Guardian (2018)

One of the best summer dramas with top notch acting. Despite the loopholes and divergences from the source material, the drama is worth watching thanks to the acting of two main leads especially Zhu Yi Long, who knows how to subtly convey the micro changes on his face and a great range of emotions. Moreover, its opening song is epic. Despite the fact that most people on youtube do not find the ending satisfactory, I believe it is good/satisfactory as it insinuates that love will go on even after death and for those who believe in reincarnation, it is a promising end.

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The first Chinese drama ever that I forced my Mandarin fluent friend to read the book and watched all episodes and summarize it for me. And mind you he wasn't a fan of Yaoi.

The trailer was in my Youtube's recommendation and I was glad I clicked it. The first episode captured my heart; the moment Shen Wei (Zhu Yi Long) saw Zhao Yun Lan (Bai Yu) at the university. The look alone was a testament that there was something more about their relationship. With China's ban on certain things, what should have been a reunion between soul-mates had to be tone down to soul-brothers. But, Zhu Yi Long and Bai Yu managed to convey the gist of the book (which is Yaoi) with subtle things via facial expression and the way they look at each other. The plot was there but with limited budget, not much can be done. There were some part which made no sense because of the editing, like there should be something more but was cut short. If you cannot stand flaw in small details, then there's plenty in it. Just focus on Zhao Yun Lan and his lollipop and you'll know. One moment it was in his mouth, then his hand and the next thing it's back in his mouth.

The two main lead (Zhu Yi Long and Bai Yu) saved the drama from going down the drain; and to think the initial cast was supposed to be Bai Yu and an un-named actor. Bai Yu in fact mentioned he was uncomfortable taking the part once he read the book. I don't think it's because it was Yaoi but Zhao Yun Lan in the book was flirtier and reminded me of Sun Wukong. The supporting cast were brilliant as well. The entire SID team seemed like they walked out of the book; of course with minor changes to some characters to fit the ban. Some extra characters left an impact with the way they carried their role, for example, the guy who play the new king and the guy who have the fire ability.

The opening theme was epic. It promised of a grand scale drama even though the drama did not deliver much. And it was in English which was rare for China to have for an opening theme; maybe for interlude, but definitely not opening or ending theme.

Heck yeah you'll wanted to rewatch it. Maybe skipped most part and just stick with the main lead. In fact, someone should edit the entire 40 episodes and make it a movie just with the two of them.

Overall, it was the best Chinese drama I watched so far for 2018. Do not watch it for the logic, watch it for the main lead.

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