The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)

The Perfect Yin Yang

The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity is a much anticipated movie that went through hell and back, and literally pulled us fans into the same predicament. This production has been plagued by backlash against its director-screenwriter, Guo Jing Ming who lost a plagiarism lawsuit back in 2004 for a novel that he had published and since then, there have been those in the industry calling for a continued boycott of his works. On top of that incident, another accusation of plagiarism was made against him, this time for this movie where certain scenes resembled Marvel’s 2016 release of Doctor Strange. This fresh wave of backlash had resulted in the film being pulled from cinemas less than 2 weeks after its initial release in China on Christmas 2020. There were real fears that Netflix, which acquired the world-wide distribution rights, may pull the plug on this as well. Fortunately, it did not and the movie was released on the streaming platform as originally scheduled on 5 February 2021.

Dream of Eternity is adapted from the novel series Onmyōji by Yumemakura Baku, with a fair amount of interpretation through the screenplay (as I understand from various news sources) written and directed by Guo Jing Ming. This is the 3rd incarnation of live-action based on the novel series, the first two were Japanese adaptations in 2001 and 2003, and comes into direct comparison (and probably competition as well, due to the timing) with another movie based on the Onmyōji mobile game (which is also inspired by the original novel series), The Yin Yang Master. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t read the novel series, played the mobile game, and even seen the two Japanese adaptations. So I went into this on a huge wave of anticipation and excitement based on rave reviews by nearly everyone who had seen the movie.

The plot focuses on the adventures of the lead character, cosmologist (Onmyōdō, the traditional Japanese art of esoteric cosmology) Qing Ming as he investigates strange cases linked to an overarching mystery involving the heavenly realm and a mystical artifact. This takes place in a fantasy world where supernatural beings (demons, and others that I’m unsure of how to classify) co-exist. Along the way, he develops a friendship (and bromance with hints of BL) with the Imperial Guard (similar to the Embroidered/ Brocade Jing Yi Wei guards) Bo Ya. Together they form a formidable partnership in tackling the unsavoury otherworldly (super)villains that get in the way of solving mysteries. They also encounter other intriguing supporting characters such as Princess Zhang Ping, Master Long Ye and He Shou Ye.

If the story depicted here is anything like the original source material, I’m severely tempted to start reading the novel series. Exquisitely intricate world building of the highest degree with equally fleshed out major and supporting characters. Little wonder a running time over 2 hours is needed to bring this entirely fantastical setting to life. It certainly did not feel that long at all, as the storytelling progresses at a reasonably engaging and quick pace with perfectly-timed intensity and thrills where it mattered. Perhaps an additional 15 to 20 minutes would have provided more richness and depth to certain scenes and the development of character build-ups and relationship dynamics.

The cast is one of the major reasons for getting excited over this movie. Mark Chao headlines the eclectic ensemble that also comprises the likes of Deng Lun and Olivia Wang. The award-winning Mark Chao is globally renowned for his role of Ye Hua in Eternal Love (TMOPB) as well as numerous other starring roles since he made his debut in the critically-acclaimed Monga a decade ago. Deng Lun is another big name in the xianxia series through his major role in Ashes of Love. Olivia Wang is probably not as universally renowned as the two gentlemen, but she has been no less prolific with a portfolio of works that spans 15 years in the industry.

The characters of Qing Ming and Bo Ya were delectably portrayed by Mark and Deng respectively. Mark invokes a particularly subtle kind of charm and sophistication as the titular Yin-Yang Master that makes him appear genuinely warm and sincere but with a dash of self-assured confidence. Deng’s Bo Ya is seemingly more minimalist with a stoic disposition permanently etched on his entire being. These two make for a great couple, whether as brothers-in-arms or even beyond the usual conventions. Wang was almost unrecognizable as the Princess Zhang Ping, even without the heavy Tang-esque makeup. I felt that although she was probably way out of her comfort zone in this role because it was such a controlled and subdued character to portray, her performance was on point. Her character is arguably one of the most enigmatically intriguing.

The most talked about aspect of this production that garners the highest praise from most viewers, with which I agree wholeheartedly, is its visual representation. This is a big budget production that seamlessly blends top-tier CGI technology, beautiful cinematography, and astounding choreographed sequences with breathtaking set designs and immaculate costumes that embody the world of Onmyōji, supposedly set in the Japanese Heian period. There is absolutely no way to describe how visually stunning this film is - you just have to see it for yourself. Principal photography fully took place at Hengdian World Studios and apparently this film and a sequel were filmed back-to-back in what is a planned series. The impressive visual effects were provided by the well-known Korean animation and motion picture VFX production company, 4th Creative Party which had produced feature films in Asia, Hollywood and Europe, most notably Okja, Snowpiercer, and The Host.

The music in the film is no less exquisite, composed by celebrated Japanese composer Kenji Kawai, famed for his works in Ghost in the Shell, Death Note and Ip Man series, among many others. The BGM for this production is one of the best in the fantasy genre, where traditional sounds blend harmoniously with contemporary tones. The OST lists 2 tracks used in the film, both of which are slow-tempo ballads:

Heart Fallen 心殇人 - Huang Ling 黄龄
Infatuation Tomb (Ending Song) 痴情冢 – Deng Lun 邓伦

Overall, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity is an exceptionally well-crafted film that is stunning to watch, refreshingly straightforward and uncomplicated (despite the premise), and effortlessly enjoyable as well as fun. It’s a no-brainer, what are you waiting for? (before Netflix actually removes the content because of plagiarism issues...).

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Watch for special effect

Wow wow wow just watched the movie in theatre and must say worth all the time and money I had no expectations just wanted to watch Mark chao and Deng Lan didn’t knew Wang Dou is in this
I am surprise they have written him as supporting role but he is the main character he looks so handsome and his acting is good too
All actors are good Good looking and fitting to the role
Cinematography is just awesome you can just watch it for that
Only one complaint there is no element of mystery some questions are raised but immediately answer is displayed
Go and watch in theatre

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Cloudy with a chance of meatballs.

This highly anticipated movie has all the elements of a huge fantasy, suspense thriller hit: an unlikely bromance between a demon sympathizer and a demon hater; a powerful demon hiding in plain sight; a murder mystery and above all; a desperate conspiracy arising from an intense, obsessive love that risks all for a dream of eternity. It is beyond doubt a visual extravaganza that leaves viewers in no doubt of Guo Jingming's cinematic virtuosity. Unfortunately the production tries too hard to impress with technical pyrotechnics at the expense of good storytelling. As a result, the glowing magic circles and time portals that are allegedly knocked off from Marvel's Doctor Strange are over-used and characters are gratuitously transported to odd places; all unnecessary digressions for a ~2 hour movie.

Despite the lavish images and sensationally choreographed action scenes that culminates in an apocalyptic clash with a demon serpent, the plot is flimsy and the characters are unevenly developed. This is a pity because this is hardly the first adaption of the popular novel Onmyoji; I have to believe the story has more substance and the characters are better fleshed out than what was served up in this version. The evolution of the relationship between Qingming and Boya from distrust, even antagonistic to lasting spiritual bond could have been more convincingly developed with better dialogue. The cursory development of the other main characters, stiff performances and stilted dialogue devoid of clever repartee or banter results in a lack of any tangible rapport and chemistry between the broader cast. This makes it difficult to empathise with most of the characters and what should be a moving, obsessive love story. But it is at least more convincing than the bromance between Boya and Qingming. I believe both Mark Chao and Deng Lun put in a decent effort but the script and storytelling falls too far short, there is only so much the actors can do.

Instead of peeling away the layers of the mystery after an intriguing introduction, most of the plot is just simply and abruptly revealed all at once so that we can get back to more heavy duty action and cinematic fireworks. In the thick of the fray, the story tends to shift to flashbacks, which would be frustrating if I am actually gripped by excitement. But even the climax of the action lacks intensity; there is no impending sense of doom or imminent danger. Boya and Qingming are just standing around chatting casually as if a gigantic demon serpent is not about to end everything. They are so lacking in a sense of urgency they could be discussing the weather forecast - "...cloudy with a chance of meatballs " while sipping beer. I never watched Doctor Strange so I have no view of whether some of it was plagiarised here but I have watched enough Marvel to know that the spirit and ethos of what makes the Marvel fantasy universe so enthralling is markedly not present in this movie. Anything that may or may not have been stolen is definitely in form over substance. All the ingredients for a good story are present but without even knowing the novel, I can already tell that the drama does not capture the essence of the original plot and characters. This sets a low bar for the Chen Kun version that premiers in a few days to beat.

Overall this is a decent watch for the visuals alone. I found many parts of it dull and draggy where it should have and could have really pulled me in. It is best watched in a group, whether virtually or in person. I rate this a 7.0 overall - I actually think its a 6.0 but I threw in 0.5 for the crowd pleaser shots of Deng Lun's cut upper torso (please PM me if you have his personal trainer's number) and another 0.5 points because my kiddie nieces really liked it and they always know better than I.

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When expectation meets reality

To the unfortunate person who may end up reading this - This is really not a good review. It’s more like a short note of what my thoughts are for the movie. I have seen much better, detailed, reviews to help you decide whether to watch or not. Try WandereR’s and PeachBlossomGodesses’s to get a feel from two different sides of the rating spectrum.

****
This is what one feels when you order something really good online and when they arrive they look nothing like the picture on the website. I was so hyped for this movie when the trailer and the stills were release, but it ended up not delivering.

Maybe this shouldn’t have been a movie? I’m not sure if it’s a lack of time or the script itself, but the plot was a nothing burger. Even for a basic plot (really the motivations was nothing novel) the way the story unfolded was lackluster. One of the people I watched it with and I agreed that even if one didn’t follow the plot from the beginning, the characters pretty much narrated it like a recap at the end.

Anyone who knows me would understand that I’m ready to pick up my paddle and row any ship that has a hint of a bromance, but this ship sunk before it even left the shore. If there was time spent on seeing their relationship growth, some sort of chemistry could have been found. This movie didn’t give enough time to see the growth or bond of the characters that by the time the two leads showed concern for each other I was perplexed as to why? “They hardly know each other!” That was what went through my head every time Qingming screamed out "Boya!" or vise versa.

Too much makeup. And I don't mean Olivia Wang's, who took me about half of the movie to recognize, but rather Deng Lun and Mark Chao who in some scenes looked pasty, powdery, white.

The visuals were stunning though. From the first scene to the last, from the set design and to the CGI, I have liked what I saw. Decent fight scenes. I mean it's not one to blow one's mind, but it was very well done. The accompanying music was very good as well.

Olivia Wang looked beautiful here. I also liked her performance in this. I was pretty moved by her part of the story and could connect and empathize with her character.

Overall, it was not a bad watch but did not live up to the hype.

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Best chinese movie so far

Okay so let me start by saying that this movie rocked hardcore. It was one of the best chinese movies I've seen in a long time and I've seen a lot of Chinese movies. First of all, the CGI. Any well seasoned historical c-drama watcher is probably aware of how bad the CGI in their dramas and movies usually are. Dont get me wrong we all love our flying characters and all but I'm pretty sure we've all gotten second hand embarrassment from sometimes watching those CGI involved scenes but the special effects here blew me away. Thats all I was talking about even after the movie was over and the people who watched it with me couldn't understand why but I'm sure you guys would. It was on point! The wings, oof the dark wings on Crimson Bird was the greatest thing ever. Hell Crimson Bird was the best character ever, all shirtless and long haired and badass! Second the acting, oof the casting was perfect! Everyone played their roles so perfectly well you could not picture another actor playing it, Deng Lun with his arrows dressed head to toe in dark leather is forever my weakness because damn but the man can play a cold emotionless character so very well which brings me to Mark Chao, I'm biased because I personally love the man as an actor but he also played his role so very well, he was the perfect polar opposite of Lun's character and the man with long flowy dark hair is just perfection, nothing more. Their little developed bromance toward the end was crazy adorable. I would've loved it so very much if the Mad Painter had a slightly bigger role just because I wanted to stare at Xua Kai just a little bit longer, the painted flowers on his face was the best idea they came up with. The movie itself was unceasingly well executed, easy to comprehend and follow because there wasnt an unnecessary amount of side characters taking away screen time and distracting the viewers. The action scenes were badass and the costumes were crazy appealing not to mention the make up. Overall this movie was a really great one in my opinion and I definitely recommend it. Closing note: I really love the actress who played the empress. She killed it.com

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Beautiful Yin Yang Master

I watched it today and OMG I just gotta say that I loved the movie some much. It was way better than I expected because I wasn’t expecting much but wow. I loved the story line, the plot, the romance, the sadness everything about it I just loved so much. I was just watching this movie for Deng Lun but did not expect to fall in love with Wang Dou’s beauty. Omg I have seen a few of his dramas before but I have never liked him before until now I mean why did you not see it until now bro. Lol. 🤣 I think it was a breath taking movie I cried a bunch but then again I’m an emotional person so others might not cry lol. Definitely worth the watch I would recommend this any day. I think this was a great movie better than any movie than came out in 2020 with the same genre. 😁

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I definitely recommend

I really liked this movie. It had some good and bad points.

The negative:
The intrigue is what ruined it a little for me. Not that it is not good, it really seems like the producers and screenwriters thought about it a lot. However, as the story progresses and we try to guess who is really the serpent, it gets really confusing. Towards the end, we do get some explanations, but some elements are still unclear.

The good:
Everything else was magnificent.

-The actors: The actors are so talented and beautiful! (And I mean all of them. From the main characters to the side characters). The acting just brings the story together. The chemistry between the couples was out of this world. The princess and Souyue may have had around 5 minutes of romantic screen time at the end, but they succeeded in making me fall in love with them and cry for their end. As for Boya and Qingming, the way of admitting their feelings in a such indirect way was truly beautiful and poignant.

The cinematography(image, fx, action,...): The whole movie is so pleasing on the eyes. The cinematography is just wow. The action scenes are really great too. It's really smooth and doesn't feel fake, like you already know it's CGI. The quality is just great. The decors also go so well with the interactions with the characters. As an example, the chambers of the Empress have that atmosphere of intimacy which makes the moments between the princess and Souyue more intimate and profound. The attention to details with the outfits of each characters is nice too.

The music: Amazing. It's been on repeat while writing this review.

Overall: I really recommend watching it. It's 2 hours, but you don't even realize it because the plot just has you captivated.

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WHAT AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY!

I just watched it on Netflix. And my heart is breaking. Shattering like a fragile egg into fine particles. Damn...it's so EXCELLENT! So beautiful! The lovestory, left me in tears.


The love He ShouYe has for the Princess is out of this world. Loyal to the end. Willing and ready to stay with her forever! I love him. What a brilliant actor!

Deng Lun, Mark Chao, Olivia Wang (the Princess) all played their roles beautifully, but He ShouYe, the Imperial Priest, (Wang Duo) is a LEGEND.


The CGI, costumes, story, special effects and acting is 99.9% perfect.

I will definitely rewatch He ShouYe (Wang Duo) and the Princess's scenes, whenever I want my heart to break again.

More so, Wang Duo shirtless, is a dream come true. Deng Lun shirtless, is hot too. But damn, Wang Duo's eyes and passion stole my soul.

Also, this movie is what I'call, the stuff of LEGENDS. I won't be forgetting it in a LONG TIME. And I'm most certain to recommend it to a lot of people - my family, my friends, classmates, colleagues at work, name it! It's so amaaaaaaaaaaaazing!


My favourite actors, in order of how I loved them in their roles:

1) He ShouYe / Imperial Priest (Wang Duo)
2) The Princess (Olivia Wang)
3) Boya (Deng Lun)
4) Qing Ming (Mark Chao)

What's yours?

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Visually Stunning

I'd waited with my breath held for this film to arrive on Netflix and wasn't disappointed.
The story, cast, acting, costumes, sets, cinematography and pace were so good. An absolute pleasure to watch.
There's great sarcasm and not a few sparks between Qing Ming and Bo Ya. The chemistry between Mark Chao and Allen Deng's character portrayals made for fab viewing.
Loss, revenge, love, hate, frindship and trust, it's all here.
I'd like to have been led into the beginning of the story a little more clearly, as it felt a bit like beng dumped into a moment, but as the film progresses, all becomes clear. There were some other scenes that could also have been built on a little more, which would have enriched the story.
Ovetall though this is a stunning film to watch and I shall be sitting through it again shortly!

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