Qinsella

"Only you can resolve your inner obstacles."

Medical romance dramas are tearjerkers by default, and Love Is Panacea is no exception. It is in fact the quintessential example of the genre. Dr. Gu Yunzheng is a prodigy in the neurosurgery field, and Su Wei'an is his former student in med school. Their love story is filled with brimming turbulence, as both seek answers to the Huntington's Disease mystery while processing their feelings for one another. That Luo Yunxi nailed the "Handsome Gu" (the contact name he typed in Wei'an's phone) character is a no brainer. He exceeds our expectations not just as a swoon-worthy physician and associate professor in doctor's white coats, conference suits, and scrubs, but also with his restrained but empathetic performance with Wei'an and his various patients. Even under a surgical mask, Yunxi's split-second changing eye expressions bore through your soul, a trait that catapulted him to phenomenal heights in Till The End of the Moon. But it's Ruonan who's a revelation here (first time I've watched her) who rends our hearts with her silent hurting, desperation and longing masked by seemingly careless, thoughtless, and harsh words and actions. 18 episodes in (total of 34), I can say that this is a highly watchable drama for its realistic depiction of hospital life, medical research, patients and their families' lives, the quiet chemistry between Yunxi and Ruonan, an engaging supporting cast. Nothing explosive or bombastic, just a drama that takes a slice of life and nurtures it with warmth and sincerity.

Kingdom anime is just one of the media with which the story is presented. The manga is ongoing, 762 chapters and counting. The live action film is on its third installment but available only in Japanese theaters. It's a franchise that will not likely reach Kimetsu No Yaiba or Attack on Titan levels internationally with the stark absence of English translations, but for a huge fan like me, it is worth crossing the language barrier for.

Chinese war drama in the hands of mangaka Yasuhisa Hara. This is what it is. Many of Hara's characters jump straight out of history, and they transform into larger-than-life generals, kings, vassals, and scholars, warriors, courtiers, in often flamboyant costumes and hairpieces. The two main leads, orphan warrior Shin and 31st King of Qin Ei Sei, carry the heart of the series (these two are the least flamboyantly dressed tough), and through their stories, together or apart, they share the goal of unifying the warring states and ending war for good.

There is some criticism about the inconsistency and cartoonish aspects of the anime, but that can be overlooked as the story unfolds. Overall, Kingdom is epic storytelling, and I can see many more chapters, seasons, and movie sequels on the horizon.