The Netflix drama's depiction of China is, well, problematic. Or is it? Chinese viewers weigh in. (If you've not watched the drama, please note that this issue is slightly spoilery.)
My brother recommended 3 Body Problem to me a while ago. Probably while the film versions were being created. And he gave me the next two books in the series last weekend. Reading the first book I came away with the feeling that the author believed in a cynical world that makes life miserable. And that many different forces shaped that world into a hard place to live.
And despite that, life is worth living, and even in the face of despair people can try and try again to survive and thrive. If people miss that message due to how the story is retold I think that's the biggest shame.
I think the Netflix drama tries to convey that, but not as well as the Tencent version. If you've seen the Tencent version, the final scene of the drama is truly impactful and conveys that message very clearly.
I loved the show, though I do agree that it was very ‘Netflix’ in its second half. I’m actually looking forward to reading the books. I think it’s a fantastic premise and I’m excited to read Sci-fi written by a Chinese author. Looking forward to new storytelling, metaphors and worldviews.
Exactly, I love new perspectives, especially in series which are dominated by one POV. Nothing against it but it’s refreshing to see the world through new eyes. China has has a rich history and language. I expect the book to be a feast.
I will read the books and check out the Tencent version. I recently went through the Netflix adaptation and found it excruciatingly dull. I could tell there were interesting ideas beneath the surface, but they were executed in the most Netflix way possible. I don't explicitly *hate* Netflix shows; I just think they're essentially the visual equivalent of James Patterson novels, meaning sometimes they're fun but they rely on the same exact bag of tricks.
James Patterson flavour is exactly right hehe. The Tencent version's pacing is problematic, but i grew to enjoy piecing things together and jst vibing with the mysterious "something is wrong" vibe the show has.
I became more interested in physics and math after watching the Tencent version. I haven't seen the Netflix version, but I can imagine it's quite simplified.
My brother recommended 3 Body Problem to me a while ago. Probably while the film versions were being created. And he gave me the next two books in the series last weekend. Reading the first book I came away with the feeling that the author believed in a cynical world that makes life miserable. And that many different forces shaped that world into a hard place to live.
And despite that, life is worth living, and even in the face of despair people can try and try again to survive and thrive. If people miss that message due to how the story is retold I think that's the biggest shame.
I think the Netflix drama tries to convey that, but not as well as the Tencent version. If you've seen the Tencent version, the final scene of the drama is truly impactful and conveys that message very clearly.
I loved the show, though I do agree that it was very ‘Netflix’ in its second half. I’m actually looking forward to reading the books. I think it’s a fantastic premise and I’m excited to read Sci-fi written by a Chinese author. Looking forward to new storytelling, metaphors and worldviews.
That's what I love about the show - the POV is very different from the typical sci-fi I'm used to as it's told from a Chinese POV.
Exactly, I love new perspectives, especially in series which are dominated by one POV. Nothing against it but it’s refreshing to see the world through new eyes. China has has a rich history and language. I expect the book to be a feast.
I will read the books and check out the Tencent version. I recently went through the Netflix adaptation and found it excruciatingly dull. I could tell there were interesting ideas beneath the surface, but they were executed in the most Netflix way possible. I don't explicitly *hate* Netflix shows; I just think they're essentially the visual equivalent of James Patterson novels, meaning sometimes they're fun but they rely on the same exact bag of tricks.
James Patterson flavour is exactly right hehe. The Tencent version's pacing is problematic, but i grew to enjoy piecing things together and jst vibing with the mysterious "something is wrong" vibe the show has.
I became more interested in physics and math after watching the Tencent version. I haven't seen the Netflix version, but I can imagine it's quite simplified.
Pretty much "3 body for Dummies" really
I watched it and am excited to read the books. I’m thankful the show introduced me to science fiction from another culture!
There are a few more sci-fi dramas from China that don't get as much attention, but they're quite fascinating too.
Ooh do tell!!
Is communism indeed not bad?
I think I'll give it a miss. I'm watching 'Spotless' at the moment.