Assassins AcademySometimes a short (6 episode) budget web series comes along, and you can sense the heart behind it: that everyone did their best to create something worth watching (within the limitations), and this is the case with Assassins Academy. The good and grounded acting was a pleasant surprise, especially by the main young cast ..read more

Name: Simmer DownWriter/director: Date: April 2022Number of episodes: 40Genre: Romance, Life, FamilyBased on book/manga?: Yes! I couldn't find the book title and authors name in English. Thoughts:The first half is a relaxing watch and the leads chemistry keeps you hooked. Unfortunately, after the midway point, the drama falls off a cliff and lands into a puddle of boredom. Perhaps this could ..read more

Name: Demi-Gods and Semi-DevilsWriter/director: Yuan Zi Dan / Ringo YuDate: August 2021Number of episodes: 50Genre: Wuxia, Historical, Romance, Adventure, Friendship, RomanceBased on book/manga?: Yes, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils by Jin Yong Why did I press play? Since this is a classic story, I wanted to watch it. I couldn't get into the 2003 - the old school production ..read more

Name: LuoyangWriter/director: Qing Mei / Xie ZeDate: December 2021Number of episodes: 39Genre: Historical, Mystery, Thriller, ActionBased on book/manga?: Yes, "Luoyang" by Ma Bo Yong The last part of episode 19 and 20, alone makes Luoyang worth watching. Especially the second half of episode 20. This interaction between Gao Bing Zhu (Haung Xuan) and Yao Niang (Zhang Li) that takes almost 20mins ..read more

Name: CrushWriter/director: Yang Yi Xun / Yu Cui HuaDate: July 2021Number of episodes: 24Genre: Romance, Life, Drama Based on book/manga?: Yes, "Qin He Yin Kan" ("So I Love You Very Much") by Mu Fu Sheng. Why did I press play? I am always up for at least checking out a romantic drama with an interesting pot ..read more

Name: SerendipityWriter/director: Henri LiuDate: August 2021Number of episodes: 40Genre: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi, Archeology. Based on book/manga?: Yes, Gong Xue Has Bandits by Wu Yu Why did I press play? I watched the ending credits and there was one scene that intrigued me, and lead me to read reviews and many poeple said it's a hidden gem ..read more

Name: My Fated BoyWriter/director: Meng Hu/Sun Cheng ZhiDate: July 2021Number of episodes: 29Genre: Friendship, Family Friends, Romance, WorkBased on book/manga?:  Why did I press play? I thought it was a different drama, and decided to give it a go. Thoughts and observations: What's GoodThe first couple of episodes are great! The acting from both leads ..read more

Name: My Heroic HusbandWriter/director: Qin Wen / Deng KeDate: February 2021Number of episodes: 36Genre: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Time Travel, Marriage, MerchantBased on book/manga?: Yes, "Zhui Xu" by Fen Nu de Xiang Jiao Why did I press play?The synopsis is irresistible, it's the same makers of Joy of Life, and the casting of the leads is intriguing ..read more

Below are some brief thoughts on a few dramas that I'm watching, watched, or only took a gander at. Each of these are worth taking a peek at. RattanThis drama immediately has you at the edge of your seat, it is a fantastical and a little bit of a thriller. Vin Zhang's acting gets better ..read more

Name: The Sword and The Brocade Writer/director: Wen De Guang, Yang Xiao Bo (assistant director)Date: February 2021Number of episodes: 45Genre: Period, Harem, Embroidery, Romance Based on book/manga?: Yes, "The Concubine-born Daughter's Strategies" by Zhi Zhi Why did I press play? I'm always keen to check out any drama Tan Songyun is in. Plus I quite enjoyed ..read more