Guardians of the Dafeng Ends on Strong Reviews of the Drama Turning From Comedy to Delivering Pathos and Tied Up Ending

It’s rarer and rarer to see huge budget S+ level C-dramas as the economy is also not throw money at entertainment level it used to be, so the end of December came the first big male lead led period drama with Guardians of the Dafeng starring Dylan Wang marketed as a make or break it type of project. The early reviews were mixed with criticism of Dylan’s acting and own voice dialogue reading as well as the period mood breaking comedic elements. But the drama brought in the viewership at Tencent and the heat index across all the major indices so it’s considered a hit but not one that is universally agreed as good. But that may change now that the ending has dropped this weekend and the reviews are skewing strong with how the drama really tied all the loose ends together, delivered wallops of pathos and feels, and is one of the rare dramas to not end with a whimper or cop out. I loved the drama from beginning to end and accept that it’s a love it or hate it dish for all viewers and it’s a relief to see that the ending did not disappoint.





I whole heartedly agree. The ending was so well done despite the cliff hanger at the end but it was the best cliff hanger ending ever in C- dramas that I have seen in a long while. Wow the last episodes had me at the edge of my seat and it was just too cool and had me in tears but laughter toward the end. This drama had my heart with the strong hearted connections with the side characters. Please I hope the sequel of made works out. Who knows how long that will take but supposedly a spin off is coming but not sure when. All I know it was a well executed story. 😁👍🏻
I dislike the ending, dislike cliffhangers in general. And the episodes towards the end felt like they cut out some parts to keep to the 40 episodes limit.
That’s what happens when restrictions come in play and considering the restrictions they did their best to tie it together. Will it change? I don’t know but maybe it can keep future writers to not rabbit trail off their initial plot or show who is not up to par to write and execute a good script. It sucks but it is what it is. These darn restrictions real do hinder a good story. Also the letdown is if there is a sequel will they won’t they maintain said cast that is can be so frustrating but what can you do?
@Lilith Same. I feel like I got catfished. Some people pointed out that they had small print that said “season 1” at the beginning credits, which I normally skip. There’s also no announcement of a confirmed second season. Then there’s the fact that not every cast member comes back. Discontinuity in casting could be really jarring even if the replacement actor is good. It’s just how they interpret and deliver the role. I do blame the 40 episode restriction. I’d rather have a finished conclusive story.
@Soph
Tbh, 40 ep limit was only created because so many drama stretched their episodes by filling it with water, so that it could air longer. It was then considered bad business practice that affects customers. So we can only blame those unscrupulous production for this policy
They better follow the story line of novel from now on
Overall I really enjoyed the show. It is definitely not Joy of Life level but consistently kept me entertained without using brain cells too much.
I had mixed feelings in the beginning and dropped it. May pick it back up since it sounds like they’re able to land a decent ending, which is a rare thing in cdramas.
Loved it from beginning to the end.
Have not seen this drama yet hope we get it on Netflix love period drama’s always brilliantly acted
Well….”Never judge GotD by its cover “. Period.
Nowdays, there are too many dramas & only a few quality ones. People chose their favorites more than a good story ….well, it’s the norm.
Every dramas has its strength & weakness. There are good actors & bad actors. It depends on what people want to see.The way l see it..sometimes thw reviews didn’t do a drama justice just by a few episodes and then..” Off with the actor”s head”.
A good review takes morw time. Period.
Season 2 coming or not
There is supposedly a spin-off coming out but not sure when but the last episode at the very end supposedly says something about how it will continue but for now a spin off is coming soon. Mydramalist website that I check for updates in the states has only one cast member listed for now so not enough information yet.
I have thoroughly enjoyed it…Dylan Wang did a great job…as the plot moves along he grows with it. He was a charming character…and I enjoyed watching the development of the other characters with him. I’m only on episode 37…so I’m excited to see the cliffhanger and if there is a season 2, I will definitely be onboard.
Love it from beginning to end. Many laugh out loud moments (not slapstick humor)! Interesting plots with smart twists and turns and not the usual storyline. Can’t wait for Part 2 series!
I appreciate “Guardians of the Defang” mainly due to Dylan Wang’s performance, which significantly enhances the viewing experience. I regard him as a talented actor. Additionally, the story and cinematography are commendable. Overall, they contribute to a compelling presentation.
If they’re gonna be doing a second season, I hope they keep the original casts. Not gonna watch if it’s not Dylan.
Perfect example of how to stuff up an entire series with the end. It makes NO sense whatsoever. Loved everything about it, right up till the end. They should’ve just cut off at where D Wang’s character walks away after he’s Ben forgotten. Everything after that? No, no, no. Waited for this for so long and cannot say it was worth it. Not at all.
I am team…anticipated it all year, loved it from the beginning then got obsessed with the entire cast because the acting was so good. Those last 8 episodes were not your average Cdrama fare! They really knocked this one out of the park. Sorry, not sorry to the haters.😅 I legit ugly cried so much in the last handful of episodes. This is going on my yearly re-watch list. I truly hope there is a season 2.
I loved this from the start to the finish!
I dearly love Dylan Wang and his acting abilities, and hope that I will see him in future projects like this aa well as modern day themes..
I love this dramma has all to be entertain love it , specially the Dylan acting did an amazing job I love !! Perfect decision of putting him in the dramma as a main character the best !!
I totally loved it ,full of action and funny bits too it,I was sad when he died thought that was it,his the hero,after all.i was excited for the upcoming episodes was very good ,untill the cliff hanger had me on my seat,is there more coming out soon.