Callie

I love you. You're my MVP right now <3 lol

Great article! I think I want to add xu Kai and Bai Lu to this list. They've done legends and AMA and others and their chemistry is just fierce ^.^

I totally agree we could find a lot of common ground to stand on. :) I’m glad you see I’m not one of those who propagates hate. I do keep track of everything that goes on, and I have news cycles from many different countries, including China, rolling in every morning to try to separate the truth from the rhetoric and lies. I’m not perfect, and I do make mistakes, but it all comes from a good place. I’ve been studying Chinese culture for a couple years now, and some of the stories and things I learned alarmed me, I won’t lie. But I’ve seen the beauty too. Independently and in a classroom, I’ve studied most of Europe, Russia, the Middle East over the years, and next is western Europe. I want to learn more about everything.
I hope that while you were here you were able to enjoy some of the things that make us awesome. We have such a thriving lgbtq+ community, right up to parades and party weeks at theme parks like Disney. I’m glad to know it’s not as bad as it seems there and that yours is starting to grow. Everything I said and meant was about wanting all Chinese communities to be able to, and be safe. It deeply concerns me and troubles me when anyone says or implies that being gay or a particular religion or race is wrong, whether it’s starting at the top in the government and the churches, or smaller factions, or individuals. I put that on the censorship post because really, that’s I believe that’s what censorship is, saying that something is bad and you shouldn’t see it. But this post was never about “America is better, down with anyone who thinks otherwise”. This was about personal freedoms and claiming them. Hopefully peacefully.
I’m so happy you said something, and that we were able to have this discussion. I hope it eases your mind a bit perhaps, knowing that there are those of us out here wishing the best for you and hoping for a better tomorrow. For all of us.
I'm sorry if I came across as a right wing terrorist, I wrote most of this in the early morning hours so it may be disjointed or emotional. <3 If you want to chat again, let's do it!

When I said it was something we are all still striving to achieve, I didn't exclude America from that. I'm not actually getting any of the information about censorship or the other restrictions from propaganda, but rather from observation and research. I'll be the first to admit when I'm wrong, and I really don't know the percentage of people in China who travel to Europe and America and such. I'm glad you did.
I would be the first person to stand up next to you when you express your opinion and/or facts here and defend your right to say them, and as I hope you've seen in the news, a lot of others will stand beside me. Not judging others based on race, religion or sexual orientation is something a lot of us fight for, and there are laws to uphold it. I think the hate rhetoric and propaganda spreading is terrible, and it hurts me to see it. On both sides. I can't say the number of times I've spoken up to keep the hate down. I ask questions, and look for the answers. I want others to be able to do the same.
I absolutely agree with you that as long as there is racism, and people being judged on who they are and what they look like we'll never be truly free, but that's what we're campaigning for so fiercely. I don't think wanting to see that everywhere is a bad thing. Maybe I sound like an idiot when I say I want everyone to find a way with peace and freedom both. I want people to be able to stand up and talk about it in any forum and it's not a political or state motivated thing, it's just speaking from my heart.

There are few things I love so much as stories, and I look forward to hearing as many as I can! I don't think I'm alone here either lol

I don’t think freedom of expression and the ability to be who you are without fear of reprisal is a particularly westernized ideology, nor do I really think there needs to be such polarization. I do think freedoms, small freedoms and large ones, are something that everyone should have. And that no one living anywhere should be afraid to speak their mind or be who they are. This is something the entire world is still looking to achieve, not just China, but I do think the differences are cast a bit more into relief there, as this post and the people commenting would suggest.
Perhaps I sound vehement about freedoms, and I suppose I am, but I know what it is to live without the ability to be who I am, and I know what it is to finally be able to be. I'll reiterate, I respect the Chinese people, and I hope that one day there will be freedom for everyone.

I realize I’m climbing on a controversial soap box here, but the very fact that I can and that my heart has been burdened with this for a while now makes me want to say it anyway.
Words alone can’t say how much I’ve come to appreciate the rich history, culture, and inherent strength of the Chinese people as a whole. There has rarely been a time when the nation hasn’t been embroiled in war and other forms of oppression. Much like the rest of the world, they’ve got their own stories to tell about the struggle to survive when those that have power make those that don’t suffer, whether through slavery, starvation, or subjugation. But here’s where they differ from most of the rest of the world. Censorship is just one note in a litany of suppression. Yes, their government tells them what they can’t see- to the point where they can’t access it on the internet either. They’re limited right down to the stories they can tell, the books they can read, the words that they say. They’re penalized through societal ostracization and job loss, jail or even death.
Someone has compared it to an overprotective parent. To me, this is more akin to child abuse, but still worse. Eventually, if they survive, the child will grow up and escape the bonds of dependence in childhood. Unfortunately, unless they’re lucky enough to be able to travel, most of the Chinese- and I’ll even extend this to the North Koreans- will never know what freedom looks like. It becomes what looks to me like Stockholm syndrome- where you come to want and need, even think you love, the very hand that holds you down as a self defense and survival mechanism.
I’m no advocate of war or revolution. Most that have been implemented even for the right reasons have come with a toll of death and misery that leaves its mark throughout time. But I hope and dream that one day, they’ll set themselves free- hopefully through peaceful means- and have a renaissance of growth and brilliance. We’ve seen only a taste of what they can contribute to the world in terms of the arts and creativity- with true freedom, the ability to fully grow and learn, the possibilities are endless. And I hope I’m alive to see it.

You didn't spoil anything! Just fave me my next project lol

Hehe those are good ones. I should probably start a Korean drama list too. These are just the chinese ones! Can you imagine if I'd put them both on here? It would probably make the list explode XD

Loved Go Ahead. Putting my vote in for eternal love of dream (I'm still surprised i would end up saying that) and Find Yourself. Both turned out to be really well done
Thanks for the article and recommendations! I'll be trying l&r when it comes out on viki or Netflix or something with eng subtitles in the us.

Oddly enough, it was the change Sima Yi went through after his woman died that threw me, not the twist of the faked deaths and living happily in the country. Sima Yi is a great character, in history and in this show, that imho should have been fleshed out more in the end; his strategy and the reasoning behind the decision he made. It felt like the story took an abrupt turn and rushed to the end without giving us any of the complex, well thought out details the rest of the show had.

I'm finishing WeiYoung right now, and though most of the show was a little goofy and painfully repetitive for me, the last few episodes have me riveted. I deeply appreciate twists and unexpected outcomes as long as they make sense to me, logically.

Thanks for your comment, chatting about thoughts on shows is so fun. I don't get to do it enough lol

Thanks! I'll check that out. I love viki, best addict enabling ever lol

It's so hard to find though. I had to go from subbed to dubbed just to have every episode, and im putting it off cuz i don't want it to ruin it for me lol

Also, a tip, not sure it was said but it ought to be reiterated: there's no difference between he/she in most of their language, so the translation will be confusing in gender benders for first timers

I have been an avid c-drama fan for the past few years. I’ve totally immersed myself to get a good grasp of the history and culture, and lately even more because of everything that’s going on in the world (and especially out there) right now. I won’t bring politics into it, because that’s sad, but the people and their stories have really won a place in my heart. This is my list of absolute favorites, and almost every one of them I’ve watched at least twice. Daunting for C-dramas!! I even had to cut it a little short cuz it got crazy :D Here goes. Ha, sorry it's so lengthy.

WuXia and XianXia

Ashes of Love- angsty, romantic, gorgeous sets and costumes with a magnetic and memorable cast, great CGI.

Bloody Romance- brilliant, sad, phenomenal cinematography and music, poignant

Eternal Love- My absolute fave. more mature and sophisticated, gorgeous sets, costumes and people. I’ve read the book three times now, it’s a perfect adaptation for the most part- at least of the main couple

Eternal Love of Dream- don’t expect it to be like Eternal Love even though it's in the same universe and you’re golden. Surprisingly fun, charming and involving, esp after the first episode.

Love and Destiny- same universe as Eternal Love, different characters, except for one or two. Excellent cast, also more mature. Unusually good CGI, decent fast moving plot

Princess Agents- DO NOT let the cliffhanger stop you from watching this one. This has to be one of the best c-dramas of all time. The cast is beyond A-list: kick ass female lead in Zanilia Zhao, and after three years, I’m still rating Lin GengXin as my favorite ML ever after seeing his Yuwen Yue. Maybe you never do forget your first.
There are four actors whose works I follow because of this show. The OST and story are just amazing.

Novoland Eagle Flag- a fantastic show that will sweep you along right til the end, where it gets muddled, possibly meant for a sequel that never came. But don’t let it ruin it for you, it’s worth it. Great friendships and characters that I still remember the names of to this day, and that’s saying something.

The Legends- the chemistry is just off the charts in this one, and has an OST to match it. I enjoyed the rather original story and paradox of good and evil. The last five to ten minutes are weird, just skip it.


Historical

Yanxi Palace- My second favorite c-drama of all time. Gave me the feeling that I was actually experiencing a part of their history. One of the very few that makes me cry every time I watch the end, even if it’s not exactly a tragedy. It has some truly clever humor in it, giving it a perfect balance.

Empresses in the Palace- elegant, great acting, good story, sets and glamorous costumes. One of the more sophisticated productions I’ve seen.

Scarlet Heart- Took me a couple episodes, but then I was riveted. Amazing cast. Also, my GengXin. Ok, I’m biased. But even if it didn’t have him it’d be worth it.

Empress of China- sets the bar for Historical C-Dramas for me. Wu Zetian, first and only reigning Empress of China. Great cast, costumes, sets, and the story… oh, the story.

The Rise of Phoenixes- dark, magnetic, clever and fascinating. For those that like their mind engaged as much as (or even more than) their hearts.

Ming Lan- there’s a genuine, organic feel to this one, especially at the start, that makes it rather original among c-dramas. Natural chemistry, as the OTP are a married pair in RL :) Still makes me sentimental.

Runner up:
Secrets of the Three Kingdoms- All around FABULOUS cast. Even the more secondary characters were extraordinarily memorable (Guo Jia, Sima Yi esp). Got me hooked on the three kingdoms era even though it’s a reimagining of history. Kind of weird ending, for me.


Modern-ish and Modern


Arsenal Military Academy- fun, stylish, great clothes and probably the most attractive cast I’ve ever seen altogether, constant action

Find Yourself- an understated romance; more contemplative, less fluffy. The OTP just seem to have more going on behind their pretty eyes than most. I have to say, the ML blew me away, I thought Song WeiLong was a lot older than he actually is.

Le Coup de Foudre- my go-to modern Chinese drama. Just shines all the way through. Second couple is just as fun as the first, again.

We Are All Alone- a more mature, adult modern. Excellent cast.

Go Ahead- certainly the best c-drama of the year. And that Song WeiLong again. This was a unicorn- my family watched it with me o.O and loved it. I don’t think I can even blame covid.

Also worth my time:
Moonshine and Valentine- one of the more controversial ones because of its rushed and open ending, I still found it engaging and I’ve rewatched it twice. The cast is subtle and, again, understated for a modern c-drama and romance, which makes it a complete change of pace from the usual perky norm. The secondary cast is every bit as interesting- some would say more- than the OTP. I wouldn’t though. I enjoyed them all immensely.

Lmao

Mostly the girl gamers needed to be carried, which was depressing. But if you aren't really into gaming and don't mind women taking passive ineffectual roles you might like Alhambra. I look forward to seeing how the girls are portrayed in this one now, though! ;)

Oooooh... idk, maybe? I'm an avid gamer girl but Idk wky, I can't get into the genre in my beloved cdramas. I just wanted to yeet the main guy in avatar so bad. And don't get me started again on Alhambra. I might grit my teeth and try this one but all I can say is that cosplayer better do us proud. \o/ lol

I am getting some serious Le Coup de Foudre feels from this show. I'm mad at myself for not trying this one sooner, even though I've had some real struggles with C-dramas lately. I've always been impressed with Song Wei Long's range as an actor. He's always come across as being far older and more mature than his age would let on, and I've been hoping he'd get another lead role- with good writing, unlike the mess that was Untouchable Lovers despite the unbelievable cast- and one that he could really show his complexity in. I'm betting this is going to be it. \o/
I am not an overly emotional person, I'm more analytical than anything else; sometimes to the point of not being able to watch things that keep striking me as foolish or illogical. But this already had me chuckling, and feeling absurdly touched and empathetic towards almost the entire cast.
Thanks SO MUCH for bringing it to my attention. Much love!!!

This sounds interesting. Thanks!