Recommendations for all Genres
Fighting, shouting, communication issues, arguing, misunderstandings... those are things that appear a lot in dramas to keep the viewers interested and to create tension. In reality, those types of relationships won't last long and may set a bad example for some. Luckily, we can see some changes in dramaland, as recent dramas show that the focus is shifting to the more healthy parts of a relationship. While dramas with tense relationships can be entertaining for some, it's also fun to watch something that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Here are 6 dramas that will make you wish you were living their life.
Cong Rong and Wen Shao Qing in My Little Happiness
Cong Rong (Xing Fei) decides to follow her dream of working as a lawyer in China, and applies for a law firm after returning from abroad. She gets appointed as a legal advisor in a hospital, where she meets Wen Shao Qing (Tang Xiao Tian), a doctor she mistakes for a cold and unreasonable person. Things take a drastic turn when Shao Qing finds out Cong Rong is his long-lost childhood friend.
The refreshing thing about this drama is that there are no evil side characters who try to make the leads break up. When they had a fight, there were apologies from both sides and the person who was in the wrong acknowledged that it was out of line. They told each other how a certain situation made them feel and showed that they cared by listening and doing something about it. Both of them have demanding jobs, but there were no complaints, and they supported and helped each other with making their dreams come true. Their romance is cute and fluffy, with little drama.
Xia Lin Xi and Jiang Zheng Han in Forever Love
Life looks good for Xia Lin Xi (Julia Xiang), who is in her last year of high school. With good grades and friends, she has a bright future ahead of her. This cannot be said of Jiang Zheng Han (Wang An Yu), who is not able to focus on the happy moments in life because of money problems. The first time they meet is in an internet café, where they have a disagreement. After that moment, they realize they are classmates and Zheng Han becomes her tutor, so it will be impossible to avoid each other.
This is a couple that, despite their young age, handles problems very maturely. Of course, there were misunderstandings between them and they made mistakes, but that's what made it more realistic. Making mistakes is what people tend to do. No one is perfect. Thanks to their maturity, these misunderstandings got resolved immediately by talking about it. The word "breakup" didn't even cross their minds.
They are a great match for each other, because Lin Xi is one of the first people who sees Zheng Han’s potential, believes in him and makes him want to plan for the future. Zheng Han is a real gentleman who respects Lin Xi, is very patient and gives her space when needed. He doesn't force himself on her, unlike some other male leads we see on television. Their love story is simple, but beautiful.
Li Jian Jian and Ling Xiao in Go Ahead
This story brings five people from dysfunctional families together, and they decide to take care of each other the best they can. The new "family" consists of the seven years old Ling Xiao (Song Wei Long) and his dad (whose wife left him), the six years old Li Jian Jian (Tang Song Yun) and her dad (whose wife died), and He Zi Qiu (Zhang Xin Cheng) a seven years old boy (whose mother left him). They grow up together and encourage each other to focus on the future, until the moment comes that they need to go their separate ways. Nine years later, they get reunited again, but things are not like they used to be anymore.
This drama had a healthy view on mental illness. They didn't romanticize it to make the story more interesting or to add more drama. Instead, Jian Jian and Ling Xiao understood and acknowledged as a couple that the thought process of one of them wasn't healthy and decided to get professional help. Some dramas would say that love will solve it, that it's the cure for everything, but in reality that's not how it works. It's really admirable to see them face these issues together in a realistic and mature way.
The main leads complement each other well, Jian Jian’s bubbly personality is a great match for Ling Xiao’s quiet and kind nature. She is like a ray of sunshine in his life, and always there for him whenever he needs her. He looks out for her, puts her first, and helps with conquering her fears. They never give up on each other, not even when they were separated for all those years. Their goal has always been to get back to the person who understood them the most.
Hua Xiao Mai and Meng Yu Hai in Chef Hua
This is a historical drama about food and love. It's Xiao Mai's (Tang Min) dream to become a great chef and open her own business. After moving to the town where her sister and brother-in-law live, she meets Yu Hai (Yang Kai Cheng), who works at a bodyguard agency. After clearing up a little misunderstanding, it doesn't take long before they get on like a house on fire.
It's rare to see a historical drama where our main leads don’t play the important role of a princess, an emperor, or a general. The drama is about normal people and normal life. These circumstances certainly contribute to the little drama the characters encounter in their lives, and make it a relaxing watch. Our male lead is a real gentleman, who is kind, warm and patient. Our female lead catches his attention, with her bright, friendly and enthusiastic personality.
It's refreshing to see that there are barely any misunderstandings between the couple – not often do you see your leads getting along from the beginning. When they get together, they stay together and go through problems together as a couple. You can really see how much they respect each other as individuals, because they don't hold anything back, they talk about their problems, give each other advice and take it into account. Their love is innocent and pure.
Mi Ka and Xing Ke Lei in You Are My Hero
Xing Ke Lei (Bai Jing Ting), a captain of the Special Forces, is with his SWAT team deployed to take control of a jewel heist. There he meets Mi Ka (Sandra Ma), a recently graduated doctor. He saves her from a bomb, but because of his uniform and mask, she doesn't know what he looks like. A few years later, they meet again when Mi Ka participates in an emergency rescue training exercise.
Both of them have a busy schedule, but show that they are committed by making time for each other. With all their bickering and joking, they seem like a couple that has been together for years. Their communication skills are great and when one of them has a problem, they see it as their problem too and try to find a solution for it together. Mi Ka is such a kind, strong and understanding partner, and Ke Lei is a really supportive, cute, and loyal boyfriend. They complement each other well.
Qiao Xi Chen and Jian Yi Fan in Remembrance Of Things Past
This is a story of friends who try to find their way in the busy city of Beijing. Xi Chen (Zhou Yu Tong) has managed to become an employee with good name at a respected company, but the sudden suicide of one of her best friends hits very hard. Together with her other friends, she tries to find out what drove their friend to such drastic actions. It talks about dealing with grief, loss, finding closure and moving on.
The relationship between Xi Chen and Yi Fan (Bai Yu Fan) is not your usual office romance with a domineering CEO and gullible female lead. Instead, even though there is a difference in status between them, Yi Fan treats her with respect, and encourages her to get out of her comfort zone, without being overbearing. He is always there whenever she needs him. Xi Chen never loses faith in him, even when he encounters some trouble, she stands by his side and supports him. Both are very straightforward in their communication, they always ask each other if something is wrong, and both are good listeners. They have one of the most realistic and cute relationships I've ever seen.
Which C-Drama couples are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!
Edited by: Tine (1st editor)
