75 replies to this topic

[vp98]

Don't mean to violate copyrights but usually all Chinese movies I have I can download from China's websites. If anyone is familiar with 2p2 downloading tools such as eMule you can download tons of Chinese serials like those mentioned above. However they are usally in realplayer format.

Oops, these are illegal activties, best not to be so public about it.

[Borjigin Ayurbarwada]

About the language and concepts. I think the most historical series was the ROTK. Although it was based on the novel rather than the records, their language was at least semi-classical, which is more likely what they spoke in court. They also tried to be as historical as possible in clothing(those in Han Wu dadi seriously had too much makeup, even the armour are a bit fansy, it seems most Han soldiers wore shoulder pieces, when in fact they were wearing sleeveless vests.), and social structure(the Han wudadi series gave so much role to women, and the way the women spoke is simply projecting modern concepts to the past).

[Yun]

Yes, I also noticed all the anachronistic terms and phrases in Hanwu Dadi when watching it recently. Especially hearing 'minzu' made me cringe.

The series also propagates a historical myth when it says in the opening sequence that the 'Han people' we know today began calling themselves Han because of the Han dynasty. In fact, the use of 'Han' as an ethnic identity only caught on much later and was probably started by nomadic rulers.

[Sephodwyrm]

It would be more accurate it they talk about defending the Huaxia civilization from the barbarians from the four directions...that was a more common concept.

But were't there sleeved armor unearthed from several Han tombs? Such as that of Liu Sheng???

[Yun]

It would be more accurate it they talk about defending the Huaxia civilization from the barbarians from the four directions...that was a more common concept.

Agreed. Less PC but far more accurate.

[DaMo]

And they should not use Japanese music either. Many sound tracks are from '鬼太鼓座'. I happened to have that album.

They used the promo soundtrack of Last Samurai in the opening of the promo and the title theme song.

[Borjigin Ayurbarwada]

Yes, I also noticed all the anachronistic terms and phrases in Hanwu Dadi when watching it recently. Especially hearing 'minzu' made me cringe.

Also, when Liu Ling(who only appeared for about two sentences in Shi Ji) said, "there is no man that can outsmart me", I couldn't help thinking about modern feministic movement concepts projected to the past.
And when she was talking to the Empress, she talked about reincarnation, which is was not a concept in China at the time.

I also doubt that Zhong Han Yue would be wearing Han style clothing among the Xiongnu and be called a 'Han'. Back then, Han was political, if Zhong Han Yue actually went to the Xiongnu, he becomes a Xiongnu and wears their clothing.

Also, the movie seems to try to avoid discussing the weakness of Han Wu Di, such as superstitions, believing in elixirs and getting tricked by many Fan Shi.

It also have a serious stereotype towards Daoism and Confucianism. It makes us think Confucianism is forward looking, when its the opposite. Nor is Daoism doing nothing, as the movie implies.

But were't there sleeved armor unearthed from several Han tombs? Such as that of Liu Sheng???

Of course there are, but the Han Wu da di made all the soldiers(except those that wore only helmets) wearing sleeve armour, when the majority should be wearing sleeveless ones.

[firewoodwolf]

After all, I think Han Wu Da Di is quite a good historical TV serious. The character of Chen Bao Guo is much more appropriate to the role of Liu Che than Chen Dao Ming. Chen Dao Ming is a little too gentle, although he can play both bad guy, just like the Nie Ming Yu in the serious "Blan Hole" and the Kang Xi emporer well.

[DaMo]

I just ordered Han Wu Da Di. I shall be rubbing my hands with anticipation till the end of the month.

I heard the English subs are not so great, but I hope they are at least forgivable. Anyway, I'll take bad subs over "good" dubs anytime.

[Ricky]

I've been watching the ones point in the three kingdoms. It's hard to find them now, I just watching them online. It's as fair as reading the novels.

[~*Asuka*~]

I bought The Romance of the Three Kingdoms TV series that was made back in the 90's. I believe there's 82 episodes & I still haven't finished it. [^o^] I keep losing track on what episode I'm watching & I caught a few typos in the English subs. There's an option to watch it in Cantonese, but the quality sounds wonderful in Mandarin in my opinion.

Edited by ~*Asuka*~, 16 April 2008 - 07:43 PM.

[Pierre]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if these are available in english

Thanks

[j_sephiroth]

For a Historical TV series, I would suggest Han Wu Da Di like how others have suggested. That series include real historical fact that's based on Shi ji (司馬遷史記). Unlike many other 'ancient' TV series, this one doesn't contain the legends and stories; it is primarily based on written history. Great series, good choice

I actually didn't know it had english subtitles... I owe the Mandarin Version, and I watch it back from time to time.

I bought The Romance of the Three Kingdoms TV series that was made back in the 90's. I believe there's 82 episodes & I still haven't finished it. [^o^] I keep losing track on what episode I'm watching & I caught a few typos in the English subs. There's an option to watch it in Cantonese, but the quality sounds wonderful in Mandarin in my opinion.

As for the Romance of Three Kingdoms, I believe I have the same as he one you mention. Honestly, it is definitely my favourite out of the Great 4 Chinese Novels ( 四大名著). Although it bases on the history of the Three Kingdoms, it exaggerates on the intellectuality of the protagonists. In the book, it tends to put Cao Cao as the antagonists where as Liu Bei is the protagonists. It is definitely a great Series to watch, but just not enough for history purpose. hehe, I liked 三國志 a bit more though.

The English subtitles in that show is terrible. I could pretty much catch an English mistake almost every line they put... But if you know Mandarin, it shouldn't be a problem

[zhenfei]

Chen Guo Bao's Liu Che was awesome.