Chinese Drama : Legend of Fuyao 扶摇皇后

Year Released

2018

Genre

Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

No. of episodes

66 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Mi, Ethan Juan

Storyline

The story revolves around the universe of Five kingdoms mainly Taiyuan, Tianquan, Tiansha, Xuanji and Ancient Firmament.

Fuyao (Yang Mi) is a slave in Tianyuan Sect under Taiyuan kingdom. Here, she meets Zhangsun Wuji (Ethan Juan), Tianquan's Crown Prince under the disguise of Xuanyuan Min, heir apparent of Taiyuan. 

He has another identity as Ancient Firmament Tian Ji's (Liu Sha) disciple. Wuji is tasked by his teacher in search of five-coloured stone girl. The girl is said to bring chaos to the Five Continents. 

When Wuji finds out that Fuyao is the said girl, he tries his best to help her change her destiny. Together, they travel around the five kingdoms looking for magical artifacts to lift her curse.

My View

LOF has a little draggy ending. The part where Fuyao is fighting for her life due to the curse is just too tiring to watch.

Apart from that, the rest of the show is quite entertaining. I love the adventures in every kingdom.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Find Yourself 下一站是幸福

Year Released

2020

Genre

Romantic comedy

No. of Episodes

41 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Victoria Song, Song Weilong, Wang Yaoqing

Storyline

He Fanxing (Victoria Song) works as a Director of Administration in an interior design company. She is being pursued persistently by an intern, Yuan Song (Song Weilong). 

Though Fanxing accepted to go into a relationship with Yuan Song, she still feels rather insecure. This is due to their ten years age difference. When the couple's love is on the rocks, Ye Luming (Wang Yaoqing) finds an opportunity to make Fanxing his woman.

Fanxing could not get over Yuan Song. She eventually makes up her mind to be with him despite their age gap.  

My View

To be honest, ten years age gap is nothing if the older one is a male. But, when it comes to female, it is a different story. It takes a lot of courage for a lady to disregard gossips from others.

Fanxing's mother, father and younger twin brother He Canyang (Zhang Yujian) crack me up all the time. There is this conversation between the father and mother about a drama they watched on tv. 

Here it goes roughly from what I could remember (if not all):

Mother: Why is this girl so stupid? Is she blind or what? Why can't she tell that person is the villian trying to cheat on her?

Father: If she finds out about the villain right now, how is this show going to continue for the rest of 68 episodes? Of course, she will only find out on the last 5 episodes. Then she will take revenge and the end.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : The Legend of Dragon Pearl 龙珠传奇

Year Released

2017

Genre

Romance, Historical fiction

No. of Episodes

90 - running time of 30 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Zi, Qin Junjie, Shu Chang, Mao Zijun

Storyline

Yang Zi as Li Yihuan who is the last princess of Ming Dynasty. Li Dingguo (He Zhonghua), a former general of Ming and a patriotic man who is willing to give up anything for his country including his family. He trains a number of spies in Dragon Pearl Canyon. Their sole purpose is to overthrow the Qing government.

Yihuan is assigned to enter the palace to get close to Kangxi. Her kind personality makes Kangxi interested in her. Yihuan constantly distances herself from Kangxi as she has been engaged to her senior, Zhu Cixuan (Mao Zijun).

Kangxi still trusts Yihuan even when all the spies' identities in the palace have been exposed. Yihuan promises to convince her mentors into giving up their anti-Qing plans. She requests to leave the palace and will be back. Kangxi is left with no choice but to let her go.

My View

Kangxi is completely memerised by Yihuan. Even when Yihuan keeps on pushing him away from her, Kangxi just let it be without reprimanding her.

The chemistry between Qin Junjie and Yang Zi is there. I like their love-hate relationship. 

Rating

3/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Dating in the Kitchen 我, 喜欢你

Year Released

2020

Genre

Food, Romance

No. of Episodes

24 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhao Lusi, Lin Yushen

Storyline

Gu Shengnan (Zhao Lusi) is a happy-go-lucky girl who loves to cook. Lu Jin (Lin Yushen) is amazed by her top-notch culinary skills upon trying one of her dishes. Lu Jin wants to be more than friends with Shengnan. However, their 15 years age gap and Lu Jin's mother objection makes things more difficult. 

The couple finally overcome these problems and continue on their relationship.

My View

A super lovely drama and I totally ship for them. Zhao Lusi is such a sweet young thing.

Lin Yushen looks very different from his other dramas. I never know he could be so charming. 

Rating

4/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Boss & Me 杉杉来了

Year Released

2014

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

33 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Hans Zhang, Zhao Liying, Huang Ming, Li Chengyuan

Storyline

Feng Teng (Hans Zhang), a rich heir and president of his company, recruits Shan Shan (Zhao Liying) as she has the same blood type as his younger sister, Feng Yue (Zhang Yang Guo'er). This is a requirement set down by his grandfather in case Feng Yue needs blood transfusion urgently.

When Shan Shan did save Feng Yue with her blood, Feng Yue prepares daily lunch boxes for Shan Shan as a token of thanks. Shan Shan ends up having to sit in at Feng Teng's office. Love sparks between the two but a misunderstanding caused by Yuan Lishu (Li Chengyuan) breaks them apart.

The couple has a lot of arguments on and off. Shan Shan grows up looking at a bigger picture by focusing on her career. Feng Teng and Shan Shan reconcile in the end.

My View

B&M, a sweet romantic drama which keeps me interested for a while as I re-watched a few times.

Rating

4/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Princess Agents 特工皇妃楚乔传

Alternative Title

Legend of Chu Qiao

Year Released

2017

Genre 

Political drama, Historical fiction, Romance

No. of Episodes

58 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin, Shawn Dou, Li Qin 

Storyline

Chu Qiao (Zhao Liying) is a slave at the Yuwen Manor and she is trained by Yuwen Yue (Lin Gengxin) as a spy with martial arts. She is given the name Xing'er. Little did she know that she is actually a top martial artist who has lost her memory after being attacked by her enemies.

Yuwen Yue is the master of Yuwen Manor and heir to Eyes of God. Though he looks like a cold man with few words, he actually cares about others. His intelligence helps him to avoid in political power struggle.

Yan Xun, Prince of Northern Yan (Shawn Dou), being held as hostage at Northen Wei. Wei's Emperor uses Yan Xun as a way to control Duke Yan's power.

Yuwen Yue and Xing'er have feelings for one another, but part their ways due to misunderstanding. She forgoes her name and uses back Chu Qiao. At the same time, Yan Xun's families were framed as traitor and massacred. 

Chu Qiao stands by Yan Xun's side during this period and they form an unbreakable bond. Chu Qiao assists Yan Xun in escaping from Wei to Yan. She leads Xiuli Army who once caused the downfall of Yan.

Yan Xun and Chu Qiao got separated during the escape. Yuwen Yue saves Chu Qiao from danger multiple times. Yan Xun is blinded by jealousy and sets a trap to kill Yuwen Yue. Chu Qiao goes to his rescue.

My View

The episode where Yan Xun's families were killed is too overwhelming for me. I was tearing up like crazy that my eyes went swollen for quite a bit.

Overall, PA is a great work but it ends with cliffhanger. I hope there is a season two soon because the best is yet to come.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Nirvana in Fire 琅琊榜

Year Released

2015

Genre 

Wuxia, Political drama, Historical fiction

No. of Episodes

54 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Hu Ge, Liu Tao, Wang Kai

Storyline

Hu Ge as Mei Changsu (real identity Lin Shu) plots his way up in the palace in order to seek justice for his families. They were being framed as traitors years ago by political rivals.

Prince Jing (Wang Kai) has always trusted that Chiyan Army (led by Lin's family) will never betray the country. He is a childhood friend of Lin Shu.

When Lin Shu re-appears as Mei Changsu, he had a face change. This was due to him being poisnoned by Bitter Flame. In order to keep his life, he undergoes a treatment which weakens his health tremendously.

Mei Changsu only has less than three months to live since he used up too much strength. He did not rest even a bit but continuously helping Prince Jing in removing his obstacles. 

After Lin's families are cleared of their names, Northen Wei starts to invade Liang Dynasty. Mei Changsu leads an army to battle with them but did not make it back.

When Prince Jing becomes Emperor Jing, he names an army as Chang Lin Army, in honour of Mei Changsu and Lin Shu. 

My View

Prince Jing is really slow-witted like he is the last person who finds out about Mei Changsu's identity. 

This drama is a battle of wits with lots of power struggle. Not too bad and I intend to re-watch it again.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Love O2O 微微一笑很倾城

Year Released

2016

Genre 

Romantic comedy

No. of Episodes

30 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Yang, Zheng Shuang

Storyline

Bei Weiwei (Zheng Shuang) is a 2nd year computer science student. She goes by the user name of "Luwei Weiwei" in an online RPG - A Chinese Ghost Story. 

Xiao Nai (Yang Yang) is Weiwei's senior who excels in both academics and sports. He is loved by all female students and envied by male students in school. His user name is "Yixiao Naihe", a famous top player in ACGS.

Xiao Nai meets Weiwei by chance at an internet cafe and is impressed by her gaming skills. He approaches her to be his virtual husband. Weiwei falls for Xiao Nai unknowingly and could not believe her eyes when she finds out that he is her senior.

Xiao Nai is always there for Weiwei whenever she needs him. He helps her resolve misunderstandings with her friends and also online players. Weiwei in turn provides support in Xiao Nai's technology company. 

My View

LO2O is a lovely lighthearted romantic drama revolving around students growing up into young adults.

Rating

4/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Goodbye My Princess 东宫

Alternative Title

Eastern Palace

Year Released

2019

Genre

Romance, Historical Fiction

No. of Episodes

52 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Chen Xingxu, Peng Xiaoran, Shawn Wei 

Storyline

Qu Xiaofeng (Peng Xiaoran) is the ninth Princess of Western State. She has a martial master Gu Jian (Shawn Wei) who happens to be Li Chengyin's (Chen Xingxu) cousin. Li Chengyin is the fifth prince of Li Dynasty. 

Li Chengyin came to know about the truth of her birth mother's death (killed by the Empress) and seeks revenge. In order to gain war merits, Li Chengyin befriends Xiaofeng under the identity of Gu Xiaowu.

On the day of Xiaofeng and Xiaowu's marriage at Dan Chi (ruled by Xiaofeng's maternal grandfather), Li Dynasty's armies attack and destroy the entire clan. Upon finding out the truth, a devastated Xiaofeng jumps into River of Forgetfulness. Li Chengyin follows suit.

When both of them come to their senses, they are already strangers. Xiaofeng is set to be married off to Li Dynasty as Crown Princess as part of political marriage. An unexpected turn of events makes Li Chengyin the Crown Prince.

Li Chengyin and Xiaofeng's marriage is on the rocks when Gu Jian suddenly re-appears in their lives. The worst part is that Xiaofeng gradually remembers how Gu Xiaowu ruined her family.      

My View

GMY is absolutely sad and painful. Li Chengyin lives his life holding in his true self. When he is finally freed, Xiaofeng remembers their bitter past.

It is like life gives them never-ending lemons. *cries*

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花

Alternative Title

Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms

Year Released

2017

Genre

Romance, Fantasy, Xianxia

No. of Episodes

58 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Mi, Mark Zhao 

Storyline

Mark Zhao mainly plays two characters, one is Mo Yuan. He is God of War, residing at Kunlun Mountain. Another one is Ye Hua (formerly Mo Yuan's twin brother) who reincarnated as Ye Hua, Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens.

Yang Mi also acts two characters, one is Mo Yuan's disciple, Si Yin. Si Yin's true identity is Bai Qian, Fox King's daughter. Another role is Su Su, when she turned into a mortal after trying to seal Qing Chang (Lian Yiming). He is the Ghost Lord of the Ghost Tribe.

Su Su coincidentally runs into Ye Hua in a cave when she is taking care of a bird. Ye Hua turned into a little black dragon (his true form) after getting injured while fighting off Golden Lion Beast (Ren Tao). Su Su mistook him as a snake and brought him back to her cottage.

Love blossomed between them and they got married in the mortal world without Nine Heavens' knowledge. Ye Hua sets a barrier preventing outsiders from entering. While he is away fighting a war, Su Su breaks the barrier unknowingly. Her presense is found out by Nine Heavens.

Given that Su Su was already pregnant with Ye Hua's child, she is locked up in Nine Heavens. Seeing that he is no longer able to be with Su Su, Ye Hua treats her coldly. This is the only way to protect Su Su's life.

However, Su Su was being framed by Su Jin (Huang Mengying) for pushing her off the Zhu Xian Terrace. Su Jin is in love with Ye Hua since young and vows to get rid of Su Su. In order to save Su Su's life, Ye Hua suggests to replace Su Jin's eyes with those of Su Su. At the same time, Ye Hua also gets lightning punishment.

Shortly after giving birth, Su Su decides to part ways with Ye Hua by jumping off Zhu Xian Terrace. She returns to Qing Qiu as Bai Qian and drinks a potion to forget all her sadness. 

Ye Hua is left alone taking care of his son A Li (Hummer Zhang). Ye Hua meets Bai Qian (his lawful wife-to-be) one day and is surprised that she looks exactly like Su Su. Ye Hua goes all out to make Bai Qian his love again. 

Unfortunately, misunderstanding arises when Bai Qian tries to revive Mo Yuan. As if this is not bad enough, Bai Qian suddenly remembers her previous relationship with Ye Hua when she was Su Su.  

My View

I'm seriously exhausted in writing Chinese dramas' storylines. For usual K-drama, the most would be three to four paragraphs. But for C-drama, I can't seem to skip most of the parts. 

EL, a drama that touched my heart. I'm sobbing bitterly each time I re-watch the show. This is my first-ranked Xianxia Chinese drama of all time.  

Rating

5/5 Stars