Magic Star

Magic Star 奇星记之鲜衣怒马少年时 is a 60-episode youthful fantasy wuxia starring Wu Lei (Nirvana in Fire), Chen Xiang (Love Weaves Through A Millennium), Zhang Yu Xi, Zheng He Hui Zi and Deng Shao Wen as they form an unlikely team who traverses the realms of heaven and earth in a quest to save humanity.

Considering that this is my 150th post, the premise is definitely beginning to sound like a dime a dozen. 

It is interesting that Deng Shao Wen from the 90's movie Shaolin Popey is in this as well, had no idea he was still in showbiz. Here's a pic to reminisce the younger days of Deng Shao Wen and Ashton Chen, formerly Shi Xiao Long.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 c-drama recommendations.

Source: Mingrenziliao

Once Promised (2017)

Once Promised 上古情歌 is a drama adaptation based on a novel by Tong Hua 桐华 that takes inspiration from a collection of scrolls called the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It got on my radar because of the names attached to the project such as Huang Xiaoming, Victoria Song (Ice Fantasy) and Sheng Yi Lun (Go Princess Go).

Unfortunately, Baron Chen backed out due to a broken leg and he will be replaced by Di Tian Lin instead. 

In writing this post, I inadvertently read the ending thanks to too much information found in c-drama synopses but I'll spare you the details. Once Promised 曾许诺 is the prequel to Lost You Forever 长相思 set during a legendary era of Chinese lore about the epic romance between a warrior (Huang Xiaoming) and a maiden (Victoria Song).

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 best c-dramas.

Source: Xinhuanet

Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy 九州·海上牧云记 literally wows with just a minute-long trailer. I stared in awe at the cinematography and craftsmanship that can rival that of any high calibre film but wait for it... Tribe and Empires is a 50-episode Chinese drama, not a movie.

The series is a TV adaptation of a novel by the same name written by Jin He Zai 今何在, one of the seven authors that conceptualized Novoland, a fictional reality that has inspired works such as City of Devastating Love and Novoland: Castle in the Sky.

The cast is huge, which is fitting for a story of this magnitude and it stars Huang Xuan (Imperial Doctress), Shawn Dou, Zhou Yiwei, Xu Lu, Janice Man (Legend of Zu) and more. 

It has been foretold that 6th Prince Mu Yun Sheng (Huang Xuan), a half human and half demon will bring chaos and he is kept inside the palace until he meets a spirit (Janice Man) that is sealed within a painting. 

Mu Ru Han Jiang (Shawn Dou) is the abandoned son of a family of generals. 

Shuo Feng He Ye (Zhou Yiwei) is the brave and capable successor of a tribe in the North who suffers terrible losses from battles with the Mu Ru clan.

Three compelling stories in a complex world and I'm sure there is more than meets the eye. I'm not complaining about the overwhelming amount of stills but can't the show just premiere already (crossing fingers that it turns out to be as good as it looks).

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 best c-dramas. Release date: 2016

Novoland: The Castle in the Sky

Novoland is the handiwork of seven authors, conceptualizing a reality where humans and mythical creatures co-exist across 9 distinct continents.

Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 九州天空城 is a 20-episode original story taking inspiration from the same and it focuses on the clashes between the humans and the Yu Clan, winged beings that have created a kingdom in the sky. 

The cast is led by rising star Zhang Ruo Yun (Monster Killer), Guan Xiao Tong, SNH48 member Ju Jing Yi, Liu Chang, Chen Ruo Xuan, Zhang Lu Yi (Sparrow) and Liu Min (Demon Girl). It gives a fresh youthful vibe that regrettably looks like the lesser known cousin of Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy.

The series premieres Jul 2016 on Jiangxu TV and QQ. 

Source: YLQ, Edushi