I have so much to say about the new Chinese drama Joy of Life 庆余年. As a fan of the original fiction as well as the author Maoni, I am satisfied with its skillful adaptation of the novel and the tight plot. The casting seems fantastic because this drama features a lot of big names such as Chen Daoming, Li Xiaoran, and Wu Gang. I would rate a 9 out of 10 based on the first ten episodes.
Thankful for the Remaining Years / Joy of Life stars Zhang Ruoyun as a modern time-traveler who believes in equality for all and is determined to change the feudal system of Qing. Costars include Chen Daoming, Wu Gang, Li Qin, Xin Zhilei, Song Yi and Li Chun.
Season 1 runs for 46 episodes and releases 2 eps every Mon-Wed on Tencent/iQiyi.
Thankful for the Remaining Years / Qing Yu Nian comes from Wang Juan, the writer of cult hits Turbulence of the Mu Clan, Legend of Southwest Dance and Music and Young Blood. Zhang Ruoyun is a forward-thinking noble intent on pushing through political reforms, most of which are opposed by the tyrannical ruler of Qing (Chen Daoming).
It’s rumoured Season 1 of 3 will premiere in less than a week. [Character Intros]
Dramas usually release a plethora of goodies on Chinese Valentine’s Day, and this year is no exception. Which shows are you looking forward to most?
Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace – Zhou Xun, Wallace Huo
Thankful for the Remaining Years (Qing Yu Nian Season 1) has released a trailer after wrapping up filming for the first season, and stars Zhang Ruoyun as a young lad who is groomed into a righteous politician by Chen Pingping (Wu Gang).
Thankful for the Remaining Years / Qing Yu Nian Season 1, also known as Joy of Life, has released stills of the leading cast members. Fan Xian’s (Zhang Ruoyun) growth arc will stretch across the entire show, as he learns valuable skills from Chen Pingping (Wu Gang), head of the kingdom’s investigative agency.
Fan Xian gets embroiled in murder mysteries and strange cases in the pugilist world (jianghu), and ultimately makes his way into the political scene, where he decides to challenge the Emperor (Chen Daoming) and the feudal system he represents.
Yes! Chen Daoming is back in drama land, and as a main character no less. In Thankful for the Remaining Years / Qing Yu Nian Season 1, he’ll be playing the tyrannical Emperor of the fictional country of Qing (he may be known as Liu Yu in the drama), a martial arts grand master and biological father of our protagonist Fan Xian (Zhang Ruoyun). Extended synopsis can be found here. Continue reading
Thankful for the Remaining Years / Joy of Life 庆余年 is an upcoming historical drama starring Zhang Ruoyun (Sky on Fire) as Fan Xian, a lost prince who reenters the royal court twenty years later as a renowned politician. Mao Ni’s original novel is currently being translated into English here.