Reviews

This drama was nothing like I had expected it to be. I thought it was going to be a very deep, romantic drama with a lot of emotional connection. However, I think the connection between the vampire and the main character was closer to a father-to-daughter adoration than anything else. When I hear the word 'vampire' I expect something entirely different than what's portrayed here. The acting wasn't bad. I don't think the actors were the problem. I think the drama was just lacking in major events or bonding. The drama felt half empty and I can't pinpoint why. I can't recall a single song from this drama, and I'd remember one if there had been something worth remembering. I have no intentions to watch this drama again because it left me rather disappointed from start to finish.

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Manipulate. Mansplain. Manslaughter.

Starting this drama I knew what to expect – angst, betrayal, tragedy, anguish – and this drama served exactly this to certain extent… plus gazillion of other plotlines that significantly weakened the whole story and made me pull my hair out with frustration. Thanks to that the plot was not executed in a way that would make me actually feel any stong emotions, at least not in the later part of this drama, which is a bummer because isn’t it the whole point of melodrama? To make me FEEL something?

In fact I really enjoyed the begining, the first 15 episodes or so, they were fast-paced, entertaining and played out on the screen like a very classic type of a tragedy. The gradual build up to the massacre of Danchi Clan with that scene where Li Chengyin is literally changing sides on the battleield is amazing (Top 10 anime betrayals btw). However anything that happens later (sans the Second Prince arc. Even if it wasnt the most original subplot) is just a perfect example of filler. Overstretched and mundane scenes with the characters that bring nothing to the plot. Or supbar palace schemes where some of the villains basically handed themselves on the silver platter. And please don’t forget the endless emo escapades of Gu Jian. It all could have been compressed into maximum 10 episodes not 30.

At some point it became clear that most of the the revenge/political plotlie exist to emphasize the tragic nature of the romance but on its own it was really simplified and overall poorly written. Except the beginning arc and the final 5 episodes, it was scattered all over the place. I think it’s a huge waste of a potential, because Li Chengyin could have efortlessly carried that side of the story (not to mention that Cheng Xing Xu showed that he has the acting chops to do so) and there definitely was a time to develop other characters, so they could have been more than walking stereotypes. Speaking of Chengyin, I think he was the IT factor of this show. He was ruthless, selfish, pragmatic, jelaous, but you could understand what shaped him to became like this. He’s definitely the most complex character, but I just wish he was more personally involved with the political part of his vengance plan because most of the time things just conveniently happened in his favour.

I had a hard time believing in Chengyin’s love for XiaoFeng because it wasn’t sincere in their „first life” and in the „second” it was just full blown narcissistic fixation. On the other side we have XiaoFeng who was very young, sheltered, naive and she wasn’t able to look at the bigger picture of things. Let’s face it, she wasn’t the smarterst cookie. I believe that her feelings were more genuine and pure, but her lack of insight and almost childish innocence made the whole dynamics between the leads more disturbing and disonant in my eyes. So I wasn’t on board with the romance and did not particulary care about how tragic and doomed was the fate of their relationship.

Arguably the most important part of the narrative is that the ultimate tragedy didn’t affect only the leads but everyone who was related (voluntarily or not) to the Imperial Palace. So once again the big bad wolf was the human desire to have power and control that in the end turns people into greedy hypocrites. In the grand scheme of things Xiao Feng was as much of a victim as Chengyin (the parallels between him and his father were nicely done) or Sese or General Gao (loved that guy btw) or even entire Clans. They all got their lives influenced, sometimes badly, by the destructive nature of power. How they dealt with that is a whole another story, but eventully they were all thrown into a figurative battleground because that’s just how humans work. I really liked that it was the final message here, it’s a little cliche, of course, but it works most of the time.

So, I think this drama disappointed me, it was really uneven. It started with a blast and it had a lot of room to develope or improve things, but it never fully went there. The characters were interesting (even though I think only Chengyin had the complexity worth mention) thanks to great acting performances, drama was also visually stunning (if you like strong saturation and bright colors), but there is a part of me that will be forever salty that it didn’t reach that level of greatness that would make me think „wow, that was a journey”. In the end I didn’t feel anything.

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8 for the number of episodes it should have released with.

What it does well, it does really well. What it does badly is episode 10 and consequently episode 11. Episode 12 tried to save it, but couldn't completely erase the bitterness.

I believe it will be a better experience for those who binge it. Not perfect, but good. I binged the first ~7 episodes and I had a pretty great time. Not frustrating, not turbulent, kinda soothing, but still entertaining enough to keep you on your toes. Episode 8 felt like a natural ending. Episode 9 brought in new subplots, and it was still interesting. Episode 10... just prepare yourself. It's what you will most likely expect by that time, but also very much hope you're wrong. You won't be. I highly doubt it was their vision to continue the story like that. Because if it were, they could have done it so much better. Even well, actually. So much more naturally. It felt like they crossed the finish line and for some reason decided to go on, without having any strength left and clear goal in mind. Episode twelve is cute. Honestly, skip 9-11! That's what I would have done. You don't need to know what happens there.


What I enjoyed :

1. The work subplots. It was entertaining, educational, with great messages. This thing alone makes it memorable and worth your time in my opinion.

2. The side couple. They start a bit rushed, but eventually settle into their place.

3. The music. It isn't unique, but it's catchy and fits well enough.


What I didn't like :

1. The main plot line for episodes 10-11. It's very much not good. And that one side character from episode 10 onwards. You will know if you get there. Basically everything in episodes 10-11 can go to hell. It doesn't stick, but it stains.

2. The pacing was a bit of a mess. It starts slow, then rushes through some parts, gets stuck... this is the part where I think it will feel way better when you binge it. If I had to wait a week for each episode, I might have a very different opinion on this drama.

3. The "brother" stuff. It could have been fine if they did something with it, but no. It's only marginally better than the "wife" stuff.


In the end, I think you should certainly give it a try! The episodes are short, and it's mostly consistent in the overall "feel" of the show. You will find out pretty soon whether it's worth it for you or not.

Edit : The special episode is pretty cute! Totally unnecessary as far as the plot goes, so you won't miss anything if you decide to skip it. But it's a sweet fluff, focusing on the highschool past of main couple.

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Brilliant Acting Skills, Strong Chemistry of "2001 Dao Ming Si and 2018 Shancai" Couple, Lovely OST

Many people complained about the age gap that makes them look like an uncle and his niece, but to be honest I don't see such a thing between them at all.
They naturally look like a couple, even their chemistry is so strong, that I cannot move on from them ❤ Jerry Yan is still so handsome and hot that I cannot believe that he is 43 years old! His acting is even very good, he could animate the character of Lu Xingcheng so that we can feel the darkness, the gentleness, and the fragility of Lu Xingcheng's character all at once. This proves that he succeeds enough to get out from his Dao Ming Si's nature like what he wants, although we will always remember him as the legendary Dao Ming Si ❤ Shen Yue's acting skill is also improved much better, and I enjoy watching her acting in this drama ❤ It all makes them a very cute "2001 Dao Ming Si and 2018 Shancai" couple, so my waiting for a year is not useless at all, because I'm also a huge fan of the 2001 Meteor Garden. So when I heard that the iconic Dao Ming Si from the 2001 Meteor Garden is gonna team up with Shancai from the 2018 Meteor Garden Remake makes me very excited and happy, though I don't like the 2018 Meteor Garden at all. Even the OST from Count Your Lucky Stars also makes me unable to move on even more, I always hum it ❤
But what I cannot accept the most is that there are lots of good scenes cut out, why oh why? :( Is it just because of the China TV cencorship? Ummm I don't think so.
But then again, I still ship Jerry-Shen till now, and I really hope that they can be a couple in a new movie or a new drama again ❤ a real couple if they could.

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I love the drama because of the characters mainly, the main characters especially geol ah and yong hwa are humorous and awesome characters. I don't want to post spoilers.. so overall if your looking for a drama that has rom com and some action this is the one. . Im reviewing after i re-watched this drama again for the third time and that means that there are good scenes that is hilarious in this drama. and i just love Ah in acting role of Geol ah, his hiccups :D and you might like this if you liked illjimae too because i am total fan of illjimae. Hope this helped and have fun watching.

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I usually like to stay away from dramas that make young women believe that with the right amount of love, a girl can change a bad boy. (Doesn't happen that way.) I was curious about this one because it had been remade several times and previous versions had gotten good reviews.

While there were some watch-worthy moments, this show really insults the audience's intelligence. There is much over acting and lack of continuity in the drama. People treat each other in unrealistic ways and the main characters are really not all that convincing. The only decent people in this show is Huaze Lei and Shancai's parents. I felt like the drama kept going in circles: they'd make up, then break up. It was overly long because every member of F4 needed a storyline even if the side plots were pointless. There were also too many cliches and silly scenes that you've already seen in other dramas.

The most frustrating scenes are the ending. It was campy, ridiculous and unrealistic. I would rather watch shows that make me care about the characters than hurt them.

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What happens to Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu when it drops most of the sex?

If you are reading this review, then you most likely know the deal with RdwCS: it's the sex-positive show that over two prior series and a special explored the love lives of a small company of five young CG artists making animations for TV and film. As ever, the third season affirms a broad spectrum of sexual identities and sexual interests (and non-interests). However, if you've enjoyed the prior series, you might be upset to learn that they've taken our favorite PG-rated sex comedy and produced a season where there is very little if any sex happening. The surprising and fun thing is that doing so has resulted in the best season yet.

There was nothing puritanical about the change in focus for this season: the series retains the same sex-positive tone of the earlier seasons. However, in exchange for the antic sex scenario introductions of the prior series, this season instead goes deeper into the emotional lives of the characters (yes, even Masaru), It fleshes out the back story of Momoe and Ken, but also gives nice arcs to Masaru, Toru and Ume. There are probably as many laughs this season but now also some tears, and the emotional canvass is broader in other ways as well. The show has, surprisingly, grown up just a bit.

The episode structure remains the same with each 30 minute episode divided into two vignettes featuring at least one of the principal characters, and the show continues to resolutely avoid trying to say much of import. Nevertheless, if you have enjoyed the prior seasons, it is quite likely that you will enjoy this season even more. (You need only glance at the comment section here for confirmation).

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"On the backside of the moon, there was not even a single ray of light."

"I have someone that I want to make happy, but if that person really finds happiness then I won’t be needed by anyone in this world."

Human darkness was always something that fascinated people and Byakuyako portrays two of the most interesting and complicated characters I have ever watched, that have fallen into the abyss. It focuses on two pathetic human beings, Yukiho and Ryoji that are trapped in their past and guilt. Their relationship can’t be defined with a simple word. It is not love, nor friendship. It is a complicated connection between two scarred humans that found someone to rely on. Like the sun and the moon, Yukiho and Ryoji are meant to exist in the same universe and offer comfort and rest to one another, but without being able to truly exist at the same time.

"After that, I told lies upon lies. This way, I lost every bit of the truth."

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"Roy Marn" is a lakhorn with all of my favourite tropes.Its filled with fun,sweetness and romance with very dark undertone to it and villians that deserve to die.I have always wanted to finish this one since i put it on-hold for a few months before i picked it up again and i fell in love with the story-line more and more.Margie and Boy captured my heart when i watched them together in the popular "Hearts Behind the Mountains"-series so i badly wanted to watch more of their work together.Bee (played by Margie Rasri) is a cheerful and spirited tomboy who lives life the way the wind sends her.She is explosive,stubborn and wild...but of all the characters in this lakhorn she had the purest heart.The rich businessman Mark (played by Boy Pakorn) is a very cynical character from the start that has a certain bitterness towards life.Not only because of the heartbreak he got from his ex-girlfriend but also because of the tragic way his aunt died.He have grown up knowing all his life the way his aunt got brutally raped by her brother-in-law and how she died of unfortunate events after that.This aunt is actually his fathers adopted sister,and Bee`s mother which only ties their fates more close.Bee and Mark despise each other on sight and does everything to make the other lives miserable.But everything takes an unexpected turn when Mark`s bride disappears and Bee gets forced to take the place as Mark`s bride.It will make for a unforgettable journey for both Mark and Bee.

This has to be one of the most slow-burn romantic lakhorns i have ever seen since they only fall in love after they get married after like 10 episodes.Mark fell in love with her much earlier while Bee had to truly see the goodness of Mark to get feelings for him.Margie did a great job as the stubborn tomboy Bee,she totally lighted up the screen with her expressions and crazy tantics!Boy gave a certain vulnerability to Mark`s character.He has the greatest character developement in this story where he realizes how he only makes his life harder by not being true to himself.He becomes more honorable,patient and nice throughout the story and falling for Bee was actually the best thing that could ever happen to him and i am so happy Bee and Mark found each other.Their scenes made me sigh,laugh and cry.I had so much fun with them!!Bella Ranee plays one of the evil Nang Rai`s in this one and wow how i got blown away by her performance.She was really good at making me hate her!

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Let King the Land take you on holiday prepare to laugh cry and enjoy superb.

I’ve just finished king the Land and I am a total mess. If your life isn’t great at the moment, if everything you do goes wrong. Just sit down relax and be pampered. Set in beautiful locations, it’s absolutely superb sets, the clothes, the tiniest details have not been missed. I’ll probably never ever get the chance to stay at such a grand hotel. However the drama opens the doors, takes you by the hand and says welcome. The drama brings you in to these peoples lives, you are wanting praying everything will work out. It keeps you centre stage with them. Clear story lines, brilliant wonderful chemistry between the whole cast. I would love for this to win awards. That would shut the haters up. Why can’t people be kind. The whole premise is to smile proper smiles. Thank you for letting us join in their lives just for awhile. Totally awesome. 10 out of 10 everyone concerned. I was laughing crying and clapping right at the end. I was not disappointed in anyway. Totally lifted my world. Thank you King the land. Best drama by far this year. Will be hard to top it.

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An advice for those who are willing to give this a go: don't take this drama seriously.

Why? Because it's a trainwreck with a capital T. It's like the writer's wanted to shove any and every cliché into the plot line, creating absurd situations and even more absurd outcomes. A comment I read on the site I was watching this pretty much summed everything up: "It's like a Wattpad story turned into a chinese drama."

Not badmouthing Wattpad stories, some are even well written and all, but what I'm talking about here is the nasty side of those stories: an Alpha male lead who's obscenily rich, kidnaps a doormart and falls for her. Actually, "falls for her" is to say the least, because he has an obsession with her for apparently no reason other than keep the plot moving. Add an obnoxious second male lead(who had amnesia no less) and an even more obnoxious pair of love rivals, evil step mother,lots of misunderstandings  and even a baby, mix everything and you have this drama.

Also, the title actually IS right: the president is a psycho. He not only tries to control the female lead, but also scars forever at least two other girls. And let's not enter the part of some other shitty  things he does... 

But...if I'm badmouthing it so much, why is my rating considerably high? A 5 is halfway to a 10, and given the quality of the drama it had to at maximum be a 2,5!
Well, I have to admit that despite it's ridiculousness, a plot and characters all over the place, this show is actually quite entertaining to watch. I found myself laughing at how absurd/stupid everything was, so in the end I lasted to the last episode(skipping a lot, but still managed).

I have to admit that despite it's massive flaws it can be pretty attention grabbing, and you will find yourself wanting to know what absurdity will happen next. So yeah, if I could use a quote to describe this show, it would be "So bad it's good"

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i don't know how i'm supposed to feel after finishing this drama. i'm just... blank.

it was so good at first that i had super high expectation for it. Son Ye Jin acting was incredible and Jung Hae In was so damn cute. their chemistry was awesome. it was so good it kinda felt like a guilty pleasure watching it. the way they shoot this drama is something i have never seen in korean dramas. beautiful, slow paced and somewhat retro scenes which focus on the characters' feeling made me hold my breath many times.

but the plot kept getting pointless and disappointing. the last 5 episodes were really gloomy. i truly hoped things could be different, beating the stereotype in most dramas and making me believe in love again lol. but unfortunately it got into some cliché trope. the characters couldn't really figure anything out episode after episode and that makes watching them such a pain. oh and the sudden ending. it's like the writer tried to settle everything down in some last minutes and tried to convince the audience that everything was fine. but hey i'm not fine. it's just so unsatisfying.

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I don’t usually write reviews, but this drama was simply just too good to not. The plot is one of the most interesting that I have watched from any Asian drama. Although time travel is not a new concept, the way the writers incorporated plot twist after plot twist and multiple time lines is not only seamless and well thought out, but is laid out in a way that each episode is full of suspense.

Interestingly, the story was tight and moved fast but each scene was paced beautifully slow. The cinematography was beautiful and captured the essence of each time period.

I LOVED the actors. Greg and Alice did a wonderful job. Greg’s lovable and cheeky energy combined with Alice’s amazing acting skills (easily switching to and from two different characters) accentuated the plot. Greg was never on my radar, but after watching this, I have become a huge fan. :) Patrick was also quite charming. The high school trio is super cute and college Greg and Alice is so fluffy I could not even haha.

Although I do not listen to the time traveling song’s genre, it was stuck in my head days after watching. haha

This was truly a masterpiece, I’m glad I discovered it :)

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