I often struggle to get through Xianxia series since they can be quite lengthySimi_Tutu:
Same! I have ADHD and always have a tough time with longer dramas.
Is the male lead charming yet distant, or perhaps fiercely protective? And what about the female lead—does she come across as clever or a bit naive?Simi_Tutu:
The male lead is exactly how you described. The female lead is not naïve and actually has a good head on her shoulders. On paper, the leads are quite well-written, they're great performers on their own but their chemistry falls a little short for me, especially because all the supporting actors are such powerhouses. There are pairs that appear for a mere 2-3 episodes but they outshine the leads during their scenes.
However, I adore the fashion in these types of dramas and have a strong desire to explore more fantasy content.Simi_Tutu:
I think this has to be one of the best written xianxias I've seen. And I think the reason for that is they don't start the first episode with a 5 minute lore dump. The story starts small and builds up gradually and I missed seeing this in a cdrama. In fact, I'd say the writing is very reminiscent of kdramas. Not just that, the OSTs are some of the best I've heard lately.
The enemies-to-lovers trope is what piqued my interest.Simi_Tutu:
This is where things get interesting. I'm halfway through the drama now, and for the longest time I questioned this tag on the drama because I really don't think it applies to the main couple. Reluctant allies to lovers maybe makes more sense. But you know where this tag does make sense? THE SECOND COUPLE. I kid you not they're electrifying. You can check out the GIF I have of them on my profile. Oh, I could talk about them for hours. They are TRULY enemies AND lovers. Honestly, they're the main reason I'm watching the drama.
Oh, and I'm not sure if they'd be classified as such but there's a third couple which IMHO is the true manifestation of the RR trope. If you can't tell, I'm super into this drama rn. It's not without faults, and it might very well fall into the 'third act disaster' category, only time will tell. But I appreciate what I'm getting so far.
Another one I plan to watch this year. I added it to the color challenge. I am currently participating in.Simi_Tutu:
JojoOnDatBeat:
It's a pretty standard office kdrama for the most part. RR is present in all the couples I believe but my personal fave is the second couple. Hope you enjoy watching!
I haven't come across this one before, but the trailer really caught my attention—it looks quite intense and might hit me emotionallySimi_Tutu:
It's super intense for such a short drama, but the romance is so gentle and precious. Has a special place in my heart.
You seem to have a unique taste in dramas; I'm sensing a fondness for historical fantasy romance.Simi_Tutu:
Thank you! It's interesting to read this because I choose things to watch based on character dynamics. Usually this means more character-driven stories and less complex world-building fantasy dramas, but it's interesting that some of my faves are from the genre. Historical fiction though is a big yes! Through and through.
Once I watch it, I'll be sure to share my thoughts! I’m currently following a couple of dramas, but they should wrap up soon, making this one my next priority.Simi_Tutu:
Excited to read your thoughts! What dramas are you currently following? I'd love to know more.
JojoOnDatBeat:
there's so many, I think I tend to naturally gravitate towards dramas with this theme. for example: currently I'm obsessed with the second couple's dynamic in Moonlight Mystique. For all time favourites I'd say Rattan, the second couple in Search WWW, not really romance heavy but Trillion Game, mini cdamas (Secret of Shadow Sect, ZGZZS), Back from the Brink, Oh My General, Ancient Love Song. I'm realising most of these are cdramas omg
im on my way to watch rattan. it was on my list for soo long i almost forgot i needa watch this gem <3
JojoOnDatBeat:
hello! so happy to be invited here, I'd love to join <3
Yay, you joined!! Glad to have you with us, welcome, welcome!
I'd say Rattan, the second couple in Search WWW, not really romance heavy but Trillion Game, mini cdamas (Secret of Shadow Sect, ZGZZS), Back from the Brink, Oh My General, Ancient Love Song. I'm realising most of these are cdramas omgJojoOnDatBeat:
You have gooood taste!! Never heard of Trillion Game and would never imagine it'd have rr elements 👀
I'm so curious
Tbh, no one does role reversal quite like cdramas do, especially those minis. The absolute chokehold that Secrets of the Shadow Sect, Dong Lan Xue, and Zhang Gong Zhu Zai Shang have on me is in insaaane xD
it looks quite intense and might hit me emotionally.Simi_Tutu:
Thiiiiisss. It's been on my PTW for forever but I'm scared T_T
Same! I have ADHD and always have a tough time with longer dramasJojoOnDatBeat:
twinning- some are soo good but also soooo difficult to get through- why are they 50+ eps 😭
I think this has to be one of the best written xianxias I've seen. And I think the reason for that is they don't start the first episode with a 5 minute lore dump. The story starts small and builds up gradually and I missed seeing this in a cdrama. In fact, I'd say the writing is very reminiscent of kdramas. Not just that, the OSTs are some of the best I've heard latelyJojoOnDatBeat:
That does sound quite promising! I was eyeing this one mostly because of the OST (Sa DingDing just never fricking misses) but from what you say it seems to be pretty good all around o-o add in some rr and it's on my ptw now xD Will definitely check it out once I catch up with the other rr-coded xianxias (which are surprisingly more than one might think)
Loved reading through all your thoughts. Couldn't answer to everything 'cause it'd be very long but interesting stuff right here!
Usually this means more character-driven stories and less complex world-building fantasy dramas, but it's interesting that some of my faves are from the genre. Historical fiction though is a big yes! Through and throughJojoOnDatBeat:
We have similar tastes, that's so cool! Though as a sci-fi/fantasy writer I tend to thoroughly appreciate good word-building, it all falls flat if the characters are mid. Good characters and interesting dynamics are a MUST for a good watch 🙏
always have a tough time with longer dramasJojoOnDatBeat:
Do you like to watch miniseries?
. There are pairs that appear for a mere 2-3 episodes but they outshine the leads during their scenes.JojoOnDatBeat:
I’m totally fine with this! I usually find myself drawn more to the second couple or the side characters.
don't start the first episode with a 5 minute lore dump. The story starts small and builds up graduallJojoOnDatBeat:
One guaranteed way to lose my interest in a drama is by throwing a ton of long names and dates at me all at once. My attention span is pretty short, so when I have to juggle all that information, I just feel overwhelmed. I really enjoy it when a drama introduces characters gradually; it helps me connect with them more deeply. Plus, it adds an element of mystery that keeps me engaged and wanting to watch more.
THE SECOND COUPLE. I kid you not they're electrifyingJojoOnDatBeat:
You totally convinced me!
It's not without faultsJojoOnDatBeat:
I really enjoy dramas that aren't perfect; to me, those are the ones that have the most charm. I can’t quite explain it, but there's always something that draws me in. One drama I absolutely love is "Sell Your Haunted House." I think RR is present in the couple Cold Woman, Soft Male Love it! The female lead is fantastic, and the male lead is wonderfully chaotic in all the right ways. I just wish more people would appreciate it as much as I do!
the OSTs are some of the best I've heard lately.JojoOnDatBeat:
Link for one of your favorites?
Usually this means more character-driven stories and less complex world-building fantasy dramas,JojoOnDatBeat:
I feel quite the opposite. I find it challenging to sit still and watch a show if there’s too much text on the screen. I tend to prefer stories that are lighter and more romantic. If you can make me laugh, I’m definitely on board! One thing I should mention is that I’m not really into naïve characters. I enjoy strong female leads who can take charge. Lately, I’ve been drawn to the trope of strong female characters paired with softer male characters. I appreciate those green flags in my life; they always tug at my heartstrings.
What dramas are you currently following?JojoOnDatBeat:
Right now, I'm totally hooked on Love Scout and The Heart Killers! I've been checking the page constantly to find out when the next episode drops. I really should have waited to binge-watch them, but here I am, making myself wait each week. The anticipation for the new episode feels like it goes on forever! Haha!
In the midst of those two dramas, I've been catching up on several other BL series and am working my way through my watchlist, which has been gathering dust for a bit. Once I wrap up Arclei's suggestion of Please Love Me, I plan to dive into Connection. I've been hesitant to start it because Ji Sung has a knack for turning me into an emotional mess, so I need to be in the right frame of mind. But at last, it looks like the moment has arrived!
I might be dating myself here, but it feels like I'm attempting to update my MySpace profile again!MDL's formatting is quite interesting, LOL!
So i don't forget, i wanted to share this movie with you: Exhumafazola:
Though there is no romance involved and the RR is really subtle but it was a very enjoyable watch that i'd highly recommend if you guys don't mind shamanism, blood and gore. I don't wanna say much to not spoil but let me know if you finished it so we can discuss it heheh
&
ree0:
that subtle felt like absolute obvious to me!!! like the whole drama, they gave off that master-apprentice dynamic. it was soo uwu. in my head they are a couple
I did it... I watched Exhuma... and let me just say... I get it.
I want this dynamic and couple injected directly into my bloodstream pls and ty. Master-apprentice is definitely right, like the powercouple energy these two display is immaculateeeeee and how he looks after her/looks out for her??? and how she's protective of him???
Definitely added to the already solid experience.
It also helps that their styling is amaziiiingg. Like they really ate with these two. ML with the long hair and the tats?? undefeated and FL's everything? god tier.
AUGH, the way she looks at hiiiiiimmm- I just know she's thinking "That's my babygirl"
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