tv & film

animated tv

Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Master of Diabolism/The Founder of Diabolism) (2018)
Adapted from the Mo Dao Zu Shi novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
16+ Xianxia, Fantasy, Mystery

Despite his efforts during the Sunshot Campaign to bring down the tyrannical Wen Clan, Wei Wuxian was feared by the world for the unorthodox cultivation path he created. Thirteen years after he was killed, he is summoned into the body of a man called Mo Xuanyu, who was rejected by his clan and despised by his family, therefore sacrificing his own body to Wei Wuxian so he would be avenged. It is in the Mo house where Wei Wuxian comes across a dismembered left arm causing death and havoc. His attempts to uncover the mystery of the left arm will guide him to a familiar face from the past with whom he will embark on a journey that will lead them to unravel what lies behind the tragic events that caused the deaths of so many - including Wei Wuxian himself

Why I love it:

this is the donghua/animated adaptation of the mdzs novel. i do recommend watching some of it before you read the novel; i find that seeing the characters and different sects helps when reading the novels. the animation itself is really neat with great character designs and it is more faithful to the novel than the tv adaptation (the untamed/cql).

Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven Official's Blessing) (2020)
Adapted from the Tian Guan Ci Fu novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
16+ Xianxia, Fantasy, Mystery

Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world. He ascended to the Heavens at a young age; however, due to unfortunate circumstances, was quickly banished back to the mortal realm. Years later, he ascends again, only to be banished again a few minutes after his ascension. Now, eight hundred years later, Xie Lian ascends to the Heavens for the third time as the laughing stock among all three realms. On his first task as a god thrice ascended, he meets a mysterious demon who rules the ghosts and terrifies the Heavens, yet, unbeknownst to Xie Lian, this demon king has been paying attention to him for a very, very long time. .

Why I love it:

this animation does a great job at adapting the novel of the same name. very pretty character designs and it's pretty faithful to the novel (iirc season 1 covers vol. 1 of the english-licensed novel of the series).

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018)
10+ Action, Fantasy, Romance

She-Ra, Princess of Power, leads a rebellion to free her land of Etheria from the monstrous invaders the Horde.

Why I love it:

a feel good fantasy show with gals kicking butt, heck yea. plus how can you not love the relationship between adora and catra? very tropey, queernormative and a very fun watch.

Blue Eye Samurai (2023)
18+ Action, Drama, Historical

Driven by a dream of revenge against those who made her an outcast in Edo-period Japan, a young warrior cuts a bloody path toward her destiny.

Why I love it:

mizu is badass.

Steven Universe (2013)
10+ Comedy, Action, Adventure, Drama

A team of intergalactic warriors fights to protect the Earth, but the combination of three highly trained beings and one quirky young boy leaves the team struggling to overcome the dangerous scenarios that are put in front of them.

Why I love it:

a very goofy and fun cartoon with such endearing characters.

We Bare Bears (2015)
10+ Comedy, Adventure

Three bear brothers do whatever they can to be a part of human society by doing what everyone around them does.

Why I love it:

you can't not love these bear brothers! a very fun and lighthearted show that i enjoy putting on while i'm drawing.

Spongebob Squarepants (1999)
10+ Comedy

The misadventures of a talking sea sponge who works at a fast food restaurant, attends a boating school, and lives in an underwater pineapple.

Why I love it:

a lot of my love for this is related to the nostalgia of growing up with it, but i still think it's very entertaining to this day. it's super silly and memeworthy.