Dashing Youth (2024): A Wuxia Adventure with Stunning Visuals but a Stumbling Plot
Dashing Youth (2024), a 40-episode Chinese wuxia drama that premiered on Youku from July 19 to August 14, 2024, is a prequel to the acclaimed The Blood of Youth (2022). Adapted from Zhou Mu Nan’s novel Shao Nian Bai Ma Zui Chun Feng, this fantasy-martial arts saga stars Hou Minghao, He Yu, and Hu Lianxin, with special appearances by Xia Zhiguang and others. Directed by Chen Zhou Fei, it follows the youthful adventures of Baili Dongjun, a carefree heir who dreams of becoming a "Liquor Deity," and his friends as they navigate the martial arts world (jianghu). With a MyDramaList score of 8.4/10 from 3,391 users, the drama has garnered buzz for its visuals and cast but divided fans with its storytelling. Here’s a deep dive into what makes Dashing Youth a visual feast—and where it falls short.
The Plot: A Tale of Friendship and Tragedy
Set in the vibrant jianghu, Dashing Youth centers on Baili Dongjun (Hou Minghao), the mischievous young master of the Marquis of Zhenxi’s mansion. Unlike his peers, Baili has no interest in poetry, strategy, or martial arts; his passion lies in brewing wine, a promise to his childhood friend Ye Yun, who was tragically killed. Fate, however, has other plans. Baili is sent to study under Li Changsheng (Tong Mengshi), the world’s top martial artist, at Jixia Academy. There, he hones his skills and forms bonds with Sikong Changfeng (Xia Zhiguang), a spear-wielding wanderer, and Yue Yao (Hu Lianxin), a former princess.
The story takes a turn when Baili reunites with Ye Yun, now Ye Dingzhi (He Yu), who survived but carries a dark past. As the group embarks on adventures, they face political intrigue, betrayals, and a looming war orchestrated by Ye Dingzhi, manipulated by external forces. The drama explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cost of love, particularly through Ye Dingzhi’s tragic romance with Yi Wenjun, which sets the stage for The Blood of Youth.
What Works: Visuals, Characters, and Wuxia Vibes
Stunning CGI and Costumes
Dashing Youth is a visual treat, with top-notch CGI that elevates its fight scenes. From swirling swordplay to fantastical energy blasts, the action sequences are dynamic, though some fans on MyDramaList noted an over-reliance on VFX over physical choreography. The costumes are a standout, with intricate designs for each character—Baili’s flowing robes and Ye Dingzhi’s dark, elegant attire are particularly striking. Posts on X praised the “dashing” aesthetic, and reviewers on MyDramaList called the wardrobe “a feast for the eyes.”
Compelling Characters
The cast brings charisma to the jianghu. Hou Minghao’s Baili Dongjun is a lovable rogue, blending mischief with loyalty, making him easy to root for. He Yu steals the show as Ye Dingzhi, whose descent into darkness is both heartbreaking and compelling. Reviewers on MyDramaList lauded He Yu’s “meaty” role, noting his ability to carry the emotional weight of a fallen hero. Supporting characters like Master Li Changsheng, a savage yet wise immortal, and Xiao Ruofeng, a conflicted prince, add depth, with fans on X raving about their “eye-candy” appeal.
Wuxia World-Building
As a prequel, Dashing Youth fleshes out the jianghu’s factions, royal families, and martial arts lore, connecting seamlessly to The Blood of Youth. The drama’s focus on brotherhood and adventure captures the wuxia spirit, with early episodes delivering lighthearted fun. Reviewers on A Virtual Voyage appreciated the “fully fleshed world” and unique character nicknames, like “White-Haired Deity.”
What Falls Short: Pacing, Romance, and Plot Holes
Inconsistent Pacing and Rushed Ending
The drama’s pacing is its biggest flaw. The first half meanders with side plots that add little to the main story, while the second half rushes through major events, relying on narration and time skips. MyDramaList reviewers criticized the “convoluted” timeline, with one noting confusion over how Yi Wenjun gave birth within a year of Baili’s grounding. A Reddit post called the ending “unsatisfying,” as key events—like character deaths and Ye Dingzhi’s war—are resolved off-screen.
Lackluster Romance
The romance, particularly Ye Dingzhi and Yi Wenjun’s, is a sore point. Billed as a tragic love story, it lacks depth and chemistry, leaving viewers unmoved. MyDramaList users found Yi Wenjun’s decisions “ignorant” and “frustrating,” blaming her for Ye Dingzhi’s downfall. The forced romantic arcs for Baili and Yue Yao also disappointed, with Yue Yao reduced to a “decorative” role compared to her powerful donghua counterpart. Fans on X echoed this, wishing for the subtle romance of The Blood of Youth.
Plot and Character Inconsistencies
The plot feels aimless at times, with abandoned subplots and underdeveloped characters. Sikong Changfeng, despite Xia Zhiguang’s engaging performance, gets limited screen time, weakening his bond with Baili. MyDramaList reviews also questioned Master Li’s favoritism toward Baili over his other disciples, which felt unearned. The drama’s attempt to justify Ye Dingzhi’s actions while vilifying him in The Blood of Youth left some fans conflicted, with one calling it “the worst series ever” despite a 9/10 rating due to the emotional whiplash.
The Cast: A Handsome Ensemble
Hou Minghao shines as Baili Dongjun, bringing charm and heart to the carefree hero. His chemistry with the ensemble anchors the group scenes.
He Yu is the standout as Ye Dingzhi, delivering a nuanced performance that makes his tragic arc the drama’s emotional core.
Hu Lianxin as Yue Yao is underutilized, with fans on MyDramaList wishing for more agency.
Xia Zhiguang and Tong Mengshi impress as Sikong Changfeng and Master Li, though their limited screen time drew complaints.
Why Watch Dashing Youth?
Dashing Youth is a mixed bag—a visually spectacular wuxia with a charismatic cast but a flawed narrative. Its strengths lie in its CGI, costumes, and character moments, making it a fun watch for fans of The Blood of Youth or martial arts dramas. However, the uneven pacing, weak romance, and rushed ending keep it from matching its predecessor’s brilliance. If you’re new to the universe, watching this before The Blood of Youth may enhance the experience, as it sets up the lore, but expect some frustration.
My Rating: 10/10
For its stunning visuals and He Yu’s stellar performance, Dashing Youth is worth a shot if you love wuxia and can overlook plot missteps. Have you watched it? Share your thoughts below!
Sources: MyDramaList, A Virtual Voyage, Chasing Dramas, Reddit, and posts on X.