DONGHUA

"Psychic Princess" (通灵妃, Tong Ling Fei) is a romantic fantasy donghua that follows the story of Qian Yunxi, a girl with supernatural powers, and her journey through an arranged marriage with a powerful prince.

Characters:

Qian Yunxi: The main protagonist with psychic abilities. Sent to marry Prince Ye Youming in place of her sister, she uses her powers to navigate palace life and uncover secrets.

Prince Ye Youming: The aloof and powerful prince who is initially distant but gradually reveals his more caring side. He becomes deeply involved with Qian Yunxi.

Qian Yunxi’s Younger Sister: Initially betrothed to Prince Ye Youming but replaced by Qian Yunxi. Her situation sets the stage for the story.

Luo Xia: Qian Yunxi’s loyal servant and friend, providing support and guidance.

Xiao Miao: A playful and enigmatic character who interacts with Qian Yunxi, adding mystery and humor.

The Empress: A key figure in the palace, involved in the politics and intrigues that affect Qian Yunxi and Prince Ye.

"Link Click" (时光代理人, Shiguang Dailiren) is a Chinese donghua that blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and drama. It revolves around the concept of time travel and the ability to influence the past. The story follows Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, two friends who run a business that allows people to relive and alter past events through their memories. Their company, known as "Link Click", offers a unique service where clients can use a special device to travel back in time to specific moments in their lives. 

Characters:

• Cheng Xiaoshi: One of the co-founders of Link Click, he is the more impulsive and emotional of the two friends. He often acts on his feelings and instincts when dealing with clients' cases.

• Lu Guang: The more analytical and composed half of the duo. He balances Cheng Xiaoshi’s impulsiveness with his own careful planning and attention to detail.

• Clients and Other Characters: Each episode introduces new clients with unique problems or desires related to their past. These characters often bring their own backstories and challenges to the narrative.

"Big Fish & Begonia" (大鱼海棠, Da Yu Hai Tang) is a Chinese animated film known for its stunning visuals and captivating story. It was first released in 2016 and has since gained a significant following for its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and mythology. 

Chong Wei: The protagonist, a young red fish from the underwater Sea Clan who transforms into a human to explore the surface world. Her journey leads her to fall in love with Koi and face numerous challenges.

Koi: A human who becomes entangled in Chong Wei’s world after a tragic accident. He is kind-hearted and selfless, and his life is deeply affected by his interactions with Chong Wei.

The Red Fish Elder: Chong Wei's mentor and protector in the underwater world. He is a wise and influential figure who guides and advises Chong Wei throughout her journey.

The Sea Queen: The ruler of the underwater Sea Clan, who is also Chong Wei’s mother. She is a powerful and dignified figure, concerned with the safety and well-being of her realm.

The Human Village Leader: A significant character in the human world who becomes involved in the events surrounding Chong Wei and Koi. His actions and decisions impact the unfolding story.

The Little Fish: Chong Wei’s loyal companion in the underwater world, providing support and comic relief throughout her journey.

"Rakshasa Street" (镇魂街, Zhen Hun Jie) is a Chinese donghua that blends action, supernatural elements, and fantasy. The story is set in a world where spirits and humans coexist, with certain individuals tasked with maintaining the balance between the two realms. The story follows Xia Ling, an ordinary girl who, by accident, finds herself in Rakshasa Street, a mysterious place inhabited by spirits, demons, and powerful guardians known as Soul Protectors. 

Characters:

• Xia Ling: The female protagonist, an ordinary girl who is thrust into the world of Rakshasa Street. As the story progresses, she learns about her connection to the spirit world and her hidden powers.

• Cao Yan Bing: A cold and powerful Soul Protector who oversees Rakshasa Street. Despite his aloof personality, he has a strong sense of duty and is deeply protective of the people in his care.

• Cao Xuan Liang: Cao Yan Bing’s younger brother, also a Soul Protector. He shares a strong bond with his brother and plays an important role in the story, particularly in the battles to protect Rakshasa Street.

• Soul Soldiers: These are the ancient warriors summoned by Soul Protectors to aid them in battle. Each Soul Protector has their own unique Soul Soldier, whose powers and abilities vary.

"White Snake" (白蛇: 缘起, Bai She: Yuanqi) is a Chinese animated fantasy film released in 2019. It is based on the famous Chinese legend of the White Snake, one of China’s most enduring love stories. The film reimagines this classic tale, blending romance, fantasy, and action with breathtaking animation. 

Characters:

• Blanca (Xiao Bai): The white snake demon and the female protagonist. After losing her memory, she becomes torn between her demon nature and her growing feelings for Ah Xuan. She is strong-willed and brave, determined to protect the ones she loves.

• Ah Xuan: A kind-hearted snake catcher who saves Blanca without knowing her true identity. He quickly falls in love with her, despite the danger their relationship poses. His loyalty and courage play a key role in their journey together.

• Verta (Xiao Qing): Blanca's younger sister, the green snake demon. She is protective of Blanca and has a fiercer, more aggressive personality. Verta helps her sister throughout the film, adding to the action and tension.

• The Dark Sorcerer: The primary antagonist, who uses dark magic and seeks to gain control over demons and humans alike. His actions lead to the events that cause Blanca to lose her memory and trigger the central conflict.

"Flavors of Youth" (肆式青春, Si Shi Qing Chun) is a Chinese-Japanese animated anthology film released in 2018. Produced by CoMix Wave Films, the studio behind "Your Name," the film consists of three short stories, each focusing on different aspects of life, memory, and the passage of time in modern China. The stories emphasize nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of growing up, with food, relationships, and personal memories playing key roles.

Overview of the Three Stories:

1. "The Rice Noodles" (阳光小馆)

   • Themes: Nostalgia, the connection between food and memory, and the changing pace of life as one grows up.

2. "A Little Fashion Show" (小美好)

   • Themes: Sibling relationships, self-image, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing career and family.

3. "Love in Shanghai" (上海恋)

   • Themes: Lost love, regret, and the passage of time. It highlights how youthful dreams and relationships shape one's life.

"A Silent Voice" (聲の形, Koe no Katachi) is a Japanese animated film released in 2016, based on the manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima. Characters:

• Shoya Ishida: The protagonist, Shoya is burdened with guilt for his bullying of Shoko in elementary school. His past actions led to his own social isolation, and he now struggles with self-worth and the desire to make amends.

• Shoko Nishimiya: A deaf girl who was bullied by Shoya during elementary school. Despite the pain she endured, Shoko is a kind and forgiving person, although she carries deep emotional scars from her past.

• Yuzuru Nishimiya: Shoko’s younger sister, who is fiercely protective of her. Yuzuru plays a crucial role in Shoko’s life, often trying to shield her from the harshness of the world.

• Naoka Ueno: One of Shoya’s former classmates who participated in the bullying of Shoko. Ueno still holds complicated feelings toward both Shoya and Shoko and struggles with her own regrets and anger.

• Tomohiro Nagatsuka: Shoya’s new friend in high school who accepts him without judgment. Nagatsuka is loyal and supportive, helping Shoya as he navigates his journey toward redemption.

• Miyoko Sahara: Another former classmate who was one of the few to show kindness toward Shoko in elementary school. She reconnects with Shoko and Shoya later in life.

• "The Wonderland" (The King of Ten Thousand Domains) is a Chinese animated series (donghua) set in a high-fantasy universe, filled with mythical creatures, powerful beings, and complex political dynamics. The show focuses on themes of power, destiny, and the quest for dominance in a vast world where different domains vie for control. 

Characters:

• The King of Ten Thousand Domains (Protagonist): The main character is a skilled and determined young man who rises to power through sheer will and intelligence. He is destined to become the ruler of all the domains, but he must prove himself worthy by overcoming numerous trials and defeating powerful adversaries. His journey is marked by growth, both as a leader and as a person.

• Rival Kings and Lords: These are the rulers of the various domains that the protagonist must confront. Some are tyrannical and power-hungry, while others are wise and seek only to protect their people. Each king or lord presents unique challenges, and their interactions with the protagonist shape the political landscape of the story.

• Mythical Beings and Deities: The series includes ancient gods, mystical creatures, and spirits that influence the events of the mortal world. These beings often test or aid the protagonist in his quest, offering guidance or presenting obstacles.

• Allies and Companions: Throughout his journey, the protagonist forms alliances with other warriors, strategists, and mystical beings. These characters provide support, advice, and companionship, helping him navigate the challenges of uniting the domains.

"Jiang Ziya" (姜子牙), also known as Legend of Deification, is a Chinese animated film released in 2020 by the production company behind the highly successful Ne Zha. It is based on a famous character from Chinese mythology and tells the story of Jiang Ziya, a renowned military strategist and Taoist figure, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, morality, and redemption. 

Characters:

• Jiang Ziya: The protagonist and a former general of the heavenly army, Jiang Ziya is portrayed as a calm and wise figure who is nonetheless burdened by guilt and doubt. After being exiled from heaven, he embarks on a journey to seek redemption and understand his past mistakes. His character embodies wisdom, but also conflict, as he questions the authority of the gods and his own beliefs.

• Xiao Jiu: A mysterious mortal girl Jiang Ziya meets on his journey. She is connected to the Fox Spirit in ways that Jiang Ziya initially doesn’t understand. Her innocence and vulnerability serve as a counterbalance to Jiang Ziya’s inner turmoil, and she becomes a key figure in his quest for redemption.

• Fox Spirit: The central antagonist of the film, the Fox Spirit is a demon that Jiang Ziya was supposed to vanquish. However, Jiang Ziya’s hesitation to destroy her sets the events of the story in motion. The Fox Spirit represents the conflict between divine justice and moral ambiguity.

• Shen Gongbao: Another deity who was once a colleague of Jiang Ziya. Shen Gongbao plays a critical role in challenging Jiang Ziya's views and pushing him towards his ultimate realization. His role in the heavenly hierarchy contrasts with Jiang Ziya’s newfound perspective on fate and justice.

"The Wonderland" (バースデー・ワンダーランド, Basudē Wandārando), also known as Birthday Wonderland, is a 2019 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Keiichi Hara, based on the 1988 novel Chikashitsu Kara no Fushigi na Tabi (Strange Journey from the Basement) by Sachiko Kashiwaba. It’s a visually stunning adventure story filled with whimsy and imaginative landscapes, following a young girl who embarks on a magical journey to save a mysterious world. 

Characters:

• Akane: A shy, introverted girl who lacks confidence in herself. She is initially reluctant to take on the responsibility of saving Wonderland, but as she embarks on her journey, she grows braver and more self-assured.

• Hippocrates: A quirky and somewhat absent-minded alchemist from Wonderland who serves as Akane’s guide. He believes in the prophecy of the "Green Goddess" and helps Akane navigate through the magical world.

• Pipo: Hippocrates' energetic and loyal apprentice. Pipo is a young boy who accompanies Akane and supports her during the adventure. He is brave and resourceful, often helping to solve problems they encounter on their journey.

• Aunt Chii: Akane’s eccentric aunt who runs an antique shop. Though she seems a bit aloof at first, Chii is supportive of Akane and plays an important role in introducing her to the world of Wonderland.