Editor's note: This article compiles the drama notes of the editorial department and writers of the "Youxi" column of The Paper in 2024. It is a list of films that tends to be based on personal preferences. Everyone is welcome to leave comments to supplement it.
Note: Sort by premiere time, ranking in no particular order.
【Annual Recommendation】
Shetland Mysteries Season 8
Premiere date: 2023-11-01 (UK)
There are not many detective dramas that are interesting to watch without a rush to figure out "who is the murderer".
Ask the Vastness
Premiere date: 2023-12-27 (Mainland China)
The most beautiful main-theme party history drama in recent years. The oil painting-like composition and color tone give that magnificent period of history a rich, solemn and gloomy texture. In recent years, the "epic work" that everyone often mentions actually focuses on the second word "poetry". The director and the team must not only have excellent aesthetic taste and execution rationally, but also understand what kind of beauty "poetic" beauty is emotionally. Turning abstract feelings into audio-visual language is always the most scarce ability in the circle. by Er Lele
→ Exclusive Interview｜Wang Renjun: Playing Mao Zedong, I must live up to the audience who loved him
Flowers
Premiere date: 2023-12-27 (Mainland China)
The work deeply integrates aesthetic art and narrative, and is an artistic feast of visual and emotional interweaving. Every frame seems to be a work of art cut from the canvas. Each character writes his own legendary story against the bizarre background of the times, which is the representative work of each actor. by Zeng Yuli
Since it is broadcasted on New Year's Eve, it is okay to count it into 2024, right? Although a whole year has passed, many scenes are still fresh in my memory. This is not only because of those "pretentious" frame drops, but also because of those Shanghai-style social customs. For the King of Sunglasses, these may just be a little bit of a splurge, but they can temporarily free us from all kinds of "emotional values", so thank you! by Yu Xiaoyu
Even if it is not a weak year for TV dramas like this year, "Fang Hua" can still be regarded as a masterpiece of TV dramas. A seemingly simple story, not to mention its composition, lighting and historical details, just looking at its outstanding achievements in the structure of the script and editing, it is already difficult to match. I still remember the night when Mr. Bao said goodbye to Miss Wang, and the story of Xuezhi appeared in a transition. The time and space conversion, emotional resonance, and the audience's perspective repeatedly switched without any effort. This is an extremely advanced literary technique, and only "Fang Hua" has achieved it in the field of TV dramas. by Kong Li
Wong Kar-wai's brainless fans support him without thinking.
→ 【Special topic】TV series "Fang Hua"
To the Lord of Light
First broadcast date: 2024-01-07 (Japan)
I thought it was unremarkable, but it turned out to be a surprisingly good Taiga drama. by Hong Sanyu
The Journey of the Living
First broadcast date: 2024-01-30 (Mainland China network)
Nature is full of healing power, just like this documentary. It is a simple record of 5,000 kilometers of sea, 3,000 kilometers of trekking, grand migration scenes and the adventurous and fearless spirit of animals, which makes the soul shocked again and again. After watching it, I can't forget the story of the lonely humpback whale travel companion. by Bairou
→ Let your children watch the documentary "The Journey of Life", a vivid life education lesson
Shogun
Premiere date: 2024-02-27 (USA)
No one expected that the increasingly declining "period drama" in Japan would be reborn in the guise of an American drama. by Hong Sanyu
→ The American TV series "Shogun": Still a Hollywood-style oriental imagination
The Gentlemen Season 1
First broadcast date: 2024-03-07 (UK)
Only Guy Ritchie can make a gang with an annual revenue of over 100 million yuan look like a ragtag group, and only Guy Ritchie understands the little people in the ragtag group the most - what they fear most is never death, but the end. by Tianxia Diyi Guo
→ The Gentlemen: Guy Ritchie's disenchantment with gangster themes
"write"
First broadcast date: 2024-03-20 (Mainland China)
Everyone is the author of his own life .
→ Short drama fans｜"Writing" is spiritual, good drama "Hard to Find"
The Wind Chaser
First broadcast date: 2024-03-21 (Mainland China)
In the complex and ever-changing plot and intellectual confrontation, the film shows Wei Ruolai's growth process from a rookie to a firm believer, successfully shaping Wei Ruolai's unique and charming "new youth" image. by Zeng Yuli
→ "The Wind Chaser": Wei Ruolai, a new young man comes to the spy drama
"Cherishing Flowers"
First broadcast date: 2024-04-02 (Mainland China)
This year's truly female group drama. by Hadori
→ "Xihuazhi": Those cute supporting characters who appear at a glance
Ripley
Premiere date: 2024-04-04 (USA)
The power and beauty of antisocial personality. by A Shui
→ Is it because of Andrew’s dark eyes that the Italian landscape was turned into black and white?
Running with Shanzai on His Back
First broadcast date: 2024-04-08 (South Korea)
This is the Korean drama of the year that made "Secretly Happy Brother" Bian Youxi famous. Whenever I hear Wei Li'an's song "If I could, I would like to go back to the day we met; let time stop the rain", the famous scene of the hero and heroine meeting under the umbrella will appear in my mind. by Hadori
Fallout Season 1
Premiere date: 2024-04-10 (USA)
Adapting games into movies and TV shows is always a thankless task, so for being able to adapt a game IP with many fans around the world to far beyond expectations, I really have to bow down to Nolan! Whether you are a fan of the game or not, it does not prevent you from enjoying the unrestrained fun of science fiction dramas in this drama, as well as the profound questioning of human nature, technology, and the future of our human race. by Tianxia Diyi Guo
Dead Boys Detective Agency
Premiere date: 2024-04-25 (USA)
Don't be misled by the title. I thought it was a brainless detective drama about foreign youth. I didn't expect the plot to be full of ups and downs, strange imagination and deep reflection, unexpected excitement and surprises. by Tianxia Diyi Guo
Desperate Writers Season 3
Premiere date: 2024-05-02 (USA)
The dense jokes do not affect the profound interpretation of the relationship between women in this series. The two women, who are more than 40 years apart in age, went from initially excluding and accusing each other to gradually getting closer, and finally influencing and changing each other. This is the most precious understanding and recognition between women. by Tianxia Diyi Guo
→ Analysis of American TV series with female themes
Clarkson Farm Season 3
Premiere date: 2024-05-03 (UK)
The fat old man and his friends are so powerful that all sadness and obstacles disappear in front of the horsepower of the Lamborghini tractor! by A Shui
"newborn"
First broadcast date: 2024-05-06 (Mainland China)
Although the ending of "New Life" was criticized as "bad ending", the series respected suspense and did not lower the intelligence. The whole experience of watching the series was still the most enjoyable this year. In the first six episodes, the stories related to each character were laid out at a fast pace, and the audience and the characters in the play were deceived by Fei Ke. Just when you think you have figured out the routine, it starts to reverse, and the identities of the victim and the perpetrator are quickly exchanged, catching the audience off guard.
The 10-episode short story mode and the setting of determining the length of each episode based on events make it particularly relaxing and friendly to the audience. I hope there will be more short stories of this type in the future. by 小7
Spring for Lovers
First broadcast date: 2024-04-22 (Mainland China)
With warm and realistic brushstrokes, it depicts the choice and growth of two young people between their hometown and a foreign land; it creates a spring-filled visual and emotional atmosphere, and while appreciating romantic love, one can also realize the importance of self-realization. by Zeng Yuli
→ "Spring Lovers": A "modern" idol drama
My Altai
First broadcast date: 2024-05-07 (Mainland China)
The scenery is as attractive to the audience as the plot .
If Zhang Fengxia is the "dream mom" of thousands of girls, then this year's favorite sister-in-law must be Token. by Hadley
The film successfully brings the rustic and fresh atmosphere of Li Juan's prose collection of the same name to the screen, presenting the beautiful natural scenery and simple cultural customs of the Altay region. The life experiences and growth processes of three generations of female characters not only reflect the collision between personal dreams and reality, but also reflect the communication and integration under different cultural backgrounds, providing the audience with a peaceful and profound spiritual comfort. by Zeng Yuli
→ "My Altai" has finished airing, let's take a look at its adaptation strategy
→ How to make prose into a TV series? Feel the vastness of literature in "My Altai"
Joy of Life 2
First broadcast date: 2024-05-08 (Mainland China)
Through the growth and struggle of Fan Xian and others, the series severely and profoundly criticizes the feudal imperial power and expresses the yearning for equality, freedom and dignity. The series has rich character portraits and has both ideological depth and viewing value.
→ "Celebrating Yu Nian 2": The feelings are still there
The Movement of Heaven
First broadcast date: 2024-05-08 (Mainland China)
A rare masterpiece. It cleverly combines the strange people and events of legendary dramas with a deep sense of history. Through carefully planned suspense, a gripping story, and the profound growth and transformation of the protagonist Men Sandao, it shows the struggle and awakening of individuals in troubled times, as well as their adherence to national justice. by Zeng Yuli
→ "The Walking Stone": A good drama that should not be ignored
"Life Replica" Season 1
Premiere date: 2024-05-08 (USA)
"Life Replica" is the winner of many world-class science fiction awards in 2017. The shell of the multiverse is always a place where I want to see how the other ones are doing. The concrete parallel time and space are still about the earth. Compared with the design of science fiction concepts, the exploration of human nature in this drama is more prominent. by Bai Rou
Lonely Boat
First broadcast date: 2024-08-06 (Mainland China)
The plot setting and the actors' performances have caused a lot of controversy, but many people have overlooked the character of Zhang Songwen, who plays Zhou Zhifei, the station chief of the Suzhou Wang Puppet Special Agent Station. This is definitely a breakthrough in the anti-Japanese war-themed spy dramas in recent years. At least so far, there has not been a character who was born in the Communist Party of China's Special Operations Department, switched to the Kuomintang Central Bureau, and joined the Wang Puppet Government No. 76 to play the leading role in film and television works. Obviously, Zhang Songwen is very aware of the historical depth of the character, so he performed the true humanity of this national scum in many moments. by Wang Zheng
"Offline Mythology"
Premiere date: 2024-08-29 (USA)
A love letter to ancient Greek mythology! It cleverly deconstructs Greek mythology, with a subversive innovation of fantastic ideas on one hand, and an interpretation of fate on the other hand, capturing the essence of ancient Greek mythology - whether it is a human or a god, they must face the irresistible cruelty of fate. by Tianxia Diyi Guo
→ "Offline Mythology": Traffic portal for ancient Greek mythology
Song of Mortals
First broadcast date: 2024-08-31 (Mainland China)
Through the stories of three couples, it shows their inner struggles and growth in the face of challenges such as economic pressure, workplace competition, and family conflicts, which to a certain extent reflects the fragility and fear of the middle class.
→ "Song of the Ordinary Man": There are vulgar and trending searches, but also some subtle aspects
Two People in a Residential Area
First broadcast date: 2024-09-01 (Japan)
I also have a good friend like this, so I also want to grow old together like the two in the play.
Snow Maze
First broadcast date: 2024-09-03 (Mainland China)
Among the tough suspense dramas bred in the black soil of Northeast China, "Snow Labyrinth" is different. The case is kneaded into the trivial life of chicken racks, vermicelli, and barbecue, full of fireworks and lively. Huang Jingyu, a native of Northeast China, may have contributed the most face-to-face performance so far. He is humorous, tender but tough. He not only infected Gu Yiran (played by Wang Ziqi), a lonely and indifferent chemical expert from the south, but also me in front of the screen with his food and personality. After watching it, I really went to Northeast China to eat chicken racks. by Xiao7
→ Is this the kind of suspense drama that audiences want when they watch it while eating?
"The Outcast" Season 4
First broadcast date: 2024-09-04 (UK)
A sluggish person will always be sluggish, but always handsome.
My Brilliant Friend Season 4
Premiere date: 2024-09-09 (USA/Italy)
The more I read, the more I think of their childhood. This life story is so hard and honest that it would be hard to wrap up if it weren’t deleted and recorded. by Ah Shui
→ The best thing about My Brilliant Friend is not feminism, but its fidelity to complexity
When the Mountain Flowers Bloom
First broadcast date: 2024-09-10 (Mainland China)
The film praises Zhang Guimei's great spirit of perseverance and selfless dedication, and also presents Zhang Guimei's optimism, loveliness and straightforwardness through vivid and interesting plots and details, allowing the audience to have a more comprehensive and three-dimensional understanding of this great woman, and gain deep emotional resonance and spiritual shock. by Zeng Yuli
The convincing narrative of an idealist has transformed Zhang Guimei, a woman of the times, into an excellent film and television character. The respect for women, insight into society, and belief in idealism revealed by the entire team in the details outside the main narrative cannot be deceived. While watching and crying, I really wanted to shout to Teacher Zhang, "Teacher, I want to go to college," just like Mitsui Shou shouted, "Coach, I want to play basketball." by Er Lele
The top 1 Chinese drama of the year! As a mainstream drama, it breaks through the traditional paradigm and presents Principal Zhang Guimei as a multifaceted, complex and real person. The plot is full of ups and downs, the characters are well-portrayed and humorous, showing both tenacity and the warmth of humanity. by Tianxia Diyi Guo
→ Interview｜Lan Xiya: From the "idol" stage to the "Guyu" in the mountains
→ "When the Mountain Flowers Bloom": The respectable Zhang Guimei has a lovely side
→ The End of "When Flowers Bloom in the Mountains": An In-depth Discussion on the Value of Education
"All Creatures" Season 5
Premiere date: 2024-09-19 (UK)
In the past five years when the real world was often engulfed by wind and snow, I was still able to feel the warmth brought by the picturesque British countryside, the lovely animals, and the people who supported each other on TV. The shadow of World War II has already shrouded this paradise, but "All Creatures" has a way to let us put aside our fears and anxieties and face the turbulent life with a touch of pride and calmness. by Tianxiadiyiguo
"Splendid Tranquility"
First broadcast date: 2024-10-10 (Mainland China)
If you just want to relax, the supporting roles in this TV series are worth watching. That foodie sister is such a tough girl. When the heroine's father was emotional, my nose almost ran. by Bairou
"Alley People"
First broadcast date: 2024-10-28 (Mainland China)
It shows the life style and neighborhood warmth in Suzhou alleys from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, especially the precious neighborhood friendship and touching female friendship. It is an emotional drama of the time with a sense of time and fireworks.
A hearty spiritual massage, the fact proves that no matter how bad the market is, a good period life drama can still impress the audience and evoke long-standing and common warm memories, regardless of age. In addition, this year's film and television drama market proves that we need "good mommies", whether it is Huang Ling or Song Ying, a good mother will always be the anchor of our spirit and the sail of our will. Come and say "thank you mommy" with me. by Er Lele
→ Exclusive Interview丨Yan Ni: "People in the Alley", creating a realistic "nostalgic dream"
→ Interview｜Actor Guo Xiaodong: Zhuang Chaoying has the shadow of many people of that era
→ "People in the Alley": The annoying setting, should it be changed?
→ "People in the Alley": Period drama, the antidote for "isolated islands"
Eternal Night Star River
First broadcast date: 2024-11-01 (Mainland China)
Although the quality has been declining since the tenth episode, it has indeed given a boost to the ancient costume drama market at the end of the year and warmed the hearts of countless ancient costume drama producers. In addition, Xinxin loves to clip more, "Thank you, Mu Shenger~" is really sweet to my heart. by Er Lele
→ 95 flowers fight again, who can ascend first?
→ Exclusive Interview｜Actor Yang Shize: Unlocking the "Emotional Key" of "Chicken Fillet Brother"
The Days of the Jackal
Premiere date: 2024-11-07 (UK)
Art film star Eddie Redmayne plays the classic killer image "The Jackal" in film history. This role has been played by Edward Fox and Bruce Willis before, and "Eddie Redmayne" gives the killer a warm side, making the character more rich and three-dimensional. In the final analysis, the bad guy must die, but at least at the end of the first season, he killed Bianca, a British MI6 agent with a similar level of cognition, reflecting that in this real world where ethics and right and wrong are becoming increasingly blurred and out of focus, staying alive is the most important thing. by Wang Zheng
The phone call now
Premiere date: 2024-11-22 (South Korea)
Koreans made a film that looks like Jinjiang literature. A tsundere boss x a little white rabbit, whoever sees it will be crazy. Our Liu is getting better too. by Hadori
→ "The Phone You Call Now": The plot is very earthy, why is it so popular?
I am a Detective
First broadcast date: 2024-11-27 (Mainland China)
It reproduces the real case-handling process in a simple and unpretentious manner, and also shows the development of criminal investigation technology and the improvement of the system in line with the times, bringing a real, documentary, large-scale and curious criminal investigation drama viewing experience. by Zeng Yuli
→ Interview｜Director Hui Kaidong: Behind "I Am a Detective", the truth has its own powerful force
→ "I am a Criminal Police": Simple and unpretentious, yet in line with the times
Nine-fold Purple
First broadcast date: 2024-12-06 (Mainland China)
Among the many crudely made ancient puppet shows, this is a rare "normal" one. The director has excellent aesthetic qualities and presents delicate and beautiful pictures. Ancient puppet shows must return to common sense. Only when the production team pays attention to details and pursues quality can ancient puppet shows escape the fate of failure. by Zeng Yuli
→ Was the small success of “Nine Layers Purple” a coincidence?
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Premiere date: 2024-12-11 (Colombia)
I haven't seen loneliness yet, but I have seen Macondo built from nothing in the light.
What else do you want when you can make such a film? Besides, shouldn’t a TV series be good news for fans of the original novel? At least everyone can see the faces instead of being stuck in a difficult-to-pronounce name. If you are still not satisfied, then you should take out the original novel that has been gathering dust, don’t you think? by Yu Xiaoyu
→ How One Hundred Years of Solitude sold 12 million copies in China
【Classic Review】
The Writeress and Murder (1984, USA)
The best TV series to watch while eating. When you don't know what to watch, you won't be disappointed. JB Fletcher, taller and prettier than Miss Marple, is your most trustworthy and lovely friend. The American customs in the 1980s and 1990s make people suddenly think that tomorrow will be better. by A Shui
Earth Treasures (2017, USA)
The PBS documentary "Treasures of the Earth" takes viewers on a journey deep into the Earth's interior, revealing how these treasures were formed and exploring how they enabled humans to evolve and build great civilizations. Every gem is gorgeous and every metal is full of vitality. My Taurus son, who loves money, watched it no less than eight times, and in the following days, he knew the chemical table by heart. by Bairou
