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.
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!
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 :)
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.❤
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.
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.
Totally love Ming Lan-the screenwriters also wrote Battle of Changsha, (on RUclips) starring Yang Zi and Wallace Huo, so interesting and involving and terribly sad.
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
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.
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.
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 ❤
This was such a blast from the past, thank you! I think I watched almost all of the Qiong Yao adapted dramas with my mom and grandmother when I was a child! 😁
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 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 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 🤣🤣.
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 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 🔥🔥
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.
As someone who only started watching cdramas in 2018, i am pleased to know I have watched 3 of the 6 dramas on this list.😊 I will probably rewatch the 3 of them sooner if only to appreciate them again.
I loved the concept of this video! Thank you. It would be cool to share the most rewatched series from each others countries. In Argentina I would say it is "Los simuladores (the simulators). Is a early 2000s miniseries about 4 people who are esencially professional troubleshoters. It was extremely special because it was developed in the aftermath of one of the worst economic crushes in argentinian history but it didn't escaped its context, it incorporated it in the script in a clever and not gritty way, and also was able to walk around the production dificulties it brought. Everybody cites it, it has 378393 memes and the actors and director are still asked about it in every interview
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.
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 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 ❤❤❤
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.
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.
Despite being from the US and not even being Chinese I grew up with Chinese cinema and TV land. From 80s-90s HK films to Taiwanese dramas, to modern period shows. Growing up HZGG was my absolute favorite. I was a huge fan of Zhao Wei and would watch anything she was in. Today, my favorite Chinese drama prob goes to Story of Minglan. I have never experienced a drama that felt so realistic. It didn't feel like I was watching a show at times, but rather felt like I was peeking into the lives of an actual family. I personally love the acting, writing, the music, and hell I LOVE the lighting. All perfection.
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
I have learned so much about Chinese history and culture from your videos. The one which made me take noes was on Imperial examination system and grades of officials.
I love all the dramas on your just. Joy of life would've been on my list as well. I can't finish more than 95% of dramas I start , but I rewatched JOL 4 times already and still enjoyed every moment. So much care and detail.
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.
Thank you so much for making this video! I have been so out of tune with Chinese dramas because I watched very few last year and this year I haven’t liked any yet.
Thank you so much Avenue for this one of a kind episode.. I made a genuine trip through time ☺️; it made me feel how quickly old i have become .. Appreciate however of the load of emotions i have shared in those dramas😢
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.
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.
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.
This was quite delightful 🥰 thank you. 2020 was my gift to Chinese dramaland, and I am so glad for this whole branch of adventures. This episode you did is fantastic because I know I keep going back to Nirvana in Fire, Empress in the palace, more Joy of life than The story of Minglan, though I had re-watched it a number of times, when I am really bored with lack of true plot and substance with the new dramas. Somehow, Empress in the palace was an eye opener for me on all the psychological patterns of human behaviors and understanding people in a new way. It's kind of fun to realize we don't really change! Though we think we have evolved as societies, we are still all these traits, lol. BTW, I saw an Insta post where Fan Bingbing is in Australia filming with Liam Neesom; I am so happy for her. We get to continue to see and enjoy a great talent. Bye and thanks for the beautiful look of today.
Thanks very much for this very informative video! I have watched some of these dramas, and will certainly check the other ones out. I think that this type of video is really useful and entertaining. Please do it as often as you see fit! ...........You look very beautiful today!
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.
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
❤❤❤ Three of my favorite series are on this list!!! The best and my ultimate favorite is Huan Zhu Ge Ge aka My Fair Princess. This started my journey of watching cdramas. The other two, Empresses in the Palace and The Story of MingLan. Very good too!
OMG I totally dressed up like the leads in snake drama, my cousins and I would do this! this is so nostalgia for me!!! You brought my childhood back. I was already in the US then but would come back during summer vacation and would watch this show over and over again re-run on chinese TV
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.
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!
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
I remember watching My Fair Princess, what a time! Even song was played everywhere. I’ve just started watching Empresses in the Palace recently after years of hearing about it 😂. Nirvana in Fire 1 & 2 are on a different level altogether. It really is the best of the best of Cdramas especially NiF1.
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.
I have rewatched Empresses in the Palace a couple times, definitely a favorite. I’ve only seen Minglan once not sure if it’s worth a rewatch. I’ve got to check out the others you mentioned 👍🏾
@@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.
You look so beautiful today. Lips are on point. I just now watched Nirvana in Fire. I was stunned by how smart a drama it is! Old in tech years but so far ahead of most current dramas even 9 years later in 2024. I’m so glad I watched it. At first it was hard to get over the whole “new face” concept but I saw it in The Untamed & Mysterious Lotus Casebook too. I guess it’s suspension of disbelief.
Wow! The coloring of this video and your appearance are amazing! ❤❤❤💜🩵💙🩷❤️🩵 btw, I didn’t think any actor jumped to fame after a cdrama as fast as Wang Yibo and Zaio Zhan. Clearly I missed a lot of cdrama history!
I still rewatch minglan every couple months ksjsksks just really hit the spot even if i know the plot. Minglan and Joy of life such a fun comfort drama
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.
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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.
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!
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 :)
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.❤
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.
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.
Totally love Ming Lan-the screenwriters also wrote Battle of Changsha, (on RUclips) starring Yang Zi and Wallace Huo, so interesting and involving and terribly sad.
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
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.
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.
Story of Minglan is also my most rewatch chinese drama ❤❤❤❤
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.
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 ❤
This was such a blast from the past, thank you! I think I watched almost all of the Qiong Yao adapted dramas with my mom and grandmother when I was a child! 😁
Here for Ming Lan. I'm at my 6th watch. Get me each and every time. My idea of a masterpiece. Sorry Avenue X.
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!
Thank you for suggesting My Own Swordsman. I’m learning Mandarin and I’m always looking for ways to improve my language skills!
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 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 🤣🤣.
Empress in the Palace is the show that got me hooked on c dramas!
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 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 🔥🔥
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.
Im a huge fan of story of minglan❤❤❤❤❤
Im so happy your thumbnail caught my attention!!!, i love Zhen Huan!!! Another 17 episodes sounds like an amazing dream!
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.
As someone who only started watching cdramas in 2018, i am pleased to know I have watched 3 of the 6 dramas on this list.😊
I will probably rewatch the 3 of them sooner if only to appreciate them again.
Legend of Zhen Huan is my Roman Empire lol. Loved it and I rewatch at least once a year.
I loved the concept of this video! Thank you. It would be cool to share the most rewatched series from each others countries.
In Argentina I would say it is "Los simuladores (the simulators). Is a early 2000s miniseries about 4 people who are esencially professional troubleshoters. It was extremely special because it was developed in the aftermath of one of the worst economic crushes in argentinian history but it didn't escaped its context, it incorporated it in the script in a clever and not gritty way, and also was able to walk around the production dificulties it brought. Everybody cites it, it has 378393 memes and the actors and director are still asked about it in every interview
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.
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 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 ❤❤❤
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.
I rewatch Story of Minglan once a year seems like. My brain makes me.
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.
Despite being from the US and not even being Chinese I grew up with Chinese cinema and TV land. From 80s-90s HK films to Taiwanese dramas, to modern period shows. Growing up HZGG was my absolute favorite. I was a huge fan of Zhao Wei and would watch anything she was in. Today, my favorite Chinese drama prob goes to Story of Minglan. I have never experienced a drama that felt so realistic. It didn't feel like I was watching a show at times, but rather felt like I was peeking into the lives of an actual family. I personally love the acting, writing, the music, and hell I LOVE the lighting. All perfection.
Rewatched Winter begonia. Loved it so much
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
I have learned so much about Chinese history and culture from your videos. The one which made me take noes was on Imperial examination system and grades of officials.
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
I rewatched the story of minglan for the second time in a row
I love all the dramas on your just. Joy of life would've been on my list as well. I can't finish more than 95% of dramas I start , but I rewatched JOL 4 times already and still enjoyed every moment. So much care and detail.
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.
AvenueX thanks to you I have something to watch. Watching The white snake now. Have to say this is wayyyy better
This was such a cool video! Thank you for making it!
you are a great presenter...I love the way you talk
Thank you so much for making this video! I have been so out of tune with Chinese dramas because I watched very few last year and this year I haven’t liked any yet.
Thank you so much Avenue for this one of a kind episode..
I made a genuine trip through time ☺️; it made me feel how quickly old i have become ..
Appreciate however of the load of emotions i have shared in those dramas😢
Thank you for sharing.
Once one starts listening to you, it's hard to tear oneself away...
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)
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.
The first 3 I have not seen but now are added to the list to be seen. Thank you.
I will admit I am one of those who have rewatched the latter 3 dramas over and over again 😂
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.
Love the color grading on this video
You sweet talker, you! You know the way to Madame X's heart lol
@@duckraft I was being honest but okkkk… 😂
Love the music and the magic of Legend Of White Snake.
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.
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.
Feels like I rewatch Empresses in the Palace and Story of Minglan every few months (currently doing it now with Minglan lol).
This was quite delightful 🥰 thank you. 2020 was my gift to Chinese dramaland, and I am so glad for this whole branch of adventures. This episode you did is fantastic because I know I keep going back to Nirvana in Fire, Empress in the palace, more Joy of life than The story of Minglan, though I had re-watched it a number of times, when I am really bored with lack of true plot and substance with the new dramas. Somehow, Empress in the palace was an eye opener for me on all the psychological patterns of human behaviors and understanding people in a new way. It's kind of fun to realize we don't really change! Though we think we have evolved as societies, we are still all these traits, lol. BTW, I saw an Insta post where Fan Bingbing is in Australia filming with Liam Neesom; I am so happy for her. We get to continue to see and enjoy a great talent. Bye and thanks for the beautiful look of today.
Thanks very much for this very informative video! I have watched some of these dramas, and will certainly check the other ones out. I think that this type of video is really useful and entertaining. Please do it as often as you see fit! ...........You look very beautiful today!
Thank you for this video I am always looking for new dramas and this helped a lot!!!!
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.
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.
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 😂
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
My first foreign drama ever is journey to the west. Watched in my native language. Rewatched pretty every year for 10 years❤
A month ago i just rewatch Story of Minglan, awesome drama!!
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.
❤❤❤ Three of my favorite series are on this list!!!
The best and my ultimate favorite is Huan Zhu Ge Ge aka My Fair Princess. This started my journey of watching cdramas.
The other two, Empresses in the Palace and The Story of MingLan. Very good too!
Empresses in the Palace was my first Chinese drama so glad it's on the list I was hooked after that!
OMG I totally dressed up like the leads in snake drama, my cousins and I would do this! this is so nostalgia for me!!! You brought my childhood back. I was already in the US then but would come back during summer vacation and would watch this show over and over again re-run on chinese TV
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.
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!
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
I remember watching My Fair Princess, what a time! Even song was played everywhere. I’ve just started watching Empresses in the Palace recently after years of hearing about it 😂. Nirvana in Fire 1 & 2 are on a different level altogether. It really is the best of the best of Cdramas especially NiF1.
I've had two of these and thank you for the others.
Your hair styling in the video 😍
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.
What a lovely idea. Thank you for this video.
I have rewatched Empresses in the Palace a couple times, definitely a favorite. I’ve only seen Minglan once not sure if it’s worth a rewatch. I’ve got to check out the others you mentioned 👍🏾
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 ❤
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 ❤
You look so beautiful today. Lips are on point.
I just now watched Nirvana in Fire. I was stunned by how smart a drama it is! Old in tech years but so far ahead of most current dramas even 9 years later in 2024. I’m so glad I watched it. At first it was hard to get over the whole “new face” concept but I saw it in The Untamed & Mysterious Lotus Casebook too. I guess it’s suspension of disbelief.
The Story of Ming Lan, a real classic, a Wow!
Wow! The coloring of this video and your appearance are amazing! ❤❤❤💜🩵💙🩷❤️🩵 btw, I didn’t think any actor jumped to fame after a cdrama as fast as Wang Yibo and Zaio Zhan. Clearly I missed a lot of cdrama history!
Empresses in the palace and story of minglan are such great rewatches- I must be around 8-10x now!
Thanks for this vedio. If got english sub will watch these. Very hard to get eng sub for old dramas
I rewatched Ten miles of peach blossoms for many times already, when I got bored with others drama, I rewatched this drama
I still rewatch minglan every couple months ksjsksks just really hit the spot even if i know the plot. Minglan and Joy of life such a fun comfort drama
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.
You are right, I watched Nirvana in Fire AGAIN ( 3rd time ) during the Lunar New Year. Still think it is FANTASTIC.