Chinese Dramas

This is the best C-Drama I have seen and likely will ever see. Not just that, one of the best Asian dramas I have seen.  

Link to Review (because damn you character limit!!!): https://mydramalist.com/profile/8835865/reviews/304449

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzfNoYeTnhXK8DEE7VrcB4E8TTgJcdhfB

Or can be found on Rakuten Viki (best subs)

. . . And they were soulmates. No, no, I'll see myself out.

I may be disliked for comparing this to The Untamed (TU), but I can't help it. Lol.

I think the plot is much easier to follow here than The Untamed. And the flirting is much more obvious than even I thought possible. I don't know how these flirty bastards got their flirty lines past censorship. Calling each other's name like that several times? Ooooh. Screw you censors! They got it across! I had chills. Chills!

The fighting was also more fun here. Loved Wen Ke Xing being a badass! But, maybe that just had to do with their smiles :)

Also, this was much less tragic than TU. Which I definitely appreciated. Don't get me wrong, I was very moved by what happened to/was revealed about certain characters. But, it didn't feel like in TU where something horrible would happen and they would continuously drive the knife deeper and deeper for episodes after. Maybe it's because this was shorter?

Overall, I had a wonderful time watching this. I can see myself coming back to binge it in the future.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUl2X99y6KM&list=PLk3CgXKvqvFp_0e1wE1twwEJc-PL9BmKS

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

What can I really say about The Untamed? It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me bloodthirsty, and it made me sentimental. I became attached to Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan. And even though it was censored, the chemistry and romance between them still came across. They did everything they could to achieve that, and I noticed and felt that while watching it. 

50 episodes seemed daunting when I first began. Now, I feel that time was very much needed. Don't let the number intimidate you. Trust me when I say that when you reach the last episode and it's in its final minutes, you will think back fondly and also sadly to how it all started back at the Cloud Recesses and feel tears come to your eyes as you wonder what it will be like not being able to come back another day to see these people you've come to care for so much.

Can be found on Netflix or Rakuten Viki (has the best subs)

Link to review as the word count wouldn't let me live: https://mydramalist.com/profile/8835865/reviews/338115

The short version: The way their relationship and feelings slowly shifted and developed over time was so lovely, sweet, and respectful. My heart felt full. I truly watched them grow as people and as a couple, supporting and protecting each other. I can see them teasing each other and leaning close, wrapping their arms around each other, looking for comfort after a long day many years later.

In conclusion, I fell absolutely madly in love with this couple's love. If you are wary of C-Dramas like I have been in the past, are a slow-burn romance lover, and/or simply want to watch something light and fairly low-angst, give this a chance.

Can be found on Netflix

The fantastically executed concept, action-packed and thought-provoking story, well-written dialogue, consistent pacing, incredible acting, and white-knuckles and at-the-edge-of-your-seat levels of engagement came together here to make a drama that I desperately wanted to finish as soon as possible but also never wanted to end.

My only—and I do mean my only—gripe is the sometimes inappropriate use of music. Sometimes an out-of-place romantic track or loud tune would come out of nowhere and take you out of a scene when having no music would likely have been the better choice. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Wow. This was one hell of a journey. I'm so glad I gave this a chance.

This was everything and more I was looking for in a Historical C-Drama:

A mentally strong, kind, and rounded FL✅
A smart, respectful, and understanding ML✅
A romance that is skillfully developed from an intimate friendship/bond✅
Plot twists and tragic events that are fitting for the characters and story✅
Engaging side characters✅
Gorgeous costumes✅
Sweet smiles✅

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or iQiyi

What can I say about this season that others haven't already said?

Somehow, they effortlessly managed to jump right back into the heat of things. It felt like we didn't even skip a beat since the last season! I would even say they ramped everything up. They leaned into cat-and-mouse games, presented already interesting characters in a new light, and, of course, got creative with the comedy.

Fan Xian was a force of nature but also a seething and hurt man, driven by morality almost against his will. He was also straight-up fine. His passionate anger toward injustice and willingness to sit with his grief but not allow it to overwhelm him brought fire into my own eyes.

Because I watched the first season not that long ago, I didn't have to live in agony for years on end like the rest of you. Here's hoping I don't have to take my turn and wait five years for Season 3.

Side Note: Can we talk about Second Prince? Because this man straight up chewed up the scenery like a damn goat. He was devious, he was childish, he was almost pitiful; he was a delight.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

or

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpghCOjR4QqouvusCZTvAgO2evXgYs1cy&si=rcY2GIDyuOwj4r9e

This drama was a true delight! It was somber and complicated, yet at the same time, threw out pure nonsense and refused to take itself seriously. It was as audacious and coy with its mysteries as its characters were with their scheming. Yet again, I am humbled by another quality C-Drama.

Thank goodness I only watched this this year, though, because if I had to wait 5+ years for a second season? I'd go crazy!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Or

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTB73Ibi_X3H0oT42WnzzY_6lo3pQjNMW&si=44trDDHdIe65qcmq

Note: As if this didn't radiate confident Queer energy enough—or at least make this Queer lose her damn mind—the cherry on top of this magnum opus is that they straight up threw in a hinted Gay side couple, so how could I NOT give it a 10/10?!

This was . . . Everything. From the way they neatly executed an entire political plot with only two minutes to spare for each episode to the engaging romance and all-consuming and breathtaking chemistry between the gorgeous FL and ML, and, finally, to the dominating yet calming presence the FL exuded with every fiber of her being which made the dynamic between her and the ML a truly unique delight to witness. I was sat so far at the edge of my seat I was about to fall off.

Also, Ep 20?! *vigorously fans self* I am going back to replay that shit ten more times!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX0w6rCQl3mfoZjnddCNYgNfFfXKXRlYJ&si=44kkbyfPsE6ygzUm

I feel like the intro to this drama tells you everything you need to know. They saw what they never should have seen, and now they are running and hiding in the maze, trying to find some way out, only they get turned around as shadows lurk behind them and in front of them. There is camaraderie, clever and not-so-clever lies, brief smiles in a painful reality, failed plans, and blood-splattered footprints left on the path. "How did this all happen? If I'd never . . ."

This horrifying and engaging experience chilled me to the bone. It was a fateful car crash I couldn't tear my eyes away from. I fell hook, line, and sinker. But the question is, what did I fall for?

Can be found on iQiyi

Now this was excellent! The bromance was bromancing and the crime-solving was criminally-engaging.

Sure, if I want to point out flaws, I can: I wasn't a fan of how they handled some more sensitive topics. But on the flip side, they really surprised me with their more liberal takes. On the part of Shen Yi in particular, there was a rather open and freedom-oriented perspective not only being voiced but being promoted by the drama itself.

I will warn you that you will get seriously sucked into this. So I hope you have enough time to watch two episodes at a time because limiting yourself to one each sit-down is challenging, if not impossible.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki (best subs) or iQiyi

This drama turned me into a dessert snowman melting into a sugary sweet puddle!

Other people have praised this drama enough. All I'll say is that if you like romance dramas that are sweet and slow, have little to no drama or conflicts, and feature a couple with great chemistry and communication who support each other and have a relationship as healthy as kale; this is for you!

Side Note: Seriously, if I start talking about how much of a green flag the ML is or how the FL is the embodiment of a prince who sweeps you off your feet, we'll be here all day! *blushes in "My Queen"*

It didn't top Hidden Love, but it did bandage my heart. Consider it highly recommended by yours truly.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Pure heart and awesomeness—that was Cross Fire. Each match was an exhilarating experience, and I was constantly taken aback by the sheer creativity of the game sequences.

E-Sports was taken seriously here to the extent that I believe, regardless of your opinion going in, by the time you finish this drama, you will have no choice but to allow admiration to wash over you for these players' passion and fight to continue fighting.

My hat goes off to this drama. Even the sub-par subtitles couldn't dampen my enjoyment. 

Can be found on free websites

A few years ago, if you told me I would willingly sit down and watch a 78-episode-long C-Drama, I would have told you you're out of your damn mind!

I was taken on a carefully mapped journey that wasn't always pleasant, but great companions and an assured end made it all worthwhile. I wasn't always on board with the choices Ming Lan made or the positions she was put in. But what of my desires? I was happy if she was happy. And what a resourceful and intelligent FL she was to root for. Within the confines of rigid rules, societal standards, and ill-willed family members, she carved out a space of her own. Ming Lan earned my admiration and love.

And in the end, she got her revenge: A life well-lived.

My only real criticism is that I think they could have cut some scenes down, as it did seem to drag a bit. We don't have to see the entire process of walking from one location to the next, etc.

Side Note: I don't think I'll get over the insane use of the term "muddled." Even in serious situations, I couldn't help chuckling because, yet again, a pot is calling the black kettle "muddled."

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I loved the way it was shot, not to mention the music. And the emotional build was so satisfying. It reminded me of the classic movie Gaslight. It had a very similar tone to it, especially with the beginning episodes.

I don't think they managed to portray a romance with the FLs due to the censorship. But, I didn't find myself upset about it. The deep, caring, and cute friendship satisfied me enough :)

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtu.be/GU4DJf2_jqE

Time to try to watch more Chinese dramas. Or, at least a couple of them.

Update after completion:

How did this get past censors? How? It's nothing short of a miracle that this was able to be seen by the public.  I mean the feelings are so incredibly obvious that other characters ask about their relationship. Lol. Not to mention the constant touching. Like, there is a lot of touching. I was shocked. And the nail in the coffin is that the only possible female love interest is always brushed aside as inconsequential and there is no actual romance with her.

And Zhou Yao Hua is not shy in saying he wants Liu Yu Sheng to be around him and that he has been apparently searching for him for six years. Also, he gives him anything and everything he has.

The drama overall was entertaining. It is propaganda quite obviously and shows the chinese party in the best light possible. But, once you get past that/if you ignore it you will have some laughs and enjoy seeing the MLs together. Lol. The side characters were pretty good as well. 

This isn't on the same level as The Untamed when it comes to plot and action. Though they were able to show more real romance I would argue. I would say it was a fun time and I would recommend it.

Link to Uncut Version through Google Drive: https://mydramalist.com/discussions/till-death-tear-us-apart/62037-full-uncut-engsub-till-death-tear-us-apart

This little miracle of a drama was a sweet and touching, albeit "blue" experience. Qi Lu and Qin Xiao's desperate desire to do what they want and love who they love in the face of forces outside of their control. They hold each other a little closer in the cold, cover bruises with longer sweaters, and push the other onto dry land even as they sink. But, eventually, there does come a day for them. Tan Yin uses his new voice to give one to Liu Ming Yang as he puts his past in the past and comes to view Tan Yin as Tan Yin.

In particular, I must praise them for the harsh reality they brought to the table with the way Qi Lu quietly and almost apologetically endured abuse and the delicateness with which Qin Xiao tried to bring him some comfort by giving him a small sense of normalcy. "I know I cannot save you. But I can make you smile when you're with me and forget the hell at home."

I do think there were flaws in the finale as far as the small details of how they wrapped things up, but I don't feel it took away from my overall experience. 

I'm so incredibly grateful the rest of this drama got to see the light of day.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

A wonderful article by Tine made me become interested in this drama.

Here's a link to it: https://mydramalist.com/article/recommendation-the-other-half-of-me-and-you

I very much enjoyed seeing the gender roles reversed between men and women as well as the commentary on the clichés in dramas, the unfair standards and expectations for either gender, as well as the inequality and disrespect women often have to deal with.

It was also just a fun watch and it was cool to see women having the power for once.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTB73Ibi_X3HtIbW4uwesw6yMNfWhrcQJ

I quite enjoyed it. I do wish more of their connection was shown. But, for what was there, it was well done.

Some episodes and lines I found problematic, but that was to be expected.

Can be found on free websites

This is so cute! And I love seeing all the smooth moves these girls pull. I see you.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdil7U4Ucn7wzw8Kd67yHoKVnQWVHYHH4 

Lighthearted and wacky, serious and toxic, repetitive and engaging, this drama somehow did everything wrong and right at the same time.

It was imperfect but fun.

Can be found on iQiyi, Rakuten Viki, or GagaOOLala

I actually enjoyed this a bit more than the original. Maybe because they had an established story to lean on and now could just have fun with it. Also, I found Zhao Yun very attractive here. Loved the hair!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYRq2-4G5w&list=PLIC4-G8i9Afylp0JSdYKMLNvZex110_Df

The chemistry was great for not only the main couple but the side couples as well, the main ML was genuinely sweet and had good intentions, the FL was silly and cute but not some doormat, and the kisses were legitimately amazing. However—big, however—the crazy amount of pushing relationships onto people drove me up the fucking wall. I mean, the FLs' friends and family wouldn't shut up about it! Eventually, it faded to background noise, but it was still annoying to hear. I can only imagine how bugged AroAce folks would be.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or iQiyi 

They were cute together and had pretty damn good chemistry.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdil7U4Ucn7wzw8Kd67yHoKVnQWVHYHH4 

Very light-hearted and cute. My only complaints are really about the sound mixing at certain points and some minor problems with the pacing of some scenes. Otherwise, it is very well-lit and, the acting is fairly good, and there are some legitimately funny moments/scenes.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIC4-G8i9AfyleWgCYMVuxduwocsCyC20

Cute, aesthetically pleasing, and short. They could have developed the characters at least a little bit more.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIC4-G8i9AfyYS6VEXAUI-7dxtXMiLHb_

It was very aesthetically pleasing and the effects were great too. The story was all over the place, but that didn't really matter much. It was just something pretty to watch to pass the time.

Link to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz-Jf2z5HMQ 

Note: This would have been a 7.5/10, but I'm keeping my promise and rating it one point lower due to the Transphobia and Homophobia that were present.

I found every case interesting and was very much engaged. However, more often than not, I found Lu Li's expressions and attitude a bit too smug/grouchy for my taste. Like, could he have had a more neutral or complicated expression at times? His backstory gave him some depth, but I wasn't really getting anything from him in the present. Lu Li's Bromance with Chi Zhen was pretty solid though, and did lead to some legitimate laughs and tension. Regarding Chi Zhen, that man was entertaining as hell and made me look forward to his side antics. As for the ending, it didn't truly satisfy me, unfortunately.

Overall, it's a decent but flawed crime drama. But I could think of far better ones to recommend.

I'm going to have to rewatch this again before rating it because it's been so long.

I do remember it being incredibly stupid, but in a fun way.

I loved the style of the Merman ML. He was SO pretty and Elf-like. Also, hot damn, these two were REALLY into each other!

Ep 1-5: https://youtu.be/vzV0Chqugpc?si=mfk-wgyScae9wNw4

Ep 6-10: https://youtu.be/1yMW4VHjruY?si=yCWAWjYees9c2GJo

Ep 11-15: https://youtu.be/dChGwSIFZFc?si=u8Oi3Tk9umZgI-KS 

Ep 16-20: https://youtu.be/TTbEKniaSNc?si=JhZ_XsIT6kEAwUwI

Ep 21-24: https://youtu.be/9nbXTf1E0qA?si=-phrB99ypAzRWONj 

Link to watch it (all episodes): https://youtu.be/FCmyX0AV1KI

This was so funny! It's a pity the other episodes weren't released. And, it looks like they won't be any time soon. For the 10 episodes we did manage to get past China, I really enjoyed this short series.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7aNVfF_7HGtkgbh35iluUFHmkt_39byj

Pretty good romance coming from China. They had several almost-kisses AND a confession? Wow! The concept is really a rip-off of Color Rush. But, it was better than Color Rush 2 at the very least. Lol.

It was a fun and short watch.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It took a while for this to grow on me, but it eventually did. I did find the many Homophobic lines and lines against femininity to be painful to sit through of course. But they did do their best to get past censors, and I appreciated it.

However, the plot went to heck at many points, conflicts were often ridiculous and could have been easily solved, and the ending was just plain stupid. I did love how over-the-top the characters and action were though. It made for some great entertainment.

Nowhere near the level of Word of Honor or The Untamed, but a pretty fun watch. 

Can be found on free websites

After the last short C-Drama I watched, I needed some role-reversal romances in my life. This fit the bill pretty darn well. Like, yes, give me a ML who needs saving and falls flat on his face, falling for the commanding FL!

I wasn't a fan of the digs at Queer people and sexist comments present here, though. Luckily, there weren't so many as to ruin my overall experience.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZr9A3MafB1iklH0kIIE8FLzS7v_IIHKz&si=YN3CCskvXP36Zc8G

Eh. Some parts of this were fun. 

But, it doesn't really stick in my head, even though I saw it not too long ago. And, there's not really anything particularly special about.

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/hfTM9b6MvqE

I think the best episode is Ep 1: Us Against the World. I would rate it a 7/10.

What does make these short stories appealing is that they are based on real stories from real couples. That being said, some plot points made no sense and/or weren't clearly explained. It was at least a bit interesting to watch though.

Us Against the World EP 1: https://youtu.be/2WbMfo26blI
Beijing Beijing Ep 2: https://youtu.be/3n1pT6vlnSM
The Groomsman Ep 3: https://youtu.be/i6YlmAKKtzc
Promise You a City Ep 4: https://youtu.be/it36JEwNTRs

Ehhh. It was alright. Random, but sort of cute.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I really liked the beginning of this drama. While ridiculous, the fighting scenes were fun, most comedic attempts hit, and the writing seemed fairly solid. I also found myself a bit puzzled at everyone just writing off the FL as nothing but childish when she was silly, yes, but also had strengths to her. However, from around Ep 16, it all began to go downhill. I still found some things I enjoyed as it went on, like ridiculous anime-like lines and scenes that rocked my world, but I began to feel a bit--more than a bit really--frustrated. First, with the FL acting more childish than she normally would in a serious situation for the sake of comedy and then with the rather extreme pushing of "forgive and forget because they're family."

But I think what REALLY got to me was the FL feeling entitled to force her views of the world onto other people, particularly the ML. Her morals are the only morals, and her ideas are always innovative and great, apparently. And later on, the way the story seemed to be stalled for episodes on end just so a bunch of jokes could be told to "lighten the mood," as well as what I like to call the "suffer-porn" phase LBFAD went through. As you can guess, my mood was not lightened, nor were the "doing it for the one I love" scenes moving. My initial investment died, and I became increasingly annoyed and frustrated at having to sit through constant bickering, overly childish and/or rash decisions, and sappy declarations that did nothing for me.

But, hey, at least I can say I gave this one a fair shot. I can't get why people loved it past the third-way-through mark, but you do you, I guess.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki (best subs) or Netflix 

Just a simple little production with some charm.

Or can be found on GagaOOLala

Do not recommend

It's insanely rare and nothing short of a miracle to have anything LGBT+ related when it comes to China. It was enough reason for me to watch it so that we get more.

It didn't have a big budget, of course, but I liked it for the most part. I was going to give it a 7/10.

But, then... They went the route of Addicted. A.K.A. There was a forced scene.

I'm giving it a 6/10 trying to push that aside in my mind and act like it didn't happen. I shouldn't have to! Because why the hell did you guys have to do that? Why?

Things were going well. The group of friends was fun together, it was light-hearted, and the two MLs were sweet together.

You let about a minute of screen time taint an otherwise fine and enjoyable drama. What a waste.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Do not recommend

Annoying, forced (literal meaning), and boring.

I'll get back to this to finish it some time. I did really enjoy the episodes I saw. However, it does have a rather high episode count for me.

PTW

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hao6snqSJsk&list=PLoNP_C6pwNzv7v_vUkoxEleGNNG8HeqI_

PTW

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hao6snqSJsk&list=PLoNP_C6pwNzv7v_vUkoxEleGNNG8HeqI_

PTW

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9rBBq7b9u2DOgZw8dKMYI1L-ykM7iity

Link to watch it: https://w.mgtv.com/b/335203/7302767.html

Or can be found on free websites

On-Hold

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