While sharing the same word in it's title, they are both heartwrenching stories of a beleagured ML who wants to do the right thing but court intrigue provides constant struggle. In both, the FL is not quite to be trusted at first and doubt surrounds their relationship.
Focuses around preserving Chinese culture--if you like/want to learn more about crafts and history, Hi Producer revolves around that theme. It is not a romance driven drama but when I watched this I thought of Hi Producer's intention to celebrate and preserve Chinese arts and architecture.
Neo Hou shines in Back from the Brink and has more chemistry with FL in this fantasy drama while it was not 'wuxia' compared to Dashing Youth---one could argue that DY was more fantasy as well since so much of the "fighting" was just using "techniques" that had everything to do with CGI than actual cheorographed fighting/sword play.
So I recommend BttB as a far more compelling story where the lead (this time the Female) becomes"evil" but goodness prevails.
So I recommend BttB as a far more compelling story where the lead (this time the Female) becomes"evil" but goodness prevails.
Both set during the Japanese occupation of China and the espionage/collaboration against/with the Japanese, Best Enemy was FAR more suspenseful in the plot and script to compel you to keep watching because it's not clear who is the 'good' guy at every turn.... find it at iQiyi but look up the lead's name as the title is not listed in English but it is there and has subtitles.
Both dramas are 'fun' ancient costume drama where the couple are on an equal footing in smarts and personality. Fun is in quotes because the underlying basis of the story is tragic/sad but it paves the way for the couple to connect and find new happiness.
Oddly I kept thinking of The Red Sleeve when watching this as well and was happy each of these dramas ended happily vs. Red Sleeve.
Oddly I kept thinking of The Red Sleeve when watching this as well and was happy each of these dramas ended happily vs. Red Sleeve.
If you are looking for another compelling wuxia, then Side Story Volant has even better fight scenes (which I typically fast forward when it seems the fight is stuck in to the story just to have a fight--but not here). The cinematography is not as dark and mysterious, but the story pulls you in,
The comedy of BFtB is also as fun in Wulin Heroes--so if you are seeking more fun and less angst driven dramas like Til the End of the Moon or Longest Promise, check it out.
A fantasy that goes through ups and downs, happiness and angst where the leads are equally heroic. It has more 'logical' plot devices vs this one with so many transfers of power you lose track as to who has and who no long has that power and yet...can do magical things without it!