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

Go Princess Go

I'm on a roll as far as this drama is concerned, warranting its 3rd posting on the same day. Everything about the production is average at best and certainly incomparable to the big budgeted wuxia dramas nowadays. Nevertheless, there's something unique to the story that leaves you wanting more.

Go Princess Go is a web drama made for the small screen and you might soon notice that the same sets are used repeatedly with minimal interior designs. Its most extravagant expenditure would have to be on costumes chosen from curtain linens that were sewn to make a dress. Honesty though, its HD filming translate beautifully onscreen so it goes to say that money isn't everything.

The fact that it's so short is a plus factor for me too, though I wonder why the version I'm watching on LeTV seems to be missing a lot of scenes (edited: it's because of censorship).

Go Princess Go 太子妃升职记 is a time-travel, body-swap, rom-com set in ancient China. It is based on a novel of the same name written by Xian Cheng 鲜橙, offering a hilarious twist to the typical period dramas. 

The cast is was relatively unknown but the drama has been consistently growing its cult following and its stars receiving some much-deserved attention. Its popularity is mainly due to its controversial storyline that is much too out there for conservative China. 

Bad publicity is good publicity, since word of mouth quickly catapulted this drama, ratings-wise, and it was actually very well-received by Chinese fans. If you are watching, be sure to check out the alternate endings.

Zhang Tian Ai 张天爱 headlines as Zhang Peng Peng, the modern man who finds himself waking up in the body of a crown princess. Where did they find this gorgeous lady? Aside from looks, she has the acting chops as well and her portrayal of Zhang Peng Peng was charming, witty and funny, easily claiming her spot as the breakout star of the drama.

Sheng Yi Lun 盛一伦 is the male lead Qi Sheng who is outwardly cold and arrogant so I have yet to reach the episode where he warms up as a character.

Yu Meng Long 于朦胧 stars as Jiu Wang, the second lead in the drama to complete the love triangle. 

Source: 1234567g, Baidu