Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)

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

Read More

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.

Read More

One of the Best Wuxia Comic Series in 2024!!

There are very few shows that actually manage to hold your attention until the very end, no less a melodrama with over-the-top & loud characters!

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that “Guardians of Dafeng” was all about Dylan Wang; rightly so, because he is the titular lead. From being an overworked office worker, Yang Ling; he transforms into the powerful, albeit melodramatic yet righteous Guardian of Dafeng, Xu Qi An. The protagonist’s investigative skills make him invaluable to the “Astronomical Bureau”, “The Guardian Yamen” & “Yunlu Academy”; head honchos at all three places keep fighting each other to make him join their side. Add to this mixture, a jaded Emperor who doesn’t know what to do with Xu Qi An, and we have a healthy potboiler. Starting from the main lead, to his endearing family to the dumb yet sweet Princess who ends up for falling for him, the show is entertaining and intriguing. There was never a dull as different cases are added and Xu Qian’s acumen is tested. Though he might seem money minded, over the course of time, Xu Qi An realised and accepts the weight of the responsibilities that lie with his powers. While his childish side was adorable, Xu Qi An’s mature side was subdued and resilient.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/01/29/guardians-of-the-dafeng-series-review/#more-1532

Read More

There must be a sequel.

The story in general, going to a different world and becoming someone else, using knowledge from the modern world and applying it to his advantage both in solving problems and other matters.
ML's plot armor is quite thick because he is very lucky. And it turns out there is a common thread why he can be very lucky and become the root of the problems that come later.
Overall I like the story. It's just that when ML was deceived by FL who disguised herself as the First Princess, ML actually chose FL over the First Princess who supported him from the start. Long story short, ML did fall in love with FL. If I could give some input, I would make ML not like FL at first and later after there were some new conflicts that occurred, slowly as FL looked more mature I would make ML start to fall in love with her.

Read More

One Word: Masterpiece!

I don't know where to begin.

This drama captured my heart in the first episode. I loved the action, humor, martial arts, mystery, side of romance, characters. The storyline was amazing and intriguing. All of the characters were so entertaining. I loved that they explored the themes of justice, friendship, brotherhood, and loyalty. Of course they explored so much more. I loved how with each episode they left you wanting more and the cliff hangers maybe that's why I could finish it in 5 days.

I loved Dylan Wang as Yang Ling/ Xu Qian; he was such a incredible character. Dylan Wang brought him to life and he acted beautifully! He was my favorite character out of the whole drama. He gave so much life to this drama, he's is one of the reasons why I love this drama so much! He was such a complex and relatable character to me. He is really inspiring to stand up for what you believe in and to stand up against the injustices of the world.
"It's easy to fool the common people, but it's hard to deceive the heavens." - Xu Qian

Each character brought you with so much. You either loved them or hated them.

The music was beautifully composed and sung; I loved the music so much! The production team did so well with everything. I applaud the entire staff of this drama. They did so well. Each actor did so well!

Overall: 10/10; I would definitely recommend to watch this. It was so well crafted. I really hope that there is a season 2!

Read More

Good series, not addictive, worth seeing for Dylan Wang's performance!

Isékai adventure series with DYLAN WANG (immersion in a role-playing game)

PLOT: A team of real estate salespeople does a role play. The ML finds himself in a universe structured by the Guardians (bronze, silver, gold), the Office of Astronomy, the Scholars and of course the nobles and the Court (with a paranoid and psycho emperor). He will make his way by solving cases, until he becomes a powerful warrior, helped by a band of rather mysterious martial artists.
+++ A role that allows Dylan Wang to show all facets of his talent
+++ Excellent actors, bringing endearing characters to life (family, martial arts gang, guards)
+++ High quality special effects (fight scenes, CGI)
+++ excellent OST

### Confused Storyline
### The viewer is aware that all this takes place in an immersive role-playing game, so this creates a distance, from the unfolding of the action.
### some characters are there to lighten the story (aunt, uncle, 2nd princess) but they are excessive.

=> Good series, not addictive, worth seeing for Dylan Wang's performance!
***********************************************************************
Série Isékai d'aventure avec DYLAN WANG (immersion dans un jeu de rôle)

PLOT: Une équipe de vendeurs en immobilier fait un jeu de rôle. Le ML se retrouve dans un univers mêlant les Gardiens (bronze, argent, or), le Bureau de l'Astronomie, les Érudits et bien sûr les nobles et la Cour (avec un empereur parano et psycho). Il va faire son chemin en résolvant des affaires, jusqu'à devenir un puissant guerrier, aidé par une bande d'artistes martiaux assez mystérieux.
+++ Un rôle qui permet à Dylan Wang de montrer toutes les facettes de son talent
+++ Excellents acteurs, donnant vie à des personnages attachants (famille, gang d'art martial, gardiens)
+++ Effets spéciaux de qualité (scènes de fight, CGI)
+++ OST excellentes

### Storyline embrouillée
### Le spectateur est conscient que tout cela se déroule dans un jeu de rôle immersif, donc cela créée un certain recul, une distance, par rapport au déroulement de l'action.
### quelques personnages sont là pr alléger l'histoire (tante, oncle, 2e princesse) mais ils sont excessifs.

=> Bonne série, pas addictive, à voir pour la performance de Dylan Wang !

Read More

Enjoyable, but Goofy

If you like your comedy dramas on the goofy side, this one is for you. This series doesn't take itself too seriously and that isn't a bad thing. It likes to flip flop between the campy and dramatic elements to keep it from stagnating. It has just enough elements to keep you engaged from the sets, to the stellar acting from the seasoned cast. I feel that Dylan Wang's performances improve with every series he is cast in. It is satisfying to see him grow as an actor and he has been very lucky to choose some really great projects. He can be the goofy little brother in one show and the cold demon lord in the other. There is no denying that he has onscreen charisma and deserves the success he has--and, here, he does not disappoint. There is a playful spark in his eyes in GOTD that just draws you in.

His playfulness is tempered by his guardian master, Wei Yuan, brilliantly played by Liu Yi Jun, whose performances I have been impressed with since Legend of Fuyao. This man breathes life into his roles like no other. He is exceptionally talented. As the leader of the Guardian forces, he is quiet, guarded and calculating. He quietly "brings up" our ML, instilling in him a confidence that he would later draw from. He is very much the father figure our ML lacks.

Rounding out this exceptional cast are the essential buddies and colleagues needed to support our principal lead. All provide the right amount of comic relief and unyielding loyalty to keep viewers entertained. Unfortunately, the cast is too large and because of this, characters disappear for large stretches enough to miss them. Some of the writing elements were off--I never understood the present day setting as it isn't central to the plot. It gives me the impression that the writers were trying anything and everything in this mishmash of plots to see what stuck. I prefer more linear story lines with a less-is-more approach. If there is too much to keep track of that doesn't really further the plot, then it's just filler. Though it was interesting to see our ML go from one adventure to the next, I felt none of the storyline all that impactful. The hastily wrapped up cliffhanger ending was disappointing because it wasn't fair to the viewers. It left a lot of loose ends and unfairly treated some of its characters. I felt this was the weakest part of the show. I am hearing there might be a movie to finish the story, but I'm not all that invested in the series to follow it through because it didn't leave a lasting impression. So, good series, terrible ending.

OST was really great. I liked the different genres of music used and that there is something for everyone to enjoy. I rarely rewatch shows, so I really can't talk about its rewatch value. I would pass on a rewatch.

Read More

Stay in School - Part 1

Good thing I read the comments and reviews before watching so I was mentally prepared to be left hanging. Like another show I watched, this was written with a season 2 in mind, and that doesn't bother me as long as I know that beforehand LOL

Having said that, this is at heart, a fun watch. I felt like I was watching a live action video game. Our ML who shows his thick skin and mental prowess from the opening scene, is transported into the world of Dafeng when he visits a game room, with his co workers after a group dinner.
He wakes up in a prison cell as Xu Qian, waiting to be executed with his family. He perhaps adapts to this magically world a little too quickly for realism but I honestly soon forgot about it as the hi jinks started. Xu manages to solve a puzzle with some chemistry know how and saves his family. From there, it's step after step, using his modern day knowledge of chemistry and poetry, and riddles we may have heard before, he manages to impress/manipulate himself into being offered a position as a Guardian where he continues to go up the ranks, making friends and enemies at every turn.

Overall, it's like playing a game where you can impress or do favours to make powerful allies, and in turn, when you need help they can come in and defend you. Our Ml Xu is perhaps a little too good. It was like one big lesson to stay in school because he must have all his memories of chemistry and lit class to have such a backlog of modern information to use.

His marital ability is strange though. He seems to have just picked it up randomly and his extra power boosts make him a powerful and skilled warrior naturally. I think his real power is just simply getting most people to like him. He is a bit of a selfish goofball but ultimately wants what's proper justice in the end.

Most of the side characters are enjoyable to watch, as they are each their own character and leave you guessing what their main motive is. The FL, unfortunately, is the usual, spoiled and silly love interest, that always leaves you wondering how such a strategic and firebomb ML fell in love with her. They keep promoting this kind of character as the FL but I'm not buying it. Like most, I did find her a nuisance.

The humour is very cartoonish but I kind of liked it. I felt like the humour in the show was a mock take of the wuxia genre. It was very much poking fun of the stereotypes you usually find in these sorts of shows.
It did at times, I feel, ruin the flow a little though, the further you go into the series. Although I did enjoy it, after I was into the 20s eps, I was starting to skip a lot of the sillier scenes because I just wanted to go back to the actual plot.

I enjoyed it enough to be interested in a season 2 and hope it doesnt take years to air lol

Read More

The Guardian of Dafeng

An unsuspecting young man + a mysterious game = a transmigration story full of comedy, plot twists, and epic adventure. The story starts with Yang Ling, a personable and promising young man who aspires to enter the police force as an investigator. But as luck would have it, he fails to do so and is forced to work as a struggling salesman. One night, he decides to play a seemingly harmless mystery game with his colleagues and suddenly finds himself transported into the magical world of Dafeng. In this world, he is known as Xu Qi An, the nephew of a low-born government official. In order to leave this world, he has to solve the mystery, and so he assumes the identity of this character and decides to makes good use of his deduction skills. As he rapidly climbs the social ladder in this intricate world of Dafeng and becomes more and more attached to the people in it, he unknowingly uncovers a sinister plot that could put him and his loved ones in critical danger.

I immediately found myself enamored with Dafeng and the more I immersed myself in its rich world and colorful characters, I became more fond of it. Wang Hedi positively shines as Xu Qi An. If I may so boldly claim, I believe this role was practically written for him and his best one yet. Yes, I know, this is was based on a novel, which I haven't read by the way. But the role fits him like a glove that it feels like it was written with him in mind. Many have compared the drama to Joy of Life, including myself, and I must agree, they are quite similar. But they're also very different. Joy of Life is more politically driven with far more complex characters that are neither black nor white. Guardians of the Dafeng has more idealistic characters that can be likened to superheroes in terms of principles and traits. In short, it's a more straightforward story with a role model type of main character who's driven by his sense of justice and has friends who share his ideals.

The Guardians are probably the coolest part of this drama, especially Xu Qi An's close-knit circle of friends. They're basically the Justice League or the Avengers of C-drama and I loved watching them on screen. I also became very attached to his wacky family. They reminded me of Fan Xian's equally adorable family from Joy of Life. One of my favorite characters in this is Wei Yuan, who is the counterpart of Joy of Life's Cheng Ping Ping. Both are powerful eunuchs and highly intelligent strategists and are probably the most interesting characters in their respective dramas. I like all the characters except one. I wish they hadn't added a love interest. I know that Xu Qi An marries her in the book but he was supposedly more in love with the Royal Princess and she was his primary romantic interest. To avoid the harem angle, they could've just made them fall for him but he didn't need to return their affections. That way, the drama would just be a straight up male-centric story revolving around Xu Qi An with no romantic entanglements and complications.

Strangely enough, I actually enjoyed the first few episodes even though many viewers complained about the slapstick comedy and slowburn plot progression in the beginning. I started to lose interest the moment the princess showed up and began causing all kinds of havoc. The character doesn't contribute anything of value to the story, frankly speaking. She is no more than just an unnecessary accessory, the tasteless edible gold leaf embellishment to the proverbial cherry on top of an already well-decorated cake. She annoyed me to no end. I skipped all of her scenes save for the ones that involved a subplot regarding another princess. I didn't feel the need to watch the rest and I didn't lose anything from not watching them. They could've completely written her out of the story and it wouldn't have mattered. I wish they had focused more on the Royal Princess, she's a far more intriguing character in my opinion. It wouldn't have mattered if she was the love interest or not because she could've played a more significant role in the court politics and her interesting relationship with Lord Wei needs to be explored more. I get the feeling that she's actually his daughter and not the emperor's. I hope they'd delve more into her character in future seasons.

All in all, this was a highly entertaining drama that could've been great if not for the hiccups in the writing of the love interest, the silly mistaken identity subplot that slowed down the story for several episodes, and the abrupt ending that made me cuss and complain that they could've fit everything in just 40 episodes if they didn't add so many unnecessary stuff that only dragged the story. I would've given this a much higher rating if they had actually done that. Anyways, I'm still going to watch the second season if they ever make one.

Read More

Sweet and often humorous

Okay, the story has a predictable sort of story to it, but I have enjoyed almost everything about it. Sets are lovely, and the male players have good costumes (which is mainly how I got into Chinese Historical dramas).

I laugh a lot, and have gotten quite touched by the male lead's family, and their honest love of each other.... and I enjoy the fantastical, as... after all? Our young man is in a game, for goodnesssakes.

So: Within this predictable sorta tale, there is a sweetness and a few surprises!

I'm a big fan of Ni Hong Jie. Her acting feels so sincere.

Read More