Catalyst1999

Yes, I liked Wang Juan's Joy of Life and Sword Snow Stride but dropped Douluo Continent. Looking forward to JOL season 2.

Have you watched Wong Kar Wai's Blossoms Shanghai? I'm in ep 2, and finding it hard to get into the show even though I like Hu Ge.

Do you know who are the people behind this production? I'm trying to figure out was it the director, the writer, the producer or someone else? Would love to watch more of such high calibre C-dramas.

Isn't it a pity shows like these are not loved on MDL? I'm full of respect for Chinese shows like this one, The Wind Blows From Longxi, The Long Night, Ripe Town but they fly under the radar of most folks.

Actually, the quality of some C-dramas blew my mind when I first stepped back into watching Asian dramas after many years of mainly American and British shows. I was completely engrossed in K-dramas and didn't think Chinese dramas could match them. In the past, TVB dramas got boring after a few years. I watched fewer Chinese movies as the actors I liked such as Jet Li, Leung Chiu Wai and Donnie Yen got older.

Then one day I decided to watch Nirvana In Fire due to recommendations from a reviewer I liked. That is still one of my all-time favourites.

My favourite genre is romcom, and C-dramas have some excellent ones amongst the many many mediocre ones. So much talent in the C-drama world. Plus lots and lots of eye candies. Hehe.

Wow! Loved the show. Thank you for your recommendation to watch. I was not pulled in by the show's boring poster...but once i started watching i couldn't stop.

The storyline was very interesting and the main cast was amazing especially Chen Jianbin. His 1997 character reminded me of detectives from American police dramas in the 80s.

The rapid advancement in China within those 13 years was also fascinating to watch. The vibes in 1997 was more like a country still behind other countries by a decade or so. But then fast forward 13 years it was already on par or ready to leap frog.

The last episode was a bit disappointing. Young man couldn't carry his character. The writing was also weaker than all the other episodes. Not a show stopper though. This drama deserves more love!

Thank you again, PBG, for the rec and for this brilliantly written review ♡

Thank you for review. Epic show! I just completed it. Sooo many villains in this drama. And way too many love rivals!!

The story is intriguing, and managed to keep my interest despite the underwhelming main leads. Haha.

Thank you. Now it makes sense why some of Jeremy's dramas were not quality productions.

He was brilliant in some of his dramas. And when the characters spoke in Jeremy's actual voice, they were unforgettable.

Such a shame to hear of his retirement. Wish Jeremy a well deserved rest, happiness and health in his next chapters of his life <3

Just hope they don't go overboard. Some of the older artistes have started to look weird in their newer dramas.

I saw the list of related content for Red Mansion. Sooo many 😯 I've probably watched a few when i was little and Hong Kong movies/dramas were the rage.

Read up a bit about the novel on Wiki. The history of the novel itself is very intriguing. I've never read it cos i was not educated in Chinese (which is a shame on hindsight)

I've been wondering if its cosmetic surgery gone bad 😝 Still cant help staring into his gorgeous eyes 🤣🤣

Hmmm...if it's that sad, I will take ny time to watch. 50 episodes is not for the faint hearted. Haha

Thank you for the explainer 😊 I guess if i were in their shoes, I'd do the same. Idol path...make as much money whilst the popularity is there. Save up for rainy days when the next hot thing comes along and kick me off the pedestal.

The ones who are truly amazing dare to walk the harder paths, and yet mint money 💰

On to it! Thank you.

Nobody wrote review on MDL. Was kinda hoping to read your thoughts 😄

I looked up directors' names. No ZRB?

BTW what is idol actor route? Curious. Haha

Oooh...I'm going to search for the Dream drama. Will give it a shot even though MDL rating is only 7.4

Thanks for decoding the acronyms :) I'm looking forward to LYF season 2. Didn't really like Yang Zi's acting but warmed up to her in this show. LYX is another actor that I only respected after watching a few shows. Opposite reaction in terms of Yang Yang - liked him from the get go, but his inability to act made it hard to watch him despite his handsome face. I didn't mind the kisses on You Are My Glory though. Haha.

Who is ZRB?

Thank you for another awesome review...plus the comments.on this thread are sooo entertaining 😜 Couldnt figure out a few of the acronyms but still funny 🤣🤣

Your comments on the Zhang Zhe arc was enlightening. The drama made him a typical 2ML; I didnt know that he played such a pivotal role.

ZLH did really well. He was a completely different person from the character he played in My Journey To You. Such a promising actor, and so easy to the eyes 😍

I've watched the excellent Nirvana in Fire. Was trying to find a platform to watch Chinese Paladin, before I start the version starring Xu Kai and Yu Shu Xin. But it looks like a futile attempt.

By the way, I've watched your list of recs and loved them (except for NIF2):
- The Longest Day in Chang'an
- Joy of Life
- The Red Sleeve (albeit, this is a Korean period piece)
- Nirvana in Fire 1/2
- Love Like the Galaxy
- Rise of the Phoenixes

Thank you. It's not available on Viki in my region (Australia). Guess I won't be able to watch Hu Ge and Crystal Liu together :(

Where did you watch this drama? I've tried Viki, Netflix and Youtube - no luck :( Youtube has an option with English dubs; they usually sound weird, so I didn't click. Haha

Great discussion. Learnt some new stuff today. Thank you 😃

I’m trying to find this drama. Where did you watch it? Thanks