Love and Destiny which stars Chang Chen and Ni Ni premiered a couple of days ago. Being a xianxia drama, it had the beautiful costumes, the tragic romance and the premise about gods and goddesses. Audiences typically love this stuff but perhaps there comes a point when it all becomes too much.
Love and Destiny looks and feels like another Three Lives Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (Eternal Love). The comparison makes sense since it comes from the same producers with director Lam Yuk Fan and costume designer William Chang onboard. As a result, the settings from the pastel hues to the peach blossoms are very familiar.
Even the costumes look like they were ripped out of Eternal Love especially Ni Ni’s attire which looked extremely similar to Yang Mi’s. The two ladies were also dubbed by the same voice actress, Ji Guanlin, and that would answer why the characters Ling Xi and Bai Qian sound the same. Because they are so similar, it also puts more pressure on the shoulders of Ni Ni since Yang Mi has pulled off being a goddess quite successfully. Some viewers have pointed out that Ni Ni seems more suited for modern dramas.
Another thing that didn’t sit too well with viewers was Chang Chen’s casting. Despite being a top star, Chang Chen at age 42 seemed too old to be playing a leading role in a xianxia drama. Mark Chao faced similar backlash when he was first casted for the role of Yehua. With Chang Chen, his gruff and manly aura does clash with the dreamy feel of the drama, but at the same time, he is playing the god of war Jiu Chen, an older god so perhaps the age thing is not so out of place.
In hindsight, the show creators were probably hoping to copy the elements that made Eternal Love such a hit. Sadly, this seems to have backfired and made Love and Destiny like a cheap knockoff instead. Although, the story has nothing to do with the Three Live Three Worlds drama adaptations based on Tang Qi Gong Zi’s novels, it feels similar in some ways with the god of war and a naive young goddess whose experiences help her come into her own.
What do you guys think of Love and Destiny?
Source: 1
Heidi
I knew they were trying to capture the lighting in a bottle TMOPB had, and the similarities are very apparent, still I'm willing to give this drama a chance. I don't have much to watch as I'm waiting for the Pillow Book and a beautiful costume drama is always enjoyable at least for the aesthetics.
I'm not far into it yet, but I'm not turned off by it. I'm watching it with my sister and she just loves it. Perhaps, while similar to TMOPB it has enough differences to appeal to people with tastes more in line with this drama.
As to the age of the Chang Chen I say, pfffttt. He's not too old and is still very handsome. I think Ni Ni pairs well with him and chemistry is really the most important element. Why do people have their pants in a knot over this age? He'd be catch in real life and I don't want all the dramas I watch to be littered with young people because old people are just too unappealing. They do exist, and spice up it up. A universe consisting of only young people, is not realistic. And I agree, if dubbed "The God of War" I'm really not expecting a flower boy.
All in all, this drama needs more time to flesh out–to see if it has the chops to stand out and be worth the watch.
Anonymous
If the looks r from the same producers and the costumes r done by the same designers for TMOPB, obviously they will feel the same..i got no problem with that and besides, they're soothing to the eyes. All i'm doing is concentrating on the story and the actors, even the CGI is pretty good too, so far so good to me.
Anonymous
If it's a old guy like Nie Yuan it's no problem but Chang Chen isn't handsome in the first place. Mark, like Nie Yuan was at least handsome too despite his old age. I prefer manly too, I don't like baby boys. When Chang Chen was standing next to Huang Haibing, my thought is why not Huang Haibing as male lead? Chang Chen's face is more suitable to play the bad guys, but I think they paired up Nini who looks mature for him so that makes it better. Once I hear him speaking in the drama he got more handsome too.
Nini is too mature looking that it's so hard watching her playing this childlike character. I vote that change her personality, she don't need to act like YM character from Ten Miles, it can be her own character.
So far I did not think the leads (not even at least the second leads) were doing anything important, people just walk around talk all around. Nini sits down and talk, walk and talk, search things and talk… all the time. Not really doing anything interesting besides talking cutely…Her saying Shen Zun every single time reminds me of how annoyed I was at HQG saying Shifu every 5 seconds. Nini meets Chang Chen and he makes angry faces at her, that's all he's in the drama for. Then she gets in trouble and he saves her. Everytime she gets injure it's so fake…those are the worse parts. She always wakes up normally the next day.
It was pretty bad from episodes 5-16, more action picked up at episode 17 (similar to episode 1).
My faves are only the dad and 13.
Anonymous
Its meant to be similar to Ten Miles, considering the production team kept marketing it as a spin-off to Ten Miles.
One thing though. Why is every female lead in xianxia drama a carefree and lively character? Bai Qian was a breath of fresh air in terms of character development lol, and probably one of the reasons why Ten Miles became popular.
Unknown
Huh? Bai Qian has absolutely no character development! You see nothing of her role as Queen, but everyone insists she's a fantastic Queen, Mo Yuan took her lightning trial for her, she never does anything of her own agency, as far as I can see, all she Bai Qian did was have everything handed to her. I still quite like her character though, I do think it has elements of accuracy, I think someone who had lived as long as she did, with her life would get to the point of not caring about many things, so I understand her lazing around.
However, I much prefer Love and Destiny's Lingxi, nothing is handed to her, she is weak, not clever, weak magic, weak martial arts… I think it's nice not to have a Mary-Sue… who is immediately good at everything. Lingxi is lazy, carefree and mischievous, her redeeming quality is that she is very very loyal.
Lina
I agree very much with you! Bai Qian had NO character development.
She was lazy and had things just handed to her. They never show her doing any queen related work. She was also a coward who decided to leave her child and then after she woke up as a goddess she decided to just forget her own child – now who does that?
Her pairing with YH was also very bad. THey just didn’t fit together. And it was actually strange. If he were older than her, then I would have believed some of their interactions, but he was so much younger than her. ANd yet in the final battle when he basically sacrifices himself he just manages to tie her up magically and she cant free herself???
THey didn’t fight together. THey didn’t act as a couple at all.
Linxi and JiuChen grow and learn. He has moments of what I call stupidity because he feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and he doesn’t confide in her, but in the ending battle they stand together, shoulder to shoulder. Helping one another.
And Lingxi’s grown is amazing during the show.
Anonymous
They're in a world that is so carefree, should be natural they are like that. What I don't like is Nini's acting have to be enforced to look the same like Bai Qian when she can just act differently, just be like a different girl who is also carefree but in her own way. Her eyes movements, how her lips talk, her frowning expressions, confusion acting…etc. have to be the same…it feels very forced.
The colors they put on her are beautiful but super mature, when Bai Qian wears them it is appropriate given her status and power she should be mature. Lingxi is a weak young girl who doesn't know anything yet, they should start her off with brighter purple, yellow, white…less darker colors until she matures up.
Anonymous
I tried to watch it, but it seems like the plot and some of the scenes are almost exact copies. For example when the mystic animal or thing tried to attack Nini. the sets are almost the same…Which is fine, but they should have at least tried the two stories and how they are linked.I will not contiNue to watch it..It doesn't haVe the same draw as Three lives three worlds
Anonymous
this is a different story. You Need to watch more and do not use TMOBP to compare. You will not want to stop as the story unfolds and the chemistry between the 2 leads are off the charts as their relationship grows and obstacles are thrown at them and and different world situations occur. you will laugh, cry, awe about their love story. plus happy ending (spoiler alert). you will wish to see more of the main lead and hoped there was an episode 61 to shore more couple time…
Anonymous
I’m not sure what people are expecting when Love and Destiny share the same world as Ten Mile of Peach Blossom. So the costumes and the feel of the world should be similar. On the same notes, I feel like people will still going to complain if it’s not similar, cant’ win either ways. From what I know, the team behind TMOPB created this series on their own because they want to explore this world further. This is their original works rather than based on source material. Aesthetically, the brightness is kept at minimum so you can see the actors/actresses natural look rather than being overly filter.
I like both Zhang Zhen and NiNi and so far they did a good job. They’re quite a comedic duo at time. So far everyone did a really good job with their roles. I like that they’re taking their time to develop the relationship between characters and developing the overall plot. I’m not those people that can sit through a torturous 60 episodes draggy series for my favorite actor or actress just because they’re in it. I really hope that they can continue this tight storyline until the end.
Funnily enough, people complained about Zhang Zhen look, but once they realized that it’s him as the lead, some change their tune and praised his acting. I feel like people don’t realize that older actors and actresses are still around and they’re still act in series and movies. The entertainment world is not limit to young actors and actresses only.
Anonymous
I completely agree with you that LAD is one of the better shows out there in terms of acting, plot lines, gorgeous scenary, costumes and (spoiler alert) happy ending. Watch at least half the epsiodes before judging. it got better and better as the episodes unfolded and the relationship in this story is so much healthier and the episodes with the main leads in the mortal realm was awesome .
Anonymous
What a pointless reason saying they won't watch because it's too similar to TMOPB. It's like it's lost on them this is the exact same world as TMOPB with familiar characters played by different actors. Can we expect this same people will also complain if the Pillow Book is just like TMOPB? I don't think so. In storyline this is about as captivating as the Pillow Book. It has to be the said though, no one is beating TMOPB's plot. The author got a home run with that one. I am already impressed by the set production and special effects of this show. Honestly they are better than TMOPB. I'm glad the production team did not skimp on that even though this show is possibly just a filler for people waiting for the Pillow Book.
Anonymous
I had trouble with with TMOPB because of Yang Mi, she has the same facial expression and she's not an attractive woman. I usually judge a drama by the acting (not actors). That being said I will watch it.
Anonymous
WHAAATTT. Yang Mi is considered one of the most beautiful actresses in China ….. she's also considered one of the top stars in China; she's extremely good at acting! There's a lot of CRAZY hype going around there with her that you probably don't know about because maybe you don't live in China.
Lina
WHAT!??? Yang Mi the star actress? You have to be kidding me!
She has no expression in her face. I never feel anything while watching her. (Beauty of course is in the eye of the beholder, but she is not that pretty either; at least for for me.)
While with NiNi… when she cried – I CRIED!
Amor dramafan
I agree. When it comes to actor who age fine like wine with skill to boot? I take them over the younger actors. Nothing turns me off a drama than bad or childish acting.
Anonymous
It definitely look like TMOPB but the storyline is so much more JOF.
A girl who is innocent but without any reason she has demonic aura, and her lover is an unrealistic stoic, emotionless, frozen cold old man.
mmm
I just dont find CC attractive at all! period. I think he looks too modern and probably should have stuck to modern dramas.. hairstyle doesnt suit him. so sad because its making me not want to watch this show at all 🙁 imo they should have casted someone else..
Anonymous
You are missing out . he fits the part exactly. he has a mature sexiness that you will see as the story unfolds. he is very passionate in the the scenes he is expected to be and serious when the story dictates. he also looks lovesick and playful too. You will appreciate his acting as much and even more than Mark Chao. I did not know about him until some one told me he was in Crouching tiger. He is a fine actor and I converted to appreciated this show because of him and NINi and the storyline!
nishat
I agree.He has a mature sexiness. I don’t know why people is creating neg hype about his older look.It’s simple.He just fits with the character perfectly.God of war is portrayed as someone moody,less communicative who is holding a powerful position for a very long time,and radiating strong masculine aura..which finely suits to Chang Chen..I think it would have been funny if some cute young guy played this role.And normally I am not fond of young cute baby like guys..In the drama it is mentioned that GoW is a grown man,has been protecting the realm for several thousand years,then where is the problem.So in my opinion,Chang Chen is perfect as GoW. And their chemistry is fine also..I liked this drama especially for Chang Chen’s acting and his personality…
Sunny
Ni Ni is excellent and so beautiful in this drama. I consider her a much better actress than Yang Mi and I find her acting much more believable. I don't like Chang Chen's wispy facial hair and I haven't warmed up to the character yet but he is OK so far.
I do wish they had made a bit more effort to differentiate the aesthetic from TMOPB so they wouldn't have so many comparisons but I think the storyline and characters are far more interesting in this drama. I found nearly all the characters in TMOPB insufferable especially the women who were ali pathetic and pining and crying over men.
Anonymous
I have to disagree. CC is an excellent actor. Did you see episode 23/24. his performance was off the charts. I would have given him a TV Emmy for that! he can play sad, serious, funny, stern…
Sunny
@Anonymous 16:38: I agree about the female leads all are cut from the same archetype: carefree, lively curious and naive (aka dumb).
I think that's why I liked The Legends so much where the female lead was allowed to be mean, egotistical, selfish, arrogant, ambitious and awesome 😀
Anonymous
It's easier for guys to grow on me than girl. My problem with him is not the old age but he doesn't have any of that handsomeness in him. But he is watchable after a while, I think to me that is because he's a guy. I don't think his acting was great or anything, it's just those usual cold ice face you don't have to show any expression. He is only watchable.
While Nini is pretty and attractive it was harder for me to actually warm up to her more. I don't mind all the same styling and CGI from TMOPB. She matches her styling and everything, but she doesn't match her character's personality. Her voice is so urgh! Can't she just speak normally? 99% of the time there is almost that whiny part in her voice, I know it's the voice dubbing but it makes her irritating to watch. Maybe cuz she's the girl so it's harder for her to meet all the expectations in me.
Lora
Congratulations, you have internalized misogyny.
Anonymous
Love and Destiny is meant to be from the same world as Ten Miles of Peach Blossom but in a much earlier time, way before ye hua and bai qian. Ni Ni and Chang Chen are both amazing actors! I'm just waiting to binge because with long series it takes time for the story to build up.
Anonymous
binge watch on Viki eventually. Viki got a license finally and will release episodes translated on 9/2/19 next week. I hope they release as many as soon as possible so that more can enjoy this drama. With it being on youtube with 15 epsiodes partly subbed, it is hard to appreciate it. I binged watch this show in 5-7 days.
Anonymous
Kill me, but I am probably the few that didn't really catch much emotion to TMOPB, it was alright, but nothing for me to gaga about, I am actually enjoying this series more! I think Chang Chen is handsome, to each their own. I also like his acting as well. The chemistry between the lead is pretty good also!
Anonymous
Agree with you Sunny. LAD is so much better. the main lead relationship is healthier and you see both sides liking each other as story progresses. they talk it out when they have a problem. they have great chemistry. The episodes just gets better and better.
Sunny
Nah! I totally agree. I thought TMOPB was pretty rubbish. I did not like or care about anyone and dropped it pretty early on. I have never understood the hysteria over that drama.
Love and Destiny is much better IMO.
Lora
“Since I don’t like it, nobody should. My opinion is universal. I have no critical thinking, and I go by my feelings. If I like it, everyone should like it. If they don’t, they don’t have good taste. I think my opinion is correct, and I do not know how to be objective.”
-You
Anonymous
It's a big fat F for failure to pleaze, is what I'm sayin' about casting choices. Come on, nothing's wrong with Chang Chen if his role had more substance, the drama had more depth of plot, and the rest of the cast had more interesting (and complex) characters. It's absolutely wrong when he's the sole man standing amidst teeny boppers pretending to be one of them. Yikes! What is the mind frame of the casting director? Is he even sober?
I would've preferred someone like Ariel Lin to play opposite him so that there'll be more fireworks for the drama. But no, we gotta watch a punkster interact with the teletubbies.
Anonymous
The lead actor choice is outstanding. I am not a CC fan prior but after watching this show, I am a converter. You need to watch more to see his acting. How many epsiodes did you watch? did you even give it a try? Both lead actor/actress have great chemistry and you will see it when you watch them together as the episodes unfold. episode 24 was heart wrenching and CC and NN had outstanding performaces and you can feel the love and pain they were going through. There were also a lot of lovely cute scenes and you can see how they fall in love. You need to actually have an open mind. I had NO -zero- expectations when I decided to try this. was in withdrawal after go go squid and need another genre to fill. After watching 38 episodes, wished it was subbed quicker in engligh and now have to wait for it in viki. You won't be disappointed! The main leads are experts in their craft and it shows.
Sanjana
I get that a lot of viewers loved TMOPB and therefore had high expectations for this. And while I did love the former, it was more for the strength of the story rather than the cast.
On the other hand, in Love and Destiny, I like both the story and the plot. The chemistry and relationship between the leads developed so naturally… unlike TMOPB. I don't get why people don't find CC handsome. Frankly speaking, I find both CC and NN to be much better looking than MC and YM. This story also has a very natural pace, and it's so endearing.
I hope it's ratings get as high, if not more than TMOPB.
Anonymous
the 60 episodes are worth it. you may even ask for episode 61 after watching episode 60. it gets better – the main couple relationsjip. you will be rooting for them. You are missing out on the rest. She has to go to the mortal realm (20 + episode arc) and that is where the relationship grows and matures.
Lora
Beauty is subjective, that’s why some people find CC attractive, while others like me, do not.
Unknown
I'm routing for the love between the female doctor in heaven and the guy perusing her. The only possible story line I'm interested in. I'm on eps19 and so far this feel like it's dragging and could be concluded in 25 eps instead of dragging along to 60 eps it's said to be a prequel the only link is si Ming thestarlord of human destiny and I think heaven king is the young version of ye hau's grandfather tian ju I know it's thousands of years before but I'd like some more engrossing connection like seeing BQs parents meet or the storyline of mo yuans father " the father of Gods" that would be awesome! I think the lead in this drama looks the perfect age but the love story isn't there I don't see how they're falling in love and he seems very vague if it is love why does it seem so uncleish on his half and girly crush on hers. I don't buy it. Also is she an "innocent" mortal or a young fairy she's describe as both.so annoying. I love the heaven kings main hall set soon classy and elegant. Better then the one on TMOPB.
Anonymous
How many episodes did you watch before you wrote this? this review does not give LAD justice. It gets better along the way. it has different segments -heaven world- mortal world- heaven world and each takes large chunks of time and you will appreciate the plot development. The lead actress becomes stronger as she goes through her mortal trial so she is not a weakling. when she reappears as a goddess, she is stronger than ever. I think you need to watch the entire series and let me know your new thoughts on it. There is definitely passion in this show between the 2 leads and the choice of CC was on point due to his character portrayal. The passion is stronger in this show than TMOPB.
nishat
yes!!the sacrifices of GoW are way more emotional and passionate here than in TMOPB..A very beautiful drama!!
Summerbreeze2
Yes, they are very similar to one another… I like them both, Ten Miles being my favorite of course! 🙂 There can only be one Yua Hua
vang.see69 CeceliaS
I started it but couldn't continue it I got bored.
Unknown
To be honest I quite like it. It's a spin off of Eternal Love, that's why it appears so similar. Same world, same destinations, same way of life. I also think that it's got some quite significant differences. Ling Xi is not from a distinctive family, nor does she have much power or status to save her if anything goes wrong, a very different goddess to Bai Qian who is very powerful. I also like the quite cold male character, he's more of a Mo Yuan than a Ye Hua, a strong and silent type. I'm enjoying it. However, I think I too still have a teeny bit of a preference to Eternal Love, due to all the wonderful subplots and minor characters. Whereas in this new one all the subplots seem like too much to handle. I haven't finished it yet, so I guess I'll have to see.
nishat
I can’t explain my love for this drama.Perfect execution of everything!!Strong storyline,awesome CGI,excellent dialogues and especially perfect implementation of the beautiful ost and xigua music..chef’s kiss!! Their love is so different.Just not some powerful male protecting a kitten,which ruins most of the Cdramas.The mental development of Ling xi makes this drama so different.She became so mature eventually,loved it! Ni Ni’s acting at the ending was superb.The stunned moment when she saw Jiuchen after 300 years,is awesome,the tears of happiness in her eyes,killing acting!!feels so real! ❤️..she is indeed a fabulous actress.❤️
And about Chang Chen,some people are saying he is old,not handsome..bla bla..to those people,are you blind??!! He is the most perfect choice for this role.He has a mature sexiness❤️. I don’t know why people is creating negative hype about his older look.It’s simple.He just fits with the character perfectly.God of war is portrayed as someone moody,less communicative who is holding a powerful position for a very long time,and radiating strong masculine aura.God of war is a kind of person who doesn’t express his love by saying cheesy things to his loved one.He shows his affection by his deeds,by his sacrifices,and Ling Xi is totally ok with that. this role finely suits Chang Chen.Now I can’t think of any other person but Chang Chen as GoW,reminds me of Mo Yuan whom I liked more than Ye Hua..I think it would have been funny if some cute,babylike young guy played this role.And normally I can’t stand young cute baby like guys..In the drama it is mentioned that GoW is a grown man,has been protecting the realm for several tens of thousands of years, secluded from wordly affections,that explains his cold behaviour,then where is the problem??.So in my opinion,Chang Chen is perfect as GoW. And their chemistry is totally fine also.Without saying cheesy words,they had built up a strong chemistry.I liked this drama especially for Chang Chen’s acting and his personality..I liked him as GoW from his very first appearance in the drama.
I like this drama even more than TMOPB..because CGI is not that much satisfying in TMOPB,which is far better in love and destiny,and so is the storyline.And the father-daughter relationship of A’mo and his father..which made me cry.The OST is so beautiful.It is highly recommended.This drama is so underrated.This made me smile,made me sob.perfect combo of comedy and tragedy.especially Shi san;s funny moments..Don’t ever compare this with TMOPB.Though the worlds are same,storyline is totally different and beautiful.If I could,I would have given it 10 stars..Superb !!Just give it a try,and you won’t regret for sure❤️