Top 10 Chinese Film Adaptations That Took the Community by Storm

Following the massive success of the hit series Three Lives Three Worlds: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, many fans were disappointed when the story ended. Soon after, news spread that Three Lives Three Worlds: The Pillow Book would be adapted into a film. The story focuses on two main characters: Feng Jiu and Dong Hua Emperor.

Three Lives Three Worlds: The Pillow Book is a part of the 'Three Lives Three Worlds' series, which tells the story of Feng Jiu (the granddaughter of the high god Bai Qian) and Dong Hua Emperor (two characters from 'Three Lives Three Worlds: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms'). This adaptation offers a captivating and unique narrative with witty, humorous, yet emotionally deep writing by Tang Qi Gong Zi, vividly portraying the mischievous Feng Jiu and the quirky Dong Hua Emperor. Their unexpected encounters, filled with playful and romantic moments, have been masterfully brought to life by the author, making readers feel as if they are part of the story themselves.

DETAILS:

Genre: Historical, Immortal, Romance

Cast: Gao Wei Guang, Dilraba Dilmurat, Chen Xiao, Guo Jing Fei,...

Director: Yang Xuan

Episodes: 56

One of the most highly anticipated adaptations among fans of the original novel, this film is based on the romantic story by author Qiao Yi. Unlike other romance dramas that focus on a specific period or moment, 'I Don’t Like This World, I Only Like You' dives deep into the small, intimate details of the daily lives of its lead couple.

The film promises a sweet and charming blend of romance and humor that is sure to captivate fans of love stories. The lead roles are played by 'Xiao Mo Sheng' actress Ngo Thien and the handsome newcomer Zhang Wu Jian. Although the series has sparked some mixed reactions from original fans who feel the male lead doesn’t fully capture the charisma of F Kun from the novel, it's still too early to make judgments before the film’s release.

DETAILS:
Genre: Idol, Youth, Romance

Director: Wang Chi

Cast: Ngo Thien, Zhang Wu Jian

Episodes: 35

'Nirvana in Fire' is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by author Hai Yan, which took the Chinese television scene by storm in 2015. The story centers around the political intrigue and power struggles within a fictional kingdom called Da Liang.

Unlike other adaptations that focus on melodramatic love stories, 'Nirvana in Fire' delves deeply into the political tactics and power plays of the time. Although the subject matter is somewhat dry and appeals to a more selective audience, the series achieved impressive ratings and earned a top score of 9.2 on Douban.

DETAILS:

Genre: Drama, Wuxia, Historical, Period

Directors: Kong Sheng, Li Xue

Cast: Hu Ge, Liu Tao, Wang Kai, Huang Weide, Chen Long, Wu Lei

Episodes: 54

'Empresses in the Palace' is hailed as a masterpiece in the palace drama genre. Based on the popular novel by author Liu Lianzi, the series tells the gripping tale of the fierce struggles for favor in the imperial harem.

In its 76 episodes, the story follows the journey of the young and innocent Zhen Huan, who matures through hardship and becomes one of the most powerful figures in the harem. The series has earned a remarkable score of 9.0 on Douban.

DETAILS:

Genre: Period Drama, Palace Intrigue, Romance

Directors: Zheng Xiaolong, Gao Yijun

Cast: Sun Li, Chen Jianbin, Li Dongxue, Tuan Yun, Lan Xihe

Episodes: 76

'Go Go Squid!' is a must-watch romantic drama, adapted from the novel of the same name by author Mo Bao Fei Bao. Directed by Hang Huxing, the show stars Li Xian as Han Chongyuan and Yang Zi as Tong Nian. The drama consists of 42 episodes.

'Go Go Squid!' was a huge success when it aired in 2019. It garnered millions of views on Douyin, reaching 77 million views, and made 104 appearances on Weibo's hot search list. The series also achieved an impressive rating of 1.571. Combining elements of gaming and real-life romance, this story captivated audiences with its heartwarming and unique love story. With stellar performances and a gripping plot, the drama is sure to steal the hearts of romance fans.

DETAILS:

Genre: Esports, Romantic Comedy

Directors: Li Jingrong, Xiang Xujing

Main Cast: Yang Zi, Li Xian

Episodes: 41

The Eternal Love is a Chinese fantasy romance drama adapted from the novel 'The Eternal Love' by author Wei Yu. The series features a star-studded cast including Jing Tian, Zhang Banban, Li Muchen, and Zhang Yechi.

The drama was voted by viewers as one of the most highly anticipated adaptations of a novel in the first three months of 2021. Combining elements of fantasy, romance, and the search for one's true self, 'The Eternal Love' captivates with its emotional depth. The series explores not only love but also the journey of facing one's true nature and finding self-understanding. If you’re a fan of romantic fantasies with an enchanting love story, this is a must-watch.

DETAILS:

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Director: Li Muguo

Main Cast: Jing Tian, Zhang Banban, Li Muchen, Zhang Yechi

Episodes: 30+1 Special

"Princess Silver" is a striking drama based on the novel of the same name by author Tianxia Guiyuan. The series stars popular actors such as Yang Mi (as Mạnh Phù Dao) and Ngô Kinh Thiên (as Thái tử Thiên Quyền/Trưởng Tôn Vô Cực). The drama spans a total of 66 episodes, directed by Dương Văn Quân, Lý Tài, and Tạ Trạch.

"Princess Silver" offers an emotional journey that immerses the audience in the intricate and beautiful world of ancient China’s imperial court. With remarkable performances and a compelling narrative, this series is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of historical and romance genres.

DETAILS:

Genre: Historical, Legend, Romance

Directors: Dương Văn Quân, Tạ Trạch, Lý Tài

Main Cast: Dương Mịch, Nguyễn Kinh Thiên, Lại Nghệ, Cao Vỹ Quang

The Story of Ming Lan is an adaptation of the novel "知否知否應是綠肥紅瘦" by author Guan Tan Tan, a tale set in ancient China with themes of romance, family rivalry, rural life, and historical drama. Fans of Chinese literature are likely familiar with this classic work. The title "應是綠肥紅瘦" translates to ‘red fading into green,’ symbolizing the end of spring when flowers fall and new leaves grow, representing the passing of time. The author reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and beauty as time moves on, even as life continues.

The drama follows Ming Lan (played by Zhao Liying), the sixth daughter of the Sheng family, who is known for her beauty and intelligence, but faces hardship from a critical aunt, distant sisters, and an indifferent father. After her mother’s death, she hides her talents and struggles against adversity, determined to avenge her mother’s death. During this time, she meets Gu Dingye (played by Feng Shaofeng), the second son of the NIng Yuan Duke. Gu Dingye, who helped her when they were young, recognizes her intelligence and strength beneath her gentle exterior and gradually falls in love with her.

DETAILS:

Main Cast: Zhao Liying as Ming Lan, Feng Shaofeng as Gu Dingye, Chu Yilong, Zhang Hanwen, Li Yixiao, and others.

Episodes: 79

Director: Guo Dong

Premiered: December 25, 2018

Eastern Palace is currently one of the hottest dramas, eagerly anticipated by fans of the novel of the same name by Fei Ya Zi Cun.

"A little fox sits on a sand dune, gazing at the moon. But it is not watching the moon, rather waiting for the shepherd girl to return..."

"The little fox sits on the sand dune, basking in the sun. But it is not enjoying the warmth, it is waiting for the girl on horseback to pass by..."

The story follows a princess, originally the ninth princess of the Western Liang Kingdom, who was adored in her homeland. But in an attempt to secure a marriage alliance, she journeys to Central China. He, the crown prince, holds a position just below the emperor and above all others. This political marriage forces him to marry a foreign princess, though he already has a beloved consort. Meanwhile, she leads a life of her own, sneaking out of the palace, stopping runaway horses, fighting evil, sending lost children home, drinking wine, and visiting pleasure houses. Both of them, seemingly living parallel lives, never expected their fates to entwine. Through palace power struggles, misunderstandings, and hidden dangers, the carefree princess is slowly pulled into the whirlpool of politics, love, hatred, and intrigue.

DETAILS:

Main Cast: Bai Xiaoxian, Chen Xingxu, Wei Tiancheng, Wang Chuanyi, and others.

Episodes: 55

Director: Li Muguo

Premiered: February 14

Zhao Yao is a Chinese historical fantasy martial arts drama, based on the novel by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The series stars a talented cast including Xu Kai, Bai Lu, Tian Yihan, and Dai Hu.

The show premiered in early 2019 on Hunan TV and was exclusively streamed on iQIYI, where it amassed 4.8 billion online views and consistently ranked among the top-rated shows during its broadcast time. Audiences praised the show for its unique characters, comedic elements, and engaging romantic plot, particularly the sizzling chemistry between the lead characters, Xu Kai and Bai Lu as the “Zhao Yao couple”.

DETAILS:

Cast: Bai Lu, Xu Kai, Tian Yihan, and more.

Director: Zheng Wei Wen

Episodes: 55

Release Date: January 28