Guardian (2018)

Another watchable Chinese fantasy production

finally I enjoyed this series very much as the characters developed and for me this and the fantasy were the best parts。 it was disappointing the relationship between Zhao Yun Lan and Shen Wei was sanitised by censorship but unfortunately not unexpected and you have to learn to use your imagination in these Chinese dramas〜 some actors are better at being suggestible than others：here for me only 7０％。It was also a learning curve working out how the double characters fitted。 I think the less good part was the production values、 very basic with the same unconvincing cardboard sets and props throughout and the total populations of Haixing and Dixiang in crowd scenes seeming at most 40 or 50 people: must be the budget〜also the obvious and very artificial and mostly unconvincing attempts to insert straight romance between certain characters。but looking beyond this the larger story including back story was very well developed coming together nicely in the second half Music was good especially closing song。Not close in quality to 「The Untamed」 but a very good show that had me watching one episode most nights to the end of the series which means for me it must be very good。

Leia Mais

A love story that spans across lifetimes and universes

This show is just… wow. Well deserving of 9/10⭐️ (I cannot in good conscience rate this 10/10 when we were given That Tragic Ending): the characters, the cast, the dynamics between them, the SOUNDTRACK... even with the plot, which could get crazy at times, this show still left me speechless.

Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan’s story may have had to be downplayed due to censorship, but there was never any room for doubt on how much they loved each other. How much more clear can it get, when one is bloody and beaten and still calling for his beloved’s name, begging for him to be safe, for no one to touch him? When one is on the verge of death and you scream for his killer to take you too, to at least be with him in death?

Shen Wei has been devoted to Zhao Yunlan from that very first day they met 10,000 years ago. To be able to convey that kind of longing devotion is a rare talent, and Guardian’s leads, Zhu Yilong and Bai Yu, did an *incredible* job with the limits they had to work with. I honestly cried so much watching this drama, the emotions were just that apparent. Zhao Yunlan also never faltered in his faith, his trust, his own devotion to Shen Wei; it was clear in each action and decision he made.

WeiLan are each other’s person, across time, in all lifetimes. Their ending may have been tragic, but we know it’s not The End of them— they said so themselves. They’ll meet again, and again, and again, and perhaps one day the world will choose to be kind and grant them the peace they deserve with each other.

Leia Mais

The acting was the best part of all this

Honestly speaking the acting was top notch. The actors nailed every scene, their actions gave so much more than the script probably held. I loved that all their mannerisms showed the characters they played. Especially Zhu Yilong. The way he could portray Shen Wei and Ye Zun so differently is something to be studied. His acting was amazing and made me fall in love with both of the characters. The other actors did an awesome job as well, their characters made me react in ways I usually don't. So acting: 10/10

The story was interesting to see unfold and I loved that there were always consequences to every mistake. By the end I was practically glued to the screen, I couldn't stop watching it, wanting to experience all of it even despite it being the middle of the night. I also really loved that everything happening at the end was set up from the beginning, and though at the time the episodes felt like they didn't really connect with the other, by the end, it all made sense. I loved the character arcs as well, the way they transformed from one thing to the other. It was really interesting to watch, so story: 10/10.

The music gets 9.5/10, but only because I feel like they weren't as memorable in the beginning as it was in the end. Of course they were masterpieces, but their impact wasn't as great in the beginning.

I would genuinely recommend this drama for anyone who wants to watch something supernatural and kind of sci-fi. The tension in certain moments was great and there were plenty funny parts as well. So overall, 10/10 would recommend.

Leia Mais

One of the most worth-watching dramas in China.

From Zhu Yilong's dramas, first one I watched was Reunion. So it's definitely my favourite one. But now I have another. Guardian! I actually appreciate the hard work they have done for this. The acting/cast is just excellent. (especially Zhu Yilong and Bai Yu) Personally, I like the character of Da Qing and Zhu Hong also. They are so cute. And when it comes to the climax, I like that. The music is fantastic. Everything is just beautiful. So I highly recommend Guardian for everyone.

But I have a question for friends who read my review. Plz, help me someone. In the last ep, how Shen Wei got pure energy to kill Ye Zun. And what was the plan that Zhao realized as the plan of Shen Wei. I'm not a native. So I couldn't get that.

Leia Mais

Is this series a masterpiece? Absolutely not.
Is the script written so poorly at times that it is just corny? Yes.
Does many of the elements in the story make sense most of the time? No.
Does the special effects look super low-budget at times? Yes.

However, I surprisingly found myself continuing on to the next episode and the next without the thought of dropping it. Because despite having to shrug off the major flaws, it was still an enjoyable watch. I laughed at times, teared up ever so slightly at times, and rooted for the camaraderie within the team.

The bromance was sweet, using the undeniable formula of pairing opposite personalities. This was one of the obvious draws from the series but the rest of our "superhero" team was fun to watch as well, each one with their own supernatural or intelligence skill set. It should be noted however that although I still enjoyed Zhu Yi Long's acting here (more in The Story of Ming Lan), he really should have learned how to swing a prop sword better.

The mini-plots within the underlying one can feel a bit blotchy but the overall one still wraps up well enough. There was also just enough intrigue for me to follow through to the end. So if you're one who can overlook some of these issues and not ask too many questions, it was a fun one to sit through without having to use much brain power.

Leia Mais

I am slightly conflicted over this drama, because if on one side I loved Shen Wei and Yunlan 's story, their chemistry and their personalities / the way they have been portrayed by the actors, on the other hand I think this drama has a huge problem, especially towards the final episodes, and it is the story. I don't understand why they had to drag it like that in the final 10 episodes, I really lost the interest I had initially. having said this, the rest of the 2/3 of the drama is actually amazing, really nice and fun to watch, the whole cast is extraordinary and the chemistry between them is actually the best thing EVER! They are all so precious, especially my Hong jie on whom I have a huge crush right now lol.
If anyone is pondering over watching this drama or not, you should definitely give it a try, because it's actually worth watching it. however if you are looking for a BL drama, this might or might not be what you are looking for lol: I mean, if you are looking for an actual BL where the leads confess to each other and are open about their love, then no; however, even if they are all subtle and implicit, the love the lead characters have for each other is very much real, powerful and it literally ascends ages!!! It's actually one of the purest and deepest forms of love that I have ever watched in any drama. and THIS is why you should definitely give it a try, regardless of how implicit or explicit their love is.
Lastly, I want to do a special mention to the OSTs of this drama because they are LOVE and I am literally obsessed, I listen to them and cry during my train journeys to uni :((

Leia Mais

I watched this drama after reading all the positive reviews. After watching so many episodes, I started reading the web novel instead.

What I liked about this drama: the main leads are so very gorgeous and I love the bromance and brotherhood. The charm and charisma of Zhu Yilong and Bai Yu are what I look forward to every minute. If only the drama didn’t censor scenes from the web novel... ????

What I didn’t like about this drama: it’s sad and disheartening seeing black robe losing his powers and awesomeness as the episodes progresses. If only he’d not reveal his identity and continue to appear as the ever so awesome and much feared godlike black robe envoy or ghost slayer.

Leia Mais

Amazing!! Masterpiece

Amazing! No nonsense. I love this drama more than Untamed because of the plot ehhe. There is always a supernatural case that they solve in every episode which brings the characters closer together and reveal each of their strengths and weaknesses.
Nice effects, visuals, and costume (especially Shen Wei`s outfit. Looks cool).
Actors are well-picked especially Zhu Yilong. Bruh he also acted as Yezun, Black Cloak envoy and Black cloak`s younger version. One can see the difference despite having the same look.
The ending was so sad. I cried a lot. Was not able to move on until the next day.
Worth watching.
Masterpiece

Leia Mais

This broke me but like in a good way

This broke me but like in a good way, I loved every second of pain. The acting was amazing, the leads really embodied the essence of the characters despite the changes to the storyline. It's best to view it as separate to the novel because whilst it does make a lot of changes it's still worth watching for what it brings to it's own story. Bai Yu and Zhu Yi Long did such a great job carrying this drama and brought so much to their roles.
I cried when I got to the end before wondering how soon is too soon to start rewatching it because it's something I'll be rewatching again and again.

Leia Mais

Great Show!

Ran into it randomly, and figured I'd give it a try - very glad I did. This was a great show, and I really enjoyed it.

First, the two main actors do a wonderful job with their characters. I am actually watching more with these two actors, and enjoying their other shows as well! That said, Guardian was enjoyable. It was amusing to watch these two very different personalities work together to solve everything going on. The Supporting cast is very good as well, and made the show a fun watch! Sometimes the special effects aren't the greatest (but hearing what happened with the funding, it makes sense), but I feel the acting and story make up for this.

I'm rewatching it a 2nd time now, that is how much I enjoyed this title. If you have been interested in watching or thinking of watching, I would recommend giving it a go!

Leia Mais

I had first read the book already, so grasping the gist of the storyline wasn't that difficult. I was initially not expecting too much from the actors, however, both the lead roles did an amazing job!

Especially, Shen Wei's character is played beautifully by Zhu Yi Long! He perfectly resonates with the description in the book! *APPLAUSE*!

The special effects are decent and the Title Track music is fantastic! (Though reminds me of the Game of Thrones Title track). Also, considering the storyline in the book and such amazing casting, I feel 40 episodes were too less and kept on wanting more!

Overall, great drama. Must watch atleast once, and then read the book as well if possible.

Leia Mais

Not going to lie, I was intrigued by this show from seeing gifs and photo sets of both Bai Yu and Zhu Yi Long, their beautiful faces immediately caught my attention and I thought, “ why not check it out?” It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

First let’s talk about the music. I honestly have more than half the soundtrack downloaded simply because of how beautiful the music is. The opening soundtrack is very fantasitical and with heavy emphasis on the orchestra and English vocals. I could actually enjoy the opening theme without hardly any urge to skip through it. The same for the ending theme, it is a melancholy ballad type song that I thoroughly enjoy. Even the rest of the soundtrack lives up to par to both the themes and has a mix of suspenseful, beautiful, and amazing music.

Next is the storyline. Now for the storyline, it’s pretty much what the summary says it is. My only irritation with it is near the end of the series, where the story completely diverges from the web novel in order to keep it under the censors because of how gay the original storyline was. As a result, the ending is a bit rushed and left with a bunch of holes in the story. Not to mention that the actual ending was a bit disappointing compared to the content that was given to us earlier in the series.

The acting, from actors not main leads, was pretty cartoonish and cardboard, but that could be overlooked because of the superb acting done by the main leads. Bai Yu and Zhu Yi Long really went above and beyond in delivering the lines and acting through their bodies. The looks of longing and frustration and adoration were delivered perfectly and subtly. Their on screen and off screen chemistry is so good that it’s almost unreal. Even the acting of the secondary “couple” ( Guo and Chu) was excellently carried out and was arguably as beautiful as the storyline from Shen Wei/ Zhao Yunlan. I can’t fully come up with the words to describe how amazing the acting from these main leads were but it was incredible enough to make me want to rewatch it for the second time-which I am actually currently doing.

With all these factors put together, I can confidently say that I strongly liked the series.

Leia Mais