The Three-Body Problem (Netflix)
- Thread starter Char Kais
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I'm a little disappointed that they moved the main setting out of China, but apparently there's already a Chinese TV-series adaptation of the books. At least they're still centering it on Chinese-diaspora actors.
When I read that Benedict Wong would be in this, I immediately realized he must be playing the Columbo-ish Chinese detective, but I didn't expect them to change him to a British inspector. This is the first time I've seen Wong in a role where he uses his natural working-class British accent, or something close to it.
I'm not sure how eager I am to see this. I read the first book, and it was interesting in a lot of ways, but some of its ideas were too fanciful, for instance its completely unrealistic depiction of the Alpha Centauri system's orbital dynamics. And I gave up on the second book partway through because I realized it was turning into a military-SF novel about preparing for war, which didn't appeal to me, and because I was uncomfortable with the politics it seemed to be advocating. Although I doubt the Netflix series will have the same political slant.
When I read that Benedict Wong would be in this, I immediately realized he must be playing the Columbo-ish Chinese detective, but I didn't expect them to change him to a British inspector. This is the first time I've seen Wong in a role where he uses his natural working-class British accent, or something close to it.
I'm not sure how eager I am to see this. I read the first book, and it was interesting in a lot of ways, but some of its ideas were too fanciful, for instance its completely unrealistic depiction of the Alpha Centauri system's orbital dynamics. And I gave up on the second book partway through because I realized it was turning into a military-SF novel about preparing for war, which didn't appeal to me, and because I was uncomfortable with the politics it seemed to be advocating. Although I doubt the Netflix series will have the same political slant.
There’s an interesting interview here with its show runners, David Benioff, Dan Weiss and Alexander Woo. The involvement of the first two names will probably attract a lot of viewers and probably repel as many, given the reaction to the finale of their last high-profile adaptation.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t...f-weiss-netflix-thrones-interview-1235783117/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t...f-weiss-netflix-thrones-interview-1235783117/
interesting aspect of that interview:
“One thing that really attracted me as someone who’s Chinese American, as opposed to Chinese from China, is that I’m the child of immigrants, and this is kind of an immigrant story,” Woo says. “The aliens are looking for a safer place to live, and the people who live there don’t want them.”
It’s been a long time since I read the first book but isn’t it an invasion fleet wanting resources because of how rare they are in the Universe?
The people who are living here don’t want them because it is a literal invasion?
The people who are living here don’t want them because it is a literal invasion?
which suggests that they tweak the motivations a bit?
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It's not about resources; the Trisolarans come to Earth to escape the imminent destruction of their homeworld, which is doomed by the chaotic "three-body" orbit of its stars.
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Sorry. I've edited; you may wish to do the same.
I'm curious about this. I am probably going to read this book now that the movie is coming out. I've read a little bit about Cixin's politics, but other than being careful about overtly expressing his view, there doesn't seem to be much out there. What politics are expressed in his works, if any?
I listened to the first two book on audio. I need to get around to the third one....
I wonder how they will handle the changes from the first to the second book
Putting in spoilers:
Regarding the immigration angle.
I wonder how they will handle the changes from the first to the second book
Putting in spoilers:
Most of the characters from the first book don't appear in the second book at all. Shows usually like to keep the same cast for each season, so that would be a challenge. Unless they make the police detective the primary protagonist and beef up his role in the second book.
It is a bit mute in the first book, as the aliens make no effort not to come off as hostile. It is more fleshed out in the second book, where the humans are actually the ones leaning more towards giving the aliens a safe heaven the solar system.
I do wonder if the show will reframe it, that the aliens tried or considered coming peacefully. It actually won't require much change to the plot:
I do wonder if the show will reframe it, that the aliens tried or considered coming peacefully. It actually won't require much change to the plot:
Most of the present day story in the first book revolves around the aliens trying to stop human science from advancing. As at current pace, the humans will greatly out match them by the time the arrive.
So from the alien POV: if they come in peace, they risk being wiped out by the humans' superior tech. If they stop human tech from advancing, it will be regarded as hostile action by the humans anyway...
So they really have no choice, just need to have it mentioned somewhere.
So from the alien POV: if they come in peace, they risk being wiped out by the humans' superior tech. If they stop human tech from advancing, it will be regarded as hostile action by the humans anyway...
So they really have no choice, just need to have it mentioned somewhere.
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At which point did you stop? The book takes a huge left turn somewhere around the last third, and in some respects it does a 180 on certain plot threads. Or maybe it's just me who didn't see it coming
At which point did you stop? The book takes a huge left turn somewhere around the last third, and in some respects it does a 180 on certain plot threads. Or maybe it's just me who didn't see it coming
The first book gives you plenty to expand over a few series so we might get elements of later books but I'm wondering if we don't exit the present day anytime soon?
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IIRC, it kind of felt like Book 2 was taking a slant that authoritarian measures were justified in the name of protecting the Earth. There was a lot of discussion of whether various people on the project had the correct ideology and how incorrect ideologies could be dangerous. Now, maybe that was just one of the differing character viewpoints expressed in the novel, but it left me feeling uneasy. Regardless of the author's own politics, he lives in an authoritarian regime that censors ideas it doesn't agree with, so the characters would probably be required to conform to the state's doctrines.
At which point did you stop? The book takes a huge left turn somewhere around the last third, and in some respects it does a 180 on certain plot threads. Or maybe it's just me who didn't see it coming
I think I abandoned Book 2 rather less than halfway through. But I leafed forward through the rest of it, and though it was very thick, it did seem to me that it maintained the focus on the military stuff, the building of ships and weapons and the training for war. I just don't find that interesting and I didn't feel like slogging through hundreds more pages of it, regardless of what might be at the end.
I highly, highly recommend that you (and everyone!) read the books before seeing the show (which I haven't seen yet). Heck, get it out of the library or borrow it legally at an ebook lending site for all I care, just read the series.
I'm surprised at some of the reaction here... even people who have read the first book can see how negatively the Cultural Revolution was portrayed, and the evils resulting from it are the impetus for the events of the book series.
Super excited to hear that "The Three-Body Problem" is coming to Netflix! I've been eagerly anticipating this adaptation, especially after hearing all the buzz about the book series. Can't wait to see how they bring such a complex and captivating story to life on screen. Counting down the days!
Speaking of Netflix, did you know that this company contributes to prince harry net worth? They signed a deal to produce new content. I'm looking forward to watching it!
Speaking of Netflix, did you know that this company contributes to prince harry net worth? They signed a deal to produce new content. I'm looking forward to watching it!
I enjoyed the books (well, actually they terrified me, but I love that a book can promote that level of existential dread).
So I am looking forward to this!
I just hope Benioff and Weiss have learned from where they screwed up Game of Thrones. Though at least here, they are adapting a complete story instead of having to make up their own ending. That seemed to be the problem last time.
So I am looking forward to this!
I just hope Benioff and Weiss have learned from where they screwed up Game of Thrones. Though at least here, they are adapting a complete story instead of having to make up their own ending. That seemed to be the problem last time.
After 1 episode I'm disappointed. I already prefer the Chinese version to this one. It's true it was long on exposition and a little dour but this Netflix episode spent half the time trying to make scientists look hip. Like we really care about that.
It's also clear they are condensing the story more than I like. This really should've been a minimum of 12 episodes.
I'll keep watching and hope it gets better.
Rating: 5 out of 10
It's also clear they are condensing the story more than I like. This really should've been a minimum of 12 episodes.
I'll keep watching and hope it gets better.
Rating: 5 out of 10
I'm watching this and really enjoying, I binged 7 of 8 episodes yesterday. Though not familiar with the source material, I thought the acting for the most part is very good, story unfolds at a rather slow, but deliberate pace. Pretty hard sci-fi, so the dialog and concepts get fuzzy at times. Production values are off the charts for the most part, but wonky VFX took me out of it one time (really, how hard is it to do a convincing CGI chimpanzee in 2024?). Over all, very entertained and will finish up what's available tonight. 8/10
Depends on the available time, budget, and skill.
I did a lot of reading about Cixin Liu before reading the Three Body Problem. He is very careful about what he says and I assume his stories and novels are heavily vetted before they are published. However, the novel demonstrates a mind who is very concerned about the environment, global warming, and even political relations between countries. I was very impressed with the first novel of the series (haven't read beyond that yet) with the exception of one particular plot point that was way too convenient and seemed to be introduced just to create a "finale" to the story.
It has been obvious from the initial release of the trailer, that this version is going to portray the story from a non-Chinese centric perspective.
I haven't watched the series yet, but my question is--does it hold up to the quality of the novel--does it preserve the "essence" and mystery of the novel without dumbing down the science too much?
It has been obvious from the initial release of the trailer, that this version is going to portray the story from a non-Chinese centric perspective.
I haven't watched the series yet, but my question is--does it hold up to the quality of the novel--does it preserve the "essence" and mystery of the novel without dumbing down the science too much?
I've not read the novels, but we watched the first ep last night and I'm intrigued.
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