Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• younghalle32

  Overall 8.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 9

  Embarking upon a reimagined journey through a timeless Chinese saga, the television series in question provides an alternative flavor to the revered literary work from which it draws inspiration. It's not a matter of better or lesser quality compared to the source material; rather, it's a differently seasoned dish for the palate, equally tantalizing and fulfilling in its own right.
  
  The original tome is venerated for solid reasons, yet it isn't without flaws. The narrative's inhabitants often serve as the embodiment of abstract ideas, their developments...

  constrained within symbolic boundaries. The screenwriters deftly address this gap, weaving in intricacies and variations that flesh out the interpersonal dynamics, histories, and yes—stirrings of romance amongst the cast. In doing so, they adeptly humanize the legendary figures, crafting a portal through which contemporary audiences can both comprehend and connect with these mythic characters.
  
  Among the ensemble shines a duo of definitive scene-stealers. An actor renowned for his chameleon-like abilities dazzles as the undeniably mischievous and spry Monkey King, delivering a performance undeniably branded with his own idiosyncrasies—from emblematic poses and hand signals to a tongue-in-cheek catchphrase. His eyes gleam with impish delight, and his portrayal balances vibrancy with agility, showcasing his dramatic expertise without teetering into excess.
  
  Then, we have another veteran artist, whose portrayal of the traditionally maligned Pig character is nothing short of brilliant. He transforms him into a character fraught with selfish tendencies and manipulative wiles, yet irresistibly lovable, especially in his quest for romantic fulfillment. His multifaceted acting prowess encompasses drama, comedy, and farce, often within a single frame.
  
  Together with a comical genius and an actor who grounds the narrative, these thespians create a symphony of humor that captivates and engulfs in laughter, evoking a choreographed spectacle of delight. The actor embodying the monk may not entirely match the traditional imagery, but he competently conveys a less vulnerable side to the sage, demonstrating non-violence in accordance with Buddhist principles, though the program itself lightly skirts around the edges of religious teachings.
  
  Nevertheless, the script is marred by inconsistencies—inexplicable gaps in the narrative fabric that one might liken to broad chasms capable of accommodating fantastical creatures. Questions arise, such as the baffling rebirth of a man into a demon-child in an implausibly compressed timeframe, which, while irksome, are not substantial enough to dampen the overall merriment of the series.
  
  For the astute viewer, the show intertwines clever nods to its cultural heritage. Take special note of a scene where the sage protagonist embarks on a search, only to find a celestial being with a string instrument whose melodies recall the theme from a classic televisual opera involving reincarnation. This allusion harks back to the golden era of television's historical dramas, an homage to a time when narrative artistry of such a caliber was the norm.
  
  In essence, this television adaptation crafts a fondly modernized tribute to its venerable source, relying on character enrichment and comedy to bring age-old figures into a new era of entertainment.