The Crossing Hero (2015)

Finally the wait is over. Before starting, I'd like to thank the subbing team/group for the good work. This was yet another random find after which I ended up patiently waiting for the subbed episodes every week.

Story: During the Ming dynasty, Hong Xi Dong is the leader of Emperor Zhu Yun Wen’s personal bodyguard detail. Then the 'Nine Turns Luminous Night Pearl' is missing and he's suspected to have stolen it. Two palace guards Peng Ze and Xu Xiao Tian chase him and they all somehow end up in the 21st century, where they meet a lookalike of Xi Dong.

Characters:
Hong Xiao Dong / Hong Xi Dong: Xi Dong is from the era of the Mings and Xiao Dong from the 21st century. It is unclear at the beginning whether they are the same person or reincarnations. Xiao Dong is a former police officer who became a private detective when his ideals about the police force were shattered. He has the ability to read minds and transforms into Xi Dong under specific circumstances, seemingly in the presence of Xian Ting (who he remembers as Xian Er once transformed). But is she the one responsible for the transformation?

Peng Ze and Xu Xiao Tian: Two palace guards from the Ming dynasty who end up in modern Taiwan. The initial episodes focus on how they adapt to the changes in the environment. Though they initially suspect Xiao Dong to be the thief, they are soon convinced (primarily by Mo Han, who undertakes the task of getting them used to the 21st century) that he is, in fact, the good guy. Then they join forces to find the pearl.

Zhang Xian Ting / Xian Er: Xian Ting is the "Go Go Go" poster girl of a news channel who is forced by her editor to wear weird costumes while reporting. She wants to be a principled reporter and report actual news. Seeing an opportunity to interview the palace guards, she contacts Xiao Dong. Though their relationship is strained in the beginning, she falls for him after learning about his past. Supposedly, she's the reincarnation of Xian Er, the wife of Xi Dong. Though Nikki shines in her role, she does look kinda shabby next to Jiro Wang sometimes.

Mo Han: One of the members of Xiao Dong's detective agency. Has idolized and loved Xiao Dong since he saved her from an assailant during her high school days. her image is that of a peppy girl, but inside she's caring and understanding. Once she realizes the love between Xiao Dong and Xian Er, she lets her feelings go and in turn, paves the way for a new love.

There are other characters providing the much needed comic relief. Overall, the casting and performance are adequate, if not exemplary at times.

Concluding Thoughts: The ending was not conclusive and indicates a second season. In fact, without a second season, the ending is downright ridiculous - simply too many open ends to be resolved.

Music: Both the opening (The Great Hero by Jiro Wang) and ending (Love Influenza by Kirsten Ren) are worth listening to a few times.

Rewatch: It is a complete drama with doses of romance, comedy and action. Can be watched again if time permits.

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I just got done watching this drama and I loved it. It’s corny, it’s cheesy, it’s funny, it’s sweet and it’s a part mystery part period drama!

Pros: Jiro. I loved Jiro in this! While he isn’t the best actor we got see a few different sides of him. There was cool fighting that wasn’t corny but very interesting and some fan service (yea for abs!) The supporting characters were really good and experienced some character development. The story lines were really good, and all of the romances were sweet and not annoying. AND the theme song is boss! :)
Cons: all of the female characters (except the nurse) were very annoying. Nikki’s pouting and voice got on my nerves. The wardrobe department was MIA; lots of repeat outfits, ugly stupid outfits and lots of sweat stains.
Overall: I really liked the drama, it was well done and it avoided almost all of the drama clichés I see in T or C dramas. The problem and the story resolution were all understandable and reasonable. It was fresh, interesting and pumped full of eye candy. I would have given this a 10 but the story ending was so "arrrgghhh! I need more" it got a 8.5. I hate loose ends, and hope this has a 2nd season. i need a second season!

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