It has been a while since I last wrote a review, specially a cdrama review. And what better way to come back than writing about one of the best xianxia I've ever seen?!

Ancient Love Poetry is more about execution rather than originality (although they do have some pretty original concepts). I mean, if you're acquaintanced with xianxia dramas, then there's a lot you'll recognize by watching this (the love triangles, the love through reincarnations, the teacher and student romance, bubbly goddess vs ice cold god etc.)

But like I said: ALP excels with it's execution of these tropes while adding some rather interesting things. For example: we actually see how the three realms are formed and on what circumstances, we basically witness how mortals came to be and there's the addition of an extra realm later on, which is basically where the story began.

The first few episodes are, admittedly, a bit boring compared to the rest, but they have their importance and their worth, after all they are our introduction to the characters (although important ones will come later in the story) that will move our plot forward.

At one point the story has a big time skip and then we start a whole new arc. The story evolves from where it started but with others point of views, and we're left in the dark as to how some things came to be, things that will be revealed little by little

I liked the construction of this, although I'll have to admit that it reflected the events of the first arc kinda like a mirror. I just had the feeling that we've seen this before, just with a slight change of how characters behave

Then things just keep escalating until we reach our climax and then at the end everything is solved, although with a lot of angst until we get there. Like many xianxias, really.

It was a really nice story that didn't feel as confusing as other dramas I've watched, although some plot holes and questionable decisions were made. Overall it was lovely, with the right amount of light and sad moments, romance and also friendship and even parental love

Now about characters and actors:

Shanggu just might be my favorite xianxia heroine (so far). I actually really liked her character and her evolution was natural. She goes from this spoiled, lazy and kinda annoying girl to a competent and thoughtful leader. ZDY really did a good job with her, she transmitted well the differences between the original Shanggu and her slightly different reincarnation.

Xu Kai was a bit lost during the beginning. I guess more serious roles don't give him justice, however he could deliver just fine and, specially during his "reincarnation", he proves to be a very charming and devoted love interest. Bai Jue is your typical "ice block" kind of character, rather strict and even petty sometimes, but as episodes pass you can't help but notice his soft side and how much he's willing to sacrifice for Shanggu

One of the strongest points and the reason I gave this such a high grade it's the other characters. Really, this is perhaps the first xianxia that made me actually care and engage to the side stories and romances. Every character was just so unique and likeable.

I liked all, I even liked the villains. Like, for once I felt that one of the villains was actually well constructed. I loved the second couple and also felt so sad for what wasn't with both Tianqi and Yuemi (though I've heard there's a work just for them so I'll probably check that out)

I think all really brought in the feels. I specially liked how not only romantic relationships were the focus, but also friendship, mutual respect, frenemies and also parental love.

And the OSTs were just the cherry on the top. I loved, loved the soundtrack. I even dare to say it's one of the best I've seen (heard actually) so far.

I usually don't really rewatch stuff, but I might do it just because I liked it so much.

Really, all the backlash this drama received was unfair and unwarranted. It's a beautiful love story, full feels but also joy. I absolutely recommend it for xianxia fans.