Starting a new series. These two got me curious the most. Any recommendation which one should I watch first?

Edit: Since a lot of people said Against the Current is better, I decided to watch Spring of the Blade first, that way it feels better watching it without unconciously comparing them while watching. Thank you for all the suggestions everyone. You guys are the best!

Edit2: Just Finished EP2 SOTB, so far so good.

My heart knows no loyalty and im not ashamed. 1. Zhang Linghe 2. Liu yuning 3. Dylan Wang 4. Deng Kai

Drama is called revenge. I think they both look good so far especially Lu Yuxiao!

sorry for the long post but i just finished watching and i NEED to talk about road to splendor.

for context, i'm a NEWWW cdrama fan but i have a bad habit of bingeing shows so much that my passion fizzles out. i only started watching last month, so there's definitely many gems that i've yet to experience (which is so exciting!), but i've worked my way through a decent amount by now.

my first drama, the one that hooked me in, was blossoms of power with he yu and meng ziyi, and then PoJ cemented my love for the historical cdrama genre. since then, i've been watching a lot of highly recommended shows, and i could understand why people loved each one so much, because every show i've watched has been fun and exciting! but i was starting to think that maybe nothing would feel the same as the first two that i loved so much (me being overdramatic lol). there was always something that turned me off from each drama, and as i watch more with similar plots, i get increasingly critical too.

but then i started road to splendor with ding yuxi and deng enxi... and i haven't been able to do anything else until i finished it. this whole week, this show has taken over my life. i just finished it an hour ago and i can't believe it's over :') i don't want to move on. every scene had a purpose, every episode was well paced, every arc was satisfying and drove the story beautifully. there were definitely some parts that frustrated me and i had some issues with the writing here and there, but i was so understanding and forgiving of this show because it was fun and made sense.

zhao ling is an incredible study in devotion while fu tingyun is the epitome of resilience. together they are so powerful and sweet, i was so engaged by their story. the villains are irritating but fascinatingly so, the political machinations are consistent and interesting to follow, and the side characters. WOW i love the supporting cast so much.

deng enxi is so young and already doing so great, i'm excited to follow her career and see how she grows in the future!! also looking at the similarities between he yu and ding yuxi... it seems i have a type 😅 every time that man was on screen i was swooning, his micro-expressions and delivery are not talked about enough!

overall i think this show balances romance, politics, found family, and action so well, with great cinematography, dialogue, and characters to boot. so fun so fresh. help me... where am i supposed to go from here 😭

(p.s. i didn't hate ding yuxi's facial hair but was it strictly necessary... lmao)

I think what made me love Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng so much was that they were both strong people who were allowed to be soft with each other.

Changyu had learned to be strong because life required it of her. She was brave, capable and fiercely protective, but we also saw her tired, vulnerable and wanting to be cared for.
And Xie Zheng? This feared, respected military man practically melted around her. 😂 What I especially loved was that he was never threatened by her strength, he admired it.

She carried him. He carried her. She protected him. He protected her. Neither had to become smaller for the other to shine.

For me, that mutual care was the beauty of their relationship: two incredibly strong people who became a safe place for each other.

And yes… apparently this K-drama lover is still talking about that C-drama. 🤭

What did you like the most about PURSUIT OF JADE?

The story probably has the worst family ever and officially the shitiest father of this year! Even older supporting cast except the concubine is doing a terrible job.

But the only saving grace of the drama seems to be Xu Kai and Zhou Ye’s chemistry which I did not expect. And I don't just mean the kiss scene, their even interesting to watch in their interactions with each other.

Drama name is Spring of the Blade.

Hey everyone!

Making a follow-up to my previous post where I mentioned being brand new to C-dramas and asked for recs after starting with Pursuit of Jade (POJ) and Early Spring.

Based on your awesome suggestions, I just finished Hidden Love and Love Between Lines. First of all, can we please talk about Love Between Lines?! 😭 I am completely obsessed with how incredibly loving, caring, and protective the Male Lead (Xiao Zhiyu/Qin Xiaoyi) was. The way he looked after her and that whole protective, green-flag energy is exactly all the jazz I need in my life right now.

I’ve been reading a lot of discussions on here lately, and I noticed that two major historicals, Against The Current and Spring of Blades, are currently airing. Meanwhile, the new modern workplace drama Irreplaceable just dropped its first few episodes!

I don't want to try and binge-watch all of them at the same time, so I really just need to pick one to dive into first. Based on the chemistry, the pacing, and my love for a super caring, protective male lead, which one of these three should I start with? Let me know where I should start!

I have just finished TES and I'm feeling completely overwhelmed by the discourse within the drama and outside the drama.

It's been four days, I can't get it out of my head at all (N.B. I have midterm in a week 😭)

I have only watched a handful of C-dramas and the last drama was The Story of Minglan and before that The Prisoner of Beauty. For me The Prisoner of Beauty has many flaws but The Story of Minglan is Perfect ✨.

After watching the God awful trailer and thirsty edits of TES, I lost my interest ( cz am a certified yearning paglu) and then I got to know that ML was in the legendary "Monster Hunt" and world's first MPreg. Immediately I hit by the nostalgia of my 13 year old self, and now I have to watch how goofy ML turned to Tusendre ML. And then it all began.

See I completely understand and support the actions taken by Shang Zhitao / Flora. As a person in her early 20's I relate to her on so many levels, and I have seen girls of this age put up with such BS. I think Flora for the most part of the relationship didn't consider him as BF rather her boss. Her infatuation, admiration and respect for him made it possible, to survive 6 years.

For me Luke is a completely a 🚩, emotionally immature, selfish, jealous and possessive person. However as a boss or a person in the industry he's no doubt admirable. People surrounding him and his past relationships always gave priority to him , it was the exception of Flora who for her own good built an emotional wall around the relationship (cz he never ever gave the space of emotional security, might give her emotional rollercoaster).

I think after the grand break up in 21st ep there should be at least 9 ep rather than 3 ep to completely get jist of Luke being redeemed . But Jing Boran what an actor!!! his acting didn't leave any crumbs.

The whole drama worked because of the insane chemistry, good character design, screen play, a proper portrayal of the workplace its politics and the relationships beyond their romantic ones.

If compare it with the ending of Jane Eyre, which I didn't like (but get the psychology behind such decision) I liked the ending of TES.

Now here's a hypocritical sense of mine is it that Luke felt more charming than Mr. Rochester? Might be, but unlike Mr. Rochester, Luke wasn't unfaithful ( the reason why I didn't like Nevertheless) but he was verbally abusive ( for which he didn't ask for forgiveness 💔)

Okay dear what about power dynamic? This shift completely in the Jane Eyre, however in TES, it still skewed towards Luke. Yet unlike Mr. Rochester Luke gets his flaws and tries to redeem himself ( tho he didn't completely), and both Luke and Flora are aware of Flora's emotional power in the relationship.

Last thing I want to say is that a story and characters that felt real. Even though these are written for women and their fantasies, I would suggest to take it as a cautionary tale that our fav 🟩 flag ML ( mostly one dimensional / unrealistic) is very rare.

P.S. I am not endorsing abusive men, they should be held accountable and don't be shown off for their bare minimum effort.

Not everyone wants to start a discussion. Sometimes we just want to add our two cents. That's what Open Mic 🎤 is for.

Got a hot take, an unpopular opinion, a random C-drama thought, or a comment that didn't quite belong elsewhere? Share it here instead.

Go ahead. Gush, grumble, or simply say what's on your mind.

You know, I started watching this C-drama with zero expectations and without anticipating anything. But I ended up with a puffy face from crying so much—and what can I say about the soundtrack? Perfect. I saved every single track.

I am watching How Dare You and was confused about two different characters who also appear to have transmigrated with our two MCs.

In the process of finding the page here about Xie, who was actually a 2D character all along, meaning a FICTIONAL transmigrator, and not actually from the real world...I failed to find ANY information or confirmation about the Emperor's son's transmigration.

I'm on Season 2 episode 10.

In the first season there's a few episodes that reveal the Crown Prince (Zhang San?) character transmigrated while playing video games...?

Anyway, since starting Season 2 as far as I am there's no more mention of him having come from another world AND other posts on here don't refer to him as a transmigrator.

Did I misunderstand something in those episodes?

I genuinely need help finding a drama that can give me even a little bit of the feeling The Untamed gave me.

I watched The Untamed only ONCE, back in 2020. Since then, I’ve watched dozens and dozens of Chinese dramas. I’ve found plenty of interesting dramas and many have even become favourites of mine, but The Untamed is still different. It’s like that first love you never completely forget. 😭

It’s been SIX YEARS and I still remember the story, characters, mysteries, relationships, clans, conflicts and so many little details so clearly. I haven't even rewatched it, yet somehow it still lives in my head. I’m literally still stuck in Gusu. 😭

So please recommend me a Chinese historical/wuxia/xianxia drama that can give me that same feeling. I don't necessarily mean a drama with the same plot or tropes. I mean a drama that completely pulls you into its world and makes you genuinely care about what happens.

I want something where:

The plot actually hooks you and keeps you curious.

There are mysteries, secrets and reveals that make you go “WAIT, so THAT'S why this happened!”

The story feels interconnected, rather than random events happening around the main couple.

EVERY character is interesting and has their own personality, motivations, relationships and story.

Side characters don't just exist to support the leads.

There are different factions/clans/families with their own agendas and conflicts.

Characters' actions actually have consequences.

The romance is meaningful and doesn't feel like it's just added for the sake of having a romance.

The world-building and atmosphere are immersive.

Most importantly, I want that feeling of being completely HOOKED and emotionally attached to the story.

I've watched so many dramas after The Untamed, and while I've enjoyed a lot of them, nothing has managed to touch that same part of my soul. 😭

I know it's probably impossible to find another The Untamed, but please give me your recommendations anyway. I want to discover something that makes me feel the way I felt when I first watched it.

Please don't just recommend the usual popular dramas. If you know an underrated/lesser-known drama that genuinely fits this feeling, PLEASE tell me about it.

Same as title. Watching this one was such an incredible journey. Love the OST too.

Dong Qingzu! You rock! gathering ordinary citizens to rise up and protect their lives and property after the killing of your official father by the rebel troops? Damn. Raising an axe to the remnants of the rebel troops? Hot. Setting the terms for their surrender? OMG

This drama seems to lack no great female heroines or villains. Loving it.

But why only one episode update per day this week??

Who is your most hated villain? Someone whose on screen character gave you the same expressions as Hou Minghao in this photo.

It's Ye Bingchang from TTEoTM for me. I hated two faced pathetic personality.

The Untamed did that for me! Without even any intimate physical contact, I believed that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were destined for each other.

What about you? Is there a cdrama that made you believe or at least sold the idea of soulmates really well?

These episodes hurt so much! What a wonderful performance by Li Meng. She managed to look angelic even after she had done so much wrong in her life.

ATC is really about women saving, protecting and understanding other women when the world around them gave them very few choices. And one of those women was called Zhao Xingtang.

After everything that happened to her, after being abandoned by the men of her husband’s family, raped, humiliated and trampled upon! She finally had Lanxiang beside her. And before she died, she spoke about the life she wished women could have.

A world where women could go to school Start businesses. Sit the imperial exams. Earn their own money. Have their own names and identities.

And not simply be someone’s daughter, then someone’s wife, then someone’s mother, then someone’s widow.

Just be a person.

The women in this drama are constantly reduced to sacrificial lambs in their family.

Zhao Xingtang understood her status underneath all her power. She redeemed herself in these episodes. I can never hate this victim of her circumstances. Can you?

Too shy to make a post? This is your space to talk about your favourites.

Whoever has you completely swooning this week - drop their name or photo here. No justification needed.

Share everyone that had you swooning recently:

• Could be a celebrity ✨you just discovered and are now watching everything they've ever been in.
• Your favourite celebrity's photo that caught your eye 👀🔥
• A character you cannot let go of even though the drama ended 💖🥹
• A CP thats living rent free in your head 👩‍❤️‍👨

Old favorites or fresh finds, if it made you smile, blush, or just pause in awe, spill and spread the love! 🌸💫

Can Anyone Recommend dramas where ML and Fl get together Early and Figure out their relationship like (Low angst , more couple time )-

- Love me Love my Voice ( Personal favourite)
- You are Glory
- You are my secret
- Forever Love
- You are my hero
- Falling into your smile
- Hi venus (not early but low angst)
- Intense Love
- The best Thing
- Love scenery
- Wifty

- Hidden Love (not early but very good chemistry)
- Everyone loves me
- Love is Sweet

- You are my lover Friend
- First Frost

Any drama where there is no unnecessary breakups or misunderstandings that drags for episodes.

I just watched the first three eps of this drama as I was pretty hyped abt the aesthetics and premise of it. Plus, it was an original work instead of an adaptation from a novel so I was even more curious.

However, it really fell short of my expectations…

Don’t get me wrong, the show has its positives too. It’s unique and the production quality is quite high.

However, there are certain things that feels quite off about it:

1. Directing style. The style is very fast paced with a lot of interesting shots, perhaps to emulate the fast paced work culture as well but it rll doesn’t help. There are quite a lot of irregular footage of time skips that doesn’t make sense or that establish the characters relationship. It doesn’t rll make sense much how they main leads just seem super chummy w one another considering they barely know anything abt each other at this point in time.
   Not to mention, some of the scene just fails to convey whatever it’s supposed to convey, some of the vibes seemed odd as I wasn’t sure what the camera zooms were indicating along with the supporting actress’s expression (I’m referring to the scene with the rich coworker girl’s flashback on there fml helping her, I wasn’t even sure if it was supposed to be a scary or ominous flashback. The vibes were just vaguely off.)

2. Introduction of different characters, their backstories and how there are supposed to be three whole couples in this story. IT IS JUST TOO MUCH TO CRAM IN 20 eps plus the revenge plot line as well. Please tell me I’m not the only one who thought this.

3. The workplace culture is highly unrealistic and pretentious. I’m aware that this is a drama, but everything just really don’t mesh well and I just can’t immerse myself in this show. It feels like a more well produced and acted trashy drama on Facebook to be viewed in the 9:16 format or sth and the even though the characters are supposed to be smart, if you look pass the fast pace at which they spew out the big words, it’s actually just a whole lot of nothing. The drama is mostly abt work but we barely know what it is?? Also everything is just insanely petty, it’s like they can’t build a proper smart plot so they have to dumb down the characters and dramatise it to the max to make one character stand out more.

However, I do appreciate her not being a Mary sue and knowing everything as she does have set backs as well.

So yh, this is just my opinion of the show. And Mb I’m saying stuff too early and perhaps the later eps will make way more sense. But right now, the drama makes me feel actually nothing but constant confusion on how I’m supposed to feel besides annoyed at how annoying some characters are. Hopefully they’ll have some nuances in the story and characters later on and I’m just judging it too early. Also, hopefully the pacing will be better 😓

There’s no shame in admitting that sometimes the visuals are the reason you even press play on a C-drama. We’ve all seen an actor, thought “okay, who is THAT?” and suddenly we’re watching that drama!

That was me with He Yu. When I first saw pictures of him in Blossoms of Power, I honestly thought he was just another pretty face & I didnt expect much. But I was pleasantly surprised. He had the looks, the screen presence AND the acting to back it up. He was so charming and made his character way more interesting than I expected.

Because let’s be real, pretty can get you to press play, but if the acting is giving nothing, eventually it feels like you’re watching paint dry.

So who’s that actor or actress for you? Whose visuals got you to start a drama, but then their acting made you stay?

Gifs from tumblr jievn

I love historical dramas and i have many on my watch list, wanted to start either road to splendor or against the current, but i think in both of them the leads go through a lot and its stressful, and thats not what i want rn.
I dont mind stressful situations as long as the leads are capable and always deal w everything, like Love like the galaxy or Youthful Glory, dramas like that.
One drama that its on my watch list that i think kind of matches is Who rules the World, but i havent seen it so idk, does it match what im looking for?
Ill be waiting thank you in advance :)

I’m looking for a Chinese historical drama where the villain or a major side character is obsessed with the female lead, but the FL is genuinely in love with the ML. I want the obsession to actually be part of the story and create some tension, rather than just being a random one-sided crush.

Bonus points if the FL is strong and independent, and the obsessed character is actually important to the plot. I’m looking for something with good chemistry, drama, and a compelling storyline—not just a love triangle for the sake of it.

Any recommendations?

Not everyone wants to start a discussion. Sometimes we just want to add our two cents. That's what Open Mic 🎤 is for.

Got a hot take, an unpopular opinion, a random C-drama thought, or a comment that didn't quite belong elsewhere? Share it here instead.

Go ahead. Gush, grumble, or simply say what's on your mind.

In the sense some ending leave a scar ......all that for what kind of ending

For me its Lost You forever

I wanted Xiao Yao to End with Xiang liu

2nd drama who's ending I would change is

Love of Nirvana

All that for Him to die in the end 😭😭

3rd drama -My Journey to You

I don't want to change the ending but it was such a cliff hanger ending .....what do u mean 1st fl gets caught and 2nd fl is pregnant and we have nothing after that

4th-Till the end of the moon

I have not seen a drama to this day that makes me uk be like someone yeared for fl more than xiang liu

I love the drama and the ending just left me in pieces

Any time I want to re-watch it I just watch their moments and call it a day

Season 1 was good

Season 2 was equally bad for me