First off: a movie is a story (sometime fictional, sometimes not) that becomes virtual reality due to: 1) great cinematography 2) excellent script 3) good acting 4) CASTING choices. This movie falls into FANTASY, so you are not judging their government or their censorship. As far as special effects: they are not good, or even close to perfect, but terrible? I work with computers all the time. My 13 years old nephew can spot the smallest oversight. Still they are not making the movie "unwatchable". The acting overall is good, but taiwanese actor Darren Wang is EXCELLENT. The casting is flawless and the 3 main characters mesh together brilliantly. Finally, the screenplay. I would have give them 7 stars, if it wasn't for the special effect. What a pleasure to laugh like that ! Only Guardian of the Galaxy 2 has a better screenplay in terms of laughs. Also, I gave the an extra star because THIS MOVIE HAS NO GUNS, EXPLOSIONS, OR ACTION like we are used to. So, to me, it's a plus.
17 Reviews
A soso plot and dated special effects
changawai6 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The plot to this movie is pretty thin. Some of the conflict in this movie seems forced. Like when the thief refuses to go with the prince and the winged lady for no real reason. He gives some half baked excuse that doesn't seem to be in character. Then suddenly he shows up with 3 dragons to speed them back to the city? They don't really flesh out the characters much. Like why does the girl and her brother hate each other? Why does she like humans when they all mistreat her? And the childish fart jokes detract from the movie. It's not even funny.
By no means a "Flop"!
niehow30 March 2018
Some people think they can review a film without ever visiting the country, not speaking the language, and especially not knowing the CULTURE. The previous reviewer falls into this category. It took me ten yeras living in Ningbo to perceive the culture...and that is the base of all the humor, drama, etc!
At least it is far above the Hollywood staple diet of these 8 year old comic book movies. "Super-Hero"? The only thing that's super is the green screen. Has Hollywood become so dumb-downed that cant find an intelligent screenplay? Look to the South Koreans for that. The best films EVER made, bar NONE.
Has one problem... but it's a big problem
Wizard-827 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Having watched a number of big budget movies from China on Netflix, I have noticed a common problem with a significant portion of them that probably explains why these movies haven't really caught on. "Legend of the Naga Pearls" has another example of this ultimately fatal problem. Yes, there are some good things to say about the movie despite having this big problem. Visually, the movie look gorgeous, with good cinematography, good sets and costumes, and some good special effects. The cast is charming and game. There is some exciting action. And the world that this movie is set in really feels like a new world and not derived from other previous fantasy movies.
So what's the problem? Well, to put it bluntly, the movie makes little sense. Although I got a little idea of what was going on, most of the time the movie moves from scene to scene without answering for the most part some really big questions that keep coming up. For example, how did the hero manage to get the three dragons before the climatic sequence? I don't think the incoherent story is due to translation problems, nor do I think you have to know Chinese history or culture to understand the story. The story simply doesn't go into enough detail about the characters and the various plot threads. As a result, you can't get involved with what happens.
This is not the worst Chinese blockbuster I have seen, and I admit it is better than some American blockbusters. But I would say skip it, even if you have interest in Chinese cinema.
So what's the problem? Well, to put it bluntly, the movie makes little sense. Although I got a little idea of what was going on, most of the time the movie moves from scene to scene without answering for the most part some really big questions that keep coming up. For example, how did the hero manage to get the three dragons before the climatic sequence? I don't think the incoherent story is due to translation problems, nor do I think you have to know Chinese history or culture to understand the story. The story simply doesn't go into enough detail about the characters and the various plot threads. As a result, you can't get involved with what happens.
This is not the worst Chinese blockbuster I have seen, and I admit it is better than some American blockbusters. But I would say skip it, even if you have interest in Chinese cinema.
Just another Chinese flop
lanjie73112 August 2017
With the censorship of movies and lack of imaginations. very few movies from China worth your time to watch. This is definitely not one of those. I enjoy adventure movies, that's why I enjoyed the movie. This got full and logical stories, soso acting, OK special effects and make up. The music is thin. I won't recommend you to see this unless have time and money.
When you spend your budget in the wrong part
mraramjoo16 November 2023
Special effects: 10 out of 10; The clothes and atmosphere of the film are of high quality.
Acting: 2 out of 10; Wrong and weak acting, contradictory to the atmosphere and atmosphere of the film as a mythological film.
Script: 3 out of 10; Destroying a good idea in the worst way, irrelevant cut scenes that leave the audience confused and abandoned, going from a palace to a cave and characters suddenly appearing through doors and walls.
Music: 1 out of 10; It really has nothing to do with it.
Story: 5 out of 10; The legends of China and East Asia usually do not have a specific content to present and are of low quality, however, the expression of an artist is able to put the content in the mind of the audience skillfully.
Average: 4.2 out of 10.
Acting: 2 out of 10; Wrong and weak acting, contradictory to the atmosphere and atmosphere of the film as a mythological film.
Script: 3 out of 10; Destroying a good idea in the worst way, irrelevant cut scenes that leave the audience confused and abandoned, going from a palace to a cave and characters suddenly appearing through doors and walls.
Music: 1 out of 10; It really has nothing to do with it.
Story: 5 out of 10; The legends of China and East Asia usually do not have a specific content to present and are of low quality, however, the expression of an artist is able to put the content in the mind of the audience skillfully.
Average: 4.2 out of 10.
Interesting movie if you can keep up with it...
paul_haakonsen6 January 2022
Now, I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into here in 2022 as I sat down to watch "Jiao zhu zhuan" (aka "Legend of the Naga Pearls") from writers Tan Cheung and Xu Zhaoqing. But it being a Chinese movie that I hadn't already seen was sufficient enough to make me watch it.
And I will say that the writers definitely churned out something unique, because "Jiao zhu zhuan" turned out to be a mixture of adventure, comedy and action that had elements of many movies to it. So I will go out of my way here to say that director Lei Yang managed to deliver a movie that will have something for everyone in the audience here.
The story was good and entertaining, although the movie was a little bit slow paced at times, which made the 1 hour and 48 minutes feel somewhat longer. And I will also say that you have to keep focused and attentive to the movie, because it can be a somewhat diffuse and difficult storyline to keep up with.
They had a good cast ensemble in the movie, and it was a surprise to see that Simon Yam and Xing Yu were in the movie. But they were so heavily disguised by make-up and prosthetics that you could almost not recognize them.
"Jiao zhu zhuan" is a watchable movie for sure, however I doubt that I will ever be returning to watch it a second time though.
My rating of director Lei Yang's 2017 movie "Jiao zhu zhuan" lands on a six out of ten stars.
And I will say that the writers definitely churned out something unique, because "Jiao zhu zhuan" turned out to be a mixture of adventure, comedy and action that had elements of many movies to it. So I will go out of my way here to say that director Lei Yang managed to deliver a movie that will have something for everyone in the audience here.
The story was good and entertaining, although the movie was a little bit slow paced at times, which made the 1 hour and 48 minutes feel somewhat longer. And I will also say that you have to keep focused and attentive to the movie, because it can be a somewhat diffuse and difficult storyline to keep up with.
They had a good cast ensemble in the movie, and it was a surprise to see that Simon Yam and Xing Yu were in the movie. But they were so heavily disguised by make-up and prosthetics that you could almost not recognize them.
"Jiao zhu zhuan" is a watchable movie for sure, however I doubt that I will ever be returning to watch it a second time though.
My rating of director Lei Yang's 2017 movie "Jiao zhu zhuan" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Coasting on FX
d_of_ross3 January 2019
Impressive Visuals
kelly-gaudreau17 January 2022
An average entertainer
sauravjoshi8511 April 2019
This is a Chinese fantasy movie starring Wang Talu and Zhang Tian'ni. The plot of the movie is disturbed rather diffused and confusing. The main character was not introduced properly as how he got the power so as the main female actress. The character played human king arrives from nowhere. The story has lots of flaws and the direction is pale although the plot is good, this movie could've been better with a more refined screenplay. This is an average movie
Great, light-hearted fun!
novyl-493-38693725 July 2018
I think people dissing this movie are coming from the background of watching too many (exorbitantly budgeted) slick Hollywood movies and that is the bar they use to compare all other cinema. That is just NOT FAIR!
This movie should be watched with an open mind - forget the CGI - that's not the point - for me - its all about how creative the storylines are. The script was pretty good - but the imagination of these people... That's just brilliant! Winged people and Naga pearls ... Chinese mythology is so RICH!
If you are sick and tired of all the (plastic) Hollywood tripe - I would highly recommend getting into Asian cinema. Some of the most original and creative stories I have ever come across and just SO different. Love it.
This is a great popcorn movie. It's by no means a masterpiece of cinema - but its DEFINITELY entertaining! :)
This movie should be watched with an open mind - forget the CGI - that's not the point - for me - its all about how creative the storylines are. The script was pretty good - but the imagination of these people... That's just brilliant! Winged people and Naga pearls ... Chinese mythology is so RICH!
If you are sick and tired of all the (plastic) Hollywood tripe - I would highly recommend getting into Asian cinema. Some of the most original and creative stories I have ever come across and just SO different. Love it.
This is a great popcorn movie. It's by no means a masterpiece of cinema - but its DEFINITELY entertaining! :)
Typical Asian Action Film
Snootz27 May 2022
The sets, filming, choreography and directing were excellent. The actors were well-cast and did well. But the story is a typical Asian marital arts fantasy with nothing to stand out. Overly violent, ho-hum story is both predictable and mundane. Adrenaline fans will love it. Those looking for a little more substance will note the relatively low rating here on IMDB and may wisely decide to watch something better.
Bad VFX
yisiyun21212 April 2018
If it is not Hollywood it is not good movie🤔
mitjasajn17 November 2018
Entertaining Action, Fantasy Movie
RavenousFallen24 November 2019
Despite some of the CGI being subpar, the sets and wardrobe are magnificent and the movie is a very fun watch overall with many funny parts, unique characters and story with entertaining action. Definitely worth a watch.
Standing out from regular fare
christineballone28 January 2024
I agree with the people who give this movie thumbs up! There are so many of those films now (2024) and almost impossible to see them all and judge them all. But many times I start an Asian SFX fantasy movie I quit after a short time because I find the actions repetitive and similar to what I have seen before. I started this film and was drawn into it maybe because of the actors, the costumes, the landscapes and fantasy creatures and realized that I wanted to see the whole film. For anyone who likes fairytales, sci-fi and fantasy films this is worth watching. I mean with all the negativity expressed here at least I would have to acknowledge the production that went into this. I like all kinds of movies, hate drug, war and explicit sex and foul language movies! I feel they don't serve any purpose but showing the lows we are capable off as a species. Therefore give me movies without f... words and beautiful scenery and I'll be a happy customer lol!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
