The Seventh Generation (2023)

Not all lives are equal

As you can guess, the seven times were in seven lives, although there was a double counting. In one of the lives, they retained their memories and knew each other. Still, you watched seven stories, each different. And all the stories were interesting.

Xiang Yun was a cloud which became a fairy with the help of the Marriage Pavillion Master. She was tasked to find a marriage partner for the God of War Chu Kong, but instead she was chosen to become his partner for tribulation, against her will.

The God of War had his primordial spirit damaged as he fought the demonic Cang Hai 30,000 years ago. A heavenly prophesy said that Cang Hai was going to be resurrected soon. It was therefore dire that the God of War repaired his spirit asap to fight the powerful demon monarch. The only way for him to repair it was to reincarnate several times in tribulation. Each tribulation would be successful if the partner would sacrifice herself for him in the reincarnation.

What I like about this drama?

1. Each life was an interesting story. The first reincarnation was funny and three were tragedies. So you would experience a range of diverse emotions.

2. Overall, the drama scored well on the hygiene factors. The cast performed well. The costumes were lovely and the CGI was beautiful. The music was pretty good too.

3. Ding Yu Xi looked his best as the cat demon with his heavy fur coat. But period drama hairdos did not suit him and he did not look good in them. While as the cat demon, his hairdo suited him best.

What I do not like about this drama?

1. The theme of loving someone over a several lifetimes has become quite cliche beginning with Ten Mile of Peach Blossom (3 lifetimes), Love and Redemption (10 lifetimes), Love and Destiny (over 2 lifetimes) and more if I care to check out.

2. The chemistry between the male and female leads was a little lacklustre. So it did not quite bring out the romantic feeling.

3. While all the stories in this drama were interesting, the story when their fate began was a yawn as the drama dwelled on a lot of trivials. The director was trying to create these lovey-dovey moments when their romance began and their lives became intertwined into the future. But it ended up becoming quite boring. Somehow the two leads did not have the chemistry to pull this off .

Overall, this drama is entertaining and worth watching. However, I won't rate it among the highest league.

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"But on a Wednesday in a cafe, I watched it begin again"

This one lyric comes to my mind when I finished the final episode. If you watch it, you would get what I mean. Their love stories started from that place. I would not spoil it so you need to watch it. This drama was about how a fated couple found their ways back to each other bcs they were destined to be together.

ML, Chu Kong, the God of War, was a man who was devoted to his duty to protect the six realms and lived just for that. He was intelligent and very good at fighting ofc. So to him, he didn't have time for pesky emotion like love. But supposedly, he needed to go through the love tribulations to enhance his damaged primordial spirit so he just acquiesced in the name of fulfilling his duty. So he just settled with FL since they were entangled and thought he could get over this "task" fast. Times spent together, he was moved by her actions, love for him. Chu Kong as a man in love, treasured Xiang Yun with all his heart, he just willing to do anything she said, just happy at the sight of her and willing to die for her.

FL, Xiang Yun or Empress Cang Hai, was a fairy that also devoted to her duty at Marriage Pavilion. She was willing to use any trick to save the Marriage Pavilion from being destroyed. ML being the God Of War was valid to be angry at her trick so somehow they got entangled together to help him recover his primordial spirit. She was wary of ML and fear of him coz he was God Of War, so she also thought to get this thing with him over with. But the second love tribulation, I hv to mention his name coz this version of him was still part of ML just... buried deep I guess. So in this lifetime, Lu Changkong was sincerely in love with FL, he was so sweet and understandable that made her wavered and she fell in love with him. She didn't regret dying for him and just wish she cld be with him forever. It was a start for their relationship, bcs back in the heavenly realm, ML didn't disappoint although there was still up and down in their relationship after that.

Their love tribulations after that were touching to me. There wld be times that he wld sacrifice himself for her but she could not bear to be without him so she did something shocking in order to be back by his side.

I love all the important characters: Our other couple who went through so much, the kind and loyal Zihui and the ruthless but need some love Jin Luo. Jin Lian who had character developments. Our 2ndML, Prince Xiuming, you were my type of 2ndML the one who love FL from afar, willing to help her and know how to move on. How I wish I could see who you end up with, you deserve to be happy after all the suffering. Shout-out to the Red Thread Master, Immortal Li and Immortal Sun too.

I actually decided to watch this drama just because. I didn't expect it to be a bit related to Love Between Fairy and Devil. There were a few things related to it but that was it. It just funny how I just finished LBFnD before this drama and somehow then I chose this drama randomly to watch after it. I also was curious about ML since the last time I watched him was in TRoTnR.

I love love love all the different sets, outfits, dresses and accessories, stories of different lifetimes. It just so amazing and different to me that it could be this way. Myb it could be bcs this was my second Xianxia drama.

I love some of the OSTs too, "Only Love", "Grief Record", "Break Through" and I definitely need to find who was the singer who just sang with her voice, just AaaAaaAaa (idk what the term is used here) signalling the end at each episode.

Tbh the happy ending was not my type of happy ending coz the moment of the ML and FL's happiness was so short (I ranted about it a bit in my review of LBFnD too). I might lower my rating if I rewatch idk but for now, considering the plots and the lifetimes, I will give it this rating.

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"One Moment of Impulsiveness, Seven Lives of Unluckiness." 

My actual rating : 8.7/10. Finally completed my fifth xianxia drama in 2023. Took me a week to finish this one. Actually I could finish it earlier but keep delaying the inevitable because I don't want it to end (T.T). This just shows how much I enjoyed this drama. LYST remind me much of drama LBFAD because they had similarities in the hair ornaments, color palette used, the realms settings and the OST style.

◇The plot: 8.5/10
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. If you're a devoted fan of xianxia like me you will enjoyed it regardless of how many times you see the same plot device was used in the drama (:D). The plot starts when our main leads during a banter accidentally tied the ancient love knots on themselves which the result required them to go through seven lifetimes together to untie each knot. They called it as mortal love tribulations. I enjoyed pig x tiger , childhood friends turned lovers, the prince x the empress lifetimes the most. Lifetimes I enjoyed the least which I think quite boring were the master x his disciple and the bodyguard x the princess lifetimes. My most favourite plot is the demon realm storyline. As usual , the bad guys and the good guys here are not as what it seem like. The mystery aspect here also nicely done. Now about that ending scene urgh not again! -SPOILER BEGIN- They just love to end it that way huh. Same ending as in almost xianxias if you know what I mean (I am looking at you Love Between Fairy and Devil, Back From the Brink, The Longest Promise.... ) This is the cliche I did not enjoyed watching in xianxia. Is it too much to ask them to end it with a romance scene between leads. Not just they finally meet ,stares and smiles then the end . Although this one had little improvement where one of them talked and teased the other with question. But I need them to at least hug each other after all the hardship they went through, both of them deserved that hug..... *sigh* -SPOILER END-

◇The angst: 7/10
Just 7 because I don't think this drama is angsty enough. Just contained only few moments of angst here & there especially in the master x his disciple lifetime. Considering our main couple maintained healthy relationship thoroughout the story and honest to each other hence this had low angst meter.

◇The acting: 9/10
This was my 3rd drama of Ding Yu Xi and I remembered enjoyed his TROTAR which leading me to watch his Intense Love after that. But only after watching his performance in LYST I'm totally now his fan. I was impressed with his acting here as Chu Kong/ Lu Chang Kong . I could see he gave his all in every version of Chu Kong in those 7 lifetimes. Ofcourse my favourite version of Chu Kong was him as a cat demon <3 . Can't get enough of his divine looks! I feel for his character the most. His undying love for Xiang Yun . His pain when they need to separate. His smugness when he achieved what he wants and the way he exhibits his playful nature . He succesfully captured my heart with his acting here. To compared with his co-star Yang Chao Yue's acting, he's definitely x3 better. I've watched YCY in The Journey of Chongzi (dnf) and Fireworks of My Heart before and my opinion of her remained the same. She is pretty especially when she smile. But her acting is just okay to me. She's great at acting cutesy but when the scene required her to act with more depth I ain't see that. I'm not feeling much when she cried d/t heartbroken. Most of the times it just felt superficial. If only she put more depth & detail into those scenes it would be perfect.

◇The romance : 9/10
I have no complaints. Totally enjoyed the romance here. Great chemistry displayed by both leads. I could see they feel comfortable around each other. Like when friends turned lovers. The romance is sweet and not spicy at all.

◇OST: 10/10
Great! Great! Great! I'm so in love with the OST . My most favourite :Till the End of Time by Liu Yuning. (I love almost all ost sung by him . A king of Cdrama OST indeed) . I rarely mention BGM in my review but I'm totally in love with the BGM here especially that Dadadada Melody which often appeared in sexy scenes between leads and that war chant in fight scenes.

◇CGI & Cinematography: 9/10
I have nothing but praise. Beautiful and pleasant CGI & cinematography. My favourite settings : Marriage Pavilion, The Star Platform. Love the pastel colors background. Love everything.

◇ Hairstyle &Costumes : 10/10
Dazzling. Elegant. Mesmerizing. My favourites: Chu Kong in his cat demon attire (gotta love that grey hair, forehead mark, adorable vulpine ears, hand accesories & furry outfit!) & Xiang Yun in her colourful red -yellow -brown outfit. Their make up also perfect ! Yang Chao Yue looks so beautiful & Ding Yu Xi so good looking like he just came straight from a manhwa. I like the fact that they didn't overdid it when applying lipstick on him, all natural looking unlike LYX's lips in TTEOTM. There I said it ,the truth.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this drama to the fullest. Totally recommended if you're a devoted xianxia fan or a beginner to this genre.

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Luchangkong VS xiaoxiang

Lu Changkong, also known as Chukong, is embarking on a noble mission to safeguard the border, a duty that compels him to part ways with his beloved, Song Xiangyun. The uncertainty of their next meeting hangs heavy in the air, a poignant separation that evokes a deep sense of sorrow. Their impending farewell is underscored by the realization that their paths might diverge for an indefinite period, a circumstance that tugs at the heartstrings.

However, amid the bittersweet atmosphere of impending separation, Lu Changkong and Song Xiangyun share a moment of exquisite tenderness as they gaze upon the moon together. The moon's luminous glow seems to reflect the radiance of their affection for each other, casting a gentle light on their bond. This shared experience becomes a poignant reminder of the warmth they've cultivated in each other's company, a connection that is as enduring as the moon's ethereal beauty.

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Love is red... so is blood.

As someone who read the novel and it being one of their favorite novel, I've been excited about the drama since they released the trailer & now since it came out I can finally post my review about it. So let's go!

Love You Seven Times (七时吉祥) is adapted from the novel "Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse (一时冲动，七世不祥) written by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang (九鹭非香). Love You Seven Times talks about an immortal God of War, Chu Kong, and Xiangyun who was a cloud, but got turned into a fairy and now she works at Yue Lao Pavilion. Their life intertwines by the red strings of fate by accident and that's when their lifetimes start.

Firstly, the order of their lifetimes were changed but this isn't such a big deal to be honest. Even so, before talking more about it, their 2nd lifetime is one of my favorite because, first even though Xiangyuan didn't liked this lifetime with Chu Kong she started to fall in love with him but she wasn't aware of it. That is why she kept on crying when she saw Chu Kong crying, she couldn't control herself at all. If you read the novel you'd see that her emotions are more deep than what we see in the drama. Second, the 2nd lifetime is the one that kind of marks Xiangyuan, which is really interesting to see for the future episodes.

Letting the novel beside, let's talk a bit about the drama and everything else shown until ep 10. The CGI is so well done, as expected from Stellar Pictures, and since the prod. company is the same one as "Love Between Fairy and Devil", SP, I loved that one scene where they added the OST of LBFAD. It was something that I didn't expected and caught me by surprise and made me remember of the days of LBFAD. An amazing feeling to see the prod. company still including past dramas in the current one's. Talking again about CBI, they are mesmerizing to the point it makes you feel like it might be true. Every effect there is so well done and I'm grateful that we got SP (Stellar Pictures) doing them.

Secondly, is time to talk about the actors. Ding Yunxi & Yang Chaoyue are perfect for their roles. As someone who has been following Ding Yunxi since "The Romance of Tiger and Rose" I knew that he would do a good job in expressing Chu Kong, and he did it. He nailed it. He is perfect for this role and I wouldn't change him to none else. As for Yang Choyue, this is my first drama seeing her as the FL. The only time I saw her was this year as well, during "Fireworks of My Heart" and I told myself that she better get a lead role since in FOMH she was cute & loved her a lot, and here she is. Since the beginning of "Love You Seven Times" she hasn't disappointed me at all and, besides that, I've been impressed a lot more with her acting & especially her crying scenes. She did such a well job and I am ready for tomorrow's new eps to see how she would do since that part is one of my favorite! I could talk hours and hours about their acting but we will stop here since I know these 2 would do such an amazing job.

Thirdly this is about the OST. Been listening A-Lin's OST "哀情記" (Diary of Sorrow/Grief Record) since they released it with the trailer 10months ago and been obsessed with it for quite a while. Once I found out that Faye & Liu Yuning would be singing for LYST, I immediately knew that the OSTs would be good. Sadly, I forgot who are the others who are singing the OST, but from what I heard they are good as well. I just know that Faye wouldn't disappoint us with an OST, neither Liu Yuning. They are just perfect for this drama and it shows. Also, just as Liu Yuning said in the OST ("Until the end of time") "I forgot who I was, it doesn't matter very much, I just want to follow behind you" & "No matter how difficult the road is, we will walk, together; with you by my side, the pain is nothing", they, Xiangyuan & Chu Kong, will face a lot of difficulties especially separation & pain, but since they always end together, side by side, it isn't nothing for them. They will always win in the end, because they had each other.

Lastly, I just want to say to those people who haven't read the novel, and even though you did, I hope you enjoy it because it is one of a kind drama where you could find almost everything you'd love. If you are an enthusiast of xianxia dramas/costume dramas, then this one is perfect for you. Even if you aren't one, this drama could still be found on your watchlist & might even binge-watch it (when it wraps). At the same time, this drama has a lot of angst so prepare your tissues before watching.

Anyways, this is all I had to say from a novel reader's perspective, but at the same time of a drama watcher's perspective. I could go and talk all the way about their other lifetimes & other things that happen in the novel, but I want those people who read these reviews to not get lots of spoilers and, instead, to get a pov of the drama before watching it. Like the title of this review "Love is red... so is blood", it is the best quote that could describe "Love You Seven Times" and the relationship between Xiangyuan and Chu Kong.

EDIT: dropped this series 'cause of some reasons, but for people who read this you still give it a try.

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Formulaic

It's a bit hard to rate this cos i liked the drama for some parts and hated it for others.

Main things I hated were the writing and overarching plot line. The way things progressed just didn't make sense and there were too many loose ends that weren't resolved. So many things brushed under the rug to just progress the plot in the direction the writer wanted (i.e. bad guy getting his way). I'm so tired of seeing this in xianxias.

Things I liked were the fun action/fantasy elements, the main couple and their romance story, Ryan's portrayal of all his different characters, and a few of the supporting characters (Red Thread Master, Fate Writer, Emperor's Loyal Subordinate). Early on in the series, I wasn't really feeling the main couple and how they were quickly, but steadily, starting to like each other but midway through the series, I started to enjoy their scenes and relationship more. I'm not a fan of the whole mortal realm tribulation plotline we see in these xianxia dramas, but I enjoyed some of the tribulations here. The only ones i really enjoyed were the 2nd to the last tribulation and the very last one.

Honestly, I skipped through a ton of the scenes because I could already predict how the story would flow and there was nothing necessarily unique enough about the story to grab my full attention. Overall, it's not a terrible drama, I just wouldn't watch it if I had other dramas lined up to watch. If you're bored and don't mind seeing the same recycled plot but with different characters/acting performances, give this a go. At the very least, Ryan is sure to amuse you with his performance in this drama.

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fantastic drama

In the narrative of the drama, the male and female lead characters find themselves inexplicably intertwined by destiny right from their first encounter as strangers. Their journey is one marked by numerous highs and lows, as they navigate through the intricacies of their relationship. As they spend more time together, a magnetic pull begins to develop between them, drawing them closer in heart and spirit. Over time, they uncover layers of each other's personalities, forming a deep and meaningful connection that they come to treasure dearly.

The story is adorned with a multitude of humorous anecdotes that take place in the midst of their evolving relationship. These moments of levity provide the audience with laughter and lightness, adding a dynamic dimension to their journey. Equally, there are instances of profound emotion that evoke heartfelt reactions, bringing tears to the eyes of those who are invested in their story. These touching moments serve to underscore the authenticity of the characters' feelings and the genuine bond that is being forged.

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I love this seven times. ❤️

This is my first Ding Yuxi costume drama and not only we got one but seven different looks. This boy got it going for him in the looks department and became without a doubt your ML costume drama dreamboat. He got his boyish charms and he also can act. I also personally like the FL, very pretty and I think she can also act. ? I think I am in the minority here, but she made the character alive. ?

The premise of this show is quite unique, going through seven tribulations which means seven different lifetimes. I thought it could become tiring and repetitive but no, it was an absolute treat each and every life they go though. I get so invested each tribulation and root for them every single time, knowing that it will all end in death one way or the other. Whichever way, their story or stories are well intertwined with the main plot.

Chu Kong and Xiangyun are truly a match made in heaven, quite literally. Love their characters and their chemistry is oozing with sweetness. Although we all kinda predicted what Chu Kong will do at the end, with his soul protecting spell, it didn’t stop me from tearing up. It was absolutely heart wrenching.

The last episode wrapped things up really well.
And the ending is their seventh lifetime, and it was just beautifully done. I shed tears the moment Chu Kong turned his face up with tears in his eyes and Xiangyun asked him “Who are you this time?”. Oh my heart is full. ❤️

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Well Written-- Best 'Costume' Cdrama Of 2023

Top-notch story aesthetics, unlimited flow of scripts, and super sweet light comedy--Love You Seven Times became one of my favorite dramas this 2023. The scenes are beautiful, the makeup and costumes are beautiful, the special effects are cool, and the OST is super nice. Every single song is worthy of being played on repeat! The plot has a tight rhythm and a lot of details. The acting skills of all the casts are top-notch, especially Ding Yuxi. His acting skills are delicate, layered and immersive, and he perfectly interprets the role of Chu Kong. And Actually This is the first time I have watched a drama about Chaoyue, and I feel that her acting skills are not as bad as they said, and she is still very good but yes she needs to work with it a little more but it's still not bad....

My Highlight Comment✨
There may be many parts/stories about immortal kings and fairies, and about going to mortal world to have tribulations, but Qi Shi's script is a unique infinite flow loop, which is very interesting and innovative! it made this drama more interesting! I'll definitely miss Them?

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"Whether it's now or 30,000 years ago, I was fated to find you."

In this captivating drama, the intricate interplay of past love, lost memory, and enduring reunion takes center stage, amidst a backdrop of tribulation that spans across lifetimes. The narrative revolves around two souls whose fates have been entwined through ten thousand of years, torn apart by tragedy and bound together by a love that transcends time. The story unfolds as their memories of each other are erased, yet an inexplicable magnetic pull guides them back to each other, prompting a series of poignant reunions. As they navigate challenges and trials unique to each lifetime, the depth of their connection is unveiled through their unwavering support, sacrifices, and an unspoken understanding that surpasses conscious memory. Love You Seven Times skillfully navigates between different lifetimes, weaving a tapestry of emotions and various contexts that enrich the narrative and reflect the complexities of love's endurance. Each reunion is laced with both the joy of rediscovery and the heartache of their repeated seperations, creating a captivating emotional rollercoaster for the audience. As Chu Kong and Xiang Yun confront obstacles and tribulations, theirs' growth and evolution add layers of depth to their connection, highlighting the transformative power of enduring love. Through the thematic exploration of love's recurrence across lifetimes, the drama leaves viewers pondering the idea that true love persists despite the trials of existence. Ultimately, this poignant tale invites audiences to reflect on the notion that love's essence endures, even in the face of forgotten memories and the tests of time.

They are really the epitome of I am ready to sacrifice myself as long as the one I love lives well. Whether it's 30.000 years ago, in the mortal world, or after they reunite again, they keep protecting each other at the cost of their own lives. Watching Chu Kong send his last soul to prevent Xiang Yun from perishing is so sad. He couldn't keep his promise to be with her forever, but he did this because what was important to him was keeping his beloved one alive. The last line, when he asked her to look around the world so they could meet again, became a sliver of hope for Xiang Yun that one day he really would come back to her side. Whether it's in the past or future, whether it's another lifetime or another timeline, she makes sure to find him again. If we connected it with the novel ending, we could imagine Xiang Yun going back and forth to find him, collecting every sliver of his soul, and finally being able to meet the one that she has been waiting for. The one who promised her a forever life together.


"They say love is so powerful that it can make death not scary at all."
― Xiang Yun

"Whether it's now or 30,000 years ago, I was fated to find you."
― Chu Kong
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Full Review: https://tmblr.co/Z9PcaweNNZqk4y00

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Could've been better

Love seven times, is about two people falling in love in 7 lifetimes...due to this I expected for their love story to be a grand/great love story. I feel like the only time they were able to showcase this was during their 2nd tribulation where Xiangyun ended up dying by an arrow, another time was also when they showed how Chukong and Cang hai fell in love 30,000 years ago.

Not that the actors acting was bad or anything, I just feel that they lack the type of director who can push them to do more. I can also sense that the actor who played Haoxun (the evil older brother/ruler) was confused with his character. Overall, they lack proper direction, and that they had an opportunity to make this story really unique that they could've really own, instead it was water-downed with the lack of passion coming from the director and seemed to have just used the common formula of a typical xianxia/wuxia story.

What I like about it was the aesthetic, the production settings, the costumes, and the vfx were all top-notch even a bit better than Love between fairy and devil.

The chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Yang Chao Yue were there but then again as I said before I just feel like they were left with what ever and the director wasn't as proactive and giving direction nor were the actors to have more freedom to do what they will with how they can make the characters be played out better.

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