2013 - 2015 Best Korean Historical Dramas

Shine or Go Crazy

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Must-watch (5/5)
Episodes and Genre: 24, Historical
Broadcast Period: Jan 2015 MBC
Starring:
Jang Hyuk as Wang So
Oh Yeon Seo as Shin Yool
Lee Ha Nui as Yeo Woon
Im Joo Hwan as Wang Wook

Synopsis:
Prince Wang So was born under the star of Alkaid and his very existence is said to cause countless deaths such that he is shunned and abandoned as a child. When Wang So became of age, his father entrusts him with a mission to rid Goryeo of the corruption plaguing its very foundation.

Only the person born under the North Star can change Wang So's wretched fate and he unwittingly meets her via a contract marriage in Gaebong.

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Six Flying Dragons 

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Must-watch (5/5)
Episodes and Genre: 50, Historical
Broadcast Period: Oct 2015 SBS
Starring:
Kim Myung Min as Jung Do Jeon
Yoo Ah In as Yi Bang Won
Shin Se Kyung as Boon Yi

Synopsis:
The impending collapse of Goryeo paved way for the Joseon Dynasty, and it focuses on six main characters who are integral to the formation of this very significant period in Korea's history.

Comments: 
Caught a glimpse of the pitting of wits and political strife that usually come in tandem in these type of dramas and I can't wait for more. More Yoon Kyun Sang (the actor who won everyone's hearts as Lee Jong Suk's older brother in Pinocchio) wouldn't hurt either.

Fun Fact: In The Great Seer, Ji Sung portrayed the seer who played an important role in Lee Sung Gye's ascent to the throne while in Faith, Lee Min Ho acted as General Choi Young.

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Scholar Who Walks The Night

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Pretty Good (4/5)
Episodes and Genre: 20, Fantasy
Broadcast Period: Jul 2015 MBC
Starring:
Lee Joon Ki as Kim Sung Yeol
Lee Yoo Bi as Jo Yang Sun
Shim Chang Min as Prince Lee Yoon

Comments:
There are two vampires in the Joseon era - the evil Gwi and a vampire from the Imperial Guard whose sole purpose is to find the secret manuscript needed to defeat Gwi.

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Maids

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Episodes and Genre: 20, Historical Drama
Broadcast Period: Dec 2014 JTBC 
Starring:
Jung Yoo Mi as Gook In Yun
Oh Ji Ho as Moo Myung

Synopsis:
A sad tale about the daughter of government official who was forced into slavery after her father was falsely accused of treason.

Our heroine encounters the most pitiable situations as she tries to uncover the truth.

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The King's Face

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Downright Boring (1/5)
Episodes and Genre: 23, Historical Drama
Broadcast Period: Nov 2014 KBS2
Starring:
Seo In Gook as Prince Gwang Hae

Synopsis:
A historical drama deeply rooted in the sanctity of face reading. 

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Secret Door

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Downright Boring (1/5)
Episodes and Genre: 24, Historical, Political Thriller
Broadcast Period: Sep 2014 SBS
Starring:
Han Suk Kyu as King Young Jo
Lee Je Hoon as Crown Prince Sado

Synopsis:
History books depict the untimely death of Crown Prince Sado at the hands of his own father King Young Jo. This drama revolves around the father-son dynamic of a mad king and a hopeful son as political controversies, contradicting ideologies, greed and power tear them apart.

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The Night Watchman

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Episodes and Genre: 24, Fantasy
Broadcast Period: Aug 2014 MBC
Starring:
Jung Il Woo as Lee Rin

Synopsis:
Lee Rin is the rightful heir to the throne but a conspiracy has resulted in his older brother gaining the throne. Growing up away from the palace, Lee Rin finds solace in a group of night watchman whose purpose is to rid the world of evil. 

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Empress Ki - a ratings powerhouse!
(average tv rating 21%)

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Must Watch (5/5)
Episodes: 51
Air Date and Genre: 2013, Historical
Starring:
Ha Ji Won as Empress Ki
Ji Chang Wook as Emperor Hui Zong of Yuan
Joo Jin Mo as King Wang Yu of Goryeo

Synopsis:
The protagonist Seung Nyang relies on sheer will, intelligence, ambition and vengeance to defeat her enemies and become the Empress of the Yuan Dynasty.

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Goddess of Fire

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Episodes: 32
Air Date and Genre: 2013, Historical
Starring:
Moon Geun Young as Yoo Jung

Synopsis:
A supposedly strong female protagonist who rises up the ranks to become the best potter in Joseon. Forgive me for being biased but I did not like the character Yoo Jung, who was constantly a damsel in distress endangering not only herself but the people around her. Perhaps she was really a formidable female potter in history but not in this drama.

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Sword and Flower 

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Downright Boring (1/5)
Title: The Blade and The Petal / Sword and Flower
Episodes: 20
Air Date and Genre: 2013, Romance Drama
Starring:
Kim Ok Bin as Princess Moo Young
Uhm Tae Woong as Yeon Choong

Synopsis:
A drama about a tragic romance between Princess Moo Young and Yeon Choong. The plot strongly resembles that of Princess Man but failed to deliver.

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Gu Family Book

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Must Watch (5/5)

Title：Gu Family Book

Episodes: 24

Air Date and Genre: 2013, Fantasy Romance

Starring:

Lee Seung Ki as Choi Kang Chi

Bae Suzy as Dam Yeo Wool

Synopsis: Choi Kang Chi is half gumiho and half human. Not fully belonging to either world, Kang Chi has to find his place and he meets Dam Yeo Wool, a skilled archer who accepts him for who he is.

Comments: My kind of drama. It's like a modern rom-com set in ancient Korea but there's action, fantasy and and an amazing cast with great chemistry. 

Very often, the story setup is the least interesting part as I'm always anxiously waiting for the main characters to come out already but not this time. I was so moved by the story of the werewolf and human girl who will become Kang Chi's parents and that's merely the beginning of the story.

For more dramas recommendations:
2003 - 2012 Korean period dramas
2016 K-dramas 

2016 Korean Drama Recommendations

Granted that I have a ton of c-dramas in queue for 2016, it's no wonder that my first k-drama for the year was a very short one called Splash Splash Love. If only spare time grew on trees. 

I added a rating widget so you can now rate your favorite Korean dramas below. Expect more historical dramas in the future since it's pretty much my bread and butter >.< 

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The Flower in Prison

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: The Flower in Prison / Okjunghwa / 옥중화
Episodes and Genre: 50, Legal, Historical
Broadcast Period: Apr 2016 MBC
Starring:
Jin Se Yeon as Ok Nyeo
Go Soo as Yoon Tae Won

Synopsis:
Ok Nyeo is a girl who is born and bred in prison due to her mother who dies a mysterious death. Determined to uncover the truth, she trains to become a a female detective where she will find a purpose that is greater than her own. 

Comments:
Click for more stills.

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Please Come Back Mister

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Please Come Back Mister / Dolawayo Ajeossi / 돌아와요 아저씨
Episodes and Genre: 16, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016 SBS
Starring:
Rain as Lee Hae Joon
Oh Yeon Seo as Han Hong Nan

Synopsis:
Two middle-aged men, one a salary man and the other a gangster, die unexpectedly. Given another chance, they return in the body of a man (Rain) and a woman (Oh Yeon Seo) in the prime of their life but underneath that facade are two people desperate to make the most of what little time they have left.

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Jackpot

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Jackpot / The Royal Gambler / Daebak / 대박
Episodes and Genre: 20, Historical, Gambling
Broadcast Period: Mar 2016 SBS
Starring:
Jang Geun Suk as Baek Dae Gil
Yeo Jin Goo as King Yeongjo
Jun Kwang Ryul as Lee In Jwa
Choi Min Soo as King Sukjong
Lim Ji Yeon as Dam Seo
Yoon Jin Seo as Sook Bin Choi

Synopsis:
Dae Gil is a commoner known as the best gambler in Joseon and his brother is the future King Yeongjo. Their disparate lives cross paths and they enter into the match of a lifetime.

Comments:
I am waiting for the next episode, please come out soon. Click for more stills.

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Remember - War of the Son

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Remember - War of the Son / Son's War / 리멤버 - 아들의 전쟁
Episodes and Genre: 20, Legal Melodrama
Broadcast Period: Dec - Feb 2016 SBS
Starring:
Yoo Seung Ho as Seo Jin Woo
Park Min Young as Lee In Ah
Park Sung Woong as Park Dong Ho
Nam Goong Min as Nam Gyu Man

Synopsis: 
Seo Jin Woo is a man with perfect memory but his father suffers from severe dementia. When his father is framed for a brutal crime that shook the nation, Jin Woo takes it upon himself to become a lawyer.

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Descendants of the Sun - a ratings powerhouse
(meaning TV ratings over 20%)

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Descendants of the Sun /太陽的後裔 / 태양의 후예 / Taeyangui Hooye
Episodes and Genre: 16, Romance / Melodrama
Broadcast Period: Feb - Apr 2016 KBS
Starring: 
Song Joong Ki as Yoo Shi Jin
Song Hye Kyo as Kang Mo Yun 
Jin Goo as Seo Dae Young
Kim Ji Won as Yoon Myung Joo

Comments: 
"It's dangerous being around a guy with a gun... one day, he'll never come back," narrates the trailer. I'm admittedly hesitant due to my disinterest for sad endings and war movies yet Descendants of the Sun is a k-drama phenomenon set to take over the world that it would be wrong to ignore it any longer. 

Song Joong Ki has always reminded me of the boy next door with his nice guy image from stints at Running Man and in rom-coms. If i ever had doubts of him as a man in uniform, a captain nonetheless, it has all been put to rest from heaps of raging reviews on his stellar performance. 

The drama is seriously killing it and it's only March but can this be THE drama of the year?

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Jang Yeong Sil

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Jang Yeong Sil: The Great Scientist of Joseon / 장영실
Episodes and Genre: 24, Historical
Broadcast Period: Jan 2016 KBS1
Starring:
Song Il Gook as Jang Yeong Sil

Synopsis:
Details the rise of historical figure Jang Young Sil, a man with humble beginnings and his significant contributions to Joseon amidst an era where class difference is rife.

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The Merchant: Gaekju

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Downright boring (1/5)
Title: The Merchant: Gaekju / God of Trade - Innkeeper / 장사의 신 - 객주
Episodes and Genre: 41, Historical
Broadcast Period: Sep 2015 - Feb 2016 KBS2
Starring:
Jang Hyuk as Chun Bong Sam

Comments:
After several attempts at watching then falling asleep, I abandoned ship. I was half-expecting Merchant Gaekju to be a historical version of Midas, a k-drama also starring Jang Hyuk about the power struggles in the business world. While the result was definitely a period drama revolving around merchants and their trade, the lengthy prose and drama simply wasn't my cup of tea.

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One More Happy Ending

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Pretty Good (4/5)
Title: One More Happy Ending / Hanbun Deo Happy Ending / 한번 더 해피엔딩
Episodes and Genre: 16, Romantic Comedy
Broadcast Period: Jan 2016 MBC
Starring:
Jang Nara as Han Mi Mo
Jung Kyung Ho as Song Soo Hyuk
Yoo Da In as Baek Da Jung 
Yoo In Na as Go Dong Mi
Seo In Young as Hong Ae Ran
Sandara Park as Seul Ah (cameo)

Synopsis:
Han Mi Mo is the CEO of a successful match-making agency but in spite of her unique skill set, she is a divorcee that has had an unlucky streak in love. She remains good friends with the members of the defunct k-pop group called Angels and the story revolves around the friendships and relationships surrounding the lives of these thirty-something women.

Comments:
Getting Sex and the City vibes and it's absofukinlutely awesome. Isn't it crazy that Conan O'Brian cameos? It could have been perfect but it does turn extremely angsty towards the end so minus points for that.

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Cheese in the Trap

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Title: Cheese in the Trap / 치즈 인 더 트랩 
Episodes and Genre: 16, Romantic Comedy
Broadcast Period: Jan 2016 TvN
Starring:
Park Hae Jin as Yoo Jung
Kim Go Eun as Hong Seol

Synopsis:
Yoo Jung is a certified heartthrob who is dubbed as Mr. Perfect for being tall, rich, smart and handsome. Hong Seol is your average college junior who works part-time to pay for her schooling and she seems to be the only person in the school to find something hidden behind Yoo Jung's friendly smile. 

Comments:
When something so inexplicably good combusts into a complete fiasco just about sums up the Cheese in the Trap controversy, which you can read in detail on dramabeans. I was lured by the cheese but it's a trap I tell you!

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Moorim School

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Tolerable (2/5)
Title: Moorim School / 무림학교
Episodes and Genre: 16, Martial Arts School Drama / Fantasy
Broadcast Period: Jan 2016 KBS2
Starring:
Lee Hyun Woo as Yoon Shi Woo
Seo Ye Ji as Sim Soon Duk
Hong Bin as Wang Chi Ang
Jung Yoo Jin as Hwang Sun Ah

Synopsis:
Yoon Shi Woo is a k-pop idol who is slowly losing his hearing. Desperate, he enrolls into Moorim School in hopes that this mysterious martial arts school can heal him. However, this new journey may inadvertently lead him to find himself.

Comments:
The concept drew me in like no other, thanks to my undying support for martial arts dramas, which is why I made it through the end despite the fact that I didn't actually like it. 

Moorim School tells a generic story with mediocre acting. There's fantasy, action and romance made less by a weak storyline that drags on for 16 full episodes. This is a case where I really understand why a primetime drama is lagging behind with mere single digit ratings so low that it's worse than cable.

If you're skeptical, watch Volcano High to spot the difference.

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Splash Splash Love

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just another drama (3/5)
Title: Splash Splash Love / Pongdangpongdang Love / 퐁당퐁당 LOVE

Episodes and Genre: 2, Romantic Comedy / Time Travel / Fantasy

Broadcast Period: Dec 2015 MBC

Starring: 

Kim Seul Gi as Dan Bi

Yoon Doo Joon as Lee Do

Synopsis:

Dan Bi is a high school student terrible at math but the rigorous educational system in Korea puts so much pressure on the students to do well during entrance exams or be doomed for life. Terrified, she runs away on a rainy day desperately wishing for an escape. She jumps into a puddle and is transported to the Joseon Era where Lee Do is ruling as the king.

Comments:

The premise is nothing we haven't seen before. It combines modern and history into one drama, which always adds up to a lot of funny. Time travel dramas seem to be all the rage nowadays especially with the upcoming Moon Lovers, which is the highly anticipated remake of the Chinese drama Startling by Each Step (Bu Bu Jing Xin). 

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed this drama's take on how to show what I call the 4 stages of time travel 1) utter denial thinking that she must have been transported to the filming of some period drama 2) adjusting to primitive life and being the coolest for having a phone, a pen or any other gadget from the future 3) falling in love 4) fallout from having to stay or leave. Yes, I cried.

This is one drama where I recognized nobody other than the lead actress being the ghost in Oh My Ghost. She was utterly hilarious and unafraid to just go there with the wackiest expressions. Then it was like an epiphany when I read that she used to be part of the cast of SNL Korea. Overall, a predictable but fun TV movie.

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One of my new year's resolutions is to update the site regularly because I watch too much for my own good so I feel the need to turn it into something productive. Would appreciate your suggestions on what you'd like to see in the comments section below.

For more listings, see Korean period dramas, 2015 dramas, and my uber long kdrama listing that spans 14 years. 

2016 Best Chinese Period Dramas

How are there so many good dramas that I don't even know where to begin? 2015 ended with a bang in wuxia land and there are so many upcoming ones that I am eagerly waiting to watch. 

Added a rating widget so you can rate your favorite dramas below.

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Demon Girl

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Demon Girl / Ban Yao Qing Cheng / 半妖倾城
Episodes and Genre: 35, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: Jul 2016 on Mango TV
Starring:
Li Yi Tong as Nie Qing Cheng
Zhang Zhe Han as Ming Xia
Mi Re as You Tong

Synopsis:
Nie Qing Cheng is the daughter of a human and a demon. Without knowing her real identity, she falls deeply in love with a man named Ming Xia. 

Comments:
Click for more stills.

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Lucky Tianbao

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Tolerable (2/5)
Title: Lucky Tianbao / Ji Xiang Tian Bao / 吉祥天宝
Episodes and Genre: 40, Romance Drama, Comedy
Broadcast Period: Jun 2016 on QQ Website
Starring:
Kim Ki Bum as Zhu Tianbao
Zhao Li Ying as Yang Ruo Lan
Zhu Zi Xiao as Zhu Tian Xiang

Synopsis:
Zhu Tianbao and Zhu Tian Xiang are sons of the King's brother but their once amicable relationship is tainted by jealousy over family, politics and romance in a corruption-ridden Ming Dynasty. 

Yang Ruo Lan is betrothed to Tian Xiang despite harboring feelings for Tianbao. However, Tianbao already has a girl of his dreams.

Comments:
Considering that all 40 episodes where uploaded to Youtube just last week, I went crazy and clicked through a ton of episodes in one day, even the ending. I say clicked because even though I was curious, I didn't actually like it enough to watch every single episode.

It contains a plot that's so ridiculously mindless at times with subpar workmanship but if you simply want to pass time, I guess it's worth a shot. Click for more stills.

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Chinese Paladin 5 Yun Zhi Fan

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Chinese Paladin 5 Yun Zhi Fan / 雲之凡
Episodes and Genre: 40, Fantasy, Martial Arts
Broadcast Period: May 2016 on Hunan TV
Starring:
Elvis Han as Jiang Yun Fan
Gu Li Na Zha as Tang Yu Rou
Joe Cheng as Long You
Xiao Cai Qi as Xiao Man
Gina Jin as Ling Yin

Synopsis:
Jiang Yun Fan is the half mortal half demon son of Jiang Shi Li, an enemy of the mortal realm held in captivity for fear of his evil deeds. He meets Tang Yu Rou, Long You and Xiao Man, forming an unlikely group of friends. Yet Yun Fan, an innately good person who wears his heart on his sleeves is the only one capable of saving his father.

Comments:
Click for more stills.

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God of War Zhao Yun

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: God of War Zhao Yun / Chinese Hero Zhao Zi Long / 武神趙子龍
Episodes and Genre: 60, Historical Martial Arts
Broadcast Period: Apr 2016 on Hunan TV
Starring:
Lin Gengxin as Zhao Zi Long
Im Yoona as Xiahou Qing Yi
Kim Jeong Hoon as Gao Ze

Synopsis:
Zhao Zi Long is a courageous warrior in the era of Three Kingdoms and God of War Zhao Yun follows his story as a young man on a journey to become a martial arts hero.

Comments:
Click for more stills.

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The Classic of Mountains and Seas

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Just Another Drama (3/5)
Title: The Classic of Mountains and Seas / 山海经之赤影传说
Episodes and Genre: 42, Fantasy Martial Arts
Broadcast Period: Apr 2016 on Hunan TV
Starring:
Zhang Han as Chi Yu
Gu Li Na Zha as Su Mo

Synopsis:
Su Mo and Fu Er are sisters destined to be the Heavenly Maidens of warring tribes while Chi Yu is the forsaken prince of a country due to a prophecy that he will kill his own father.

Comments:
There are great dramas that require time and attention and Classic of Mountains and Seas is not one of them. Yet as average as it may be, it served its purpose by being enjoyable nonetheless, that is if you don't take it too seriously. Check out our thoughts on the ending.

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Princess Jieyou

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Princess Jieyou / Jie You Gong Zhu / 解忧公主
Episodes and Genre: 46, Historical
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016
Starring:
Zhang Xinyi as Jieyou
Yuan Hong as Wong Gui

Synopsis:
Jieyou is the long lost princess of the Han Dynasty and as a member of the royal family, she travels to Wu Sun to fulfill her role of forging a union between the two countries through marriage.

Comments:
For more stills, click here. 

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The Three Heroes and Five Gallants

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: The Three Heroes and Five Gallants / 五鼠闹东京
Episodes and Genre: 42, Detective Martial Arts
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016 An Hui TV
Starring:
Chen Xiao as Bai Yutang
Kevin Yan Kuan as Zhan Zhao
Zheng Shuang as Ding Yuehua

Synopsis: 
Justice Bao is a revered judge known for his fight against corruption. Pang Tai Shi, a greedy and high-ranking official of the Song Dynasty, seeks to bring down Justice Bao by targeting his right hand man Zhan Zhao. He deviously urges the Emperor to bestow Zhan Zhao the title of Imperial Cat, which is a clear affront to the legendary Five Mice who will not take this sitting down

Comments:
For more stills, click here. 

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New Xiao Shi Yi Lang

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: New Xiao Shi Yi Lang / The Shaw Eleven Lang / 新萧十一郎
Episodes and Genre: 42, Romance Martial Arts
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016 Beijing TV
Starring:
Kevin Yan Kuan as Xiao Shi Yi Lang
Gan Ting Ting as Shen Bijun
Zhu Yi Long as Lian Chengbi

Synopsis:
Xiao Shi Yi Lang is a great bandit without a care in the world. On a job to steal the Deer Carver Sabre, he meets Shen Bijun, a woman betrothed to another. 

Fate keeps bringing the two together yet Bijun's pending engagement and societal pressures against two people of such different statures have destined them to become star-crossed lovers. 

Comments:
Currently airing. For more stills, click here. 

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Imperial Doctress

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Imperial Doctress / 女医明妃传
Episodes and Genre: 50, Palace Romance / Historical
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016 Dragon TV
Starring:
Liu Shi Shi as Tan Yun Xian
Wallace Huo as Zhu Qi Zhen
Huang Xuan as Zhu Qi Yu

Synopsis:
Embroiled in a palace drama between two powerful men, Tan Yun Xian's persistence and intelligence helps her overcome all obstacles to become a revered female doctor of the Ming Dynasty.

Comments:
For more stills, click here. 

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Legend of the Qing Qiu Fox

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Legend of the Qing Qiu Fox / Legend of Nine Tails Fox / 青丘狐传说
Episodes and Genre: 40, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016
Starring:
Sabrina Chen Yao as Hua Yue (Ah Xiu arc)
Jiang Jin Fu as Liu Chang Yan (Heng Niang arc)
Gu Li Na Zha as Tao Heng (Heng Niang arc)
Xiao Cai Qi as Ying Ning (Ying Ning arc)
Gina Jin as Wong Chang Ting (Chang Ting arc)
Wang Kai as Shi Tai Pu (Chang Ting arc)
Mike D'Angelo as Hu Si (Hu Si arc)

Synopsis: 
The series is divided into six arcs focusing on each fox spirit's encounters in the human world.
1. Ah Xiu arc follows Hua Yue, a passionate fox spirit fascinated by worldly pleasures. 
2. San Niang arc follows Feng San Niang as she heads for the Meng family and meets Meng An Ren, a man with a despicable reputation.
3. Ying Ning arc revolves around Ying Ning's journey to find the truth behind her mother's death. 
4. Hu Si arc follows Hu Si, a powerful fox spirit and a drunkard.
5. Chang Ting arc features the love between a demon hunter and a fox spirit.
6. Heng Niang arc is about a fox spirit named Heng Niang who decides to help her neighbor regain her husband's love.

Comments:
For more stills, click here. 

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Chronicle of Life

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Chronicle of Life / 寂寞空庭春欲晚
Episodes and Genre: 45, Palace Romance
Broadcast Period: Feb 2016
Starring:
Hawick Lau as Emperor Kangxi
Zheng Shuang as Wei Lin Lang 

Synopsis:
Liang Er is a little girl whose family was executed for committing treason against the king. On the run, she meets a teenage Emperor Kangxi without knowing his real identity. The two forge an unlikely friendship but get separated along the way.

Liang Er finds refuge with her childhood friend Na La Rong Ruo but loses her memory due to an attempt at her life. In order to cover up the past, she is given a new identity as Wei Lin Lang and grows up as a palace maid. 

Comments: 
Chronicle of Life is based on a novel by Fei Wo Xi Cun 匪我思存 who also penned the novel behind popular drama Sealed With a Kiss that was also top billed by Hawick Lau . 

For more stills, click here.

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Go Princess Go

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Go Princess Go / 太子妃升职记
Episodes and Genre: 35, Comedy / Time Travel 
Broadcast Period: Jan 2016 LeTV
Starring:
Zhang Tian Ai as Zhang Peng / Zhang Peng Peng

Synopsis:
Zhang Peng is a notorious womanizer but an unfortunate accident causes him to travel back in time to ancient China where he wakes up a crown princess! Aghast at the circumstances, he as a she turns suicidal until finally coming to terms with it. For more stills, click here.

Comments: 
Unforgivingly wacky and brutally honest.

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The Legend of Qin

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

My Rating: Must-watch (5/5)
Title: The Legend of Qin / Qin Shi Ming Yue / Qin's Moon / 秦時明月
Episodes and Genre: 54, Fantasy Romance Martial Arts
Broadcast Period: Nov 2015 Hunan TV
Starring:
Lu Yi as Ge Nie
Michelle Chen as Duan Mu Rong
Jiang Jin Fu as Jing Tian Ming

Synopsis:
Jing Ke died a hero after an assassination attempt at the Emperor of Qin Dynasty. Ge Nie, his closest friend and comrade must do everything in his power to save Jing Ke's only son Jing Tian Ming. Unbeknownst to everyone, Jing Tian Ming was taken as an infant and bestowed otherworldly powers due to a conspiracy.

Comments:
Produced by Tangren Media, the creators of Ballad of the Desert, Chinese Paladin and other dramas in the same genre, is it any wonder that the Legend of Qin is so beautiful? It's the right mix of history and fantasy, which is right up my alley. 

Action sequences are a big part of wuxia and I really liked how the CGI wasn't as in your face. Don't get me wrong, there was an insane amount of CGI effects but I appreciated the realism in the fighting scenes particularly in the first episode where Ge Nie battled 300 soldiers. It brought up memories of Beggar King Qiao Feng when he defeated an army in Demi-gods and Semi-devils (Tian Long Ba Bu) and that's a very good thing.

I'm editing what I just wrote because mentioning realism and wuxia sounds like an oxymoron. Yet simply put, what I hope to see is more focus on martial arts rather than the other way around, which I think is something that many fantasy wuxias are lacking nowadays. For Qin's Moon stills and OST, click here.

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Mi Yue Zhuan (a ratings powerhouse in terms of viewership in China)

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?

Title: Mi Yue Zhuan / 羋月傳
Episodes and Genre: 81, Historical
Broadcast Period: Nov 2015 Beijing TV, Dragon TV
Starring:
Sun Li as Mi Yue

Synopsis:
Mi Yue was destined by the heavens to rise to power. Born as a princess but from a mother of lowly birth, Mi Yue had to fight for her right to live even as an infant. Her endless struggles led her to become the person with the ability and willpower to command an empire.

Comments:
Similar to Fan Bing Bing's 2015 hit series the Empress of China, Mi Yue Zhuan is another grand production trying to depict a woman's journey against all odds. In addition, the cast and crew of Zhen Huan Zhuan has also come together to re-create the magic of 2011, a masterpiece that is still touted as one of China's best historical dramas.

To be honest, I have only seen 2 episodes of Mi Yue Zhuan plus one needlessly long trailer where you can guess most of the story without trying. Nevertheless, what I saw was quite good but I probably won't be devoting more time to watch the remaining episodes.

This drama has big names, a big budget and off-the-chart TV ratings but I read that despite everything, the show couldn't sustain the hype and ended on a low last week. For those that invested 81 hours, they were probably just glad it's over.

For drama recommendations before 2016, see links below.
1993-2014 C-Dramas
2015 C-Dramas
2015 Korean historical dramas