Eternal Love (2017) User Reviews

A beautiful story

[lone_corpa · 8/10 · 5 January 2018]

Having watched this drama for the third time now, I can say it is a drama worth watching again and again because at the core of it is a beautiful story of love. A love that spans many lifetimes and thousands of year. This is an epic love story of gods and goddess, placed in a mystical world where there are mythical creatures and the world is divided into many different worlds, being the celestial heaven, a place called Qing Chiu which is kingdom ruled by the Nine-tailed fox family, the mortal world where the mortals live, the underworld ruled by another royal family. There are also four rivers ruled by different rulers and a place called ten miles peach blossom where there lives an ancient phoenix who plays a crucial part in the story.

The drama is based on a famous novel which there is word that the story is very similar to another previous novel. But I believe that the novel this drama is faithfully adapted from, is in many ways different from the previous novel. Different enough to not be called a plagiarised novel. The acting is top notch and the costumes are very pretty. Although this is a very long drama spanning more than 50 episodes, it is worth watching for. Because the slow burn of the episodes build the story slowly. And makes the audiences understand why things happen the way they do and nothing is rushed. I think this drama is one of a kind drama in a Chinese dramascape where palace dramas, war dramas and rom com dramas are common. The genre is Xian Xia which means Gods chivalry ( I think) basically its about celestial beings and about heroic acts. I might not be fully correct but thats the gist.

If you ever feel like you want to try something new, I recommend watching the trailer and then deciding if you actually went to start watching it or not. The story starts slowly but it definitely pays off later on when you are much more invested in the characters lives and what happens to them. If you are thinking about something that it resembles, think of Lord of the Ring and Harry Potter which shows a world that is outside of mortal realms, mythical creatures and magic but with a Chinese background and more focused on the love lives. I highly recommend watching this drama to everyone.

Phenomenal leading actors!

[figarska · 9/10 · 14 February 2019]

How can one actress portrait a vulnerable but passionately loved woman, (that we root for) in one section of the story, and then wooden puppet treated with polite indifference in other part? And make us feel in accord? I started paying attention when I rewatched this series. Main actors act not only with eyes, but with posture. They make us believe in those emotions. They have a chameleon-like instincts about their respective roles. Which also means that the script gave them sustenance they could work with. Otherall, what a fantastic introduction to genre I did not know it existed! I have read comment recommending this production to people favouring chinese drama. I think that the series speaks to variety of cultures, and about abundance of universal sentiments. There is compassion, honor, rebelion, obsession, hope, resignation, depth, love, depression, anger. And somehow: characters honesty toward their own feelings, versus just response to the plot. This is satisfying truly above and beyond Hollywood production, which by comparison seem "rushed before cancellation" and never developed with fulfillment in mind. Downton Abbey or British costume dramas are closest watcheable comparison. Give this series a serious try. Expect to spend a little time on it.

Epic Romantic Saga

[Arali69 · 9/10 · 29 January 2019]

This is the most intensely romantic TV series I have ever watched. I love a drama where the chemistry works between the leads making it a joy to watch them. Mark Chao and Yang Mi were amazing. Two beautiful people who got lost in their characters and made them come alive was a true joy to watch, The performances are first rate, the sets are gorgeous and the costumes breathtaking, with an equally beautiful soundtrack. Because I love epic love stories between people who experience love and loss, I knew this would be something I would enjoy. The fact that it spans lifetimes makes it all the more intriguing. I bought into the drama and have now watched it twice. It's hard to let go.

Though many people want to pan the series because it comes from plagiarized works, I don't think that is fair to the production. The script writers made something wonderful out of a mediocre novel, and that should be appreciated for its own merits. This was a beautiful piece of work and I appreciate the time, talents, and hard work of the production team.

Beautiful love story + Top-notch acting = Magical viewing experience

[magnoliacream · 10/10 · 30 October 2020]

'So glad I persevered with this series as the story started to get specially interesting for me in Episode 11. This is not to say that I found the first 10 episodes boring because they're not - they set the stage for the rest of the series. I just got initially overwhelmed at having to watch 58 episodes. But in Episode 11, when Ye Hua (Mark Chao) and Su Su (Yang Mi) first meet, the magic hit home for me. Their every interaction is precious. Even their exchanges when he is in dragon form are endearingly hilarious, like when he thinks, "How dare you!" when she kisses him and he forces himself to swallow the raw meat she is feeding him so she would not kiss him again.

Ye Hua is simply beautiful. Sure, the actor is handsome, but it is his manliness, depth, intelligence, wisdom, elegance, sincerity, strong sense of justice and most of all, love for and faithfulness to one woman that captivates. Another enchanting quality is his sense of humor that seems to be triggered only when he is with her like at the end when he is reminiscing their times together. Mark Chao did an exceptional job perfectly portraying such a compelling character. Yang Mi also did a great job as Bai Qian/Si Yin/Su Su. Who wouldn't find the beautiful goddess Bai Qian endearing when she gets dismayed at being labeled old by a clueless princess who has a huge crush on Ye Hua? However, I'm not too impressed with Bai Qian's fondness for wine to the point of severely affecting her emotions and decisions. Gosh, I'm sounding too attached to the characters. This is how powerful the hold this series has on its admirers. This is why I gave it a 10/10 even though the CGI is not perfect - the emotional attachment is off the charts.

The love story is indeed beautiful but it is the top-notch acting that raised this drama to a level of quality befitting its exalted position as the most watched Chinese TV series of all time, with over 50 billion views as of August 2018, just over a year after its release in January 2017.

Update: Watching the series a second time was an even more satisfying experience. I felt the magic from the first episode. Every scene between Mo Yuan and Bai Qian/Si Yin simmers with affection, with the mystery of "does he love her as a disciple or a woman" adding to the enchantment, if not poignancy, of the story. And now that I'm well aware of the significance of Jin Lian, the golden lotus, Ye Hua's attachment to Si Yin/Su Su/Bai Qian takes an even deeper meaning. A truly remarkable, beautiful, wonderful, mesmerizing series.

A Wonderful Fantasy Romance Drama!!!

[josephinelisiani · 10/10 · 24 August 2017]

A wonderful fantasy romance drama. They're delivering the story with beautifully, captivating, fascinating and romantic. All the settings and outfits were described very beautifully into the screen, it seems very magical and heavenly. Kudos for the main cast to portray their roles perfectly (Mark Chao and Yang Mi) and have an excellent chemistry. The OST and instrumental music blend perfectly into every scenes and i think TMOPB has the best romantic ending ever of Chinese drama.

Wonderful Tale of Eternal Love Spanning Oceans Of Time.

[jaybizman · 10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Frankly yet another great epic from Chinese Theater. Without giving the game away, it involves essentially two lovers who live three lives in different stages/ages. I simply adore these legends and plays from many centuries ago, wonderful acting, script and sets, clothing and mythological creatures.

If you have also seen 'Legend of White Snake', the storyline is (too me) along the same type of line. Boy meets girl, falls in love; much hardship occurs - and all's well at the very end.

I watch these great stories on Netflix, with subtitles, but like to turn the sound up so I can hear the Mandarin (I presume) speech. Without understanding, I can detect the variations of happy/sad tomes and so forth.

Watching novella's from different countries (China, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, etc) gives me an in-look to the soul and culture of them.

One thing I've noticed in many China based tales, is that there is usually a 'spoiler' - a female who falls for the same guy as the main actress, then will literally, lie, cheat, steal, connive, frame and harm her - all out of jealousy. Don't know if that is the norm, or just for the sake of a story.

Anyway, I'll leave it up to native Chinese speakers and so forth to fill in the blanks, but will just conclude by saying that I heartily recommend it.

Excellent Story

[jossej · 10/10 · 10 April 2017]

This drama weaves in a number of subplots but at its heart it is a story of love surviving anything, including death. There are two sets of couples, one being the primary and the other is secondary. The first is Bai Quian, the Queen of the Fox tribe and Ye Hua, the crown prince of the Celestial Tribe. Our second couple is Feng Jiu, the niece of Bai Quian, and Dong Hua, an ancient deity from prehistoric times (compare to Greek primordial deity).

This series has three major arcs:

Kunlan/Su Yin

In this arc Bai Quian is still a young immortal (about 20,000 years old) and disguises herself as a boy 'Su Yin' in order to train under the God of War & Music, Mo Yuan. She grows a lot and experiences a number of painful events that contribute to her growth.

The pivotal plot points of this arc center on the conflict between the Celestial Tribe and the Ghost Tribe. As an act of good faith, Mo Yuan created a bell and gifted it to the ghost tribe. This bell has the power to swallow up the whole world in hell fire, destroying everything, including deities (this occurs before the show starts). Unfortunately, the Ghost emperor uses it when he triggers a war. While the Ghost emperor is sealed in the bell, only a powerful god can stop the bells destructive path. Mo Yuan sacrifices his life to seal him in the bell and his soul is split into thousands of pieces (hindering him from even reincarnating).

Later, Bai Quian who knows the secret of the bell (that it will run out) re-seals the emperor but he curses her to live in the mortal realm, as a human, with no memories.

Mortal World/Su Su Bai Quian lives her quietly until she saves an injured Ye Hua. Ye Hua falls in love with her, gives her the name of Su Su, and they marry. But through a series of tragic events a number of misunderstandings arise between them. After giving birth to their child Su Su leaps to her death.

Heaven/Bai Quian

She has her memories back and has ascended to high goddess--apparently this was her trial (the love trial) to become a goddess. Filled with depression, she drinks a potion that erases her memories as a mortal. Ye Hua encounters her and immediately recognizes her as Su Su.

Important Arc that is a step below primary in terms of screen time/importance:

Feng Jiu & Dong Hua 'Repaying a Kindness'

Dong Hua saves her life, Feng Jiu seeks to repay his kindness. She enters his mansion as a servant and causes a number of mishaps in her heart felt (but clumsy) attempts to pay him back. She falls in love with him.

'The Mortal Emperor' Dong Hua chooses to experience the bitterness of being mortal and chooses to live a lifetime as a mortal. He is born an emperor. He plans ahead for Feng Jiu to help him with his love trial (experience the pain of heartbreak/betrayal). He does it to entertain her dream of being his consort, something which he says he cannot do as a deity.

'The Invulnerable God'

Feng Jiu is hopelessly in love with Dong Hua but he coldly rejects her time and time again, making it clear that he cannot entertain a relationship. If you want to know why, watch the show.

SUB PLOTS Li Jing & Xuan Nu Xuan Nu is Bai Quian's cousin. She falls in love with Li Jing (who becomes emperor after his father is sealed away). She chases after him, but he only has eyes for Bai Quian. Nevertheless they are married. She is filled with envy for her cousin and has very low self esteem.

Si Jin

YH's foster sister, who is a primary antagonist in the story. She is in love with Ye Hua and is willing to do anything to have him, including sabotaging his relationships. She is very clever and manipulative and appears nice.

Mo Yuan

Much of the series follows trying to resurrect him, figure out where his body went, and learn the identity of his disciple, Su Yin.

The Mermaid Clan A proud warrior clan that rebelled with the ghost clan during the epic war. They start another war later.

The Celestial Emperor

A rigid thinker whose ambition for his grandson, Ye Hua, causes a lot of problems.

There are other subplots but these are the ones that come to mind.

CONS

The CGI is not good PROS The sets and costumes are beautiful. The acting is great.

Side Note: This is based off a novel that has come under fire for being plagiarized. However, this is an issue that is almost impossible to address in China as their laws are different and it was copied from a boys love/gay novel which is considered taboo in China. It's sequel, the pillow book, was not, and follows the relationship of Dong Hua and Feng Jiu.

One of the best TV series of all time!

[XueHuaBingYu · 10/10 · 25 February 2018]

Although the story is a copied from a lot of books, but it still makes one of the best TV series I've watched in 2017. The plot is great. The only thing I don't like is Bai Qian was sent to the mortal world by Qing Cang. I think it'd be better if someone else. Or she just went trial. The performances are great, especially Yang Mi. She is such a great actress. I totally love her.

There are two more things I like to mention. One is the OST. The songs from this show is great. I can't stop listening to them. And the other one thing is, although they've added extra things, it's not boring and even they make the story becomes easier to understand. Unlike the film, this one is totally better than the film produced by Crystal Liu.

All in all, if you are looking for some fantasy and romance with true love, I recommend you to watch this show because it's totally a great one.

Fantastic

[han-57710 · 10/10 · 19 September 2018]

I haven't watched China drama for quite a long time. Usually being turned off by the longgggg episodes and draggy storyline. This drama was highly recommended by friends therefore I decided to give it a try. I was extremely impressed with it and did not regret the time spent on it. Storyline was good with some mystery in the beginning. Actress Yang Mi did an amazing job portraying a few characters. There are many touching moments between the 2 main casts with great chemistry. Definitely a drama worth watching, the best drama i have watched over these past few years.

A far-streched bitter-sweet romantic drama

[bendashwood · 7/10 · 15 April 2020]

Netflix runs it in Europe as "Eternal Love", but it's a little more than the mundane westernized title suggests. The story is not trivial and spans over several thousands of millenia, whereas time needs to be put into perspective here since the majority of the story's characters are immortals. The show starts off slamming pretty much all characters in your face right from the start, kind of assuming you already have an idea of the celestial who's who. After a couple of episodes though I found the cast to be diverse and distinguishable, even for foreigners. The acting is pretty broad, from bland, stern and singular face expressions via theatralic over-enthusiasm up to outstanding scenes by certain actors. Like some of the other commentators here I also found Mukdais Qurban's (aka Dai Si's) display of Yan Zhi to be among the more memorable casts.

The story itself is a little irritating, starting in a pretty much epic setting but slowing down significantly and slowly transitioning into a more mundane scenery before it swings back to its epic finale. While the female protagonist character is quite likable and atypical being a kind of drunkard jester who takes time to mature, certain scenes struck me as awfully painful to watch as the characters seem to be entirely oblivious to what's in front of their eyes. A rough understanding of Chinese culture, rules of society, hierarchy and obedience to non-spoken rules is helpful to understand certain characters' behaviour.

The ambience of the stages is adequate to the setting. Character makeup and costumes are very impressive, CGI and effects are just mediocre at best though. The soundtrack is appropriate for the most part, only exception being one pop-song that somehow seems to be part of the recurring theme and oddly out of place a couple of times.

Subsequently, it kind of felt like watching "The Other Boleyn Girl" in a fantastic Wuxia setting and stretched over 58 episodes. Entertaining to watch, but not immersive enough for any tears on my end.

Beautiful story line

[tbnn · 10/10 · 14 June 2017]

This Chinese TV series is excellent. Although the story line differs from the book (it seems), this adaptation is very well done and I wanted to see more of characters. The actors and actresses portraying the main characters (Yue Hua, Bai Qian, Dong Hoa and Feng Jiu) are excellent in their roles. The scenery and costumes are magnificent. I would recommend that you see this drama. It is memorable and among my favorites.

Addictive but mediocre characters

[moonracer0120 · 7/10 · 5 September 2021]

This drama is the equivalent of television crack. It reels you in with stories of desperate people desperately pleading with their unreqeuited loves to love them back. Some of the female characters are especially base and atrocious with very little self-respect (one was stabbed by the man who she forced to marry her and yet is unable to accept his rejection).

The Worst Dragging Story Ever

[mccarthymelissa · 1/10 · 4 October 2021]

Very slow so much repetition and not worthy time waste.

Best drama ever

[milobilolumishemer · 10/10 · 31 March 2019]

For those viewers who like fantasy, gods + swordmanship + Daoism (xianxia) and deep, unwavering love, this is the drama to watch (I am there for the third time....it never happened before....I don't spend time watching repeats). The love story goes through three different worlds and different incarnations/life periods/instances of both lovers. The acting is superb, especially the male and female leads (Mark Chao is an outstanding actor, Yang Mi is excellent). The music is beautiful, the scenes are colourful and poetic. The computer effects are not 100% perfect, but this "imperfection" adds to the eerie and fairy-like atmosphere of the story. This drama will stay in your mind for ever ...it is a life changer..... There are quite a number of logical inconsistencies in this drama, even assuming that this is a fantasy genre. However, let's remember Coleridge's concept of "voluntary suspension of disbelief". Even if the story is not completely logical, and even if it is not totally faithful to the book...it does not matter. This is another work of art, crafted for TV, in images and sound, and we suspend disbelief in order to enjoy the poetic quality, beauty and intensity of this wonderful love tale (and the secondary stories within the plot). Enjoy and be moved and amazed.

ETERNAL LOVE: A Timeless, Tragic Love Story...

[Jinxxa_Wolf · 10/10 · 1 July 2019]

ETERNAL LOVE (San Sheng San Shi Shi Li Tao Hua / Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) was an unexpectedly wonderful show, super entertaining plot and lovable characters. I was skeptical going into this one, fearing it to be another "too cheesy to believe" romance. However, it completely pulled me in. Everything was really well done. <3 Although this definitely gets categorized as a guilty pleasure drama.

The character of Bai Quan played by the wonderful Yang Mi was perhaps one of the best female leads I have seen in a C-Drama yet. She is very loveable, feisty, witty and completely unique. I loved her character so much. Mark Chao was great in this series as well, but especially as the stoic, yet warm-hearted Ye Hua. I loved Bai Qian and Ye Hua and adored watching their love grow and their lives intertwine. They had such palpable chemistry. So adorable.

The whole cast was great, honestly. Bai Fengjiu and Dong Hua were also very enjoyable. Li Jing, although broody and tormented, was also a very interesting character. I honestly wish there were more episodes, even a second season. The costumes were dazzling, the setting breathtaking and the mythology was captivating. I fell in love with the world of Eternal Love, along with the majority of the cast.

And the music! Fantastic. My only complaint, and it's a pretty small one, was at some points the drama became almost melodrama, as if the emotions overshadowed the plot, slightly detracting from the suspense of impending doom. (Usually the melodrama had to do with Su Jin or Li Jing.)

This show made me cry, and I don't cry easily. But the ending was very satisfying, complete with HEA. Anyway, this was a very enjoyable, creative and dazzling show. If you're into fantasy romance, and xianxia, give it a chance. Unforgettable.

On the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of this drama was shown.

[lamphuongacb · 10/10 · 19 February 2020]

In the spring of three years ago I started watching "Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossom".

Honestly at first, I was not impressed by the poster, but the more I watched it, the more I liked it. Mark Chao was so outstanding, just like Ye Hua from the story came out, but also much better than the story. Mark Chao played two roles: Mo Yuan and Ye Hua, very subtle, not to be confused with each other. Mi Yang also performed very well: The 17th disciple was young and naughty, Su Su was innocent and sincere, Bai Qian was beautiful and generous. The other actors also work seriously. Beautiful cast, suitable for the role. The script is solid. Great soundtrack... The drama is seamless from beginning to end, there is sadness, joy, sorrow, and finally burst into happiness. The happy ending for the main couple, the open ending for the extra couple, and the sad ending for the other couple... will make nostalgic forever. In short, the drama is very great.

I will continue to watch it and be sobbing along with the stories of the characters in it.

Absolutely loved this! One of the best shows I have ever seen!

[kelmai-72006 · 10/10 · 11 September 2020]

When I started watching this I was not sure what to expect! However I can't say enough about how much I love this show! Everything about it! It was well written and excellent actors! This show gave me hope! It reminded me of instilled values that I learned as a child as far as respect and manners however I live in the US I really admire and envy the customs and way of life in this show. In the US we have it to easy growing up I wish I learned martial arts at a young age etc. However it's never to late to learn! The love story and the reincarnation as well as the story of gods was just beautiful! My favorite love stories were ye Hua and high goddess bai chin and the emperor and little goddess. The ten miles of the peach forest was so unforgettable. And baby a-li was too cute and sweet. He brought tears to my eyes when he finally sees his mom! I wish there was a sequel to this to see what happens next! Your show really did give me hope that their are still good people in the world with respect and loyalty! Sometimes I feel in my life I want to be alone like the emperor and just worship god and study new things like martial arts, I have been studying tai chi and I also learned Reiki years ago. Also I have been studying yoga. But then seeing Ye Hua and Su Su it makes you someday maybe want a relationship like that. All I know this show really makes you think! I can't say enough good things about it! It is definitely a must see show! I have not been this excited about a Tv show in a long time. It sort of reminded me of Ashes of love I n a sense because of the gods and heavenly realm however it's much different. Definitely a different story and I like how many different stories were going on all at once! I was definitely surprised when 17s master was also the twin brother of her fiancé I did not see that coming! Great twist! I actually thought her master was reincarnated as her fiancé because they looked identical. I also did not think Ye Hua would come back to life but then again anything is possible on that show! It was such a surprising happy ending! Would love to see a sequel where Su Su and ye Hua have more babies and the emperor and little goddess.

If there is a thing for perfection...this is it

[nguyenphan · 10/10 · 5 November 2018]

Thank you for making such beautiful master piece. i am greatly anticipating the sequel

I'm in love with it

[edwards_trina-560-690634 · 10/10 · 22 September 2019]

I have never been so addicted to a series. American or other. When I first saw this series I loved it so much that I watched it at least 5 times before I had to make myself stop. The actors and actresses were great. I love the Bianbian, YeHua, A-Li dynamic. I can watch their scenes over and over again. Even the little Fox's love story with the Emperor. I think anyone would enjoy it. The emotional roll poster was riveting.

Its okay

[brethren82 · 7/10 · 28 September 2021]

The storyline is actually good apart from the love story between the lord emperor and bai fengjiu. I dont like bai fengjiu's character. Its too much for me. Super stubborn and persistent.

The rest of characters are good.

Couldn't stop watching

[sephraims · 10/10 · 10 February 2019]

I literally binge watched this epic love story. The acting was amazing the characters endearing. I fell in love with this story.

TMoPB

[sotellomb · 7/10 · 27 March 2020]

I fell in love with the characters in this fantasy series. Yang Mi and Mark Chao did an incredible job in portraying Qian Qian and Ye Hua. Especially in the part where the two main lead fall in love from mortal realm 'til their tragic love story in Nine Heavens, it was so touching that I cried so much. How they express their emotions were indescribable. I love Ten Miles of Peach Blossom. Thumbs up to the supporting cast for making the series more interesting..

I can't understand why there are so many people like the TV Drama

[w-63838 · 1/10 · 2 May 2017]

The TV Drama was suspected of being involved copying other novel. I'm really doubtful about the reliability of the reviews. The acting skill of Mi Yang is not too bad in this TV Drama. But the story of "Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossom" can't be wonderful. Perhaps there are too much fans who like Mi Yang very much, so they give a high evaluation for the TV Drama.

Great!

[pigmom · 10/10 · 23 April 2020]

Humanistic values imbued with the culture of the Orient.

Cause and Effect.

Mandate of heaven.

Humanity.

My path is my choice.

"3 lives 3 worlds I met and only love you".

Thanks to the crew for making such a great film.

One of best romantic love story I've seen

[chaiyathana · 10/10 · 24 January 2019]

Fantastic cast and production! After watching this not even half way through the first episode, I was totally hooked to all characters especially leading actor and actress. Absolutely fell in love with the story and how it took me on the emotional ride. One of most romantic story that I've seen. Also I love the costumes, fluid and poetic action scenes. Songs and music for the series were so well chosen, fit so well with the story😘❤ Love all elements that compose this production. Thank you so much for producing this infinite love story that expresses realistic human emotions and how true love can come cone conquer it all🙏❤