Shuai Xiang Lu

"摔香炉" / "Shuai Xiang Lu" (1981) - Review

"摔香炉," an animated series from 1981, presents a tale of differing perspectives and conflicting beliefs within a couple's life. In a narrative that showcases the clash between traditional ideologies, the story unfolds with an old couple navigating divergent views on what constitutes a fulfilling life.

Review:

Animation / Art / General Visuals - 6/10

The animation, considering its 1981 release, showcases decent visuals. While it doesn't hold up to modern standards, it retains a nostalgic charm. However, the animation quality might not meet expectations for contemporary viewers.

... Sound / Music / Voice Acting - 4/10

The sound and music elements are passable. Despite an attempt at decent tracks, none are particularly memorable. Voice acting suffers, notably with the female character lacking a dedicated female voice actor. This might have been a common practice for that era in Chinese animation.

Story - 7/10

The narrative's relevance endures even today. Despite a leaning towards portraying the woman as subservient to her husband's whims, the core message about conflicting beliefs and their impact on a relationship remains powerful.

Characters - 5/10

While the characters carry the story adequately, the portrayal lacks depth. The male protagonist’s dominance over the female character might seem outdated by contemporary standards. However, their differing viewpoints and the resultant conflicts are portrayed with some nuance.

Final Thoughts

"摔香炉" from 1981 presents a story with enduring themes but falls short in various aspects by today's standards. While the animation retains nostalgic value, the voice acting and character dynamics might appear outdated. Nevertheless, its portrayal of conflicting beliefs in relationships remains compelling, making it worth a watch for those interested in exploring contrasting perspectives.

Personal Rating: 5/10