Shaolin Wendao (2017)

REVENGE, ANGER, MORAL CHALLENGES , and KICK ASS FIGHTING

What a jewel of a find!!! I love Shaolin storylines - dramas and movies and when I saw the title GREATEST SHAOLIN on YT while scanning through clickbait shorts I had to explore. This drama must be a recent English translation release because I could not find it anywhere - except YT. The actual name of the drama is Shaolin Wendao.

The story -- 4 loyal childhood friends (3 boys and 1 girl) are now adults and have explosive and devasting experiences that lead to life-transforming conflicts and emotional rollercoasters. The actors' Zhou Yi Wei (Trials and Empires: Storm of Prophecy and the Rebel Princess) and Guo Jin Fei maintained one of the most toxic "brotherhood" I have ever viewed in a drama. The lust for revenge versus what is good and right becomes major themes mixed with Buddism and Filial piety. I have no desire to reveal spoilers because this is a drama worthy of all 38 episodes.

There are numerous individual fight scenes that are unforgettable and bloody, there are battles with groups and there is a war with Japanese pirates. The childhood female friend is forced into prostitution although a princess prior to her being labeled treason - solely by being a family member. Her character is a catalyst for moving this drama from one degree of average entertainment to challenging the viewer as to her culpability and sanity. ACTION ACTION ACTION!!!

Life in a Shaolin Temple, commitment, vows, and hierarchy was shared which was a bonus. Visually stunning watching the training and inner conflicts which can develop and their resolutions.

Every actor brought their A-game to the drama and the casting director picked quality actors for all of the roles. No letdowns or weak performances.

The music was the perfect accompaniment to the pace of the drama and did not overwhelm or underwhelm the scenes which I always note when music seems to be overdone and annoying. None of this happened throughout.

A must watch -- the quality of this drama in 2017 when it was apparently first released without English translations would have put this one of many top 10 or top 20 at the minimum.

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Recommended !

Amazing series Very layered and deep. Great messages throughout, cannot believe I’ve watched all 38 episodes. Although in early episode reallly boring and to slow..Every episode became more intense. The actors, actresses, writers, custom designers, music and location is impeccable.It is the best Chinese drama I have ever watched ..totally engrossed in the richness of the characters, the cliff hanger plots and the music ...so beautifully executed. The martial arts in this series were a thing of mystical perfection.. the best I have ever watched I became emotionally attached ..couldn't wait to watch the next episode. I highly recommend to watch this. Its a masterpiece.

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