The Lotus Casebook (2023)

A Wuxia Detective Bromance Story Done Right!

When I first heard about this drama and saw the cast lineup, I didn't have much expectations so I didn't try it immediately. I waited until more episodes were out before finally giving it a try. And I was shocked at the quality! I could tell from episode 1 that this drama put a lot of attention on the story, characters, and sets. I felt such high potential for this drama that I slowly watched the available episodes and waited to binge after it was done airing. I haven't felt this excited watching a wuxia drama since Untamed.

There are so many good things to love about this drama. It may feel a bit slow-paced in the beginning but after going through their first case, the pace picks up.

1. Solving the Cases. I love watching a good crime story and this drama did a great job at telling interesting but not predictable cases throughout the drama. There were also some great plot twists that were unexpected as Li LianHua and Fang XiaoBao were solving the case. It was particularly interesting because of the cooperation between the 2 leads. Such great chemistry.

2. The Relationships/Characters. Every character was introduced nicely and I could see the motives behind their decisions. The main and supporting roles were built with a solid backstory which helped you see how they grew from the first episode. But Li LianHua would have to be the most interesting because it is not typical of a wuxia drama to show the strongest hero at such a low moment in their life. The bromance between Li LianHua and XiaoBao was done so well too. They have perfect balance of bickering and cute sweet moments. I slowly grew to love the two of them, as well as with Di Fei Sheng. There is not a boring moment when the 3 of them were on screen.

3. The Story. In the beginning, the drama felt a bit slow but each case was built so naturally to lead up to the climatic conflict at the end. There were no useless filler scenes to just add to the episode length because every moment was needed. Also, there were so many unexpected points in the story and it just pulled me deeper into this world. Ugh I'm so sad now that I finished this drama :(( It is also sad

4. The Fight Sequences. All the fight sequences were choreographed so amazing! It was thrilling to watch them fight and Cheng Yi is so great at pulling them off! It truly showed what makes wuxia dramas so fun to watch. I have to say that Li Xiang Yi is just so skilled though... all his fight sequences were so nice and that was only with 30% of his power. UGH THE TALENT.

Anyways, I recommend this drama to anyone who loves wuxia dramas with great crime-solving and bromance!

Leia Mais

As elegant as the tea in jade cup

I finished it! I finished it! I'm informed that this one is a brotherhood focused kind of drama and it has Cheng Yi- Cheng Yi my legendary blood spitter. After watching Immortal Samsara last year (I still use Immortal Samsara's wallpaper on my laptop), naively I thought MLC is not romance based genre, so Cheng Yi can't possibly spit that much blood. I'm wrong. I'm totally wrong, I'm laughing when I wrote this.

Our legendary blood spitter spits /vomits blood THE ENTIRE SHOW, it was his identity now. I'm not complaining here, I'm amused. I don't remember watching Cheng Yi in any contemporary drama, (I knew he'll do great) but Cheng Yi definitely suits historical/ period drama, he has that charismatic demeanor if he carries it properly. MLC bring out the "attitude" out of Cheng Yi and it was refreshing to see him sass out people and being a cunning old fox. And how can we not praise Di Feisheng, Fang Doubing and Rain Wang? They are splendid, they carry the show so well it was a 'smooth' journey of watching (I'm not complaining much acting wise throughout the show)

As an intermediate martial art learner myself, I'm glad to say that the execution of the show are not just blindly swinging the sword left and right, but it has a little technique here and there, it look solid enough to be believable. The plot twist had my eyes glued. I'm waiting for Fang Doubing to acknowledge Xiangyi as master formally (bow for student to master) but I'm not getting it till the end, it will be touching scene if it was added in :[ The romance part is a little suffocating. Thankfully it's not to much like The Blood of Youth, who had constant barge of new romance/ fling/ ex in any way possible,... but MLC is not stingy with romance either, at least it had a sprinkle of it as flavor and love how they move on very maturely later on.

Oh the ending; the special episode one. I need to say I'm a little glad they didn't outright show Xiangyi's death or live but the disappointment is undeniable... they can do better- come onnn.

That's all I can remember to comment on for MLC,
till the next of ChengYi's work,
Rubiy Young.

Leia Mais

A MUST WATCH (It's a masterpiece)

After being in a drama slump for a while, I picked up this drama due to the comments saying it was worth watching. Now, I usually prefer romance in dramas, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a drama without it. This drama is amazing from beginning to end.

I do admit that I had to push through some episodes in the beginning, but I later realized that they were necessary for build-up and development of the plot. After episode 20, I was on my toes and invested the whole time. Even in the last episodes, I got goosebumps from the plot twists during the denouement.

Li Xiang Yi/Li Lian Hua is a thoroughly fleshed out character. His selflessness made him neither pitiful nor foolish. He had his own reasons and goals. He is smart and powerful, but also so so kind. He has had a very hard life, so it is not surprising he doesn't want to return to his old life. Whether he ultimately passed away or lived on a little more in the end, I'm sure he was at his own peace of mind.

Fang Xiao Bao might be my favorite character (to be fair, I think LXY, FXB, and DFS are all my favorites). He grew so much since the beginning of the drama until the end. I know he's going to become a martial arts legend. I saw some people in the comments saying he was annoying, but I never thought so. He is young and new to the martial world. He's the ray of sunshine and hope in the trio. I'm also happy with how things went with the princess... my romance-loving heart was rooting for them!

Di Fei Sheng was never the villain. But I think that is obvious to all viewers. Our A-fei is righteous and has a clear understanding of right and wrong. I would think that he was the pure/cute one in the friend group, if anything. If there's one thing I can understand about Jiao Li Qiao, is her feelings for DFS. I mean, he's really a good guy at heart (and handsome), I would've fallen for him too.

Their friendship was everything to me. I wish hugging was more of a thing in wuxias, because damn, I need a group hug from them so bad. Li Lian Hua, Fang Duo Bing, Di Fei Sheng... in another life, I hope you guys can become friends and roam the world together happily and healthily!!!

Truly a beautiful drama, and a must-watch. It is a soul-crushing and soul-healing experience ;,)

Leia Mais

Innovative C Drama

Having watched numerous CDramas this one breaks the formulaic mould. Great writing with just the right amount of twists. The casting is perfect with Cheng Yi, Zeng Shunxi work brilliantly together at the start and are joined by Xiao Shunyao, he adds another dimension to the mix. The supporting cast members are just as good. The protagonist’s characters are well developed and the intertwined storyline works very well.

Cheng Yi laconic performance as Li Lianhua reminded me at times of Johnny Depp

There is enough here to keep the viewer watching and interested in the next mystery to be resolved with the main mystery running throughout. The comedic elements are refreshing.

I would watch this drama again in a few months time and hoping there is a second season.

In conclusion a drama that is worth the watch…

I would love the blueprint for the Lotus House.

Leia Mais

One of the best 2023 drama

I started watching this because of Cheng Yi and I never regreted starting this! Such an amazing cast and they acting skills was really good too. Loved the 3 main role actors chemistry. The beginning of the drama was exciting and I couldn't wait for LLH and FDB to meet.

They worked then together on the cases. Loved to see each cases they solved and then another mystery is uncovered. For me it was just the perfect drama to watch after I get home from work. The ending was not the best for LLH but then in the extra episodes LLH wasn't dead.

Seeing JZ for the first time I'm in love with him. He is just such an amazing actor! CY as expected nailed this drama too with his amazing acting skills. I've never seen XSY before too but he played his role with full heart.

Will reach this drama many many times and will be my number 1 2023 drama this year!

Leia Mais

Good Things Come in Threes

Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shun Yao is the hilarious trio that you get to watch in MLC. At first, Di Fei Sheng's character may come off cold, but when you really get into the story he is a softie, especially for LianHua. The one thing that DuoBing and Fei Sheng have in common is that they both care for LianHua, and they have different reasons. Di Fei Sheng is the soulmate, who wants LianHua to get better so that they can have another fight, while DuoBing just wants to spend his whole life with LianHua solving cases and traveling the martial arts world.
The storyline captivates you, but more than that it is Cheng Yi's acting that grabs your heart. Jiao Li Qiao is a character who is obsessed with Di Fei Sheng, but also know what she wants in the end. This was my first time watching her in any show, and she is a really good actress. The plot twists in different episodes are so good, even if you might have guessed some of them, they still leave you intrigued about what's to come.
A MUST MUST MUST WATCH SHOW.

Leia Mais

Totally recommended

I'll start from the end: I just finished it, 40 episodes and it was totally worth the late night sleep. I still feel the lump in my throat and the heaviness in my heart because the ending is beautiful, liberating, heartwarming, and I feel like I'm not ready to let go of Lianhua. The trio friendship lasts till the end and finally Lianhua gets what he wants: freedom. I mean, seriously. Leave the poor man alone. Also, I give low rewatch value because I can't bear to be this involved the second time. Dramatic, I know.

We don't get to see much of the ambitious and arrogant sect leader Li Xiangyi, instead we see him as the mature, reliable, witty, calm Li Lianhua. Lianhua is the kind of guy that you might say "Oh he's here! Thank goodness!" upon seeing him. The way he cultivates friendships with Fan Daobing and Di Feishang is kind and understanding that no wonder they can't resist him. Kudos to the actor for conveying such gentle yet strong character. His eyebrow lifts, smirks, the little gestures feel so natural I forgot he is an actor doing his job.
Fan Daobing grows a lot throughout the story and not only in fighting skills. By the end of the story he is an intelligent young adult in control of his own life. Di Feishang is a villain you can't hate. His A Fei mode is endearing and emotionally clueless makes him almost like a comic relief. These characters are perfectly portrayed by the actors.

I don't want to write too much and at 40 episodes it is quite a daunting commitment to watch but listen, do watch it anyway. It's about lovely friendships and loyalty, so there is barely any romance, but our trio is more than enough.

Leia Mais

Incredible story, incredible acting, incredible characters

Starting this story, I honestly had no idea what to expect, but once I completed the first episode, I was hooked. Cheng Yi as Li Lian Hua was a charismatic, intelligent liar with a heart of gold. One would think that was an oxymoron but he portrayed him so well, I don’t know if I’ll ever like a male protagonist as much as this character. Not only are the three main protagonists amazingly well written and well acted, the story is laid out in such a way that you’ll binge with barely any breaks. As a person not interested in mysteries and case solving, I was reluctant to start this, but the cases are solved in a way that connects it to the central plot. There isn’t an episode where I was bored, and could honestly watch 40 more episodes with these three characters just walking around and doing things lol. If you have even a little bit of doubt on whether or not to start this, absolutely just start it!! You will not regret giving this wonderful masterpiece a chance.

Leia Mais

A masterpiece drama

This drama have good and interesting storyline. I can't stop myself to watch it till finish and really grateful to watch this drama. I like reading a mysterious and detective books like from Agatha Christie so this drama is very cool for me! This drama have a lot mystery case and the storyline it's a masterpiece for me. All the cast for this drama it's incredible. Cheng Yi looks very handsome here especially as Li Xiangyi. Joseph Zeng looks really suits Fang Duobing character. And also all the cast have done great job too. The OST too is very cool. This is a very must watch drama ;D

Leia Mais

One of the best wuxia in a while

I went into this show without any expectations and came out amazed by the whole production of this drama. Started out as solving mystery cases and ended with probably one of the most amazing drama I’ve ever watched in a while.

there weren’t any parts that felt slow (except for palace scenes because honestly I personally have qualms when a story takes place in palace, with its boring political plots BUT MLC managed to keep it short, thankfully)

Story was amazing, acting was superb. Cheng Yi was exceptional, his best to date character. my first time watching Joseph & Aero and I felt they did very well and do justice to their roles. supporting casts too did well.

Music is important element while watching a drama and MLC served it very well. *Cue Li Xiangyi BGM (*cries)

Now, im on my 3rd rewatch. so even you don’t plan to rewatch whole thing, this drama have a LOT of amazing scenes that’s worth rewatching, especially the fight scenes.

For those who haven’t watch it, give it a try!

Leia Mais