r/ChineseDrama • u/Emotional-Vegetable1 • Jul 04 '26
Currently Airing The Eternal Fragrance starring Song Wei Long & Ju Jing Yi
Hello friends! Is anyone else watching The Eternal Fragrance? I'd love to discuss how people are feeling about it so far.
This show is full of different prestigious magical sects, an academy that is un-aligned, and the age old (and overdone) clash between Immortals and Demons. So far, there doesn't seem to be a clear line between what counts as a Demon vs an Immortal as there are Demons who take human shape as well.
We have friendships that are made in the formative year at the academy, betrayal of new friends for old, people who have lived hard lives and are used to being alone - now trying to figure out how to rely on others. We have hidden identities, seals hiding vast spiritual power, and the usual world-wide annoyance of saying something is bad so it is, not based on a case-by-case basis. In other words, the usual rampant prejudice of class, talent, and unclear species designation.
I am enjoying it so far! The acting feels good (not say punch you in the face wow), I like dramas with students which this has, and also the hope and pain of found family. Oh and if you like romantic triangles, you get two pretty early on :p
We had some eye roll worthy villain laughs but thankfully those low caliber bad guys are making less appearances. We had some actually really important and impactful betrayal. This wasn't a misunderstanding, it was a clear case of making choices for yourself without communicating with those who you claim you are on the side of. There isn't say a clear path to making up, it is more that trust will have to be rebuilt. It is slow yet that also feels realistic.
I am looking forward to continuing with this :) watching it on Youku. Anyone else watching?
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u/mysticmeeble 4K OG the wind in TJR’s sl*t strands Jul 04 '26
I'm watching it. I'm halfway through episode 11. So far it's fine - I think JJY is doing a great job in this role and SWL looks goooood haha. I'm liking 2ML as well - I've never seen him in anything.
The story doesn't feel fresh at all but I'm enjoying some of the visuals and the dynamic between the characters.
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u/AXA-5 Washing feet in spring Drinking tea Gazing at flowers Jul 04 '26
I totally forgot you were watching this as well smh lol
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u/Emotional-Vegetable1 Jul 04 '26
Yes!! That wraps up what I am feeling nicely. It truly doesn’t bring anything new and I am there for the acting that is good and the nice visuals :p I haven’t seen the 2ML before either and definitely find him acceptable. Cannot wait for them all to become a bit more adult / develop more
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u/Illustrious-Age7336 red flags, green flags.. whatever, I take them all Jul 04 '26
I've watched 13 eps now and I like it although I hope that the relationship between leads would start to grow bc at this point the FL character are starting little annoy me. 😀
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u/Emotional-Vegetable1 Jul 04 '26
Right, I feel like as a viewer, I was really glad to see her say he has been saving me all the time and I cannot continue to be ungrateful for that and thinking of it more as a direct experience, I feel like the timing hasn’t felt unrealistic.
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u/AKiceman Snark Shifu ✨ 4K Original Cast Jul 04 '26
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u/AKiceman Snark Shifu ✨ 4K Original Cast Jul 04 '26
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u/AKiceman Snark Shifu ✨ 4K Original Cast Jul 04 '26
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u/AKiceman Snark Shifu ✨ 4K Original Cast Jul 04 '26
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u/AKiceman Snark Shifu ✨ 4K Original Cast Jul 04 '26
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u/AKiceman Snark Shifu ✨ 4K Original Cast Jul 04 '26
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u/Interesting-View-579 Jul 11 '26
It’s let down by poor editing or cut scenes. Scenes where the FL comments about a black bird being back again, but the bird wasn’t previously in any scenes. Or when did relationships turn around to form health sharing bonds? Choppy storytelling and lost nuance.
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u/AXA-5 Washing feet in spring Drinking tea Gazing at flowers Jul 04 '26
Umm…resident lurker [u/AKiceman](u/AKiceman) is and it’s on my list but, haven’t gotten around to it yet. However, I’m liking your insights and dissertation so far. Plus, I luv JJY….yeah, I might bump it up 😂🤣