This review may contain spoilers
It's okay.
First thing to note here is Wang Hedi's voice does not sound great. It deters from his character being in a set of historical time. His acting was okay but nothing special that attributes to his character that he is playing, as he is simply just playing himself. His eyes, though beautiful, it doesn't say much to his expression, still stiff.The story is mid. Nothing new. Relies heavily on comedic dialogues and scenes. However, the fighting choreography is epic.
Tian Xi Wie's character is not my favourite, I would've preferred had she had been the grand princess instead, since that role seems to be more interesting.
Oddly it felt like the story wanted to take the direction of Joy of Life at some capacity.
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Perfect
I loved every episode, the only downside was that for me it kind of dragged a bit and it was quite obvious that they want to make a season 2 although it might never see the light of day lol…we all know how China is like with season 2s’;they either take forever to come out with a different cast of course or they never come out.I’m proud of Dylan he has matured over the years and his acting is amazing. I just hate the fact that Lord Wei died and in his death he forgot Xu Qian 😭😭 they had a great bond ( father-son) vibes but at least slowly everyone kind of started feeling like they forgot someone important. I sincerely hope we will have the same cast in season 2… above all it was a great drama.. well done to the team 👏👏👏
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What was that ending!!! I need Season 2 ASAP!!
An absolute delight to watch. It hit all the right notes of comedy, drama, suspense, thriller, and romance.Story:
Above all, this show is a comedy, and shouldn't be taken too seriously. XXA is a simple guy in the beginning of the story, who slowly turns into a leader and great warrior. I love that initially, it is clear that while he is a good fighter, he is not the best by a mile, and gets beaten up a lot. But over time, his skill improves, and his character is usually what sets him apart from the rest.
The story doesn't shy away from drama either, or rather, trauma, and I love how they explored those arcs and how they impacted each character.
Characters:
Each character is important and has their own arc. While there are a lot of characters so some are just written off only to reappear ten episodes later, their arcs are still explained and explored.
Acting:
Amazing. DW's best show to date and the rest of the cast did an amazing job. Every character was played with so much depth and emotion. No one was stiff, everyone felt natural and it is clear they all had amazing chemistry with each other. It is just so apparent that this was a cast that got along and truly enjoyed the project because they put so much effort and care in their characters.
Production:
The cinematography was great, the sets were beautiful, the costumes were stunning, the CGI was very good. Everything brought together made this a perfect watch.
Overall:
I plan on reading the novel now because I'm dying for season 2 so I hope that the novel went beyond the show. 🫶
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Suddenly I’m a fan of Dylan Wang!
I’m usually not a big fan of dramedies since I often struggle to catch their rhythm, but Guardians of Dafeng completely won me over. Dylan Wang was perfect for his role—his performance was not only beautifully acted but also full of charm. He made me laugh, get excited, and even feel sad, blending emotions seamlessly.What really impressed me was the comedic timing. Too often in Chinese dramas, humor feels forced or added just for the sake of being funny. Here, it felt natural and well-placed—funny when it needed to be, without breaking the flow of the story.
Of course, it isn’t flawless. With so many characters, there simply wasn’t enough time to fully develop them. The current limit of 40 episodes also meant the ending felt rushed, condensed into a short narrative. Ironically, I used to dislike the very long Chinese dramas, but once I got used to how they take time to expand characters, I now sometimes find Korean dramas with only 12–16 episodes lacking.
That said, the CGI was top-notch, and the overall production quality was amazing. The ending left me hanging with a sense of unfinished business, but I also appreciated the hopeful, positive note it closed on. Clearly, the door was left open for a Season 2—and I’ll be eagerly waiting for it.
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FAIR PLAY DYLAN WANG?
Oh my word, this was clean. It’s the surprise cast for me that was unveiled step by step with perfect timming. The cast, by the way, all played their role to a tee. The storyline kept me invested with all the mysterious identities and just the sheer performance of the cast in general, everyone played a part, a very big part in their own.This one might be a nitpick but the way cultivation and magic was seamlessly incorporated without really making it all about magic was perfect, same goes for the romance side of things. All the power-play was well calculated and well-written, the mystery part really kept me invested and I don’t really know who the credit goes to but fairs, I’m satisfied.
Now to the ML and FLs. I was never a Dylan Wang die-hard and was really on that bandwagon train of purely glaing him like nearly 80% of the C-drama watcher I see commenting on various forums however, he’s really convinced me is this drama. He acted the hell out of that role. I always found his performances, sort of like trying too much and cringe to an extent but this has shut me up.
Don’t expect me to go on and credit everyone as they’ve all done their job so well, I was mesmerised by that Dylan Wang perfomance that I had to get certain things off my chest.
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very different from other cdramas
ok wtf someone actually kill me now help!!?!!?! just finished watching guardians of the dafeng and am absolutely shooketh. If you maybe have read any of my other reviews, you should know that I despise open endings/cliffhangers. Despise. So WTF WAS THAT ENDING?? NO SEASON 2 IN SIGHT, NO CLARIFICATION OF WHATS TO COME, EVERYONE FORGOT HIM, EVIL SMOKY DUDE WAS HIS DAD, POOR PRINCESS LIN AN, HELP ME ACTUALLY WTF. Ok, back to a more calm mindset, this was fantastic. Many episodes were so hilarious, haven't watched a cdrama that could make me laugh out loud ever (except for Exclusive Fairytale) so that was refreshing. Everything was amazing, the Guardians, the plot, the cast, the actors did really well in portraying their characters. If you know me you should know an ending is extremely important in a drama to me, and this ending was not it. Nobody remembered him. He was wiped from history. His story with Lin An (Tian Xiwei) is not concluded, his family, his role in the Guardians, his role in the Realm Sect, his role everywhere. There is no more Xu Qi An (Wang Hedi/Dylan) in the world. Then it leaves us on a gigantic cliffhanger. REALLY NOW. THIS IS THE BEST YOU COULD GIVE. Am literally pleading for a season 2 just like I am for My Journey to You but knowing cdramas this plea is probably going to go unnoticed. I have yet to watch a cdrama with more than one season, albeit some colossal open endings and cliffhangers. YOU BROUGHT US THIS FAR AND JUST DROPPED US ON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF LITERALLY. ANYWAYS, apart from that ending, everything is great. I really recommend watching, it's very good and it gives you a nice laugh. 100% great (EXCEPT FOR THAT STUPID ENDING) but if you are ok with that you should go watch it immediately right this moment.Was this review helpful to you?
A Drama That Has It All~
If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re definitely missing out on a true gem!■ Story & Pacing
Guardians of the Dafeng is a wildly entertaining drama that pulls you in right from the start. It’s got everything—comedy, adventure, romance, political intrigue—and it all unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked. The pacing is spot-on, never dragging but never feeling rushed either. There’s a perfect mix of comedy, action, witty/emotional family moments, and swoon-worthy romance, making it an easy show to binge watch.
■ Main Cast
Wang Hedi absolutely shines as Xu Qian. He’s got that perfect mix of intelligence, charm, and confidence that makes him impossible not to root for. Tian Xiwei is delightful as Princess Lin An—her beauty and playful personality make her so fun to watch. And their chemistry, Off the charts! Whether they’re teasing each other or having sweet, intimate moments, they feel so natural together.
■ Supporting Cast & Character Dynamics
The supporting cast is just as strong. ♡Yan Zidong is hilarious and effortlessly charming, stealing every scene he’s in. ♡Fan Shiqi has that cool, effortless charisma, while Mao Xiaohui is breathtaking and brings so much depth to her role. And Liu Yijun aka Wei Gong! He commands the screen with every appearance, adding layers to the story that make it even more compelling.
The relationships in this show feel so real. Xu Qian’s bond with his family is witty, heartfelt and genuine, adding an emotional core to the drama that makes you care even more about his journey. His interactions with his subordinates also bring a great mix of respect, camaraderie, and humor—there’s always that perfect balance of serious and lighthearted moments. And of course, we can’t forget Xu Qian and Princess Lin An! Their dynamic is adorable, full of fun, witty banter, and romantic tension that keeps you rooting for them.
■ Production & Cinematography
Visually, this drama is stunning. The set designs, costumes, and overall production quality are top-tier. Every scene looks gorgeous, from the grand palace settings to the action-packed fight sequences. The cinematography captures everything beautifully, making it easy to get lost in the world of Guardians of the Dafeng. And let’s talk about the action—the fight scenes are so well done, adding just the right amount of intensity to the story.
■ Final Thoughts
If you love historical dramas with a perfect mix of action, romance, and humor, Guardians of the Dafeng is a must-watch. The story keeps you engaged, the main couple is incredibly lovable, and the supporting cast adds so much personality to every scene. With breathtaking visuals and a well-paced plot, this drama has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the adventure, the romance, or just some great character interactions, you won’t be disappointed.
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This review may contain spoilers
Drama ini mengikuti perjalanan Xu Qian dalam memecahkan berbagai kasus misterius di ibu kota, sambil mengungkap konspirasi yang lebih besar.Penampilan Dylan Wang sebagai Xu Qian patut diacungi jempol. Ia berhasil membawakan karakter yang cerdas, humoris, dan penuh teka-teki. Chemistry-nya dengan para pemain lain juga sangat baik, terutama dengan Tian Xiwei yang berperan sebagai Lin'an, putri kerajaan yang ceria.
Alur cerita drama ini cukup kompleks dan penuh kejutan. Setiap episode menghadirkan kasus baru yang menarik untuk diikuti. Selain itu, drama ini juga menyuguhkan visual yang memukau dan efek khusus yang berkualitas.
Secara keseluruhan, "Guardians of the Dafeng" adalah drama yang menghibur dan layak untuk ditonton. Drama ini cocok bagi Anda yang menyukai drama dengan cerita yang seru, karakter yang menarik, dan sentuhan komedi.
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absolute masterpiece in the realm of CDrama!
"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute masterpiece in the realm of CDrama! From start to finish, it delivers an exhilarating blend of stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters. The production quality is top-notch, with breathtaking cinematography that immerses viewers into the rich, fantastical world of Dafeng.The plot is intricately crafted, weaving elements of adventure, mystery, and emotional depth that keep you hooked every step of the way. The character development is exceptional—each guardian has a unique backstory and personality, making their journeys both relatable and inspiring. The acting is superb, with the cast bringing genuine authenticity and charisma to their roles.
What truly sets "Guardians of the Dafeng" apart is its perfect balance of action and heartfelt moments, complemented by a compelling soundtrack that elevates every scene. It’s a series that not only entertains but also leaves you pondering about themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of unity.
Overall, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch for any fan of fantasy and adventure dramas. It deserves a solid 10/10 for its excellence in storytelling, production, and emotional impact. A true gem in the world of Chinese dramas!
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Needs to have season 2
I was really expecting more fights at the end of the episode everything is unclear I was expecting his going to fight with the emperor before he can go in the future cause he was being drag in the past they need to finish the story so that everything is clear his power is not even totally showed in the last episode they should have season 2 cause it feels like they just want to end the show without proper ending because they don't want to continue anymore that's why they left it hanging, I hope that's not the case I hope they are prearing for season two this is one of the series that episode there's no dull moment everthing was fun and interesting I hope the film maker will give justice with this series cause it is really a waste if they didn't have any season 2. Overall 10/10 for it was really nice series I rarely watch cultural sci fi series cause I'm very picky one but this series Guardian of the Dafeng really reach my expection I love old cultural story I'm icky one but this one is really good I hope they will continue the next season. Hoping that it will have.Was this review helpful to you?
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Needs a sequel
In general is a good series and starts kind of slow. The author seems to loose himself on the middle of it and completely forgets to return Xu Quian to the modern world or explain who are the other heros who are in the "phone league' with him. The open ending is not great either. But I am a Dylan Wang fan so I powered through.Was this review helpful to you?
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Advocating for a S2 ✊✊
I'm review this a little bit late, but what a drama it was incredible, everyone should watch it 😭😭. If you love Joy of Life, you will surely love it.The plot was well written and well balanced between comedy and more heavy situations. The second half ( starting with ep24) was a bit slow to start but the end was emotional, heartbreaking and in a sense fulfilling with Qi'An decision. Also perfect between martial art, fantasy, political plot. Romance was the weak point but they were cute.
Things I loved :
- Xu Qi'An : Throughout the drama I kept surprising myself with the way I love him. In those type of series I tend to dislike the MC because I found them way too much prideful, arrogant and out the touch with their world in the end. But Ningyan, I just LOVED how he just accepted his place, knew exactly when to flaunt, when to be "submissive", not too naive but not too nonchalant either.
When he was acting "reckless" I was surprised to support him fully even if I knew the consequences, because in a certain way I knew it was exceptional and his standard attitude.
BIG SHOUT-OUT to Dylan Wang for this amazing performance, I know I wouldn't like Qi'An so much if it was played by another actor. He embodied this character perfectly with his expressions, playful tone, emotional reactions (specially in ep 39-40). It was my favourite performance of him knowing that Dongfang QingCang isn't easy to top.
- Princess Lin'An : Like her, but I struggled with her because I didn't think she had a great impact in the story, her relationship with Qi'An felt more like secondary plot. But I guess FL is always the weak point in male centric drama and it's kinda of sad actually that they still can't write a proper FL and not a side character.
The actress was great though with the "small" amount of time screen she had, specially when she came to implore justice for her cousin/BFF, it was sad to the point I got chills.
- Qi'An friends & family : they were the story's comedic relief, wished we could've seen more and more if this trio
- The Dafeng Guardians : funny how they kept arguing about who should take Qi'An. Feel like they can be still be more developed but I don't know how it will unfold, so I will indulgent.
What about next season ? : I didn't read the novel but it feels like we didn't explored 20% of the story. Many points have yet to be developed, and I'm very curious about it so S2 come quick ✊.
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