Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)

Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi An

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute gem of a drama that has completely captivated me from the very first episode! The blend of humor, action, and a touch of mystery creates an engaging storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi An, bringing charisma and depth to his character. His performance is both relatable and entertaining, making it easy to root for him throughout the series. The chemistry between the characters is electric, adding a delightful layer to the narrative.

The production quality is top-notch, with stunning visuals and well-choreographed action scenes that enhance the viewing experience. The comedic elements are perfectly timed, providing a light-hearted contrast to the more serious moments, making it a well-rounded show.

What I love most is how the series balances fun and excitement with meaningful themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice. Each episode leaves you wanting more, and the cliffhangers are expertly crafted to keep you hooked.

Overall, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch! It’s a delightful escape into a world of adventure and camaraderie, and I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just looking for something entertaining, this show deserves a solid 10/10! 🎉✨

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farcical comedic brilliance mixed with adventure, intrigue and emotion

I've seen some reviewers attempt to rate this as a serious dramatic production. They totally miss the point and take themselves way too seriously as reviewers.

This is a farcical lighthearted comedic fantasy, drama and adventure story. The plot does not need to be super realistic or make sense because in fantasy we suspend our disbelief to live the story. The point is poking fun at the improbable situations and tropic stereotypes in the genre. That, and having a good laugh.

The mistake made, imho, was projecting this as a detective story in pre-release and not a comedy adventure. It isn't until we get into the story that the real nonsense begins, and the viewers realize that we have been haphazardly thrown into another world just like the hero.

edit: I am 35 episodes in and realize that this series has shifted. For the first ten episodes or so, comedic farce was at work. After getting deeper in, we settle down into the twisting plot which is more dramatic and intense, but still liberally sprinkled with humor and intrigue.

This program is by no means perfect. Holes can be poked left and right if one wants to rate the expressions, accents or plot. However this would be like pointing out the absurdity of a Monty Python classic.

Guardians of the Dafeng is going to be an all time favorite that I will re-watch over and over. Cannot wait for season 2! Please don't let us down by switching out the irreplaceable cast. Without the key players, this show would fall flat on its face.

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Money, fame, I want it all

I have seem mixed review for this, for me it gets a good score and I would recommend.

Guardians of Dafeng is a comedy drama, and that is something that I didn't know going in. I was pleasantly surprised though. As to say the least I have seen a lot of wuxia dramas that take a more serious and tragic turn. Dylan Wang's last drama I have seen, Unchained Love, had a problem with the tone. As that drama was comedy, but incredibly dark at the beginning. Here right away it is full comedy, and quite loud about it.

The cast knows how to work with each other, and because of that the comedy works most of the time. A little parts are tone deaf, but overall it is funny enough that I watch because I don't want to miss any jokes. The story may suffer, but I don't think this drama is super deep into any politics so in the end I am taking it for what it is. Dylan Wang is the main character, playing Xu Qi An. I love how he gets to be charistmat and over the top with the comedy.. he is incredibly handsome while he does it also.

I must say, the scene stealers for me are his Uncle. That man is hilarious, and the writing I have got to commend for making it so. The chemistry between the leads, and for everyone is a mixed bag of comedy and joy. What I haven't had a chance to see yet is a blossoming romance between the princess and Xu Qi An. Since it is so comical I can't take it very seriously after all. I don't get the criticism of the princess that Tian Xi Wei plays being really stupid, she isn't as bad as people are commenting. She is a schemer, and is charismatic as well. I wonder if the toning will suffer because it is just so funny. I can't see any deep storyline happening and hope it just stays the slice of life.

It is like watching the day in the life of an office worker, but the office worker is Dylan Wang and it is a wuxia. There are loads of work put onto him, he has to please his superiors, and it is all fun to watch thus far. The choreography and the money put into this is clearly doing this drama a service, I know it is trying to be the next big thing. I think it's a pretty great drama, with an easy to watch story and fun characters.

I wouldn't watch this for a serious story or romantic wuxia though, as the FL is barely a main lead. Dylan Wang is the star of this drama and you can tell he is aware of that, having fun and unafraid to be funny. I like the details of his character that he brings to life; like how he finds silver and is known to be lucky, or how he isn't overpowered and intelligent at all. It is funny because in the modern world he was charismatic, but not special. In this world he is special by bringing his modern knowledge to the world he is in to simply live a successful life. What is the definition of success though? Wait for episode 32 to find out lol..


Money, to live without worry, that is what he's going for. I like how the message is that it is ok to live a mundane life, as each life has purpose. That hit close to home.. as I am going to graduate and have to get a job I worry about my success a lot. Thank you Dylan Wang for that message.. I am glad my life amounts to something haha!

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Absolutely brilliant!

Saying that this is my new favorite cdrama is an understatement because this is by far not just a favorite but I love everything about it. Well including the cliffhanger ending. Lol

What I love:
-Wang Hedi's brilliant portrayal of Xu Qian. I cannot imagine anyone who can nail this character better
-The hilarious and loving Xu Family. All of them are amazing. My favorite is the youngest Xu. Everytime she talks, I smile
-The Guardians especially Zhu and Song, Yang Yan and Li Yuchun. Zhu and Song's friendship and loyalty to XQ
-Lord Wei being a father figure to XQ
-Xu Qian's secret sect with powerful members. I ship Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen. They have chemistry
-Princess Lin'an's silliness and cuteness and Grand Princess' calm and beauty
-Caiwei that cannot stop eating and Song Qing's mad scientist experiements. Lol
-Simu's genuine affection to Xinnian and the Xu Family

The ending is not in the novel. But I think it gives way to a possible Season 2. We can only hope.
PS: In the novel, XQ is collecting things that can revive Lord Wei

I will rewatch. It was the first time ever that I wish this drama is more than 40 episodes and 40+ mins per episode is not enough

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Definitely a must watch TV series of the year.

I would rate this 100% 10/10 if only there are more action or fighting scenes of Qi'an, I felt like it was too short. Nevertheless, the plot, the cast, the acting, the CGI, were all amazing. I enjoyed the Xu family a lot, very good family relationship, there's a bit of romance too, but what I love the most here is our hero Xu Qi'an, he cannot stand injustice, and was fighting for it till the end. His relationships with everyone is one of a kind. His bonding with Lord Wei was so sweet, I love these two a lot, they were like a real father and son. While the uncle XU was super hilarious. Wang He Di did a great job portraying Qi'an.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys to laugh. Don't expect a CP here or a full romance, because it wasn't like that at all, even if you read the novel, it's not romance. It's a journey of Xu Ningyan, with the people around him, how he seek justice and unravel the truth.

Among all Dylan Wang's drama, I enjoy this one the most. No annoying Female Lead, no annoying antagonist, it's PROPER BALANCE. Very enjoyable to watch, I laughed, I cried, I got excited, I was inspired. Well Done to all the cast/write/director of GOTD. What a great way to start 2025 and an awesome way of ending 2024.

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A Dylan Wang drama So Good, You might regret watching without waiting for second season

First things first , it was a out and out fun ride throughout the 40 ep journey that it takes you on. Plot that is interesting (even though its isekai) about power struggles , fates , destiny , and character development as whole this was a pure entertainment that is well balanced comedy , detective work and character dynamics that also give space to hold a few but impactful emotional moments.

Without any reservations , Dylan Wang absolutely shines has very intelligent but simple honest man Xu Qian. This is one of those roles that are played so good by the og you cant even imagine anyone else in the role. The world that was presented and the characters in it that the main lead interacts everything was done to perfection. The main cusp of the of the story that Xu Qian is part of runs in the background done very engagingly. The pace of the story as it develops is never boring. Sure there some filler eps that include romance or whatever but even they are filled with such good comedy its honestly a good laugh.

Special mention Lord wei absolute gem of a side character and Xu family absolutely legendary group.

This is my first review after watching a close to hundreds of dramas it is that good
i highly recommend.

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Dylan Wang’s best performance

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is a captivating drama that masterfully blends historical fiction, fantasy, and comedy. Dylan Wang delivers a phenomenal performance, embodying Xu Qi'an with charm and relatability. The supporting cast, including Tian Xiwei as Princess Lin'an and Liu Yijun as Wei Yuan, enrich the story with their dynamic portrayals, creating a compelling ensemble that keeps viewers engaged. The series is lauded for its sharp and witty writing, seamlessly intertwining humor with intense plot developments. The dialogue is clever, providing a perfect balance between comedic and serious moments. Visually, the show is stunning, with cinematography that beautifully captures the essence of the setting. The production quality is evident in every scene, from thrilling action sequences to intricate scenes. The visual effects has elevated the series to cinematic standards, captivating audiences worldwide.In conclusion, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch series that offers a perfect blend of humor, action, and emotional depth. Its engaging plot, stellar performances, and high production values make it a standout in modern television dramas.

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This drama motivated me a lot more than i can say. I never write any reviews on any drama but I’ll write on this one.

I love the storyline especially it comes with poems that teaches people to be fair, righteous and find justice for themselves. It’s really makes me feel emotional when Mr. Zheng willing to sacrifice himself for justice.

The casts acting are insane!! They can switch from being funny to be serious just a few minutes.

I listen to every episode of the opening ost. It feels so attached to the story while listening to the ost. Gotta save one!

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BRO YALL ARE MISSING THIS ONE!

A masterpiece of action, left me breathless. From the breathtaking fight choreography to the intricate plot twists, it was a non-stop thrill ride. The actors, every single one of them, delivered powerhouse performances, bringing their characters to life with incredible depth and nuance. The production value was top-notch, with stunning visuals and a captivating score.
The ending, however, was a cruel cliffhanger leaving me desperate for a second season to unravel the mysteries and see the consequences of the final battle. This drama deserves far more recognition, especially considering its focus on action and intrigue rather than solely on romance. While the romantic subplots were subtle and beautifully woven into the narrative, the real stars of the show were the exhilarating fight scenes and the complex political maneuvering.
Xu Qi'an and Princess Lin An's chemistry, though understated was undeniable. Their interactions were electric, adding a layer of emotional depth to the already captivating story. If you're tired of the same old romance-driven dramas, this action-packed gem is an absolute must-watch.

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This one is for the Anime girlies!!!

Listen, listen...I get that this show is rated low in China and I get WHY, however as an anime fan and because I'm still a 15-yo immature girl in a 37-yo woman body 🤭🫣, I loved every single second!!

The story itself is amazing and a breath of fresh air. I know that there are many "realm switch" fantasy stories (i.e, real world characters traveling into a different reality/realm via a book or a game) out there. However, this is the first time I have seen this genre do this level of world building and have such a different take on the genre.

People may find these stories corny, but not me lol. I love when the story itself is presented like a High Fantasy epic with lots of humor. And that show did just that.

There are so many things I loved about that show!

1. For starters, the central point of the story is less about "making a way back home or solving a case in the new timeline so the ML can fix his own timeline" but more about finding meaning in his life by living the type of life he never had the opportunity to live in the other realm. This then demanded that the main characters to be fully integrated into the story instead of being time or realm "travelers." The ML is not "solving cases", "fighting monsters, witches and wizards, or other villains" with some type of hidden agenda or any other reason then the fact that it's who he is as a person. There are no "deep secret" that he needs to uproot to make sense of his world or why he got there. He just got there and decided to just "do". What you see is exactly what you get. He is not some type of deep strategist. He is just a dork trying to survive.

2. I know a few people are going to point out the similarities with Joy of Life, I would like to argue that although on the surface they may appear to be, but contextually and thematically they are very diferent. For one, Guardians is very light-hearted and manga style slapstick humor type of narrative. Where Joy of life, for example, takes it itself very seriously (maybe except for the main character) and present the story as a true palace intrigue style of drama. I get that some people found the anime humor a little too much, and honestly it was BUT I liked it. Also, to me the fail wasn't because of the actors per se or in the story but a flaw in execution that made the anime slaptick humor badly translated to live action. For example, the anime Naruto style of running would have been so funny had it been done in another scene before. Something like the ML realizing that running that way actually gives him more speed in an earlier scene, but then try to use it on the guy who never shows his face and it didn't work just because that guys was so steadfast on being "cool" that it gave him super speed or something. Just little things like that if given another pass by the scriptwriter or the director would have worked. Im not gonna lie, I get why this drama doesn't work for some people, but again if you're into anime you can complement what's missing with the imagination.

3. Guardians presents itself is more as a fun little adventure of a "boy wonder" who fell into a weird world and is just going with it, than it is "palace intrigue". For the main character "the joy in his life" is not in being this big sought after guy who is in the middle of the palace and political intrigue but its in the mundane shit. The fact he is recognized and valued for his hard work, and have this awesome family now brings him so much joy. He gets to be an "enforcer of justice" and help the little guy in the most mundane way possible. He understands and thrive in that world not because he is some "genius" or some omnipotent traveller but because in his past life he had to grovel in a thankless corporation and please his superiors no matter how asinine their bullshit was. That's literally "his super power", it's the fact that he had to survive an elitist, capitalist world and corporations before so he learned how to navigate difficult situations. It's very clear that what makes the ML such a "genius" is his basic knowledge of random shit in his previous realm (A++ gor middle school science books lol) and because he wanted to be a detective in his past life. And indeed the Guardian Yamen is a corporation where they are all vying for the next promotion or title and cultivation. It has all of the traps of current worklives: nepotism, worplace politics, grumpy and jealous supervisors, and strict managers with weird quirks. It's all so very mundane and quite frankly meaningless in a sense because he knows this is not his real world. However, like he said, it doesn't matter because he gives it meaning so it's meaningful to him. Very Albert Camus if you ask me.

4. It wasn't dub!!! I don't care what y'all chinese viewers say, no dub is the only way (joking joking 😅, I'm just a visitor in this space. So, Im not gonna overstep my boundarie lol). But for real though, I know Chinese viewers hate the different accents and it takes them out of the shows...but can International fans have the raw voice versions, pretty please?!!! 🥺. Because , y'all the dubbing is killing my vibes, yo!! So many actors have the same voices that 99% I still think I'm watching Ye Hua and Bai Qian's love story. That voice aftor is everywhere lol.

5. I loved that cast. They had such good chemistry. And I don't care what they are saying on Chinese internet, in my living room, Wang Hedi deserves all of the applause 😁. It's not his fault that the script wasn't 10/10. If you replace him with another better actor, it would still be the same thing. The structual flaws in the script is not gonna magically be a better because of another actor. These people knew that the show was a 40 episodes they should have been ready to compact the story in a way that it still delivered as stellarly as they envisioned it. Because again, this is not a bad show...it just need more editing and more episodes to be fleshed out properly. More TLC in the drafting and scriptwriting side.

6. Also this is a minirant inside of a bigger one...but what's with the 40 episodes cap, Chinese politicians? Why are y'all deadset on taking my joy away? Like I get it...some shows don't need to be that long (I'm looking at you the General and I). But come on, y'all have been busting my balls with that 40 episodes cap, maaaaayne! It feels like all of the really good dramas are being punished because people done got greedy. How is that our fault, the audience? And that's why shows quality declined so much in 2024. Like, we will never get another Story of Ming Lan because if this bs. Ugh, I'mso disappointed!! And now this show's second season is probably never gonna see the light of day...or not with the same actors because we all know how that's gonna turn out (looking at you DuolingContinent!!). Somebody is gonna have a tax evasion scandal or some stupid secret dating scandal or two and now they gonna axe everything they were in.

Anyways, in conclusion this is a great show to watch if you like anime style humour and high fantasy series. I ain't gonna hold ya, though, it got a 10 out 10 in my book, but...it's a hit or miss on that one. You either really like it or really hate it. I just so happen to really like it because I grew up on "Robinhood man in tights" 🤣 and I'm extra tired of the formulaic sad love storied where people died at the end that CDrama has been putting out lately. I wish they would give those a rest and make more silly stuff like this one.

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Qian-tastically unpredictable !! Where modern wit meets ancient chaos!

This drama takes you on a ride with Xu Qian who is unexpectedly thrown from his modern life into the Defang Dynasty. What really makes this stand out is the focus on the characters. Qian's journey is the heart of the show and his interactions with those in meets in this new mysterious world are what drive the plot forward.

Since this is a character-centric drama, my review will also focus on people who stood with Qian in his journey. Whether it was through subtle bonds, conflicts or silly realizations, somehow everyone has a significant role to play. I have kept it as general as possible avoiding spoilers or any major events that might take away the firsthand joy.

✨ Character Sketch of Xu Qian:

Xu Qian, the sharp-witted and resourceful modern-day office worker, was unexpectedly transported to this fantastical place, the Dafeng dynasty. Despite his initial shock, he adapts to his new reality quickly and soon joins the guardians.

Qian is exceptionally intelligent and worked through with his modern mindset. He is not just book smart but a person who quickly thinks on his feet, applying science, logic and modern problem-solving techniques even in the most bizarre cases.

Though intelligence is his greatest asset, it is paired with quick wit and certain cunning making him unpredictable and endearing at the same time. He definitely had the knack of getting out of tight situations with a well-timed quip and a sly smile.
Xu Qian's comedic timing was impeccable. It does feel like it was a coping mechanism for him to adjust to this new world than just a simple defense mechanism.

Despite his occasional trickery and playful demeanor, he is deeply committed to justice. His sense of morality drives him to fight for common people. While his methods may seem unconventional, sometimes bending the rules too but his heart is always in the right place.

✨ Xu Qian's relationships with people around him:

▶️ The Xu Family: This family is the embodiment of chaotic love. With the loud, unpredictable dynamics, each member brings their own brand of energy that somehow always ends in laughter. They argue over the pettiest things but are always standing up for each other when it matters. The humor is deeply rooted in their interactions whether it's a miscommunication or over-the-top emotional meltdowns. Their ability to somehow find humor in near-death situations too gave that extra edge to the drama.

▶️ The Guardians (Gold, Silver & Bronze Gongs): Another entertaining dynamic that I enjoyed overall was Qian's friendship with everyone. He was Defang's favourite! The equation with each of them was different but all of them stood up in unison with him in times of need. They did not fight just for power but for one another.
His friendship with all the gongs transcends mere loyalty. It's built on mutual respect no matter what the rank is, shared battles and moments of stupidity together. The guardians’ unwavering belief in Xu Qian is a major part of the reason for his success.

▶️ Lord Wei: Their interactions initially were strictly professional but soon carried an undercurrent of mutual care, understanding and pride. Lord Wei watches over Qian with a deep sense of protective affection feeling a fatherly pride in his accomplishments. Their bond slowly wasn't defined by roles or traditional hierarchies but by an unshakeable familial connection.

▶️ Princess LinAn: Their relationship might have not been the central focus of the drama but as a subplot, it felt very organic without overshadowing the main plot. At first, the princess comes across as silly, naive and somewhat unreasonable but as the story progresses, she has a really good character development. The kisses are done very tastefully and made me feel a thing or two!

There are other characters too who have a significant impact on Xu Qian's journey and the whole drama but I believe mentioning them would be considered spoilers. I would prefer to experience them firsthand when watching the show.

✨ Acting: The acting across the board was truly impressive with everyone almost delivering exactly what was given and required of them.
Dylan as Xu Qian stood out for me. In my humble opinion, this is his best acting performance yet. (Yes, LBFAD was great and I considered that as his best performance before GODF). He really played to his strengths from dubbing in his own voice for his character to effortlessly mocking his own accent with that quick-witted comedic timing.

✨ Cinematography / Costumes / CGI: The cinematography was pretty especially the wide shots of natural landscapes.
The costumes and sets looked pretty detailed whether it was a grand palace or a simpler setting. The wide shots of natural landscapes were beautiful though.
My only gripe was the jaw protector on Qian! We DID NOT need to hide his jawline! (This sounds like my personal problem xD)
CGI was not the best I have seen but all of it definitely did a great job of enhancing the storyline without stealing the spotlight from the plot.

✨ Ending (No spoilers): The ending didn't feel open-ended to me. It tied up all the loose ends very satisfyingly but also left just enough room hinting towards season 2. I hope we get some sort of confirmation soon.

This drama has been my happy place for the past few weeks. I have laughed, cried, gotten frustrated and been completely hooked by twists and mystery, all while never losing my interest. It's one of those shows that has a perfect balance of drama and humor, where the comedy feels natural and not forced and a storyline where romance isn't the main focus. I would definitely recommend this.

Thank you for reading my review! <3
*Patiently wait for Season 2*

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