My Top 5 Novels that Should be Adapted to Dramas
Over my years as a drama-watcher, I have noticed that historical dramas (HDs) are usually relegated to the "not so popular" category. I have listened to reasons going from "too many episodes", "hard to keep up stories", to "they're just not my cup of tea". *sigh*
All these reasons are valid and should not be dismissed, after all, "we like what we like", right? Right. Nonetheless, I believe that even people that hate anything involving "history" can find a little gem among the many options historical dramas, and its many sub-genres, have to offer. There's something that can make you appreciate the genre, even if you don't fall in love with it.
Some of you all whenever someone mentions a historical drama.
Just a heads-up, this list is in no particular order since it is not a "top 10", but a set of reasons why I believe more people should give historical dramas a try. Without further ado, here's my list.
Badass Females
It is no secret that the vast majority of us drama-watchers are female, we can have an hour-long conversation about the reasons why it is this way, but not at this moment (another article perhaps? *wink wink*). Since many of us are women, it is natural for us to crave a little positive and strong representation, and although I love me some good ole' romance with a manly-macho-man male lead every once in a while, the "damsel in distress" storyline, so rampant in dramas, gets old very quickly.
Enter historical dramas, believe it or not, many HDs are female-centered and follow the story of strong women who overcome obstacles to triumph over everyone and anyone. From, smart-as-heck women who take their destiny in their own hands, to badass female warriors, generals, queens, doctors, etc., historical dramas are filled with amazing women that will inspire you to get out there and kick some serious butt.
Some examples of amazing women in HDs:
Wei Young in The Princess Wei Young (2016)
Fu Yao in Legend of Fu Yao (2018)
Eyes that say: "lowly mortals"
Ki Seung Nyang in Empress Ki (2013)
Resting b*tch face on point
Cinematography
Do you like looking at pretty scenery? If camera work is important to you when you are choosing a new drama to watch, then you better pick up a historical drama ASAP.
You right now.
While many modern-setting dramas do the "city shot-over" over and over again, historical dramas usually have a multitude of sceneries for us to enjoy. Producers need to be creative since many of those settings do not exist anymore (sometimes never did). Chinese-drama producers, especially, invest a lot in creating huge sets, finding beautiful locations and shooting from the best angles. I, for one, love it when the production team puts a great effort in bringing beautiful cinematography to my screen.
Some dramas with great cinematography:
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Love in The Moonlight (2016)
Just look at that beautiful view... And also the landscape in front of him ;)
Bloody Romance (2018)
This picture is a mood, to be honest
Beautiful Period Costumes
No one can deny that Asian culture is rich and beautiful. It is hard not to be a little jealous of how in touch most Asian countries are with their pasts and traditions. One example is how accurately their traditional dressings and hairstyles are represented in dramas. From hanbok, shenyi, and hanfu, to the more modern looking qipao, these traditional clothing will have you looking for the nearest Asian festival you could attend.
Some dramas with beautiful costumes and hairstyles:
Sound of the Desert (2014)
That blue (๑♡⌓♡๑)
Ya girl Dilraba is here too, don't act surprised.
Just *clap* look *clap* at those patterns
My Sassy Girl (2017)
She wears all the colors of the rainbow, plus her baby brother is adorable
Queening and side-eye on point
Novoland: The Castle in the Sky (2016)
She wears the most beautiful hair pieces... Try not to get distracted by those lips, hard I know.
That V-neck is very modern looking... And sinful as heck.
Sexy Men
That semi-transparent top though (◉͜ʖ◉)
I know what you're thinking - "modern dramas have sexy men too," and yes, we cannot deny that, but there is something just particularly appealing about a handsome man in period clothes, carrying a sword, fighting bad guys all while wearing the most colourful fabrics and beautiful long hair. Furthermore, the storylines usually include groups of beautiful men, such as warrior elites, politicians, scholars, etc. The eye candy is just unending.
You in about 3 seconds
Examples of historical dramas with hotties:
Bpoop Phaeh Saniwaat (2018)
It is very hot in Thailand therefore the lack of clothing >.>
The women are not bad either :D
Hwarang (2016)
You're welcome
Flawless
Oh! My Emperor: Season One (2018) & Oh! My Emperor: Season Two (2018)
Male leads are in a real-life boy band so...
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
I know I already mentioned it, but there's just so much pretty here.
You right now
Epic Romance
For my final reason, I picked "epic romance", Asian dramas do romance like no other, but there is something a little bit more special about historical drama romances. I believe the romance tends to be a bit more intense. We get honourable male leads that are 100% devoted and female leads that love so deeply we can't help falling-in-love with their love, and the chemistry leaves everyone breathless.
Amazing love and chemistry:
Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
The drama that made me fall in love with historical dramas
Ashes of Love (2018)
Most beautiful love confession in dramaland
Forever OTP
Eternal Love (2017)
Just so precious
We do
I hope you guys enjoyed this article and that you can feel encouraged to pick up a historical drama. If you need any recommendations, do not hesitate to PM me. Please comment with your favourite historical dramas as well so I can add fresh material to my PTW.
Bye bye for now *kisses* 
