LEGEND OF FUYAO
66 episodes with Yang Mi and Ethan Juan. Photo credits: Amazon & iQiyi.
FANTASY/ COSTUME & PERIOD
4/30/20242 min read


I love the most the wedding scene of Wunji (then known as King Xuanyuan Min) and Fuyao (Lady Fair) at Deep Water Nation. The elaborate gold designs of dragon for the King and phoenix for the Queen in a backdrop of black silk with red inner gown is truly a marvel. The crowns on their heads are inlaid with just enough pearls and stones to adorn the gold overlay and they both look stunningly handsome and beautiful. How they look at each other though, could never be mistaken as anything other than love and deep affection.
This story is about an orphan girl who grew up in black section of Mystic Clique. She thrives among the poor servants but she was well loved by her adoptive father and brother. She also had her sights pointing towards the young master of the clan. Senior big brother of course is off limits because of their different status in life. Later on she met the true love of her life and the story begins to get even better.
The 66 episodes might sound daunting to a lot of televiewers but I tell you, with enough ingredients of political intrigues, several love stories on the side, a dash of magic and fantasy and the amazing settings, you will find the number of episodes not even enough. I surely hope there would be a season 2 for Legend of Fuyao.
What's admirable about Fuyao is that she does not put limits on herself. For her, there should be no distinction between masters and slaves and everyone should be given a fair chance to cultivate (for immortality), study, learn martial arts and be with the person you love. Both Fuyao and Fuji do not also accept things as it is. They both believe there is an answer to any question, a solution to every problem. I think this is how people should live. To believe that we always have a choice and not give in to the so-called fate always. The positivity rubbing off on me!
The layers upon layers of deception in this Chinese fantasy is a not-so-subtle contrast to the myriad networks of conspiracy that make this series intensely commanding. Each episode is rife with political intrigue, subtle maneuvering, and power play is very evident. The production set, the costumes and everything else that pleases the eye are magnificent. Looks like they did not spare any expense to make things befitting royalties. It was truly a test of discipline for me to make sure I finish first my work-related activities before I indulge in watching "Fuyao" again.
Wunji and Fuyao- they fit like two peas in a pod. The way they fight together seamlessly makes things look like they are dancing instead of fighting for their lives. And the supporting cast- truly impressive!
The lead female star, Fuyao herself is Yang Mi. She is a Chinese actress with a caliber non-par. Very natural in acting, she has already top-billed several fantasy series that captured televiewers not just in China but the entire world. Her leading man is a Taiwanese actor Ethan Juan who will endear everyone with his easy charm. Honestly, I did not find him good looking at all at the start but he grew on me with every episode and midway I was already rooting for him. And their kiss- aaahhhh! I'm tempted to tell you what episode you can find that but no. You have to build the momentum by watching every episode. So enjoy!