Heavenly Palace on the Clouds (2021)

Don't fret over the beginning

Before even starting this review, let me tell you: Do not judge this series by its beginning. The start of it is pretty horrific and I admit it does not get better until like episode 8 or 9. Also, this review is especially for people who watched other adaptations of the Daomubiji series of dramas.

Story:
+ the story works well in itself and there are almost no plot-holes
- the story does not work well regarding its continuity to its prequel and sequel
Overall I have to say, I enjoyed the story, especially the later half of the drama. The story pace is quite steady, fast enough to not get bored, slow enough to enjoy scenes. There were some story parts (side story mainly) which I just could not enjoy though.

Some characters were re-casted, while others weren't and it is noticeable. The chemistry in the beginning is way off and you will feel like some of the actors first have to grow into their roles. Will they be your favorite casting of all the adaptations? Probably not. Are they doing a good job? Yes.
This drama also makes it one of its main missions to show you new perspectives to characters you might already know. If you expect your usual main protagonists, forget it. It is interesting though how some relationships are displayed in the drama, some totally new from what we have seen before, some just a new perspective. This goes from Wu Xie and his uncle to how Wu Xie deals with betrayals from his closest friends.

The music is actually really really good and I caught myself enjoying the intro and outro a lot. Regarding the special effects and CGI, I am quite sure all the money went into the last two episodes. You will notice green screen but if you blink your eyes a few times, it is not that bad.

Overall: I will probably end up re-watching some of it over time, as I did really enjoy the new character relationships and some of the scenes are really a small treasure. I will probably avoid re-watching all of it though. I totally recommend watching the show after some time has passed since watching the other adaptations, as what makes this series so hard to watch is mainly the comparison, and less the series itself.

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Went a little below expectation...

I had high expectation since I've been waiting for this for years and simply because its prequel with Neo Hou is one of my fave among all the adaptations. All in all I must say that I started it with the mindset "I'm used to them changing Wu Xie and Zhang Qilin so lemme just enjoy it" so I watched it with my usual clean slate adoration and expectation.

I basically LOVE the idea that this sequel finally happened and even when the plot changed a bit compared to how we were left with the cliffhanger on The Lost Tomb 2; I was still able to pick up the pieces after several episodes and allowed me to enjoy it like how I always do. But my most OUTSTANDING SCENE is on EP.18, probably the most GAY-ISH SKINSHIP we've ever get between WX & ZQL throughout the entire series'. I died with so much flatter and joy with the camera focused during those moments and also I love how WX addressed some annoying issues about WPZ (I like him and got used to his character all this time and I love the Iron Triangle but WPZs behaviour has been bothering me since then and finally it was addressed and highlighted this time).

Things I dislike are mostly the underwhelming production and story/plot. I feel like they could've done better in terms of plot twist and some effects but it simply never happened. As always I got used to JUMPY scenarios with The Lost Tomb Series but something just didn't sit properly with me while watching it. It also felt rushed at the end and a little bit too dragging at the middle part of the story. I feel like they could've done better. This is probably my 2nd least favorite installment right after Lost Tomb 1 with Li YiFeng.

Story - 8.0, As i mentioned It felt dragging and rushed and they seriously could have done better to make it WORK!

Acting/Cast - 9.5, I never got issue with WX & ZQL character changes but they felt a little distant in this series. I felt like they went a little less closer but the skinship made up for that— In terms of acting Bai Shu did his best and I LOVE that he has some expressions/views that look exactly like Neo Hou and he look like him countless of times as well same thing with ZQL since he reminded me of Arata Mackenyu and Suho of EXO so I was satisfied watching them the entire time. Their acting itself felt a little different but is still pass-able!

Music - 9.0, Like what I always say on my reviews 'We can never go wrong with music' (that often lol) It has decent set of music that fits the scenes and it never bothered me. I gave it a 9 since I'm just not a big fan of suspense, creepy type of music and i usually prefer ballad and pop. Nonetheless I enjoy the music accompaniment on this series.

Rewatch Value - 7.5, I probably won't rewatch it unless i have decided to watch the entirety of The Lost Tomb Series when everything has been completely adapted. But till then nope, I won't rewatch. But hey!! this series is decent.

Overall - 8.5, I really wanted to give it a higher Mark but the most important factor for me is Plot && Production and I felt like they lack so much in that area. Nonetheless this is a decent adaptation; probably not the best but certainly not the worst as well.

IF you find my Review helpful please let me know.

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