Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• DullCheetah36

  Overall 4.5

  Story 4,  Acting 5,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 1

  Once upon a time, there was a highly anticipated TV series that promised to be a thrilling experience for action lovers. The story was based on a popular novel, although I must admit that I had no prior knowledge of it or any previous adaptations. Nevertheless, I was intrigued to see what all the hype was about.
  
  From the very beginning, it became evident that the only redeeming quality of this series would be its breathtaking action sequences and impressive production value. As the scenes unfolded,...

  one after another, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of intense fights and stunning visual effects. It was truly a feast for the eyes.
  
  However, as the story progressed, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing. The way the narrative unfolded left me feeling indifferent and confused. The pacing was off, and the characters presented were simply unlikeable. The main character, referred to as ML, was found in a repetitive and almost comical manner, which failed to evoke any genuine emotion or interest.
  
  Furthermore, the romance depicted in the series felt forced and lacking authenticity. It seemed as though many of the characters were hastily introduced, appearing out of nowhere without proper development or explanation. This left me feeling disconnected from the overall story and the individuals within it.
  
  To my disappointment, the ending was rushed and filled with confusing flashbacks that only served to deepen the plot holes rather than tie up loose ends. It felt as if the creators had assumed the audience possessed prior knowledge of the novel, leaving us to fill in the missing pieces ourselves. As a standalone series, this approach proved to be unsatisfying, leaving me with a sense of frustration and unfulfilled expectations.
  
  In retrospect, it almost seemed as if the purpose of this series was solely to showcase the extraordinary talent of Donnie Yen in directing the action sequences. And in that aspect, it succeeded admirably. However, the final fight scene was marred by an excessive display of telekinesis and over-the-top visual effects, which brought to mind the image of a roaring T-Rex from Jurassic Park. This departure from the grounded nature of the series felt out of place and detracted from the overall enjoyment.
  
  In conclusion, while this TV series may have succeeded in delivering impressive action scenes and high-quality production, it fell short in terms of storytelling and character development. Its lackluster execution and rushed conclusion left me feeling unsatisfied and ultimately questioning its true purpose.

• JollyOtter40

  Overall 7

  Story 7,  Acting 8,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 6.5

  Incredible Martial Arts Epic! Who Am I?Sakra takes on the challenge of bringing Qiao Feng's legendary tale to life in this adaptation of one of my favorite Jin Yong novels. While some may argue that it condenses the story a bit too much, the beloved characters and thrilling action more than make up for it.
  
  Qiao Feng, the magnetic leader of the Beggar Sect, finds himself in a heap of trouble when he is falsely accused of terrible crimes and branded as a descendant of the...

  Khitan during a time of conflict between Song and Liao. The entire martial world turns against him, and he is forced to clear his name. Along the way, he crosses paths with Ahzu, a member of the powerful Murong family who is also on a quest to discover her true self. Their journey is filled with heart-pounding romance, murder mysteries, and unraveling backstories.
  
  Although the romance may feel a bit rushed and forced at times, the chemistry between Qiao Feng and Ahzu is undeniable. And let's talk about the action scenes, they are truly mind-blowing! Qiao Feng's mastery of the Dragons Subduing Palm martial art is showcased in jaw-dropping fashion, with energy blasts and gravity-defying stunts. The showdown between Qiao Feng and the whole martial world is a thrill to watch, even though it comes a tad early in the series.
  
  I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and fear for Qiao Feng as he single-handedly takes on armies of fighters. The hypocrisy and cowardice of the martial world are infuriating, as they turn their backs on a brother-in-arms who has faced death alongside them multiple times. It's a testament to the amazing character development that Jin Yong is known for.
  
  It's worth mentioning that I watched the Cantonese dubbed version, as Qiao Feng will always be Kiu Fung to me. The lines delivered in Cantonese carry a certain passion and intensity that I believe adds a whole new dimension to the series.
  
  All in all, if you're a fan of epic martial arts scenes and captivating characters, Who Am I?Sakra is a must-watch. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it still manages to capture the essence of Qiao Feng's story and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I give it a solid rating of [insert rating here].

• smoothraccoon

  Overall 7.5

  Story 8,  Acting 7,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 8

  A Spectacular Display of Martial Arts!
  
  If you're craving some heart-pounding action, this TV series is an absolute must-watch! It's like finding a hidden treasure in the realm of wuxia. Many shows rely heavily on CGI, but not this one. The natural, mind-blowing fights will leave you completely awe-struck. From the very beginning till the end, get ready for a non-stop adrenaline rush!
  
  Donnie Yuen, the master of martial arts, once again proves why he's a legend. His performance in this series is nothing short of extraordinary....

  I've always been a fan of his movies, and this one is no exception. He effortlessly brings his character to life and delivers a performance that will make your jaw drop.
  
  Now, let's talk about the story. Yes, it's based on an old Jin Yong novel, so if you're already familiar with it and have watched the TV series, you'll be in your element. But for those who are new to the world of c-drama, a piece of advice: make sure to do your homework before watching. Without the background knowledge, the story might feel rushed and the characters could leave you wanting more. But fear not! Period dramas are best enjoyed in a series format. It may require some binge-watching, but it's totally worth it. Trust me, you'll get to dive into the characters' backgrounds, witness their growth, and truly understand their captivating stories.
  
  Even with these minor drawbacks, this TV series still manages to shine. The cinematography is breathtaking, transporting you to a mesmerizing world full of ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes. With every frame, you'll be enchanted by the visual feast unfolding before your eyes.
  
  In conclusion, this wuxia masterpiece is a must-see for all action enthusiasts out there. The incredible fights and Donnie Yuen's brilliance make it an absolute treat. Sure, the story might not satisfy everyone, but the sheer spectacle of it all is worth your time. I already can't wait to re-watch it and discover new details that I might have missed. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and prepare for an exhilarating ride!

• sillylemur45

  Overall 5

  Story 5,  Acting 5,  Music 2.5,  Rewatch Value 7

  Visually stunning and filled with exhilarating fights, this TV series falls short in other aspects. The movie boasts impressive cinematography and art direction, reminiscent of the 80s era with a broader color palette. However, it becomes apparent that the project revolves around Donnie Yen's personal vanity rather than a well-rounded narrative. Yen, despite his talent as a martial artist, fails to convincingly portray a character half his age, lacking the acting range necessary for the role. The comedic moments lack punch, while the serious scenes...

  drag on, burdened by excessive pathos.
  
  The storyline itself is somewhat lackluster, following a familiar wuxia formula that may not appeal to everyone, particularly fans of the original book. Nevertheless, the fight sequences are nothing short of extraordinary. They are thrilling, excellently choreographed, and undeniably cool. This showcases the potential of martial artists taking center stage instead of relying on celebrity status, as demonstrated in flashy but ultimately disappointing martial arts films.
  
  A noteworthy aspect of the series is the gritty portrayal of the jianghu people. Characters are depicted as rugged, greasy, and wrinkled, adding a touch of authenticity to the visuals. Although it falls short of the brilliance displayed in "The Blade," it offers a refreshing departure from the conventional wuxia dramas prevalent in current Chinese television. In summary, this series may not leave a lasting impact, but it is certainly worth watching for the impressive fight scenes alone.