 throughout.
Thank you! I agree with you too! However, we don’t have high standards and very crappy taste unlike somebody. LMAO
@neen, you repeated it yourself. Yup! You have crappy taste. Agreed. LOL
@Somebody
LOL We agree to disagree.
@Somebody you’re always telling others to be respectful of your opinion but you leave disrespectful comments saying people have crappy taste or low standards. you’re not just critiquing the drama at that point. if you want to be respected, you should respect others too.
Comparing lousy LGX with legendary characters in epic Lord of the Ring is a huge insult to the epic classic film and all the production crews to make LotR an incredible film. My opinion is fair and square. Neen has a very crappy taste and low standards in artistry. Respect is earned! The one making this incomparable comparison doesn’t deserve any respect. LOL.
I wouldn’t have bothered if no comparison had been made to LotR. Fans can rave the drama and actors to the galaxy and it’s totally fine since that’s their preference and personal opinion. But implying LGX a Chinese version of LotR Legolas and Gandalf combo? LMAO. That’s a big joke I can’t help but rebuke.
@Somebody
LMAO Dang, I didn’t realize how butt hurt you were about the comparison. Chill dude. I bet even Peter Jackson wouldn’t be as offended. Yeah you can keep saying I have crappy taste but you ain’t any better, especially with The Untamed.
@Somebody
Did I ruin LOTR for you? LMAO. I hope you’ll see LGX’s face as Legolas now. I rerun LOTR every year, I know I’ll love it more for a different reason now. 😀
@neen, LOL you even dragged in the Untamed! LOTR is an epic classic that set unprecedent artistry and theatrical concepts in many aspects that no other films are comparable. The Untamed is the ONLY Chinese drama that has ever made it big on international cinematic stage. No industry insiders in C-ent including film directors would dare deny The Untamed is both critically acclaimed and a huge commercial success. Just look how Legend of Shen Li will go to make it big internationally! LMAO. You go ahead continue to show your crappy taste. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve rewatched LOTR.
@Somebody
LOL The Untamed is the ONLY Cdrama to make it big on a international stage?! LMAO That’s a very bold dumb statement considering there are many great cdramas who have done better on a international stage.
@Somebody,
You know what would of made The Untamed better? If it was animated.
@Somebody Even if their comparison is absurd, you don’t have to be butthurt about it. You remind me of the Chinese rabid/lunatic fans who can’t stand anything and then excuse themselves in the name of art. LOL. You could have expressed yourself better than a person without manners and without education.
The Untamed is extremely popular and it helped a lot of viewers to get into Chinese entertainment, but it’s not critically acclaimed from right to left like you point out. The Untamed has a good plot (thanks Mo Xiang Tong Xiu for the original source) but the acting (only Xiao Zhan is good) and special effects make me laugh. There are better C-dramas but the lack of popularity will never let them shine.
@Somebody Does it have to be liked by Western to be acceptable? Lol. The Untamed reminds me of the Twilight/Dragon Ball Z/BTS phenomenon, I appreciate them for opening the doors to their respective market but there are better than them. I agree with your opinion about Lin Gen Xin, but you don’t have to being childish. Your behavior is that of a teenager lol. I hope you are because if you are an adult, you need to mature. Users were wrong to compare a bad actor with bad makeup to Legolas but at least they were polite.
Can watch this drama if you want to kill time. There’s hardly any good cdrama nowadays
I agree about the lack of chemistry but also feel like it is more of a lack character chemistry rather than actor chemistry. As in, it’s more of a story issue rather than them just missing spark. In a better drama with more compatible characters, they’d have both been great. I haven’t seen a Cdrama in several months but a friend recommended this so I gave it a shot. I’m half way through but just cannot seem to get to the finish line.
I LOVE WATCHING THE LEGEND OF SHEN LI!!!!!!! SO MUCH CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE LEAD ACTORS!!!!! SHE WAS A STRONG WILLED PERSON AND SO WAS HE?!!!! HE WAS SO GENTLE AND PROTECTIVE OF HER!?!!!!!!!! THE CHEMISTRY WAS ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!! THEY WERE SO BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH!!!!!! AND COSTUMES WERE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!¡! THE ACTING OF BOTH ACTORS WAS LEGENDARY!!!!!!!!!!?!!??!! THEY ARE NOW TWO OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS TO WATCH IN FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aren’t these two a couple in real life? I loved Princess Agent nothing can top that. So far after a couple of episodes, it’s ho hum zzzzz. My sister saw a few episodes and dropped it and said boring. I am so far enjoying the comedy lines of the Phoenix bird voiced over by FL. Great delivery.
I was surprisingly charmed by this drama since I had low expectations of LGX and the drama started off with the FL being a CGI chicken. I felt the OTP had a sweet chemistry marked by some strong, but quiet romantic tension – in that sort of button-up Jane Austen sort of way. Shen Li and Xingzhi appear like alpha female and beta male on the surface, but I think they also push against the alpha female and beta male checkboxes and don’t quite resemble the alpha females and beta males in other dramas.
My only complaints are the excessive flashbacks and not having a strong, likable ensemble despite liking He Yu/Furong.
I don’t think it’s on par with the xianxia hits of the recent years, but it’s very good and very satisfying. And it’s also nice to have both actors in their 30s, giving their romance a more steady presence.
I loved everything about this drama and I dislike the genre. Loved the acting, production, music and my lord the chemistry. The actors look natural and no one trying too hard. The leads were also perfect. I don’t see many many actresses or actors who can carry their roles and the fight scenes as well as liying.
The story gets a bit slow because the novel is like that. In fact they already filled out parts or adjust parts of it.
Only thing I did not always enjoy was the slow pan in look at the leads or characters at times of the drama. Most of it was ok and or for dramatic effect but it gets a bit much at times.
I actually enjoyed myself with the Legend of ShenLi… like most, it’s not great… but it’s soo bingeable, and somewhat satisfying. I won’t watch the whole drama again, but there are episodes and bits that I’d like to watch again.
The leads look good together. The chemistry didn’t sizzle, but it wasn’t bad. It’s a solid 8.5 outa 10 for me.
I am also enjoying this and ML can act well for sure. Finished it all when it was released by fast track. There has been 2 billion views so must be a lot of people
Liking this too and willing to watch it like me.
When ZLY’s things are trashy, nobody trashes on her stuff.
When other people things are good, her water armies trashes on their stuff.
Well done, ZLY!