Mo Dao Zu Shi is huge in China, and for good reason. It is good enough to rival some of the best productions coming out of Japan and the West. While a lot of people outside of China mostly hear about Japanese anime or big Western animated shows, this donghua proves that incredible stories can come from anywhere. From the very first episode you can tell it is on a different level in terms of ambition and quality.
The show uses non linear storytelling similar to the style in Link Click. It jumps between past and present and often reveals events out of order. This can make it tricky to follow, especially in the first season. There are moments where you do not fully understand the importance of something until several episodes later. Personally I think that is part of what makes it so engaging. It rewards you for paying attention and makes rewatches even better.
Light spoiler ahead. In the very first episode we find out that the main character Wei Wuxian comes back from the dead through a forbidden ritual. That already tells you this is not a simple or lighthearted adventure. The setting is inspired by ancient China with powerful clans controlling different regions. Each clan has its own traditions, strengths and flaws. They are often in conflict and there is a lot of politics involved.
Mo Dao Zu Shi is very emotional and constantly makes you question who is in the right. Are the villains really evil, or are the so called good guys actually the bad ones. The story does not give you an easy answer. It shows how history can be twisted, how rumors can destroy reputations, and how loyalty can be tested when morals and traditions clash. One of the things I love is that you can see the reasoning behind each side even if you completely disagree with them.
The animation is beautiful. It mixes 2D art with 3D elements and backgrounds in a way that looks seamless. The landscapes feel alive with mountains, rivers, forests, and ancient buildings that look straight out of paintings. The fight scenes are smooth and exciting. They feel like well choreographed martial arts battles with a touch of fantasy, and they are a pleasure to watch.
Wei Wuxian is a great main character. He is smart, playful and refuses to blindly follow rules. He does what he believes is right even if it means standing alone. This makes him both loved and hated in the world he lives in. His life ended tragically young before his return. In the flashbacks he looks the same as in his new form which can be confusing if you do not realize what is happening at first. Once you get used to it the back and forth between past and present becomes one of the most interesting parts of the show.
Lan Wangji is the opposite of Wei Wuxian in personality. He is serious, disciplined and very rule abiding. At first he might seem cold, but over time you see his depth and loyalty. The way he cares for Wei Wuxian is one of the most touching parts of the story. The two of them together make an iconic duo and their relationship is written with so much subtlety that even a look or a small exchange can carry a lot of meaning, their brotherhood is amazing.
The side characters are also worth talking about. Jiang Cheng is one of the most complex, torn between love for his brother and resentment over his choices. Wen Ning is pure and gentle, yet caught in tragic events. Wen Qing is strong and determined, and her sacrifices are unforgettable. Every side character feels like they have a real personality and purpose in the story.
Since this is a donghua and not Japanese anime, you will not find the usual tropes. There is no plot armor here. Important characters can and do die. The show is not afraid to make big changes and kill off people you care about. This keeps the stakes high and makes you more invested in what happens.
The soundtrack is another highlight. It uses traditional Chinese instruments and emotional melodies that stay with you. The guqin theme, unforgettable and perfectly fits the bond between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. The music is not just background noise, it adds to the mood and helps you feel the weight of the scenes.
The voice acting is extremely well done. Every voice matches the character’s personality perfectly. Wei Wuxian’s playful tone, Lan Wangji’s calm and steady voice, Jiang Cheng’s mix of frustration and emotion, Wen Ning’s innocence, they all feel natural. The performances add so much to the characters. There are moments where the voice alone is enough to make a scene hit harder, whether it is in an emotional conversation or a heated argument.
The world building is rich and detailed. You learn about the different clans, their customs and their cultivation techniques through the story rather than long explanations. It makes the world feel real and lived in. You also see how traditions can shape people’s lives, for better or worse.
Mo Dao Zu Shi balances tone really well. It can go from light and funny to intense and heartbreaking in minutes, and it never feels forced. The humor often comes from the characters’ interactions and it makes the darker moments even more impactful.
By the time you finish the series, everything clicks into place. The mystery in the present timeline and the slow reveal through flashbacks make the ending satisfying and emotional. Even if you figure out some twists early, the execution still makes them powerful.
This show quickly became one of my top three anime or donghua ever. It has everything I want, great story, amazing characters, stunning animation, beautiful music, and perfect voice acting. It is the kind of series that stays with you and makes you want to rewatch it to catch the details you missed the first time. Mo Dao Zu Shi is a must watch, and I honestly doubt you will find much better than this.
11 out of 12 users liked this review
