The drama “The Legend of Shen Li” starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin is a fantasy Xianxia series. This drama was highly anticipated before its premiere, partly due to the combination of Zhao Liying's talent and popularity playing a fairy character once again, and also because Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin's collaboration resolved the regrets of many fans of the drama “Princess Agents.”
On its premiere day, it has been leading in viewership ratings in all aspects. In recent years, most fantasy dramas revolve around the basic themes of protecting the people and safeguarding loved ones, and “The Legend of Shen Li” stands out as a unique work in this genre. In terms of the storyline, the female lead played by Zhao Liying, Shen Li, is not just a supporting character who highlights the strength of the male lead. Shen Li, as the Bicang King of the spiritual realm, traps demons and protects her realm.
On the other hand, Lin Gengxin plays dual roles, one in the mortal world and the other in the heavenly realm. Each character has their own responsibilities and missions based on their identities. From escaping a forced marriage in the mortal realm to saving a spiritual realm general, Shen Li's character portrayal is highly subjective. She mostly relies on her own solutions to solve problems, rather than depending on the male lead for a last-minute heroic rescue.
This drama has received acclaim from the majority of viewers for its storyline, costume design, and special effects. The pacing of the plot is well-balanced, with the first six episodes laying the groundwork by telling two side stories. For example, the music “Liang Xiang Si” is perfectly in sync with the story, reflecting both the longing for a loved one and the reminiscence of a spouse. Additionally, the story of Gu Chengjin using forbidden techniques to save his beloved wife, only to tragically miss his true love Xiaohe, adds depth to the narrative.
Both the main storyline and the side stories are rich in content, with some viewers praising the series while others criticize it as a middle-aged fantasy drama. Some argue that the development of the main characters' relationship is too rushed, with their feelings for each other seemingly appearing out of nowhere. However, considering the characters' backgrounds – one being a god who has lived for thousands of years and the other a prince who safeguards peace in his realm – their romantic arc is far from a typical teenage crush. Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin's performances blend naturally, portraying their characters with precision and authenticity.
Furthermore, the romantic development in this drama avoids the clichés often seen in traditional TV series. The initial interactions between a prince accustomed to battles and a god who has experienced mundane mortal life are filled with humor, making their growing affection for each other inevitable.
For Shen Li, meeting Xingzhi is a source of joy in her otherwise monotonous life, while for Xingyun, encountering Shen Li brings solace to his dull existence. Their love story unfolds in a unique manner, devoid of excessive ambiguity or sudden blushes and heartbeats. Shen Li's bold confession is a reflection of her personality, while Xingyun's composed response showcases his restraint.
Although most fantasy martial arts dramas tend to include heart-wrenching plots, the melancholy in “The Legend of Shen Li” is portrayed subtly. Shen Li must return to the spiritual realm, and Xingyun's short lifespan ensures their relationship is short-lived. However, the drama avoids melodramatic misunderstandings, focusing instead on the quiet and poignant moments of sorrow. When Shen Li mistakenly believes that Xingyun, whom she loves, is a mortal and realizes they cannot be together, she handles the situation with grace, offering her accumulated cultivation as a gesture of gratitude and farewell.
In the celestial realm, time moves differently than in the mortal world. For Shen Li, a month of seclusion is but a fleeting moment, while for Xingyun, the thirty years on earth pass swiftly. From youth to old age, the remaining years are filled with endless longing. Upon learning of Xingyun's passing, although her heart skips a beat for a moment, Shen Li does not mourn outwardly. She understands that her affection for Xingyun transcends past lives and future reincarnations. What she cherishes is the mortal Xingyun of this lifetime who teased her but also cared for her.
As Xingzhi resumes his role as a immortals, he must maintain a cold and lonely demeanor, devoid of emotions. When he meets Shen Li again and claims not to recognize her, it is an act of restraint and duty to the world, as well as an acknowledgment that their love is destined to remain unfulfilled. The current plot may seem subdued, but the future developments are worth anticipating.
