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.
The drama is really interesting. There is an intriguing plot, interesting characters, humour, good CGI, good production quality. Today they aired 31st episode. So if after that anyone dares say that he cannot act, they’ll be lying. Of course, he is learning, improving. He is only 26 and was 24 while filming this drama. As for dubbing, the only way forward is learning. The moment he is dubbed again, he’ll be mocked for his unprofessionalism. This boy is smart and very hardworking. He’ll get there.
He’s one of the more well-known liulangs of the current generation.
I like his Sichuanese accent when he’s being himself but as an actor, to keep going long term in his career, he NEEDS to improve on his diction/pronunciation and not rely on fandom for too long. His next drama is co-1st billing with Pan Yueming, he HAS TO PROVE investors that he was deserving of it, especially alongside a veteran actor.
Again, I mentioned the Creation of the Gods/Feng Shen training camp is proof. Every young actor needs to have this work bootcamp probided to them if they’re not an alumni of top acting schools like Beijing Film Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy and Central Academy of Drama.
Look at “young guns” from the films like Yu Shi (clearly the one with the biggest backing despite his controversies). They trained for 6 months in everything in acting prep, then shot their movie for a year-and-a-half.
Li Yunrui deserves his breakout with Blossom because he excelled with the stunts and historical etiquette. He’s also a Feng Shen bro, which he credits the bootcamp for his role as Song Mo.
Sorry for my ignorance but what are YuShi cintroversies please ?
Well to start off, it dates back to his pre-debut.
He’s a former SM Entertainment trainee under his real name Yu Zhi. He had controversial photos of him in his birthday suit leaked, which should’ve never been public but likely got him kicked out.
He professionally changed his name to Yu Shi from the time he joined Feng Shen training camp and did well. He’s got a lot of “powerful” backers so he’s been caught with some affluential ladies. That’s how he’s already networking with top people in the C-film industry.
Zhang Yuqi dated him and gave him a hell of a roast on a comedy show. She was using word play on his name to call out how he cheated on her.
I think the worst one is him rumoured to be involved with Hu Lianxin (’00 🌸 actress that was the FL of Dashing Youth). Her nudes were leaked and there were rumours they were dating or casually sExting and that drew the ire of his female backer. She rumoured to be the one who leaked HLX’s NSFW photos and likely laid low because of the private pics.
I think he’ll always get criticism one way another for his line delivery. I definitely do have to read subtitles for when he talks vs others. But if he doesn’t try, he’ll get labeled lazy. If he does try, he’ll get criticized for not being perfect yet. I think this is a good role to use his own voice though and see what additional constructive feedback he can get from the audience. Although I understand some audience members may not want to be subjected to that.
I am mostly enjoying the show and do agree the side characters are doing a better job than him, but a lot of times that’s the case for these idol dramas anyway. It’s not like he’s terrible. I thought he did pretty well in some of the more emotional scenes. I didn’t really think much of Fan Shiqi before, but I really like his character Yang Yan here. Also the actors who play Wei Gong and #4 are throwing me off because I’m so used to them playing bad guys that I’m having a hard time accepting them as part of the good guys 😂
There’s also a lot going on for this story and a lot of characters. It’s one of the dramas that probably could use more than 40 episodes to really develop all the world building, important characters, races or factions, creatures, mythology to really be an epic story. It gives me Joy of Life + Ever Night vibes comingled together but the execution is not nearly as good.
I only 10eps in and Im loving it so far xD its been a while to enjoy light hearted & comedy in a costume Cdrama.
The way lead character’s visit to another dimension feels so natural & flowing while there are many known and loved faces with funny interesting characters. Also soundtrack at parts also sounds fit to story & moments. Its a very nice touch to not dub anyone what a big plus is that *-*
Who care about Douban Rating? 30,000 heat index this meaning this drama is well loved and great success. This drama is so much fun….exciting and funny!!!