Douluo Continent (2021)

Love it!!!

This has a unique way of presenting the little things. The sceneries are so perfect! I love the CGI throughout the drama. All cast members put their best and it helps to flow the storyline throughout the series.

The two main lead's acting is undoubtfully superb. Though I haven't seen the Anime version I love the way they have adapted into the teledrama. Especially emotions and facial expressions are too sharp and done well. And this is a family teledrama where we use to watch together. My kids are eagerly waiting for the next episode.

They really like the flight scenes and CGI. Once you started to follow this it's hard to get out of it. You will stick it forever!!

My favorite scene throughout this drama is XZ crying scene in Infront of his Mom. His acting skills are versatile. I used to rewatch it many times. Overall music is good and the opening song is encouraging and charm.

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lovely stand alone story-- a good introduction to the Douluo Universe

I came into this drama without any understanding of the source material or its other adaptations. In many ways, I think the drama is designed for this specific audience. It really takes its time with worldbuilding, and allows the viewer to learn the different aspects of this universe along with Tang San.

Things I really loved:

The pacing was lovely. I felt like I had enough time to understand everything clearly before moving forward with the story, and the screenwriter really takes his time introducing everything to the viewers. It's one of the only dramas I've watched all the way through (without skipping scenes); the plot points were introduced at the right time and the story kept me engaged.

The cinematography is gorgeous, especially in the first few episodes.

I heard the CGI budget was raised for this drama, and it really made a difference. It's so smooth and pleasing to watch; overall, the CGI is quite impressive compared to similar Chinese dramas.

I thought the cast all fit their roles really well. The dynamic between the 7 Devils and the Golden Triangle were especially amazing; I found myself laughing along with them a lot! I was really impressed by Calvin Chen especially; Xiao Gang is my favorite character. :) His relationship with Tang San and the headmaster were my favorites throughout the drama.

Things I didn't like as much:

I thought the fights weren't choreographed all that well for a martial arts drama. A lot of fights were segmented into solo shots, whereas I would have liked more interaction with the other team members. There are also a lot of "glamour shots" of them heading out to battle, which I feel could have been shorter.

Objectively, I think Tang San is less compelling than other main characters. I definitely like him as a protagonist-- I like his moral values, and the questions about his past keep me interested in the story. However, sometimes I feel as if he's a victim of circumstance; he doesn't seem to have a powerful drive in him. And as Xiao Zhan himself has said, I feel like Tang San is almost too perfect. I feel that a flaw could make him a more compelling character to root for.

Personally, I also think Tang San and Xiao Wu's relationship is overshadowed by some other characters in the novel. For example, sometimes I felt a little disconnect when Tang San wanted to protect Xiao Wu at all costs, especially shortly after they've just met--I think it may be due to the fact that I feel like their relationship developed too fast (due to limited screen time), but also the disparity between Xiao Zhan and Xuanyi's acting experience. However, this point didn't detract from my enjoyment of the drama.

I found the music choice to be strange sometimes. I think an electric guitar sound popped up at one point and I was confused (because do electric guitars even exist in that world?). But it's an artistic and innovative choice by the sound director, and I respect the decision.

Overall, I felt that Douluo Continent is a drama aimed at a younger audience (teens and young adults). It's a light-hearted and easily palatable coming-of-age show. Even if it's not heavily emotional, it does not, by any means, lack emotional depth or touching moments. I'd definitely recommend that you check it out. :)

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This is not a gameplay story about leveling up, it's a story about growth, change and maturing

I really don't understand fans of the anime who come here to say this adaptation is not like the anime. It's not because it's the adaptation of the book, not the anime. I'm a fan of the novel and I'm really satisfied with the effect of Douluo Continent drama. It's not like the usual wuxia drama, it's an emotionally charged story about people and their motivations and I really appreciate that. You won't find it in the book, and that's why the drama hits harder. It has its own, unique style and when you are watching it, you want to explore this world more and more. I'm very glad that the creators didn't try to copy the anime because that's not what I'm looking for. That's something new, and I really like it. The casting is very good. Tangs San, his father and the Master are perfect. I really like the casual approach to music. Everyone expects amazing melodies, grandiose harmonics, but creators of this drama do things on their own. I really appreciate it. The rewatch value is really high because there are too many good things in the drama to be spotted at first watching. I hope it's another chapter of this kind of dramas because the flops of some other latest titles show that this genre needs changes.

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It was a pretty enjoyable watch. (For someone who have not read the manhua and watched the anime)

Tang San, the male lead, has had my heart from the get-go. He's definitely the "Protector" type of protagonist who is all about putting everyone else's safety above his own. He's smart, selfless, kind, and has a great sense of justice. He immediately occupied a space in my heart and I think this review is a bit biased because I love him too much.

As for the female lead, honestly, I did not like her much in the first few eps. Maybe because the chemistry was just not there for me. Them sticking together at the very beginning felt rushed.

So for the first few eps, I watched the show solely for Zhan Xiao's visual and the friendship that's slowly forming in the show. I think it was already on the 15-20 episodes when I started to feel a spark of chemistry between the leads. I started to understand the personality of the female lead and her character has definitely grown on me. And they started to look good together too. Some people have a hard time getting past their sibling relationship which I understand as well because the show's focus is not on the romance so there's really not much going on for them as a couple.

Overall, I liked this drama. Not gonna say it's the best drama out there but it did serve its purpose of entertaining me. I truly looked forward to every episode and there were times when I felt frustrated when subtitles took too long to get uploaded. I loved it. Definitely gonna wait for season 2.

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Can’t wait for Season 2!

At first, I was hesitant to watch but the picture was catchy. I watched the first episode and I was about to give up. Then I kept watching and tried to really understand the story. Let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed. The show is refreshing, cute and funny.

It was my first time to really watch Sean and realize His a super b, hot and amazing. I am in the mid of watching the Wolf and just finished the Jade Dynasty. His good... I am hoping he would still be the main lead in Douluo Continent season 2.

The show is amazing... it has a good story line.. its funny! I really like Wu.. she did her character really well. Her acting is refreshing. Partnered with Sean, they look good together. The script was done well, mixed with romance, mystery, adventure; it was exhilarating. This is my take, don’t get me wrong, I love romantic comedy show, even though , I kept waiting for Sean and Wu’s relationship to go to the next level. So, hopefully in season 2 , they would really hit it off. When they fought the final battle with the chief i was really sad I thought Wu would die and even though the ending was like saying good bye I am hoping. That Wu and Sean will become stronger together on the next season and able to become the chief. I like how they did very well as a team to help each other grow and defeat all their opponents.

Overall, i would recommend this show. This is the second amazing tv series i’ve watched in 2021. I can’t wait for the second season.

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… wtf???

I get this prob has high reviews due to the ML but come on…
He was super annoying in jt and somehow can produce endless tears. Every time he had to make a hard decision or do something he just cried and cried and cried.
I basically skipped and scanned through the episodes since most of the time it was slow mo wasting time crap. It was like watching one of those older preteen shows where friends get together and learn about teamwork. But they’re all 20-30 years old … right.
The plot was odd and confusing. I mean ML mom was a 100,000 year old plant that turned human? What????
The FL is supposed to be over 100k years old too and acts like a 5 year old… just what is going on…..
they basically skipped anything that could be interesting (supposed to be some big fight at the end w the dad and they showed one move and bam ok done )
There were some silly humor in it tho so it’s not. 1/10…
Skip it
Oh ALSO it’s a multi season show so these 40 episodes could have just been summed up into one short film.

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Love the Story & Character Development

I have been waiting for this drama since like... forever, so I'm super excited when it comes out. I'm bit bias since I'm Xiao Zhan fans but when I watched the first 2 Eps, I'm hooked.

What I like about this drama...

1. The best thing about this drama is how the seven character, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhu Qing, Ou Si Ke, Ning Rong Rong, Dai Mu Bai, Ma Hong Jun grow together, learn to be better person and find true friendship. I overall likes the story and I even watched the anime (in which more complicated story) to understand better, which not yet completed so let's see. I grew fond with all characters and not only to the two ML, each and one of them has problems and completely different characters, but they are the best team when they are together.

NRR grew from childish young lady to a brave girl who will stand for her friend.
DMB starts from arrogant and proud aristocrat to a team player guy who manage to fall in love.
OSK finds his true passion and embrace his true talent proudly.
ZZQ able to find friendship with NRR and XW, and her obsession with DMB ends up sweet.
MHJ manage to overcome his own power and find family.

I wish Xiao Wu would also have more character development, but coming from who she actually is giving me better understanding on her behaviour. Tang San already has strong character from the beginning so his development is not as much as the others but still meaningful.

2. No romance, romance. It's such rare to find drama with little romance but meaningful, that's how I describe the two ML relationship, and I love it. They started of as friends, and more like two lost soul without family, so their feelings grew more as family first than lovers. ZZQ and DMB love story also an interesting one, and kinda cute to watch.

I give this drama over all 9, the cast, the acting, the story and the character development are the perfect combo for me. The production quality can be better of course but since this drama has been on the shelf for a very long time it manage to looks good in 2021.

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A true hidden gem, we need another season!

I must admit I enjoyed this adaptation much more than I expected. From a production perspective, this drama is nothing out of the ordinary. Its settings look a bit shabby and the background music can be out of place at times. I almost gave up after 8 eps but I'm glad I didn't cause the story really picks up from there.

I'm genuinely surprised how this small-budgeted drama was able to attract so many pros, I mean we got the Joy of Life's screenwriter, The Untamed's costume designer and last but not least Xiao Zhan. I know this was before they all blew up but still... the INSANE luck.

While I do like the manhua, the characters in the drama are much less... sparkly and fantastical. They seem more down-to-earth and human with raw emotions and short-comings. I LOVE all of the new Shrek students and teachers, I feel like their unique personalities and quirks stand out a lot more in the drama. The casting is absolutely amazing! They're really complementary to their roles, especially the bubbly Xiao Wu and the goofy Ou Si Ke. There are many big-budgeted dramas that just flop because of bad chemistry.

And Xiao Zhan, what can I say? I'm even more in love. I think this role is perfect for him since Tang San is caring and gentle but also very determined and righteous. His acting has really improved from filming The Wolf and The Untamed. While the character here is not as dramatic and complex as Wei Wu Xian, it has its own charms. And yes, I'm obsessed with Xiao Zhan's new hair and his OST has been on repeat ever since it's out.

Overall, I think you need to have an open mind when approaching this adaption. Sure it might be tough to get through the first few eps since Xuanhuan might not be everyone's cup of tea as we're more familiar with Wuxia and Xianxia but the reward is totally worth it. Based on enjoyment alone, this drama is already in my hall of fame. It's a modest drama that leaves you begging for more, a true hidden gem indeed.

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