New Gold Mountain

This was not quite what I expected, I guess something more deadly serious and lecture-y, but it was actually really engaging, funny a lot of the time, but also really tense. The characters are all interesting and act in ways that surprised. Reminds me quite a bit of Deadwood in a good way, which was a mix of serious and fun. Doesn't have the same American style dialogue, but had a kind of slightly theatrical vibe like Deadwood. Also: had to LOL at bad reviews and ratings. People complaining about the "sound" (ie Chinese accents), and complaining about having to read subtitles. I think there are a lot of people who just don't like Chinese point of view and just come on to attack what it stands for.

A story of loyalties and lust, how both can be turned against you, and how each can betray the other. Loyalty to family, brotherhood or regime, and lust for sex, riches, or fame. The series is slow to start but the intrigue builds from one episode to the next and the final episodes are gripping. I have some misgivings about the direction of Leonie Whyman in her role as the character Hettie, a woman of indigenous heritage who speaks in truncated sentences as though she is not well-versed in the language, yet Whyman delivers Hettie's script with a well-spoken accent - the words and the accent don't match. There is also the predictable, mollifying finale.

Was to be expected I suppose with all the hype in promotions.

After recording and binge watching in one sitting.

Within minutes I was feeling disappointment, the acting was lacking and although a lot of work was done with sets. Authenticity was seriously lacking with many out of period props, not to mention the poor choice of locations with many scenes shot in area not typical of the bush in that era.

The plot and story line being a muddling of believable, unbelievable and the totally didn't happen in that era. The script was written in the same manner very lacking.

Kudos for cinematography which was of exceptional quality and shot in a manner I very much appreciate.

Over all with better casting, directing this could have been something I would recommend and wanted to watch again but not this one, 5 Stars only and and that's low for something out of Oz for me.

Those who hated this would've benefited from watching the 'Making of' 16 minute feature first. This is a revisionist Western. They liken themselves to Deadwood, but it feels more like Hell on Wheels. If you're streaming, I recommend it for all viewers. It has no plot spoilers.

This production was cognizant (aware) of avoiding the Colonist view of the Chinese experience. It has all the things I enjoy in modern Westerns: diversity, strong roles for women, and it's Australian drama. From police procedurals to historical dramas like this, I prefer the quality of Australian and New Zealand productions.

The subtitles for Cantonese are few. So far, no pertinent information is only expressed in Cantonese. If you have reading challenges, please don't let this stop you.

Pardon my crudeness, but handsome Asian men and seeing Brainwave from the Star Girl series in a featured role make this worth watching at least ep 1 to decide for yourself.

Women did not say s h i t in 1855 and men did not say s t u f f and probably not F bombs either

Why can't anyone write an authentic script?

Happens all the time.

Apart from this quibble am liking the series, I refuse to watch anything without subs now so not a problem at all for me. Like the lead guy, he's doing a fine job.