Absolute MASTERPIECE.
I’ve never watched two males on the screen with such intriguing allure before. Their chemistry is off the chart and even better than most male/female relationships. The way they speak their love language through the intensity of their eyes, the intricate words and subtle touches- all absolutely beautiful.Acting: Gong Jun’s best work so far. You feel his pain and the complexity of his character all through his eyes and facial expressions. All of his scenes are truly remarkable. His portrayal of the cunning, playful and remarkable Wen Ke Xing is breathtaking. He is stunning in this drama. I am taken away by how he could easily transition between all these complicated emotions so effortlessly. I am definitely a huge fan, now.
Speaking of, Zhang Zhe Han’s portrayal of the righteous and distinguished Zhou Zhi is enough to last a lifetime. The softness in his eyes and the way he can control the scene with very subtle expressions are amazing. I love how his character develops and the overall story arc.
Storyline: 9/10. Absolutely outstanding. 37 episodes are not enough! We need more!!
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SO BEAUTIFUL OMG‼️‼️
Literally THE BEST!!!!! I’m lost for words♥️♥️♥️♥️ Wish I could give it 100000000/10. I love it soooo much. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I’ll be rewatching it again and again. I don’t even know how it passed the censorship(all the flirting and touching OMG)😭😭.All of them look so beautiful, and the storyline is very unique. IT ALSO HAS A HAPPY ENDING which I LOVED.
I both laughed and cried while watching this. This drama will stay with me for a very VERY long time. I don’t know how it passed the censorship, but this is the best costume BL out there and nothing tops it. I never skipped and watched every second of it. I wish I could erase my memory and watch it for the first time again.
I was so mad at myself for waiting this long to watch it because I was so skeptical about it at first. This drama is just PERFECTION and very unpredictable.
The love A’Zu and Old Wen have for one another is very VERY clear.
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this is how I fell in love with wenzhou
I watched this not knowing I would be crying at the pain all of them endure and screaming at the ultimate villain every time I see him. My heart broke 💔 seeing those two get married and then murdered and I felt bed for scorpion king all he wanted was someone who loved him. The ending was so frustrating why couldn't We Kexiang tell zhou Zishu that he was going to fake his death and then after Kexiang's hair turned white the abrupt flash forward of chenling telling his disciples the story of WenZhou I thought Kexiang died. My heart was reading so fast I had to take a walk to calm down and couldn't sleep that night.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Stick through the beginning and it's wonderful
I was a little worried going in to WoH because I had kept hearing such great things about it, and I was concerned it wouldn't live up to the hype. However, after getting through the beginning of the show, each episode started to get better and better.WoH is about Zhou Zishu, who is the chief of Window to Heaven. Window to Heaven is an elite team of assassins who take out corrupt officials in the martial arts world. However, Zhou Zishu's family has all left or been killed, so he decides it's time fo rhim to leave too. However, in order to leave Window to Heaven, he must imbed the seven nails of torment into his body, which leave him with only three years to live. He decides he will spend these three years wandering the world, drinking good wine, and basking in the sun. However, it seems that his remaining years won't be so peaceful - he gets wrapped up in saving a child, Chengling, after his clan is killed, and Wen Kexing, a fellow martial artist, is following them and trying to befriend the two. Zhou Zishu is wary of Wen Kexing, but over time the two become closer and jointly help to teach Chengling. But it seems the entire martial arts world is against them as everyone tries to get their hands on the Glazed Armor, which opens an armory said to hold all the secrets of the martial arts world.
Overall, this series was great. I honestly don't know how the relationship between Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing got past any kind of censorship, because calling someone your soulmate THAT many times is not something two homies do. It was great to watch their "friendship" develop over the series, and as secrets come to light, we see that friendship tested. I do think the "I'm going to sacrifice myself to protect you!" got a bit old after the (I don't know) 5th time?? But it truly went to show how much these characters learned to trust and rely on one another. I do think my biggest complaint about this show is that I think it would have been much more interesting if it was told from the perspective of Wen Kexing instead of Zhou Zishu. I found Wen Kexing to be a much more interesting character, and I feel like we could have gotten a little more exploration of his character. Still, I would highly recommend this one! BUT BE SURE TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE AFTER YOU FINISH EP 36!
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Main characters seem almost like a side story as the plot does not actually revolve around them and all they do is wander around and talk, talk, talk some more.
The chemistry is nonexistent. Dramatic moments have no impact, because there's no built up or base for them. Those two work as friends, but I don't see anything that would turn this into a b/romance. Which would not be a problem, if said bromance was not pushed into my face at every turn. 5 eps in and they are soulmates *facepalm* On what basis?
Also, that is of course very subjective, but the costumes are horrible. Both of them look pretty much ridiculous. Wen Kexin looks like he's a part of a circus and Zhou Zishu like he run out right after taking a bath.
The only part I had no problem with is acting. I liked ZZH's stoic and subtle acting and GJ did a good job on his character as well. But unfortunately, good acting can't save a boring story.
I probably would have finished it on fast forward, if not for the Legend of Fei. I have already wasted a lot of time on one boring drama of the same caliber, I don't want to waste more.
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I have become the biggest fangirl!!
I usually write my review in sequence and avoid writing reviews in the middle before finishing. But I am just so obsessed with this drama that I have to speak about this. Word of Honor is the best BL-adapted dramas I have watched so far. In fact, I have lost sleep and working time in the last few days because of this drama.Don't get me wrong, I still love and fangirl the Untamed, but Untamed was "just" a great drama, one of the best in China's drama history. But with regards to BL, I still had to get all the fangirl elements from many alternative sources (e.g., all the interpretation videos, the audio production, the original novel, etc.), while with Word of Honor, there is no need to look elsewhere. Everything is there, right in front of your eyes, in 3D, in sound, no need for imagination!! Sometimes we wonder, was there even a censorship committee? The makers only over-dubbed some of the too apparent lines but then put the original source shots with original words spoken online for us fans to see! OMG! And for me, that is reason enough to put this as no 1 of the BL-adapted dramas.
Some prefer to have BL elements slightly more settled where you have to read between the lines. I don't. But that's everyone's preference.
Now to the main content of this review. There are three elements that make up great BL-drama: Sticking to the original source material, suitable plus good-looking main leads, the chemistry between the two main leads (we called this the CP-Feel).
The first point, sticking to the source material: Unfortunately, many great BL-adaptions are downgraded or even destroyed because their adaptations are entirely beyond recognition. Why would they do this despite knowing that there is a natural flow of fans who will watch this because they like the original novel? Of course, we can always blame the China censorship, but that should not be an excuse for a bad script. There are many examples that showed us that.
I haven't read the original material (but definitely intend to check this out after drama), but I have heard from multiple sources that the drama is very close to the original material. Not only that, it added to the original source and expanded the plots of supporting and main characters even further to make it even better. For instance, the fact that both male leads know from childhood is something that was not in the original novel. In the book, Wen Ke Xing is into handsome men (also because he is gay) and therefore started to follow Zhou Zi Shu out of curiosity. This would have made his character shallow. But this change not only put WKX's personality in a better light but also circumvents the pronounced gay element: two birds with one stone. I found out that the scriptwriter is a big fan of Priest, and you can feel the love and delicacy she has put into this work. In fact, a lot of details you can only notice once you watch this drama a second time. And don't worry, you won't get bored even watching it n-times.
Second point: suitable plus good-looking male leads: there is no denying that both leads are delicacies for the eyes. Both leads have had some years of experience, but none of them were that famous at that point in time. I even heard that Gong Jun's acting is rather wooden and of low-quality. Well, not in Word of Honor. He seems to have found his natural element. All the eying, evil smiles and small gestures are on the point. Also, Zhang Zhe Han, although he seems to be slightly stiff in the first six episodes, his expressions become much more vivid and soft after that. I am also very impressed with the gap he showed before and after the disguise - both from acting and from make-up; I really believed these are two different actors! It is said that the scriptwriter asks the director to find someone who has edgy and sharp facial features for ZZS and someone who has soft and slander features for WKX. I have to say the team did a great job picking the perfect actors for the roles. One cannot imagine someone else playing these roles.
Finally, the last point and most important: the CP-Feel:
The biggest thing you worry about in a BL adaption is that both actors cannot act out their affection naturally because it is just awkward. But that's no issue in Word of Honor. I only knew later that GJ's first major acting role was in an actual BL movie. It got taken down because of censorship issues. This explains a lot of his very natural and open form of acting as the "lover-hunter." And you can find this in all the apparent expressions he makes when eying his beloved. Of course, many of the gestures would have come from the master-level instructions of the directors. On the surface, WKX seems to be a witty, sometimes cute, and confident character. But we all know that this character’s dark and mad side which is feared by everyone will be slowly revealed. Will ZZS’s warmth save WKX from his despair? My anticipation rises to the maximum when thinking about the upcoming reveal of this most interesting and deep character.
On the other hand, it is also ZZS's set-up, starting off cold and indifferent towards the temptations of WKX, slowly opens up like a beautiful flower. This slow change in attitude is perfectly shown in his facial expressions, word choice, and gestures in response to WKX. Again, another mastery by Zhang ZZH, the director, and the writer! There is also a slight gap between his mostly cold sober side and sometimes dorky side + loving side that reveal themselves at times. It is like finding a treasure that brings me to smile. Both of the characters, putting together, brings this big explosion of sparks from whom I just cannot get enough.
There are many other great aspects of this drama that I won't go into details: e.g., great music, well-choreographed fighting scenes, well-framed shots, a terrifically tragic side love-line, in-depth supporting characters including even villains.
Certainly, there are some flaws (e.g. the first episode is slightly boring, the entry of clans and characters is too quick, and can be confusing, the low-quality CG, and some acting of the main characters can still be improved). However, these weaknesses just become so insignificant that I just cannot rate this drama with a rational mind anymore. In fact, I think the makers spent their little money on the right things (camera angles and costumes instead of the not-so-important ones (using the same sceneries for multiple scenes).
Now, I just can hope the team will do this drama justice and carry this quality, pacing, and acting into the second half of this drama. This will hopefully create some history for the Chinese BL-drama fandom.
*Edits after watching the full drama
There are a few plot holes, poor editing, and out-of-character behavior in the last episodes (particular episodes 31 and 32) that have made me downgrading the drama from a 10 to a 9.5. However, in my heart, this is still the best drama I have seen so far and really deserves a special place. I am particularly happy with the character development and acting of ZZH as ZZS, truly a man with 2000 layers of ashes.
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Attention! Not just another BL adaption, you're in for a pleasant surprise.
If you're looking for a true BL drama, then this is for you. This drama has everything, friendship, brotherhood, bromance, ROMANCE, and comedy.There are plenty of scenes that make you laugh so hard. Some emotional scenes will make you cry like a baby, and hell, lots of scenes between the two male leads will make you FAINT. Your spirit will make you go "Ahhhh"……
Novel Vs. Drama
The difference is the pacing, but the storyline is pretty much the same. In the novel priest (the author) did not manage to bring the characters to life; the description of each character is very vague, especially the supporting characters.
In the drama, the protagonists and the supporting roles brought the characters out of the book and made it much more lively and real. You will be completely mesmerized by their performance and expressions. Like they are real. Not fictional characters.
The novel- Wen Ke Xing started from being interested in zhou Zi shu without logical reasons, then investigating, then falling in love.
The drama -Wen Ke Xing recognizes Zhou Zi Shu from his kung fu- The Four-season manor, then interested, then falls head over heels when he finds out that he was his long-lost childhood friend.
Hmm, much more logical.
The novel- zhou Zhi Shi did not create the incense 'Drunk Like A Dream'. This incense brought them into a hallucination. Wen Ke Xing saw the worst moment of his life where his family died.
The drama- Zhou Zi Shi Created the incense, and the incense's function is to make people show what they desire the most.
They changed it in the drama because, in the hallucination, Wen Ke Xing saw Zhou Zi Zhu.
Because they wanted to show the audience the most desirable thing Wen Ke Xing wants is Zhou Zi Shu.
"oh damn, so romantic."
What I'm trying to tell you that the drama changed some of the line scripts as they can not show you directly that the couple is in love due to censorship. Though their romance is already pretty obvious, the scriptwriter added many hidden sweets in the drama for the audience to discover. And there were loads. (sweet as in love affections for one another).
How do they show love and affection to pass censorship?
A LOT of eye contact, facial expressions, hugging, holding hands, but no kissing. 😊 Oh, and many Chinese idioms, proverbs, and love poems were used for flirting.
The Untamed Vs. Word of Honour
First of all, I'm a big fan of the untamed.
The two drama is very different. The genre is not the same.
The untamed is a Xianxia story, which means immortal heroes based on fantasy, immortality, magic, demons, and ghosts.
Word of Honour is a Wuxia story that means martial heroes and are ordinary human beings who can achieve supernatural fighting through Chinese martial arts.
When I first watched the untamed, it didn't attract me to chase the drama every day. It started ok; then there was the long flashback. I stopped watching it from there for a couple of months, then I went back to it and gave it another try. It was ok, but I stopped again for a few weeks. I attempted the drama three times!. But I'm happy I did finish the drama as overall it was an excellent drama. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying didn't give me that crazy butterfly feeling. And the romance wasn't as obvious.
Where else word of honor, I chased it every single day with excitement. It was entertaining to watch. And the romance is obvious, and that is WHAT I WANTED to see in a BL drama.
Word of honor is one of the best romance dramas ever for me.
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Brotherhood drama with a lot of Bromance Untamed like
I learned about this drama by coincidence ,, just opened the trailer and I was hookedIt felt like the untamed drama ,,, same handsome male leads ,, same genera , same Bromance may be more
after a few episodes I was hesitant to continue Simon Gong kept flirting with Zhang Zhe Han's character
I said to my self is it BL ??? because I'm not into that ,, I love good Bromance but not actual gay love
but still kept watching for any thing to drive me away from it
it didn't drive me away ,, it got better and better as story progressed ,, they love each other as brothers and best friends despite the looks, flirting , touching hands or hugging ,, I think there are team mates of any sport , idol groups or good close friends who casually do that without any romantic intention ,, there are a lot of soft straight boys out there LOL
Simon Gong (Ke Xing) did a great job ,, he became an eye catcher for every dialogue or action scene
The costumes are amazing especially made for Simon's character
the female presence is awesome ,, she's a cute and her romance with third male character not the main leads
Zhang Zhe Han was amazing too but It felt through the drama he wasn't the main focus most of the time despite the
start of the drama he was the focus yet he's character was amazing
Overall without spoilers ,, you will definitely enjoy this drama if you liked the Untamed and good Bromance drama
and If you're not a BL fan like me you won't feel it's BL unless you dived in fans accounts of this drama
It ended a happy ending ,, no open endings for once and that's what's great about it
I recommend it so much ,, I will rewatch it so many times as I did with Untamed
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Pretty good.
It's fine.It's quite nice.
It's also super overhyped.
-Visually I'd say it's ...charming. Kind of like the old Shaw Bros movies, splitting at the seams, but serviceable.
-The music is annoyingly saccharine and it could've done without the many slowmo compilations set to awful syrupy ballads.
- I'm not a fan of plots and schemes, but this was an ok story. Reminded me of Love in Between what with all the betrayals and secrets of the older generation, but it wasn't as badly done as in LiB. Things were set up and paid off later, it wasn't as long and drawn out as it could've been.
- The actors were good, with some exceptions. I liked the main duo, but Zhou Ye as Gu Xing was insufferable.
- The main romance varied. In places it was quite nice and enjoyable, in other it was the annoying kind of gay romance written and shot for women who enjoy looking at two pretty boys staring at each other or twirling around. It CAN be done in a way that's reasonably plausible as an actual relationship, or it can be done as pure obnoxious fujoshi fanservice.
This show kind of oscillates between the two.
- The fights are decent, if a bit floaty. (comparing recent wuxia shows - LiB is worse, Ancient Detective is VASTLY superior.)
If I ever rewatch this, it'll be for the story, which is unusual for these types of dramas.
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I need to learn how to use a fan
Another completely biased review from me to you!This series is sheer perfection! I won't go into tons of details as to why I love it, it's all been said before. Between the music, the sets (mostly) and locations, and the actors (oh my lord the actors❤️🔥) this series to me is perfect. I will forever rate any love story on the 'Wen Kexing flirting with a fan' scale, with 10 being Wen Kexing himself and 1 being most other cdramas 😉
I always play the opening and credits when I watch. The music and clips are magical. And yes, I do have the soundtrack and play it often.
The fight choreography is incredible! And I don't mean the closeup of the actors themselves 'fighting' I mean the distance shots where it looks like they are doing aerial ballet. Stunning! My favorite episodes are:
Episode 2, when Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing are fighting among the flowering trees at Mirror Lake Mountain Villa - some great fight scenes there!
Episode 4 Where Zhou Zishu fights the beggar clan. Gorgeous!
Episode 6 where they go from spying to fighting drug men to sucking poison out of wounds to fighting to the big reveal of Zhou Zishu's actual beautiful face. All while flirting outrageously!
Wait, this was supposed to be a short review. Enough of my favorite episodes, just watch and enjoy.
Please, whatever you do, if you watch this on Netflix hurry up and find a way to watch the REAL finale episode, which is 37 Epilogue on Viki. If you only watch till the end on Netflix your heart will break.
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Chemistry
I avoid BL at all cost! (Hence, I have never watched 'the other famous BL dramas').However I am a fan of ZhangZheHan since his YunXi days, and after RuYi Pavilion I was surprised to hear him took up a BL adaptation drama. I was very skeptical of his choice, almost gave it a pass, but decided to give it a chance because I know ZZH never fails to deliver in acting. Also, I had just finished GongJun's Begin Again and getting to know him better.
ZhangZheHan impressed me even more this time. I'm very surprised with his flexibility and diversity in transformation, from his previous masculine superior characters to this graceful, elegant, beautiful yet strong AXu character. I WAS SOLD!
Wow, their chemistry is no joke. The casting of these 2 was also pure luck. Due to the pandemic, productions were delayed, and 1st choice lead actors were switched for unavoidable reasons, giving us the current powerful WenZhou couple.
How they project the relationship between 2 men without crossing China's censorship line still baffles me. There were a lot of focus on hands skin-ship, adoring/mesmerizing gaze, flirtatious lines in forms of poetry, hair-play, and HUGS! (bolder questionable hug towards the end ;) ) They portrayed it oh so very sweetly, I just can't resists but fall for this couple.
As for the story, I have not read the novel, so I can't compare. But having watched a lot of HK wuxia dramas/films, I can say that this WordOfHonor lives up to the wuxia theme.
I love the fight choreography, especially initial zzh's fight scenes (I may be bias here). However towards the end, his fight scenes are a lot less, which is quite sad for me because he gives the best works in fighting actions. I am also not a fan of many slow-mo camera works during these fight scenes, a tad too much. But at the time this review was written, Youku is still working on re-editing many scenes as to fulfill requests from fans. This is very surprising and satisfactory, never heard being done before, having production to re-edit to satisfy viewers feedback even after the drama has finished airing for VIPs subscribers. Definitely will re-watch again and again and again......
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