Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)

Dafeng is worth it!

Guardians of the Dafeng is an amazing drama.
It shows the importance such simple yet vital values as relationships, camaraderie, fairness and love for life. And what I like best is that they manage to show it through the action and characters. It’s not pompous and they never actually articulate that, but you feel it through comedy, sentimental and tragic moments.
The plot is intricate. The story starts off in a very entertaining way. There is so much humour. I smiled and laughed almost every episode. I loved all the allusions to the modern world. Like, human nature doesn’t change no matter whether you live in a real world, or fantasy one. All the incidents that happen and characters that appear matter, as they will have to play their role later in the show. All things connect and matter. As the story progresses, things get grander and more menacing. The last episodes were heart-breaking. I cried a lot although I don’t often do that watching films nowadays.
Dafeng is a universe where there are various tribes and creatures although we are introduced to only a portion of them in comparison with the novel. But I believe that later we’ll learn about them as well. There are many characters in the drama, but all of them are distinct and there are so many bright ones. In the drama they showed the key feature of every character written for them in the book. Literally, I wasn’t bored by anyone. There is an amazing quirky family of the main lead. There are the guardians and Lord Wei. The jade mirror group – fun and cool at the same time. The alchemists. The bad guys were as atrocious as they were supposed to be. I think the cast is excellent. Also, they all got along so well, no wonder we have such a result on the screen.
The main lead, Xu Qi An, is the core of the story. He finds himself in this strange world and tries his best to navigate his way here. He’s such a lively character. He’s smart, but not a genius. He’s flexible, but has his principles. He can be cheeky and boastful, but played by Wang He Di, it looks funny and adorable. His aim is simple – make enough money using his knowledge of the modern world to live a quiet and comfortable life. However, he finds himself drawn in multiple events and becomes a key figure. Through the series we see his growth. He becomes stronger physically and his personality undergoes changes too. He is not someone who can tolerate injustice towards common or innocent people. His revenge is not personal, it’s done in the name of justice. I love the poem he often quotes. It’s really suitable. Wang He Di, you are amazing! What I feel about his performance is that he is so unrestrained. He is not afraid to look ridiculous and not to look perfect all the time. His transformation into Xu Qi An’s older self is awesome. His emotional scenes, especially, in the last episodes are his best in his career. I cried with him and for him!
Other things that are worth mentioning are good quality of production, good picture and CGI. The costumes are attractive but not over the top. I like the soundtrack. At first, it was quite unusual to hear such tracks in a costume drama, but later having read the lyrics I got to like the OST and never missed the opening.
I do hope we’ll get season 2 as the novel is very long. I hope we’ll get the same cast. Fingers crossed.

Read More

Gaurdian of the dafeng supremacy ? a big yes

Gotd gives me the best starting of 2025 , this becomes my ultimate favorite, lets talk about the drama.
This drama gives me all kind of emotion happy, sad, angry, every charcters have different shades, i can't believe every other episode i am laughing, this drana is intresting from beginning to end, this drama is so unpredictable you never know what will happen next, they use various characters perfectly its a big cast drama and they use it perfectly.

XU QI AN - he is the best, its not like he is perfect man who never lie, scared, laugh, still he is the best. He is powerful who protect innocent, never do any wrong to others, he teases his closed ones alot, he is such a funny, sawage character, he is always make other laugh never get sad when they say anything bad to him but he give timely justice to others he is very serious in giving justice, Dylan give xu qi an complete justice for me xu qi an is dylan and dylan is xu qi an, he plays xu qi an emotions very well. He has very good relationship with various people, he has big family , he make family where ever he goes

XU QI AN with his love of life LIN AN -
He comes across various women but he gets attracted to only her, he is so in love with her without even realising though they don't show them much but we can still feel his love for lin an. He sees various women getting emotional but he feels lin an emotions he can't see her crying, he feel sad for other but can't do anything but hug lin an when she cries, their every interaction holds various emotions, their first kiss hold lin an emotional stage when she lose her close one and he is the only one left who genuinely care for he, their hug hold emotions as lin an thinks he died and when she see him alive she gets elated to see him last time she comes to dafeng capital without any break, their 2nd kiss in modern life is what xu qi an dream for future with lin an not kiss but his life with her but not fulfilled, their 3rd kiss hold confession before he go to long journey and she takes care of his family, when he is fighting with tianyu she cheers him the most and he gets the strength when he sees her trust in him, she is the only one who remember her moments with xu qi an after their memory erased.

XU QI AN and His FAMILY-
his family is one of the best family and effortlessly funny too, at first his aunt doesn't like him but slowly she started to like him and care for him a lot, family man of this family is not a typical one from other dramas he care for family and does not have any ego and he is very funny, his brother cijiu he is the most petty, funny character in the family with intelligence too, both sister are very cute, they all love each other deeply, aunt and cijiu never gets jealous of xu qi an when he gets recognition from others instead they supported him and protecting him unlike other who gets jealous of their cousins achievement, whenever this family come on your screen then you are going to laugh a lot on their entics , xu qi an use xinian name and xinian has to suffer and everytime its so si funny, i cant stop laughing

XU QI AN with His GAURDIAN family -
He gets one of the best people in his who never gets jealous of his success, iconic trio of the drama belongs to this family - song ting feng, xu qi an and zhu guang xiao they are like dumb dumber dumbest group who make you laugh and emotional too, they supports him the most , they gets so excited when they see xu qi an ability, li yu chun's love hate relationship with xu qi an , first he hate him but when he started to like him then he love him so much like younger brother and protect him, his senior yang yan who cares for him a lot and yang yan is so cool and mr nangrong is cool as well and all other gongs too, finally Lord Wei he is like father figure for xu qi an who protects him at all cost, everyone in the gaurdian protects xu qi an at all cost even of their lives are in danger

XU QI AN with His BUREAU Family-
He has very good relationship with the bureau and he make this relationship with the help of the chemistry he learn in modern world, song senior and chu cai wei helps him whenever he needed, they have very happy interactions, Supervisor who is no 1 powerful person and he protects xu qi an without even making it known to him and the competitor of xu qi an and most funny character of bureau is yang qian huan who always wants to compete with xu qi an but also protect him when xu qi an needs

XU QI AN with His JADE MIRROR Family-
This family is just amazing, all characters is powerful and help xu qi an in his mission, jinlin at first i think he might want xu qi an in danger but he protects him alot, no 4 and no 2 helps him a lot too, their interactions are very funny too, he never tells them his real identity still they always help him a lot, they are always present their whenever they need help

Xu qi an gets help from everyone but he always helps others the most and protect them .
This Drama is definitely worth watching so just watch it for me this drama only has pros and no cons for me.

Read More

Oh my god, this series can do it all!

It is hilarious. Xu Qi An's family, especially his uncle, is just hilarious in the situations he constantly finds himself in. My absolute favourite supporting characters are definitely his two "Copper" Gong friends and the whole GONG gang. I didn't like the king from the very first second, and I absolutely cannot understand why Mr. Wei can support him. His "wait and drink tea" attitude just annoyed me. I much prefer impulsive characters like Ning Yan.

Dylan Wang has once again proven in this drama that he can play the absolute clown as well as master serious scenes.

The story itself is simply beautiful, the music is top-notch, and all the characters are thoroughly thought out by the production team. I can’t wait to see how it continues.

AND HEAVEN FORBID, THERE'S NO SEQUEL!!! 😭😭😭😭😭

Thanks to the team!😊

Read More

A Masterpiece

Guardians of the Dafeng is nothing short of a cinematic triumph that captivates from start to finish. This film brilliantly blends stunning visuals, a gripping storyline, and deeply developed characters, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality storytelling.

From the very first scene, the audience is transported into a beautifully crafted world that feels both familiar and fantastical. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping landscapes and intricate details that bring the Dafeng universe to life. Each frame is a work of art, showcasing the filmmakers' dedication to creating a visually stunning experience. The color palette is vibrant and immersive, drawing viewers into the heart of the story.

The plot is engaging and well-paced, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. It masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice, making it relatable and emotionally resonant. The narrative is rich with lore and depth, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Dafeng. The writers have done an exceptional job of balancing action and character development, ensuring that the stakes feel real and impactful.

Character development is one of the standout features of Guardians of the Dafeng. Each character is multi-dimensional, with their own unique motivations and arcs. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling, as we witness their growth and transformation throughout the film. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances that add depth and nuance to the story. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their relationships feel authentic and relatable.

The drama's score is another highlight, perfectly complementing the visuals and enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes. The music elevates the viewing experience, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative and amplifying the impact of pivotal moments. It’s the kind of score that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Guardians of the Dafeng is its ability to tackle complex themes without feeling heavy-handed. It explores the importance of unity and understanding in the face of adversity, delivering a powerful message that resonates in today’s world. The drama encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and the connections they share with others.

It’s a drama that not only entertains but also inspires and provokes thought. With its stunning visuals, compelling story, and rich character development, it sets a new standard for fantasy cinema. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for a great drama to watch, Guardians of the Dafeng is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Read More

My admiration for Dylan Wang rose to a certain level

This drama is one of those that are already popular before its actual airing, including me I am eagerly anticipating this. Opposed to other’s disappointments after seeing a couple of episodes, I am enjoying the show and am currently half past the entire episodes.

It is a mix of everything – from drama, romance, comedy, thriller, mystery, fantasy, and action that Dylan Wang acted so impressively. The refined characterization of his portrayal can be seen in how he talks, walks, and all the nuances of his facial expression and body language. He managed to affect me when shifting from a comedic to an emotional atmosphere in the scenes. The show has good humor and the level of its hilarity is different from what I’ve seen in other dramas. The executions will not make you laugh out big, but rather injecting you with a series of good-feel smiles. I’m just a little upset that the romance thing between him and Tian Xiwei was lightly placed in the story with limited interactions between them. But more episodes are left and my hopes are still up for a satisfying turn of events in their romance.

The story mainly focuses on the character of Dylan Wang, the chosen one who travels back to the Dafeng dynasty while playing a mystery game one night during their office staff dinner party. His innate exceptional skills as a modern man led him to kick a role in a group of protecting warriors and expand his connection to powerful sects and individuals whom he met along in the story and from whom he wisely sought refuge when he was at a disadvantage situation. Now running on its 3rd half, the show is giving me an agitated state of suspense about whoever the master villain is behind a strong dark power, and somehow already sensed the ML as his unbeatable opponent. And for this, I’m resolute to recommend the show for its refreshing mystery tone! Taste the twist and the cliff hanging revelation save to unfold in Season 2 - preempting it might happen because it leaves us hungry for more.

*** This is an updated review after completing the series.

Read More

Alone in a foreign land, i'm an exile.. whenever holidays come I miss my kin even more.

From the moment This show was announced, It went straight up my watchlist.Fast forward to now, I’ve watched 28 episodes, and wow, what a ride it’s been! An absolute gem, delivering a perfect mix of emotions, action, and thrills. I am totally hooked and here' why ...

First of all, Dylan Wang. I mean, is there anything this guy can’t do? His charm, acting, and energy are on another level. Every time he’s on screen, it’s impossible to look away, fighting villains, or delivering heartfelt lines, he’s perfect in all .Honestly, he could just stand there, and I’d still be entertained.


2) This drama is literally serving a genre buffet under the sun comedy, romance, crime, action, suspense, thrill, friendship, brotherhood—you name it.

3) The plot flows smoothly with zero dull moments. The events are perfectly assembled, and the writing? Brilliant !!!!! especially the poetic dialogues and comedic sequences.

4) The entire cast is amazing, Not a single weak link. All the actors from his aunt to mentor are nailing their roles, and I especially love the female leads— such talented beauties all having a unique dynamic chemistry with Dylan.


5) The relationships in this drama, whether family, friends, or colleagues, feel so real and meaningful. The way his family goes above and beyond to save him during troubles even when that's not even his biological family , numerous times his uncle took a beating for me ..his aunt who was first so indifferent towards him gradually turned so warm and collected. His friends, always standing by him..~ loyal and unwavering ..and his mentor, willing to destroy the entire sect to avenge his 'death' —pure gold. This drama resonates all the bonds in a person's life so beautifully, making me feel lonely in my own life ❤️


6) Cinematic Action & VFX are dazzling lifelike, each sequence is grand and cinematic, making it a visual feast.Plus the choreography in action scenes ~ Mind-blowing.


7) Attention to Details in the set designing, is a chef’s kiss almost like pulling you right into the world of Dafeng.


8) The intricate styling and lovely costumes .. even when they were not very specially designed but still giving that genuine feudal era vibes and Putting the scenes in harmony with the characters enhancing the overall aesthetic of the drama


9) And the OST—don’t even get me started! I usually don't pay attention to songs but Common Men and Immortal Poet have been on repeat since I heard them.


10) What I love most is the message this drama sends: if you’ve got talent and stay true to yourself, even the most powerful people will come to you.


I am looking forward to the upcoming episodes...

Read More

that's how you slowly build a plot

Not without flaws, Guardians of the Dafeng still has its strong points and I'd say that, up to episode 24, the pros of watching it exceed by far the cons.
It's a silly, lighthearted drama and it is well aware of it, so it never falls in the cringe zone, but when it needs to get serious... the tone seamlessly shifts to seriousness – although it usually never lasts for a whole episode.
That depends both on how well crafted the writing is and the solidity of the acting.
In fact, if not all actors, most of them can easily switch from a silly, humorous role to a more grave and emotional one, from exaggerated and comically expressive scenes to sobriety and subtlety.
They all seem to be having fun with their roles, so (except for the first three/four episodes), their comedy feels spontaneous and natural and they all have great chemistry with each other.
Yes, some characters do feel more cartoonish (nearly 90% comic relief) rather than real people, but when I realized it is done on purpose and it's not due to poor writing or bad acting, I felt more at ease watching them and some scenes were actually funny.
Do they overdue it? Sometimes, yes, but it's consistent with the overall light vibe of the drama and it fits perfectly with everything else, once you get used to it.
HOWEVER, I personally don't like how the protagonist, Xu Qi An, is always presented as infallible and perfect in everything he says and does, loved, protected and revered by nearly every single person he meets (and hated to the extreme by few). He feels too much like a Mary Sue on too many occasions, but I also understand it's purposeful and probably (hopefully) there is a reason for that, given the other characters are more "balanced" in their relationships, qualities and flaws.
I heard many people aren't happy with Dylan Wang dubbing himself and are complaining about his accent and line delivery, but, perhaps because I am not a native speaker, I believe his Mandarin and voice work perfectly with the type of character he is portraying. After all, Qi An is a young man from our days ending up in a fantasy past, it makes sense for him to speak like a person from 2020s and not like a nobleman from ancient times.
Speaking of which.
Perhaps he should have been more shocked about ending up in a past with magic and monsters.
We never see him remembering or missing his old life, never a mention of the family and friends he left behind. He slipped into his new identity without struggle and regrets, as if THAT is his reality, not the modern times. This detail always feels weird and a bit off, to me.
Are you telling me he was absolutely alone and held no person dear to his heart? With that personality of his? We see he has no problems getting along with people and gets very protective of the ones he loves, does that mean he just as quickly forgets all about others?
I would also love for him not to get silly and funny right after a traumatic experience. I love how this drama bounces right back to its original genre, never forgetting where it comes from, but sometimes... they should stay in the serious zone a little longer. They know how to write and present tragedy, but they really make it very short-lived.
A character “dying” and playing pranks pretending to be a zombie the moment they come back does feel a bit off, no matter how in-character and in-the story it is.
Always related to the characters of this drama, I think the writers rely a little too much on misunderstandings, small and big, and it gets tiring after a while.
But that's about it with the things I'm not liking that much.

Now, onto what I am absolutely loving.

1. Guardians of the Dafeng really takes time exploring relationships and building family and friendships. I'm a huge fan of such tropes and we can really see characters getting close and slowly becoming friends, spending time together and just hanging out. I love it, I really love seeing it. Just friends being friends.

2. When I watch this drama, it feels like I'm reading a novel and I'm moving from chapter to chapter.
The viewer is slowly eased into this new fantasy world (in the first half of the drama, the element of magic and martial arts is marginal and only appears when it needs to be present) and it takes time to meet all the characters, be them big roles or small, villains or friends.
It's easily one of the most immersive wuxia and fantasy dramas I've ever watched, also thanks to the slow world building they are doing, presenting layer after layer instead of hitting us with it all at once.
A well crafted plot like I've rarely seen within the recently aired ones.

3. The OST is good, with some rather nice tracks, and never overused.

4. Solid cinematography and colouring, where everything looks good and real (some backdrops do feel a little too much CGI at times and the animals and fantastic creatures could use a little touch up, but it's a 5/10% of an overall great production)

The pacing of episode 23 feels a little weird, with rushed plot lines, time skips and things happening off-screen, and episode 24 feels just as abrupt, but if it wasn't clear enough before, now it's certain there's a bigger plot about to unfold – that was one effective twist!
I really can't wait to see what they have in store for us viewers.

Ending this review in the hope it won't crash and burn in the last half.

– Mei

Read More

I Love This Drama

I have to admit I am a Yan Zi Dong fan now. His acting is so spot on and he has made me laugh throughout this drama just by the expressions that dance across his face. All you haters of Dylan Wang have to criticize someone. There is nothing wrong with his acting skills. He is not acting cold like in his recent modern drama with Bai Lu. Her acting was no better than his. I am sure that the director or whoever is responsible, wanted the drama to come across like that. But Guardians of the Dafeng is an action packed, interesting drama that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I will remember and rewatch this drama. I groan after each episode because I am so into it that I don't want it to end. I hope to see Yan Zi Dong in more dramas!

Read More

So far so good.

This series is a breath of fresh air after a string of heavy, melancholy dramas. It weaves together suspense, humour, poignant moments, a yearning for justice.
Aside of XuQian who will fight for injustice fearless, I also like the supporting casts, especially gong gang, Wei, and Xu's family. Although princess LiAn's character may not appeal to everyone, she definitely has her own imperfections, I am fine with it as it is about time for a difference from the typical clever, scheming protagonists(mainly to protect themselves) . I, for some reason, find someone simple minded like princess Lian could have been a better partner for him, just like like his family, can bring warmth and happiness to him, Someone he actually likes, someone who likes him as well.
Overall, even though it has few fillers which can be used for more important story line, I still enjoy it a lot, especially I do need a break and some lighthearted amusement after a series of deep melodramas. It can be comedic at times, but not the over the top siliness, it evokes both tears and laughter. I find this show so captivating that I am refraining from watching other series concorrurrently until final episode, to dedicate my full attention to its story line and emotional journey that this series can offer. My youngest has also become engaged, a rarity among the other series I had followed before.

My personal favorite scenes would be:
1. XuQian vs the Avatar - it is brilliant
2. XuQian vs Zhou Li
3. XuQian vs Chu and the gong gang who tries to plead for him
4. Emotional moments of him trying to seek justice for bloody mascare and Zheng.
5. Funny moments and interactions especially from the Xu family members

*Spoiler*- please make sure you stay until end of the song, he is back to modern world, withn hint of season 2

Read More