What an interesting, heart-breaking story. It is a story that shows how gray, corrupt, and unfair the world can be. A world where some have to steal and con to survive, and others steal and con to thrive. Where people who have fallen are used as lower rungs to lift those who selfishly want more than most.
I love how real and dark this story is and how it portrays each side in such a dramatic way.
Tan Jian Ci, once again shows his acting range. He can play a character that towers over everyone and everything then can shrink and lower himself. He has multiple facets and emotions, and I love how he can play such heartwarming, heart wrenching characters.
The FL (Lan Xi Ya) was amazing. Such emotions and determination are shown in her character ... Superb.
i am so confused, are these are TV shows that relate the same story but have different casts?
Short answer yes ...
It is a very long story, told over many, many years in multiple series with different actors playing the same characters. There are prequels, sequels, side stories, and modern remakes. Enough to confuse and intrigue you. I am still confused so I will watch in order that those ... with more knowledge than me ... have suggested. I am enjoying the ride.
This series was 70% very good ... and 30% longwinded and frustrating.
Every time I was about to give up, something would pull me back in. I am glad I finished it ... or more surprised because the struggle was real.
Cast ... Very, very good. Characters ... They were well written. Enough information to empathize and enjoy their stories. The ML was perfectly cast and did an amazing job. Side characters/seconds ... They were all great to watch. Cinematography/fight scenes ... Very good. Story/plot ... Good but not great. It was filmed in such a drawn out, and frustrating way that it made it almost painful to watch ... at times.
The story was good, and the actors did a great job, but it should have been cut to 8 episodes; that would help with pace, purposeful angst and anticipation. The comedy with the side/second characters really elevated this show. The fight scenes were very nice to watch, gritty and at times brutal but came with a lot of satisfaction.
Because of the forced frustration and drawing out of unnecessary scenes ... my rating dropped to an 8.
Copied from S1 review as they are basically the same show. S1 &S2: Both seasons had a touch of good, but they were not satisfying. I did enjoy the grit and the action but sadly that did not make up for the unforgivable tropes, unexplainable angst and its inability for me to trust and have expectations and hope for the protagonists.
I loved all the actors, seconds, and sides. I enjoyed the characters ... to some extent, but they were shallow, and it was hard to feel any long-lasting affection/empathy. Lee Dong Wook was the ML or just a hook to pull us in? He was absent for most of the show. The FLs actor was great, and her character was believable, but I didn't connect with her. CGI and the fight scenes were very nice to watch. The OST suited both seasons. Chemistry was OK. The Leads relationship didn't make sense; I am assuming it was because the ML was absent for most of the show, so I was not able to piece together this ‘bond’. The emotions the FL had ... were not enough. Her reactions were not enough.
Instead of organized chaos, it was an experienced mess. I understand it was a ‘real-life’ people and scenarios situation instead of a highly trained, professional, extremely gifted team of fighters, and that things were not as perfectly timed, thought out, prepared and executed, but it was so frustrating. I struggled to complete each of the seasons.
Season 1: Stitching together of scenes ... the ‘back and forth’ made it hard to enjoy. You dive into one scene, become invested and enjoy the momentum to then be pulled out and made to feel and experience something entirely different. I understand there are times when this is needed, and that can lead to a more exciting show, but it was too often. The second season had less of this, so it had more of a flow.
Season 2: The frustration was even more so in the second season. In one scene you expect me to believe the characters were seasoned assassins yet in the next, they would succumb so easily. Prep time and quality of prep was curiously absent and did not make sense. Rookies/citizens seem to be more competent to escape a barrage of bullets and grenades than those who were specialized veterans. I get it ... I really do ... but I just got frustrated and really, really wanted satisfaction, just throw me a bone every now and then. I did a lot of eye rolling.
All in all, I was not satisfied.
On a side note ... How hard is it to double tap? So many situations would have been avoided with a simple double tap. Are trained professionals not aware of this?
S1 &S2: This might hurt ... Both seasons had a touch of good, but they were not satisfying. I did enjoy the grit and the action but sadly that did not make up for the unforgivable tropes, unexplainable angst and its inability for me to trust and have expectations and hope for the protagonists.
I loved all the actors, seconds, and sides. I enjoyed the characters ... to some extent, but they were shallow, and it was hard to feel any long-lasting affection/empathy. Lee Dong Wook was the ML or just a hook to pull us in? He was absent for most of the show. The FLs actor was great, and her character was believable, but I didn't connect with her. CGI and the fight scenes were very nice to watch. The OST suited both seasons. Chemistry was OK. The Leads relationship didn't make sense; I am assuming it was because the ML was absent for most of the show, so I was not able to piece together this ‘bond’. The emotions the FL had ... were not enough. Her reactions were not enough.
Instead of organized chaos, it was an experienced mess. I understand it was a ‘real-life’ people and scenarios situation instead of a highly trained, professional, extremely gifted team of fighters, and that things were not as perfectly timed, thought out, prepared and executed, but it was so frustrating. I struggled to complete each of the seasons.
Season 1: Stitching together of scenes ... the ‘back and forth’ made it hard to enjoy. You dive into one scene, become invested and enjoy the momentum to then be pulled out and made to feel and experience something entirely different. I understand there are times when this is needed, and that can lead to a more exciting show, but it was too often. The second season had less of this, so it had more of a flow.
Season 2: The frustration was even more so in the second season. In one scene you expect me to believe the characters were seasoned assassins yet in the next, they would succumb so easily. Prep time and quality of prep was curiously absent and did not make sense. Rookies/citizens seem to be more competent to escape a barrage of bullets and grenades than those who were specialized veterans. I get it ... I really do ... but I just got frustrated and really, really wanted satisfaction, just throw me a bone every now and then. I did a lot of eye rolling.
All in all, I was not satisfied.
On a side note ... How hard is it to double tap? So many situations would have been avoided with a simple double tap. Are trained professionals not aware of this?
This was a delight. This is my second watch. It is light and funny. It has a great premise/plot line and is an easy, cute watch.
Actors ... Fantastic. Characters ... Loveable. OST ... Sweet. Storyline/plot ... Different and as I say, different is good.
This show is not that deep, but it is light and enjoyable. The characters showed growth and were interesting enough to make you feel and empathize with them.
The side characters were also entertaining, and each storyline was compelling albeit a little shallow, but that suited this type of series.
As someone who has experience with Aspergers Syndrome (now called high Functioning Autism) ... I felt the FLs’ portrayal was accurate for her character, so it was not frustrating. The MLs’ character was beautiful although he seemed to have little screen time.
I have watched this a couple of times now and enjoyed it each time. Unfortunately, there were the usual unnecessary…
The ending was infuriating. I understand why they had the ending the way they did, but the whole show revolved around the MLs' willingness and sacrificial life to keep the FL safe, yet he walked away from her. Knowing she was very fragile, mentally a wreck ... he walked away and put her through hell. I found that he was extremely selfish and the characters' growth, which was amazing up to then, went downhill and made me lose respect.
Please just end a show ... you don't need to carry on, just end it. We did not need to see all the rubbish at the end. It ultimately ruined a perfectly good show.
I have watched this a couple of times now and enjoyed it each time. Unfortunately, there were the usual unnecessary story/plot points and misunderstandings. We deserve more but sadly these shows, and those who produce them still feel that we do not deserve authenticity.
Cast ... Very good. Characters... So many flaws but that is human nature although sometimes they were nonsensical. Storyline/plot ... It was a relatively new concept so that is great, but things took a wrong turn at the end. Quality ... Pretty good. Side characters ... Entertaining giving the show some comedic relief. Character growth ... Hmmmm
Very enjoyable. I have started this ride and I am all in.
- Cast ... Perfect for their roles. I enjoyed each and every one of them. - Characters ... These characters were written so well, deep, and charismatic. - OST ... Very good. - Cinematography ... Beautiful with a smooth flow. - Choreography/fight scenes ... Delightful. This alone would make me re-watch. - Storyline ... This is a maze with many roads, yet the stories hold their own. I enjoyed this series; it was compelling and had enough content and details to hook you and make you want to continue the journey.
Halfway through I started to doubt the characters, plot and even my sanity ... but I am glad I stuck with it as the story unraveled and my curiosity led me to the end.
After watching Time Raiders I decided to go back and watch this one. Now the next on my list ... The Lost Tomb 2 (2019)
Surprisingly good. The actors were great. I don't normally watch short series, but the dynamic cast and the chemistry between the two ML, made it one that I could not miss.
The music was nice Production was decent Story line was a little strange but had a flow It was less jumpy than other short stories Ending was predictable but OK
I really enjoyed this. I was able to complete this easily ... and in one day. I was exhausted watching this show. The amount of running and yelling as well as repeatedly running in circles while getting their butts kicked ... exhausting but so very entertaining.
Actors ... Nice.
Characters ...There was mystery and intrigue which made you want to know more. Each character was deep enough to entice you. With the knowledge that this is a vast universe, it was understandable that some characters were left unexplained.
OST ... was excellent when it needed to be and sat nicely in the background when it was not needed.
Chemistry ... Was great. Characters that only show up occasionally still made an impact on the story due to the chemistry they had with the others.
Storyline/plot ... This is a large universe so it will eventually unravel. This series felt like it wrapped itself up nicely and explained enough to not be frustrating. This particular series had a focused plot, and it stuck to it.
Graphics/CGI ... was not great but made little impact on the story.
This is a long and winding road, and I will try to walk it ... I am not sure if I am on the right path, but I will jump headfirst:
The adjusted list from user Dramaworldtraveler
0. The Mystic Nine — The past which sets the stage. 1. Time Raiders – (I read that this can replace watching The Lost Tomb 1 and 2) 2. The Lost Tomb - Wu Xie’s first adventure. (I will skip) 3. The Lost Tomb 2 - underwater tomb in Parcel Islands. (Do not need to watch this but I will watch it anyway because of the actors) 4. Ultimate Note - investigates the Parcel Island expedition. 5. Explore with the Note - glacial tomb / Changbai Palace. 6. Adventure Behind the Bronze Door - bridges to later era. 7. Tomb of the Sea - older Wu Xie mentoring Li Cu.. 8. Reunion: The Sound of the Providence - Wu Xie’s final chapter.
This show is breathtaking. The characters are heartbreaking. The story is unique and meaningful and above most others. It is complex and the characters will fill you with every emotion while you get swept up in each and every one of them.
Each character, whether it is the leads, supporting or even side characters, has been written with such depth and meaning that they impact your soul. They pull you in to their joy and sorrow and make you feel their journey.
This is the second time I have watched this and I will watch it again ... when I need to see and feel such comradery, love and friendships to lift even the lowest of spirits.
Finishing this show will leave you with deep sorrow because the journey has finished. You endured the pain and tireless sacrifices that were made along the way and yet, you want to see more, feel more ... and re-watch repeatedly.
welcome to the decade of bad cdramas and the ones we cannot watch with a straight face 😑 cuz it’s bad out…
Agreed. I have been re-watching my favourite shows. Every new show I try to watch . . . just horrible. I have also started watching more Kdramas and have been enjoying them.
Overall, it is a very nice series. This is the third time I have watched this. Actors ... Most were very good.…
I really enjoyed this show and the chemistry between FL and ML was lovely. They played their roles very well and the emotions they gave suited the story and progression. The second ML was lovely to watch, albeit painful. His acting was superb and I could empathize with him and feel his frustration. His regression into insanity was believable. The other supporting roles were OK but a tad boring. The comedy was great, not too much, but the timing was done well.
The only downside to this series was the FLs character. Wow was she annoying, I get she was playing a certain manipulation game, but her voice actually hurt my ears. When the ML told her to talk properly ... I was yelling inside my head ... YES!! PLEASE TALK PROPERLY! PLEASE!
Growth, this was a hard one, I didn't feel ‘growth’ but saw change ... I guess it is similar, but it is hard for me to explain. I don't think this series called for growth, more acceptance, and reliance. This is ‘rewatchable’, but the end is a bit boring.
On a side note, the kitty cat and dragon ... LOVE THEM!
Overall, it is a very nice series. This is the third time I have watched this. Actors ... Most were very good. Characters ... I was able to feel a lot of the characters and have an emotional connection with them. OST ... lovely. Storyline ... Actually, pretty good. It is nice to see something different. CGI ... Was not great. Fight scenes ... Good, sometimes very good. Thoughts below ...
Oh, how I tried ... This is a typical romance drama. Starts off with a group of young friends then for some reason,…
The connection didn't work for me. They were too young; they did not build the friendship enough to result in feelings that deep, I could not feel the emotion. The FL just came across as obsessive, stalker type. The child actors are very good, and they all have great friend chemistry, but I think the flashbacks were a little too much. It was boring. Perhaps a bit of comedy would have helped, but there was nothing funny about this show. The parent being ridiculously overbearing was unrealistic. To threaten families ... so her child can have better grades, really needs to think up better story lines. This forced angst gets tiring. But maybe it is a cultural thing, and it is a little hard for me to understand. The reverse roles were different; I guess, but still the chemistry fell flat.
I love how real and dark this story is and how it portrays each side in such a dramatic way.
Tan Jian Ci, once again shows his acting range. He can play a character that towers over everyone and everything then can shrink and lower himself. He has multiple facets and emotions, and I love how he can play such heartwarming, heart wrenching characters.
The FL (Lan Xi Ya) was amazing. Such emotions and determination are shown in her character ... Superb.
It is a very long story, told over many, many years in multiple series with different actors playing the same characters. There are prequels, sequels, side stories, and modern remakes. Enough to confuse and intrigue you. I am still confused so I will watch in order that those ... with more knowledge than me ... have suggested. I am enjoying the ride.
Every time I was about to give up, something would pull me back in. I am glad I finished it ... or more surprised because the struggle was real.
Cast ... Very, very good.
Characters ... They were well written. Enough information to empathize and enjoy their stories. The ML was perfectly cast and did an amazing job.
Side characters/seconds ... They were all great to watch.
Cinematography/fight scenes ... Very good.
Story/plot ... Good but not great. It was filmed in such a drawn out, and frustrating way that it made it almost painful to watch ... at times.
The story was good, and the actors did a great job, but it should have been cut to 8 episodes; that would help with pace, purposeful angst and anticipation. The comedy with the side/second characters really elevated this show. The fight scenes were very nice to watch, gritty and at times brutal but came with a lot of satisfaction.
Because of the forced frustration and drawing out of unnecessary scenes ... my rating dropped to an 8.
S1 &S2:
Both seasons had a touch of good, but they were not satisfying. I did enjoy the grit and the action but sadly that did not make up for the unforgivable tropes, unexplainable angst and its inability for me to trust and have expectations and hope for the protagonists.
I loved all the actors, seconds, and sides.
I enjoyed the characters ... to some extent, but they were shallow, and it was hard to feel any long-lasting affection/empathy.
Lee Dong Wook was the ML or just a hook to pull us in? He was absent for most of the show.
The FLs actor was great, and her character was believable, but I didn't connect with her.
CGI and the fight scenes were very nice to watch.
The OST suited both seasons.
Chemistry was OK. The Leads relationship didn't make sense; I am assuming it was because the ML was absent for most of the show, so I was not able to piece together this ‘bond’. The emotions the FL had ... were not enough. Her reactions were not enough.
Instead of organized chaos, it was an experienced mess. I understand it was a ‘real-life’ people and scenarios situation instead of a highly trained, professional, extremely gifted team of fighters, and that things were not as perfectly timed, thought out, prepared and executed, but it was so frustrating. I struggled to complete each of the seasons.
Season 1: Stitching together of scenes ... the ‘back and forth’ made it hard to enjoy. You dive into one scene, become invested and enjoy the momentum to then be pulled out and made to feel and experience something entirely different. I understand there are times when this is needed, and that can lead to a more exciting show, but it was too often. The second season had less of this, so it had more of a flow.
Season 2: The frustration was even more so in the second season. In one scene you expect me to believe the characters were seasoned assassins yet in the next, they would succumb so easily. Prep time and quality of prep was curiously absent and did not make sense. Rookies/citizens seem to be more competent to escape a barrage of bullets and grenades than those who were specialized veterans. I get it ... I really do ... but I just got frustrated and really, really wanted satisfaction, just throw me a bone every now and then. I did a lot of eye rolling.
All in all, I was not satisfied.
On a side note ... How hard is it to double tap? So many situations would have been avoided with a simple double tap. Are trained professionals not aware of this?
Both seasons had a touch of good, but they were not satisfying. I did enjoy the grit and the action but sadly that did not make up for the unforgivable tropes, unexplainable angst and its inability for me to trust and have expectations and hope for the protagonists.
I loved all the actors, seconds, and sides.
I enjoyed the characters ... to some extent, but they were shallow, and it was hard to feel any long-lasting affection/empathy.
Lee Dong Wook was the ML or just a hook to pull us in? He was absent for most of the show.
The FLs actor was great, and her character was believable, but I didn't connect with her.
CGI and the fight scenes were very nice to watch.
The OST suited both seasons.
Chemistry was OK. The Leads relationship didn't make sense; I am assuming it was because the ML was absent for most of the show, so I was not able to piece together this ‘bond’. The emotions the FL had ... were not enough. Her reactions were not enough.
Instead of organized chaos, it was an experienced mess. I understand it was a ‘real-life’ people and scenarios situation instead of a highly trained, professional, extremely gifted team of fighters, and that things were not as perfectly timed, thought out, prepared and executed, but it was so frustrating. I struggled to complete each of the seasons.
Season 1: Stitching together of scenes ... the ‘back and forth’ made it hard to enjoy. You dive into one scene, become invested and enjoy the momentum to then be pulled out and made to feel and experience something entirely different. I understand there are times when this is needed, and that can lead to a more exciting show, but it was too often. The second season had less of this, so it had more of a flow.
Season 2: The frustration was even more so in the second season. In one scene you expect me to believe the characters were seasoned assassins yet in the next, they would succumb so easily. Prep time and quality of prep was curiously absent and did not make sense. Rookies/citizens seem to be more competent to escape a barrage of bullets and grenades than those who were specialized veterans. I get it ... I really do ... but I just got frustrated and really, really wanted satisfaction, just throw me a bone every now and then. I did a lot of eye rolling.
All in all, I was not satisfied.
On a side note ... How hard is it to double tap? So many situations would have been avoided with a simple double tap. Are trained professionals not aware of this?
It is light and funny. It has a great premise/plot line and is an easy, cute watch.
Actors ... Fantastic.
Characters ... Loveable.
OST ... Sweet.
Storyline/plot ... Different and as I say, different is good.
This show is not that deep, but it is light and enjoyable. The characters showed growth and were interesting enough to make you feel and empathize with them.
The side characters were also entertaining, and each storyline was compelling albeit a little shallow, but that suited this type of series.
As someone who has experience with Aspergers Syndrome (now called high Functioning Autism) ... I felt the FLs’ portrayal was accurate for her character, so it was not frustrating. The MLs’ character was beautiful although he seemed to have little screen time.
Please just end a show ... you don't need to carry on, just end it. We did not need to see all the rubbish at the end. It ultimately ruined a perfectly good show.
Unfortunately, there were the usual unnecessary story/plot points and misunderstandings. We deserve more but sadly these shows, and those who produce them still feel that we do not deserve authenticity.
Cast ... Very good.
Characters... So many flaws but that is human nature although sometimes they were nonsensical.
Storyline/plot ... It was a relatively new concept so that is great, but things took a wrong turn at the end.
Quality ... Pretty good.
Side characters ... Entertaining giving the show some comedic relief.
Character growth ... Hmmmm
What went wrong ...
- Cast ... Perfect for their roles. I enjoyed each and every one of them.
- Characters ... These characters were written so well, deep, and charismatic.
- OST ... Very good.
- Cinematography ... Beautiful with a smooth flow.
- Choreography/fight scenes ... Delightful. This alone would make me re-watch.
- Storyline ... This is a maze with many roads, yet the stories hold their own. I enjoyed this series; it was compelling and had enough content and details to hook you and make you want to continue the journey.
Halfway through I started to doubt the characters, plot and even my sanity ... but I am glad I stuck with it as the story unraveled and my curiosity led me to the end.
After watching Time Raiders I decided to go back and watch this one. Now the next on my list ... The Lost Tomb 2 (2019)
The actors were great. I don't normally watch short series, but the dynamic cast and the chemistry between the two ML, made it one that I could not miss.
The music was nice
Production was decent
Story line was a little strange but had a flow
It was less jumpy than other short stories
Ending was predictable but OK
Actors ... Nice.
Characters ...There was mystery and intrigue which made you want to know more. Each character was deep enough to entice you. With the knowledge that this is a vast universe, it was understandable that some characters were left unexplained.
OST ... was excellent when it needed to be and sat nicely in the background when it was not needed.
Chemistry ... Was great. Characters that only show up occasionally still made an impact on the story due to the chemistry they had with the others.
Storyline/plot ... This is a large universe so it will eventually unravel. This series felt like it wrapped itself up nicely and explained enough to not be frustrating. This particular series had a focused plot, and it stuck to it.
Graphics/CGI ... was not great but made little impact on the story.
This is a long and winding road, and I will try to walk it ... I am not sure if I am on the right path, but I will jump headfirst:
The adjusted list from user Dramaworldtraveler
0. The Mystic Nine — The past which sets the stage.
1. Time Raiders – (I read that this can replace watching The Lost Tomb 1 and 2)
2. The Lost Tomb - Wu Xie’s first adventure. (I will skip)
3. The Lost Tomb 2 - underwater tomb in Parcel Islands. (Do not need to watch this but I will watch it anyway because of the actors)
4. Ultimate Note - investigates the Parcel Island expedition.
5. Explore with the Note - glacial tomb / Changbai Palace.
6. Adventure Behind the Bronze Door - bridges to later era.
7. Tomb of the Sea - older Wu Xie mentoring Li Cu..
8. Reunion: The Sound of the Providence - Wu Xie’s final chapter.
I can’t wait to continue this journey.
Actors ... Perfection
Acting ... Beautiful
OST ... Remarkable
Chemistry ... Beyond words
Re-watch value ... Definitely
Choreography ... Stunning
Graphics ... Amazing
Each character, whether it is the leads, supporting or even side characters, has been written with such depth and meaning that they impact your soul. They pull you in to their joy and sorrow and make you feel their journey.
This is the second time I have watched this and I will watch it again ... when I need to see and feel such comradery, love and friendships to lift even the lowest of spirits.
Finishing this show will leave you with deep sorrow because the journey has finished. You endured the pain and tireless sacrifices that were made along the way and yet, you want to see more, feel more ... and re-watch repeatedly.
The second ML was lovely to watch, albeit painful. His acting was superb and I could empathize with him and feel his frustration. His regression into insanity was believable.
The other supporting roles were OK but a tad boring.
The comedy was great, not too much, but the timing was done well.
The only downside to this series was the FLs character. Wow was she annoying, I get she was playing a certain manipulation game, but her voice actually hurt my ears. When the ML told her to talk properly ... I was yelling inside my head ... YES!! PLEASE TALK PROPERLY! PLEASE!
Growth, this was a hard one, I didn't feel ‘growth’ but saw change ... I guess it is similar, but it is hard for me to explain. I don't think this series called for growth, more acceptance, and reliance.
This is ‘rewatchable’, but the end is a bit boring.
On a side note, the kitty cat and dragon ... LOVE THEM!
Actors ... Most were very good.
Characters ... I was able to feel a lot of the characters and have an emotional connection with them.
OST ... lovely.
Storyline ... Actually, pretty good. It is nice to see something different.
CGI ... Was not great.
Fight scenes ... Good, sometimes very good.
Thoughts below ...
The child actors are very good, and they all have great friend chemistry, but I think the flashbacks were a little too much.
It was boring. Perhaps a bit of comedy would have helped, but there was nothing funny about this show.
The parent being ridiculously overbearing was unrealistic. To threaten families ... so her child can have better grades, really needs to think up better story lines. This forced angst gets tiring. But maybe it is a cultural thing, and it is a little hard for me to understand.
The reverse roles were different; I guess, but still the chemistry fell flat.