China Dramas Rated
Jan. 24th, 2010 05:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
walkwithheroesMostly for my own sake, and in case I ever need rec's, I've written down all the Asian dramas I've seen. It's eleven pages on my laptop, and I'm 98% sure I've forgotten at least 50 dramas. But, I'll just have to fill them in later. For now, I bring a list of (nearly) all the Chinese dramas I've seen - with ratings and reasons.
Chinese Dramas: (Ratings are out of 10)
Love at First Fight:
Stars: Miriam Yeung, Wallace Huo, George Hu, Zhang Meng, Jia Nai Liang, Bai Xue, Li Yi Xiao, Zhang Yi Sheng
Summary: Fearing that her husband might leave her due to her inability to bring a boy to the family, Mrs. Wu declares her tenth daughter her "tenth" son, who is later named Wu Shi Lang. The goal is for Shi Lang to win as many martial arts competitions as possible, as that's all her father seems to care about. Conflicts arise when she finds herself falling for her childhood friend, Li Ya Shou, who is determined to marry the rich. To stop him from marrying the wealthy Lei Xiao Yu, Shi Lang defeats Ya Shou in a martial arts competition. Xiao Yu is greatly impressed and insists on marrying Shi Lang. Things are further complicated, when Xiao Yu's younger brother, Lei Sheng Da, encounters the dress-wearing Shi Lang and falls head over heels in love with her.
Available online? Yes. There are several streaming sites that have the DVD-rip with English subtitles.
Available on DVD? Yes. It was released on 6 All Region DVDs a couple of years ago by Tai Seng Video. The series can be bought in a box site on at yesasia.com, bestbuy.com, ebay, etc. A bit of a warning: the English subtitles gave everyone English names, and there are typos and grammer errors (which get worse toward the end of the series)in the subtitles. It isn't horrible, but it can be annoying.
My Thoughts: Love at First Fight is a drama composed of several mini-arcs, with the larger love-triangles making up the bulk of the story. In other words, the love triangles go throughout all 32 episodes of the show, but every five to ten episodes have a mini story going on. Usually, the story involves Shi Lang and Ya Shou dealing with a foe of some kind or preparing for a competition, etc. However, that's not to say that it's boring - it can actually be fun to watch. But, really, the main reason to watch this show is the love triangles that are going on and the chemistry between Wallace Huo and Miriam Yeung. It's interesting to watch Ya Shou slowly discover that he's in love with his childhood friend (who he thought was a boy until they were in their twenties)and that he may have missed his opportunity.
Rating: 6.5/10. The main reason to watch this one is the cast. The stories can lag and some of the characters are more annoying than amusing. But, it's something you can slowly watch. I rec it if you've got time to kill or if you're a fan of Miriam Yeung or Wallace Huo.
Return of the Condor Heroes (2006)
Stars: Huang Xiao Ming, Liu Yi Fei, Kong Lin, Yang Mi, Jessy Meng, Chen Zi Han, etc
Summary:From his humble beginnings, the street wise Yang Guo gets passed around from one prestigious master to another but none of them will teach him any martial arts. While escaping from a tortured experience under Quan Zhen Sect's Zhao Zhi Jing, he meets Xiao Long Nu, the girl who will become his martial arts master and eventually the love of his life.
Available online? Yes. Several streaming sites have the DVD-rip.
Available on DVD? Yes. It was released on 6 All Region DVDs a couple of years ago by Tai Seng Video. The series can be bought in a box site on at yesasia.com, bestbuy.com, ebay, etc. It is also on Netflix.
My Thoughts: The love story between Yang Guo and Long Nu is said to be one of the most beloved and well known love stories in China. And really, this version of the series (which is based on the novel's newest version - the author rewrites his novels every few years, adding and taking out characters and scenes) focuses much more on the romances than the other versions of ROCH. Really, this is a series for people who enjoy romance in their wuxia. The thing about this ROCH is that, yes, Yang Guo can be too immature and yes, there are wtf? moments as the series suffers (at times) from odd editing, but. . . this series really is all about the romance. I rec is for romantics.
Rating: 8/10. For romantics and fans of the novel. I think this one is a nice intro to the wuxia world.
Project A
Stars: Dicky Cheung, Patrick Tam, Liu Yuan Yuan, Zhang Ling Xin, Gillian Chung, Wu Qing Zhe, Yuen Qiu, Bryan Leung, Wong Jing as Tang Lang and Alice Chan
Summary: Based on a classic Jackie Chan film, the story takes place in the early 20th century and focuses on Dou Ba and He Ding Guo - Dou Ba works as a coast guard officer and Ding Guo works as a land officer. The two, in an attempt to stop the corrupt Hong Kong government from working with pirates, team up and form a friendship. The show also focuses on the two men and their romantic relationships, including the forbidden love between Dou Ba and a pirate's daughter.
Available online? No.
Available on DVD? Yes, it was released on region 0 by Tai Seng Video. And yes, like all Tai Seng releases there are typo and grammer errors toward the end of the series. It's on Netflix and can be bought.
My Thoughts: Truthfully, I became a little addicted to this series. I got it off Netflix and then ended up buying the series. It's rather fun, and there are some alright twists and turns. But, like Love at First Fight it suffers from being too long (36 episodes) and tiny story arcs. However, the last five or so episodes have a nice story arc - everything comes together nicely. But. . .it is just me or, the older Dickey Cheung gets, the younger his love interests get?
Rating: 7/10. A little fun, with some nice romance. But, some characters are annoying at times and some characters are just too good and pure.
Men and Legends
Stars: Dylan Kuo, Peter Ho, Hao Lei, Qing Xiang Wang, others
Summary: Feng (Peter Ho) and Yuan (Dylan Kuo), disciples of Huo Yuanjia and kung fu master Wong Fei Hung respectively, fall into a trap that is unveiled by Huo's mysterious death. To prove their innocence, Feng and Yuan have to endure the pain of being misunderstood by friends and loved ones, not to mention the physical hardship they need to undergo. Will they be able to find out the real culprit behind the conspiracy?
Available online? No.
Available on DVD? Yes. From Tai Seng Video. On Netflixs and can be bought anywhere.
My Thoughts: Oh dear. I think this series suffers from length. I have to admit I'm not a fan of Peter Ho, so. . .I often fast forward through his scenes. But, the OTP were sweet. However, the conspiracy got a bit old, as it dragged (stopped and was forgotten), then dragged again.
Rating: 6.5/10. It gets draggy and everyone is just so good until about half-way through the series.
Chinese Paladin
Stars: Hu Ge,Liu Yi Fei, Ady An, Bryan Wang, Eddie Peng, Esther Liu
Summary: Based on a video game, the series takes place in a fantasy China from hundreds of years ago. Li Xiao Yao,journeys to Dream Island to find a cure for his sick aunt. There he meets and marries the love of his life, Ling'er. On his way back home with the cure, he discovers that he's been tricked by the Lunar Sect Cult so that they can kidnap Ling'er.
He awakens in his bed, having forgotten his entire trip to Dream Island, but having saved his aunt. He rescues Ling'er from the Lunar Sect Cult and is in turn rescued by a mysterious stranger who teaches him kung fu. Xiao Yao and Ling'er travel to the capital to meet her father.
Along the way, they meet various people, get harassed by the Lunar Sect Cult, discover both of their histories, save the world and fall in love with each other all over again.
Available online? Yes. A fansub group did this one.
Available on DVD? Yes, it's on region 0 from Tai Seng Video.
My Thoughts: The series starts off very light hearted and full of humor. There are many sweet and romantic moments between Xiao Yao and Ling'er at the start. Even the middle of the series has some light moments. Ah Nu brings some cute moments and Ah Nu/Tang Yu are very sweet. But then, there are misunderstandings and secrets and before you know it the sweet silly series has become ANGST fest, '05.
Rating: 7/10. It's a series that has some really fun moments, but several (somewhat unneeded) moments of angst. The love triangle between Ling'er/Xiao Ya/Yue Ru is ridiculously polite and, at times, boring. But, the secondary OTP is adorable when they are on the same page. The ending was much too angsty.
Demi Gods and Semi Devils (2006)
Stars:Hu Jun, Jimmy Lin, Gao Hu, Liu Yi Fei, Liu Tao, Chen Hao, Xiu Qing
Summary: Qiao Feng's story is his quest to find his real identity and the mystery surrounding an event that occured 30 years prior that left him as an orphan. Duan Yu's story covers his meetings with many of his half sisters that he did not know he had (thanks to his adventurous dad during his young days) and the battle with Duan Yuan Qing as the rightful ruler of Dali. Xu Zhu is a lowly Shaolin Monk who gets caught in the middle of an internal struggle of the Care Free Sect, one of the most powerful and secretative sects around. Their stories take place during the Northern Song Dynasty and across warring kingdoms of Song, Liao, Dali, and Western Xia.
Available online? Yes, a fansub group did this series.
Available on DVD? Yes,but without English subtitles.
My Thoughts: Another series based on a novel by Jin Yong. This series is much more about the friendship between the three men and the political stuff going on. Yes, there are some OTPs and yes, even a bit of humor. But, this is a series about cause and effect, about the complex relationships between all the kingdoms and Sects that existed in ancient China. That makes this series really lovely and complex to watch - all these people and their struggles are fascinating.
Rating: 7/10 - A very story driven series. Full of characters that you remember and are interested in; some you hate and some you pray get a happy ending. Very good version of the novel.
Young Warriors of the Yang Clan (2006)
Stars: Weng Jia Ming, Amy Chan, Peter Ho, Chen Long, Hu Ge, Eddie Peng,Liu Shi Shi,
Wei Xiao Jun,Lin Jia Yu, Liu Xiao Jie, Wu Jia Ni, Yuan Hong
Summary: This drama focuses on the earlier days of the legendary Yang Clan when most of them were not yet soldiers. It tells of how their parents, their enemies, and the women they loved shaped their characters, influenced their lives, and motivated them to become the patriotic warriors their clan is revered for.
Available online? Yes, someone has uploaded the DVD-rips with English subs. They're floating around the 'net.
Available on DVD? Yes, from Tai Seng. Also, I believe it is on Netflix.
My Thoughts: There are many series about the Yang Clan, but this one is a favorite. It has some beautifully shot scenes, some bright characters, and some really wonderful storylines. Plenty of humor and angst.
Rating: 8/10. A series that is very action and political driven. There are many wonderful characters here, with some dramatic moments, but also some lovely humor. Plus, there is an OTP type for everyone. And, some really lovely fight scenes.
Romance of Red Dust
Stars: Wallace Huo, Shu Qi, Kwong Wa, Yao Cai Ying, Pang Yong Zhi, Jia Nai Liang, Liu Yun
Summary: To consolidate and strengthen his power, the vicious Yang Su builds an underground fortress where he harbours numerous assassins at his disposal, one of the most prominent ones being Hong Fu (Shu Qi). Rescued by Yang Su’s adopted son Du Gu Cheng (Kong Wah) at a young age from a band of thugs who also killed her parents, the beautiful, intelligent and highly-skilled Hong Fu eventually becomes Yang Su’s favourite.
Indignant at the country’s deplorable state, a young man Li Jing (Wallace Huo) arrives at the capital hoping to reverse the country’s downward spiral. Hailing from a family which places patriotism and national welfare before personal safety, Li Jing’s enthusiasm and prolific knowledge of martial arts and warfare places him in disfavour with Yang Su who views Li Jing a potential threat to himself. Yang Su promptly sends Hong Fu off to eliminate Li Jing.
Alas, Li Jing’s hot-blooded patriotism and passion for the commoners has struck a chord with Hong Fu’s own hidden desire to elevate the people’s wretched misery. She warns Li Jing to leave town immediately, only to be caught on the spot by Yang Su’s other assassins. To protect him, Hong Fu is forced to fight against them and to flee from the life she has known.
Even with Du Gu Cheng hot on the chase after them, Hong Fu and Li Jing manage to evade capture, with love blossoming between them. Along the way, they meet pugilist Qiu Ranke (Yu Rongguang), who joins them to become the third musketeer in the fight against the mutinous Yang Su and his cronies…
Available online? Yes, but without English subtitles.
Available on DVD? Yes, it's on Netflix and can be bought at stores in the United States.
My Thoughts: A series that starts off rather draggy, but picks up toward the middle. Interestingly, I found the side/secondary characters and storylines much more interesting and even charming then the main three characters of Hong Fu, Li Jing, and Qiu Ranke. It was a series that suffered because there was a lot going on at some points, and then nothing going on at others. Also, it felt a bit unreal that nearly every male character was in love with Hong Fu. What was with all that killing in the last five episodes?
Rating: 6/10. I really loved the secondary characters and their plot lines, but felt that the main three characters and their stories dragged. There was also a lack of chemistry between Shu Qi and Wallace Huo - I felt it at times, but I didn't truly believe they had fallen so deeply in love in such a sort time.
Handsome Siblings/Proud Twins
Stars: Dicky Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bing Bing, Bai Xue, Yuan Quan, etc
Summary: Loosely based on the novel, The Legendary Twins by Gu Long, the story tells of two twins who are separated as babies, only to remeet 20+ years later. The twins first see each other as enemies but they gradually become friends and eventually acknowledge each other as brothers.
Available online? Yes, the DVD-rip is on streaming sites.
Available on DVD? Yes, it was released by Tai Seng and is on Netflix. You can also buy it at stores.
My Thoughts: When they say loosely, they mean loosely. Whole characters and storylines are left out. Characters are combined to form new characters. New storylines are put in. And, a great number of episodes focus solely on Dicky Cheung's character, his adventures, and the ladies in his life. Still, the chemistry of the cast saves the show.
Rating: 6/10. I must admit that it's solely the cast that saves this show for me. The OTP of Hua Wu Que and Tie Xin Lan is beautifully done and at times tragic. The friendship between Xin Lan and Xiao Yu Er is actually very nice. As is the brotherhood of the men. Even Yu Er/Xiao Xian Nu is extremely sweet and tragic. Again, the show is saved by the cast and the characters; their relationships make it work.
I've also seen Sword Stained With Royal Blood, and I give that a 7/10.
Chinese Dramas: (Ratings are out of 10)
Love at First Fight:
Stars: Miriam Yeung, Wallace Huo, George Hu, Zhang Meng, Jia Nai Liang, Bai Xue, Li Yi Xiao, Zhang Yi Sheng
Summary: Fearing that her husband might leave her due to her inability to bring a boy to the family, Mrs. Wu declares her tenth daughter her "tenth" son, who is later named Wu Shi Lang. The goal is for Shi Lang to win as many martial arts competitions as possible, as that's all her father seems to care about. Conflicts arise when she finds herself falling for her childhood friend, Li Ya Shou, who is determined to marry the rich. To stop him from marrying the wealthy Lei Xiao Yu, Shi Lang defeats Ya Shou in a martial arts competition. Xiao Yu is greatly impressed and insists on marrying Shi Lang. Things are further complicated, when Xiao Yu's younger brother, Lei Sheng Da, encounters the dress-wearing Shi Lang and falls head over heels in love with her.
Available online? Yes. There are several streaming sites that have the DVD-rip with English subtitles.
Available on DVD? Yes. It was released on 6 All Region DVDs a couple of years ago by Tai Seng Video. The series can be bought in a box site on at yesasia.com, bestbuy.com, ebay, etc. A bit of a warning: the English subtitles gave everyone English names, and there are typos and grammer errors (which get worse toward the end of the series)in the subtitles. It isn't horrible, but it can be annoying.
My Thoughts: Love at First Fight is a drama composed of several mini-arcs, with the larger love-triangles making up the bulk of the story. In other words, the love triangles go throughout all 32 episodes of the show, but every five to ten episodes have a mini story going on. Usually, the story involves Shi Lang and Ya Shou dealing with a foe of some kind or preparing for a competition, etc. However, that's not to say that it's boring - it can actually be fun to watch. But, really, the main reason to watch this show is the love triangles that are going on and the chemistry between Wallace Huo and Miriam Yeung. It's interesting to watch Ya Shou slowly discover that he's in love with his childhood friend (who he thought was a boy until they were in their twenties)and that he may have missed his opportunity.
Rating: 6.5/10. The main reason to watch this one is the cast. The stories can lag and some of the characters are more annoying than amusing. But, it's something you can slowly watch. I rec it if you've got time to kill or if you're a fan of Miriam Yeung or Wallace Huo.
Return of the Condor Heroes (2006)
Stars: Huang Xiao Ming, Liu Yi Fei, Kong Lin, Yang Mi, Jessy Meng, Chen Zi Han, etc
Summary:From his humble beginnings, the street wise Yang Guo gets passed around from one prestigious master to another but none of them will teach him any martial arts. While escaping from a tortured experience under Quan Zhen Sect's Zhao Zhi Jing, he meets Xiao Long Nu, the girl who will become his martial arts master and eventually the love of his life.
Available online? Yes. Several streaming sites have the DVD-rip.
Available on DVD? Yes. It was released on 6 All Region DVDs a couple of years ago by Tai Seng Video. The series can be bought in a box site on at yesasia.com, bestbuy.com, ebay, etc. It is also on Netflix.
My Thoughts: The love story between Yang Guo and Long Nu is said to be one of the most beloved and well known love stories in China. And really, this version of the series (which is based on the novel's newest version - the author rewrites his novels every few years, adding and taking out characters and scenes) focuses much more on the romances than the other versions of ROCH. Really, this is a series for people who enjoy romance in their wuxia. The thing about this ROCH is that, yes, Yang Guo can be too immature and yes, there are wtf? moments as the series suffers (at times) from odd editing, but. . . this series really is all about the romance. I rec is for romantics.
Rating: 8/10. For romantics and fans of the novel. I think this one is a nice intro to the wuxia world.
Project A
Stars: Dicky Cheung, Patrick Tam, Liu Yuan Yuan, Zhang Ling Xin, Gillian Chung, Wu Qing Zhe, Yuen Qiu, Bryan Leung, Wong Jing as Tang Lang and Alice Chan
Summary: Based on a classic Jackie Chan film, the story takes place in the early 20th century and focuses on Dou Ba and He Ding Guo - Dou Ba works as a coast guard officer and Ding Guo works as a land officer. The two, in an attempt to stop the corrupt Hong Kong government from working with pirates, team up and form a friendship. The show also focuses on the two men and their romantic relationships, including the forbidden love between Dou Ba and a pirate's daughter.
Available online? No.
Available on DVD? Yes, it was released on region 0 by Tai Seng Video. And yes, like all Tai Seng releases there are typo and grammer errors toward the end of the series. It's on Netflix and can be bought.
My Thoughts: Truthfully, I became a little addicted to this series. I got it off Netflix and then ended up buying the series. It's rather fun, and there are some alright twists and turns. But, like Love at First Fight it suffers from being too long (36 episodes) and tiny story arcs. However, the last five or so episodes have a nice story arc - everything comes together nicely. But. . .it is just me or, the older Dickey Cheung gets, the younger his love interests get?
Rating: 7/10. A little fun, with some nice romance. But, some characters are annoying at times and some characters are just too good and pure.
Men and Legends
Stars: Dylan Kuo, Peter Ho, Hao Lei, Qing Xiang Wang, others
Summary: Feng (Peter Ho) and Yuan (Dylan Kuo), disciples of Huo Yuanjia and kung fu master Wong Fei Hung respectively, fall into a trap that is unveiled by Huo's mysterious death. To prove their innocence, Feng and Yuan have to endure the pain of being misunderstood by friends and loved ones, not to mention the physical hardship they need to undergo. Will they be able to find out the real culprit behind the conspiracy?
Available online? No.
Available on DVD? Yes. From Tai Seng Video. On Netflixs and can be bought anywhere.
My Thoughts: Oh dear. I think this series suffers from length. I have to admit I'm not a fan of Peter Ho, so. . .I often fast forward through his scenes. But, the OTP were sweet. However, the conspiracy got a bit old, as it dragged (stopped and was forgotten), then dragged again.
Rating: 6.5/10. It gets draggy and everyone is just so good until about half-way through the series.
Chinese Paladin
Stars: Hu Ge,Liu Yi Fei, Ady An, Bryan Wang, Eddie Peng, Esther Liu
Summary: Based on a video game, the series takes place in a fantasy China from hundreds of years ago. Li Xiao Yao,journeys to Dream Island to find a cure for his sick aunt. There he meets and marries the love of his life, Ling'er. On his way back home with the cure, he discovers that he's been tricked by the Lunar Sect Cult so that they can kidnap Ling'er.
He awakens in his bed, having forgotten his entire trip to Dream Island, but having saved his aunt. He rescues Ling'er from the Lunar Sect Cult and is in turn rescued by a mysterious stranger who teaches him kung fu. Xiao Yao and Ling'er travel to the capital to meet her father.
Along the way, they meet various people, get harassed by the Lunar Sect Cult, discover both of their histories, save the world and fall in love with each other all over again.
Available online? Yes. A fansub group did this one.
Available on DVD? Yes, it's on region 0 from Tai Seng Video.
My Thoughts: The series starts off very light hearted and full of humor. There are many sweet and romantic moments between Xiao Yao and Ling'er at the start. Even the middle of the series has some light moments. Ah Nu brings some cute moments and Ah Nu/Tang Yu are very sweet. But then, there are misunderstandings and secrets and before you know it the sweet silly series has become ANGST fest, '05.
Rating: 7/10. It's a series that has some really fun moments, but several (somewhat unneeded) moments of angst. The love triangle between Ling'er/Xiao Ya/Yue Ru is ridiculously polite and, at times, boring. But, the secondary OTP is adorable when they are on the same page. The ending was much too angsty.
Demi Gods and Semi Devils (2006)
Stars:Hu Jun, Jimmy Lin, Gao Hu, Liu Yi Fei, Liu Tao, Chen Hao, Xiu Qing
Summary: Qiao Feng's story is his quest to find his real identity and the mystery surrounding an event that occured 30 years prior that left him as an orphan. Duan Yu's story covers his meetings with many of his half sisters that he did not know he had (thanks to his adventurous dad during his young days) and the battle with Duan Yuan Qing as the rightful ruler of Dali. Xu Zhu is a lowly Shaolin Monk who gets caught in the middle of an internal struggle of the Care Free Sect, one of the most powerful and secretative sects around. Their stories take place during the Northern Song Dynasty and across warring kingdoms of Song, Liao, Dali, and Western Xia.
Available online? Yes, a fansub group did this series.
Available on DVD? Yes,but without English subtitles.
My Thoughts: Another series based on a novel by Jin Yong. This series is much more about the friendship between the three men and the political stuff going on. Yes, there are some OTPs and yes, even a bit of humor. But, this is a series about cause and effect, about the complex relationships between all the kingdoms and Sects that existed in ancient China. That makes this series really lovely and complex to watch - all these people and their struggles are fascinating.
Rating: 7/10 - A very story driven series. Full of characters that you remember and are interested in; some you hate and some you pray get a happy ending. Very good version of the novel.
Young Warriors of the Yang Clan (2006)
Stars: Weng Jia Ming, Amy Chan, Peter Ho, Chen Long, Hu Ge, Eddie Peng,Liu Shi Shi,
Wei Xiao Jun,Lin Jia Yu, Liu Xiao Jie, Wu Jia Ni, Yuan Hong
Summary: This drama focuses on the earlier days of the legendary Yang Clan when most of them were not yet soldiers. It tells of how their parents, their enemies, and the women they loved shaped their characters, influenced their lives, and motivated them to become the patriotic warriors their clan is revered for.
Available online? Yes, someone has uploaded the DVD-rips with English subs. They're floating around the 'net.
Available on DVD? Yes, from Tai Seng. Also, I believe it is on Netflix.
My Thoughts: There are many series about the Yang Clan, but this one is a favorite. It has some beautifully shot scenes, some bright characters, and some really wonderful storylines. Plenty of humor and angst.
Rating: 8/10. A series that is very action and political driven. There are many wonderful characters here, with some dramatic moments, but also some lovely humor. Plus, there is an OTP type for everyone. And, some really lovely fight scenes.
Romance of Red Dust
Stars: Wallace Huo, Shu Qi, Kwong Wa, Yao Cai Ying, Pang Yong Zhi, Jia Nai Liang, Liu Yun
Summary: To consolidate and strengthen his power, the vicious Yang Su builds an underground fortress where he harbours numerous assassins at his disposal, one of the most prominent ones being Hong Fu (Shu Qi). Rescued by Yang Su’s adopted son Du Gu Cheng (Kong Wah) at a young age from a band of thugs who also killed her parents, the beautiful, intelligent and highly-skilled Hong Fu eventually becomes Yang Su’s favourite.
Indignant at the country’s deplorable state, a young man Li Jing (Wallace Huo) arrives at the capital hoping to reverse the country’s downward spiral. Hailing from a family which places patriotism and national welfare before personal safety, Li Jing’s enthusiasm and prolific knowledge of martial arts and warfare places him in disfavour with Yang Su who views Li Jing a potential threat to himself. Yang Su promptly sends Hong Fu off to eliminate Li Jing.
Alas, Li Jing’s hot-blooded patriotism and passion for the commoners has struck a chord with Hong Fu’s own hidden desire to elevate the people’s wretched misery. She warns Li Jing to leave town immediately, only to be caught on the spot by Yang Su’s other assassins. To protect him, Hong Fu is forced to fight against them and to flee from the life she has known.
Even with Du Gu Cheng hot on the chase after them, Hong Fu and Li Jing manage to evade capture, with love blossoming between them. Along the way, they meet pugilist Qiu Ranke (Yu Rongguang), who joins them to become the third musketeer in the fight against the mutinous Yang Su and his cronies…
Available online? Yes, but without English subtitles.
Available on DVD? Yes, it's on Netflix and can be bought at stores in the United States.
My Thoughts: A series that starts off rather draggy, but picks up toward the middle. Interestingly, I found the side/secondary characters and storylines much more interesting and even charming then the main three characters of Hong Fu, Li Jing, and Qiu Ranke. It was a series that suffered because there was a lot going on at some points, and then nothing going on at others. Also, it felt a bit unreal that nearly every male character was in love with Hong Fu. What was with all that killing in the last five episodes?
Rating: 6/10. I really loved the secondary characters and their plot lines, but felt that the main three characters and their stories dragged. There was also a lack of chemistry between Shu Qi and Wallace Huo - I felt it at times, but I didn't truly believe they had fallen so deeply in love in such a sort time.
Handsome Siblings/Proud Twins
Stars: Dicky Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bing Bing, Bai Xue, Yuan Quan, etc
Summary: Loosely based on the novel, The Legendary Twins by Gu Long, the story tells of two twins who are separated as babies, only to remeet 20+ years later. The twins first see each other as enemies but they gradually become friends and eventually acknowledge each other as brothers.
Available online? Yes, the DVD-rip is on streaming sites.
Available on DVD? Yes, it was released by Tai Seng and is on Netflix. You can also buy it at stores.
My Thoughts: When they say loosely, they mean loosely. Whole characters and storylines are left out. Characters are combined to form new characters. New storylines are put in. And, a great number of episodes focus solely on Dicky Cheung's character, his adventures, and the ladies in his life. Still, the chemistry of the cast saves the show.
Rating: 6/10. I must admit that it's solely the cast that saves this show for me. The OTP of Hua Wu Que and Tie Xin Lan is beautifully done and at times tragic. The friendship between Xin Lan and Xiao Yu Er is actually very nice. As is the brotherhood of the men. Even Yu Er/Xiao Xian Nu is extremely sweet and tragic. Again, the show is saved by the cast and the characters; their relationships make it work.
I've also seen Sword Stained With Royal Blood, and I give that a 7/10.
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no subject
Date: 2010-01-25 01:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-01-25 04:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-01-27 05:39 am (UTC)I've only watched The Handsome Siblings, and mostly for Dicky (can't really stand Nick Tsui most of the time =T), it's actually one of the only wuxia where I adore the pairing (xiao xian nu is adorable <3)
have you watched the HK monkey king series? (bar the HORRIBLE reboot/remake/whatever with Twins and amnesiac!NeZha) I thought Benny and Dicky did really well with monkey king (my childhood hero XD)
also, Louis Koo's A Step into the Past/寻秦记 I thought was quite amusing (well, I still hate most of the girls outside the assassin), though I haven't finished it yet
no subject
Date: 2010-01-28 10:59 pm (UTC)I have to admit that I started Handsome Siblings for Dicky too. I'm a bit of a fan - he's got a bit of charisma. Xiao Xian Nu is adorable. I had to put the drama on hold for a whole after her storyline, because I was so sad. And, I found the other OTP of Dicky's to be so the opposite of her and just not a favorite for some reason.
I have watched both Monkey King series, and they were both alright. I liked the older one more, but the one with the Twins. . .well, some things looked better, so that was nice. But, the storylines weren't all that great. I'm not a huge fan of the Monkey king dramas. Don't get me wrong, I love the characters and the stories, but I always watch the dramas and think, 'Ah, I saw this last time.' So, I usually just stick to re-watching the older ones.
I have not see A Step into the Past. Does it have English subtitles? I ask, because I always kind Chinese dramas I want to see, and they never have English subtitles.
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Date: 2010-01-28 11:09 pm (UTC)I mostly prefer Dicky as Monkey King, just because he was so natural in it and it sort of carries into his later roles (the swagger, fast talking, etc.) ♥
I accidentally bought the VCD set for the Twins series thinking it was the previous one and brained myself on my desk afterwords it was so bad lol
I actually watched the REALLY old ones (aka where Monkey King had on an UGLY yellow shirt and vfx were non-existent) too, which I think kept to the books more, but really, I just wanted to see Monkey King in live action lol
as for Step into the Past...I watched it in Cantonese, though they do have chinese subtitles? it was a really popular series when it first aired, but I don't know if anyone's actually subbed them, sorry ^^;
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Date: 2010-01-29 07:47 pm (UTC)I agree. Dicky has been my favorite Monkey King - even in the confusing and not-so great Monkey King with the Twins. Also? You have a point - all of Dicky's characters have that swagger, fast talking, way. I think, that he is more or less playing the same person in nearly ever role, but it works for him.
I looked around, and I don't think Step into the Past has English subtitles. Just Chinese ones. And, I cannot read Chinese.
It's such a shame, that more Mainland dramas don't have English subs. Because, there are so many I want to watch, and my lack of Cantonese and Mandarin, as well as my inability to read Chinese makes it impossible for me to watch them.
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Date: 2010-01-29 08:41 pm (UTC)it really is sad that there's so little english subtitles for Chinese shows, there's an abundance for japanese/korean, but I guess chinese shows aren't as shiney lol
I found this little jewel while surfing around, it's a "map" of most if not all of the chinese drama fansub projects going on atm:
http://fansub.d-addicts.com/Chinese_Drama_Fansub_Map
maybe it'll help? =)
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Date: 2010-02-04 02:32 am (UTC)That's true. I just found a new series with him, so I'm watching it. Just because I like him as an actor.
I knew about your website, but thanks for it. I think the issue is that not many people speak or read any of the languages from China, so the fansub groups are rather small. And, they seem to go toward the idol-type dramas.
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Date: 2010-02-04 02:40 am (UTC)that is true, especially for period dramas though, it sorta requires a lot of historical knowledge to translate all the ancient vocabulary/phrases right
good luck on finding more subbed series! I do hope more people get interested in these projects though, some of these productions are quite amazing
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Date: 2010-02-06 05:27 am (UTC)I agree - all the historical stuff in the period dramas is hard to translate.