184 réponses à ce sujet

[KnightofPhoenix]

The Three Kingdoms period (184-280 AD) had always been one of my favorite periods in Chinese history, one that I've researched and studied quite a bit. I also read the classic novel, Romance of the Three Kigndoms by Luo Guanzhong and I am planning to read Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou.

Before doing that though, I wanted to watch the 1994 old Chinese tv series Romance of the Three Kingdoms, before randomly  stumbling on its most recent adaption: Three Kingdoms 2010.



And I have to say that I love it.

The show like its predecessor is based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and is not strictly historically accurate. But it manages to capture the human drama, political intrigue and essence of the time period really well. It was a period of chaos, deception and destruction, but also of accomplishments, great feats and distinguished characters. It is 95 episodes long, with two "special episodes" at the end. The TV show had the highest budget in Chinese TV history and was very succesful and popular.

You can stream it on Youtube or download it here.

I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the time period (though you'll have to tolerate its regular deviations from historical accuracy or omissions) or anyone who enjoys a great story and show.

This thread, while mostly focused on the TV series, welcomes all discussion related to the period. So share your thoughts! There is a huge deal to discuss about the period and the series.

Choose your Kingdom!

[Chewin]

Only heard of it a few days ago, and the show had me interested. Other than being a good series, the adaptation seem to be great, and the Han dynasty is a really intriguing period. Had the novel ordered from amazon today. Looking forward to it.

Modifié par Chewin3, 17 juin 2012 - 09:26 .

[KnightofPhoenix]

I am at episode 47, which means I've seen half the show. And it's awesome so far.

There is a lot of political intrigue and complexity, as is to be expected from a show based on the period. A lot of very good characters and portrayals. The clothes, decorations and architecture is great and seems to be historically accurate based on what I know. The military aspect, though not excellent as that is not the focus of the show, is still well done imo, with tactics and strategies that are both intriguing, make sense and are explained well (though of course the numbers are extremily exagerrated, as is the case in the novel).

Though of course the show is not perfect. Though I like all the battle scenes, some sequences are very over the top, especially when it comes to Zhao Yun (most notably at the battle of Changban). This is to be attributed to the novel, which itself is very romanticized and over the top. Some characters and / or events are not as explored as they should have, like Sun Ce's conquest of the Southlands, or Xiahou Dun (yes I now he is generally overrated, but he was still a trusted general of Cao Cao. So far he only appeared once). And there is occasional melodrama here and there. The music is good, but some tracks get used too much.

But the show more than makes up for it via its complex and nuanced portrayal of characters and factions. Though the show has some biases (for Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang especially when it comes to the rivalry between the latter and Zhou Yu which is also the case in the novel), it is still nuanced and more or less fair. Cao Cao is shown in a much more positive / objective light than the novel and popular culture (He was generally seen as a villain), and is rightly portrayed as an excellent civil and military leader. Indeed, up until the Battle of Guandu, it would not be innacurate to say that Cao Cao was the main character of the show (which is natural as the period before Red Cliff was Cao Cao's rise to power).

Overall, I think the show is great so far, with a plethora of interesting characters.

My favorite character by far is Cao Cao, though I like all main characters a lot.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 17 juin 2012 - 10:35 .

[Nameless one7]

I read about the first third of the Romance of Three Kingdoms, I really need to go back and finish reading it. So which adaptation is better?

[KnightofPhoenix]

I only watched 5 episodes of the 1995 series. From the looks of it, I think the new one is better in terms of cinematography, directing and acting. Though the old one starts with the Yellow turban rebellion, while the new one starts with Dong Zhuo in power.

From what I read, both seem to be good and I can't really say which one is ultimately better.

[Clover Rider]

The show was pretty good, Romance of Three Kingdoms is a god-like book. It's had good shows, manhua and manga in the past, still it's nice to see new versions of it.

[RedArmyShogun]

Hmm Just started Watching it having seen it in the GoT thread.

Sadly the Youtube Links seems to stop at Ep 32. Shame Really I would like to watch the show.

And its way better than GoT's hands down. Think I'll join that forum so I can DL the other Eps later on.

Kinda Wonder if a Sub DVD set of the show is lingering around any place, or of plans to. Such a shame this show hasn't hit Stateside.

Modifié par Confess-A-Bear, 17 juin 2012 - 10:27 .

[KnightofPhoenix]

Yea it's easily better than GoT. It never loses momentum, has a better portrayal of characters and it simply more interesting in terms of setting and political intrigue. Though it's not completely fair to compare the two, as the series is based on historic events.

[RedArmyShogun]

True Enough, though I have to say if Cao Cao was really that slick, its no surprise he got what he was after.

Really enjoying it so far, only on Ep6 however, still watching non-stop lol.

Have to ask though is the show still airing or has it finished up its runs?

[KnightofPhoenix]

Confess-A-Bear wrote...
Have to ask though is the show still airing or has it finished up its runs?

It finished airing recently. This March or May I think.

Twas the grandest Chinese TV show ever made.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 17 juin 2012 - 10:36 .

[Chewin]

Grand indeed. Heard from a friend in Shanghai that basically the whole city were talking about the final episode and several small events went around there.

**SPOILER WARNING**

And I'm really enjoying the drama in the series which also portrays some historical "Unknowns" and it is up to the viewer to make conclusion of it. One example is the death of Cao Chong, one of the potential heir of Cao Cao. The drama has plotted his death is related to Cao Pi but was unable to be proven. Just like in historical records, more or less.

[Nameless one7]

I'll watch this if they put it out on Blu-ray or dvd, I don't want to take a chance on watching some of it then not being able to finish it.

[RedArmyShogun]

I really hope it comes to DVD, its a fantastic show. China could make some huge money off of it even subbed...well I would hope so, not sure if a dub would do it justice.

[ErichHartmann]

That would be great if it came to Blu-ray or DVD. Youtube can't do Chinese epics justice.

[KnightofPhoenix]

Chewin3 wrote...
**SPOILER WARNING**

And I'm really enjoying the drama in the series which also portrays some historical "Unknowns" and it is up to the viewer to make conclusion of it. One example is the death of Cao Chong, one of the potential heir of Cao Cao. The drama has plotted his death is related to Cao Pi but was unable to be proven. Just like in historical records, more or less.

Spoilers: While it's not clear how Cao Chong died in real life, in the show it's pretty clear that Cao Pi was behind it. What's not clear is to what extent Sima Yi was involved. He didn't seem surprised at the news and he was clearly not excited to tutor a kid that is attracting attention to himself like that.


And no dubbing, I think I would hate it. But if they do make a DVD of it with English subs, I'd buy it.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 18 juin 2012 - 12:45 .

[RedArmyShogun]

Same I would want it Subbed. Dubbing it would be murder. Like Say Seven Samurai and Kagemusha, can anyone honestly say those would be good dubbed?

But Saddly the truth is so many people would not buy it as they would have to read. Oh well too bad. I think there is a good chance with enough demand it might come state side, like how Genghis Khan and 9th Company. But still with enough demand...

Hmm be nice to know if any plans or petitions are ongoing for a US release.

[Kaiser Arian XVII]

Did you say Three Kingdoms?


I hope the newer episodes of your series become available soon.

[KnightofPhoenix]

All of them are available in the link I posted.

Also here:
http://www.mysoju.co...three-kingdoms/

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 18 juin 2012 - 03:44 .

[RedArmyShogun]

Holy crap 95 eps? hahah, well I know what I'll be watching for awhile.

[KnightofPhoenix]

Cool wallpaper.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 18 juin 2012 - 02:10 .

[Alpha-Centuri]

I have to hold out from this thread for a little while as I am only on episode 12 or so. Thanks for the thread though KoP, and I gotta say... Cao Cao is the epitome of all magnificent bastards

[PaulSX]

this one is actually very bad compare to original 1994 Romance of Three Kingdoms series.

[RedArmyShogun]

Hmm maybe so maybe not, I can't say. Its better than GoT's reguardless lulz.

[Alpha-Centuri]

No need for the hate of GoT in my opinion. GRRM has done a very good job of weaving a politically intricate tale that is greater in depth than 95% of the fantasy literature out there. The Three Kingdoms is more politically intricate (chief among subtlety of actions), but that doesn't detract from GOT's acheivement. People In my opinion you don't have to use GOT to prop Three Kingdoms up. It's great in its own right.

I'm a little proud of the Game of Thrones tv series because it can pave the way for shows with this level of intrigue for the masses. Instead of something on the level of True Blood (I like the show, but its not exactly deep) or Camelot (same thing), they are now watching something a heck of a lot deeper.

[RedArmyShogun]

No not the books the books are great.

The show is crap though for all the cutting and mending it does. And I disargee with GoT (TV) really opening any doors. The Grand battles so far have been largely a few squads of Extra's at best. A far cry from the thousands of men in the books, largely pays attention to sex and brings nudity even into parts from the books that didn't have it, then at, while otherl parts of the show are changed just for the lulz.

How is that not like 90% of whats on HBO now?

Modifié par Confess-A-Bear, 18 juin 2012 - 08:00 .