I watched both versions and I like this one better. Maybe because I watched this first or maybe because i like the emotional story more than the other one.

The visuals were amazing. Too amazing sometimes that it looks too unreal, then I realize I'm watching a fantasy movie so I should expect a lot of CGI.

I liked the friendship between Qingming and Boya. They started antagonistic with each other (well, more on Boya as the angry kid and Qingming as the cool one). I feel like Boya learned to mature because of Qing Ming while Qing Ming found a friend.

The mystery of the villain was predictable and even though I hated the Princess and Shouyue, i still cried for their sad fate. A little too long for the in the second half but it gave some emotional depth to the story. I loved the giant serpent and the fight scene between it and Qing Ming /Boya. It was huge, I didn't know how Qing Ming can take down the serpent!

What I didn't understand is the presence of the hair demon. She killed the old master and tried to kill Long Ye, for what? It later turns out she was against the Empress (so why was she helping her?) Or was it because the hair demon was under the control of Shouye so she is forced to kill? Whatever, but it was creepy.

Rating: 8.5/10