Top Five Chinese Novel Adaptations (Part 3)

par Wandering_Queen, décembre 24, 2022

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Warmest Greetings!

Hello and welcome friends to my bad habits and Chinese novel obsessions. Who would've thought I'd keep pushing these Chinese novel adaptations out? We are already on part three! I've been pushing these articles out since 2018 which is really wild to me. If you wish to read the other two articles, they are Part 1 & Part 2.

Anyway, loves, this list is crafted with a combination of MDL ratings/reviews and what I have read/watched. Dramas I haven't watched/read were not put on the list. I will get to them, I promise! There are definitely some recently adapted novels that I'm interested in and plan to read/watch soon. Perhaps they will be put in the next article. Who knows. Until then, here is Part 3 of the top five Chinese novel adaptations with a dishonorable mention.

[Warning: Currently airing dramas will not be counted.]

THE UNTAMED

Book: Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Genre: Wuxia, Mystery, Fantasy

MDL Rating: 9/10

My Rating: 7.5/10

Difference: Minor

Which is better? This novel was adapted really well despite the removal of the intimate BL scenes from the novel (because of Chinese censorship). The book is still better! Sorry, y'all but IT TOOK ME SO MANY TRIES to watch and complete this drama mainly because of the first 10 - 12 episodes.

LOVE LIKE THE GALAXY (Part 1 & 2)

Book: Love like the Galaxy

Genre: Historical, Romance, Political, Mystery

MDL Rating:
Part 1/2: 9.0/10

My Rating:
Part 1: 10/10
Part 2: 9.5/10

Difference: Irritating but not devastating

Which is better? Both manage to hold their own. I still prefer the book for very specific reasons. However, this drama was done so well. What I appreciate the most about it, is that the characters remain true to themselves, and compared to the books, I feel that the main character's traumas are showcased well.

YOU ARE MY GLORY

Book: You're My Glory

Genre: Romance, Life, Drama

MDL Rating: 8.8/10

My Rating: 8.5/10

Difference: Little to none

Which is better? The novel was much better in the sense that the feelings of the characters come across. The main issue I have with the drama adaptation is that it's boring. They also included too much about the male character's job which was just so boring. I'm sorry. I think the actor is just not lively enough to make it interesting.

GO GO SQUID

Book: Stewed Squid with Honey

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Sports

MDL Rating: 8.5/10

My Rating: 8/10

Difference: It has issues

Which is better? This is what I like to call stupid fluff. It is only enjoyable for those willing to allow nonsense. Now, when I watched this, I was in the mood to watch fluffy nonsense. In the book, which I happened to read while watching the show, I found I preferred the book. Most readers who watch adaptations are used to the liberty taken on main female characters and how they are dumbed down. It's extremely annoying. Here, you could technically let it go. Overall, it was enjoyable to watch but is a hit-or-miss for most.

SKATE INTO LOVE

Book: Rock Sugar and Pear Stew

Genre: Romance, Sports, Youth

MDL Rating: 8.5/10

My Rating: 7.5/10

Difference: Little

Which is better? Another fluffy drama pick. This drama did a good job of keeping the banter, comedy, and fluff of the novel. The acting was also done really well. I enjoyed most of the characters, if not all. The leads also remain the standouts throughout the drama.

DISHONORABLE MENTION

WHO RULES THE WORLD

Book: Who Rules the World

Genre: Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy

MDL Rating: 8.7/10

My Rating: 6.5/10

Difference: MONSTROUS

Which is better? THE NOVEL. This drama butchered the whole plot and main points of the novel. They destroyed the female characters' plots, character development, and person-hood in the name of making the male character stand out, be better, and yada yada yada. In fact, it was a true disservice to his character in general. His character has many great moments and development but it was all trashed so this drama gets the only title of being a dishonorable mention. And yes, the drama was pretty, but as an adaptation, it was mediocre and rude.

We have come to the end of our list. I am sure there are some disagreements which is a fun discussion to have in the comments below. There are so many drama adaptations out there and so little time to read/watch all of them. Please comment on your own favorites that I've missed and perhaps they will end up on the next list.