K-Dramas have ruled the hearts of viewers across the globe for quite some time now, but it’s time for C-dramas to claim their spot in the limelight. Chinese series (ซีรีย์จีน)s, also known as C-dramas, have been around for years and offer a great mix of romance, suspense, action, and comedy. Although C-dramas have a reputation for being complex and lengthy, they provide you with an in-depth look into Chinese culture and social life. In this blog post, we will dive into C-dramas and all you need to know about them.
1. Genres
Chinese series boast a plethora of genres to cater to various tastes. Historical dramas and period dramas depicting the Qin, Han, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties are popular, with Story of Yanxi Palace (2018) and Nirvana in Fire (2015) being hugely successful shows. Romance dramas are also a fan favorite, and My Love from the Star (2013) and Eternal Love (2017) gained immense popularity across Asia. Suspense dramas are gaining traction, with The Bad Kids (2020) being highly praised. If you enjoy comedies, Sweet Tai Chi (2019) and Hello Mr. Billionaire (2018) are perfect for you.
2. Cast and Crew
Chinese series have some of the most talented actors in the entertainment industry. Renowned actors like Hu Ge, Liu Yifei, and Yang Yang have starred in popular series, while rising stars like Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo have gained immense popularity in recent years. Directors of C-dramas have also garnered recognition, with famous figures like Yu Zheng, Zhong Cheng Jian, and Gao Xixi guiding successful series.
3. Length of Episodes
C-dramas differ from the K-dramas in terms of duration. K-dramas generally have shorter episodes, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. On the other hand, the episodes of C-dramas usually run for an hour and can go up to 50 episodes, making them more time-consuming. However, long episodes allow for substantial character development, intricate plotlines, and a more profound understanding of Chinese culture and social life.
4. Streaming Platforms
Several online platforms offer Chinese series with English subtitles. Viki and DramaFever are popular with international audiences, while Tencent Video and Youku are prevalent streaming services in China. With the rise of C-dramas’ popularity, several international streaming services have also begun to offer exclusive C-dramas, such as Netflix’s The Untamed (2019).
5. Cultural Significance
C-dramas offer a unique view into Chinese culture, history, and social life. They are an excellent source of education on Chinese customs, traditions, and festivals, allowing viewers to gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese culture. Furthermore, C-dramas have helped promote the Chinese language and have played a vital role in bridging the gap between the east and the west.
Conclusion:
With a vast array of genres, talented cast and crew, long episodes, and significant cultural value, Chinese series are worth the watch. They provide insight into Chinese culture, history, and society while offering captivating storylines and relatable characters. So buckle up and delve into the world of C-dramas. You never know what you might discover!