This review may contain spoilers
Cute show about magic academies
I enjoyed this one. I thought the world-building was well done and I liked the theme of a group of young people coming together as a team. I look forward to seeing Wu Xuan Yi in more works--she was adorable as a feisty rabbit in Douluo continent and Xiao Zhan did a good job playing an idealistic young 'lad' who had some growing to do. I also liked the hate-to-love relationship of Dai Mu Bai and Zhu Zhu Qing. The Headmaster was my favorite character--he was so hilarious, especially his obsession over money. Seeing Calvin Chen in his early forties in DLC and then watching him in KO One was a bit of a shock--should have done those in reverse order (though I'd really only watched KO One for Jiro Wang).There was some illogic and inconsistency as there is in all dramas (for example, why was there no audience during the final competition--wasn't it kinda of a big deal!?). The evil characters' motives sometimes seemed a bit fuzzy. I also felt bad for all the animals they were always killing off--though that was kind of the theme and leads' goal was to minimize the need for that type of killing.
I'm looking forward to Season 2 (hopefully there is one, given the ending). I would recommend it to those looking for a Xuanhuan version of Harry Potter & the like. :D
PS. The music was bizarre. I read here on MDL that it was due to copyright issues so they had to use different music than what the original played in China. However, they should have picked something other than 1970's porn music (not that I know from personal experience, but that's what I imagine it would sound like. ;P)
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Comforting and great plot!
Overall, an amazing plot and just?! Worthy of being a comfort drama, without a doubt. Characters will really make you sympathize with them :') and there is a strong sense of companionship between them all, and of course, the main couple's platonic relationship is truly tender to watch! While I have not read the actual web novel, I can still somehow assume that this is the best adaptation they can make; besides, this was just the beginning! Anyway, the story pumps you up and you feel as if you are there with the characters and constantly improving with them. That's what I feel!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Have a good trip
This series was pleasingly nice and friendly. Adventurous, entertaining, creative, an exciting adventure and fantasy story. The main couple had a sweet love story from beginning to end, without triangle garbage and side-kick bullshit. Other interesting relationships developed as the story progressed.So there are authors who are obviously creative enough to do without side-kicks as the driving force behind a story. Bravo for that!
The actors are great, I especially liked the bunny girl, whose background you can find out for yourself. But she's adorable. Only at the end there's that standard separation of the lovers again, obeying an unavoidable China story compulsion.
There is to be a Season 2, albeit without Wu Xuan Yi. This bunny is said not to have been good enough and another actress is said to have been chosen. I haven't found anything about a Season2. Does anyone know anything about it?
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Great for watching with young teenage boys
I find it is quite an entertaining drama series to watch with a good plot that keeps unfolding. The best thing about it is that I would say is PG-rated (though some might say it is too violent) which is often quite difficult to find these days. The CGI is pretty good which is important for a fantasy wuxia drama and because it is comic-based, themes such as "cultivation" etc. would appeal to young teenage boys. It is possibly somewhat educational too (e.g. on the importance of perseverance) but I won't want to bang on about it.Was this review helpful to you?
good casting
I think casting is the only strong point here.watching Xiao Zhan is a treat.he looks so cute.
Calvin Chen also did great job as Tang San's Master
story is as good as it gets, although I did feel it was a bit too descriptive at times.
ost is my least favorite thing in the drama. especially the title track. listening to it makes me feel like this would fit more to a modern day drama. and no other remarkable background scores.
and the costumes also could have been better.
overall, good watch for the cast and acting.
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This review may contain spoilers
Too Good To be True
The cast is good, and they acted well to whatever was given to them.I got totally into the show because I like mystery and throw in the mystical powers and all, I am good to go. The show reminded me of the X-Men, Power Rangers, and Pokémon all roll up in one. The teamwork was great and the way the teachers pushed, but not abuse them was good. The Seven’s own efforts and desire to succeed was also intriguing just like Tang San’s mystery rendezvous with the mystery man. However, my excitement came crashing down on the last fight where Tang San fights but really doesn’t, I get that strategy is important, but a good fight was also needed. And the ending was just twisting the disappointment dagger even more.
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Must Watch if you are a Xiao Zhan fan!
After two months, I finished watching Douluo Continent. It is a fantasy, martial arts, adventure series available on WeTV. It stars Xiao Zhan as Tang San and Wu XianYi as Xiao Wu. It has 40 episodes and each episode runs for 45 minutes. I finished the series in two months because I can't watch it every day. I have work. Tons of it. So, there!The story focuses on Tang San who overcame a lot of challenges in his life, together with his classmates in Shi Lan Ke, an academy for improving soul power. The series is based on the manhua Douluo Dalu (斗罗大陆) by Tang Jia San Shao. I believe there is also a donghua of the same name. Though I haven't read the manhua or watched the donghua.
I watched the series because it stars Xiao Zhan, and I'm a fan.
Some observations about the series. First, it's slow-paced. It takes a lot of episodes for character development and story background. The story became more exciting around the 20th episode, I think. Second, the musical score is not that impressive. It's kinda boring actually. I am used to C-drama with great music like The Untamed (which also stars Xiao Zhan). Third, it feels like a game. The soul masters have to do something to "level up" their soul power. But before a soul master can "level up", he/she has to have enough EXP to move to the next level. Fourth, it promotes positive values and team spirit. This is what I like about this series the most. Lastly, it has a hanging ending. I was like "I watched 40 episodes for this ending?"
If you want to watch this series, you have to be patient, and you have to be a Xiao Zhan fan; otherwise, you'd be bored in the middle of it. Also, you have to understand that there is a Season 2, hence the hanging ending.
My score for this series is 7/10. Sorry Xiao Zhan, just because I am a fan doesn't mean that I have to give all your projects high scores.
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Loving it!
It’s finally here! I’ve been waiting for this drama to be broadcasted for almost a year because of Xiao Zhan. The main leads are doing a great job. Tan San and Xiao Wu look good together. Xiao Zhan is doing his own dubbing - really love to hear his voice! I have only watched up to 5th episode. Patiently waiting for him to ‘grow up’ and started to lead his team to defeat others with martial souls. Although I was a little bit disappointed at first because the story line is a little bit different from the anime adaptation of the novel. But still it’s awesome to see Xiao Zhan again playing the main lead in a drama series. Overall it’s an easy and light and enjoyable drama to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Great fantasy drama
I had great expectations after having watched Soul land. Douluo continent so far is living up to the expectations.Storyline and casting are great .story is not exactly the same and there are some new twists that builds up interest to watch.
Having watched 3D CG graphics of Soul land, Douluo continent graphics feels little underwhelmed . Could have been better.
With so many fantasy dramas coming, the key to success is a good clear storyline , keeping up a fair reasoning , logic and mixing with the right levels of emotion.
I really hope the whole Soul land is remade and not stop with Season 1. Looking forward to it.
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First, I did not read the novel or watch the donghua version of this drama, but I'm still anticipating the story of the whole. From the first episode, you could clearly see that it's eye-catching and want to know more about the story, so still looking forward to it.
Second, the characters. I really love the character of Tang San played by Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan as an actor really brought the character out and interpreted it, the way it was real. From it's kindness, sense of justice, and helpful to all, the character of Tang San is well-developed and the role-model type. Especially, when he is on the journey of discovering his powers and the truth behind her mom. Meanwhile, I found Xiao Wu played by Wu Xianyi, as playful, strong, and positive. I heard this is Wu Xuanyi's first drama and I liked how she portrayed Xiao Wu. The character of Xiao Wu (for me) is likable. I found her cute, funny, and a ray of sunshine. I also likesld the bond between Xiao Wu and Tang San. They really understood each other. So far, they're really good. To add, the other characters of the drama played by different actors and actresses did very well. No stiffness or awkardness in them, just pure natural.
Third, the songs used. Overall perfect. The opening and ending brings out the fantasy type vibe of the whole. Looking forward to more songs used to this drama.
Fourth, the cinematography and special effects. For all to know, Douluo Continent is the first fantasy drama I've watched in all Chinese Dramas. I don't have expectations, but they really took my breath away with all the magic effects. They showed the effects and cinematography in the right place at the right time. Loved it!
Fifth, I recommend you to watch this drama. If you like fantasy, this is a must-watch. You will learn many lessons and experience the characters development and hardwork all the way. Every episode is must to look forward, so if you want to watch and still doubting, watch now! Leave your doubts and enjoy the whole drama. I guarantee you will feel the magic od Douluo Continent.
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Great fantasy drama!
I'm watching from Brazil!This drama is great!
Catched me in the first episode! The special effects are very impressive and the plot is complete. Some fun, action, romance, drama and a lot of fantasy together and well dosed. I like the actor Xiao Zhan and your naturaly way to give life to this character and i watched because of him. But in the end off the all, i liked the cast because is very good and charismatic. I think this drama was well directed too.
I'll watch until the end and will rewatch because i liked him so much!
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Xiao zhan is here
First I want to say I'm coming to this drama without prior knowledge of the donhua or novel. So I am coming to this drama with a fresh pair of eyes and no preconceived ideas what the story should be like.I actually very much enjoyed the drama. I was a little worried at first because there was so much complaints from those who have read the source material complaining it wasn't true to the source and I found the first episode was all over the place. I admit almost dropped it after ep1, but by ep 5/6 I was thoroughly enjoying it. So my advice to give it a few eps before making a judgement.
In terms of the story line, it is very much about Tang San's journey to "level up" and the friendships he makes on the way. I found the pacing was good, the acting decent, and good enough character development that I truly cared about each of the main characters. The dynamic of the shrek seven and their head masters had some serious comedic moments that had me laughing out loud. And for all my worries about the ending knowing there was a second season I have to say I was satisfied with how it ended. I found it was a rather natural conclusion (like the end of a chapter) as opposed to something that felt rushed or like the writers didn't sloppily put together, nothing too jarring.
My only real complaint is I didn't really like the audio. Oftentimes there was a lot of unnecessary background noise, or suddenly the actors voices /volume would change. For those Xiao Zhan fans expecting him to sound like his character in the untamed, get ready for a shock! His voice is much deeper here, and it took a little getting used to, but he did do his own dubbing in this drama so that's commendable. And his voice's tone and timber gets way more natural by the midway point (again I blame this more on the sound director).
Overall I found this to be a very enjoyable drama, I hope it gets the greenlight for that season two and they can invite the original actors back. I am looking forward to seeing more of TS and his journey.
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