Ghost Blows Lamp has tormented me countless times, yet I still treat it like my first love! I've been accompanying this new version of the Iron Triangle for four installments over three years without even realizing it. It's not true to say that I have no emotional attachment. With the added difficulty of filming the "only water-based adventure" and the sentiment of it possibly being the "last installment," I can't bear to be too harsh. Fortunately, this season starts off with the same level of quality in the South China Sea. The witty banter, the sense of adventure into the unknown—those elements are all there. And, Hu Ba Yi has slimmed down! Shirley Yang looks more beautiful! Wang Chubby has become rounder! What more could we ask for!
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Jingtingshan1 year ago rating:9.8
I have almost watched all the Ghost Blows Out the Light series (you can check my previous long review), and my liking for the Iron Triangle, especially after Longling, is particularly evident. From the few episodes I've seen so far, it feels familiar. The witty banter between the old comrades-in-arms adds to the sense of rapport, and they all seem to have improved their condition (especially Lao Pan, he has lost so much weight!). It seems like this production has been quite demanding. I used to think that this series might not make it to the screen, but unexpectedly, it made a sudden appearance. Only heaven knows what price was paid for this elevation, but it's great that it managed to go online according to the schedule. I beg everyone to be more forgiving; it's been so tough! Lastly, I want to emphasize that being able to consistently update and create a fixed main cast in mainland China is something we, especially the Iron Triangle, have been eagerly anticipating.
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unique1 year ago rating:9.9
At the beginning, when the three characters started their witty banter, I knew it was my beloved "Ghost Blows Out the Light" coming back. After watching various adaptations, this version still captures the essence the best. Teacher Pan's weight loss adds even more spirit to Hu Ba Yi's character.
WayneZyx®1 year ago rating:8
Thankfully it's airing, but reducing each episode to 30 minutes cuts off a significant amount of time. It feels like a lot has been removed and polished, taking away some of the complexity and imagination of the original text. I hope the special effects and scenes can be preserved and restored as much as possible. Watching dramas on online platforms can be quite frustrating. The first three episodes have been completely obfuscating, but I can still enjoy the interactions between the core trio. Please update more quickly!
Brittany1 year ago rating:9.6
It's great, this season has really impressive special effects, especially the water effects, which are difficult to achieve. I didn't believe it when they said they optimized the special effects before, but now it's clear that they put a lot of effort into them. The trio of main characters is excellent, and the actor who plays Gu Cai is quite handsome. I wonder if there will be another season in this series.
OtterXiTo1 year ago rating:6.2
I have watched three episodes so far, and my overall sensory experience isn't great. Firstly, each episode feels rushed, with casual banter and flirtation passing by in just one episode. My sunflower seeds haven't even had time to warm up, and that's where the contradiction lies—the pacing is fast, but the crucial background is weak. Secondly, the creative team's performance is deteriorating with each season. This season, they have completely lost control of their image management and vitality (is it because anyone involved in tomb-raiding ends up looking so lifeless and uninspired? ). Thirdly, the characters are overly stereotypical. The portrayal of the chubby character seems to have been done without much thought, following the same old formula, and the traces of performance become increasingly apparent. Chubby character equals greed and lechery. Hu Ba Yi's acting feels effortless, like he's not putting in any effort at all. Fourthly, the set design is distracting. It's easy to spot green screen compositing, and the depth of field, color grading, and lighting for the characters all feel incredibly artificial. Fifthly, the script feels too childish, like a playful gimmick. It relies on a few lines of divination, tomb-raiding jargon, and background music to create a hint of the tomb-raiding genre. Everything else seems to be a mishmash of fooling around, romantic entanglements, forced Hong Kong-style accents, Beijing dialect, Southeast Asian dialects, and awkward English s by the priestess. It's too disjointed. Lastly, the scene where they sail out to sea keeps reminding me of the Black Pearl... This is my current impression. I'll see how it progresses in the upcoming episodes and then revise my rating.
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I'm Really Sad1 year ago rating:8.8
As I watched episode after episode, I couldn't help but feel moved by the synergy of the trio. They have been through ups and downs within the show, and we have been watching them for so many years outside of it. Even after watching the first few episodes of this new season, it still captures that essence. Just knowing that the original cast and crew are still involved is reason enough for me to continue following it.
ScholarDabbler1 year ago rating:8.8
I can't really judge the quality from just three episodes, but the special effects are decent. It's purely fueled by my nostalgic attachment to this IP that I've been following for the past few years in college. To be honest, I'm somewhat disappointed. Originally, each episode was supposed to be 45 minutes long, but in the first two episodes, they cut out everything except for the first minute and the last two minutes, resulting in each episode being less than 27 minutes...
Apart from that, it seems they made some abrupt and strange edits in certain scenes, possibly for the sake of passing censorship. I suggest that after the series is aired, they release an uncut international version. I want to see the original version!
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AugustFish1 year ago rating:9.8
Supporting the actor who plays Gu Cai. He's a young actor and a veteran soldier, with no moral issues whatsoever. He has been maliciously attacked and targeted in hot searches for the past two months. Regarding this matter, I hope everyone can maintain a clear understanding. The malicious ratings truly disgust me.
Chilled Watermelon Orange.1 year ago rating:9.2
The visual effects are not disappointing. The stunning visual effects and oceanic landscapes make you feel like you're in a magnificent sea. Although I already had a fondness for the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" series before, this season truly impressed me. It's so refreshing to have daily updates.
WhyTenThousand1 year ago rating:9.9
I didn't expect it to be so good before I started watching. The combination of Da Zui and Teacher Pan is excellent. It has plenty of humor. Zhang Yu Qi's appearance is still top-notch after all these years. The director truly knows how to create an atmospheric feel, and it always gives me a shiver down my spine.
Rugged1 year ago rating:9.4
Shirley Yang's short hair is so cool, highlighting her capable demeanor even more. It even gives off a unisex charm. The emotional journey between her and Hu Ba Yi adds a touch of tenderness to her character. Zhang Yu Qi's performance is truly remarkable.
EnigmaSeeker1 year ago rating:9.6
Playing with the meme online, "You're already so flirtatious in just the second episode," "She didn't even appear in the first episode." You truly live up to your reputation! Aside from occasional humor, the entire drama maintains its intense, thrilling, and mysteriously captivating pace from before. I can't wait to uncover the secrets of the Coral Spiral and the Ruins of Return.
Hangain1 year ago rating:9.4
Chinese-style maritime adventure! The clever fusion of Emperor Qin's immortal exploration and the ancient underwater kingdom creates a rich Chinese atmosphere. Especially the "Ghost Ship," it exceeded my expectations. The ever-changing sea storms, and the intense collision scene had me holding my breath throughout. It was thrilling!
SweepAll1 year ago rating:6.6
The first three episodes were quite mediocre. The special effects still look so plastic, despite the occasional short duration being a positive. The romantic scenes between these two are really awkward to watch. The suspense part feels like there's a rat, and it turns out they actually brought in a few supporting actors who perform like robots.
The ghost ship part was passable at best. Otherwise, it would be a two-star rating.
DistantAway1 year ago rating:7.1
From beginning to end, it's a classic that ends in regret. It's good, but it's impossible for Tencent not to include advertisements in such a big film and TV IP. They cut it down to thirty minutes per episode, removing the unnecessary parts, but it couldn't achieve a tightly-knit storyline. Every time I hear the ending song, I feel disheartened. The lyrics and melody no longer possess the grandeur I felt when watching "The Lost Tomb" and "Mystic Nine" back then.
Although it's true that water scenes are difficult to shoot, with large-scale scenes and special effects falling behind, and the level of action difficulty not on par with "Kunlun Mountains," the root issue lies in the scarcity of action actors and directors in China. I've grown tired of the emotional scenes in "Kunlun Mountains," and I no longer have high expectations for "South Sea." It's still the same iron triangle, the established habits of the characters in the drama, and that's quite satisfying. Let's just enjoy the humor in the screenshots and use the banner of materialism to counter the supernatural.
Unfortunately, with the halt of the adaptation of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" into a film and TV series, the quality of adventure films will experience a cliff-like decline.
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Priest1 year ago rating:8.9
Zhang Yu Qi looks stunning with short hair! I couldn't take my eyes off her, except when I was staring at the hot pot. The opening scene, with candlelight and walking through the wooden corridor, creates a Chinese-style horror atmosphere that instantly grabs your attention. The various details in the opening scene have me eagerly anticipating the development of the storyline. The interior, including the Chinese-style furniture and various small props, are meticulously arranged. Watching everyone enjoy the hot pot and cook the lamb slices made my mouth water. I learned how to grab a plateful of rolled meat with just one chopstick! I also loved the scene where they went to find a suitable boat. The music score is fantastic too!
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ShadowCompanion1 year ago rating:6.4
After watching four episodes, I don't have any particular anticipation for what's to come. The plot feels random, the special effects feel random, and the performances feel random. It's no wonder my memories of several previous dramas are so poor. None of these aspects are terrible, but what's truly awful is the advertisements that Tencent inserts midway through. They really disrupt the viewing experience!
Yanbai1 year ago rating:7.4
I never expected that, in the year 2023, the editing and special effects would still be stuck at the level of the early 2000s. The ancestral artistry of the Ghost Blows Out the Light series—strange accents and perpetually mismatched lip-syncing—has been faithfully preserved. Pan Laoshi, go back and make White Night 2, la la la la la la la la la~~ Don't make me beg you.
TanQingQiu1 year ago rating:5.5
Watching the latest episode, episode eight, Hu Ba Yi's character took a significant intelligence dive. I didn't expect the Fat version's character to crumble as well. The plot is chaotic and lacks logic. I ended up rewatching the second installment, "The Lost Tomb: The Wrath of The Sea," and without comparison, there is no harm. That installment was intense throughout, while this one feels like kids playing house. It lacks persuasiveness, and each scene feels disjointed. They should change the director quickly. If it's the same director, it's better not to make it at all.
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RainySunshine.1 year ago rating:9.6
I've always had a preference for rare and interesting themes in domestic productions. I also really like the cast, and Ming Shu adds a lot of color to this drama. The banter between them and the chubby character is hilarious. It's even better than the previous two installments. The visual effects are well-done, and it's making my thalassophobia act up. I really hope they keep making more and more of these.
BreezyFlow1 year ago rating:6.2
I'm a bit disappointed after watching five episodes. Each episode is only 30 minutes long, and it feels fragmented. They didn't explain the various background details about Nanhai Gui Xu clearly, and the atmosphere wasn't properly set before they set sail. The impression wasn't great, starting from the hot pot scene in the first episode. The forced humor is particularly detrimental, and the energy of the main actors seems slightly diminished. The romantic scenes are too verbose, making it feel dragging. I'll try to finish watching it, and if the subsequent plot improves, I might reconsider my rating. After all, it's the ultimate chapter, and perhaps my expectations were too high.
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RiverSage1 year ago rating:9.9
I really love Wang Pangzi's "comrade-like" friendship with Hu Ba Yi. They are like brothers who are always on the same page. Whatever decision Lao Hu makes, Pangzi supports him wholeheartedly. This unwavering loyalty and unbreakable bond rival even the power of love.
Totoro1 year ago rating:5.5
Let's talk about the sponsorships and advertisements we've got so far. Can't the special effects be better? They still look fake... The storyline is also far inferior to the previous installment. It's mostly filled with jokes and gags, completely devolving into a mere entertainment film. I was hoping to see more of their adventurous scenes, but honestly, it's better not to watch. After watching the scenes at sea in episodes six and seven, I can only say that the plot is explosively exaggerated. It's hard to imagine this being a 2023 production; even in 2003, they wouldn't have played it like this. It's incredibly half-hearted, extremely lackluster!
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SpringSummerWalker.1 year ago rating:5.9
Crazy... The fake scenes were exposed at a glance, completely breaking the immersion. The previous installments were not tomb-raiding films; they were forcefully explained as scientific exploration films. But this one completely ruined the pacing and didn't even feel like an adventure anymore. On that shabby ship, with all the poorly edited images, it was incredibly boring. I've watched half of it, and all I see is their constant startled reactions, their petty arguments, and their excessive PDA.
BeanPal sBHS0sXRKk1 year ago rating:5.5
I just can't take it anymore. Let's just say they shouldn't make it anymore. Each time I had expectations, it only led to disappointment. I understand that certain elements might not pass censorship, but it shouldn't be this fragmented. It keeps getting more and more broken, more and more terrible. I'm completely, completely done with the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" series. If there's a rating for negativity, I'd give it -100.
BeanFriend301 year ago rating:5.9
It feels like they made a lot of changes to pass censorship, deleting many plotlines. The lip-syncing is also off, and they waste a lot of time on irrelevant things. The fat character's jokes and the overall style don't match at all. It seems like the tomb-raiding genre is stuck in a bottleneck now: if they want to shoot something eerie, it won't pass censorship, but they are also reluctant to spend a lot of money on special effects. They want to replicate the success of "The Lost Tomb," but they don't have the ability to drastically change the script and make it light-hearted and comedic.
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FlyingPudian1 year ago rating:9.1
I really, really want to tell Ming Shu, "Safety comes first with a thousand roads to choose from." Everyone knows not to drink and drive, but what about drinking while sailing in the open sea? If I were Hu Ba Yi, I would have fainted on the spot. The difference between Ming Shu and C4 is that you can control when C4 explodes, but nobody knows when Ming Shu will unleash a thunderbolt.
CuriousAudience1 year ago rating:5.5
The green screen blurs the edges of the characters. The forced CP (couple pairing) is off-putting. Gu Cai's character in the drama appears older compared to the original work, but Duoling is more visually appealing.
They added some comedic scenes, but it also squeezed the original plot. With around ten to twenty episodes, each episode lasting only about 26 minutes without the opening and ending, it's impossible to cover the subplot of "Nanhai Returning Market" completely. It's destined to be diluted and fragmented.
Critic1231 year ago rating:5.4
The plot design that emphasizes character traits and deliberate cultural differences is extremely foolish. The director and screenwriter can be said to have no skills whatsoever. The blatant copying of scenes from other films and TV dramas, regardless of appropriateness or originality, and the dialogues between characters that do not match their backgrounds, are all major flaws.
Hu Ba Yi's character is forcefully dumbed down, and Shirley Yang's portrayal is accompanied by terrible dialogue design. Not to mention the bizarre timing of laughter. Except for Ming Shu's design, all the characters are portrayed as idiots, making it a strong contender for the worst adaptation of the year.
These shortcomings have nothing to do with the censorship process; they are simply the result of the director and screenwriter's poor skills.
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RR1 year ago rating:6.8
Objective factors, excessive cuts, sloppy writing, exaggerated performances, and an abundance of annoying banter. It feels like they're shooting a parody of Pirates of the Caribbean... It's just too over the top. If this is really how the series ends, it's heartbreaking... Sigh.
CarrotRabbit1 year ago rating:9.7
Compared to the Maze, Insect Valley, and Divine Palace, filming and production in the South Sea presents a whole new level of challenges. There have been few films set in the deep sea realm, so seeing the portrayal of the surface of the sea so far has already relieved my worries. The main course is still underwater, but I have great confidence in it.
HC1 year ago rating:9.9
Oh my, I absolutely love watching it. I can devour three bowls of rice in a single episode. The professionalism in the initial preparation really resonates with my adventurous spirit. As soon as they set sail, they face storms and collisions with three-masted ships. The nautical scenes in this big IP are truly exceptional.
AG1 year ago rating:9.8
The customs of seeking good luck on the ship are very real. Many times, it's about adapting to local customs. Even if you don't believe in it normally, when it comes to critical moments, you'll still temporarily seek divine intervention and abide by it. It's human nature. I'm the same way before exams. (doge)
InsightfulOne1 year ago rating:9.7
Hu, oh Hu, you should be more cautious. How could you let Chen Blindman analyze the divination? Have you forgotten what he initially told you? I always feel like this Hate Heaven Division is setting up some kind of foreshadowing. The screenwriters really know how to keep us on the edge of our seats!
LittleButter1 year ago rating:9.7
I really enjoy this series. Each installment has a relatively complete story and maintains continuity, whether watched as a whole or individually. This one briefly connects to the previous Kunlun storyline and swiftly sets sail for new journeys and adventures. The only thing that remains unchanged is the original "Iron Triangle's" chemistry and warmth, which is truly heartwarming.
FieryDino1 year ago rating:9.9
Finally, a new season is out, with the same talented cast delivering great performances as always. Personally, I'm most interested in the female character Shirley Yang. She's pretty cool and it's evident that along with the main storyline, all the characters have undergone some changes and growth.
GrapeGo1 year ago rating:9.6
The fat guy is no longer the same fat guy. Now he has become an "emotional expert." With him around, Hu Ba Yi and Shirley Yang can't argue anymore. It seems that people who lack practical experience always have a wealth of theories. This character setup is just too familiar.
Nian1 year ago rating:5.3
Watching this drama is purely for amusement. The acting, lines, dubbing, special effects, and camera shots, none of them meet the mark. Pan Yue Ming, who plays four roles in "White Night Chaser," fails to impress in every single one. Whether it's Guan Hongfeng, Guan Hongyu, Guan Hongfeng disguised as Guan Hongyu, or Guan Hongyu disguised as Guan Hongfeng, you can easily distinguish the characters just by the way he raises an eyebrow, furrows his brow, or shrugs his shoulders. It's such a shame that a talented actor like him has been mishandled by this directorial team. Even a dog would shake its head after watching this.
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Sleepy1 year ago rating:6.5
I'm really disappointed. I've been waiting for this drama for a long time. I watched "Dragon Ridge Mystery" first and thought it was really good, so I watched "Yunnan Insect Valley" and "Angry Qing Xiangxi" as well. Maybe my expectations were too high at the beginning. "Kunlun Divine Palace" released last year was already a letdown, but I didn't expect it to get even worse. It feels like it's only in the eighth episode that the story is finally getting started. I'm speechless.
Worldly1 year ago rating:5.2
When I saw the behind-the-scenes footage and realized that the scenes were all green screen composites, I couldn't help but think how lucrative the Chinese film and television industry is. The actors receive million- or even multimillion-dollar paychecks per episode. It seems like they earn money so easily. It's quite difficult to comprehend when celebrities complain about acting being a high-risk and arduous job. Do they really understand what kind of work can be considered truly challenging?
JasmineTea1 year ago rating:5.1
Thank goodness for the ridiculously fake special effects. It's like they used their feet for both the special effects and the scriptwriting. And can Pan Yue Ming please lose some weight? Now even the greasiest male celebrities can continue starring in TV dramas? Don't give me that "acting skills" nonsense. There are so many talented and beautiful actresses out there. Poor Zhang Yu Qi, having to fall in love with a chubby pig...
A234511 year ago rating:9.5
Shufen has been following the drama until the latest episodes, and there have been some modifications and deletions. However, the overall storyline remains understandable. The main direction of searching for the Qin Emperor's ancient mirror has remained unchanged, and important elements like the giant octopus, sea serpent, and mermaid have been preserved. To achieve this level of adaptation, it's already commendable.
Caleb1 year ago rating:6.5
You can't solely blame the editing for everything. Filming underwater is already challenging, but now it feels half-hearted. Gu Cai, the underwater expert, is the biggest flaw. He dives down and brings Hu Ba Yi up in less than 10 seconds, and he remains completely still underwater. If he's that amazing, why does he even need a diving bell?
Felicia.1 year ago rating:6.9
If it weren't for the rarity of this type of adventure drama in China, I wouldn't even give it a rating until I watched the sixth episode. I have no idea what they were doing.
The lack of dialogue is compensated by the intense background music, creating a tense atmosphere. But in reality, there's nothing terrifying or thrilling happening.
The biggest attack power was when Hu Xia went underwater without even being familiar with the structure and usage of a diving bell.
How could someone so cautious act like that? When Gu Cai went down to save Hu Xia, it was like launching a rocket.
I thought I was watching it at five times the speed, whoosh, and they went down and came back up. Who needs a diving bell for that? They're invincible, just like that.
They went down for nothing and almost lost a life. Coming back and saying it was worth it, I ask, worth what?
It feels like the whole cast is written to be foolish. The screenwriters must be making a fortune. Only 16 episodes in total, and they've already wasted six. How satisfying.
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Xiao Jun1 year ago rating:8.1
After waiting through four installments, our beloved couple Hu Ba Yi and Shirley Yang can finally openly express their love. The scene where they name each other at the bow of the ship had me smiling like an aunt. "Spinach Winter" and "Trident" - that's playful banter for you. You've truly won us over, this adorable couple of yours. As viewers, we're also a part of your play!
PebbleLakeCloud1 year ago rating:9.1
I just love the way Shirley Yang speaks, leaving things unsaid and holding back. Hu Ba Yi's thoughts are probably clear to Shirley Yang, but she chooses not to expose them fully, giving Hu Ba Yi some face. After all, his intention is for their future life together. This young couple is getting better and better.
SkyLi1 year ago rating:9.8
The Iron Triangle seems to be growing more alike. Hu Ba Yi and Wang Chubby are learning from Shirley Yang about science, while Shirley Yang, who has always advocated for science, suddenly utters the phrase "taboo." It's a remarkable scene of mutual pursuit and mutual misunderstanding.
SuiSuiNian1 year ago rating:9.5
The sea that humans can explore is so limited. Who knows how many legends and treasures are hidden in the mysterious depths of the ocean? The moment Uncle Chen mentioned the Qin Emperor's Bone-Reflecting Mirror at the beginning, it immediately aroused my obsession with treasures and my longing for the deep sea. The setup was done so well.
Huangqiao Online1 year ago rating:8.1
This version of the Iron Triangle cannot be described merely as having rapport. They truly portrayed the feeling of being a family. The seamless harmony between Lao Hu and Wang Pangzi is incredibly smooth. A single glance tells you exactly what the other is thinking. The connection between them and Xueli Yang is visibly profound. The phrase "our dad" carries so much romance for many adults.
Ghost Blows Lamp has tormented me countless times, yet I still treat it like my first love! I've been accompanying this new version of the Iron Triangle for four installments over three years without even realizing it. It's not true to say that I have no emotional attachment.
With the added difficulty of filming the "only water-based adventure" and the sentiment of it possibly being the "last installment," I can't bear to be too harsh. Fortunately, this season starts off with the same level of quality in the South China Sea.
The witty banter, the sense of adventure into the unknown—those elements are all there. And, Hu Ba Yi has slimmed down! Shirley Yang looks more beautiful! Wang Chubby has become rounder! What more could we ask for!
I have almost watched all the Ghost Blows Out the Light series (you can check my previous long review), and my liking for the Iron Triangle, especially after Longling, is particularly evident. From the few episodes I've seen so far, it feels familiar.
The witty banter between the old comrades-in-arms adds to the sense of rapport, and they all seem to have improved their condition (especially Lao Pan, he has lost so much weight!). It seems like this production has been quite demanding.
I used to think that this series might not make it to the screen, but unexpectedly, it made a sudden appearance. Only heaven knows what price was paid for this elevation, but it's great that it managed to go online according to the schedule.
I beg everyone to be more forgiving; it's been so tough! Lastly, I want to emphasize that being able to consistently update and create a fixed main cast in mainland China is something we, especially the Iron Triangle, have been eagerly anticipating.
At the beginning, when the three characters started their witty banter, I knew it was my beloved "Ghost Blows Out the Light" coming back. After watching various adaptations, this version still captures the essence the best.
Teacher Pan's weight loss adds even more spirit to Hu Ba Yi's character.
Thankfully it's airing, but reducing each episode to 30 minutes cuts off a significant amount of time. It feels like a lot has been removed and polished, taking away some of the complexity and imagination of the original text.
I hope the special effects and scenes can be preserved and restored as much as possible. Watching dramas on online platforms can be quite frustrating. The first three episodes have been completely obfuscating, but I can still enjoy the interactions between the core trio.
Please update more quickly!
It's great, this season has really impressive special effects, especially the water effects, which are difficult to achieve. I didn't believe it when they said they optimized the special effects before, but now it's clear that they put a lot of effort into them.
The trio of main characters is excellent, and the actor who plays Gu Cai is quite handsome. I wonder if there will be another season in this series.
I have watched three episodes so far, and my overall sensory experience isn't great. Firstly, each episode feels rushed, with casual banter and flirtation passing by in just one episode. My sunflower seeds haven't even had time to warm up, and that's where the contradiction lies—the pacing is fast, but the crucial background is weak.
Secondly, the creative team's performance is deteriorating with each season. This season, they have completely lost control of their image management and vitality (is it because anyone involved in tomb-raiding ends up looking so lifeless and uninspired?
). Thirdly, the characters are overly stereotypical. The portrayal of the chubby character seems to have been done without much thought, following the same old formula, and the traces of performance become increasingly apparent.
Chubby character equals greed and lechery. Hu Ba Yi's acting feels effortless, like he's not putting in any effort at all. Fourthly, the set design is distracting. It's easy to spot green screen compositing, and the depth of field, color grading, and lighting for the characters all feel incredibly artificial.
Fifthly, the script feels too childish, like a playful gimmick. It relies on a few lines of divination, tomb-raiding jargon, and background music to create a hint of the tomb-raiding genre. Everything else seems to be a mishmash of fooling around, romantic entanglements, forced Hong Kong-style accents, Beijing dialect, Southeast Asian dialects, and awkward English s by the priestess.
It's too disjointed. Lastly, the scene where they sail out to sea keeps reminding me of the Black Pearl... This is my current impression. I'll see how it progresses in the upcoming episodes and then revise my rating.
As I watched episode after episode, I couldn't help but feel moved by the synergy of the trio. They have been through ups and downs within the show, and we have been watching them for so many years outside of it.
Even after watching the first few episodes of this new season, it still captures that essence. Just knowing that the original cast and crew are still involved is reason enough for me to continue following it.
I can't really judge the quality from just three episodes, but the special effects are decent. It's purely fueled by my nostalgic attachment to this IP that I've been following for the past few years in college. To be honest, I'm somewhat disappointed.
Originally, each episode was supposed to be 45 minutes long, but in the first two episodes, they cut out everything except for the first minute and the last two minutes, resulting in each episode being less than 27 minutes...
Apart from that, it seems they made some abrupt and strange edits in certain scenes, possibly for the sake of passing censorship.
I suggest that after the series is aired, they release an uncut international version. I want to see the original version!
Supporting the actor who plays Gu Cai. He's a young actor and a veteran soldier, with no moral issues whatsoever. He has been maliciously attacked and targeted in hot searches for the past two months.
Regarding this matter, I hope everyone can maintain a clear understanding. The malicious ratings truly disgust me.
The visual effects are not disappointing. The stunning visual effects and oceanic landscapes make you feel like you're in a magnificent sea. Although I already had a fondness for the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" series before, this season truly impressed me.
It's so refreshing to have daily updates.
I didn't expect it to be so good before I started watching. The combination of Da Zui and Teacher Pan is excellent. It has plenty of humor. Zhang Yu Qi's appearance is still top-notch after all these years. The director truly knows how to create an atmospheric feel, and it always gives me a shiver down my spine.
Shirley Yang's short hair is so cool, highlighting her capable demeanor even more. It even gives off a unisex charm. The emotional journey between her and Hu Ba Yi adds a touch of tenderness to her character.
Zhang Yu Qi's performance is truly remarkable.
Playing with the meme online, "You're already so flirtatious in just the second episode," "She didn't even appear in the first episode." You truly live up to your reputation!
Aside from occasional humor, the entire drama maintains its intense, thrilling, and mysteriously captivating pace from before. I can't wait to uncover the secrets of the Coral Spiral and the Ruins of Return.
Chinese-style maritime adventure! The clever fusion of Emperor Qin's immortal exploration and the ancient underwater kingdom creates a rich Chinese atmosphere. Especially the "Ghost Ship," it exceeded my expectations.
The ever-changing sea storms, and the intense collision scene had me holding my breath throughout. It was thrilling!
The first three episodes were quite mediocre. The special effects still look so plastic, despite the occasional short duration being a positive. The romantic scenes between these two are really awkward to watch.
The suspense part feels like there's a rat, and it turns out they actually brought in a few supporting actors who perform like robots.
The ghost ship part was passable at best.
Otherwise, it would be a two-star rating.
From beginning to end, it's a classic that ends in regret. It's good, but it's impossible for Tencent not to include advertisements in such a big film and TV IP. They cut it down to thirty minutes per episode, removing the unnecessary parts, but it couldn't achieve a tightly-knit storyline.
Every time I hear the ending song, I feel disheartened. The lyrics and melody no longer possess the grandeur I felt when watching "The Lost Tomb" and "Mystic Nine" back then.
Although it's true that water scenes are difficult to shoot, with large-scale scenes and special effects falling behind, and the level of action difficulty not on par with "Kunlun Mountains," the root issue lies in the scarcity of action actors and directors in China.
I've grown tired of the emotional scenes in "Kunlun Mountains," and I no longer have high expectations for "South Sea." It's still the same iron triangle, the established habits of the characters in the drama, and that's quite satisfying.
Let's just enjoy the humor in the screenshots and use the banner of materialism to counter the supernatural.
Unfortunately, with the halt of the adaptation of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" into a film and TV series, the quality of adventure films will experience a cliff-like decline.
Zhang Yu Qi looks stunning with short hair! I couldn't take my eyes off her, except when I was staring at the hot pot. The opening scene, with candlelight and walking through the wooden corridor, creates a Chinese-style horror atmosphere that instantly grabs your attention.
The various details in the opening scene have me eagerly anticipating the development of the storyline. The interior, including the Chinese-style furniture and various small props, are meticulously arranged. Watching everyone enjoy the hot pot and cook the lamb slices made my mouth water.
I learned how to grab a plateful of rolled meat with just one chopstick! I also loved the scene where they went to find a suitable boat. The music score is fantastic too!
After watching four episodes, I don't have any particular anticipation for what's to come. The plot feels random, the special effects feel random, and the performances feel random.
It's no wonder my memories of several previous dramas are so poor. None of these aspects are terrible, but what's truly awful is the advertisements that Tencent inserts midway through.
They really disrupt the viewing experience!
I never expected that, in the year 2023, the editing and special effects would still be stuck at the level of the early 2000s. The ancestral artistry of the Ghost Blows Out the Light series—strange accents and perpetually mismatched lip-syncing—has been faithfully preserved.
Pan Laoshi, go back and make White Night 2, la la la la la la la la la~~ Don't make me beg you.
Watching the latest episode, episode eight, Hu Ba Yi's character took a significant intelligence dive. I didn't expect the Fat version's character to crumble as well.
The plot is chaotic and lacks logic. I ended up rewatching the second installment, "The Lost Tomb: The Wrath of The Sea," and without comparison, there is no harm.
That installment was intense throughout, while this one feels like kids playing house. It lacks persuasiveness, and each scene feels disjointed. They should change the director quickly.
If it's the same director, it's better not to make it at all.
I've always had a preference for rare and interesting themes in domestic productions. I also really like the cast, and Ming Shu adds a lot of color to this drama. The banter between them and the chubby character is hilarious.
It's even better than the previous two installments. The visual effects are well-done, and it's making my thalassophobia act up. I really hope they keep making more and more of these.
I'm a bit disappointed after watching five episodes. Each episode is only 30 minutes long, and it feels fragmented. They didn't explain the various background details about Nanhai Gui Xu clearly, and the atmosphere wasn't properly set before they set sail.
The impression wasn't great, starting from the hot pot scene in the first episode. The forced humor is particularly detrimental, and the energy of the main actors seems slightly diminished. The romantic scenes are too verbose, making it feel dragging.
I'll try to finish watching it, and if the subsequent plot improves, I might reconsider my rating. After all, it's the ultimate chapter, and perhaps my expectations were too high.
I really love Wang Pangzi's "comrade-like" friendship with Hu Ba Yi. They are like brothers who are always on the same page. Whatever decision Lao Hu makes, Pangzi supports him wholeheartedly.
This unwavering loyalty and unbreakable bond rival even the power of love.
Let's talk about the sponsorships and advertisements we've got so far. Can't the special effects be better? They still look fake... The storyline is also far inferior to the previous installment. It's mostly filled with jokes and gags, completely devolving into a mere entertainment film.
I was hoping to see more of their adventurous scenes, but honestly, it's better not to watch. After watching the scenes at sea in episodes six and seven, I can only say that the plot is explosively exaggerated.
It's hard to imagine this being a 2023 production; even in 2003, they wouldn't have played it like this. It's incredibly half-hearted, extremely lackluster!
Crazy... The fake scenes were exposed at a glance, completely breaking the immersion. The previous installments were not tomb-raiding films; they were forcefully explained as scientific exploration films.
But this one completely ruined the pacing and didn't even feel like an adventure anymore. On that shabby ship, with all the poorly edited images, it was incredibly boring. I've watched half of it, and all I see is their constant startled reactions, their petty arguments, and their excessive PDA.
I just can't take it anymore. Let's just say they shouldn't make it anymore. Each time I had expectations, it only led to disappointment. I understand that certain elements might not pass censorship, but it shouldn't be this fragmented.
It keeps getting more and more broken, more and more terrible. I'm completely, completely done with the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" series. If there's a rating for negativity, I'd give it -100.
It feels like they made a lot of changes to pass censorship, deleting many plotlines. The lip-syncing is also off, and they waste a lot of time on irrelevant things. The fat character's jokes and the overall style don't match at all.
It seems like the tomb-raiding genre is stuck in a bottleneck now: if they want to shoot something eerie, it won't pass censorship, but they are also reluctant to spend a lot of money on special effects. They want to replicate the success of "The Lost Tomb," but they don't have the ability to drastically change the script and make it light-hearted and comedic.
I really, really want to tell Ming Shu, "Safety comes first with a thousand roads to choose from." Everyone knows not to drink and drive, but what about drinking while sailing in the open sea?
If I were Hu Ba Yi, I would have fainted on the spot. The difference between Ming Shu and C4 is that you can control when C4 explodes, but nobody knows when Ming Shu will unleash a thunderbolt.
The green screen blurs the edges of the characters. The forced CP (couple pairing) is off-putting. Gu Cai's character in the drama appears older compared to the original work, but Duoling is more visually appealing.
They added some comedic scenes, but it also squeezed the original plot.
With around ten to twenty episodes, each episode lasting only about 26 minutes without the opening and ending, it's impossible to cover the subplot of "Nanhai Returning Market" completely. It's destined to be diluted and fragmented.
The plot design that emphasizes character traits and deliberate cultural differences is extremely foolish. The director and screenwriter can be said to have no skills whatsoever.
The blatant copying of scenes from other films and TV dramas, regardless of appropriateness or originality, and the dialogues between characters that do not match their backgrounds, are all major flaws.
Hu Ba Yi's character is forcefully dumbed down, and Shirley Yang's portrayal is accompanied by terrible dialogue design. Not to mention the bizarre timing of laughter.
Except for Ming Shu's design, all the characters are portrayed as idiots, making it a strong contender for the worst adaptation of the year.
These shortcomings have nothing to do with the censorship process; they are simply the result of the director and screenwriter's poor skills.
Objective factors, excessive cuts, sloppy writing, exaggerated performances, and an abundance of annoying banter. It feels like they're shooting a parody of Pirates of the Caribbean... It's just too over the top. If this is really how the series ends, it's heartbreaking...
Sigh.
Compared to the Maze, Insect Valley, and Divine Palace, filming and production in the South Sea presents a whole new level of challenges. There have been few films set in the deep sea realm, so seeing the portrayal of the surface of the sea so far has already relieved my worries.
The main course is still underwater, but I have great confidence in it.
Oh my, I absolutely love watching it. I can devour three bowls of rice in a single episode. The professionalism in the initial preparation really resonates with my adventurous spirit. As soon as they set sail, they face storms and collisions with three-masted ships.
The nautical scenes in this big IP are truly exceptional.
The customs of seeking good luck on the ship are very real. Many times, it's about adapting to local customs. Even if you don't believe in it normally, when it comes to critical moments, you'll still temporarily seek divine intervention and abide by it.
It's human nature. I'm the same way before exams. (doge)
Hu, oh Hu, you should be more cautious. How could you let Chen Blindman analyze the divination? Have you forgotten what he initially told you? I always feel like this Hate Heaven Division is setting up some kind of foreshadowing.
The screenwriters really know how to keep us on the edge of our seats!
I really enjoy this series. Each installment has a relatively complete story and maintains continuity, whether watched as a whole or individually. This one briefly connects to the previous Kunlun storyline and swiftly sets sail for new journeys and adventures.
The only thing that remains unchanged is the original "Iron Triangle's" chemistry and warmth, which is truly heartwarming.
Finally, a new season is out, with the same talented cast delivering great performances as always. Personally, I'm most interested in the female character Shirley Yang.
She's pretty cool and it's evident that along with the main storyline, all the characters have undergone some changes and growth.
The fat guy is no longer the same fat guy. Now he has become an "emotional expert." With him around, Hu Ba Yi and Shirley Yang can't argue anymore. It seems that people who lack practical experience always have a wealth of theories.
This character setup is just too familiar.
Watching this drama is purely for amusement. The acting, lines, dubbing, special effects, and camera shots, none of them meet the mark. Pan Yue Ming, who plays four roles in "White Night Chaser," fails to impress in every single one.
Whether it's Guan Hongfeng, Guan Hongyu, Guan Hongfeng disguised as Guan Hongyu, or Guan Hongyu disguised as Guan Hongfeng, you can easily distinguish the characters just by the way he raises an eyebrow, furrows his brow, or shrugs his shoulders.
It's such a shame that a talented actor like him has been mishandled by this directorial team. Even a dog would shake its head after watching this.
I'm really disappointed. I've been waiting for this drama for a long time. I watched "Dragon Ridge Mystery" first and thought it was really good, so I watched "Yunnan Insect Valley" and "Angry Qing Xiangxi" as well.
Maybe my expectations were too high at the beginning. "Kunlun Divine Palace" released last year was already a letdown, but I didn't expect it to get even worse. It feels like it's only in the eighth episode that the story is finally getting started.
I'm speechless.
When I saw the behind-the-scenes footage and realized that the scenes were all green screen composites, I couldn't help but think how lucrative the Chinese film and television industry is.
The actors receive million- or even multimillion-dollar paychecks per episode. It seems like they earn money so easily. It's quite difficult to comprehend when celebrities complain about acting being a high-risk and arduous job.
Do they really understand what kind of work can be considered truly challenging?
Thank goodness for the ridiculously fake special effects. It's like they used their feet for both the special effects and the scriptwriting. And can Pan Yue Ming please lose some weight? Now even the greasiest male celebrities can continue starring in TV dramas?
Don't give me that "acting skills" nonsense. There are so many talented and beautiful actresses out there. Poor Zhang Yu Qi, having to fall in love with a chubby pig...
Shufen has been following the drama until the latest episodes, and there have been some modifications and deletions. However, the overall storyline remains understandable. The main direction of searching for the Qin Emperor's ancient mirror has remained unchanged, and important elements like the giant octopus, sea serpent, and mermaid have been preserved.
To achieve this level of adaptation, it's already commendable.
You can't solely blame the editing for everything. Filming underwater is already challenging, but now it feels half-hearted. Gu Cai, the underwater expert, is the biggest flaw.
He dives down and brings Hu Ba Yi up in less than 10 seconds, and he remains completely still underwater. If he's that amazing, why does he even need a diving bell?
If it weren't for the rarity of this type of adventure drama in China, I wouldn't even give it a rating until I watched the sixth episode. I have no idea what they were doing.
The lack of dialogue is compensated by the intense background music, creating a tense atmosphere.
But in reality, there's nothing terrifying or thrilling happening.
The biggest attack power was when Hu Xia went underwater without even being familiar with the structure and usage of a diving bell.
How could someone so cautious act like that?
When Gu Cai went down to save Hu Xia, it was like launching a rocket.
I thought I was watching it at five times the speed, whoosh, and they went down and came back up. Who needs a diving bell for that? They're invincible, just like that.
They went down for nothing and almost lost a life. Coming back and saying it was worth it, I ask, worth what?
It feels like the whole cast is written to be foolish. The screenwriters must be making a fortune. Only 16 episodes in total, and they've already wasted six.
How satisfying.
After waiting through four installments, our beloved couple Hu Ba Yi and Shirley Yang can finally openly express their love. The scene where they name each other at the bow of the ship had me smiling like an aunt. "Spinach Winter" and "Trident" - that's playful banter for you.
You've truly won us over, this adorable couple of yours. As viewers, we're also a part of your play!
I just love the way Shirley Yang speaks, leaving things unsaid and holding back. Hu Ba Yi's thoughts are probably clear to Shirley Yang, but she chooses not to expose them fully, giving Hu Ba Yi some face.
After all, his intention is for their future life together. This young couple is getting better and better.
The Iron Triangle seems to be growing more alike. Hu Ba Yi and Wang Chubby are learning from Shirley Yang about science, while Shirley Yang, who has always advocated for science, suddenly utters the phrase "taboo." It's a remarkable scene of mutual pursuit and mutual misunderstanding.
The sea that humans can explore is so limited. Who knows how many legends and treasures are hidden in the mysterious depths of the ocean? The moment Uncle Chen mentioned the Qin Emperor's Bone-Reflecting Mirror at the beginning, it immediately aroused my obsession with treasures and my longing for the deep sea.
The setup was done so well.
This version of the Iron Triangle cannot be described merely as having rapport. They truly portrayed the feeling of being a family. The seamless harmony between Lao Hu and Wang Pangzi is incredibly smooth. A single glance tells you exactly what the other is thinking.
The connection between them and Xueli Yang is visibly profound. The phrase "our dad" carries so much romance for many adults.