A Step into the Past (尋秦記)

A modern man is thrown back to the Warring States era and has to live by wits and borrowed history. Louis Koo (古天樂) is charming and a little reckless as the lead. It was the first time-travel story I loved on screen.

The tone mixes jokes, adventure and surprising tragedy. The friendships feel real, and the ending is bittersweet in a way I did not see coming. I laughed and ached in the same episode.

Forty episodes is a comfortable length. The special effects are modest, which only adds to the charm. A fine choice if you want something light and still heartfelt.