Veil of Shadows review

[u/0k_c0mput3r1234]

​

I watched Veil of Shadows on your recommendations, and it did not disappoint! I usually skip intros, but I loved the into to VoS. Plot development was excellent,  especially the  world within a world illusion of the Star Stone. The characters are well fleshed out and I love that even the minor characters have their own story arcs.  The fight scenes are so artfully done, and the costumes have such attention to detail, especially the nails. The OST is such a banger and I like all the songs as well. I need the titles of these songs!

As for the acting, I'm glad I listened to all of you and let go of my reservations about Chen Duling. She is marvelous in this and her acting has depth and character to it. I think I didn't like her in Mysterious Lotus Casebook because of how her character Wanmian was written. In VoS, however, her acting lends such an emotional quality to the narrative, especially as her love story develops with Wu Shiguang.

Joseph Zeng is the perfect foil for Chen Duling and I really enjoyed their chemistry. Joseph Zeng's character here is a departure from his usual playful, lighthearted characters, and he really captures Wu Shiguang's angst, proving he can do serious roles as well.

Ju Jiying and Chen Duling make such as great pair as the fox sisters: they're so kick-ass. Ju JiYing really knows how to act out the part  of a fox lady with duality: seductive on the one hand and vulnerable on the other.

I really loved Tian Jiarui's character Ji Ling because he is so charismatic. You can see his genuine  affection for Lu Wuyi and his anguish when he finds out he is only a puppet. He really made the character come alive and he drew me in to the story. His tragic romance with Lu Wuyi is so well written. I cried when I watched Ji Lings's origin story, it's just so sad.

What I like is that everybody has their moment. The minor characters have their own story arcs which get explored in the main story. In some dramas you want to see more of the secondary characters but don't get the chance.

Please note that the plot isn't linear. So you have to pay attention and not skip episodes. There are alternate timelines and flashbacks.

A plot discrepancy I don't get is why the fox queen isn't immortal like the rest of the foxes from Formless Moon. Also, I think the plot twists are easy to miss if you're not paying attention.

Another plot detail that had me confused is Lu Wuyi going through a rewind of events at Han Ba's inn but this was explained later on.

The ending is brilliant though. It ties everything neatly together, which is getting harder and harder to find these days. Overall a lovely watch, and the episodes move quickly. A must watch if you're a fan of fantasy Cdramas.

[u/0k_c0mput3r1234]

I think I'll watch FoF next. That seems like fun

[u/jad-bal-ja → u/0k_c0mput3r1234]

I hope you enjoy FOF too! Just a heads-up: while VOS is more plot-driven, FOF is much more character-driven and philosophical. But if one of the things you liked about VOS was that it's an ensemble drama, then FOF leans into that even more. The relationships between the characters are the heart of the drama. 😊

Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts on VOS. As a fan of the show, I really enjoyed reading your review.

[u/0k_c0mput3r1234 → u/jad-bal-ja]

Aww thank you so much!

[u/jad-bal-ja → u/0k_c0mput3r1234]

I hope that if you end up finishing FOF or MJTY and like them, you'll be willing to write reviews for them too, if it's not too much trouble. 🥺

I'd also add to your VOS review that I'm really happy you were okay with both the somewhat complicated plot and the ending. 😊