Its so annoying the Fls are dumb 90% of the show and they have to grow in the end to get smart. I hate it. I love Story of Minglan because she always been very smart.
As an Asian American growing up in the 80’s we had the vhs dubbed versions of Legend of the condor heros and Return of the condor heros with Felix Wong and Andy Lau respectively. Also many Tony Leung and chow young phat shows. It wasn’t until about 6 years ago when I finally discovered that Netflix had English subtitles versions of new Chinese show and then discovers Viki, Tencent, and IQIYI that a whole new yet familiar world of dramas was opened up for me. Loved NIF and story of Minglan
Same here, I grew up on the classic Hong Kong shows, especially the condor trilogy, Demi-gods and semi devils, etc. they had such great actors even for the side character roles. I only recently discovered mainland Chinese dramas and literally learned mandarin by watching these shows. I have been begging my family to watch these with me so I have someone to share them with. Nice to meet some kindred spirits in the comments section.
As a millennial, journey to the west, justice pao and romance of three kingdoms were my first exposure to chinese dramas. They were aired on the national tv cable, already translated in our language. We used vhs tape recorder to record them. Good old times
I really love nirvana in fire and have rewatched it many times and im yet to find other cdramas as rewarchable as nif so i appreciate this video so much ❤
I grew up watching Hongkong TVB produced wuxia dramas back in the 80s. They’re so good i could watch them over & over again. These days there are chinese period dramas that i often rewatch: minglan & empresses in the palace.
I have watched story of minglan like 7/8 times and rit now iam watching it again,i love the character she potrayed and all the other actors and espclly the storyline 🔥🔥
I agree your choice 👍specifically for the Minglan story ... I rewatched 3times hopping to find something similar in production, story wich reflect the family life of that period, real romance, all the personages are wonderful, logical scenario, intelligent and comic ❤❤❤
My rewatchables: *Eternal Love: Ten miles and Dream *Ashes of Love *Rebel Princess *Pearl Eclipse *Story of Minglan (but I cannot stand his character) *Princess Agents Gonna try out that Detecive Dee too.
The Story of Minglan is so fun. I have watch it fully 4 times. But have also just skipped through to watch Gu Tingye's scenes of hitting on Minglan and scheming on Minglan and going crazy for her. But Rongjie at the end breaks my heart everytime. Cao CuiFen is my favorite grandma actress. If she is a matriarch in a show. She must be protected at all cost!
Zhao Liying is my favorite actress, and I love her. I watched New Fair Princess, and I loved it. I have also watched the empress in the palace. The Joy of life was pretty good. But I agree that the story of Minglan is one of the best; it was just too many episodes for me to rewatch. The only drama I have always rewatched is the story of Yanxi Palace, which I really loved.
Thanks for introducing me to The Legend of the White Snake 1992 or I wouldn't have known that its a musical. It sounds really nice, truly a classic, everything fit so well although its old. If only they can make dramas with such musical/opera nowadays. I wasn't much of a c-drama lover when I was young compared to now (back then HK dramas was the popular go-to) but some 90s dramas that I remember watching back then (in order) that left an impression was Wang Fu Ya (1991), the Justice Bao Series 1993/1995 plus the tvb version (not the entire thing for me, but my grandma loves this), Tian Shi Zhong Kui 1995, The Legends of Jigong 1996, Huan Zhu Ge Ge, Romance in the Rain (2001), and The Mute Bride (2005). Its most welcoming that you bring up these again. No matter what, good dramas deserve mention, no matter how much time pass, it still retains its charm.
I just knew that Huan Zhu Gege will be one of them. It's soooo huge back then cannot be compared to anything these days. My first true love of Chinese Drama and the one that I will rewatch again and again. White Snake legend was also really popular but I realized very early the husband was a female and thought it to be silly. Empress of The Palace is another gem although when I watched it I already got tired with harem drama and stopped somewhere in the middle. I also did not complete Nirvana In Fire and The Story of Minglan. I think I prefer reading the novel version of the later while the former I will probably continue watching at some points. Good list by far.
Eternal Love was the first Chinese drama that got me hooked and still one of my favorite. Then I watched Ashes of Love and that started me to watching CD on Netflix. I used to watch martial arts Chinese movies before watching CD.
Currently watching Legend of Zhen Huan and it's so good. It's not my type of show so I have to take breaks but gosh I'm glad I decided to watch it. Nirvana in Fire has to be my next watch since I always hear about this show.
I’m glad you’re much nicer. Much more factual. As opposed to to well, you had a progress. You don’t ever have to please people but insulting is the same as being really hard on you! ^___^
I don't hate NIF 2 but NIF 1 is just well written and the flow of each episode makes you want to anticipate the next one. The actors are just so good in their respective characters. For me, Nirvana in Fire 1 is one masterpiece of a Chinese period drama.
Recently loved Joy of Life (cant wait for part 2) and sword snow stride … same male lead. Love the plot. NIF and minglan too… princess Rebel has good balance too. I started creating lists and been good. Modern shows like ‘the love you give me’ is good and chef hua. I had to search all these from comments haha strong female leads shows are rare nowadays.
I watch Nirvana in fire and Joy of Life twice. I did not know their was a Nirvana 2 and 3. I list these 2 and post it in front of the screen. I can't wait for Joy of Life 2 and Sword, Snow Stride 2.
Wait what was the legend of white snake about? I remember watching it when I was a kid but I could not make sense of it. Does it have lesbian undertone in the plot?
Yanxi palace im surprised its not there. Even the BBC bought the rights to air it. Netflix then did a version of their children. I remember endless articles of is the real? Why is Yanxi loved so much
Nirvana in Fire was one of the first I ever watched - about 6 years ago. It's probably still my all time favourite.. and it got me pretty hooked on Chinese Drama (as a European woman). I'd never watched something so slowly evolving, character driven and complicated. It's the one I recommend to people who are curious about Chinese Drama but have never watched anything before..
The same for me (as an African woman). Till this day I make a whole cozy event of rewatching it every time I miss it and I still never skip a scene. That's huge for me. I normally watch dramas at x2 speed when they're dragging.🤭
I totally agree. It’s available on multiple online sources here in the US both English subs and dubbing. It got me also into Chinese historical dramas and I watch it still several times a year. Classic!!
Agreed! Nirvana in Fire also ignited my love for Chinese dramas. I still remember the first time I heard that epic intro... I just knew it was gonna be good! I can't think of a single western tv show that compares to it. I feel like the closest thing would be Game of Thrones but look how that turned out... I remember actually clapping when the credits rolled on the final episode of NIF and fighting the urge to give my laptop a standing ovation (like a lunatic). I was just so in awe of how epic and well written the whole thing was.
Now I'm definitely going to watch it. I only jumped on the chinese drama train at the end of 2019 and with the untamed, completely knowing nothing about chinese drama and just looking for something to watch as exposure to chinese mandarin as I started learning it that year. I haven't watched a drama in another language till then. I just don't have the time. I've still got a few on my to watch list, like nirvana in fire 1 and 2 , It will still be a couple of years untill I'll watch something in another language. (allthough I hope the quality of chinese drama's will go up again and then I might never have time for something else again :) )
I already rewatch minglan for 6th time 😂😂😂 and planning will gonna rewatch it again this year (same with nirvana in fire, ten miles peach blossom, and the legend of white snake 1992 version, already rewatch it more than7-8 times. Now my new list for rewatch drama in this year is the blue whisper, it will be my 3th times to rewatch it)
MingLan has this duality to it that I really like. I read the novel first, it's a beautiful piece of literature. MingLan has this lowkey bittersweetness of every day life, harem fights, evil in-laws, sweet siblings, married couples in love, etc. On the other hand it is an epic story about two people that start from nothing and become influential. Gu Tingye and MingLan don't seem like the usual pairing you see these days in idol dramas, yet it worked so well. The flow of words in the book and the masterful cinematography of the drama are just chef's kiss.
Minglan is the epitome of a patient woman but with a fang when she retaliates. She will be patient in every scuffle but be absolutely fight back in a manner that the other side can't fight back; amazing screenwriters
"The Story Of Ming Lan" is the first Chinese drama I watch with a happy ending. I love it so much-I watched it again with my husband. He promised he would watch a drama with me if I watched a Marvel movie with him soooo-I endured 2 and some what hours of stupidity in order for him to watch 73 episodes of a drama with me🤭🤭🤭. My dad asked him more than once if he was sure he wanted to marry me😏😏😏
Story of Minglan! I think I watched that drama in less than week or something or at least it felt like it. It doesn't look it from the trailer but like how you explained, the characters are all interesting and then you find yourself sitting there watching everything happen lol
I actually just rewatched MingLan….and it is so….relaxing. It always gives me very strong Jane Austin vibes…I am pretty sure I will rewatch it in the future!
@@sandrapadmindra9698 yes! I also think AvenueX kinda dismissed it unfairly. Ruyi is often said to be passive, but she's not, she's smart, lowkey, clever. And will and does stand up for herself with the highest stakes when needed.
Totally love Ming Lan-the screenwriters also wrote Battle of Changsha, (on UA-cam) starring Yang Zi and Wallace Huo, so interesting and involving and terribly sad.
Ok you've sold me i will watch nirvana in fire! Also I totally agree with Story of Minglan! I love how complex it went into Minglan's dad and first wife. Like they wheren't just the bad guys they had their own problems and issues as well. I can't tell you how many times I watched the episodes of Minglan revealing everything that the first wife's family did.
My first drama is still one I compare others to: Eternal Love/10 Miles of Peach Blossoms (2017). All mentioned are great, but have rewatched it more than once & will always be at the top of my list.
That one is really well known to international viewers but slightly less popular domestically, partially because of the genre. It's not considered a period drama, it's more "xian xia" which is like gods, fairies, cultivation, etc. Good choice though :)
I still remember those days when all the kids in my school tried to attract butterflies like that one princess in the series. Even some of the boys joined in 🤣🤣.
This reminds me I‘d love to see more reviews of shows that aired in the past. I remember a few years ago you used to review dramas that weren’t aired that year :)
I cannot count how many times I rewatched NIF. Just brilliant every time I watch it. I also rewatch minglan many times and truthfully you will appreciate this more and more after repeatedly watching it.
I am on my 4th time watching The Story of Minglan. It really was such a great drama and would love to see another like it. I started my Chinese Drama journey 3 years ago with Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms and Eternal Love of Dream and since then I have never looked back. I barely watch American tv anymore.
Omg omg omg, most of the dramas you have mentioned i watched / rewatched it several times. I love My Fair Princess, Empress in Palace, Nirvana in Fire, and Story of Minglan. These are included in "My All Time Favorite Chinese Dramas". I really appreciate that you have made a list of this dramas. I remembered the feelings while i was watching these dramas. I love them all and i will never forget these dramas and sometimes I'm going back to rewatch it.❤
Yay! Soooo happy to see you do a retrospective video. The perfect solution to a slow drama season. Watch the old ones! I'd be curious how an international "most watched" would differ from your domestic list. I feel so lucky to live in an age when all this is available to me here in New England. With subtitles. Free. Discovering cdramas and your channel has been a light during dark times.
Love Love The Story of Ming Lan. The ML gives what think one of the most natural fun performances of his character. Instead of a usual stiff Male Lead played by most.
Huan zhu ge ge was basically my childhood, I remember watched it together with my sister and my bestfriend, well my nickname was xiao yan zi and my bestfriend was xiwei, we love it so much to the point we asked our parents to bought the drama's VCDs 😂😂😂😂, I'm from Indonesia anyway. Because of this drama we also comes to love "romance in the rain" drama, because most of the leads are the same.
totally bizarre coincidence, I spent the past weekend watching My Fair Princess! hilarious and of course NiF and Minglan - I've rewatched each at least 3 times
Chinese Dramas i've rewatched 36252 times: Nirvana in Fire (the first one) The Story of Ming Lan Empresses In The Palace/The Legend of Zhen Huan The Legend of Mi Yue The Story of Yanxi Palace Ruyi's Royal Love In The Palace The Last Empress of China Eternal Love of Dream Princess Agents Who Rules The World Princess Weiyoung Love Like The Galaxy Bu Bu Jing Xin / Scarlet Heart Now if we're talking more modernized: You are my glory Dating in the kitchen (choke hold) Well Intended Love And thats about it for me if anyone has some good reccommendations do let me know I rewatched love me if you dare honestly mainly because i think wallace huo is fine girl.. Yum but i the music choices at majority of the points in that drama were... Questionable. Eternal Love (aka the first one) was good too but idk Eternal Love of Dream just grabbed me up by the neck.. Ive rewatched Eternal Love of Dream 335273 times, whereas I think i've only watched eternal love twice.
You look great today! Well, I've also decided to watch The Long River from last year, enjoying it so far, and waiting ... thanks for these older dramas to catch up on!
I'm new to watching c dramas and I made a vow to myself that I will ONLY watch c dramas , as an American I'm tired of political subliminals and agendas in my shows, c dramas have NO cursing No s@x scenes , and no agendas JUST PURE ENTERTAINMENT!!! And as a viewer I REALLY appreciate that!! I'm watching judge Dees mystery right now and its so good and the plot is great!! Also my number 1 favorite female actress is wu jinyan WOW She great!! I was introduced to c dramas last year by watching stories of yanxi palace and that was it I was sold to the genre
My introduction to Chinese drama was The Untamed. Everything about it was good, the acting, storyline and ost. I had never heard of "bl" until then. They did a great adaptation because I thought it was a buddy, buddy comedy-drama. I stll enjoy watching it, more than 2-1/2 years later. It has something that I can't explain but it's a feeling that only this drama has for me. I like modern Chinese romance comedies but not dramas. I like some historical costume dramas but The Untamed remains at the top.
White snake legend is definitely a legendary show in Indonesia. One of my memory as a kid is walking home in the evening and hearing this tv show because every TV in every houses on that street hooked on the same channel. It was really a surreal experience.
I love the Story of Ming Lan. It is just simple comforting magic. However I would also add to this list Bu bu Jing Xin. This drama was just a cultural sensation.
Empress in the palace might be highly praised but I got bored watching it. Sure the ladies scheming left and right, but after I found out the emperor is a d1ck, there was no emotional attachment to keep going. And the FL was just meh, and I think I got to like ep16+? Almost 20, can’t say I didn’t give it a solid try, but all I can is the next 50-70eps of just same scheming and destroying each other, which might be fun for 20-30eps but get old fast by 60 😒 left alone to whatever number they have lol
i was wondering why journey to the west wasn't on the list, then i realized it was released in 1986. it was so old yet sooooo gooooood. literally my entire childhood
Love 5 out of the 6 dramas, except the sitcom which I have yet to watch. NIF is my all time favorite. Agree that Joy of Life and Minglan is a tough choice. Still think Joy of Life should be on the list as no. 7. Awaiting NIF 3 and JOL 2 & 3.
I re-watch all my favorites. As a westerner, I went in for the costumes and sets at first... but the last episode I watched? My husband had to see me cry when I thought my favorite character had died.. I'm in deep, my friend that doesn't know me. Thanks for giving me more background in this video!
I watched 琅琊榜 Nirvana in Fire with my husband a few years ago, and then have refused to watch any other drama since because I still feel like I don’t want to waste my time on a drama that won’t be as good as this one was. This is my most highly recommended drama to people who are getting into C dramas.
I watched Nirvana in Fire three times and recently revisited The Story of Minglan for the fourth time. I discovered new details I had previously missed. Both stories are captivating, feel-good stories.
My first exposure to Chinese cinema was Raise the Red Lantern! As a result I’ve seen most of Gong Li’s movies. I then got into Chinese dramas when I began to learn Mandarin. In order to learn the language you must learn the culture. I really enjoyed Nirvana in Fire. Liu Tao is just beautiful. The scene where Mei Cháng Su finally got justice and bowed to his family was super emotional. I felt his pain. I loved the Story of Minglan until she married the general. I was made this 16 year old was marrying a man with a 9 year old. And his teeth annoyed me. I love the grandmother. She was the horrible 2nd wife in Raise the Red Lantern. I hated her but she redeemed herself in Story of Minglan and Joy of Life.
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Funny how the most watchable dramas are comedies or about smart female lead, but studios refuse to do that nowadays
Its so annoying the Fls are dumb 90% of the show and they have to grow in the end to get smart. I hate it. I love Story of Minglan because she always been very smart.
This the comment I was looking for 💯
Exactly! Most of these dramas like MFP, EiP, TSOM have storng women protagonist and even NIF has a strong woman general.
If they're dumb the script is easy to write.
this is why I have to go through the mydramalist tags to check what kind of female lead it'll be.
As an Asian American growing up in the 80’s we had the vhs dubbed versions of Legend of the condor heros and Return of the condor heros with Felix Wong and Andy Lau respectively. Also many Tony Leung and chow young phat shows. It wasn’t until about 6 years ago when I finally discovered that Netflix had English subtitles versions of new Chinese show and then discovers Viki, Tencent, and IQIYI that a whole new yet familiar world of dramas was opened up for me. Loved NIF and story of Minglan
Same here, I grew up on the classic Hong Kong shows, especially the condor trilogy, Demi-gods and semi devils, etc. they had such great actors even for the side character roles. I only recently discovered mainland Chinese dramas and literally learned mandarin by watching these shows. I have been begging my family to watch these with me so I have someone to share them with. Nice to meet some kindred spirits in the comments section.
As a millennial, journey to the west, justice pao and romance of three kingdoms were my first exposure to chinese dramas. They were aired on the national tv cable, already translated in our language. We used vhs tape recorder to record them. Good old times
I really love nirvana in fire and have rewatched it many times and im yet to find other cdramas as rewarchable as nif so i appreciate this video so much ❤
I grew up watching Hongkong TVB produced wuxia dramas back in the 80s. They’re so good i could watch them over & over again. These days there are chinese period dramas that i often rewatch: minglan & empresses in the palace.
I love tvb series. their series are some of my favorite rewatched series ever.
I have watched story of minglan like 7/8 times and rit now iam watching it again,i love the character she potrayed and all the other actors and espclly the storyline 🔥🔥
Story of Minglan is also my most rewatch chinese drama ❤❤❤❤
I agree your choice 👍specifically for the Minglan story ... I rewatched 3times hopping to find something similar in production, story wich reflect the family life of that period, real romance, all the personages are wonderful, logical scenario, intelligent and comic ❤❤❤
you are a great presenter...I love the way you talk
My rewatchables:
*Eternal Love: Ten miles and Dream
*Ashes of Love
*Rebel Princess
*Pearl Eclipse
*Story of Minglan (but I cannot stand his character)
*Princess Agents
Gonna try out that Detecive Dee too.
Feels like I rewatch Empresses in the Palace and Story of Minglan every few months (currently doing it now with Minglan lol).
Thank you for sharing.
Once one starts listening to you, it's hard to tear oneself away...
The Story of Minglan is so fun. I have watch it fully 4 times. But have also just skipped through to watch Gu Tingye's scenes of hitting on Minglan and scheming on Minglan and going crazy for her. But Rongjie at the end breaks my heart everytime. Cao CuiFen is my favorite grandma actress. If she is a matriarch in a show. She must be protected at all cost!
Zhao Liying is my favorite actress, and I love her. I watched New Fair Princess, and I loved it. I have also watched the empress in the palace. The Joy of life was pretty good. But I agree that the story of Minglan is one of the best; it was just too many episodes for me to rewatch. The only drama I have always rewatched is the story of Yanxi Palace, which I really loved.
Thanks for introducing me to The Legend of the White Snake 1992 or I wouldn't have known that its a musical. It sounds really nice, truly a classic, everything fit so well although its old. If only they can make dramas with such musical/opera nowadays.
I wasn't much of a c-drama lover when I was young compared to now (back then HK dramas was the popular go-to) but some 90s dramas that I remember watching back then (in order) that left an impression was Wang Fu Ya (1991), the Justice Bao Series 1993/1995 plus the tvb version (not the entire thing for me, but my grandma loves this), Tian Shi Zhong Kui 1995, The Legends of Jigong 1996, Huan Zhu Ge Ge, Romance in the Rain (2001), and The Mute Bride (2005).
Its most welcoming that you bring up these again. No matter what, good dramas deserve mention, no matter how much time pass, it still retains its charm.
I just found The Great Shaolin, The Great Revival, and The Legend of Bao Sheng here in YT with nice subs and completely enjoying these dramas ❤
I just knew that Huan Zhu Gege will be one of them. It's soooo huge back then cannot be compared to anything these days. My first true love of Chinese Drama and the one that I will rewatch again and again. White Snake legend was also really popular but I realized very early the husband was a female and thought it to be silly. Empress of The Palace is another gem although when I watched it I already got tired with harem drama and stopped somewhere in the middle. I also did not complete Nirvana In Fire and The Story of Minglan. I think I prefer reading the novel version of the later while the former I will probably continue watching at some points. Good list by far.
Empress in the palace is amazing. I saw it first on Netflix as a six episode. Loved it so much i needed to watch the entire show
Eternal Love was the first Chinese drama that got me hooked and still one of my favorite. Then I watched Ashes of Love and that started me to watching CD on Netflix. I used to watch martial arts Chinese movies before watching CD.
The Story of Ming Lan, a real classic, a Wow!
What a lovely idea. Thank you for this video.
I love the concept of this video
Currently watching Legend of Zhen Huan and it's so good. It's not my type of show so I have to take breaks but gosh I'm glad I decided to watch it. Nirvana in Fire has to be my next watch since I always hear about this show.
Thank you !
It’s safe to say that I would be watching The Story of Minglan since it seems like a lot of people are talking about it
i still go and rewatch empresses in palace every year LOL
Nirvana in fire
Joy of life are
my most rewatching C~drama
I wished that you included 步步驚心which I like more than Empress Palace
I’m glad you’re much nicer. Much more factual. As opposed to to well, you had a progress. You don’t ever have to please people but insulting is the same as being really hard on you! ^___^
I don't hate NIF 2 but NIF 1 is just well written and the flow of each episode makes you want to anticipate the next one. The actors are just so good in their respective characters. For me, Nirvana in Fire 1 is one masterpiece of a Chinese period drama.
I love Huan Zhu Ge Ge Season 1 &2 😍.The character of Xiao Yan Zi played by zhao wei is so cute and the actress herself is so stunningly beautiful 😍.
that old version of white snake legend, imo still the best version ever made, the newer versions were not as good
I rewatched Nirvana in Fire AT LEAST once a year since I watched it for the first time 😂
Recently loved Joy of Life (cant wait for part 2) and sword snow stride … same male lead. Love the plot. NIF and minglan too… princess Rebel has good balance too. I started creating lists and been good. Modern shows like ‘the love you give me’ is good and chef hua.
I had to search all these from comments haha strong female leads shows are rare nowadays.
my fair princess was my favourite. even in malaysia its really popular back then
I love the dramas made few years ago,to me they are the best Chinese dramas ❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦
The legend of Zhen Huan is the absolute best period drams ever. Minglan is a close second, but nothing comes quite as close as Zhen Huan.
The story of Ming Lan is my fave
nirvana in fire I always rewatch if I don't know what to watch ang love 020 its so funny because I literally memorize every scene
I watch Nirvana in fire and Joy of Life twice. I did not know their was a Nirvana 2 and 3. I list these 2 and post it in front of the screen. I can't wait for Joy of Life 2 and Sword, Snow Stride 2.
Thank you
Huan zhu ge ge for me. One of the highlights of my childhood😊
my fair princess!!! my favourite
The recent cdramas are very disappointing in comparison to the earlier dramas. I haven't watched a memorable drama in years
Wait what was the legend of white snake about? I remember watching it when I was a kid but I could not make sense of it. Does it have lesbian undertone in the plot?
Yanxi palace im surprised its not there. Even the BBC bought the rights to air it. Netflix then did a version of their children. I remember endless articles of is the real? Why is Yanxi loved so much
Nirvana in Fire was one of the first I ever watched - about 6 years ago. It's probably still my all time favourite.. and it got me pretty hooked on Chinese Drama (as a European woman). I'd never watched something so slowly evolving, character driven and complicated. It's the one I recommend to people who are curious about Chinese Drama but have never watched anything before..
The same for me (as an African woman). Till this day I make a whole cozy event of rewatching it every time I miss it and I still never skip a scene. That's huge for me. I normally watch dramas at x2 speed when they're dragging.🤭
I totally agree. It’s available on multiple online sources here in the US both English subs and dubbing. It got me also into Chinese historical dramas and I watch it still several times a year. Classic!!
Same ..
I couldn't agree with you more ..
I also usually recommend: the rise of the Phoenixes + Minglan and tribes and Empires..
Agreed! Nirvana in Fire also ignited my love for Chinese dramas. I still remember the first time I heard that epic intro... I just knew it was gonna be good! I can't think of a single western tv show that compares to it. I feel like the closest thing would be Game of Thrones but look how that turned out... I remember actually clapping when the credits rolled on the final episode of NIF and fighting the urge to give my laptop a standing ovation (like a lunatic). I was just so in awe of how epic and well written the whole thing was.
Now I'm definitely going to watch it. I only jumped on the chinese drama train at the end of 2019 and with the untamed, completely knowing nothing about chinese drama and just looking for something to watch as exposure to chinese mandarin as I started learning it that year. I haven't watched a drama in another language till then. I just don't have the time. I've still got a few on my to watch list, like nirvana in fire 1 and 2 , It will still be a couple of years untill I'll watch something in another language. (allthough I hope the quality of chinese drama's will go up again and then I might never have time for something else again :) )
The Story of Minglan is something else. I remember one interview with zhao liying and she said that drama changed a lot of things for her personally.
ofc. She married the ML.
@MyCristinaM and then she divorced LOL. A thing that I was hoping to happen in the drama cuz the ML belonged to the whorehouse
@@MyCristinaM and divorced him.
@@MyCristinaM career wise. You will notice how the projects she did after that are different from the ones before.
I already rewatch minglan for 6th time 😂😂😂 and planning will gonna rewatch it again this year (same with nirvana in fire, ten miles peach blossom, and the legend of white snake 1992 version, already rewatch it more than7-8 times. Now my new list for rewatch drama in this year is the blue whisper, it will be my 3th times to rewatch it)
I'm a lifelong fan of "Story of Minglan" ~
❤❤❤
Lifelong? The drama came out 6 years ago.
Me too!
Me too....I rematch it and Yanxi Palace atleast one a year 😂😂😂
@@nia_njema My people 🤝🏽
LOVED Story of Minglan. So, so good! Nirvana in Fire was great as well.
MingLan has this duality to it that I really like. I read the novel first, it's a beautiful piece of literature. MingLan has this lowkey bittersweetness of every day life, harem fights, evil in-laws, sweet siblings, married couples in love, etc. On the other hand it is an epic story about two people that start from nothing and become influential. Gu Tingye and MingLan don't seem like the usual pairing you see these days in idol dramas, yet it worked so well. The flow of words in the book and the masterful cinematography of the drama are just chef's kiss.
Minglan is the epitome of a patient woman but with a fang when she retaliates. She will be patient in every scuffle but be absolutely fight back in a manner that the other side can't fight back; amazing screenwriters
"The Story Of Ming Lan" is the first Chinese drama I watch with a happy ending. I love it so much-I watched it again with my husband. He promised he would watch a drama with me if I watched a Marvel movie with him soooo-I endured 2 and some what hours of stupidity in order for him to watch 73 episodes of a drama with me🤭🤭🤭. My dad asked him more than once if he was sure he wanted to marry me😏😏😏
Ovviamente Ti Adora.
@@paolaparodi979 Married 34 years. He better or my brothers🥊🤕🤭
Oh wow u tricked him lmao.
@@idalia799 Nooo, I didn't. Marriage is about give and take😉😇😇😇
@@TheProudWife515 you're a generation above me so I won't say brother but does he have a drama watching handsome nephew? haha
Story of Minglan! I think I watched that drama in less than week or something or at least it felt like it. It doesn't look it from the trailer but like how you explained, the characters are all interesting and then you find yourself sitting there watching everything happen lol
I lost count of how many times I've rewatched Story of Minglan, my favorite next to Nirvana in Fire.
I actually just rewatched MingLan….and it is so….relaxing. It always gives me very strong Jane Austin vibes…I am pretty sure I will rewatch it in the future!
Omg yes!! I totally agree! It’s like Chinese Jane Austen! And I’m a Jane Austen fan and love The Story of Minglan!
Just gonna say that I've rewacthed Ruyi's Royal Love like 8 times soo does that count? haha
Just about to comment on Ruyi. That was the first drama that got me hooked on C-drama. All brilliant actresses
@@sandrapadmindra9698 yes! I also think AvenueX kinda dismissed it unfairly. Ruyi is often said to be passive, but she's not, she's smart, lowkey, clever. And will and does stand up for herself with the highest stakes when needed.
Yes! Loved all the shows mentioned in this video, but Ruyi is also in my top 3 ❤
Totally love Ming Lan-the screenwriters also wrote Battle of Changsha, (on UA-cam) starring Yang Zi and Wallace Huo, so interesting and involving and terribly sad.
Ok you've sold me i will watch nirvana in fire! Also I totally agree with Story of Minglan! I love how complex it went into Minglan's dad and first wife. Like they wheren't just the bad guys they had their own problems and issues as well. I can't tell you how many times I watched the episodes of Minglan revealing everything that the first wife's family did.
My first drama is still one I compare others to: Eternal Love/10 Miles of Peach Blossoms (2017). All mentioned are great, but have rewatched it more than once & will always be at the top of my list.
That one is really well known to international viewers but slightly less popular domestically, partially because of the genre. It's not considered a period drama, it's more "xian xia" which is like gods, fairies, cultivation, etc. Good choice though :)
Both dramas are priceless. Ok, maybe Minglan a little more so.
Me too.
I watch Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms at least every 2-4 month from the beginning.
I remember during Huan Zu Ge Ge era, me n my friends would like to carry handkerchieves and mimic their walk 😂😂
I hated the shoes...
i did those too... i also put ornaments and flowers on my hat LOL
I still remember those days when all the kids in my school tried to attract butterflies like that one princess in the series. Even some of the boys joined in 🤣🤣.
Here for Ming Lan. I'm at my 6th watch. Get me each and every time. My idea of a masterpiece. Sorry Avenue X.
This reminds me I‘d love to see more reviews of shows that aired in the past. I remember a few years ago you used to review dramas that weren’t aired that year :)
Im a huge fan of story of minglan❤❤❤❤❤
I cannot count how many times I rewatched NIF. Just brilliant every time I watch it. I also rewatch minglan many times and truthfully you will appreciate this more and more after repeatedly watching it.
I rewatch Story of Minglan once a year seems like. My brain makes me.
I am on my 4th time watching The Story of Minglan. It really was such a great drama and would love to see another like it.
I started my Chinese Drama journey 3 years ago with Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms and Eternal Love of Dream and since then I have never looked back. I barely watch American tv anymore.
Empress in the Palace is the show that got me hooked on c dramas!
I rewatched the story of minglan for the second time in a row
Omg omg omg, most of the dramas you have mentioned i watched / rewatched it several times. I love My Fair Princess, Empress in Palace, Nirvana in Fire, and Story of Minglan. These are included in "My All Time Favorite Chinese Dramas". I really appreciate that you have made a list of this dramas. I remembered the feelings while i was watching these dramas. I love them all and i will never forget these dramas and sometimes I'm going back to rewatch it.❤
Yay! Soooo happy to see you do a retrospective video. The perfect solution to a slow drama season. Watch the old ones!
I'd be curious how an international "most watched" would differ from your domestic list. I feel so lucky to live in an age when all this is available to me here in New England. With subtitles. Free. Discovering cdramas and your channel has been a light during dark times.
Legend of Zhen Huan is my Roman Empire lol. Loved it and I rewatch at least once a year.
Love Love The Story of Ming Lan. The ML gives what think one of the most natural fun performances of his character. Instead of a usual stiff Male Lead played by most.
Rewatched Winter begonia. Loved it so much
Hello Avenue X,
I hope you are having a great week so far! I enjoy your work that you put into your videos. Great stuff I must say.
Huan zhu ge ge was basically my childhood, I remember watched it together with my sister and my bestfriend, well my nickname was xiao yan zi and my bestfriend was xiwei, we love it so much to the point we asked our parents to bought the drama's VCDs 😂😂😂😂, I'm from Indonesia anyway. Because of this drama we also comes to love "romance in the rain" drama, because most of the leads are the same.
Many dramas from Taiwan from that period were very liked outside China.
Huan Zhu Ge Ge and Meteor Garden were huge. The F4 were the 2000's BTS 🤣
@@PotatoRed148 ah yes meteor garden as well, they were huge.
totally bizarre coincidence, I spent the past weekend watching My Fair Princess! hilarious
and of course NiF and Minglan - I've rewatched each at least 3 times
My most rewatched dramas are The Rise of the Phoenixes and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace.
I can't for the life of me rewatch all episodes of ruyi's royal love in the palace. I only rewatch happy ones.
Chinese Dramas i've rewatched 36252 times:
Nirvana in Fire (the first one)
The Story of Ming Lan
Empresses In The Palace/The Legend of Zhen Huan
The Legend of Mi Yue
The Story of Yanxi Palace
Ruyi's Royal Love In The Palace
The Last Empress of China
Eternal Love of Dream
Princess Agents
Who Rules The World
Princess Weiyoung
Love Like The Galaxy
Bu Bu Jing Xin / Scarlet Heart
Now if we're talking more modernized:
You are my glory
Dating in the kitchen (choke hold)
Well Intended Love
And thats about it for me if anyone has some good reccommendations do let me know
I rewatched love me if you dare honestly mainly because i think wallace huo is fine girl.. Yum but i the music choices at majority of the points in that drama were... Questionable.
Eternal Love (aka the first one) was good too but idk Eternal Love of Dream just grabbed me up by the neck.. Ive rewatched Eternal Love of Dream 335273 times, whereas I think i've only watched eternal love twice.
You look great today! Well, I've also decided to watch The Long River from last year, enjoying it so far, and waiting ... thanks for these older dramas to catch up on!
I'm new to watching c dramas and I made a vow to myself that I will ONLY watch c dramas , as an American I'm tired of political subliminals and agendas in my shows, c dramas have NO cursing No s@x scenes , and no agendas JUST PURE ENTERTAINMENT!!! And as a viewer I REALLY appreciate that!! I'm watching judge Dees mystery right now and its so good and the plot is great!! Also my number 1 favorite female actress is wu jinyan WOW She great!! I was introduced to c dramas last year by watching stories of yanxi palace and that was it I was sold to the genre
My introduction to Chinese drama was The Untamed. Everything about it was good, the acting, storyline and ost. I had never heard of "bl" until then. They did a great adaptation because I thought it was a buddy, buddy comedy-drama. I stll enjoy watching it, more than 2-1/2 years later. It has something that I can't explain but it's a feeling that only this drama has for me. I like modern Chinese romance comedies but not dramas. I like some historical costume dramas but The Untamed remains at the top.
White snake legend is definitely a legendary show in Indonesia. One of my memory as a kid is walking home in the evening and hearing this tv show because every TV in every houses on that street hooked on the same channel. It was really a surreal experience.
I love the Story of Ming Lan. It is just simple comforting magic. However I would also add to this list Bu bu Jing Xin. This drama was just a cultural sensation.
I will admit I am one of those who have rewatched the latter 3 dramas over and over again 😂
Empress in the palace might be highly praised but I got bored watching it. Sure the ladies scheming left and right, but after I found out the emperor is a d1ck, there was no emotional attachment to keep going. And the FL was just meh, and I think I got to like ep16+? Almost 20, can’t say I didn’t give it a solid try, but all I can is the next 50-70eps of just same scheming and destroying each other, which might be fun for 20-30eps but get old fast by 60 😒 left alone to whatever number they have lol
i was wondering why journey to the west wasn't on the list, then i realized it was released in 1986. it was so old yet sooooo gooooood. literally my entire childhood
Couldn't watch thru any of the other ones. Watched Story of Minglan several times.
Gen Z here,,, and yess, i seldom rewatch dramas,,,only story of minglan and NIF 1 make my list,,,so happy to see these 2 on your list
Love 5 out of the 6 dramas, except the sitcom which I have yet to watch. NIF is my all time favorite. Agree that Joy of Life and Minglan is a tough choice. Still think Joy of Life should be on the list as no. 7. Awaiting NIF 3 and JOL 2 & 3.
The story of Minglan is based on Ming Dynasty in the novel. It was written in the style of Honglou Meng (Dream of the Red Mansion)
I re-watch all my favorites. As a westerner, I went in for the costumes and sets at first... but the last episode I watched? My husband had to see me cry when I thought my favorite character had died.. I'm in deep, my friend that doesn't know me.
Thanks for giving me more background in this video!
White Snake was very popular in Indonesia too. I can easily recall from my memory some of the scene and dialogue
Its OST, I still remember it in bahasa indonesia 😂
to this day, i still watch zhen huan on repeat lol. it's my comfort watch and if there are more episodes, i'm going to watch it again haha.
Thank you for suggesting My Own Swordsman. I’m learning Mandarin and I’m always looking for ways to improve my language skills!
A month ago i just rewatch Story of Minglan, awesome drama!!
I watched 琅琊榜 Nirvana in Fire with my husband a few years ago, and then have refused to watch any other drama since because I still feel like I don’t want to waste my time on a drama that won’t be as good as this one was. This is my most highly recommended drama to people who are getting into C dramas.
That said, maybe I will watch Minglan since everyone on here says it’s so good.
I watched Nirvana in Fire three times and recently revisited The Story of Minglan for the fourth time. I discovered new details I had previously missed. Both stories are captivating, feel-good stories.
My first exposure to Chinese cinema was Raise the Red Lantern! As a result I’ve seen most of Gong Li’s movies. I then got into Chinese dramas when I began to learn Mandarin. In order to learn the language you must learn the culture. I really enjoyed Nirvana in Fire. Liu Tao is just beautiful. The scene where Mei Cháng Su finally got justice and bowed to his family was super emotional. I felt his pain.
I loved the Story of Minglan until she married the general. I was made this 16 year old was marrying a man with a 9 year old. And his teeth annoyed me. I love the grandmother. She was the horrible 2nd wife in Raise the Red Lantern. I hated her but she redeemed herself in Story of Minglan and Joy of Life.
I love "Nirvana in Fire" and "The Story of Minglan." I'm still fangirling over the actors of NIF. I wish Wang Kai would do more dramas.
My first foreign drama ever is journey to the west. Watched in my native language. Rewatched pretty every year for 10 years❤