Famous Calligrapher Wang Xi Zhi

Wang Xi Zhi is a man of incredible talent that he is widely recognized as the Sage of Calligraphy. Famous Calligrapher Wang Xi Zhi 书圣王羲之 is a 40-episode Chinese historical drama revolving around the calligrapher's life from his days as a martial-arts loving youth to the person that is revered till this day.

The cast boasts an international collaboration between Japanese, Chinese and Korean artists led by Wu Li Peng and Kim Tae Hee. Wu Li Peng gained recognition from his role as the Third Prince in Legend of Zhen Huan though he is definitely a newbie compared to A-lister Kim Tae Hee.

Asked why Kim Tae Hee chose this project out of the dozens of offers that have surely gone her way, she explains that it is an honor to depict the esteemed calligrapher's story and that she views the drama's emphasis on the arts as an opportunity to promote Chinese and Korean culture. She also noted complete trust in the director Zhang Xiang Lin who is a calligrapher himself.

It sounds good and all but considering that filming wrapped towards the end of 2014 with very minimal promotion thus far, I'm not sure if Famous Calligrapher will ever see the light.

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

Source: Ent163, Xinhuanet

Wong Fei Hung (2017)

Wong Fei Hung is a Chinese folk hero widely recognized in pop culture because of Tsui Hark's Once Upon A Time franchise starring Jet Li. It has become a film synonymous to the martial arts genre and an icon in HK cinema that even the first few beats of the theme song can ignite serious bouts of nostalgia.

A drama version 国士无双黄飞鸿 is currently filming in Hengdian World Studios and it will star Ryan Zheng and Haden Kuo. I have never heard of either of them before so I'll simply judge the book by its cover to say that at the very least, they seem to have it down in the looks department. 

Ryan Zheng stars in the titular role of Wong Fei Hung who starts out a simple man with simple ideals. Adhering to his father's teachings, he vows to protect the people that he cares about and soon realizes that his passion extends to the people of China. 

Taiwanese-American Haden Kuo stars as Thirteenth Aunt and her Eurasian look resembles that of Rosamund Kwan from the earlier Jet Li films. Thirteenth Aunt is investigating her father's death yet she becomes conflicted when all clues lead back to Wong Fei Hung. But come on, he can't possibly be the culprit.

Wu Li Peng who shot to fame as the Third Prince from Legend of Zhen Huan is also cast as Bucktooth So, making for a very dapper bucktooth.

Wong Fei Hung is a bold attempt to adapt a classic film and sorry for being Debbie Downer but I just hope it doesn't suck. Expected release date is in 2017.

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