Despite the many controversies behind its production and release (some of which we’ve reviewed here), 3 Body Problem has been an undeniable hit for Netflix. Adapted from Liu Cixin’s titular novel The Three-Body Problem from his larger Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, the works have long been considered unfilmable, which makes the Netflix series’ success all the more astounding. Curiously, however, it’s not the only live-action adaptation released. A year before Netflix released their version, Yang Lei and Vincent Yang released their adaptation, Three Body, on Chinese television, with an English-subbed version released just a month before 3 Body Problem. The Three-Body Problem has a two-show problem, though it begs the question; which is better? According to Stephen King, that would be the Chinese original.
Per Prime Video: A nanomaterials expert sees a mysterious countdown superimposed in his field of vision and finds himself under military investigation. To unravel the mystery, he enters the VR game “Three-Body” developed by a secret organization ETO and discovers the truth behind the deaths of dozens of scientists and a tragedy from the days of the Cultural Revolution.
The series is currently available to stream for free on Prime Video. The original series is denser than Netflix’s adaptation, the former running 30 episodes while the latter, in its first season, has just 8. Stephen King recently shared his thoughts on the series. Check out his tweet below:
I haven’t had a chance to catch the original yet, though be aware that King followed up to highlight how the Prime Video subtitles are, unfortunately, a little clumsy at times. It’s common with translations, especially with a series of this magnitude, though it’s worth being aware of going in.
Stephen King is also a fan of the Netflix adaptation. While he seems to prefer the original, he’s had plenty of positive things to say about Netflix’s adaptation (which, it should be noted, is confirmed for a second and third season).
What do you think? Do you agree with Stephen King? Are you a fan of Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, or do you prefer Three-Body? Let me know over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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