Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• freshpark68

  Overall 6

  Story 5,  Acting 8,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 3

  So, I just finished watching this movie, and let me tell you, it's a bit above average. Nothing to rave about, but not terrible either. However, I was seriously disappointed with the ending. It just didn't do it for me.
  
  Now, I have to admit, I didn't read the book or know anything about the story before watching the movie. So, I went in with no biases. The main character is this clumsy but kind-hearted guy who turns into a demon, but somehow manages to attract...

  all the pretty girls. We've seen this kind of storyline before, so it's nothing new. But apparently, the book has a more complex and interesting plot, with better character development. Unfortunately, they didn't manage to fit all of that into the movie, so it felt rushed.
  
  Because of the time constraints, it was hard to form any real attachment to the characters or understand why they were doing what they were doing. Especially the two main leads. They start loving each other out of nowhere, and I just didn't get it. And the ending was supposed to be emotional and sad, but it fell completely flat. There were abrupt changes in the characters' emotions that didn't make much sense, and it all happened right at the end. It left me with a bad taste in my mouth and a lot of unanswered questions.
  
  On the bright side, the cast was great, and the acting was pretty flawless most of the time. Xiao Zhan, in particular, did an amazing job portraying the clumsy, but kind-hearted character. And the female leads were all fantastic too. However, because of the lack of character development, I couldn't fully appreciate their acting. Another issue was that all the actors were so major that it was hard to distinguish who was the lead and who was supporting. They all had almost equal screen time. It was a bit confusing.
  
  The fight scenes were beautifully choreographed, probably some of the best I've seen in Chinese movies. And the cinematography and CGI were spot-on. It was refreshing to see such high-quality visual effects, especially considering some other Chinese dramas I've seen with really bad CGI. However, they missed an opportunity to capture the actors' expressions by not showing enough close-ups. It's a shame since they're all so good-looking and talented.
  
  Now, here's a major turn-off for me: the dubbing. The voices just didn't match the actors' mouth movements, especially for Xiao Zhan's character. It was distracting. And I swear, at the end of the movie, they switched the voice actor or something because his voice suddenly sounded different. It really bothered me because voices play a big part in a good movie, and this one missed the mark.
  
  So, to sum it up, I think it's worth watching this movie just to see Xiao Zhan's great acting and the beautiful cinematography, costumes, and CGI. But if you're looking for a movie with a satisfying ending, this might not be the one for you. It ends on a weird cliffhanger that left me feeling unsatisfied.

• dulllim16

  Overall 6.5

  Story 6.5,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 1

  Jade Dynasty is a movie that falls into the realm of mediocrity. While it manages to provide some entertainment value, it is not due to its plot, but rather the exceptional performances by the talented cast and the visually stunning scenery. The first half of the movie is filled with excitement, but unfortunately, the second half fails to maintain the same level of engagement. Furthermore, the ending leaves something to be desired, failing to fully satisfy the audience.
  
  One standout aspect of Jade Dynasty is its...

  characters, particularly the charming main lead, Xiao Fan. His portrayal adds a touch of adorableness to the film. Additionally, the cinematography is a highlight, with impressive visuals that are further enhanced by decent CGI. Although some fight scenes stretch the limits of believability, the overall presentation is impressive.
  
  Despite its strengths, the movie falters when it comes to its story and its execution. However, it compensates with intriguing character dynamics, commendable performances, and breathtaking visuals. While Jade Dynasty may be an option for those seeking a film to pass the time, there are certainly better alternatives available.

• silentbae

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 7,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 3

  So, I watched this movie recently, let's call it "Jade Dynasty" (fingers crossed it's the first one in a series). I have to say, the first part of the movie really hooked me. It gave us a glimpse into the main character's background and showed us how he transformed into who he ultimately becomes at the end. I was really invested in that.
  
  But, oh boy, the second part of the movie felt rushed and a bit confusing. It left me with more questions than answers,...

  especially because it had an open ending. And let me tell you, an open ending can be frustrating if there's no hint of a sequel in the works.
  
  That being said, the performances by the actors were pretty solid, and the costumes were visually appealing. The filmmakers definitely nailed the epic and fairy tale-like atmosphere they were going for. However, I have to point out that the CGI effects were not up to par, particularly during the action scenes. It kind of took away from the overall experience.
  
  So, if I had to rate it, I'd give it a six out of ten. It had its highs and lows, but there's definitely room for improvement. Fingers crossed for a sequel that ties up all those loose ends!

• CoolKwon70

  Overall 6.5

  Story 4,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 6

  Okay, so I gotta get this off my chest. I just watched this movie, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I mean, the visuals are stunning, like seriously top-notch. The whole look and feel of it, from the camera work to the special effects, is just *mwah* perfection. I absolutely fell in love with the world they created. And can we talk about the main character for a sec? Total charmer. Maybe it's just Xiao Zhan's magic, but I was instantly...

  smitten. The way they introduced him had me rooting for him right from the start.
  
  But here's the thing that started to bug me. This guy, the main character, he never really does anything. Stuff just kinda happens to him, and he just goes along with it. It got more and more frustrating as the story went on. And don't even get me started on the other characters. They're barely developed, some of them only show up in the last part of the movie. Seriously, what's up with that?
  
  But my biggest gripe is the plot. Or, should I say, the lack of it. I had to pause the movie halfway through just to figure out what the heck it's supposed to be about. Even then, I was watching and going, "Wait, that's not what's happening, though." I spent the whole movie waiting for the plot to kick in, and it wasn't until the very end that I felt like something was finally happening. Don't get me wrong, the ending left me intrigued for the next movie, but this one just doesn't stand on its own.
  
  Honestly, I think this story would work better as a series than as a movie. I haven't seen the series, but from what I gathered, it seems like there's more potential there. So yeah, fingers crossed for the next movie, but this one left me wanting more. Gotta say, though, those visuals deserve a standing ovation.

• SourGeorge

  Overall 7

  Story 6,  Acting 8,  Music 6.5,  Rewatch Value 5

  In the vast realm of online entertainment, nestled deep within my YouTube recommendations, I stumbled upon a hidden gem. Perhaps the algorithms had caught onto my recent obsession with C-dramas, a consequence of depleting my reserve of episodes from the captivating Untamed series. Curiosity piqued, I delved into this enticing unknown, ready to immerse myself in its world.
  
  The premise was captivatingly simple: a young man named Zhang Xiaofan, burdened by the tragic massacre of his village, finds solace and purpose within the sacred walls of...

  the Qing Yun Sect. Within this esteemed sect, he embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-mastery, hoping to uncover the truth behind his parents' untimely demise. As the summary tantalizingly suggests, Zhang Xiaofan's path takes a treacherous turn when his fury and inner demons consume him, making him the sworn enemy of the Qing Yun Sect.
  
  However, what the summary fails to convey is the cruel trickery of narrative structure. The twist that thrusts Zhang Xiaofan into the clutches of darkness, shattering his aspirations of harmony, is ruthlessly reserved for the final moments. Yes, you read that correctly. Only in the last, fleeting moments of the story do our expectations finally collide with reality. A mischievous twist of fate that leaves us gasping for closure.
  
  Prior to this pivotal climax, the tale unravels in a haphazard fashion, often leaving viewers bewildered and yearning for clarity. Like a riddle without a solution or a tease without a reward, the plot spirals into a realm of confusion, occasionally even provoking frustration. One cannot help but ponder why Zhang Xiaofan's prowess in cultivation fails to evolve over the span of a decade. Was he merely a pawn in the intricate game of destiny, destined to be the male Cinderella of his world? Or did this perceived stagnation serve a deeper purpose, shrouded in subterfuge? Furthermore, the notion of "demonic tendencies" raises questions within our curious minds. To our understanding, his inadvertent encounter with a peculiar stick and a subsequent shedding of his blood seemed more like a fortuitous accident than a conscious choice.
  
  While the intricacies of the story may baffle even the most astute minds, the performances within this enigma remain commendable. The cast delivers their roles with a commendable level of skill, providing moments of brilliance scattered throughout. At times, their portrayal may venture into the realm of exaggeration, but this overtness only serves to emphasize the essence of their characters.
  
  Regrettably, the pacing of the narrative leaves much to be desired. It is an undulating rollercoaster, oscillating between periods of stagnant stillness and frenzied acceleration. The ebb and flow of events struggle to find a harmonious rhythm, resulting in an unsatisfying crescendo that transpires within the final ten minutes. Alas, this is the consequence of attempting to encapsulate the essence of a sprawling episodic series into a condensed movie format, a mere fragment of its intended length.
  
  In conclusion, this enigmatic journey through the Jade Dynasty offers a mosaic of emotions and experiences. It teases with potential, captivates with its performances, and confounds with its storytelling choices. While hindered by its pacing and a sense of narrative disarray, it lingers in the realm of curiosity and intrigue. It ultimately leaves the viewer yearning for more, and contemplative of the delicate dance between light and darkness that dwells within us all.