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

The One Great Love and Sacrifice

Wow what a combination of great performances, execution, story, stunning visual effects and production! This drama not only boasts an obviously high -budget production but it also delivered in every factor that mattered, It is difficult to find a great balance of everything nowadays, where one seem to excel in one thing, it glaringly lacks in another. But this movie was just stunning overall. It was ambitious but it never strayed further to compromise its storytelling. Everything complemented each other and this was boosted further by sincere performances by the leads, most notably Mark Chao and the Princess.

Mark Chao seem to have this command on screen and side by side with Allen Deng, it just elevated the quality of the movie even more. His expressions, down to the tiniest ones, conveyed so much emotions that even when he was doing those hand signals, what might have looked ridiculous and taken away from the scene just integrated nicely with the whole experience because he did them so convincingly.

The whole story was about the good and bad, yin and yang and how this concept, which is not new, have played out in this one compels you to watch it and grabs your whole attention. More than the stunning visuals and Mark Chao's performance alongside Allen and Olivia Wang, the story had substance and direction was solid. I thought whilst watching this movie how great the novel it's been adapted from must be seeing this all play out on screen. This movie has really captured the essence of the story because as someone who didn't have prior knowledge of the novel, everything was easy to follow along and the concept and flow were all very logical.

I have seen a behind the scene of this prior to its release and what drew me the most in that video was how high-budget it seemed to be and of course the cast who are a few of the most well-known faces in the Chinese entertainment industry. But like with a lot of other productions with impressive budget and visual aesthetics, I had my reservations because many fail to put importance on the actual story. You can breathe a sigh of relief with this one because it really felt like the story was done with sincerity that it really radiated with it.

It's been so difficult to get into any show these days but this movie grabbed my attention from the get-go. I was captivated the whole time and I enjoyed the whole ride. Really happy I gave this a chance and I cannot wait to see Mark Chao in a fantasy drama again, hopefully in the near future!

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This subtle BL romance (bromance) between Qing Ming and Bo Ya takes us to a historical period in East Asia, where demons rule, and the whole film is filled with action fantasy and mysticism. But the actual story is very convoluted and sometimes I almost got lost in it. Apparently, it should have been like that because of Onmyoji's design (or to simplify it a little?), anyway, the lowest rating from me for the story out of all the evaluation criteria. Played excellently, convincingly (Mark Chao, Allen Deng), there is a huge potential of actors in China. Fantastic fights, spectacular visuals, great effects and design really impressed me. But the music, it was absolutely the BEST and in the final passages of the film it directly communicates "something" very subtle between the two main characters, only the actors can't express it better because of Chinese regulations. Nice experience.



Tato subtilní BL romance (bromance) mezi Qing Ming-em a Bo Ya-em nás zavádí do historického období východní Asie, kde vládnou démoni a celým filmem prostupuje akční fantasy a mystično. Vlastní příběh je ale hodně spletitý a někdy jsem se v něm téměř ztrácel. Zřejmě to tak asi mělo být kvůli předloze Onmjódži (nebo malinko zjednodušit?), každopádně ode mě za příběh nejnižší hodnocení ze všech hodnotícíh kritérií. Zahráno výborně, přesvědčivě (Mark Chao, Allen Deng), v Číně je obrovský potenciál herců. Fantastické souboje, velkolepý vizuál, skvělé efekty a výprava mě hodně zaujaly. Ale ta hudba, ta byla úplně NEJ a v závěrečných pasážích snímku přímo sděluje "to něco" hodně jemného, co mezi oběma hlavními postavami je, jen to nemohou lépe herci kvůli čínským nařízením vyjádřit. Hezký zážitek.

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Literally a feast for the eyes.

First things first. Absolutely everyone and everything looks amazing in this movie. The grand production, the costumes and the effects. It is visuals 10/10. A real feast for the eyes. Oh, did I already say hot guys everywhere?! Special mention Killing Stone!

The story was quite simple yet I still found compelling. There are few things I didn’t expect and came as a surprise. I was totally captivated by the Princess and Shoyue. The tragic undertone was beautiful. If there’s any criticism, I wish there was more of it.

I struggle with watching movies these days, but I thoroughly enjoyed this fanfare. It is very straightforward, delivered an awesome climax and gave a satsifying ending. The fights were choreographed to perfection.

Watch it for pure entertainment value. Don’t take it too seriously and you will not be disappointed.

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Wow, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen special effects done this well. Not even in top notch Hollywood blockbusters. All the magic they used, all the creatures... all that felt real while I was watching it, it felt absolutely seamless!

And the story! Qingming and Boya... from enemies to frienemies to reluctant friends to “You’re the one I want to protect with my life.” And all that within a 2+ hrs. movie. It was so good!

Also, when Boya first saw Qingming surrounded by beautiful young women in his bedroom and the next morning in the same place surrounded by beautiful young men... Honestly, how did that make it past the censors is beyond me. Not that I’m complaining, mind you.

But who was a real revelation to me was Wang Duo who played Shouye. Holy smokes, he was positively breathtaking! Like... wow. Seriously.

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Superb movie!

Before I start writing my review, please don't take it personally as it's based on my opinion.
This movie is either you like or dislike it as for me I like it.
Why? Based on the storyline, casting, CGI effects, makeup & costume. Luckily this is a movie or else if it's a drama I can imagine it will be dragged to 60 episodes! Lol
Ok back to my review.....
Storyline - yes, I do admit that it has elements like Marvel's Dr. Stranger whom can teleporting into space but there are suspense and sad romance elements as well as bromance e.g. both ML - QingMing & Boya. Initially both like to bicker with each other but ended up helping each other. One thing I can said is there isn't any bored scenes over here. Sorry, I won't spoil it over here so you need to watch this movie & find it out yourself.
Casting - Great casting especially Wang Dou as he played 2 roles over here. One as the Grand Master of Qing Ming and another role as the Spiritual Priest for the Princess. Wang Dou managed to bring both different roles up so well & alive. Same goes to both ML - Mark Chao as QingMing & Deng Lun as Boya. What I can commented was all their acting blends well with each other.
CGI effects - Wow! I can said that China movie/drama has improved tremendously on their CGI effects. Their CGI effects can be on par with US movies.
Makeup - The Princess makeup is great and same goes to those Spiritual Guardians for QingMing.
Costume - QingMing might be seeing wearing the same costume from beginning to the end compared to Boya! Few other supporting roles costumes were also quite good like cosmo play type. Lol.
Conclusion is if you have not watch it or consider watching it, please go ahead watch it. You won't regret it imagine 3 great actors acting in the same movie - Mark Chao - Ten Miles Peach Blossom, Deng Lun - Ashes of Love & Wang Dou - Bloody Romance so you can imagine how it will be like without me further elaborating it. Lol.

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Yin and Yang - edgy vibes

Finally! Something screams epic

This is the very edgy version. And both QingMing and BoYa oozing hotness.
Wait, it doesn’t stop there. Even the guarded spirit is handsomely casted. They all looked ethereal.
Villains and demons are eerie and steaming hot too.

CGI parts diluted well with the story telling. It just lift the whole magnitude of every scene.

The whole Chang’An city landscape was just breathtaking and rolls in with the music. Rendition is flowing like fitted puzzle pieces. Fights scenes all blood and gory.

And when BoYa raise with his noir wings, marvelous. This sets them apart. We’ll be seeing lot’s of fallen angels in action, being heroes.

This movie is pictured amazing

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My two favorite guys; Mark Chao and Wang Duo (not Deng Lun)

I was interested with this movie because of Mark Chao and Wang Duo..this is the two Chinese actor that surely bring out the best of characters, not that Deng Lun isn't good but he's more to romance gender kind of character. Mark has steady, quiet, sympathetic, strong personality that gives his character more weight while Wang Duo is best with his dramatic character, Deng Lun buffed up with his appearance. All actors did awesome, from the MLs to supporting actors, visual feast. Collaboration Visual/sound effect with acting skills from the actors made this movie over the top quality. The dragon thing wasn't my favorite though...but this one of two movies with the same titles and magic, action, flashy visual effect and weird creatures are part of this deal. Good and evil play the role of distinction in two character Qing Ming and Bo Ya, the two formed friendship from different side of opinions, with humor tricking/spying other opponents. Bo Ya was very fierce what he thought wrongdoings while Qing Ming was easy going on presumably black/white characters...while Wang Duo was Qing Ming's dead SiFu that loved and protected a woman to her evil doing no matter in what cost. ok I can't denied that I love Deng Lun here too...he wasn't Xu Feng anymore.

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An Absolute delight!

I started watching this at 3 am in the morning, I was heaviky sleep riddled but I couldn't put it down. And when it ended - the first thought that came to my hazy mind was - "ah! That was a not-so-bad love story! " before I remembered with a jolt that- "Oh , neither of the two leads was a woman! "

This movie is a story of how a great friendship came to be forged between two individuals who has opposite personalities & principles; Yeah. It felt like watching a fantasy action movie with magic & romance ! If any of the two main leads were a woman, it would be a such a cliché but still somewhat enjoyable love story !! No, I am not talking about the romance between 2 supporting characters that is a part of the plotline. The side stories and characters are overwhelmingly shadowed by the main pair.

The two MLs are the driving force of this movie. They are excellent actors, very much pleasant to the eye and have great chemistry. I can safely go as far as to say that these two could be the only characters in these movie or the story could be a dumb disaster & this movie would still be equally enjoyable! It is fun just watching them interacting! The scenes where these two are not on screen feels unnecessary! Fortunately, they are on screen most of the time and never once it gets boring watching them. There are quite a few scenes with good humor that made me laugh out loud.

I am going to rewatch it.For one, If I am feeling down someday, I will watch it to light up my mood.

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A FEAST

A feast for my eyes, a 5-course meal, a visual experience. The acting, the sets, hair and make-up, the costumes, the colors/atmosphere, the characters, the fight scenes, the cinematography, the music, the CGI!!!!! Everything was visually SO pleasing. What a stunner! I saw this was made by the same director as “My Journey to You”, so I expected greatness, and I got greatness. If censorship wasn’t real, they would have kissed by the way. Also, Shou Ye served massive cunt as a snake, I’m sorry, it had to be said. Now, if only Deng Lun had paid his taxes… We will never see the sequel😭 I need this visual feast again…!!!!

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Wow, Just amazing!!!

This was a first for me with both main actors and I was not disappointed. Like many people here, I've waited for a long time for this movie to air:-)
Onto the review!

Story:
The story from the beginning was simple and easy to follow! The story of the empress was very beautiful and nicely explained at the end. About the Bromance, all I can say is that I didn't wait in vain! The two main leads portrayed very well their characters and for sure I will go back to enjoy the story again.

Acting/cast: as I said, both main leads were new to me but after reading the comments on them, well, I expected a lot. They really portrayed Bo Ya and Qing Ming very well. The Bromance, with the untamed vibe, was the reason that made me watch this and they did an amazing job with their chemistry. The supporting Cast especially the guardian spirits (for me) did great and were *hot* too!
Not to forget the CGIs and the visuals !!! Just awesome.

Music: I liked all the songs (especially the fluke's melodies)! Probably will search for those on youtube

Rewatch: I gave this a 10 and it's only a 2hrs movie so for sure I'll re-watch it and really soon!
I enjoyed every minute of this. Even though I don't want to spoil, «the last scenes is what all bromance lovers will love the most», I did:-)

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