The Legend of Chusen

The Legend of Chusen, also known as Noble Aspirations, is a 2016 Chinese television series broadcasted by Hunan TV. The series is a unique blend of fantasy and martial arts genres. It is based on Xiao Ding's popular web novel Zhu Xian, intricately showcasing a fantastic blend of breathtaking martial arts sequences, captivating subplots, and a compelling storyline.

The Legend of Chusen unfolds the tale of good versus evil set against the backdrop of a controversial and precarious world. The storyline revolves around Zhang Xiaofan, the series' protagonist whose life takes a dramatic turn when his village is brutally destroyed by dark and demonic entities. Left as the sole survivor, he is adopted by a secretive sect that makes the Qing Yun Sect its home within the martial arts world.

Zhang Xiaofan's journey into the world of martial arts forms the crux of the story. As he trains and learns at the Qing Yun Sect, he realizes that the world around him is not as straightforward as it seems. He becomes entangled in a complex network of power, loyalty, love, and trauma leading him to question the morality and ethics of the individuals around him and even of the broader martial arts world.

Aside from Zhang Xiaofan, The Legend of Chusen presents an array of layered characters, including Bi Yao and Lu Xueqi. Bi Yao, the daughter of the Ghost King, adds an emotional dimension to the story with her romantic involvement with Zhang Xiaofan. Lu Xueqi, a fellow disciple at the Qing Yun Sect, shares a complicated relationship with Xiaofan. The intricate relationships among these characters form a pivotal part of this melodrama, contributing to the suspense and engaging the audience in the enigmatic world that the drama unfolds.

The Legend of Chusen consists of two seasons totaling forty-five episodes in the first season and eighteen in the second. The episodes involve gripping narratives with fantastic special effects enhancing the fantasy themes. The series highlights the distinctive world of Chinese martial arts with gravity-defying action stunts, magical artifacts, and intense combat scenes that contribute to the intriguing visual spectacle.

Furthermore, the series is known for its aesthetic videography, with scenes filmed amidst breathtaking landscapes adding to the immersive viewing experience. The picturesque scenery also creatively symbolizes the themes running throughout the series, reflecting changes in the mood and progressing storyline. The exquisite costumes meticulously designed for the cast, well suited the historical context, heighten the authenticity of the settings, providing the audience with an immersive experience into ancient China.

The series boasts an exceptional score composed by Mak Chun Hung, underscoring the plot's crucial moments and emphasising the critical emotions of the characters. The music successfully intertwines with the narrative, further enhancing the viewing experience.

The Legend of Chusen successfully manages to touch upon deeper themes such as the nature of good and evil, moral ambiguity, the complexities of human relationships, and the dueling nature of humanity and desire. The series invite the audience into a thought-provoking exploration of these themes, nested within an endearing narrative, making it more than just an ordinary martial arts series.

The TV series has received praises for its gripping storyline, remarkable character development, and spectacular martial arts battles. The exceptional performance of the cast, particularly Li Yifeng as Zhang Xiaofan, lends life to their characters making the series even more resonating. The Legend of Chusen has been in the Cultural Zeitgeist since its release, influencing the television landscape, particularly within the fantasy and martial arts genres.

In summation, The Legend of Chusen makes for a must-watch show for those who appreciate a captivating story steeped in fantasy, intricate character relationships, and the culture-rich martial arts world of ancient China. Its nuanced portrayal of adventure, romance, and suspense serves to captivate a broad audience, taking them on a thrilling journey accentuated with visual and narrative brilliance. The series stands testimony to Chinese television's ability to produce content that appeals to international audiences, setting a high standard for similar genres in the future.