"LOLOHMYGOD HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL IN CHINESE LOLWTF SRSLY"
Now that you're all over the fact that this movie exists at all, let me tell you that this is actually an official Disney production.
... And one would not want to believe that while watching.
The reason I decided to watch this movie was because it's strikes me as the kind of movie you can't know exists - and then NOT watch it. I therefore curled up in a sofa with my friend and had a go, and I cannot count the amount of facepalms that happened that night.
First of all, the story differs a little bit from the original HSM that we all (well, some) know and love. In the original movie, the story has quite deep substanse compared to this one (and it pains me more to write it than you can ever imagine). The characters hardly interact with eachother, but seem to be perfect best friends and enemies regardless of this. It just baffles me. I was also very confused by parts of the story, since I completely lost track of what was going on at some times. Not to mention, it took me about half an hour to figure out who the main characters were. That's never a good sign.
The acting was dreadful. At times it was just embarrassing to watch, and the characters were so shallow it hurt me to the bone. I can't completely blame this on the actors though, because the writers didn't exactly give them much to work with. The dramatic line coming from Poet (Chinese Zac Efron) after he was "betrayed" (seriously, what actually happened there?) by his Ning Ning (Chinese Vanessa Hudgens) will follow me in a sarcastic matter forever more - "I tried drowning my pain in water, but it seems my pain has learned how to swim." Deep stuff there, I'll give you that. It just doesn't work in the setting at all.
You're all probably wondering about my "high" music score. That is because of two specific songs in the movie - if they had been choreographed differently and sliiiiight modifications had been made to the vocals, I would not have hated it. I actually still find myself, annoying as it may be, humming to one of them.
If I ever were to rewatch this, it would have to be in 10 years when I don't remember what happened and want a good laugh. Though I really doubt it will happen. As I said, it's the kind of movie you just HAVE to watch, but one time is enough.
So why would I rate it a 5? Well, despite my negative attitude and low scores, I actually had a blast watching it. It was so awkward and embarrassing at times that I couldn't help myself from laughing (mostly at parts not meant to be funny...), and it has given me a lot of inside jokes with the friend I watched it with. And for that, I treasure it.
I would recommend people who haven't watched it to watch it just so you can say 'Hey, I watched High School Musical in chinese!'. People may look at you funny, but some may also laugh their asses of and join the epidemic themselves (because that is what I'm trying to start here - or maybe not). That's the kind of atmosphere you'd have to go for to watch this movie, because if you're looking for a movie with a plot and substance, then you ought to look elsewhere.
Still, I will never say I regret to have watched it.
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I was actually pretty surprised when watching this movie. Originally, Yes I was a fan of the original HSM when it arrived aswell, And allthough the plot is pretty much the same in both movies I feel that this version was more mature than the original made by Disney. Music in the show with all different syles added. From the most beautiful ballads to the most lively hiphop songs. This movie is sure to have music for everyone to enjoy. The Movie's message being; ''We're all in this together'' It was better displayed in this version.
Ning Ning is a girl who's recently moved into the neighborhood and so she is transfering schools along with it. With Strict parents not allowing her to have a boyfriend, and forcing her to constantly study, She reaches secretly for the stars in order to find something new that she can do. Surprised to find her hands leading her the way towards ''Poet'', The Basketball Teams captain with simillar dreams as hers, Here on starts a romance who will have its share of difficulties awaiting ahead.
..Will Ning Ning and Poet's love be able to take it?
In this movie you'll face romance, comedy and drama in genres.
Its a pretty good movie, I actually fullheartedly believe, despite of me liking the original filmseries too, This movie is better.
Its a movie I'd recommend to all music and romance lovers.
Depite of the plots of the movies being exactly the same, The movies are nothing alike.. Both fans and people who didn't like the original series will enjoy this.
With a satisfying soundtrack, I feel that this remake is as good as it could have been. It even beats the original in several aspects.. The rewatch value is high, I know I'll be re-watching this later atleast..
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The story was okay but as for the scenes where the actors sang... everything was just so random and out of place. For example the female main was in her aquarium in one sequence while singing a sad love song, makes sence? All the songs where like this, placed in without reason except for the two last ones which I actually really liked.
The actors are pretty good, and I love the male main, he voice is amazing. The girl sings well too, but I miss a little bit of power in her voice. Maybe I'm not one to talk, but they are professionals.
This movie isn't good for anything except lifting your mood when you're feeling down. It doesn't change you as a person or teach anything important. The message it wants to give you can learn from watching any other Disney movie.
The best part of the entire movie: The last song. Watch it!
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I have alwyas wanted to see what asian version of curtain western movies would be like. And this made my dream come true.
This version is ofcourse much sweeter and innocent. But thats what makes it so special. If not for anything else then you should see this for atleast the music.
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