Dafeng Garotan (2024)

Office Worker Isekaied into Dafeng Dynasty and Becomes TOP DAWG

This is such a common trope I've read often in manhuas/manhwas but I have to say I really don't watch it enough in dramas. I would say the only other one I watched where MC was isekaied is Romance of Tiger and Rose! Guardians of Dafeng also lives up to the comedy in ROTR but more in the form of slapstick comedy rather than humour in the dialogue. I'm watching this while I'm in a kdrama slump and I am being kept very entertained so far.

Since this is based off a novel series, I wonder if they're planning on having multiple seasons or if they're fitting everything in one season! Personally, I haven't read the novel but super excited to be watching this! Summary of the drama from what I've seen so far is basically in my headline - Xu Qi'an (originally Yang Ling before he woke up in a different world) aka Mr. Dylan Wang gets isekaied into an alternate fantasy world which takes place during Da Feng dynasty. A world with magic and powers and magical swords. He wakes up in prison btw and basically clears his and his family's names by using his brain, catching the eye of some pretty high up people. His character is supposed to be very smart, and with the addition of his modern world knowledge plus somehow remembering all his years of education (seriously, who the hell remembers their entire high school chemistry textbook), he becomes very good at solving cases and becomes famous for his poems (the ones he writes from what he remembers from books hes read). He slowly starts to move up in this world, eventually achieving his goal of being a part of the Guardians of Dafeng (which are essentially the protectors of the people, think police but with powers). His family is funny, and its so heartwarming to see them form a close bond (apparently the old him was emo) - his uncle, cousin, and aunt are especially funny when they're all together. The one flaw I would say so far is the fact that the writers aren't thinking too deep about how to show Xu Qi'an as a brilliant detective, he is simply just better than everyone and pieces things together better than most people in this dynasty do. I honestly don't have a problem with this, I also like that he solves things so quickly without any confusing path to get there, but it's amusing seeing how it's REALLY not that complicated. If someone is expecting really complex and good investigative skills from this, this is noooot for you. Anyways, now that he's a Guardian, he's also beginning to upgrade his fighting skills and we see already that he's also gifted in fighting. Although he seems to have selfish intentions with his interactions, you can tell he truly does care about people and upholds this righteousness by defending those who need it. On the way to becoming top dawg for real - you just know he's walking out of this with a girl. The FL who is the second princess doesn't appear in the drama until 6 episodes in and I'm not sure how big of a focus their romance will have but I'm sensing some great character development from her. Princess Lin'an (Tian Xiwei) is introduced as a spoiled princess who's always competing to appear better than the Grand Princess, bothering the Bureau of Astronomy for education and now Xu Qi'an for his poetry. Also excited to see their love story play out and I expect a lot of bickering from these two. In terms of acting, I feel like it's the typical chinese drama acting - the side characters act decently well, nothing mind blowing but again this is a comedic drama. I haven't watched Dylan Wang in anything for a HOT minute and honestly I can see that there's been improvement in his acting. He has a lot more facial expressions since his Meteor Garden Days and his line delivery is much better. Could he do better? For sure, but for now I don't care and just like his face. His hair also looks good in this. This is my first time watching Tian Xiwei in anything and I like her so far - pretty natural acting, cute face, good expressions! I've also seen some people complaining about Dylan's sichuan accent and oh gosh some of these people are so nitpicky. I'm really glad he gets to dub his own drama this time and I quite like his voice, I don't think too much of his accent but I guess it bothers some people since this takes place in a Dynasty.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, comedic drama, with a character who gets super OP along with some romance, definitely give this a try!

Leia Mais

Refreshing and Must Watch 2025

I found this drama to be different from the others. When it premiered on December 28, 2024, I was so excited, and sure enough, from the very first episode, it had me laughing out loud. Dylan, as Xu Qi An, nailed the role, and I believe this role was made for him. Some scenes where they were laughing felt so natural and real, almost as if they weren’t acting at all. Every day, I eagerly look forward to each new episode of this drama.

As the episodes progress, the storyline becomes increasingly intricate and thrilling. The CGI, along with several scenes set in the mountains and deserts, showcases breathtakingly real landscapes, not CGI, and they’re stunning. This drama truly has outstanding visuals, making it feel like watching a movie. The opening song is also a perfect match, even though it’s the first time a Chinese drama in the Wuxia genre uses a rap-style opening song.

All the cast members are incredible, giving their absolute best. I’m thrilled that Dylan took on a different role and expanded his acting range. He is so natural in the comedy scenes too.

Leia Mais

farcical comedic brilliance

I've seen some reviewers attempt to rate this as a serious dramatic program. They totally miss the point and take themselves way too seriously as reviewers.

This is a farcical lighthearted comedic fantasy and adventure story. The plot does not need to be realistic or make sense because in fantasy we suspend our disbelief to live the story. The point is poking fun at the improbable situations and tropic stereotypes in the genre. That, and having a good laugh.

The mistake made, imho, was projecting this as a detective story in pre-release and not a comedy adventure. It isn't until we get into the story that the real nonsense begins, and the viewers realize that we have been haphazardly thrown into another world just like the hero.

This program is by no means perfect. Holes can be poked left and right if one wants to rate the expressions, accents or plot. However this would be like pointing out the absurdity of a Monty Python classic.

Guardians of the Dafeng is going to be an all time favorite that I will re-watch over and over.

Leia Mais

Money, fame, I want it all

I have seem mixed review for this, for me it gets a good score and I would recommend.

Guardians of Dafeng is a comedy drama, and that is something that I didn't know going in. I was pleasantly surprised though. As to say the least I have seen a lot of wuxia dramas that take a more serious and tragic turn. Dylan Wang's last drama I have seen, Unchained Love, had a problem with the tone. As that drama was comedy, but incredibly dark at the beginning. Here right away it is full comedy, and quite loud about it.

The cast knows how to work with each other, and because of that the comedy works most of the time. A little parts are tone deaf, but overall it is funny enough that I watch because I don't want to miss any jokes. The story may suffer, but I don't think this drama is super deep into any politics so in the end I am taking it for what it is. Dylan Wang is the main character, playing Xu Qi An. I love how he gets to be charistmat and over the top with the comedy.. he is incredibly handsome while he does it also.

I must say, the scene stealers for me are his Uncle. That man is hilarious, and the writing I have got to commend for making it so. The chemistry between the leads, and for everyone is a mixed bag of comedy and joy. What I haven't had a chance to see yet is a blossoming romance between the princess and Xu Qi An. Since it is so comical I can't take it very seriously after all. I don't get the criticism of the princess that Tian Xi Wei plays being really stupid, she isn't as bad as people are commenting. She is a schemer, and is charismatic as well. I wonder if the toning will suffer because it is just so funny. I can't see any deep storyline happening and hope it just stays the slice of life.

It is like watching the day in the life of an office worker, but the office worker is Dylan Wang and it is a wuxia. There are loads of work put onto him, he has to please his superiors, and it is all fun to watch thus far. The choreography and the money put into this is clearly doing this drama a service, I know it is trying to be the next big thing. I think it's a pretty great drama, with an easy to watch story and fun characters.

I wouldn't watch this for a serious story or romantic wuxia though, as the FL is barely a main lead. Dylan Wang is the star of this drama and you can tell he is aware of that, having fun and unafraid to be funny. I like the details of his character that he brings to life; like how he finds silver and is known to be lucky, or how he isn't overpowered and intelligent at all. It is funny because in the modern world he was charismatic, but not special. In this world he is special by bringing his modern knowledge to the world he is in to simply live a successful life. What is the definition of success though? Money, to live without worry, that is what he's going for.

Leia Mais

Overhyped but Watchable for some Dumb Comedy

Not to piss off Dylan Wang Fans but if you want to use your own voice in a costume drama, work on your accent + line delivery. Success of Love Between Fairy and Devil (which I did enjoy) was partially contributed by the right choice of voice dubbing (Sound, Accent, Line Delivery). Of course, I would love it if more actors can use their own voices but that's under the condition if they can do it properly. It's the same concept where European/Australian actors that play American characters with the correct accent. I am sure it's hard work but it's part of acting.

From acting, many of his expressions are the same--that wrinkle between the eyebrow Look. Not comparable to the strong supporting cast. So many good actors can deliver those micro expressions.

Story wise ... kind of makes no sense how fast he solves the 1st case in 3 min. Lots of talking w/o actually going through the process of solving the murder. If you enjoy well written murder solving dramas like Imperial Coroner or Ancient Detective, then this is not it.

What's "Watchable"
Supporting Cast. There are so many familiar faces that can do these dumb humor roles very well. Although this kind of humor may not hit for everyone. 80% didn't hit for me. I much enjoyed "Go East" with Tan Jian Ci or The Happy Seven in Chang'an. Both are silly comedies that hit more for me.

I'll emphasize that these are just my personal opinion. I am not a super fan of any idol actors, but I am a fan of character portrayal and good story telling disregarding popularity.

Leia Mais

Very excellent drama from the start

Actually I am a huge Dylan Wang fan ,so iam eagerly waiting for this drama for a long time .when I saw this drama was penting for a long time ,i thought it will be only airs 2025 .but finally it aired in dec 28.i only watched 2 episodes,this is not like other historical dramas only fantasy, romance, it's really funny too ,i really like Dylan Wang character as xu qian , it's a time travel drama and the other actors are very funny too ,zhang miao yi(in when I fly towards you) also here as his sister ,her acting was good too,
The actress in it was tian xi wei I like her too she is a cute girl actually have chemistry with didi in offline (award show, red carpet) actually haven't seen her in this drama yet,bcoz it's only released two episodes,iam 100%sure it will be best drama to end this and start new year , I will surely review again after watched full episodes, any person is waiting for a good review to watch it ,then go for it , if it is really good from the start iam sure it will be good to end💯

Leia Mais