Chinese dramas over the past several years have consistently outperformed in terms of entertainment and narrative, diving into various issues and keeping us fascinated. Chinese dramas are becoming increasingly popular among audiences- both young and older generations, through platforms like Viki, iQIYI, Viu, Netflix, and YouTube. Some have great stuff to say about these dramas, while some critics have different viewpoints.
1. Falling Into Your Smile
It is a sports romance drama released in 2021, starring Xu Kai, Cheng Xiao, and Zhai Xiao Wen. Tong Yao is an amateur gamer who is obsessed with OPL. When the ZGD manager learns of her skills, he contacts her, as the first female player will be a huge PR coup. At first, Lu Si Cheng didn’t like it but accepted her as a substitute. Even before it was released, a lot of plagiarism accusations were coming. Many complained about its acting and the inaccuracy of portraying esports.
2. Legally Romance
It is a law fantasy romance drama released in 2022, starring Song Zu Er and Z.Tao. Qian Wei, at twenty-eight years old, should have been well established in her career. Lu Xun, working as a paralegal, has proven to be anything but excellent. Lu Xun holds a grudge that dates back to their days as students, ensuring her life is nothing but a living hell. She however becomes a victim of an accident that changes everything. Internationally, the drama was praised for its good acting and storyline. Many critics complained about Wang Zi Tao mainly, saying his acting is the same in every drama.
3. Ancient Love Poetry
It is a wuxia fantasy drama released in 2021, starring Zhou Dong Yu and Xu Kai. Shang Gu, as the only true immortal who possesses pure essence energy, has spent lifetimes being in charge of the four immortals of the ancient world. The four most powerful beings, these true immortals have in the eyes of mortals become gods, who constantly implore them for help. Zhou's portrayal as a goddess was heavily frowned upon, saying that it didn’t suit her and that the second female lead was much better.
4. Once We Get Married
It is a romance comedy released in 2021, starring Wang Yu Wen and Wang Zi Qi. Gu Xi Xi runs a small online shop from home, is a fashion shopper, and buys Alex’s couture wedding dresses. She gets acquainted with Yin Si Chen, during a private reception, who is a president who came to discuss business with Alex. Due to an incident, they get into a contract marriage relationship for a situation about Alex. Some critics said that the plot is trash and the stereotypes and tropes abound however many critics loved the chemistry between the lead actors.
5. You Are My Destiny
Chen Jai Xin is a timid and unassertive assistant who meets Wang Xi Yi, who is a handsome heir to a significant toiletries conglomerate. A mix-up of identities complicates their one-night stand. She becomes pregnant, and they get married with a divorce clause. The child will be with him who wants to marry Shi Anna, his girlfriend. Some said the drama was entertaining at first, followed by it being too exhausting to watch. The drama also had a draggy ending.
6. Unforgettable Love
It is a cute romance comedy drama released in 2021, starring Wei Zhe Ming, Hu Yi Xuan, and Lennon Sun. The tale revolves around the CEO of Heshi Group, He Qiao Yan, and a child psychologist, Qin Yi Yue. It tells the story of an indifferent, rational man and an optimistic, soft, and considerate psychologist whose relationship develops from acquaintance to love. At the same time, many fans loved the drama for its great chemistry. The romance between them is believable and well-paced. There were some plot holes and characters whose inconsistencies developed toward the end.
7. Intense Love
It is a romantic life drama released in 2020, starring Zhang Yu Xi and Ding Yu Xi. Su Jin Ben is an actress with beauty that can defy the heavens. She is used to being the center of attention; however, fame always has a dark side. Zhou Shi Yun is a Doctor with good looks and money. He is a perfectionist but doesn't care for many things. In this drama, it is the actress who takes the initiative. Some critics stated that the drama got boring too fast, being too cringe and cheesy. However, some said, it is different from the usual rom-com.
8. Here To Heart
It is a business romance drama released in 2018, starring Zhang Han and Janine Chang. It is a tale of enduring love, one that even a painful breakup couldn’t extinguish. A decade has passed, but their hearts remain unhealed. Even though they find a new partner, they are haunted by loneliness and emptiness. The show had poor dialogue, and the plot didn’t make sense. It was too long for many viewers to watch.
9. Go Go Squid
It is an e-sport romance drama released in 2019, starring Li Xian and Yang Zi. The story is about Tong Nian who is an intelligent computer science major and meets a cybersecurity professional, Han Shangyan. They fall in love, compete in an international cybersecurity competition, and support each other. Many people like the show overall, but some of its parts were super cringey to watch. Internationally, fans seem to love the drama.
10. Love 020
Xiao Nai is an expert in gaming who is academic excellence, has basketball skills, and swimming talent, and is quite popular on the campus. When he first meets Bei Wei Wei, a gorgeous computer science major, and immediately falls in love. It is worth giving it a try. In the drama, awkwardness and shyness are handled more maturely. The only unrealistic aspect is that Xiao Nai and Wei Wei's relationship is too perfect to be true.
