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It was impossible not to compare this series Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (TMOPB), a.k.a. my favorite C-drama of all time, to Love and Destiny. So instead of a typical synopsis, I wanted to do a comparison of the two series, and in case you were indecisive in which one to watch next, help you pick your next drama binge. I'll do my best not to be biased (no promises), and warning, spoilers ahead!
To kick off, both series are set in the same universe, same pantheon of celestial beings, and have a very similar story structure. In both cases, there are three story arcs that follow our protagonists from the heavenly realm, to the mortal to face their trials, and then back again to the immortal realm for epic battles of good versus evil. Along the way, you see both couples fall in love repeatedly in each lifetime. While I'll compare the two for a final "winner," my first and foremost opinion is you should watch both! They are equally wonderful and not to be missed!
Story and Plot Winner: Love and Destiny
Side by side comparison starts with the most central characters: our leading ladies. In both series, I feel they are the protagonists, and our leading men don't show up until the groundwork is laid in the first episode(s). When I took a step back, what really stood out was Bai Qian/Su Su. In comparison to Love and Destiny's heroine of Ling Xi, her story in TMOPB felt lacking. When her memory is sealed as Su Su, she is caring and candid, but not a character you want to rally behind. She really doesn't undergo any dramatic story lines outside of meeting Ye Hua, and much of her mortal life actually takes place in the heavenly realm. While the drama picks up the pace once Su Jin makes an appearance, Su Su's character is overwhelmed and taken advantage of multiple times (understandably) to the point of deciding to forget Ye Hua and erase her memories when she regains conciousness as
Whereas, I absolutely loved Ling Xi's mortal story arc as Lin Mo. She loses her hearing in the heavenly world in order to save Jiu Chen (set aside some tissues), and this carries over to her mortal reincarnation. This alone would be a trial for anyone. However, in order to cultivate back into an immortal, she doesn't just have to go through this, but ALL of the major trials of love and loss in a single lifetime. With no memory, again very similar to Su Su, her approach to solving is self-sufficiency (even if she doesn't realize she is being helped) versus falling into despondency. While we get to see Bai Qian spring back as the literal queen and foxy warrior in the final story arc, not to mention some blush-worthy interactions between her and Ye Hua, the story revolves around their relationship and it doesn't have the same level of story-telling you see in Love and Destiny.
The twist of Ling Xi being part demon is what drives Jiu Chen's elaborate set-up: he trades his heart for the vessel that can extend her life, and then deceives the whole heavenly realm to save her soul. The fact he is made into her executioner is absolutely heartbreaking. I haven't mentioned him yet, but Jing Xiu is also a major character, with near equal screen time to our lovebirds. His actions drive so much of the story. This alone could've been a drama on its own. He is driven by his lifetime passion for avenging the murder of his entire clan and him being framed for it! Many of his action seems justified, because at the same time there is still a lot of honor in his decisions. His ultimate decision to become the demon king is both unexpected, but with his lifelong revenge complete, and his love choosing another man, he has nothing else to live for. So why not? While TMOPB's story is good, it's just not as good as Love and Destiny.
Female Protagonist
Winner: Love and Destiny, Ni Ni as Ling Xi
This one was tough. However, I have to side with Love and Destiny. Ni Ni's journey from care-free and naïve Ling Xi to the mortal, deaf Lin Mo, and then back again to the wiser, capable Ling Xi is what makes this worth watching. While both series are meant to take you on epic love stories, Ni Ni's characters feel more . I never stopped rooting for her, where as I often questioned Bai Qian's actions. Don't get me wrong, Yang Mi's performance was stellar. She does an excellent job bring a distinct flavor to each of her persona. However, as mentioned above, Ling Xi goes through so much more, and unlike, Bai Qian, she doesn't have a family to support her. Plus, I can only imagine how difficult it was to be able to act out those deaf scenes. I truly believed her performance.
Male Protagonist Winner
Winner: TMOPB, Mark Chao as Ye Hua
Both male protagonists are meant to be austere and stoic, and their eventual love is what melts the icy exterior (in the case of Jiu Chen, literally melts). However, Mark Chao's performance is the clear winner between the two. As characters, both leads are memorable, but it's Ye Hua's absolute devotion to Bai Qian, his repeated self-sacrifice, and the quiet patience which won me over. Chao's acting is the type which makes you press the "go-back" button to re-watch a scene, even if it only happened a few seconds ago. The man knows how to work those eyebrows! Whether it's the simple love of his forest bride, Su Su, or the passionate kisses between him and fiery Bai Qian, you feel the chemistry ooze off the screen.
Ending:
Winner: TMOPB
TMOPB's ending expands over two full episodes, making sure to wrap every potential relationship and storyline. While much of it may not have been needed, this almost epilogue gives the audience epic closure in having Ye Hua come back to life and then literally running to find Bai Qian. Whereas Love and Destiny's ending is both satisfying and disappointing. We have no idea why or how Jiu Chen made it out of the underworld (unscathed), and their reunion does not reflect a couple who've literally went through heaven and hell to be together.
Supporting Leads and Characters
Winner: Love and Destiny
Honestly, I didn't really see the love triangle coming. Jiu Chen's continual protection and presence around Lin Mo continually reinforces his love by breaking so many rules to allow Ling Xi live, and to me, there wasn't really any other option but for them as a couple. So Jing Xiu's arrival on the scene as a second love interest for Lin Mo was unexpected. His story arc could be compared to the second male lead of the demon lord, Li Jing in TMOPB. However, Li Jing's is more one-sided, and never comes close to being a rival.
One of my favorite relationships is between Ling Xi's sister, Qing Yao, and Yun Feng. This storyline gets a lot of screen-time in the series, and unlike many filler relationships used to expand the run-time of a show, it has depth. I also love how competent Qing Yao is as a doctor, and I love her relationship with Ling Xi, which is supportive and loving. While Bai Qian's relationship with Fen Jiu is good, it doesn't reflect the same bonds you see in Love and Destiny.
Lastly, there is an overwhelming similarity between Yuan Tong and Su Jin. But again the difference is depth. While Yuan Tong does a lot out of jealousy, there is so much more: she sees Ling Xi as the reason for her mother's suicide, she has a lust for power, she's idolized and loved Jiu Chen since childhood, and when you are faced with immortality, getting revenge seems a lot better than seeing your enemy living her dream with your first love. Compared to TMOPB, Su Jin's plotting is one dimensional and just motivated by her obsession with Ye Hua. While fun to watch, it's nowhere near as diabolical, nor as dramatic as Yuan Tong.
Costume and Set Design
Winner: Tie!
Given the fact that TMOPB is a bit older, it can be forgiven a bit for not being as luxurious (also worth noting that Love and Destiny's budget is probably because of TMOPB's success). Direct comparison, Love and Destiny would probably win. However, they are both just that good! With William Chang as the costume director, the costumes in TMOPB just can't be beat. So much that the design team for Love and Destiny took copied much of the design. Need proof? Go take a look at the heavenly armor in the first major battle or the final costumes in the peach forest between Ye Hua and Bai Qian. Sheer perfection. Want to take a closer look? Check out my other post. Both are visual feast bar-raisers for any TV production, globally.
Music
Winner: TMOPB
After finishing, I immediately bought the OST. Worth mentioning that I've only bought one other complete OST for (Scarlett Heart Ryeo: Moon Lovers). I even scrubbed the depths of Chinese sheet music websites for the piano score to be able to play it myself. While I love the opening theme for Love and Destiny, the clear winner is Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms.
Final Results:
Technically, TMOPB took home more of the above categories, but I wouldn't say it was the clear winner. Love and Destiny comes in stronger with the story and characters (so many who weren't even mentioned!). I guess the real winner here is you, because you get two absolutely amazing dramas.
I hope you had as much fun reading this as I had writing this blog. I have a new appreciation for both, and I might just start re-watching them again this weekend to see what I might've missed. Thanks for reading!
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