Guardians of the Dafeng

大奉打更人 ‧ Drama ‧ 2024 - 2025
Completed
Aveee
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 20, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Best drama ever!!!

To be honest I’ve never really been a fan of historical dramas but after this I think that may change. I first discovered this drama when I found out Dylan Wang (who I’ve seen in other dramas) was in it. So waited in expectancy for its release and was definitely not disappointed.
There were many laughs even from the first episode and the action and suspense progressed throughout the whole season in such a way that left me anxiously waiting for the next episode to be put out. Dylan Wang is the perfect lead for this role by far. How he expresses his emotions and portrays the character while still allowing some comical relief is just incredible.
Although I am late to write this review I wanted to make sure I watched it twice before giving my opinion. I’d say if you’ve been considering watching this drama definitely give it a try because you’ll surely be surprised.

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Completed
Sillydramafan
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 3, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Season 2 please! Same cast!

This was a blast. I enjoyed watching something so different from the usual dramas I watched in 2024 - I loved all the characters, the underlying messages of being sincere and incorruptible, and the ridiculous family. I enjoyed the bit of romance because I thought they were cute when they were together. I thought the acting was great by everyone, and will never understand the Dylan Wang hate. He tries all sorts of things, which I admire in a performer, and I enjoy watching him on screen.

I like silly humor, case solving, fantasy world building types of stories. If you start and it seems too silly, you should try watching longer. It keeps having funny scenes, but the story itself isn’t silly.

My only complaint: I want a season 2 as the story lost focus for a bit and there are way too many unfinished storylines. Because the source material is looooooonnnnnnnngggggggg, they obviously needed to cut the story down to drama size. I think just focusing on the Guardians, the case solving, the family and world building would have easily filled 40 episodes. The wizard cult stuff could be explored in a season 2.



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Completed
Sidneylandsam
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 22, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Light, refreshing, witty, with intrigue and action

If there’s one thing The Guardians of the Dafeng proves, it’s that Dylan Wang is on a roll. Ever since I first saw him in Love Between Fairy and Devil, I’ve followed his work religiously, and he has yet to disappoint me. This show? Another masterpiece. It’s gripping, intelligent, and refreshingly light when it needs to be — an absolute joy to watch from start to finish.

What surprised me most was how much I adored the fact that romance is secondary at best in the plot. Coming from someone mostly into romance, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Dylan’s versatility made sure I didn’t miss it.

Xu Qi’an is the kind of character that pulls you in — witty, self-assured without being insufferable, and always aware of the absurdity of his own circumstances. He’s got the confidence of a protagonist who knows he’s the smartest guy in the room but the humility to never take himself too seriously. It’s that balance that makes him so endearing, and the way he seemingly easily gathers allies — from the Bureau of Astronomy to the Guardians, officials, and even the imperial family — just proves how much of a magnetic force he is.

Speaking of allies, the chemistry between the cast is incredible. The Xu family dynamic? Chef’s kiss. They bicker like there’s no tomorrow, but when it comes down to it, they will stand by each other, even in the face of death.

I can’t talk that long without appreciating the supporting characters. Beyond the emotional bonds, the show also delivers on the action front, with each character bringing their own strengths to the battlefield. And when it comes to sheer presence, few can match Yang Yan. His fight scenes are pure cinema. The aura, the might, the majesty — every time he’s on screen, it’s impossible to look away. And let’s not forget Nangong Qian Rou, the only female Gold Gong. A total badass and the perfect blend between power and elegance.

Then there’s Mr. Wei, the leader of the Guardians, whose father-son relationship with Xu Qi’an adds so much depth to the story. Watching their bond evolve, the way Mr. Wei both guides and challenges him, is one of the many emotional anchors of the series.

One of my favorite things about this show is its ability to transition seamlessly from deeply philosophical discussions to the most absurdly trivial matters. One moment, we’re questioning justice, morality, and the law; the next, we’re dealing with some completely ridiculous, almost comedic situation. It’s this ability to strike a balance between depth and humor that makes the show so engaging.

My most emotional twist was Xi Qi’an’s trial, where he was charged for killing a Silver Gong — an act of justice that clashed with the very law he served. Mr. Wei, his mentor, was the one forced to hand down the sentence, torn between duty and the knowledge that Xu Qi’an had done the right thing. The weight of that moment, the tension in their gazes, the silent war between justice and the law — it was cinematic gold.

Xu Qi’an’s brilliance in solving the unsolvable cases made him a highly sought-after asset, with Gold Gongs even competing to have him on their team. The respect he earned throughout the series is palpable. Even characters like Li Yuchun, who started off distrusting him, by the time Silver Gong’s death trial comes around, were already standing up for him wholeheartedly.

A lot of people compare TGOTD to Joy of Life, but to me, the former stands on its own. It keeps things playful even when the stakes are high, whereas JOL— despite Fan Xian’s humor — carries a heavier sense of danger with its plot twists. TGOTD thrives on its witty exchanges, fast-paced storytelling, and engaging character dynamics, making it feel more like a thrilling yet fun ride. While danger is always present, the story never lingers too long in despair. Each twist feels exhilarating rather than angsty. The tension is real, but it never tips into the same level of dread that JOL sometimes reaches, keeping the ride fun and fast-paced.

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Completed
mind-of-a-mundane
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 14, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

my only let down

the only let down for me is the cliffhanger ending. with no hint from the production that there will be a season 2!😭 it's like my journey to you. 😭🥹 this show is so good how could they not make a sequel???

another one of those dramas that made me cry hard. I also loved the OSTs. it's up my genre.

Wang Hedi is such a great actor!! really!! he can really carry any role. Knows how to portray characters really well. comedic, angry, romantic, depressed, happy. I've seen so many facets of him and never been disappointed.
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Completed
BrookeSimpson
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 1, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

It’s not as slapstick as the trailers lead you to believe

I think this piece showcases yet another aspect of Wang’s acting ability. This show is funny, but it’s not stupid. It’s full of triumph, awe, brotherhood, excitement, adventure and leaves wanting more. I have watched several 50 ep period pieces from China. Although I do love them they tend to drag my heart all over the side of the road. Not this show! It’s fun! It’s easy on the nervous system. Don’t expect this to be what it’s not and you’ll enjoy it.
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Completed
IvetaKovov
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 25, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This series exceeded my expectations. You can't just see so many of Dylan's acting positions in one person. It's impossible to count the number of emotions I experienced while watching the series. This series confirmed for me that Dylan's acting is of very high quality and is still improving. Series after series is better and better even without acting education, developing his talent prerequisites for acting with an emphasis on the ability to adapt to any character he portrays. He is truly unique. Because as an actor he is truly, humble. He is humble, in every role, because his portrayal of all his characters is not the work of a moment, but a parallel to eternity, this feeling that his acting leaves in me. And only when he portrays a given character with a humility that is inherent to himself, only then does he become great in his talent. Although very young, but his emphasis on portrayal and passion for acting - this is exactly why he is so incredibly creative.

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Completed
Kavzz07
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 25, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

"Dafeng's not worth it " Lol. After so long, here comes a very good Wu xia

This Series ended with a major Cliff hanger and it's damn interesting and makes me to wait for season 2. I really really love this series, I'm actually contended that finally there is one good Wuxia. Dylan Wang's acting was the cream on top. He just killed it. Lors wei was also one of my faourite characters of this series.

Other than him the chemistry between the other actors truly deserves applause, Lord Wei's character was so well written and well executed. The comedy was on point that made me laugh wholeheartedly. I loved the fact that the series is well balanced in everything except for romance which was actually not necessary given the story line. Though at the first Lin An role wasn't matched with the phase of the story, as the story moves on her role was much satisfied. Though there was not much romance, the screenwriter gave us what was actually needed.

The relationship between the family members, superior and his colleagues was lovable and heart touching and funny as well.
The emperor was creepy for the whole time and was really ambiguous till the end.
I didn't find this series rushed at all but I felt that they gave us a lot of content in 40 eps which was the limit and that made them to miss many details and major fights wasn't shown, like the one in chuzou was too short, I expected a big fight at that time but too bad it didn't happen. Things were going really fast towards the end.

Mysteries to be unveiled:
There were so many mysteries which has to be unveiled in the next season:
The other 2 members of that jade mirror realm
The kui's story
The witcher sects story
The man whose name was erased from the history and the reason
Su su's father
Lord Wei and Empress relationship
The emperor's goal
The supreme sword
The supervisor's game



The end***( A spoiler):

I couldn't accept the fact that everyone forgets Xu qian at the end of the story after all the thick and thin he has gone through. I wasn't ready to accept Lord wei's death. season 2 without lord wei is unimaginable Plus the ending was really intriguing and making me to wait badly for season 2. I hope season 2 comes soon and reveal the truth.


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Ongoing 15/40
GiorgiaCelani
12 people found this review helpful
Jan 20, 2025
15 of 40 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
GOTD is not just laughter: it is action, determination, courage, justice, friendship, support.
Xu Qian is not a clown; Xu Qian is powerful, upright, just, determined, filial, fearless.
Dylan is amazing, emotionally disarming, his acting so true is disconcerting.
It captured me from the first episode, and it was a crescendo
Nothing else to add.
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Ongoing 29/40
sharonmerriweather
5 people found this review helpful
Jan 15, 2025
29 of 40 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

A little deceptive

I’m at episode 29 and, I can’t understand why they have listed Tian XiWei as a FL lead when she has barely been seen in multiple episodes. She is the only person he has shown any affection, but there has other females who have had a lot more screen time than her. If they just just wanted to showcase Dylan Wang , then just do that. I felt the cast list is misleading. I happen to like Tian XiWei, as much as Dylan Wang, so far I’ve been a little disappointed, the storyline has been okay a little bit more on the comic side than I thought, but okay. Hope I see more of her in these last 11 episodes

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Ongoing 35/40
Sensei_Moochi
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 4, 2025
35 of 40 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

MUST WATCH!

Its cheesy but with the group of actor aired on the drama has great charisma. I haven't binged watch a Chinese drama in a long while and this show kept me on the edge of my seat. It has everything for every one to Wuxia action, Crime solving, all the way to romance.
The next thing you know I've caught up with the current episode.
You can now watch it on You tube and still want get the rest to get uploaded. CANT WAIT!
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Ongoing 40/40
MDLOWL5566
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 26, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 4.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 3.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

DONNO WHAT THE WHOLE STORY ABOUT

AT 1ST STARTING GOOD, SLOWLY I GET BORED OF THE DIALOGUE.
I LOST IT WHEN IT GETS TO EPS 29,
DONT WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO. DONT EVEN HAVE ANY EXPECTATIONS ANYMORE.
MIGHT GIVE UP.
SO BORING.
SO I DECIDED TO JUMP TO THE END TO KNOW THE ENDING.
THEN JUMP BACK TO EPS 30,
NEED TO KNOW WHY PPL FORGOT HIM . ML.

AT 1ST STARTING GOOD, SLOWLY I GET BORED OF THE DIALOGUE.
I LOST IT WHEN IT GETS TO EPS 29,
DONT WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO. DONT EVEN HAVE ANY EXPECTATIONS ANYMORE.
MIGHT GIVE UP.
SO BORING.
SO I DECIDED TO JUMP TO THE END TO KNOW THE ENDING.
THEN JUMP BACK TO EPS 30,
NEED TO KNOW WHY PPL FORGOT HIM . ML.

AT 1ST STARTING GOOD, SLOWLY I GET BORED OF THE DIALOGUE.
I LOST IT WHEN IT GETS TO EPS 29,
DONT WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO. DONT EVEN HAVE ANY EXPECTATIONS ANYMORE.
MIGHT GIVE UP.
SO BORING.
SO I DECIDED TO JUMP TO THE END TO KNOW THE ENDING.
THEN JUMP BACK TO EPS 30,
NEED TO KNOW WHY PPL FORGOT HIM . ML.

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Completed
Tran-Bian
1 people found this review helpful
15 days ago
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

A Captivating blend of history, fantasy and mystery

I really enjoyed watching Guardians of the Dafeng. From the very start, the story had its own charm with a great mix of history, fantasy and mystery.
Dylan Wang did an amazing job as Xu Qi An, he was funny, serious and really brought his character to life. I also really enjoyed the female lead, Tian Xiwei. Her role as the Princess was strong and their chemistry made the story even better.
The plot kept me hooked the whole time with lots of surprises and exciting moments.
The costumes and sets were beautiful and the music fit perfectly with the mood of the show.
The supporting actors were great too and helped make the story richer.
Overall, this drama was really fun and interesting to watch and it made me think about some deeper themes. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes historical dramas with fantasy and action.

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Guardians of the Dafeng poster

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  • Score: 8.7 (scored by 7,176 users)
  • Ranked: #281
  • Popularity: #1059
  • Watchers: 20,527

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