My Year in Drama - 2019
It looks like I haven't posted here for years. I'm not really back, I just needed a place to post my end of the year review of drama.
For some years now at the end of the year I look back at the list of tv series I completed that year and pick the ones I enjoyed most. Kind of like my own tv awards. Usually I just keep it to myself, but I felt like writing about it this time so I saw no reason not to.
So I watched about 42 series this year. I only counted the series I completed in 2019, it doesn't matter when the series was produced or when I started watching it. Because it's very tricky to figure out what counts as a completed series with western tv series, I've traditionally written down only Asian dramas so far although I'm starting to consider finding a way to include western series.
Looking back this year had a lot of mediocre drama. Good enough to keep me entertained or at least finish it, but nothing write home about so to say. Some had interesting concepts, but went in ways I did not like or the execution could have been better or just ended up disappointing me. Korean dramas used to top my list to the extent that some years I picked best cdrama and best jdrama seperately and I have some with decent scores this year as well, but I don't think any will make it into my all time favourites category. *fingers crossed for better result in 2020.*
1. Story of Ming Lan
This is the kind of Chinese drama I enjoy the most. The drama takes itself seriously - no silly, goofy characters or storylines Chinese love so much. It actually tries to be historically accurate, even the original Chinese title is a line from a famous poem! It also shows life in Tang dynasty from a woman's perpective and the main character is not even a royalty, but a regular scholar's daughter by concubine! She's smart, essentially a good person, but not above scheming a little to get things done.
Click to view2. Story of Yanxi Palace
Another nice schemer protagonist, I really can't resist those. The main character enters the forbidden city with one purpose - to find out the truth behind her sister's death and get revenge. She is smart from the start, gets away with being really impertinent, something that usually annoys the hell out of me, but somehow works for her. A well done harem intrigue drama is definitely my thing and this is one of the best.
3. Her Private Life
I was surprised that this ended up as the best kdrama in the list. It's a rather nice romantic comedy with a heroine a lot of viewers can relate to - she is an extreme fangirl and tries to keep that fact a secret in her professional life. I like how this drama embraced dorkiness.
4. Arthdal Chronicles
This drama was built to be epic and it kind of was once it got into the story. The only problem is it was left incomplete despite having 3 "seasons". An all new fantasy world with different tribes, religions and prophesies and multiple protagonists with their own ambitions. Yes, please! I'm hoping against hope that it will continue some day. *fingers crossed*
5. The Rise of Phoenixes
Parts of it I really loved, parts felt really draggy, but it's a nice cdrama with serious plot and beautiful sets. The story centers around the powerfight amongst the king's sons with a group of people trying to reestablish the previous dynasty as a bonus.
6. My country the new age
Considering my love for historical dramas, it's a pity that this is the only Korean one that made it to the list. Basically it's a bromance set in the turbulent times of late Goryeo/ early Joseon period. I usually don't like Jang Hyuk as an actor, but his depiction of Bang Won left an impression.
7. Dr Prisoner
This one I'm not so sure about, but the cat and mouse play entertained me. A doctor gets framed and imprisoned. He uses his medical skills to make connections with criminals and go after the people who destroyed his life.
8. Ever Night
I usually don't enjoy dramas set in "martial arts world", but I liked this one. I think it was because the tone of the story was more suitable for my taste - more epic than cheesy.
9. Hotel de Luna
Hotel for ghosts run by immortal lady with possibly some romance thrown in should be right up my alley. And it was nice, but it could have been so much better.
10. Abyss
Two people are revived by mystical object after their death and try to find the murderer who killed one of them.
Other memorable dramas: Kill It, He's Psychometric, Angel's Last Mission Love.