The Six Large-Scale Epic Chinese Mythology Series

[PrinceKrillo]

http://kibescorporation.blogspot.com...mythology.html


Six Large-Scale Epic Chinese Mythology Series (大型神话电视连续剧)


Bao Lian Deng Trilogy





Feng Shen Yan Yi

Journey to the West




Liao Zhai Zhi Yi

Chinese Paladin


Yuan Gu De Chuan Shuo

http://kibescorporation.blogspot.com...mythology.html

[kingjune86]

If you don't mind me asking where is the Condor Heroes at?

[PrinceKrillo]

Condor Heroes and everything else adapted from Jin Yong's novels are wuxia fiction, not mythology. Wuxia really has nothing to do with mythology, and vice versa. Wuxia is about mortals and martial arts (Jianghu) and is usually set in one of the more recent dynasties and blends well with actual Chinese history. Chinese mythology can take place anywhere from when Pan Gu split the world all the way to the modern day. Mythology centers around the traditional folklore and legends passed down in the last few thousand years and focuses on gods, immortals, demons, dragons, mythical creatures, etc.

There are plenty of wuxia dramas out there, and plenty of historical costume dramas, but there are only SIX large-scale mythology dramas to date.

The only reason that Chinese Paladin is included is because it fits the bill. It is pretty much the ONLY franchise that is technically wuxia ... but is also mythology. If you've seen the Chinese Paladin series, you know that it is based entirely in the universe of Chinese mythology and draws from a number of elements of Chinese folklore, despite being an original story. Chinese Paladin incorporates elements and authentic figures from Chinese myth including Nü Wa, the Jade Emperor, fox demons, serpent demons, Jiang Shi, Nian Shou, Feng Huang, and probably much more that is present in the other games in the franchise but have not been adapted into series.

And Chinese Paladin "feels" much more like a mythology drama than a wuxia one. It puts philosophy (dao) and affection/drama before action, which is definitely not what an actual wuxia series would do (by definition).

As large-scale mythologies, pretty much all of these series have a responsibility of teaching Taoism and philosophy as well as bringing drama and emotion to the characters of Chinese mythology ... something pretty much all mythology dramas of the past ('80s and '90s) have FAILED miserably to do, treating them as fantasy stories for children (which is blasphemous and a result of generations of socialism in China, not to get political). These last few years have seen the mythology genre stage a revolution, thanks in large part to Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan, as the stupidity of past versions of folklore produced in past decades are erased in light of bringing smart writing, deep philosophy, and moving drama/emotion to the genre that should have been #1 in these aspects to begin with.

[Kurenai86]

@ princekrello

Journey to the West is of course based on the novel by Wu Cheng En and is an ingenious, witty allegory in which four miscreants follow the teachings of Buddhist priest Xuan Zang in an attempt to find redemption and find "spiritual enlightenment" by enduring 81 different hardships ... it represents a person's own journey towards enlightenment in life. Each of the stories in Xi You Ji comes with its own philosophical message that represents a teaching from Buddhism. All past versions of the drama have FAILED miserably to convey this deep level of philosophy that Wu Cheng En originally intended. ONLY the Zhejiang version of Journey to the West has had the level of deep philosophy as well as emotional drama that ALL large-scale mythology drama series are SUPPOSED to.

I'm agree with you...
I LOVE the Zhejiang version!!!!
I'm a Buddhist and I love the way this version shows the teaching, especially Priest XuanZhang's word He's the best XuanZhang I've ever seen. He is wise, but didn't lose his emotion as a human
the 1986 version is sooo pathetic, he is coward,weak, etc
the 1996 (HK with Dicky Cheung) version is just like a statue. Everything is too focused to SWK, and the monk is just an addition for the story.

[PrinceKrillo]

Yes, I must agree that Victor Chen is indeed the best Xuan Zang. Instead of portraying the character as naive and pathetic, as in most versions that have been produced, Victor Chen's Xuan Zang is wise and brimmimg with philosophy ... probably the way that Wu Cheng En intended the character to be.

I also agree about the 1986 version of the series being incredibly overrated. In fact, I would think that it is probably the most overrated drama ever produced in China. Like all other past versions of Journey to the West, it was completely devoid of both philosophy as well as emotion ... which is quite ridiculous considering it is supposed to be a drama!

The Zhejiang version has both philosophy as well as emotion ... so it surprises me that that is exactly the reason why there are a number of people who despise it, calling it "emo" and stuff ... I mean, are you kidding me? Obviously these people don't understand that this series is not supposed to be a bedtime story for children, it's SUPPOSED to convey deep emotions and more importantly, teach philosophy and the principles of Taoism and Buddhism, like every large-scale mythology series is supposed to. Chinese myth in general is supposed to be deep and thought-provoking, NOT tales to read to children at night, which is how so many clueless people have been viewing it.

The problem is, people have gotten used to mythology dramas being stale and devoid of emotion and meaning. That period of crap is OVER. With this new flow of SERIOUS mythology productions (and more on the way), it's time to change the way people see 5000 years of Chinese myth. If Chinese Paladin gets praised for its drama and portrayal of human relationships and emotions, then why in the hell should Journey to the West be any different?

It really boggles the mind the way some people think.


=======================


All in all, these six franchises bring together some of the biggest actors and actresses in the world of Chinese television today, including ...


Vincent Jiao En Jun: plays Yang Jian (Er Lang Shen) in Bao Lian Deng Trilogy and plays Shen Nong (Yan Di) in Chuan Shuo

Roy Liu De Kai: plays Jiang Zi Ya (Tai Gong Wang) in Feng Shen Bang, plays Fu Xi in Chuan Shuo, and plays Tai Shang Lao Jun (Lao Zi) in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version)

Liu Tao: plays Yao Ji in Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan, plays Guan Yin in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version), and plays Chang E in Feng Shen Bang

Hu Ge: plays Li Xiao Yao and Jing Tian in Chinese Paladin and plays Ning Cai Chen in Liao Zhai Zhi Yi

Xie Ning: plays Zhu Wu Neng (Tian Peng Yuan Shuai) in Bao Lian Deng Trilogy and plays Zhu Wu Neng (Tian Peng Yuan Shuai) in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version)

Elvis Tsui: plays Bai Yue Jiao Zhu in Chinese Paladin and plays Sha Wu Jing (Juan Lian) in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version)


Yang Mi: plays Tang Xue Jian in Chinese Paladin 3 and plays Xiao Qian in Liao Zhai Zhi Yi

Cao Jun: plays Liu Chen Xiang in Bao Lian Deng Trilogy and plays Liu Chen Xiang in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version)

Shu Chang: plays Xiao Yu in Bao Lian Deng and plays the Queen of Women's Country in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version)

Yvonne Lin Xiang Ping: plays Ding Xiang in Bao Lian Deng and plays San Gong Zhu Cun Xin in Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan

Yue Yao Li: plays Tang Kun in Chinese Paladin 3 and plays Priest Zhang in Liao Zhai Zhi Yi

Cecilia Han Xue: plays Bai Peng Mo Wang in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version) and plays Yan Zhi in Liao Zhai 2


Ady An Yi Xuan: plays Lin Yue Ru in Chinese Paladin adn plays Bai Gu Jing in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version)

Cecilia Liu Shi Shi: plays Long Kui in Chinese Paladin 3 and plays Shi San Niang in Liao Zhai Qi Nü Zi

Guo Kai Min: plays the Jade Emperor in Chuan Shuo and plays Bi Gan in Feng Shen Bang

Victor Chen: plays Xuan Zang in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version) and plays Wang Zi Ya in Liao Zhai 3


Han Dong: plays Jin Guang Dao Zhang in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version) and Yang Jian (Er Lang Shen) in Feng Shen Bang

Esther Liu Pin Yan: plays A Nu in Chinese Paladin and Fen Die in Liao Zhai 2

Eddie Peng Yu Yan: plays Tang Yu in Chinese Paladin and Yang Ri Dan in Liao Zhai 2

Deng Li Min: plays Shi Gong Hu and Tang Tai in Chinese Paladin and plays Xin's father in Liao Zhai Qi Nü Zi

Bryan Wang Lu Jiang: plays Zhu Er Dan in Liao Zhai Zhi Yi and plays Liu Jin Yuan in Chinese Paladin

Sun Li: plays Zhao Huan Niang in Liao Zhai Qi Nü Zi and plays Qing Er in Chinese Paladin

Cheng Pei Pei: plays Granny Miao in Liao Zhai Zhi Yi and plays Granny Jiang in Chinese Paladin

Eddie Kwan: plays Bo Yi Kao in Feng Shen Bang and plays Li Jing in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version)

Miao Hai Zhong: plays Wang Hua Cheng in Liao Zhai Qi Nü Zi and plays Shen Gong Bao in Feng Shen Bang

Liu Guan Xiang: plays Ba Tai Zi in Bao Lian Deng and plays Da Jin Wu in Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan

Wang Li Ke: plays Zi Yu in Feng Shen Bang and plays Qing Jiao Mo Wang and Queen of Women's Country in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version)

Jin Qiao Qiao: plays Empress Jiang in Feng Shen Bang

Victor Huang Wei De: plays Zhou Wu Wang in Feng Shen Bang

Liu Xiao Qing: plays Wang Mu in Bao Lian Deng Trilogy

Wang Wei Guo: plays the Jade Emperor in Bao Lian Deng Trilogy

Zhou Yang: plays San Sheng Mu (Yang Chan) in Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan

Wen Qing: plays Hua Shen (Bai Hua Xian) in Chuan Shuo

Diana Pang: plays Bao Zhu Niang Niang in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version)


Annie Wu Chen Jun: plays Second Fairy in Chuan Shuo

Liu Jia: plays Nü Wa in Chuan Shuo

Fang Yuan: plays Chang E in Chuan Shuo

Zhao Hong Fei: plays Mo Di in Chuan Shuo

Ding Jian: plays Sun Wu Kong in Bao Lian Deng Trilogy

Fei Zhen Xiang: plays Sun Wu Kong in Xi You Ji (Zhejiang version)

Wu Yue: plays Sun Wu Kong in Xi You Ji (Zhang Ji Zhong version)

Steve Ma Jing Tao: plays Shang Zhou Wang in Feng Shen Bang

Fan Bing Bing: plays Su Da Ji and Chang E in Feng Shen Bang


Ruby Lin Xin Ru: plays Su Da Ji in Feng Shen Bang

Fann Wong: plays Lian Cheng in Liao Zhai Qi Nü Zi

Gordon Liu: plays Evil Sword Immortal in Chinese Paladin 3 and Taoist Priest in Liao Zhai 2

Loletta Lee: plays Sheng Gu in Chinese Paladin


Crystal Liu Yi Fei: plays Zhao Ling Er in Chinese Paladin

[Kurenai86]

Oh, well...
BTW, from Zhejiang's version of JTTW, what sub-story do you like?
I especially love the Bai Gu Jing's story
The ending is the best


then, the Red Boy story, too; about parent and child relationship (OOhh... XuanZhang can make that boy cries!)


The story about the Spider Demon is great... I LOVE Han Dong!!!
The only one Jin Guang Dao Zhang that is young and kindhearted


The Jade Rabbit story can make me feel pity for Yu Du

[PrinceKrillo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey...ang_TV_series)

That page has the complete list of episodes in the Zhejiang version.

I thought the pre-journey stuff was long and drawn-out, but once the series introduced Xuan Zang, it quickly became more and more interesting, and easily became my favorite version (by far) of the story.

The Zhejiang version pretty much made every single story interesting and worthwhile, and the ones that they did skip they skipped because it was too mundane or did not have any sort of philosophical meaning or teaching to begin with.

While most the stories in most versions feel repetitive, the Zhejiang version was able to make each one seem fresh. The deal breaker has got to be the fact that Xuan Zang talks about what happened at the end of every storyline (when they are traveling) and imparts some sort of philosophical knowledge, or Buddhist teaching.

NONE of the other versions in the past have succeeded in this, so obviously they all failed to grasp the whole point of Journey to the West to begin with.

The Zhang Ji Zhong version will be complete and seems to cover ALL of the storylines in the novel, but whether or not it will be as philosophical as the Zhejiang version remains to be seen.

But as far as which storylines I thought were the most interesting in the Zhejiang version ...

... Women's Country, Inferno Mountain, and the Spider Demons were probably the most elaborate (and the longest) storylines in the series.

I loved Wang Li Ke as the queen of Women's Country and as Qing Jiao Mo Wang, and how they implied that she was her descendant. Her relationships with Xuan Zang was portrayed better and with more emotion that in any other version. Also, the fact that they made the whole storyline a MYSTERY and didn't reveal who the Scorpion/Pipa demon was till the end was very creative.

The drama between the Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan was emphasized much more in this version. One of the great things about this version was that all of the demons were treated as real people with real emotions and personalities, and the focus wasn't just put on the damn monkey. He actually faded into the background a lot, which I liked.

The seven Spider Demons was probably the most well-written storyline of the entire series. SO superior to any past version of the story. Diana Pang and Han Dong stole the entire show. Nobody even cared about Xuan Zang or Sun Wu Kong, it was all about them. Instead of making the Centipede Taoist just another "bad guy" like all the other lame, black-and-white versions have done, the Zhejiang version chose to make the Centipede Taoist an honest demon seeking enlightenment who still ends up getting corrupted in the end and finally succumbs to his own nature. Simply POETIC.

It's much like Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan, in which many of the gods are portrayed as corrupt and petty while many of the demons are portrayed as being honest and having integrity. NOT so black-and-white, because the world ISN'T black-and-white.

Best version of the novel to date, and I will be surprised if Zhang Ji Zhong's ends up being better.

[Kurenai86]

I agree...
Zhejiang version didn't make the story about Sun WuKong stealing the Manfruit because there's no moral in that story.

I loved Wang Li Ke as the queen of Women's Country and as Qing Jiao Mo Wang, and how they implied that she was her descendant. Her relationships with Xuan Zang was portrayed better and with more emotion that in any other version.

Yes, I like that story too. XuanZhang shows more emotion in this story. The scene when they must separate.... XuanZhang cries... Oh, he's just a human that still can feel love

This version has broadcasted in my country... and what? they cut the show before episode 20!!
Just because the rating is low (peoples still attached to Hong Kong version with Dicky Cheung...crap! ) and the beginning, about 8 episodes before XuanZhang is draggy, so in people's opinion, this show is bad. In addition, they only look at the action scene, not the whole story.

After all, people still tends that the main character of this show is only Sun Wu Kong, not the four of them, so they only look at him!

And... I like the Friar Sand in Zhejiang Version too. he's the most logical and mature from 3 XuanZhang's disciples. And he's not dumb at all like the HongKong version.

[PrinceKrillo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3IEnUfpZSY

Check out the MV above for an indepth look at Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan.

It is without a doubt the BEST music video made from the series that I have come across on the web to date.

[mango_cake]

Huh, I never gave much thought about classifying these type of series as "mythology" but it makes sense! I always just grouped them with other ancient series...I know there was "wuxia" and the "historical" ones but I never knew how to exactly classify these--now it's all clear! XD

Anyways, it's weird as I think this genre has so much POTENTIAL--I really like the combining of wuxia with a more magical/mythical element--however, the series I've seen somehow never live up to my expectations, unfortunately. I did LOVE Liao Zhai (only watched a few stories from "Liao Zhai Zhi Yi"; I've been meaning to watch more but haven't gotten around to it yet). Especially the Xiao Qian story (with YM/HG) was very poignant and memorable.

Apart from that, however, the others fell flat. I watched the "classic" Journey to the West version and was rather bored through most of it. I stopped watching Chinese Paladin 1 after a few episodes because it was so boring; I did watch the entirety of CP3 but I think I was mostly watching for the cast (after Liao Zhai I was really looking forward to another YM/HG collab) as the series itself was disappointing. I watched half of Bao Lian Deng (1st one) but again the story got boring and I was mostly watching for the cast (Shu Chang & Liu Guan Xiang). Haven't seen any of "Chuan Shuo" or "Feng Shen" yet--how do they compare?

Although there was another "mythology" series I did quite enjoy--TWFX (which had the "7 fairies" story). Never thought about it before but now I realize it fits into this genre--though it doesn't fit into the "epic" category you've defined. I enjoyed that one more than these "epic" series though (with the exception of Liao Zhai, as I mentioned before).

Are there any good ones you guys would recommend? As I definitely feel this genre could produce some amazing stuff--they have so much to work with: history, martial arts, magic, all the different "creatures" (shen xian, yao, etc)...

Edit: I'm sad that no one picked Liao Zhai yet! I wasn't gonna vote (since I haven't seen all the series so it'd be a bit unfair) but I just had to throw in a vote for Liao Zhai! ^_^

[PrinceKrillo]

Huh, I never gave much thought about classifying these type of series as "mythology" but it makes sense! I always just grouped them with other ancient series...I know there was "wuxia" and the "historical" ones but I never knew how to exactly classify these--now it's all clear! XD

Yes, I'm glad you brought that up. China pretty much classifies all of these dramas as "costume" dramas (gu zhuang). They can be either historical (based on actual Chinese history), wuxia (usually based novels written in modern times), or mythological.

Of course, many myth-based series such as Chuan Shuo and Feng Shen Yan Yi are also "part-history," as both of them also incorporate actual Chinese history and historical figures/events blended in with the myth.

Chinese Paladin would be the only epic mythology franchise that I can think of that is also wuxia.

Apart from that, however, the others fell flat. I watched the "classic" Journey to the West version and was rather bored through most of it.

Yes, the original 1986 series is probably the most overrated series ever produced by and broadcasted on Chinese television networks. The series follows the novel story-wise, but like the Hong Kong and Japanese versions as well, it does NOT possess the philosophy nor the drama that the actual story and novel are supposed to have. This year's new Zhejiang version is the first and only version so far that gets it right ... although the irony is that many people cannot accept it. So actually I think the real irony is that most of the viewing public is just a bunch of idiots who apparently cannot FEEL since they do not appreciate the emotion nor can they THINK since they do not appreciate the philosophy either. So ... heartless and mindless.

Although there was another "mythology" series I did quite enjoy--TWFX (which had the "7 fairies" story). Never thought about it before but now I realize it fits into this genre--though it doesn't fit into the "epic" category you've defined. I enjoyed that one more than these "epic" series though (with the exception of Liao Zhai, as I mentioned before).

Yes, that's totally correct. There are a number of myth series that have been produced but are not labeled as (or shouldn't be) "large-scale" epics (Da Xing).

These include Tian Xian Pei, Niu Lang Zhi N, Chang E Ben Yue, Wan Wu Shan Xia De Chuan Shuo, Tian Di Chuan Qi, Ba Xian, Qi Xian N, Zhu Ba Jie, Bai She Zhuan, and many others. Although these series are all mythology, none of them are large enough (in terms of story as well as cast/characters) to be considered "large-scale" epics.

HOWEVER, pretty much all of these stories are already incorporated into many of the epic series listed in this thread.

Chuan Shuo covers the period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and the Xia Dynasty, so it includes the story of Chang E and Hou Yi, Yu Gong/Wan Wu Shan, Qi Xian N, Tian Di Chuan Qi, and a bunch of other "smaller" folklore, as well as everything else in Shan Hai Jing.

Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan covers the period between the Shang Dynasty and the Tang/Song Dynasties. Aside from the main storylines, Qian Zhuan incorporates all of the myth from those 2000 years of history, including Qi Xian N/Dong Yong, Niu Lang Zhi N, Xi You Ji, Feng Shen Yan Yi, and the histories of a number of figures in Chinese myth, including Er Lang Shen, Sun Wu Kong, and Ne Zha.

Bao Lian Deng Hou Zhuan will be the final series of the trilogy and cover the last 1000 years of history (from the Song Dynasty to modern day). As such, it is EXPECTED to incorporate Bai She Zhuan as well as the 8 Immortals somehow into the story.

I stopped watching Chinese Paladin 1 after a few episodes because it was so boring; I did watch the entirety of CP3 but I think I was mostly watching for the cast (after Liao Zhai I was really looking forward to another YM/HG collab) as the series itself was disappointing. I watched half of Bao Lian Deng (1st one) but again the story got boring and I was mostly watching for the cast (Shu Chang & Liu Guan Xiang). Haven't seen any of "Chuan Shuo" or "Feng Shen" yet--how do they compare?

With the exception of maybe Feng Shen, pretty much ALL of these other series that I have watched suck at the beginning and get much better as the series goes on. I pretty much expect it now. For instance, Chinese Paladin to me was boring as hell in the first half and didn't even get interesting until the second half. The Zhejiang version of Xi You Ji is also boring in the beginning, and the well-written stories are all in the second half of the series.

This rule especially applies to BOTH of the Bao Lian Deng series. In both series, the second halves are much stronger and much more interesting than the first halves ... but you have to actually watch through the whole thing to appreciate it.

Now, allow me to make something pretty clear. I personally never cared about Bao Lian Deng until Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan came out last year. I didn't actually even watch Bao Lian Deng until AFTER watching Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan. I will say now for the record that the prequel series is FAR, far superior to the original ... not to say the original isn't good, but it cannot compare to BLD QZ, and not much else can really.

BLD QZ is superior in pretty much every way possible. The overall story, the epicness, the acting, the drama, the philosophy, the direction, the writing, the production values, and the overall believability. BLD QZ makes you think, makes you cry, and shocks you to the core. The original series never really did that for me.

A lot of people shrugged off BLD QZ because they knew it was a prequel ... out of the people who weren't so biased and have actually watched both series, at least 90% will tell you that the prequel series is superior, without a doubt. The other 10% are just biased towards the original.

HOWEVER, BLD QZ starts off very slow and boring, which can be off-putting to people with no patience. The first two sagas are not that strong, but the second two sagas are where the show (and the entire trilogy) reall peaks in terms of quality. The prequel series ends FAR, FAR stronger (in terms of smart writing, philosophy, AND drama) than any episodes of the original Bao Lian Deng.

The entire Bao Lian Deng series takes place within the Tang or Song Dynasty over maybe a FEW years time.

Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan, on the other hand, from beginning to end runs 2000 years from the Shang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. Think about that.

[PrinceKrillo]

I totally forgot to add ...

... another very important reason why I (and many others) consider BLD QZ to be the most superbly-produced mythology series to date is because it is truly DIFFERENT.

It doesn't look at themes and issues the same way, it takes a deep, philosophical approach. For instance, BLD QZ tackles the issue of love vs. lust. BLD QZ portrays the attraction between a man and a woman as lust (desire), what it actually is, and not love, whereas pretty much all other series will take the cliched, simplified approach (probably because the writers and producers aren't even that smart or wise to begin with).

Another example is to take a look at what the main antagonists are in BLD QZ.

In Chinese Paladin 3, the main antagonist is Chong Lou, the demonlord. Not the most inspired.

In Xi You Ji, the main antagonists are the demons that the disciples face along the way ... again, portraying demons as "bad" as Sun Wu Kong as "good" (whereas in BLD QZ, Sun Wu Kong is portrayed as a renegade who needs to be put down). Of course, in the Zhejiang version, all of the characters are much better developed, and all of the demons are given human-like personalities and emotions, given ACTUAL reasons behind their "evil" actions ... another reason why IT is the best version (but I digress).

In Chuan Shuo, Mo Di (the Demonic Emperor) is the main antagonist of the series ... so once again, a demon is selected to be the "big bad."

Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan is not so black-and-white. First of all, most of the demons in BLD QZ are portrayed as being honest and honorable, with integrity, whereas most of the gods are portrayed as being corrupt and narrow-minded. In fact, I wonder if most viewers can even identify who or what is even the primary antagonist in the series. The answer is Heaven. The Jade Emperor and Wang Mu. Heaven's Law. THEY are the "evil" of the series. BLD QZ is very political as well in that way ... portraying corrupt politics as the real evil of the universe, and not some damn demons (which is really cliched).

------------------------

Also, the prequel series does a FANTASTIC job of tying itself together to the original series. It pretty much bridges every single character/storyline.

- The prequel introduces Wu Ge and Hu Mei as important characters throughout the series and develops their relationship ... before the epic episode in which Sun Wu Kong kills them (albeit accidentally), leading to the birth of Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu's hate for Sun Wu Kong was a major plot element in the original series, and the prequel did a fantastic job of portraying the events leading up to her parents' death.

- The infamous Guang Han Gong flashback in the original series (involving Pan Gu's jade tree and Chang E's earring) was reshot and aired in detail within the actual timeline in the prequel series, using pretty much the same dialogue.

- In the original series, Ding Xiang stated that her father was Ding Da Shan Ren, and that he and Liu Yan Chang (Chen Xiang's father) had arranged for them to be married before their births. Ding Da appears towards the end of the prequel series and the events that led to the friendship between him and Yan Chang are aired in detail. Also, even the origin of Chen Xiang's name is revealed in the prequel during the very entertaining and moving "tea tray" episode.

- In the original series, Dong Hai Si Gong Zhu acts as an aunt to Chen Xiang, watching over him. Si Gong Zhu appears early in the prequel series and stays throughout the series. The reason why she took on this role is also revealed in the final episode.

- In the original series, only four of the six Mei Shan Xiong Di appeared. In the prequel, Lao Da and Lao Liu were retained, but they introduced the remaining two that did not appear in the original.

- In the original series, Yvonne Lin Xiang Ping plays Ding Xiang and is jealous of Xiao Yu and her relationship with Chen Xiang throughout the entire series. In the prequel, she plays San Gong Zhu Cun Xin. After Yang Jian brings home baby Xiao Yu, it doesn't take long for Cun Xin to become jealous of Yang Jian's affection towards her. The ingenious irony here was NOT lost on me, but probably to a lot of dumb viewers.

- When Ne Zha is revealed in the original series, he already hates Er Lang Shen with a passion. The prequel shows very clearly how the sworn brothers become spiteful enemies when Ne Zha begins to falsely blame Yang Jian (like everyone else) for crimes that he does commit after he becomes the Taoist Judiciary Deity (Si Fa Tian Shen).

- Obviously the first one that people will think of is the epic battle between San Sheng Mu and Er Lang Shen. The battle took place pretty much at the beginning of the original series and was reshot (and far superior) in the beginning of the last episode of the prequel series ... with pretty much the same dialogue. However, considering how it had all built up to that point, the exchange between the siblings was FAR, FAR more poignant and emotional in the prequel series.

There are probably a lot more examples, but these are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.


And just for the record, I must say that all of the cast changes (the characters that had new actors in the prequel) from the original were for the BETTER.

Li Xin Ru is a better Chang E in the prequel series than Gu Dan Chen in the original.
Juan Juan is the most adorable Ne Zha to date and far surpasses Zhang Sheng Chao in the original.
Zhou Yang is a better San Sheng Mu in the prequel than Park Si Yeon in the original.




Sorry, this thread is becoming a love letter to Bao Lian Deng Qian Zhuan. Then again, that is the only series that I think deserves a love letter written to it, out of not only all mythology series, but all Chinese dramas (and maybe even American ones as well) in general.

[mango_cake]

Haha, you're definitely making a good advertisement for BLDQZ! Now I'm intrigued.

I'll definitely check it out then and finish the first BLD--I guess it makes more sense to watch the prequel and then the original? (I started watching BLD so long ago I kind of forgot what happened anyways...)

[PrinceKrillo]

Well, I think most people that have seen both series probably watched the original series first in 2005 and then the prequel last year. The original BLD supposedly holds some sort of ratings/viewership record for CCTV-8, although I'm not sure what the ratings were for the initial broadcast of BLD QZ.

However, I personally didn't even know about the series until the prequel series came out last year. I enjoyed that so much I went ahead and watched the original series AFTERWARDS. I had never seen it at all before the prequel.

Although I must say that the original pales in comparison (in all of the ways that I had stated above), the two stories are directly related to one another, instead of being two separate plots. The main storyline that begins in the prequel does not conclude and the conflict is not resolved until the very end of the original series.

In fact, it is VERY similar to the two Star Wars trilogies, if you're familiar with that. It's pretty much the same political storyline (but BLD adds a layer of philosophy that SW doesn't have), and the character of Yang Jian/Er Lang Shen is extremely similar to the character of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in SW, in terms of their backstories and the roles that they play. In fact, I'm pretty sure that Jiu Nian used SW as inspiration for writing the prequel series ... although it is FAR superior to the SW prequel trilogy.

As far which order is better to watch in, production order or chronological order, this is basically how it breaks down:

If you watch the original first and the prequel second, you will be able to appreciate the prequel series more, because you will be able to see exactly how the prequel ties into pretty much every aspect of the original (bridges all of the storylines). The last episodes you watch would be end of the prequel and everything would "come full circle," overlapping with the beginning of the original series. You would understand a lot more about the original series that the prequel does a great job of answering/explaining.

If you watch the prequel first and the original second, you would benefit from a fluid storyline that runs from beginning to end. The last episodes you watch would show where the trilogy has stopped at/concluded thus far ... which is the last part of the story before the sequel series if released. Otherwise you would end right where the original begins.

Not to give anything away, but there is a HUGE, HUGE twist in the storyline in the second-to-last episode (episode 80) that changes the story completely (and blows everyone away) ... you MIGHT see it coming if you watch the prequel first (because it goes back and details exactly what led up to that twist in the original), but you DEFINITELY would not see it coming if you watch the original series first, which is how it was for most people.

I've rewatched both series a couple of times now, and I've watched it in chronological order (prequel first) each time. Even so, I still totally did not see the huge twist at the end coming. I envy anyone who has not seen it and does not yet have knowledge of what happens ... the first time around is the sweetest.

When the sequel series is finally produced and released, I would probably watch all three in chronological order as well.

As much as I love all of the large-scale Chinese myth series, I would still without a doubt choose the Lotus Lantern Trilogy (primarily BLD QZ) over Chinese Paladin, Journey to the West, Chuan Shuo, all of them ... for the simple reason that BLD QZ gets heavier in the drama and the emotion, explores really relevant and controversial political issues, and just boggles the mind with its portrayal and incorporation of the deep, philosophical stuff. And then there's the 2000 years of myth and folklore that is mixed in there along with the main storylines.

[Kurenai86]

Not to give anything away, but there is a HUGE, HUGE twist in the storyline in the second-to-last episode (episode 80) that changes the story completely (and blows everyone away) ... you MIGHT see it coming if you watch the prequel first (because it goes back and details exactly what led up to that twist in the original), but you DEFINITELY would not see it coming if you watch the original series first, which is how it was for most people.

Yeah... I know it...
I watch the Prequel first, and in the ending of the Prequel, Yang Jian explains it in front of his parent's tomb...

Vincent's Yang Jian is the best , he could express both the 'kind and gentle uncle' and the 'cold and cruel Se Fa Tian Shen'.

the only negative thing from BLD QZ is the part when Yang Jian and his sister is chased by the Heavenly Troops is very draggy... and don't mention about his teacher (Yu Ding ZhenRen) and NeZha's (TaiYi ZhenRen)...
Oh, they are so.... useless... I think

[PrinceKrillo]

@Kurenai86

How long ago did you watch the prequel series? Was it a while ago or just recently? And have you had a chance to watch the first series?

I'm going to try not to give away any of the actual story or major plot elements here, so I don't think what I'm going to say needs any "spoiler tags," but ...

if you haven't watched the original series, the big twist in the story that I'm referring to actually happens at the end of the original series, but like I said, it is possible you will see it coming if you watch the prequel first (since they produced the prequel partly it in order to better explain Yang Jian's intentions in the original series in the first place). I was caught totally off-guard even though I had watched the prequel first.

Also, don't know if I've mentioned this before, but yeah, Yang Jian (Er Lang Shen) appears in more of these large-scale myth series than ANY other figure in Chinese Mythology. Even though he is portrayed by different actors in his appearances, Er Lang Shen appears in Xi You Ji, Chuan Shuo, and Feng Shen Yan Yi as well. FOUR is pretty much the record, although I am not sure if he also makes an appearance in any of the other Chinese Paladin games (that have not yet been produced into TV) or Liao Zhai Zhi Yi stories. I know one of the stories in Liao Zhai is dedicated to his dog.

The point is, I would say that it makes Yang Jian the CENTRAL figure in the Chinese myth universe, above Ne Zha, Sun Wu Kong, the Jade Emperor, the Three Pure Ones, Nü Wa, Pan Gu, the Eight Immortals, and everyone else.

Also, I agree that the earlier parts of BLD QZ definitely drag, I think that's what turns some people off. But then again, Chinese Paladin (first series) also moves incredibly slowly at the beginning.

I basically classify both series into FOUR "sagas" each.

Prequel series:
Yao Ji Saga
Ruo Shui Saga
1000 Year Marriage Saga
Si Fa Tian Shen Saga

Original series:
Fellowship of the Lantern Saga
Buddhist Disciple Saga
Rebel Alliance Saga
Revolution and New Heaven's Law Saga

The names I gave them should make sense if you've seen both series and are familiar with what happens in the story. I imagine that I would like to once again divide the episodes of the sequel series into separate sagas when it comes out and finally completes the trilogy.


(WARNING: might be spoilerish ...)




========================================
I would say that the Si Fa Tian Shen Saga is when the entire trilogy (thus far) is at its absolute best and is most entertaining. It is a very dark, somber, depressing (in a good way) part of the story that ends very sadly as it bridges together the prequel and original series. The Xi You Ji stuff ends in this saga, and the Cowherd/Weaver Girl folklore is incorporated into it. This saga has got more clever writing and more philosophy I would say probably than any other part of the story. Also, the relationship between San Sheng Mu and Liu Yan Chang is developed at the end of the series in this saga, and it is easily my favorite out of all of the romance/relationships in the entire trilogy. Their story is powerful, moving, and sad. The other major romantic relationships in Bao Lian Deng include (in chronological order) Yao Ji/Yang Tian You, Wu Ge/Hu Mei, Yang Jian/Chang E, Yang Jian/Cun Xin, Chen Xiang/Xiao Yu, Chen Xiang/Ding Xiang, and Ba Tai Zi/Ding Xiang. It should be noted that pretty much all of these relationships end up in catastrophe, disaster, and heartbreak (BLD doesn't give happy endings), which is one of the main themes of the trilogy.

The 1000 Year Marriage Saga is also one of my favorites, it's great if you love DRAMA (and I think everyone here probably would). The main story in the saga deals with the horrible and complex relationship between Yang Jian and Cun Xin and shows the price of marriage (you know how they say half of all marriages end in divorce and the other half just suffers quietly). During this saga, Sun Wu Kong is introduced into the trilogy and that early part of Xi You Ji is covered. Also Juan Lian and Tian Peng are punished and become Sha Wu Jing and Zhu Wu Neng. The "war" part of Feng Shen Yan Yi is also covered here, including the overthrow of Shang and the creation of 365 new gods. Also, Tian Xian Pei's story is covered in this saga.

The Ruo Shui Saga is the longest one (at 14 episodes) and does seem to drag in the middle. However, much of the saga is used to develop the major characters and the inter-character relationships ... which pays off later on. The Lotus Lantern makes its debut apperance in this saga, as do the Mei Shan Xiong Di. Cun Xin debuts right at the beginning of the saga, and Jin Chan Zi/Xuan Zang at the end.

The Yao Ji Saga is probably the least exciting one, but it is important in creating the setting of the rest of the story. The Chang E Ben Yue story is "parodied" in this saga with Yang Jian killing nine of the ten gods of the sun, including Da Jin Wu. The last episode of this saga, however, stands to date as what I would consider the single most powerful and emotional episode to date. If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. It's when Yang Jian attempts to protect his mother from being burned to death at the hands of Da Jin Wu and his brothers. This saga introduces many of the major characters in the story, and also deals with Yang Jian and his sisters' backstories, as well as the entire Ne Zha foklore/legend. His sacrifice scene is one of the most powerful scenes to date. Xiao Tian Quan also debuts early on and sticks with Yang Jian throughout the entire trilogy.
========================================




Now, as far as Yu Ding Zhen Ren and Tai Yi Zhen Ren go, they both actually play large roles in the story, ESPECIALLY Yu Ding Zhen Ren.

For those that are unfamiliar with this (and much of it is taken from Feng Shen Yan Yi), this is how it breaks down:

Yuan Shi Tian Zun is one of the Three Pure Ones and head of the Xuan Men Taoist Sect. He has many disciples, the four most famous ones being Jiang Zi Ya, Shen Gong Bao, Yu Ding Zhen Ren, and Tai Yi Zhen Ren.

Yu Ding Zhen Ren is featured prominently in BLD QZ, and Tai Yi Zhen Ren is also a character in the series. Jiang Zi Ya is mentioned quite a bit during the "war" part of the 1000 Year Marriage Saga, and Shen Gong Bao is also mentioned in BLD QZ. Yuan Shi Tian Zun himself appears very early in the series to help Yao Ji capture San Shou Jiao (and also later after he finishes creating the Feng Shen Bang), but you only hear his voice, there is no actor portrayal.

Tai Yi Zhen Ren acts as the master of both Ne Zha and Yang Chan (San Sheng Mu). He is the one who ends up reviving Ne Zha after his sacrifice. More importantly, Tai Yi Zhen Ren acts as the Bao Lian Deng's watcher. His job was to look after the pond with the lotus blossoms and await the arrival of Nü Wa's descendent, San Sheng Mu, the keeper of the Lotus Lantern, who ended up "activating" the blossoms and bringing forth the lantern left behind by Nü Wa.

Yu Ding Zhen Ren is also known by his Buddhist name of Xu Pu Ti ... he is not only Yang Jian's master, but he is Sun Wu Kong's as well. His role in BLD QZ is to be the wise, Taoist immortal who spouts off deep, wise, philosophical ideas (through exposition) and explains much of the philosophy in the series ... and also writes them in his books. He is also the one who tells Yang Jian what to do at the very end of the prequel series and sets into motion the events of the original series.

[Kurenai86]

I watch it about a year ago, and I watch the Prequel first from DVD then I download the original. So I know what you mean about the big twist

 click to show spoilers

When I watch the original, I always remember the word Yang Jian said in front of the tomb in the end of the prequel after he throws his sister inside the mountain... and I always used to think that there's something hidden behind the cruel se fa tian shen And... it IS, right? because Yang Jian done it all just for Chen Xiang (that is sooo sweeet ) so he can be stronger and mature; not just a brat who could only rely on others; so he can stand on his own feet

Love his expression


There's a secret behind this pic, right?

 click to show spoilers

Because Yang Jian is able to use the Lotus Lantern that supposed to be used only with a GOOD intention

About the teachers, I know who they are, because I have watched The Legend and the Hero too.
It's just that their appearance and personality is very different (if you know what I mean) with the original version in the Feng Shen Yan Yi. That's what I mean about 'useless' (Not that they didn't have role in the story - because yes, they has great role in that story)
It's just because I always think that they should be wise, old, white haired (Yu Ding wears wig in front of SWK... LOL)... and should look smarter.

Ummm.... maybe they deriberately make it that way to show the audience the other side of the Heaven and all; like Yang Jian, Yu Di, Wang Mu, and even Tang Xuan Zhang (so the demons chased him just because he told everyone HIMSELF that when anyone eat his flesh, they will live forever...LOL. So he drags ALL the trouble just because of his big mouth. That makes Sun Wu Kong very annoyed )

It's funny when I saw NeZha (Juan Juan) acts matured in front of his - supposed to be - teacher
And when a hunter (I think he said his name is Re BuQi) that helps Xuan Zhang until he finds SWK turned out to be Yang Jian...

[PrinceKrillo]

You know what, I really don't think people understand just how BIG Chuan Shuo really is. They started making a HUGE fuss over this series over in the mainland China back in February of last year, an entire year and half before the series was finally released. This is FAR from being some run-of-the-mill costume drama.

If you're Chinese and of the "Han" ethnicity (over 90% of the population in both the mainland and Taiwan are, and it is apparently the largest ethnic group in the world), then this series should hit home for you, as two of the major characters in the ensemble are Huang Di and Yan Di (Shen Nong), hailed as the two earliest ancestors of the Han people, the vast majority of the Chinese population.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Chinese


Furthermore, I have just now just about reached the double-digit episodes of the show (I'm watching it very slowly), and I realize that the majority of the series actually takes place in Wu Yue, the Five Sacred Taoist Mountains of China (you should be very familiar with Wu Yue if you're Chinese or Taoist. Either.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Mountains_of_China

For those that aren't familiar with Chinese geography, Wu Yue is a large area in eastern China encompassed by the five mountains of Mt. Heng (North), Mt. Tai, Mt. Song, Mt. Hua, and Mt. Heng (South). Chuan Shuo explains how this area was believed to have been created from Pan Gu's own body.

It is my guess that the majority of the episodes in Chuan Shuo will have the protagonists and their allies traveling through the different areas of Wu Yue in search of the "holy water" ... and all of the myth/folklore from Shan Hai Jing that make up the story of the series will probably all take place in these sacred mountains.

Kurenai86 can probably confirm this, since I still have a LONG way to go in watching this series.

I RUSHED through both Chinese Paladin series, burning through 4-6 episodes a week. I'm taking my sweet time with Chuan Shuo.

[Kurenai86]

For those that aren't familiar with Chinese geography, Wu Yue is a large area in eastern China encompassed by the five mountains of Mt. Heng (North), Mt. Tai, Mt. Song, Mt. Hua, and Mt. Heng (South). Chuan Shuo explains how this area was believed to have been created from Pan Gu's own body.

It is my guess that the majority of the episodes in Chuan Shuo will have the protagonists and their allies traveling through the different areas of Wu Yue in search of the "holy water" ... and all of the myth/folklore from Shan Hai Jing that make up the story of the series will probably all take place in these sacred mountains.

Yes, you're right
their journey is to seek for Ching Du (clean earth) and Chen Shui (pure water).
The earth is located in 5 mountains (I know the mountains from Xiao Ao Jiang Hu, if you ever watch it - LingHu Chong is from Hua Shan). the water is located in... (I'm sorry, I forget the name because I watch it WITHOUT english translation) well, it's some kind of lake or river I think...

and in the mountains the party meets Hou Yi and Chang E, meet NuBa, etc

I think the story is like some kind of RPG game, where the party (Shen Nong and 4 fairies) travels to lot of places, meet some characters and events from myth and legends, and so on
then the headquarters is the village where the fairies first landing in earth, especially Du Kang's (Du DaGe) house.

in the latter episodes, there's a story of Shen Nong, about Yu Di and Huang Di's parent, etc..

I think I don't want to give more spoiler so you can watch and find it yourself

[PrinceKrillo]

I think the story is like some kind of RPG game, where the party (Shen Nong and 4 fairies) travels to lot of places, meet some characters and events from myth and legends, and so on
then the headquarters is the village where the fairies first landing in earth, especially Du Kang's (Du DaGe) house.

in the latter episodes, there's a story of Shen Nong, about Yu Di and Huang Di's parent, etc.

Yes, that is EXACTLY what I thought as well! When Bao Niang mentions that Tai Gu Cheng is right at the center of Wu Yue, and then Hua Shen states that they will use it as a "base," I immediately thought that this would work like an RPG game, much like Chinese Paladin, where the party travels throughout Wu Yue and can return to TGC as their "base."

Also, it is indeed very confusing with regards to the relationship between Yu Di, Huang Di, Hua Shen, Mo Di, and Shen Nong. It seems like none of them even knew the others, save for Yu Di and Hua Shen ...

... even though in a video interview posted on CCTV's website with the director, Wen Qing (who plays Hua Shen), and Guo Kai Min (who plays Yu Di), the actors state that:

 click to show spoilers

Yu Di, Huang Di, Hua Shen, Mo Di, and Shen Nong are all children of Nü Wa and Fu Xi (except that Yan Di is their half-sibling)

So I'm just waiting for Fu Xi and Nü Wa to finally appear in the series, I'm sure that there must be some sort of backstory/flashback to explain the true histories of the characters.

Something that I did just realize is that Shen Nong is not the main character in the story at all. Vincent Jiao is the male lead, but in the end credits, Wen Qing's name is credited FIRST, before Jiao En Jun's, meaning Hua Shen (Bai Hua Xian) is actually the main protagonist of the series. Which actually makes sense when you think about it ... in the episodes I've seen already, Yan Di has been absent from at least two episodes entirely, whereas Hua Shen has been in every single one. Meaning the story is actually told from Hua Shen's perspective, with Shen Nong as a secondary character. Oh well.

Also something I should mention is that Wu Yue is also significant in Bao Lian Deng, especially BLD QZ. When Liu Yan Chang first sets foot at Hua Shan, he mentions that he is traveling through Wu Yue. Hua Shan is of course one of the Five Mountains and is where San Sheng Mu resides, and where her temple/shrine is located. So Wu Yue is where San Sheng Mu and Liu Yan Chang conceived and birthed Chen Xiang, and also where Yang Jian imprisoned his sister as well, of course.