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山海经：Fangs of Fortune’s Endlessly Burning Roots in The Ancient Classic
THE ORIGIN IN THE CLASSIC OF MOUNTAINS AND SEAS
Unfortunately this very important detail is overlooked in many critical reviews.
Any kind soul who ever laid their eyes on the book(s) FoF is based on, called 山海经（ “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”），they will know how extremely utterly dark the content of the stories in there are; FoF only covered a handful of its stories/creatures. (We usually read texts in classical chinese, but there must be some translations online for you to do some research on and understand the root of FoF.)
I don’t even want to imagine how difficult it must have been to develop an entire script based on this ancient classic. Also to know which creatures, like the demons and their roots and nature, should be thematized; also the brainstorming of which plot could work in such a chaotic environment. My head starts spinning already even when I am just trying to come up with a coherent script for a capturing and comprehensive story evolving around the great 山海经.
Based on this information and what I have learned and read so far, I am truly impressed and will think about FANGS OF FORTUNE for a long time. The series has many deep and meaningful messages that it shares with the audience, which are not only inspired by the classic but also applicable to our everyday life. (f.e.: depression, guilt).
ACTORS; THEIR SCREENTIME
This one is frustrating. I enjoyed the acting itself A LOT, I’m a big enthusiast for vivid and expressive emotions, as they help to convey the feeling to me, who is part of a wider audience.
BUT the director really messed up the screentime of Neo and Dudu, which was needed to make FoF even more powerful in its writing. Here is where I want and have to deduct a few points because I don’t find it understandable to give such powerful characters such flawed scripts + that ending speed, just frustrating…- but fortunately the deep bonds and the acting saved this shortcoming somehow.
RECOMMENDATION
The implementation of the complex ancient classic stories and creatures is very much appreciated, but would I personally recommend it?
I highly recommend Fangs of Fortune to anyone who is interested in traditional chinese mythology and culture, as well as the highlight of a unique team growing into wiser and more skilled individuals, forming deep (!!!) bonds along the way.
Fangs Of Fortune is NOT recommended to anyone who is here for lighthearted action, a very present bittersweet romance and a happy ending.
Unfortunately this very important detail is overlooked in many critical reviews.
Any kind soul who ever laid their eyes on the book(s) FoF is based on, called 山海经（ “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”），they will know how extremely utterly dark the content of the stories in there are; FoF only covered a handful of its stories/creatures. (We usually read texts in classical chinese, but there must be some translations online for you to do some research on and understand the root of FoF.)
I don’t even want to imagine how difficult it must have been to develop an entire script based on this ancient classic. Also to know which creatures, like the demons and their roots and nature, should be thematized; also the brainstorming of which plot could work in such a chaotic environment. My head starts spinning already even when I am just trying to come up with a coherent script for a capturing and comprehensive story evolving around the great 山海经.
Based on this information and what I have learned and read so far, I am truly impressed and will think about FANGS OF FORTUNE for a long time. The series has many deep and meaningful messages that it shares with the audience, which are not only inspired by the classic but also applicable to our everyday life. (f.e.: depression, guilt).
ACTORS; THEIR SCREENTIME
This one is frustrating. I enjoyed the acting itself A LOT, I’m a big enthusiast for vivid and expressive emotions, as they help to convey the feeling to me, who is part of a wider audience.
BUT the director really messed up the screentime of Neo and Dudu, which was needed to make FoF even more powerful in its writing. Here is where I want and have to deduct a few points because I don’t find it understandable to give such powerful characters such flawed scripts + that ending speed, just frustrating…- but fortunately the deep bonds and the acting saved this shortcoming somehow.
RECOMMENDATION
The implementation of the complex ancient classic stories and creatures is very much appreciated, but would I personally recommend it?
I highly recommend Fangs of Fortune to anyone who is interested in traditional chinese mythology and culture, as well as the highlight of a unique team growing into wiser and more skilled individuals, forming deep (!!!) bonds along the way.
Fangs Of Fortune is NOT recommended to anyone who is here for lighthearted action, a very present bittersweet romance and a happy ending.
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