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Senin, 18 Juli 2016

Magic Star

Wu Lei in Magic Star



Magic Star 奇星记之鲜衣怒马少年时 is a 60-episode youthful fantasy wuxia starring Wu Lei (Nirvana in Fire), Chen Xiang (Love Weaves Through A Millennium), Zhang Yu Xi, Zheng He Hui Zi and Deng Shao Wen as they form an unlikely team who traverses the realms of heaven and earth in a quest to save humanity.

Considering that this is my 150th post, the premise is definitely beginning to sound like a dime a dozen. 

Deng Shao Wen and Ashton Chen Shaolin Popey



It is interesting that Deng Shao Wen from the 90's movie Shaolin Popey is in this as well, had no idea he was still in showbiz. Here's a pic to reminisce the younger days of Deng Shao Wen and Ashton Chen, formerly Shi Xiao Long.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 c-drama recommendations.

Chen Xiang in Magic Star

Zhang Yu Xi in Magic Star

Zheng He Hui Zi in Magic Star

Wu Lei in Magic Star

Deng Shao Wen in Magic Star


Source: Mingrenziliao


Minggu, 17 Juli 2016

Once Promised (2017)

Once Promised Huang Xiaoming and Victoria Song

Once Promised 上古情歌 is a drama adaptation based on a novel by Tong Hua 桐华 that takes inspiration from a collection of scrolls called the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It got on my radar because of the names attached to the project such as Huang Xiaoming, Victoria Song (Ice Fantasy) and Sheng Yi Lun (Go Princess Go).

Unfortunately, Baron Chen backed out due to a broken leg and he will be replaced by Di Tian Lin instead. 

In writing this post, I inadvertently read the ending thanks to too much information found in c-drama synopses but I'll spare you the details. Once Promised 曾许诺 is the prequel to Lost You Forever 长相思 set during a legendary era of Chinese lore about the epic romance between a warrior (Huang Xiaoming) and a maiden (Victoria Song).

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 best c-dramas.

Source: Xinhuanet


Sabtu, 16 Juli 2016

The Ending: Classic of Mountains and Seas

2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas


Classic of Mountains and Seas 山海经之赤影传说 seem like a wholesome affair about a quest to gather seven warriors in a race to summon a deity, that is until jealousy rears its ugly head and everyone starts dropping like flies [spoiler alert].

2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas episode recap2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas episode recap
The final episode begins with a one-on-one battle between Su Mo (Gu Li Na Zha) and Fu Er (Lan Ying Ying) and for the umpteenth time, Su Mo is defeated. Granted that Fu Er possesses black magic and a newfound ability for mind control; yet Su Mo's lack of improvement throughout the 46-episode run is equally frustrating.

2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas episode recap

Zhang Han in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and SeasZhang Han in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas
Meanwhile, Chi Yu (Zhang Han) and his alter ego Xin Yue Hu (Zhang Han) are trapped inside an illusion. Desperate to escape, Chi Yu decides to sacrifice himself saying that he owes Xin Yue Hu who has remained in the shadows for most of their lives.

Nevertheless, Xin Yue Hu surprises with a sudden bout of altruism and instead, transfers every ounce of his energy until he disintegrates in a swift but heartfelt farewell among the unlikely brothers.


2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas episode recap2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas episode recap
Gao Weiguang in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and SeasGao Weiguang in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas
Baili Han (Li Chao) has obtained the Green Dragon's power and he has come to gloat in front of his old-time frenemy Bin Yi (Gao Weiguang). 

Scoffing at Bin Yi's unyielding love for Fu Er that stems from her resemblance to his wife, Baili Han reveals that Bin Yi's wife was his lover first, implying Bin Yi's marriage a sham. However, the joke is on Baili Han because Bin Yi knew the truth all along.

Realizing that the woman he loved had stopped loving him long ago, an enraged Baili Han deals a fatal blow to Bin Yi, leaving Fu Er devastated while he exclaims, "how come, when he was alive you didn't care, now that he is dead did he's important?"

Gu Li Na Zha in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and SeasLan Ying Ying in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas
To add insult to injury, Baili Han comes clean that the day Fu Er turned on Su Mo was a result of his scheming. 

While I feel for Fu Er, I do think that she takes the cake for most hated character so her comeuppance is welcome, more so because Baili Han is right in rubbing it in that her path to evilness would not have been so had she not been such a willing participant.

2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas The Ending2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas episode recap
More deaths as Shangguan Jin (Kenny Kwan) and Ah Su (Liu Chang De) also die in the hands of Baili Han. Chi Yu might have too if not for Su Mo who makes a wish that finally destroys Baili Han.

Then comes the clean slate wherein everybody survives. 

2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas starring Zhang Han and Gu Li Na Zha



Lasting Impressions: From the first casualty to the second to the third, it becomes painfully obvious where the drama is headed. Baili Han is the catch all, the ultimate source of conflict and the person to move the plot forward as seen by the number of issues he resolved in the last episode.

I honestly find the drama subpar but I enjoyed it regardless probably due to the fact that it is strikingly similar to an anime called Fushigi Yuugi.

Plagiarism or not, Classic of Mountains and Seas has a good concept and at the heart of the adventure are the characters. I could watch Team Phoenix just for their tireless banter and their back stories while tragic make for good TV. 

Mind you, I was throwing chairs when Chi Yu died and was replaced by Xin Yue Hu since real-life couple Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Han had such sweet moments together, yet I grew accustomed to the ludicrous change made easier by a mellowed down Xin Yue Hu.

As for Su Mo's wish for world peace, it negates the events of the entire series, which is a reality that I neither loved nor hated though I suppose it's better that everyone is alive and serendipitous, putting a bittersweet end to the saga where only Su Mo and Chi Yu retain their memories. 

But what of Bin Yi, the scroll lady, her loyal wolf boy and even the face-stealing prick?

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 c-drama listing.

Zhang Han and Kenny Kwan in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas

Lan Ying Ying in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas

2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas

Wu Lei in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas

Yin Zheng 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas

Li Mao in 2016 c-drama Classic of Mountains and Seas



Kamis, 14 Juli 2016

Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Best Chinese TV series Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy



Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy 九州·海上牧云记 literally wows with just a minute-long trailer. I stared in awe at the cinematography and craftsmanship that can rival that of any high calibre film but wait for it... Tribe and Empires is a 50-episode Chinese drama, not a movie.

The series is a TV adaptation of a novel by the same name written by Jin He Zai 今何在, one of the seven authors that conceptualized Novoland, a fictional reality that has inspired works such as City of Devastating Love and Novoland: Castle in the Sky.

The cast is huge, which is fitting for a story of this magnitude and it stars Huang Xuan (Imperial Doctress), Shawn Dou, Zhou YiweiXu Lu, Janice Man (Legend of Zu) and more. 



It has been foretold that 6th Prince Mu Yun Sheng (Huang Xuan), a half human and half demon will bring chaos and he is kept inside the palace until he meets a spirit (Janice Man) that is sealed within a painting. 

Mu Ru Han Jiang (Shawn Dou) is the abandoned son of a family of generals. 

Shuo Feng He Ye (Zhou Yiwei) is the brave and capable successor of a tribe in the North who suffers terrible losses from battles with the Mu Ru clan.

Three compelling stories in a complex world and I'm sure there is more than meets the eye. 
I'm not complaining about the overwhelming amount of stills but can't the show just premiere already (crossing fingers that it turns out to be as good as it looks).

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 best c-dramasRelease date: 2016

Best Chinese TV series Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Best Chinese TV series Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Best Chinese TV series Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Best Chinese TV series Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Best Chinese TV series Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy



Shawn Dou in Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Huang Xuan in Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy







Zhou Yiwei in Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Shawn Dou in Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Huang Xuan in Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

 
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