Word of Honor (2021): A Wuxia Masterpiece of Loyalty and Love
Adapted from Priest’s danmei novel Faraway Wanderers (Tian Ya Ke), this 36-episode series, plus a special epilogue, is directed by Cheng Zhi Chao, Ma Hua Gan, and Li Hong Yu. Starring Zhang Zhehan as Zhou Zishu and Gong Jun as Wen Kexing, it premiered on Youku from February 22 to May 5, 2021. With its poetic storytelling and bold romance, it’s a standout hit, earning an 8.6/10 on Douban and global acclaim.
Plot Overview
Zhou Zishu, leader of the assassin organization Window of Heaven, quits by embedding seven nails in his body, leaving him three years to live. Disguised as a beggar, he wanders the jianghu seeking freedom. He meets Wen Kexing, the flamboyant master of Ghost Valley, who seeks revenge for his parents’ deaths. Their chance encounter sparks a deep bond as they uncover a conspiracy involving the Glazed Armor, a treasure tied to martial world domination. Joined by allies like disciple Zhang Chengling (Sun Xilun) and Gu Xiang (Zhou Ye), they face rival clans, personal demons, and their growing feelings.
Why Word of Honor Shines
1. Magnetic Chemistry
Gong Jun’s Wen Kexing is a revelation—charming, poetic, and ruthless, with eye-acting that fans on X call “mesmerizing.” Their soulmate dynamic, from Wen’s flirty pursuit to Zhou’s reluctant warmth, pushes censorship boundaries with gestures like sleeve-cutting (a nod to BL history). MyDramaList users praise their “flawless” romance, rare for its overtness despite China’s restrictions.
2. Wuxia Excellence
The drama’s martial arts are a visual feast, with graceful choreography likened to “dance sequences” by nosleep4dramas.com. From Peach Blossom fights to climactic battles, the action blends CGI and practical effects, though budget constraints show in some backdrops. The jianghu world, with factions like the Five Lakes Alliance, is richly built, expanding on the novel’s scope to flesh out side characters like Cao Weining (Ma Wenyuan).
3. Poetic Storytelling
Screenwriter Xiao Chu, a wuxia fan, infuses the script with classical Chinese poetry and cultural references, making Wen Kexing’s flirtations both romantic and scholarly. Despite translation losses, Youku’s subtitles in 13 languages help global fans. The OST, with tracks like “Faraway Wanderers,” enhances the drama’s emotional depth, resonating long after viewing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Bold Romance: The BL elements, conveyed through glances and subtext, are daring yet tasteful, earning Teen Vogue’s 2021 best BL nod.
** Stellar Cast**: Beyond the leads, Zhou Ye’s feisty Gu Xiang and Sun Xilun’s earnest Chengling shine, with no weak performances.
Cinematography: Lush costumes and scenic shots create a “visual treat,” despite a modest budget supplemented by Wolong nuts ads.
Weaknesses:
Rushed Ending: The final episodes feel crammed, with plot points like the Glazed Armor resolved hastily, possibly due to budget issues.
Complex Factions: The many clans and characters confuse some viewers, as noted by nosleep4dramas.com, requiring focus to track.
Censorship Limits: While bold, the lack of explicit romance frustrates some novel fans, though the epilogue softens this.
Reception and Impact
Word of Honor was a global phenomenon, hitting 10 million YouTube views in two weeks and ranking as Tumblr’s 19th most-talked-about show in 2021. Its Douban score of 8.6 and IMDb’s 8.4 reflect its acclaim, with fans praising its “deep relationships” and “elegant” wuxia. A Suzhou concert on May 3–4, 2021, drew 40,000 attendees, with tickets selling out in 40 seconds. However, the series faced controversy when Zhang Zhehan was boycotted, leading to its removal from Chinese platforms in August 2021. Still, its cultural impact endures, introducing wuxia to new audiences and sparking demand for more Priest adaptations.
Should You Watch It?
Word of Honor is a must for fans of The Untamed or Guardian, blending wuxia action with a heartfelt BL romance. Its poetic script and stunning fights appeal to newcomers, though the complex plot may require patience. If you love deep character arcs and subtle flirting, it’s a gem, but those seeking explicit romance or simple narratives might find it challenging. As one X post raved, “It’s a masterpiece that redefined BL!” Watch episode 37 (on Viki/YouTube, not Netflix) for the full experience.
Where to Watch
Stream Word of Honor with English subtitles on Netflix, Viki, YouTube, or Amazon Prime. The epilogue (episode 37) is paywalled on Viki and Youku’s YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Word of Honor is a triumph of heart and artistry, defying budget and censorship to deliver a romance that feels eternal. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing’s journey through jianghu is as thrilling as it is tender, proving, as producer Ma Tao said, “a good story breaks language barriers.” Whether you’re here for the swordplay or soulmates, it’s a wuxia epic that lives up to its title.