Jina
United States
I've heard that there are some major differences between the book & this show. I'm not here to debate those differences. I'm here to talk about this show itself.
When the first trailer came out, I watched it and was intrigued but then never watched the show until months later. So, by the time I sat down and watched the series, I had no remembrance of what the trailer showed me and I had no knowledge of the book (which came out in 2013). This was the best preparation I could've had as I ended up really enjoying the show. With no prior expectations, I went in and was pleasantly surprised by the humor, the characters, and the story.
Before I dive a little bit more into what I loved and didn't like as much, I hope audiences remember that this is a Netflix series and, judging by the set and the low number of episodes, Netflix probably didn't give the show a big budget. When you have a low budget, there is only so much you can do. I see several areas for improvement, but first, the things I loved that came through even with a low number of episodes:
-CHARACTERS AND ACTORS: Huang Peijia as Pan Li Lan was a good choice. I've never seen Peijia's other shows before so it was refreshing to watch her play our protagonist who may be a bit too trusting, but has a good heart and is pretty clever in the end. Also, her range of expressions is great and her cryings made me teared up as well, so kudos! Wu Kang Ren as Er Lang was such a delight; his performance balancing comedy and drama is one of the highlights of the show and brings a depth to Er Lang very quickly despite the short number of episodes. Ludi Lin as Lim Tian Bai was wonderful. He was the only actor I recognized and he is such a cute face that matches his role as a man divided by love and duty. Kuang Tian as Lim Tian Ching stole the spotlight many times with his fabulous hair, face, clothes, and dramatics. He played the spoiled and dangerous son very well. Basically, all the actors did a great job with their roles.
-COMEDY: although this show is probably categorized (and advertised) as a horror, it's probably more of a suspenseful mystery with many strong comedic moments.
-VULNERABLE AND IMPORTANT MOMENTS: There are scenes that address the patriarchy and men's treatment of women that are so good. It doesn't get a chance to go too deeply into it, but it definitely deepens this show as more than just a horror mystery. Also, mother & daughter scenes that are so important in revealing one's sense of duty and love to your family. (Overall, strong familial moments throughout.)
-STORY: I assume because of the low episode count, the story was more plot-driven (and thus character development suffered a bit). The premise is familiar to all of us: a girl is called to the heroine's journey because she wants to save someone she loves. Pan Li Lan is forced to make a deal with the worst person to save her father. In saving her father, she must save herself too. Because I liked Pan Li Lan, I enjoyed watching her journey. Was there anything that was super surprising or shocking in the plot itself? Not really, but the execution of the overall story is good.
Things that could be improved:
-MUSIC: The music overall isn't bad, but there were some music parts for specific scenes that just felt out of place or felt a bit TOO much. Also, I had hoped for more incorporation of Chinese classical instruments.
-CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: all the characters just deserve more screen time to develop the audience's connection and investment in the characters. Unfortunately, only the main characters really get this development and care. Not to say that there wasn't any development. There is a lot of growth for most of the characters, but the ones who we get to see with that is our main characters.
-HIGHER QUALITY OF SET, DESIGN, AND CGI: there are a couple shots of the city and you can just tell that it's really fake.
Overall, if you don't take the show too seriously (as this show is a fantasy, mystery, coming-of-age show rather than a very serious piece of work), then I think you'll enjoy the show.
When the first trailer came out, I watched it and was intrigued but then never watched the show until months later. So, by the time I sat down and watched the series, I had no remembrance of what the trailer showed me and I had no knowledge of the book (which came out in 2013). This was the best preparation I could've had as I ended up really enjoying the show. With no prior expectations, I went in and was pleasantly surprised by the humor, the characters, and the story.
Before I dive a little bit more into what I loved and didn't like as much, I hope audiences remember that this is a Netflix series and, judging by the set and the low number of episodes, Netflix probably didn't give the show a big budget. When you have a low budget, there is only so much you can do. I see several areas for improvement, but first, the things I loved that came through even with a low number of episodes:
-CHARACTERS AND ACTORS: Huang Peijia as Pan Li Lan was a good choice. I've never seen Peijia's other shows before so it was refreshing to watch her play our protagonist who may be a bit too trusting, but has a good heart and is pretty clever in the end. Also, her range of expressions is great and her cryings made me teared up as well, so kudos! Wu Kang Ren as Er Lang was such a delight; his performance balancing comedy and drama is one of the highlights of the show and brings a depth to Er Lang very quickly despite the short number of episodes. Ludi Lin as Lim Tian Bai was wonderful. He was the only actor I recognized and he is such a cute face that matches his role as a man divided by love and duty. Kuang Tian as Lim Tian Ching stole the spotlight many times with his fabulous hair, face, clothes, and dramatics. He played the spoiled and dangerous son very well. Basically, all the actors did a great job with their roles.
-COMEDY: although this show is probably categorized (and advertised) as a horror, it's probably more of a suspenseful mystery with many strong comedic moments.
-VULNERABLE AND IMPORTANT MOMENTS: There are scenes that address the patriarchy and men's treatment of women that are so good. It doesn't get a chance to go too deeply into it, but it definitely deepens this show as more than just a horror mystery. Also, mother & daughter scenes that are so important in revealing one's sense of duty and love to your family. (Overall, strong familial moments throughout.)
-STORY: I assume because of the low episode count, the story was more plot-driven (and thus character development suffered a bit). The premise is familiar to all of us: a girl is called to the heroine's journey because she wants to save someone she loves. Pan Li Lan is forced to make a deal with the worst person to save her father. In saving her father, she must save herself too. Because I liked Pan Li Lan, I enjoyed watching her journey. Was there anything that was super surprising or shocking in the plot itself? Not really, but the execution of the overall story is good.
Things that could be improved:
-MUSIC: The music overall isn't bad, but there were some music parts for specific scenes that just felt out of place or felt a bit TOO much. Also, I had hoped for more incorporation of Chinese classical instruments.
-CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: all the characters just deserve more screen time to develop the audience's connection and investment in the characters. Unfortunately, only the main characters really get this development and care. Not to say that there wasn't any development. There is a lot of growth for most of the characters, but the ones who we get to see with that is our main characters.
-HIGHER QUALITY OF SET, DESIGN, AND CGI: there are a couple shots of the city and you can just tell that it's really fake.
Overall, if you don't take the show too seriously (as this show is a fantasy, mystery, coming-of-age show rather than a very serious piece of work), then I think you'll enjoy the show.
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