A Look Back at the Highlights of Chinese Donghua in 2020
2020 was a landmark year for Chinese animation, known as Donghua, with a surge in quality and popularity. From captivating fantasy epics to heartwarming slice-of-life stories, the year saw a diverse range of productions capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide. Here are some of the most notable Donghua titles that made their mark in 2020:
Fantasy and Adventure:
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The King's Avatar: This highly anticipated adaptation of the popular web novel and game continued to dominate the scene with its stunning animation, action-packed battles, and relatable characters. The show also achieved global success, captivating fans with its unique blend of esports and fantasy.
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Hitori no Shita: The Outcast: This action-packed series based on the popular manhua delves into the world of Chinese mythology and martial arts. The season 2, titled "The Outcast: The Archives of the Green Dragon," continued to enthrall audiences with its intricate world-building, thrilling fights, and compelling character development.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: This beautiful and emotional adaptation of the BL novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu quickly rose to prominence with its intricate plot, stunning animation, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption. It garnered widespread acclaim for its sensitivity and captivating storytelling.
Slice-of-Life and Romance:
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Scissor Seven: The quirky and hilarious adventures of a struggling assassin continued to entertain with its unique blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Season 3 continued to build on the show's already strong foundation, introducing new characters and storylines while maintaining its trademark charm.
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Under One Person: This supernatural mystery series based on the manhua follows the adventures of Zhang Chulan, a young man who discovers he has extraordinary powers. Season 3 delved deeper into the complexities of the supernatural world, leaving audiences wanting more.
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The Daily Life of the Immortal King: This comedic series follows the daily life of Wang Ling, a powerful immortal who decides to attend a normal high school. The show's lighthearted humor and relatable characters resonated with audiences, making it a popular choice for a fun and entertaining watch.
Beyond the Screen:
2020 also saw Donghua making significant strides beyond the screen. Several titles, like The King's Avatar and Scissor Seven, achieved international success, gaining recognition and popularity outside of China. This trend indicates a growing global appreciation for the artistry and storytelling of Donghua, paving the way for a bright future.
The year 2020 was a pivotal moment for Donghua, demonstrating the genre's immense potential and establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of animation. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, we can expect even more groundbreaking Donghua titles to emerge in the years to come.