Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)

My take

**may contain spoilers**

First of all, I am so confused, let me preface that I have no idea about the origin of the story (books, novels, etc).

In the first 20 episodes, I was so hooked, I like how the story progresses, with so many intricate web surrounding Xu Qi An’s cases. I love DW's portrayal although sometimes he can be stiff and there are some cringe moments however it doesn’t bother me much because overall I like it. The fl is ok but not too much exposure except for the latter part but I'll delve into that later.
The thing that surprises me is the comedic part, I love it, especially the one involving Xu Xin Nian, also his acting chef’s kiss, always in point!

About the story, like I said, I'm so confused! After episode 28 onwards the story suddenly becomes confusing, there are elements that I cannot follow especially involving the Duchess Zhenbei to Chuzou, it’s like there’s no time anymore and they have to finish the story, for me, there’s no rhyme and felt force. I was left confused since no explanation leading to that moment. I guess there’s part 2 since the ending is a cliffhanger with his father, the supervisor, the resurrection of Wei Yuan, Witcher’s sect, Shen Shu, the reason to erase all memories, and many more!

With all the disappointments I experienced in the latter part, would I recommend it, still yes. The actors especially XQA and his family are too endearing and most episodes are really solid! I would love the 2nd season and hope that it can clarify all the confusing part.

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This is Dylan Wang's Show Throughout!

I started watching this show because of Dylan Wang, but now I’m literally in love with the storytelling!

This show might seem like a weird crossover between “The Land of Guardians” & “The Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty”. You will get my drift, if you have watched both shows. Don’t skip on this one, just because it seems like another transmigration romance. The first thing you notice about this show is the comic flair, I wasn’t expecting that. I thought it would be typical crime thriller where the protagonist goes around solving crime cases. Of course, Yang Ling alias Xu Qian does that, but the show also focuses on his close relationships with his family in the fantasy game that he is transported to. I never thought that I would enjoy watching Dylan Wang’s dramatic overtures, since he has always portrayed serious roles. This show does allow him the space to try to experiment with something new; and he seems to enjoy doing comedy, even though he seems too overzealous at times!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/guardians-of-the-dafeng-first-impressions/

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It's okay.

First thing to note here is Wang Hedi's voice does not sound great. It deters from his character being in a set of historical time. His acting was okay but nothing special that attributes to his character that he is playing, as he is simply just playing himself. His eyes, though beautiful, it doesn't say much to his expression, still stiff.

The story is mid. Nothing new. Relies heavily on comedic dialogues and scenes. However, the fighting choreography is epic.

Tian Xi Wie's character is not my favourite, I would've preferred had she had been the grand princess instead, since that role seems to be more interesting.

Oddly it felt like the story wanted to take the direction of Joy of Life at some capacity.

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Overhyped but Watchable for some Dumb Comedy

Not to piss off Dylan Wang Fans but if you want to use your own voice in a costume drama, work on your accent + line delivery. Success of Love Between Fairy and Devil (which I did enjoy) was partially contributed by the right choice of voice dubbing (Sound, Accent, Line Delivery). Of course, I would love it if more actors can use their own voices but that's under the condition if they can do it properly. It's the same concept where European/Australian actors that play American characters with the correct accent. I am sure it's hard work but it's part of acting.

From acting, many of his expressions are the same--that wrinkle between the eyebrow Look. Not comparable to the strong supporting cast. So many good actors can deliver those micro expressions.

Story wise ... kind of makes no sense how fast he solves the 1st case in 3 min. Lots of talking w/o actually going through the process of solving the murder. If you enjoy well written murder solving dramas like Imperial Coroner or Ancient Detective, then this is not it.

What's "Watchable"
Supporting Cast. There are so many familiar faces that can do these dumb humor roles very well. Although this kind of humor may not hit for everyone. 80% didn't hit for me. I much enjoyed "Go East" with Tan Jian Ci or The Happy Seven in Chang'an. Both are silly comedies that hit more for me.

I'll emphasize that these are just my personal opinion. I am not a super fan of any idol actors, but I am a fan of character portrayal and good story telling disregarding popularity.

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Very excellent drama from the start

Actually I am a huge Dylan Wang fan ,so iam eagerly waiting for this drama for a long time .when I saw this drama was penting for a long time ,i thought it will be only airs 2025 .but finally it aired in dec 28.i only watched 2 episodes,this is not like other historical dramas only fantasy, romance, it's really funny too ,i really like Dylan Wang character as xu qian , it's a time travel drama and the other actors are very funny too ,zhang miao yi(in when I fly towards you) also here as his sister ,her acting was good too,
The actress in it was tian xi wei I like her too she is a cute girl actually have chemistry with didi in offline (award show, red carpet) actually haven't seen her in this drama yet,bcoz it's only released two episodes,iam 100%sure it will be best drama to end this and start new year , I will surely review again after watched full episodes, any person is waiting for a good review to watch it ,then go for it , if it is really good from the start iam sure it will be good to end💯

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It's what joy of life would have been if it tried way too hard.

So i watched all of joy of life season 1 and the concept of ML coming from future was implemented better in that drama. Joy of life ML would make funny quips and the comedy was not in your face/ slapstick like we see in Guardians of Dafeng. Me and my partner watched 3 episodes of this and thought it was super corny. Like i didn't even feel interested in seeing what the point of the drama was.

There were moments where he solved cases where it just showed him forcing confessions out of people or already investigated prior to the viewer knowing. Too much suspension of disbelief needs to be applied. And this was only in the first 3 episodes.

Maybe it's more suited for Chinese audience . I like dylan wang but i just felt like i was watching naruto when i was 13 again lol

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