Broken-hearted idealists look towards the stars.
三体
"THREE-BODY" - {LOVE}
It is very difficult for me to summarise in any way, shape or form
what Three-Body made me experience. Because this is a dense story,
I'll try and structure this likewise dense review simply : bad - neutral
- good - summary. EXTREMELY LONG and highly subjective but spoiler free
(within reason). My rating is susceptible to change just like my review
because I'm going to keep thinking about this freaking drama for a
while. I already feel so empty that it's over. At the time of writing
this, I have watched both the initial 30 episodes version and the 26
episodes Anniversary Edition version. I appreciated this complicated and
heavy story a lot more with a rewatch. I haven't read the books in
detail, I am just aware of the general plot and how different it is in
terms of characters and relationships. The drama followed the first
novel closely but added a fair part of "non-canon" content and
characters/relationships development. As sacrilegious as that might
appear to book purists, I'll review this drama as its own separate
story. Its creator was well involved in the process anyway, so if he
doesn't mind their choices I don't either. I haven't watched the Western
Netflix version; I didn't even know there was one when I started and I
am not planning on watching it - while Liu Ci Xin was a side consultant
for it as well and said he liked it, he was not as prominent in the
creation process as he seemed to have been for Tencent's.
[THE BAD]
LACK OF NUANCE. TRIGGERING INACCURACIES. WRITING ISSUES.
When it comes to philosophical stories and existential themes, there's always a risk of coming off as pretentious. In my opinion, it occasionally happens in this drama. Especially its first half, when the plot isn't very clear yet. The attempt to present a pretty wide range of ideas and opinions on multiple topics from multiple points of view (not just science but also religious beliefs, environmental issues, human nature, right and wrong, meaning and value of life, etc.) is good. But the fact is that a fair part of them (not all - but a lot) remains either one-dimensional or unimpressive. At best. If you've never really considered these kinds of thoughts before this might be mind-opening to various degrees, which is fine. If you have, it won't really seem revolutionary. Worse, it might even be pretty annoying. It deals with extremes and lacks nuance and finesse. This can be a turn-off. In spite of that, in the end, I felt like it was ok and rewarding. Like life, you can just somehow put this aside and still experience the events and the people for what they are. It's just that, as you go through it, it might get periodically irritating.
Another problem in such stories is when, while trying to make themselves look intelligent and rational, they expose obvious mistakes as facts. Which unfortunately happens as well. I know nothing about the science side of it and how accurate that is, so I definitely have nothing to say on that matter. Some lack of realism is perfectly fine. However, there are some things I know about.
Such as the common but no less blatantly false belief that Middle Ages people thought the earth was flat. They knew the earth was spherical. This erroneous idea that they didn't came in much later. And it really doesn't take much to find that out. Or their ignorant insinuation that burning at the stake people for some conflicting intellectual ideas was the Church's hobby every Sunday during the Middle Ages. Most of their examples in fact happened not during the Middle Ages (roughly 450-1400 AD) but during the Inquisition of the Renaissance period (1400-1600 AD) and involved a lot more theology and politics than just "not being convinced by their scientific ideas". Also none of these guys were tried/killed on the spot; it would start with a non-violent warning and then escalate over multiple years and repeated offences in some cases (well, what the Popes at the time considered offences anyway). D'Ascoli (Middle Ages) in particular was definitely not killed for his "belief in a round earth" as Ye Wen Jie confidently states, but because he was teaching many forbidden things about astroLOGY.
The ridiculous in-game representations of some Western figures also triggered me (such as de Vinci and Newton who both acted like dumb and effeminate cowards for some reason ???). Even though they actually respected their works so I don't understand these weird characterizations. Sure, all historical figures are anachronistic and stereotyped in some manner in the game. But some of these are really bothering honestly. I just don't understand why they did that. If it was for comedy, it was lost on me.
Also : no, one cannot just snap other people's necks like that.
Aside from those various inaccuracies which are akin to an enormous life-sucking black hole at the centre of a drama aiming at rationality and scientific rigour, there are a few other things that could have been better. Although they're not as bad. In particular, there are plot conveniences and holes here and there. Far from the worst writing I've seen, that's for sure. Yet not the absolute tightest either. Especially with those original characters and storylines. Some plot points were forced.
[THE NEUTRAL]
CHARACTERIZATION. PACING. COLOURS. THINKING THOUGHTS.
You see, that's often the case with these conceptual and massive plots : character development is relegated to the second (or third or fourth or fifth) place. I said I wouldn't compare with the novel. However it would be unfair to the drama not to mention that, in the original work, character depth and development is virtually nonexistent. Liu Ci Xin said himself he didn't care about characterization when he wrote. They're a means to an end, tools. Maybe good tools. Still tools. Thanks to the screenwriters, in this adaptation most original characters have the merit to express substance, layers and potential. The team breathed life into these one quarter-dimensional faceless names and made them look and behave like interconnected human individuals. But because they're still working with the base material without deviating too much, they cannot make miracles. Wang Miao has some aspects of his personality I found incomprehensible and unlikeable. I wouldn't say it is "bad", though. At least he has a personality. Shi Qiang and Ye Wen Jie are undoubtedly the best and I'll talk about them more in the good section. The non-canon characters however, I'm not convinced.
Now something else that needs to be clear is that this drama follows the heartbeat of a blue whale and the colour scheme of a winter's night. You may like it or dislike it. I didn't mind. I wasn't bored because the topics interest me and the tension is palpable from beginning to end. However I can understand why some people fall asleep to it. They talk and think a lot. I like talking people. And I think the aesthetic choices fit the story. Although sometimes I couldn't see crap. The Anniversary Edition does "improve" a little on these aspects, as it cuts some non-canon storylines and "unnecessary" bits to shorten the whole, while brightening it. If you find the original version too dark and/or too slow and/or too filler-filled compared to the novel, definitely give the Anniversary Edition a try. But be warned : because they had to edit out storylines for this version, there are even more plot holes (for instance, an important scene is kept in which someone will briefly mention this thing that happened in that other scene but, oops, turns out that scene was cut out in this version, too bad, let's move on).
[THE GOOD]
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY. THE OST. THE ACTING. YE WEN JIE. SHI QIANG. SHI/WANG'S FRIENDSHIP. THE BIG IDEAS. ALL THE REST.
If you can put the aforementioned darkness aside, this drama is a work of art that deserves all the praise. The cinematography is gorgeous. It does not look like a drama at all. It looks like a movie. A breathtakingly gorgeous movie. So many beautiful shots. The CGI is as good as it can get in a C-drama and not a thing to complain about. I am reluctant to watch any drama with CGI because it's usually hideous and makes me unable to get immersed in the story. Here it's fine.
The OST is a whole story on its own as well. Every piece is an experience to listen to. Powerful and soulful. Well-used. Really immersive. Perfectly suited. Just "listen to the universe". Seriously, what a fitting title. The openings are beautiful to watch. I generally don't like to hear English lyrics in dramas but in that case I'd say it's relevant.
Another strong point is the acting. Flawless, from everyone. And there are difficult roles to play. Many of them impressed me. Even the foreign cast. They carved supplementary reliefs into their characters. Yang Dong is an angel. Yang Wei Ning is a good man. Ding Yi is pure-hearted. Xu Bing Bing's a cute puppy. Wei Cheng and Shen Yu Fei kind of broke me. I also liked Colonel Stanton. Their faces and expressions remain ingrained in my brain. They're all awesome.
But the moment the actress of young Ye Wen Jie appeared, Wang Zi Wen, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. It helps that she's a beauty but it's not so much her surface; it's her charisma. Her face barely moves, ever. Yet I could feel everything through her eyes. When she cried, I cried. When she smiled, I smiled (and cried). This character's mind is fascinating, her presence so powerful, I just... yeah. She is an excellent character. A fascinating female character, at that. And an astounding actress made for this role. Chen Jin is impressive as well, don't get me wrong. They did such a great job casting her - her vibe is vastly different from her younger self with good reasons and she nailed it to perfection. Wen Jie really hit me on a personal level. This drama is worthwhile even if only for this character.
Then Da Shi. Supposedly the plainest, I ended up thinking he was among the most subtly layered of them all. Rough and straightforward, the kind of person I, like Wang Miao, would barely be able to discuss anything with, ever. And yet he offers a necessary grounded perspective in all this cerebral mess. Most importantly, he has a huge heart. Yu He Wei showcases a lot of micro-expressions, including from his vocal cords. Very dynamic. Very pleasant to watch and listen to. Opposed to that, Zhang Lu Yi's acting here is way more restrained and delicate, as is his character. He often speaks slowly, gently, at a very low, almost muffled level. He really pulls off the somewhat awkward and reserved scientist vibe with his entire being. It's another kind of character completely. They're a particularly good balance to each other.
Which brings me to their relationship. Look. One would not simply expect such a moving connection between these two astronomically different guys in this type of story. Their bond really pulled at my heartstrings and it's not stopping. The team zoomed in on details in the novel and expanded on it to flesh them out while adding their own spin on it. Somehow, as unlikely as that is, it just ticks. Albeit still a bit lacking in development. Although it can't really be helped in order to stay faithful to the original.
For the rest of the good, as a counterbalance to my main criticism, I did appreciate various ideas they presented. And the way they presented it. It was surprising and refreshing. We get to consider different sides on some questions. Made me ponder and think, all that. Regularly, it felt like they really hit the nail on the head, personally. It just resonated. It was impactful. As "rational" as that is meant to be, it was also a 'spiritual' journey for me.
Overall it was very enjoyable. And frequently emotional. There's even some comedy, especially thanks to the perpetual bickering between our two main guys. When things happen... they really happen. And that finale...
And you know what ? Regardless of my opinion, the fact is that many people who worked on this project have a genuine appreciation for the original work and it shows. Yang Lei (director) and Lu Bei Ke (visual effects supervisor) are hardcore fans and decided to do everything they could to preserve it (and in my opinion they enhanced it). Yu He Wei wanted to play Shi Qiang so much he made the request himself to be cast, even though he'd have to get body makeup because his skin is too light (and light or dark he's perfect). Tian Liang Liang (screenwriter) probably knows the book almost by heart as well and wrote accordingly (and many dialogues are word for word what's in it). And it really shows through everything. They didn't do this thoughtlessly. They put in a lot of care. Without the unfortunate inaccuracies and dark areas I mentioned, this drama could have been a 9-9,5 for me. It's no surprise it's a masterpiece for many. And an important cultural achievement for Chinese fans.
[THE LONG SUMMARY]
Tencent's Three-Body is a HARD SF with a fascinating premise and setting, a strong plot but weak spots and bothering inaccuracies, a gorgeous realisation made alive by fans of the original work, good characters on paper whose depth and likeability in practice may vary but still allow for enjoyable dynamics between them and especially a noteworthy duo. There is mostly A.L.O.T of thinking, philosophising and speculating about scientific and existential topics but BIG AND INTENSE things happen as well. It also indirectly addresses various but not always nuanced views on some ethical issues and metaphysical questions through the musings of the characters and general context of the story. Which may or may not be enjoyable depending on who you are. Do not expect frequent fast-paced action. Definitely do not expect romance between anyone (although there are married couples, romantic interactions between them are scarce). Even the heartfelt friendship between Miao Miao and Da Shi stays subtle, blended into an ocean of plot points.
However, this is not just a science-fiction story. This is a deep dive into the frontier between hope and disillusion, ideals and reality, so-called rationality and what lies beyond our control. I think it can appeal to different person for different reason and offers different levels of understanding and interpretation. I found a lot of value in this drama. Through their desperate ideals and tragic longings for a more beautiful, humane universe, it made me unbury my own, as painful as that is. In the end, what I'll truly remember are Ye Wen Jie's character and Shi/Wang's partnership, because I care more about people and bonds than I do plots and concepts. As interesting as they are. Which is why I'm looking forward to the short Shi/Wang spin-off preceding The Dark Forest, hoping it will be a proper wrap-up before entering into the second phase of the story. I don't know if I'll keep watching afterwards for reasons I won't spoil. And I don't even know if I'll still be around when it all comes out, because it's probably going to be a massive production with an equally massive wait time. But regardless, I liked this drama despite what I didn't. As a part 1, an introduction, a summary, a standalone with an extremely open ending, or anything else. I will remember it both in my mind and my heart, with criticism but with fondness also, and am finding it hard to part with it.
Thanks to the team for their work. And thank you if you read the entirety of the unintelligible, emotionally confused scrawl that is this review and didn't just skip to the summary (I know you did - it's ok). May the vast universe around you bring you comfort rather than fear.
[THE BAD]
LACK OF NUANCE. TRIGGERING INACCURACIES. WRITING ISSUES.
When it comes to philosophical stories and existential themes, there's always a risk of coming off as pretentious. In my opinion, it occasionally happens in this drama. Especially its first half, when the plot isn't very clear yet. The attempt to present a pretty wide range of ideas and opinions on multiple topics from multiple points of view (not just science but also religious beliefs, environmental issues, human nature, right and wrong, meaning and value of life, etc.) is good. But the fact is that a fair part of them (not all - but a lot) remains either one-dimensional or unimpressive. At best. If you've never really considered these kinds of thoughts before this might be mind-opening to various degrees, which is fine. If you have, it won't really seem revolutionary. Worse, it might even be pretty annoying. It deals with extremes and lacks nuance and finesse. This can be a turn-off. In spite of that, in the end, I felt like it was ok and rewarding. Like life, you can just somehow put this aside and still experience the events and the people for what they are. It's just that, as you go through it, it might get periodically irritating.
Another problem in such stories is when, while trying to make themselves look intelligent and rational, they expose obvious mistakes as facts. Which unfortunately happens as well. I know nothing about the science side of it and how accurate that is, so I definitely have nothing to say on that matter. Some lack of realism is perfectly fine. However, there are some things I know about.
Such as the common but no less blatantly false belief that Middle Ages people thought the earth was flat. They knew the earth was spherical. This erroneous idea that they didn't came in much later. And it really doesn't take much to find that out. Or their ignorant insinuation that burning at the stake people for some conflicting intellectual ideas was the Church's hobby every Sunday during the Middle Ages. Most of their examples in fact happened not during the Middle Ages (roughly 450-1400 AD) but during the Inquisition of the Renaissance period (1400-1600 AD) and involved a lot more theology and politics than just "not being convinced by their scientific ideas". Also none of these guys were tried/killed on the spot; it would start with a non-violent warning and then escalate over multiple years and repeated offences in some cases (well, what the Popes at the time considered offences anyway). D'Ascoli (Middle Ages) in particular was definitely not killed for his "belief in a round earth" as Ye Wen Jie confidently states, but because he was teaching many forbidden things about astroLOGY.
The ridiculous in-game representations of some Western figures also triggered me (such as de Vinci and Newton who both acted like dumb and effeminate cowards for some reason ???). Even though they actually respected their works so I don't understand these weird characterizations. Sure, all historical figures are anachronistic and stereotyped in some manner in the game. But some of these are really bothering honestly. I just don't understand why they did that. If it was for comedy, it was lost on me.
Also : no, one cannot just snap other people's necks like that.
Aside from those various inaccuracies which are akin to an enormous life-sucking black hole at the centre of a drama aiming at rationality and scientific rigour, there are a few other things that could have been better. Although they're not as bad. In particular, there are plot conveniences and holes here and there. Far from the worst writing I've seen, that's for sure. Yet not the absolute tightest either. Especially with those original characters and storylines. Some plot points were forced.
[THE NEUTRAL]
CHARACTERIZATION. PACING. COLOURS. THINKING THOUGHTS.
You see, that's often the case with these conceptual and massive plots : character development is relegated to the second (or third or fourth or fifth) place. I said I wouldn't compare with the novel. However it would be unfair to the drama not to mention that, in the original work, character depth and development is virtually nonexistent. Liu Ci Xin said himself he didn't care about characterization when he wrote. They're a means to an end, tools. Maybe good tools. Still tools. Thanks to the screenwriters, in this adaptation most original characters have the merit to express substance, layers and potential. The team breathed life into these one quarter-dimensional faceless names and made them look and behave like interconnected human individuals. But because they're still working with the base material without deviating too much, they cannot make miracles. Wang Miao has some aspects of his personality I found incomprehensible and unlikeable. I wouldn't say it is "bad", though. At least he has a personality. Shi Qiang and Ye Wen Jie are undoubtedly the best and I'll talk about them more in the good section. The non-canon characters however, I'm not convinced.
Now something else that needs to be clear is that this drama follows the heartbeat of a blue whale and the colour scheme of a winter's night. You may like it or dislike it. I didn't mind. I wasn't bored because the topics interest me and the tension is palpable from beginning to end. However I can understand why some people fall asleep to it. They talk and think a lot. I like talking people. And I think the aesthetic choices fit the story. Although sometimes I couldn't see crap. The Anniversary Edition does "improve" a little on these aspects, as it cuts some non-canon storylines and "unnecessary" bits to shorten the whole, while brightening it. If you find the original version too dark and/or too slow and/or too filler-filled compared to the novel, definitely give the Anniversary Edition a try. But be warned : because they had to edit out storylines for this version, there are even more plot holes (for instance, an important scene is kept in which someone will briefly mention this thing that happened in that other scene but, oops, turns out that scene was cut out in this version, too bad, let's move on).
[THE GOOD]
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY. THE OST. THE ACTING. YE WEN JIE. SHI QIANG. SHI/WANG'S FRIENDSHIP. THE BIG IDEAS. ALL THE REST.
If you can put the aforementioned darkness aside, this drama is a work of art that deserves all the praise. The cinematography is gorgeous. It does not look like a drama at all. It looks like a movie. A breathtakingly gorgeous movie. So many beautiful shots. The CGI is as good as it can get in a C-drama and not a thing to complain about. I am reluctant to watch any drama with CGI because it's usually hideous and makes me unable to get immersed in the story. Here it's fine.
The OST is a whole story on its own as well. Every piece is an experience to listen to. Powerful and soulful. Well-used. Really immersive. Perfectly suited. Just "listen to the universe". Seriously, what a fitting title. The openings are beautiful to watch. I generally don't like to hear English lyrics in dramas but in that case I'd say it's relevant.
Another strong point is the acting. Flawless, from everyone. And there are difficult roles to play. Many of them impressed me. Even the foreign cast. They carved supplementary reliefs into their characters. Yang Dong is an angel. Yang Wei Ning is a good man. Ding Yi is pure-hearted. Xu Bing Bing's a cute puppy. Wei Cheng and Shen Yu Fei kind of broke me. I also liked Colonel Stanton. Their faces and expressions remain ingrained in my brain. They're all awesome.
But the moment the actress of young Ye Wen Jie appeared, Wang Zi Wen, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. It helps that she's a beauty but it's not so much her surface; it's her charisma. Her face barely moves, ever. Yet I could feel everything through her eyes. When she cried, I cried. When she smiled, I smiled (and cried). This character's mind is fascinating, her presence so powerful, I just... yeah. She is an excellent character. A fascinating female character, at that. And an astounding actress made for this role. Chen Jin is impressive as well, don't get me wrong. They did such a great job casting her - her vibe is vastly different from her younger self with good reasons and she nailed it to perfection. Wen Jie really hit me on a personal level. This drama is worthwhile even if only for this character.
Then Da Shi. Supposedly the plainest, I ended up thinking he was among the most subtly layered of them all. Rough and straightforward, the kind of person I, like Wang Miao, would barely be able to discuss anything with, ever. And yet he offers a necessary grounded perspective in all this cerebral mess. Most importantly, he has a huge heart. Yu He Wei showcases a lot of micro-expressions, including from his vocal cords. Very dynamic. Very pleasant to watch and listen to. Opposed to that, Zhang Lu Yi's acting here is way more restrained and delicate, as is his character. He often speaks slowly, gently, at a very low, almost muffled level. He really pulls off the somewhat awkward and reserved scientist vibe with his entire being. It's another kind of character completely. They're a particularly good balance to each other.
Which brings me to their relationship. Look. One would not simply expect such a moving connection between these two astronomically different guys in this type of story. Their bond really pulled at my heartstrings and it's not stopping. The team zoomed in on details in the novel and expanded on it to flesh them out while adding their own spin on it. Somehow, as unlikely as that is, it just ticks. Albeit still a bit lacking in development. Although it can't really be helped in order to stay faithful to the original.
For the rest of the good, as a counterbalance to my main criticism, I did appreciate various ideas they presented. And the way they presented it. It was surprising and refreshing. We get to consider different sides on some questions. Made me ponder and think, all that. Regularly, it felt like they really hit the nail on the head, personally. It just resonated. It was impactful. As "rational" as that is meant to be, it was also a 'spiritual' journey for me.
Overall it was very enjoyable. And frequently emotional. There's even some comedy, especially thanks to the perpetual bickering between our two main guys. When things happen... they really happen. And that finale...
And you know what ? Regardless of my opinion, the fact is that many people who worked on this project have a genuine appreciation for the original work and it shows. Yang Lei (director) and Lu Bei Ke (visual effects supervisor) are hardcore fans and decided to do everything they could to preserve it (and in my opinion they enhanced it). Yu He Wei wanted to play Shi Qiang so much he made the request himself to be cast, even though he'd have to get body makeup because his skin is too light (and light or dark he's perfect). Tian Liang Liang (screenwriter) probably knows the book almost by heart as well and wrote accordingly (and many dialogues are word for word what's in it). And it really shows through everything. They didn't do this thoughtlessly. They put in a lot of care. Without the unfortunate inaccuracies and dark areas I mentioned, this drama could have been a 9-9,5 for me. It's no surprise it's a masterpiece for many. And an important cultural achievement for Chinese fans.
[THE LONG SUMMARY]
Tencent's Three-Body is a HARD SF with a fascinating premise and setting, a strong plot but weak spots and bothering inaccuracies, a gorgeous realisation made alive by fans of the original work, good characters on paper whose depth and likeability in practice may vary but still allow for enjoyable dynamics between them and especially a noteworthy duo. There is mostly A.L.O.T of thinking, philosophising and speculating about scientific and existential topics but BIG AND INTENSE things happen as well. It also indirectly addresses various but not always nuanced views on some ethical issues and metaphysical questions through the musings of the characters and general context of the story. Which may or may not be enjoyable depending on who you are. Do not expect frequent fast-paced action. Definitely do not expect romance between anyone (although there are married couples, romantic interactions between them are scarce). Even the heartfelt friendship between Miao Miao and Da Shi stays subtle, blended into an ocean of plot points.
However, this is not just a science-fiction story. This is a deep dive into the frontier between hope and disillusion, ideals and reality, so-called rationality and what lies beyond our control. I think it can appeal to different person for different reason and offers different levels of understanding and interpretation. I found a lot of value in this drama. Through their desperate ideals and tragic longings for a more beautiful, humane universe, it made me unbury my own, as painful as that is. In the end, what I'll truly remember are Ye Wen Jie's character and Shi/Wang's partnership, because I care more about people and bonds than I do plots and concepts. As interesting as they are. Which is why I'm looking forward to the short Shi/Wang spin-off preceding The Dark Forest, hoping it will be a proper wrap-up before entering into the second phase of the story. I don't know if I'll keep watching afterwards for reasons I won't spoil. And I don't even know if I'll still be around when it all comes out, because it's probably going to be a massive production with an equally massive wait time. But regardless, I liked this drama despite what I didn't. As a part 1, an introduction, a summary, a standalone with an extremely open ending, or anything else. I will remember it both in my mind and my heart, with criticism but with fondness also, and am finding it hard to part with it.
Thanks to the team for their work. And thank you if you read the entirety of the unintelligible, emotionally confused scrawl that is this review and didn't just skip to the summary (I know you did - it's ok). May the vast universe around you bring you comfort rather than fear.
{8.5/10}
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