Slightly longer version: An adaptation of the anime/manga Hikaru no Go. A boy meets the spirit of an ancient Go player who teaches him to play; he grows to love the game, starts a school club, joins tournaments, and starts down the road to become a professional player. This is the story of that journey, the encounters he has, and the people he meets along the way. (A review said it's captivating despite having no action and no romance and, tbh, yes.)
(I know live-action adaptations of animanga don't have a great rep - as someone who loves Hikaru no Go, I adore Qihun, both as an adaptation and on its own. AvenueX says it's good!
The main characters:
Chu Ying (on the difference between "a life with Go" and "a life of Go"): "To tell you the truth, you don't have the makings of a great player. A great player should only have Go in his heart. He wouldn't be affected by his emotions." Shi Guang: "Then his games must be so cold-hearted."
Shi Guang, the protagonist: While looking for treasure in his grandfather's attic, nine-year-old Shi Guang comes across an old Go board, and with it, the Go spirit Chu Ying. The spirit sticks to him and will not go away, so he reluctantly plays proxy Go for Chu Ying for some time before quitting. Six years later, in his last year of junior high, Shi Guang picks up the game again for the sake of a friend, and Chu Ying returns to him. This is where his journey begins.
"Child, if you can see the scars of my wound, please let me stay in the corner of your heart."
Chu Ying, the spirit in the game board and the titular "soul of chess". An utter Go-obsessed fanatic, the one who taught Shi Guang the game, and Shi Guang's mentor and friend. He was formerly the top Go player in Southern Liang, but suffered a court disgrace; returning as a spirit many centuries later, he continues to play Go and seek the Hand of God through Shi Guang. (He perfectly evinces both elegant period-typical gravitas, and the most adorable enthusiasm for Go and modern conveniences.)
"You've never played Go, so you have no idea how fascinating Go is. A brilliant move could put you over the moon, and a misstep could frustrate you to no end. The Go board contains endless possibilities. Before the game is over, you never know who will win. Though there are only black and white pieces, in the eyes of the player, the pieces are colourful."
Yu Liang, Go prodigy, son of grandmaster Yu Xiaoyang, and Shi Guang's rival and goal. He carries the halo and burden of his father's reputation, and has dedicated his life to Go since he learned to play. Six years ago, nine-year-old Shi Guang (playing on behalf of Chu Ying, who can't pick up the stones) defeated Yu Liang in in a game; stricken, Yu Liang traveled to Korea to study Go, and has been chasing Shi Guang ever since.
(All linked YouTube clips have English subs - turn on closed captions - but let me know if I missed any.)
What do you love about it?
GO
It is an incredibly warm, uplifting, and optimistic story. Here are a bunch of people who love a game, and strive every day to improve and be recognized for their skills; they learn from each other, support each other, weather setbacks, and move forward together.
It is funny. Qihun is also a teen drama and a comedy (in a low-key, slice of life way), which means lightheartedness and humor at every turn:
Chu Ying. (When/if you reach that point, you will get it😥)
Chu Ying and Shi Guang's mentor-protege relationship: Chu Ying was Shi Guang's teacher and friend, and kept him company every step of the way on the long journey to professional Go.
Yu Liang's rivalry and conflict with Shi Guang: they motivate each other, chase each other, want the other to acknowledge them as a worthy opponent, and take all of that Deeply Personally.
The incredible ensemble supporting cast, each with their own stories and struggles that bring the Go world to life.
Community and companionship. Go is a two-player game, and the Hand of God can only be found with the right opponent; nobody could have gotten where they are without a team to belong to, the teachers and peers they learned from, or a league to play in. [hover for spoilers]
Content notes:
Major character permanent departure and associated grief
Hikaru no Go (Live-Action) / Qihun
Medium: TV (Webdrama)
Approx. length: 36 episodes x 50 min
Where to find it: The first 7 episodes are on YouTube for free; the rest are on iQiyi (requires a paid subscription) or message me
What is it, in summary?
Super short version: guy gets good at Go.
Slightly longer version: An adaptation of the anime/manga Hikaru no Go. A boy meets the spirit of an ancient Go player who teaches him to play; he grows to love the game, starts a school club, joins tournaments, and starts down the road to become a professional player. This is the story of that journey, the encounters he has, and the people he meets along the way. (A review said it's captivating despite having no action and no romance and, tbh, yes.)
(I know live-action adaptations of animanga don't have a great rep - as someone who loves Hikaru no Go, I adore Qihun, both as an adaptation and on its own. AvenueX says it's good!
The main characters:
(All linked YouTube clips have English subs - turn on closed captions - but let me know if I missed any.)
What do you love about it?
Content notes: