If you are willing to wait for 2/3 of the drama to finally see the love story…

I must say, I found it quite frustrating that it took a whopping 20 episodes to finally reveal the genre of the female lead. Until then, all we saw was her being subjected to physical punishment by male characters for no apparent reason. And let's not even get started on the villains who showed up way too late in the series and acted like children. The plot was nothing short of childish, and the mother/madam/villain got away with multiple murders without any consequences. It was just ridiculous!

The female lead receiving the Imperial position at just 18 years of age was a bit far-fetched, and the physical wounds she received, such as whipping, didn't seem to reflect the severity of the situation. It was as if she got away with just a few scratches, which miraculously healed within a few hours. Many actors played their characters in an annoying, childish manner, and the music was not up to the mark.

The storyline about a guy falling for a guy who is actually a girl was stretched way too much, and it became quite nauseating after a while. I had been waiting for the female lead's genre to be revealed for so long, and it was quite disappointing to have to wait until the latter half of the series. The whole thing just felt like the scriptwriters were trying to drag the series on for as long as possible.

While the two male leads were great actors and definitely handsome, the female lead felt one-dimensional, and I'm not sure if I can solely blame the script for that. I prefer heroines who are more sassy and not doormats. Watching bullies for more than half a series was a major turn-off.

Although there were a few funny scenes that saved some episodes, overall, the series was a letdown.

After careful consideration, it's safe to say that the slow pace of the love story and the frequent occurrence of verbal and physical abuse make this drama less enjoyable for repeat viewings.

Read More

My favorite drama… hands down

Oh my goodness, I cannot stop raving about this drama I just watched! I stumbled upon it by chance, and it was a game-changer for me. I'm now a die-hard fan of Rosy Zhao and can't get enough of her. This is unusual because I do not usually obsess over celebrities. But trust me, she deserves all the hype she's getting!

The drama was a perfect blend of love and plot, and despite watching countless shows, I was utterly hooked from the very first episode. I usually find that dramas start slow and it takes forever for anything exciting to happen, but not this one! It had me on the edge of my seat to the end. The love story was beautifully crafted and the relationships between the characters were fascinating to watch. I have too many favorite episodes to list, but let me just say that each one was a masterpiece in its own right.

The actors were all outstanding, but I must give a special shoutout to Li Yun, Rui played by Leo Wu. His character's struggle to resist falling in love with the female lead was so well portrayed, and the chemistry between the two was electric. And can we talk about the emperor Bao Jian Feng? What a great performance by Zheng Li! I was also impressed by the supporting cast, particularly the two brothers who were shadows of Leo Wu's character.

Now, I do have a few minor complaints. There were times when I wished there were more close-ups of Leo Wu's facial expressions, especially during some of the more emotional scenes. There were also some inconsistencies in the story, like when they said the female lead's parents left for 10 years instead of 15, or how she learned all about construction. The lack of synchronization in the flute parts played by Rosy Zhao was extremely distracting, despite my genuine appreciation for the music. But these are just nitpicks, really.

The last two episodes were a bit of a letdown for me. I was hoping for a grand finale, but it was just okay. However, this doesn't take away from the fact that this is hands down my favorite drama of all time! I can't even count how many times I've rewatched it. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on one of the best shows out there!

Read More

Childish, annoying, no chemistry, plot all over the place… complete disappointment!

I have to be honest, the show I watched was a complete disaster. The plot was unclear until mid-season, there was no chemistry between the lead characters, and the love story didn't even show up until episode 33. The flashbacks became nauseating, and the point of view was used to justify a love that had no foundation. The show had ghosts that were not even ghosts, and zombies that were not even zombies, making it a big mess TV drama created for teenagers. The main heroine's acting was annoying and childish, and her childhood friend was no better. The heroine was almost on the verge of death, and a sip of tea was enough to bring her back to normal within minutes.

The only saving grace of the show was HanDong. Allen's character was annoyingly poker-faced until mid-season, but he had depth, and the actress who played him did a great job. The show was also saved by a few secondary character performances, but HanDong was exceptional in his sadistic villain role.

The leads in that match were terrible. It's unacceptable to portray a 12-year-old love story with a 30-year-old man, and even if the character claims he is 22 and she is 17, it's clear that he looks way older while she looks like a spoiled brat teenager. Such teen romance dramas should be avoided by Allen. The casting was a complete miss, and individually, the actors were good (except Seven Tan in my opinion). However, it's evident that they had to work with a terrible script and directors. It's beyond me why this show is popular, and I have no clue about it.

I cannot help but think chemistry with the main characters would have been way different with Zhao Lusi… such “Love a Thousand Years”.

I really didn't think the casting was good. I also blame Allen for this. It seems like he really dislikes kissing his partners. His acting also seemed very forced and not convincing at all. It almost makes me wonder if his contract specified a minimum number of kisses and hugs. I felt the same way about the drama "One and Only."

The amateurish play from the female lead, abysmal editing, poor casting choices, substandard makeup, gratuitous close-ups to force-feed us the supposed romance, misplaced props, glaring plot holes, lack of on-screen chemistry... One measly kiss accompanied by a one-sided love confession, countless flashbacks, and hand-holding? Are you kidding me? And don't even get me started on the anachronistic music cues that make no sense. Oh, and let's not forget the characters wearing summer clothes during a snowstorm. This is unacceptable.

After reading some top reviews, I can't help but shake my head in disbelief. The childish play between the two main characters completely ruined any chance of enjoyment for me. If you're looking for a teenage drama, be my guest, but if you're an adult, save your time and move on to something better. I won't make the mistake of watching any dramas directed by Yin Tao and Liu Guo Tong again. Did they write the script based on fan feedback? The show was poorly executed, yet somehow it received praise from the public. It seems I must be living in a parallel C-drama world where quality and substance still matter.

The female lead did not make it any better. If the same actress is cast as a main character again, I will make it a priority to remove her from my list. It was an excruciating experience, and I only continued watching to see the Han Dong villain's final moment.

I hate childish play, voices and actresses. Watching her break up with just two sentences was painful and unconvincing. It was a juvenile play, lacking the depth and maturity required to evolve a character through dramatic events. In my opinion, there is a clear difference between youth and innocence and the kind of character development that genuinely captivates an audience.

The movie failed to deliver any romantic moments. Just one kiss on the lips amidst all the drama. It felt like watching a grown man holding a child in his arms, which was quite disturbing. The use of eye drops to show emotions on screen felt fake and forced. Overall, the drama was painful to watch.

Therefore, I cannot recommend this show to anyone looking for quality storytelling.

Read More

The main leads makes this drama a must watch

Initially, I was hesitant about diving into another drama featuring a transmigration female lead, especially one that might end on a bittersweet note. Yet, despite my reservations, my curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself clicking 'play' yet again.

The turning point came when I stumbled across a YouTube video showcasing the drama's clips. I was engrossed in it, captivated by the chemistry between the main leads. As soon as the video finished, YouTube's algorithm kicked in, suggesting more related clips, and I couldn't resist watching them, too.

I am particularly fond of strong female characters, especially those with impressive martial arts skills, and this drama appeared to tick all the boxes.

Eager to learn more, I headed over to MyDramaList to check the ratings and skim through some comments.

I genuinely appreciate seasoned drama actors; I’m drawn to characters portrayed by mature, manly figures rather than boyish ones. This drama certainly delivered on that front, and I was pleased with the performances and chemistry.

While the central storyline wasn't groundbreaking or incredibly innovative, the true strength of the drama lay in its supporting cast. I recognized several secondary actors and actresses who had impressed me in previous shows. Their presence added depth and enjoyment, making the viewing experience worthwhile.

Overall, this drama is a solid pick for anyone looking for entertainment. It’s receiving an underrated rating, considering the competent performances and engaging interplay among the characters.

While the overall drama may not stand out as particularly memorable, there are definitely a few scenes that leave a lasting impression. A solid 8.5/10.

Read More

Cute comedy

I binge-watched all three seasons consecutively, which allowed me to sidestep the bittersweet conclusions that marked both Season 1 and Season 2. While the drama may not stand out as particularly memorable, I wouldn’t label it as terrible either. The acting struck me as commendable; it maintained a balance that avoided the pitfalls of excessive childishness and slapstick humor—two traits I often find off-putting in comedies. As for the plot, it was engaging enough and held my interest, akin to many other light-hearted comedies I enjoy. In summary, I believe this show merits a higher rating than it currently receives, as it offers more value than the numbers suggest.

Read More

Childish but cute

This is a light-hearted and family-friendly drama that I'd recommend if you enjoy gentle entertainment. The script is the only letdown here, not the performances by the actors. The series has a happy ending for three couples and spans across 24 episodes.

The series has some childish and unbelievable moments, but the martial arts scenes are well done and visually stunning. It has plenty of humor throughout. Overall, it's important to note that if you're expecting something like "The Imperial Cononer," this drama is quite different – it's full of inconsistencies and geared towards viewers who enjoy lighthearted drama, sweet romance, and tidy, happy endings for all.

I found the childish characters in the drama quite off-putting, but surprisingly, the female lead was enjoyable to watch. I felt that she had good chemistry with the male lead, and both of them portrayed their characters convincingly. The supporting cast also delivered solid performances, which added to the overall quality of the drama.

In my opinion, while the drama may not be exceptionally memorable, it could serve as a nice change of pace after watching a more intense or serious series.

Read More

I have mixed feelings about it, good but need more seasons to become great

The following is a review of Season 1 of a drama series that left me with mixed feelings about its ending. The season ends bittersweetly with a promise of continuation. The drama has some good points, but it also has some flaws that make it hard to fully enjoy.

One of the most praiseworthy aspects of the drama is the excellent performances of the two main male actors: Zhang Ruo Yun and Liu Duan Duan. Although Liu Duan Dua is listed support role, many viewers, including me, saw him as main second role. Their acting skills are impressive and they manage to keep me engaged throughout the season.

However, the slow pace of the drama and the lack of depth in some of the characters make it challenging to maintain the level of interest. I almost dropped around episode 10. It felt like there were too many scenes to introduce characters and explain their roles, but they lacked coherence and purpose. There were multiple visits, villains, and wuxia scenes, which made it feel redundant and caused me to lose interest after a while. Some of the supporting characters are stereotyped, such as the divine sword master who picks his nose at every turn.

In addition, the love-hate relationship between the male and female leads is somewhat predictable and lacks any real chemistry. If you are looking for a sweet romance, this drama is not for you. Although it is evident that the two leads are in love, they hardly express their feelings and only bicker around each other. This typical love-hate relationship is portrayed from the female's perspective, and the male lead is clear about his feelings but never expresses them. It felt very immature. The season ends with the two leads going their separate ways with only a promise to meet again in the future. There is no kiss or hug, leaving me feeling unsatisfied.

The age gap between the female lead, who was 18 or 19 at the time of production, and the male lead, who was 30, may have contributed to the lack of chemistry between them. However, it is also possible that their personalities, charisma, and talent did not mesh well together. I have yet to see an actress who can match Zhang Ruo Yun's acting skills and create a convincing on-screen chemistry with him. Even in the drama JOL, the female lead was only two years younger than him, but their chemistry still fell short. So, it raises the question: is it truly the age difference that is the issue, or is it a combination of other factors?

Despite its flaws, the drama has some entertaining moments. The slow pace of the wuxia genre was not noticeable to me but very criticized by viewers, and some parts were even hilarious, such as the divine sword master raising thousands of swords in the sky. However, some scenes were boring, such as the ending visits to the sects and the carriage talks. It was endless talks and introduction of characters. However, the scriptwriter and director did a great job of portraying the emotional relationship between the hero and his old companion, who died. Death that could have been avoided but felt right in the script. The scenes between them were emotional and tear-jerking. The father of the hero was also a well-developed character and reminded me of the emperor in “Joy of Life”, which added to the enjoyment of the show.

One of the highlights of the drama was the performance of the villain character portrayed by Liu Duan Duan. His character was complex, and he stole the show with Zhang Ruo Yun. He was a lovable villain who admired the hero but had no other choice but to try to kill him. His portrayal was so impressive that he became the second most memorable character of the show.

The season ends with a promise of revenge, leaving the viewers eagerly waiting for the continuation. However, it is unfortunate that season 2 is not yet in the process, the reality is that it may take 3-4 years for a drama or season to arrive. It is rumoured that the web novel has over 2000 chapters, it is then uncertain how many seasons the drama series will have when it will come to a conclusion and definitely when. This makes it challenging to see the big picture and enjoy the show to its fullest.

The problem lies in the casting and scriptwriting. It's not just a few characters in SSS but many that are also cast in JOL (including the white cat! lol), and it's the same scriptwriter. In my opinion, the success of JOL is well-deserved, as it's the most-watched drama for the last 4 years when it first aired. Therefore, all efforts and focus are on the most successful drama. Rumors suggest that season 3 will be produced in 2024. If the production team wants to maintain the same casting, which is not always available at the same time, then it does make sense. Moreover, time is of the essence. If it takes 4-5 years to produce and obtain the “ River Crab” (slang for Film censorship in China) authorization, then all the seasons must be planned and signed to keep the momentum going and prevent the actors and actresses from aging. SSS is an excellent show, and I hope the next seasons can be squeezed in between.

SSS is good with a but…

Read More

Cute comedy

I liked the show! It was a quick, fun, and cute comedy with 42 episodes, each only 5 minutes long. What's great about this show is that it is 100% comedy, and the looks of the FL don't even matter. Cute fits best. I also appreciate that it is full of comedy and not mixed with any political plot, unlike "Different Princess," which was a complete mess. I just expected funny, clumsy, and stupid jokes, with a touch of romance, and this show delivered perfectly.

I enjoyed the way the story played out with the back-and-forth between the two periods. It was a great way to keep me engaged and interested in the plot. And what made it even better was that I got to see the same couple have a happy ending! It was such a satisfying conclusion to the story. Overall, I was impressed with how the author was able to weave together these different elements so seamlessly.

Read More

Fun sweet funny drama

I found the drama quite enjoyable with many funny scenes, especially the jail part which was downright hilarious. However, I wasn't entirely convinced by the casting of the Emperor. The chemistry between the lead actors felt lacking, especially in the final scene which left me feeling disappointed despite the happy ending. It was too cold, and the actor seemed to struggle with portraying a character madly in love. Additionally, there were a few inconsistencies in the script, and some major explanations were missing, leaving me feeling puzzled.

Overall, the drama was fun to watch, but I strongly feel that without Lusi Zhao, the show would have been a big flop.

Read More

Beautiful love story

I have to say, the drama I watched was great, but I have some points to make. The first few episodes were slow and unnecessary, and the plastic armor and crowns were truly distracting and ridiculous. The makeup was not up to the mark, and the inconsistencies were noticeable. Furthermore, the Heavenly Lord deserved a lesson, which was upsetting. The happy ending was good, but the lack of an explanation for how it happened fell short.

However, the music was great and the special effects were well-made. Although the FL could be annoying at times, it was part of her naive and innocent character, while the ML was perfect overall. All the actors were well-cast and played their parts well, enough to make me teary-eyed.

In my opinion, this show is mostly for young adults, and it's a beautiful love story. I would put it on my rewatch list, but these cons need to be addressed.

Read More

Adaptation from Soul Land anime…95% different story meant for young audience.

I've noticed that the same scriptwriter is behind "Joy of Life," "Sword Snow Stride," and this drama. It seems that he consistently uses only 5% of the original story to create an entirely new storyline. As someone who has read the novels, I find it disappointing. However, I understand that viewers who haven't read the novels may have a different experience. While the first 5 minutes of the drama are identical to the original story, everything else is different. Characters have different personalities, backstories, and even relationships.

This story is intended for a young audience and fans of light fantasy novels. While that's okay, the level of believability is low, and it feels quite childish.

The "Soul Land" anime consists of 265 episodes, each 20 minutes long. It tells the story of a young adult soul master who is reincarnated in another dimension and uses his knowledge from his previous life to advance his power. Throughout the episodes, we see him grow from a child to a man alongside his friends. I also miss the clarity of the "levels" mentioned in the anime series. For example, 10 represents the 1st ring, 20 represents the 2nd ring, and so on. It provided an easy way to understand who had power and who didn't. The screenwriter decided to alter this essential aspect of the story. In the anime, every soul master aims to reach above 70 levels.

Some characters are different, like the teacher. In the drama, he appears weak and gets kidnapped, while in the novel, he is knowledgeable and strong and does not get captured. I didn't recognize the character of the 7 devils team. Wu was playing her character well, but I felt no chemistry with Zhao Xian.

I wasn't impressed with the acting, possibly because it seemed childish. For instance, the teacher faints, wakes up, immediately stands up, and then realizes he's supposed to be in pain. I admit that I fast-forwarded a few times after episode 9. At times, it felt overly childish.

In my opinion, the screenwriter and director failed to capture the essence of the anime. The special effects were well done and the only praiseworthy aspect.

The choice of actors is average. I decided to watch this drama because of Zhao Xian and my fondness for the anime series, but I don't think it's his best role. It doesn't compare to "The Untamed" where his performance was exceptional.

Regarding the OST, I was surprised to hear the same music as "The Love Like a Galaxy." It's a 2-year difference, and maybe the composer thought nobody would notice or remember?

On a side note, it's amusing to discover an actor who played a supporting role in "Joy of Life" (Prince Jing’s son) in a new role in this drama. Same mannerisms. Liu Run Nan.

It's frustrating when a show has a sad ending, especially when it was supposed to have another season. The ending was meant to be bittersweet and show the main character becoming a god master in season 2. Unfortunately, the show had low ratings or a limited budget. This is the only plausible explanation, as it aired in 2021, and after 3 years, there are no rumors of another season. It's a complete disregard for many viewers who expected a happy ending! Another major difference from the anime series: Wu and Tang San got married, as well as the other two couples. The Phoenix guy got a girlfriend, and all the antagonists died, while the protagonists lived happily ever after with Tang San, a god soul master protecting the world.

In conclusion, it's a disappointing drama with a sad ending.

Read More

Breathtaking drama with bittersweet ending

The K-drama period that I just finished watching is, without a doubt, one of the best ones I have ever seen. I was completely sold on it and couldn't help but be captivated by the cast's performances, the chemistry between the characters, and the intricacies of the plot.

While I was hoping for a happy ending, I couldn't give it a perfect score because of the bittersweet conclusion. However, there was an open-door possibility that the main lead would find a way to be with her lover. The mysterious voices she heard and the paintings she saw, as well as the appearance of a man who looked like the 8th Prince in modern clothes, all suggest that there is a chance for a resolution to their love story. Sadly season 2 never been produced.

I must say that I watched the entire series in a marathon, unable to let go of the story. The multiple love stories that were intertwined The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it. were all beautiful yet tragic.

The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it.

The love stories portrayed in the production were truly believable and heartfelt. Each storyline had a timeless quality to it that made it resonate with the audience on a deep emotional level. The themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, mistrust, jealousy, pain, despair, and even hatred were all perfectly executed by the talented cast. Every actor brought their A-game, immersing themselves in their respective roles and delivering performances that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Overall, the production was a masterful display of storytelling that left the audience feeling captivated and emotionally moved.

As much as I loved the drama, I must say that I have a deep dislike for time travel dramas in general. The same old sad ending of the main lead leaving her lover behind and returning to modern times is something that I find predictable and cringe-worthy. It would be great if the lead could live in the past, or if she were given a real choice, rather than being forced into an unhappy ending.

Read More

You cannot miss this brilliant drama featuring a math genius.

This drama is truly exceptional and I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good TV show to watch. It was a perfect blend of great casting, superb acting, top-notch direction, incredible soundtrack, and impressive artistic vision. The way the characters were brought to life felt authentic and genuine, and the seamless transition of each scene into the next made the storytelling even more compelling.

I was particularly impressed with the portrayal of the autistic mathematics genius character, played by Zhang Ruo Yun. The way he brought the character to life was simply incredible, and I found myself truly invested in his story. His performance was nothing short of remarkable, and it was a delight to watch him on screen.

Another standout actor was Wang Yang, who played the wicked lawyer in the show. He was able to convey the character's evil persona with ease and made the audience root for his downfall. WuGang also did an amazing job portraying the villain, and his performance was both menacing and captivating. 3 of my favorite actors (Joy of Life). Shoutout to actress Qi Wei.

Overall, I would highly recommend this drama to anyone who's looking for a well-crafted and engaging TV show. It's a true masterpiece that has everything from great acting to impressive direction, and it's definitely worth your time.

Read More

Although there were some poorly made edits, I thoroughly enjoyed the drama.

Despite some enjoyable aspects, the drama had several glaring issues with the poorly written script and bad editing. The transition from one murderer case to the next was poorly executed, and the love change of mind of the female lead was poorly executed as well. Although the main storyline was intriguing and kept me hooked, the overall execution of the drama left me cringing.

Frankly, I found myself caught between two vastly different scriptwriters - one who kept me thoroughly engaged, and the other who made me cringe with poorly executed scenes. Unfortunately, the drama took a downhill turn due to the script's many ridiculous and bad choices. Funny on paper, but cringy on screen. Intriguing on paper, but poorly executed on screen. Too many cuts/edits that left me frustrated. Some casting choices were also debatable like the stepmother.

Despite these issues, the second male lead captured my attention with his handsome and mysterious persona. While the other male lead was a good actor, I didn't feel any chemistry between him and the female lead. The decision to go with more veteran male leads was fantastic! This was probably the main reason I kept watching.

The characters were intriguing, and I was particularly drawn to the portrayal of the genius character, who seemed to have some borderline autistic tendencies. The female lead struggled with expressing emotions and exhibiting fickleness in her romantic interests. While the script may be lacking, it could be interpreted as a result of her being autistic or a genius. This is supported by the fact that she demonstrated exceptional talent at a young age, mastering autopsy at just 9 years old, as mentioned by her shoufu. I must say, this all seems quite stretched to me and I am only speculating to explain, or maybe even excuse her character.

The ending was a complete letdown, leaving the viewers disappointed, especially since it was left open-ended with the possibility of another season that never materialized. Do not expect a typical love story. It is a complex and tumultuous triangle of love and misunderstandings that will keep you frustrated, yet still watching to finally watch the mutual love declaration.

Despite the flaws, I still believe that this is a great show. However, the producers should have done a better job with the script and editing to make it a more seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.

Read More

Annoyingly bad play by female lead - amateurism makeup artists

It's downright frustrating to witness a stagnant, juvenile narrative and a constant portrayal of women as helpless beings in distress. This drama is anything but charming or appealing. It perpetuates a foolish stereotype of women being dependent on men for their protection, which is unacceptable. The fact that it's supposed to be a romantic comedy does not excuse its ineptitude.

The plot was severely lacking in substance and was unnecessarily repetitive. The female lead's constant injuries and near-death experiences were excessive and tiresome. It was frustrating to see her consistently behave like a child despite being an adult character. Overall, these aspects of the story detracted from the viewing experience and were quite frankly irritating.

I have to be honest, I absolutely detest the actress's one-dimensional performance. It's as if she's incapable of portraying anything beyond a ridiculously childish level. On top of that, there was absolutely zero chemistry between her and her male counterpart. They couldn't even manage to kiss properly! It was downright ridiculous. And although the male lead's acting was good, he didn't appeal to my personal taste. Of course, everyone has different preferences. But in my opinion, his performance and that of the other actors deserve a 5-star rating, while hers is a total zero.
.
The acting was subpar, and the casting was off. The makeup artist's inability to replicate the location of the pimples and the inconsistencies throughout the show only added to the flaws. Despite the sensitive topic of racial discrimination, the show managed to avoid acknowledging skin color, which was good.

To put it bluntly, there's nothing much positive to say about this show except there is a happy ending… somehow.

Read More