Because they're not implicated as being 'evil'. At least Chengkun was part of Shaolin, and he was the main antagonist.Originally Posted by flamer
I guess because only 1-20 has been out in DVD. Then again, probably not, because epi 21 and 22 is floating out there in cyberspace too.Originally Posted by yin_shen_quan
I just finished watching 21, and yet, I didn't get to see any of part of ZM fighting. 21 stopped shortly before ZWJ and co were to go and safe the imprisoned Wulin leaders.
Everyone has commented on the episodes, so I'll only start from epi 19:
Epi 19
ZM majorly cool, though I think she fiddled with her cup far too long. Less is more. I liked how all the arrows headed towards the group, and the fact that only the targets were hit and not the women...very unique way to demonstrate the superiority in the archery skills of ZM's men. The sequence started with ZM throwing her cup at one of the target's forhead, then he collapses at the end. Timing was a bit off, I would've slowed the frames down a bit during the collapse of the guy, just to reflect the speed of the archers, and ZM's exquisite timing.
The music and Ady's acting set up a most sinister air when ZWJ and co stayed at LLM. It was interesting to see the hesitation while drinking the wine. With ZWJ, one could either guess he is very foolish or very brave. Others showed caution, worry, or even fear. But ZM had them all in her hot little hand. Sweet. Although, I would've liked them to slow things down a bit. There seemed to be a sense of urgency to the pacing and even the speaking, where the cadence is lost, and a good performance turns into a mediocre performance.
Loved that little over the shoulder look ZM gives just before they all leave. It's like: "You'll come back...heheheh". Wicked.
I am impressed with ZWJ/ZM fight. For the first time I think, they portrayed this part right from the novel. The daggers stashed under the Guzheng, ZM's double swords, and also a display of ZM's dexterity. For although it was clear ZM had next to zilch internal power, her quickness of mind allowed her to fight with great adaptation to situation.
In all honesty, I thought Yip Tong performed her scene better than Ady while ZM and ZWJ was trapped underground. I felt there was a lack of groundedness to Ady's acting during these scenes. Then again, I assess critically not blindly, even though Ady is currently my favourite actress.
Epi 20
I liked the scenic longshots, but I thought a bit overdone. Would've liked a mix of close-ups, longshots, and a few in betweens. Loved Ady's performance to bits at Wudang. Her little postural slight at the start before her follower introduced ZSF was classic. Clearly she would've known who she came to see, clearly she was aware of the rudeness of her follower's announcement, the fact that she said nothing was an insult in itself.
It was interesting to see ZM juggle the changing situation. Even when it was obvious the odds were against her, she affected only an interested/intrigued look. Then, after some split-second decision, there would be a smile, as if to say: "Ah...I can see where I can still win out of this situation". It was almost like watching a good game of poker, and ZM being the most daring, yet with clearly the best cards in the house. I think the only fault in her plan was that she underestimated or didn't consider ZWJ and Ming. Because, if they didn't factor into the Wudang picture, her aims would've been met. Or at least have a better chance, as all would ultimately be dependent on how effective ZSF was despite his wound.
Got a bit annoyed at the extended male-bonding. How constructive to the plot was it to have all those congratulations running back and forth, back and forth?
Epi 21
Even though I know what is going to happen, there is never a time when I am not amazed at ZM's ability to always be 10 steps ahead of her enemy. Considering that the 7 Worm poison's antidote was always hidden away in the pearl, and that the box it came in contained He Yu Duan Jue Gao, how in control was she? She anticipated ZWJ's reactions like he was one of her chess pieces.
Alas, ZM fell in love with ZWJ. Because if she were his true enemy, man, ZWJ and his merry men would be creamed.