This review may contain spoilers
Must Watch: Awesome Game/Sports Drama Manga/Anime Live Action Adaptation
This incarnation of Hikaru No Go is the Chinese Live Action Adaptation of the wildly successful Japanese Manga and Anime of the same name. The anime was a masterpiece that pulled all my feelings out and left me emotionally gutted, so I had high expectations for the Drama and the producers succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. Let's quickly preface that I know little to nothing about Go, but lack of knowledge about the game will not impact your ability to enjoy this drama one bit.The characters have been slightly changed from the anime and all of the changes have been improvements. The acting by the younger and older versions of our 2 rivals, Shi Guang (Hu Xian Xu) and Yu Liang (Hao Fu Shen) is fantastic. Juck Zhang who played Chu Ying (Sai in the Anime) disappears into his role, and manages to retain Chu Ying/Sai's childlike innocence, fun and adorableness which accounts for why Chu Ying/Sai was such a fan favorite, he's just kawaii/cute beyond all imagining and I know if I were a kid I would not mind having (and hugging) a friend like him. The extremely realistic special effects constantly remind us that Chu Ying is a ghostly figure not real.
This Drama gives a richness and depth to all who interacted with Shi Guang during the time of his "go" journey. His classmates and the people who helped start the Go club at his school. The teachers and other students at his Go Academy. The fat guy who messed with him at the Go Grading Preliminary qualifiers. Brush graffiti guy! The bath house masseuse! The Go Factory guys and boss! The crazy Monks! The struggles and friendships. All of those just leaped off the page and were just likeable and relatable.
The story also had themes of times changing, and the necessity to adapt and change with the times or get left behind. They showed the slow decline of Go's popularity waning over a decade as the public lost interest in a difficult game to learn or play, less tuition centers, gaming centers closing and without the new blood or something to spark interest it will become an even smaller niche hobby than chess. For the game to continue flourishing, there needs to be new blood, which needs to be trained. The baton needs to be passed on. People choose to play or quit for all kinds of real life reasons, that are fully explored in a direct yet sensitive manner.
I can't say enough good things about this show except you should watch it. The story, characters, acting, VFX, OST (listened to the ending song all the way through every episode) all are impeccably done. At the ending I understood why the original mangaka (manga author) posted that he approved of the live action adaptation, high praise indeed coming from what is probably the world's harshest critic on this topic. He was satisfied, and having finished this, I'm also satisfied that I've watched and enjoyed this masterpiece.
P.S. I would not turn down more episodes but alas the live action ended where the manga story ends so there's no more content to adapt.
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Good friendship drama
If you're looking for best friend drama between two male leads, this might not be the best place. But if you're looking for friendship drama in general, this series offer you a great one. Of course in the end the two male leads will become best friend, but it happen around the third quarter of the series, while the first and second quarter gave a different friends with different plot. Probably because the timeline in this drama is kinda quick. I usually looking for drama with two best friend as the main leads, but this drama is pretty good too, almost the same like Cross Fire.The plot overall is interesting, it shows a lot of simple things in life like value of friendship, the desire to not giving up, effort, and other things. I couldn't find what I hate from this drama, but of course every people have different opinion. The story progression also interesting and not boring at all. Definitely a good drama to watch
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Qi Hun : Hikaru no Go without corset
I need time to process my happiness. This drama adaptation is the most wonderful surprise of 2020. It's close to perfection, brings happiness to viewers and fans like me. I hope Qi Hun will get the credit it deserves. This drama was the luck and moral support I was absolutely blessed with.There are some some flaws in the second half, but they DON’T disturb the overall production quality. Every flaw has a merit that neutralizes it. The drama also has its own value as an independent project. Drama viewers, who think of checking out the manga / anime - you'll enjoy both works differently and get the best from both worlds! The original is not "for kids", it's an intense story about sports mentality, growth, friendships and human connection, relatable to all. There's so much sympathy for the characters.
The showrunners worked carefully with respect to the original source. They discarded grey-and-gray morality and psychological complexities, so although the characters are older, their motives and emotions are easy to catch. BUT!! They extended many character stories, improved some interactions and plot points. Chinese adaptation of "Hikaru no Go" is the same universe, but without Shounen Jump corset. It feels more relaxing. As if this manga was published in another magazine, where characters have more life and bonding, including relationships with classmates, friends, lovers and parents.
Which is reasonable. For example, in the manga, Hikaru's dream is "to connect the past and the future". Sai is "the past" of go, Akira is "the present", and Hikaru is "the future". Therefore Akira was supposed to become his new companion. He has been in the Go world all his life and must teach him about the ins and outs. But this transition never happened. They didn't "have time" to become close friends and a twin-star team. Their trope was put on hold. I sadly feel that this happened due to editorial restrictions / censorship. And this is where the drama caught up and finished their storyline. Thank you, Chinese creators, thank you *Chef’s kiss*
I just wish success to all the talented young actors who took part in this show, they have a bright future, just like their characters, and their recognition will bring even more happiness to me.
Thank you, 谢谢.
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For watchers of the anime or manga
As an avid lover of manga, Hikaru No Go was one of the classic of is time and this adaptation is really good is in own way and bad in others.The story is mostly the same which make it a nice story about a young boy with his mentor who grow up with the game of Go.
They add some parts here and there like a little love story and a cool bit with monks. The relationship between son and mother in this drama is also way better than in the manga which make it more relatable.
Where it start to go wrong for me is the change of mentality for the main character who is a pigheaded brat in this drama. The game of Go is presented as noble but many of the players in this drama play it like any chinese P2W game. It make it somewhat more realistic in their actions but it devalued the characters who where supposed to be more composed.
So take this drama as it is, a more dramatic adaptation which make this story sometime funnier and make you upset some other time.
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This review may contain spoilers
Worthy Character Development Drama
In the beginning, I was unsure if I should watch this drama, but after starting and completing the drama, there is not one part of me that regrets watching this drama. This drama is all about the growth of each character, not just the main characters, and also about answering several common questions and problems that appear when one is striving for success. Here are some of my thoughts about the drama:~ THE STORY ~
I absolutely love the development of each character. We have our first main lead that goes from an obnoxious child to a mature teen, another main lead that learns the difference between losing and improving, and our favorite historical ghost who finally understands what success means. The supporting characters each have their own story; one of them learned to recover from loss; another learned to let go of dreams. This drama and whole narrative is really all about their lives and the steps they are taking that impact one another.
The friendship between each character is amazing as well. The bonds. The conversations. The supportiveness. This drama really does its best to answer the question of whether letting go of friends in order to succeed is the right choice. Our main lead chose the path to go forward and improve his Go skills, leaving behind all the friends he had at school. We see this theme again when the main lead becomes one of the few professional Go players, while one of his friends, who had been in the Go industry for way longer than he had, was not able to. Nevertheless, we really do get the chance to see this type of strong friendship and love, with no romance, in the drama.
Another aspect of the story that was amazing was the realistic-ness. Of course, it is not very realistic with the whole historical Go player that turns up in the modern world, but I do mean by the decisions themselves. We see that one of the characters, in fact, many of the supporting characters chose to give up Go for a variety of reasons. Some realized they only played Go just for winning, while others had realistic obstacles. For example, one of the most memorable moments was when one of the supporting characters chose to step away from Go in order to take care of his father.
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Worth Watching!!!
I only read its manga halfway, but I have a grasp on whats the whole plot is about. Tbh I really cant stressed enough about how great this drama is! All this time, I'm always sceptical about live action dramas adapted from anime, but this one is exceptional! Strong plot, superb acting and amazing ost! All actors doing great job. I dont find any problem seeing myself rewatching this very soon XDI think the director and scriptwriter have really bring justice to this masterpiece. You can feel so relatable with each character, the setting is so nostalgic where its really giving you the early 2000s vibe. The relationship, the bonding between them are so precious. There are lots of ups and downs, I cried at the sad scene and laughed at the happy scene.
Some of you might reluctant to start watching since all are new young faces but trust me, they are not dissapointing at all. Xian Xu is a child actor and now that hes growing up, I must say he was really natural talented (not to mention he is a cutie pie lol i really wanna pinch his cheeks)
I know most fans are at least a bit sad with the ending. Guys, go watch Dear Missy on Episode 35, the HnG closure is there. Yup, the cast make cameos there and i cant deny i feel my heart stung while watching it. Ahhh im gonna miss Hikaru no Go so much and now its officially in my top3 dramas
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'There is no such thing as "your way" or "my way" it's our way '
An absolute gem!Just a disclaimer that I know nothing about Go. I only started this solely based on reviews, and I'm really glad that decided to give this a try!
This drama portrays aspects of strong friendship, brotherhood, a way to fight for your dreams, and passion. I like how the characters are relatable. You could feel the joy, sadness, anger, frustration through the screen. Shi Guang and Chu Ying's friendship made me want a friend like Chu Ying for myself!
The actors have done an amazing job especially Hu Xian Xu (he has a bright future ahead in acting).
The OST is amazing, but the ending song is just chefs kiss. This was my first ever Chinese drama and also the first time I watched a drama with so many episodes. I can't believe it left me wanting more.
Last but not the least, please do give this gem some love <3
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Never too late!
I might be writing a review on this drama a bit later than when I've originally viewed it but it was and is one of the most worth while dramas actually viewed by me.The story may not be a romantic or action filled one but it had its own charm in a different way. The whole drama was filled with comedy, laughter, anticipation and gave a very full-filling satisfaction. It was satisfactory because of all the times the ML breaks his boundaries and wins a game of WeiQi, just tests his intelligence. The way he works hard step by step, winning testing, failing completely won me over. The series just showed a very detailed life and journey of a professional gamer which is quite inspiring and gave a very in-depth tour on the game itself.
I also loved the parts with the spirit, it just added an element of laughter to the whole drama and raised my opinions on it quite higher that I've thought I would. But it was also the cause for my heart break in the end. I knew he would leave at some part but never thought he would completely vanish and that kinda makes it a bit sad. Overall, the drama had all emotions and was well written, directed and composed. I would definitely rewatch it and recommend everyone to watch it.
For me it was without a doubt a beautiful piece and I am sure most of you will too enjoy it.
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this series is based off Japanese Manga Hikaru No Go
i enjoy this C-Drama. i think this is one C-Drama series that is worth watching. from the production standpoint, i can sense a lot of thoughts, efforts, and creativity are involved within the budget allocated. this series is definitely suitable for young/er audiences, and young adults.there are plenty of positive values/elements that are evoked throughout the 36 episodes. some of the supporting characters are memorable. the dialogues and plots are generally enjoyable. the story is rich and relatively endearing.
the human aspects and ordeals of some of the characters are endearing and believable. another good thing i like about this series is that there is all the characters are enjoyable to watch. the visual effects are average at the best, but that is not the strong point of this series.
it's a good thing that the series does not dwell too deep into the technical aspects of Weiqi/Go, the game and the industry, as I am just a layman. however, through this series, i became interested to research on the Divine Move in Weiqi/Go, and the research led me to learn about AlphaGo.
the only thing i actually dislike with this series is the lack of at least 1 prominently strong female character. though so, i still find that the female characters in this series are believable and realistic.
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Awesome drama!
I have never watch the anime, but this is a great story! I think the actors did a great job! Especially the main characters Chu Ying and Shi Guang. I will miss this pair! They are so fun to watch. The character development is amazing! I loved the passion and dedication to "go" everyone have. That's one of a profession you don't see in every day life!My fav is Chu Ying. At first, I think he seem odd to me, but the character hook is no joke. When the serie ended, I feel so sad and miss him alot.
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One of the best real live adaptation drama i have ever watched, No regret at all.
Can't believed that my first review in MyDrama List would be this drama, Trust me, you won't Regret Watching it. The emotions content is very rich and the characters development are also well introduced throughout the series. At first, i am thinking of the drama would be not interesting, but upon trying to watch a few episode, immediately you will like to finish it due to the good development of storyline in this drama. The acting of the characters are also very good which i did not expect from a Chinese film production which rarely I would usually watch it. You would also able to feel the flow and individual characters development and the uniqueness of each inside the drama. Apart from that, the series has alsowell introduced the realistic of the world that has stopped us from going after the things or dreams we like in real life. This drama has definitely brought many of us some awareness whether the things we like are worth to be sacrificed in this realistic society. Overall i would say it is definitely best and worth to watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
I underestimated it. Look at me now unable to let go :')
I'm someone who did not watch the anime nor read the manga. I am just a pure drama fan.So at first I was like, Okay. This drama is good. So good and fun. But I'm still on the 6th episode?? how are you gonna keep me interested and keep watching for the rest 30 episodes? It's just a story about people playing Go, how u gonna do it?
I underestimated it. I was wrong. Look at me now unable to let go and wanting 10 more episodes :)
1st Let's talk about how excellent the actors who are in charge of acting out the Shi Guang character. Both the kid and the teenager ver. They both did so well.
The kid actor, he is so natural and talented. His expressions and everything is just so real and adorable *cries*.
Hu xianxu, the teenager shi guang, he really triggers the mom heart of the viewers. He has that warm and bright aura around him, it is impossible to not adore and root for him!
2nd, the cinematography and CGI.
I love love the 2000s aesthetic! idk, kinda feels like classic hongkong movie(?). and CGI, it was when the Go Master Chu Ying found the devine moves, HOLY MOLLY! so satisfying and super pretty! i did not expect the drama would go all out for it.
3rd, the main chemistry that is Chu Ying x Shi Guang and Shi Guang x Yu Liang.
off the chart! also i can not stop spazzing at Shi Guang x Yu Liang bromance lol their frienemy dynamic in the drama is just akdhjfhf luv much!
Lastly, story wise, i love how they really present the every stage of Shi Guang's road to achieve his dream in a very detailed and, realistic way i guess? I mean yeah, he became someone who achieve the grade so quickly compared to other, but, they showed us well how it didn't happen overnight.
My only little complain is how they put so much time showing the depressed stage of shi guang after Chu Ying left. i think it was an entire 1-2 episode?? they could have done better. but anyways, it's not that serious for me.
In conclusion, Hikaru No Go is one of best c-drama i have ever watched. The balance in story, acting, chemistry and the cinematography and visual production is such a complete package. I think it would be hard to find another comfortable-feels-like-home drama like this in the near future. Thanks for producing this drama, it has become my most favorite chinese speaking drama along with Someday Or Oneday and Go Ahead.
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