De Retour du Gouffre (2023)

A light-hearted Xianxia with one of the best power couples out there

The story: The story is refreshing for a Xianxia as it takes place entirely in the Human realm and there are no Gods and endless reincarnations and lifes to go through. Instead it is more of a fantastical journey of healing and treasure hunt for the missing body parts for the ML. Although it deviates from the novel I enjoyed most of the changes as it fleshed out the characters arc and emotions. There are a few story points that seemed a bit convenient ( but no more than in the usual Xinxia Drama) but for the most part the story was logical. One needs to be a bit patient though because things that leave questions in the viewers mind are often explained but in a much later Episode where it all comes together. I also enjoy that heavier moments are never dragged out for too long and there is a good rhythm of emotional moments and moments of levity. BFTB even keeps this rhythm in the second half of the story where XianXia typically become heavy and joyless.
There are no misunderstandings that are unnecessarily dragged out. Instead the strong communication between the characters is one of the Highlights of BFTB.

The characters: The main couple is one of the best I have seen. I enjoyed that Tien Yao is not the typical cold OP lead but starts instead as very weak and traumatized. Originally pure and naiv we first meet him at his low point corrupted by the horrible things that happend to him.His journey of finding his old self and learning to trust and love again is very beautiful. I also liked that he makes mistakes on the way and isn't perfect ( which is also a change from the novel, that I personally found enriching to the story, aka the famous EP 16 so many viewers were complaining about.)
Yan Hui is a gem. She kicks ass, is honest and protects our dragon. Although she also grows as a person on their journey she is the rock that braces the storm. She is steadfast and true to herself, not to mention straightforward, brave and hilarious. She takes a lot of rejection from TY early on but she is not a push over and Tian Yao has to fight for her to get back in her good graces. There are a few instances where she wasn't the smartest cookie around, but I think that was mostly played for comedic effect. Most of the time she is smart and thoughtful.
The side characters were also lovable but in this drama the MLs are really the focus of the show which I prefer. Especially BXS functioned as a stand in for the viewer who is rooting for the MLs. He was convincingly cunning and broken but at the same time funny. He does try to insert himself between the couple for a few episodes but I didn't mind because Tien Yao really really needed the competition as a wake up call. Also BXS remained harmless and never steered into obsessive 2nd ML territory that cannot let go.
On the downside I found the villains too one dimensional and their obsessions went too far. Their motivations did not make much sense to me because they lacked any form of self reflection and self-awareness. It also made it difficult to imagine how Tien Yao could fall for Suying in the first place, because I can't imagine her icy face being able to pull off the deception required to fool him.

The Acting: Both the female and male lead are pure eye candy.
I was impressed with both of their acting, especially the emotional scenes where handled well by the leads. The acting for Tien Yao required a subtle change over time as our Male Lead is healing from his emotional Trauma and is beautifully portrayed by Hou Minghao who has very beautiful and expressive eyes. So it makes sense that he come across as repressed in the beginning. But he becomes more majestic and emotive as the story progresses. Also he manages to convincingly portray someone very young at one point which impressed me. I was almost wondering if that was really the same person, if Hou Minghao has some secret youth elixier I want it.
The other actors do a good job as well especially BXS cunning and mischief was well portrayed by Riley Wang. The actor who portrayed both the fox king and his twin also deserves to me mentioned here because he pulled of the double role really well.

Skinship: This couple has some of the most natural interactions and really delivers a feeling of closeness throughout. The kissing scenes are sadly few and very underwhelming ( the typical lips touching not moving kind) but all the other interactions and hugs, which are plenty, make up for it in this case, so I didn't mind the lackluster kissing as much as I would have otherwise.

OST: The Soundtrack is epic and beautiful. My personal favourite is the song sung by our very talented ML Hou Minghao which features lyrics that reflect the MLs heart perfectly. Especially because Tien Yao is not very expressive about his feelings having the ML sing them is especially meaningful.

Costumes: I really liked the costumes as they become more luxurious as the ML regains his strength. They are not as eye catching as those in LBFD but given that this Drama does not deal with Gods and ancient Demons but instead is set in the human realm the more sutle costuming suits the setting better. I also liked that the colors of the clothing reflected the purity/ naivety of the characters.
If a character becomes "dark" chinese Drama s always have the same evil makeup for the actors which BFTB does as well. I wish they would change that up a bit, especially since the greatest aholes usually live in heaven, but it was not as over the top as TTEOTM, so I can look past that.

CGI: The CGI is not the best but I got used to its quirkiness. The monsters look like pokemon which seems weird in a Live Action setting, but I got used to it by the end and now like their uniqueness. I liked that the spirits where portrayed in various stations of development with weaker spirits not having a completley human form, that is something I haven't seen before. The Backround CGI looked really beautiful. The wirework for the fights could have been a bit better as well, but it was not something I mind since Xianxia fight scenes seems a bit ridiculous most of the time anyway. If anyone has watched TSL one will notice that some of the same sets were used for both Dramas. But given that BFTB had a medium budget I think the Drama looks really good for its budget.

The ending: Although it is a happy Ending it felt similarly rushed as the one LBFD had. This seems to be a trend recently, that really annoys me especially when the novels ending had no such issue. This is also the reason for not giving BFTB full points.

All in all I really loved this show and BFTB has become my second favourite Xianxia Drama behind LBFD. It' s story is a welcome change from the usual Xianxia storys and while I dig all powerful cold characters like Dongfang Qingcang I loved the pure, tortured and emotional Tien Yao because these types of characters are much rarer. Also Yan Hui is easily the most kickass and awesome FL in all of Xianxia. Objectively I have to give LBFD the edge in terms of overall quality and its villains but my obsession with BFTB was as great if not greater.
I prefer these lighter more fun Xianxia shows over the angsty, noble idiocy induced melodramas such as AOL, TMOPB, ALP or TTEOTM. I think we are really lucky to have such high quality and light Xianxia Shows released so close after another, after TSL was also very nice this year.

Rewatch value is high for me ( already rewatched 3 times) as I get to really appreciate the subtle changes in TY. Watching it again especially after the reveal in the last couple EPs makes me see the earlier EPs in a new light.

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A millennial Dragon Loves a Taoist Girl ❤️?

Back from the Brink" is an enthralling Chinese drama that captivates viewers with its compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and satisfying ending. This drama takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, blending intense moments with heartfelt connections and personal growth.

The story revolves around the lives of four individuals from different backgrounds who find themselves facing their darkest moments. As fate intertwines their paths, they are forced to confront their pasts, overcome their struggles, and ultimately find redemption. The narrative beautifully explores themes of love, friendship, forgiveness, and second chances.

The drama's character development is one of its greatest strengths. Each character is complex and multifaceted, with their own personal demons to confront. Their growth throughout the series is both realistic and inspiring, allowing viewers to connect deeply with their journeys. Whether it's the flawed yet determined protagonist or the supporting cast members, the performances are outstanding, bringing depth and authenticity to the characters.

The chemistry between the actors is remarkable, and their portrayals breathe life into the story. The romantic relationships in "Back from the Brink" are delicately woven into the plot, adding an extra layer of emotional resonance. The drama skillfully explores the power of love to heal and transform lives, providing viewers with memorable and heartwarming moments.

As the series progresses, it maintains a well-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged. The plot twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional beats are delivered with precision. The production values are top-notch, with stunning cinematography and a well-curated soundtrack that enhances the overall viewing experience.

While "Back from the Brink" can be emotionally intense at times, it also offers moments of lightness and humor to balance the drama. The dialogue is well-written, showcasing both poignant and witty exchanges between characters. The series strikes a remarkable balance between its dramatic elements and its ability to uplift and inspire.

With a satisfying ending that ties up loose ends and provides closure for each character's arc, "Back from the Brink" leaves viewers with a sense of fulfillment. It reminds us that no matter how dire the circumstances may seem, hope and resilience can lead us back to the light. The conclusion of the drama is both poignant and heartwarming, leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, "Back from the Brink" is a must-watch Chinese drama of 2023. Its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and emotional depth make it a standout production. If you appreciate captivating narratives, strong performances, and a good balance between drama and heartwarming moments, this series should be on your watchlist. Prepare to be moved and inspired by the resilience of the human spirit as it triumphs over adversity.

In "Back from the Brink," there are several important aspects that viewers should know:

Redemption and Second Chances: The drama explores the themes of redemption and second chances. It highlights how individuals can overcome their past mistakes and find a way to rebuild their lives. The characters in the drama go through personal transformations and learn to forgive themselves and others.

Personal Struggles: Each character in the drama faces their own personal struggles and challenges. These struggles are integral to their growth and development throughout the series. The drama delves into issues such as family conflicts, career setbacks, emotional trauma, and societal pressures.

Interconnected Lives: The lives of the main characters in the drama become intertwined through a series of events. Their paths cross, and they find support, understanding, and love in unexpected places. The connections they forge with one another play a crucial role in their individual journeys.

Power of Love: Love is a powerful force in "Back from the Brink." The drama explores various forms of love, including romantic love, familial love, and friendship. Love becomes a catalyst for healing, redemption, and personal growth for the characters. It emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and the impact they can have on individuals.

Emotional Intensity: "Back from the Brink" is an emotionally intense drama. It tackles deep-rooted emotions and difficult situations faced by the characters. Be prepared for intense scenes that evoke strong emotions such as sadness, anger, and joy. The drama aims to strike a balance between intense moments and lighter, more uplifting moments.

Resilience and Hope: The drama emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit. It highlights how individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and find hope in even the darkest moments. The characters' determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration, reminding viewers that there is always a chance for a brighter future.

By understanding these key aspects of the drama, viewers can fully appreciate the character arcs, emotional depth, and the overall message conveyed in "Back from the Brink."

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The most fun and best xianxia of 2023!

Where to even begin. This story is set in a world where humans and spirits of all kinds coexist. There is a sort of enmity between them yet some fall in love with each other. Enter our main leads, a dragon that was betrayed by his ex and had to throw his heart scale away and our fl a Taoist, that was born with a heart disease and is alive due to that heart scale. And thus ensues the most fun adventure.

The best part of this drama is definitely the characters and the humour. Our main leads have a firy chemistry since the first time they meet. There interactions and bickering is just too fun to watch.

The fl in this drama is my favorite fl ever. She is strong and smart. Yet kind and fun. What she lacks in magic, she just uses brute force to cover. I've never once seen a fl so logical and soo relatable. She holds are grudges well and I'm so glad for it. She also pays back her favors ten fold. The most adorable, smart and downright beutiful soul fl I've ever seen.

The ml is just as adorable too. Hou Ming Hao 's acting really suprised me. He just has so much emotions. He suffers quietly. The ml probably has been through the most in this drama yet he has the purest heart of all.

The second ml Bai Xiaosheng, I won't lie I liked him better when he was a matchmaker to our couple. Later when he falls in love with the fl I kinda disliked him. But don't worry it lasts only 2-3 episodes and he is back to being the best matchmaker ever.

Then comes the supporting casts. ZhuLi and Huang Xiao Yan, these two are soo soo cute. Adorable kids fall in love and try their best to protect each other. Xiangge and Feng Qing Shou probably has the hottest setup in the story. Rival business owners who actually love each other. They have a beautiful relationship too.

My favorite parts in the drama is when all the three couples gather together, helping each other or just having fun. The friendship in this drama really makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

There are so many other couples that were tragic. The snake man and monastery's QinYu. Xi Feng and Pufang. Chen Yi and Xue Lin, Lu Musheng and Fox Princess, etc. I liked their story bits too.

I really liked the wise old men Shifu and brush Sprite as well as Yan Hui's senior Zi Chen. As for the villains they are despicable but I like how none of them are one dimensional, they all have a proper reason to be how they are.

Bonus: the songs are super nice. Also this drama has a really beautiful opening ;)

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The Heart Never Dies

Starting with curiosity to watch Hou Minghao's first costume drama, I ended up falling in love with each part of this drama.


Story,
Such a new breeze for the Xianxia world. Even though it is almost like Xuanhuan with many fight scenes, this drama really one of a kind for me. This drama surprisingly is my preference for the beginning to the end. I started watching this with no expectations, but it turns out to be one of my top-list favorites drama. The second drama that makes me cannot move on after The Blood of Youth. For me, the simplicity makes this story can be enjoyed anytime,

Cast and Acting,
Shout out to the casting crew and all of the actors for their effort to make this drama so perfect. I'm glad that this is one of the dramas that have perfect actors for each character. I know Hou Minghao from his drama with Cheng Yi but not paying attention to him at that time. But this piece really opens my eyes to how amazing he is as an actor. Now I can't imagine Tian Yao if it's not Minghao. It's the same for Zhou Ye as Yanhui. Even though it's not perfect, she really has a good job to portray Yanhui. I don't have any complaints about all of the supporting actors too.

Music,
This is definitely the perfect example when I said the ost should have matched the drama perfectly if they want to succeed. Because the soundtrack is one of the important aspects of the beautifulness of the drama. I know when I heard Zhou Shen and Liu Yuning singing ost, this drama really worth full of my attention. I fell in love with Minghao's voice too.

I dare said that this drama is one of my top-list favorite Xianxia dramas. It is worth watching and of course for me to rewatch. Now if someone mentions Mighty Millenium Dragon, All that I can think of is just Tianyou and Longbaobao <3
Hou Minghao, I really looking forward to your next costume drama!

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Neo Hou's first xianxia drama!

I'm really in love with the couple in this drama. I'm re-watching this for the second time. The character development was at a good pace. There's a lot of funny banters at the first few episodes in the drama before it starts getting serious as it gets deeper into the story. There's already a few sweet scenes and there's more later throughout the episode. A good mix of romance, comedy, and drama.

I have watched Till the End of the Moon too, and I have to say... I felt much better watching Back From the Brink, mostly because even though there were misunderstandings that led to thoughts of betrayal, they overcame it and gained back each other's trust. Lots of sweet scenes, a much healthier relationship compared to the couple in TTEOTM.

I knew about Zhou Ye from Word of Honor, and fell in love with Neo Hou's acting after watching this! They're so cute together which is why I'm watching it again!

You won't be disappointed. You'll get to see the different sides of his character, Tian Yao! Both Neo Hou and Zhou Ye were great in this drama!

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Not your typical Xanxia thank goodness!

Never thought there would be a Xanxia with no heavenly realm, psychotic second lead obsession and multiple lives which explains why I loved this drama so much! I am not a fan of the typical trope of killing the one you love for the greater good on repeat. The constant misunderstandings and angst is too frustrating and draining for me. Hence BFTB has been a breath of fresh air and had all the elements in a story (romance, adventure and comedy) that kept me entertained, invested and sad when drama ended. I’ve only been able to finish 2 other Xanxia which were LBFD and TSL both of which I also enjoyed because it did not fit the typical Xanxia mould.

Drama was not perfect nor a masterpiece but the positives far outweighed the negatives.

What I loved:
• gorgeous leads who had amazing chemistry despite the lack of passionate kisses. The progression of their relationship from annoyance/bickering to friendship then lovers was beautifully done. Except for one silly incident their trust and support for each other never wavered. My favourite CP!
• FL who can fight and was intelligent, straight forward, righteous yet practical. Loved her face slapping lol My favourite FL !
• ML who overcame his past trauma to become the most loving and tender ML. Gives FL everything yet ask for nothing in return. I loved the way he says “Yan Hui “ and how he sharpens knives for FL to vent her frustration. My favourite ML!
• the quest to find ML’s body part meant CP were together for most of the drama. Lots of CP interactions, working together for a common goal. Loved the character development, consistency and pace.
• the endearing secondary cast and couples
• no delusional second lead that serve no purpose other than obsessing over main lead from
start to end.
• the dodgy cgi that somehow works with the adorable cartoonish characters

What could have been better:
• the stabbing scene in episode 16. Understand it was a plot device but was poorly executed. Please bear with this unfortunate plot device in an otherwise great script as the drama redeem itself within next few episodes.
• kept BXS character as a shipper of the CP instead of falling in love with FL. Luckily this didn’t last long.
• one passionate kiss at least? Why c drama why?
• although this was a happy ending would have appreciated more scenes of their reunion and life together. Why c drama why?

Highly recommend this drama as well as the novel.

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Beautiful Xianxia Love Story of A Dragon King and a Taoist Girl!

Back from the brink is light and fast-paced romance, xianxia!
It's a beautiful xianxia story of a dragon king, who got hurt by love but still learned to love again and found his true love in a kind-hearted Taoist girl.
If you were a fan of Love Between Fairy and Devil, I highly suggest watching this drama as the original stories are made by the same author, Jiu Lu Fei Xiang (九鹭非香)

STORY:

Dragon King Tianyao gets betrayed on his wedding day by the woman he was going to marry, a Taoist called Suying from Guanghan Sect. She dismembered him and tried to steal his heart protecting scale and inner core, which are the main sources of his powers. He combines them and tosses the heart protecting scale away.
The heart protecting scale went inside a little baby girl, who was abandoned because of her weak heart. Yanhui got to live thanks to the heart protecting scale and was picked by Master Lingxiao of Chengxing Sect.
Yanhui gets expelled from the sect and soon is kidnapped by Tianyao. Tianyao had noticed that Yanhui had the heart protecting scale inside of her. Tianyao wants to find his body parts and needs the help of Yanhui, and they start their journey of finding his body parts.
Yanhui and Tianyao slowly fall in love with each other in the midst of the chaos.

SPOILER PART OF THE STORY & MY OPINION:

Tianyao and Yanhui had a couple of misunderstandings in the drama, which were understandable. I feel like Back from the brink was a great drama, but in my opinion it was lacking just a certain spice. I feel like Yanhui and Tianyao fell in love a little bit too early, and I was a little disappointed how both of their weddings weren't because of their mutual feelings. The wedding in Qingqiu was beautiful but for me, it was a little ruined due to Yanhui's attitude, it was understandable but at the same time disappointing, knowing that she was very much in love with Tianyao but hurt by him at the same time and thus wasn't excited at all that she was going to marry Tianyao. The drama was filmed beautifully, and the outfits were cute. It was fun and light for a xianxia. Yanhui wasn't annoying or naive, and Tianyao wasn't the typical "VERY cold and stern main lead".

ACTING:

Neo Hou as Tianyao,
His acting was great! There's just something in the way he looks so naive and kind yet strong at the same time. A great pick for this role.

Zhou Ye as Yanhui
She was great as Yanhui. Her crying scenes were the best in this drama! She was very believable.

Riley Wang as Bai Xiao Sheng,
The black horse who surprised me time and time again. His acting just stood out the most to me due to his mischievous and mysterious presence. I wished for his happiness the most, since Bai Xiao Sheng had suffered the most ever since his childhood.

Overall a 8!

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The Dragon's journey to reclaim his dismembered body & attaining true love | Baby Dragon Neo <3

"I wish I had never met you in my life." - Suying

Like what the title suggests 'Back from the Brink (of Death) is a story about the Dragon King (Tianyao) who was brutally schemed and killed on his Wedding day by his own Bride (Suying) and how he was revived by the help of a Taoist girl (Yanhua) who will make him experience and realize what true love is while retrieving his stolen body parts.

If I were to sum it up, I would say that this is all about the despair and unpredictability of love... that although love can be deceitful, tragic and ever-changing at times, it can also be delightful and uplifting all at the same time. This story showcased how love is not perfect and would never be! and it's a matter of finding that one person who shares the same feeling that you have... someone that will make you feel valued, loved, protected and cared for at all costs, at all times.

I honestly don't wanna be critical and strict to my review for this drama as I consider this as one of the 'better' Idol Xianxia drama created in past several years but I will still try to mention below the major shortcoming that could've make this story even better!

I would say that the biggest section this production could've improved on is with the editing, more specifically in regards to the wise inclusion and exclusion of scenes and events as it has always been a big problem of chinese dramas for me. They tend to go all out with the introduction and character developements only to fell short when it comes to the climax and ending (thank god the ending of this drama is well created and polished); and this issue happened several times to this show as well. I recall feeling weird at around Ep 25+ because I noticed them rushing some of the scenes that made us skipped a lot of good parts and I think we got enough irrelevent scenes between episode 10-20 to fill those gaps. It's just sad that they 'most probably' got restricted by china's censorship and restrictions in the middle of getting an approval to go live. Nonetheless, better decision making on which scenes should make the final cut coud have been implemented!

Something I love and enjoy about this drama is the goofy and bright energy the leads and characters has showed us throughout the show. I appreciate that they included tons of silly and comical scenes each episode which helped accentuates the vibe and overall mood of the drama + it makes me enjoy it without having to feel uncomfortable and overly irritated. I would say that this is one of the 'Feel-good' dramas everyone should binge watch whenever they experience exhaustion from watching overly convoluted series.

Last thing I wanna praise and talk about is the chemisty and synergy not only of the leads but the entirety of characters and artists/casts. I feel like one of the factors that made me completely drawn to this story is the actors/actresses themselves and how magnificent they portrayed their respective roles. Their compatibility with one another is undeniable, that for some reason I can feel an almost tangible aura exuding from them as a whole.

P.S. Regarding the Quote above from Suying. This drama used that line several times that it effortlessly imprinted on my mind. I think it also proves that karma is a bitch and will bite back 10 folds fiercer. Serves her right! lol

Story - 10, I was planning of giving it a 9.5 but how can I do that when it gave me such a satisfying ending? Not to mention how I enjoyed the entirety of this drama and only skipped the flashback scenes as I am running out of time because of work. Also, the production quality and script writing of this story is really good and although there are some ridiculous scenes (underwater scene between Ep 1-10)... those are considerably minor in comparison to the happiness I have had watching it.

Acting/Cast - 9.5, I have no complains and/or violent reaction regarding the cast. However, I feel like Zhou Ye's acting is a bit lacking during her sad scenes. I'm not sure if it's because of the jolly and bright perception I have of her, but I just can't take her seriously during her sad/crying scenes. Sorry!! But I admit that she fits this silly, free-spirited, cheerful roles the best! Regarding Neo Hou! I can never touch this man. He knew he's charming and has always used that to complete his craft with precision and perfection! Him acting like a Baby is going to be the death of me! Lovely and adorable!

Music - 10, I love all the music used in this drama, specially the main OST they typically use on heartwarming scenes. I will surely hunt that one and will add it on my playlist.

Rewatch Value - 10, Everything about this drama is re-watchable. It doesn't have any boring and/ot uncomfortable scenes at all. I'm sure everyone's gonna love it!

Overall - 10, I don't care! I'm giving it a perfect 10. Lol I know that this drama got some flaws and is lacking on some areas BUT it's really rare these days for me to encounter such a good Idol Xianxia drama that I can actually binge watch the entire day! So I feel delighted and ecstatic watching it. All I can say is that it's worthy of all your time.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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A tale of trust and betrayal

This drama is all about Tianyao,the Millenium spirit dragon,who has faced betrayal at the time of his marriage and swears never to love again.But through Yanhui,he again dares to fall in love who in return vows to help him find his missing body parts.
The plot was good.The way the sequences unfolded,the difficulties they overcame,how they found the body parts,unlocked the seal and ended the evil in this world was portrayed nicely.
Neo Hou and Zhou Ye did a good job in their roles.The friendship aspect was also good.
The costumes,sets,music,fights, supporting actors were all good.
This drama is sure entertaining and you will not regret watching it.

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