Novel Fans and Donghua Fans Sanctuary

 OniBro:

Definitely. It's just that, a lot of the times, it feels like they just rolled over and didn't even try to include the source material at all. 

Yup.  And I'd argue it's worse than that.

What I find funny is that stans all assume criticism grows on the same tree. It never occurs to them that for some of us, it isn't the fact that the two adaptations fail to be similar that's unappealing--it's the fact that they fail to be successfully different. They all miss the point.

The source of my frustration is slightly different than most novel fans.  I actually wanted a departure from the novel in the drama adaptation. Namely, more insight into Shrek 7's characters; more development of the villains; more political intrigue between SH/Heaven Dou/Star Lou empires; and more history of the Douluo continent itself--i.e things I wanted more of in the novel.  And since that's where drama excels, I thought a live-action adaption could really bring something interesting to the table if the writing was carefully crafted, even if that necessitated new material. My main worries were the action sequences and CGI, but my expectations were so low I was ready to forgive anything.  In short, I was hyped.

But we didn't get that.  Like every other failed adaptation they concentrated on visuals and ignored everything important.  What was apparent after re-watching this from the beginning (and doing scene comparisons with the donghua) is that from a macro view, they're actually more similar than I initially realized.  And that makes it even worse.  They appropriated major character arcs/events, superimposed newly-invented dramatic bullshit, gutted source material that wasn't consistent with it (usually important details of the power system), and vainly tried to glue the pieces together with terribly executed "mystery" plots that threw subtlety out the window.  That being the case, I would have preferred they started with a fresh canvass and re-written the entire thing.

The Xuan Tian/Tang abilities are the most egregious example.  You know, the most important element of Douluo Dalu LOL.  The allegory between sins of the father and sins of the son [Tang Hao vs CS / Tang San vs. Inner Sect disciples]?  Gone.  The juxtaposition and merging of one world based in spirit power and the other on mechanical invention?  Nope.  The years of cultivating Xuan Tian prior to ep1, the nature/laws of those abilities, the sacrifices/methods of advancment, and their application in using hidden weapons?  Forget it.  Because DC Tang San can invent and forge seven Godly Zhuge Crossbows--which in DC are nothing more than stupid sleeve darts--the day before the Fiend battle.  All of which conveniently find their mark and turn the tide against Spirit Ancestors who were kicking their asses thirty seconds prior LOL.  And maybe I'm projecting, but the more I watch, the more I'm convinced this screenwriter regards the entire Xuan Tian element of the story as a childish gimmick. The air of levity and inappropriate comedy that always seems to worm its way into their scenes isn't just cringe worthy, it's downright insulting.  It makes the audience think, "if they don't regard it with any seriousness, why should we?"

And even the things this drama doesn't  fuck up are rendered sterile.  Someone here (can't remember who) brought up a great point earlier: because DC doesn't lay the informational and logical groundwork to support the narrative, even the scenes that should evoke apprehension, suspense, awe, etc, DON'T.  As mentioned, when the group was first confronted by Titled Douluos. In the donghua, I can still remember XW cowering behind a chair and the terrified look on Fatty's face as the potted plants around him dissolve in Dugu's poison cloud.  Then, as he dropped nine rings that spread the entire length of the room, you couldn't help but shit your pants.  Why? Because the donghua/novel properly laid the foundation for the audience to understand the enormous gap between them, why TD's are so rare, and what that title meant without even needing a demonstration of power!  Similarly, when Chrysanthemum appeared on their way to Spirit City for the CE Final tournament.  And this is just one small example among dozens ffs.

Ugghhh, I could rant on and on LOL...

I think I am about to develop PTSD. Every time I am about to achieve a state of happiness because Tang San is about to do something cool.... "Brother! I want to go with you! Brother!.... Brother!" DIE! DIE IN A FIRE!!!! Argh!! 

Yeah I thought they were going to go heavier in on the hidden weapons but Tang San just used them once to defeat that one team that killed all their opponents and there hasn't been any more since? (finished ep 35) 

For something based on a power fantasy work it's weird how Tang San has barely powered up at all even tho we're 5 episodes from the finale. Has he done anything impressive? 

I don't even know how XW made it through the tournament arc alive.  I mean..was she just banking on the chance that no Spirit Douluos or Titled Douluos would be in attendance lol?  Because without the Yearning Heartbroken Red, she'd have been ferreted out pretty quick.  Or in typical XW fashion, was she betting on everyone stepping in to save her?  Maybe someone can explain the reasoning from the novel because I can't remember...

I loved it when she makes her appearance with Er&Da Ming, prior to the sacrifice, and says "Wu Hun Dian, now we settle things!"............then TS had to save her ass 40 seconds later lmao.  

 Xien_Rue:

I am annoyed with this scene. Because it is as if Xiao Wu just delivered herself to the Soul Hall. She overestimates her own ability. Acting strong in one second and then become damsel in distress in the next second. 

IKR, when she said that I thought, oh cool she must have really leveled up.  Nope lol 🤦.

Frankly I don't think TS thought that one through very well lol.  Joining up with the SH hunting party under a hidden identity nearly got him killed right from the start if not for HLN, and as I recall he didn't even know she was there.  I assumed instead that he'd try to find XW alone the night before, given his advanced BSG tracking/locating abilities (although I seem to recall he wasn't getting a single sign of her presence in that attempt) .  My guess too is that he wasn't prepared for Chrysanthemum and Ghost's fusion ability to be so effective on both Er and Da Ming. Minus that, yeah I agree the four of them could have crushed that SH party.   If he was aware of their ability, that'd mean he was banking on outrunning/killing the entire agility squad plus SH's golden gen. Which he nearly did but that kind of bet doesn't seem like TS.  At that point it was all shitty luck so his only option was a desperate escape, which made it all the more exciting. 

I'm starting to forget--wasn't all that right after the 5yr reunion?  If he hadn't gone he might have gotten to XW before SH LOL.

I'm forcing myself to watch this now..on my last puffs of smoke not sure if I'm even gonna make it.

 OniBro:

Also, can we talk about how literally every single fight the enemy just stands still waiting for TS and crew to do whatever they want. This has been a problem since the beginning of the series. Then they're surprised they lost. Then Wang Juan literally makes TS and crew do the same exact thing to force a loss. Seems like Wang Juan doesn't know how to write fights either, definitely not from a strategic mindset anyway. None of the fights make sense. Enemies are stuck literally just standing still stating what is happening on screen and acting surprised. No victory is earned and no sense of stakes are set because of just how dumb everyone is in battle.

Thank God I thought I was the only one .  I almost fall out of my chair Lmao every time it happens.  *opponents looking around, feet glued, pondering life, just waiting for it...LOL .