La Légende de Shen Li (2024)

A Phoenix FL and Ancient God ML

"Legend of Shen Li" arrives on the scene amidst high anticipation, and it doesn't disappoint in terms of cinematography. The visuals are truly top-notch. However, in terms of storyline, it treads familiar ground with a phoenix female lead and an ancient god male lead. The twist of the female lead being a half-Chimei adds a unique flavor, though.

The story draws parallels to themes seen in other dramas, particularly concerning divine beings navigating forbidden love amidst their duty to protect the realms. The actors and actresses, known for their roles in "Princess Agent," deliver commendable performances, maintaining the show's quality.

However, where the series falls short is in its portrayal of antagonists. They lack the intimidating presence one would expect, and their introduction feels lackluster. This aspect of the show feels anticlimactic.

Despite some pacing issues and filler scenes, the fight sequences are a standout feature. The music accompanying the female lead's battles adds an extra layer of excitement to these moments. Episode 23, in particular, shines with its gripping confrontations.

I am actually wanting clashes between Shen Li and Xingzhi, especially after witnessing the latter's prowess against her father. Nevertheless, "Legend of Shen Li" remains a satisfying watch, albeit with room for improvement in certain areas.

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Should I? Shouldn’t I?

Yes, you should definitely give it a go. It has some moments that are questionable to the average viewer who loves this genre. It dwells into the story of the main leads’ love a little more than most but that’s only when it’s deemed necessary for the story to transition. Is it the best I have seen? No, but it is definitely a decent script to consider and well worth viewing.

It has an interesting backstory that links the two leads and not in our usual cliche type of way. They definitely did not know each other prior to the encounter.

I find it humorous at times and a bit nostalgic in one or two scenes. I am very interested to see how they will close it, and that’s always a good sign.

If you are a fan of the leads, (they are doing a phenomenal job by the way) then support your faves.

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Awestruck and Spellbound

So, I've been left awestruck and spellbound by this series. My eyelashes are still damp while writing this.

This has to be one of the fastest paced dramas I've watched in a long time. The episodes just roll one on top of the other, so you're binge watching this at 3 am.

The chemistry has the perfect fire from episode 1 to episode 39. There is no misunderstanding or insane second m/f leads. There are so many interesting side characters, especially Jin Niang Zi. Good gracious. She was so fun to watch as she set up one of the most dynamic scenes in the series. Loved her!

I'm still reeling from the beauty of this drama, the leads, the story, and the music.

The OST, which I sometimes overlook, is exceptional.

The one quote I will always remember, besides the hauntingly beautiful dialog between the leads is this one:

"Peace is hard to earn in the world." And so it is.

Highly recommend. 10/10

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BEST HISTORICAL CHINESE EVER !

I want to cry just to write this review. The Drama overwhelmed me with intense emotions at each episode whether it was joy, anxiety, fear, sadness. I was amazed by the exceptional quality of the special effects. The story has no respite, I did not find any useless length and each character is well developed. I like the chronology of the story and the fact that nothing is left to chance, we have all the answers to our questions. The romance between the two leads was solar and of ultimate confidence. The kind of solid relationship that can challenge everything together. One does not go into the other despite their various responsibilities and they have never been truly separated or far from the other for too long and that too was pleasant. I really liked the nice second leads also who all had their endearing personality regardless of their personal motivation. I had a preference for the world of immortals and mortals but paradise was not so bad also by knowing them all. In this Drama which is a masterpiece in my opinion that has very well respected the original novel work, I had my dose of everything: Beautiful romance, many kisses, avoided clichés, breathtaking fights, super OST (all great) captivating story with meaning to finish on a happy ending.

It's a Drama that I HIGHLY recommend because it's really a ref and one of my favorites now.

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It's LEGENDARY. Best of all xianxia I have watched or best of all dramas.

My top 1 wuxia, xianxia drama. (This is my first review after watching 250+ Chinese dramas and so you can imagine how much I like this one)
It's amazingly perfect.
The way the leads are flirting is so cute.
The fights are good.
The emotions are perfectly portrayed or shown. I even cried for some scenes.
There is some comedy. Mostly ML made some fun. It's good.
The OST is amazing. Every background music and all songs are superb.
The VFX is good.
Everyone's acting is good.
For me there is negative in this drama.
My rating 10/10 ❤️❤️❤️
I also gave rating to each episode separately with 10 points.
If it is possible I would give more than 10 rating, that's how much I liked this drama.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................

I want to beat the director or writer of this drama. They are so cruel. How can they do this to us.
How can they end this so amazingly perfect drama. I want this drama with 60 episodes or more than 60.
??????I'm missing this drama. I don't want this to end.

Also, Zhao Li Ying (FL) is amazing and so cute as usual. She is 36 but she still looks like a teenager for me. Her acting is amazing. Also, she is the executive producer to this drama. I want more of her dramas same as this. ❤️❤️??❤️‍?❤️‍?

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I can't help but speak up.

I've seen a few comments about how slow, predictable and imbalanced the show was (some even from seasoned reviewers).

Here is my take:

The pacing was indeed quite slow, but it was for the best. The story was told in a way that rarely leaves the audience wondering about backstories or how things came to be. It also gave me the chance to get to know the main characters, smile at their bickering and feel their sorrows and moral dilemmas. I even got to soak in the emotions from the actors' minimal gestures and microexpressions...kudos to ML and FL's amazing performances.

Others claimed that the story was predictable. Well, of course! This is a live adaptation of a novel, and it was praised for being able to follow the source material to a tee. Many (if not all) shows follow a certain pattern in telling a story. What matters most is if it is being told in the most engaging and visually appealing manner. No expense was spared in its production.

It was indeed a little off balance in the sense that most of the screen time was focused on the CP and I think it's fine. For one, the show really does revolve around the ML & FL so it's normal. Another is that telling too much about supporting characters without any significant contribution to the main story will be too overwhelming for many viewers. It was an easy watch and I loved it!

This show truly did the Princess Agents viewers a great service! Seeing Lin GengXin & Zhao LiYing on screen together again somehow tied the loose ends left by the aforementioned drama's cliffhanger ending. They still have an awesome chemistry and I would gladly watch them again in the future.

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Excellent story and amazing main leads.

Excellent story, superb acting, ML and FL amazing chemistry, good visual effects, story line that advances and does not gets stuck. One of the best Wuxia I have seen. The Romance is so good. I love the main characters and also the secondary charaters are good and funny. The ending is worth watching too.
I think this story has everything: Great romance, a very good story, well written script, great actors, very good visual effects, they did a good job filming it, great scenes, the music was very good too. You could not stop watching it, expecting the next episode to come.

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The premise of the drama is both captivating and intriguing, introducing viewers to Shen Li, a character torn between her celestial responsibilities and her own desires. Forced into an alliance marriage with a notorious playboy Fu Rong Jun from the Divine Clan, Shen Li's defiance sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and unexpected alliances.

What sets "The Legend of Shen Li" apart is its nuanced portrayal of its characters, particularly Shen Li and Xing Yun. Shen Li's transformation from a powerful celestial being to a vulnerable red phoenix stripped of her powers is a metaphorical journey of loss and rediscovery. Actress Zhao Li Ying brings depth and emotion to the role, capturing the complexities of Shen Li's inner turmoil and her evolving relationship with Xing Yun. Opposite Shen Li, Xing Yun emerges as a compelling counterpart, his aloof demeanor masking a tender heart and a penchant for secrets. Actor Lin Geng Xin delivers a nuanced performance, infusing Xing Yun with a mixture of mystery and vulnerability that draws viewers into his enigmatic world.

The dynamic between Shen Li and Xing Yun forms the emotional core of the drama. What start as a random encounter turned into a lifetime of love. As Shen Li grapples with her newfound mortality, Xing Yun becomes her unlikely ally, offering solace and companionship. They fought for one another, protecting their love, fighting for peace.

Furthermore, "The Legend of Shen Li" is elevated by its breathtaking cinematography and immersive world-building. From the celestial palaces adorned with intricate details to the bustling streets of the mortal realm, each setting is brought to life with stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail. In addition to this the background music deserve their recognition. From the oriental melodies that Shen Li fought to the heartfelt ballads that underscore moments of love and sacrifice, the background music and original soundtrack elevate every scene, immersing audiences in an auditory journey that lingers long after the credits roll.

In summary, "The Legend of Shen Li" is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure, brought to life by its compelling storyline, endearing characters, and enchanting melodies. So, surrender to the magic of this celestial tale and let yourself be swept away on a journey of love, redemption, and unforgettable melodies.

This has cured my PA heart.

Re watch Value: 10/10

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A Strong Woman makes a Strong Man sigh

I was not sure what to expect of this drama that started out with grown man pampering and teasing a magical chicken (Phoenix), but I certainly was not expecting another 10/10 drama. I mean maybe it’s not perfect but I enjoyed every single episode and didn’t hit the fast forward button even once.

The female lead is a strong warrior and leader of her people. She’s very much caught up in the current dramas and politics of her time with the urgency of a leader who knows the outcomes are not guaranteed.

The male lead is also strong but he’s absolutely abandoned the majorities of his responsibilities, let’s things run their natural course with both good and bad outcomes, and is overall a chill dude milling about in his garden like a grandpa until our domineering phoenix drags him back into the drama of the realms.

And like yin and yang they are a perfect balance with their matching cores.

This story will take you to heaven and earth, demon realms and magical worlds, wastelands and paradises. It’s gorgeous, too. The costumes, the locations, the sets - all marvelous.

There are also some very memorable second lead characters. A brother and sister duo that I adored who both got solid stories and character arcs as well as unique and funny personalities. A pining but not pathetic second male lead (well he was kinda pitiful but the circumstances demanded it). And there was a slew of other great side characters that really added depth and realism to this fantastical story (sexy snake lady, I’m looking at you).

Most of all the two leads had great chemistry. They played off each other so well - with humor and teasing and sweetness and snarkiness, they frustrated each other, they admired each other, they just seemed so natural side by side I was rooting for their love story even when she was a chicken (which is only the first two eps or so).

My Xianxia Fantasy Lovers, you will love it. Definitely fire it up and enjoy the ride. It’s epic.

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A fun, warm-hearted drama

I think a lot of love was poured into this drama, and it leans into comedy more than tragedy. I don’t think you’re supposed to take this drama too seriously, although moral lessons abound. it reminds me of The Starry Love, but the humor is dry, rather than slapstick.

The chemistry between the leads is electrifying, and you feel the adoration between them. The sub-plots also add to the fun.

It’s like if Meet Yourself was a Xianxia, very scenic and fun. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to relax while watching a Xianxia, since most Xianxia’s threaten to raise blood pressures.

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A treat for the eyes, if you like Lin Gengxin and Zhao Liying

This is the first Xianxia I ever finished and I mean finished without using the FF button. I have no such interest in this genre so when I heard ZLY and LGX were returning with this genre, I didn't have too much hope. Boy! Did they prove me wrong! The story was quite engaging. I was completely sucked in after 4 episodes and didn't stop until the end. A popular fact now: LGX and ZLY was AMAZING together. They literally set our screens on fire with the chemistry they have. It is rare to star together in a new project and hit jackpot twice for previous onscreen couples, but I think LGX and ZLY just proved they did with Shen Li. I will not spoil the story for anyone, all I can say is, believe in the chemistry LGX and ZLY holds, you will experience the three celestial realms and you will be mesmerized. :)

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