The latest version of The Legend Of White Snake 新白娘子传奇 starring Alan Yu Menglong as Xu Xuan and Ju Jingyi as Bai Suzhen premiered last month. It was the official adaptation based on the 1992 version popularized by Angie Chiu and Cecilia Yip. While the series has been a visually appealing experience, people were unhappy that this version was different and seemed more like an idol romance instead of the timeless love story it used to be.
Producer Liu Guimei has addressed several concerns of the drama’s critics in a recent interview. She says that they opted to modernize the classic story, catering it to a younger audience because if they followed the 1992 Legend Of White Snake, they would only be imitating it and not innovating.
As there were complaints over iconic scenes being left out, she says that the most important thing in an adaptation is not to copy the story, but to focus on an aspect of it. The meeting at the bridge, the mountain scene, the umbrella scene, opening a clinic, these were all included in the 2019 version. However, it wasn’t a point by point reenactment, instead they changed things up a bit in order to offer something new.
Liu Guimei also talks about casting Yu Menglong and Ju Jingyi. The 1992 version featured an older cast that was in their thirties. Liu Guimei admits that Angie Chiu exuded an air of dignity that is difficult to surpass and the original is too much of a classic to replace. A remake focusing on younger characters is their take on the story. Ju Jingyi’s Bai Suzhen is very youthful and the actress herself is also younger and in her twenties. Her character will have a growth process of learning and understanding which will be essential for the plot.
Liu Guimei further says that they chose Alan Yu as Xu Xian since he gave off the feeling of gentleness and elegance while they cast Ju Jingyi for her temperament of being smart and neat, perfect for their vision of Bai Suzhen.
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Anonymous
Why not take a look at Fan Wong's version? She wasn't 18 in the drama but looked young enough, like a young lady. AND, her character was smart, kick ass, strong, powerful, naturally beautiful, playful and fun all at the same time. I would say all the same for the Green snake in that version as well.
I cannot believe 2018 and 2019 are so terrible. What innovation? Might as well make everything new from top to bottom, and not use white and green snake…It wasn't just a fictional story made up by somebody, but it is a folklore (historic actually).
Anonymous
Lots of viewers complained that if the drama were to significantly change the underlying story of the classic, they should've just given it a different name instead of using the same name. I agree. Don't do a bait and switch.
Anonymous
But I feel that even if they changed the name of the drama and the characters names; other people would still complain, saying that the storyline similar/ same [as elements of the story such as snakes and scholar falling in loveetc]. Which would accuse them writers. But I wouldn't know! Haven't seen it only saw the trailer so… Yeah I'm just adding my 5 cents to this. ahahaha
Unknown
In fact I like this new version than old ones ,in destiny of white snake lead actress was so dumb,I am in love with jujingyi and she played very well bai suzen even xio quing has done a great job
Anonymous
Anon 2.a
Not really… as long as the entire thing is not the same like…Having a white snake and a green snake being sisters, white snake fall in love with scholar and the monk separate them apart so white snake flooded the city. That, would be way too much similarity.
But take example, Dragon Love 99 (benny chan) and The Dragon Heroes 05 (Li Xiao Lu) are made up stories about a girl who is a dragon. The dragon girl fall in love with a human, that part is the same, but the storyline and everything else is entirely different that nobody would make any comparisons.
anon
I think that they should have used another name and not refer to it as a remake of the 92 version, since there are other adaptions of white snake already.. this could just be another adaption of the story as well.
I wasn't going to watch it, but then i saw screen caps and cuts of Xiao Qing on weibo and so i've just been skimming the drama and mainly watching Xiao Qing who i feel meets expectations. Xiao Yan also does a great job portraying her. Compared to Zhi Yan from The Legends, you'll definitely love Xiao Qing haha. Xiao Qing (and Xiao Yan herself) are very enjoyable to watch, very 灵。For me one of the reasons to watch this version would have to be Xiao Qing.
(Please delete if this is a double post. thank you)
Anonymous
I do agree that the remake is necessary. I tried to watch the 1992 version but couldn't digest it, and I think many people my age feel the same. But the story is so boring and melodramatic. I feel like the writer added alot of useless scenes and conflicts. Even my combined love for Ju Jingyi and Xiao Yan couldn't make me continue watching, especially when better dramas are coming out.
Arsyila
Whatever peoples said i love the actress and actors, they are matched each other ❤