Recos Corner: Chinese Drama #1
I have been a dedicated Korean drama viewer since 2006 - and I will put in another post about my Korean drama recommendations. However, I grew up watching mostly Mandarin-Chinese drama and I can testify there are series that defined the Chinese pop-culture as we know it. Below are my top 5 must watch of all time, and because of such a large elapse in timeline I will talk about the brief synopsis of the series, why it is on this list, and is it still watchable in 2020?
5. Return of the Pearl Princess
What is it about? Just your typical Emperor had a daughter out of wedlock that he was not aware of until she became 16-18ish (I forgot) and there was a serious mistaken in identity with serious consequences if ever find out.
Why is it on the list? Let’s start with the most well known Chinese drama of all time. This is the Chinese millennial version of Seinfeld or Friends, where it is has been on re-run since 1999 when it first came out and it is still on every summer break.
Pretty much everyone in the photo the the left has become household names and was catapulted to legendary status because of this show. I would however recommend to only watch season 1 and 2.
Is is still watchable in 2020? I think if you get over the cinematography from 20 years ago then absolutely. I think the acting can be a bit dramatic. But given the quality of a lot of today’s Chinese dramas, the actors in this show is a-okay!
4. Day and Night
What is it about? Former police detective have to investigate into a murder his own identical twin was involve in.
Why is it on the list? I don’t typically watch modern Chinese dramas (that’s why this list is heavily biased toward periodical dramas), and this one is a good one. It is one of the highest rating shows on Douban, which is THE Chinese entertainment rating website.
Is is still watchable in 2020? The show is from 2017, so yes! Also it is only 32 episodes on Netflix, comparing to most Chinese dramas these days of 80 some episode, it is a good series to check out!
3. Scarlet Heart
What is it about? A modern era woman travels back in time into the royal family battle for the throne, that’s loosely based on real Chinese history.
Why is it on the list? This along with another show which aired around the same time started this wave of travelling back in time craze (like every 1/3 drama back from 2010 to 2016). It is inspired by real historical events, so it is a brief glimpse of Chinese history. The main actor and actress of this show got married IRL after. Oh and there is a Korean spin-off that’s wildly popular by IU and Lee Junki.
Fun fact: The travel back in time crazy was so big that the Chinese government put a ban on this type of theme from airing - then the writers started to get really creative with these the last few years …
Is is still watchable in 2020? Like I said, periodical dramas never really age because it is already about back in time. I think acting is pretty good and if you want a comparison watch this one then the Korean one.
2. Nirvana in Fire
What is it about? Revenge is best served unexpected and very cold. I can’t talk more about it without confusing you more, but if you enjoy the cunningness of Game of Thrones - then imagine the cunningness is that x 100.
Why is it on the list? I don’t think I have ever heard anyone who disliked this drama. My mom does not like periodical dramas and she really don’t watch any when it’s not based off of history but even she thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot twist keep you wanting more, that’s why I finished a 54 episode series in 3 days.
Is is still watchable in 2020? Yes, just do it!
1. Empress in the Palace
What is it about? Loosely based off real Chinese history, a young girl came into the palace and slowly ascended to power with a lot of barriers trying to stop her.
Why is it on the list? Similar to Scarlet Heart, this show revolutionized industry. If 1/3 of the drama at the time was about traveling back in time then another third is about this theme. Since, it is loosely based on historical facts, some of the main characters in this show are the same as Scarlet Heart.
Is is still watchable in 2020? Yes, it’s on Netflix!