A Fantasy That Divides: Beauty or a Beast in Disguise?
The recent release of Fangs of Fortune (大梦归离) has ignited a fiery debate among viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most polarizing dramas of the season. Directed by Guo Jingming (郭敬明), known for his divisive cinematic style, this new venture builds on his earlier work, Cloud Feather.
While fans hail Fangs of Fortune as a rare gem that revitalizes the fantasy genre with its dazzling visuals and bold narrative, critics deride it as an overindulgent spectacle with little substance beneath its glamorous surface. This divide echoes Guo’s career-long reception: celebrated by some, castigated by others.
A World Beyond Genre
Categorizing Fangs of Fortune is no easy task. It flirts with elements of fantasy, mystery, and wuxia (martial arts drama), fusing them into a narrative that defies convention. Set in a mystical world where humans, gods, and monsters coexist, the show weaves a tale of intrigue, danger, and fractured allegiances.
The drama draws heavily from The Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经), an ancient Chinese text brimming with mythical creatures. The plot unfolds during the Zhenyuan (桢沅) Era, a time of chaos triggered by the untimely death of the divine priestess Bai Ze (白泽). Her passing unleashes mythical beasts into the mortal realm, threatening societal collapse. Enter Zhao Yuanzhou (赵远舟), played by Hou Minghao (侯明昊), a cunning shapeshifter who reluctantly allies with the court’s demon-hunting squad to contain the mayhem.
The series introduces a vibrant ensemble of characters, each adding layers to the narrative. Zhao, as the once-feared demon Zhu Yan, embodies the show’s thematic duality, balancing his human compassion with his monstrous instincts. Opposite him is Chen Duling’s (陈都灵) Wen Xiao (文潇), a determined yet tender-hearted priestess. Together with a demon-hunting marksman, a cerebral swordsman, and a spirited healer, this eclectic team ventures into a world of perilous mysteries and haunting dreamscapes.
True to Guo Jingming’s signature style, Fangs of Fortune spares no effort in crafting an opulent visual experience. The show is a masterclass in cinematic aesthetics, with each frame meticulously designed to immerse the audience in its fantastical realm. From palatial courtyards to shadowy forests, and from haunted temples to eerie underwater tableaux, the set designs evoke a rich tapestry of Chinese mythology.
One standout sequence, the “Water Ghost Wedding,” showcases Guo’s flair for marrying beauty and horror. A blood-red bridal gown juxtaposed against the somber tones of death and decay crafts an unforgettable tableau of Chinese gothic. Similarly, the show features nearly 20 mythological creatures, each reimagined with stunning CGI that humanizes their monstrous forms while staying true to traditional folklore.
The action scenes in Fangs of Fortune also deserve a nod. The opening duel between Zhao Yuanzhou and the swordsman Zhuo Yichen blends wuxia elegance with modern choreography, evoking nostalgia for the golden age of martial arts dramas. Zhao’s signature finishing move, an unorthodox but effective “One-Word Technique,” delivers an exhilarating spectacle that keeps fans on edge.
When Style Overshadows Substance
Yet, despite its striking imagery, Fangs of Fortune struggles to escape criticism over its storytelling. The narrative often falters under the weight of its ambition, oscillating between moments of brilliance and stretches of tedium.
One of the most glaring issues is its uneven pacing. The early episodes, which establish the demon-hunting squad, tease a tantalizing detective angle. However, what begins as a suspenseful whodunit quickly devolves into a string of predictable resolutions, relying on supernatural abilities rather than intellectual deductions. Critics argue that the emphasis on flashy visuals undermines the emotional depth and logical coherence required for a truly engaging mystery.
The dialogue, too, has been a point of contention. Zhao Yuanzhou’s slow, almost lethargic delivery has drawn ire for its lack of energy, dampening the tension in critical moments. Similarly, character motivations often feel contrived, with abrupt decisions and unexplained actions leaving viewers scratching their heads.
When Ambition Becomes Overreach
As much as Fangs of Fortune strives to innovate, it often finds itself bogged down by its own ambition. The show’s tonal inconsistencies are particularly jarring. Just as viewers are immersed in a harrowing battle or an emotional revelation, a sudden comedic skit or exaggerated visual effect disrupts the mood. For instance, the decision to add comical big-head effects during an otherwise serious scene drew widespread criticism for undermining the drama’s gravity. Similarly, over-the-top background music during fight scenes, paired with sluggish choreography, dilutes the intended impact.
These choices reflect an attempt to appeal to a broader audience, blending humor, action, and drama. However, the resulting product struggles to strike a cohesive tone, leading some viewers to describe it as a "glorified music video" rather than a fully realized narrative.
The slow pacing further compounds these issues. While the meticulous world-building is commendable, the time spent on atmospheric scenes often comes at the expense of advancing the plot. Critics argue that the show’s tendency to prioritize style over substance makes it difficult for viewers to connect emotionally with the characters or the stakes of their journey.
