Did anyone order a beauty to topple a country, with a side of hotblooded protector? Episode 8 of Da Mo Yao ratchets up the political machinations from pure plotting into action, and to no one’s surprise, Li Yan makes a stunning debut to the eyes of the Han Emperor. Is Yu Er doing the right thing in helping her? She … Continue reading →
The upcoming cable K-drama Fashion King continues filming to prepare for its March premiere. It can be a big ole hot mess or surprisingly entertaining, though the track record of fashion-themed dramas have been woefully bumpy. New stills have been released of a punky looking Yoo Ah In as a up-and-coming fashion designer, plus a first look at Shin Se … Continue reading →
It’s getting good, isn’t it? I can say that the second time I’m reading Da Mo Yao to do this translation, I’m getting a much deeper insight into the story, characters, and conflicts. My impressions haven’t changed, but they have grown richer, more nuanced. I cried a lot more the second time around, in scenes that I initially felt bad … Continue reading →
The final episode of Office Girls aired while I was freaking across the Pacific Ocean on a flight to HK. I landed, ran to the lounge, and immediately watched it. Oh yum yum yum, what a wonderfully satisfying ending. Not terribly substantive, but wholly consistent with the breezy and cute vibe of the show. Plus Roy Qiu and Alice Ke … Continue reading →
Now that all the majority of the main and secondary characters have been introduced in Da Mo Yao, the story can finally start delving into the political intrigue of that era. The war stuff will come later, because my precious Huo Qu Bing didn’t become a great General at a young age by staying in Chang An and doing nothing. … Continue reading →
In a long awaited yet totally unexpected turn of events, the pretend married couple of Yi Jie and Wei Xiang on the daily TW-drama Inborn Pair decided to smoke the recent drama competition with a truly memorable and realistic kiss for the ages. I was NOT ready for that. Kudos to Annie Chen and Chris Wang for delivering big time. … Continue reading →
Waaaaah, Xiao Huo is back! And back for good, with chapter 4 being pretty much the only time he’s not around to tease, annoy, and confuse the heck out of Jin Yu. From chapter 5 onward, Da Mo Yao is full speed ahead without looking back. Strap on your seatbelts, folks. Since DMY takes the real life historical annals of … Continue reading →
This chapter was more summary than translation because it’s a set up episode. It’s still critical to the narrative, but because my darling perfect stupendous Huo Qu Bing doesn’t show up, naturally it’s not an episode that leaves me riveted. If you are a JiuYu shipper, then you can happily feast on this. This chapter really set everything in motion … Continue reading →
Final episode of Office Girls coming up! Really, I’m serious, not another feint. Episode 25 will wrap up the half year long journey we’ve taken with Xing Ren and Zi Qi, filled with laughter and sweetness. Some hiccups and feet dragging occurred along the way, but nothing that would ultimately destroy my affection for this sincere drama aimed at encouraging … Continue reading →
One of things I love the most about Jin Yu (formerly known as Yu Jin, but henceforth I’ll be using her new name) is how adaptable she is. There is a sense of the fantastical in how she can be reared by wolves and learn to be a human relatively quickly once adopted by her Papa. But she was just … Continue reading →
Director and actor Doze Niu‘s star-studded and long awaited movie LOVE finally gets its release this weekend just in time for Valentine’s Day. Six out of his eight big stars attended the lavish Taipei premiere to add some glamour to the proceedings. Only Vicky Zhao and Ethan Ruan were missing, with Eddie Peng, Mark Chao, Amber Kuo, Shu Qi, and … Continue reading →
I’ve run out of Da Mo Yao illustrations, so I’ve decided to rotate as post topping pictures the leads of Da Mo Yao in their other period dramas. Yes, I know only Hu Ge is confirmed (with Wallace Huo out), and Liu Shi Shi is still not official. But right now I can’t imagine another C-actress playing Yu Jin. So … Continue reading →
I don’t think loving Da Mo Yao (Ballad of the Desert) more than Bu Bu Jing Xin is making a statement about which novel I think is better. I’m merely stating which novel I connected with more, and it’s easily DMY all the way. DMY is the Yang to BBJX’s Yin. I love how Tong Hua’s writing style really matches her … Continue reading →