That's awesome! You won't be disappointed. The book is just getting better and better. The Dark Forest is also my favorite in the trilogy. Hopefully Netflix can soon announce the season 2!
luo was a drunk in the books and saul is a stoner in the netfllix show. They are analogs of each other. I must admit I read the books but did not have enough cultural context of china to understand what was going on so I just accepted whatever happened happened. The character merging and splitting was so confusing but made it fun to have to fIgure out who is who. I liked the chinese show and the western show. I would watch It to the end if It had an english dub.
I am very impressed with your in-depth analysis of the Netflix show compared to the book series. I read Three Body when it was first translated to English and I really enjoyed the faithful Chinese miniseries which was 30 episodes. Therefore, the Western Netflix version seemed far too rushed and condensed for me to find it as moving as the 30 episode Chinese series. On the other hand, the big budget allowed for more impressive visual effects and shooting locations like the United Nations. I also appreciated that the Netflix version showed the Cultural Revolution scenes which was the reason that Ye Wenjie had turned her back on humanity and asked aliens to come take control of our planet. These scenes were skipped in the Chinese series. I still enjoyed the Netflix series very much, but I wish they made season 1 with 12 or 16 episodes. These days many seasons of shows are just far too short!!
I just wanted to say my jaw hit the FLOOR when I seen your sub count. This channel deserves more views. You do good research and I’ll be subscribed from here on out. Thank you for your hard work. This is a great video. I look forward to more of your videos! ❤️
I enjoyed the Netflix adaptation. While watching it, I discovered that the show was based on a book series. I then found the rabbit hole and traveled down into it. Found out about the UA-cam channel "Quinn's Ideas." After finishing the Netflix adaptation, I watched every video Quinn made about the book series. Additionally, via Quinn's channel, I found out about the Tencent adaptation. I have since finished the one season of that. Season 2, supposedly, is to start filming next year. After watching that, I listened to the audiobooks of book 2 and book 3. I have since finished those. Incidentally, though I did enjoy the Netflix adaptation, I like the Tencent one more since it is staying close to the book story, instead of jumping around like the Netflix show. By the way, I also watched the Minecraft adaptation.🙂
I liked the Chinese version more. It kept the mystery. They kept the secret society of scientists, they kept the cerebral stuff, they kept the work needed to figure things out. The American version feels like a series for the young adult market.
Netflix did say they were only making a loose adaptation, so they already saying from the beginning it won't be 100% accurate to the books... But if people don't like the Netflix version then they can akways watch the Chinese version...so I don't understand why anyone is complaining, it's really strange
Great video that gives us a more differentiated view on the Chinese reactions to the Netflix show. I did enjoy the show, liked most changes, because the connection between the Oxford Fives creates a more emotional core to the story than the technocratic an idea-based novels (which I also enjoyed a lot). I think the show is not just an adaption of the books but a good addition that highlights different aspects of the story.
I agree! They are two distinctly different ways of telling a story. There has also been criticism about how Liu uses his characters as more of a vehicle to present the mind-bending sci-fi ideas. I think it's a very strategic move for the showrunners to make the shift.
I have only seen the first half of the first episode of the original chinese series and agree with your assessment. The Chinese series is definitely trying to provide a true account of the books, while the Netflix series is definitely fits the descriptor "Based on the books of...." which means a loose adaptation. I found the best parts of the netflix series to be the relationships between the characters, especially between Saul and Will, Thomas and Da Shi and Will's one sided love for Jin. In actuality, the Oxford 5 reminded me abit of the six buddies in Friends, if Friends was a techno-dramatic thriller and not a sitcom. HAving said that, I found that the Netflix series to be very good. I might feel differently if I've read the books.
@@fengyunzzhang I think the books are about humanity and the people represent metaphysical aspects of people, Wade being the masculine Cheng Xin being the feminine etc
@@OHMASIA1 This is a such great point! I realize that they also show the rational/emotional division. In Chinese, Luo Ji is homophonic to logics. Cheng Xin is kind of a pun to "sincere heart". So she represents the feminine, empathetic, emotional characteristics of us.
@@fengyunzzhang I would to love to know what Chinese people think about Cheng Xin"s big decisions? westerners seem to really hate her for it, whereas I liked that she chose the feminine maternal route because thats what a woman should choose-....as opposed the Wade the single minded masculine who will do whatever it takes to succeed! In real life we should have a balance of both these aspects within us as humans to create a harmonious balance.
I tried to read the books when President Obama praised it. Couldn't get into it because Simplified Chinese was just too difficult to comprehend for me. I have tried the Tencent adaptation, and have not been able to get past two episodes. After Netflix announced their adaptation, I finally gone through the English audiobooks, thrice now. Doing an adaptation, in the book style, as per Tencent apparently has done, probably would have been very tedious. There will need a lot of back and forth in timescale to get the story right. Wang Miao, Luo Ji, Cheng Xin, Yun Tianming, were alive and living more or less the same era, and it was very plausible that they would or should have known each other. The events that were happening should be possible to interwove, and in the frame of visual story-telling, this adaptation makes sense. Why should Chinese audience complain about Netflix adaptation, when it is their own government protecting them from undue outside influence? It is a commercial world, and when you have no stake, you have no say. They should count themselves lucky to still have a 30 episode long-winded Tencent version to enjoy. I hope the first and final protagonists will be persons of Chinese descent - if tv follows the books - so I guess it is as well as it can get. If you think that this is a spoiler, the books came out years ago. If you are reading till here, you should have already read the books!
Well I'm not chinese, I'm french. I have read the books, I have watched the chinese adaptation and the Netflix show. The latter is simply not good enough, it's as simple as that.. Story arks, characters etc are swapped around just to be PC for our sensible youth.. Character drama is added that adds no value at all. And come on, the actors are just bad. Anyways, read the books people.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Netflix adaptation. While it changes characters and simplifies the plot and story, it still captures the spirit of the novels. As a New Zealander, it was good to see Jess Hong playing a Kiwi Chinese character Jin Cheng.
@@fengyunzzhang In my head cannon, the Netflix TV series exists as an alternative universe from the original novels and Tencent TV series. I like the idea of a multiverse, being familiar with Marvel, DC and Star Trek.
Yes I agree absolutely it was so nice to see a diversity and creative interpretation from the book. I loved it I wouldn't have changed a thing about the Netflix series and can't wait for another season.
I enjoyed the Netflix adaptation. It gets the science more right than most science fiction-- I really like that. I had never heard of the novels and now I will read them so that is a big win right for the original novels there.
Good insights in your video, I knew about the book series, but watching the Netflix show also inspired me to watch the 10 cent show and read all of Liu Cixin's books in the series And they were great!
Sooo they made a different adaptation that isn’t meant for china, since you can’t get Netflix there bc they only allow Chinese streamers and this is a problem? They made an adaptation for the audiences that can see it. This show was not perfect but they simplified and streamlined the material for a larger audience.
@@ShirleyTimple uhm yeah because uh in case you hadn't noticed.. It's for Western audiences and people outside of China who may not be able to understand Chinese cultural norms and political issues because uh well.... THE REST OF THE WORLD ISN'T CHINESE... And uhm in case you also didn't realise, Netflix did say they're making a LOOSE adaptation, it's been promoted as a LOOSE adaptation as well, which meanS they were never planning to make it 100% accurate....and lastly you do know that there's a Chinese adaptation as well right?? You do know you have the option of watching that one if you don't want to watch the Netflix one and if you're you're looking for 100% accurate representation and portrayal right?? Lastly majority of the cast of the Netflix one are Chinese too You know for a woketivist you're sounding pretty racist by getting mad that a loose westernized adaptation is portraying non Asians on screen
I prefer the tencent version but as a Trini Chinese I like the Netflix version but love the tencent version as it gave you time to really soak in the sense of dread. Western media is more character focused, it will be interesting to see what they do with Death's End.
I watched the netflix series and have now listened to the first audiobook and am listening the second one as we speak. It's interesting context that this adaptation propably was not even ment to satisfy chinese core fans. Which makes sense if netflix does not even operate in china. I still tend to believe that a lot of chinese have problems with the netflix version because it shows cultural revolution in such negative light. Also for example the scene where they could not send radiowawes to sun because it would make mokery of emperor or some chinese stuff was something that I remember thinking might upset chinese people. I would be interested to know how are these scenes and plot points handled in chinese adaptation?
Yes I think you're right! The unsatisfied voices are loud, and I can't say they are not related to the cultural revolution scene at all. In my opinion, many are nationalists who are not actual book fans, so they can't stand negative depictions of our real history. The radiowawe part, as I remember, is not included in the Chinese series. The Tencent version spends many episodes telling the story of the cultural revolution in detail but omits the most confrontational part, if that makes sense!
Try to go watch the tencent video's adaptation of 3 body problem. I think its available on youtube.....surprise surprise. The transmitting things at the sun part was prominently shown in the show.....in the very 1 scene in fact.
the problem of the netflix version is that it simply portrait the cultural revolution in a very shallow way, as if that is the only thing matters in the book (and that's why many Chinese hate it). In the Chinese adaptation, it is less direct but you can feel how it impacted people in all kinds of aspects.
I just discovered your channel based on this video. First, thanks for your insights into what the Chinese reaction has been to this adaptation. I’m also now heading off to buy the. books and start reading them (right after each Netflix season 😀)
The characterisation and drama of the Ten Cents Chinese version which ran over 29 episodes was sublime - it is available on UA-cam with English subtitles. It really made the story pop given that characterisation was not the strong suit in the books. I enjoyed the Netflix version with my son, his first contact with Liu Cixin's expansive universe. But I did struggle with just how many ideas and story elements got dropped. And the characterisation was rather uneven. Still, I'm keen to see where it leads.
The best thing the netflix adaptaion did was get more eyes on the books. After watching the series I started reading the books and am planning on watching the chinese adaption after.
@@jonfreeman9682 no, my issue isnt that the plot does not unfold fast, but that scenes themselves are slow. I am pretty sure that they asked for 30 episodes, then had to stretch the show to fill 30 episodes.
I enjoyed both the Tencent and Netflix adaptations. I liked the T version for how closely it followed the book, and because it included the Turkey Scientist and 2D problems, though I was amused by the American’s odd English. I liked the N version because it subtracted some of the parts that dragged on forever. Both of Quinn’s Ideas’ review are similar to how I feel.
You are in the minority there no pun intended. The cast looks exactly like the Captain Planet kids grew up and the characters in American version had no likeability, personality or dept like the book or Tencent version.Jin was the only character in Netflix version who cared about humanity and was convincingly a genius(out of the Oxford 5). White guys were all bumbling idiots, Saul was a heavy drug addict and could barely complete a sentence. Augie was insufferable and angry, the opposite of her male book counterpart.
I watched the Netflix adaptation in two nights. I became obsessed, since then I've watched almost all of the tencent adaptation as well as bought the book trilogy. I'm about halfway through the dark forest now, kind of taking a break because existential dread can get pretty heavy, but I intend to return to it soon. As for your analysis on the adaptation, I think you're spot on. I think Netflix is doing an amazing job of making this saga available to an international audience. Of course there's going to be huge challenges, and I think they've done an excellent job of meeting them. Thank you for the video. Liking and sub
@@fengyunzzhang wow. I just finished the tencent version and I thought it was amazing. Let me clarify, the first five or so episodes were really awesome and gripping, then enduring the next 20 episodes was a little much, but the last five episodes also really delivered in the ending was fantastic. Just my opinion
I watched both the Netflix adaptation as well as the Chinese show. I preferred the Chinese show, it was much more focused on story telling instead of relying on pretty visual effects, the characters had much more depth and were more likable, and the scientific aspects of the story weren't dumbed down as much.
Is it because the characters were so different to the book or the original series even? I also questioned how the cultural revolution was portrayed by NF. It was pretty raw and impactful. I imagine it was pretty controversial
You are exactly right! I think fans get quite uncomfortable when they find the characterizations are so different from the original book. For the cultural revolution part, I think Netflix did a great job, but there are controversies around it on the Chinese internet. Some people on social media thought it intentionally emphasized the "disgraceful" history of China. But I don't think they were either fans of 3BP or watched the show (they probably just watched the first 3 minutes.) Indeed, Liu Cixin started with the cultural revolution scene when he first published the novel in the magazine. I even think the first book itself is a critical reflection of the traumatized history. Later, the part was moved to the middle of the published book due to censorship reasons. So Netflix's presentation is faithful to Liu's writing. Some valid criticism, in my opinion, is how Netflix simplifies the cultural revolution storyline and only keeps the most powerful, unsettling scene. In the book, there are chapters explaining Ye Wenjie's background and how she later killed her husband and a colleague to hide her betrayal. The omission reduced some psychological depth of Ye's character.
I am very impressed with your in-depth analysis of the Netflix show compared to the book series. I read Three Body when it was first translated to English and I really enjoyed the faithful Chinese miniseries which was 30 episodes. Therefore, the Western Netflix version seemed far too rushed and condensed for me to find it as moving as the 30 episode Chinese series. On the other hand, the big budget allowed for more impressive visual effects and shooting locations like the United Nations. I also appreciated that the Netflix version showed the Cultural Revolution scenes which was the reason that Ye Wenjie had turned her back on humanity and asked aliens to come take control of our planet. These scenes were skipped in the Chinese series. I still enjoyed the Netflix series very much, but I wish they made season 1 with 12 or 16 episodes. These days many seasons of shows are just far too short!!
Thank you! I share your feelings. The Netflix version did great on the Cultural Revolution scene. I even feel it is the first time that that part of history is presented in such an unvarnished, truthful way on screen. But they tried to condense too many things into eight episodes. I even saw an interview with the producers, where they said originally they only wanted 6 episodes for the first book. Is that a bit crazy?!
@@fengyunzzhang Yes, the producers are crazy! Granted, they are spending 10’s of millions of dollars for every episode, so maybe it is about the money? This show has the budget of a Hollywood blockbuster movie. But, I miss the days when a season of a show was 12-16 episodes. Like Game of Thrones, minus the shortened last season. In the Netflix Three Body Problem, we never got to know or relate to any of the characters until around the last episode, and by that last episode we were way past the first book also.
I enjoyed the books very much; read it long enough ago that I couldn’t be irked by the necessary liberties that the show runners took in order to adapt the novels. Didn’t dawn on me until I saw a recent review of the show that the story was an allegory for disruptive, forced colonization of China and other cultures. Going to carve out some time to watch the Chinese version.
I watched both series I feel like they both together really meshed well in my head to understand it all. Also the netflix adaptation is much easier to recommend, as the Tencent has a very slow pace and most people I know are not into it. Someday I will finish the books in my list so I can jump into the 3 body 3logy.
Personally I enjoy the increase in characters, and it makes the story have perspectives. In general they did a good job bringing it to life, and packing it with a lot of action. The main negatives is that the officer Da Shi is such a complex character in the books and they watered him down to a simple detective. A lot of the interesting science is missing.As a physicist I was so impressed when I read his model of how the sun would amplify the radio waves. But they cut it out. I think the show kinda loses it charm by the second half at it rushes to get to the stairway project. It is a nice interpretation of the books with a lot of actiom and catchy ideas for western audiences, but it is extremely dumbed down.
Haven't read the book but a huge consumer of Quinn's idea on youtube. I trust Quinn's opinion on the 3 body problem and it was a fair adaptation for International audience. heck, am invested in the show and what to learn more about the 3 body problem. At least they are doing something right
Quinn is very woke and pro race/gender swapping and when he did the Tencent review he praised how accurate it was to the books (which it was most accurate book adaptation in history) When Netflix version came out he bashed the Tencent version saying it was nothing like the books and Netflix is book accurate.
Thank you for such an insightful and literate essay. I have read the series and seen both the Tencent and Netflix videos. I liked the books best, and I liked the Tensent video series more than the Netflix movie.
I think, for those who have read the books already, or even watched the TenCent show, the Netflix version will be disappointing to an extent. It rushed through major events without capturing their true Earth-shaking impacts or detailing their subsequent widescale geopolitical implications. However I understand why the showrunners did that, as they have to appeal to a western audience and ensure the show is popular enough to continue. I really hope they can slow down the pace a little for the upcoming announced episodes. This series could easily be a blockbuster movie series on par with Star Wars or Dune (or honestly surpassing them since the former are simple reflections of contemporary society while Three Body attempts to conceptualize new visions of cosmic sociology - if anything Star Trek would be a closer comparison) with the right support and budget. HOWEVER I do have a major gripe with them taking the "Diaz" general character and turning him into Hou Boulin - a *Chinese* general. If you know what Diaz does later on, you know how this is clear anti-China neo-cold-war Mccarthyist propaganda.
I totally agree with you! And yes the Diaz character. I think Diaz was inspired by socialist leaders in Latin America like Salvador Allende. It is such a unique character in sci-fi and they just deleted it...
The Netflix series introduced me to the 3 Body Problem. One of the freshest Sci Fi I've seen in a long time. I don't have time to get into the books. But I found "Quinn's ideas" (YT), a good synopsis of the main ideas of what the books are about. It's breathtaking.
I watched the netflix show and it encouraged me to read the books and I read the whole trilogy in 6 days!!! I think the show wasn't quite as good as the book but still a very well made adaption.I gave book one an 8.7/10 and score the show 7.7/10 ( dark forest 9.5 and deaths end 9)
if they can make season 2 an 8.5 I would be very happy with that because its not going to be easy to translate that epic book to screen.I think it was a good adaption but it's faults were that is was rushed. I also think the casting of Wade, Da Shi and Cheng Xin was very good, when i read the books I imagined them as the characters, I think the show will get a lot of people to read the books.
I read the 1st book and I listened to the next 2 books as audiobooks and I watched Netflix season 1. The books are incredible reading or listening it doesn't matter I love Hard sci-fi ❤️ and I loved the plot it was so original. That's not easy in such an over saturated subject. I disagree with one thing, starting during the cultural revolution and then going to take place in China makes it original for me. This is also the reason I disliked the Netflix version, .its not a version at all it's dumbed down, and cherry picks the best plot points and crams it all into 1 season. Where can the story go next??? Loved ❤ your take on it. Also tried watching 3 body and I couldn't keep up with the sub- titles thats my fault, I've never been very good with that lol.....
Good analysis. I chose to read the trilogy before watching the Netflix series. My biggest complaint of the Netflix series is the unnecessary sentimentality in episodes 6 and 7. Maybe I'll watch the Tencent series as well when I have the time.
I really enjoyed the Netflix show. But I do agree that certain choices were puzzling and not necessarily in the story's best interest. Specifically, I totally agree that it was weird to have all the characters share such close connections, and I would go further and say it was unusual that they had all the main action take place in England (obviously not including Ye Winje's flashbacks and the sinking of the Judgement Day). I think the story might have been better served if the characters were somewhat scattered across the world, with loose (if any association). But overall, I do believe that the essence of the story was preserved in the adaptation and I think that a lot of the changes were understandable to make it more relatable to a global audience. I'm not sure how D and D will do with this project, but I am cautiously optimistic, since the series is finished and they won't have to invent an ending on their own. Thanks for making this video, it was very interesting.
Subbed no 26. I fundamentally disagree with the entire premise of the series. I believe the dark forest hypothesis is an overt simplification on the law or truth of interaction between entities. You may reference Veritasium post on game theory. But nontheless I am still open to interesting story and I enjoyed book recaps on the series and the Netflix show.
I read the books fairly recently and thought they were great, best sci fi I have read in years. I think the Netflix adaptation was pretty good. The characters are different as you say but the show is true to the themes of the book(s).
Thank you for your review. Loved it! I read the complete trilogy a couple years back, and it was both mindblowing, and very hard to keep organized in my head. (Had to keep notes on the character names.) When the 10cent version came out I was so thankful - it was like crib notes - but also the acting was superb all the way down the line, and the faithfulness to the first book was certainly appreciated. (I am so looking forward to more in this series.) When the Netflix version came out I jumped on it. Although I watched all the episodes, it eventually got so I was only looking forward to how they would stage the Panama Canal slice-and-dice. I became so disgusted with the generally exorable acting, especially from Alex Sharp, John Bradley, Jovan Adepo, and most most most excruciatingly, Elza Gonzalez. These people by now should have learned that smoking, drinking and saying fuck a lot does not substitute for basic acting skills. OTOH, Ben Wong and Rose Chao were faithful to their characters (despite the director?) and their acting skills are superb. I would gladly watch season 2 for those two (and maybe Cunningham). One aspect I need to compliment Netflix on was their uncompromising take on the cultural revolution and execution of Ye's father. That was hard to watch, but it was done so well. Better than 10Cents version, as I think they may have had to pull some punches in those scenes. Finally, the aspect of keeping the storyline tight around the "Oxford 5" - I think this will continue to cause problems with the second and following seasons. My guess is Netflix will make generous use of hibernation so that in the centuries to follow the main cast will variously pop up out of deep sleep on the occasions needed to save the earth, renew love affairs, and keep their fans watching them drink, smoke and say fuck a lot. One could only hope the show will kill off more of the "5", as they so kindly did with Will and Jack, and we can only pray they do quickly, with Auggie. All in all, l am looking forward to Netflix's next season. And am also looking forward to watching the 10cent version again.
Thank you for generously sharing your insights! I really appreciate it. The first two episodes of Netflix's version are directed by Hong Kong director Derek Tsang. I think he did his research with sincerity and respect for the history of the Cultural Revolution so that part is so powerful. The potential use of hibernation is such a good idea! That offers much flexibility for the screenplay. Given how the showrunners have made wild changes to the book, I am actually curious to see how the next season will turn out😊
Gave up after ep.1 of Netflix . But went on to watch the Chinese version up to ep.21. Much prefer it to the Netflix version. Chinese version has much better characters and closer to the book.
I didn't know about that CN article, but I find it insulting. Because I'm not Chinese (I'm from Argentina), and I too find the changes unbearable (particularly because there's no Da Shi, my favorite character). I also think that Liu Cixin is wrong (or too polite), when he believes the novels became popular independently from being Chinese. When I bought the novels (I learned about them in Quinn's Ideas YT channel), I did so BECAUSE it was Chinese sci-fi, and I wanted to see how it felt and differed from other countries' (having all of my life read western sci-fi authors, particularly Asimov, Clarke and Herbert). If Netflix' version brings new readers, great. But I don't believe it's a good adaptation, as it loses the essence of the novels (for a good adaptation, that changes things but retains the "spirit" of the original, see Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings"). As you said, the story is about humanity's effort to survive, not about a bunch of superfriends. And even more, the original gave the message that, even in the brink of extinction, humanity can't fully cooperate, it's always going to be bickering and fighting with itself (or delude itself). That kind of message won't be delivered by Hollywood/Western media... ever. And that's why I love Liu Cixin's novels. BECAUSE it doesn't have a Western mindset. It brings something new (for us westerners). PS: Subscribed. PS2: Interesting tidbit of information I got from reading the comments... I didn't know the the Cultural Revolution chapter had been moved to the middle in the Chinese edition of the novels.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comments! Because sci-fi is more of a Western-dominated genre, I also feel that 3bp brings fresh air to us. And you are right, some of the underlying messages that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture are just very unique.
From what I understand, the western version is closer to the books and has things in it from the books the Chinese version doesn’t have. Western version also covered more than one book.
Very interesting. I just started watching the Netflix series, and I see some things that are common shortcomings in media produced by streaming services like Netflix and HBO, but the plot is keeping me invested. Didn't know there was already a Chinese adaptation. I HAVE to see that one.
Just curious, do you mind explaining further the shortcomings of streaming series? I have been thinking this as well and would love to hear your thoughts!
@@fengyunzzhang Thank you for the response. I had to take a minute to think about what points stick out most to me. I think it comes down to three things: 1) Over-reliance on spectacle, whether it be visual effects or controversy. 2) Trying to condense very large amounts of information or complex themes into less than 10 episodes. 3) A tendency to all follow an indistinct visual aesthetic (compared to other Netflix/HBO shows).
Compared with the Chinese series, Netflix version is very "Americanized" one. Netflix version does not require or want you to think and imagine, it forces a heavily changed and also summarized version of the story in the books in a blunt way. It is rushed and shallow story telling. If you think Netflix version is good, you definitely see the Chinese version to see the "real" thing! Greetings from Turkiye.
I can't respect people who expect a 1:1 translation of a piece of media across different mediums, as it demonstrates media illiteracy on a fundamental level.
There is an existing Chinese show that does this anyway, and whilst it's good, it's very slow and a drawn out. There's no reason for netflix to do the same thing.
@@Rik77Agreed. And the Chinese version manages to do 99% of the 1:1 translation whilst ditching any reference to the experience of Ye Wenjie during the cultural revolution, which is her fundamental motivation and ultimately the instigating event.
@@PeterKnaggeit's not racist at all this video is just an opinion and the person didn't like the series that it was not exactly like the book. We who Embrace and loved the Netflix series can agree to disagree.
The tencent version was great through episode 25. The white actors were undergrad theater level and the writing for them was absolute garbage. The cigar guy? His only lines were to announce the screen staging and props. The evil rich kid was a sneering block of wood
I loved the books so much. So I was a little disappointed following some guys on you tube who discussed the social activities among the group. This is not what the story is about! Read before you comment! I wish that there will be a German version of the chinese streaming version. I really would like to follow this because it might be closer to the books.
As a fan of the book ,both for its originality and scientific knowledge, I fell in love with the books. As an American who watched the Tenant version 1st, I was overjoyed with the faithfulness of its adaptation. That rarely happens these days...faithful book to screen homogeneous flip flop. Netflix series was stupid, confusing, very heartfelt, and warm. Pure e GG e candy in spots, but to make a male driven hero with his family-oriented perspective and scientific involvement... magically turned into a woman who was unrelatable AND cut off from her (his) role as a Wallfaccer, etc. I just thought...those idiots blew the chance of a lifetime. Now I imagine we'll all be waiting decades for another shot at it by a trusted director to clean up the spill, as it were, just like they are now doing visually with Frank Herberts Dune. Come on Netflix...Wtf
I talked to some chines guests recently and they enjoyed it more than the Chinese version, which surprised me but I can't compare it. I really liked it.
Exact adaptation would be too boring to watch for those who already read the books. Also it would be less comprehensible to those who didn't. I believe there's place for both approaches, this is why there are different adaptations. So yeah I did read the books and liked Netflix version. Sadly can't watch Chinese version because Prime Video doesn't have it here for some reason. As of the producers, well I think they killed GoT on purpose because of how long it is. At least 3BP is finished so they can produce the whole thing (well I mean there's chance at least)
They got a deal from Disney to work on a star wars movie so they killed got for the quick bag but when Disney saw the disaster of the last season they cancelled the deal
I've heard that there were a lot of Chinese people complaining about the opening scene set during the Cultural Revolution, saying it was anti-Chinese propaganda. Apparently they're unaware that that scene was taken directly from the books and is an accurate portrayal of actual history. Liu Cixin wanted the scene to be at the beginning of the book, but the Chinese editors made him bury it deeper in the book. This was fixed in the English translation, putting the scene back at the beginning as the author wanted
You are absolutely right! I talked about this with someone in a previous comment. When Liu first published 3BP on the magazine, the novel started with the cultural revolution scene. It was moved to the middle when published as a book. The Netflix is quite faithful to this.
They were complaining about keeping that part Chinese - the part that doomed humanity - while changing the heros of the story to be British. The Chinese people doomed Humanity, it's up to the great Western civilization to save it. What a nice message.
I much prefered the temperate Chinese adaption, they almost nailed the book, but I was surprised the Netflix version wasn't as bad as I'd feared (still not as good as the Chinese version).
So.. tldw: The west rewriting stuff for the sake of rewriting stuff, again, as usual, lol. They should just be happy it got a better rewriter than what the usual adaptations gets. Imagine if it was as bad as the infamous dragonball one.
The only good thing I can say about the Netflix version is it introduced me to the books. Presently mid way through the audiobook of Dark Forest. I won't be watching any more Netflix seasons of their adaptation.
Tencent was way better and made for intellectuals and book readers. Netflix version was woke low IQ garbage with a higher budget and u likeable characters other than Jin and Thomas Wade.
The netflix adaptation is a racist remake of the story with different plot points, different pov, different focus, locations and even different characters. I guess the reason so many ppl liked the netflix adaptable is because its more western centric.
Uhhh, when you said that it coming to the screen was a dream come true y got out. No video adaptation is good enough for novels of certain caliber. Thisbisbonenof them. Also, the Chinese did an adaptation before.
After reading the books and watching the Tencent series I was quite hyped for the Netflix series. I knew in advance that it would come with a more international cast (I tried to forget about the sour taste today's race quotas and forceful minority group inserts leave in my mouth) and, in general, a not-very-Chinese setting and anticipated, well, somewhat worse. Yet in the end I found the series a pleasant surprise. It could give thoughts about the techniques of adapting long books to shorter screen times (than reading them). I actually enjoyed it more than the Tencent work that (mostly) followed the first book almost word by word. Especially the inclusion of the Common Era events of the second and third books felt a very good choice to me. There were notable cast choices too, I could very much like Liam Cunningham's Thomas Wade, I found him playing this character very well. Rosalind Chao's Ye Wenjie was an outstanding poker face and found Alex Sharp to the perfect choice for a European Yun Tianming, should anyone want to conceive such a character. Well, they wanted and it worked. The show isn't perfect - of course it isn't and I think it can't even be, considering I watched it after reading the books. I most notably couldn't find Ye Wenjie's joke to Luo, I mean Saul as convincingly significant as their conversation in the original work (well it's more cryptic here but I just can't feel it as profound). Yet the series was kind of a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, can I take your pronunciation of the Chinese names as a reference? I watched other videos that talk about them, even a Chinese teacher's but - maybe they're all wrong....?
I think my pronunciation of the Chinese names should be fine. Do you mind telling me which ones are different from the other sources you heard? I can double-check them for you! I honestly have similar feelings with you about the show. I was quite skeptical at first, given some negative reviews I saw on Weibo, but later found it actually pretty engaging. And then I binge-watched everything in two days! As for the Tencent version, I watched a few episodes last year but got too busy to keep up with it. I wish they could streamline the plot a bit instead of being completely faithful to the book. I also find the joke part very interesting! I think one reason is that Ye realizes that SanTi cannot understand jokes, so she tells that in a more implicit way. I am very excited to see how the show will present Saul's transformation in the next season.
@@fengyunzzhang Well the most prominent example is the writer himself. I think the closest match for your version was the guy's who originally lent me the books - and he took part of making Hungarian audio books of the trilogy. Cheng Xin os another example, whose name sounds different each and every time I hear a new source... And yes, it... makes sense, yes. The way Yun Tianming's tales did, those prove surprisingly close to literal as later events unfold yet they can't be deciphered by like anyone who tries it. Even Helseggen/Mosken is like a lucky accident that resonates with someone's already existing suspicion or so...
Having not read the book, but watched the Chinese TV series. I thought the Netflix version was shallow and boring. And suffers from "everyone is overly good looking" casting choices.
The reason why English language science fiction written by people from Europe or America is still more popular than science fiction from China, for example, is because books like Three Body Problem are imitating 1950s sci fi writers which have an overly ideological. By that I mean that its all boy-scout like "Humanity will survive" and "work together" spirit. It is very cliche and boring.
In my opinion people from mainland China who may be angry based on some sort of nationalist basis absolutely have no valid point. You do not "own" the book, you do not own the author of the book, and you have no right to be upset who does what with it. It is that simple. Any nationalist anger about content created by that which is perceived as the "outside" can only be based on the assumption of some sort of "ownership" of work of art or literature. But a country, people, or any political entity cannot claim to own something like a story, so there cannot be any valid points made about any artistic expression or any other content someone makes.
It'd be interesting to see how the Chinese TV series deals with the disparate threads. Its important for something like a TV series to have an emotional heart, and Netflix managed that at the cost if breaking apart and amalgamating characters and story lines. I can see why people who read the books first could be upset. I found the TV series a bit dense, had to read the first book and watch it a second time to get most of it. (Though I would say I'm no slouch when it comes to SF.) I also understand that in the chinese novel and TV series the horrific cultural revolution scene, while still happening, is buried in the middle of the material, rather than brought to the front. I can understand that nationalists would be pissed off with this reminder that whilst the PRC has achieved some great things, not all of its history has been sweetness and light. Many years ago i had a Chinese friend, studying in NZ, and hed had friends who cimmitted auicide during the cultural revolution. We all need to move beyond "My country, right or wrong".
Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I see kindness and empathy in your comment. The Cultural Revolution is part of history and left trauma and scars on many Chinese. For historical and political reasons, the nationalist sentiment is very strong in today's China. But I believe there are also many people willing to reflect and think critically.
That article at the end was pure white savior complex. Dear lord. I'll probably watch the Netflix adaptation at some point, but all the talk just made me watch the Tencent one instead. I binged it, even if feeling the story and the direction was flawed in a few ways, but I'm sure it would annoy me a lot less than the school of spectacle. I dread thinking how the new adaptation simplified science, the old one already goes on too long on bad analogies.
Interesting perspective… thx 🙏🏻 I watched and listend to the whole book series narration from a channel called „Quinn’s Ideas“ … and of course, I have read the books … wich I found fascinating… Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
@@fengyunzzhang I wouldn’t know … I bought the English version 😉 But let me check real quick… And the answer is … YES 👍… called the „Trisolaris Trilogie“ … in German . But I thought they would, with around a hundred million consumers speaking German .
The netflix show was pretty solid, but the character of Augustine sticks out from the story like a splinter. All the gritty grown-ups, and then this one aberrant supermodel superscientist with perfect makeup and melodrama.
Love the books. I think the netflix series is surprisingly good even with the condensing of characters. I think the west centric portrayal is a bad idea. Though the Chinese names to non chinese is problematical for the average westerner.
ok, us version was too fast, gore for no reason, the detective also was way better in the chinese version, I don't know if it's the accent that bothered me or how not connected he felt emotionally. and Auggie did annoy me many many times. As far as everyone being friends, well it's more like that scientific community is smaller, friends rivals all exist in a small world, think Degrass, Bill Nye, Dawkins, Greene, etc all know each other hang out together do panels together, this is much the same. Chinese version was way too slow, the western scientists in the game were characterized as effeminate, pompous, of no worth, so really just shitting on them, american version they were pompous, but they had reason to be protection their ideas while the protagonists only really interjected their solutions. While the chinese leaders were all powerful gods on earth, I mean masterbation is great and all but could have been toned down by a lot. I may be dumb, but the human computer in both series didn't make much sense, cool idea though. American version needed way more time in the game. Overall somewhere in the middle would have been great, when I watched the chinese version first 10 episodes, like 10 hours, were great, but then I just kept wondering when the story was going to progress, in the netflix one I was asking myself how they came to solutions so so fast, I mean think about them a little at first.
I read the books and saw both adaptions version was more literal asside from skipping the cultural revoltion and was rakenback by actually showing the alliensas giants when the are quite small. Netflix did well, but I wondered why this primarily diverse group devise not just in ethnicity but in background would be friends. Made no sense. I needed more episodes and less moralizing.
I feel that the first season intends to lay a foundation for the character developments. Hopefully Netflix will focus more on the 'science' part in the next season!
Did you even watch the series?? They were the Oxford 5. How does that not make sense?? Oxford is one of the most diverse schools in the world. They have the brightest minds from all over the world to study there. Come on man. You can't be serious.
OH, you want to troll me. I will not dignify your query as I only respond to honest people, not your kind. I already said I have read the books and seen both series. hope you can ... nevermind I can go away.@@maplenerd22
Honestly, from what I can tell the netflix show provides much better character interactions and has far better pacing overall. Who cares how faithful the adaptation is if they do everything better anyway?
People are allowed to have creative interpretation. Why would there be an identical interpretation word for word of a series that already has a word for word Chinese interpretation which we can view on amazon. Netflix and the creators of three body problem series did a spectacular job. I loved it so very much and it's what made me start reading the books.
Why care? The Chinese can't access Netflix from the mainland, so they all watch pirated rips. Their gov won't even allow them to watch the Netflix version. It's so funny they're not unhappy about it but unhappy about the Netflix series.
Certain amount of people are unhappy about both. I agree with you that there are people who just watched the pirate version, and consuming piracy should be condemned. But there are also people who use VPN to catch up with the rest of the world. I feel that we can be more empathetic with them. Not everyone has the resources to choose where they work and live. It is just such a complicated issue.
It's understandable, but the characters are _better_ in the show. They have personalities, motivations and interactions. And maybe it's just me, but it's much easier to tell the characters' names apart: They're not all named Chang, Yang, Wang, Ding, Dong.
I hate how the Netflix version is so whitewashed, especially against the Chinese male leads. This book was supposed to be a metaphor for China (Earthlings) and the West (Trisolarians), and how the latter tries to prevent the former from being able to technologically develop. This was already apparent when the author wrote this book back then (published in 2008), and it's even more so now with all the sanctions that the United States places on China's semiconductor/tech sector and more. So putting it from a Western perspective erases all of that, and in fact, counters everything.
In something of a defence it is an adaptation with the core ideas and themes of the novel/s included and does have Asian actors in lead roles. It's a different take for sure, but for a closer book adaptation there is the series on Amazon. Which is also good.
It’s more about how the characters in the book were adapted for the screen and for an international audience. You insinuate that tChinese people are intolerant and not susceptible to change. These were made with the blessing of the author
@@PassiveAgressive319 Aren't they? mean, look at Disney and what happen to Chadwick on his first movie as Black Panther. they had to photo shop the face of lead(chadwick) to make it more appealing to chinese audience.
If they want to make flawed characters it much easier to use western characters, otherwise the Chinese would become insulted by the portrayal of Chinese people. They can't win. Either they're "woke" or they're racist towards Chinese people.... I think it's fine to change them up for another audience. I don't expect Italians to be performing "Romeo and Juliet" either...
![Netflix 3 Body Problem - Well Here We Go [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/d7sTr4YdQ7g/mqdefault.jpg)
I LOVED the western adaptation!! It made me read the books!! I am halfway through The Dark Forest right now!
That's awesome! You won't be disappointed. The book is just getting better and better. The Dark Forest is also my favorite in the trilogy. Hopefully Netflix can soon announce the season 2!
@@fengyunzzhang i am LOVING the book versions & I think their adaptation is pretty well spot on!
Me too and if not for the Netflix series I never would have known about this story or be reading the books. The books are great🎉
If you read the original Chinese version it's even more in depth explaining the sci-fi of the San Ti world. But the adaptation is pretty good.
Same. About 1/3 through dark forest
luo was a drunk in the books and saul is a stoner in the netfllix show. They are analogs of each other. I must admit I read the books but did not have enough cultural context of china to understand what was going on so I just accepted whatever happened happened. The character merging and splitting was so confusing but made it fun to have to fIgure out who is who. I liked the chinese show and the western show. I would watch It to the end if It had an english dub.
An excellent and thorough analysis. I look forward to seeing you grow and progress. Given the chance, a collab with Quinn’s ideas would go a long way
Thank you so so much for the kind words. It really motivates me to create more content!
I am very impressed with your in-depth analysis of the Netflix show compared to the book series. I read Three Body when it was first translated to English and I really enjoyed the faithful Chinese miniseries which was 30 episodes. Therefore, the Western Netflix version seemed far too rushed and condensed for me to find it as moving as the 30 episode Chinese series. On the other hand, the big budget allowed for more impressive visual effects and shooting locations like the United Nations. I also appreciated that the Netflix version showed the Cultural Revolution scenes which was the reason that Ye Wenjie had turned her back on humanity and asked aliens to come take control of our planet. These scenes were skipped in the Chinese series.
I still enjoyed the Netflix series very much, but I wish they made season 1 with 12 or 16 episodes. These days many seasons of shows are just far too short!!
I just wanted to say my jaw hit the FLOOR when I seen your sub count. This channel deserves more views. You do good research and I’ll be subscribed from here on out. Thank you for your hard work. This is a great video. I look forward to more of your videos! ❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words!❤️❤️
@@fengyunzzhang You're very welcome =]
I enjoyed the Netflix adaptation.
While watching it, I discovered that the show was based on a book series.
I then found the rabbit hole and traveled down into it.
Found out about the UA-cam channel "Quinn's Ideas." After finishing the Netflix adaptation, I watched every video Quinn made about the book series.
Additionally, via Quinn's channel, I found out about the Tencent adaptation. I have since finished the one season of that. Season 2, supposedly, is to start filming next year.
After watching that, I listened to the audiobooks of book 2 and book 3. I have since finished those.
Incidentally, though I did enjoy the Netflix adaptation, I like the Tencent one more since it is staying close to the book story, instead of jumping around like the Netflix show.
By the way, I also watched the Minecraft adaptation.🙂
Yes! I love Quinn’s Ideas!
quinn's ideas got me too 😅
Quinn made me read three body long before the series, this guy is huge!! I owe to him some of the best books I have ever read
I liked the Chinese version more. It kept the mystery. They kept the secret society of scientists, they kept the cerebral stuff, they kept the work needed to figure things out. The American version feels like a series for the young adult market.
Netflix did say they were only making a loose adaptation, so they already saying from the beginning it won't be 100% accurate to the books... But if people don't like the Netflix version then they can akways watch the Chinese version...so I don't understand why anyone is complaining, it's really strange
Great video that gives us a more differentiated view on the Chinese reactions to the Netflix show. I did enjoy the show, liked most changes, because the connection between the Oxford Fives creates a more emotional core to the story than the technocratic an idea-based novels (which I also enjoyed a lot). I think the show is not just an adaption of the books but a good addition that highlights different aspects of the story.
I agree! They are two distinctly different ways of telling a story. There has also been criticism about how Liu uses his characters as more of a vehicle to present the mind-bending sci-fi ideas. I think it's a very strategic move for the showrunners to make the shift.
I have only seen the first half of the first episode of the original chinese series and agree with your assessment. The Chinese series is definitely trying to provide a true account of the books, while the Netflix series is definitely fits the descriptor "Based on the books of...." which means a loose adaptation. I found the best parts of the netflix series to be the relationships between the characters, especially between Saul and Will, Thomas and Da Shi and Will's one sided love for Jin. In actuality, the Oxford 5 reminded me abit of the six buddies in Friends, if Friends was a techno-dramatic thriller and not a sitcom.
HAving said that, I found that the Netflix series to be very good. I might feel differently if I've read the books.
@@fengyunzzhang I think the books are about humanity and the people represent metaphysical aspects of people, Wade being the masculine Cheng Xin being the feminine etc
@@OHMASIA1 This is a such great point! I realize that they also show the rational/emotional division. In Chinese, Luo Ji is homophonic to logics. Cheng Xin is kind of a pun to "sincere heart". So she represents the feminine, empathetic, emotional characteristics of us.
@@fengyunzzhang I would to love to know what Chinese people think about Cheng Xin"s big decisions?
westerners seem to really hate her for it, whereas I liked that she chose the feminine maternal route because thats what a woman should choose-....as opposed the Wade the single minded masculine who will do whatever it takes to succeed!
In real life we should have a balance of both these aspects within us as humans to create a harmonious balance.
I tried to read the books when President Obama praised it. Couldn't get into it because Simplified Chinese was just too difficult to comprehend for me. I have tried the Tencent adaptation, and have not been able to get past two episodes. After Netflix announced their adaptation, I finally gone through the English audiobooks, thrice now.
Doing an adaptation, in the book style, as per Tencent apparently has done, probably would have been very tedious. There will need a lot of back and forth in timescale to get the story right. Wang Miao, Luo Ji, Cheng Xin, Yun Tianming, were alive and living more or less the same era, and it was very plausible that they would or should have known each other. The events that were happening should be possible to interwove, and in the frame of visual story-telling, this adaptation makes sense.
Why should Chinese audience complain about Netflix adaptation, when it is their own government protecting them from undue outside influence? It is a commercial world, and when you have no stake, you have no say. They should count themselves lucky to still have a 30 episode long-winded Tencent version to enjoy. I hope the first and final protagonists will be persons of Chinese descent - if tv follows the books - so I guess it is as well as it can get. If you think that this is a spoiler, the books came out years ago. If you are reading till here, you should have already read the books!
Well I'm not chinese, I'm french. I have read the books, I have watched the chinese adaptation and the Netflix show. The latter is simply not good enough, it's as simple as that.. Story arks, characters etc are swapped around just to be PC for our sensible youth.. Character drama is added that adds no value at all. And come on, the actors are just bad. Anyways, read the books people.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Netflix adaptation. While it changes characters and simplifies the plot and story, it still captures the spirit of the novels. As a New Zealander, it was good to see Jess Hong playing a Kiwi Chinese character Jin Cheng.
Thank you! I feel proud of Jess too. She did a great job!
@@fengyunzzhang In my head cannon, the Netflix TV series exists as an alternative universe from the original novels and Tencent TV series. I like the idea of a multiverse, being familiar with Marvel, DC and Star Trek.
@@andrewlim9345 This is such a unique way to think about it! As a book fan, I welcome the spin-offs😆
Yes I agree absolutely it was so nice to see a diversity and creative interpretation from the book. I loved it I wouldn't have changed a thing about the Netflix series and can't wait for another season.
I enjoyed the Netflix adaptation. It gets the science more right than most science fiction-- I really like that.
I had never heard of the novels and now I will read them so that is a big win right for the original novels there.
Good insights in your video, I knew about the book series, but watching the Netflix show also inspired me to watch the 10 cent show and read all of Liu Cixin's books in the series
And they were great!
That's awesome! Ball Lighting is also one of my favorite.
Sooo they made a different adaptation that isn’t meant for china, since you can’t get Netflix there bc they only allow Chinese streamers and this is a problem? They made an adaptation for the audiences that can see it. This show was not perfect but they simplified and streamlined the material for a larger audience.
You mean they dumbed it down and gentrified it.
@@ShirleyTimple Calm down Shirley, lose some weight.
@@ShirleyTimpleAt least they didn't censor away the horrifying events under the cultural revolution, as the Chinese version did!
@@ShirleyTimple uhm yeah because uh in case you hadn't noticed.. It's for Western audiences and people outside of China who may not be able to understand Chinese cultural norms and political issues because uh well.... THE REST OF THE WORLD ISN'T CHINESE... And uhm in case you also didn't realise, Netflix did say they're making a LOOSE adaptation, it's been promoted as a LOOSE adaptation as well, which meanS they were never planning to make it 100% accurate....and lastly you do know that there's a Chinese adaptation as well right?? You do know you have the option of watching that one if you don't want to watch the Netflix one and if you're you're looking for 100% accurate representation and portrayal right??
Lastly majority of the cast of the Netflix one are Chinese too
You know for a woketivist you're sounding pretty racist by getting mad that a loose westernized adaptation is portraying non Asians on screen
Tbh I’m enjoying Chinese version more
Where do you watch it?
I prefer the tencent version but as a Trini Chinese I like the Netflix version but love the tencent version as it gave you time to really soak in the sense of dread. Western media is more character focused, it will be interesting to see what they do with Death's End.
I watched the netflix series and have now listened to the first audiobook and am listening the second one as we speak. It's interesting context that this adaptation propably was not even ment to satisfy chinese core fans. Which makes sense if netflix does not even operate in china. I still tend to believe that a lot of chinese have problems with the netflix version because it shows cultural revolution in such negative light. Also for example the scene where they could not send radiowawes to sun because it would make mokery of emperor or some chinese stuff was something that I remember thinking might upset chinese people. I would be interested to know how are these scenes and plot points handled in chinese adaptation?
Yes I think you're right! The unsatisfied voices are loud, and I can't say they are not related to the cultural revolution scene at all. In my opinion, many are nationalists who are not actual book fans, so they can't stand negative depictions of our real history. The radiowawe part, as I remember, is not included in the Chinese series. The Tencent version spends many episodes telling the story of the cultural revolution in detail but omits the most confrontational part, if that makes sense!
Try to go watch the tencent video's adaptation of 3 body problem. I think its available on youtube.....surprise surprise.
The transmitting things at the sun part was prominently shown in the show.....in the very 1 scene in fact.
the problem of the netflix version is that it simply portrait the cultural revolution in a very shallow way, as if that is the only thing matters in the book (and that's why many Chinese hate it). In the Chinese adaptation, it is less direct but you can feel how it impacted people in all kinds of aspects.
I just discovered your channel based on this video. First, thanks for your insights into what the Chinese reaction has been to this adaptation. I’m also now heading off to buy the. books and start reading them (right after each Netflix season 😀)
The characterisation and drama of the Ten Cents Chinese version which ran over 29 episodes was sublime - it is available on UA-cam with English subtitles. It really made the story pop given that characterisation was not the strong suit in the books. I enjoyed the Netflix version with my son, his first contact with Liu Cixin's expansive universe. But I did struggle with just how many ideas and story elements got dropped. And the characterisation was rather uneven. Still, I'm keen to see where it leads.
Love your analysis! Will be watching the Tencent series this weekend!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!
The best thing the netflix adaptaion did was get more eyes on the books. After watching the series I started reading the books and am planning on watching the chinese adaption after.
Amazing first video! Nice organization, very clear, very fair and informative. Wishing you much success with your new channel.
Thank you so much!🥹🥹
Not for a PhD (student).
They should be upset with the chinese TV version, it is so slow I couldn't watch it for more than 3 episodes.
That show is excellent, feels like the books. But its not for everybody I guess.
It is slow true , I almost have up episode 2 but persist a bit longer , it gets better
But that's true to the book which spends alot of time doing character development.
@@jonfreeman9682 no, my issue isnt that the plot does not unfold fast, but that scenes themselves are slow.
I am pretty sure that they asked for 30 episodes, then had to stretch the show to fill 30 episodes.
The Chinese version isn't meant for tiktok addled western minds. You simply lack the attention span to enjoy a superior product. That's a skill issue.
I enjoyed both the Tencent and Netflix adaptations. I liked the T version for how closely it followed the book, and because it included the Turkey Scientist and 2D problems, though I was amused by the American’s odd English. I liked the N version because it subtracted some of the parts that dragged on forever.
Both of Quinn’s Ideas’ review are similar to how I feel.
Yes the turkey scientists metaphor! N version is definitely more engaging and fast paced.
Honestly I’ve been obsessed with the series and I started reading the books because of it. I love that they diversified the cast 🤩
I am glad you like it!! Welcome to the magical world of 3BP🥰🥰🥰
Me too
You are in the minority there no pun intended. The cast looks exactly like the Captain Planet kids grew up and the characters in American version had no likeability, personality or dept like the book or Tencent version.Jin was the only character in Netflix version who cared about humanity and was convincingly a genius(out of the Oxford 5). White guys were all bumbling idiots, Saul was a heavy drug addict and could barely complete a sentence. Augie was insufferable and angry, the opposite of her male book counterpart.
@@chrisb7528nope. Not the minority. Normal non-racist people just don't stay online complaining about "woke" 24/7.
I watched the Netflix adaptation in two nights. I became obsessed, since then I've watched almost all of the tencent adaptation as well as bought the book trilogy. I'm about halfway through the dark forest now, kind of taking a break because existential dread can get pretty heavy, but I intend to return to it soon. As for your analysis on the adaptation, I think you're spot on. I think Netflix is doing an amazing job of making this saga available to an international audience. Of course there's going to be huge challenges, and I think they've done an excellent job of meeting them.
Thank you for the video. Liking and sub
Thank you! I always feel so happy when the show makes the audience curious about the books. In that case, this series definitely did a fantastic job!
@@fengyunzzhang wow. I just finished the tencent version and I thought it was amazing. Let me clarify, the first five or so episodes were really awesome and gripping, then enduring the next 20 episodes was a little much, but the last five episodes also really delivered in the ending was fantastic. Just my opinion
I watched both the Netflix adaptation as well as the Chinese show. I preferred the Chinese show, it was much more focused on story telling instead of relying on pretty visual effects, the characters had much more depth and were more likable, and the scientific aspects of the story weren't dumbed down as much.
Is it because the characters were so different to the book or the original series even?
I also questioned how the cultural revolution was portrayed by NF. It was pretty raw and impactful. I imagine it was pretty controversial
You are exactly right! I think fans get quite uncomfortable when they find the characterizations are so different from the original book. For the cultural revolution part, I think Netflix did a great job, but there are controversies around it on the Chinese internet. Some people on social media thought it intentionally emphasized the "disgraceful" history of China. But I don't think they were either fans of 3BP or watched the show (they probably just watched the first 3 minutes.) Indeed, Liu Cixin started with the cultural revolution scene when he first published the novel in the magazine. I even think the first book itself is a critical reflection of the traumatized history. Later, the part was moved to the middle of the published book due to censorship reasons. So Netflix's presentation is faithful to Liu's writing. Some valid criticism, in my opinion, is how Netflix simplifies the cultural revolution storyline and only keeps the most powerful, unsettling scene. In the book, there are chapters explaining Ye Wenjie's background and how she later killed her husband and a colleague to hide her betrayal. The omission reduced some psychological depth of Ye's character.
@@fengyunzzhang thank you so much for your insightful response🙏
@@PassiveAgressive319 My pleasure!🥰
Yeah I've read the books and the characters in the show are very westernised and have relationship drama added that isn't part of the novels.
I am very impressed with your in-depth analysis of the Netflix show compared to the book series. I read Three Body when it was first translated to English and I really enjoyed the faithful Chinese miniseries which was 30 episodes. Therefore, the Western Netflix version seemed far too rushed and condensed for me to find it as moving as the 30 episode Chinese series. On the other hand, the big budget allowed for more impressive visual effects and shooting locations like the United Nations. I also appreciated that the Netflix version showed the Cultural Revolution scenes which was the reason that Ye Wenjie had turned her back on humanity and asked aliens to come take control of our planet. These scenes were skipped in the Chinese series.
I still enjoyed the Netflix series very much, but I wish they made season 1 with 12 or 16 episodes. These days many seasons of shows are just far too short!!
Thank you! I share your feelings. The Netflix version did great on the Cultural Revolution scene. I even feel it is the first time that that part of history is presented in such an unvarnished, truthful way on screen. But they tried to condense too many things into eight episodes. I even saw an interview with the producers, where they said originally they only wanted 6 episodes for the first book. Is that a bit crazy?!
@@fengyunzzhang Yes, the producers are crazy! Granted, they are spending 10’s of millions of dollars for every episode, so maybe it is about the money? This show has the budget of a Hollywood blockbuster movie. But, I miss the days when a season of a show was 12-16 episodes. Like Game of Thrones, minus the shortened last season. In the Netflix Three Body Problem, we never got to know or relate to any of the characters until around the last episode, and by that last episode we were way past the first book also.
I enjoyed the books very much; read it long enough ago that I couldn’t be irked by the necessary liberties that the show runners took in order to adapt the novels.
Didn’t dawn on me until I saw a recent review of the show that the story was an allegory for disruptive, forced colonization of China and other cultures.
Going to carve out some time to watch the Chinese version.
I watched both series I feel like they both together really meshed well in my head to understand it all. Also the netflix adaptation is much easier to recommend, as the Tencent has a very slow pace and most people I know are not into it. Someday I will finish the books in my list so I can jump into the 3 body 3logy.
Personally I enjoy the increase in characters, and it makes the story have perspectives. In general they did a good job bringing it to life, and packing it with a lot of action. The main negatives is that the officer Da Shi is such a complex character in the books and they watered him down to a simple detective. A lot of the interesting science is missing.As a physicist I was so impressed when I read his model of how the sun would amplify the radio waves. But they cut it out. I think the show kinda loses it charm by the second half at it rushes to get to the stairway project. It is a nice interpretation of the books with a lot of actiom and catchy ideas for western audiences, but it is extremely dumbed down.
Haven't read the book but a huge consumer of Quinn's idea on youtube. I trust Quinn's opinion on the 3 body problem and it was a fair adaptation for International audience. heck, am invested in the show and what to learn more about the 3 body problem. At least they are doing something right
Quinn's videos are really good and I watched them too!
Quinn is very woke and pro race/gender swapping and when he did the Tencent review he praised how accurate it was to the books (which it was most accurate book adaptation in history) When Netflix version came out he bashed the Tencent version saying it was nothing like the books and Netflix is book accurate.
Thank you for such an insightful and literate essay. I have read the series and seen both the Tencent and Netflix videos. I liked the books best, and I liked the Tensent video series more than the Netflix movie.
Thank you for the support!❤
I am not chinese and I am also unhappy with Netflix adaptation - it is inferior to the Tencent version..
I think, for those who have read the books already, or even watched the TenCent show, the Netflix version will be disappointing to an extent. It rushed through major events without capturing their true Earth-shaking impacts or detailing their subsequent widescale geopolitical implications. However I understand why the showrunners did that, as they have to appeal to a western audience and ensure the show is popular enough to continue. I really hope they can slow down the pace a little for the upcoming announced episodes. This series could easily be a blockbuster movie series on par with Star Wars or Dune (or honestly surpassing them since the former are simple reflections of contemporary society while Three Body attempts to conceptualize new visions of cosmic sociology - if anything Star Trek would be a closer comparison) with the right support and budget.
HOWEVER I do have a major gripe with them taking the "Diaz" general character and turning him into Hou Boulin - a *Chinese* general. If you know what Diaz does later on, you know how this is clear anti-China neo-cold-war Mccarthyist propaganda.
I totally agree with you! And yes the Diaz character. I think Diaz was inspired by socialist leaders in Latin America like Salvador Allende. It is such a unique character in sci-fi and they just deleted it...
I have watched the Netflix version and then the Tencent version. The latter is a sci fi drama, the former is a highschool drama 😂
The Netflix series introduced me to the 3 Body Problem. One of the freshest Sci Fi I've seen in a long time. I don't have time to get into the books. But I found "Quinn's ideas" (YT), a good synopsis of the main ideas of what the books are about. It's breathtaking.
I watched the netflix show and it encouraged me to read the books and I read the whole trilogy in 6 days!!! I think the show wasn't quite as good as the book but still a very well made adaption.I gave book one an 8.7/10 and score the show 7.7/10 ( dark forest 9.5 and deaths end 9)
Haha the 0.7 is very subtle! I agree with your assessment. The second book is the best and hopefully Netflix can also have a better season two.
if they can make season 2 an 8.5 I would be very happy with that because its not going to be easy to translate that epic book to screen.I think it was a good adaption but it's faults were that is was rushed. I also think the casting of Wade, Da Shi and Cheng Xin was very good, when i read the books I imagined them as the characters, I think the show will get a lot of people to read the books.
I read the 1st book and I listened to the next 2 books as audiobooks and I watched Netflix season 1. The books are incredible reading or listening it doesn't matter I love Hard sci-fi ❤️ and I loved the plot it was so original. That's not easy in such an over saturated subject. I disagree with one thing, starting during the cultural revolution and then going to take place in China makes it original for me. This is also the reason I disliked the Netflix version, .its not a version at all it's dumbed down, and cherry picks the best plot points and crams it all into 1 season. Where can the story go next??? Loved ❤ your take on it. Also tried watching 3 body and I couldn't keep up with the sub- titles thats my fault, I've never been very good with that lol.....
Good analysis. I chose to read the trilogy before watching the Netflix series. My biggest complaint of the Netflix series is the unnecessary sentimentality in episodes 6 and 7. Maybe I'll watch the Tencent series as well when I have the time.
I really enjoyed the Netflix show. But I do agree that certain choices were puzzling and not necessarily in the story's best interest.
Specifically, I totally agree that it was weird to have all the characters share such close connections, and I would go further and say it was unusual that they had all the main action take place in England (obviously not including Ye Winje's flashbacks and the sinking of the Judgement Day). I think the story might have been better served if the characters were somewhat scattered across the world, with loose (if any association).
But overall, I do believe that the essence of the story was preserved in the adaptation and I think that a lot of the changes were understandable to make it more relatable to a global audience.
I'm not sure how D and D will do with this project, but I am cautiously optimistic, since the series is finished and they won't have to invent an ending on their own.
Thanks for making this video, it was very interesting.
Thank you so much for the comment. I totally appreciate the "cautiously optimistic" attitude and feel the same!!
Subbed no 26. I fundamentally disagree with the entire premise of the series. I believe the dark forest hypothesis is an overt simplification on the law or truth of interaction between entities. You may reference Veritasium post on game theory. But nontheless I am still open to interesting story and I enjoyed book recaps on the series and the Netflix show.
Test
Thank you for sharing! Will check the veritasium video
I read the books fairly recently and thought they were great, best sci fi I have read in years. I think the Netflix adaptation was pretty good. The characters are different as you say but the show is true to the themes of the book(s).
Thank you for your review. Loved it!
I read the complete trilogy a couple years back, and it was both mindblowing, and very hard to keep organized in my head. (Had to keep notes on the character names.) When the 10cent version came out I was so thankful - it was like crib notes - but also the acting was superb all the way down the line, and the faithfulness to the first book was certainly appreciated. (I am so looking forward to more in this series.)
When the Netflix version came out I jumped on it. Although I watched all the episodes, it eventually got so I was only looking forward to how they would stage the Panama Canal slice-and-dice. I became so disgusted with the generally exorable acting, especially from Alex Sharp, John Bradley, Jovan Adepo, and most most most excruciatingly, Elza Gonzalez. These people by now should have learned that smoking, drinking and saying fuck a lot does not substitute for basic acting skills. OTOH, Ben Wong and Rose Chao were faithful to their characters (despite the director?) and their acting skills are superb. I would gladly watch season 2 for those two (and maybe Cunningham).
One aspect I need to compliment Netflix on was their uncompromising take on the cultural revolution and execution of Ye's father. That was hard to watch, but it was done so well. Better than 10Cents version, as I think they may have had to pull some punches in those scenes.
Finally, the aspect of keeping the storyline tight around the "Oxford 5" - I think this will continue to cause problems with the second and following seasons. My guess is Netflix will make generous use of hibernation so that in the centuries to follow the main cast will variously pop up out of deep sleep on the occasions needed to save the earth, renew love affairs, and keep their fans watching them drink, smoke and say fuck a lot. One could only hope the show will kill off more of the "5", as they so kindly did with Will and Jack, and we can only pray they do quickly, with Auggie.
All in all, l am looking forward to Netflix's next season. And am also looking forward to watching the 10cent version again.
Thank you for generously sharing your insights! I really appreciate it. The first two episodes of Netflix's version are directed by Hong Kong director Derek Tsang. I think he did his research with sincerity and respect for the history of the Cultural Revolution so that part is so powerful. The potential use of hibernation is such a good idea! That offers much flexibility for the screenplay. Given how the showrunners have made wild changes to the book, I am actually curious to see how the next season will turn out😊
Gave up after ep.1 of Netflix . But went on to watch the Chinese version up to ep.21. Much prefer it to the Netflix version. Chinese version has much better characters and closer to the book.
I didn't know about that CN article, but I find it insulting. Because I'm not Chinese (I'm from Argentina), and I too find the changes unbearable (particularly because there's no Da Shi, my favorite character). I also think that Liu Cixin is wrong (or too polite), when he believes the novels became popular independently from being Chinese.
When I bought the novels (I learned about them in Quinn's Ideas YT channel), I did so BECAUSE it was Chinese sci-fi, and I wanted to see how it felt and differed from other countries' (having all of my life read western sci-fi authors, particularly Asimov, Clarke and Herbert).
If Netflix' version brings new readers, great. But I don't believe it's a good adaptation, as it loses the essence of the novels (for a good adaptation, that changes things but retains the "spirit" of the original, see Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings"). As you said, the story is about humanity's effort to survive, not about a bunch of superfriends. And even more, the original gave the message that, even in the brink of extinction, humanity can't fully cooperate, it's always going to be bickering and fighting with itself (or delude itself). That kind of message won't be delivered by Hollywood/Western media... ever.
And that's why I love Liu Cixin's novels. BECAUSE it doesn't have a Western mindset. It brings something new (for us westerners).
PS: Subscribed.
PS2: Interesting tidbit of information I got from reading the comments... I didn't know the the Cultural Revolution chapter had been moved to the middle in the Chinese edition of the novels.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comments! Because sci-fi is more of a Western-dominated genre, I also feel that 3bp brings fresh air to us. And you are right, some of the underlying messages that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture are just very unique.
From what I understand, the western version is closer to the books and has things in it from the books the Chinese version doesn’t have. Western version also covered more than one book.
Very interesting. I just started watching the Netflix series, and I see some things that are common shortcomings in media produced by streaming services like Netflix and HBO, but the plot is keeping me invested. Didn't know there was already a Chinese adaptation. I HAVE to see that one.
Just curious, do you mind explaining further the shortcomings of streaming series? I have been thinking this as well and would love to hear your thoughts!
@@fengyunzzhang Thank you for the response. I had to take a minute to think about what points stick out most to me. I think it comes down to three things:
1) Over-reliance on spectacle, whether it be visual effects or controversy.
2) Trying to condense very large amounts of information or complex themes into less than 10 episodes.
3) A tendency to all follow an indistinct visual aesthetic (compared to other Netflix/HBO shows).
i think if people watch the tencent version first then they would understand why chinese fans didnt like the netflix version
Because it foregoes the hardcore sci-fi for the Hollywood spectacle fluff? That's my guess.
Compared with the Chinese series, Netflix version is very "Americanized" one.
Netflix version does not require or want you to think and imagine, it forces a heavily changed and also summarized version of the story in the books in a blunt way. It is rushed and shallow story telling.
If you think Netflix version is good, you definitely see the Chinese version to see the "real" thing!
Greetings from Turkiye.
Greeting! Thank you for your comment! I saw there were lots of Turkish user ratings on IMDb, so I assume 3bp have some audiences there😊
I can't respect people who expect a 1:1 translation of a piece of media across different mediums, as it demonstrates media illiteracy on a fundamental level.
There is an existing Chinese show that does this anyway, and whilst it's good, it's very slow and a drawn out. There's no reason for netflix to do the same thing.
@@Rik77Agreed. And the Chinese version manages to do 99% of the 1:1 translation whilst ditching any reference to the experience of Ye Wenjie during the cultural revolution, which is her fundamental motivation and ultimately the instigating event.
"That's Rascist!"
@@DeftPolexactly!!
@@PeterKnaggeit's not racist at all this video is just an opinion and the person didn't like the series that it was not exactly like the book. We who Embrace and loved the Netflix series can agree to disagree.
The tencent version was great through episode 25. The white actors were undergrad theater level and the writing for them was absolute garbage. The cigar guy? His only lines were to announce the screen staging and props. The evil rich kid was a sneering block of wood
I loved the books so much. So I was a little disappointed following some guys on you tube who discussed the social activities among the group. This is not what the story is about! Read before you comment! I wish that there will be a German version of the chinese streaming version. I really would like to follow this because it might be closer to the books.
the tencent adaption put me to sleep honestly, this book is just really difficult to adapt in general.
As a fan of the book ,both for its originality and scientific knowledge, I fell in love with the books. As an American who watched the Tenant version 1st, I was overjoyed with the faithfulness of its adaptation. That rarely happens these days...faithful book to screen homogeneous flip flop. Netflix series was stupid, confusing, very heartfelt, and warm. Pure e GG e candy in spots, but to make a male driven hero with his family-oriented perspective and scientific involvement... magically turned into a woman who was unrelatable AND cut off from her (his) role as a Wallfaccer, etc. I just thought...those idiots blew the chance of a lifetime.
Now I imagine we'll all be waiting decades for another shot at it by a trusted director to clean up the spill, as it were, just like they are now doing visually with Frank Herberts Dune. Come on Netflix...Wtf
Thanks for sharing! I also think about the case of Dune. We may need to wait years for a perfect/faithful adaptation.
因为中国互联网上的民族主义盛行，极端保守，看过原著的人多，无法接受任何改编，尤其是角色更换性别和人种，这会造成玻璃心破防。另外，最重要的是文革的问题，当下的政治环境不允许网络大肆讨论文革，尽管中国网民一边倒地认为文革是无所谓的，而网飞是“为了那碟醋包饺子”，不久后，网飞三体就遭到了全网封禁，删除隐藏带有画面的视频，删除评分，关掉讨论组。
This control of history is terrifying. Orwellian.
I talked to some chines guests recently and they enjoyed it more than the Chinese version, which surprised me but I can't compare it. I really liked it.
Yes I also talked to lots of Chinese book fans and they actually like Netflix's version! It's just that their voice isn't loud enough haha
Exact adaptation would be too boring to watch for those who already read the books. Also it would be less comprehensible to those who didn't. I believe there's place for both approaches, this is why there are different adaptations. So yeah I did read the books and liked Netflix version. Sadly can't watch Chinese version because Prime Video doesn't have it here for some reason. As of the producers, well I think they killed GoT on purpose because of how long it is. At least 3BP is finished so they can produce the whole thing (well I mean there's chance at least)
They got a deal from Disney to work on a star wars movie so they killed got for the quick bag but when Disney saw the disaster of the last season they cancelled the deal
I've heard that there were a lot of Chinese people complaining about the opening scene set during the Cultural Revolution, saying it was anti-Chinese propaganda. Apparently they're unaware that that scene was taken directly from the books and is an accurate portrayal of actual history.
Liu Cixin wanted the scene to be at the beginning of the book, but the Chinese editors made him bury it deeper in the book. This was fixed in the English translation, putting the scene back at the beginning as the author wanted
You are absolutely right! I talked about this with someone in a previous comment. When Liu first published 3BP on the magazine, the novel started with the cultural revolution scene. It was moved to the middle when published as a book. The Netflix is quite faithful to this.
They were complaining about keeping that part Chinese - the part that doomed humanity - while changing the heros of the story to be British. The Chinese people doomed Humanity, it's up to the great Western civilization to save it. What a nice message.
I much prefered the temperate Chinese adaption, they almost nailed the book, but I was surprised the Netflix version wasn't as bad as I'd feared (still not as good as the Chinese version).
So.. tldw: The west rewriting stuff for the sake of rewriting stuff, again, as usual, lol. They should just be happy it got a better rewriter than what the usual adaptations gets. Imagine if it was as bad as the infamous dragonball one.
The only good thing I can say about the Netflix version is it introduced me to the books. Presently mid way through the audiobook of Dark Forest. I won't be watching any more Netflix seasons of their adaptation.
I'm European and I prefer the Tencent version, too.
Tencent was way better and made for intellectuals and book readers. Netflix version was woke low IQ garbage with a higher budget and u likeable characters other than Jin and Thomas Wade.
The netflix adaptation is a racist remake of the story with different plot points, different pov, different focus, locations and even different characters.
I guess the reason so many ppl liked the netflix adaptable is because its more western centric.
The Chinese 'Tencent' version is soooo much better
The books are wonderful.
The Netflix series was OK...
Thanks for your great video.
Thank you for the support!!
Uhhh, when you said that it coming to the screen was a dream come true y got out. No video adaptation is good enough for novels of certain caliber. Thisbisbonenof them. Also, the Chinese did an adaptation before.
best show ever!!!!!!!!
After reading the books and watching the Tencent series I was quite hyped for the Netflix series. I knew in advance that it would come with a more international cast (I tried to forget about the sour taste today's race quotas and forceful minority group inserts leave in my mouth) and, in general, a not-very-Chinese setting and anticipated, well, somewhat worse. Yet in the end I found the series a pleasant surprise. It could give thoughts about the techniques of adapting long books to shorter screen times (than reading them). I actually enjoyed it more than the Tencent work that (mostly) followed the first book almost word by word. Especially the inclusion of the Common Era events of the second and third books felt a very good choice to me.
There were notable cast choices too, I could very much like Liam Cunningham's Thomas Wade, I found him playing this character very well. Rosalind Chao's Ye Wenjie was an outstanding poker face and found Alex Sharp to the perfect choice for a European Yun Tianming, should anyone want to conceive such a character. Well, they wanted and it worked.
The show isn't perfect - of course it isn't and I think it can't even be, considering I watched it after reading the books. I most notably couldn't find Ye Wenjie's joke to Luo, I mean Saul as convincingly significant as their conversation in the original work (well it's more cryptic here but I just can't feel it as profound). Yet the series was kind of a pleasant surprise.
On the other hand, can I take your pronunciation of the Chinese names as a reference? I watched other videos that talk about them, even a Chinese teacher's but - maybe they're all wrong....?
I think my pronunciation of the Chinese names should be fine. Do you mind telling me which ones are different from the other sources you heard? I can double-check them for you!
I honestly have similar feelings with you about the show. I was quite skeptical at first, given some negative reviews I saw on Weibo, but later found it actually pretty engaging. And then I binge-watched everything in two days! As for the Tencent version, I watched a few episodes last year but got too busy to keep up with it. I wish they could streamline the plot a bit instead of being completely faithful to the book. I also find the joke part very interesting! I think one reason is that Ye realizes that SanTi cannot understand jokes, so she tells that in a more implicit way. I am very excited to see how the show will present Saul's transformation in the next season.
@@fengyunzzhang Well the most prominent example is the writer himself. I think the closest match for your version was the guy's who originally lent me the books - and he took part of making Hungarian audio books of the trilogy. Cheng Xin os another example, whose name sounds different each and every time I hear a new source...
And yes, it... makes sense, yes. The way Yun Tianming's tales did, those prove surprisingly close to literal as later events unfold yet they can't be deciphered by like anyone who tries it. Even Helseggen/Mosken is like a lucky accident that resonates with someone's already existing suspicion or so...
Having not read the book, but watched the Chinese TV series. I thought the Netflix version was shallow and boring. And suffers from "everyone is overly good looking" casting choices.
The reason why English language science fiction written by people from Europe or America is still more popular than science fiction from China, for example, is because books like Three Body Problem are imitating 1950s sci fi writers which have an overly ideological. By that I mean that its all boy-scout like "Humanity will survive" and "work together" spirit. It is very cliche and boring.
i hope they do the teardrop theme justice in the dark forest.
Me too! Teardrop is one of my favorite concepts in the trilogy. Since they did a good job on sophon, I have high expectations😄
In my opinion people from mainland China who may be angry based on some sort of nationalist basis absolutely have no valid point. You do not "own" the book, you do not own the author of the book, and you have no right to be upset who does what with it. It is that simple. Any nationalist anger about content created by that which is perceived as the "outside" can only be based on the assumption of some sort of "ownership" of work of art or literature. But a country, people, or any political entity cannot claim to own something like a story, so there cannot be any valid points made about any artistic expression or any other content someone makes.
It'd be interesting to see how the Chinese TV series deals with the disparate threads. Its important for something like a TV series to have an emotional heart, and Netflix managed that at the cost if breaking apart and amalgamating characters and story lines. I can see why people who read the books first could be upset.
I found the TV series a bit dense, had to read the first book and watch it a second time to get most of it. (Though I would say I'm no slouch when it comes to SF.)
I also understand that in the chinese novel and TV series the horrific cultural revolution scene, while still happening, is buried in the middle of the material, rather than brought to the front. I can understand that nationalists would be pissed off with this reminder that whilst the PRC has achieved some great things, not all of its history has been sweetness and light. Many years ago i had a Chinese friend, studying in NZ, and hed had friends who cimmitted auicide during the cultural revolution.
We all need to move beyond "My country, right or wrong".
Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I see kindness and empathy in your comment. The Cultural Revolution is part of history and left trauma and scars on many Chinese. For historical and political reasons, the nationalist sentiment is very strong in today's China. But I believe there are also many people willing to reflect and think critically.
@@fengyunzzhang Thanks. To paraphrase, 四海之内皆一家也! ;o)
I've watched both, The Chinese is the better version, I thought o7
It always baffles me when script writers decide to strip the science out of science fiction when adapting books.
Wow this comment!! I feel that they always want to dumb it down to make sci fi more accessible
That article at the end was pure white savior complex. Dear lord. I'll probably watch the Netflix adaptation at some point, but all the talk just made me watch the Tencent one instead. I binged it, even if feeling the story and the direction was flawed in a few ways, but I'm sure it would annoy me a lot less than the school of spectacle. I dread thinking how the new adaptation simplified science, the old one already goes on too long on bad analogies.
Interesting perspective… thx 🙏🏻
I watched and listend to the whole book series narration from a channel called „Quinn’s Ideas“ … and of course, I have read the books … wich I found fascinating…
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Greetings! Thank you so much for the support. Is there a Germany translation of 3BP?
@@fengyunzzhang
I wouldn’t know … I bought the English version 😉
But let me check real quick…
And the answer is … YES 👍… called the „Trisolaris Trilogie“ … in German .
But I thought they would, with around a hundred million consumers speaking German .
The netflix show was pretty solid, but the character of Augustine sticks out from the story like a splinter. All the gritty grown-ups, and then this one aberrant supermodel superscientist with perfect makeup and melodrama.
Love the books. I think the netflix series is surprisingly good even with the condensing of characters. I think the west centric portrayal is a bad idea. Though the Chinese names to non chinese is problematical for the average westerner.
Hm, there is no native 't' sound in the mandarin?
ok, us version was too fast, gore for no reason, the detective also was way better in the chinese version, I don't know if it's the accent that bothered me or how not connected he felt emotionally. and Auggie did annoy me many many times. As far as everyone being friends, well it's more like that scientific community is smaller, friends rivals all exist in a small world, think Degrass, Bill Nye, Dawkins, Greene, etc all know each other hang out together do panels together, this is much the same. Chinese version was way too slow, the western scientists in the game were characterized as effeminate, pompous, of no worth, so really just shitting on them, american version they were pompous, but they had reason to be protection their ideas while the protagonists only really interjected their solutions. While the chinese leaders were all powerful gods on earth, I mean masterbation is great and all but could have been toned down by a lot. I may be dumb, but the human computer in both series didn't make much sense, cool idea though. American version needed way more time in the game. Overall somewhere in the middle would have been great, when I watched the chinese version first 10 episodes, like 10 hours, were great, but then I just kept wondering when the story was going to progress, in the netflix one I was asking myself how they came to solutions so so fast, I mean think about them a little at first.
Welcome to the world of fans not being happy with how Netflix adapts their favourite books.
You think you Chinese are alone?
😆😆
It wasn’t made for solely a Chinese audience so yeah 🙄
Cut the Chinese from the book?
I read the books and saw both adaptions version was more literal asside from skipping the cultural revoltion and was rakenback by actually showing the alliensas giants when the are quite small. Netflix did well, but I wondered why this primarily diverse group devise not just in ethnicity but in background would be friends. Made no sense. I needed more episodes and less moralizing.
I feel that the first season intends to lay a foundation for the character developments. Hopefully Netflix will focus more on the 'science' part in the next season!
The "Oxford 5" are friends because they were all students of Vera Ye, daughter of Ye Wenjie. All things considered, it's not that much of a leap.
Did you even watch the series?? They were the Oxford 5. How does that not make sense?? Oxford is one of the most diverse schools in the world. They have the brightest minds from all over the world to study there. Come on man. You can't be serious.
OH, you want to troll me. I will not dignify your query as I only respond to honest people, not your kind. I already said I have read the books and seen both series. hope you can ... nevermind I can go away.@@maplenerd22
Was my previous comment deleted 😢
Oh no!😢😢 I didn't delete any comments. Can you leave it again? Sorry for the confusion
@@fengyunzzhang no worries. Just checking
Honestly, from what I can tell the netflix show provides much better character interactions and has far better pacing overall. Who cares how faithful the adaptation is if they do everything better anyway?
People are allowed to have creative interpretation. Why would there be an identical interpretation word for word of a series that already has a word for word Chinese interpretation which we can view on amazon. Netflix and the creators of three body problem series did a spectacular job. I loved it so very much and it's what made me start reading the books.
Can anyone explain how the aliens 👽 could manipulate reality on earth 🌎 and why they sent a brain 🧠 in a jar 🫙 up in a rocket 🚀? Thanks chums 😊
i hate the western adaptation. I much prefer the tencent's version.
I am sorry, but I don't know how anyone could read his overly verbose, slow writing. The show has problems that have to do with its credibility.
Why care? The Chinese can't access Netflix from the mainland, so they all watch pirated rips. Their gov won't even allow them to watch the Netflix version. It's so funny they're not unhappy about it but unhappy about the Netflix series.
Certain amount of people are unhappy about both. I agree with you that there are people who just watched the pirate version, and consuming piracy should be condemned. But there are also people who use VPN to catch up with the rest of the world. I feel that we can be more empathetic with them. Not everyone has the resources to choose where they work and live. It is just such a complicated issue.
It's understandable, but the characters are _better_ in the show. They have personalities, motivations and interactions.
And maybe it's just me, but it's much easier to tell the characters' names apart: They're not all named Chang, Yang, Wang, Ding, Dong.
Yikes.
小姐姐我听出来了，gpt写了不少吧，（坏笑）
还好啦哈哈！
They should shut up, for all the times the CCP make us change our movies, LOL.
I hate how the Netflix version is so whitewashed, especially against the Chinese male leads.
This book was supposed to be a metaphor for China (Earthlings) and the West (Trisolarians), and how the latter tries to prevent the former from being able to technologically develop. This was already apparent when the author wrote this book back then (published in 2008), and it's even more so now with all the sanctions that the United States places on China's semiconductor/tech sector and more.
So putting it from a Western perspective erases all of that, and in fact, counters everything.
Because they made the characters diverse. Netflix never respects the character's original race. jeez.
In something of a defence it is an adaptation with the core ideas and themes of the novel/s included and does have Asian actors in lead roles.
It's a different take for sure, but for a closer book adaptation there is the series on Amazon.
Which is also good.
It’s more about how the characters in the book were adapted for the screen and for an international audience. You insinuate that tChinese people are intolerant and not susceptible to change. These were made with the blessing of the author
@@PassiveAgressive319 Aren't they? mean, look at Disney and what happen to Chadwick on his first movie as Black Panther. they had to photo shop the face of lead(chadwick) to make it more appealing to chinese audience.
@@ErickJorgensen wait, what??
If they want to make flawed characters it much easier to use western characters, otherwise the Chinese would become insulted by the portrayal of Chinese people.
They can't win. Either they're "woke" or they're racist towards Chinese people....
I think it's fine to change them up for another audience. I don't expect Italians to be performing "Romeo and Juliet" either...
The Netflix adaptation is boooooring garbage.