The series finally ended after 86 episodes. Although the book is 100 chapters long, the final 20 agonizing chapters had been mercifully condensed into 6 episodes by the producer. There had been debates regarding the 2 authors associated with the book. However, it is now believed by some scholars of the classic that Shi Nai’an was actually the pseudonym for Luo Guanzhong (according to Wikipedia), so it one and the same person.
What is the moral of the story? From a historical context, it is all about filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, righteousness and patriotism.
My take, the sworn brotherhood thing is 10 times more fanatic than what present day underground triads do (as shown in Hong Kong movies). The blind and irrevocable patriotism to the Emperor and Country is simply incomprehensible and stupidity to the nth degree. A present day equivalent will be like pledging sole allegiance to the BN government and king.
Song Jiang ruled like an autocrat with a misguided sense of self-righteousness. There was no democracy or consultation. The opinions of the rank and file were ignored. Even the simple peasants could see that capitulation to the Emperor would be the beginning of an end, but the Chinese Don Quixote was unrepentant and led his men like sacrificial lambs to a tragic and fatal end.
The series actually evoke in me a sense of disbelief and annoyance. So why bother to waste all those hours and watch it in the first place. A combination of indirect and unqualified recommendations from friends and curiosity I suppose. Well, rather than letting it simmers inside me, I decided to blog about it.
simon
No comments:
Post a Comment