Exploring A Moment But Forever (2025): A Xianxia Romance with Depth and Flaws

A Moment But Forever (念无双), a 2025 Xianxia romance drama, has captured attention with its blend of fantasy, romance, and intricate world-building. Directed by Guo Hu (Immortal Samsara) and adapted from Shi Si Lang’s novel Unparalleled in the World, the series stars Tang Yan as Goddess Wu Shuang (Ji Tanyin) and Liu Xueyi as Yuan Zhong, the high priest of the Youhu Clan. Spanning 36 episodes, the drama premiered on March 27, 2025, on iQIYI and Youku, offering a tale of divine missions, forbidden love, and cosmic stakes. Let’s dive into what makes this drama stand out, its challenges, and why it’s worth a watch despite mixed reviews.

Plot Overview: A Divine Mission Turned Love Story

The story centers on Goddess Wu Shuang, tasked by the Heavenly Realm to retrieve the powerful artifact “God’s Left Hand” from Yuan Zhong, a fox spirit and high priest whose life is tied to the artifact. This mission requires his death, but Wu Shuang, disguised as a maid named Ji Tanyin, uncovers layers of Yuan Zhong’s fractured past and the Youhu Clan’s betrayals. As secrets unravel—about the artifact, the Warring Ghost Clan, and a villainous goddess Han Nü—the two fall in love, joining forces to save the world from chaos. The narrative weaves Xianxia staples like gods, demons, and magical artifacts with themes of loyalty, redemption, and sacrifice, culminating in a bittersweet finale that has sparked heated discussion among fans.

Stellar Cast and Performances

The drama boasts a talented ensemble, with Tang Yan and Liu Xueyi leading the charge. Tang Yan, known for Chinese Paladin 3, brings elegance and wit to Wu Shuang, portraying her as both a powerful goddess and a comically inept maid. Liu Xueyi (Love and Redemption) shines as Yuan Zhong, delivering a nuanced performance of a man scarred by betrayal yet capable of profound loyalty. Fans have praised their chemistry, noting subtle glances and emotionally charged scenes, like the wishing well exchange, for their depth. Supporting actors, including Guo Xiaoting, Wang Hongyi, Zhou Keyu, and a cameo by Zheng Yecheng reprising his Love of Thousand Years role as Fu Jiu Yun, add richness to the story. Ma Qiyue’s Zifei, Yuan Zhong’s sidekick, has also been highlighted for stealing scenes with youthful charm.

Strengths: Humor, World-Building, and Emotional Depth

One of the drama’s standout features is its unexpected humor, particularly in the early episodes (7–8), which lean into comedic Xianxia vibes akin to A Starry Love. Wu Shuang’s unintentional romantic commands and Yuan Zhong’s sarcastic retorts create a lighthearted dynamic that hooks viewers. The plot evolves beyond typical Xianxia tropes, incorporating political intrigue, horror, and even modern elements like solar panels, as noted by fans for adding freshness. The world-building is logical and layered, exploring themes of fear, judgment, and redemption—such as how Yuan Zhong, misjudged as evil, transforms into a “pious believer” through Wu Shuang’s influence. The slow-burn romance, while frustrating for some, resonates for its emotional authenticity, especially in scenes like Yuan Zhong’s jealousy-fueled outburst over cold noodles.

Challenges: Production and Pacing Issues

Despite its strengths, A Moment But Forever has faced criticism for its production quality and pacing. Viewers have pointed out dated visuals, subpar CGI, and questionable costume choices—particularly Liu Xueyi’s “hideous wig” when his hair is down. The bright lighting and unrealistic set designs detract from the immersive experience, with some calling it “low-budget” compared to modern Xianxia standards. The pacing, especially in the middle episodes, feels sluggish, with the romance taking too long to blossom for some fans’ tastes. The finale, where Wu Shuang sacrifices herself and dies in Yuan Zhong’s arms under a pear tree, has divided audiences. While some appreciate the “smidge of hope” for a future reunion, others found the tragic ending unsatisfying, comparing it to Liu Xueyi’s earlier tearjerker Kill Me Love Me.

Fan Reactions: A Polarizing Yet Addictive Watch

Fan sentiment, as seen on platforms like MyDramaList and Reddit, is mixed but passionate. Many praise the leads’ performances, with Liu Xueyi’s real voice and Tang Yan’s natural fit for Xianxia earning high marks. Reviewers like Rubyreads and Sidneylandsam commend the intelligent characters and coherent storytelling, with the latter noting the drama’s ability to “surprise without reusing old tropes.” However, DramaPanda reports that the series trended for low viewership early on, with netizens mocking it as a “fantasy idol drama with middle-aged leads” (Tang Yan, 41, and Liu Xueyi, 34). Despite this, ratings improved as the story’s depth and humor won over skeptics. Social media posts on X highlight excitement around new trailers and posters released at the 2024 iQIYI World Conference, signaling strong pre-release buzz.

Why You Should Watch

A Moment But Forever isn’t perfect, but it’s a compelling addition to the Xianxia genre. Its blend of humor, romance, and intricate plotting offers something for both genre veterans and newcomers. If you can overlook the production flaws—bad wigs and all—the emotional payoff and strong performances make it worthwhile. The drama challenges stereotypes about age in fantasy roles, proving that Tang Yan and Liu Xueyi deliver timeless charisma. For fans of slow-burn romances and stories about redemption, this series is a hidden gem that rewards patience.

Final Thoughts

A Moment But Forever is a drama of contrasts: a visually flawed production with a heart-wrenching story, a comedic start that shifts to somber stakes, and a cast that elevates a sometimes uneven script. It’s a testament to the power of strong acting and thoughtful writing, even if it doesn’t fully escape the pitfalls of its genre. Stream it on iQIYI to decide for yourself whether this Xianxia tale is a fleeting moment or a forever favorite.