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Tampilkan postingan dengan label Yu Bo. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Yu Bo. Tampilkan semua postingan

Sabtu, 05 Maret 2016

First Look: Legend of Qin

Started Legend of Qin 秦時明月 last Christmas break and I couldn't put it down long enough to write my first impressions. It has been such a fun ride thus far, and I'm finally down to the last 10 episodes so it's now or never.

ep1 of Legend of Qin aka Qin's Moon, a chinese fantasy wuxia


Episode 1 begins with Jing Ke attempting to kill the Qin Emperor. I say attempt because we know he ultimately fails and in this version, Jing Ke dies in the hands of his friend Ge Nie (Lu Yi).

Jing Ke fathers the main protagonist Jing Tian Ming (Jiang Jin Fu) who grows up years later to be your average kid, oblivious to his true identity. However, all is not what it seems as an unfortunate incident occurs where Tian Ming wakes drenched in blood after what should have been a scuffle with the Qin soldiers turned into a slaughter.

ep1 of Legend of Qin aka Qin's Moon, a chinese fantasy wuxia


The Qin Emperor catches wind of the massacre and sends men to capture Tian Ming while Ge Nie simultaneously leaves the palace walls to rescue his friend's son. Although Tian Ming tries to escape initially from Ge Nie then from the Qin soldiers, an epic fight ensues and Ge Nie single-handedly defeats 300 soldiers incurring fatal injuries in the process.

Gratefully indebted to Ge Nie, Tian Ming begs the famous doctor Duan Mu Rong (Michelle Chen) to save Ge Nie. Duan Mu Rong feels nothing but disdain for Ge Nie whom she deems a traitor, but she reluctantly agrees to treat him when she realizes that Tian Ming is indeed Jing Ke's son and that there might actually be more than meets the eye.

First Impressions: I love how the drama artfully combines a graphic novel and a historical wuxia, then sprinkles it with fantasy elements, which works for the most part.

Legend of Qin starts with a bang, recounting the monumental assassination attempt directed at the Emperor of Qin. It is a well-known story in history books and widespread in pop culture thanks to a blockbuster movie called Hero. Yet it touches just the tip of the iceberg since the main event follows the adventures of Jing Tian Ming, a young and inexperienced boy endowed with hidden powers that will surely put him in a position to accomplish great things. 

Legend of Qin aka Qin's Moon, a chinese fantasy wuxia starring Lu Yi and Michelle Chen



The supporting characters and their storyline are equally if not more intriguing and I was most curious to learn about Ge Nie's motivations and his courage to move forward despite being shunned by everyone he holds dear. Rightfully so as Lu Yi and Michelle Chen starring in supporting roles was odd enough to begin with, and it only made sense upon realizing that they are pivotal to the story and their OTP not any less compared to the main leads. 

Even if you don't like the Ge Nie and Duan Mu Rong tandem, romance is abound with a handful of other couples to root for. I see potential for something epic given such a large cast portraying people that are both fictional and real. We are introduced to various factions such as the Mohists, Xi Shi Tribe, Seven Killing Sect, Ju San Liu Sha aka Quicksand and the historical figures from the Qin Dynasty, each fighting for their own cause.

On another note, I have read bad reviews from those who have seen the original animated version so opinions might vary greatly if you're one of the former. 

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 popular cdramas.

Legend of Qin aka Qin's Moon, a chinese fantasy wuxia starring Jiang Jin Fu and Hu Bing Qi




Rabu, 02 Maret 2016

First Look: Princess Jieyou

Zhang Xinyi in Chinese historical drama Princess Jieyou


I never would have guessed that Princess Jieyou 解忧公主, which was devoid of heavy promotional efforts and sans the glitz and glamour that often comes with an idol cast would turn out to be such an incredible find.

Granted that the lead actor Yuan Hong does have his fair share of fans (myself included), his star power still wasn't enough for me to commit 41 hours of my life to this underrated historical cdrama, at least not initially.

Yuang Hong and Zhang Xinyi in historical cdrama Princess Jieyou



Episode 1 is a combination of blood, tears and romance. Due to the unfortunate passing of the Han Dynasty princess who happens to be the wife of the reigning monarch of Wu Sun, Wu Sun sends an emissary to Han along with a proposal for a new marriage alliance in order to keep a united front against the Xiong Nu.

The group is ambushed en-route and General Wong Gui (Yuan Hong) narrowly escapes a ferocious battle in the desert. 

Yuang Hong and Zhang Xinyi in historical cdrama Princess Jieyou



Jieyou (Zhang Xinyi) is a member of a traveling circus searching for a source of water and she witnesses Wong Gui single handedly slaying all the men in sight, therefore contaminating the water in the process. Fearing for her own life, she and her troupe are both relieved and indignant when a nonchalant Wong Gui simply walks away.

Yuang Hong and Zhang Xinyi in historical cdrama Princess Jieyou



During Jieyou's turn to perform a magic act, Wong Gui attempts to hide from the Xiong Nu assassins but is shot after Jieyou's frantic screams give away his location. She later discovers that a critically injured Wong Gui was a stowaway in her trunk of supplies and she ends up saving his life albeit after a sadistic streak of literally scraping off the poison that has seeped into his bones, which despite the way it sounds was actually a rather funny scene.

First Impressions: I'm not familiar with any of Zhang Xinyi's works but her character as Princess Jieyou is quite endearing. Perhaps it's largely due to a story that is set in the Western borders of ancient China where the people tend to be more carefree and passionate but Jieyou is the perfect example of such a person and it's refreshing to see a female lead that is uninhibited yet principled, feminine yet daring.

Yuang Hong and Zhang Xinyi in historical cdrama Princess Jieyou



Yuan Hong as Wong Gui compliments our feisty heroine by embodying the qualities of a courageous and occasionally wayward hero. He is undoubtedly a warrior and a flirtatious one at that, which makes for a fairly entertaining OTP. 

For anyone who has seen the City of Devastating Love also starring Yuan Hong as General Shen An, it's reasonable to conclude that he seems to always be typecast as the manly man.  Thankfully, the similarities end there as General Wong Gui seems to be a way smarter version who hopefully won't repeat the mistakes of Shen An because that other drama ripped my heart out then stomped on it again and again and again.

Yuang Hong and Zhang Xinyi in historical cdrama Princess Jieyou


The first few episodes of Princess Jieyou have been enjoyable overall with enough action and conflict to keep things interesting. It may not look as polished as the highly-publicized productions nowadays but the scenic views across the vast deserts of China are breathtakingly panoramic with a cinematic feel to it. On to episode 2 recap.

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

Minggu, 07 Februari 2016

Princess Jieyou

Princess Jieyou, a 2016 Chinese historical drama starring Zhang Xin Yi and Yuan Hong

Princess Jieyou 解忧公主 will premiere on Feb 18 along with many other upcoming wuxia series to welcome the Chinese new year. Doing away with the highly-commercialized productions prevalent nowadays, the series goes back to basics and tells the story of Liu Jieyou, a Han Dynasty princess sent to the Western regions as part of a marriage alliance. 

Princess Jieyou has spent two years in the back burner so finally, it will grace our screens this Feb. I don't know most of the cast except for Yuan Hong (Hua Xu Yin) but looking forward to it nonetheless.

For synopsis, cast and other info, check out my 2016 Chinese historical drama recommendations.

Princess Jieyou, a 2016 Chinese historical drama starring Zhang Xin Yi and Yuan Hong
Princess Jieyou, a 2016 Chinese historical drama starring Zhang Xin Yi and Yuan Hong
Zhang Xin Yi as Princess Jieyou


Source: Duitang, Ent163

Sabtu, 06 Februari 2016

Remembering Xiao Shi Yi Lang 2002

Because the upcoming adaptation had me itching for more, I re-watched the 2002 version of Xiao Shi Yi Lang 蕭十一郎 starring Nicky Wu (Legend of Zu), Athena Chu and Yu Bo. Without further ado, below are the memorable scenes that turned this TV series into a classic. Warning: spoilers ahead.

Xiao Shi Yi Lang (Nicky Wu) and Shen Bi Jun's (Athena Chu) love story began after an accidental meeting when the happy-go-lucky bandit Xiao Shi Yi Lang crashes through the roof on his way to steal the Deer Carver Sabre (Ge Lu Dao). Even though Xiao Shi Yi Lang succeeds, he decides to return the legendary sabre that will be used as Bi Jun's dowry when she marries Lian Cheng Bi. 

Scene from episode 1 Xiao Shi Yi Lang 2002 starring Nicky Wu and Athena Chu

Multiple kidnappings attempts later and the two have developed strong feelings for each other as Shi Yi Lang happens to save Bi Jun time and again. Despite having second thoughts, Bi Jun ultimately carries on with the wedding for the sake of the Shen family. 

What ensues is a series of misunderstandings exacerbated by a constantly suspicious Lian Cheng Bi (Yu Bo) who is determined not to be made a fool. Beneath his kind and gentlemanly exterior is actually a perceptive yet distrustful man whose lack of faith in Bi Jun causes their relationship to wither from the very start. 

wedding scene ep4 Xiao Shi Yi Lang 萧十一郎 2002

Because of his mission as the protector of the Deer Carver Sabre, circumstances keep bringing Xiao Shi Yi Lang and Bi Jun together whilst her relationship with husband Liang Cheng Bi is pulled further apart. When the three were trapped in Xiao Yao Hou's territory, Bi Jun selflessly stepped forward to save Xiao Shi Yi Lang in spite of Lian Cheng Bi's warning that her actions will ruin their marriage. 

scene from ep 10 Xiao Shi Yi Lang 2002 starring Nicky Wu and Athena Chu



Yet the series is not without its flaws, thanks to a meddlesome Lao Lao, a prejudiced Tai Jun (Bi Jun's grandma) and even a quasi-intelligent Bi Jun who is often deceived into hurting Xiao Shi Yi Lang. One such instance is when she stabs him with a sword after believing that he conspired with Xiao Yao Hou to capture Bi Jun's grandma. 

At times, the plot contrivance can be as silly as Bi Jun rushing in between two men in the midst of a fight so that the highly-skilled martial artist Xiao Shi Yi Lang can end up injured, effecting a much more dramatic scene. 

ep15 Xiao Shi Yi Lang 2002 starring Athena Chu and Nicky Wu



Feng Si Niang and Yang Kai Tai's story is quite well-developed despite being on the sidelines. Love triangles are painful enough and for Si Niang to be the fourth leg of that triangle would have been overkill so I'm glad that as the series progresses, Si Niang slowly gets over her childhood friend Xiao Shi Yi Lang and finds purpose in helping Yang Kai Tai recover from the loss of his father.

Scene from ep19 Xiao Shi Yi Lang aka the Eleventh Son 2002


The second half of the series is when Lian Cheng Bi completely turns to the dark side creating innumerable problems for the good guys. Enraged over losing Bi Jun, he is pushed over the edge after overhearing that Tai Jun coaxed Bi Jun into marrying him despite Bi Jun's pleas to call it off.

While I don't disagree that Tai Jun should bear the brunt of the blame, a diabolic Cheng Bi exacts his revenge in the most despicable way possible. He offers the oblivious grandma a cup of tea that will cause her to lose reason and kill people every night, knowing that the only solution will be for Xiao Shi Yi Lang to become the bad guy by cutting off Tai Jun's head.

Ep23 from Xiao Shi Yi Lang (Tai Jun poisoned by Liang Cheng Bi)




Half a year passes and Xiao Shi Yi Lang returns with a pregnant lady named Bing Bing who is actually Cheng Bi's sister Lian Cheng Jin. However, the two go through great lengths to hide Cheng Jin's identity, puzzling even her uncles Bai Yang and Lu Liu.

Sure enough, Lian Cheng Bi had to confirm his sister's identity so that he can finish the deed to kill her. Although his second attempt remained unsuccessful, Lian Cheng Bi's identity as the big bad clad in red is revealed. 

Ep32 XIao Shi Yi Lang returns with Bing Bing
Ep32 XIao Shi Yi Lang returns with Bing Bing
I can't end the posting without talking about the interactions between Xiao Shi Yi Lang and the masked man. Their dialogues while short are fraught with humor bringing out a pleasant father-son dynamic, which is a much-needed balance to the drama in Xiao Shi Yi Lang's love life. 

At least one thing in his life is going well given that Xiao Shi Yi Lang always had the masked man to look out for him, and not a stupid person who can be easily manipulated to stab him in the back or anywhere else because that has happened one too many times. 

The much-awaited reveal happens towards the latter part of the series when the masked Er Guo Tou finally pulls out the Deer Carver Sabre proving that he is none other than Xiao Shi Yi Lang's long-lost father. On a sidenote, I find it hard to believe that Xiao Shi Yi Lang couldn't recognize his father's face. It's not like he was that young when they were separated?

Scene from Xiao Shi Yi Lang 2002 ep 37 (masked man's identity revealed)



Hands down one of the most exciting battles in the entire series occurs in the last episode when Xiao Shi Yi Lang walks into an ambush of epic proportions where he gets backstabbed by not one but two of his close friends and has to face a multitude of assassins. 

Having been misinformed about Bi Jun's death, Xiao Shi Yi Lang still fought down to his last breath determined to take down as many people with him amidst the thrashing of swords. Fortunately, Bi Jun arrives in the nick of time to save Xiao for his final showdown with Lian Cheng Bi.

Xiao Shi Yi Lang ambushed ep40 starring Nicky Wu and Athena Chu
Xiao Shi Yi Lang ambushed ep40 starring Nicky Wu and Athena Chu
What drama would you like to remember next?


Sabtu, 16 Januari 2016

Qin's Moon (Stills & OST)




Qin's Moon (秦時明月) is a 2015 fantasy wuxia based on a novel and an animated series adaptation of the same name. Set after the turbulent times of the warring states, it depicts the recent unification of the Qin empire and follows Jing Tian Ming, a young lad destined to become a hero.

Translated to English, the title literally means Bright Moon of the Qin Era where bright is the english word for Ming in Jing Tian Ming (Jiang Jin Fu) and moon is english word for Yue, which is the name of his counterpart Gao Yue (Hu Bing Qing).




Tangren entertainment is really good at making dramas that appeal to the mainstream. If I were to describe it using one word, we can be sure that Tangren dramas always have style. Too bad Lu Yi has now been relegated to uncle status. His character as swordsman Ge Nie may be older but he is actually one of the coolest whereas Jiang Jin Fu's character Jing Tian Ming is one that needs a lot of growing up even though I'm already on episode 31.

Since, I'm a bit obsessed with the songs, here are some links to Qin's Moon original soundtrack, just click download mp3.
Tian Ming Jiang 天將明 / The Dawn (opening song) by Yoga Lin
Dang Gui / 当归 (ending song) by Zhou Hui
Du Huo 独活 / Solitary by Aaron Yan 炎亞綸
Kui Jia 盔甲 / Shield by Janice Yan
Yi Shuang Ren 一双人 by Lin Kai Lun.

Please check out my 2016 Chinese drama recommendations.



Qin's Moon drama stills, chinese wuxia starring Michelle Chen, Lu Yi, Jiang Jin Fu
Qin's Moon drama stills, chinese wuxia starring Michelle Chen, Lu Yi, Jiang Jin Fu

Qin's Moon drama stills, chinese wuxia starring Michelle Chen, Lu Yi, Jiang Jin Fu
Qin's Moon drama stills, chinese wuxia starring Michelle Chen, Lu Yi, Jiang Jin FuQin's Moon drama stills, chinese wuxia starring Michelle Chen, Lu Yi, Jiang Jin FuQin's Moon drama stills, chinese wuxia starring Michelle Chen, Lu Yi, Jiang Jin Fu




 
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