Hello! I'm back with new drama! Douluo Continent drama starts airing on 5th Feb 2021, the drama currently air on CCTV-8 and Tencent/WeTV daily at the same time globally! This drama is an adaptation of big IP from Novel with the same name 斗罗大陆 by 唐家三少 also known as Soul Land, the novel has been adapted to Manhua and Donghua (which is currently still airing on Tencent and Tencent Video Youtube) as well as games. Synopsis: Having lost his mother at a very young age, Tang San (played by Xiao Zhan) grew up relying on his father, he is meticulous and mature for his age, with extraordinary talent and wit. After he's come upon a chance to awaken his soul power and later he was sent to Nuoding Academy to begin pursuing his studies and dream of becoming a great soul master. There he met Yu Xiaogang (played by Chen Yiru) who later become his master and Xiao Wu (played by Wu Xuanyi) who later be the most important person in his life after his parents. Due to the trouble at Nuoding, the trio have run to Suotuo city and Xiaogang enroll them in Shilanke Academy to help them become stronger soul master. At the new Academy they met 5 others friends; Dai Mubai (Gao Taiyu), Ou Sike (Liu Runnan), Zhu Zuqing (Liu Meitong), Ma Hongjun (Ma Hongjun), Ning Rongrong (Ding Xiaoying), who later form the unbeatable Shilanke Seven Devil that is adventure together and later well known as the strongest soul master student team in the whole Douluo Continent. Tang San also uncover the hidden secret of his mother's death along the way and determine to find out the forces behind it, with this his determination to become stronger soul master in order to fights the enemy and protect his family and friends. Firstly the about the plot changes, Douluo originally opening start with world transmigration from Tang Men to the world of Douluo Continent which unable to be film due to restriction of filming in China so it was changed to let Tang San grows up as generic child and did not have the soul of the previous life Tang San like the novel. Which in my opinion the changes and world building is done really well and they way they pace the story it is easier for the general audience to understand, especially those who has never approach the novel or any other adaptation. Have to admit some of the changes created plot holes and feels abit weird in someway at the beginning but it's not necessary a bad thing as, it created topics and discussion about the possible development of plot. And as the story proceed further some plot holes actually make sense and explained. Also it is very creative for the scriptwriter to use characters that originally NPC and use them as a story trigger for the next arc or pick up the pace of the story. What make me surprise the most is the special effect use in the entire drama, the standards is already considered top tier for drama production, especially at how some effect was done so well that it looks alive. This special effect is really one to look forward to in the drama. In the drama Tang San grows up as any other child in the village and Xuan Tuan Bao Lu is a secret training technique that his parents prepare for him. With this major changes done, Tang San have a big space for character development, he slowly get stronger as he learn and experience during his adventure with his friends. Although his buff is removed and he's weaker than other adaptations, but they still retain that he is a genius and Tang San feels more alive and humane in a way, the emotions he feels and express are also richer with this changes. Tang san did not stay weak forever, as he grows he is going back to be the Tang San most novel fans are familiar with, genius and strong mastermind of the Shrek Seven Devils. Do look forward to his growth in the drama! For Xiao Wu, her goal of why she left the forest change from originally she left to find out who murdered her mother but in the drama it change to finding out how to let human and soul/spirit animal live in peace together. Her character at the beginning was pretty much close to the original, there's not much issue, but there's one thing which confuse me with her changes is Xiao Wu always follow Tang San everywhere and beg to follow him. This changes looks abit too clingy and weird in general. The execution could have been done better to make it less weird as this is not a drama focus on romance but a team of youth adventure. Up until finale there's not much character development that happen to Xiao Wu but since I also watch the other adaptation I know the major development for is supposed happen after where they end in the drama, so hopefully if there's season 2 we can hope a better development for Xiao Wu. For Shrek Seven Devils, they pretty much keep the character original but there's some changes that made to make the situation and relationship looks more logical especially at their first meeting, other than that they will slowly build up and become the characters fans from novel are familiar with. They also keep their power as it is but do look forward to Ou Sike (Oscar) changes, he is the most enjoyable changes that ever happen for the cliques, he is like the peak comedy of the whole show, there's so many iconic funny moments with him! As it's getting long I will stop here and hopefully this help you to get interested in the drama.
All review are my own opinion, over all the drama is good and acceptable especially for adaptation of big series, I admit they could have done better with the plot holes and character building but to be able to adapt up to current standard is already a really good step. So hopefully if they decided to have a Season 2, I do hope they can fill up the holes and solve the mystery they left in Season 1 for us. See you next drama!
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Here come the recommendation of drama that aired in Jan-Feb 2021 so far!! It will be added or update on new post once there's more drama to recommend! (the list is not based on ranking just generic order that i watched)
古装 - Historical 1. 有翡 - Legend of Fei 2. 斗罗大陆 - Douluo Continent 现代都市 - Modern City 其他 - Other 1. Mr. Queen (K-Drama) I am so late to this, I have finished the drama back in January. The drama "The Legend of Fei" 《有匪》 is adaptation from novel with the same title by Priest, The story follows the heroine Zhou Fei (played by Zhao Liying) who traverses the pugilistic world with her blade in hand, she is the grand daughters of a well known hero who also run a secret fort called 48 forts, which filled with chivalrous hero. One day, Xie Yun (played by Wang Yibo) who is on errand to deliver letter from General Wang Ling to Zhou Yitang, Zhou Fei's father, arrived at the forts to bring her father who is previously a general like Wang Ling back to the army fortress to protect their people and secret. Later the duo forms an unlikely friendship and decides to adventures together as they begin to unearth secrets, meeting new friends and enemy along the way who is also looking for the said secret… including Xie Yun’s true identity. In my opinion the drama is good, in terms for generic audience who never seen the novel. First the plot has a pretty clear goal since the beginning, which is the secret treasure that the good trying to protect and the bad trying to steal. The main goal is to find out what is the treasure and where it was located as well as the secret behind it. And the key is scatter in 5 directions to ensure the secrecy. Not only that, there's also political power involved behind this as the secret also related to the Dynasty era that just ended, which has a big relation to Xie Yun's secret and hidden identity. Other that the serious plot there's also about the friendship and comedic moment in the drama. Zhou Fei who is focused on honing her blade skills gets along playful Xie Yun who are more interested in arts and poetry. Her brother Li Sheng (Chen Ruoxuan) who is smart but at rebellion stage, her sister who Li Yan (Zhou Jieqiong) who become friends with Yang Jin (Zhang Xinyu) and Yin Hechong (Andrew Leng) who is forming trio dumb and dumber but extremely useful in imprtant times(they are the peak comedy of the show), as well as Wu Chuchu (Zhang Huiwen) who is a demure young miss of general family gets along with the tomboyish Zhou Fei and Li Yan. There's enough character growth for each of them as the story goes deeper and closer to the the secrets, looking at their interaction and funny adventures really a relief from the heavy fights and politics that surrounds them. Personally I really like the dynamic they have and how the story unfold. It was a pretty smooth flow to follow, sometimes they jump back/have a flashback on the past events to explains a certain turning point of plot/story, so far the flashback is not an issue as it was really clear cut.
In conclusion, I recommend the drama as it is good and for real you can't turn away from Zhou Fei and Xie Yun dynamic in the whole drama, it was kind of fresh to watch as their relationship is more like a soulmate friend-ish but they also love each other enough to even sacrifice their life just to safe each other. It was really pure and fresh in my opinion, it's like natural family dynamic without focusing too much on overly PDA scene, which is really great in my opinion. That's All for today! I'll be back soon! Hello! I'm sure everyone is taken back by the sudden airdrop from The Wolf 《狼殿下》Drama, it's a good surprise to all of us, especially to XiaoZhan's fans! The drama has been hold back for 3 years since 2017 and finally it aired on 19th Nov 2020! Not only that the drama also release all 49 episodes on the same day for VIP member of the streaming platforms. When it drop obviously I'm excited as well, without delay bought the iQiyi VIP and binge watched during the weekend! The Wolf drama being air on Tencent, Youku and iQiyi in China, meanwhile for overseas it is aired on MZTV official YouTube channel and Viki with subtitles! The Wolf tells a story of a girl named Ma Zhaixing (马摘星) , the daughter of Kuizhou city governor Ma Ying, met a boy who grows up in the mountain forest with wolfs live there and frequently being hunted by Kuizhou citizens. In order to stop the citizen's hunting exercise, Zhaixing start to plan and spread rumor of there's monster wolf who live on the mountain to stop people from going to protect the wolf boy (狼仔). One day the wolf boy found out a young pup was being capture and went to save it, coincidentally he encounter a murder and being framed of it. Thus, he was hunted down, fell of the cliff and being saved by the King of Yang kingdom, which later adopted him as son, giving the title later known as Prince Bo. Zhaixing felt guilty for starting the rumor and the lost of wolf boy, has keep trying to find him but no avail until 8 years later they met again and start a new journey of romance, politic scheme and revenge. Ma Zhaixing (马摘星), played by Li Qin, the daughter of Ma Ying, The leader of Ma clan Military. She is cheerful and brave also full of wisdom. Grows up together with wolf buy and but destiny separated them for 8 years before they met again. Chu Youwen (楚有文), played by Darren Wang, grows up in the forest with wolves later on adoptive son of Chu Kui, third prince of Yang Kingdom also known by his title Prince Bo (渤王). He is know for being cold blood killing machine, ability in battles and wolves control. Despite that he still retain his kindness and sense of justice, later on after he met Zhaixing again he's starting to find his old self back Ji Chong(疾冲), played by Xiao Zhan, A bounty hunter, his actual identity is Prince Chuan of Jin Kingdom, Li Jiyao (李继尧), who is also a young general. He starts to travel around after ran away from home and later become bounty hunter who will do anything for money. He first met Zhaixing during one of his job to kidnap a Khitan princess, he admires Zhaixing for his bravery and wisdom, he also know the relationship between her and Prince Bo. Jichong has help her in many difficult times and slowly he start to fall in love with her. That's all for the drama to avoid too many spoilers I will stop here! Honest review I would give is a 4 stars out of 5 stars. For drama written and filmed 3 years ago overall the drama is good, they have romance, politics, war and revenge, every section is done nicely. There's also short comedic moment in the drama as well which help to lighten up the story.
For the romance personally I don't really take the main couple route, as it is too cliché for my liking but it's not a bad one at least still under an acceptable level. I prefer Jichong's romance route in this case, despite being one sided from him but it's a selfless kind of love story. For politics, war and revenge it was really interesting to watch, although some part is somehow magically happen and weirdly portrayed but that is a small section of the story. The overall story is still a good one, not too heavy but not light either. Everyone has their own back story to tell, the characters build up is also well done especially for Prince Bo, Zhaixing, and Jichong. Personally I really like Jichong's role, he is the type of roles that are in gray area especially at the beginning, a bounty hunter with sense of justice but also scheming with wisdom, will do anything for money. Later on he shown a gentle and selfless side of him, a kind and warm boy. That's all for today! Thankyou for reading! I am back with another drama recommendation! This drama also played by Cheng Yi, the actor of Si Feng from Love and Redemption 《琉璃》. The Promise of Chang An 《长安诺》 story sets in a fictive dynasty era and country, the story will happen in the Country of Sheng, from a country in turmoil to country that gradually prosper. The drama is available on WeTv official channel. The timeline is during the last years of the Liang Dynasty, about the three countries located at the northern boundaries of Liang, Sheng Zhou, Xi Qi and Yong Lin. The story start with the Female Lead HeLan MingYu (贺兰茗玉) played by Zhao Yingzi, a smart, honest and bright young lady from small country Yong Lin and The Male Lead Xiao Cheng Xu (萧承煦) played by Cheng Yi, Ninth Prince of Sheng Zhou.
They get along well having similar views in many aspects and gradually develop feeling for each other, everything seems to go well with their story. Cheng Xu has decided to go to the battlefield for the country peace and gaining experience, promise Ming Yu that he will be back soon and will marry her. But one day Cheng Xuan, tenth prince and brother of Cheng Xu, bring news of Cheng Xu death and he is about to be punished for leaving the battlefield without permission. In order to save Cheng Xuan, Ming Yu is being forced to Marry the King of Sheng, Cheng Xu older brother. At the day of Wedding, Cheng Xu comes back alive but wounded heavily from the war. This is how their tragic love story start. I've watch about 6 or 7 episode so far, the pace is faster for their developments in the beginning not like usual historical drama that takes awhile for the character to be build up. I must say Cheng Yi acting is really good, the character development and growth of Cheng Xu, from smart playful ninth prince to a more mature Prince Yan. /chef kiss/ That's all for today! Hope you enjoy the drama I recommended! See you next time~ Here come the recommendation of drama that aired in 2020 so far!! I've included the Promise of Chang An in this list as it looks promising so far, there's only 6 episodes now at Tencent but it's not bad! Also why i would recommend is because Cheng Yi is the Male Lead here, which is also the Male lead for Love & Redemption, I must say his acting is really good.
古装 - Historical 1. 琉璃 - Love and Redemption 2. 传闻中的陈芊芊 - The Romance of Tiger and Rose 3. 锦衣之下 - Under The Power 4. 三生三世枕上书 - Eternal Love Dream 5. 长安诺 - The Promise of Chang An 6. 清平乐 - Serenade of Peaceful Joy 7. 绝代双桥 - Handsome Sibling 8. 锦绣南歌 - The Song of Glory 现代都市 - Modern City 1. 三十而已 - Nothing But Thirty 2. 以家人之名 - Go Ahead 3. 二十不惑 - Twenty Your Live On 其他 - Other 1. 民国奇探 - My Roommate is a Detective That's all for today! I'll comeback next time with the new list~ Hello! I'm back with new historical drama recommendations! This drama again is adapted from a novel name 《琉璃美人煞》by 十四郎,It's a story about about Chu Xuanji and Yu Sifeng, 10 lives 10 worlds tragic love story. In the drama Love and Redemption《琉璃》Chu Xuanji is played by Yuan Bingyan and Yu Sifeng is played by Cheng Yi. Yes, very straight forward it's about the two of them, if you like Eternal Love, Eternal Love : Dream and Ashes of Love, you might like this drama but with 10 times the angst just imagine Bai Qian or Jing Mi going through their human world 10 times. But the difference with this story is the one that being tortured is the male lead, Yu Sifeng, he died about 9 times and all are killed by Chu Xuanji. I've watched the drama up to the episode 13 and I already cried twice, their 10 lifetimes have not start yet for your information. Anyway, Let me break down the two main characters a little bit. Start with Yu Sifeng, played by Cheng Yi in the drama. He is an outstanding disciple or Lize palace and belong to the Golden Winged Bird tribe, he is misunderstood as reincarnation of the Mo Sha Star (like a demonic soul). He's clever and rationale, basically a genius, he's also favorite disciple of the Lize Palace Master. Chu Xuanji, played by Yuan Bingyan. She's born without all six senses which make her seems like clueless about everything (similar to Jing Mi but 10 times worse) and have no skills in any martial arts. She is the Second daughter of Shao Yang Sect and later become one of Shao Yang Sect Inner Disciple. She is the reincarnation of the God of War from Heaven and the Mo Sha Star. Few other important characters up to 13 episode. Chu Linglong - Xuanji's biological older sister Zhong Minyan - Sixth disciple of Shao Yang Sect, best friend with Xuanji and Linglong. Hao Chen - Inner Disciple of Shao Yang Sect and one Secret Identity. Liu Yihuan - Former Disciple of Lize Palace, close with sifeng (the cupid for Xuanji and Sifeng wweet love story) Wu Tong - Disciple of Dian Jing Gu, later he allied with the demonic sect. One thing also their CG and special effect is good too, so we will see less awkward effects and in my opinion so far is a good drama, just prepare tissue since you will see Sifeng suffered to a new level. If you think Xiao Feng from Goodbye My Princess is tragedy then Sifeng will expect 10 times of those. as from many trailers I saw, it seems that all 10 lifetimes he go through with Xuanji, he has memory of of every previous life but i might be wrong.
That's all for today! If you are watching the drama as well do Enjoy! One of the drama I've been waiting since the filming is announced starring Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi. This drama is adaptation from Novel with the same name《余生请多指教》by 柏林石匠, the Novel it self is pretty short about 50-60 chapters and the drama will be about 32-38 Episodes. It has been announce that the airing will be in August 2020, we're all just waiting for the official airing date! The story tell about a girl name Lin Zhixiao (Played by Yang Zi) who is in her last year of University found out that her father have been admitted to hospital due to stomach cancer. She has to give up the opportunities to work in other city and have to broke up with her current boyfriend. All her hope and dream crumbled just in a moment but her father main doctor Gu Wei (Played by Xiao Zhan) walk into Lin Zhixiao life at her lowest. (I mean he's a doctor, Get it?)
As they slowly get to know each other and started their love story, they have the unavoidable up and down also misunderstanding but as they grow in their journey, they felt that they have met someone who they can live with the rest of their life. (just like the title in Chinese) I've read the novel the moment they have announced the Main stars last year, I must say the novel is a simple and wholesome story of Zhixiao and Gu Wei. In my opinion it is a good relaxing story, there's not alot of dramatic story just like when you listen to a friend or general couple story. Also one thing I must say, they way they describe Gu Wei in the Novel is basically describing Xiao Zhan. That's all for today! Will post a review when the drama finish airing. New drama starring Wang Yibo and Zhao Liying are going to release soon, we don't have date yet as of now but they have release 2nd trailer for the drama just few days ago. The drama "The Legend of Fei" 《有匪》 is adaptation from novel with the same title by Priest, The story follows the heroine Zhou Fei who traverses the pugilistic world with her blade in hand as per description from MyDramalist. Main Character; Zhou Fei will be played by Zhao Liying And Xie Yun will be played by Wang Yibo. The Drama will air in Hunan TV and on Tencent ( WeTV) about 58 Episodes. I am honestly waiting for this drama to air soon! Let's hopefully pray they can air by this year!
The chinese drama "Serenade of Peaceful Joy" 《清平乐》that originally derived from A Chinese novel "Held In a Lonely Castle" 《孤城闭》by Milan Lady, the novel tells a story of a Song Dynasty Princess, Princess Fukang and her Eunuch. In the drama however the producer have put a focus during time Emperor Renzhong (played by Wang Kai) of Song reign. The drama begin with young Emperor Renzhong that just ascend the throne who is still under the supervision of Empress Dowager Liu E, finds out that his biological mother is not Empress Dowager but her maid from Li family. He starts to slowly rebel against Empress Dowager and trying to compensate his Biological mother family as he aren't able to be filial to his biological mother until her death. In the drama they also told story of Emperor Renzhong families and servants. Royal Family; Empress Cao (palayed by Jiang Shuying), Lady Miao (played by Xu Lingyue), Noble Consort Zhang (Played by Wang Churan), Princess Fukang (Played by Ren Min) and the Li Family. Servants; Eunuch Zhang (played by Ye Zhuxin) and Eunuch Liang (Played by Bian Cheng). Personally, I like the part of Princess Fukang, Zhao Huirou and Eunuch Liang Huaiji story better, their story are able to be considered as childhood friend to lover type. Which is really adorable and sweet if it's not for situation they are in, a Princess and Eunuch. Princess Fukang, Zhao Huirou is doted and protected since young by the Emperor Renzhong, Empress Cao and Her biological mother, Lady Miao. While Liang Huaiji, he was sold to the palace at only 10 years old by his aunt for money when his family is taking refuge in relative house. Anyway, you can really see their growth and dependent on each other as they grow older with more responsibility to take on. Especially with Emperor Renzhong guilt to his biological mother, where he is unable to be filial to her when she is alive. He planned to have Huirou marry Li Wei, a child from his mother's sibling, and into the Li family as "compensation". And that's all I will say, I won't spoil further as you really have to watch to understand their dynamics. Just look at their promotional poster below and tell me if you don't want to know their story! Other than the plot and story, personally i am also really love the preparation they did for the drama, pretty much follows the original history recorded during Emperor Renzhong reign, from as big as important Political/Educational Figure to the smallest accessories worn by royals family as well as custom during the Song Dynasty. If you are like me who is into all this, you will definitely love the drama from this aspect as well!
You can watch the drama from Tencent's or WeTV's Official Youtube Channel to watch or you can go to their apps to watch as well. Hope you Enjoy the Drama! |
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August 2020
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