/r/CDrama
Hi there! Here we have discussions and talk about all aspects of Chinese dramas. At our sister sub r/CdramaRecs, you can ask for cdrama recommendations.
Spoiler code
Please mark spoilers like this (click to reveal spoilers):
>!text here!<
Read our Rules
Join the Discord
https://discord.gg/CDrama
https://discord.gg/qsqbJsu
User Flair & Updates
Happily Ever After Dramas
Dramas with ENG Subs
Follow us on Twitter
Watch Streaming Sites
Relevant Subreddits:
/r/CDrama
79,894 Subscribers
Filming in the cold weather 🥶
I’ve noticed in the few dramas I’ve watched (Fangs of Fortune, My Journey To You, etc) that many of the scenes appear to be filmed in cold weather. Is this common to film in winter and release in spring-fall?
I’m surprised the shows aren’t filmed in milder weather conditions.
22:52 UTC
New Life Begins question
A while into the marriage throuple, Yuan Ying tells Yin Zheng that she trusts Li Wei but not him. She goes as far as cutting him off when he tried to make a point or give his opinion several times but always listens to what Li Wei is saying or asking.
Why does Yuan Ying say she has a reason she cannot trust him? Towards her, he has not really done anything though she has complained about how he handled one or two things in the court, but conceded that he did his best.
The only thing I can think of is that she is actually angry with him on Li Wei’s behalf and that she knows Li Wei had expected him to not take another wife.
To further back this guess up, she later mentions that she would plan to take Li Wei with her but she knows his character and implies he would not do well at court anymore without Li Wei. (I 100% think Li Wei would have gone with her, too, as it was a big betrayal.)
I have now rewatched this several times and this is what I came up with. What do you think?
22:15 UTC
Tribal C Dramas
I really like the aesthetic of the tribes in The Long Ballad in contrast with the more courtly one and i am wondering if there are any that lean into this as a consistent background for stories. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
18:45 UTC
How censorship holds back Chinese entertainment
Chinese censorship really ruins the entertainment industry. 😑 Directors and writers can’t show their full talent because they’re forced to follow strict rules. Dramas and movies often take years to pass the review process, and by then, important scenes—sometimes key to the story—are cut or changed just to meet censorship requirements.
This is so frustrating! Maybe there were some people wondering how Chinese dramas couldn't become as successful as (example) South Korean ones? It is because creators don’t have the full freedom to tell their stories. In South Korea (and other countries), writers and directors can explore all kinds of themes, which is why their shows and movies are so popular worldwide. But with such heavy censorship in China, that’s just impossible.
I understand that China’s entertainment industry can earn enough within their own country, but it’s such a pity. They have so many amazing novels and stories with incredible potential, but because of censorship, they can't be expressed properly. Instead of becoming the global hits they could be, they end up being restricted and watered down.
For example, a historical drama might have its political themes toned down, or removed entirely, leading to a less impactful story. Or a romance might lose its depth if certain relationships are deemed too sensitive. It’s disheartening to think about how much creative expression is lost in the process.
They don’t even make historical dramas anymore, such as Yanxi Palace, and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. This genre was once a stronghold of Chinese entertainment, have nearly disappeared because they sometimes touch on themes or stories that are considered sensitive. The same happened with Hong Kong films, which were globally acclaimed in the past but have now faded, losing their edge under similar pressures.
Censorship sucks—it’s holding back an industry that could otherwise shine on the global stage. It also makes everything worse. It holds back creativity, ruins great stories. Also, it leaves audiences with watered-down stories and a sense of what could’ve been.
17:50 UTC
Famous cdrama you dropped and what was the reason?
Sorry, I just can't see the chemistry y'all talking about. 😫
16:45 UTC
The Story of Pearl Girl - Episode 36
Ooof Reddit has been on and off down for me today, let's see when I finally get this up. Disclaimer: The following is a commentary and recap of episode 36 of The Story of Pearl Girl, read at your own risk :) Here are some links to previous commentaries if you haven't quite made it to 36 yet.
Masterpost
Episodes 1-4
Episodes 5-6
Episodes 7-8
Episodes 9-10
Episodes 11-12
Episodes 13-14
Episode 15
Episodes 16-17
Episode 18
Episodes 19-20
Episode 21
Episodes 22-23
Episode 24
Episodes 25-26
Episode 27
Episodes 28-29
Episode 30
Episodes 31-32
Episode 33
Episodes 34-35
Ah the guest is Yuchi - I am going to stick by my theory that he's the guy in the black cape/mask thing working with Mr. Zheng and the Black Dragon Bandits and probably why Duanwu was kidnapped in the first place. I've said he was sketchy since I first saw him, we'll see how this turns out.
Duanwu really is a business woman...constantly trying to figure out how to make money lol
Wouldn't you be afraid to play with glass pieces? They are pretty though, I absolutely love their marketing tactics lol
Here I am, actually feeling sorry for Lady 19. Again, I appreciate this show actually showing how people act after trauma...
I do love that Duanwu is trying to snap her out of it, she's doing it this way because she thinks this is how Lady 19 will respond best, if it were someone else, she'd take a different tone so I like that she knows her well enough for that.
Mr. Zheng is your typical, it's never my fault, it's always someone else's fault.
Y'all, we don't deserve Kang Ju, look at him lol
The whole painting scene was just adorable
YZJ pretending not to be part of it
YZJ...jealous and moving ZJR out of the way
https://i.redd.it/ccu8rkws1a2e1.gif
Kang Ju acting all dashing and jealous lol
The absolute dorkiness of ZJR...honestly guys, I think this is how he actually is lol I was watching a BTS interview with Xie Ke Yin (Lady 19) and she said she was introverted and LYN was pretty introverted but the most extroverted person was TXT lol which honestly...checks. I mean look at him, he just gives off golden retriever energy and I love it lol
By the way, I am so thankful for photography, I'd hate to have to sit for hours for a painting
I feel like YZJ goes back and forth...like he says maybe because he doesn't know if he'll be around, but then he says things like this
And you forget about the poison for a second...but then right after this he of course gets symptoms so that's just upsetting for us viewers...especially since he's trying to make a memory for himself here.
Y'all she knows something is up
Again, I love that she's trying to provoke Lady 19...
Duanwu didn't get everything she wanted without hardwork...
However the scene that follows with just Lady 19 is heart breaking.
I kept screaming at the screen at Duanwu...no don't go
They tied up Master super quick...
Again...Mr. Zheng is one of those guys who blames everyone else but him. Duanwu telling him straight to his face it wasn't her fault, it was all his fault. Is sooo true. So annoying that he's in denial.
I am worried about our girl though, how freakin' traumatizing
I really do think it's Yuchi, especially when he says he's the only one who will know if it's real.
I'm glad Lady 19 has decided to live well for her and Zheng Five...also her cutting her hair 😭she's basically saying she's married to him now.
Teasers: The boys are going all out to find their girl, so mad that only episode 37 is showing tomorrow...I hope they release 38-40 in an express package. I need it.
16:26 UTC
👗Thirsty Thursdays: Share Your Favorite CDrama or Celebrity Moments, Photos and Looks! — November 21, 2024
Welcome to our weekly Thirsty Thursdays thread! 🎉
Spotted a gorgeous photo of your favorite CDrama celebrity? Whether it’s the elegant hanfu, modern streetwear, historical costumes or cough, little at all, we want to see it all!
How to participate:
- Comment below: Share a photo or describe the iconic looks of your beloved Cdrama celebrities. Don’t forget to mention the show or movie they appeared in!
- Discuss: What trends, fashion tips, or style inspirations did you get?
- Keep it fun, civil and PG-13: No bashing actors etc. This thread is all about sharing beautiful photos and red carpet looks. No sharing of inappropriate pictures please!
Let’s turn this thread into a virtual red carpet. Ready, set, fashion! 💃🕺
14:01 UTC
🙅♀️ Dropped Dramas Alert! Share the dramas you've abandoned and why! 🤔💔 — November 21, 2024
Let's get real about our drama experiences – we've all been there, right? Sometimes a drama that starts off promising takes a nosedive, and you find yourself reaching for the remote to hit pause for good. We've all got our reasons, and I'm curious to hear yours!
Spill the tea on the dramas you've dropped! 🍵 Whether it's a plot twist that didn't sit right, characters that lost their charm, or maybe it just didn't live up to the hype – tell us why it didn't make the cut for you.
Let's turn this into a therapeutic, drama-filled discussion. Remember, no judgment here – just a safe space for sharing our drama grievances! 💔📺💬
Note: If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags. Consider also sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") as this thread fills up quickly.
13:00 UTC
Snowy Night: Timeless Love - how would you rate it?
Tell us what you think of the drama! Did you love it? Or was it a struggle to watch it till the end? If you've dropped it, why did you drop it? Discuss below!
PS: The results of his poll will be included in the Snowy Night: Timeless Love masterpost.
10:01 UTC
More BTS from Novel Scenes Photoshoot (Love Game in Eastern Fantasy)
https://www.douyin.com/video/7439412390527044915
https://www.douyin.com/video/7439289721567694120
In the second clip, they're saying:
Mu Sheng: Miss Lin, you have to marry me today whether you want to or not
Lin Yu: Then choke me
Mu Sheng: Marry or not?
Lin Yu / Esther: I want to clock off (from work)
Feel like I'm watching Mu Sheng and MiaoMiao from the novel in the first clip =).
Do actors usually take the time to take photos from the novel and release them after the drama adaptation is done airing? This is my first time paying attention to official Weibo/Douyin account. They've been releasing a short clip from the photoshoot every day.
u/Afraid-Violinist-946 answered my question in the comments.
08:44 UTC
Deep Lurk 深潜 (2024): Episodes 19 - 22 Discussion
Yun Hongshen putting his brain cells to work.
Welcome to the episodes discussion post for the currently airing drama "Deep Lurk"!
A Republican era espionage story set before the Battle of Changsha. This is a story about unsung heroes during a time of warfare and follows our main character Yun Hong Shen (played by Cheng Yi) as he learns to fight for a greater cause in his journey to find his father's killer (Synopsis adapted from MDL).
Premiered: November 13, 2024, iQIYI and CCTV8
# of Episodes: 38 (First 4 Episodes available for free on YouTube)
Discussion Questions
1. What are your burning questions and wild theories?
2. What was your favorite scene?
3. What did you find most surprising?
4. Do you think Kunwu is the person with the cleanest relationship with Yun Hong Shen? Is Kunwu grandma? Chief Ke? Yun Hongqi? Uncle Yang? Anyy other candidates?
Links to other Episode Posts: Masterpost | Ep 1 - 4 | Ep 5 - 10 | Ep 11 - 12 | Ep 13 - 14 | Ep 15 - 18
Background Summary & Major Character List
!! SPOILER ALERT !!
This is an espionage story. Spoilers for anything beyond the episodes indicated for this post can significantly affect other users' enjoyment of the story. PLEASE use spoiler tags!
My Thoughts as show progresses:
"Did someone say innocent relationship being an effective camouflage????? Is anyone innocent at all??????"
Ps. My other thoughts in comments section :)
06:23 UTC
Can we all agree that Till the end of the moon has amazing CGI and beautiful OSTS 🔊😍
Credits to owner on xhs for the snippets of amazing CGI
I know that this drama received a lot of mixed reviews - either you love it or you hate it (it seems) but it is still one of the most talked about xianxias
Mysterious bird is still my favourite OST (I’m still sad that Spotify doesn’t have it). TTEOTM has one of the best OST lists in my opinion too.
I audibly gasped when I saw a few of the amazing effects especially everything that was gold like the devil god, goddess and the屠神弩😍
05:16 UTC
Back to 1995 (嗨! 1995), a comedy mini drama from iQiyi. Airing today, November 21, 2024 at 12:00 pm. New Trailer.
Starring Zhang Weiyi and Wu Jiayi.
35 episodes. iQiyi.
The production team dropped a new trailer and an airing schedule (see comments).
A middle-aged man who suffered a shock and lost confidence in life accidentally returned to his youth in 1995 and met his 22-year-old self. Will the two make up for their past regrets?
(Source: Chinese = Douban || Translation = unbeliebubble at MyDramaList)
Douban and Baidu have similar short synopses.
04:53 UTC
Almost Delicious 差一分的美味. Airing today, November 21, 2024 on Tencent. New trailer.
Starring Li Mingjun, Zhao Qing, Pang Yong, and Anson Chen.
24 episodes.
Synopsis from Sohu (loosely translated):
The drama tells the story of the young boss Shu Zhengyan (played by Li Mingjun) who had "auditory hallucinations" after an accident. There was always an uncle in his body who gave him orders and issued Shu Zhengyan one task after another that did not fit his image of a cold and noble man, until he met the key person in his mission, the cook Fang Meng (played by Zhao Qing).... In order to complete the mission, he had to choose to bind himself with Fang Meng, and a series of hilarious and interesting stories happened.
MDL Link - the drama has been renamed from A Near Lie 差一分的谎言 to Almost Delicious 差一分的美味.
04:29 UTC
Don't Forget Me 念念勿忘, a mini drama. Airing now on iQiyi. Trailer.
Starring Li Jiulin and Tan Yanyan.
Started airing yesterday, November 20, 2024. 12 of 24 episodes are available on the iQiyi app. Each episode is about 11-14 minutes.
Synopsis from iQiyi (loosely translated):
The drama tells a story of a love story that spans thousands of years. The heroine is Qin Siyuan, the owner of a small shop called Wuwangzhai, who has lived for thousands of years. She opens the shop to welcome the lanterns during the day and lights the lamps at night to save the souls of the dying. Every time she lights a lamp, she fulfills the obsession of one person in the world. She can fulfill the wishes of the world but cannot fulfill her own wish to die. Because of her deep sins, she will not enter reincarnation and will never die.
When Shen Zheng accidentally broke into Wuwangzhai, the vision of the Wuwang lamp appeared, and Qin Siyuan understood that after thousands of years of waiting, she finally found her lamp extinguishing person [to end her life]. At the same time, Qin Siyuan saw that Shen Zheng would not live beyond the age of 20, so she let him stay in Wuwangzhai to extend his life. I extend your life, and you extinguish the lamp for me. It seems that Shen Zheng has made a profit from this deal.
Unexpectedly, Shen Zheng turned against Qin Siyuan, and Qin Siyuan violently stopped him. The two chased each other and fought tit-for-tat. In the end, Shen Zheng succumbed to becoming her male servant and helped Qin Siyuan find the lamp extinguisher. The lamp extinguisher is hidden in the big city Haidu, and the two fall in love during their dangerous search.
01:43 UTC
Fast pacing. Entertaining plot. Intelligent characters. The spy espionage drama, Deep Lurk, is so good!
I have a confession to make...I didn't have high expectations for this drama, as it was made five years ago with a low budget. In addition to those factors, it's a republican spy drama, a genre that I usually avoid since I prefer fantasy/historical. However, it has blown me out of the water, or shall I say the mysterious deep, aka this drama, has invited me to lurk?
I can admit that I started this for Cheng Yi, but the plot is the one that keeps me watching. And wondering, "Who is Kunwu??". It was a little confusing initially, but it got better and better the more I watched (currently I've finished episode 18). I also thought there were some plot holes, but it was addressed later. So, I'm happy to say that the viewer's intelligence is respected!
If I were to summarize it, I would say Deep Lurk is a surprise. This drama broadcasted when I thought this year was going to be void of Cheng Yi, and the script- How many times have I thought the script was going to go in one direction, then it went against that? Indeed, what a surprise! A welcomed one too.
01:37 UTC
Chu Kong vs Mu Sheng
This decision is so hard- Musheng.
I'm kidding it's actually hard. DYX's styling in Love You Seven Times tops the styling of Musheng for sure and I love both characters but man this tragic tsundere role fits him SO MUCH. So yes, Musheng.
Ps. I have no idea how to tag this is it discussion or drama rave or none? 😭 I went with fluff.
00:51 UTC
r/Cdrama Awards Nomination Form Closes Dec. 2nd
Hello everyone!!
Just popping in here super quick to remind everyone that the r/Cdrama awards for 2024 Nominations form is open and will close on December 2nd.
Here is the link to the reddit post with the explanation and rules : Nominations Form If you have any questions feel free to comment below here, on the nominations form post, or ask one of the team members, myself, u/TVAddict4 , and u/eidisi
Look forward to everyone's submissions!
23:04 UTC
Exploration Method of Love
I was watching Love is Sweet and found myself drawn to the second male lead, though I really disliked his personality in the drama. Curious, I checked out his filmography and came across Exploration Methods of Love — and wow, it was amazing! I gave it a solid 9 because I’m a total sucker for this kind of story. See MDL listing
The female lead is a strong character who passionately fights for women’s dignity. She’s refreshingly bold, unlike many shy heroines, and her chemistry with Gao Han Yu is fantastic. While the plot has its fair share of misunderstandings and leans into predictable tropes, who can resist a tsundere CEO paired with a clever and capable female lead?
If you’re in the mood for a short and sweet romance drama (22 episodes of 45 minutes each) that doesn’t demand much brainpower, definitely give it a try! It’s underrated and deserves more love, in my opinion.
22:47 UTC
Love game in eastern fantasy ENDING.
Okay okay i might sound really picky BUT, i absolutely don't like the ending. The episode finale i loved it, giving us a clearer view of MiaoMiao's life and even the author himself of catching demons life. With how he saw Miaomiao as a shining sun lighting up his dark world, using writing as a way to vent his feelings whether it be sad or happy.
But the ending made me grip my hair, I personally don't mind open endings since I get to choose my own freedom. But I hate open endings in romance dramas where everything got closure but not for the main protags themselves. It just now convinces me the writers just wanted to bully and tease us with the ending.
In the end when he shouts "miaomiao" i just want to know is it Mu sheng? I hope its like The romance of Tiger and rose, where he got the memories of Mu Sheng after waking up. Because my girl did not do all of that just for them and 'Mu Sheng' not to get married and have 3 kids.
22:00 UTC
Xing Chen Ling 星辰令. Trailer and new poster.
Starring Zhang Tianqi and Zhang Chuhan.
No release date. 24 episodes. iQiyi. Filming wrapped up in September 2021.
The production team dropped a new poster last night. Thought I'd add a trailer to this update.
At both ends of the Milky Way are two rulers obsessed with the life and death of all things. One day, the two rulers started a gamble using one's feelings as a medium and one's life as the wager. Using the Beidou Black Pearl to descend to the world of mortals, they experienced three generations of love tribulations.
(Source: Chinese = Douban || Translation = MyDramaList)
21:36 UTC
The Legend of Taotie 饕餮记. Trailer and new posters.
Starring An Yuexi, Wang Youshuo, Niu Zifan and Chu Junchen.
No release date. 40 episodes. Youku.
The production team dropped a few posters last night. Thought I'd add a trailer to this update.
According to Baidu, filming started on October 16, 2018. The drama had some legal issues; you can read more about it in the Baidu link if you're interested. Use your browser translator if needed. Chrome’s translator did a fairly good job with this one.
Set in the Great Liang dynasty, the story revolves around Tian Xiang Restaurant, a famed restaurant in Wu Xia City. Shopkeeper Zhu Chengbi and accountant Chang Qing are known to be [a] bickering couple. They underwent many heart-pounding and earth-shaking incidents and together came up with many delicious dishes. Each dishes encompass and tell a different story, and reflect a different meaning. In the end, the Langyang King decides to pit Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing against each other to save his own life. He forces Chengbi to make a dish that extends one's lifespan, and freed the black kirin due to his own greed; thus destroying Lian Xin Tower and Wu Xia City. Under his manipulation, Chengbi evolved into a Taotie and almost swallowed Chang Qing. Eventually, Chang Qing awakened Chengbi and everything starts all over again.
(Source: DramaWiki)
21:09 UTC
The Story of Pearl Girl - Episodes 34-35
Disclaimer: This is a commentary and recap of episodes 34 and 35, of course there are spoilers ahead. Here are some links if you haven't quite caught up yet.
Masterpost
Episodes 1-4
Episodes 5-6
Episodes 7-8
Episodes 9-10
Episodes 11-12
Episodes 13-14
Episode 15
Episodes 16-17
Episode 18
Episodes 19-20
Episode 21
Episodes 22-23
Episode 24
Episodes 25-26
Episode 27
Episodes 28-29
Episode 30
Episodes 31-32
Episode 33
Not as many fun screenshots today, my lunch break was cut a bit short today.
Episode 34
Of course YZJ knows Mr. Kang, what a good plan. Like I said before, he's act least planning to just take down the Zhengs and Cuis and leave them with basically nothing...but he didn't go and kill them like the Zhengs and Cuis did...
The moment Zheng Five decided he was going to go against his father...
Zheng Five isn't so bad...if it weren't for his awful father, he would have ended up pretty good, just a good mama's boy waiting to be with the girl he loves. Unfortunately for him, he did get the delt the stack of cards and he didn't really play them right.
Oh man I love Duanwu buying up the rest of the beryl stones...I love it. I also love how proud YZJ is of her here lol
I just love this scene so much, just her fake "you scared me! I thought you were angry" lol
https://reddit.com/link/1gvxthm/video/5jwsz2ih732e1/player
Zheng Five and Lady 19 actually caring about one another, she was willing to wait for him and not just go. Zheng Five's guard too
This is such a flirty scene
And then these two, man I do love these guys together lol
I LOVE Duanwu coming in and becoming Zheng's creditor!
Y'all, I'll admit, what a love story. He's trying to protect her, she's willing to stay with him. This sick twisted relationship became real...
Episode 35
Mr. Wang was and is a really annoying character, so I was pretty satisfied ZJR got an Imperial Decree.
Mr. Zheng is THE WORSE, I swear
Y'all I'm not going to lie Zheng Five's death scene...I teared up, he loved her so much. She loves him but didn't really realize it. I felt so bad that she didn't answer him right away and yet he saved her one last time without hearing that she loved him. He probably knew it...but I still feel bad he didn't hear it.
I think we might get an actual redemption arc for Lady 19...well...maybe yet another revenge arc. Especially given how she covered up for Mr. Zheng, she has some sort of plan...surely...
This trip down memory lane for YZJ is heartbreaking, he had such a good happy life before the Zhengs and Cuis.
This was smooth
Duanwu's outlook on revenge...is a good one...I'm actually glad she's not consumed by it. Her white picket fence type scenario is so sad for those of us who realized YZJ is poisoned and really has been hanging on just to avenge his family. Duanwu in this scene dressed in white/light is like his light and hope. I really can't deal if either of them die...
I really felt for Lady 19 when she dreamed/imagine Zheng Five being back and being sweet. She knew it wasn't real when she kept saying don't go don't go.
Knowing her name is actually Cui Zhuohua...y'all it's actually a really pretty name. Those who know Chinese better can probably translate it but from my understanding it's like a bright bloom, or maybe burning flower/firework? Something like that. Again, y'all would be better at the name thing than I am. I interpret my own Chinese name various ways sometimes...anyway what I'm saying is, I feel bad for her.
Then we go back to this despicable guy, who can't even do his own dirty work, him saying no one can do it is rich considering he can't.
Ok, call me crazy but...this looks like Yuchi from the docks..
ZJR is not a good judge/lawyer...
Aw I love that Yingtao and Yunxiu get to manage a shop. It's absolutely adorable Duanwu talks YZJ into "investing" and "staying" with her.
Who's the guest??
Teasers: 36 and 37...I'm on edge, especially 37...Duanwu...both MLs....UGH ok. We only get 36 tomorrow and 37 on Friday. So they're going to leave us in suspense each day. Buckle up folks
19:25 UTC