Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)

"Guardians of Dafeng": A Masterpiece of Chaos, Justice, and Unforgettable Characters

If you’re looking for a drama that will make you laugh, cry, scream, and cheer—all while keeping you on the edge of your seat—then Guardians of Dafeng is your next must-watch. This isn’t just another historical Wuxia drama; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with humor, heart, and jaw-dropping twists. Let me break it down for you, because this show deserves ALL the hype.

1. A Story That Keeps You Hooked: "What in the Dafeng?!"
From the very first episode, Guardians of Dafeng grabs you and doesn’t let go. The plot follows Xu Qi An, a modern-day office worker who gets transported into the Dafeng Dynasty, where he uses his wit, intelligence, and modern knowledge to solve mysteries and fight for justice. But don’t let the “transmigration” trope fool you—this isn’t your typical time-travel story.

The narrative is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and action. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the drama throws in a curveball that leaves you gasping. The pacing is impeccable, with each episode building on the last, leading to a finale that’s equal parts satisfying and heart-wrenching. And let’s not forget the cliffhanger ending—complete with a post-credits scene that will have you begging for Season 2.

2. Xu Qi An: The Chaotic Hero We All Need
Dylan Wang as Xu Qi An is a revelation. If you thought he was great in Love Between Fairy and Devil, just wait until you see him here. Xu Qi An is sharp, resourceful, and hilariously chaotic. His comedic timing is flawless, but it’s his emotional depth that truly shines. Whether he’s cracking jokes or delivering a fiery speech about justice, Dylan brings so much authenticity to the role.

One of the most gripping moments is when Xu Qi An confronts the corruption in Chuzhou. The raw emotion he displays—grief, rage, and an unyielding sense of justice—is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll find yourself cheering for him, crying with him, and maybe even screaming at your screen (I know I did).

3. A Cast of Characters You’ll Fall in Love With
The supporting cast is just as phenomenal. From Xu Qi An’s hilariously chaotic family to the loyal Guardians (affectionately dubbed the “Scooby gang”), every character feels real and relatable.

Lord Wei: The surrogate father figure who balances wisdom with a dry sense of humor. His bond with Xu Qi An is one of the most touching aspects of the show.

Princess Lin’an: While the romance subplot isn’t the main focus, her chemistry with Xu Qi An is sweet and organic. Plus, her character growth is a joy to watch.

The Xu Family: They’re loud, dramatic, and utterly endearing. Their love for Xu Qi An is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Even the antagonists are layered and compelling. The “dark robe dude” (Xu Qi An’s biological father) is a villain you’ll love to hate, and his complex motivations add depth to the story.

4. Themes That Hit Hard: Justice, Loyalty, and Sacrifice
At its core, Guardians of Dafeng is a story about standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of power and corruption, but it also celebrates the quiet bravery of ordinary people.

The sacrifices made by characters like Mr. Zheng are genuinely heart-wrenching, and the show’s exploration of loyalty and camaraderie is deeply moving. As Xu Qi An says, “You’re paid as a court official, you live off the people's resources, but you can’t fool the heavens.” These moments of moral clarity are what make the drama so impactful.

5. Stunning Visuals and Production Quality
The cinematography is breathtaking. From the bustling streets of the capital to the serene mountain landscapes, every scene feels like a painting come to life. The costumes and sets are meticulously detailed, adding to the immersive experience.

And let’s talk about the CGI—it’s some of the best I’ve seen in recent dramas. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending magic and martial arts in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Plus, the opening rap song is a bold and refreshing choice that perfectly sets the tone for the series.

6. Humor That Hits the Mark
One of the standout features of Guardians of Dafeng is its humor. The comedy never feels forced or out of place. Whether it’s Xu Qi An’s witty one-liners, the Xu family’s over-the-top antics, or the Guardians’ bumbling misadventures, the laughs come naturally.

But what’s even more impressive is how the show balances humor with emotional depth. One moment you’re laughing at Xu Qi An’s zombie impersonation, and the next you’re tearing up over a heartfelt sacrifice. It’s this perfect blend of light and dark that makes the drama so compelling.

7. The Ending: A Cliffhanger That Leaves You Wanting More
Without giving too much away, the finale is a masterclass in storytelling. It ties up loose ends while leaving just enough unanswered questions to keep you hooked for Season 2. The emotional weight of the final episodes—especially the heart-wrenching memory loss twist—will leave you reeling.

And that post-credits scene? Pure genius. It’s the perfect tease for what’s to come, and I’m already counting down the days until we get more of this incredible world.

Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Watch This Drama
Guardians of Dafeng is more than just a drama—it’s an experience. It’s a story about love, loss, justice, and the enduring power of hope. It’s about flawed, relatable characters who feel like real people. And it’s about laughing through the chaos and finding strength in the face of adversity.

If you’re a fan of Wuxia, mystery, or just great storytelling in general, this is a must-watch. It’s a show that will stay with you long after the final credits roll. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be blown away. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Rating: 10/10
Verdict: A masterpiece that slays in every way possible. Don’t miss it! 🎉✨

Inspired from @Jojo

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I Love This Drama

I have to admit I am a Yan Zi Dong fan now. His acting is so spot on and he has made me laugh throughout this drama just by the expressions that dance across his face. All you haters of Dylan Wang have to criticize someone. There is nothing wrong with his acting skills. He is not acting cold like in his recent modern drama with Bai Lu. Her acting was no better than his. I am sure that the director or whoever is responsible, wanted the drama to come across like that. But Guardians of the Dafeng is an action packed, interesting drama that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I will remember and rewatch this drama. I groan after each episode because I am so into it that I don't want it to end. I hope to see Yan Zi Dong in more dramas!

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well-crafted story with rich characters and breathtaking visuals

"Guardians of Dafeng" has been nothing short of a spectacular journey from the very first episode! As I reached episode 23, I can confidently say this series has captured my heart and imagination in ways few others have.

The storytelling is masterfully crafted, weaving together intricate plots and character arcs that keep you on the edge of your seat. Each episode builds on the last, creating a rich tapestry of suspense, humor, and emotional depth. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of action and character development.

The characters are incredibly well-developed; you can’t help but root for them. Each one has their own unique backstory and motivations, making them relatable and compelling. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, adding layers of authenticity to their interactions.

Visually, the animation is stunning! The art style is vibrant and beautifully detailed, bringing the world of Dafeng to life in a way that feels immersive and enchanting. Coupled with a fantastic soundtrack, it enhances the overall experience and draws you deeper into the story.

The themes explored in the series are profound, touching on friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. It’s not just entertainment; it leaves you with something to think about long after the credits roll.

In summary, "Guardians of Dafeng" is a must-watch for anyone who loves a well-crafted story with rich characters and breathtaking visuals. I wholeheartedly give it a 10/10! I can’t wait to see where the journey goes next!

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Overhyped and Overrated: A Decent Start Undone by a Poorly Directed Ending

The reincarnation premise is fairly standard, but the concept of a “game” was poorly executed and didn’t make much sense. Unlike Joy of Life or My Heroic Husband, which maintained straightforward and cohesive narratives, this series struggled with its framing and direction, particularly as it leaned heavily on anime-style storytelling that felt disconnected from the earlier tone.

While the emotional moments between the main character and the side characters were well portrayed, and their motivations were clear, the repetition of certain scenes—over and over again—became tiresome and greatly diminished their emotional impact. This overuse felt unnecessary and nonsensical, detracting from the overall experience.

The overall story started off mediocre, with the MC gradually climbing the ranks by influencing those around him. But as the series progressed, particularly in the later episodes, the writing became increasingly reliant on convenience. The MC’s path became suspiciously smooth, with everyone around him simply agreeing to his plans without question or resistance. This lack of hurdles or disagreements reduced the tension and made it feel as if characters were treating him like the “main character” without a logical foundation.

The music was initially okay, matching the theme, but its overuse made it exhausting. The same OSTs were repeated across vastly different scenes—whether for villains, MC’s triumphs, emotional moments, or side character dynamics. This interchangeability diluted its impact, as it failed to complement the scenes appropriately.

The fight scenes were generally clean and enjoyable, with great choreography, though a few were overly hyped with excessive VFX, making them feel artificial. Surprisingly, there was little focus on confrontations with the Da Geng Ren, who seemed more like background threats than actual antagonists. They were showcased sparingly, with most conflicts handled by high-ranking soldiers and the MC, leaving the rest of the forces essentially useless—contradicting the series’ premise.

As the story approached its final 10 episodes, the pacing became erratic and heavily reliant on slow-motion shots and repeated segments to artificially stretch the runtime. Fight scenes were shorter and relied too much on VFX instead of intricate choreography, while side characters had interactions and conversations driven purely by plot convenience, offering little to no organic development. The overemphasis on some side characters also felt redundant, repeating the same emotional beats without adding value to the story.

The final four episodes were a complete disaster. The decisions made by the government/king and their followers were illogical and inconsistent, apart from moments when the MC conveniently resolved everything. These episodes, in particular, saw a sharp decline in storytelling quality compared to earlier parts of the series.

Some might argue this is reflective of a modern storytelling style, but for someone familiar with traditional, modern, and newer dramas, it came across as bad writing. It felt like a cheap stunt, designed to manufacture artificial mystery and anticipation—not for artistic purposes, but as a marketing strategy to tease a second season.

If I were to rate this:

Episodes 1–30: A solid 8, thanks to decent storytelling, modern humor, and strong character dynamics.
Episodes 31–32: 7.5, as the cracks in the pacing and logic began to show.
Episodes 33–36: 7, as the repetition started to drag down the story.
Episodes 37–39: 6–6.5, where both the storytelling and choreography took a nosedive.
Episode 40: 6 at best, capping the series with a rushed, incoherent conclusion.

The quality and engagement clearly declined after Episode 30, as both the direction and overall narrative fell apart. Even the fight scenes lacked excitement by the end, with simplified choreography and little effort to maintain earlier standards.

While there were aspects I enjoyed—such as the acting, conversations, comedic moments, and modernized take—it’s undeniable that the last stretch of episodes felt disappointing, rushed, and poorly thought out. Honestly, they should reconsider remaking the final few episodes before diving into a second season. As it stands, my interest and expectations for Season 2 have plummeted, and I believe the series is significantly overrated in its current state.

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The Love Child of Joy of Life & My Uncanny Destiny

EDITED: For sanity! The previous version was a cross-platform transfer gone horribly wrong on grammar and formatting. I have addressed the issues.

GUARDIANS OF DAFENG is everything you want in a Wuxia or any television series for the matter and
more. Guardians is the joyfully cheeky love child of Joy of Life and My Uncanny Destiny, and THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD!
The 'Unaware Chosen One' trope is revised in a contemporary manner. Our ML is always in 2nd place, a ‘could’ve, should’ve, would’ve’ man with a broken dream and heart. Add plot armor + ‘look how smart I am’ style palace intrigue + a massive cast similar to JOL, and the formula makes sense. This is cleverly and hilariously balanced by the boundless energy of ‘over the top’ tomfoolery, and humor that stays consistently throughout the entire series. The undeniable chemistry of the ensemble cast is the yummy stuff. I only wished it would have taken some of Uncanny’s skinship as well. Yet, this is the 1st series in a long time that I didn’t care that it was a show that advertised as a romance without any romance. I was so invested in the story! The flitterings of love that did occur were unexpected and charming; The palaple connection that Lil Bro Xunnan and Simu pull off in a single episode gave me the feels, it normally takes MC's 15 or more boring episodes to achieve what these two young actors accomplished with just a look and a word. And Secret Sect’s # 2 and #4, the couple that slays together, stays together. I’d be happy to follow either 2LMCs to 🫶🏾town.
The FL's antics didn’t bother me as the show progressed and her court attendants became more involved. I like this actress and New Life Begins is a favorite of mine, so she probably got a pass from me here. Tbh, I never really saw them as a real couple. In fact, this is the 1st series of Hedi’s that I could finish since my GOAT 🧚🏻‍♂️🖤😈

Our ML is a Chinese Millennial salesman whose dream it was to be a detective. Dafeng grants his deepest held wish. A quid pro quo is expected. Dafeng wants a good one, just as we all do.
I’m cynical, not by choice, and I’m well past my angst era too, so to find myself crying early in the series,
then at least once per 10 episodes was wild. I was also laughing in every episode, often. That is the cure for me now.
The writers were straight up showing off by Episode 31. Betting that they could drive the viewer to the edge of
existential despair where madness makes so much sense. And seconds later, make those tears become cries of laughter, as our ML goes from humanist stoicism to the embodiment of a cartoon character con man. I was so blown away by this. Bravo! Even the losers get lucky sometimes.
As he said dying, 'Losers, the common people, their experiences have meaning. Success or failure. I came, I did, I had. That is also meaning. Just when I begin a profound, tear filled rumination of these words, I look up to see our hero call for the nurse and proceed to die. And like a mashup of Cdrama, Rick & Morty, and Once and Future King, we watch the 'cycle of death and rebirth to annoy the enemy' play out over and over again, each death and rebirth filled with chaotic Lao Tsu energy seemingly renewed after each turn. They made you legit laugh and cry at the same scenarios in less than 10 mins. That’s magic.

Near the end, our ML Silver Gong is experiencing existential crisis, can you blame him? I don’t.
Someone being slow will get you dead.
Sometimes being slow gets others dead.
Sometimes being slow will cost you the love of your life.
The people of the Dafeng cohabit with time.

Finally, is it me or my whimsy. Or he needed the $$. No shade I need $$$. Did everyone clock DFQC lil bro from LBFAD as the Witches Cult Leader’s right hand man. Then suddenly the bros are in a triangle, slowly swirling in red with a ferocious father at the apex preparing to demand. In my head this could be what DFQC spent his 500 years doing: tribulations. And this is one. Let me dream.
Big up to cast, crew and producers and Wang Hedi, our man Dylan for giving us 2 iconic characters that no one will forget for years to come.

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I heard many negative reviews so I am here

In this stressful life we need a dramas like Guardians of the Dafeng that gives us some happy moments where we can laugh , I am specifically like the family of Dylan wang, they were so good and maintain comedy🤣 and carrying both expect of family very well . the youngest cute 🥰 little sister is so cute. The drama maintain all most all major genres such as comedy, romance , sci-fi, mystery, and fantasy. The acting was good. I found that people comparing this drama with joy of life that was totally stupidity . Both drama has their own unique story line so I don't want to compare them .

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From Slow Start to Epic Finish: A Review of The Guardians of the Dafeng

This series is a bit of a slow burn, requiring patience, especially in the beginning. The first 14 episodes were a 7.5/10 for me, bogged down by excessive dialogue and a slow pace. However, if you stick with it, the payoff is worth it. The story picks up significantly from episodes 15-24, earning an 8/10 as the plot thickens. Then, the show really hits its stride from episodes 25-35, delivering compelling content worthy of a 9/10. Episode 36 was a standout, a definite highlight and a 10/10 for me! While the final episodes (37-40) dipped slightly back to a 9/10, the overall experience was fantastic. My final rating for the series is a 9/10. My only real complaint is the inexplicable cutting of some fight scenes, which was a bit disappointing. Despite that, I highly recommend this series to anyone willing to invest the time.

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Office Worker Isekaied into Dafeng Dynasty and Becomes TOP DAWG

This is such a common trope I've read often in manhuas/manhwas but I have to say I really don't watch it enough in dramas. I would say the only other one I watched where MC was isekaied is Romance of Tiger and Rose! Guardians of Dafeng also lives up to the comedy in ROTR but more in the form of slapstick comedy rather than humour in the dialogue. I'm watching this while I'm in a kdrama slump and I am being kept very entertained so far.

Since this is based off a novel series, I wonder if they're planning on having multiple seasons or if they're fitting everything in one season! Personally, I haven't read the novel but super excited to be watching this! Summary of the drama from what I've seen so far is basically in my headline - Xu Qi'an (originally Yang Ling before he woke up in a different world) aka Mr. Dylan Wang gets isekaied into an alternate fantasy world which takes place during Da Feng dynasty. A world with magic and powers and magical swords. He wakes up in prison btw and basically clears his and his family's names by using his brain, catching the eye of some pretty high up people. His character is supposed to be very smart, and with the addition of his modern world knowledge plus somehow remembering all his years of education (seriously, who the hell remembers their entire high school chemistry textbook), he becomes very good at solving cases and becomes famous for his poems (the ones he writes from what he remembers from books hes read). He slowly starts to move up in this world, eventually achieving his goal of being a part of the Guardians of Dafeng (which are essentially the protectors of the people, think police but with powers). His family is funny, and its so heartwarming to see them form a close bond (apparently the old him was emo) - his uncle, cousin, and aunt are especially funny when they're all together. The one flaw I would say so far is the fact that the writers aren't thinking too deep about how to show Xu Qi'an as a brilliant detective, he is simply just better than everyone and pieces things together better than most people in this dynasty do. I honestly don't have a problem with this, I also like that he solves things so quickly without any confusing path to get there, but it's amusing seeing how it's REALLY not that complicated. If someone is expecting really complex and good investigative skills from this, this is noooot for you. Anyways, now that he's a Guardian, he's also beginning to upgrade his fighting skills and we see already that he's also gifted in fighting. Although he seems to have selfish intentions with his interactions, you can tell he truly does care about people and upholds this righteousness by defending those who need it. On the way to becoming top dawg for real - you just know he's walking out of this with a girl. The FL who is the second princess doesn't appear in the drama until 6 episodes in and I'm not sure how big of a focus their romance will have but I'm sensing some great character development from her. Princess Lin'an (Tian Xiwei) is introduced as a spoiled princess who's always competing to appear better than the Grand Princess, bothering the Bureau of Astronomy for education and now Xu Qi'an for his poetry. Also excited to see their love story play out and I expect a lot of bickering from these two. In terms of acting, I feel like it's the typical chinese drama acting - the side characters act decently well, nothing mind blowing but again this is a comedic drama. I haven't watched Dylan Wang in anything for a HOT minute and honestly I can see that there's been improvement in his acting. He has a lot more facial expressions since his Meteor Garden Days and his line delivery is much better. Could he do better? For sure, but for now I don't care and just like his face. His hair also looks good in this. This is my first time watching Tian Xiwei in anything and I like her so far - pretty natural acting, cute face, good expressions! I've also seen some people complaining about Dylan's sichuan accent and oh gosh some of these people are so nitpicky. I'm really glad he gets to dub his own drama this time and I quite like his voice, I don't think too much of his accent but I guess it bothers some people since this takes place in a Dynasty.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, comedic drama, with a character who gets super OP along with some romance, definitely give this a try!

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