Korean Drama: Moving

Year Released

2023

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Ryu Seung-ryong, Jo In-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Ryu Seung-Beom, Kim Sung-kyun

Storyline

Plot revolves around a pitiful group of super power human beings in the Black Elite group being used for political purpose. As their abilities are passed on to their children, these parents tried hard to hide their children identities but the government sets up a school Jong Won High. The purpose was to train these gifted children to work for the government. 

Meanwhile, another force aims to eliminate all these super powers to the extend to killing all their children.

My View

As usual, Disney Plus and Netflix series always have cliff hangers which make us viewers craving for more. Not disappointed with Moving and I cannot wait to see who is the real owner controlling these government bodies.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Lost You Forever 长相思

Year Released

2023 (season 1)

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

39 - running time of 45 minutes per episode (season 1)

Starring

Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Tan Jianci

Storyline

There was once three kingdoms Xi Yan, Hao Ling and Chen Rong until Xi Yan conquered Chen Rong leaving only two kingdoms. The defeated royalties of Chen Rong became Central Plains clans. Xiyan Cangxuan's (Zhang Wanyi) parents passed away when he was still young and he went to Hao Ling as a hostage prince. His cousin, Haoling Jiuyao aka Xiaoyao (Yang Zi) lost her mother, Xiling Heng (Jin Feng) when she went to war on behalf of Xi Yan and lost her life.

Xiao Yao was sent away by King of Hao Ling (Zheng Guolin) to Mount Yu due to internal war in Hao Ling Kingdom. Cang Xuan who was young at that time was unable to keep his promise to fetch Xiaoyao from Mount Yu. Xiaoyao felt alone and helpless as her father, mother and cousin all left her. She has an internal power being sealed and she could changed herself into another person.

Meanwhile, Cang Xuan went to Hao Ling as a hostage prince but King of Hao Ling takes him in as his disciple and passes all his teachings. Cang Xuan reunited with Xiao Yao when he went to Qingshui town where Xiao Yao is now under the identity of a male physician Wen Xiaoliu. Not knowing that Xiaoliu is Xiaoyao, Cangxuan tortured her due to misunderstandings with Haoling Yi, A'Nian (Xiaoyao's half sister).

Xiaoyao restored her princess status for Cangxuan's sake to help him attain the throne as King of Xi Yan. They were assisted by Tushan Jing (Deng Wei), Chisui Fenglong (Wang Hongyi) and other central plains clan. Xiaoyao also came across a snake demon Xiang Liu (Tan Jianci) who assumes the identity of Fangfeng Bei. 

My View

I watched this drama three times just so I could enjoy each time and re-cry all over again. The part where Cangxuan found out Xiaoyao's identity, the part where Cangxuan was assasinated, the part where Cangxuan was trying to quit being a "drug addict", the part where Xiaoyao telling Xiang Liu she wished she was the one who save him from slave gambling den. 

It is pretty sad as not even one of the four male leads could give up their status/career just to be with Xiaoyao. I seriously hope she just be carefree forever. Waiting for part two to be out in 2024.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Mr. Queen

Year Released

2020 - 2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 1 hour 15 minutes per episode

Starring

Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun, Choi Jin-hyuk

Storyline

Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk), chef at Cheong Wa Dae met with an accident and fell into a pool at his apartment. In the process, his soul was swapped with Kim So-yong (Shin Hye-sun), Queen from the Joseon Dynasty. Unable to fathom what was happening to him, Bong-hwan had a number of hiccups during his stay at the palace. King Cheol Jong (Kim Jung-hyun) is attracted to So-yong as she doesn't behave like the usual maidens. Meanwhile, So-yong's soul is trapped inside her own body hiding somewhere trying to find her way out.

My View

Mr. Queen is a totally bizarre fantasy drama which I sometimes could not believe myself either. Overall a hilarios plot and I quite like Kim Jung-hyun here compared to Welcome to Waikiki. 

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: The Uncanny Counter

Year Released

2020 - 2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 1 hour and 10 minutes per episode

Starring

Cho Byeong-kyu, Yoo Joon-sang, Kim Se-jeong, Yeom Hye-ran, Ahn Suk-hwan, Lee Hong-nae

Storyline

Plot depicts a group of humans selected by Gods as a counter to hunt down demons in human world. So Mun (Cho Byeong-kyu) becomes a counter by accident and decides to continue being one despite the danger in fighting demons. He accepts the task in exchange to see his dead parents once he completes his mission. 

So Mun finds out much later that his parents' souls are trapped inside a serial killer host. He vows to seek revenge and save their souls before they dissipate.

My View

I have great expectation of this drama as I have heard good reviews. Wanted to rate at least a 4 star, but the plot just falls short. Artistes' acting are awesome though even for those evil spirits. *applause*

Rating

3/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Till the End of the Moon 长月烬明

 

Year Released

2023

Genre

Fantasy

Number of Episodes

40 - running time of 53 minutes per episode

Starring

Luo Yunxi, Bai Lu

Storyline

Li Susu (Bai Lu) was sent back to 500 years ago to stop Tantai Jin (Luo Yunxi) from turning into Demon God. Waking up in the body of Ye Xiwu, she needs to find a way to destroy Tantai Jin's Demon bone which was inside his body since birth. Xiwu and Tantai Jin have a love-hate relationship which leads to multiple misunderstandings.

In the end, Tantai Jin loses Xiwu and seeks for her in the underworld. Little did he know, she went back to her own body as Susu. When they both reunite, another huge obstacle awaits for them.

My View

Anything xianxia already earned at least a 3 stars. I'm okay with the ending though because it has to be that way or drama would be going round in circles.  

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Guardians of the Ancient Oath 山海经之上古密约

Year Released

2020

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

45 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Song Zuer, Wu Lei, Xuan Yan

Storyline

Plot revolves around You Kingdom ruled by Bai Li family. Bai Li Hongxuan (Xuan Yan) used to be the Crown Prince until his grandfather and father passed away without passing any decree. Bai Li Haohe (Wang Junkai) then became the King. Queen Dowager is always trying to control Hongxuan as well as his siblings, Bai Li Hongyi (Song Zuer) and Bai Li Hongshuo (Wu Lei).

While dealing with internal conflicts, the Wolf clan from grassland is also another enemy which Hongxuan has to face. All these incidents are pre-destined slowly pointing the Bai Li three siblings towards their entangled past thousand of years ago.

My View

I'm not sure why but I quite like the part when everyone were just usual human beings. The fantasy part is really a little boring for me. A lot of draggy scenes though this drama only has 45 episodes. Even Wu Lei cannot save it, sorry..

Rating

2/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama: Immortal Samsara 沉香如屑 沉香重华

Year Released

2022

Genre 

Fantasy

No. of Episodes 

38 (part 1) & 21 (part 2) - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Cheng Yi, Yang Zi

Storyline

Plot depicts how Lord Ying Yuan (Cheng Yi) of the Heaven Realm meets Yan Dan (Yang Zi) from the ancient Four-Leaves Clan. Their love story starts from Heaven to Mortal Realm with lots of obstacle and misunderstanding. With multiple sacrifices, the pair eventually got to be together again. 

My View

Story is in fact okay to me, somehow like quite expected who the villian is. There is not too much of ups and downs for Ying Yuan and Yan Dan as I did not actually feel heartbroken when watching unlike Yang Zi's other fantasy drama, Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Love and Redemption 琉璃

Year Released

2020

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

59 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Cheng Yi, Yuan Bingyan, Liu Xueyi

Storyline

Legend has it that Mosha Star (who rules the Demon world) will distruct the three realms and God of War (from Heaven Realm) is the only one who could destroy him. Chu Xuanji (Yuan Bingyan) is the re-incarnation of God of War and meets Yu Sifeng (Cheng Yi) who is the 12 feathers Golden Bird Demon. Both have actually been with each other for the past nine lives but with bitter ending. 

In this life, Sifeng suffers in silence when he has the Lover's curse and saves Xuanji from danger multiple times. King Bailin (Liu Xueyi) from Heaven Realms wants Xuanji dead and to destroy Liu Li lamp in fear that Mosha Star's soul would be awaken. Bailin holds an unspeakable secret for a thousand years.

My View

Would have rated 5 stars if not for the unnecessary episodes which side tracks so much. I think 59 should just cut down to probably 39. Though storyline has certain plot twist here and there but the number of blood puking scenes are way too many! The scriptwriter is just torturing poor Cheng Yi seriously.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: The Taoism Grandmaster 玄门大师

 

Year Released

2018

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

46 - running time of 46 minutes per episode

Starring

Tong Mengshi, Pei Zitian

Storyline

A little related to God of Honour 封神榜 whereby God Yang Jian 杨戬 had predicted a grandmaster would be saving the world regaining peace between Wolf clan and human realm thousand of years later. In the meantime, he sacrificed himself to create a barrier to prevent heaven realm from destroying Wolf clan.

Zhang Ling (Tong Mengshi) meets Tie Lang (Pei Zitian) together with many others from different sects to participate in a competition and train to become the only taoism grandmaster who protects the world. Their aim is to retrieve back pieces of armours left over by Yang Jian.

My View

The plot is overall pretty good whereby the participants go through trials as a form of training before actually fighting with Demon Fox Bai Qianji (Pan Shuangshuang), who seduced King Zhou bringing Shang Dynasty to its downfall. 

I can only rate 3 stars because though there are a lot of fighting with demons but just too many and draggy. There are like four trials then probably like five competitions to find those armours. In one on the competitions, another three barriers or something.

Too much for me to bear seriously and only twist was I did not expect Tie Lang to be Wolf King.

Rating 

3/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀

Year Released

2022

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

36 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Wang Hedi, Yu Shuxin

Storyline

Xiao Lanhua (Yu Shuxin) whose real form is an Orchid since birth, had accidentally released Dong Fang Qing Cang (Wang Hedi) the Supreme Lord from Moon Clan, from a seal made by Immortal Clan 30,000 years ago. Due to this, both their fates had been locked by a curse in which if Lanhua is hurt, Qingcang would also be injured.

Therefore, Qingcang has been looking for an ancient sword to kill Lanhua so as to lift the curse. When Lanhua is being tortured by Immortal Clan, Qingcang has no choice but to save her life and bring her back to Cang Yan Sea where Moon Clan resides. The reason why Immortal Clan is afraid of Qingcang is due to Hellfire where only those without any emotions could master this skill.

Qingcang gradually falls in love with Lanhua's kindness and love for him. Lanhua helps Qingcang gets back his emotions be it good or bad. However, once his emotions is back, Qingcang loses the ability to use Hellfire which gives Immortal Clan a good chance to attack Cang Yan Sea. Lanhua sacrifices her own life to break the curse and revive everyone from both clans.

My View

I skipped some last part so as not to provide more spoilers. Cang Lan Jue may seems hilarious, too sweet or boring at first but if you follow through, it shows us love, sacrifice and kindness. I'm especially touched by Rong Hao's (Xu Haiqiao) love for his master Chi Di, God of War (Guo Xiaoting) apart from two main leads. This drama made me cried a lot and what Qingcang and Lanhua did for each other, just too much to bear.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Novoland: Pearl Eclipse 斛珠夫人

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

48 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Mi, Chen Weiting

Storyline

Ye Haishi's village was destroyed by corrupted officials though the villagers had risked their lives to retrieve pearls (from mermaid's tears) to be submitted to the Emperor. Fang Jianming (Chen Weiting) happens to save Haishi's life and makes her his disciple and renames her as Fang Haishi.

Over the years, the master and disciple grow fond of each other but Jianming often pushes Haishi away. This was due to his short lifespan by being Di Xu's (Xu Kaicheng) Baixi. The Liushang Fang's clan has a special bloodline where they can exchange the pain with another person after performing Baixi. 

This was how Emperor Xu was able to escape multiple injuries or deaths but all taken in by Jianming. Jianming was eventually let go of all these worries by ending his Baixi. His injuries over the years also being cured by drinking mermaid's blood with the help of Haishi.

My View

Pearl Eclipse has a pretty good story flows, no draggy scenes and only showing what are needed from the audience. I seriously like the ending whether it is good or bad because it kind of makes sense in that situation. 

Second leads Emperor Xu and Ti Lan Princess are a sad couple but I guess they were at least there for each other during difficut times.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Joy of Life 庆余年

Year Released

2019 - 2020

Genre 

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

46 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhang Ruoyun, Chen Daoming, Wu Gan, Xiao Zhan

Storyline

The entire plot is about a university student who writes a story about Fan Xian (Zhang Ruoyun) who has memory from the modern world though living in an ancient era. Fan Xian is constantly being assasinated starting from his birthplace Danzhou till when he reaches the Capital. 

His has the support from Emperor of Qing (Chen Daoming), Chen Pingping (Wu Gang) and his bodyguard, Wu Zhu. Fan Xian finds out the true identity of his mother, Ye Qingmei when he opens up a mysterious box which was left by her after death.

Fan Xian gets to know more about his mother when he escorts Xiao'en (Yu Rongguang) back to Beiqi. Little did he know, Xiao'en (under the manipulation from Pingping) mistakes Fan Xian as his grandson and shares with him the entire encounter years ago with Ye Qingmei. 

After rescuing hostage Yan Bingyun (Xiao Zhan) from Beiqi, Fan Xian begins his journey back to Qing but will be faced with multiple challenges.

My View

The whole drama is full of characters and almost everyone is a grand master in martial arts. Plot is extremely confusing yet intriguing. You need to follow every scene to understand and connect the story. I'mvery curious who is Chen Pingping's bodyguard "Shawdow". The ciffhanger is really my god... I was left in awe. Part two please start soon!

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Ancient Love Poetry 千古玦尘

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

49 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xu Kai, Zhou Dongyu, Liu Xueyi

Storyline

There are only four true gods in the God's Realm and they are Bai Jue (Xu Kai), Shang Gu (Zhou Dongyu), Zhi Yang (Li Zefeng) and Tian Qi (Liu Xueyi). Borned to be the Chief of God, Shang Gu needs to master the power of chaos. Under the guidance of Bai Jue and the former Chief of God (who turned evil), Xuan Yi (Zhang Xiaochen), she managed to become one.

However, Shang Gu has to go through tribulation and sacrifice her life as this is her mission. Tian Qi happens to know about this secret and made a decision which costs him his life. After Shang Gu died from tribulation, Xuan Yi attacks God's Realm. Zhi Yang and the rest of the immortals gave their lives away too to kill Xuan Yi.

My View

As this drama is just too good, I have skipped out lots of detail and also second half of the storyline. You need to watch it yourself to enjoy every single scene. I especially love Tian Qi's character here though Bai Jue is as good. Both of them are willing to give up their lives for Shang Gu.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Miss the Dragon 遇龙

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

36 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Wang Hedi, Zhu Xudan, Deng Wei, Pan Meiye

Storyline

Yuchi Longyan (Wang Hedi), a dragon demon who meets Liu Ying (Zhu Xudan) while he was injured due to being struck by thunder. Liu Ying mistook him as a white snake and nursed him back to health. Longyan wanted to return her favour for saving him by marrying her.

Due to the manipulation of Immortal of Fate (Zhu Zanjin), Longyan reluctantly watched Liu Ying went through another three lifetime of reincarnation as the lives of Ruan A'yu, Feng Chengyue and Gu Qingyan. He protected her for decades but just right to the last lifetime, he was badly injured by Xue Qianxun (Deng Wei) who was under Immortal of Fate's spell.

In the end, Qingyan sacrificed her soul to save Longyan.

My View

As a fantasy genre drama fan, glad that this xianxia turns out great and touched my heart. As much as Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花 and Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜. A good watch with acceptable ending.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Painting Heart Expert 画心师

Year Released

2017 

Genre

Fantasy, Historical Fiction

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhu Xudan, Xiong Ziqi, Sun Bohao, Bao Tianqi, Li Junchen

Storyline

Cen Huan (Zhu Xudan) is a painting heart expert who has been forced to leave her sect due to an attack from Jiu Si (Sun Bohao). Painting heart sect's mission is to protect Shi Meng Mo (dream-eating beast). The world that everyone is living in, is in fact a dream and once Shi Meng Mo is awake, everyone will disappear.

Jiu Si does not wish to see this happen as his mission is to protect Zhao Meng Shou (dream-creating beast). He has been controlling humans to get their rage so as to feed Zhao Meng Shou. Cen Huan happens to meet Physician Ning Wei Yu (Ziong Ziqi) and his assistant, Sima Kong Kong (Li Junchen).

The trio often work together to cure people filled with rage so as to destroy Jiu Si's goals.

My View

PHE gives me an anime-turned-drama vibe with multiple hilarious moments which I can only find from animes. Overall, story is not too bad with individual cases which painting heart expert manages to resolve. 

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Sell Your Haunted House

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy, Horror

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Jang Na-ra, Jung Yong-hwa, Kang Mal-geum, Ahn Kil-kang, Baek Eun-hye, Kang Hong-suk

Storyline

Daebak Realty deals with haunted houses/buildings where exorcist Hong Ji-ah (Jang Na-ra) sends away unrested souls with the help of a psychic. Once these souls had been sent, Daebak Realty earns a comission from the sale of houses/buildings.

Ji-ah has been trying to find a way to send her mother Hong Ji-min's (Baek Eun-hye) soul away since her death twenty years ago. She finally meets a strong psychic Oh In-beom (Jung Yong-hwa) and they work together in many exorcising cases.

Ji-ah loses her power after sealing off Do Hak-sung's (Ahn Kil-kang) spirit. She eventually realises a way to help her mother find peace without having to be exorcised.

My View

I love those mini cases Daebak Realty works on and mostly are quite touching. The ghosts here are kind of acceptable in SYHH unlike those in dramas written by Hong Sisters. I would just die on the spot when watching those like A Korean Odyssey and Hotel del Luna. Too damn scary!!

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Mystic Pop-up Bar

Year Released

2020

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

12 - running time of 68 minutes per episode

Starring

Hwang Jung-eum, Choi Won-young, Yook Sung-jae

Storyline

In order to atone her sins in her past life, Wol Joo (Hwang Jung-eum) has to stay in human realm and comfort 100,000 humans &/or souls.

Together with her is Chef Gwi (Choi Won-young) who used to be in the police squad in hell. The newly recruited Han Kang-bae (Yook Sung-jae) who is able to make humans talk to him about their problems just by sense of touch.

The trio then offer a special wine which allow them to enter to individuals' dreams and help people settle their grudges.

My View

Plot is of similar concept to Hotel del Luna and it is certainly an interesting fantasy kind of drama. Teared quite a lot here and I wish to watch more of such light-hearted stories once in a while.

Stars

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : My Roommate is a Gumiho

Year Released

2021

Genre 

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Jang Ki-yong, Lee Hye-ri, Kang Han-na

Storyline

Shin Woo-yeo (Jang Ki-yong) is a gumiho (nine-tailed fox) who has been living for almost 1,000 years. Mountain spirit (Go Kyung-pyo) gives Woo-yeo a marble to absorb energy of humans in order to turn into a human.

Woo-yeo and Yang Hye-sun (Kang Han-na) know each other for 700 years. She became a human four years ago and they happen to run into each other in present time. 

Woo-yeo's marble accidentally goes into Lee Dam's (Lee Hye-ri) body and it absorbs most of her energy. Woo-yeo lies to Lee Dam that he is looking for a way to retrieve back his marble but in actual fact he wants her to stay by his side.

In the end, Woo-yeo tells Lee Dam the truth, gets back his marble and the two starts dating after that. When there are signs showing that Woo-yeo is slowly turning into a human, he disappears.

My View

The drama is okay I guess but I expected more for a fantasy especially about gumiho. No doubt about Hye-ri's madness here as she is still the same from Reply 1988. The funny part which I quite like is the extremely dumb gumiho-turn-human Yang Hye-sun. Lol!

Rating

3/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : The Player 指尖少年

Year Released

2021

Genre

Esports, Fantasy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 40 minutes per episode

Starring

Gong Jun, Chen Yao

Storyline

Gu Ling (Chen Yao), Ren Yixia (Gong Jun) and Long Ziche (Chen Bairong) are university mates. They meet up online while playing game as well. Ziche has been trying to hack into the game which can control each of the characters.

During a battle, Gu Ling, Yixia and several other players suddenly inherit super powers from their game characters. 

My View

This drama is really boring and I just stopped at episode 3-4 I think. Sorry Gong Jun's fans.. but I just cannot.. I was very excited as I thought this is another esports drama which may be as good as Falling into Your Smile 你微笑时很美 .

Rating 

1/5 stars

Chinese Drama : Twisted Fate of Love 今夕何夕

Year Released

2020

Genre

Historical fiction, Romance, Fantasy

No. of Episodes

43 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Jin Han, Sun Yi

Storyline

Wen Xin (Sun Yi) was killed in a battle in Ding Yuan rebellion. Er Yu brings back her life using the power of his flute. Er Yu then sends Wen Xin back to eight years ago in order to stop the battle.

The first time when Wen Xin gets back, she meets Feng Xi (Jin Han). As she loses her memories, Feng Xi names her Dong Yue. When Dong Yue gradually remembers the past, she knows that Feng Xi is also involved in Ding Yuan rebellion.

Dong Yue vows to get rid of Lu Yuan Tong (Zhang Zhi Jian) and Feng Xi before that happens. Both Feng Xi and Dong Yue are attracted to each other. Dong Yue detests the manipulative Feng Xi but cannot help and fall in love with him. 

Due to Dong Yue’s mistrust towards Feng Xi, he died while trying to protect her. With the help of Er Yu's flute, Dong Yue decides to time travel back again to the time before Feng Xi was killed. Her price to pay is that Feng Xi slowly forgets about their relationship.

Another occurrence leads to Feng Xi's death and Dong Yue time travels back to save his life for the second time. This time, it costs Dong Yue's life.

My View

I have not watched such a good historical drama in a long time. Plot is well written and scenes are not draggy. Everything is on point. 

Rating

5/5 Stars