Based on a popular Chinese folk tale - this is about how eight people became deities, and the adventures they have.

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The Eight Immortals (TCS)

I grew up surrounded by Chinese Mythology; The Monkey God's travels to the West, the Snake Maiden and her love for a mortal...but my favourite tale had always been the Legend of the Eight Immortals.

So, when my new cable channel says that it was going to show the Eight Immortals, I flipped big time. The day came, and we realised that not only was it in mandarin, the show didn't have subtitles. Fortunately, I understand mandarin quite well (and speak it too. Not bad, eh?). So I became the official translator for the family. It's frustrating at first - my mandarin isn't what you call very fluent (it's at 60% capacity), so there are some patches here and there where I just don't get it. But I realised that I could understand the mandarin well enough to comprehend the plot, which was odd. Most taiwanese shows baffle me. Then I found out it was a Singaporean production which explained everything. I grew up with Singaporean Mandarin. Anyway, they had a lead Taiwanese actor (Ma Jing Tao) which threw me off.

Now I'll be brutally frank. The only reason why I'm so obsessed with the show (fortunately it's aired 5 days a week! I get excited when the clock strikes ten!) is the incredible gorgeousness of the lead actor, Ma Jing Tao, who plays my favourite character (not my favourite just because of Jing Tao! But then again...) Lu Dong Bin. Just a bit of background on this character. Formerly, he was the Great Immortal Tung Hua, the type of honourable warrior that will do whatever his honour dictates. You know, the type that will sacrifice love for the sake of King and Country. Only for him, it's Heaven and Earth.

Anyway, a great threat awaits Heaven and Earth. A Demon Lord is ammassing his army - so Tung Hua sets upon himself to gather the Eight Immortals, yet to be born, to fight this evil menace. In order to make the group complete, he willingly became a human. However, his reincarnated self (Lu Dong Bin) is a far cry from the stoic honourable immortal he once was. Instead, he's rather spoilt, playful and not to mention downright gallant (and gorgeous, yes). Add to this spicy background is a tale of unrequited love between the former Tung Hua and a Fairy...this love is continued by Dong Bin and was doomed from the beggining.

The tale detracts wildly from the original legend. Then again, who cares???

What I like : This was shot somewhere in China, so the scenery was simply gorgeous. Looking at TCS shows, I'm amazed how much they have progressed. The story between Dong Bin and Bai Mudan is touching, as in the end, she was condemned to be a prostitute for several lifetimes because of him.

What I don't like: The ending is abrubt. Everything works out nicely in the end, yes, but what about Bai Mudan? She is seen appearing as another reincarnated self, but isn't anyone going to help her attain immortalhood? Furthermore, the methods and the reasons why some of the immortals attain immortalhood seem a tad silly.

I rate it: * * * Really interesting. But just not good enough to be memorable.

Want to hear what mandarin sounds like? Listen to the theme song! If you don't have Realplayer, downlaod it now!

Site to visit: The Eight Immortals