2022
Dramas! Lets begin a new year! Hopefully, I will keep up with the dramas better. Some I am sure I let slip by. Some I do lose interest with. Some I wonder why did I even bother. Lets hope this year has a lot more to offer. Although, I don't know if the Chinese government is going to let some dramas be..but who knows. I have fallen in love with some Japanese dramas and Korean dramas, too!
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1. Detetive Kong
Chinese Drama - 2021, 30 episodes
Such a great way to start the year. It came out in December of 2021. And with the antics of playful Zhang Yu Jian, I have learned to appreciate him even more! Yes, he's a one-man show and I do love this drama! The whole supporting cast is great too. And the mysteries are fun, as well. And you get to see him with Liang Jie who seems to be showing up everywhere these days!
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2. Você é o Meu Céu
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Honestly, I can't wait for more with this BL drama! Beautiful cinematography! Some wild times at the UNI from the get-go. I like there is more than one couple in the storyline, too. It's heart-felt and great storytelling ❤
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3. Reset
Chinese Drama - 2022, 15 episodes
Such a great production. Intense and the viewer is always ready for the next episode! Only 15 episodes and I have to admit I really love the leads in this story!
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4. Para Voar com Você
Chinese Drama - 2021, 35 episodes
OK, the winter Olympics are coming! I'm not sure it's quite the story as last year's Skate into Love, but it's along that theme. She's a speed skater with a dream and he is a singles skater..although, I think he should her coach.
Naturally, this one has some silliness to it, but still friendships remain strong. Not sure just when there will a real love story. At times, I don't know if I'll finish it.
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5. Médico Fantasma
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
I do love the cast. Its surprisingly good. It really draws you in. And Rain & Baum together..awesome!
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6. Quando as flores desabrocham, eu penso na lua
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Oh, the more I watch the more I like the two couples in this..and of course, everything else about this period piece. I find it very well done!
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7. A Cozinha de Cupido
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
The FL is a bit more grownup in this one than she was in FLY WITH ME..maybe. She's the ugly duckling..or so her character says. Its a foodie kind of story. But this chef has been with the worst demon of girlfriends who manages the place he works out. She causes trouble for everyone. Really. And her brother is genius with food. I dunno why she doesn't fire her ex and just hire her brother (yet he wears too much eyeliner).
Of course, there is competition among the chefs. Blue is my favorite. I hope this actor gets more than bits, but he might find he'll get more work in the states these days than in China.
Conclusion: I like this one! But they are so mean to each other. I don't think the mentor was mentorworthy to those who were in the competition. And to go to such lengths to keep people from being in the competition is horrible. It was so hard to like any of the characters in this drama. Blu is the only one I truly found inspiring and loved ?
I have to say, this is the best ending of a Chinese drama I've seen. Most are pretty sad. It was good to see something upbeat..and of course, sweets at the end, too! -
8. Apenas Recém-casados
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
I probably enjoyed this drama more than some. It probably left them wondering just how immature this drama was and the culture of it. Still, it had some great MLs. It was great to see them both in this together. Even in a fake marriage.
Yes, at times it was frustrating. It was especially frustrating to her. And deep down you felt, hey, you've got the guy who takes care of the cat..go with him. After all, he had such a fantastic smile and happiness about him. But someone stole her heart in a very stoic way. As the drama progressed you realize he knows he's not a regular guy. Too shy for his own good, yet smart enough to make it in a big company (can that possibly happen?)
I loved the supporting cast in this. Her boss, especially. Along the way you get little nuggets of wisdom. But it wasn't until the RED COUCH that put me in tears. It was a very settle approach, but afterwards you are thinking..hey, they still use symbolism in these dramas which gave it that 'pure' feel. Yes, absolutely pure. Which is something many can't handle anymore. They are used to watching the grit, the blood, the abused and whatever law and order might give them. But this was a sweet little drama..and it makes you wonder how do we get together, anyway?
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9. Sob a Pele
Chinese Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
Absolutely loved this one. So many cool cases! And of course such a great performance from Tan. It was great to see him in a modern tale. Oh, he is such a worthy actor. Of course, I dunno if I would have liked the police crew if he wasn't there to help. After all, his character was the smart one!??✌️?✨
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10. Irei Quando o Tempo Estiver Bom
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Finally, got this drama watched ❤️ It was the slowest burn ever, but well worth it. Such a beautiful drama reaching different generations and the quotes. Oh, so quotable. It was definitely a very long winter for this one. I enjoyed the community as well. Although, at times I was like..couldn't you guys just get this over with and have a conversation. But I made it through. And I'm glad I did.
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11. Mestre de Mim
Chinese Drama - 2022, 32 episodes
One of my favorite Chinese dramas of this year. Although, the romance was on the back burner. It still had so much to offer with Seven and Lenny at their best in this workplace drama. I didn't feel that it dragged. I like how both characters grew. I felt it was good writing and a wonderful realistic cast. You don't always get that, but it is one of the better productions of this year. Mature. ..and full of human kindness.
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12. Médico Legista Dr. Qin: O Leitor de Mentes
Chinese Drama - 2022, 28 episodes
I guess I watched this at a good time of the year. I needed a mystery. Although, this is a serious Qin and one might think..should he be dead already? This ML was at times..Mr. No Expression(and I hated his hairstyle). I liked the FL. So sweet and to be a medical examiner. There was an attempt for a bromance, but not really. The cast was so-so. I know there are better story-lines out there ..and holes in the plot..but still, I'm glad I watched it. Now I want to find more Dr. Qin dramas to watch.
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13. Mamãe Fada e o Lenhador
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
It started out as the most light-hearted of rom coms. Or may the best bromance ever. OK, so I loved the two main leads. It was a quirky celestial kind of story. But sometimes, you felt it went in circles before it got better. Still, I enjoyed it. It was fun. Unusual. And then it kind of got warped. By episode 14..woooo. it got really dark..anyway, it had its strange side, but I'm still glad I watched it.
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14. Legend of the Condor Heroes
Chinese Drama - 2008, 50 episodes
OK, it's from 2008. And I really do like this author's work. And we had some rather pretty guys in this one. And the old ones were pretty cool to. They knew their parts well. I dunno I liked the fight scenes best in the Saber Sword Wuxia drama best. Naturally, it was over the top in some silly casting..and if you can get past that and get settled into the stories of 2 different so called brothers who didn't meet until they were 20 and then told by some monk to fight. Yeah, crazy story that just got more crazy. I mean the one who does become the martial arts expert gets told how dumb he is most of the time, even by the woman who loves him who's pretty much a trickster. And then the other guy, couldn't figure out who to be loyal too. His real family or the adopted one. And of course, let's throw in the Beggar Sect. Oh, it was all there ..except they should have had at least one character learning the 'medical science' of Wuxia. That would have came in handy. And as it comes to an end..it's like..'this is just the beginning'..so then you are thinking. Why did I just watch 50 episodes of this? Of course, this usually happens to me when I watch the Lost Tomb series cause it's like..hey, get ready for the next adventure..hope you can find it.
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15. Oi, Minha Garota
Chinese Drama - 2022, 24 episodes
It was a modern tale. I needed that. Sweet college story about how a street-smart girl got mixed up with a newbie in the Northwest area from Shanghai. He just wanted to find out more about his parents who died young, but they had been in a movie club at that University. Of course, his Aunt came because she wanted to be close to him since he was her only family. So his Aunt meets her Dad and well, they slowly all become connected. Honestly, it was rather light-hearted for the most part. It would not be romantic enough for some. I got a kick out of the second lead who wanted a girlfriend. A part of me wanted it to be a couples drama. It almost was. If I had been writing it, I would have gotten the guy who ran the movie club to have gotten involved with the nerdy guy..but since this is a Chinese drama..that's not going to happen. For the most part, it had a nice flow. Reasonable people and actions. Sweet family-centered ending. Nothing off the wall. I liked the production. Sweet pop songs.
Honestly, it had more to offer than I was expecting. I feel Zi Yi has grown more of an actor than Can Can. ...who really came off so youthful and energetic. Usually, I think of her as the tigeress bitch sort. She can play mean so well. But Zi Yi is downright adorable. He could just look at her and he really made it feel as if he adored her.
One to watch for is Cai Xin Yang. I hope he moves up the ML. I think he just needs the right haircut, perhaps. But he has the strength in his presence to make a soulful role. I don't know if these kind of roles will do him any favors. He might have to go for a Wuxia fantasy or period piece. Actually, I think he would do great in a Lost Tomb series. A Murder mystery or maybe some kind of crime story might be perfect for him. Honestly, I think this is the season where China is headed in many of their dramas. They are doing their best to stay away from bromances these days.
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16. O Assassinato em Kairoutei
Chinese Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
OK, it was a short Chinese drama based on a Japanese novel. Such a fine production. And well, what can I say about Steve. His character was really on cue from the beginning to the end. It was so great to see this transition in his character and in his acting abilities too. This has to be his most adult role yet which he did with such depth. Maybe it was the FL that showed him the way. She is good at making the other actor look great. She herself is an amazing actress. I really thought it was a suspenseful story and to see the turn of events. Definitely one of my favorite Chinese dramas this year ❤️
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17. Amo o Jeito que Você É!
Chinese Drama - 2022, 30 episodes
This was pretty fresh. I had actually watched the K-drama of it but didn't like it. You can hardly compare the two. I really felt this was a much tighter story and about modern work life in China. I loved the cast. It was a great opening, the first episode. But I wasn't sure if I could stay with it, but I'm glad I did. It was so likable. Especially, the supporting cast. Maybe it might not have everything you want in a romcom, but I liked that it was a good drama to get into. And I loved the characters more, watching them grow in this drama. I liked the side stories too. ❤️
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18. Você Está Seguro?
Chinese Drama - 2022, 31 episodes
This was a bit different than I expected. Still, it had enough going in it to keep me watching. I enjoyed the first episode. I liked all three of the ML leads in this. It was good to see Tan at the helm. After all, I would watch him in everything. He is after all my favorite Chinese actor. I liked the newcomer in this one too. There were a few stories I wanted to see more of like the girl who worked there who got involved with the guy who needed help because of the cyber attackers. Exciting technology in this one. Yet at times it was like, oh..so they always have to be on the computer. Still, there was plenty of action and story. I hope there is a season 2.
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19. Takara-kun to Amagi-kun
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
I gave it a high rating because I think everyone is wanting this kind of love story. Yet, I don't know if it would be that simple in reality. Yet, I think this is a lot more complicated than what the eye sees too. Yes, it was like Night and Day visiting each other. Although, at times I felt Tak didn't know where Ama was coming from. I felt he was possibly taking advantage of him, yet perhaps he felt this too. Although, it seemed he was probably in more fear of his peers than Ama was. I really would like to see both actors in more dramas, different dramas, too. I hope they won't be typed cast.
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20. Weak Hero
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
In a world of gender identity crisis comes an old tale of this boy's life where the war rages on. Rich against the poor. Dog eat dog. Yes, some will say this is nothing special. Yet it's a grit that will always be there and some become obsessed with it. Personally, I think they need more teachers in the classroom. These guys should not be left alone. One of the best dramas of the year.
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21. Imparável Chute Alto
Korean Drama - 2006, 167 episodes
Oh, I am so happy I got to see the original. Such great writing. I loved the bromances, the romances, and even those annoying side characters. And yes a bit of mystery too. I loved the way it ended. Although, it had me guessing til the very end. Honestly, I felt the storyline was much more centered with the family than those High Kicks to come. Truly, this cast brought it to life.