Fun Rom-Com Done Perfectly, Thai Style

So I finally got around to watching this lakorn after so many recommendations, and I totally agree with the positive reviews! Despite some dark drama like murders, ghosts and human trafficking, this show has infectious, feel-good energy, thanks to the cast of characters that one cannot help but root for. The supporting characters are so over the top and at times ridiculous that you cannot help but laugh. Had this been a K-drama or C-drama, I would have called it cheap humor, but somehow it works in a Thai drama. I have nothing bad to say about the cast, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Kao and Great. They play off each other so well, and the dialogue and interactions between them just flow so smoothly. It's definitely a well-paced romance that is fitting to the plot. I love watching the sweet moments between them and how the sparks begin to fly as their relationship develops.

I really like how the show incorporates natural skinship between the couples, family, and friends. It is not always about hot steamy scenes for the couples, and I appreciate watching the characters offer comforting hugs and closeness via hands touching or someone's head leaning on another's shoulder. The human touch is essential in a relationship, and the show does well showcasing this.

Kao really sparkles in this show, and you can see her acting range as Suam as she displays various emotions. She is such a natural beauty, and visually, she is such an excellent match to Great. They make a gorgeous-looking couple, especially with their height difference. Great portrays Rut, an intelligent, fair, but tough cop role very well, and I guarantee you that he would endear himself to anyone the minute they see him smile.

The secondary couple is also amusing to watch, and they have some great scenes together. It is cute that the second female lead is so into the Korean culture, and I love how the show uses that as a plot device and weaves it in so effectively, especially during the ending when they paid homage to a K-drama that I liked.

The OST is catchy - fitting for the scenes, and I read somewhere that Kao sang the main song. The starting song is fun to listen to and lends the same tone of fun that is infused throughout the show.

Overall, it was a well-done show, and the only reason I did not rate it a perfect 10 is that there is a scene where Rut displays some physical aggressiveness towards Suam. The scene is actually very tame compared to other Thai dramas, but I do not condone any acts of aggression or abuse, especially when in the context of a male dominating a female. Still, I hope that it does not deter the few who have not watched this show. Do give it a try!

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Be prepared for all the feels

I'd recommend this lakorn for those who are looking for an emotional roller coaster ride. It is definitely a drama with angst, self-sacrifice, and deep meanings. I cried a river, but I also cheered for the main couple, relished their happy moments and appreciated the ending. I'm not too fond of sad endings, so not having watched the Taiwanese version, my heart was in my mouth during the last few episodes.

For me, the show was well-directed and well-written, and it did a nice job delivering the message about how true love can overcome all obstacles, including death. Any superfluous characters were there for comic relief, and I like that there were depth and complexity to the main group of characters. Unlike the one dimensional villains in many lakorns, the protagonists here had backstories, and I ended feeling sorry for them as they were more victims of manipulation or expectations than anything else.

Not surprisingly, Esther did a great job portraying the sweet, kind, and selfless female lead, Jane. I think she plays this kind of role best and she looked really pretty in the show. This is the first time I watched Pong, and I thought he was cast well as Wynn. It's refreshing to see an appropriately aged lead who was supposed to be a company CEO, plus Pong acted superbly, with his facial expressions on point. Perhaps I am biased because his smoldering gazes won me over. Overall the cast did a great job, and I felt what they were emoting. I did think that the actress playing Jane's best friend, Pat could have done better. For some reason, she seemed to be shouting throughout the show, which I find annoying and distracting.

Music-wise, the songs were good and fitted the scenes well, evoking the right emotions. I was happy to find the theme song on youtube, but sadly, I could not find the others. There were some scenes when the background music seemed off or too campy, but that's an issue that I find in most lakorns, so I cannot really hold it against the show.

I would re-watch many scenes, especially Pong's ones with Esther, but I don't think that I will re-watch the whole thing, mainly because I've cried enough the first time.

I hope that more people will watch this series and think it is under-rated for a well-executed show. Also, a big shout out to the subber(s) - I watched it on Dramacool, and it was not obvious who subbed it.

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Letting Go of What Was and Accepting What Is

This show is not perfect, and at times, it can be a little slow but regardless, it is an enjoyable watch. It did a good job showcasing the romance between two people who have become jaded about love after suffering painful heartbreaks while delivering on good character development for all involved. The series balanced light and fun moments with witty and sophisticated dialogue. It also showed depth in dealing with heavier themes like mental illness and the pain of loss, and the struggles of moving on. Another plus point was the OST, and the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes during heartbreaking scenes while transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted scenes. I liked the tracks, all of them, including the instrumental pieces.

I loved the references to 'Crash Landing On You", and I had a faint hope that maybe Seo Ji Hye and Kim Jung Hyun may reunite in 'Dinner Mate' with a happier ending for them. Of course, that was not to be. Instead, we have Seo Ji Hye paired with Song Seung Heon resulting in a lovely, heart-warming story of a man and a woman who found love and comfort in each other's company as they share their lives through having meals together. I love that the our lead couple's story started with them crossing paths on Jeju Island, and through a string of coincidences led to them choosing to be dinner mates with certain ground rules like not sharing personal information about each other. That kicked off a comfortable relationship that allowed them glimpses of each other's brokenness, and eventually to them letting go of their past and starting anew with their own sweet romance.

Seo Ji Hye shined as the unpredictable, cool, and energetic Woo Doo Hee. She played such a different character in CLOY, and I did not expect to like her so much as PD Woo. She was charming, natural, funny, and the role of a strong, sassy FL who held her ground fitted her perfectly. In my book, Seo Ji He has proven to be a note-worthy leading lady. Song Seung Hoon's chemistry with her was magnetic, and as the charismatic psychiatrist Dr. Kim Hae Kyung, his acting was on point. I find it refreshing to have a leading man who is a true dramaland Oppa; mature, good-looking, suave, sexy, and most importantly, caring. From the very beginning, he was kind and considerate to Doo Hee, looking after her and keeping her company on the day of her breakup despite them being practically strangers. Throughout the show, we can see the dashing doctor going out of his way to help others. Honestly, Song Seung Hoon made my heart fluttered so much that I am on a mission to watch more of his shows.

The supporting lead stars were equally and effectively great in portraying their roles. Lee Ji Hoon left a lasting impression on me as Jung Jae Hyuk, Woo Do Hee's ex-boyfriend, who had to deal with his own family troubles and the resulting trauma. He was so good at emoting, switching easily to tearful, heartbreaking scenes that made me cry along with him. We can understand why Jae Hyuk left Doo Hee so suddenly, and I think one can also relate to his desperation to winning her back. For a while, I was rooting for him; that's how good Lee Ji Hoon played his role. On the other hand, I felt more hate than love towards Jin No Eul, Hae Kyung's ex-girlfriend, who wanted him back after realizing that he was still the best catch for her. Son Na Eun did a good job as the possessive, self-absorbed social influencer who eventually came to accept her past mistakes that led her to lose Hae Kyung. Additionally, Ye Ji Won and Park Ho San as Nam Ah Young and Keanu, respectively, provided lots of hilarity during their quirky romance.

I thought this show was under-rated on MDL, and I noticed quite a few negative comments were about how the show focused too much on the exes. I disagree - I found that the exes provide the right amount of tension, and it's the kind of conflict that I have come to appreciate about K-Dramas.

Overall, I recommend this heart-warming show about second chances and acceptance, accepting that some things are not meant to be and that it is never too late to look for happiness.

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A nice twist to the 'Overbearing CEO' trope

Love, love the female lead! Not only was she smart, confident, sassy, and influential, Lu Fang Ning was also attractive, and I lusted over her outfits. Her character was the first to draw me in and kept me vested in the show, and the presence of Ling Rui, the male lead, enhanced my watching experience. Zhou Yu Tong and Simon Gong have great chemistry, and they look so good together. This is the first time I watched Zhou Yu Tong, and she has the air of a female lead. Simon Gong has improved a lot since his role in the Love Equations. He emoted well and portrayed the brilliant, calm, reserved but charismatic Ling Rui perfectly. The two leads complemented each other so well, and it was endearing to see their consideration and care for each other as their love deepened.

I enjoyed the character development for the leads, and interestingly, there was a role reversal towards the end. What I appreciate was that Fang Ning did not lose her spunk. She was calmer and more matured but did not lose her fighting spirit despite having suffered adversities. Ling Rui, on the other hand, charmingly became more overbearing and demanding, motivated by his fear of losing Fang Ning again. I liked how he strategized and anticipated Fang Ning's moves so that he can compel her to stay with him, but he did it so smoothly and in a non-creepy way.

The supporting characters were precisely that, nothing more but to keep the story flowing. Most were likable, though, and the whole cast had a great rapport with each other. It was interesting to see Ling Rui living and surrounded by three female relatives. Fang Ning's family story was heart-breaking but provided an opportunity for a heart-warming ending. I did not suffer the second lead syndrome, but I did sympathize with Lu Yi Yao. He would have been a good match for Fang Ning, and I can picture them as a power couple in the business.

The show was well-written, and the comedy was on point with amusing soliloquies from the leads and the creative scenes when their imaginations ran wild.

Another plus point was the OST - so effectively used in the poignant scenes, and each song evoked the right mood and heightened my watching pleasure.

Why I could not rate it a perfect 10:

1) I detested the second female lead character. In a show that featured a strong female lead, I did not understand why there had to be a character so simpering, self-absorbed, and totally unworldly wise. She was so into romance novels, blinded by the thought of romance instead of acknowledging actual feelings. She did redeem herself a little towards the end, but I fast-forwarded through most of her scenes.
2) There were some plot holes, and some scenes felt "shallow" like there should have been more development of those storylines.
3) Lu Yi Yao's sudden change of affection to the second female lead - I didn't see the chemistry, nor did I see any reason for that transition other than his fear of aging.

Overall, a recommended watch for the amazing leads, good dialogue, well-delivered comedy, and sweet romance.

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Great acting and intense chemistry between the lead pair

[Spoilers ahead!]

I found this gem while looking for lakorns with strong female leads, and this show did not disappoint. I don't know how I managed to miss out on the talents of Ken Theeradeth Wongpuapan and Nune Woranuch Bhirombhakdi until now. Still, after seeing them in Ra Raerng Fai, I believe the claims that they both have been labeled as the royalty of Thai dramas. To me, Nune is the doppelganger of my favorite Korean actress, Park Min Young, especially how she looked in this show. Ken and Nune are so good-looking that I found it hard to take my eyes off them whenever they appeared on the screen. The chemistry between them was off-the-charts. Even though the kisses were fake, both actors were so on point with their expressions and body language that I did not need obvious gestures like kissing to see how well they played off each other. They have a unique dynamic that made it so interesting to watch them.

I truly enjoyed this revenge lakorn. I don't understand why the rating is low since I thought this was a pretty well-executed plot, and the pacing was good. Nevertheless, a lakorn would not be a lakorn if it did not include some tropes like entrapment, gold-digging and scheming stepmother and daughter pair, and physical dominance over women (wrist grabbing and pulling, almost rape). NOTE: Absolutely no rape scenes. There was definitely melodrama and angst, and I found my heart wrenching or my blood pressure rising numerous times. However, throw in the happy and satisfying scenes and you get an addictive drama that kept me binge-watching it. Yes, 14 1.5 hour-long episodes in 2 days.

I appreciate the maturity reflected in how Yada and Chakrit communicated. There's no yelling. Both so cool and collected but boy did the sparks fly when they get into a verbal-sparring match! I love that Yada was not like the typical screechy female character, with tons of crying. Yes, Yada's eyes were often shining with tears, but she never dissolved into a complete mess, especially not in front of others. She always tried to portray a strong front, and in front of Ken, she never wanted to appear weak. Indeed, Yada was like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Plus, she was also intelligent, quick at decision-making and resourceful. It was no wonder that her family looked to her as the household head after their dad. Nune portrayed Yada with such elegance and grace, and she can really emote with her eyes. The only complaint I have was how filial Yada was towards her father and how that blinded her to the truth for so long. I felt so much frustration for Chakrit during those moments.

Ken was perfect as Chakrit - a man described as a scoundrel but at the same time, was so charming, charismatic and attractive that I wanted him to get away with everything! Hell-bent on seeking revenge for his father, Chakrit had done some bad things, but at the same time, as Yada noted, he was truly a good person in his true self. I was so invested in his attraction to Yada. He did not know what hit him when Yada appeared in his life, and I liked watching how his attraction to Yada developed into full-blown feelings. He was drawn to her strength and iron will, but also to her vulnerability that she tried so hard to hide from him. Yada was never part of his revenge plan, and he really wanted to marry her because he was falling for her. One of my favorite genres is when the ML falls for the FL first, and it was cute how Chakrit smoothly expressed his feelings to Yada. Like when he told her that this would be his last marriage and her first and only marriage. Or when he told her that he did not wrestle with women (rape), and that he would wait for her to run into his hug. I have nothing but praises for Ken's acting in this show and have added his and Nune's other shows to my watch list.

The couple has gone through so much that I am so grateful that the writers gave us a satisfying ending that was not rushed. There was a bit of turmoil even in the last episode, but at least the couple reunited properly before the last episode. I was so worried that they would have Yada continue being obstinate and letting her pride stop her from accepting Chakrit back. It was also nice that there were no true love triangles.

I loved the female characters' outfits, especially Yada's and Khem's! The production designer deserved a shout-out for such excellent choices.

The supporting cast was good, but I was not very interested in the second and third couples' relationships. I just did not like Khem, and even though P'Na was the sweetest gentleman, I could not see them as a couple. Trai and Nee were cute together, but again, I was not particularly drawn to their relationship. The two characters that I could not stand were the stepmother and her daughter. They were such devious, money-grubbing hustlers that I think their characters were more to provide comic relief. I found myself fast-forwarding through their scenes quite a bit so that I did not have to deal with their stereotypical over-acting. There was no overly evil villain; in fact, the character that I would consider to be the worst was Yada's father. His refusal to acknowledge his mistakes and the wrongs he inflicted upon others really irritated me. He was a good foil to Chakrit who acknowledged that he was the bad guy but the father was one who thought he was the good guy when he wasn’t. Good news - all the "bad" guys did get their karma.

I did not find the soundtrack memorable, but I did like the theme song, and there were a couple of instrumental pieces that were fitting for the scenes.

I gave a high rating for the re-watch value since I am already re-watching many of Chakrit's and Yada's scenes. I think this is one OTP that I will have a hard time getting over.

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Kept me coming back for more!

Wow - what an emotional roller coaster ride this Lakorn has been for me! I really wanted to rate this show higher, especially after watching Donut Dejpongwaranon deliver some excellent acting. Additionally, the story was pretty well-written, particularly the plot centering around how Paul/Poramee exacted his revenge.

However, I did also spend all 18 episodes feeling extremely annoyed for the following reasons:

1) A female lead that was all looks and very little brain. Nai, for most of the show, came across as weak and overly naive. She was either crying, fainting, or choosing to sacrifice herself for her so-called family's happiness. I found myself cursing at the screen many times during scenes with Nai in them. I understand that Nai viewed Khun Net as her benefactor and therefore was unwilling to go against her wishes. Still, one can reasonably expect Nai to at least have some common sense with her interactions with other people. There were a few times when she redeemed herself a little by showing some intelligence or backbone, but those moments did not last long. It was during the last episode that she finally toughened up. Better late than never, I guess.

2) No respite from the villains always having the upper hand. Seriously, the villains in this Lakorn seem to get all the breaks. It would have been better if there were more triumphant moments for the good guys. I had to wait until the last episode to see the bad guys get any retribution.

3) Noble idiocy at the last minute, causing the ending to be less satisfying for me. After everything that the main couple has gone through, I thought I could at least have half of the final episode dedicated to their happy ending. But nope, the show had to throw in another twist, another reason for separation.

Ultimately, I still gave this show a pretty high rating, mainly because each episode kept me at the edge of my seat and kept me coming back for more. I ended up binge-watching this show because I really wanted to see what happened to the main couple and the villains.

The chemistry between Donut and Prapye Theerapat was great, and undeniably, they were a visually striking couple. Prapye is gorgeous; it is too bad that I was not too fond of her character for most of the show. I don't have much to say about her acting skills other than she nailed the crying scenes and looking pretty during them. Throughout the show, she tended to have this wide-eyed look, displaying shock, confusion, innocence, sadness, or happy sweetness. Donut, on the other hand, did a fantastic job with a wide acting range. His micro-expressions were on point, and he emoted so well during the crying scenes. Plus, he's got a killer smile!

Unfortunately, the main couple did not have that many romantic scenes. Despite the near-kisses and longing stares, Paul and Nai only got together towards the end. As for the supporting cast, they also did a good job. Not surprisingly, there were some over-the-top acting for comedic effect. I enjoyed watching the development of the second couple's relationship. Kachane was such a blockhead, so focused on loving Nai, and I have to admire Pat's tenacity in getting her guy. I liked that Kachane was a gentleman all the time, secretly and then finally openly loving Nai but graciously retreated after finding out that Nai loved Paul.

I enjoyed the music selection; between the love songs and instrumental pieces, each one fitted the scene/mood well and evoked my emotions. I was glad that I found the main ones on YouTube.

Probably not a re-watch for me since I don't think I can afford to get my blood pressure up that high again.

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Great rom-com featuring a mix of Thai Boran and modern Lakorn.

Featuring a time travel element, this show added a nice twist that gave equal screen time to two story lines set in different eras. Individually, the stories were nothing new - usual villains and plot set-ups, but still, it was an enjoyable watch and they were both pretty well-executed. My only criticism is that the transition between the two eras was a little jarring for me, especially since the switch was done rather quickly after a couple of scenes.

A quick synopsis: Opal from the present era and Duangkaew from the Boran era look identical and even have the same parents and personal servant. Due to a prayer of help, they switched places on the night of a full moon. Ultimately, Opal fell in love with the man whose parents and her parents want Duangkaew to marry, and Duangkaew fell in love with Opal's best friend.

Namtarn Pichukkana is gorgeous! It is the first time I watched her, and to me, she did a fantastic job portraying the spunky, intelligent, bold Opal and the gentle, well-mannered court lady Duangkaew. Her chemistry with both male leads was great, although I was more drawn to Opal's and P'Mor's relationship. Opal was my favourite type of FL (i.e., not a simpering weak maiden) and who could resist a male lead like P'Mor. A royal doctor with exceptional warrior skills, he was a charismatic gentleman who can flirt so effectively using just words. What made it even better was that Opal had the fighting skills and bravery to match him, and she is super flirty as well in a modern, forward way. I loved watching her make P'Mor blush.

Puen Chobpradit is ADORABLE with the cutest smile! He portrayed the dignified Luang Osotworrawech (P'Mor) perfectly, and he was charismatic. His micro-expressions were on point, changing from flirty to fierce, from gentle to strong easily. Ting Kratingg, another fine-looking actor, did pretty well as PeePop, although I think the other lead actors were better.

The supporting cast was good too, and the parents of Opal and Duengkaew were hilarious. The show used sound effects well to highlight the comedic moments.

I enjoyed the music selection. Between the love songs and the fun rap, each piece fitted the scene/mood well. I was glad that I found the main ones on YouTube.

I liked learning a bit about the history of Ayutthaya, and the setting was just beautiful. I lusted after the Boran outfits - The silk clothing worn by the men and women were just so well-coordinated, and the colours were so lovely in the pastels and so rich in the brights.

It is too bad that it is so hard to find the dramas with English subtitles. I got lucky and found this gem on Telegram. You should definitely give this show a chance!

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Witty funny modern romantic comedy!

Great dialogue and scenes, terrific chemistry between the leads, and excellent rapport among the actors overall. I love that it is not only the male lead that can execute the grand romantic gestures! What Fang Yan did for Shi Meng totally stole my heart! If a girl does that in real life, lucky is the man who loves her! The romance between the OTP is so endearing and enjoyable to watch, and the kissing is very nicely done. I watched some BTS clips, and Ma Meng Wei and Ao Rui Peng are so naturally cute together.

It's a light rom-com, but it does have a dark back story. Still, not too dark that it takes away from the romance and fun. Objectively, I know this is not the best-written show and is predictable at times, but the pacing is consistent and not draggy, and the story makes sense with no overly complicated plot-lines. There are certainly loopholes but nothing glaringly big that it dims my desire to binge-watch this show. Like most dramas, there are definitely tropes, but somehow they fit in this show.

As the ML and SML respectively, Ao Rui Peng and Luo Zheng acted well, but I think they could have done better with their micro-expressions. Still, they are both so effortlessly cool and good-looking. I like Ma Meng Wei's acting better than in "Love The Way You Are" but she is not styled as nicely in this show. Her hairstyle and outfits do not do her any justice. One can tell that she is much prettier than how she is presented. I just don't get the over-sized and old-fashioned outfits, with a combination of bangs and high ponytails (or shoulder-length hair) that are the signature style of many female leads.

The supporting characters are awesome, especially Osborn Chen, who is hilarious with his expressions and dialogue! I loved their antics, their unique personalities, and their roles in helping to progress the OTP's relationship. The Goose - LOL!

The OST is also nicely compiled and very fitting for the different scenes and moods.

Overall, I would rewatch this show since it is a simple story that is well written and executed.

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For me, this lakorn is fun-filled, full of comedy and slapstick humor. The show has some twists and turns but nothing angsty and the issues get resolved within an episode. It is not perfect, but I still enjoyed it a lot and binge-watched all 17 episodes in 3 days, which was quite a feat considering each episode was almost 2 hours longs. I am picky when it comes to lakorns because I am uncomfortable with some more acceptable themes in Thai dramas. So I am glad that I came across Sapai Import and felt compelled to write a review.

Min Peechaya, as Lisa is absolutely gorgeous from her hair, face, and clothes to her strength and confidence. She's the complete package when it comes to a smart, strong, and independent female lead. Admittedly, she is a little too violent, beating/hurting the ML and, at times, too shrill for my liking. Still, it is tolerable for me, knowing that this is a lakorn, and most female lead characters are usually portrayed in an extreme way. This is the first time I watch Mik Thongraya, and he portrays a rather fine-looking Don. I like how Don constantly teases the FL, and Mik plays the ML well, switching between an adorable and sweet guy to a moody, sarcastic but clueless dork. Mik is a triple eye candy threat with his looks, height, and sex appeal, and in general, he is a great actor. That said, I am not so sure about his facial expressions in some scenes when he seemed a little stiff. However, it could be due to the video and sound quality on dramacool. The chemistry between Min and Mik is amazing, and they have many cute interactions throughout the show. There are a few funny transitions where romantic scenes suddenly become ones where Lisa is beating Don up. It's also especially funny how Don becomes hornier and tries to get more intimate with Lisa after they acknowledge their relationship! I do wish the kissing was better, though; at least more than just locking lips and staying frozen for ... minutes.

The supporting characters were just that, the supporting characters I didn't find them that remarkable but a shout out to the amazingly supportive mother-in-law and sister-in-law!!! At least we don't have to deal with an evil scheming MIL; instead, we have a mean grandmother who is bent on Don married to Ratree, who's absolutely psychotic! I feel terrible for Ratree, and ideally, the show should have had her getting treatment. Unfortunately, that was not addressed. The other villains are just so annoying and I did skip through some of their scenes because I simply could not tolerate their greed.

I can't say much about the OST since the videos' sound quality was not great, and I probably would rewatch if I can find another platform with better quality.

Overall, I rated this show pretty high because it kept me interested and entertained despite having to deal with not the best video quality.

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Super wholesome and heartwarming show that will make you smile a lot, including the OST that will evoke memories of many sweet scenes. The bonus is the food porn - if you love watching delicious food cooked in MANY creative ways, then this is definitely the show for you.

I started watching this show after finishing Chef Fang (another show that I highly recommend), and I really enjoyed it. This show is uncomplicated and endearing with messages of staying true to oneself as well as emphasizing familial bonds. Bear in mind that this show has a low angst factor, so do not expect an emotional roller-coaster. In fact, my favorite thing about this show is how I am NOT STRESSED watching it, although at one point, I got worried that the writer was going to throw in a huge melodramatic plot twist and ruin it for me. Fortunately for me, that did not happen!

The chemistry and believability of an OTP can make and break a show, and in the case of Chef Hua, the two leads shone! The pace of their romance is good, and even though the show is conservative (i.e., no steamy scenes), the interactions between the OTP are so sweet and romantic. I love watching how Meng Yi Huai gradually falls in love with Hua Xiao Mai, who already has a crush on him, and how they stay steadfastly true to each other throughout the show.

Despite being set in a historical period, this show feels contemporary with a smart, competent, and independent FL, and a male lead who respects and supports the FL's ambitions. This is the first time I have seen Yang Kai Cheng, and his low-key looks won me over. I have to point out how impressed I am with his posture - his stance so tall and imposing - he looks really good in his outfits. As the multi-talented Meng Yi Huai, he portrays every girl's dream man who is decisive, strong, and protective and at the same time, gentle and sweet when it comes to his lady. You can practically feel the love and admiration he has for Xiao Mai, and I would say that Yang Kai Cheng did a great job emoting, and his microexpression is on point.

Tang Min is perfect as the bubbly, optimistic, quick-thinking Xiao Mai. She is quite lovely, and I hope to see her in more dramas. I like the FL's character; despite being young, she is steady-minded and confident, especially when it comes to cooking. I thought it was brilliant how the scenes of Xiao Mai cooking competitively against others subtly shows this - for example, how her competitors would constantly look over to check out what she is doing, while she focuses only on her own cooking. She can be quite bumbly when it comes to her beloved Yi Huai, but she quickly grows to understand and complement his character well.

The supporting cast does a great job as well, with a special shout out for Yi Huai's mother. What a great character - traditional and fierce, but loving and supportive of Xiao Mai and Yi Huai at the same time. There is some side story development, but except for a couple of key supporting characters, there is not a lot of focus on the other characters. I guess some could complain that certain plot lines are left unresolved. However, I myself do not mind the open endings left for them. For the OTP though, what a satisfying ending!

I cannot sing enough praises of the OST. Niko Sun has the perfect voice for those period songs, and I am happy that I found the whole soundtrack on YouTube music.

I rated the re-watch value above average but not a 9 or 10 because I probably won't watch the whole show. However, I have already re-watched the delightful scenes of the OTP. Yi Huai can say the sweetest things at times :D

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What a delightful drama! I stumbled across this gem of a show when I was looking for a break from lengthy period C-dramas, and this show really surprised me with how well done it is. It is heart-warming and thought-provoking with a realistic story line.

I really felt that I was on a guided tour, vicariously traveling with the characters through various destinations in France. Of course, the cinematography was amazing. The pace was just right, and I found myself relaxing as I watched the adventure unfold and got drawn into each character's story. There were emotional ups and downs as I watched each character develop, and each couple navigating through rough waters in their relationships. Many times, I found myself really hoping that everyone had a happy ending.

The acting was excellent, so sincere that it felt genuine and authentic. This is the first time I have seen Jung Yong Hwa act, and he is simply adorable. There were an earnestness and honesty that he brought to his character, San Ma Ru, and boy, can that man kiss! I loved episode 7, where there was a kiss scene within a kiss scene within a kiss scene! He and Lee Yeon Hee had such great chemistry as the main couple. Lee Yeon Hee is lovely, and she portrayed Yun So So well. As for the supporting cast, there were no individual shout-outs since it was evident that they all really poured their hearts into the drama.

I cannot even find fault with the music as the selection was absolutely perfect and fitting.

The story is written so well, and there were many poignant scenes as well as memorable quotes. I would definitely re-watch this drama. My only gripe is that I wish there were a couple more episodes to tie everything up neatly but that is because I am a hopeless romantic and I want a fabulous big-bang ending. I still liked the ending because it made sense and it did work out for everyone.

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I resisted watching this show for a while because of some of the reviews. I had watched only the Korean version "Fated to Love You" and I REALLY ENJOYED it, so I was not sure if I would like the Chinese version.

Ultimately, I caved after watching the trailer a few times and was drawn in by the amazing chemistry between the ML and FL. I have not seen "Eternal Love", so this is my first time seeing Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie act together. They complement each other so well, and I loved the scenes with them together. Not just the romantic ones, but also the ones filled with heartache and anger; all tugging at my heartstrings. For me, the rewatch value of this show is high because of their moments together.

Before anything else, I have to comment on the music track. It is simply well-done! Every song was great and perfectly suited the scenes. The way each piece was incorporated into the scene just elevated the mood of the moment. I particularly like the duet that was sung by Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie.

Even though this show is a remake and stayed true to the general theme of the original, the screenwriter incorporated enough plot twists to enable the show to stand on its own. Other than knowing the dramatic turns that were coming up and preparing my heart for them, I did not find myself comparing this version to the Korean one much.

I thought the pace of the show was good even though some reviewers thought it was draggy towards the end. Would I have preferred more sizzling episodes of them finally getting together and being all lovey-dovey? Absolutely!!! However, I personally enjoyed watching the push-pull relationship between Wang Xi Yi and Chen Jia Xin. How the story evolved and ended felt right to me, and the actions of the two leads totally relatable. The personal development of these two characters was a delight to watch.

True, a couple of episodes like episode 34 were kind of painful, and I did skip through the scenes about Shi Anna' back story. As much as I loved staring at gorgeous Dylan, I also skipped scenes about her in general. Anna was such a limpet, and I had no interest in her at all. The rest of the characters though, were awesome! Grandma (Xi Yi's grandmother) and Lin Xi Shi (Jia Xin's mother) were such fantastic role models, showing wisdom and strength and both so protective of the couple. I also found the progression of the secondary couple, An Son and Si Qi, entertaining. Xi Yi's aunt and cousin went through some personal growth as well, and they were actually quite nice in this version.

Acting-wise, the cast did well. Both Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie portrayed their characters well, although I think Xing Zhao Lin did a better job of emoting via his facial expressions. His look of determination after he's decided on something for example, was so endearing.

Overall, I would recommend this show, and while it is probably not easy, I think people should try to avoid comparing it to the other versions. It is really a great show to watch!

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If you are looking for a light and fluffy rom-com, and don't mind the cliches, then this would be a good pick. The plotline is nothing new. However, with good acting and comedic moments dropped in at the right time, I found this drama show very entertaining. I think the show would have benefited more if it were a few episodes shorter. They overplayed the love triangle theme and inserted some melodrama that felt more like filler episodes. I am not a fan of angst-filled scenes that last more than 2 episodes when it comes to a rom-com.

Still, it is a delightful drama that I would recommend for passing the time.

While I thought that the chemistry between the main lead couple could have been more potent, they did match each other quite well. The progression of their relationship was plain adorable and funny. I wished that there was more natural skinship though; after all, the characters were adults who should not be blushing or have strong reactions when it came to holding hands and quick pecks on the cheek.

Lawrence Wong is a definite cutie, and he did a good job playing Ye Fei Mo, the male tsundere CEO type who was also pretty clueless when it comes to bold romance. His micro-expressions were well-delivered and his crying scenes on point. It is the first time I watched Lawrence Wong, and I just discovered that he is Singaporean. It is awesome that a non-Chinese actor is able to star in a Chinese drama, and I look forward to seeing his show with Zhang Han, which I hope will happen.

Personally, I did not find Xu Hao as Wen Xiao Nao that attractive, and her acting felt a bit forced at times. Again like many other c-dramas, the female lead was dressed terribly; I don’t get why all the female characters EXCEPT the lead were styled well. In general, Xu Hao’s portrayal of the female lead was fine, but to me, it was really Lawrence Wong and the other actors that carried the show.

The relationships between the other couples were endearing. Usually, I find that having to follow the stories of multiple couples too distracting but not in this show. The two other secondary couples were attractive together, and in a way, each had more chemistry than the main couple. I enjoyed Wu Hao Ze's and Bai Xin Yi's portrayal of the BFFs characters of the two leads. These BFFs were the "voices of reason," always providing insights and advice, which fortunately the two leads heeded most of the time. Otherwise, there would have been too much unnecessary drama. Ni Han Jin as Li Can was really suave and Ye Fei Mo's mother and Jing Jie were total badasses! The way they teamed up to support the leads. Such great rapport; makes me wish that I have such people to lean on in real life.

Music-wise, the selection was good, and each song fit the scene well. I did like some of them enough to add to my playlist.

Overall, this show is sweet with just the right dose of comedy and a satisfyingly cute ending. I probably will re-watch the scenes with Lawrence Wong in them just so I can admire his perfect profile :D

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If you can look past the messy story with multiple unnecessary plot lines, but enjoy slapstick humour and cheesy fluffy romance, you would likely enjoy this show. I certainly did! Just remember that the drama is supposed to be fantasy-based like a comic book.

The writer tried to pack too much into the show - romance, comedy, family drama and a triller with a serial killer. I think the writer is really good in the romance department - there were plenty of swoon-worthy scenes involving the male and female leads. The humour can be a bit low brow - I dislike that the writer used homosexuality for jokes but at least, they were not too crass or mean. In general, I found myself laughing out loud throughout the show. Where the story failed to impress was the whole dark triller bit. That sub-plot by itself was not bad but to counter the dark scenes with the romantic comedy bits was just too jarring for me.

There were a few fillers or scenes like the whole set up between Bong Gi and Hee Ji. As I mentioned, the show tried to do too much. I'm not surprised by some of the lower ratings since the story-line was all over the place and the scene changes did not flow nicely at times.

Acting-wise, I think the cast did a phenomenal job. The three leads (Bong Soon, Min Hyuk and Gook Doo) really played their parts well, and the supporting actors delivered great performances too. I have to say that the cast was filled with good-looking actors. Even the villain kidnapper played by Jang Mi Kwan was nice to look at during his crazy moments.

Park Hyung Shik as Min Hyuk is my most favourite male lead character to date. That boy is so lovely to look at, and he acted the different aspects of a besotted CEO so well. As Min Hyuk, he was arrogant, super confident about his looks, intelligence and ability. At the same time, he was dreamy, so sweet and puppy-like when he was with Bong Soon, for whom he fell hard and quickly after seeing her in her super-strength mode. I love how smooth he was in dropping hints of his love for Bong Soon, how he was so earnest and yet not overly aggressive in his pursuit of Bong Soon. He always gave her room to breath, and instead of demanding, he requested - like when he asked her to "Please love me", or when he asked her "Will you come to me?" before their first real kiss. His confessions and lead up to the proposal - just perfect! Well done, screenwriter! There were just so many scenes of how he looked at her, and spoke to her that made me squeal and my heart flutter :D. The final episode was packed with his charm and lovableness! I truly enjoyed watching his micro-expressions especially during his constant gazes directed at Bong Soon.

Park Bo Young was perfect as Bong Soon, our heroine with super strength. She is just so adorable and it seems like the role was written for her petite cuteness. To be honest, I was kind of annoyed that like many k-dramas, the female lead was portrayed as somewhat clueless, with an inability to think rationally during times of peril. Perhaps it is because I usually prefer the female leads to be smarter and more sophisticated, plus I expected more from a show that was supposed to be about a strong female character. Still, I got over my irritation and was won over by the great chemistry between Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Shik. Also, Bong Song did grow into a wiser, more thoughtful heroine towards the end.

Speaking of chemistry, I also enjoyed the bromance between Min Hyuk and Gook Doo. Those two had some great moments together. Ji Soo as Gook Doo was another perfect eye candy, and he can also act. He looked so dejected after being friend-zoned by Boon Soon that I had really hoped that the ending had him together with another female character. I truly felt for him because he realized ultimately that it was all about timing, and he missed his chance despite having had many years to express his feelings to Bong Soon who crushed on him throughout that time.

The OST was good - the music chosen fit the scenes and I did add a couple to my playlist. I like Heartbeat, the song that played initially when Bong Soon saw her crush Gook Doo, and then Min Hyuk.

I will probably rewatch the scenes between Min Hyuk and Bong Soon when I am in the mood for some fluffy romance and cheese. Episode 16 would be one that I will watch again and again.

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Underrated and misunderstood

I am so glad that I gave this Lakorn a chance! After reading all the comments, I was hesitant to start it, but it ended up being the first Lakorn where I was compelled to watch half the show un-subbed after 12 episodes. Luckily, I was able to find episode cuts and music videos that had English sub-titles for the remaining scenes, and those provided a lot of context for me.

A few commenters may have expected this drama to be mainly about Fah and Ben, and were upset that the later episodes appeared to be more about Pipi and the other characters. However, the drama poster was a dead giveaway that Fah and Ben were not the plot's focus. To me, the show was well-executed, balancing multiple characters and their stories. There was the relationship full of anger, feelings of revenge, and hate between Orawee, Tharn, and Vichuda, the "friendship to love" development between Aek and Narin, the growth of Pipi and Ron, and of course the "hate to love "romance between Fah and Ben.

Even though I enjoyed the different plot lines, admittedly, I was most invested in Fah's and Ben's journey,. They were the reason why I finished the show. which is why the ending was somewhat disappointing for me. The last episode was when I felt the show was not as balanced. After spending so much time on the show-down between Orawee and Vichuda, and the happy results for Aek, Narin, Pipi, and Ron, I thought I could finally see Fah and Ben properly starting over. But....no! The show had to throw in a new character, a totally unnecessary plot twist.

I applaud the actors - they were excellent! Since I could not understand most of the dialogue in the un-subbed episodes, I relied on studying the actors' facial expressions and body language. Almost everyone emoted so superbly that I could tell what the characters were supposed to be feeling in their scenes. Except for the last character introduced during the final plot twist, there were no other unnecessary characters - everyone had a purpose.

I first saw Bie Thassapak in "My Girlfriend is an Alien" and became a fan. He did not disappoint in this Lakorn either. He did an amazing job portraying Ben, the smooth playboy who turned over a new leaf after falling in love with his unwilling bride. While his character was one that I usually hated, there was enough character development that ultimately made me sympathize with him. That said, I think the writing could be better in showing how Ben started falling for Fah. The transition felt somewhat abrupt.

For a newcomer, Fah Ngamkasem was great as well, and I liked her character, Fah, who was not the usual weak crying prop. In fact, the women in this drama were all pretty fierce! Some scarier and crazier than others, like Orawee and Vichuda. Those two were in a league of their own, and kudos to Yardthip Rajpal and Ying Rhatha Phongam, who played them so fantastically!

The music selection was good. The songs and instrumental pieces enhanced the scenes. It is too bad that I could not find the OST on any of the usual streaming platforms.

I honestly hope that the whole show would be fully subbed soon so that I can re-watch and appreciate this Lakorn better. All in all, I think that people should give this show a chance and keep in mind that it is not focused on one primary couple.

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