Among the upcoming historical dramas, "Dashing Youth," starring Hou Minghao, He Yu, and Hu Lianxin, is highly anticipated by martial arts fans. With post-production completed and official approval for release secured, the drama recently unveiled its first trailer and has a tentative premiere date set for mid to late July. This 40-episode series is poised to be a major contender in the summer viewing season for a popular streaming platform.
"Dashing Youth" follows the growth of two young protagonists, Baili Dongjun and Ye Dingzhi, from childhood friends to adversaries, ultimately resolving their misunderstandings and grudges to assume their responsibilities.
Hou Minghao plays Baili Dongjun, the youngest son of the Marquis of the West. Despite his passion for brewing wine, he is compelled to train in martial arts under the guidance of the top martial artist, Li Changsheng. Baili Dongjun's character arc mirrors that of Xu Fengnian from "Sword Snow Stride," transitioning from reluctance to embracing his responsibilities. He evolves from a boy aiming to fulfill a promise to his friend into a hero leading warriors to defend against invaders, offering a compelling transformation.
He Yu's character, Ye Dingzhi, has a tragic past and is manipulated by others due to his desire for revenge, eventually instigating a war against Central Plains. His complex background and the fluctuating dynamics with Baili Dongjun provide a poignant and multifaceted role, making him a significant variable in the plot.
Hu Lianxin plays the female lead, Yue Yao, who, despite her different stance from Baili Dongjun, falls deeply in love with him. Their initially blissful relationship turns tragic as Yue Yao’s true identity as an empress is revealed, leading to a heart-wrenching tale of love and betrayal.
Combining elements of martial arts, adventure, mystery, warfare, and revenge, "Dashing Youth" promises a richly engaging narrative. With the dedicated efforts of Chen Zhoufei and Zhou Munan, the series boasts exquisite costumes and impressive action scenes, matching the high standards of their previous work, "The Blood of Youth." This historical martial arts drama is indeed one to look forward to.
The cast of "Dashing Youth" boasts an array of highly attractive actors and actresses, from the leads to the supporting roles, all embodying the classical beauty of historical dramas and being among the most popular young stars of today.
Hou Minghao, one of the male leads, not only has a handsome appearance but also solid acting skills. After his collaboration with Zhou Ye in "Back From the Brink," Hou Minghao has successfully carved out a new path in historical dramas. His striking costumes and precise portrayal of characters, especially in action scenes, have won widespread recognition and love from the audience. His role as Baili Dongjun in this new drama is highly fitting, with the trailer showcasing his continued charm in historical attire and meticulous attention to detail, leaving a strong impression.
He Yu, another rising star in recent years, has gained significant acclaim for his performances in "The Legend of Shen Li" and "Sword and Fairy." His outstanding costume styling and commendable acting have earned him a lot of praise. As one of the male leads in "Dashing Youth," He Yu faces greater challenges, especially in the complexity of his character and the numerous intense scenes with Hou Minghao, which test his stability in acting. Judging by the trailer, He Yu's performance exceeds expectations and may become one of the biggest surprises of the series.
The female lead, Hu Lianxin, is a well-recognized beauty with a sweet and fresh appearance, combined with solid acting skills from her formal training. She is considered one of the most promising young actresses of her generation. Having showcased her exceptional ability to carry historical costumes in "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact," Hu Lianxin's new drama elevates her style to new heights with multiple identities. Her blue costume exudes classical charm and delicate beauty, and her chemistry with Hou Minghao is captivating. Their scenes together, especially given their tragic ending, evoke deep emotions and empathy from the viewers.
In addition to these three main leads, the cast also includes high-profile young stars like Xia Zhiguang, Jiang Zhenyu, Wanyan Luorong, Bai Shu, Zhu Zhengting, Tong Mengshi, Cao Xiyue, and Li Hongyi. Whether judged by looks, popularity, or acting skills, this cast has the competitiveness and talent to support the drama's potential to become a standout in the historical martial arts genre.
A noteworthy point is the past romantic relationship between Hu Lianxin and supporting actor Wanyan Luorong, which they publicly displayed multiple times. Fans who ship Hu Lianxin and Hou Minghao might need to brace themselves emotionally.
Given all these aspects, "Dashing Youth" demonstrates considerable strength. If it indeed premieres in July, it is poised to be a formidable competitor to "Lost You Forever Season 2" and has the potential to become the most popular historical martial arts drama of the summer season.
