After a 7-year hiatus, the adaptation of the classic tale Journey to the West has officially made its comeback, surprising audiences. The initial title was Great Eight Immortals, with the talented actor Lam Phong taking on the lead role. However, in recent times, the portrayal of the male lead, who is now in his 50s, has left viewers feeling puzzled and bewildered.
In Great Eight Immortals, Lam Phong plays the role of Hầu Tử (also known as Sun Wukong). However, unlike the iconic image of the character portrayed by Lu Qi Ling, Lam Phong’s interpretation comes across as “old-fashioned” and lacks the charisma typically associated with top TVB actors. Regarding his appearance, many have noted that he looks significantly aged and does not exude the vigor expected of the character. When transformed into the role, Lam Phong clearly shows signs of aging, which impacts his performance.
While portraying Sun Wukong, Lam Phong’s performance has not been well-received, and he has struggled to meet expectations. In several scenes where the character is meant to be lively, Lam Phong’s portrayal has unintentionally generated a sense of discomfort, making viewers feel “cringeworthy”. QQ has even compared Lam Phong’s comeback to that of the late actor Vi Tiểu Bảo, suggesting that he is not able to match the charisma of the iconic character.
Moreover, Lam Phong has incited controversy due to his pairing with the younger actress Tương Y Y, who is just 22 years old. When Sun Wukong began to show affection for the character played by Tương Y Y, who appeared in a revealing outfit, the contrast in age between the characters made the scene feel unsettling. After the character of Tương Y Y sacrifices herself, Sun Wukong’s emotional turmoil with another character, played by the actress Tam Thành Mẫu Dưỡng Thiên, further complicates the narrative. Currently, the series has faced considerable backlash from viewers who are not shy about expressing their criticisms.
Source: QQ
