If you are a fan of this style of story, this is a great addition to Netflix. I'm a huge fan of the older Golden Harvest, Sonny Chiba films like Stormriders, and this series feels very familiar. The acting is fine, scenery is beautiful, and the fighting scenes are fluid and graceful. Big fan of this show already, and can't wait for more from this story.
51 Reviews
Only two episodes so far, but very good!
morcohen73917 January 2020
Slow, but lavish production of oft-told tale combining 1970s Hong Kong fare with modern flights of fancy
lotekguy-127 February 2020
I'm sure the title of this newly-made period martial arts saga means something cooler in its original Chinese than in English. Normally, when I see a Netflix series that runs 44 episodes, I keep scrolling, rather than invest that much time. I'm glad to have made this exception. This combines a premise and characters evoking the vintage genre films cranked out in Hong Kong around the 1970s with some of the flights of fancy (literally and figuratively) and opulence of the more familiar (on this side of the Pacific) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fare. The result is a highly bingeable opus that is rather slow and complex, but well worth the time.
The premise is that two brothers are separated at birth when their parents are killed. It occurs in an unspecified era before kung fu had to compete with bullets. One is raised in isolation by women who are at the peak of martial arts powers. The other is rased by a famous gang of thieves. The former grows up to be superb at his craft, but limited by his post-monastic naivete, lack of personality and strict orders to find and kill his sibling to please the "aunts" who raised him. The other is a happy-go-lucky rogue, whose martial skills are questionable, but who thrives on wit and trickery. Neither has any idea that he even has a brother. In their course of their journeys the two meet and become friends and allies, despite learning that they're destined to face the ordered duel to the death at some point.
Costumes, sets and fight choreography are superb - worthy of feature-film productions. The complicated story includes many villains, arcane plots, questionable, shifting alliances and romantic possibilities. As in the old Hong Kong fare, nothing steamy or titillating occurs on camera. The slowness and subtlety are offset somewhat by a healthy dose of comic relief, mainly coming from the brother raised by thieves. Unlike some series that end seasons with a cliff-hanger," rewarding" your binge effort with a long wait for the next round of episodes, this one does wrap up most, if not all, subplots in a satisfactory manner, while setting the table for a season two. Fans of classic martial arts dramas, laced with humor and fanciful moves, should be pleased with this one. Those turned off by the gory bits won't have to close their eyes much, since the inevitable injuries and deaths are shown with considerable visual restraint.
The premise is that two brothers are separated at birth when their parents are killed. It occurs in an unspecified era before kung fu had to compete with bullets. One is raised in isolation by women who are at the peak of martial arts powers. The other is rased by a famous gang of thieves. The former grows up to be superb at his craft, but limited by his post-monastic naivete, lack of personality and strict orders to find and kill his sibling to please the "aunts" who raised him. The other is a happy-go-lucky rogue, whose martial skills are questionable, but who thrives on wit and trickery. Neither has any idea that he even has a brother. In their course of their journeys the two meet and become friends and allies, despite learning that they're destined to face the ordered duel to the death at some point.
Costumes, sets and fight choreography are superb - worthy of feature-film productions. The complicated story includes many villains, arcane plots, questionable, shifting alliances and romantic possibilities. As in the old Hong Kong fare, nothing steamy or titillating occurs on camera. The slowness and subtlety are offset somewhat by a healthy dose of comic relief, mainly coming from the brother raised by thieves. Unlike some series that end seasons with a cliff-hanger," rewarding" your binge effort with a long wait for the next round of episodes, this one does wrap up most, if not all, subplots in a satisfactory manner, while setting the table for a season two. Fans of classic martial arts dramas, laced with humor and fanciful moves, should be pleased with this one. Those turned off by the gory bits won't have to close their eyes much, since the inevitable injuries and deaths are shown with considerable visual restraint.
If you were a fan of Kung-Fu theater you'll love Handsome Siblings!
willienevada4 February 2020
This is THE best series streaming today! Handsome Siblings embodies the Wuxia genre and this story is one you will love. I find myself waiting for the remaining episodes and the action builds with each episode. You will definitely get hooked and root for each brother. Can't wait to see how the story unfolds.
Totally enjoying the series!!!
catherinewei0096 February 2020
I'm half way through the series and I can't wait for more episodes to be released each day. I love the story, the characters and the fighting scenes are amazing. There is a very good balance of humour in a heart wrenching story. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds and what happens in the end. Thank you Netflix!!
Blown away, visual masterpiece!
neverends26 January 2020
Where to start. This is eye candy to an extraordinary degree. The camera work, sets, fight scenes and the talented cast are some of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
Top it off with an exciting story.
I'm blown away.
Such a joy!
pinkpeonyprincess1 February 2020
I love the scenery, the characters and the actors. It is such a beautiful series. The costumes are amazing; I rewind a number of times to take in the costumes. There are a number of scenes that are so hilarious. I love the humor. And of course the martial arts scenes are incredible! Very well done series!
Jademan Comics Brought to Life
tamadm1 February 2020
This Series beautifully renders Tony Wong from JadeMan Comic's Force of Buddha's Palm. The series follows the comics events very closely and i am now able to relive this exciting Tale with way more visual depth than i did when i first read the comics back in the 1980's. I was not aware this tale had already been made into several live action movies and TV series. Or if Tony Wong was the original author of the Tale. Awesome congratulations to the creators and Netflix where i found this.
Excellent!
pinkpeonyprincess13 February 2020
I love everything about this show. The storyline, characters, acting and costuming. I cannot get enough and literally hate for each episode to end. I am obsessed with this show and will likely cry real tears when it's over. Only 2 more episodes left. Bravo! Well done indeed!
A good Chinese Martial Art TV Series, Visually attractive!
myintmyint-khine9231 January 2020
If you like watching Chinese Martial Art TV series with good fighting scenes, this is right for you. It is still airing via Netflix and I have watched 24 episodes so far. It is visually attractive and the plot is not bad though.
What I want to complain is that the poster and promo of this series have biased the more famous actor Hu Yi Tian. Actually, the story emphasize more upon the role of Chen Zhe Yuan as Jiang Xiao Yu. If you are Hu Yi Tian's fan, I think you will be disappointed because his role is not very interesting in this series. When it comes to Chen Zhe Yuan's scenes, it is really worth to watch.
What I want to complain is that the poster and promo of this series have biased the more famous actor Hu Yi Tian. Actually, the story emphasize more upon the role of Chen Zhe Yuan as Jiang Xiao Yu. If you are Hu Yi Tian's fan, I think you will be disappointed because his role is not very interesting in this series. When it comes to Chen Zhe Yuan's scenes, it is really worth to watch.
Great story telling and wonderful visuals!
evang-161873 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished the series and the story as it unfolds is wonderful. Character development is well paced throughout the series and does not make the audience feel as though there is a expedited pace for development sake. Although the main motif of separated siblings pitted against one another is used often, it is timeless and well done without being cliched. The humor is well done and does not feel forced at all! You will find yourself rooting for both brothers as they journey and mature.
My biggest apprehension is how female characters are written. They're not as dynamic as the main male protagonists nor the other male characters for the most part. The women in here are either vengeful and spiteful, or their love sick and are damsels in distress. So that's a hard pill to swallow because the women characters are hard to handle at times due to the poor way they are written. For example, Tie Xinlan is first presented as a confident martial artist. However, after we learn she is a woman, she someone becomes less of a confident martial artist and simply just a teenage girl who needs saving and protection.
My biggest apprehension is how female characters are written. They're not as dynamic as the main male protagonists nor the other male characters for the most part. The women in here are either vengeful and spiteful, or their love sick and are damsels in distress. So that's a hard pill to swallow because the women characters are hard to handle at times due to the poor way they are written. For example, Tie Xinlan is first presented as a confident martial artist. However, after we learn she is a woman, she someone becomes less of a confident martial artist and simply just a teenage girl who needs saving and protection.
Best entertainer of 2020
dineshreddyn-965447 February 2020
This is my first time giving a review on IMDB. This series is going to be the best entertainer in this year. It has good story, good actors, comedy, action, direction, etc. I'm enjoying each and every episode of it. Waiting for new episodes. Comedy is hilarious.
Great show with very elegant story telling
leatfrost26 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love the way Chinese people tell stories. There's always some message beneath that doesn't surface throughout.
This show is such a story. It talks about how honour may interfere with honesty. How honesty is not always honorable. It speaks of the conundrums we face everyday whether in our work, family, or friendships.
This show is always packed full of the Kung Fu, and Qingong reminiscent of Chinese opera and theatre as well as the bachelor centred storytelling that often accompanies.
The only thing that deserves scrutiny is Netflix not providing warning for self harm and suicidal scenes which the shows plot is thickened with.
Besides that, it's a great show. There's not many olde women characters that have any major roles which I assume is the writers intention to attract young adults.
7/10.
This show is such a story. It talks about how honour may interfere with honesty. How honesty is not always honorable. It speaks of the conundrums we face everyday whether in our work, family, or friendships.
This show is always packed full of the Kung Fu, and Qingong reminiscent of Chinese opera and theatre as well as the bachelor centred storytelling that often accompanies.
The only thing that deserves scrutiny is Netflix not providing warning for self harm and suicidal scenes which the shows plot is thickened with.
Besides that, it's a great show. There's not many olde women characters that have any major roles which I assume is the writers intention to attract young adults.
7/10.
Failed in many ways
bess_aoi1 February 2020
Compared to the 2004 Proud twins with better looking actors, characterisation and plot, this version of Jue Dai Shuang Jiao falls short in so many ways.
Hua WuQue's characterisation failed me the most. Other than the fact that he dumbly looks on in scenes most of the time while waiting for his relationship with XinLan to develop, his gentle tone and expressions absolutely do not fit with his lineage - raised by YoHua palace's two masters to be the ultimate killing machine. Where did he learn his gentlemanly manners when he was only a tool for revenge?
XiaoYuEr is the other disappointment. The lousy script removed his talkative wits and is a stark contrast to the 2004 version which cracked me up at every point. While I understand that this version seems a more serious tone compared to 2004's, xiaoyuer in this version is a lot less quirky and smart (even though the characters in the film praise him to be so).
Little Fairy was a major disappointment, with zero romantic entanglements with XiaoYu so far. We however see XinLan as a helpless, love-pining and weak girl for Xiao Yu Er and not Hua Wu Que, which makes me beg the question why would they choose the focus as such.
My favourite character suying has not yet appeared but I get the feeling that it will be another disappointment. This new actor however, did rather brilliant in another romantic drama so I would love to give her a chance - only if the direction of the drama and the tasteless script doesn't lose it for her.
Hua WuQue's characterisation failed me the most. Other than the fact that he dumbly looks on in scenes most of the time while waiting for his relationship with XinLan to develop, his gentle tone and expressions absolutely do not fit with his lineage - raised by YoHua palace's two masters to be the ultimate killing machine. Where did he learn his gentlemanly manners when he was only a tool for revenge?
XiaoYuEr is the other disappointment. The lousy script removed his talkative wits and is a stark contrast to the 2004 version which cracked me up at every point. While I understand that this version seems a more serious tone compared to 2004's, xiaoyuer in this version is a lot less quirky and smart (even though the characters in the film praise him to be so).
Little Fairy was a major disappointment, with zero romantic entanglements with XiaoYu so far. We however see XinLan as a helpless, love-pining and weak girl for Xiao Yu Er and not Hua Wu Que, which makes me beg the question why would they choose the focus as such.
My favourite character suying has not yet appeared but I get the feeling that it will be another disappointment. This new actor however, did rather brilliant in another romantic drama so I would love to give her a chance - only if the direction of the drama and the tasteless script doesn't lose it for her.
Epic TV series.
DrProfessor21 March 2020
Very addictive!
blueazucena-5470420 February 2020
Quintessential Wuxia
mneidoff15 February 2020
The is a great series. It has great characters, a cohesive story line, humor, romance and unexpected twists. This is perhaps the only one of the genre that kept me entranced in each episode. And if you love martial arts, another plus.
Very good
SuiJeneris16 February 2020
Beautiful, funny, awesome martial arts. The story sometimes can have funny plots/set up with a few slower episodes mid-way but picks up! overall very entertaining and fun to watch. Love the writing and humor. Highly recommend!!
Superb!
jmtotanes2 March 2020
The plot was actually very dramatic but because of the comedy, it the drama became less. The characters' acting were soooo good, especially Hua Wuque's character. His face looks like a girl because it looks so soft and everything but when he moves, it is so masculine! You would also love the places they went to. It makes me feel I want to go to China (not at the moment though because of the corona virus) but it makes me appreciate other culture as well. One of the best drama I have ever seen.... perfect score for this! I love the costume too! They were so simple and elegant. The characters looked soooo cool... I hope many people would watch it...
Visually stunning
cutebellybutton6 March 2020
Story about twins brought up by 2 very different 'family' and environment creating two very different personalities or opposites. Love the wuxia/fighting choreography. Only one complaint. The make up artist put too much white powder on Hua Wuque face. Lol.
One of the best Chinese Martial Art Fantasy series
lostcreative7 June 2020
I love this so much and almost everything about it except for one thing that made me skip a lot after ep 30, all Tie Xin Lan's scenes made me cringe. She has the poorest character build up in the whole drama. She started as a strong woman and ended up a damsel in distress. I only saw her cry, get sick, beat up or full on dramatic mode on later episodes, she became so annoying that it made me cringed a lot so I dont know what happend on most scenes with her on it. too bad.
and
Headturner110 March 2024
I'm giving this almost an 8. If can sit through more that a few episodes without even knowing like 25 have passed by then it is worthy of a good rating now a days. I am no expert as this is like my 4th Wuxia. So far I've watched HSDS, Who rules the world and another escaping my mind atm. I tried at least 5 before I had realized I had sat through many episodes of this. I admit the lead is immature and annoying but the bigger picture keeps me watching. I have noticed all the Wuxia I've seen so far they all can fly thru the air and walk on buildings. Lol. But I've gotten used to it and the style of fighting that's basically the same in all of them. I am writing a review early on because I noticed after 1 episode people are making assumptions about the whole series which is impossible in Wuxia. AS I immediately know if it's worthy of my time when I have sat through many episodes without thinking of every other thing but. I will however come back and update when i finished. It's getting good now that the avenging is coming...
Good series
vectorwin2 March 2020
It was alright
xoalisaxo-4059924 March 2020
The movie was Pretty interesting in the beginning but then most of the side story just shouldn't be included in there I had to fast forward some parts because its just wasn't necessary to even be there . Some acting was bad I laughed at a couple of parts because of it . Also very weird plot twisting kind of cringed at some parts . Good thing about it just ..Cute actors and it Was a touching story in a way just wished they would've made it better and get to the point of the storyline .. It was so much going on, to the point it got boring. But I manage to finished the movie and it was alright.
Amazing show
zombiejoe-7854114 February 2020
I honestly enjoyed this show, enough for me to really wish for a second season, with a new enemy/plot. It really did great at summing up everything at the end of the season. And if they ever wanted to start a second season there would be no problem in doing so.
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