Cdrama & hanfu

Fans of Jianghu & martial arts TV show are in for a treat with the highly anticipated series, "The Ingenious One". With an all-star cast and impressive fight choreography, this drama promises to be an exciting and thrilling ride for viewers. After "A Dream of Splendor", Chen Xiao's career reached another peak. Not only did he star in one successful product after another, but his personal achievements and performances also improved. First, he starred in the period drama "Miles to Go", playing the role of Gao Jialin, demonstrating the importance of self-reliance in life. Whether it was the immersion of his character, or the presentation of details, Chen Xiao's interpretation was perfect. Following that, he worked with Chen Jianbin to bring the suspenseful detective drama "Thirteen Years of Dust", once again playing a police officer and effectively conveying the sense of responsibility and belief that comes with the job. His personal performance was outstanding, and combined with the high-quality products and strong performances from the entire cast, received numerous positive reviews and can be considered a top suspense drama of 2023. Just as "Thirteen Years of Dust" has finished airing, Chen Xiao's next project "The Ingenious One" is set to…

On July 12th, the costume drama "The Legend of Anle" took over from "Hidden Love", bringing a second wave of cdrama frenzy for the summer season. The premiere episode delighted viewers with amusing plot points such as "gazing through veils," "mutual rescue at sea," and "proactive marriage proposals." "The Legend of Anle" tells the story of Ren Anle, a righteous individual dedicated to the well-being of the people. While investigating a family mystery, she gains recognition from Prince Han Ye, who shares her commitment to their family, country, and citizens. As one of the highly anticipated dramas for the summer season, "The Legend of Anle" quickly captured audience affection with its compelling characters, light-hearted comedy elements, and profound themes – securing its position as number one on popular ranking charts.   Multi-dimensional characters Historical costume dramas have always been favored by audiences; however, with an abundance of similar content available today comes a certain level of viewer fatigue caused by formulaic productions that perpetuate gender stereotypes like dominant men and weak women. In truth, it is the characters themselves that form the core essence of any story. The success or failure of a drama hinges upon whether these characters can…

After much anticipation, the second season of Joy of Life has finally set its start date (May 16, 2024). The trailer was also released recently. Based on the original novel, the main storylines of the second season include the corruption scandal during the Spring Imperial Exam, the censors' impeachment, the assassination at the Xuankong Temple, and the Jiangnan mission to take down the Ming family. The teaser, which is two minutes long and packed with information, centers on these events. The teaser opens with Emperor Qing running frantically. This scene follows the events at the end of the first season. After hearing that Fan Xian was stabbed to death by Yan Bingyun, the emperor's usual regal demeanor vanishes as he reveals his genuine fatherly concern for Fan Xian, demonstrating that despite all the pressures and conflicts, he has some real affection for him. However, this stabbing is likely an original plotline of the drama, orchestrated by Fan Xian himself to deceive Emperor Qing and Chen Pingping. As revealed by the Northern Qi Princess, he wasn't actually dead. Lin Wan'er's festive makeover hints at her wedding ceremony with Fan Xian. In the novel, they were married before Fan Xian's initial journey…

"Story of Kunning Palace" has reached its final act, and the death of You Fangyin in the rain is one of the four major highlights of the ending. In the end, Jiang Xuening changed the destinies of everyone, but could not change the fate of You Fangyin. When Jiang Xuening rescued her from distress and freed her from the sea of suffering, it was considered a rebirth; You Fangyin, in order to repay her kindness, held back Zhou Yinzhi and was killed, considered a death. The cycle of cause and effect, one retribution for another, Jiang Xuening lived two lives, but ultimately could not save her life. Her rebirth saved everyone, but unfortunately, it ended up changing You Fangyin's fate, which inevitably leaves a sense of regret.   01 You Fangyin's obsession and the end In the original work, the first You Fangyin was actually a woman who traveled from modern times, and she accumulated a great deal of wealth through her advanced knowledge. However, she later ended up on the wrong side and was confined in the palace by Xie Wei. There, she became close friends with Jiang Xuening. In the second life, You Fangyin was still saved by…

Rooted deeply in Chinese traditional culture, Xianxia literature not only unveils fantastical realms and enthralling tales of martial heroes and immortal beings but also encapsulates a unique understanding of morality, emotions, and life's essence. In an era of globalization, Xianxia literature emerges as a vital emissary of Chinese culture to the world stage. Xianxia, a genre often characterized by its fusion of mythology, martial arts, and elements of Taoist philosophy, has a rich history dating back centuries. Its origins can be traced to ancient Chinese legends and folklore, where mystical beings and celestial realms coexist alongside mortal realms. These tales, passed down through generations, served not only as entertainment but also as moral instruction, imparting wisdom and guiding principles to listeners. Central to Xianxia literature is the concept of cultivation, wherein protagonists embark on a spiritual journey to attain enlightenment, immortality, or mastery of martial arts. Through rigorous training, inner cultivation, and encounters with formidable adversaries, they transcend the limitations of mortality and ascend to higher realms of existence. This theme resonates deeply with Chinese audiences, reflecting cultural values of perseverance, self-improvement, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Furthermore, Xianxia literature embodies a profound reverence for nature and the cosmos,…

In recent years, the production of historical dramas has increasingly emphasized the organic fusion of traditional cultural elements with storytelling, showcasing a more sophisticated and heartfelt approach to presenting traditional culture. From my perspective, the application of traditional cultural elements in historical dramas can be categorized into three levels: external, superficial, and internal depths.   Authentic Historical Restoration Historical dramas have shown a growing emphasis on meticulous attention to costume and set design, striving for a faithful reconstruction of historical accuracy. Some productions adhere strictly to scholarly research, almost replicating characters' attire and appearances directly from ancient texts and paintings. This approach allows viewers to experience the true aesthetic charm of traditional Chinese clothing. For example, in "Serenade of Peaceful Joy," the portrayal of Emperor Renzong of Song (played by Wang Kai) closely mirrors historical portraits, achieving a striking visual realism akin to a 3D print from ancient paintings. Beyond costumes, headwear serves as a crucial element of visual aesthetics for female characters. Instead of exaggerated hairstyles, integrating traditional intangible cultural heritage elements into hair accessories creates a sophisticated and refreshing visual appeal. For example, in "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace," the use of Tian-tsui ornaments on the hair…

"Unchained Love" is the ancient romantic political drama which stars Dylan Wang, Chen Yu Qi, Peter Ho, and Zeng Li, and aired on December 27, 2022. The drama is based on the novel of the same name by You Si Jie, which tells the story of Xiao Duo, the leader of the powerful Zhao Ding Division, and Bu Yin Lou, a concubine of the previous emperor, who bravely defy fate and feudal rituals, and support each other through life and death to win their freedom. In the eleventh year of the Long Hua period, Da Ye Dynasty (fictional), all the concubines who had no children had to be buried together with the deceased emperor. As a newcomer to the imperial palace, Bu Yin Lou faces the threat of death as soon as she appears. Xiao Duo, the leader of the Zhao Ding Division, who is in charge of decides the list of concubines to be buried with. He noticed that Bu Yin Lou had saved herself in various ways from the beginning and thought she was actually quite intelligent. At the critical moment, Xiao Duo saved Bu Yin Lou. Although Bu Yinlu has not even seen the emperor once since…

As the first drama written and directed by Guo Jingming (pseudonym Gu Xiaosheng), "My Journey to You" has been in the spotlight since its premiere, and continues to be a topic of discussion. It is well known that popular directors/producers like Guo Jingming, Yu Zheng, and Wang Yixu, even if they have not released any works for a long time, are always surrounded by legends about them. Information about them is no longer clear and precise, as if all the praise and criticism are shrouded in a veil of mist, making it difficult to distinguish. It is unfair to judge the work itself and other cast and crew members from this perspective. Therefore, today, let us temporarily set aside the controversies and love-hate relationships that have long focused on Guo Jingming, and re-examine the work "My Journey to You".   The dichotomy of visual beauty and impressive sight When "My Journey to You" first aired, it was common to see some hesitant netizens wandering in various comment sections, trying to seek authentic evaluations from the viewers who were the first to watch this drama. Interestingly, although everyone's responses were different, the overall sentiment was surprisingly consistent, all expressing that this…

Hello, dear readers! Today, we're about to embark on a journey into the heart of "Wonderland of Love", a drama where love tangoes with war, and characters are as complex as a royal court intrigue. Our main leads, Li Ni and Cui Lin, are not your average Joe and Jane. They're warriors, lovers, and everything in between. So, grab your popcorn, and let's unravel the tapestry of these intriguing characters.   Li Ni - The Prince of War Li Ni, the grandson of the emperor, is not just a pretty face with a royal title. He's a man of substance, a warrior with a cause. His journey from a somewhat naive prince to a seasoned war strategist is as thrilling as it is inspiring. What makes Li Ni so fascinating is his ability to balance the burden of royalty with the raw realities of war. He's like a chess master, always two steps ahead, yet his heart remains vulnerable. His love for Cui Lin is not just a subplot; it's the fuel that drives his ambitions. Let's not forget his tactical brilliance. Li Ni's strategies in the battlefield are a testament to his intellect and adaptability. He's a character who…

From the imperial capital to Jinyang, following the footsteps of Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, the audience who are deeply concerned about the fate and destiny of the Hua and Gu families breathe a sigh of relief. As far as the eye can see, the most common sentiment expressed by the audience is, "This is a work that brings a sense of happiness." Since the premiere of "Blossoms in Adversity," the accumulated valid viewership has reached a staggering 1.133 billion according to data, with an average valid viewership per episode ranking among the 30 million+ club, securing the top spot on the weekly popularity chart for web dramas. Undoubtedly, in the Q2 2024 drama market, this ancient costume legendary drama, which is based on the grand theme of "family and the country" and takes root and sprouts under the nourishment of traditional culture, has resonated with both the audience within and outside the play, reaching a mutual understanding and achieving a two-way convergence at the peak meeting. Leading in both word-of-mouth and popularity dimensions, it brings increasingly valuable reflections to the industry: where does the emotional connection between ancient costume dramas and young audiences of today lie? What is the…

The Chinese spy drama "The Wind Blows From Longxi (风起陇西)", is based on Ma Boyong's novel of the same name, with Chen Kun and Bai Yu as the main roles. Nie Yuan, Yin Zhu Sheng, Chang Yuan, Angelababy, Sun Yi, Yu Hao Ming, and Lawrence Wang as the support roles. Dong Zi Jian, Guo Jing Fei, and Li Guangjie as guest roles. The drama scheduled to be aired on April 27th is about to embark on a journey back to the basics of traditional Chinese aesthetics. "The Wind Blows From Longxi" tells the story of two small characters who are not in the spotlight of the chaotic world: Chen Gong and Xun Xu's ups and downs, their brotherly friendship for each other explodes into a dazzling light in the thrilling spy war, writing a heroic legend. Speaking of the original author Ma Boyong, "Schemes in Antiques", "The Longest Day In Chang'an", "Luoyang" and other adaptations have achieved good results, with solid original work, so that the adaptation more smoothly. The drama is set in the Three Kingdoms era, different from the traditional Three Kingdoms theme, director Lu Yang and his team tried to "create the whole atmosphere, the sense of…

In the 2023 Chinese television drama market, in addition to realistic themes such as "The Knockout", "Our Ordinary Days" and "The Long Season" leading the trend of binge-watching, ancient costume dramas that have been silent for a long time are also regaining their vitality. Currently, the lingering effect of "Till the End of the Moon" is still present. The latest release of the ancient costume Xuanhuan drama "Back From the Brink" has once again sparked a frenzy among viewers. In this upcoming summer season, ancient costume dramas will be taking center stage on video streaming media. New works such as “Gone with the Rain”, “The Scent of Time”, “The Legend of Anle”, “Story of Kunning Palace”, “The Longest Promise” and “Lost You Forever” have all appeared in various broadcasting schedules across major video streaming platforms; it seems like everyone is trying to make headway into this genre. With the overall TV series market entering a positive cycle where good content prevails, coupled with improvements in film and television environment and relaxed government policies, creative modes for ancient costume dramas are also beginning to change. The past pseudo-exquisite products produced from an assembly line have been abandoned by both markets and…

  A new cdrama, Royal Feast, recently aired! This culinary and palace drama set in the Ming Dynasty stars the original cast of the hit drama Story of Yanxi Palace. As the name implies, Royal Feast (尚食, Shang Shi) is a historical drama that focuses on the palace cuisine of the Ming Dynasty. The story takes place during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, where the young cook Yao Zijin, played by Wu Jinyan, enters the palace and shows her "culinary talent" step by step, and eventually becomes a female official of the Food Bureau of the Imperial Palace. Royal Feast not only presents many court food, but also the sweet palace love between Yao Zijin and Zhu Zhanji, the imperial grandson. In this article, we will share the highlights of Royal Feast from food, costumes, and props.   Palace cuisine in Royal Feast The cuisine is the most important part of the drama! For the important Food Bureau of the Imperial Palace scene design, the team carefully drew a detailed structural model drawing, and made a detailed restoration of each place. In order to restore the menu of the Forbidden City in the Ming Dynasty, the non-heritage team…

When it comes to Chinese dramas, historical and fantasy themes are undoubtedly a tried and true popular choice. In recent years, outstanding works in the fantasy genre have emerged, from "Love Between Fairy and Devil " to "Till the End of the Moon," and then to "Lost You Forever," all igniting a craze for drama watching. This year, the upcoming series "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" and Zhao Liying's "The Legend of Shen Li" are highly anticipated, intensifying the competition in the historical costume drama genre. Amidst the bustling market, the highly anticipated drama "Burning Flames" has recently announced new developments. Today, the drama released a trailer and will aired in March 13th. With a strong cast and great potential for popularity, the pre-broadcast hype has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm for watching. The drama "Burning Flames" is adapted from the cartoon "Wu Geng Ji." This cartoon has reached the peak of popularity in recent years with its unique creativity and passionate storyline. Centered around Wu Geng, the son of King Yin Shou of the Zhou Dynasty, the story depicts a feud spanning across the human, god, and underworld realms. Wu Geng, a prince with blood ties to both the divine…

A lot of people on blog website including me have made posts about top wuxia dramas to watch but we always end up adding Xianxia dramas to the list. So in today's video,  I am only gonna include wuxia dramas on this list. Wuxia literary translates to Martial Heroes and it's set in Jiang Hu. Jiang Hu means lakes and rivers. In the west, Superman and Batman can be considered martial heroes but in Chinese drama land, wuxia dramas are set in ancient China. Wuxia dramas contest of Jiang hu, martial arts, swordsman,  and the characters must know some form of martial arts.   1. Nirvana In Fire 瑯琊榜 Starring Hu Ge, Tamia Liu & Wang Kai, Nirvana In Fire is a 54 episode drama that tells the story of a brilliant strategist who helps an uncovered prince battle for the throne. The screenplay is well-written and the storyline is well-paced as plots get revealed. You know how most shows are pretty boring in the beginning and only get interesting around episode 15 or so,  well Nirvana In Fire is amazing and it’ll hook you in right from the 1st episode. The drama has also got an amazing cast but…

The highly anticipated martial arts animation "Zhen Dao Ge" Season 2 recently premiered, and as an work that has already released two seasons plus a movie, its influence has been preliminarily established. The story of "Zhen Dao Ge" is solid, with superb fighting scenes, and combined with the fact that animation itself can surpass human physical limits, it even outshines live-action martial arts dramas in expression. Many viewers are looking forward to this animation being adapted into live-action to enhance the quality of live-action martial arts dramas. In fact, live-action martial arts dramas have indeed been facing a creative stagnation in recent years. The works of older generation authors such as Jin Yong and Gu Long have been repeatedly adapted and can no longer satisfy the audience's appetite. This year, there are some signs of recovery in the martial arts market, with adaptations of new martial arts novels like "The Ingenious One" and the addition of suspense elements in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" bringing surprises to the audience. In comparison, martial arts animations are producing excellent works one after another, and they even serve as the source for live-action adaptations, creating a batch of well-received and quality martial arts drama adaptations.…

At the moment when the story of "Blossoms Shanghai" is about to come to an end, "Like a Flowing River Season 3" welcomes its final chapter. Both dramas, set against the backdrop of China's society in the 1980s and 1990s, present different facets of that era from different perspectives and expressive styles. They both refine grand themes into the lives of individual characters, stories, and emotions, allowing contemporary audiences to resonate with the era conveyed in the drama.   Two interpreting of the sense of the times Factors such as simultaneous airing, similar time periods, and top-notch production teams make it inevitable to compare "Blossoms Shanghai" and "Like a Flowing River Season 3." It is obvious that although both dramas focus on the background of Chinese reform and modernization, they present completely different sensations. They represent two variations in the torrent of the times, creating different styles of the sense of the times between realism and romance. "Blossoms Shanghai" placing the power struggles of business and the emotional entanglements of relationships in the early 1990s urban Shanghai. Through the fluctuating lives of the young men and women in the business world, it reproduces the appearance of the Shanghai style in…

Chinese style, and traditional culture, has become a necessary element of the Mid-Autumn Festival traditional gala. China Central Television set the site of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala at Jiyang Lake, where the full moon stage and the bright moon are intertwined. Hunan TV uses giant letterheads to pull out famous paintings of ancient Mid-Autumn themes in the gala, which is a new visual experience. But we can not ignore the most outstanding gala production, Henan TV, as well as the "Adventures of the Mid-Autumn Festival".   01 Mid-Autumn Festival - Reunion The 2022 Henan TV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala revolves around "Shuidiao Getou (水调歌头, poet Su Shi's work)", from which four keys are extracted: missing, healing, reunion and dreaming. As the first program to open the show, "Chang'e Flying to the Moon" is highly expected. Henan TV, intends to recreate this fairy who is closely related to the moon. In the usual imagination, the quiet Guanghan Palace has the Jade Rabbit pounding medicine, Wu Gang felling laurel, and only Chang'e fairy, lonely as a beautiful symbol. The moment of amazement and reluctance to flying to the moon seems to have made her whole life. Henan Weiwei refocused its attention on Chang'e, how…

In the realm of Chinese television, Jin Yong's wuxia dramas once reigned supreme, capturing the hearts of audiences with their tales of honor, betrayal, and martial arts prowess. However, in recent years, a proliferation of remakes and adaptations has inundated screens, often with controversial alterations that deviate from the cherished originals. This trend has led to a palpable decline in audience expectations for Jin Yong's wuxia dramas. Yet, despite the criticisms and skepticism, the allure of these timeless tales remains undiminished, fueling an ongoing wave of reinterpretations and reimaginings. Enter "The World of Jin Yong," a series that has garnered considerable attention for its bold narrative innovations. While staying true to the classic framework laid down by the original works, this drama embarks on daring creative ventures by delving into the characters' youthful exploits and intertwining romantic plotlines. By doing so, it offers viewers a fresh perspective and a chance to rediscover the iconic heroes of wuxia lore. The success of "The World of Jin Yong" lies not only in its willingness to push the boundaries of storytelling but also in its adept handling of beloved characters and their relationships. By exploring the formative years of these figures and delving…

In the pursuit of crafting a narrative that captivates the audience's imagination while evoking empathy, Moon Red Arc has embraced the rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship. Through the abundant use of techniques such as floral silk inlaying, the series endeavors to cultivate a romantic and enduring Eastern aesthetic, thereby upholding the legacy of traditional culture. At the heart of "Moon Red Arc" lies a commitment to immersing viewers in a world where fantasy and reality intertwine seamlessly. By infusing the narrative with elements of non-material cultural heritage, the series not only transports audiences to a bygone era but also celebrates the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of traditional art forms. Floral silk inlaying, a technique with roots deep in Chinese history, serves as a visual metaphor for the intricate layers of storytelling woven throughout the series. Just as artisans meticulously craft each delicate motif, so too do the creators of "Moon Red Arc" painstakingly construct a narrative that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Through the use of non-material cultural heritage, "Moon Red Arc" seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation. By honoring the craftsmanship of generations past, the series pays homage to the cultural…

The TV series The Blood of Youth (少年歌行, Shao Nian Ge Xing) is adapted from the novel of the same name. The drama stars Li Hong Yi, Liu Xue Yi, Lin Bo Yang, Ao Rui Peng, Li Xin Ze and Flora Dai, etc. It was broadcast on December 26, 2022. During the journey to Xue Yue City, the young hero Lei Wu Jie mistakenly enters the Xue Luo Villa. His first heroic deed does not go as planned, as he destroys the inn, and also owes the inn boss Xiao Se a debt. In desperation, Lei Wu Jie travels to Xue Luo Villa with Xiao Se. On the way, they happen to meet Tang Lian, who is escorting a gold coffin, and are involved in a huge rivalry between the rivers and lakes, as well as a deep secret hidden in the royal family for many years. Several young heroes with strange origins and a dashing heroic spirit start their adventure. They are pulled by an invisible clue and gradually evolve from ignorance to heroes. "The Blood of Youth" brings together many elements of teenagers, hot blood, martial arts and so on. Where does the protagonist rank in terms of…

It seems that the audience's preferences have changed along with the trend of Xianxia dramas. Increasingly, Xianxia dramas are bringing back the long-lost sense of youth to the audience, offering a blend of joy, passion, and adolescent energy. Not only do viewers indulge in the sweet and bitter plotlines, but they are also awakened to their yearning for idealized love, which can inspire the brighter side of human nature. If every generation has its own Xianxia dramas, then the Xianxia dramas represented by "Love Between Fairy and Devil" and "Back from the Brink" undoubtedly fit the aesthetic taste of Generation Z in terms of art style, character design, and core values. They meet the current young people's demands for passionate values, which is markedly different from the previous style of Xianxia dramas.   Character Setting Downgraded Prior to "The Journey of Flower," the main theme of Xianxia dramas was the growth of youths in a collective background. Such as Li Xiaoyao, Jing Tian, and Baili Tusu were chosen because they came from the lower classes or had a strong aura. Since then, the protagonist of Xianxia dramas has become female, and the narrative of adolescent growth has been replaced by…

Currently, after shedding the excesses of previous bubbles, long-form video content has entered a phase of steady, high-quality growth. As the most crucial sector of long-form video, series have become the primary battleground for platforms. However, competition in this space has evolved to be more positive. Rather than resorting to cutthroat tactics, platforms are solidifying their unique advantages based on historical experience, cultivating differentiation that cannot easily be replicated by competitors. They are reinforcing their distinctive brands to build a content moat. A retrospective view of the 2023 series market and a preview of 2024 through platform content lists reveals this underlying logic clearly.   Reflecting on 2023 Series In 2023, effective cumulative plays for series surpassed 300 billion across the entire network. Despite challenging external conditions, the market achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Two main pillars supported this performance. Major flagship dramas on each platform exhibited outstanding market performance, primarily in conventional mainstream genres. Examples include "The Knockout", and "Who Is He", which are suspense series that enjoy broad audience appeal. Their concurrent premieres on both online and traditional TV platforms achieved high online popularity and television viewership. Ancient romances drama like "Till the End of the Moon", "Lost You Forever",…

The drama "Story of Kunning Palace" is adapted from the novel of the same name by Shi Jing. This palace suspense drama captivates the audience with its continuous plot twists and meticulously crafted characters. As a drama that tells the story of fate's ups and downs and the rewriting of one's life, the main characters in "Ning An Ru Meng" each have distinct personalities. Their destinies intertwine, ultimately joining forces to uncover the truth of the past. These characters possess rich inner worlds, deserving of in-depth analysis. Firstly, there is the female protagonist Jiang Xue Ning, who transforms from arrogance and calculation to rebirth and self-transformation. Xie Wei, under the facade of cold and cunning political schemes, displays great character development by caring for others. Additionally, there is the unfortunate Yan Lin, the optimistic and resilient Shen Zhi Yi, and the upright and dedicated Zhang Zhe, among others. Their tumultuous destinies not only provide the audience with a profound understanding of the brightness of human nature and hope, but also allow us to delve into the vivid world of "Ning An Ru Meng" and analyze these television characters one by one. 1. Jiang Xuening Characteristics: Changing Fate with Wisdom, Transforming…