Refreshing and Must Watch 2025
I found this drama to be different from the others. When it premiered on December 28, 2024, I was so excited, and sure enough, from the very first episode, it had me laughing out loud. Dylan, as Xu Qi An, nailed the role, and I believe this role was made for him. Some scenes where they were laughing felt so natural and real, almost as if they weren’t acting at all. Every day, I eagerly look forward to each new episode of this drama.As the episodes progress, the storyline becomes increasingly intricate and thrilling. The CGI, along with several scenes set in the mountains and deserts, showcases breathtakingly real landscapes, not CGI, and they’re stunning. This drama truly has outstanding visuals, making it feel like watching a movie. The opening song is also a perfect match, even though it’s the first time a Chinese drama in the Wuxia genre uses a rap-style opening song.
All the cast members are incredible, giving their absolute best. I’m thrilled that Dylan took on a different role and expanded his acting range. He is so natural in the comedy scenes too.
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Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi An
"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute gem of a drama that has completely captivated me from the very first episode! The blend of humor, action, and a touch of mystery creates an engaging storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi An, bringing charisma and depth to his character. His performance is both relatable and entertaining, making it easy to root for him throughout the series. The chemistry between the characters is electric, adding a delightful layer to the narrative.
The production quality is top-notch, with stunning visuals and well-choreographed action scenes that enhance the viewing experience. The comedic elements are perfectly timed, providing a light-hearted contrast to the more serious moments, making it a well-rounded show.
What I love most is how the series balances fun and excitement with meaningful themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice. Each episode leaves you wanting more, and the cliffhangers are expertly crafted to keep you hooked.
Overall, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch! It’s a delightful escape into a world of adventure and camaraderie, and I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just looking for something entertaining, this show deserves a solid 10/10! 🎉✨
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1This review may contain spoilers
1000/10: Dylan Wang's Xu Qi An is Pure Perfection.
My far most favourite of 2025!(I will die for a Season 2 of this drama T_T )
Heart-Touching in its Authenticity:
To be honest, here are no cardboard heroes or villains. The characters are flawed, complex, and utterly believable. We see their internal struggles, their agonizing choices, and the heavy weight of responsibility they shoulder. The relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, are rendered with such exquisite sensitivity that you feel every pang of heartbreak, every surge of joy, every moment of shared vulnerability. The quiet moments, the unspoken glances, often speak louder than any grand declaration, drawing you into their world with an almost painful intimacy. You'll find yourself deeply invested in their fates, weeping with their sorrows and cheering their victories. I personally loved the scene when Xu Qi An' was fuming with revenge when the Commissioner of Chuzhou was murdered so cruelly. But instead of using the "Take things slow" strategy of Wei Yuan, Qi An' turned his grief into a massive sense of justice and executed the Commander and Duke on spot. I was literally screaming until my neighbour started knocking my door.
Truthful in its Depiction of Power and Sacrifice:
It's a gritty exploration of the corrupting nature of power and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. The series doesn't shy away from the ugly truths of political maneuvering, showing the sacrifices, both personal and collective, that individuals must make to survive and perhaps, just perhaps, bring about change. Apart from the notable heroes, it's also about the ordinary people, often marginalized and overlooked, who find the strength to stand against injustice even when the odds are stacked against them. The sacrifices they make, both big and small, are genuinely heart-wrenching, and their quiet bravery is all the more impactful for its lack of fanfare. Tears ran down my eyes when I saw the bloodshed scene: it was so realistic that I couldn't hold any longer.
Detailed in its World-Building and Character Arcs:
From the bustling streets of the capital to the remote villages on the fringes of society, every location feels lived-in and authentic. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold organically and never feeling rushed. The acting is phenomenal across the board, with each performance radiating a raw emotional honesty that draws you in. The series beautifully captures the essence of the period and the specific struggles of the characters, yet it transcends the confines of genre, speaking to universal themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope.
The costumes, the sets, the subtle details – they all contribute to creating a rich and immersive experience. But what truly shines is the character development. We witness them grow, evolve, and grapple with their own demons. The subtle nuances in their expressions, the quiet shifts in their behavior, are all meticulously portrayed, adding layers of depth and complexity. The arc of the leading characters is particularly compelling, showcasing a spectrum of human emotions and vulnerabilities that resonate deeply.
I personally loved the way how the Xu Family was portrayed ---- notably Xu Xinnian's chaotic parents. Loved the character of Caiwei (a total foodie) , the absurd and awkward romance between Simu and Xinnian. Expected a little bit more of Qi An' and Princess Lin'an's romance. But let's save it for Season 2.
Precaution: Be emotionally prepared for Episode 39 and 40 if you are midway / just started / plan to watch.
Conclusion:
Overall, "Guardians of Dafeng" isn’t just a historical drama; it’s an emotional voyage that invites you to reflect on your own life's battles. It teaches us that heroes often arise from unexpected places and that the bonds we share are worth protecting at all costs. With its heart-touching storytelling, it's a must-watch for anyone seeking drama that lingers long after the final credits roll. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this spellbinding tale—you won't regret it!
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This review may contain spoilers
What in the Dafeng?
(Last review of a 2024 show) A man transmigrates from the modern world into a fantasy game where using modern techniques he unravels mysteries and solves cases. He goes from a bumbling, arrogant hot blooded doofus though with smarts to a powerful, super intelligent man with the love of/and for family, amazing friends, boss, sidekicks, and even a tactless princess. Though he appeared lucky, the dark side was always lurking around him and at the end of what we hope to be season one the dark evil took all that away from him in a very well written cliffhanger (there's a scene after the ending credits folks, don't miss it!), leaving everyone going what in the Dafeng?Pros: I have only ever seen Dylan in a very poorly written modern drama, so wanted to see him in something with a good storyline and characterization. Glad I stuck around even when the beginning was driving me batty. This was one of the those few dramas where it actually got better as the episodes progressed. Dylan as XQA knew just how how to blend emotions and thoughts (albeit I still wished he didn't have to do the over dramatic ones), like comedy, intelligence, being one or two steps ahead of just about everyone but Lord Wei and of course the Supervisor. His love for his super extra family was evident. His best acting was in the final arc of Chuzhu city and the atrocities done there and then what happened with Mr. Zheng. The emotions of sadness, rage, injustice that he felt, just melted from the screen and you became him. You wanted revenge in the worst possible way and he got it. Very impressive.
My other favorite characters were LW as he did such a great job as a protagonist this time. I was used to him playing antagonists all the time so this was quite refreshing and he did a wonderful job as the surrogate father and boss to XQA. His death saddened me at the end but I hope he can come back to life in season 2 (again please let there be a season 2, with the same cast and not in 5 years)! The entire Xu family though could be very extra in the over dramatic sense, loved XQA very much and had his back as much as possible. The Scooby gang as I called his friends/sidekicks at the bureau, realm, and guardian places were the best. Those 4 guys especially were indispensable to him and they were a part of him as much as the realm sect folks were. I liked the supervisor as well. He saved people, didn't murder them and he was quite upset by what happened in the last arc and Mr. Zheng's torture and death. Even the monk in XQA was of great help.
I don't believe for one moment anything that came out of dark robe dude's aka XQA's biological father's (Luke, I am your father moment) mouth about the supervisor being the one who wanted the destiny inside XQA because if that was the case, he would have taken it for himself 12 years ago instead of the dark robe dude stealing it and implanting it into his own child while he himself killed hundreds of thousands and aligned with smaller villains (like the asswipe emperor, his brother, having a corrupt court) to play a constant game of chess with the supervisor. If he was such a good guy, he wouldn't have erased everyone's memories of XQA leaving him truly alone in the world (though apparently the supervisor knew since he was also the creator of the game in the real world). XQA figured it out and I don't think he will side with the evil monster just because of that and the secret of the destiny. For all that, he is a good antagonist and I hope he loses miserably in season 2.
Originally, I had thought that I was going to be very depressed when everyone forgot about XQA, but when looking from a writer's standpoint, it actually wasn't that bad. Sad yes, but it was part of what a cliffhanger ending is about. You leave parts unfinished to make sure people don't forget what they watched and want more. Just like the scene after the credits; it's to leave us wanting more and fast. But most loose ends were tied which is also rare in dramas unless they are to be continued.
Costumes, OSTs (especially the opening hip hop one, I never missed), sets, and fight scenes with magic were all great. My sincere hope for season 2 is that, XQA upon knowing the whole truth still doesn't team up with his bastard father, but sticks with the supervisor, everyone gets their memories back, bring back LW, and are able to fight the forces or force of evil together. That would be ideal. I guess we'll see if and when it happens.
Cons: I'm sure many are wondering why I didn't put FL in the pros and that's because I didn't like her very much (the character not the actress); I felt romance here was quite unnecessary. Thankfully, that genre wasn't all that important and we saw only bits and pieces of it. She did grow on me towards the end a bit but I think that part could have been just left alone. There were just too many moving pieces and things going on that didn't require her at all. Though I will say that the two kisses the characters had were well done.
Initially, I was thinking that my rating was going to be in the 8s somewhere because of how lackluster and slapstick it started and that's just not for me. Also many plot points were talked through instead of shown and it would have been better if we understood that through seeing it or not having it sped through like the whole duchess abduction thing and rescue; I literally had to rewatch it twice before I understood what happened. Also XQA becoming a silver gong was just explained and several missions were just thrown around through speech. Show us, don't just tell us! We're not reading the book, we're viewers. How the 4 Scooby gang guys were stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean somewhere and only reunited with XQA for a short time at the end. At least their experience was shown in form of a puppet play.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. What brought the score up to a 9 was when things turned serious and comedy landed properly and that entire ending arc with Dylan's wonderful portrayal. This is a show no one knew how it would do but boy did they show everyone. Season 2 is an absolute must with the same cast. Definitely one I'm glad I kept watching.
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Another Series that Rival Joy of Life.
Honestly, came into this with very low expectation but a few episodes in, I knew it was going to be special.This is a ML centric drama with romance as a very small side plot, if you come here for romance I suggest you Ho some where else.
Fans if Joy of Life, Sword Snow Stride will feel right at home with a smart ML, very well written and acted suite of strong support characters who can easily be leads in their own drama.
If you need a very well executed plot with great world building and loveable cast of characters, thus is the one.
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BEST DRAMA IN TERMS OF COMEDY AND ACTION
This is the best drama for 2025 for me, even tho it hasnt even started is already know that theres not gonna be a drama as great as guardians of the dafeng. I did feel sad at ep 40 but no worries bc im sure there will be a s2. Def recommend!Like litteraly everything was so good. Usually i hate ost of most drama but this one i loved everything and its on my fav playlist. My fav was def poet immortal
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This review may contain spoilers
Absolutely brilliant!
Saying that this is my new favorite cdrama is an understatement because this is by far not just a favorite but I love everything about it. Well including the cliffhanger ending. LolWhat I love:
-Wang Hedi's brilliant portrayal of Xu Qian. I cannot imagine anyone who can nail this character better
-The hilarious and loving Xu Family. All of them are amazing. My favorite is the youngest Xu. Everytime she talks, I smile
-The Guardians especially Zhu and Song, Yang Yan and Li Yuchun. Zhu and Song's friendship and loyalty to XQ
-Lord Wei being a father figure to XQ
-Xu Qian's secret sect with powerful members. I ship Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen. They have chemistry
-Princess Lin'an's silliness and cuteness and Grand Princess' calm and beauty
-Caiwei that cannot stop eating and Song Qing's mad scientist experiements. Lol
-Simu's genuine affection to Xinnian and the Xu Family
The ending is not in the novel. But I think it gives way to a possible Season 2. We can only hope.
PS: In the novel, XQ is collecting things that can revive Lord Wei
I will rewatch. It was the first time ever that I wish this drama is more than 40 episodes and 40+ mins per episode is not enough
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refreshing and entertaining series
"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute gem that deserves a solid 10/10! From the moment I started watching, I was hooked by its unique blend of humor, action, and drama. Here’s why this drama stands out:### Engaging Storyline
The narrative follows Xu Qi'an, played brilliantly by Dylan Wang, who navigates a world filled with demons, magic, and treachery. The plot is a delightful mix of classic adventure and witty humor, reminiscent of the best slapstick comedies. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it a refreshing watch. Each episode is packed with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.
### Humor and Light-heartedness
One of the highlights of "Guardians of the Dafeng" is its light-hearted, manga-style humor. The slapstick comedy is reminiscent of Stephen Chow’s classic films, and while it may not hit every mark for everyone, it certainly brings a smile to my face. The comedic timing is spot-on, and the interactions between characters are often hilarious, making it a joy to watch.
### Strong Character Development
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Xu Qi'an, as the crafty salesman with a power fantasy, is both charming and flawed, making him a character you can root for. The supporting cast, including Huai Qing, adds depth to the story, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. Their camaraderie and banter bring an extra layer of enjoyment to the show.
### Stunning Visuals and Production Quality
The production quality is impressive, with beautiful cinematography that brings the fantastical world to life. The costumes and set designs are vibrant and detailed, immersing viewers in the rich lore of the series. The action scenes are well-choreographed, providing a good balance between humor and intensity.
### Emotional Depth
Beyond the humor and action, "Guardians of the Dafeng" also explores deeper themes of loyalty, friendship, and the struggle against adversity. There are moments that tug at your heartstrings, reminding us of the importance of standing by your friends and facing challenges together.
### Conclusion
In a world where many dramas can feel formulaic, "Guardians of the Dafeng" stands out as a refreshing and entertaining series. It perfectly balances humor, action, and emotional depth, making it a must-watch. Whether you’re in the mood for a good laugh or an exciting adventure, this drama has it all. I can’t recommend it enough—definitely a 10/10! 🌟
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Definitely a must watch TV series of the year.
I would rate this 100% 10/10 if only there are more action or fighting scenes of Qi'an, I felt like it was too short. Nevertheless, the plot, the cast, the acting, the CGI, were all amazing. I enjoyed the Xu family a lot, very good family relationship, there's a bit of romance too, but what I love the most here is our hero Xu Qi'an, he cannot stand injustice, and was fighting for it till the end. His relationships with everyone is one of a kind. His bonding with Lord Wei was so sweet, I love these two a lot, they were like a real father and son. While the uncle XU was super hilarious. Wang He Di did a great job portraying Qi'an.I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys to laugh. Don't expect a CP here or a full romance, because it wasn't like that at all, even if you read the novel, it's not romance. It's a journey of Xu Ningyan, with the people around him, how he seek justice and unravel the truth.
Among all Dylan Wang's drama, I enjoy this one the most. No annoying Female Lead, no annoying antagonist, it's PROPER BALANCE. Very enjoyable to watch, I laughed, I cried, I got excited, I was inspired. Well Done to all the cast/write/director of GOTD. What a great way to start 2025 and an awesome way of ending 2024.
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A Dylan Wang drama So Good, You might regret watching without waiting for second season
First things first , it was a out and out fun ride throughout the 40 ep journey that it takes you on. Plot that is interesting (even though its isekai) about power struggles , fates , destiny , and character development as whole this was a pure entertainment that is well balanced comedy , detective work and character dynamics that also give space to hold a few but impactful emotional moments.Without any reservations , Dylan Wang absolutely shines has very intelligent but simple honest man Xu Qian. This is one of those roles that are played so good by the og you cant even imagine anyone else in the role. The world that was presented and the characters in it that the main lead interacts everything was done to perfection. The main cusp of the of the story that Xu Qian is part of runs in the background done very engagingly. The pace of the story as it develops is never boring. Sure there some filler eps that include romance or whatever but even they are filled with such good comedy its honestly a good laugh.
Special mention Lord wei absolute gem of a side character and Xu family absolutely legendary group.
This is my first review after watching a close to hundreds of dramas it is that good
i highly recommend.
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1Qian-tastically unpredictable !! Where modern wit meets ancient chaos!
This drama takes you on a ride with Xu Qian who is unexpectedly thrown from his modern life into the Defang Dynasty. What really makes this stand out is the focus on the characters. Qian's journey is the heart of the show and his interactions with those in meets in this new mysterious world are what drive the plot forward.Since this is a character-centric drama, my review will also focus on people who stood with Qian in his journey. Whether it was through subtle bonds, conflicts or silly realizations, somehow everyone has a significant role to play. I have kept it as general as possible avoiding spoilers or any major events that might take away the firsthand joy.
✨ Character Sketch of Xu Qian:
Xu Qian, the sharp-witted and resourceful modern-day office worker, was unexpectedly transported to this fantastical place, the Dafeng dynasty. Despite his initial shock, he adapts to his new reality quickly and soon joins the guardians.
Qian is exceptionally intelligent and worked through with his modern mindset. He is not just book smart but a person who quickly thinks on his feet, applying science, logic and modern problem-solving techniques even in the most bizarre cases.
Though intelligence is his greatest asset, it is paired with quick wit and certain cunning making him unpredictable and endearing at the same time. He definitely had the knack of getting out of tight situations with a well-timed quip and a sly smile.
Xu Qian's comedic timing was impeccable. It does feel like it was a coping mechanism for him to adjust to this new world than just a simple defense mechanism.
Despite his occasional trickery and playful demeanor, he is deeply committed to justice. His sense of morality drives him to fight for common people. While his methods may seem unconventional, sometimes bending the rules too but his heart is always in the right place.
✨ Xu Qian's relationships with people around him:
▶️ The Xu Family: This family is the embodiment of chaotic love. With the loud, unpredictable dynamics, each member brings their own brand of energy that somehow always ends in laughter. They argue over the pettiest things but are always standing up for each other when it matters. The humor is deeply rooted in their interactions whether it's a miscommunication or over-the-top emotional meltdowns. Their ability to somehow find humor in near-death situations too gave that extra edge to the drama.
▶️ The Guardians (Gold, Silver & Bronze Gongs): Another entertaining dynamic that I enjoyed overall was Qian's friendship with everyone. He was Defang's favourite! The equation with each of them was different but all of them stood up in unison with him in times of need. They did not fight just for power but for one another.
His friendship with all the gongs transcends mere loyalty. It's built on mutual respect no matter what the rank is, shared battles and moments of stupidity together. The guardians’ unwavering belief in Xu Qian is a major part of the reason for his success.
▶️ Lord Wei: Their interactions initially were strictly professional but soon carried an undercurrent of mutual care, understanding and pride. Lord Wei watches over Qian with a deep sense of protective affection feeling a fatherly pride in his accomplishments. Their bond slowly wasn't defined by roles or traditional hierarchies but by an unshakeable familial connection.
▶️ Princess LinAn: Their relationship might have not been the central focus of the drama but as a subplot, it felt very organic without overshadowing the main plot. At first, the princess comes across as silly, naive and somewhat unreasonable but as the story progresses, she has a really good character development. The kisses are done very tastefully and made me feel a thing or two!
There are other characters too who have a significant impact on Xu Qian's journey and the whole drama but I believe mentioning them would be considered spoilers. I would prefer to experience them firsthand when watching the show.
✨ Acting: The acting across the board was truly impressive with everyone almost delivering exactly what was given and required of them.
Dylan as Xu Qian stood out for me. In my humble opinion, this is his best acting performance yet. (Yes, LBFAD was great and I considered that as his best performance before GODF). He really played to his strengths from dubbing in his own voice for his character to effortlessly mocking his own accent with that quick-witted comedic timing.
✨ Cinematography / Costumes / CGI: The cinematography was pretty especially the wide shots of natural landscapes.
The costumes and sets looked pretty detailed whether it was a grand palace or a simpler setting. The wide shots of natural landscapes were beautiful though.
My only gripe was the jaw protector on Qian! We DID NOT need to hide his jawline! (This sounds like my personal problem xD)
CGI was not the best I have seen but all of it definitely did a great job of enhancing the storyline without stealing the spotlight from the plot.
✨ Ending (No spoilers): The ending didn't feel open-ended to me. It tied up all the loose ends very satisfyingly but also left just enough room hinting towards season 2. I hope we get some sort of confirmation soon.
This drama has been my happy place for the past few weeks. I have laughed, cried, gotten frustrated and been completely hooked by twists and mystery, all while never losing my interest. It's one of those shows that has a perfect balance of drama and humor, where the comedy feels natural and not forced and a storyline where romance isn't the main focus. I would definitely recommend this.
Thank you for reading my review! <3
*Patiently wait for Season 2*
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I love the storyline especially it comes with poems that teaches people to be fair, righteous and find justice for themselves. It’s really makes me feel emotional when Mr. Zheng willing to sacrifice himself for justice.
The casts acting are insane!! They can switch from being funny to be serious just a few minutes.
I listen to every episode of the opening ost. It feels so attached to the story while listening to the ost. Gotta save one!
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