Chinese Dramas I watched & my opinions:

 IF YOU LIKE THIS LIST: PLEASE give it a HEART! :-)

Laura SK set 21, 2018
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  • Nirvana in Fire

    1. Nirvana in Fire

    Chinese Drama - 2015, 54 episodes

    9.5

    You have to really concentrate for this one. But it`s worth it! 

    I was really gripped by the story (/the main character's struggle, his purpose). I felt invested. I had chills. I am impressed. I was satisfied with everything. Except the romance. Didn't really see it but what was there (or supposed to be it) fit in with the story well, so no complaints. In the beginning it was a little dry till my head was really in it. No female character that I related to/felt with but for ONCE I was okay with that. I had a really bad crush on Meng Zhi!!! :-))

  • Bloody Romance

    2. Bloody Romance

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 36 episodes

    9.0

    If this does NOT get a second season the story is an 6 for me (great build up but it's (almost) all for nothing without a part 2) If it DOES get one it could be and 9 (at least an 8,5). 

    Story:
    I liked the pace.  It has a realism to it although some of the characters (like the king) where "too much" it reminded me of japanese movie characters.
    This story makes a great first part (great building up (beautiful simplicity)) but if there is no second season it's really disappointing. The ending was an emergency ending because the production ran out of money (but what they came up with REALLY sucks!).


    The quality of the show reminded me of an good (low key epic) american movie. It certainly doesn't look all the other chinese (historical) dramas I watched so far (no cheesy coloring and bad animations).
    But the ending just isn't an ending. Not a good (written) one of any kind. Though I was glad that some characters ended so we could move on in S2.
    So hopefully we GET a season 2! And SOON!

  • Legend of Fu Yao

    3. Legend of Fu Yao

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 66 episodes

    9.0

    It COULD have been perfect it has EVERYTHING! I liked the main (romance) relationship. It felt like a real RELATIONSHIP hallelujah! Just in the beginning it was like a bad  cliche (but still my guilty pleasure).

    Sadley every few episodes there was something off (that bothered me). 3-4 scenes: The work of the director (he pressed the actors for to much emotion that it didn't feel appropriate and out of place). 4-5 times an illogical thing that felt like an overlook because there was no explanation.

    Those things only bothered me because it COULD have been perfect. So I was very sensitive.

    The ending wasn't SO impressive as it could have been but still satisfying.

  • Love Me If You Dare

    4. Love Me If You Dare

    Chinese Drama - 2015, 24 episodes

    7.5
  • Princess Agents

    5. Princess Agents

    Chinese Drama - 2017, 67 episodes

    9.0

    A very rich epic journey. Good character/relationship development. Though there were (as always) too many twisted characters (stupid/naive ones that get twisted (jealous/hateful) as soon as something happens to them (SO frustrating/annoying)). But for once not just women.

    And the ENDING again! Not an ending! I know what happens but I refuse to watch the last episode till there is a season 2 here!

  • The Journey of Flower

    6. The Journey of Flower

    Chinese Drama - 2015, 58 episodes

    7.0

    Yes it really felt like a journey. It was a colorful story. I felt invested in the struggle. But sometimes they over did it with the MELOdrama and I was like "oh com on this is getting ridiculous!"

    Beautiful landscapes/visuals. The (female) main character was a little to naive/childish in the beginning for my taste but at least she was witty and resourceful. I liked some of the other characters but that was ruined like "look what could have been" (character and relationship wise)!  Most of the character development was just really disappointing. The ending... (once again) just why??? But at least I found peace (in a way) with the end,  in the last few minutes. The cinematography was just beautiful.

    I must say the "naive/innocent, lively girl wakes up the cold teacher`s heart" is NOT my kind of romance!!! I was not shipping. She is a child compared to him! They were not equal in any way! On the other side he didn't/could`t even help her (because he was so stuck up and didn't know how to handle it) and let her fall hard on her face. 

    One last thing: I JUST F...ING HATE the chinese portrayal of women!!!!!!!!!!!! As if most women are naive/stupid, jealous, have a weak character and break (get twisted) as soon as they have to go through something or don`t get what they want. I believe most people get wiser/smarter when they go through something. Certainly not 90 % of women only start blaming others and become hateful. BUT WHY then does that have to be the case in chinese stories!? Is that the chinese version of chauvinism?  That just doesn't go away...

    I mean I believe China has NOW a lack of orientation on character development and values in their society. Which seems to mainly focus on success, money, on "making it" and being high class. Which is so sad...

     
  • Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin

    7. Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin

    Chinese Drama - 2017, 50 episodes

    8.5

    Not so genius like season 1. But more sentimental (actual romance (WITH chemistry)) And more satisfying in that way.

    But ONE has the "epic" plot.

  • Eternal Love

    8. Eternal Love

    Chinese Drama - 2017, 58 episodes

    6.5

    Slowest pace ever. And most of the things that happened felt so unnecessary. What was the point of SO many stupid, jealous, naive, twisted, delusional women? I really hate how they were so a big part in this one! But I LOVED the main character or better Yang Mi`s performance. I liked the world. I almost always liked the soundtrack. There were some other characters I like too but they (with only one exception) where only ever on the side lines and not given much journey. My emotional reaction to the main romance story: Just leave her alone, back off! It felt awkward, boringand so cringe worthy (that I am surprised my teeth aren't damaged).  It was entirely driven on by him. I didn't like HIM that much honestly. Not that smart and selfish in the beginning. And the Ghost Lorde lover boy(her other love interest) was almost entirely pathetic/anoying.  The animations and colors almost always look too fake (and to bright and pink for my taste). Even though there were some really beautiful frames in between. Not sure if I regret watching this. I had a love-hate + boredom relationship with this one

  • The Princess Wei Young

    9. The Princess Wei Young

    Chinese Drama - 2016, 54 episodes

    7.5

    Sadly can't recommend it. It wasted  too much time on the stupid/annoying delusional, jealous, female villains. Ever noticed that in a cdrama in the begining they always have the annoying evel villens before they finally move on to the more complex interesting ones?
    I hate it when any kind of show spends too much time on despicable villains that you just want to be gone/defeated already. Good villains have to be fascinating, scary or you have to love hating them :-)) and not be annoyed!

  • Ever Night

    10. Ever Night

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 60 episodes

    8.5

    A unique show but the pacing sucked... or better said there were pointless long scenes where I kept waiting for something else to happen and after just thought: Someone forgot to scream CUT! They obviously didn't have enough material for 60 episodes or found it hart to write a well rounded 40 minutes episode (or maybe there wasn't enough money).
    Overall I never watched a season (of anything) in which so little happend (but I still enjoyed myself). I still liked the drama and want to see season 2 but there where a lot of episodes where I thought "come on, get a move on!!" It was sometimes so slow that till the very end it felt like a build up... And I kept on waiting (and was excited) for things to really get going/play out.
    In season 2 I hope for faster more focused pacing (now that the world, characters, relationships and so on are established). I liked no LOVED the action (the choreos) is this drama I just want MORE of it!  And more development/twists.

    For once I liked most characters and - even though it didn't seem like it in the beginning - there aren't as many annoying characters. And I generally noticed that dramas in which the main character is a guy - there are almost never any of those annoying, delusional, jealous female characters. Because they always appear to be a (annoying) challenge to female main characters.

    The acting ranged from bad (but mostly only a few guest appearances) to very good. The main actors acting was good for his first drama (he relied a bit heavily on his eyebrows - though it was very entertaining :-)) I will miss him.

  • The Legends

    11. The Legends

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 56 episodes

    8.0

    Enjoyed it a lot but the ending and the bad guys were stupid/weak.

  • Listening Snow Tower

    12. Listening Snow Tower

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 56 episodes

    6.5

    Liked the main couple and the actors. But the side characters felt either waisted or the character "development" was horrible. I think there where to just to many of them.

  • Arsenal Military Academy

    13. Arsenal Military Academy

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

    8.5

    Morally I would rate this VERY low when it comes to killing. But I actually loved the comedy (it was the best part next to the characters)!

  • Maiden Holmes

    14. Maiden Holmes

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 32 episodes

    8.0

    Truly the only thing I liked was the main couple. I personally recommend only watching the first 18/19 episodes. The rest/the plot in general is so incredibly boring and unoriginal.
    Anyone who has seen a few chinese historical dramas can guess the rest. I feel like this drama only went through the motions. For the most part I felt totally unengaged. But I did enjoy the first bit with the romance a lot though! :D.
    But it became somewhat a cheese and boring side show.
    When I rewatch this one day I will stop at ep 18 or 19. There was a really good moment to stop there.

  • Under the Power

    15. Under the Power

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 55 episodes

    8.0

    Love the ML but the writing and execution regarding to plot is so stupid/lazy/pathetic.
    After the first half or so it got more and more boring. Some dialogues were boring and felt pointless.  The best thing was the tension between the ML and FL in the beginning.
    But I liked the ending/ the last episode!

  • One Inch of Yearning

    16. One Inch of Yearning

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 43 episodes

    8.0

    Biggest pros where the nice materal arts chore on the beginneing, the soundtrack and the pruduction. Tha acting really wasn`t bad either. 

    "Subdued" is a really good expression for the romance.

    Liked the charachters though they werent to terrebly facenating. Actually I didn't think some of the "good guys" had a good moral compass at all.

    Biggest disappointment was the ending. The sad parts where RALLY stupid/lazily written.

    And the good parts where cut short! All the biggest achievements were not shown and left to the viewer's imagination.

  • Il Lupo

    17. Il Lupo

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 49 episodes

    7.0

    Pros: The main female actress, two or three of the soundtracks, some really nice scenery.

    Cons: Everything else!

    Some of the soundtracks were annoying or even off putting during some scenes (at least for me).

    The main couple was only interesting when there was antagony between them. The other times the acting was way too sweet/cheesy/childish without any real feeling chemistry (probably the biggest "con" for me).

    I honestly don't know why I wouldn't drop it.

    The plot seemed to be an interesting set up... but it fizzled out and was underwhelming, like so often.

    I found many of the dialoges so pointles and emty - I wish I would have started to press fast forward  sooner.I didn`t particularly like ANY of the characters and the relationships/interactions. And a lot of the performances (with a few exceptions) didn't feel natural/genuine. But then I don`t think the characters where well written and the different sides of them didn't really fit together well... I assume some of the actors just tried to give the director that she wanted.

    A lot of scenes where so unconvincing - it was like the writers/producers were allergic to logic or paying attention to detail. I don`t expect Wuxia dramas to stik to rules of physics or human biology... but they really aren't hiding their disregard for the latter. Thought I could hear my brain cells dying ...a bandage OVER armor... OUCH!

    And I know they wanted the make the mail leads look "manly" but Darren Wang looked like he had to much tanner and Sean Xiao`s few facial hairs looked weird.

  • Douluo Continent

    18. Douluo Continent

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes

    6.5

    Extremely underwhelming. 

    "Martial Arts" does NOT belong in the genres that`is ridiculous!

    The "action" was mainly fights with plants. I am not sure we saw ONE SINGLE "martial arts" move in this entire drama. FLs strength where her kicks but I am not sure we ever actually saw her"kicking" she just flew with her outstretched leg at people.

    And the characters: I don`t get, how old was the ML? I thought around 12 at the beginning but there was never an apparent time jump.

    I liked the FL (the actress is just very charismatic I suppose), but most of the characters where boring. No trials to go through. The cat lady honestly didn't even seem all that bright to me. And what romance? Kindergarten romance? Okay sure.

    Think I kept watching because something in the story set up/the concept was intriguing.
    (Maybe, just maybe the second season might actually be worth watching.)

    At least you could press fast forward boring scenes without worrying that you would miss anything of importance. The plot was very easy to follow.

  • The Imperial Coroner

    19. The Imperial Coroner

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes

    7.5

    Anticlimactic whenever you might have expected there to by some excitement/action now.

    But at least this entirely lacked all melodrama elements what might have been annoying.

    I liked the characters they were very likeable - but also a bit boring, like the plot.

    I liked the humor though (only thing that made the FL undressing). My highlight was the main couple. The "detective" stuff bored me to death (as in all other c-dramas like this).

    Production (camera angles/frames and the lighting) where perfect, like someone really put a lot of thought into them. 

    If I could speak mandarin and wouldn't have to read subtitles I would have said this was a good one to watch while cooking or walking on a treadmill or something.

  • Lost Love in Times

    20. Lost Love in Times

    Chinese Drama - 2017, 56 episodes

    8.5
  • Who Rules the World

    21. Who Rules the World

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes

    8.0
  • Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1

    22. Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1

    Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes

    9.5

    Just finished with Part 2.

    I normally watch only Wuxia/Material Arts/Action focused shows. I also don´t like comedy and almost wouldn´t have watched it because of the silly trailer!
    But OMG am I glad I did! Best character writing, directing and acting I have seen... maybe ever!
    I really have never seen a Chinese drama with so much depth.  The characters felt so real.
    And the overall writing was also really good. After the two first episodes only a few more where a bit hard to get through (By comparison = most other Chinese dramas of this length would have been better with 10 or 20 episodes less - not so with this one!).
    The humor at the beginning (first 3 or 4 episodes) was sometimes more annoying/exhausting than funny, but it develops a lot and in retrospect I wouldn´t change anything about it.
     
    It really can´t be compared to any other dramas (Disclaimer: haven't watched The Story of Ming Lan) but if I had too: Nirvan In Fires story and character writing was similarly sophisticated. But while Nirvana in Fire (1) gave me chills with it´s political plot, Love LIke the Galaxy`s specialty are the beautiful sentimental moments, the character growth, the beautiful romantic scenes, the joyful momentsand yea the heartbreaking moments too. It´s one of the most realistic feeling historical shows, but unlike with The Red Sleeve it won`t leave you depressed!

    Only slight con: The soundtracks for 2 or 3 scenes where weird and didn´t fit at all. + The translation on YouTube isn´t that great in the beginning and they muted and switched out a few soundtracks there, for copyright reasons. We only watched the first and last couple of episodes on YouTube but for the most part we watched on DramaNice.

    P/s: First Asian drama I watched with my Mom and I couldn´t have picked a better one.

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