This review may contain spoilers
Good production with excellent cast
The story revolve around Tang San, the male lead. Tang San lost his mother since young, and he and his father depend on each other dearly. Tang San possesses extraordinary wits and talent since young, and aspires to be a great soul master.The actors did really well, especially Xiao Zhan. Visual effect looks good also. Though it does not exactly follow the story in novel but the story is still interesting. Overall, I am very satisfied with this drama! I have not finished watching yet but the story gets more and more fascinating. Cant wait to see the next episodes! If you are a fan of Chinese fantasy drama, I strongly recommend that you should watch this one, it definitely worth your time!
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This review may contain spoilers
Bad idea to have seen the anime first.
As a fan of XZ, I was so excited for this drama adaptation of the anime that I decided to watch the anime first while waiting. Soul Land really became one of my favorite ever, I still wait for new episodes every week! But, it also definitely is the reason why I am disappointed with how the drama turn out. I can forgive all episodes except the ending. I mean, I cannot say anything else with the acting - XZ is of course amazing as always, so are the other characters. I blame the script/screenwriter for some of the unclear scenarios - like how all the grand soul masters (who has been built up throughout the series as all-powerful) couldnt do a single thing against BBD in the end and how Tang Hao's one flick of hammer practically ended the whole series dryly. I mean they could've at least added a bit of action, like 3-5 punches or kicks?! I'm not sure if there's a season 2, I do hope there will be and that they improve areas! (also hope it's still XZ as TangSan)Was this review helpful to you?
A letdown
I started the serial with high hopes after reading the reviews. Also it starred the ML - Sean Xiao. There wasn't much action even after the first 25 episodes. I kept telling myself that if I watch on it will eventually get more interesting. However the story only started picking up after the 30th episode. The acting was the saving grace but even that could not overcome the bad directing and screenplay. Also the costumes, CGI and makeup effects were mediocre at best. The production comes across low budget and there were many plot holes where the story does not make sense. The ending was hurried and abrupt. I hope they change the directorWas this review helpful to you?
Friendship, loyalty
I like this kind of storyline, fantasy drama and how their friendships grow through many hardship together. Well in the beginning I am waiting for this drama because of Xiao Zhan but finally I really enjoy it. Every episode is worth to watch and so exciting to wait for another episode .I hope this drama will have the session 2 with Xiao Zhan as the leading actor again . Never get enough to watch his performance and his acting .I would like to watch the anime version as well because I can’t move on from Douluo ContinentWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Xiao Zhan
Overall ok drama to watch. The story line is pretty good. I really enjoyed Tang Sans personality and how he was so brave and didn’t give up on trying to succeed in getting stronger. What I did not really enjoy was Xiao Wu I personally found her to be a little annoying, a little too clingy for my taste would have wanted her to not only think about Tang San 24/7 but also have some goals. She did mention wanting to cease the war between Spiritual Masters and Spiritual Beasts she only stated it but did nothing to really fix it. But other than that I really enjoyed how all other character developed and didn’t give up on their goals.Was this review helpful to you?
The Changes
The show itself was amazing but if you have read the manga and seen the anime you would know that they change a lot of stuff from the anime and manga. I really don't like that they change so many events and added in so many random events.Was this review helpful to you?
XZ Amazing
Okay I have literally lost trace on the times I have re-watched this series, it was super amazing and of course the ML lead well there are no words to distinguish how well he acted.The first watch was of course just to see this amazing actor, and literally that is all I need, was watch him, didn't get the whole story or anything else for that matter. XZ was really amazing, what i particular liked was that there was no over dubbing so his voice was his and that was all i needed to watch this man, his character was well played and the way portrayed himself and the tasks that he handled in order to overcome his situation, was really good.
The second watch was of course was for the story, 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. but as i got into it sort of made sense again being a die hard of XZ did help in continuing with the story, I particular enjoyed the FL she was kind of cute especially with her bunny ears, she played that role well, in the sense that bunnies are cute and often playful. The story itself is pretty straightforward, not hard to follow along but somehow I felt like it lacked substance. Even with there being mysteries and secrets, the way the story was executed never left me with anticipation. A lot of scenes felt unnecessary to the overall story; they made it seem like it was important at one time but then brushed it aside later on never touching upon it much again, let alone giving it much closure.
The third/forth watch etc ... was just to try and make sense of everything, Douluo Continent has a wonderful mix of good-natured, determined, and funny characters. The “7 Devils” (main group) all experienced personal growth and development. It was a rough start for them at first because each one of them had different personalities and backgrounds, but their team chemistry gradually solidified throughout the drama. For me, character growth and friendships are just so sweet to watch.
I recommend to watch this drama if you're into fantasy and adventure. Other than that this drama doesn't offer much, but at least I don't regret watching it.
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Inspiring & fun
I really like this drama. In fact, fantasy drama is not my type of tea. However this drama stands out for itself with fantastic special effect, humor and great performance from actors, especially Tang San's actor Xiao Zhan. Gosh, he is so talented and handsome! The drama is fun, and full of positive energy, and very eye catching at the same time. It is interesting is that the drama also introduces some physics concepts in a fun way. My whole family like it very much! Highly recommended. I can't wait to watch season 2 of Douluo continent.Was this review helpful to you?
Brilliant show and a fantastic first season
(NB. I have never read the novel or seen any of the anime adaptation so my review is based solely on this live-action adaptation.)I have *just* finished watching the entire season and I am just blown away. I mean, where to begin? The story is just beautiful and even more beautifully realized visually. (The SFX are really spectacular without falling into the Hollywood trap of being overwhelming and chaotic.) But most importantly, the character building, the growth of our seven heroes and, of course, the arc of 唐三 and 小舞 is just really fantastic and satisfying.
肖战 is, of course, more than capable of shouldering the responsibilities of being the lead but his portrayal as really top-notch here. (And I say this as a die-hard fan of 《陈情令》where his portrayal of 魏无羡 is just peerless.) His nuances and range has grown tremendously and I can’t wait to see what his future work brings. 吴宣仪’s portrayal of 小舞 is equally nuanced and sensitive. Her innocence and fierce loyalty are endearing and the reason for why she is the way she is becomes clear as the series progresses with hints being dropped all the way from the first episode before she even appears. And a special shout out to all the supporting cast for being a fantastic ensemble, whether it’s the 史兰客 team (both students and teachers) or the various Soul Masters or, really, even the most minor of characters. It really is such a richly fleshed-out world on all fronts.
Kudos, also, to the show’s writer who, in consultation with the author, brilliantly charts the course of the various character developments so that they always stay in the forefront of things even amidst the visual feasts, the unfolding of the in-universe mythology, and all the dramatic turns and twists.
I honestly don’t know if a second season is going to be in the works but it is so clear that this season was written *as* an expository season with its unanswered questions and unresolved threads. So please bear this in mind while you’re watching it.
Two things I want to address:
- The score/music is wonderful! I am a professional musician and I am ACUTELY attuned to the soundtrack of anything I am watching, whether I like it or not. And it is absolutely fantastic! There are specific motifs and pieces that are written for specific moods or characters or situations and they capture them very well. Every scene’s emotional impact is immediately enhanced by its particular score at any particular juncture. Kudos to the composer(s).
I honestly don’t know what ANY of the complaints are with the score but I can honestly say that this is one of the best TV series soundtracks I have heard. (And I have heard/seen plenty.) Do not let *any* of the negative reviews affect you.
- The ending is BRILLIANT. I won’t spoil it for anyone but I will say that it is not what you might be expecting in terms of fireworks on the surface but it is very deep, very personal, and very much in keeping with the writer’s vision for this series. As I have said before, there are definitely lots of open-ended plot points and questions, all of which point to another season. And if there isn’t a second season, well... you can still fully enjoy the great journey which this series takes you right up to the very end.
I am re-watching the whole season now to catch anything that I might have missed the first time around.
GO WATCH THIS SHOW NOW. It is THAT good.
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Great show to watch with your family
Our family watched this show together. We all love it very much! Its special effects are some of the best among dramas. The story is very appealing and we couldn't stop watching. It's an action series with lovely romance in it, full of humor and adventure. The story is very gripping, and each character is lovable and well-developed. The fight scenes are also a delight to watch. The mystery also has all of us guessing what's coming next. It's an amazing show to watch with your family, especially if you're looking to have a bit of fun.Was this review helpful to you?
Strong storyline and superb casting
I really like the storyline that leads from one surprise to another. The casts are well designed and selected. The actors and actresses Putin their best act. Even though some of them may be new in acting, their efforts are to be recognised. The experienced casts are truly awesome, they do not only carry their weights in acting their roles, they also help the younger generation of actors and actresses to shine. The team work in this production makes them a winner. I also admire the costumes and the makeup, they are very well done, not too elaborate.Was this review helpful to you?
Fun but Predictable
I've watched this mostly for Xiao Zhan. I am a fan of his and the poster looked so pretty.I also really like the screen writer, as he is the writer for my favourite cdrama, Joy of Life.
This drama is what I expected to be. It's fun, full of adventures. However, I find the plot very predictable. It's not terrible, just predictable. I'm a huge fan of fantasy novels and anime. Even though I have not read the novel or the donghua for this, I find that the plot twists aren't really twists for me.
It was great until around Ep. 30 ish? then I felt that it started to drag and then I started to watch this in speed around ep. 35 onwards.
I still find it very good, but I feel like it could have been better. I will probably check out the donghua and see what the difference is.
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