I have no words to describe how much I enjoyed this drama. I am very pleased with the fascinating storyline, the beautiful score, and the biggest ensemble of exceptionally talented young performers in one production. With the exception of the first 10 to 12 episodes, this series moved very well and kept you hitting the remote for that next episode. I really was cringing during the first 10 episodes and wondered whether I had made a mistake. There were major spoilers in the beginning, and too many unexplained things were happening that made the drama silly, messy and hard to follow. Then something clicked and it took off. I was hooked with this wonderful story line about two young men from different clans, and polar opposites, who befriend each other and come together to fight evil. They jump from one adventure into another barely giving you time to catch your breath. There are courageous heroes, dastardly villains, action-packed battles, beautiful damsels who kick serious butts, and adorable children to endear you even further by swooning over their excessive cuteness.

The beautiful sets and outdoor landscapes are breathtaking, very detailed and ornate. The costumes gorgeous, and I appreciated our heroes having more than one change of clothes even if both wore mostly black (Wei Wuxian) and white (Lan Wanji). The score was the biggest hit of all. It was hauntingly melodic and expressive, reflecting the pain, joy and lighter moments in the drama.

There is no denying the importance of the storyline and how central the messages of loyalty and love are in this piece. How jealousy and hatred consumes a person and how malicious gossip can destroy lives. We feel for the main characters, we grow to love them and feel for them so deeply, that by the last episode we feel truly sorry to say goodbye. I loved the BL between our main leads. It was tastefully expressed and one, I think, important to the drama. I am glad for the decision to include it.

I am looking forward to more productions of this caliber.