Dreaming of Lion (2021)

"Out of the dream" , destined to be together.

"Beijing Opera", "Chinese Plays" two people from different sides of the stage arts. The story gives us warmth as we watch the 30 episodes. A healing drama where both FL and ML are on equal footing , he's ready to let go of her even if it means the downfall of his play. A story highlighting the peking opera of china. Youngster's fighting for their dreams in the stage.
The acting was good and while they show us the play scenes and backstage where the cast and crew are watching It felt like I was watching a performance at my own school and was sneaking peeks at the backstage crew. It's a drama which you can watch if you want some kind of boost up while you're done or a good drama with good representation of a healthy relationship.

Lire davantage

Time to wake up from dreams

Don't watch it for Peking Opera. It is merely a subplot rather than a central theme, to be honest disappointing in many regards. They managed to do more justice towards play than it.

I do have a major problem with the pacing of the story, it's a whole freaking mess. I don't know what was the purpose... they added too much. When you watch the very first episodes to expect a huge chunk of drama will revolve around the stage (clearly doesn't), in later episodes, it becomes a hopeless romantic comedy, in the middle English class(?), and towards the end melodrama (that arc is more frustrating and entertaining lol). So I've literally no idea what it was trying to claim, as other than romance nothing is consistent. They failed miserably in the execution, in some episodes nothing happens, regarding the progress of the story... and then the last episodes are stuffed with too much happening, soo many unnecessary incidents, the thing is due to having so much to explain, almost everything doesn't have a proper closure, even many important things.

It's beautiful... aesthetically pleasing to watch, the cinematography and color grading is done very well, some of few strong points of the drama lol. Visuals are great, you can just watch for eye candy and Yao Chi's long hair (That he looks so fine). OST is also pleasant, it was refreshing and going well with the theme.

Romance is one of few things I enjoyed in the drama, first, they look really good together, their interactions were cute-sweet-funny-entertaining. Also enjoyed development in the romance part. But the characterization is a bit off... FL isn't likable, she's rash, reckless.. it took me an eternity to warm up with her. On the opposite ML comes out to be very considerate, sometimes polar opposite to her. Though it's a bit better than the icy cold-stupid bubbly combo.

I fully enjoyed screentime of second couple... both were adorable and fun to watch. The last play was mesmerizing my most loved part of the whole drama. It would been lot better if story had some more parts like, then it won't be as mess as it has been.

I expected it to be something different, unusual and unique.. on contrary it was nothing but a love story... with everything as side plot, I'll recommend it, if you're finding something mediocre romance as if doesn't really offer much in the end.

I freaking love the poster, the first thing that made me to put this in my ptw... alas it doesn't serve justice to the poster (for me)

On side note... don't watch last 5 minutes of last episode if you don't want to wake up from dream.

Lire davantage

okay, painful for the ears but has a bunch of sweet moments too

Some dramas seem to be made to be watched in 1,5-2x speed and well so is this one, the story itself is a tad confusing (could be the double speed, but I do not think so) some parts are rushed others take forever and some even seem slow in double speed... The drama does however not have one single overly annoying character making you want to skip scenes, the dialog has a whole lot of great gems and the characters are mostly lovable...

There is a great bromance that at times made me wonder how they got thru Chinese censorship seeing there was obviously something there even if they where in denial.

The male lead made one of those mortal sins in my eyes so he lost a whole lot of points even if even the drama has a pretty healthy take on unrequited love and does seem to be able to differentiate overly persistence from flat out stalking. The female lead is pretty cool most of the time and I did like her. And did enjoy the moments of sweetness between her and the male lead.

I also enjoyed the pets, the friendship, the grandparents and the huge amount of balloons used for this production as well as the aesthetics of the umbrellas and the stage.

A lot of this drama seems to follow other logic than human logic, can it be that it follows some kind of opera logic that I am not aware of?

The sound of the Chinese opera is part of the story, but my very sensitive ears did not appreciate the sound as much as the story... So for those of you who are like me I would like to point out that the mute button is your friend (sorry opera lovers). The other OST was actually pretty decent, so was the filming (ok it was sllllooooooowwwww) but the aesthetics in this drama are just gorgeous.

All in all not really my cup of tea but an okay drama to watch.

Lire davantage

Enjoyed it more than I thought I would

To be honest, the main reason I wanted to watch this was only because of the Yao Chi. I was merely drawn by the looks of this character and was intrigued to watch it. I didn't understand the trailer very much and was a little confused about what this show was really about. But after watching it, I have to say, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and it's sitting quite high on my list for this year following Ancient Love Poetry and One and Only for me. I found it entertaining and so different to some of the modern dramas I've been watching this year.

What starts out a little confusing with the introduction of the Peking Opera scenes to introduce Yu Fei's character soon turns into an art piece and a story about two people finding themselves as individuals as well as each other; and respecting traditional art forms - chasing dreams and settling with reality. I particularly loved that the main characters complimented each other both on screen and off-screen. I loved how true to their characters they looked and portrayed. I'm not familiar with the Chinese opera scenes and I'll admit, it was a little cringey to watch given I'm not a fan of dubbed voices and I'm well aware that their voices were likely dubbed in this show. But otherwise, I loved that the plot didn't involve a whole lot of misunderstandings between the leads that would carry on with unnecessary drama dragging on episodes. I loved that they were both respective of each other's careers and were quick to resolve whatever issues they had.

I absolutely loved the monologue scene that BFL does at the end in episode 27 (or was it 28?) and how it was carried out like a stage scene - it was almost like you were there watching the stage play. Same goes with the end scene of their play in episode 29. I LOVED it. I'm one who enjoys watching plays and theatre shows so this was so entertaining to watch.

Most importantly, I loved how gentle they were with each other and BFL's grandparents were so cute to watch. I particularly loved that the best friend (though portrayed to be a bit mean at the end) was actually looking out for her all along and was respective of YF and BFL's relationship in the end (typical 2nd lead ending).

Wasn't too hot on the 2nd relationship of Hao Shi and Guanjiu but I guess a show needed some fillers.

Their theme song suited everything about them and the scenes it was played it, loved it. The cinematography was grate and I loved the colour grading on this. I thought they did the mix of old vs new very well.

Overall, I understand why people might say that there wasn't a storyline to it, but personally I thought it was very evident what the show was about and it's the realities of juggling choices and dreams and being content and responsible for them as well as never loosing faith for the things and people you love.

Lire davantage

Absolutely beautiful drama about pursuit of dreams, healing and love.

I have just finished this cdrama in the last 72 hours and by far this is the best cdrama I have seen. Watch this right now.

Very different from any other dramas, with the plot set around Peking Opera and Chinoiserie stage play with a dash of cosplay. It was an unexpected and I was pleasantly surprised. The story is about pursuing your dreams, growing up and healing. A promising opera actress expelled from her troupe and now making her way back to perform on stage. A passionate stage play producer struggling to make his and his friends dreams come true.

Amazing first meeting and the first few episodes are just captivating. It was great balance of romance and melodrama. I do not find it slow, I think the pacing is fine and not draggy. It gave ample screentime and development around Jiubai, the family relationships and problems. Good thing,no silly unnecessary misunderstandings!

Apart from him being absolutely beautiful, Yao Chi’s performance and acting here is excellent. I cannot imagine anybody else playing the role of Bai Filei. He is truly what made this show awesome. I am now an official Yao Chi fan!

The FL is okay. I think she complimented the ML’s acting. I do prefer Jinna Fu though. She is fantastic here and I do hope to see her as an FL in other dramas.

For those who are worried, the drama officially ended at 32:42 with an absolutely happy ending!
The last 5 minutes sequence is in a parallel universe. It shows an old Yu Fei, who is a very succesful peking actress. We can see that she remained single in pursuit of the opera. She is going for a check up at the hospital, and while on the road she saw a glimpse of a young man down on his knee proposing to a young women. It seems to be a deja vu, as the couple looks like the young Yu Fei and Bai Filei. She arrived at the hospital and was greeted by her who looks like Shuji. When entering the hospital she saw an old man painting by the bench. Then it shows someone signing the painting as Bai Filei. In the clinic, she will undergo a sleep study. She then tells Doctor Shuji about her repeated dreama of a lion in the bamboo forest.

So why did they show a parallel universe at the end? Well I can only speculate that one of main plot points of this drama is about South Song aka Dreams of the South. The plat showed us 4 different dreamscapes or parallel universes. And this show, Out of the Dream is the play, so my guess is, that parallel universe is just a bonus scene for us audience.

Lire davantage

Different story of Chinese Drama

I just started this drama...it's already episode 11...but I've fallen in love with the cast...especially the female lead...the character is very strong...it fits perfectly into this drama...the male lead is also very calm...so mature...the chemistry is really good for both of them...from the story point of view indeed different from most other Chinese dramas...because this drama really highlights Chinese culture, especially Chinese opera...the plot is very slow...a bit boring...but it's still fun to follow...sometimes I want to jump straight to the point episode 30 let me know the ending...but don't be...the story is too bad to miss...so far this 6 episode drama is good enough to be enjoyed...hopefully in the future there will be more romantic scenes...so this drama will be sweeter. ..

Lire davantage

Lion meets the girl!

I came in watching with no expectation but was greatly surprised! First of all Huang xiao yun nailed the theme song!

The overall story is a refresher, since it' s has a Peking opera storyline meets movie/production tech!

Female lead is a Peking Opera singer at Shan Ding Ting.( she sings the male part) She likes her senior ( who sings the female counterpart). On one show she messes up her lines because she found out that her senior was going to get engaged to someone else. She eventually gets kicked out. The male lead is in theater tech production who focus on ancient day shows. He seeks out a character for his show and thinks the female lead is the perfect fit. She initially rejects but because her mom needs the money she accepts the role. The leads end up losing contact because the female lead's mom past away. The female lead is trying to make a career for herself, trying to get more on screen time! They eventually become a couple. The male lead has a troubled past which always bothers him. His mom committed suicide at a young age and that haunt him. Ever since he couldnt stand closets or look at blood or else he will faint and go to the hospital. The female lead has dreams, and the lion represents the male lead. The Lions seems strong and scary but the female lead is not scary. Initially it was the lion protecting the girl but becomes the girl protecting the lion.

They have a cute and sweet relationship together! Very believable romance! and some cute scenes together!

Lire davantage

Please read it before starting the drama?

[ Most important thing!!!!! Please please Don't, I say, DO NOT watch the last few minutes if you don't want the ruination. Specifically, STOP at 32:42. Please. You're gonna thank me later. ]


Their acting was definitely good. Though I'm biased but Yao Chi is the only man who could've pull off this character. For me, the actress is new face but her visuals was on par with every emotions. Though at time the character made me go blind with rage, maybe I couldn’t relate her then decisions or words. Anyway, I'd recommended it to anyone who likes to try new things, I, myself, got to know so many aspects of China. As in Peking Opera, Chinese play, Cosplay and their behind the scenes struggles.

The most anticipating thing is surely the cause of Bai Feili's troubles. I cried too hard with Yao chi. What more can I say about his acting. He is so different than Falling into your smile. I definitely love his acting. The FL and ML's sweet moments made me so giddy. The grand parents were the best!! Side characters were fun too. The group scenes were really good. The OSTs are the best. I'm still humming them🖤

Lire davantage