To be obsessed by a TV-series ...
Films and TV-series from Asia
When I was younger, I was a real film freak — watching movies constantly. When I lived abroad and did not have easy access to films, I spent my days watching 2-3 films a day when I was back home. Today, with streaming services offering an endless supply of films and series, it’s ironically become harder to find stories that truly engage you, or at least me. So much of the content feels familiar, and you can, more or less, predict the plot just by reading the description.
Last year we were visiting South Korea and Japan, and I ran into friends interesting in Asian culture, who recommended watching tv dramas from the region. During the visit I found a new interest into the history of the area. I have of course heard about the Asian drama series but never seen any. Many of them are so called C dramas. The C stands for Chinese drama and is a television series produced in mainland China, spanning various genres like fantasy, period costume, modern romance, and thrillers. What is not to love in these genres? Absolutely my cup of tea. They are usually known for their high-budget historical productions, intense slow-burn romances, and often lengthy number of episode. Such dramas are popular, not only across Asia, but also internationally these days.
Bon Appétit Your Majesty (South Korea)
That’s part of why I started exploring Asian dramas. One Netflix recommendation led me to a South Korean comedy, Bon Appétit Your Majesty, about a young Michelin chef who – on her way home from Paris – gets thrown back centuries into an imperial palace kitchen. It’s a fun premise, but each episode tend to have the same structure, and after a while I found myself wanting something with a story to tell and follow. Perfect to mix with this cooking drama.
Pursuit of Jade (China)
There’s a kind of magic in the moment when a series grabs you so completely that “just one episode” turns into one more – and suddenly you’re stuck when cliffhangers take over your life. That happened when I found Pursuit of Jade (also known as Chasing Jade) on the Netflix suggestions. It is described as a historical adventure drama – my cup of tea – and I was hooked from episode one. Marked as a limited series I expected it to be six to eight episodes, but no, this is Asia, and a series with 40 episodes! And yet, it does not seem too long. Probably because the story keeps developing and creating the feeling that you don’t want it to end. Each episodes ends with a cliffhanger of sort and you just have to continue watching.
The Novel
Pursuit of Jade is adapted from the web novel《逐玉》(Zhu Yu) by Tuan Zi Lai Xi. The original Chinese title literally means “to pursue jade,” and is a metaphor: in Chinese culture it seems, jade often symbolises purity, moral integrity, and an inner worth that’s tested under pressure – a perfect frame for a story built around loyalty and ambition. That gives a development to the characters and shows what they are willing to sacrifice to become who they’re meant to be. This is evidence in the story where there is a clear head plot, but along the way to achieve the goal, there are sub plots turning up at every corner, forcing the characters to solve problems along the way. A traditional, classical adventure story in other words. I think this journey is what makes this adaptation such a great story, giving the characters the possibility to develop themselves, finding out who they really are, and on the way finding their place in life.
Characters and storyline (light spoiler)
At its core, the drama is about a relationship that begins as necessity and gradually deepens into devotion.
Fan Changyu is introduced as a butcher’s daughter—practical, tough, and grounded in everyday survival rather than courtly ideals.
Xie Zheng is a fallen nobleman driven by a single purpose: revenge, and reclaiming what was taken from him.
Their connection starts as a marriage of convenience, but the story quickly evolves beyond romance as war and political pressure reshape their lives. Fan Changyu is the kind of heroine who expands as the plot does – steadily becoming larger than life without ever losing her morale, or sense of justice. Xie Zheng, meanwhile, fights to reclaim his title and protect his country, pulled between duty and personal vengeance. Circumstances push them together and repeatedly tear them apart. The slow unfolding of their bond due to sacrifices demanded by outside forces, only deepens their feelings and finally comes to a fait accompli.
The leads are played by Zhang Linghe (Xie Zheng) and Tian Xiwei (Fan Changyu), and their chemistry is visible from the start. Tian Xiwei brings Fan Changyu a bright intensity – strength, warmth, and determination – that elevates the series’ emotional stakes. Zhang Linghe plays Xie Zheng with restraint: calm on the surface, watchful and controlled, with the sense of a contained fire underneath exploding when threatened.
What is a traditional and classical adventure saga?
Coming back to my introduction on modern films and their stories, I am happy to have found this saga which has all the ingredients of a classic tale. What is a classical and traditional adventure? I took the help of AI to find the essential ingredients of such a drama.
1. The Core Narrative Pillars
The Hero’s Journey/Quest: A central mission or quest that forces a character out of their comfort zone.
The MacGuffin: A tangible, often mysterious object that drives the plot forward, creating motivation for all characters
The Transformation:The protagonist undergoes a metamorphosis, changing from a normal, reluctant person into a hero.
Exotic or Dangerous Setting: The story takes place in unfamiliar, perilous terrain – deserts, uncharted jungles, ancient ruins, or remote seas – which acts as a “dungeon” or antagonist to the hero.
2. Character Ingredients
The Reluctant/Skilled Hero: A compelling protagonist who is brave and resourceful, but often possesses weaknesses or fears that make them relatable.
A “Motley Crew” or Sidekick: Supporting characters (like an expert guide, a wisecracking companion, or an unexpected ally) who aid the hero and add emotional depth or comedic relief.
A Formidable Antagonist: A powerful villain (or forces of nature) pursuing the same goal, raising the stakes, and presenting a severe personal threat.
3. Structural and Dramatic Ingredients
Rising Stakes & Tension: The obstacles become progressively worse as the story advances, with danger often escalating from personal threats to global or catastrophic consequences.
Traps and Obstacles: Physical challenges, riddles, ancient traps, or natural disasters that test the characters’ wits and skills.
The Chase Scene: Adrenaline-fueled sequences of pursuit, where the hero is fleeing from or chasing the antagonist, often involving creative use of the environment.
Limited Time Scale (The Ticking Clock): A deadline to reach the goal, intensifying the pressure on the protagonist.
Plot Twists & Revelations:T he discovery of hidden truths—such as curses, betrayal by allies, or the true nature of the MacGuffin—that shake up the narrative.
4. Tone and Style
A Sense of Awe/Wonder: The feeling of discovering something big, beautiful, and potentially dangerous.
Balanced Drama/Action: While action-packed, the drama focuses on the emotional impact of the journey, personal growth, and relationships between characters.
“Old-Fashioned” Tone: A swashbuckling feel with a sense of “derring-do” (daring actions).
The Adaptation
Here you have it all: The fight between good and evil – Historical setting – Romance – War and fights, including martial arts – Emperors and court intrigues – The fight for power - Beautiful settings and costumes – Bold heroes and heroines – and a touch of magic.
It seems to contain very good actors, but it is always difficult to judge when you don’t understand the language. The director, Zeng Quing Jie has done an amazing job. It is so beautifully filmed; nature, imperial palaces and gardens, war scenes and martial art scenes, and the love scenes. All shot in an atmospheric ambiance. On top of that the cast is so beautiful, old and young. I don’t think I have ever seen so many beautiful people in a film before. The costumes, houses and interiors, all come together in a perfect blend.
How it was received
The series premiered on March 6, 2026, shown on different streaming services. As of early April 2026 it exceeded 3.2 billion views across platforms. It achieved a peak 55.1% market share on Yunhe Databy March 22, 2026, ranking second in history. In Netflix Global Top 10 for Non-English TV for three consecutive weeks, peaking at #5. The drama surpassed 100 million views in its first 24 hours.
What can I say? If you enjoy a historical drama, true adventures, bold heros and heroines, romantic love, amazing fighting scenes, a thrilling story and a little bit of magic, this is for you.