Reviews

Wow...nicely executed, this drama really keeps you on the edge of your seat and consistently engages your emotions in a such a way that will literally have your blood start boiling and eye balls glued to the screen as you anxiously wait to see what will happen next. Furthermore, the plot of this drama, while simple in design is built with so many individuals intertwine into one big storyline, one can't help but feel over-time the complexities that arises out of such a simple course of action...



Going further, what makes this drama so engaging is that it puts the human emotions and experience of betrayal, vengeance, love, family, friendship, and money into a universal context that possibly anyone can relate to. First and foremost is the betrayal. You may have experienced in life when you felt betrayed by the very people/person who trust and admire...simply being used up and tossed aside like trash...one can't help but feel betrayed thus leading one into seeking vengeance for the pain that one has experienced...it is only justice, right? "Eye for an eye", as the saying goes...they made you suffer, you've experienced emotional pain, now they will get a taste of their own medicine...there's an interesting double karma that occurs in this drama that really makes you think, "Could there have been a better course of actions?"...



Along the way in one's vendetta, you meet people or someone who brings love and friendship into your life...your heart wavers because you begin to fall in love with this person...what will you do, when your heart betrays you as well? Will you give up your vengeance for this person?...seems like a very plausible thing to do and just forget about everything while you're still trying to complete your master plan...will falling in love mess you up?



Family is also important as well, as your action may consequently affect everyone in it...as well as those who are connected to your family...however, what if your family hides a dark secret, will it still justify for your actions and vengeance? Often in the scheme for power, it is really about about the money, the Benjamins...as greed is quite an over-powering human desire for more of everything in life...after all, money is what makes the world go round, right?...I think...well not really in my opinion but nonetheless we need it in order to survive in our current societies.



If you're not into those sappy and sad dramas...this one will be a treat for you...it's a thriller filled with twist and turns and I think blends very well with the love plot between the individuals who create a love triangle that's rather interesting to watch and see it unfold.

Leia Mais

Cute little story! I'm surprised they got so much "skinship" around the Chinese censors and bans! Great actors with lovely chemistry (the chemistry is even more insane when off the screen). Cute script, interesting plot and plenty of funny moments. The only thing that would've made this series even more perfect for me was if the "seme/uke" relationship wasn't so strong, but at least both characters have some balls and keep challenging each other!

The drama is clearly low budget. You can tell by the costumes/props and at some point, it looks like a home-filmed thing. However! That does not subtract anything from the amount of pure substance in this piece ;)

Considering the Chinese government censors and all that, I'm very proud of what these people managed to put out!

Leia Mais

I was looking for a drama that is not just a rom com but a one that can stirred my emotions .. ALAS ! THIS WAS THE ONE !.. I just finished watching this drama and let me tell you .. this is one of my fav jap drama now :) ..

Its about a man who is forced to be a father and now living with his daughter .. This story revolves around this man ... few characters show up in his life and stays with him .. :) i love how this drama portrays gentleness and kindness in such a sweet manner..

Excellent acting from both main leads and their chemistry is very pure :) ... Another actor and character that i really liked was the young girl ... She did an outstanding job..

Another best thing i liked was the way writer captured my attention all throughout the drama.. I kept watching episodes one after the other in curiosity to what will happen next.. Story-line is very different and unpredictable .. It had me till the end ..

I liked jap dramas for how they show light and deep moments in such a simple way ... This drama touched my heart in so many places :D :D ... if you really wanted to watch something light yet deep and mature.. give it a go .. i am sure you will NOT regret it :)

Leia Mais

I watched this Drama a while ago and there is actutually a lot to say about it. At first it is one of the most beautyfull dramas i have seen so far. The acting is great and the music matches well with the scenes. I often have the problem that historical dramas get boring after a while and I see myself skipping some dialogues in order to go on to the more "interssting" parts. In the drama Hwang jin yi however this feeling wasn't there as much as in the other so i nearly watched every second of it. The only thing I didn't like that much was the sadness that you find yourself in while watching it. There are many scenes where I actually cried and that is the reason for me not to rewatch it that many times.... But that doesn't mean that it's not worth rewatching. The dances and the acting of Ha ji won in particular are sooo outstanding and in my opinion they portrait hwang jin yi soo good that all the time you get what she stands for, fights for and how great of a women she is. For all those who are interessted in Art this is a drama that leads them back to the past to discover what being an artist means.
To sum up this drama is valuable in acting, art (costumes are great) music and dancing also the storyline is interessting. The only thing you need to prepare yourself is getting a bunch of tissues ready as it gets really emotional ;)

Leia Mais

WHY did I watch this?

Season 2 of a series, regardless of its genre, should be reserved for a series that was highly successful and popular in its first season because of a memorable plot/storyline, solid acting, or good writing and directing, that left everyone wanting more.
Sadly, most of the series that have gotten a second season lately, especially Thai BLs, have been utterly disappointing (see for example "Love by Chance 2", "Tharn-Type season 2", "Love Area season 2", among others) as they couldn't overcome a myriad of flaws and some questionable acting and directing that left us viewers regretting our decision to watch.
Gen Y season 2 is NO exception despite what one reviewer (who has only watched 4 episodes) said about this being a wonderful show. It is NOT... Gen Y2 became 12 episodes of dull acting, bad directing, many storyline plots that were even more boring to watch and useless situations that were dealt with in usual BL fashion of not being dealt with at all. Here's why.

The storyline/plot:
This story seems to follow the concept of the original "2Moons" with Wayu (instead of Wayo), Kit and Pha remaining constants from that show and with virtually identical characters. The idea of having Wayu and Thanu as the main couple in season 2 was created by the plot of Pha leaving Wayu alone in season 1 and telling Thanu to take care of Wayu. It took all of season 1 and then nearly a third of season 2 to finally know that Pha is sick (I believe he had a sort of brain tumor judging by what Kit is reading while doing research on the disease) and is dying, so he leaves Wayu because he doesn't want him to see him like that. Really?! The love of your life and you just leave one day, ask another guy to "take care" of Wayu for you, and vanish into thin air without an explanation? So this was sinkhole #1 in the plot.

Then Kit and Mark have their own issues... the cat and mouse game Kit plays in season 1 by rejecting Mark's advances and flirting until he finally breaks his walls and accepts that he likes Mark, shift into Mark and Kit having a dull relationship (in my opinion) with Mark acting cute all the time because of how much he loves Kit and the other trying to restrain himself and control Mark's personality at the same time. And then, they drift apart when Kit applies for a scholarship abroad (one of the usual Thai BL clichés) and decides is better to take some time apart from seeing Mark to make sure both get used to living apart from each other. Really?! If I knew I was leaving to study abroad, I would have spent every single second I could possibly spend with my loved one before I had to leave, not the opposite... Kit is basically training Mark (and himself) to be alone in case he leaves but both spend countless episodes crying and sighing because they miss each other. So this was sinkhole #2.

Pha reappears early in this season but is to reveal he is dying. This takes Kit on a quest to save him, trying to apply for an experimental study in the US, neglecting Mark and almost everything else to save Pha. Thanu feels sad about his friend and also a bit guilty by "keeping" Wayu. And Wayu has no clue of what is happening at first, until Sandee (more on him later) reveals the truth, making Wayu feel guilty about being mad at Pha for what he thought was just Pha breaking up with him and then compensating by staying with Pha all the time at the hospital, feeling a bit angry because nobody told him about Pha's health, and then guilty again for having feelings for Thanu while Pha is dying. We had to watch nearly entire episodes of these scenarios I mentioned above and they became quite boring after a while as nothing was developing with the other couples and Wayu-Thanu-Pha kept this love triangle from dying out. Finally, Pha does end up dying (in a poorly edited scene with Pha's mother saying "he is gone", but then Wayu, Kit and Thanu going in the room to find he is actually alive, before he finally dies) which released us from watching Wayu suffer because he loves Thanu but wants to take care of Pha. So this was sinkhole #3.

Sandee is the bad guy (I guess) of this season as he tries to "fix" the couples to what he thinks is best. Thanu with Phai and then also messing with the Tong-Pok couple because Tong switched his grade with Pok's so he could be accepted in the university. Ok, I get you're angry at Tong because your grade was switched... but when Sandee confesses to Phai about what he did and then in episode 12 when he talks to Pok, he reveals the switch didn't affect either of them as the grades were identical. Really?! You went through all the mess of threatening and blackmailing Tong, being outcasted by your group of friends, having Pok beat you up a little, and for what? In the end the switch didn't make a difference! And then trying to put Thanu and Phai together serves no purpose in the series as Phai already made it clear he will not interfere in the Thanu-Wayu relationship, so what... Sandee likes Phai? Maybe... Sandee just wants to play matchmaker due to his distorted idea of what love should be (all the fate-destiny crap he and Phai talked about since season 1) Maybe... but we never know for sure. So this was sinkhole #4.

Pok and Tong have an almost toxic relationship with Tong refusing to kiss as he is "saving that for his real love"... great... but his conservative nearly puritan perspective goes to hell when both are being fuckbuddies and doing nearly everything (including the shower scene before they break up) but with Tong still refusing to kiss. They lack communication, they let Sandee influence them quite easily, they never listen to the rest of their friends and then all is solved in episodes 11 and 12 when they each find out the truth (from someone else), Sandee apologizes, and all is well in the world of Pok and Tong. So this was sinkhole #5.

Then we have the secondary characters who have nothing to do. Jack and Ko could have been the best side couple of this season as the actors worked together as a couple in "My Mate Match" but they barely get screen time with all the characters in this series. At least they have a decent and cute ending... We also have the mystery that Padbok was in this show. He was constantly fighting with Thanu in season 1 for what he thought was his friend's betrayal... but then he disappears in season 2 with the excuse of him taking care of his sick father. He briefly appears in the waste of episode when the whole cast dresses up for the mini-plays but leaves after literally 10 seconds when he sees that Thanu will be involved in the scene as well. Then in episode 12 he listens to Thanu and Wayu, then Jack and Jew confirm the story and what could have been solved in about 2 minutes of the show, ended up being solved until the last 10 minutes of the season. Not sure if Junior (the actor who played Padbok) was busy with the new BL he will lead (something called "Boxer in Heart" where he will play the main couple along with Tiger from "My Engineer" and "Top Secret Together") but his absence in this season was made even more evident by the choppy scenes he had to film to solve his problems with Thanu. The rest of the characters either play matchmakers or provide some sort of comedic relief but they barely add anything to the story. Phai more or less gives some good advice to Kit in a few episodes but nothing that good. So this was sinkhole #6.

The acting:
Sadly, most of the actors, while attractive, have fallen in the same sort of roles. Bas (playing Wayu) is stuck with the suffering damsel in distress character that needs a big strong man like Pha or Thanu to help him and all his characters have that similar feeling. Kimmon (playing Mark) and Copter (playing Kit) have fallen in the playful/flirty character (Mark) and the serious, uptight, centered character (Kit). Bank (playing Sandee) and Pon (playing Phai) were nothing like their characters from "The Moment" and "The Moment Since" where they had some soul and personality, here both were quite dull. Big (playing Pha) had mostly bed-ridden scenes in the hospital and maybe he was also focusing on his support role in "Something in My Room" (where he doesn't appear much either and his character is quite weird) but his scenes playing a sick man were forgettable. The other Bank (playing Pok) and Bonus (playing Tong) could have used some acting directions as they had some of the most intense scenes, whether having sex or arguing, in the series, but they didn't convince me much. The rest were just there.

In the end, Gen Y 2 ended up being another disappointment in what is becoming a long list of disappointments now, as companies are just producing BLs because they see them as profitable or trendy but don't bother too much in terms of quality. So, yeah, avoid this season if you can.

Leia Mais

I didn't expect that watching this series would turn into a nightmare. The first episodes really interested me. The plot was presented in an interesting way and the acting seemed to be bearable. I thought I really made a good choice by clicking on this series. However, with more and more newer episodes, the drama started to bore me. I was less and less eager to reach for the next sections. In the middle of the series, I experienced great disappointment. The drama had nothing to offer me that would attract my attention. The series was very well thought out. The idea was excellent, but the performance was quite boring and dull. I am sorry that I have such feelings after watching this drama. Unfortunately, I didn't like the series. As far as music is concerned, there is only the leading melody, which falls into the ear, but after listening to it for a longer time, one gets bored and starts to get upset.

Leia Mais

Good News: Hijacked by Humor

I did not have any previous knowledge of the real-life 1970s hijacking, so when I learned that Good News is inspired by true events, I was expecting a heavy drama. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this was not only an action film but also a black comedy that leaned heavily on the satire.

The film definitely embraced the comedic genre, often following intense scenes with witty dialogue, physical humor and absurd scenarios when least expected. The back and forth between the two tones felt like a rollercoaster ride, providing enough laughs to break the previously built tension, but always maintaining an underlying sense of urgency, never allowing the viewers to fully let their guards down.

This film's bold use of unconventional music and sometimes "over-the-top" visual effects works perfectly with the narrative and makes Good News stand out among many others in this genre. Although the balance of dramatic and comedic scenes was masterfully calculated, the film's length was a significant drawback. Around the halfway point, the narrative began to drag, and a quicker pace would have improved the viewing experience.

Despite a runtime that could have been shorter, don't let the serious premise discourage you. It's a surprisingly entertaining watch, thanks to its masterful use of music and visual effects, and its clever way of blurring the line between suspense and comedy.

Overall: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Enjoyability: 3.5/5

Leia Mais

m I want to say born to be Alive drama is really. really so good drama

"Born to Be Alive" is not just another drama; it is a profound journey of resilience, love, and the human spirit. From the very first episode to Episode 28, the series has consistently delivered a high-quality cinematic experience that keeps the audience emotionally invested.
​The Brilliance of Yang Zi's Performance
Once again, Yang Zi proves why she is one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Her portrayal is nuanced and deeply moving. In the early episodes, we see her character’s vulnerability and struggles, but as the story progresses toward Episode 28, her growth is remarkable. Yang Zi has this unique ability to convey complex emotions through just her eyes. Whether it is a moment of silent grief or a burst of joyful hope, she makes the audience feel every heartbeat of her character. Her dedication to the role is evident in every frame, making the character feel like a real person we want to protect and root for.
​Compelling Storytelling and Pacing
The plot of "Born to Be Alive" is meticulously crafted. It doesn’t rely on cheap tropes; instead, it builds tension and emotional depth naturally. The transition from the introductory episodes to the climax of the current arc in Episode 28 has been seamless. Each episode serves a purpose, peeling back layers of the characters’ pasts and their motivations. The themes of overcoming adversity and finding light in the darkest of times are explored with great sensitivity. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced challenges in life.
​High Production Value
The cinematography and art direction deserve immense praise. Each scene is beautifully shot, with a color palette that perfectly complements the mood of the story. The soundtrack is also hauntingly beautiful, elevating the emotional stakes of the drama. The attention to detail in the costumes and set designs shows the high production value that went into making this series a visual treat.
​Addressing the Unfair Criticism
It is disheartening to see targeted 1-star reviews and malicious comments aimed at bringing down such a high-quality production. True viewers who have followed the journey from Episode 1 to Episode 28 can attest to the excellence of this drama. The negative "review bombing" does not reflect the reality of the show's brilliance. "Born to Be Alive" stands as a testament to the hard work of the entire cast and crew.
​Conclusion
As we reach Episode 28, the drama has only gotten stronger. It is a powerful, inspiring, and beautifully acted series that deserves all the accolades it receives. If you are looking for a story that touches your heart and showcases world-class acting, this is it. Don't let the noise of the detractors distract you from this masterpiece. Highly recommended! 10/10.

Leia Mais

1) The reason I watched this:

I watched this drama ages ago. At the time, I didn't have reasons to watch dramas, I only watch anything that seems interesting.
This drama was one of the first Korean dramas that I saw and one of the fewest melodramas that I was invested in.

2) Storyline/Plot:

It's a melodrama so you can prepare yourself for crying and so but I have to point out that the story wasn't like any other melodrama that I've seen before.

Positive points:

*The beginning of the drama was well explained plus script writers did a great job when it comes to the storyline's development.
*The feelings were mixed up in a way that we could get in touch with an amazing burst of emotions.
*Sad events were very emotional in a way that would touch the heart and soul.

Negative points:

*I always thought that this drama was way too emotional to the point that it may fall into other common tragedies.

Story: 8.5/10

3)Acting/Cast:

Generally speaking, this dramas actors knew how to deliver feelings in a perfect way allowing us to feel pain, suffer, sadness and the injustice of life. The lead actress attracted my intention by her great acting skills.

Cast: 8/10
Acting: 8.5/10

4) The ending:

Heartbreaking yet awesome, I wouldn't like it if it ended otherwise because it fits the drama's genre perfectly.

The ending: 9/10

5) My impression (How did it affect me):

*I don't actually like melodramas but this one was a great exception.
*Considering the fact that I watched this ten years ago, this is an unforgettable drama that will never die.
*I felt sadness while watching this drama and the friend who watched it with me didn't stop crying the whole drama.

My impression: 9/10

6) Overall:

*If you like tragedies and impossible love stories than you would love this.
*If you're into tearjerker melodramas then this is for you.

Overall: 8.5/10.

Leia Mais

Bargaining for Love

My Bargain Queen is an office-romance drama that is set in the beautiful port city of Tianjin, China. The premise is based on two industries that are disparate in nature but not mutually exclusive - the bargaining or negotiation consultative services and the hotel business. There is a significant shift to an online bargaining business model towards the latter episodes.

The plot revolves primarily around the romances of the characters involved in those lines of work as well as the people around them. In addition to the romance with all its associated tropes and the light comedy,, we also have the business aspects, slice-of-life elements as well as some measure of angst and tragic circumstances (in the backstory) as well.

This production which completed principal photography in October 2020 is aired simultaneously on Dragon TV as well as Youku streaming platform, among other regional broadcasters and streamers. The screenplay is adapted from the novel of the same name (我的砍价女王) by The Sleeping Meow (睡懒觉的喵), a nom de plume. The Ritz-Carlton in Tianjin is featured as the site of the fictional Evergreen Hotel while a number of scenes were filmed at The Happy Valley Theme Park. Kenny Lin reunites with Nicky Wu since Scarlet Heart (2011) while Wu Jin Yan and Wang He Run last collaborated on Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures in 2019.

The production quality is well above average for this contemporary setting due to the posh set designs of The Ritz-Carlton. As expected of a rom-com, warmer colours and soft filters are applied generously in the visuals, with which I have no problems. The cinematography is generally adequate but there are some editing issues as well as certain scenes being cut which affect scene transitions but thankfully without impacting on the flow of the story.

The story works well when focusing on the business aspects, with some interestingly written subplots on the business rivalries and workplace machinations. The romance is decently developed, in particular for the main and secondary CPs. The family dynamics, in particular the FL’s mother, appears somewhat overemphasised while the inclusion of the dreaded angst from the third CP detracts from the initial positivity and feel-good vibes. The 40-episode length does give the overall impression of being drawn out for a romantic drama of this nature. Contemporary C-dramas really should consider shortening the production to perhaps 30 episodes or even less.

I went into this drama for Wu Jin Yan whom I’ve been a fan of since Story of Yanxi Palace and Legend of Hao Lan. She performs commendably here as the FL Xia Qian where her mature disposition and her own voice dubbing suits the role perfectly. The consistency of the characterization isn’t without its flaws especially towards the closing stages, which I attribute to the screenplay. Kenny Lin plays the ML Sheng Zhe Ning, who starts off as a cold and stoic hotel CEO that eventually evolves into a warm and somewhat adorable personality. Both Wu Jin Yan and Kenny Lin complement each other very well together with the right maturity levels and convincing chemistry that makes them a compelling OTP.

Nicky Wu and Wang He Run portray the SML Qin He Bo and SFL Fu Shuang Shuang respectively as the second CP of the show. Theirs is the age-gap romance which, to me, comes across as natural and organic in depiction and development. The only issue I have is Nicky Wu’s voice or rather his enunciation which lacks clarity at times. Wang He Run’s character has a significant story arc which contributes to a degree of growth that provides an additional dimension to her portrayal.

The supporting characters of He Zhi Juan and Ning Meng, respectively played by Ma Si Chao and Song Yi Xing are the main issues in the drama for me. On top of the characterization being poorly conceived, being used to create over-dramatic angst in the plot particularly at a very late stage does scream of lazy scriptwriting. The controversy giving rise to the drama isn’t particularly convincing and, to make matters worse, I feel the acting from these two actors is extremely weak. Ma Si Chao does not resemble a medical practitioner that he portrays and every time he speaks, he sounds out of breath like he is hyperventilating. Some portion of the blame has to be placed on the direction for this. Song Yi Xing’s acting isn’t the most riveting either but for all intents and purposes, she does succeed in making Ning Meng the most infuriating character in the drama. In some ways, I suppose these two do match each other as third CP and annoying couple from hell.

The soundtrack for this drama features warm mellow ballads while the BGM is well-suited although somewhat lacking in variation. I do however enjoy the creatively-rendered title sequence and the accompanying opening instrumental theme. Full OST listing as follows:

Warming Slowly 慢慢热 by Wu Jinyan 吴谨言
To the One Who Loved 致爱的人 by Lin Zike 林子珂
Child 小孩 by Chen Xijun 陈希郡

All things considered, My Bargain Queen is not a bad option to choose, especially if you’re a fan of the leads and in the mood for a light workplace romance. However 40 episodes is a commitment and the slight inclusion of melodramatic elements may dampen the mood at certain points. Proceed with caution but, for the most part, I did enjoy the overall storytelling of the drama.

Leia Mais

I was lucky enough to see this wonderful movie the day before I deactivated my Netflix account ( I am not a Netflix fan, LOL). The chemistry between Hung Jae In and Kim Go Eun gave me goosebumps, their acting was the perfect choice for this movie. The storyline develops on the base of how music changes throughout the years and also over a radio program that both of them love since the very first day of airing, like all of their lives are based on this program. Actually different from the classic Korean movies where everything is funny and cheesy because in this movie isn't all about love, but mostly about hardships of life and the difficult moments and problems that all of us faces and touches problem like the prisons and the betrayal in a couple... But music makes everything softer for all the movie length!
The themes are also more mature than other K-Movies, and that's the wonderful thing. Absolutely needs worth a try for watch, these are two hours but really well spent!

Leia Mais

Love Triangle with Impressive Characters & Story

Among the recent Chinese historical mystery and detective dramas I've watched, Under the Moonlight stands out as the most realistic. Unlike many other series that feature elaborate and sophisticated murders, this drama focuses on crimes driven by greed and corruption—reflecting a more grounded and plausible portrayal of society. The production quality is impressive, with exquisite attention to detail in the costumes and set design. The music and background settings are authentic, elaborate, and meticulously crafted.

Plot Summary
Luo Shu (Hu Bing Qing) was sold to the Qin family and later to a brothel as a child after losing her parents in a fire. Ever since, she has attempted escaping, but a hidden force continuously prevents her from leaving. One day, with the help of County Commissioner Han Mu Zhi (He Peng), who is drawn to her intelligence and courage, she finally manages to break free. Recognizing her keen observation and wit, Han Mu Zhi enlists her help in solving a case where women seeking divine blessings for pregnancy are deceived and impregnated by men posing as disciples of the gods. Due to the shame associated with such crimes, no victims had previously come forward. Luo Shu plays a crucial role in bringing down the criminal organization, after which she requests assistance in restoring her status as a commoner to escape the lowest caste of society.

To protect her from being recaptured by the brothel while awaiting her official documents, Han Mu Zhi allows her to stay at the commissioner’s station. Over time, Luo Shu becomes an unofficial constable, using her sharp mind to assist Han Mu Zhi in solving numerous local crimes. They fall in love with each other.

Setting and Themes
Set in the Ming Dynasty, when societal norms were deeply conservative and women were discouraged from appearing in public, Luo Shu disguises herself as a man to conduct investigations. Although most people around her are aware of her true identity, Qi Meng Lin (Zhai Zi Lu), a spoiled brat from a wealthy and powerful family, remains oblivious, leading to humorous and endearing interactions. As the story unfolds, Qi Meng Lin eventually discovers her identity and falls in love with her as well, leading to a love triangle and delightful dynamic between the three.

Unlike many mystery thrillers that revolve around intricate and sensational murder plots, Under the Moonlight presents cases that feel authentic—crimes such as spousal murders, neighbor disputes, cheating, and human trafficking. The drama effectively portrays a rigid class hierarchy where the wealthy wield power with impunity while the poor are trampled upon with no voice. Luo Shu’s ability to solve these cases through keen observation and critical thinking is depicted realistically, making her journey even more compelling.

Characters and Acting
Since I am not very familiar with the lead actors, my evaluation is based purely on their performances in this drama.

Luo Shu (Hu Bing Qing)
Luo Shu is portrayed as brave, intelligent, and selfless. Hu Bing Qing brings the character to life, though at times, I find her facial expressions somewhat lacking. Certain emotional moments—such as fear, anger, and sorrow—could have been conveyed more vividly. It’s unclear whether this was a deliberate choice in writing or a limitation in the acting, but a greater range of emotions would have added depth to her performance.

Qi Meng Lin (Zhai Zi Lu)
Of all the characters, Qi Meng Lin is my favorite. Zhai Zi Lu delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the essence of a young, spoiled, and narcissistic nobleman who remains optimistic despite the challenges he faces. His interactions with his servant, Lian Shu (Yu Yao), are particularly amusing—Lian Shu, despite being a servant, essentially controls Qi Meng Lin’s finances and frequently reprimands him for his extravagant spending. Their dynamic adds a lighthearted and charming element to the show.

Han Mu Zhi (He Peng)
Han Mu Zhi is a principled and serious man who despises corruption and refuses to bow to the powerful. However, He Peng's portrayal comes across as somewhat rigid, with minimal facial expressions, making him appear almost robotic at times. Given He Peng’s strong performance in The Untamed as Wen Chao, I suspect this stiffness is an intentional aspect of the character rather than a flaw in the acting. Nonetheless, subtle moments of emotion—particularly regarding Luo Shu—hint at a deeper complexity beneath his stoic exterior.

There are several morally ambiguous characters whose true nature remains difficult to discern. The writers skillfully use both character development and acting performances to maintain this sense of uncertainty, keeping viewers engaged until the final reveal.

Final Thoughts
The historical authenticity enhances the viewing experience, making it one of the most visually immersive dramas. The costumes for all characters are carefully designed and highly believable, contributing to the overall realism of the show.

Among the contemporaneous dramas I’m watching (including Flourished Peony and Everlasting Longing), Under the Moonlight is my favorite. The story is highly relatable, and the acting, despite some inconsistencies, is the best among them. I thoroughly enjoyed the series.

Unfortunately, it remains underrated on MyDramaList, with only a small audience recognizing its brilliance. If you’re looking for a well-crafted historical mystery with realistic cases and compelling characters, Under the Moonlight is a hidden gem worth watching.

Highly recommended!

Leia Mais

I finished the drama recently and I must say, I was not disappointed
I will try not to spoil the drama but if you have read the novel, it follows quite closely :-)
Story
I read the novel, and was really hyped when i heard that it finally got picked up into a drama. But if you haven’t read the novel, don’t worry, it’s something refreshing and heartwarming to watch (of course with a little twists and turns along the way). Characters are really well-developed. No overly clingy characters here like most dramas, side characters play a major part of the story too!! Towards the ending, I felt like it was really rushed? But nonetheless, i enjoyed the drama overall:)
Acting/Cast
The female lead’s acting really caught my attention. This is her first main role she has, and she pulled it off super well, her emotions she showed amazed me.
The other actors are amazing as well, although some of them are first-timers, they pulled it off smoothly!!
10/10
Music
not much to say here but it isn’t overplayed like in most dramas and quite soothing too
Rewatch Value
If I ever need a drama to rewatch, I can see myself coming back to watch it. (That’s how the good the drama is）
Overall
One of the best dramas i’ve watched in awhile :) Give it a try!!

Leia Mais