Guardians of the Dafeng Crosses the Vaunted 30,000 Heat Index in Tencent But Opens with a Low 5.4 on Douban Ratings
Period c-drama Guardians of the Dafeng is now on the second half of its airing and has some notable and ignominious records as of this week. The drama hit the 30,000 heat index on Tencent which certifies it as a major hit for the platform, but at the same time the opening Douban ratings are out and its a low 5.4. At this point Dylan Wang needs to use a voice dub not because I think he’s got a bad voice or that his line readings are abominable, it’s not at all and he keeps improving IMO, it’s because C-netizens have a hate boner for him on that and will never get over it. And coupled with how narratively and tonally weird Guardians is as a story, adapted from the same narratively and tonally weird source novel, it’s not a surprise the reviews are bipolar for this drama and the Douban ratings are getting slammed low. It’s either for you or not for you, no in between, and for me I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It’s so funny and charming and keeps me interest, I love his character Xu Qi An, find his family adorakable, and enjoy all the kooky personality side characters. I do agree that female lead Tian Xi Wei, whose fans are upset she is sidelined in this drama, is introduced later than expected in the drama and seems rather Candy-esque in personality. At this point Guardians will go down as a hit in terms of total viewership but a disappointment for the platform and production vis-a-vis the budget, the hype, and the CFs sold. My suggestion is to check it out and within 30-minutes you will know if you love it or hate it. It’s fun to have a drama so polarizing rather than blandly checking the boxes in a safe way.
I am not even a fan of Dylan Wang and I still like it. But I agree, it is not for everyone. The first episodes in particular have a specific kind of humor that if it doesn’t work for you I guess it can be annoying. The humor tones down later on, though, when the real plot is introduced.
Tian Xiwei, that I like a lot, does not have a significant role up to episode 20, where I am at.
I sort of agree with you that some people seem to have a hate boner for Dylan Wang. He’s not nearly as bad as they say, I actually find he has a good comedic timing. But it is true that I cannot speak for his line delivery or whatever. That apart, he’s certainly not without talent.
Glad you like it. This drama is solid so far imo, despite the somewhat average CGI. The plot includes nonsensical humor which is reminiscent of stories like Duke of Mount Deer. The drama won’t be boosting Wang Hedi’s career as much as compared to expectations with how it’s going now, will have to see how his next drama with Pan Yueming goes.
After this drama, I doubt Dylan’s investors would allow him to use his own voice in future dramas. They will get suitable voice actors. His voice/diction training needs to be done on his own time. I dont think accent is his issue, Chinese audience are being exposed to more artistes with their own local accents, they are open to this new move away from using voice actors, in Dylan’s case, it is his diction and speech clarity that need much improvement.
I peeked at ep 1 of this drama, I enjoyed it. Not great production compared to some and I do need subtitles but the comedy tone is acceptable for me. As long as I watch it leisurely with no high expectations, I am happy to watch this drama. I have soft spot for Dylan in variety shows so if his dramas are enjoyable, I will watch it.
In fact, I feel more awkward watching Only for Love then this drama… Afew of the scenes in Only for Love gave me goose pimples…
Only for Love to me felt so corny especially with how the main leads were written. They came off so awkward that I tried my best to wait and see if I would like but it just really was so cringey. In this drama he does at time fell like he is trying a bit hard to be funny and it just does not feel as natural but man the side characters really save the day because somehow he blends but without their good comedic timing he would be toast in my opinion. He will get there but seems to rushing so fast into being a top dog actor hence the stubbornness with using his real voice. I always felt dubbing to be so odd though but overtime I have gotten used to it but that is also a vocation they have always traditionally carried on so I can see why some might be peeved at his stance to do his own voice. But this drama is so intriguing and fun. I just love the side characters so much.
Yes..as a whole, this drama is entertaining. To each its own..the ratings does tell you this drama have a good share of viewers.