My Journey to the Historical & Wuxia'sh genres so far...
Someone recommended a few series in the comment section of "Alchemy of Souls", so here we go...
P.S. Feel free to leave your recommendations in the comments.
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1. Love Between Fairy and Devil
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
Quite the experience to start exploring genre with that one... Without any expectations, I just looked at what the Chinese market can offer. No regrets, turns out a very unique first step in something new. Felt like a theater play but with CGI and no audience.
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2. Joy of Life
Chinese Drama - 2019, 46 episodes
Honesty, they could completely ditch the "temple" plot line, it is so entertaining to watch it without it, so when they start showing more about it feels a bit disappointing. It easily ruins immersion.
Haitang Duo Duo, supremacy. -
3. Joy of Life Season 2
Chinese Drama - 2024, 36 episodes
Thinner Fan Xian. Unfortunately, a few actors recast. But Haitang Duo Duo makes an appearance xD
Xin Zhi Lei reminds me of Kim Se Jeong. -
4. Sword Snow Stride
Chinese Drama - 2021, 38 episodes
I quite enjoyed this one. Like a standard hero's journey.
Zhao Kai is like Inigo Montoya from "The Princess Bride'"... "Hello My Name is Zhao Kai, I'm here to kill you!"
And I still don't understand Miss He He's actions. Not all of her actions were helpful, so maybe something was lost in the translations. Other than that it was a nice ride. -
5. Mysterious Lotus Casebook
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Even though their Shelock's cases are connected to the main plot, you probably will be tired of them at some point. But still a fun slowburn'sh experience in the martial arts world.
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6. The Legend of Shen Li
Chinese Drama - 2024, 39 episodes
Very enjoyable and comforting story. Adorable plucked chicken and awesome OST. The main theme song will "aaaaaa" you through the whole series. Zhao Li Ying did a great job as an actress and producer here. Very good quality production here.
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7. The Blood of Youth
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
Another hero's journey story. But this time is more about brotherhood and what is right. Very calming OST but unfortunately I wasn't able to find it on Spotify ):
And, even second season is coming this series felt like the most complete one so far. -
8. I Am Nobody
Chinese Drama - 2023, 27 episodes
Very cheesy start and cringe second episode, at least for me. But it grows on you after that. Modern-day settings and "Mortal Kombat" like arena mixed together, 2 worlds exist in one. Character's growth and friendship.
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9. Who Rules the World
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
Battle formations! But very rushed and disappointing last 2 episodes had a bit of ruined overall expression. And I think it would be better if Bai Feng Xi used "bullshit" flower on Hei Feng Xi first. That way it would be more meaningful for everyone involved. Change that and the scene before in Tian Shuang sect, where ML takes a hit instead. And cut white hair crap all together xD
Not perfect but still a great series despite some downsides. -
10. The Long Ballad
Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes
Storywise, could be two seasons. Mini battle formations and tactics! On one side it is a shame that they replaced some scenes with comic drawings, but on another side, it is a creative choice and to save some money, so I take it. Very solid and good one all around.
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11. A Journey to Love
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
The same screenwriter wrote (adapted) "Who Rules the World", where the last 2 episodes were rushed and messy, ruining my overall impression, so I was prepared for disappointment here from the start. But this time, I wasn't. It was 6 episodes final arch with better buildup/execution, so it felt more organic. For the story and settings like this, some sad/bittersweet moments are expected. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
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12. Fangs of Fortune
Chinese Drama - 2024, 34 episodes
A - for effort. C - for execution. Awesome costumes, great composers, and good VFX (apart from a few moments). It felt like the creators had an idea and passion before they started, but it deteriorated halfway through production. The last 4 episodes are just VFX extravaganza but everyone stops using their head. Most definitely needed more time in the oven. 'The Blood of Youth' depicted brotherhood way better. Even though we see emotions from actors and dialogue say there is a bond and they care... it only worked in a few moments, beyond that there was no attachment to the characters whatsoever. But still, weirdly enough, I never considered dropping it, maybe it was just completionist in me didn't allow it. Also, there is a Special Episode 34.5 out there somewhere.
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13. Till the End of the Moon
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
They managed to pack 3 stories about different lifetimes into one season with enough time to develop characters in each of them. Truly impressive achievement on its own. Kinda leaves you in processing mode after it ends, which is a good thing. Chemistry is great.
Bai Lu - is super adorable!
Sun Zhen Ni - is super... foxy c(:
Chen Du Ling - good thing I saw her before in a couple of other series... because... oof... might be hard to watch her after if that was the first time seeing her... -
14. The Double
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
Brilliant! Fraking Brilliant! Witty, funny, heartbreaking, cruel, hopeful, healing, satisfying game of Weiqi. Where so many things were said indirectly, and yet everyone understood each other. It was a genuine pleasure to watch how this story unfolds. Huge props to the main leads for pulling this off. Zeng tunes are incredible too. Sometimes it was a bit scary to start the next episode because you worry about certain characters so much. Very bingeable... I started just with 1 episode before sleep and ended up watching through the night and almost missed my morning appointment xD
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15. One and Only
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
Honestly, I expected a different show. I was drawn to the idea of two timelines, and it is always fun to see historical actors in modern settings. It was kind of a slow burn, but not really. Since it split into two series - Historical and Modern Day, it is hard to say if it was worth it. As a standalone series, I can't say it was a satisfying conclusion.
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16. Forever and Ever
Chinese Drama - 2021, 30 episodes
A lot of laughs at awkward moments. Slow burn for sure. I wish there were more connections to their previous life, that could help them in this one. Gentle, soothing. It's predictable, nothing really original in rich family dynamics here. But it is still relaxing to watch. Well, maybe it is just hearing Chinese makes me so calm xD
There are a lot of simple "slice of life" moments, so you just observe someone's life. Warm experience overall, but not something that you could easily recommend to someone, I think. -
17. My Journey to You
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
I'm having the same problem I had with Fangs of Fortune. Visually, it is pleasing! The sets, costumes, and background music are great. The VFX is good for the most part. But it feels like you are eating cake frosting without the cake.
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18. Blossoms in Adversity
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
I love it when both leads are intelligent! The high rating is earned! Very likable characters and great character development all around. They make decisions and face consequences. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Definitely one of the strongest ones here on my list, with no disappointment whatsoever.
You know... when you watch something that was well made from start to finish, you kinda wanna downgrade almost all your previous ratings, maybe at some point I will adjust it xD