mikrokosmos228

I'm rewatching after the initial watch a year ago, mostly scenes of the leads together, as well as any with Duke Su and I'm still impressed. The drama demonstrates all the best elements this type of drama has to offer: stunning leads, strong acting and script, commanding direction (those close-up shots!), pulsing music, and gorgeous, lush cinemotography. Not to mention such talent, especially Wang Xingyue who is able to carry so much gravitas for someone so young. With such focus watch, I was able to fully observe and truly enjoy the gradual shift in the leads' relationship over the course of the drama, especially from Duke Su's lens, from intrigue and spectator, to actively assisting, and their mutual exchange of trust and support between all that flirting. Such great watch.

This drama deserves more views and higher rating. It defies all that I know of vertical dramas, which are often a hot mess with makjang plot filled with villains who are bonkers; whereas this is a complete rom-com and a high-quality one at that. It's the little every day moments of their marriage that draws you in. I adore how he holds her head in comfort; it's the sweetest. But he is also such a tease lol. These two absolutely put a huge smile on my face.

I want more dark and delicious Cheng Lei a la My Journey to You. He can side-eye me anytime.

Aside from the fight sequences, I also really like the stance each player takes, whether in preparation for the fight or to signify a killing blow. Each appear to have this unique approach to how they dance around their opponent; feels like a work of art.

Yokohama Ryusei cameo caught me completely off guard in episode 6! It's also my favorite episode; left me feeling stoked for Chapter 2.

I'm sure this has been said before but this is probably the most aesthetically pleasing drama I've seen. Half the time I'm distracted by everything and everyone; even the extras are gorgeous lol. And the other half is like an internal battle between thinking how cute the leads are as a couple and figuring out who's prettier in any given scene: the female lead or the male lead lol.

Ok that scallion pancake reveal had me audibly going OHHHHH. I thought the earlier scene was comical/cute with how he casually tossed out that monumental statement. But now it all makes sense. That's incredibly sweet.

Aside from the acting and music, what I like about this show is how well it is directed and produced. The excellent production quality transforms what could have been campy, even potentially cringe scenes involving dark magic stuff into something you could completely immerse yourself in as a viewer. Combine that with Cheng Lei who is magnetic in anything he's in and Song Yi with her understated grace, it's a good watch overall. When he drinks her blood, for instance, yes it feeds (no pun intended) into certain romantic fantasies but it is also strange and mysterious and fascinating. And the fight sequences throughout the drama are exhilarating. I love that our couple kick ass independently and together. I especially like the last stretch. I always enjoy dramas like this because it allows for resetting of the relationship. I like watching the leads fall in love all over again and this part is especially memorable. Cheng Lei is incredible. He carries so much gravitas. I like him best as Prince Annan. Not that I didn't like him as Jin'An. He is amusing and the way he follows her around like a puppy is sweet. I'm smiling recalling the way he got super excited over a shooting star lol. But as Prince Annan he has this commanding presence that I could get lost in; not to mention such a feast on the eyes. The pacing could definitely be better but in the last stretch I didn't want the drama to end. All in all, a great watch. Also, shout out to the healer couple!

The kiss scene in episode 25 has such a wow factor. I know this drama is liberal with intimate scenes but that was the first in a while and totally worth the wait. The way he looks in those braids... the way she's embarassed but too curious to not ask about their soul manor and his cheeky "very often" response lol. And then the kiss in the water where they're both clearly flushed with all that dripping water. Artfully sensual.

I just started Shadow Love and him at 15:33 is fine AF. I don't know how I'm going to survive the rest of the drama lol.

I had difficulty getting into this drama in the beginning; the intros of so many characters had me spinning. And then I hear the stuff that comes out of this girl's mouth LOL. I am glad I stuck around because it's getting so good now. What he said in episode 11 was so unexpected my jaw must have hit the floor. Still swooning over it.

I absolutely loved Yoona's portrayal of the female lead here. I love how much of a rock star the chef character is and she clearly demonstrates why she is such a successful one at that. And she actually uses her skills from the modern world to navigate the Joseon world. I think being a top chef isn't just about making wonderful food but requires executive leadership skills and she has it on full display; competently leading a team and commanding the room where ever she goes. It cracks me up how she knows when she got 'em in the taste buds. Also, I'm both delighted and impressed to find myself never tired of watching Lee Chae Min in utter bliss whenever he's tasting her marvelous food LOL.

The way these two struggled over the most mundane things, all in an effort to please each other, is both hilarious and super adorable!

No matter the angle, his gaze makes me feel as if he can burn the screen all the way to the fourth dimension. Like hot damn...

Aside from the second leads who have incredible chemistry, what I enjoyed about this drama is the fight sequences. Each has this film like quality; smooth and artistic.

I remember how wild we were over this drama, like a viral drama before viral dramas were a thing. The build up is so good and the payoff is even better. Ji Chang Wook at his finest; other actors come and go but he will remain my favorite.

Such a classic. Still one of a kind after all these years.

Omg, this is so entertaining. They will cross so many lines and have you glued to the screen. This female lead is a tour de force. Such a good enemies to lovers drama!

This film's soundtrack and cinematography are stellar. The friendships feel authentic. And the story is filled with both gripping suspense and exhilarating action. And because of that I find the rating here awfully underrated.

Teenage Harumichi and Yae are soooo precious. The romance as adults isn't as compelling to me, but I do like Yae as a character; the story behind her struggles is unexpectedly quite moving.