The Legend of Chu Qiao

The main reason this show got me hooked within the first couple of episodes. The storytelling is atypical and the visuals unusually brutal for a Chinese TV show. It dives deeply into a world of politics, intrigue, diplomacy and murder, with the main character caught in between with no proper understanding why with, the reason for which being rather uncreative though. Not that it bothers much - the personalities of the Chang'an nobility, their superficial relations and their struggle for power and influence behind the curtain is entertaining enough to spark interest where this is going. The choreography of the fight scenes looks pretty good, which is a quality that remains strong throughout the first season. Unfortunately the storytelling fails to keep its initial depth, though. The strong female lead does her best to carry the tale, but is for the most part only able to retain her standing and importance due to the fact that every noble male of note that she meets immediately and immortally falls in love with her, leaving her in the middle of the romantic hexagon (?) of their power struggle. Animations and CGI appear pretty cheap and outdated, which is unfortunately a common flaw amongst the majority of Chinese TV shows (with a few notable exceptions), but not to an extent that it hurts the numerous martial art scenes too much.

The last and final point I need to mention is the way the creators decided to close the first (and, as the time of this review: only) season. This show is drawn after the story of a book, and in order to avoid spoilers I only can say that the point to end the season was probably the most horrible decision of the entire show. Rumours have it that a second season can possibly be expected - four years after the first season's release this is more than unlikely. While the show itself was, despite its obvious flaws, quite enjoyable for me: prepare for a very unsatisfying conclusion of the season.

You will fall in-love with the heroine of the story literally in the first five-minutes. Zhao Liying, aka Zanilia Zhao, is is arguably one of China's most promising, up-and-coming actresses. With this show, it seems, if she hadn't already, she has for sure now arrived!

With sweeping vistas, breathtaking Chinese locations, wonderful costumes, a huge cast of top talent and one over-the-top scene of martial arts after another, the prior reviewer hit the nail on the head, this series has it all! Don't be put-off by the prior review, this is now available on Youtube, in full HD, with consistent, proper English sub-titles. If you ever thought you might like to try something from this genre, please, please, please give it a shot!

This is strictly adults-only; you've been warned.

The story has a great start unlike other Chinese historical dramas. You will fall in love with the main leads mainly Chu Qiao . The story is based on the novel 11 Chu Te Gong Huang Fei (11处特工皇妃) written by Xiao Xiang Dong Er . There are 58 (Uncut) episodes which makes it long.This is the best series since Game of Thrones.I love this series very much. My favorite characters are Chu Qiao & Yuwen Yue. I am waiting for the 2nd season. Please hurry with season 2!

Love how the story started. Really did not like the ending. There were no season closure to it at all. It just ended in the middle of a climatic scene. And who knows when season 2 is coming out.....

Enjoyed the sights and sceneries so much that it was first reason to keep watching. Loved female lead and the last episode was top of the class. Loved fights. Doesn't compare to hardcore Kung Fu but stunts were undeniably worthy of respect. Male leads aced roles.

Eventually one gets tired of love triangles where obsession and the need to possess always trumps good sense. The destruction of entire city, to exact revenge on woman, for rights to a man who has never even pretended that your fascination with him was anything viable. Proves question: Is it ever love when the two players are you and your imagination? Having experienced both sides of this conundrum, I have to smile upon remembering 'Just my Imagination ' (beautiful song) because it demonstrates clearly that intellectual and technological advancement is no guarantee of truly comprehending theman in the mirror.