2015 Best Chinese Period Dramas

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching and I'd like to start off with the many popular historical Chinese series currently airing. I'm so happy that my evenings are filled with nary a dull moment with so many things to watch! 

Help spread the c-drama love by turning this into a group effort. If you would like to contribute your thoughts on a certain drama, contact us with a short writeup and we can include it directly in the post below.  

For a complete list of wuxias from 1993-2014, click here. 
For 2016 onwards, click here.

---

Disguiser

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring? 

My Rating: Must Watch (5/5)
Title: The Disguiser / Wei Zhuang Zhe / 伪装者
Episodes and Genre: 41, Spy thriller
Broadcast Period: 2015 Hunan TV
Starring: 
Hu Ge as Ming Tai
Jin Dong as Ming Lou
Liu Min Tao as Ming Jing
Wang Kai as Ming Cheng

Synopsis:
During the puppet regime under the Japanese occupation, Communist and Nationalist operatives become embroiled in a revolution. Ming Tai, Ming Lou and Ming Jing are three siblings in an era of spies and deception. 

Comments:
What more can be said? If you like Nirvana in Fire, you might like this. Check out our review. 

---

The Monster Killer

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring? 

My Rating: Must Watch (5/5) 
Title: The Monster Killer / Wu Xin Fa Shi / 無心法師
Episodes and Genre: 20, Fantasy
Broadcast Period: 2015
Starring: 
Elvis Han as Wu Xin
Gina Jin as Yue Ya

Comments:
The title is quite self-explanatory, telling the tale of a demon hunter named Wu Xin (No Heart) whose identity is shrouded in mystery. 

I came across Monster Killer after a futile search for an episode of Legend of Zu and little did I know that it would turn out to be such an amazing find. Did anyone notice that Zhao Li Ying's character in Legend of Zu is also named Wu Xin (No Heart)? What an interesting coincidence, no?

While Wu Xin Fa Shi is technically is not an wuxia, it is a period drama with action, romance, and adventure. It's always enjoyable to come in with no expectations only to be pleasantly surprised. The plot moves along fast. For example, I thought that the main villain cause unnecessary angst between the leads but we had none of that so far.

The actors are were relatively unknown but I'm sure they are someone to look out for in the future. Apparently, Elvis Han was in the Romance of the Condor Heroes as one of the two disciples of Guo Jing and Huang Rong and I doubt anyone took a second glance back then.

It might be a stretch to make this connection but the drama is fairly reminiscent of my favorite Korean movie Jeon Woo Chi, about a gallivanting wizard with powers that he used for good. Click for more stills.

---

The Legend of Zu

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Currently Watching
Title: The Legend of Zu / 蜀山戰紀之劍俠傳奇
Episodes and Genre: 50, Romance Wuxia / Fantasy
Broadcast Period: Jan 2016
Starring: 
Zhao Li Ying as Yu Wu Xin
William Chan as Ding Yin
Nicky Wu as Shangguan Jing Wo

Synopsis:
Ding Yin is born with a piece of the Chi Hun Stone enabling him to possess otherworldly powers. To ensure that his abilities do not fall into the wrong hands, Ding Yin is taken under the tutelage of the Zu Mountain Sect.

Comments:
Legend of Zu was released online in September but looks like it's for registered users only so I can't find it anywhere, yet. This is another fantasy wuxia starring Zhao Li Ying from Journey of Flower so if you couldn't get enough the first time... Click for more stills.

---

Naughty Princess

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Title: Naughty Princess / Tiao Pi Wang Fei / 調皮王妃
Episodes and Genre: 40, Time Travel, Romance Comedy
Broadcast Period: August 2015
Starring:
Deng Lin as Yin Qing Rou

Synopsis:
Yin Qing Rou, a happy go lucky PA of a popular wuxia actress, time travels and falls right into the arms of a prince. She must learn to adapt to life in the palace as she charms her way through the hearts of everyone she meets.

Comments:
It's cute, sort of like Princess Pearl (Huan Zhu Ge Ge) without the heavy melodrama.

---

Nirvana In Fire

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Must Watch (5/5)
Title: Nirvana In Fire / Lang Ya Bang / 瑯琊榜
Episodes and Genre: 54, Historical Wuxia / Political / Action
Broadcast Period: Sep 2015 Dragon TV
Starring:
Hu Ge as Mei Changsu
Liu Tao as Princess Nihuang

Synopsis:
Despite having a sickly stature, Mei Changsu has amassed many followers as the leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance. The Langya Hall has touted him as the divine talent with the ability to conquer the world. As a result, the two opposing parties fighting for the throne are desperately seeking his guidance. Armed with a personal vendetta, Mei Changsu becomes embroiled in the eternal struggle for political power.

Comments:
The beginning episodes were a visual feat, as is expected of c-dramas nowadays while the story progression was slow, which was the opposite of Six Flying Dragons where I was constantly at the edge of my seat. Not to say that one is better than the other because I ended up loving both and find them quite at par.

The storyline is what drew me in considering I did not really care for most of the cast prior to watching. Nevertheless, their portrayal was so captivating that I was won over completely. Nirvana in Fire is a serious revenge drama but I'm glad that it doesn't forget the humor. The interactions between the characters are actually pretty funny especially the bromance between Changsu and Meng Zhi or Changsu and Fei Liu or Changsu and his many other lackeys.

If you like political dramas, Mei Changsu is a brilliant strategist and it is exciting to see how he plots each takedown. Wu Lei, the fifteen year-old who plays little bodyguard Fei Liu is definitely a scene stealer as well.

---

Song in the Clouds

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Title: Song in the Clouds / 雲中歌
Episodes and Genre: 45, Romance
Broadcast Period: Sep 2015 Hunan TV
Starring: 
Angelababy as Yun Ge
Du Chun as Meng Jue
Lu Yi as Liu Fu Ling

Comments:If you like romance novels, you might like this adaptation of the renowned novel by Tong Hua who also wrote Ballad of the Desert and Bu Bu Jingxin coincidentally both starring Liu Shi Shi. I prefer wuxias so keeping this in the backburner for now other than the few times I catch it on TV.

I would be disappointed though if the heroine ends up with the wrong guy. Similar to its prequel the Ballad of the Desert, our female protagonist must one again choose between two almost perfect men so from the audience point of view, it's a coin toss.

---

City of Devastating Love

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: City of Devastating Love, Hua Xu Yin Zhi Jue Ai Zhi Cheng / 华胥引之绝爱之城
Episodes and Genre: 48, Romance Wuxia / Fantasy 
Broadcast Period: Jun 2015 SCTV
Starring:
Kevin Cheng as Mu Yan
Lin Yuan as Xie Zhen
Yuan Hong as Shen An
Jiang Xin as Song Ning

Synopsis:
A naive princess loses her entire kingdom for love. She is reborn as Jin Fu, a person with the magical ability to weave dreams. See episode recaps.

Comments:
Crying brides and broken hearts just about sums it up for me.

---

The Journey of Flower - a ratings powerhouse, meaning off-the-chart viewership ratings

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Title: The Journey of Flower / 花千骨
Episodes and Genre: 54, Romance Wuxia / Fantasy
Broadcast Period: Jun 2015 Hunan TV
Starring:
Wallace Huo as Bai Zi Hua
Zhao Li Ying as Hua Qian Gu

Synopsis:
When Hua Qian Gu was born, flowers withered and her mother passed. These ominous signs foreshadow a dark future and she grows up ostracized by the villagers. She meets Bai Zi Hua, a master swordsman with mythical powers who swears to protect the mortal realm against demonic forces. Even though she is fated to cause his demise, Bai Zi Hua decides against killing her and takes her in as his disciple.

---

Cruel Romance

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Pretty Good (4/5)
Title: Cruel Romance / 锦绣缘
Episodes and Genre: 40, Romance Drama / Action
Broadcast Period: Mar 2015 Hunan TV
Starring:
Huang Xiao Ming as Zuo Zhen
Joe Chen Qiao En as Rong Jin Xiu

Synopsis:
Rong Jin Xiu's family was murdered in cold blood after she helps her former teacher who is a Chinese revolutionary against the Japanese. She goes to Shanghai to uncover the truth in hopes of avenging her family and meets Zuo Zhen, a mob leader feared by many.

Comments:
Huang Xiao Ming as Zuo Zhen is so manly, romantic, handsome, awesome and badass all rolled into one. I was hooked from episode 1 but honestly, the main girl began to seriously annoy me and the constant misunderstandings between the two really set the stage for a cruel romance. If I didn't have so many facepalm moments I probably would've said this was a must-watch.

---

The Four

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: The Four / Shao Nian Si Da Ming Bu / 少年四大名捕
Episodes and Genre: 40, Detective Wuxia / Action
Broadcast Period: Mar 2015 Hunan TV
Starring: 
Zhang Han as Leng Xue
Yang Yang as Wu Qing
William Chan as Zhui Meng
Mao Zi Jun as Tie Shou
Janine Chang as Chu Li Mo

Synopsis:
Yet another remake of the renowned detective TV series. The Four revolves around the four main characters as they solve mysteries and fight crime to uphold justice.

Comments:
Click for more stills.

---

Love Weaves Through A Millennium

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Pretty Good (4/5)
Title：Love Weaves Through A Millennium / 相愛穿梭千年 
Episodes and Genre: 22, Time Travel / Romance
Broadcast Period: Feb 2015 Hunan TV
Starring:
Zheng Shuang as Lin Xiang Xiang 

Jing Bo Ran as Gong Ming
Im Jin A aka Nana from k-pop group After School as Zhao Na Na

Synopsis:
Love Weaves Through A Millennium is a remake of k-drama Queen In Hyun's Man. It follows the romance between a man from ancient Chinese history books and his chance encounter with a budding actress from the 21st century.

Comments:
I like the original better but the c-drama, which is essentially a rehash of the former is not too shabby either. It might be weird coming from an period drama buff like me but I wish they focused on the modern day antics as it was much more interesting than the palace conspiracies. 

---

Legend of Fragrance 

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Pretty Good (4/5)
Title：Legend of Fragrance / 活色生香
Episodes and Genre: 42, Romance Drama
Broadcast Period: Feb-Mar 2015 Hunan TV
Starring:
Li Yi Feng as Ning Zhi Yuan 

Tiffany Tang as An Le Yan
Shu Chang as Xiao Ya Hui Zi
William Chan as Wen Shi Qing / An Yi Chen

Synopsis:
This drama revolves around the lives of people passionate about making the best fragrance in the world.

Comments:
I started watching solely because it's like a Sword of Legends reboot with Li Yi Feng and William Chan as part of the cast. Shallow reason aside, it is not like Sword of Legends at all since this is a romance drama rather than an wuxia so it really depends whether this genre is your cup of tea. I might be a bit biased though since I like all the actors in this one.

---

The Cage of Love

Is it a must watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: The Cage of Love / Zhua Zhu Cai Hong De Nan Ren / 抓住彩虹的男人

Episodes and Genre: 34, Romance Melodrama 

Broadcast Period: May 2015
Starring:

Hawick Lau as Jiang Yu
Zheng Shuang as Wu Cai Hong

Synopsis:
Jiang Yu falls for Wu Cai Hong but he finds out that she is the daughter of Wu Hong Da, the man who falsely accused his father back in the day, inadvertently causing his father's death and his mother's mental illness. 

Ten years later, Wu Hong Da dies and his company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Jiang Yu sees it as an opportunity to reclaim what was his though his actions raise the suspicion of Cai Hong. Unable to admit his feelings for Cai Hong, Jiang Yu takes her in as a nanny, further igniting a romance that is filled with heartache.

---

The Lady and the Liar

Is it a must watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: The Lady and the Liar / Qian Jin Nu Zei / 千金女贼

Episodes and Genre: 46, Romance Melodrama 

Broadcast Period: Jan 2015
Starring:

Tiffany Tang Yan as Jiang Xin
Hawick Lau as Bai Zheng Qing
Yang Rong as Du Xiao Han
Tony Yang You Ning as Sheng Jie Wen

Synopsis:
During the 1930s, Jiang Xin is a lady on her way to being reunited with her affluent family but circumstances prevent her from doing so and she ends up losing her memory, becoming the fiancée of triad kingpin Bai Zheng Qing in the process. Du Xiao Han is a fugitive who stumbles into a life of luxury and extravagance after stealing the identity of Jiang Xin. Yet there will always come a day when the lies can no longer keep up with the truth.

---

Detectives and Doctors

Is it a must watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Detectives and Doctors / Lu Xiao Feng Yu Hua Man Lou / 陆小凤与花满楼 

Episodes and Genre: 43, Wuxia

Broadcast Period: Jan 2015
Starring:

Raymond Lam as Lu Xiao Feng 
Zhang Meng as A Xin 
Zhang Xiao Long as Hua Man Lou 

Synopsis:

Lu Xiao Feng is a renowned martial artist in the midst of investigating an unusual disease plaguing the emperor. He travels to the Imperial Court of Jin Peng and meets Princess Shang Guan Dan Feng who advises that three officials may hold the answers to his questions. He also forges a friendship with famous doctor Hua Man Lou, Xi Men Chui Xue and Ah Xin , a woman who has loved him unconditionally.

---

The Great Protector

Is it a must watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Downright Boring (1/5) 
Title: The Great Protector / Biao Men / 镖門

Episodes and Genre: 38, Historical

Starring:

Wallace Huo as Liu An Shun
Jia Qing as Lu Yao Ting

Synopsis:

Liu An Shun is the leader of a Biao Men aka transporters who risk their lives to protect whatever is put under their care. Due to an unfortunate incident where one of his men commit suicide, Liu An Shun loses the trust and respect of his people and he leaves to work for another Biao Men.

Other postings: 
Reminiscing classic HK Cinema
2014 Best Chinese period dramas
Historical Korean Dramas (sageuk)

Review: The Backlight of Love

It's been 5 months since my last posting because I had too many things going on and wasn't able to religiously follow any drama in particular so most of the ones that I started, I still haven't finished. As a drama blogger, confessing this feels like I just committed a crime.

I opted to be a complete couch potato this weekend and after powering through numerous trailers on Youtube, I feel like I'm behind the times. I had no idea there were that many dramas available nowadays, Chinese dramas are definitely gaining traction and slowly catching up with the k-wave even though there's quite a ways to go. Have you ever experienced watching too much that you don't even remember half the stuff?

I usually throw in many shows into one blog posting but this time, I decided to feature a web series called The Backlight of Love 逆光之恋. Anyone reading might assume that I am going to talk about something amazing that I can't wait to share but on the contrary, it was just average in my opinion yet fresh enough to elicit a reaction.

Plot Summary: A drama about angels and ghosts and a murder mystery.

Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)

I was enticed to watch because there's an angel in the opening sequence. I won't say much since it's a simple enough story with fantasy elements. It seems to be one of those straight to internet type dramas, which probably explains why each episode was so unusually short. Again, nothing spectacular but if you are bored...

I didn't understand at first why it was so hard to root for the characters especially the main guy. In fact, there was a scene where he even slaps the girl but watch till the end and it will all make sense.

I like Dilraba Dilmurat who is an up-and-coming actress and increasingly becoming a familiar face in wuxia dramas. Her breakout role would have to be in the Sword of Legends where she played the charming youngest student pining for the affections of William Chan. Honestly, I think she is mostly known for her unique beauty since she looks mixed but I think she has good onscreen charisma.

China is a vast country, I know. But not a lot of people know that it can be diverse in the sense that the Western region has a lot of Uyghurs, an ethnic group mainly in the Xinjiang Province. I was lucky enough to have been to Urumqi in Xinjiang and I was surprised to meet people who spoke perfect Chinese but could easily have hailed from Europe. Is it a surprise that Di Li Re Ba is from Urumqi?