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Dreaming Back to Qing Dynasty
My Opinion: Worth the Watch!
Ming Wei, a talented architect and intern, is gathering inspiration to combine two aesthetics: modern Chinese with the lux styling of the Qing Dynasty. While visiting the Forbidden City for research, she gets lost in the night haze which has creeped around the palace. Taking shelter in an abandoned part of the museum, she meets a mysterious resident who bestows her an ancient lantern. When Ming Wei finally makes her way home, she is surprised to find a ghost, from the Qing dynasty, quietly haunting her apartment (brought upon by the magical lamp). However, this isn't just any ghost, it's the 13th Prince, Ying Xiang. The two start to develop feelings for each other, but it seems impossible. I mean, how can one have a future with a ghost? When he disappears for good, Ming Wei wishes upon a shooting star, and she finds herself transported back to Qing dynasty. Only problem? Neither she, nor Ying Xiang remember their relationship! In a some-what historically true battle for the throne, Ming Wei finds herself in the middle of a love triangle (and it's a good one!) and being the target of a dangerous rival, Ming Hui.
There is a lot to like about this series. If you are a fan of Scarlet Heart, this was made by the same production team. However, they've amped it up in this series. The set design and costumes are breathtakingly detailed. This makes it almost worth the watch alone, but what's really good is the chemistry between the characters, including the sibling rivalry among brothers and the betrayal between sisters. I both laughed and cried throughout, and even remember thinking they did a good job blending the lighter romance between our leads, as well as some gasp-worthy theatrical scenes.
All I Want for Love is You
My Opinion: Skip it.
A coming of age story, this follows Gu Xiao Man. A senior in high school, she follows the familiar archetype of being the loveable, but unmotivated student. Our bumbling heroine has one standout characteristic though, she is a nearly professional Sanda fighter, having won repeated medals all throughout her childhood. When it's time to select a college, she becomes motivated to get accepted into medical school in order to follow her first love and childhood neighbor, Zuo An. Only problem, she is petrified of blood and feints at the sight of it!
I'll be honest, I didn't finish this one. All of it feels like you've seen it before, offering nothing new to viewers. While I only had about five episodes left, I just couldn't remain vested in the plot or characters. I believe it's trying to follow the success of 2019's unexpected hit, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, which is so close, even down to the styling. Outside some cute moments, I felt it the story was too predictable, the actors and actress feel miscast, and acting was mediocre.
If you like this type of drama, where you follow the cast from high school into college/adult life (I do!), I'd recommend instead A Love So Beautiful; one of my personal favorites. Or if C-Dramas are your jam, another good one is Le Coup De Foudre (Love at first Sight). Others include Playful Kiss for K-drama fans, or if you like the super sweet, check out the Japanese version: Mischievous Kiss.
Fairyland Lovers
My Opinion: Should be your next C-Drama!
Over 2,000 years old, Bai Qi has dedicated his life, and considerable wealth he's accumulated, to finding spirits who've been polluted by their obsessions. All of these spirits also have a commonality: the ownership of magical artifacts which allows them to extend their lives, becoming nearly immortal. This is possible because all artifacts are pieces of jade which have been imbued with power of an alien race that crash landed on earth centuries ago. Whether it's jade paint brush or a pair of jade earrings, it always amplifies the object of their obsession. If left uncured, these spirits turn evil and become a threat to the mortals around them. Bai Qi uses his power to cure them before that time arrives. However, his world is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of Lin Xia, an energetic actress who gets tangled up with a spirit. What's more, she bears an uncanny appearance to Bai Qi's former lover, who sacrificed herself for him thousands of years ago. Bai Qi is drawn to her out of curiosity, and the two start solving mysteries and curing spirits together, as well as becoming roommates. As Bai Qi starts to piece together his own memory and forgotten past, he will eventually have face his own obsession, as well as the decision to embrace it or let go of Lin Xia.
It's been awhile since I've watched a modern fantasy drama (a genre which doesn't get near enough attention!), so I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. Despite the odd title, Fairlyand Lovers nailed so many aspects, that you can easily overlook it's flaws. For example, the intro to every episode is an animated prologue which helps you understand the complexity of the series and details such as how the spirits, the cosmic jade, and the alien race, known as heavenly soldiers, interact. Additionally, with Lin Xia's character, her honey-like sweetness and naiveté could cross over into the unbearable, but this is what helps distinguish her from her deceased dopplegange, as well as comes across more endearing. It also serves as a balance to Bai Qi's moody and brooding persona. I thought the story brought great surprises, some nice laughs and gasps, and not too many side characters and sub-plots. Actually, because this only clocks in at 35 episodes, shorter than your average C-Drama, the story benefits by not including unnecessary filler story arcs or under-developed characters. A great series to kick-off 2020.
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