Cherrie Chiu

I really wanted to like this. I loved Ju Jingyi in "Legend of Yunxi", and I adored Yu Menglong in "Eternal Love", but the script was frustratingly written. For starters, the characters are annoyingly uncommunicative. They just let other characters bulldoze them, and they make decisions on other people's behalf without asking. They supporting characters make stupid and ignorant mistakes. I understand this Chinese classic has existed since the beginning of time, but would it kill them to update the story with modern people's disposition? Secondly, it's a story that tortures the characters. Usually, there are 2 types of story arcs. One, through thick and thin, the characters stick together and fight whatever comes their way. The other is whenever there is a conflict, it fractures the happiness of the character's happiness until the problems are resolved. Sometimes, it is a blend of the two, but in "Legend of White Snake", it was definitely a constant wedge driven between the couple. There are some truly beautiful and artistic scenes, but the eye-candy could not distract me from the frustrating script. I just could not fall in love with the characters.

It's a great love story that moves the heart. I rewatched it several times and I noticed little things, like the costumes, that added to the enjoyment. Did anyone else notice the Zhe Han's robes always reflect the color of peaches? Or how Mo Yuan's robes had little armor-like studs; just like how he emotionally kept people at arm's length. Some of the camera angles, and movements, really made the characters feel like immortals in a watercolor. Not going to lie, some of the animation is pretty bad. It is obvious that some of the backdrop was mediocore CG, but you're emotionally sunk into the characters. Mark Chao did a great job playing Mo Yuan and Ye Hua. I honestly didn't know which I rooted for. The soundtrack was grand, and aching, which makes you want to cry.

Very high production value (no cheesy green screen, no eye-rolling rainbow special effects, and no embarrassingly bad CG), and great acting. It is a wonderful way to retell this Jin Yong classic. I grew up watching the 80's version, and I say this remake is much better.