Watched “Chinese Paladin 3” (Episodes 32-37)

Finished. Glad I wasn’t spoiled beforehand about the most touching, gruesome death in the show and thus, cried buckets of tears. The character did not deserve to die! He was the most innocent, pure, loyal person in the entire show. If Jing Tian (Hu Ge) had to save anyone, it should have been him! I don’t know, maybe I’m just a really mean person, but Jing Tian shouldn’t have sacrificed most of his lifespan to save strangers’ lives without being able to save the family and friends he loves most. Sure, those background people running around are innocent but they aren’t worthy either. They only think about themselves during hardship and famine, and complain, blame, complain, blame. Let them die. (Okay, yeah. I’ll never become a saint.) 

As for the ending between Jing Tian and Xue Jian (Yang Mi), it’s bittersweet. They’ll know to treasure their time together. But having caught the clip of the game’s Xue Jian ending, I prefer it. Then again, I didn’t really like the romance between Jing Tian & Xue Jian anyway. There wasn’t enough focus on them, especially when Xue Jian didn’t do anything significant. I mean, she wasn’t even a helping factor when Jing Tian was in his lowest emotional state. She faded into the background after her trip to Heaven and learning of her origin. I thought that was the best phase for her character, but the script failed to grow her character into a memorable one. Even at the end, she didn’t mature or become any more insightful and considerate. The writers really failed Yang Mi, who gave such an adorable performance that made it hard to dislike her character. However, Yang Mi did fantastic as Xi Yao, the total opposite of Xue Jian and my favorite character. Her chemistry with Hu Ge also worked magic!

Contrary to why I dislike the romance between Jing Tian & Xue Jian, Chang Qing (Wallace Huo) and Zi Xuan’s (Tang Yan) romantic story is way too draggy. They get together, misunderstanding occurs; angst, break up, make up, rehash. If not for the actors’ excellent portrayals, I would have screwed it and fast forward. However, I love their ending. The final break up scene is perfect and really sent the message that “sometimes, to love is to let go”.

I definitely like the friendship between Jing Tian and Chang Qing more than any of the romances in the show. 

Overall, a fairly enjoyable fantasy-driven adventure with lots of (maybe a little too much) creativity. Great cinematography, decent CGI, above average action sequences, okay characters, awesome cast, and acceptable storyline. (Whoa. Almost wrote a review here. Sorry for rambling.)