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Lost in Dramaland
A Must-Watch for Qin Jun Jie Fans - History with a side of Treasure Hunt & Wu Xia
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75
There’s so much to unpack in this year’s “Heroes” that I don’t know where to begin. I think to fully enjoy this drama, having a little cultural and historical context during this time would be helpful. Veteran and esteemed reviewer, PeachBlossomGoddess, wrote an excellent review providing some political background info. You should read that as well. I am not a history buff, so I don’t know much. But I know that during the setting of this drama in 1911, it was a time of change and towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. After watching many Republican era dramas of spies, I know that the fight for this change doesn’t end until a lot later. 1911 is only the beginning for the revolution.
This is an interesting time to have a wuxia drama. A drama that brought together three very different individuals with different ideals and backgrounds towards a common quest of treasure. Their approaches are unique to them, and they clash and fight and become frenemies. I’ve enjoyed each of their individual journeys.
There’s so much I want to write in this review and I don’t know how to organize it. Some random categories then.
Qin Jun Jie (Men San Dao) - I have always liked Qin Jun Jie and he has never disappointed me with his acting. He was FANTASTIC in this drama. He plays the main character, Men San Dao, a serious former emperor’s personal guard who was imprisoned for 12 years after the failed attempt of the emperor’s 100 Days’ Reform. For the most part, QJJ plays a very solemn guard. But you can also see the controlled emotions on his face, the softening of his eyes and expressions when he’s facing GeGe (the love of his life) and the slightly mischievous look when he’s with Lucky and Liu Lin. He has great chemistry with Maggie Huang (GeGe) even though they have very few scenes together. I can still feel their attraction and love, even if they never touch one another. The scene when Men San Dao was lost and confused in front of the emperor’s tomb, was heartbreaking and beautifully acted by QJJ and brought tears to my eyes. I can’t see anyone playing this role but QJJ.
Pang Han Chen (Wan Jia Luo) - I don’t recall seeing Pang Han Chen in previous modern dramas but I think he did a great job as Wan Jia Luo, the stubborn, righteous constable who never gives up on chasing and seeking justice. His character might not be the most endearing and is rather frustrating to watch, but PHC portrays the character well. I feel his uptight righteousness, his shyness when he’s with his girl and the frustrations especially in the last couple episodes. He also knows how to make an entrance! I do wish his character would use his heart and his brain a little bit more. His stubbornness costs him a lot, but also saves his life many times.
Liu Yu Ning (Zhuo Bu Fan) - I enjoy his acting here a lot more than in “A Journey to Love”. I do believe LYN’s acting has steadily improved. However, there are too many acting powerhouses in this drama, thus, I think he’s the weakest out of the 3 male leads. He’s such a tall guy, but he doesn’t seem to have good posture. As the #1 Swordsman in the country, he doesn’t exude charisma to live up to this name. However, I am pleasantly surprised that his fight scenes do look pretty good.
Romance - We have three forbidden romances, yet the writing or acting did not fully take advantage of this. It’s unfortunate because they could be so much more memorable. Of the three romances, the one that I actually feel something is between Men San Dao and GeGe. I might be biased because I like Qin Jun Jie, and this pair also has the fewest scenes together. Yet, I can feel their chemistry oozing because of two amazing actors. They don’t have to touch each other for me to root for them. Unfortunately, the other two romances have more screen time, yet are so bland. I am not sure if it’s Liu Yu Ning’s acting but I am not sensing his controlled emotions towards Huo Qin. This pair has no chemistry at all but their story could be the most heartbreaking. Jinna Fu (who plays Huo Qin) looks like an older sister to Liu Yu Ning. LYN is not responding to her affection. Lastly, Chen Si Che’s portrayal of Lin An Jing might be the weakest of the cast. And maybe because of that, I definitely do not feel any chemistry between Lin An Jing and Wang Jia Luo as a couple. I do have to say the last scene of them together was moving (mainly because of Pang Han Chen’s acting) but it was too late for me to like them as a couple.
Action Scenes - First things first, I still think there’s a little too much slow-mo fight scenes. However, compared to other wuxia and xianxia dramas, it’s not that bad. As a wuxia drama, there are quite a few well-choreographed close combat action scenes. The drama also does not shy away from blood, violence and deaths. The several duels between Men San Dao and Zhuo Bu Fan are very satisfying to watch. Both actors, QJJ and Liu Yu Ning, also did a great job and act like they really know how to fight. I do not see any actor who is just swinging the sword like they’re dancing and not fighting.
Lucky + Liu Lin - As individuals, both of them are quite insufferable and annoying at times. However, when they have scenes with Men San Dao, I like them both very much. Lucky just babbles way too much in the beginning and when he’s doing his sales pitch. But when he’s being roped into Men San Dao’s plans and they have scenes together, they have great chemistry and are quite hilarious. Lucky also brings out the mischievous side of Men San Dao that he doesn’t often show. Similarly, Liu Lin’s preaching can get a little much. But I do enjoy her arguments with Men San Dao. They are like siblings bickering with each other, though I think Liu Lin might actually like Men San Dao. Men San Dao probably just treats her as a little sister. But no doubt they both admire each other’s strengths and dedication.
Smart and Strong characters - It’s so nice to watch a drama with intelligent characters trying to outsmart each other. Everyone is trying to figure out the next person’s moves. We have smart villains and smart protagonists. Women play a pivotal part in this drama as well, and none of them is a damsel in distress. They hold their own - emotionally, intelligently and physically.
Acting/Voice - “Heroes” has a very strong cast, especially the supporting cast which features many veteran actors. I might have picked on a couple of them, but overall, the acting is excellent. It also has a wonderful cast of guest roles. I was immediately impressed with Yin Zheng’s very short scene as the Emperor Guang Xu. He only showed up in Ep 1 but his voice and his acting leave a very lasting impression. I was also very glad that actors are using their own voices. I also really enjoy the actors using different accents and dialects when they are at different cities/regions. For a drama with such historical context and so many important conversations, hearing the actors' own voices really highlight the acting and give watchers a different form of viewing pleasure.
Opening themes - I noticed there are few opening themes for this drama. The main one includes real historic footage during that time, mixed with drama footage in the same old-style cinematic color tone. Then there are two that have monologues from Men San Dao and Zhu Fu Fan, speaking of their experience, beliefs and regrets. There’s another romantic cheesy one featuring the supposedly romantic pairs and a few supporting cast. This one is weird but funny! I am one that fast-forward all opening and closing credits, but when I see the cheesy one with floating roses, I had to pause, rewind, and make sure I did not miss it.
Flashbacks - The drama uses several flashbacks to tell us the background history of our characters. They are not long and they don’t keep on repeating to annoy you. The one I like the most is the montage in the earlier episodes detailing the romantic history of Men San Dao, GeGe and Zhong Hai Chao. It was so well-done that it broke my heart.
Subtle moments - This is quite a serious drama but then once in a while, it will drop a scene that gives me a chuckle. It could be Men San Dao holding a black vase that can break up a marriage, or the three leads playing cards while killing time. On the other hand, scenes like tightly grasping a sword, or nonchalantly wrapping a necklace/bracelet around the wrist could mean something but not openly verbalized. Or the first real conversation between GeGe and Liu Lin is full of subtle flaunting of who is more closely associated with Men San Dao. This type of jealousy is shown through witty conversations and not petty behaviors. Many of these scenes you have to pay attention to because they come and go in a flash.
I strongly recommend this drama if you are interested in history with a side of wuxia and treasure hunt. The pacing is good and there’s a lot going on to keep you interested and invested. Pay close attention to the well-written conversations and the subtle moments to fully enjoy it. There’s romance, but not central to the plot and not really done well.
Completed: 6/29/2024 - Review #454
There’s so much to unpack in this year’s “Heroes” that I don’t know where to begin. I think to fully enjoy this drama, having a little cultural and historical context during this time would be helpful. Veteran and esteemed reviewer, PeachBlossomGoddess, wrote an excellent review providing some political background info. You should read that as well. I am not a history buff, so I don’t know much. But I know that during the setting of this drama in 1911, it was a time of change and towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. After watching many Republican era dramas of spies, I know that the fight for this change doesn’t end until a lot later. 1911 is only the beginning for the revolution.
This is an interesting time to have a wuxia drama. A drama that brought together three very different individuals with different ideals and backgrounds towards a common quest of treasure. Their approaches are unique to them, and they clash and fight and become frenemies. I’ve enjoyed each of their individual journeys.
There’s so much I want to write in this review and I don’t know how to organize it. Some random categories then.
Qin Jun Jie (Men San Dao) - I have always liked Qin Jun Jie and he has never disappointed me with his acting. He was FANTASTIC in this drama. He plays the main character, Men San Dao, a serious former emperor’s personal guard who was imprisoned for 12 years after the failed attempt of the emperor’s 100 Days’ Reform. For the most part, QJJ plays a very solemn guard. But you can also see the controlled emotions on his face, the softening of his eyes and expressions when he’s facing GeGe (the love of his life) and the slightly mischievous look when he’s with Lucky and Liu Lin. He has great chemistry with Maggie Huang (GeGe) even though they have very few scenes together. I can still feel their attraction and love, even if they never touch one another. The scene when Men San Dao was lost and confused in front of the emperor’s tomb, was heartbreaking and beautifully acted by QJJ and brought tears to my eyes. I can’t see anyone playing this role but QJJ.
Pang Han Chen (Wan Jia Luo) - I don’t recall seeing Pang Han Chen in previous modern dramas but I think he did a great job as Wan Jia Luo, the stubborn, righteous constable who never gives up on chasing and seeking justice. His character might not be the most endearing and is rather frustrating to watch, but PHC portrays the character well. I feel his uptight righteousness, his shyness when he’s with his girl and the frustrations especially in the last couple episodes. He also knows how to make an entrance! I do wish his character would use his heart and his brain a little bit more. His stubbornness costs him a lot, but also saves his life many times.
Liu Yu Ning (Zhuo Bu Fan) - I enjoy his acting here a lot more than in “A Journey to Love”. I do believe LYN’s acting has steadily improved. However, there are too many acting powerhouses in this drama, thus, I think he’s the weakest out of the 3 male leads. He’s such a tall guy, but he doesn’t seem to have good posture. As the #1 Swordsman in the country, he doesn’t exude charisma to live up to this name. However, I am pleasantly surprised that his fight scenes do look pretty good.
Romance - We have three forbidden romances, yet the writing or acting did not fully take advantage of this. It’s unfortunate because they could be so much more memorable. Of the three romances, the one that I actually feel something is between Men San Dao and GeGe. I might be biased because I like Qin Jun Jie, and this pair also has the fewest scenes together. Yet, I can feel their chemistry oozing because of two amazing actors. They don’t have to touch each other for me to root for them. Unfortunately, the other two romances have more screen time, yet are so bland. I am not sure if it’s Liu Yu Ning’s acting but I am not sensing his controlled emotions towards Huo Qin. This pair has no chemistry at all but their story could be the most heartbreaking. Jinna Fu (who plays Huo Qin) looks like an older sister to Liu Yu Ning. LYN is not responding to her affection. Lastly, Chen Si Che’s portrayal of Lin An Jing might be the weakest of the cast. And maybe because of that, I definitely do not feel any chemistry between Lin An Jing and Wang Jia Luo as a couple. I do have to say the last scene of them together was moving (mainly because of Pang Han Chen’s acting) but it was too late for me to like them as a couple.
Action Scenes - First things first, I still think there’s a little too much slow-mo fight scenes. However, compared to other wuxia and xianxia dramas, it’s not that bad. As a wuxia drama, there are quite a few well-choreographed close combat action scenes. The drama also does not shy away from blood, violence and deaths. The several duels between Men San Dao and Zhuo Bu Fan are very satisfying to watch. Both actors, QJJ and Liu Yu Ning, also did a great job and act like they really know how to fight. I do not see any actor who is just swinging the sword like they’re dancing and not fighting.
Lucky + Liu Lin - As individuals, both of them are quite insufferable and annoying at times. However, when they have scenes with Men San Dao, I like them both very much. Lucky just babbles way too much in the beginning and when he’s doing his sales pitch. But when he’s being roped into Men San Dao’s plans and they have scenes together, they have great chemistry and are quite hilarious. Lucky also brings out the mischievous side of Men San Dao that he doesn’t often show. Similarly, Liu Lin’s preaching can get a little much. But I do enjoy her arguments with Men San Dao. They are like siblings bickering with each other, though I think Liu Lin might actually like Men San Dao. Men San Dao probably just treats her as a little sister. But no doubt they both admire each other’s strengths and dedication.
Smart and Strong characters - It’s so nice to watch a drama with intelligent characters trying to outsmart each other. Everyone is trying to figure out the next person’s moves. We have smart villains and smart protagonists. Women play a pivotal part in this drama as well, and none of them is a damsel in distress. They hold their own - emotionally, intelligently and physically.
Acting/Voice - “Heroes” has a very strong cast, especially the supporting cast which features many veteran actors. I might have picked on a couple of them, but overall, the acting is excellent. It also has a wonderful cast of guest roles. I was immediately impressed with Yin Zheng’s very short scene as the Emperor Guang Xu. He only showed up in Ep 1 but his voice and his acting leave a very lasting impression. I was also very glad that actors are using their own voices. I also really enjoy the actors using different accents and dialects when they are at different cities/regions. For a drama with such historical context and so many important conversations, hearing the actors' own voices really highlight the acting and give watchers a different form of viewing pleasure.
Opening themes - I noticed there are few opening themes for this drama. The main one includes real historic footage during that time, mixed with drama footage in the same old-style cinematic color tone. Then there are two that have monologues from Men San Dao and Zhu Fu Fan, speaking of their experience, beliefs and regrets. There’s another romantic cheesy one featuring the supposedly romantic pairs and a few supporting cast. This one is weird but funny! I am one that fast-forward all opening and closing credits, but when I see the cheesy one with floating roses, I had to pause, rewind, and make sure I did not miss it.
Flashbacks - The drama uses several flashbacks to tell us the background history of our characters. They are not long and they don’t keep on repeating to annoy you. The one I like the most is the montage in the earlier episodes detailing the romantic history of Men San Dao, GeGe and Zhong Hai Chao. It was so well-done that it broke my heart.
Subtle moments - This is quite a serious drama but then once in a while, it will drop a scene that gives me a chuckle. It could be Men San Dao holding a black vase that can break up a marriage, or the three leads playing cards while killing time. On the other hand, scenes like tightly grasping a sword, or nonchalantly wrapping a necklace/bracelet around the wrist could mean something but not openly verbalized. Or the first real conversation between GeGe and Liu Lin is full of subtle flaunting of who is more closely associated with Men San Dao. This type of jealousy is shown through witty conversations and not petty behaviors. Many of these scenes you have to pay attention to because they come and go in a flash.
I strongly recommend this drama if you are interested in history with a side of wuxia and treasure hunt. The pacing is good and there’s a lot going on to keep you interested and invested. Pay close attention to the well-written conversations and the subtle moments to fully enjoy it. There’s romance, but not central to the plot and not really done well.
Completed: 6/29/2024 - Review #454
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