Is Reading Scripts On Set Normal? Journey to Mountains and Seas Writer Earns High Praise from State Media with Brilliant Commentary

Since its debut, Journey to Mountains and Seas was heavily promoted as the “blockbuster wuxia drama of the year,” boasting S-class production and a top-tier creative team. Yet within just five days of release, its reputation collapsed under a flood of negative reviews. What was marketed as a hot hit quickly turned into the target of widespread ridicule. Viewers who once held high expectations were left only with disappointment, criticizing the show’s sluggish pacing, cheap special effects, and awkward performances. Online discussion became dominated by mockery rather than praise. Trending lists showed the drama occupying top spots, but the comment sections were already in turmoil. From costumes and set design to post-production and acting, nearly every element was slammed by audiences. Even during live streams featuring lead actor Cheng Yi, critical comments spread rapidly. Some netizens joked they were no longer watching the drama for its story but for its endless blooper reel, with mistakes and laughable details appearing from the very first episode. Many questioned whether this could truly represent the standard of Chinese TV drama in 2025.

The show’s fight choreography drew particular scorn. Instead of dynamic, immersive battles that define wuxia, the sequences felt stiff and staged, relying heavily on editing tricks. Sword fights and chase scenes were static, while wire-assisted action looked weightless and unconvincing. Special effects, intended to be awe-inspiring, often came across as laughably cheap, further shattering immersion. Errors in perspective, mismatched proportions, and poor transitions only worsened the viewing experience.

As the lead, Cheng Yi was expected to bring gravitas, yet his performance appeared strained. At 35, his movements looked rigid, his line delivery felt forced, and his emotional range lacked conviction. Action sequences demanding intensity relied more on exaggerated expressions and editing than authentic power. In wire scenes, his distorted expressions failed to convince audiences of the intended tension, leaving viewers distracted instead of moved. Costuming and makeup also failed to elevate the characters. Heavy colors and excessive styling clashed with the elegance wuxia dramas typically embody, further pulling viewers out of the story.

Beyond production flaws, the creative team’s response to criticism fueled greater controversy. Cheng Yi attempted to justify the “mumbled lines” by claiming his character was afraid of being exposed, a comment dismissed by audiences as defensive and insincere. The screenwriter likewise blamed creative challenges and difficult filming conditions, which viewers saw as excuses that did nothing to address the show’s rough quality—especially given its “big budget, high-production” promises. Reports of actors visibly holding scripts during scenes became another focal point of ridicule, casting doubt on the production’s professionalism and seriousness.

This defensive posture contrasted sharply with audience expectations. Viewers wanted an immersive, high-quality wuxia experience, but received a careless production instead. Official media outlets soon weighed in, criticizing the show’s sloppy execution, weak performances, and superficial excuses. Their commentary highlighted a deeper issue: a lack of respect for the craft of storytelling and a complacent industry attitude. They pointed out that on-set script reading reflected broader systemic problems in preparation and rehearsal standards, undermining not only this drama’s quality but also public confidence in domestic productions.

The downfall of Journey to Mountains and Seas is more than just a failed release—it’s a wake-up call for the industry. Audiences are not nitpicking for the sake of it; their demands for better quality reflect a genuine desire for compelling, authentic storytelling. The backlash shows the risks of prioritizing hype over craftsmanship, and how quickly trust erodes when creators dismiss criticism instead of embracing it.

Ultimately, the drama’s collapse underscores a timeless truth: the success of film and television depends not on marketing slogans, but on sincerity and excellence in every detail. Viewers are willing to support bold, imaginative productions, but they will not tolerate careless execution. For creators, the lesson is clear—respect the craft, respect the audience, and only then can a story truly earn its place in the hearts of viewers.