Go Princess Go (2015)

I'm on a roll as far as Go Princess Go 太子妃升职记 is concerned, warranting my third post on the topic in the same day. It is a little web series that is miles apart from all the big budgeted wuxia dramas nowadays but unique in a way that leaves you wanting..

It is based on a novel written by Xian Cheng 鲜橙 that tells a gender bender exploring time travel, body-swap and comedy set in ancient China. Due to lack of funds, sets were used repeatedly and the most extravagant expenditures were costumes sewn from curtain linens.

The fact that it's so short is a plus factor making it a fun and quick past time, though I wonder why the version I'm watching on LeTV seems to be missing a lot of scenes (edited: it's because of censorship).

The cast is was relatively unknown but the drama has grown a cult following since its broadcast resulting in the stars receiving much love. Its popularity is in large part due to a controversial storyline that can be a little out there for conservative China. 

Nonetheless, bad publicity is good publicity because the public embraced the hilarity and ridiculousness with open arms. If you are watching, be sure to check out the alternate endings.

Zhang Tian Ai 张天爱 headlines as Zhang Peng Peng, a modern man who finds himself waking up in the body of a crown princess. I wonder where they found this gorgeous lady because not only is she pretty but her portrayal of Zhang Peng Peng is charming, witty, funny and easily the best thing in the show.

Sheng Yi Lun 盛一伦 is the Crown Prince Qi Sheng who is outwardly cold and arrogant so I have yet to reach the episode where he warms up as a character. He come around though, still keeping the same straight face but he is a man of action rather than words. 

Alan Yu Meng Long 于朦胧 stars as 9th Prince, the second lead in the drama and the final leg to the love triangle. 

Jiang Qi Lin as Zhao Wang, the a weak-willed prince whose wife is the object of the Crown Prince's affections but later events reveal that he is a man of wisdom. 

Guo Jun Chen as Yang Yan, the son of General Yang. He is a mischievous and playful young man full of ridiculous ideas who easily becomes Peng Peng's friend. He is skilled in martial arts and is loyal in helping the 9th Prince with his quest for power and romance. 

Source: 1234567g, Baidu

Journey of Flower (2015)

If Empress of China is a chart-topper in the ratings game, then Journey of Flower 花千骨 is a close second, proving the intrinsic appeal of the fantasy wuxia genre among the younger generation. It is a story that can be aptly classified under sadistic romance 虐恋, which is not a genre per se but rather a term coined to mean exactly what it says, a gut-wrenching helluva ride for a love story.

Adapted from fresh果果's popular novel of the same name, Zhao Li Ying (Legend of Zu) and Wallace Huo (Imperial Doctress) take the lead in a 50-episode Chinese drama by Producer Tang Li Jun, Director Lam Yuk Fan (Eternal Love), Gao Lin Bao, etc.

The story begins when an ominous occurrence accompanies the birth of an infant who grows up to be a kind and gentle young woman. She is destined to be the death of her master but he takes her in as his disciple anyway.

Given that the series became a smashing success when it aired in 2015, it seems safe to say that JoF won half the battle by managing to cast two leads that are perfect for the role. It is no secret that I didn't enjoy Journey of Flower as much as everyone and their mother but I have to admit, it does have its moments.




For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2015 c-drama recommendations.

Source: Duitang, Desk

Legend of Qin (2015)

Qin's Moon (秦時明月) is a 2015 fantasy wuxia based on a novel and an animated series adaptation of the same name. Set after the turbulent times of the warring states, it depicts the recent unification of the Qin empire and follows Jing Tian Ming, a young lad destined to become a hero.

Translated to English, the title literally means Bright Moon of the Qin Era where bright is the english word for Ming in Jing Tian Ming (Jiang Jin Fu) and moon is english word for Yue, which is the name of his counterpart Gao Yue (Hu Bing Qing).

Tangren entertainment is really good at making dramas that appeal to the mainstream. If I were to describe it using one word, we can be sure that Tangren dramas always have style. Too bad Lu Yi has now been relegated to uncle status. His character as swordsman Ge Nie may be older but he is actually one of the coolest whereas Jiang Jin Fu's character Jing Tian Ming is one that needs a lot of growing up even though I'm already on episode 31.

Since, I'm a bit obsessed with the songs, here are some links to Qin's Moon original soundtrack, just click download mp3.
Tian Ming Jiang 天將明 / The Dawn (opening song) by Yoga Lin
Dang Gui / 当归 (ending song) by Zhou Hui
Du Huo 独活 / Solitary by Aaron Yan 炎亞綸
Kui Jia 盔甲 / Shield by Janice Yan
Yi Shuang Ren 一双人 by Lin Kai Lun.

Please check out my 2016 Chinese drama recommendations.

Monster Killer (2015)

An unexpected find since it's not as popular as say Chinese Paladin but it is a web series also produced by Tangren Media that definitely deserves the massive following that it receives from fans who have seen it.

Monster Killer 無心法師 is based on a novel that is written in four chapters so it's not that far-fetched to think that three more seasons may actually happen. For Monster Killer synopsis and ratings, see my 2015 list of best wuxia dramas.

The song choices are worth mentioning since it really fits the theme of the series that is eerily melancholic. Download Monster Killer OST here by typing the Chinese words below (no guarantee it'll work though).
Li Jian 李健 - Bei Jian Er Hu Pan 贝加尔湖畔 (Opening song)
Li Qi 李琦 - Zui Chang De Li Tu 最长的旅途 (Ending song)

Source 3lian.