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{year}=2025{episode}=40.END {type}=TV{completed}
Introduction
The Starry Love (星落凝成糖) is a 2023 Chinese fantasy romance drama directed by
Zhu Ruibin and starring Chen Xingxu and Landy Li in lead roles. This xianxia
(immortal heroes) drama combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy,
weaving a tale of love, destiny, and self-discovery. With stunning visuals,
intricate world-building, and engaging character dynamics, The Starry
Love quickly became a fan favorite.
Plot Overview
The story follows two sisters born under a celestial
prophecy—one destined for greatness, the other for calamity. Due to a mix-up at
birth, the mischievous and carefree Ye Tan (Landy Li) is mistakenly sent to the
Heavenly Realm to marry the aloof Crown Prince Xuan Shang (Chen Xingxu), while
her virtuous sister, Qing Kui, is sent to the Demon Realm.
Ye Tan, who was raised as the "ill-fated star,"
disrupts the orderly Heavenly Realm with her rebellious nature, clashing with
the cold and disciplined Xuan Shang. However, as they spend more time together,
their initial hostility turns into affection. Meanwhile, Qing Kui faces her own
struggles in the Demon Realm, leading to intertwining fates and conflicts
between gods, demons, and mortals.
Characters & Performances
1. Chen Xingxu as Xuan Shang / You Qin / Mei Jian
Chen Xingxu delivers a compelling performance, portraying
three distinct personalities due to a soul-splitting curse. His transition from
the cold and righteous Crown Prince to the warm and mischievous Mei Jian
showcases his versatility as an actor. His chemistry with Landy Li is one of
the highlights of the drama.
2. Landy Li as Ye Tan
Landy Li shines as the lively and cunning Ye Tan. Her
character is a breath of fresh air in the xianxia genre—instead of being a
typical docile heroine, she is bold, witty, and unafraid to challenge
authority. Li’s comedic timing and emotional depth make Ye Tan a memorable
protagonist.
3. Supporting Cast
- He
Xuanlin as Qing Kui – The gentle yet resilient sister whose fate
takes a dark turn.
- Baron
Chen as Chao Feng – The Demon Lord’s heir, whose relationship
with Qing Kui adds emotional weight to the story.
- Cao
Jie as Zi Wu – A loyal and humorous heavenly official who
provides comic relief.
Themes & Storytelling
The Starry Love explores themes of destiny versus free will, love transcending boundaries, and the complexity of morality. Unlike traditional xianxia dramas where the heavenly realm is purely righteous and the demon realm purely evil, this series blurs the lines, showing that goodness and malice exist in both worlds.
The drama balances humor and tragedy
effectively—lighthearted moments between Ye Tan and Xuan Shang contrast with
the darker twists in Qing Kui’s storyline. The pacing remains engaging, though
some viewers felt the middle section dragged slightly before picking up
momentum in the latter half.
Visuals & Production Quality
The CGI and set designs are visually stunning, particularly
the celestial palaces and magical battle sequences. The costumes reflect the
ethereal beauty of the Heavenly Realm and the darker aesthetics of the Demon
Realm. The soundtrack, including the emotional theme song, enhances the
storytelling.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Unique
female lead – Ye Tan’s rebellious personality breaks xianxia
stereotypes.
- Strong
chemistry – The romance between the leads feels natural and
heartwarming.
- Moral
complexity – Neither the gods nor demons are purely good or evil.
- Humor
& emotion – The drama successfully blends comedy with
poignant moments.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing
issues – Some arcs feel prolonged, particularly in the middle
episodes.
- Underutilized
side characters – Certain supporting roles could have been
fleshed out more.
Final Verdict
The Starry Love is a refreshing addition to the
xianxia genre, offering a perfect mix of romance, comedy, and fantasy. With
charismatic leads, an engaging plot, and high production value, it stands out
as one of 2023’s best Chinese dramas. While it has minor pacing flaws, its
emotional depth and unique storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of
fantasy romance.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: Highly recommended for viewers who enjoyed Love
Between Fairy and Devil, Ashes of Love, or Eternal Love.