The King's Avatar (2019)

I don't get it...

I really don't get it. I started this drama because people recommended it after I watched Falling Into Your Smile. Plus, all the raving reviews made my decision pretty easy to watch it. But honestly, I'm not sure what is so special about this drama that everyone loved it. I feel like there are way too many episodes for what it is. The drama could've been shortened and just had a faster pace. I also really don't like the Guo Guo, she is incompetent and ditzy time and time again. I really don't get why they even included her here, I much prefer Tang Rou and Mu Cheng. I love Yang Yang but I don't think he can carry this entire drama. At this point, I'm just trying to speed through this drama and be done with it.

Update: Just coming back here after finishing this drama, all in all, I'm not impressed. It's a nice inspirational story of persistence, tenacity, and friendship. I enjoyed the graphics of the game and I loved Yang Yang's character. But still, I don't think he was able to carry the entire drama like how I mentioned before. I'm glad I'm finally done so I can finally start a different one.

Leia Mais

This is not a solo competition but a Team Competition.

I have seen a lot of dramas, but I have never seen a live action drama like this before.
And I have to say, I am in for it.

Story:
Former professional eSports player Yu Xiu resigned and is fighting his way back to the top.
On his path to glory, he has to deal with several issues and hardships, but together with his newly assigned team, he is overcoming those.

"Our coming together is not to change one another.
But to become better for one another.
The combination of you and me, creates us." - Chen Guo

Friendship and teamwork is what made this series so great.
Joy, frustration, anger as well as loneliness.
Every emotion was portrayed by the characters neatly.
I truly can't express how much each character grew on me.

Totally different characters find each other, bonding over their passion "Glory".
Building a deep relationship towards each other, arguing, fighting and overcoming their hardships. Together.
To be the best Team in this league.

Cast:
The cast did an outstanding job.
With this big of a cast, it would be hard to say something to each one of them, but they truly portrayed their specific character in the best way possible.
Every character was unique and very likeable. So has at least one they adore.
But I want to mention several cast members especially.

Yang Yang (Ye Qiu/ Ye Xiu), was totally immense in the role.
With his various facial expressions, he portrayed his mature and honest character in such a charming way, winning my heart in no time.
While his character had no real character development, he plays a crucial role in the character development of the side characters, while not neglecting any bit of the main story plot.

Lai Yu Meng (Su Mu Cheng), a wholesome friend. Dedicated professional player, who does not forget, in which team she belongs, but supportive of their friends.

Yang Ting Dong (Mo Fan), has probably one of the most interesting side arc. He didn't say much, but the way the team acted towards him was just so heartbreaking.

Huang Shao Tian (Jiang Long). Oh gosh. I have no words for him. With his big grin, his choice of words and the way he acted he is such a mood maker. I wish we could have seen more from him.

OST:
The opening song is chosen perfectly.
It describes even when facing bumpy roads, getting beaten and lose strength not to lose hope and confidence and fight that battle with all your mighty together.
All the other songs were nicely chosen/ composed. They fit neatly into the story and supported the mood of it.

There are many choices, but my choice today is[...]

40 Episodes might sound intimidating to one or another.
For me, it was one of the points, why I always pushed back the drama.
But let me tell you, those 40 Episodes went by so fast.

Once I started it, I couldn't stop anymore.
Each Episode is calming, almost distressing, but at the same time it was hyping me up and getting me excited.
I was on the edge of my seat, screaming, celebrating and rooting for the characters more than I admit.

Overall a fast-paced drama, action filled episodes and a cast, you wish to be part of.

There are many choices, but my choice today is: Team Happy.
What is yours?

Leia Mais

No romance, but I still love it!

Normally, what makes me want to watch a Chinese Drama is it has to have romance, but as the title says, this is actually the first Chinese Drama, where I'm actually okay that there's no romance, maybe because I am not a fan of the FL (Chen Guo), I mean, as a character, she did annoy me a couple of times (especially towards the beginning), even when her character did developed at the end. Another thing is, I don't see the chemistry between Ye Xiu and Chen Guo, like she is a fan of him and then later becomes the boss that manages Xing Xin . To be honest, I feel more chemistry between Ye Xiu and Su Mu Cheng, because they've known each other since young, and they share a very close relationship, and I love their moments together, it is obviously they both care for each other, but too bad, because she's not the FL (actually wish she was tbh), I know they won't be together :( I am really glad that she joins Xing Xin at the end though!

In terms of characterization, my favourite is definitely Ye Xiu, the actor Yang Yang did a really great job playing out the best in Ye Xiu, I mean, I haven't watch the Donghua or read the novel on my end, but I really love his characterization on my end, he's known as the "King", and I love he keeps a low profile, and doesn't glorify/show off his status as the "King".

I will be honest that at the beginning when I first started, it did take me a while to warm up to the story, but as I watched on, I really came to enjoy it, and I love each individual members that Ye Xiu recruits into his team, and where they have bonded, and I just love their team spirit!!

I also love the other teams players, and especially the captains in those teams who are strong rivals, and also friends with Ye Xiu, who will come out and defend him and speak up for him. And can I say that Yu Wen Zhou character, really reminds me of Tezuka (Prince of Tennis) LOL. Not a bad thing, since I love Tezuka LOL

The most hardest moment for me to watch was when Ye Xiu was defeated in one of the tournament match, and his weapon broke, since I know that is a big blow for him, not that he lost(yes, that hurts too), but that weapon meant a lot to him T__T and then when the team was disbanded, it really hurts me, but then they all have to go through that process, and I am glad in the end, they came back stronger than ever.

At first, I didn't like Wu Chen, but him joining the team, really warmed up to me, and I love seeing him in action! Especially the final match, totally had me ecstactic, and the final match really had me watching their match (without knowing the result) at the end of the seat, and when Xing Xin lose by 1 point, I was sad, but then, when they won (because Ye Xiu broke the record at the end), I was like everyone there who cheered for Xing Xin, was so happy and ecstactic!!!! I love how I am also emotionally invested in these games, and it had me at the end of my seat anticipating how the result will turn out!! I love that Xing Xin won!!! Since I was cheering for them!!

If I have to say something though, I just have to say that those fans, who actually criticize the players for leaving a team, really showed me how fickle they are!! It made me question, are they fans of the player themselves, or fan of the company (JiaShi) -_- So I love those loyal fans who can understand the player feelings and supported their decision at the end!

I say, before I watched the final episode that if Xing Xin win against Jiashi, I will give it 10/10, if it lose, then I will deduct 1 point from it, so in the end.... Congratulations to Xing Xin, and Congratulations to The King's Avatar (S1), you deserve 10/10!!!! I saw that Season 2 is listed? OMG, I will be excited if it comes out with the same casts, and follows from Season 1 ending, because I just can't get enough of Season 1, I didn't want it to end there, I wanted to watch more!!! SO if there's a Season 2, with the same cast, I am definitely watching this!!!

Rewatch Value: Yeah, definitely on my rewatch list!! Hope the team for Xing Xin stays, since I've come to love each member in that team!! <3

P.S: But got to say, that.... Whenever Chen Ye Hui comes onto the screen, I really wanted to punch him, because I don't like his character, he pisses me off, and I thought him in ALP was already worst LOL

Leia Mais

WHOLESOME

who knew an esports drama could be this wholesome?

at first glance, i wasn't completely enticed with this genre and i thought it would be a bore. however, i was surprised when i found myself crossing my fingers whenever a conflict happened or when we're brought in to the gaming scenes. i was hooked.

the characters are not badly written as we were given a background of each of their personality, strengths and weaknesses. i could see how flawed the characters are and that's what i loved the most. a bunch of imperfect goofs in a group working their way around and not competing against each other but together. i was not sure at first how the friendship dynamics would work but the story for each character was well timed enough to convince me that there was this strong bond going on.

personally, i felt like the spiderman meme thing that happened felt redundant. it was super random but hilarious nonetheless. the reason it's redundant is because ye qiu's whole story was later revealed and we didn't really get to see his twin or any mention of him whatsoever. perhaps, there's season 2 for that?

the wholesome part of this is that characters you may seem to dislike at first will grow on you. the character development was nicely done. one more thing i absolutely loved in this drama is the ost! i haven't seen the translation yet i can feel that when one song is playing, it's a song radiating a sense of hope and obstacles being cleared out. with another song, it's when the characters are at their low or reminiscing their past. such osts make a significant difference for me in scenes like these.

to conclude, this is a character driven drama with amazing friendships presented. if i were to sum up this drama in a quote, "teamwork makes a dream work".

Leia Mais

Stellar CDrama without any need for Romantic storyline

Story:
- Almost missed out cuz I'm not an esports fan
-This was such a fun watch cuz it was more about character development!
-It's about Redemption, Forgiveness, knowing self, wanting to know and help others especially their weaknesses and strengths, supporting each other as a team not as individual achievements and overall loving on others
-Good humor and fun times
-Great understanding of how to build a team and coach
-Like how Main Character is able to keep his cool and forgives constantly cuz he knows his purpose

Acting:
- Yang Yang was the perfect actor for this! He did a fantastic job as the humbled, matured master and founder of Glory e sports competition.
-All the supporting actors and actresses did a super job as the antagonists, the competitors, the support team, the failures turned growing apprentices to professionals.
-Several funny scenes which made it more fun!


Overall:
I really enjoyed this drama that didn't include a love/romance angle. It really worked so well to just focus on the characters and their development and maturity in playing this game. Be ready for lots of flipping from live action to the "Game"/CGI adventure.

Watch it! You won't regret it!

Leia Mais

Parallel to novel. No degradation in quality.

"CHASE". I have been watching the progress of the king's Avatar since the first day. It grabbed my attraction all out of the most. The assigned actors are amazing and worthy of being cast in this drama. The music sounds phenomenol with ongoing sequences of episodes. Have patience to watch this drama and get indulged in realistic world of chase. This drama most essentially gives the message to have high spirit and get back once you stopped with winning possibilities.
Yang Yang is the top rated actor for me. He has absorbed himself in the character apart from looks. His culinary acting skills are making this drama interesting alongwith other actors' effort. Well directed with background scenes.
I would recommend every body to watch it until the end and then rate how you like it as because rating at initial stage may spoil the worthy work of the finest actors.

Leia Mais

ABSOLUTELY WORTH TO WATCH

I never write a review . This is my first review, because this drama is too COOL and the BEST drama that i've been watched. When you watch this drama,you will feel like you want to be friend with them,even you just an assistant but it's okay as long as you are the one of them. I really respect the actors and all teams in this drama, i got all the feel and also i get a lesson. It motivates me in all aspect. It teaches me that NEVER SAY NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP, THE ONE WHO NEVER GIVE UP IS THE WINNER, MAKE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE. So, i want to thank this drama to make me feel more encouraged.
I LIKE
the friendship because it is really beautiful. I NEVER cried so much for something happy but this drama make me soooo touching. My tears from ep 1 and ep 40 same even it is the different situation. For ep 1 i cried beacuse he has to start again but for ep 40 i cried because all of their effort is repaid...,i don't know how to say,but it is seriously a beautiful drama with a beautiful friendship that will company you till the end of the drama which make your life become colourful, I was dreaming about this drama for one week because it is too increadible and i can't wait to know the continue of the previous eps.
THAT'S WHY IT IS WORTH TO WATCH.
THIS IS MY TOP LIST AND IT IS RANKING NUMBER ONE.....
JUST IT,WATCH AND ENJOY, YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO POSITIVE YOURSELF AFTER WATCH THIS DRAMA.

Leia Mais

A well-crafted masterpiece that delivers a powerful message, keep fighting never give up! 10/10

What a triumph this was, I don’t think I have ever seen such perfection before in all forms: production, story, cast, music, CGI bam bam bam all integrated into a consistent coherent and powerful story. I stumbled upon this one by accident and thought I’d give it a go. I was not expecting it to be this good, it exceeded my expectations a hundred times over and I can see why so many people have fallen in love with this. I actually can’t fault it and am so impressed by how well-crafted the drama is and how much thought was given into every scene, every battle, every game and strategy, the timing, balance between light and heavy, character contrast and dynamics. Watching online gaming may not be your thing (it’s not mine), but The King’s Avatar immerses you into the world of Glory and makes you never want to leave it again.

Story
I wasn’t all too familiar with the background of this (this live-action being based on a novel and anime), but no matter, I found myself drawn in immediately from the first gaming scene. We follow Ye Xiu’s rise and fall in the professional e-sports arena, and his journey to forming his own Xing Xin team, meeting a lovable and unique bunch of fellow Glory enthusiasts. The story arc was beautifully done and was very consistent (you may feel it drag in some places, but please just stick it out and keep watching, it’s worth it). From beginning to end, the story, the plot and the message was there and strongly delivered.
There is no romance in this, but it doesn’t need it at all. It purely focuses on commaraderie, friendship, never giving up despite when all odds are against you, believing in yourself and your ability, it’s okay to make mistakes we’re only human, the value of teamwork and every good thing we can all learn a thing or two from.
The production, the online gaming component was all spot on. And also the script was so smooth, all the conversations had double meanings within in them and were deep and complex.

Acting/Cast
You know what, I was pleasantly surprised by Yang Yang’s performance. From Love020, I thought he was just a pretty face and acting subpar. But boy was I impressed. He was the perfect cast for Ye Xiu and I commend his acting ability. He embodied Ye Xiu’s character so well, I didn’t feel like he was acting, it felt so real and fit him so well. He was able to bring out Ye Xiu’s cheeky side yet tad arrogant self, serious gaming face, and the feelings of hopelessness, loss and triumph simultaneously.
As for Maggie Jiang’s character Chen Guo, I can totally understand the comments on her looking older and also being annoying at times. In the first few episodes we see her, she does come off as clingy, hot tempered for no reason and annoying and also later on, making foolish and stupid mistakes. She wasn’t my favourite character, but I appreciate her persistence and positivity and her belief in the team.
The whole team’s acting was spot on and I couldn’t fault anyone’s performance. Everyone did their character justice and I loved seeing the team dynamics and interactions. For those burning for romance, you can maybe see a very subtle romantic undercurrent between Ye Xiu and Su MuCheng. And I loved seeing them to be able to help each other and comfort each other during tough or sad times, they were always there for each other.

Music 100% on point again and fit in so nicely with the whole production. Listening to the OST on repeat.

Rewatch value 10 again. After just finishing it, I’m already going back to the beginning and rewatching it again. I am pining for Season 2, please come out soon!

I just want to stress again, of all the Chinese dramas I’ve seen, this is by far the best thing I’ve watched. Pure glory in every form. Every scene had a message or meaning behind it, everything fit in so well and I was on the edge of my seat gunning for team Xing Xin. I felt everything Ye Xiu felt and was with him every step of the way. Do yourself a favour and watch this drama now. Keen to hear your thoughts as always! xx



Ponderings and Musings *SPOILERS*
- Why didn’t Ye Xiu ask Qiu Fei to join his team if he was his apprentice from before?
- Please explain why they put up Lu Ji and Chen Guo up to play despite them having zero skills
- If I’m nitpicking, I would have loved to see more vulnerability and character development in Ye Xiu’s character. He was able to help out so many other people in different and unique ways. I wanted him to rely on his team a bit more and just show a little bit more of his vulnerable side. He is not always invincible and that’s okay.
- The brother thing was a bit weird, I know they were trying to stick with the original content
- The final battles got a bit technical and I had trouble following every single move, had to rewatch it a couple of times. Appreciate the easter egg in episode 1, but would have preferred if they did a bit of reminding in the later episodes so we would be ready for it.
- Character development and growth. Would have of course loved to see more of this from each team member. But understand the nature of 40 episodes (felt so short, it went by so fast) and the fact they had so many people to introduce. I commend them for being able to break into a new character in around 3 episodes.

Leia Mais

Fun Drama

I don't follow eSports but I play a bit of mmo so this was why I picked it up.

I'm glad I gave this a shot because it's so good. The plot is interesting and the show doesn't feel episodic, which would have been so easy for them to do. The game "Glory" looks quite tough and requires tactics and skill.

I'm never bored watching them playing the games - The CGI is amazing and it feels like I'm in the game. It's well animated and the music keeps the energy up.

The characters all have a background story and I really like that they develop them quite well. Rivals are friends and there are so many touching scenes. It's about a ragtag team that is trying to win.


There's no romance which I find so refreshing. It's all about personal growth. The Ye Qiu's childhood friendship is the most touching one.

Acting: really well done. I'm shocked that I don't mind Yang Yang (I found him lacking in Love O2O and this was the reason why I was hesitant to start this drama). I think he has improved with this acting since Love O2O. Also, this drama is dubbed -which may have contributed to the decent acting. I did not figure that this was dubbed until Shao Tian's voice did not match his lips (he speaks really fast). I really should have but it's been a while since I've watched Love O2O . I don't know if this helped with the acting, but they were really good voice actors.

I have not read the webnovel or watched any of the anime.

The reason why this drama is just shy of being perfect, they have made some questionable choices. I think these poor choices were made to make Ye Qiu more godly (because he saves the day). However, it's at the expense of the other characters, which ends up looking quite... dumb. I felt some of the behind the scenes conflicts could have been avoided by just calming down and thinking for a bit.

Leia Mais

Un coup de coeur immédiat

Je ne connaissais pas du tout. Et un jour, en regardant sur WeTV le prochain drama à voir, je tombe sur le trailer de "King's avatar" et mon ado de 13 ans, se trouvant dans le coin s'est exclamé "Whoa, King's avatar, j'adore cet animé!!!" Nous nous sommes retrouvés à regarder ce drama, avec mon mari, pour faire plaisir à mon fils. Et nous l'avons remercié car grâce à lui nous avons pu découvrir une petite perle. Nous sommes une famille de gamer, du plus jeune au plus vieux. Et les MMORPG font partis de ce qu'on préfère. Nous nous sommes donc retrouvé immergés avec plaisir dans ce monde. L'histoire est passionnante et même si Yang Yang incarne Ye Xiu (à la perfection d'ailleurs) héros typique quasi parfait à la haute moralité, ce qui peut rebuter certains qui aimeraient peut-être un personnage plus atypique, nous avons adoré voir Yang Yang " mettre la pâté" à ses adversaires, cela était j'avoue honteusement jouissif. Les scènes de jeu sont excellentes, fluides et dynamique. Les relations entre personnages sont intéressantes et sympathiques. C'est loin d'être aussi intenses que dans "Cross Fire" mais cela reste une belle amitié. J'avoue avoir une nette préférence pour les adversaires/amis de Ye Xiu comme Shao Tian ou les capitaines des autres équipes qui soutiennent Ye Xiu jusqu'au bout. J'avoue par contre ne pas avoir eu de coup de coeur pour les personnages féminins. Elles ne sont pas mauvais loin de là mais je ne les ai pas trouvés exceptionnelle. Je regrette le manque de romance ou de relation familiale, comme dans "Cross Fire" qui aurait apporté une petite touche de vie privé aux joueurs, ce qui nous aurait permis de les comprendre mieux et de nous y attacher.
C'est donc un coup de coeur et un très bon drama qui fait passer un excellent moment .

Leia Mais

I didn't expect this. I loved watching it. It was great to watch.
The storyline was my favourite. Nothing will ever top it. A story about starting over and strong friendships. Amazing. Character development was fast but I loved it tbh. I liked how quick it was. Also I loved how there was focus of the characters individually even though some of it was short.
Acting was great and it really looks like they have great chemistry with each other. They all did great playing their characters.
The music was amazingggggggg. I loved everything about it.
Overall, this drama really surprised me. I didn't have high expectations and just wanted to watch something different. I really didn't know how much I would end up loving it so much. The story was simple and entertaining. The acting was on-point. The music was fabulous. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a simple, entertaining, and binge-worthy show because this is the one.

Leia Mais

After enjoying the first season of the anime and the english translated version of the comics, I was truly surprised to come across this drama. It was completely unexpected how I would become so compelled and moved by a story I was already fairly familiar with.

The actors are a solid crew and I found myself constantly wanting more after every episode. The drama has the right tinge of seriousness, humor, and tears. The soundtrack is something I've been playing on constant loop since first hearing it. It's melancholic, passionate and meaningful. And went perfectly with the tone the drama wished to convey.

While I do believe Tang Rou and Ye Xiu's background could have been fleshed out more, I think what really moved me with this show was how much I could relate to it. It was incredibly moving to see the dedication, passion, loyalty and love the characters had towards their craft. And even while time passes them by, it foresees beauty in the finite time hey have 'glory'. I found the drama properly conveys the beauty that comes with the rising dependence of people playing online games. While some may think it's addiction, it's a passion and a love. I believe this story makes it significantly easier to relate to the personal sacrifices professional e-sports players make to specialize in their 'craft' - all for the sake of this finite 'glory' - a single moment in their life holding a championship trophy.

What I liked best about this drama were it's core messages:
(1) We can always start anew;
(2) Never give up;
(3) Try and try again to learn and grow;
(4) We have the choice of fighting for our 'glory' and who we want to be. The choice is not someone else's, it is our own.

I for one, truly loved this drama. I would gladly watch it again. Xin Xin!

Leia Mais