All time favorites
My favorite series. Shows I can't stop thinking about, even years after I've watched them. Relatable characters, plots with consequences that make sense, and beautiful cinematography.
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1. The Painter of the Wind
Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes
I'm a bit biased since I'm an artist, but this show is so inspiring and moving. I enjoy stories that show the struggles and advantages that different characters face because of the gender binary in society, and this show explores that in a really interesting way. It also has really pretty paintings, the tigers are my favorite. I like that it has just enough court drama to make the story make sense, but overall focuses on the characters everyday lives. I just wish there was a better eng sub for the show.
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2. Tian Ya Ke
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
Genuinely well written and paced, this drama stands above the rest for me. The characters are deeply flawed but still relatable. They successfully toed the line of censorship to bring the audience the best show they possibly could. Makes you think of what makes a person good, and is revenge worth it? I haven't stopped thinking about this drama since it aired, I love it!
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3. Hikaru No Go
Chinese Drama - 2020, 36 episodes
The best modern drama I've watched so far. the best thing about it are how all the characters support each other. Though they are opponents in the game, they help each other overcome their obstacles. Chu ying is my favorite character, I want a friend/wei qi mentor like him.
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4. Douluo Continent
Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes
Probably my favorite wuxia story ever, going back to when I read the manga c. 2014 when it was still updating. I love the relationships between all the characters, and the unique world that they inhabit. Not my favorite drama, since the dubbing is pretty bad in some parts. Tf I could choose a fictional world to visit this would be it though!
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5. Eternal Love of Dream
Chinese Drama - 2020, 56 episodes
Just because I love Bai Fengjiu <3 It's not a very complicated drama, and the production value is a bit off at times, but its one of the most fun dramas dramas I've watched. For a person like me who doesn't watch romcoms, this is a good mix of fluff and angst. The dream arc went on too long compared to the ending, but it was so satisfying to see the characters finally find their balance in their relationship.
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6. Legend of Fu Yao
Chinese Drama - 2018, 66 episodes
The first Chinese drama I ever watched. It's got all the things which make a good historical fantasy drama for me. A bit too tragic of an ending for me ( I cried for days oof), but the show stuck the landing imo which is rare for these long dramas. I still think about the final episode, and how even though she turned into a monster he still loved her.