The heavens shake, the thunder rumbles, and Xie Lian appears with an apologetic smile—again! Eight hundred years prior, he was a beloved martial god, known as the Crown Prince of Xianle. Now, he ascends to the heavenly realm for the third time, but simply as a pitiful scrap-collecting god with no followers behind him.
On his first mission, Xie Lian finds himself alone in the dark moonlit night. There, a gentle man dressed in red guides him through the forest. However, as abruptly as he appeared, the man suddenly dissipates into a swarm of silver butterflies.
Xie Lian later learns that this mysterious stranger was none other than Hua Cheng, the Crimson Rain Sought Flower, a Ghost King feared by both demons and gods alike. But before Xie Lian can figure out why Hua Cheng would help a Heavenly Official like himself, he meets San Lang. A young man possessing great knowledge on not only the Ghost King, but also the now forgotten Crown Prince, San Lang decides to accompany Xie Lian on his journey of unveiling the mysteries of the past.
One Hell of a Ride: The Tian Guan Cifu Anime Review
If you’ve been looking for a series to shake up your anime routine, look no further than the Mandarin gem: Tian Guan Cifu. Originating as a popular web novel, it ups the stakes in the realm of Shonen-ai (Boys Love) anime with its beauty, depth, and unpredictability. And if you’re just discovering the world of Chinese-produced anime, what a spectacular introduction this will be!
At the center of this captivating tale, we meet Xie Lian, an immortal prince who was banished to the mortal realm. After rising from the ashes, he earns his place as the leader of a heaven known as ‘Yuan’. Fast forward 800 years, and he meets the Ghost King who is notorious for his bloodthirsty nature, Hua Cheng. Their meeting sparks an unforgettable story that delves into themes of friendship, love, sacrifice, and redemption. The series weaves a beautiful tapestry of suspense, light humor, and thrilling action I guarantee you won’t want to miss.
Storyline
The major draw of Tian Guan Cifu is its beautifully written, multi-faceted narrative. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill boys’ love anime packed with tropes. The people behind the scenes put in great effort to craft a storyline that is both flavorful and satisfying. The balance between lighthearted episodes and nail-biting cliffhangers is commendably crafted, keeping audiences on their toes throughout. Of course, the series is not without its plot surprises and character development, but wouldn’t want to spoil that for you!
Art and Animation
The first thing you’ll notice about Tian Guan Cifu is how visually stunning it is. The animation quality is top-notch – a testament to the dedication of the creative team. Fluid fight scenes, attention to detail in every frame, beautiful environments, and character designs add another layer of immersive experience and grandeur to the series. This show is indeed a visual feast.
Characters
Tian Guan Cifu shines not only from its mesmerizing storyline and animation but also from its stunning character development. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are the heart of the series and their relationship evolves in a way that feels natural, deep, and moving, becoming one of the most beautifully depicted relationships in the genre. Moreover, the cast of secondary characters are also fleshed out well and contribute significantly to the main plot.
Music
Lastly, let’s talk about the music which excellently accompanies the narrative. The series’ soundtrack enhances the tense moments, the fight sequences, and the more emotional moments. The musical contribution to this series is a character in itself, pulling the viewer deeper into the narrative.
Verdict
As ‘The Anime Critic’, I highly recommend Tian Guan Cifu. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or a newcomer, this series will offer you fresh perspectives and a profoundly moving experience. Tian Guan Cifu is available for streaming now – and it’s definitely worth your time.
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