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Another Historical CSI
Just as I was lamenting what a summer slump this month is with no good dramas to watch, kaboom! this unexpected drama landed on my lap, with all 24 episodes released in one go. For some reasons, it’s being split into 2 seasons, with 12 episodes each. The very first episode is intriguing enough to draw any discerning viewers to continue with the journey of a brilliant investigator, a super good-looking police chief, a skilled martial arts female constable, and a spoilt little brat.As a genius investigator, Jun Wujiu (Li Xizi) has a very sensitive nose like a canine, and his observation to details is unmatched by anyone. He’s able to place himself in a crime scene and reconstruct the crime with his imagination. Though knows no martial arts, he uses his wit and overcomes all dangers that come at him. Besides him is always Su Wenyue (Yang Fuyu), there to protect him. She is a constable and the best fighter around. She is tomboyish, has a simplistic mind and her temper can be explosive, and yet she works well with Jun Wujiu. They banter a lot and their dynamics together are sweet and cute with a lot of teasing from Jun Wujiu. They are both the most valued assistants to Cheng Yang (Chen Ziyou aka Run Chen) who is the head of the investigative team. Calm and serious, he is level-headed with an analytical mind and works seamlessly with Jun Wujiu to solve crimes after crimes. Chen Ziyou has an air of Zhang Binbin (Vin Zhang) and looks like a younger Jia Nailiang (Jerry Jia) with the same good look, I really like his portrayal of the Cheng Yang character. A drama will not be complete without an annoying character. Here, we have Ouyang Chuchu who is utterly spoilt by her father and doted by Cheng Yang whom she is in love with, but he treats her as a little sister. The character does grow and later becomes quite lovable. The romance for all main leads is still in its early stage and hasn’t really blossomed yet.
All the actors are new to me. Their acting is pretty good playing their individual roles convincingly. The criminal cases are interesting, with a lot of twists, and with unexpected discoveries and eventual outcomes. When a case is thought to be solved and closed, new developments compel it to reopen, and more mysteries ensue. There could be plot holes here and there, and some murder/mystery cases may be too simplistic with forced logic, but it’s still rather an enjoyable watch.
Overall, after the first 12 episodes (season 1), this drama is not exceedingly exciting but not bad either. In times of drama depravation, I am rather grateful for such a drama. I'm savoring it.
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Part 1 of a Wuxia Thriller with Romance & Comedy
I love this drama. This is such a great watch. But obviously it is only a very small part of a long story. Accordingly, Li Mo Bai would have to compose 300 poems and solve 300 crimes. So far in this drama, he has solved probably fewer than 10 cases. There is no indication when the following seasons will be released, if at all. As such, though not ending with a cliff hanger, the main antagonist is still at large and the massive conspiracy is still not uncovered.Li Mo Bai (portrayed by Fu Jia aka Fingal Fu) is a genius poet. His attention to the tiniest details has also made him a first-class investigator second to none. He is able to look at things beyond the surface and from all angles. All these qualities have made him the best investigator and forensic expert around. For years, he's been trying to find out the truth behind the killings of his whole family. When murders begin to surface around him linking to his poems, he is implicated. To prove his own innocence, he takes up the cases and vows to find the truth. In his journey, he meets the love of his life and a wonderful friend in another.
Fu Jia is amazingly good looking. As Li Mo Bai, he exudes the air of a no-nonsense scholar and yet he is also an incredible martial artist. I really love watching him as a romantic poet who loves wine and yet, is deep as an ocean. Fu Jia's portrayal is so good that has made me love the character so much.
Dong Nan has a mission: to get into the palace with whatever means so that she can get the rare medicines she needs to save her granny. During her quest, she meets Li Mo Bai who falls in love with her and would help her in every way he can. Li Bai Rong's portrayal is very believable, as a strong, hot headed and unpretentious Dong Nan who is fond of using poison on her adversaries and even friends. Countless times, Li Mo Bai and Yan Dan Qiu (Wei Ran) have been harmlessly poisoned by her. The encounters are hilarious.
Nian Nu (Wei Chen Liang) is Li Mo Bai maidservant who has survived the massacre and grown up together with him. They are very close to each other. Nian Nu is in love with Li Mo Bai, but to him, she's a family. She's heart broken when Li Mo Bai falls in love with another girl. Yet, she stays by his side, helping him whole heartedly without asking for any returns. Wei Chen Liang's Nian Nu is the kindest 3rd person in a love triangle I've ever seen and her portrayal is perfect.
Yan Dan Qiu (Wei Ran) is the clown in the group. He is funny and cute, and lightens up the grueling story of the horrendous murders and crimes. He is an indispensable character that helps Li Mo Bai solve all the crimes. I really love this adorable character and Wei Ran's portrayal is simply amazing and believable. Together, they form the squad. They work seamlessly together, one complementing the other.
My Verdict
This is a great wuxia story with great intelligent characters and plot. I really love the use of poems that are made into riddles that our protagonists try to solve in order to solve the crimes or mysteries. The antagonists are cunning and murderous which make the whole story exciting as both protagonists and antagonists try to outwit each other. Dark jokes are brilliantly written with the murderers being murdered themselves. This drama would have been a solid 9.5, if not a 10, from me had it not been this short and incomplete with too few solved crimes. I’m patiently waiting for the next seasons to see more crimes and mysteries being unfolded by the squad with the play of poems.
A must-watch!
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Cutest CEO in Love
This is a sweet, sweet, sweet romance comedy. It also has a love triangle, or love square rather. Basically it’s a story of a want-to-be female actor meets cold, wealthy, young, good looking CEO and both fall in love rather quickly. The storyline is cliché and tropey. However, I have to say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole drama because of its wonderful actors. If you have watched My Girlfriend is an Alien, this drama has the same vibes.Ye Fei Mo (Lawrence Wong) is perhaps the funniest cold CEO I’ve ever seen. Lawrence Wong the actor is not that tall compared with contemporary Chinese actors, but he is extremely good looking with a crazy physique. He definitely has the charisma of a successful CEO who doesn’t come under the control of his family. I really enjoy watching Ye Fei Mo’s hilarious and silly meanness and bossiness, and his unreasonable demands which can be changed as according to his whims. As much as we hate an authoritarian government, being bossy in a jealous boyfriend can be cute to watch, though not tolerable in real life. Ye Fei Mo rehearses his lines, or his expressions repeatedly to find the perfect one, and the process is simply hilarious to see such accomplished CEO overthinking such trivial matters because he’s head over heels in love. Lawrence Wong delivers every time with his little hidden smirks here and there. His tenderness mixes with bossiness is really a joy to watch, and I laugh out loud each time. Lawrence Wong’s crying scene is epic; he’s so convincing, perhaps the best crying from a male actor. Great acting.
Ye Fei Mo’s love, Wen Xiao Nuan (Xu Hao) is a pragmatic, down-to-earth, hardworking girl trying to save the legacy of her parents’ theater arts. Xu Hao is a wonderful actor. Her portrayal of Wen Xiao Nuan is authentic, lovable and convincing. Perhaps an accomplished ballet dancer in real life, Wen Xiao Nuan’s intensive training is executed beautifully with actual dance movements by the actor herself; she has great poise and she is simply amazing.
For once, I love a powerful wealthy CEO’s mom, Big Princess (played by Li Ying) as nicknamed by her son Fei Mo. She’s shrewd and knows her son inside out. There are a couple of side couples with rather deep character development. I really enjoy watching the Gu Yun Zhou character (Wu Hao Ze) though the acting part is not top notched. Having said that, we can tell the actor is working hard to bring out his best performance, and I commend him for that.
This drama also reminds us the power of social media. It can create as well as destroy, especially in the entertainment industry which is the setting of this drama. One of the main flaws for me, apart from some of the logic, is perhaps the outfits of the actors. It appears that they wear the same outfits for days and for various different events (I understand that they may have shot the scenes on the same days, but still, these are the little details Chinese dramas tend not to take care of). I also find the complexion of the actors almost totally whitewashed. Though looking beautiful without blemishes, they look very unrealistic.
The last scene of the last episode reveals the identify of the mysterious girl with the “birthmark” who has also rescued Ye Fei Mo from drowning years ago. This is a great ending with all loose ends closed, rewards awarded and justice served.
If you want a good laugh and don’t mind the repeated storyline, this is a good drama to put on your to-watch list.
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Great Bromance, Great Fighting Sequences
For decades, Zhan Zhao has almost exclusively appeared alongside Justice Bao (Bao Zheng)—the real Northern Song scholar-official who served as Kaifeng's prefect. Think of Bao Zheng as China's answer to Solomon + Sherlock Holmes: wise, incorruptible, and supernaturally perceptive. Zhan Zhao, the fictional knight-errant (xia), repeatedly rescued Bao from assassinations and kidnappings before being formally assigned by the emperor to protect him and enforce justice. Together, they embodied the ideal Chinese balance of wen (civil virtue) and wu (martial strength)—righteous power serving wise justice.Rarely has Zhan Zhao carried a drama alone. The few attempts—like the poorly produced Three Heroes and Five Gallants (2016) with Yan Yikuan—left fans wanting. That's why anticipation was high for Zhan Zhao Adventures: a solo vehicle for the Southern Hero, with Justice Bao appearing only as an off-screen mentor figure.
Set against the simmering political tensions of the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhan Zhao Adventures follows the legendary “Southern Hero” as he investigates a chain of assassinations, blackmails, flesh trade, smuggling rings, and forged documents that trace back to a royal conspiracy. He encounters Huo Linglong (Zhang Ruo Nan), a runaway noblewoman from Linglong Villa seeking freedom from an arranged marriage, and Bai Yutang (Fang Yi Lun), the charismatic, impulsive "Golden-Haired Rat" (one of the five gallants in previous movies/dramas), a martial artist with his own vendetta. The trio becomes truth friends who would sacrifice for each other, and together they ultimately expose the rebellion plot, confront allies in both court and underworld, and restore order… though at significant personal cost.
What I like:
- Yang Yang's martial arts performance is A+—visceral, precise, and physically committed. Fight sequences are among the best in recent C-drama. His great look in Zhan Zhao iconic red robe is particularly eye catching as an iconic hero we all love.
- The Bromance that steals the show. Fang Yi Lun as Bai Yutang is the drama's tonic. His introduction is fantastic, bringing heart, humor, and emotional range. His chemistry with Yang Yang is electric—their bromance is far more compelling than the romantic subplot. Sharp dialogue, at times childish, comedic timing, and a genuine growth arc make Bai Yutang unforgettable. His second-half regression into "impulsive mess" feels slightly inconsistent, but doesn't derail the performance.
- Cinematic cinematography, meticulous costumes, and atmospheric sets create an immersive historical world.
- Named weaponry, distinct poisons, and detailed martial arts sects reward wuxia fans. The lore feels lived-in, not expositional.
- Each character is crafted in details with their individual motives, emotions, and conflicts. Many of the motives may lead viewers to wrong conclusions only to discover later that it's not what it seems. For example, Zhan Zhao's desperate protection of Ming Zhu Er in finding out the truth about his family's killing makes the viewers nervous about what the actual truth was. Did Zhan Zhao kill the family as the antagonist alleged? Then there's Bai Yutang's big brother. Despite being a side character with limited screen time, Jin Xue Wen (Zuo Ye)'s story is both heart wrenching and regretful for his little brother.
- Individual cases serve as stepping stones in a continuous narrative, maintaining momentum and thematic cohesion. It works like a jigsaw puzzle, piecing each jigsaw together to form a bigger picture.
- This Zhan Zhao isn't the stoic paragon of the old days. He's wounded from the start—spitting blood, battling a poison that threatens to transform and kill him, carrying trauma that creates conflicts within the character. Despite his pains and weakness, Zhan Zhao still fights with real force to protect the public and those he loves.
Despite the constant criticism of Zhang Ruo Nan as Huo Linglong, I find Zhang Ruo Nan’s acting acceptable. Nonetheless, many feel she was miscast—describing her performance as "wooden" and lacking the spark the role demands. While I'm not entirely in love with the character's writing, I find her martial arts execution less problematic than online discourse suggests. While many viewers find her romance with Zhan Zhao feels scripted rather than organic, I find without romance is not a dealbreaker for this drama..
Final Verdict
Zhan Zhao Adventures is a visually stunning, ambitiously crafted wuxia that takes creative risks with a beloved icon. Its production quality, action sequences, and world-building absolutely deserve a higher rating than the current 7.7/10 (MyDramaList) or 6.9/10 (Douban). The decision to center Zhan Zhao's solo journey—free from Justice Bao's overshadowing presence—is refreshing, and the psychological depth given to the hero adds meaningful complexity.
Yes, it stumbles with pacing inconsistencies (I don't really think it's a big deal), an underdeveloped female lead (I'm not particular about this), and a hurried conclusion (many of the beloved characters' endings are just being brushed through with no real closure--this, I take issue with). I also wish they haven't written our beloved Ming Zhu Er's backstory this way that gives a bitter pill to the viewers. Nonetheless, it has created conflicts and emotional turmoils to viewers and the characters, and it has achieved its goal. Despite all these weaknesses, this drama's strengths—particularly the bromance core, fight choreography, settings and narrative— far outweigh its flaws.
Watch with patience through the middle act. Stick around for the bromance, the action, and the bold reimagining of a classic hero. You may not get a perfect resolution, but you'll witness a legend being rewritten—and that's worth the journey.
A great watch. Strongly recommended. Don’t miss this gem.
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If it's ugly, don't show it
"If it's ugly, don't show it." — Jiang Xu’s icy words to a hopeful admirer, proof that love is the last thing on his mind... until Ming Tan forces her way into his life. Adapted from the novel Xiao Dou Kou (小豆蔻) by Bu Zhi Shi Ke Cai, Youthful Glory originally centered on political intrigue and government corruption. However, the drama adaptation shifts focus, turning the conspiracy into a backdrop for a sweeping romance. From the first episode to the last, the main couple is utterly infatuated with each other, their love story punctuated by two equally swoon-worthy side romances.The Story
Jiang Xu and Ming Tan first cross paths in a temple—he fleeing an assassination attempt, she gathering evidence to break off an unwanted betrothal. Their encounters multiply, yet Ming Tan remains oblivious to the fact that the man before her is the Prince of Dingbei. To her, he seems like a fugitive evading the law, a far cry from the cold, ruthless prince of rumors. This leads to hilarious misunderstandings when Jiang Xu unexpectedly petitions the Emperor for her hand in marriage.
Beneath the rom-com charm, a darker conspiracy brews. Jiang Xu is investigating corruption that has left his northern border troops impoverished, their funds embezzled by greedy officials. The villains retaliate with assassins, and when Ming Tan marries Jiang Xu, her family is dragged into the fray—her father framed for smuggling, his reputation in ruins. To clear his name, the couple must uncover evidence to expose the true culprits.
Characters & Acting
As the formidable general guarding the northern border, Jiang Xu has little interest in romance—until Ming Tan enters his life. Intelligent, disciplined, and a master strategist, he is fiercely loyal to the Emperor, who treats him like a younger brother.
Song Wei Long delivers a compelling performance, seamlessly transitioning from a wrathful prince bent on justice to a lovestruck man utterly devoted to Ming Tan. His chemistry here with the FL surpasses that he has with Angelababy in Everlasting Longing.
Ming Tan, the daughter of a deseased mother and an absent general/duke father, has managed her noble household since childhood. Sharp-witted, independent, and impeccably stylish, she occasionally indulges in brattiness—a forgivable flaw given her upbringing. Beneath her spoiled exterior lies a kind and compassionate heart.
Bao Shang En shines as Ming Tan, blending charm and believability, though her occasional startled expressions may confuse viewers. Her chemistry with Song Wei Long is palpable, and her dynamic with her cousin/best friend, Bai Min Min (played by Dai Lu Wa), adds warmth to the story.
Jiang Xu’s camaraderie with his three friends—particularly the comedic Zhang Huai Yu (Bai Shu), brother of the Empress—is another highlight. Bai Shu’s impeccable timing makes Huai Yu both endearing and laugh-out-loud funny.
The two side couples further enrich the narrative:
- Zhang Huai Yu & Bai Min Min: Their enemies-to-lovers arc is a riot, with bickering that slowly melts into affection.
- Shu Jing Ran (Quan Yi Lun) & Yun Yi (Ke Ying): Their love-at-first-sight romance faces potential societal scorn due to their differing statuses—until Shu Jing Ran takes fate into his own hands.
Final Thoughts
Youthful Glory serves heaps of romance against a backdrop of conspiracy and corruption. While the male lead battles enemies and uncovers truths, the female lead and her cousin hunt for ideal husbands. The contrast—girls daydreaming of perfect matches, boys prioritizing duty over love—fuels humor and lighthearted misunderstandings.
The pacing slows in romantic moments (of which there are many) but picks up during the sparser action and scheming scenes. Despite some repetitive editing, the drama remains an enjoyable watch—perfect for romance enthusiasts. If you prefer tightly woven plots over love-struck fluff, however, this might not be your cup of tea.
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Smart, Fast, and Funny
If you’re looking for a binge-worthy, "fast-food" style historical drama, Royal Upstart (Season 2 of 贤婿) is a fantastic choice. The best part? You don’t need to have seen the first season to dive right into this one.The drama follows a classic but addictive trope: a modern man time-travels into the body of an ancient elite. In the first season, he saved a bankrupt family fortune. This season, our protagonist possesses the body of Wei Hao, a supposedly simple-minded and honest man known for beating up anyone he finds unworthy. He starts as a zhuìxù (uxorilocal son-in-law) for the insufferable Su family. I actually breathed a sigh of relief the moment he tore up that marriage contract—the Su family was truly intolerable!
Wei Hao (Pan Yihong) brings a distinct Gen-Z energy to the past. It’s incredibly fun to watch him "disrupt" the ancient economy using modern knowledge. His highlights, among others, include:
- Opening a hot pot restaurant that becomes the talk of the town.
- Establishing a glass factory to create "treasures" out of thin air.
- Teaching the palace how to make salt to fix the state’s empty coffers.
My personal favorite: helping the Ministry of Works create bombs—specifically using them to literally blow up his rivals' houses.
Despite the light-hearted tone, the story feels surprisingly relevant. Wei Hao comes from an elite background himself, but he uses that position to fight "societal parasites" and corrupt officials who control the government and businesses. Watching him take down bullies and fight injustice mirrors the frustrations many people feel about modern-day affairs.
This was my first time seeing Pan Yihong, and he is a revelation. Not only is he amazingly good-looking, but he plays the character with a convincing blend of humor and heart. He makes it very easy to empathize with the lead.
At only 10 minutes per episode, this is the definition of "easy watching." It’s funny, cute, and completely devoid of unnecessary angst. I finished the whole thing in just a few sittings and highly recommend it if you want a high-energy, feel-good story.
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Marriage -- A Carousel of Love and Struggles
This drama is a poignant exploration of marriage and family dynamics in modern China, where the rising divorce rate has become a pressing societal issue. In mega-cities like Shanghai, over half of marriages end in divorce, with Tianjin reportedly reaching an alarming 75%. The government's intervention with policies like the mandatory "cooling-off" period for divorce reflects the urgency of this problem. Against this backdrop, the drama becomes highly relatable, delving into the intricacies of family, love, and societal expectations.A Storyline That Mirrors Real Life
The plot centers around Hao You Jia (Zhang Xiao Fei), a pediatrician from a blended family. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother remarried, blending two families with children from previous marriages and one from their union. Despite being adults, the six family members live under one roof, dealing with the aftermath of divorces and complex family ties.
Hao You Jia works alongside her husband, Peng Hao Dong (Tong Da Wei), in the same hospital. While she is a brilliant but blunt doctor with uncompromising ethics, he is a charismatic leader well-loved by colleagues and her family. Their contrasting personalities lead to frequent squabbles, further strained by Peng’s devotion to his overbearing mother, who shares a contentious relationship with Hao You Jia.
The drama takes an interesting turn when Hao You Jia demands a divorce. However, due to the new laws and societal pressures, they keep their separation a secret, continuing their daily routines as if nothing has changed. This facade eventually unravels, leading to chaos and revelations that test their bonds and values.
Complex Characters and Exceptional Acting
The cast delivers stellar performances, bringing depth to their roles. Zhang Xiao Fei and Tong Da Wei skillfully portray a couple caught between love and conflict. Their fast-paced arguments and emotional exchanges are engaging and relatable.
The supporting characters are equally compelling. Peng Hao Dong’s mother, initially grating with her pretentious demeanor, evolves into a poignant figure—a lonely woman clinging to her sons out of love and unfulfilled hopes. Similarly, Hao You Jia’s mother, driven by societal pride, undergoes a transformation as she prioritizes her children's happiness over appearances.
The siblings' stories enrich the narrative. Luo Wen Cong (Yu Yi), Hao You Jia’s stepbrother, shines as a resilient action movie double and devoted father to his mute daughter. His twin sister, Luo Wen Hui (Sui Jun Bo), is a sympathetic figure, navigating life as a single mother after her ex-husband’s infidelity. Their bond adds warmth and humor. Meanwhile, their youngest sister, Luo Yu Ting (Hu Yi Xuan), brings gentleness and compassion to the story.
A Subtle Approach to Romance
While the drama primarily focuses on marriage and family, moments of romance add charm. The main couple’s relationship, though fraught with tension, includes genuine displays of affection. Side couples offer lighter, engaging romantic subplots, including a heartwarming age-gap romance and rekindled love between divorced partners.
A Realistic and Heartwarming Ending
The drama concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing growth, understanding, and acceptance. Rather than a clichéd rags-to-riches transformation, the characters learn to coexist peacefully, embracing imperfections and building stronger bonds. The closing wedding scenes beautifully encapsulate the theme of resilience and reconciliation.
Peng Hao Dong’s reflective words resonate deeply:
"Marriage is not a competition. The best relationship is heart-to-heart, built on trust and understanding. A home is a safe haven because it’s where the person who knows and loves you the most is. Walk into each other’s hearts, become part of each other, and create a warm home filled with acceptance and support."
Final Thoughts
This drama is a heartfelt portrayal of modern relationships, blending realism with compelling storytelling. It captures the challenges and joys of family life, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation of love, compromise, and connection. Whether you’re familiar with Chinese cultural nuances or not, this series offers universal lessons on what it means to build a home.
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How to date the mother of your son, again
Children can bring stress to some couples’ relationships, but they can also mend relationships. In this story, it is the child that brings a pair of estranged lovers back together again and rekindles their love for each other. The storyline is not new, but the acting of the whole cast, and the chemistry of the couple and child are amazingly wholesome and endearing. The love for a child can motivate any parents to seek courage and perseverance.Min Hui (Wang Yuwen) is a single mom with a child who has a congenital heart disease. She is also a talented artificial intelligence developer, leading a team in the development of software for use in hospitals for heart disease patients, a project that is very close to her heart. Her company is seeking finance to bring the product to market. As a foreign venture capitalist, Xin Qi (Wang Ziqi) returns to his hometown to seek for worthy ventures to invest in, and they meet.
Turns out, Min Hui and Xin Qi were lovers five years ago. They separated because Min Hui had lied to Xin Qi about her identity, and when she confessed, Xin Qi could not forgive her and left. After they meet again in present day, Xin Qi is still bitter with Min Hui. When he sees her with other men, he is even more bitter, thinking she is a slut. Somehow, he cannot let go of her because he is still in love with her, and she him. Like Min Hui’s son, Xin Qi also suffers from a congenital heart disease. When he finds out that he is her child’s biological father, he is elated, and moves into her apartment with an excuse of making up lost time with his son.
Their son, Min Quan Quan (Cui Yixin), is the most adorable child. Intelligent and cooperative, he has been longing for a father, and now that he has one, he loses no time in bringing the parents together; he is always there to defuse any rows between the adults.
Everyone has acted very convincingly here. The child actor Cui Yixin produces some amazing acting for a kid of such a young age. His Quan Quan character is so cute that viewers just fall in love with the child. I love how he interacts with his screen father Wang Ziqi as if they are real father and son. They hug each other like a sandwich in bed, doing everything just like real father and son do. I wish in real life, all fathers get to be so intimate with their sons.
Wang Ziqi’s Xin Qi is funny and very lovable. In the initial episodes, Xin Qi is bitter and cold, then later, he becomes relaxed, funny, playful and protective. Wang Ziqi’s portrayal is perfect. Likewise with Wang Yuwen’s portrayal of Min Hui – strong and levelheaded but can be vulnerable when her child’s wellbeing is being threatened. She is believable with good acting.
This drama produces 2 very sweet side couples and a pair of egregious antagonists. The backstory runs in the last few minutes of each episode, giving viewers the background story of Xin Qi’s and Min Hui’s relationship five years ago. The official soundtracks are beautiful and memorable.
My Verdict
This is a wholesome and sweet rom-com revolving around a very cute and delightful child, adding more love and fun to the story. A wonderful watch for the whole family. Don’t miss it. Recommended!
Bravo!
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Unsolved Cases of Kung Fu: Portrait of Beauty
6 people found this review helpful
Worst Wuxia Drama of The Year
The production team has gravely assaulted the intelligence of the viewers and I’m a sucker for completing this lowly rated drama; all I had wanted was to find out who the super villain was. This drama has the same vibes and settings of a wuxia drama in the old days: bad plot, bad script, bad acting, bad screen play, bad camerawork, bad special effects, bad props, etc. I suspect that it was made years ago, only to be released now. Plot holes are everywhere making the whole drama leaking like a sieve. The beautiful posters of the main characters are really misleading, directly telling us don’t judge a book by its cover.What I Like:
• A strong male lead character Chu Yun Xiao (Cai Jun Tao) who is strong and intelligent. He can fight with his fan and hit his opponents’ accupoints rendering them unable to move. These are very typical technics in a wuxia story.
• A genius doctor Leng Xing Chen (Zhang Nan) who can cure all ills.
What I Don’t Like:
• Super bad plot and bad writing. In trying to make the plot more fascinating, instead the poor script and screen writings have made the twists and turns even more frustrating to watch. The writers don’t even bother to cover the plotholes, and simply brush them over hoping viewers won’t notice. What looks like a mystery in the beginning with all the killings turns out to be inconsequential. The logic is bad and the actions are simplistic. The characters keep repeating their lines, saying the same words. At times, they're dumb like hell, at times they can see the future.
• Bad acting. The facial expressions of the actors are totally incoherent. The actors are unnatural, stiff, and overact. Most characters are not developed properly and are inconsistent, making them frustrating to watch.
• They use the same actor to play mother and daughter, they don’t even bother to make the mother look slightly older than the daughter.
• Camerawork is everywhere and haphazard.
• Fighting scenes are inconsistent. Sometimes Chu Yun Xiao can fight against hundreds of people and disarm them all; other times he can’t even fight a lowly servant even he’s not hurt himself. This inconsistency applies to many supposedly skilled martial art heroes who vow to fight and to protect, later end up dead or captured.
• The carelessness in dubbing is glaring – viewers can hear background voices of workers, script flipping sounds, some dialogues are inaudible, the mouth/voice not synching.
My Verdict
Watch at your own peril. Not recommended. Multiple times I had wanted to kill my TV. Don’t let your TVs or computers suffer the same fate as mine (my TV still survives).
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Racism Stems from Ignorance
This drama is touching a chord of our current society on the racial issue that has been propelled to the forefront of our lives and is compelling all to come to its reckoning. As we can see gradually from the drama, racism stems from ignorance. This is the story about the human race and the Kunwu race, and their hatred for each other. As always, the human race is the destructive race, killing as many of the Kunwu as possible because humans feel that Kunwus are atrocious and bad.After the killings, many Kunwus are left scattered, scared and hopeless. Their only hope is to raise their king, who has been sealed by the human race for 10 years, from his slumber so that the Kunwu race can be freed again. Of course, the human race fights tooth and nail to stop this from happening. At the end of the story, the human race realizes their flawed perception of the Kunwu race. Indeed we can all live harmoniously together in peace if we treat each other more kindly.
Su You Lian (Wu Jia Yi), a holy girl from the Kunwu race, comes to live among the human race in the Moyun Academy where the Dragon King is kept sealed. Her mission is to wake the Kunwu King. There at the Academy, she meets Li Xuan (Xu Kai) who is the protector of the human race. Unbeknownst to both, Li Xuan is half human and half Kunwu. They both fall head-over-toe in love with each other, and their conflict renders them in emotional turmoil.
The whole drama almost revolves around life in the Academy. It starts off with a lot of comedies as Li Xuan is an untamed kid and Xu Kai’s acting is fabulous. However, as the story progresses, the later episodes become more somber, and Li Xuan becomes serious as he grows.
Wu Jia Yi is a fantastic dancer. Her dancing scenes in the beginning episode are mesmerizing. As Su You Lian, she is tormented as she knows she’s not supposed to fall in love with the enemy. I love Wu Jia Yi’s acting. She depicts a Kunwu character so well as she exudes that unspoken charisma.
There are multiple love triangles here, but both Su You Lian’s and Li Xuan’s love for each other is unwavering despite their conflicts. A lot of time is spent on the emotional turmoil undergone by Su You Lian and heart brokenness by Li Xuan.
Once Li Xuan discovers his own true identify and Su You Lian completes her mission, the story comes to a conclusion very quickly. Like many other Chinese historical dramas where endings are shoddy with characters being written off in death, this drama follows that path. But to my surprise and perhaps to placate the viewers, the dead characters are somehow, miraculously resurrected.
Overall, this drama is not exceptional but watchable as it’s a mixture of being light and humorous to occasional heart wrenching. The CGI is like what you see in a computer game; in fights, people simply jump up and off the roofs and everywhere on the screen. The plot is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. Though not perfect, I have rather enjoyed it.
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What Really Matters
This is a real-life story with characters who may realistically reflect ourselves and people around us. It has intense office politics with people trying to backstab each other and unreasonable demands from their superiors. It explores the relationships between couples who are trying to achieve their ultimate goals, and in the process, losing everything. It tries to answer the question: What really matters?Story Overview
This is a story about three best friends, their relationships with their respective partners and their struggles living in Shanghai. One is a workaholic - ambitious, independent and magnanimous. In the process to achieve her dreams, she sacrifices her health and the thing that means the most to her: the man who loves her and she loves. The second one is a mother who wants the best future for her daughter hence immerses herself into everything she can possibly do for her 4-year old. In the process, she is blinded by everything and destroys her own happy family. The third girl is an ultra-materialistic girl who works as a waitress and spends all her money on handbags and fashions. She constantly seeks out the best suitor - wealthy and handsome. In her quest for the fattest goldfish, she doesn’t see the little angel fish waiting silently right beside her.
The second part of the story details how the three friends pick up their shattered pieces and rebuild their life. Li Siyu (Liu Shi Shi) realizes failure is the mother of success, and it is not success that she should seek relentlessly, but it's the process of achieving it that she should relish in. Zhang Zhi Zhi (Kan Qing Zi) realizes that she needs to build her confidence by enriching herself so that she doesn't need to depend on anyone. Gu Xiao Ling (Chen Ya Ting) realizes that life should not be dictated by wealth and let herself becoming a slave to it. The ending is very appropriate for all the main characters meeting their own fates: the ones who persevere get rewarded and the ones who go under the law get punished.
There are many conflicts we may encounter in our own life and in our relationships: career or family; should a woman marry for financial security or for love; should a man marry a woman who is only interested in his wealth; should a woman give an adulterous husband a second chance for the children’s sake; should a person remarry even if he/she still loves the other partner deeply (who may have died or being divorced); must a person get married; should a woman be dependent or independent; what criteria should be used to find one's life partner; should a woman consider giving everything for the family a sacrifice and if so, should she sacrifice for her family?
This drama brings out all the flaws in us as humans. There are moments one can be easily tempted and go off rail, as in Liu Yang (Peng Guan Ying) but fundamentally, he's a good father and a good person. Lei Hao Wen (Li Ze Feng) is also a good person who is kind and magnanimous, and a good friend who can be counted on. He just makes a wrong move out of desperation. Li Siyu has a lot of flaws too despite of all her qualities; she is too ambitious and high risk taking which may not fare well with many men including Chen Yiming (Zhu Yilong). And for Chen Yiming, like others, he has his flaws - he is over confident at first and loses all his confidence later and become insecure. I can identify myself with many of the characters here.
Like the characters in the story, many of us do lose ourselves from time to time. We make bad choices and set wrong priorities. We let materialism blind us. In answering the question what really matters, perhaps couples can work out their issues and avoid the pains like our characters are suffering in this drama.
Acting
Liu Shi Shi is a veteran actor, therefore, I judge her more stringently than how I judge younger actors. She gives a very good and convincing performance here as Li Siyu but occasionally I find her facial expressions confusing. Others may argue that this is good acting because in real life, one may need to subdue one’s expressions but still conveys the emotional messages. For me, Liu Shi Shi still hasn’t done this very well. In contrast with Zhu Yilong, as Chen Yiming, he manages to convey to the viewers all his emotions, without really that many facial expressions. A lock of his brows, a tilt at the corner of his lips, the sad look in his eyes, the flashings of his lashes – all these convey his emotional states and Zhu Yilong has given a 100% performance here.
The Message
Often in pursuit of our dreams, we get lost in the forest. We equate success with prestige, wealth and power. We replace our common sense with materialism, and in the process, sacrificing things that are most precious to us.
Ultimately, this story sends us a message: life can be complicated or simple depending on how we want to make it. It can and will be complicated if we have too many demands (eg. prestige, wealth and power); it can and will be simple if we look at what really matters in life, away from all the materialism.
My Verdict
This is a drama about life. No light-headed cute romance. No comedies. Everything is as how we live life ourselves - struggles, tears, broken hearts, failures, divorces, the craving for success, unemployment, capitalist greed, shady business dealings, office politics, work pressure, extra-marital affairs etc. It's a very down to earth and realistic drama for a very mature audience. It helps viewers look at themselves and ask questions about life. It is a thought-provoking story which should be enjoyed by all.
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Crazy, Hilarious, Addictive, Unexpected Ending
When I first started watching Guardian of the Dafeng, my immediate reaction was, “What the heck is going on?” The drama is an eclectic mix of genres—modern-day elements, wuxia, xianxia, dark magic, mythical creatures, palace politics, and even a kind of cell phone system. It’s a potpourri of ideas thrown together. However, once I got the hang of it, I became hooked. The sheer craziness and humor made it an enjoyable watch. Dylan Wang is hilariously over-the-top, and even his cringiest moments are amusing.The story follows Yang Ling, a modern real estate agent who time-travels to a fictional ancient dynasty called Dafeng. He finds himself inhabiting the body of Xu Qi’an, the nephew of a low-ranking government official. Xu Qi’an regains consciousness in prison and soon learns the dire circumstances surrounding his incarceration. His uncle, responsible for escorting government funds, has lost the money, resulting in his imprisonment and impending execution. Meanwhile, Xu Qi’an faces exile, and the female members of his family are condemned to a brothel.
Determined to change his fate, Xu Qi’an leverages his modern scientific and technological knowledge to uncover the mystery behind the missing funds. His ability to think critically and adapt to his new environment helps him navigate the challenges ahead. Additionally, his partial knowledge of ancient poetry—highly revered in that era—becomes a powerful tool in gaining recognition. His quick wit and ingenuity propel him through the ranks, ultimately leading him to become the Da Geng Ren—the Guardian—charged with protecting the kingdom from dark forces and crimes.
Xu Qi’an’s journey is akin to Forrest Gump, where misfortunes turn into opportunities, and luck seems to follow him at every turn. As he rises in status, he gains supernatural abilities, mastering dark and celestial forces, and accumulates immense wealth for his family. His adventure is wildly entertaining and filled with comedic moments.
Characters and Acting
Dylan Wang’s performance is outstanding. He effortlessly transitions from looking silly and exaggerated with pouting lips to delivering intense, piercing stares in serious moments. The entire cast, including the antagonists, is well-developed and humorous, with each character possessing distinct strengths and weaknesses.
What I Liked
One of the highlights of the drama is the way Xu Qi’an strategizes through situations. His thought process is audibly represented in thought bubbles, showing viewers the best course of action in any given moment.
The drama’s blend of the impossible and the possible, the insane and the logical, the outrageous and the acceptable, is what makes it so uniquely entertaining. I also enjoyed Xu Qi’an’s relationships—his bond with his cousin, who is righteous yet stubborn, his loyalty to his two best friends, and his dynamic with his superior, who always watches out for him.
Furthermore, Xu Qi’an’s approach to justice resonates deeply. When the proper channels fail to serve justice, he takes matters into his own hands. This aspect of the drama connects with real-world frustrations over injustice, making it even more engaging.
Final Thoughts
The ending is unexpected and somewhat abrupt. Xu Qi’an seemingly disappears, which makes sense since he originates from the future. However, at the same time, he exists as a member of the Xu family, leading to a puzzling contradiction. The identity of the mysterious figure, which remained a mystery throughout the series, is finally revealed in a surprising twist. However, the convoluted nature of the ending leaves several questions unanswered. Notably, Xu Qi’an doesn’t return to the future as Yang Ling, leaving an open-ended feeling, as if a continuation might be in the works.
Overall, Guardian of the Dafeng is a wild, entertaining ride filled with humor, action, and unexpected twists. Despite some narrative inconsistencies, it remains a highly enjoyable watch.
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Super Cute Chinese Version of the Beauty and the Beast
"The Princess and the Werewolf" is a captivating story reminiscent of a modern-day Beauty and the Beast. It revolves around Princess Qi Pa (Wu Xuanyi), who unknowingly loves the human Li Xiong (Chen Zheyuan) but fears and despises the beastly Kuimulang (Chen Zheyuan), not realizing they are the same person. This leads to comical situations as she tries to escape the Beast World, and her emotions unravel in front of the very person she both fears and adores. In contrast, Kuimulang falls deeply in love with her without expecting anything in return, while she struggles to love only a part of him.Kuimulang seeks to prolong his life by retrieving a "lingzhu" (a power source) accidentally swallowed by Qi Pa five years ago. Now finally finding her, to extract it, he must make her fall passionately in love with him and share a passionate kiss. He kidnaps Qi Pa, hoping to obtain the "lingzhu" one day. Qi Pa, however, constantly plots her escape, sharing her plans with Li Xiong, who is both her captor and confidant. Amidst her escape attempts, Kuimulang must contend with a secretive subversive force that nearly killed him five years ago. Multiple assassination attempts threaten their lives.
Qi Pa, a princess of Great Xia, is a vibrant and open-minded individual with a liberal education. Unlike typical princesses, she is outgoing, possesses critical thinking skills, and understands human psychology. Despite her flamboyant exterior, she's fiercely devoted to true love.
Kuimulang, the King of the Beast Race ("Hua Shou"), is adored by his subjects and bears the responsibility of protecting his clan with his life, a mission passed down for generations. His continuous use of inner power weakens his body, causing him to transform into a wolf at night. When Qi Pa encounters him in his wolf form, she is terrified and finds him repulsive. However, she falls in love with him when he assumes his human form as Li Xiong, unaware that Kuimulang and Li Xiong are the same person. Fearing rejection, Kuimulang maintains two identities. When Qi Pa discovers the truth, it tests the depths of their love.
Qi Pa's love journey unfolds gradually, with her realization of her true home coming late in the story, adding a humorous twist. The villains' motives are typical – the pursuit of ultimate power to rule the Beast Kingdom - and they are known from the beginning of the story. A new villainous character is introduced very late in episode 27, becoming a central figure of dislike. The story wraps up neatly, with characters receiving their due rewards and punishments. Episode 29 stands out as the most touching, where the main characters unite against all odds, and a simpleton general becomes a true hero.
Wu Xuanyi delivers a convincing portrayal of Qi Pa, infusing her character with modernity and charm. Chen Zheyuan impressively embodies the distinct personalities of Kuimulang and Li Xiong, evoking sympathy for Kuimulang's unrequited love. The entire cast has delivered exceptional performances, embodying their respective roles with authenticity. Notably, the side characters have charmed their way into the audience's hearts, and the inclusion of several side couples adds delightful layers of sweet love stories to the narrative.
My Verdict
This enchanting story features modern elements in terms of attire and language. Characters take on various animal traits, from wolves to poisonous snake, cat, weasel, earthworm, chameleon, scorpion, and more, endearing themselves to viewers.
The moral of the story begs the question: should one love someone solely based on their appearance, as Qi Pa initially does, while overlooking the genuine devotion and sacrifices made for them? In essence, Qi Pa values all that Kuimulang has done for her but rejects him purely on the basis of his appearance. Is this fair?
In summary, "The Princess and the Werewolf" is a great watch, offering humor, romance, and adventure. Don't miss it!
Bravo!
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Struggle and Life of an Entertainment Artist
As always, Deng Lun's performance is top notch. And for that matter, Ma Si Chun is amazing. She is so natural and herself. I love Ni Hong Jie's and Han Tong Sheng's performances too. They are just like your everyday neighbors going about their everyday life. There's no pretense; everything is as it is.All of us can relate to the story. Everything and everybody is realistic. There are no super wealthy and powerful people. There are no super nasty antagonists. It is just a story about normal people living a normal life. It is also the story of the arduous journey of an aspiring actor. Deng Lun has acted as if that's his own story, the struggle he has gone through himself before he achieves what he is today. It makes me wonder, what has Deng Lun lost himself, if any, over the years in his quest for success?
The story dwells deep into our own soul searching. What are we willing to sacrifice in order to realize our dreams? What do we really want in life? The road to success is usually laced with temptations. What is the price are we willing to pay to get it ( success)? Many people do feel lost and unhappy when success comes to them eventually. By then, many also realize they have lost what they love the most in their life - their family. Many have their regrets, but usually it's already too late.
The morale of the story is to know where to draw the line to safeguard what one values the most. Choosing and giving up a dream is very hard to do but maybe necessary.
As the saying goes, "Flowers can bloom again, but people cannot return to their youth ever". Hao Ze Yu (played by Deng Lun) initially interprets this as, "Don't waste time during your youth, go achieve your dreams". Not until he loses a loved one that he finally realizes the phrase actually means, "Treasure the people around you". What a valuable life lesson for us all.
Great drama! Great watch!
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Both Li Yuhu (Tian Xiwei) and Du Bingyan (Bai Bingke) have weddings scheduled for the same day. However, they get caught in a storm and seek refuge in a temple. After the rain subsides, and having their veils switched, they are mistakenly led to the wrong carriages, ending up in the wrong destinations. Initially reluctant brides, they decide to conceal their true identities and plan an escape. To their surprise, they find themselves falling in love with the men they were never meant for and they them.
The plot follows a predictable path, featuring a detestable antagonist and his accomplices. From a logical standpoint, there are moments of inconsistency and naivety. Notably, the antagonist manages to evade justice right under everyone's nose. In terms of acting, the entire cast delivers commendable performances, with Tian Xiwei standing out and Patrick Quan as Ke Shizhao the villain lagging behind -- he brazenly writes on his face, "I am the bad guy" -- with his robotic facial expressions. Nonetheless, the drama offers a simple and enjoyable viewing experience.
My Verdict
While not groundbreaking, this drama has its merits. With endearing side couples, a bit of romance, some light action, a wise mentor who guides both pairs, a straightforward plot, and beloved characters, it's suitable for a family audience.
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