Taiwan/China Drama Rec's
Nov. 21st, 2008 04:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
walkwithheroesBecause I couple of people on my flist are wondering what asian drama to watch next, I thought I'd throw in my two cents.
Firstly, I’d like to start with dramas and films from Taiwan and Mainland China. I will be honest and say I haven’t watched many. Mostly because Taiwan dramas tend to be idol dramas – full of clichés and singers (some of which can’t act.) And mainland China loves its wuxia dramas – those always seem to have the same main character, a guy that starts off as an idiot, but becomes a hero. However, there were some dramas and films that I watched, loved, and just have to rec.
Dramas
My Lucky Star
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Episode Count : 20
Starring: Jimmy Lin, Yoo Ha Na, Hong Xiao Ling, Leon Jay Williams, Lee Wei, among others.
Summary: Like the boy who cried wolf, Xia Zhi Xing had lied one too many times. So when she did tell the truth, nobody believed her except for the most unlikely person, Zhong Tian Qi, a runaway young master of a jewelry empire. His belief in her inspired her to become a real jewelry designer instead of a lying, scheming jewelry con artist. In the process, she taught him the real value of jewels that he is destined to inherit.
Why I Loved It: Most idol dramas have a plot I can figure out in, oh, three episodes. But, MLS was fresh and avoided the clichés. It starts out with the main characters, the OTP of the story, becoming friends and alleys. It some strange way, it almost plays with the timeline of idol drama romances. Yes, they have a love/hate period, and a friendship period, and a romance period – just not in that order. The writing for this drama was wonderful.
And the acting was some of the best I’ve seen. Yoo Ha Na (despite speaking a little Mandarin) had her voiced dubbed, and yet that never became an issue. Ha Na was ZX. Jimmy was TQ. And they were a brilliant OTP.
Have I mentioned the supporting cast? From a gambling uncle, to a playboy idol, to scheming ex, and even an orphan – MLS has them all. Plus (for you Korean drama fans) an evil father! Each character is brilliantly acted – I hate them when I’m meant to hate them, pity them when I’m meant to pity them, and still, I love them at the end of the day. (Well, almost all of them)
Why You Might Want to Skip It: MLS has its darker moments, but overall it is a lighter, fluffier, romantic series. People who love angst, angst, and more angst may want to skip this one.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a drama that was thought about. Everything matters and the characters actually act and react like normal human beings. Plus – the chemistry between Jimmy Lin and Yoo Ha Na is to die for.
Favorite Moment(s): I would say anytime ZX handcuffed herself to TQ. The scenes in the hotel, after the time jump – very intense. HZY trying to flirt with ZX when they first met. The kisses from episode eight. Anytime TQ and ZX tried to “hook up”,
Mars
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2004
Episode Count : 20
Starring: Barbie Xu, Vic Zhou, Megan Lai, Xiu Jie Kai, An Jun Can
Summary: Han Qi Luo, an extremely shy art student went to the same college as Chen Ling, a popular play boy. By chance one day they met at a park when CL asked HQL for direction to a hospital to visit his friend who was injured in a bike racing incident. Hurriedly HQL drew him a map, unknowing that she was drawing on the back of one of her sketches. She ran off before he could thank her. He then noticed the sketch of a mother holding a baby and was touched. In school HQL was sexually harassed by a teacher and CL came to her rescue. They began to grow fond of each other but each of them had a secret past that needed to be addressed and overcome before they could accept and love one another freely. (based on the Japanese manga of the same name)
Why I Loved It: This is perhaps the closet manga adaption I have ever seen. It also may be one of the best Taiwanese dramas I’ve seen. Its pitch perfect in everything from the direction to the lighting to the writing to the casting. Barbie Xu was perfect as the quiet and broken QL and Vic Zhou impressed as the playful, but slightly insane Ling.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: There’s a lot of romance, and it can get a bit melodramatic (hey, it is based on a shoujo manga). Also – you may want to hit Ling and Qi Luo a few times.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s pitch perfect and is the best manga adaption out there.
Favorite Moment(s): The montage of QL and Ling living together. The bathroom kiss, where QL get nervous and offers to go but Ling something to eat; she leaves and Ling remarks that what he really wants to eat is her.
Corner with Love
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Episode Count : 16
Starring: Barbie Xu, Alan Luo, Lu Jia Xin, Dean Fujioka, Carolyn Chen
Summary: Xin Lei, a girl from a wealthy family, and Qin Lang, a guy who came to Shanghai to pursue his dream of becoming an artist, meet by accident at a corner when her car and his bike crash into each other. They meet again when Xin Lei goes to the restaurant that Qin Lang works at. They truly get to know each other when Xin Lei asks him to teach her how to make oyster pancakes. Then, Xin Lei's parents' company goes bankrupt. Without telling her, Xin Lei's parents go into hiding, leaving only a plane ticket and a key to their house in Taiwan. To make matters worse, Xin Lei's fiancé breaks the engagement, due to his parents' wishes. The only two people she has now are Qin Lang and her best friend Xi Xian. Qin Lang then tells her that he is leaving for Taiwan, so they bade farewell. When Xin Lei arrives in Taiwan, she finds out that Qin Lang's family has been living in the house for years! After much controversy, Qin Lang's grandmother finally lets her stay. Thus begins a magical love story.
Why I Loved It: Rich, naïve heroine and poor but loveable hero? I’m there. The UST between XL and QL is awesomely done. You seriously spend most of the drama screaming for them to admit their feelings. Of course, everything they are about to: they get into a fight or a third party enters. In most dramas, that would get beyond annoying. But, it works here. Mostly thanks to the crazy chemistry between Barbie Xu and Alan Luo.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The UST between the leads, along with the misunderstandings and third parties, can get annoying.
Why You Should Watch It: Barbie Xu proves she still has it. Alan Luo proves he can be a leading man.
Favorite Moment(s): The painted shoes!
Meteor Garden I
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2001
Episode Count : 20
Starring: Barbie Xu, Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu, Vanness Wu, Rainie Yang, among others.
Summary: Shan Cai, whose parents are far from wealthy, attends Ying De University, the private school established exclusively for rich students. Besides being looked down by rich classmates, she has angered the leader of F4, Dao Ming Si. F4 comprises of Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo, who are the heirs to the four richest families. Their families are the founder of the school and nobody dares to cross them. Shan Cai isn't afraid to stand up to DMS, an act that nobody has done before, and sparks Dao Ming Si's interest in her. However, his constant torture of her has made her miserable while she falls in love with the gentle Hua Ze Lei, who comes to her rescue. Can Dao Ming Si win her love despite his cold and cruel exterior? What happens when his mother decides to use every trick there is to keep them apart? Can they adjust to each other's differences due to their vastly incompatible social status? (based on the HYD manga)
Why I Loved It: It stayed very true to the manga, despite the change in settings. Barbie Xu had wonderful chemistry with both Jerry Yan and Vic Zhou. The F4 also had a great chemistry.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The acting. At times it is a bit rough around the edges. But, to be fair, this was everyone’s first drama. And, Jerry Yan’s mushroom hair is a bit scary.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s based on Hana Yori Dango, perhaps one of the best mangas I’ve read. Also – Barbie Xu, Jerry Yan, and Vic Zhou.
Favorite Moment(s): Anytime DMS confesses to SC. It’s stalker-ish and sad and pathetic, but you just want SC to hug him.
Wish to See You Again
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2008
Episode Count : 16
Starring: Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu, Chen Yan Xi, Kingone Wang, Terri Kwan (Vanness Wu appears for several episodes. Megan Lai and Abe Tsuyoshi have cameos in episode five)
Summary: Xu Le is a bestselling author who never left home. He was recently struck with a case of writer's block and decides to search for inspiration. So he decides to work as a taxi driver hoping that by listening to his passengers; he'll be struck with some inspiration. Coincidentally, Xu Le meets his high school classmate, Ah Hao, who is also a taxi driver. Xu Le has not seen Ah Hao for years. Ma Yong Rui is an heir to a five-star hotel and is also Xu Le's and Ah Hao's old classmate. Lu Yi is now a fashion magazine editor and she was the dream girl that they all wanted. Pan Neng Xian is a 24 year old girl who recently graduated from college, who gets a job as a PR assistant in Yong Rui's five-star hotel.
Why I Loved It: It was a mature drama. What I mean is, it was not your normal Idol drama. These were real people, with complex personalities. No one was a “villain” and no one was an “innocent”. Plus – Kingone got a girlfriend!
Why You Might Want to Skip It: I’ve heard some people say it was too slow and boring.
Why You Should Watch It: Kingone gets a girlfriend! No, seriously . . . the characters are adults about things. Vic Zhou is just ideal in his role as the odd Xu Le. The whole cast has chemistry, so it’s clear to see why Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu, and Kingone Wang would have been friends since childhood. Vic Zhou and Chen Yan Xi are hot.
Favorite Moment(s): Anytime XL went into his day dreams while writing his novel. Especially when they involved himself and NX. . . and kissing. Especially when there was kissing.
Devil Beside You
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2005
Episode Count : 14
Starring: Mike He, Rainie Yang, Kingone Wang, Tsai Pei Lin, Ivy Fan Xiao Fan, and a bunch of others.
Summary: After finally getting the courage to confess her feelings, Qi Yue was handing her love letter to Yuan Yi, but by a stroke of bad luck, he did not see and walked passed her. The person standing in front of her was the troublemaker of the school, infamously known for his devilish ways – Jiang Meng. The devil will get what he wants, and the object of his desire was Qi Yue. Although having a cruel exterior, Ah Meng’s heart is kind and caring, which truly touched Qi Yue. The big problem remained – Ah Meng is the son of the man Qi Yue’s mother is going to marry. Even though they were not related by blood, who will accept this step brother-sister relationship? What is to become of their relationship when other lovers come into the picture? (based on the shoujo manga "Akuma de Souro" (Devil Does Exist) by Takanashi Mitsuba)
Why I Loved It: It was the first Taiwanese drama that I watched, so it does hold a special place in my heart. The overall show was cute, and Mike He and Rainie Yang do have nice chemistry.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: One of QY’s friends disappears half-way through the series. I know that may not be a reason to skip a drama, but it bugged the heck out of me. Also, QY and JM’s issues tend to get annoying. I understand that stepsiblings are legally siblings, but come on, all the drama when they are both adults gets a bit old.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a very cute series with some heartwarming moments and some laughs.
Favorite Moment(s): YY and his girlfriend’s father. The mitten.
Return of the Condor Heroes 2006
Country: Mainland China
Year: 2006
Episode Count : 41
Starring: Huang Xiao Ming, Crystal Liu, Zhao Liang, Kong Lin, Yang Mi, Chen Zi Han, Chen Ji Ming, Yang Rui, Zhai Nai She, Yu Cheng Hui, and lots of other people.
Summary: Adapted from the novel by Jin Yong, this is a sequel to Legend of Condor Heroes and a prequel of sorts to Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre. The story concerns the adventures of Yang Guo, an orphaned boy in a mid-13th Century China.
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.
Why I Loved It: It’s beautifully shot and the story has something for everyone. But, I think the main reason I enjoyed the show was: Guo and Long Nu have one of the best love stories I have ever seen. They met when Guo is fifteen (in the novel; I think he’s meant to be about 12 in the series) and Long Nu is nineteen (in the novel; I think she’s said to be about 17 at the start of this series), but it is Long Nu who is actually more naïve. She’s a brilliant fighter, but she does live in a cave. Guo makes Long Nu happy, and Long Nu makes Guo mature. There love story is actually said to be the most famous in Chinese culture. It’s a beautiful love story.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: While, there is a love story, there is a lot of action. And sadly, Guo and Long Nu do tend to get separated quite a bit.
Why You Should Watch It: If you’re going to watch one wuxia drama, it has to be this one.
Favorite Moment(s): When Guo smells Long Nu and starts looking for her. The reunion in the valley.
Love at First Fight
Country: Mainland China
Year: 2007
Episode Count : 32
Starring: Miriam Yeung, Wallace Huo, George Hu, Zhang Meng, Ji Nai Liang, Bai Xue, Bai Bing Bing, Li Yi Xiao, Zhang Yi Sheng, among others.
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 marry 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 further complicates, when Xiao Yu's brother, Lei Sheng Da, encounters the dress-wearing Shi Lang and falls head over heel with her. Shi Lang realizes she is in deep trouble so she skips town after telling everyone she is a woman. Sheng Da follows her to the new town. Although, Shi Lang and Ya Shou are becoming more than friends, Sheng Da's persistence begins to touch her heart, too.
Why I Loved It: Love at First Fight is a wonderful mix of comedy and romance. It’s done in story arcs of about three-seven episodes (with the main story of the SL, YS, and SD love triangle flowing through the whole series), so it was easy to watch. The cast is good in their roles, and it was well written. The martial art fight scenes were well done.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The series is about ten episodes too long. It does drag in the middle and there are some rather cheesy moments. YS not waking up and smelling the: You’re in love with WS! coffee until episode twenty-seven or so is an annoyance. As is WS’s cousin and her love issues.
Why You Should Watch It: The fight scenes are well done, as I said above. Miriam Yeung, Wallace Huo, and George Hu make a convincing love triangle. While YS is dense, selfish, and shallow, his feelings for WS are clear. Meanwhile, SD is one of the sweetest guys in drama history. Did I mention Wallace Huo is in this? Wallace Huo.
Favorite Moment(s): The two times (once in drag!) that YS tried to get WS out of marriage meetings. When WS tries to tell YS she’s a girl, but he just doesn’t get it – even after she lets him feel her up. WS going on dates with both YS and DS – at the same time.
Films
Secret aka The Secret That Cannot Be Told
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Starring: Jay Chou (who also directed), Kwai Lun-mei, Anthony Wong, Alice Tzeng, Devon Song, Huang Junlang, Zhan Yuhao.
Summary: The story starts with Ye Xiang Lun, a high school student who recently transferred in an arts and music school where his father was coincidentally the headmaster. Ye was gifted with deft fingers in playing piano and an unmistakable talent for catching melodies just by hearing. On his first day of school, he heard an unknown and alluring melody while wandering around the piano rooms. In an old piano room, he met Lu Xiao Yu, a fellow student whose mysterious aura and light personality appealed to Ye.
From then on, the two were often together - playing piano, watching games, or cycling around the neighborhood and visiting old record shops. As they gradually become closer to each other, Ye tried to discover more about her but she always brushed off his questions by saying that it was a secret.
Unfortunately, one night, a misunderstanding occurred between them, which subsequently led to Lu's disappearance. Ye tried to locate her whereabouts frantically but he always came up empty handed. And the more he tried to find out, the more he realized that things were not as they seemed with the chain of events that spiraled along during his search for Lu's whereabouts.
Why I Loved It: I’m not really sure. I just know it was one of the best films I saw in 2007. It had its lighter moments, but throughout it all you wondered just who XY was and why she was so secretive. And when you find out – it makes you so sad and yet everything suddenly makes perfect sense.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The ending is a bit confusing, so if you like endings that are just that, endings. You may want to skip it.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s pretty. Seriously, who knew Jay Chou could direct? Jay Chou and Kwai Lun-mei are cute. The story is solid.
Favorite Moment(s): When XL goes to hug/kiss XY and she dodges him. XL playing the piano as the building comes crashing down around him.
Exit No. 6
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Starring: Eddie Peng, Ruan Jing Tian, Yoo Ha Na, and Olivia Chen
Summary: This summer, legendary stuntman Van Dine, is seeking his way out of life around "Exit No.6". Van Dine's ways lead to him and his buddies Vance, Fion, and Vivian becoming involved in a series of mysterious events, which involve missing girls. During Van Dine's investigation, all evidence leads to a new Blog "Autumn Leaves Club" The terrifying truth that lies beneath will soon be exposed...
Why I Loved It: The soundtrack was awesome. Yoo Ha Na’s real voice was used, which for some reason made me happy. The color used for the movie is magnificent. There were some very sweet moments.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: At times it goes beyond the spectrum of reality. Clocking in at only an hour and thirty-nine minutes, people may be disappointed with the lack of hard-core character development. The ending is a bit confusing.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a lighthearted movie, with a darker undertone. Teenage angst Taiwan style. The cast is fab in their roles. Killer soundtrack.
Favorite Moment(s): Fion and Vivian’s fight, which was less about Van Dine and much more about their shared past. The flirtation of Fion and Van Dine, there was something very ‘first love’ about it.
Others to Check Out :
Chinese Paladin - based on the video game. Sort of a wuxia story, but not. Made in 2005 and staring Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, Ady An, Eddie Peng, and Esther Liu. It starts out very cute, but becomes full of angst toward the middle of the series. Sadly, the Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, and Ady An triangle will have you hitting your head against a wall and wondering why these two girls even bother. (34 episodes)
The Outsiders - just started it, (on episode three) but so far it has it all: young love, strong bonds of friendship, gangs, and that secondary girl that starts off a bitch, but will surely end up the main girls bff. (20 episodes)
Honey and Clover - based on the manga of the same name and the closest in terms of adaption – some scenes are literally panel by panel of the manga. It’s from the summer of 2008, but is not yet subbed. The show starts Joe Cheng (Mayama), Janine Chang (Ayumi), Eddie Peng (Mortia), Lego Li (Takemoto), and Ito Chiaki (Hagumi). Like the manga, it is very “slice of life”, very quiet, a bit silly, but overall heartwarming. (14 episodes)
Oh, and I'd love some recs back. Especially of the wuxia and romance kind. And yes, I have seen Romantic Princess, Why Why Love and both It Started With a Kiss series. And no, I don't want to see Love Contract.
Firstly, I’d like to start with dramas and films from Taiwan and Mainland China. I will be honest and say I haven’t watched many. Mostly because Taiwan dramas tend to be idol dramas – full of clichés and singers (some of which can’t act.) And mainland China loves its wuxia dramas – those always seem to have the same main character, a guy that starts off as an idiot, but becomes a hero. However, there were some dramas and films that I watched, loved, and just have to rec.
Dramas
My Lucky Star
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Episode Count : 20
Starring: Jimmy Lin, Yoo Ha Na, Hong Xiao Ling, Leon Jay Williams, Lee Wei, among others.
Summary: Like the boy who cried wolf, Xia Zhi Xing had lied one too many times. So when she did tell the truth, nobody believed her except for the most unlikely person, Zhong Tian Qi, a runaway young master of a jewelry empire. His belief in her inspired her to become a real jewelry designer instead of a lying, scheming jewelry con artist. In the process, she taught him the real value of jewels that he is destined to inherit.
Why I Loved It: Most idol dramas have a plot I can figure out in, oh, three episodes. But, MLS was fresh and avoided the clichés. It starts out with the main characters, the OTP of the story, becoming friends and alleys. It some strange way, it almost plays with the timeline of idol drama romances. Yes, they have a love/hate period, and a friendship period, and a romance period – just not in that order. The writing for this drama was wonderful.
And the acting was some of the best I’ve seen. Yoo Ha Na (despite speaking a little Mandarin) had her voiced dubbed, and yet that never became an issue. Ha Na was ZX. Jimmy was TQ. And they were a brilliant OTP.
Have I mentioned the supporting cast? From a gambling uncle, to a playboy idol, to scheming ex, and even an orphan – MLS has them all. Plus (for you Korean drama fans) an evil father! Each character is brilliantly acted – I hate them when I’m meant to hate them, pity them when I’m meant to pity them, and still, I love them at the end of the day. (Well, almost all of them)
Why You Might Want to Skip It: MLS has its darker moments, but overall it is a lighter, fluffier, romantic series. People who love angst, angst, and more angst may want to skip this one.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a drama that was thought about. Everything matters and the characters actually act and react like normal human beings. Plus – the chemistry between Jimmy Lin and Yoo Ha Na is to die for.
Favorite Moment(s): I would say anytime ZX handcuffed herself to TQ. The scenes in the hotel, after the time jump – very intense. HZY trying to flirt with ZX when they first met. The kisses from episode eight. Anytime TQ and ZX tried to “hook up”,
Mars
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2004
Episode Count : 20
Starring: Barbie Xu, Vic Zhou, Megan Lai, Xiu Jie Kai, An Jun Can
Summary: Han Qi Luo, an extremely shy art student went to the same college as Chen Ling, a popular play boy. By chance one day they met at a park when CL asked HQL for direction to a hospital to visit his friend who was injured in a bike racing incident. Hurriedly HQL drew him a map, unknowing that she was drawing on the back of one of her sketches. She ran off before he could thank her. He then noticed the sketch of a mother holding a baby and was touched. In school HQL was sexually harassed by a teacher and CL came to her rescue. They began to grow fond of each other but each of them had a secret past that needed to be addressed and overcome before they could accept and love one another freely. (based on the Japanese manga of the same name)
Why I Loved It: This is perhaps the closet manga adaption I have ever seen. It also may be one of the best Taiwanese dramas I’ve seen. Its pitch perfect in everything from the direction to the lighting to the writing to the casting. Barbie Xu was perfect as the quiet and broken QL and Vic Zhou impressed as the playful, but slightly insane Ling.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: There’s a lot of romance, and it can get a bit melodramatic (hey, it is based on a shoujo manga). Also – you may want to hit Ling and Qi Luo a few times.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s pitch perfect and is the best manga adaption out there.
Favorite Moment(s): The montage of QL and Ling living together. The bathroom kiss, where QL get nervous and offers to go but Ling something to eat; she leaves and Ling remarks that what he really wants to eat is her.
Corner with Love
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Episode Count : 16
Starring: Barbie Xu, Alan Luo, Lu Jia Xin, Dean Fujioka, Carolyn Chen
Summary: Xin Lei, a girl from a wealthy family, and Qin Lang, a guy who came to Shanghai to pursue his dream of becoming an artist, meet by accident at a corner when her car and his bike crash into each other. They meet again when Xin Lei goes to the restaurant that Qin Lang works at. They truly get to know each other when Xin Lei asks him to teach her how to make oyster pancakes. Then, Xin Lei's parents' company goes bankrupt. Without telling her, Xin Lei's parents go into hiding, leaving only a plane ticket and a key to their house in Taiwan. To make matters worse, Xin Lei's fiancé breaks the engagement, due to his parents' wishes. The only two people she has now are Qin Lang and her best friend Xi Xian. Qin Lang then tells her that he is leaving for Taiwan, so they bade farewell. When Xin Lei arrives in Taiwan, she finds out that Qin Lang's family has been living in the house for years! After much controversy, Qin Lang's grandmother finally lets her stay. Thus begins a magical love story.
Why I Loved It: Rich, naïve heroine and poor but loveable hero? I’m there. The UST between XL and QL is awesomely done. You seriously spend most of the drama screaming for them to admit their feelings. Of course, everything they are about to: they get into a fight or a third party enters. In most dramas, that would get beyond annoying. But, it works here. Mostly thanks to the crazy chemistry between Barbie Xu and Alan Luo.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The UST between the leads, along with the misunderstandings and third parties, can get annoying.
Why You Should Watch It: Barbie Xu proves she still has it. Alan Luo proves he can be a leading man.
Favorite Moment(s): The painted shoes!
Meteor Garden I
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2001
Episode Count : 20
Starring: Barbie Xu, Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu, Vanness Wu, Rainie Yang, among others.
Summary: Shan Cai, whose parents are far from wealthy, attends Ying De University, the private school established exclusively for rich students. Besides being looked down by rich classmates, she has angered the leader of F4, Dao Ming Si. F4 comprises of Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo, who are the heirs to the four richest families. Their families are the founder of the school and nobody dares to cross them. Shan Cai isn't afraid to stand up to DMS, an act that nobody has done before, and sparks Dao Ming Si's interest in her. However, his constant torture of her has made her miserable while she falls in love with the gentle Hua Ze Lei, who comes to her rescue. Can Dao Ming Si win her love despite his cold and cruel exterior? What happens when his mother decides to use every trick there is to keep them apart? Can they adjust to each other's differences due to their vastly incompatible social status? (based on the HYD manga)
Why I Loved It: It stayed very true to the manga, despite the change in settings. Barbie Xu had wonderful chemistry with both Jerry Yan and Vic Zhou. The F4 also had a great chemistry.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The acting. At times it is a bit rough around the edges. But, to be fair, this was everyone’s first drama. And, Jerry Yan’s mushroom hair is a bit scary.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s based on Hana Yori Dango, perhaps one of the best mangas I’ve read. Also – Barbie Xu, Jerry Yan, and Vic Zhou.
Favorite Moment(s): Anytime DMS confesses to SC. It’s stalker-ish and sad and pathetic, but you just want SC to hug him.
Wish to See You Again
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2008
Episode Count : 16
Starring: Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu, Chen Yan Xi, Kingone Wang, Terri Kwan (Vanness Wu appears for several episodes. Megan Lai and Abe Tsuyoshi have cameos in episode five)
Summary: Xu Le is a bestselling author who never left home. He was recently struck with a case of writer's block and decides to search for inspiration. So he decides to work as a taxi driver hoping that by listening to his passengers; he'll be struck with some inspiration. Coincidentally, Xu Le meets his high school classmate, Ah Hao, who is also a taxi driver. Xu Le has not seen Ah Hao for years. Ma Yong Rui is an heir to a five-star hotel and is also Xu Le's and Ah Hao's old classmate. Lu Yi is now a fashion magazine editor and she was the dream girl that they all wanted. Pan Neng Xian is a 24 year old girl who recently graduated from college, who gets a job as a PR assistant in Yong Rui's five-star hotel.
Why I Loved It: It was a mature drama. What I mean is, it was not your normal Idol drama. These were real people, with complex personalities. No one was a “villain” and no one was an “innocent”. Plus – Kingone got a girlfriend!
Why You Might Want to Skip It: I’ve heard some people say it was too slow and boring.
Why You Should Watch It: Kingone gets a girlfriend! No, seriously . . . the characters are adults about things. Vic Zhou is just ideal in his role as the odd Xu Le. The whole cast has chemistry, so it’s clear to see why Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu, and Kingone Wang would have been friends since childhood. Vic Zhou and Chen Yan Xi are hot.
Favorite Moment(s): Anytime XL went into his day dreams while writing his novel. Especially when they involved himself and NX. . . and kissing. Especially when there was kissing.
Devil Beside You
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2005
Episode Count : 14
Starring: Mike He, Rainie Yang, Kingone Wang, Tsai Pei Lin, Ivy Fan Xiao Fan, and a bunch of others.
Summary: After finally getting the courage to confess her feelings, Qi Yue was handing her love letter to Yuan Yi, but by a stroke of bad luck, he did not see and walked passed her. The person standing in front of her was the troublemaker of the school, infamously known for his devilish ways – Jiang Meng. The devil will get what he wants, and the object of his desire was Qi Yue. Although having a cruel exterior, Ah Meng’s heart is kind and caring, which truly touched Qi Yue. The big problem remained – Ah Meng is the son of the man Qi Yue’s mother is going to marry. Even though they were not related by blood, who will accept this step brother-sister relationship? What is to become of their relationship when other lovers come into the picture? (based on the shoujo manga "Akuma de Souro" (Devil Does Exist) by Takanashi Mitsuba)
Why I Loved It: It was the first Taiwanese drama that I watched, so it does hold a special place in my heart. The overall show was cute, and Mike He and Rainie Yang do have nice chemistry.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: One of QY’s friends disappears half-way through the series. I know that may not be a reason to skip a drama, but it bugged the heck out of me. Also, QY and JM’s issues tend to get annoying. I understand that stepsiblings are legally siblings, but come on, all the drama when they are both adults gets a bit old.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a very cute series with some heartwarming moments and some laughs.
Favorite Moment(s): YY and his girlfriend’s father. The mitten.
Return of the Condor Heroes 2006
Country: Mainland China
Year: 2006
Episode Count : 41
Starring: Huang Xiao Ming, Crystal Liu, Zhao Liang, Kong Lin, Yang Mi, Chen Zi Han, Chen Ji Ming, Yang Rui, Zhai Nai She, Yu Cheng Hui, and lots of other people.
Summary: Adapted from the novel by Jin Yong, this is a sequel to Legend of Condor Heroes and a prequel of sorts to Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre. The story concerns the adventures of Yang Guo, an orphaned boy in a mid-13th Century China.
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.
Why I Loved It: It’s beautifully shot and the story has something for everyone. But, I think the main reason I enjoyed the show was: Guo and Long Nu have one of the best love stories I have ever seen. They met when Guo is fifteen (in the novel; I think he’s meant to be about 12 in the series) and Long Nu is nineteen (in the novel; I think she’s said to be about 17 at the start of this series), but it is Long Nu who is actually more naïve. She’s a brilliant fighter, but she does live in a cave. Guo makes Long Nu happy, and Long Nu makes Guo mature. There love story is actually said to be the most famous in Chinese culture. It’s a beautiful love story.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: While, there is a love story, there is a lot of action. And sadly, Guo and Long Nu do tend to get separated quite a bit.
Why You Should Watch It: If you’re going to watch one wuxia drama, it has to be this one.
Favorite Moment(s): When Guo smells Long Nu and starts looking for her. The reunion in the valley.
Love at First Fight
Country: Mainland China
Year: 2007
Episode Count : 32
Starring: Miriam Yeung, Wallace Huo, George Hu, Zhang Meng, Ji Nai Liang, Bai Xue, Bai Bing Bing, Li Yi Xiao, Zhang Yi Sheng, among others.
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 marry 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 further complicates, when Xiao Yu's brother, Lei Sheng Da, encounters the dress-wearing Shi Lang and falls head over heel with her. Shi Lang realizes she is in deep trouble so she skips town after telling everyone she is a woman. Sheng Da follows her to the new town. Although, Shi Lang and Ya Shou are becoming more than friends, Sheng Da's persistence begins to touch her heart, too.
Why I Loved It: Love at First Fight is a wonderful mix of comedy and romance. It’s done in story arcs of about three-seven episodes (with the main story of the SL, YS, and SD love triangle flowing through the whole series), so it was easy to watch. The cast is good in their roles, and it was well written. The martial art fight scenes were well done.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The series is about ten episodes too long. It does drag in the middle and there are some rather cheesy moments. YS not waking up and smelling the: You’re in love with WS! coffee until episode twenty-seven or so is an annoyance. As is WS’s cousin and her love issues.
Why You Should Watch It: The fight scenes are well done, as I said above. Miriam Yeung, Wallace Huo, and George Hu make a convincing love triangle. While YS is dense, selfish, and shallow, his feelings for WS are clear. Meanwhile, SD is one of the sweetest guys in drama history. Did I mention Wallace Huo is in this? Wallace Huo.
Favorite Moment(s): The two times (once in drag!) that YS tried to get WS out of marriage meetings. When WS tries to tell YS she’s a girl, but he just doesn’t get it – even after she lets him feel her up. WS going on dates with both YS and DS – at the same time.
Films
Secret aka The Secret That Cannot Be Told
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Starring: Jay Chou (who also directed), Kwai Lun-mei, Anthony Wong, Alice Tzeng, Devon Song, Huang Junlang, Zhan Yuhao.
Summary: The story starts with Ye Xiang Lun, a high school student who recently transferred in an arts and music school where his father was coincidentally the headmaster. Ye was gifted with deft fingers in playing piano and an unmistakable talent for catching melodies just by hearing. On his first day of school, he heard an unknown and alluring melody while wandering around the piano rooms. In an old piano room, he met Lu Xiao Yu, a fellow student whose mysterious aura and light personality appealed to Ye.
From then on, the two were often together - playing piano, watching games, or cycling around the neighborhood and visiting old record shops. As they gradually become closer to each other, Ye tried to discover more about her but she always brushed off his questions by saying that it was a secret.
Unfortunately, one night, a misunderstanding occurred between them, which subsequently led to Lu's disappearance. Ye tried to locate her whereabouts frantically but he always came up empty handed. And the more he tried to find out, the more he realized that things were not as they seemed with the chain of events that spiraled along during his search for Lu's whereabouts.
Why I Loved It: I’m not really sure. I just know it was one of the best films I saw in 2007. It had its lighter moments, but throughout it all you wondered just who XY was and why she was so secretive. And when you find out – it makes you so sad and yet everything suddenly makes perfect sense.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: The ending is a bit confusing, so if you like endings that are just that, endings. You may want to skip it.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s pretty. Seriously, who knew Jay Chou could direct? Jay Chou and Kwai Lun-mei are cute. The story is solid.
Favorite Moment(s): When XL goes to hug/kiss XY and she dodges him. XL playing the piano as the building comes crashing down around him.
Exit No. 6
Country: Taiwan
Year: 2007
Starring: Eddie Peng, Ruan Jing Tian, Yoo Ha Na, and Olivia Chen
Summary: This summer, legendary stuntman Van Dine, is seeking his way out of life around "Exit No.6". Van Dine's ways lead to him and his buddies Vance, Fion, and Vivian becoming involved in a series of mysterious events, which involve missing girls. During Van Dine's investigation, all evidence leads to a new Blog "Autumn Leaves Club" The terrifying truth that lies beneath will soon be exposed...
Why I Loved It: The soundtrack was awesome. Yoo Ha Na’s real voice was used, which for some reason made me happy. The color used for the movie is magnificent. There were some very sweet moments.
Why You Might Want to Skip It: At times it goes beyond the spectrum of reality. Clocking in at only an hour and thirty-nine minutes, people may be disappointed with the lack of hard-core character development. The ending is a bit confusing.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a lighthearted movie, with a darker undertone. Teenage angst Taiwan style. The cast is fab in their roles. Killer soundtrack.
Favorite Moment(s): Fion and Vivian’s fight, which was less about Van Dine and much more about their shared past. The flirtation of Fion and Van Dine, there was something very ‘first love’ about it.
Others to Check Out :
Chinese Paladin - based on the video game. Sort of a wuxia story, but not. Made in 2005 and staring Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, Ady An, Eddie Peng, and Esther Liu. It starts out very cute, but becomes full of angst toward the middle of the series. Sadly, the Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, and Ady An triangle will have you hitting your head against a wall and wondering why these two girls even bother. (34 episodes)
The Outsiders - just started it, (on episode three) but so far it has it all: young love, strong bonds of friendship, gangs, and that secondary girl that starts off a bitch, but will surely end up the main girls bff. (20 episodes)
Honey and Clover - based on the manga of the same name and the closest in terms of adaption – some scenes are literally panel by panel of the manga. It’s from the summer of 2008, but is not yet subbed. The show starts Joe Cheng (Mayama), Janine Chang (Ayumi), Eddie Peng (Mortia), Lego Li (Takemoto), and Ito Chiaki (Hagumi). Like the manga, it is very “slice of life”, very quiet, a bit silly, but overall heartwarming. (14 episodes)
Oh, and I'd love some recs back. Especially of the wuxia and romance kind. And yes, I have seen Romantic Princess, Why Why Love and both It Started With a Kiss series. And no, I don't want to see Love Contract.
