Completed
Twelve
88 people found this review helpful
Sep 14, 2025
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 3.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 1.5
This review may contain spoilers

12? Doesnt even deserve a 5. One of the worst of the year

Sad and crappy doesnt even sum up how i feel about this drama. ANd they have the gulls to tease us of a second season?

Putting Ma Dong Seok Park Hyung Sik and Seo in Guk in one drama got me so excited although right at the beginning i had reservations why Seo in Guk wasnt used enough in the trailers to sell the drama. Netizens say give the series a chance, and why not? The show promises an epic battle between angels and demons - and who isnt intrigued to see Park Hyung Sik in a differnet role. Sadly the show didnt deliver at all and was such a disappointment and my fears were realized as SIG is actually just a second fiddle and PHS wasnt actually the villain.

I dont even know how much the actors got paid for them to accept working in this trash. Didnt they (or dont they pay people to) read the script before signing up? They should be firing their agents and managers.

BAD WIGS. BAD COSTUMES. BAD MAKEUP. BAD ACTING. BAD PRODUCTION DESIGN. BAD SPECIAL EFFECTS. BAD SCRIPT. BAD STORYTELLING. BAD FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY. if someone confesses that this show is made entirely by bad AI, i would totally believe it.

There was literally NO ONE among the characters to love and get attached to.

And to the cinematographers and editors and special effects people out there please take note that this kind of weird ugly colorgrading and filters and smoke cloudy effects are not fooling anyone and its not hiding how poor the visual effects are. they just make it worse.

Is there anything good? Nothing.

This is the lowest grade Ive ever given a Korean drama. It is that bad. Stay away like your life depends on it.

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Completed
In a Class of Her Own
88 people found this review helpful
Aug 17, 2020
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 6
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

The Scent of a Woman

I was sold on this drama the moment I eyeballed the three hot main dudes - I mean what's not to like about a light and funny drama with some serious eye candy? But somehow this morphed from just another fun and light young adult comedy into a hilarious and empowering story of friendship and the shining idealism of youth that made a deeper than expected impression on me.

Xue Wenxi disguises herself as her brother Wenbin to support her family as a talented copywriter and author of illicit romantic fiction. A chance encounter and a series of mishaps leads to her reluctant enrollment at the prestigious Yunshang Academy. There she becomes the glue that bonds the "Yunshang Four" an uncommon friendship between the scholarly and noble Feng Chengjun, the savvy Yu Lexuan and the rebellious Lei Zexin. Together they prevail over many coming of age challenges and overcome past secrets and misdeeds of the previous generation.

In a departure from the acclaimed Korean adaption (which I did not watch), this Chinese version portrays an unmistakably feminine version of Wenbin, from the casting of the very petite and lovely Ju Jingyi as Wenbin to surrounding her with uncommonly tall male leads. If you are unable to suspend disbelief that she is not busted as a girl on day one, then your time is better spent on the earlier version. If you get overly hung up on how she looks, you will not enjoy the witty script and brilliant comedic rapport between the leads nor appreciate the more important themes that this adaptation chooses to focus on instead. The casting visibly illustrates the daunting physical challenges Wenbin faces in an academy that has an equally vigorous physical curriculum. 

What I love most about this drama is that it avoids sending the message that in order succeed in a man's world, a woman must look like a man and act like one too. It points out multiple times throughout the drama that Wenbin is a beautiful and delicate gentleman. It is clearly on the edge of everyone's consciousness that he is a girl because all of the boys are drawn to her like bees to a honeypot and when her gender is revealed no one faints from shock. Indeed one of my favorite early moments is the look on Chengjun's face when he sniffs her and gets his first whiff of the scent of a woman. It is unmistakable, all of those boys sense it but no self respecting dude is going to blurt out the unthinkable and ruin the fun of having a girl on campus! Our Wenbin revels in being herself, a young girl - at times she is annoying as hell - naggy, bitchy, petty, jealous but most of the time she is mischievous, charming, sensitive and comforting. For me, it is much more fun to watch a girl having a blast just being herself at an all-boys school than watching the tired routine of a woman trying to fit in by aping a man. 

The script is very cleverly written and funny and the characters are so lovable and relateable they all give me that magical deja vu of people I know. I am floored by the seamless interactions and comedic timing between the cast as witty banter is conveyed in as much via body language and facial expressions as it is in words. The humor is just my speed - a slightly wicked roasting of all too familiar human emotions, traits and rites of passage. This is a heavily character driven drama with very satisfying character growth. The headmaster is priceless and is the show's true unsung hero. The pacing however gets hijacked by too many (albeit hilarious) comedic sketches without plot advancement to the point it drags slightly in the middle. And then everything happens a bit too quickly at the end as the romance peaks at almost at the same time the conspiracy is revealed. It could be better balanced if Wenbin's reveal happens earlier and without toying with Han Shumin's heart - it is unnecessary angst and a small stain on Chengjun's character and judgment.

Chengjun and Wenbin are smitten with each other from the beginning and their attraction and chemistry grows convincingly into something that hilariously both thrills and terrifies Chengjun. He is not my pick of the three but it is clear that his patience, wisdom and quiet indulgence is the perfect foil for the more high strung, impetuous and sometimes willful Wenbin. And her intelligence, lively and infectious sense of humor and mischief rescues him from being boring. It is a good match. Sadly my personal choice, the clever and diabolically cheeky Lexuan appears subtly more into Zexin than Wenbin. He is by far the most layered, complicated and thus interesting character. Zexin has the most character growth but would never work with Wenbin - they would just bring out the worst of their mutual immaturity, quick temper and impulsiveness. For me, their comaraderie and unflinching support for each other as they find the courage of their own convictions is far more riveting than the romance. My weary old soul is unaccountably moved by the youthful idealism and sense of justice and equality that culminates in a moving Oh Captain My Captain moment. It is also amazing that they got away with student protests, vigilante justice, and even subversive propaganda.

There is at least one hilarious laugh out loud moment in literally every episode of this drama that has men clammoring to follow the scent of a woman to the female version of Yunshang Academy! I haven't enjoyed myself so much in a long time. Sure there are flaws but think about watching this as like having a fling and not till death do us part; no need to over analyze, just go along, get along and enjoy the ride. This is overall a 9.0 for me but on just enjoyment factor alone I would call it a 9.5/10.0.

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Completed
The King 2 Hearts
88 people found this review helpful
Jun 9, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
Originally, I expected this Drama to turn out like all the others; just a love story that hits all the major cliches and ends when the two main characters finally get together. After the first episode, I became OBSESSED with this show. It was amazing.
The cinematography was perfect, the story was well written, and the actors fit their roles well. The best part about its drama was definitely the characters and their relationships.
I love how the writers developed each of the main characters, but not so much that they were predictable. They grew along with the story, changing for the best, but also remaining true to their original selves. Character relationships grew in complexity and each one of them served a different purpose throughout.
There are very few dramas or TV shows that add so many sub-plots within the story. Normally, there's just one main plot line and two or three smaller sub-plots that rarely appear in all the episodes. However, this drama had quite a few and managed to show the watcher how it was progressing in every episode. I think that's what really made this show shine.
Lastly, I really loved the emotional value of this drama. It made me laugh, cry, scream at the screen and tear my hair out in frustration- all at once. Kudos to the writers for managing that.
There were a few parts I thought could have been done better; for example, a few character motives didn't quite make sense- but overall the King 2 hearts is really a masterpiece. There is no doubt that I am going to rewatch it.

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Completed
Oh! My Sweet Liar!
75 people found this review helpful
Oct 3, 2020
29 of 29 episodes seen
Completed 9
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Complementing couple; Faithful Love; Outstanding Production

Don't sleep on this drama! Perfectly all I wanted in 1 drama. I want to rave how good this is in the hopes more people will give this drama a watch.

Unlike the trailer or the opening theme or the ending theme.. this drama is NOT frivolous or cheesy or over-the-top comedy. It has drama but not melodramatic, the romance between the leads naturally developed and tug at your heart strings..sometimes cute and sweet but always very believable. Theres silly antics and some good humour too.

The direction is spot on. Because all the scenes come out beautifully. What makes this drama special is because you dont expect it to move you BUT it does. All the emotional scenes are well crafted and well acted out. I become FL and ML's champion, I root for them, I care for them. I'm with them every step of the way and truly invested.

The cinematography is gorgeous. Their wedding scenes was grand and beautiful. Many backdrops at the manor was picturesque.

The true star of the drama is how beautiful the writer wrote Xi Ruo and Hong Bin's love. Almost tongue in cheek because Xi Ruo is the 'sweet liar'. Yet she comes clean and confess to ML before the wedding. Unlike other contract or fake marriages, both leads are a picture of happiness during the wedding because there is already affection and attraction. Even as XR still harbors secrets, HB isnt oblivious or stupid but gives time and space to XR.

I love when HB said to XR " To believe you or not, is up to me. But to trust me or not, is up to you". And from the moment he took her hand in marriage he has always chose to trust her. He exemplifies how a husband should be: trust, respect, cherish, protect and love his wife. Throw in his puppy face..thats a bonus.

So all the antagonists, all the hard moments, as watchers they dont become frustrating because XR and HB never falter. Time and time again we even get surprised by the neat plot.

Hong Bin and Xi Ruo is such a complementing couple and they truly give off lovers, husband wife vibes. Kudos to the leads and their acting as well as Director Cheng that helmed this amazing production.

I hope other dramas can learn from this drama. Lovers who only have eyes for each other, hearts never waver and whose relationship is built on communication and trust. And emphasized background is not important and the meaning of family. Perfect Perfect Perfect all around. The stamp of humour just makes it more fun. Its now time to rewatch again.

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Completed
In Your Heart
75 people found this review helpful
Mar 5, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

Spoiler that shouldn't be a spoiler because it's a Trigger Warning

It's insanely rare and nothing short of a miracle to have anything LGBT+ related when it comes to China. It was enough reason for me to watch it so that we get more.

It didn't have a big budget, of course, but I liked it for the most part. I was going to give it a 7/10.

But, then . . . They went the route of Addicted. A.K.A. There was a forced scene.

I'm giving it a 6/10 trying to push that aside in my mind and act like it didn't happen. I shouldn't have to! Because why the hell did you guys have to do that? Why?

Things were going well. The group of friends was fun together, it was light-hearted, and the two MLs were sweet together.

You let about a minute of screen time taint an otherwise fine and enjoyable drama. What a waste.

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Completed
Head over Heels
133 people found this review helpful
Aug 3, 2025
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

It's okay but not a must-watch

A fast paced drama that will keep you entertained, but the end is a bit messy.
The first part was interesting and really well done, but then Bongsu shows up and that's when the show starts derailing. Now I must say that I find Bongsu a very fun character to watch, the problem is that the initial story has nothing to do with him. I feel like the first part of the show is about Seong A struggling with being a shaman and having a personal/school life and falling in love with Gyeonu, the unlucky boy that hates shaman and Seong A is trying to save from dying. The second part of the show is about Bongsu and they just forget about Gyeonu's problem.
I just feel like it could be two different stories or maybe a longer drama. And they definitely should have cut-off a few characters, not that I don't like the side characters, but the time used on them could have been used for other things.
The acting was nothing ground breaking but still good and the actors had a quite good comedic timing.

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Completed
Love Alarm
539 people found this review helpful
Aug 27, 2019
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 47
Overall 3.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers
I've never watched a drama where I didn't like any of the characters but Love Alarm managed to accomplish that.
The entire cast is full of characters that just isn't realist and there will be many times where you will ask, "Why?"
The main female protagonist, Kim Jojo, is one of the most idiotic characters I've ever met. She follows a guy down the alley just because he "has something to say." If this was the real world, she'd have been raped right then and there. She makes poor choices (when you watch it you'll understand which ones) and she never gives a clear explanation as to why she did it. The drama never explains why Jojo decides to go down this route and why she isn't fixing it. The drama plays it off and later on shows that she actually regrets it. Now, I understand why she regrets it and that she wants to undo it, but I don't understand why she isn't even trying to FIX it. She can easily explain her situation and I'm pretty sure everyone will believe her, but she doesn't even attempt it. There are so many plotholes and so many questions that the drama doesn't bother to explain or answer. Maybe because they left it all for season 2 but at the moment it's not released yet so the director cannot expect us to just accept it as it is.
One of the characters I hate more than Jojo is Sun Oh. The drama plays him off as romantic and cool, but he's actually really creepy. His character is childish and selfish and thinks the world revolves around him. Not once did he stop and think about how his best friend or anyone else around him except for the girl.
*SPOILER BELOW*
Hye Young makes it pretty clear that he like Kim Jojo. Although he never outright told Sun oh that he likes Jojo, Sun Oh already knows at this point. And you know what Sun Oh does when he finds out his best friend like this girl?
HE CHASES AFTER HER.
THIS BOI. What is going on in his head? "Hmmm. my best friend, who has always been there for me and supports me, likes this girl and she is his first crush. I should encourage him and let him have the chance to confess first because, after all, he liked her first. But, you know what, because I'm just the shelfish jerk I am, I'll go out there are whisk Jojo away and kiss her right after my best friend tells me he likes her. Brilliant!"
And you know what Hye Young does? NOTHING. FOOKING NOTHING. OMFG. And both of them made a pact and told each other to confess to Jojo at the same time. This way, it's fair to both of them.
BUT NO. N O.
FUCKING SUN OH, LIKE THE BITCH HE IS, DECIDES, "HEY, NOT ONLY DID I KISSMY BEST FRIEND'S CRUSH, I'LL ALSO CONFESS TO HER FIRST EVEN THOUGH I JUST PROMISED HIM WE'LL DO IT TOGETHER."
BITCH WHERE.
BITCH WHO.
I'M PISSED FOR HYE YOUNG.
And after Sun Oh and Jojo breaks up, Sun Oh doesn't let Hye Young go after Jojo. Like bro, it's his life. Just because you broke up with her doesn't mean he has to obey your every command.
And why does Hye Young still like Jojo? Dude, she rejected you like 10 times. Give up.
AND OMIGOD, DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON FUCKING GUL MI.
SHE'S EVEN MORE SELFISH THAN SUN OH.
How is it Jojo's fault that her parents tried to kill her? Why in the world did Gul Mi come to the conclusion that it's Jojo's fault that her parents are broke? And why doesn't Jojo just fight back? Maybe it's because she doesn't want to get kicked out, but still. She should've spoken up about it.
And she thinks that everyone else is beneath her when she herself hasn't gone anywhere in life. She didn't just screw up her life and her cousin's, she also bullies a guy into committing suicide.
You would think at this point she would feel bad, but no. She continues and takes out three million won from Jojo.
And another thing, why is everyone saying Jojo is such a pretty name? No, please stop. Jojo is an anime and forever will be an anime to me.

So, in conclusion, this drama is just plain stupid and frustrating. I could barely finish an episode without getting mad at a character. I wouldn't recommend this drama unless you really like getting frustrated.

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Completed
Unintentional Love Story
62 people found this review helpful
Apr 14, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

One of the best K-BLs out there!

I knew from the start of this drama that I was going to love it… and I stand correct!

Noq this is how you do a KBL-Drama! Acting, OSTs, Visuals etc. were just amazing! I have this drama as one of my most favourite BLs ever. The chemistry was amazing too… though the kiss could’ve been a bit better lol but that kiss in EP 10 showed how much they improved.

I would like to see a Season 2 except I want the focus to be more on the other lead couple as I think there are still things we need to learn off of their story. And I need my kiss! (Tbh kisses in this drama aren’t even needed cause their chemistry is just that great)

This is sitting up there with one of the best BLs released this year (2023) highly recommend to those who have yet to see this :)

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Completed
Memory
62 people found this review helpful
by Mody
May 7, 2016
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 11
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
Ok this is my second review and i just finished this drama and no one can save me.
First this drama is the best one this year YES IVE SEEN ALL THE HOT KOREAN DRAMA 2016.
so before we get in. Lets talk about what most people expect from a kdrama or so i figured from comments and my own taste.
FIRST you want romance ? Check . Family values and strong bonds ? Check. Best friendship and relationships where everyone works hard to help each other ? Guess what its there.
NO naive characters here ! Everyone is so badass ! Our main lead isnt a push over goody 2 shoes lost in his own heaven. You push him he will push back. Talk shit get hit.
The story is simple and overused but its not the center at all.
Lawyer get alzheimer while still having unfinished business.
Family and close ones support him. Falls in anepic battle against conspiracy.
Each episode gives a life lesson. Every moment for this man is like 10 years.
I need to remember. Never forget what happened because of me.
The family bonds and his wife and kids make the show more fun and just your heart hurts WITH happiness when you see how they help him along the road without our lead noticing.
CUTE EYE CANDY COUPLE? Hot damn!! Romance / family / mystery / friendship / suspense and lil bit of medical all in this drama.
Best of the year so far.
Yes ive seen signal. This shit is better .
10/10 isnt fair.
I dont need to talk about acting since the male lead is A list actor. No bullshit good looking guy who cant act.
Ahjussi is here to win

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Completed
Mother
62 people found this review helpful
Mar 16, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I don't have words to explain how many emotions I was able to feel while watching this drama, this is now my favorite drama. This drama is heart touching, it's so warm, it's so truth it hurts, it's about motherhood, how hard but beautiful it is. It makes you realize things, learn things about life, this drama is completely a masterpiece. The story is so heart touching, it's so deep, beautiful and sad at the same time. The acting is just amazing by all the chracters. The music is perfect, beautiful. It's a drama that is well produced, its well writtten , I definitely watch it again in a few years, overall is 10. This drama is MASTERPIECE.

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Completed
Codename: Jackal
62 people found this review helpful
Jan 18, 2013
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Warning: This movie contains some mildly inappropriate scenes ^^" (Mildly inappropriate as in, if your parents walked in on you watching some of those scenes, they might gasp a bit, and you might fidget uncomfortably in your chair/bed, but that's it)

Ok, first off, there has been a TON, and I mean a whole lot of bad ratings/reviews for this movie. Because of this, I can honestly say I was very hesitant to watch this movie, judging from the reviews. But... I still watched it so I could judge for myself :)

So to start, it's not like the bad ratings didn't have a point. Let me make this a little clearer for you guys. The movie was not HORRIBLE, per se, but if you're one of those people who enjoy romantic, action/adventure, melodramatic genres which evoke those deep feelings inside of you, this movie is definitely NOT for you. It is a light-hearted movie with no real "deep" meaning behind it. So if you're one of those people who enjoy watching comedic movies, this MIGHT be the movie for you (and let's face it, there's definitely some crime and a little action mixed up in there somewhere too). Continue reading if you want to know more ;)

Story: I can sum my feelings up in one word: Meh. It's not like the storyline was a BAD idea, but I felt it was the kind of plot which would have been amazing had it started off a 20+ episode drama. However, being made into a movie, the plot didn't reach it's full potential and therefore was a little repetitive (let me just say that he didn't get kidnapped just once, nor did he try to escape just once- and that was in a hour and half movie). And yes, the storyline sped by WAY too fast, and it left me blankly staring at the screen for a solid 15 minutes just to figure out if I had the facts right.

Acting/Cast: No complaints here. The acting was quite good, it didn't seem superficial at all (except when purposely made to look superficial), and I enjoyed watching them. Let's face it. Jae Joong might be some very sweet eye candy, but his acting didn't lack at all. Also, Ji Hyo did a very good job with her two-sided character. All the other minor characters also did an amazing job, making me crack a smile here or there.

Music: Honestly, I don't even remember hearing any music in the movie. It's one of those movies which don't really need music to get the point across, or to evoke feeling from the watchers. But since I didn't cringe because of completely mismatched, horrible sounding "music", I gave it a 7.

Rewatch Value: I'm quite surprised at myself wanting to watch it again. It's the first time I've ever even thought of rewatching a movie right after I finished watching it. Reasons? It's short, funny (some people may disagree), and well, why not?

Overall: It might not be as funny as some other dramas/movies I watched, but I don't regret watching it. In fact, if you're thinking of watching this right now, I suggest you do it with a couple of your drama lover friends, with a bowl of popcorn with you and a comfortable place to sit and enjoy. It didn't make me laugh as in tears-streaking-down-my-face-rolling-on-the-floor-OHSHOOTCRAMPS, but there were many times when I smiled and chuckled a bit. And let's face it. Most of the time, I was just smiling at Jae Joong and his adorable character ^^

P.S. If you're a fan of Jae Joong, I just want to tell you that he is so hot in this movie, that you'll find yourself wanting to open a window. JS.

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Completed
Oh! My Sweet Liar!
62 people found this review helpful
Oct 11, 2020
29 of 29 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Great Plot, Steamy Romance, Intelligent Jokes

This is one of the most endearing and light-hearted historical dramas of 2020. I almost missed it because of its cheesy title. But within the first episode, I was totally sold because of the outrageous jokes they use with the playing of an accent that leads to a misunderstanding of a mission. The misunderstanding is hilarious and adorable.

The Story
Xiong Xiruo (Xi Zi) is a comic book artist. Her favorite subject is the legendary tale of Duke Li and the inhabitants of the Li mansion. Duke Li has 2 sons. The oldest son is a fearsome general who wins in every battle and is nicknamed God of War. The second son is a flamboyant artist who lives a free lifestyle outside of the mansion. Duke Li also has an older brother who is a kept hostage living in the Song mansion and a baby brother who is younger than his own sons. Because Xiong Xiruo’s depiction of the Li family is such outrageously slanderous, she’s being hunted down by Li Hongbin (Xia Ningjun), Duke Li’s oldest son.

Xiong Xiruo, apart from being a genius artist, she also has an eidetic memory; she has the ability to remember every detail of anything she sees. For this skill, she is being commissioned to sneak into the Li mansion to draw the four luó hàn (luó hàn are monks in the Shaolin Temple). However, due to the strong regional accent of her commissioner, Xiong Xiruo mistakes the terms luó hàn to be luǒ hàn which have the same homophone (but totally different meaning) of naked men; in Xiong Xiruo’s mind, she thinks she’s been commissioned to draw four naked men for a whopping 2,000 coins. The scenario unfolds thereafter is hilarious as one can imagine.

Li Hongbin is fearsome and Xiong Xiruo is fearful of him. His favorite line is always, “Death by the paddles”. Trying to avoid being killed, Xiong Xirou feigns her pregnancy and forces Li Hongbin to marry her. To escape an unwanted marriage to another woman, Li Hongbin agrees. Out of his expectation, he falls head over heels in love with Xiong Xirou and cannot let her go despite of her lowly background.

The Acting
Both main actors Xi Zi and Xia Ningjun are new to me and I love them both. As Xiong Xiruo, Xi Zi is adorable with her big round eyes, button nose and pouting lips. Not extremely elegant and sophisticated looking as other actors, Xi Zi brings in an air of unpretentiousness and endearment. Running with her hands swinging in the air and cross-dressing as a boy, she is refreshing. I just love watching her teasing Li Hongbin and get him agree to her demands. Fast witted and crafty, Xiong Xiruo always manages to come up with all kinds of crazy stories to get herself out of her predicaments. This is Xi Zi’s first drama taking a main female lead role and she has done a great job.

As Li Hongbin, Xia Ningjun is extremely good looking with a cold heart. He has no interest in any women. All he wants is to protect the country and his territory. Xiong Xiruo is frightened of him and calls him a big monster. However, when he falls head over heels in love with her, he becomes the most loving and protective man any women could ever ask for. As a relatively new actor, Xia Ningjun’s performance is convincing and very enjoyable.

My Verdict
This is one of my most enjoyable series as it is delightful and refreshing. The viewers can see the love of the OTP develop over time slowly. Apart from the initial faked pregnancy which is quickly and voluntarily revealed to Li Hongbin, there’s hardly any more deceits or misunderstandings between Xiong Xiruo and Li Hongbin thereafter. Their chemistry together is unmistakable; their bonding and love for each other are strong. There is no complicated familial relationship such as step children or concubines. Both parents are wise and loving; Duke Li is deep but always humble and kind. All he wants is a harmonious family which is an overarching philosophy passed down for generations for the Li family. At the end of the drama, all the antagonists get their deserving punishments. There is no lazy writing off any characters for a quick ending. Despite there may be some simple inconsistent logic and flaws here and there, this is still a very enjoyable drama for all ages. Don’t miss it!

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Completed
Clean with Passion for Now
62 people found this review helpful
by Soso
Jun 7, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

Way too underrated :)

Alrighty, I'm writing this review because I feel like this drama is way too underrated and deserves better. It needs to be protected from all the bad reviews out there! I honestly didn't expect to fall for it that much but that's exactly what happened :D

Story: When I heard that the ML was suffering from mysophobia, I was like "Oh, this is an interesting premise". And it was! At some points I could even relate to him because I also had encounters with OCD and I know how that feels like. It was just beautiful to see how his symptoms started to improve. Love is so powerful and it was just super heartwarming to witness his great development!
To be honest, it took me like 3 episodes to really get into this drama but after that I was hooked! I love how the romance developed and this drama had also some great character developments!

Acting/Cast: Okay, let me tell you one thing: I absolutely love the cast and the acting was fantastic! Even the side characters were super cool and funny! The SL was a nice guy as well!!! Also, this drama had the best kissing scenes I've ever seen in a drama!!! It was absolutely NOT K-drama-like and I was pretty surprised about that. But wow, if you have already seen this drama, you will understand what I'm talking about haha :D You could basically feel the chemistry between the ML and the FL! And something I found very interesting is that the two of them have a huuuge age gap. 12 YEARS!!! But their acting was so good that you absolutely couldn't tell.

Music: I'm still in love with the OST songs!!! Every time the song "Gravity" by KLANG came on, I was feeling super hyped and happy!!! It's definitely my favorite song from this drama. Also the song "Glory Days" by Sentimental Scenery was super super good! The producers definitely know when to play the best songs hehe :D

All in all, I really really enjoyed watching this drama! It definitely put me in a good mood! The only thing I kind of disliked were the last two episodes or so... I loved the ending but I really did suffer before that haha XD But as long as it has a happy ending I'm okay with that and 9/10 is a super good rating after all!
I can totally recommend it to everyone who's looking for a nice rom-com! Let me just tell y'all that this drama is worth the watch and that you won't regret it! :)

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Completed
It Started with a Kiss
62 people found this review helpful
Feb 5, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I originally watched this because of Playful Kiss, hoping to compare the dramas. I am a huge fan of Playful Kiss, but after watching It Started With A Kiss, it surpasses Playful Kiss. First off, the storyline may be close to the same, but ISWAK really goes into depth with the story and the feelings of the characters. ISWAK develops characters and how they handle certain situations, and unlike Playful Kiss' Baek Sung Jo, the audience can really understand the main character's feelings. I would highly recommend watching It Started With A Kiss if you are wanting something that is witty, funny, and romantic, and expect a lot more romance in the sequel. There shouldn't be any disappointment by the time you've seen the whole entire drama. :)

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Completed
Behind Your Smile
62 people found this review helpful
Mar 4, 2017
19 of 19 episodes seen
Completed 8
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0
This was my first taiwanese drama after 2 years.. It's not the reviews that convinced me but the genre. As always, I'm a revenge-melo drama lover so when this show was still in it's early few episode, I've decided why not I give this drama a try. Who knows I might be like it. Now that I do. I did'nt just like the show. I LOVE IT. COMPLETELY. DEEPLY.

I will just give you all the reasons WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH BEHIND YOUR SMILE :

1) The intrigue plot of revenge. It's nothing original about it. You got a main male lead who was hellbent on taking revenge on people who had done wrong to his family and eventually lead to the death of his father. It was the only mission of his life provided that he successfully carried out his revenge. He since then become the Ice Prince, cold and heartless. Then our main heroin, the Warm-Hearted Princess came along into his life accidentally. She who since then melt his frozen heart and teach him how to smile again. The story sound so typical was'nt it? This no mistake was the foundation of the show but what made me fall in love with the show was how the story being directed and developed. There was nothing typical of it. It was addictive and compelling. Watch it if you want to know!

2) Good acting and great chemistry between leads. At first while watching Marcus Chang potraying Zhao Yi Ting, The Ice and Jerk Prince, I'm not so convincing. I noticed the awkwardness and it feel slightly fake. But as the show goes on, as I became more warm up to his character, I think that his acting became much better. He became better with his facial expressions even the subtle one. When he's in pained expression, I can feel it as my own. I can feel his heart breaking even when he wore a cold facade. I tell you that,if an actor manage to make the viewer feel that, He. Is. Really. A. Very. Good. Actor. And Liu Eugenie as Lei Xin Yue. Her character was annoying at first. Definitely became annoying and weak were her characters in the early of the show as the one who has been sheltered entire of her life and she did very good at that. Later on, she became the strong heroin that I want. She also shows that being strong is not when you let go of the person that you love but being able to forgive and hold on the person that you love even if he hurt you beyond reason because you can see the ways he love and take care of you more than the ways he hurts you. It sound dumb I know I know. But she really shows only those who have big heart can forgive people. :P

3) Very smart and wise male lead. This show have it. Zhao Yi Ting was never one step behind while dealing with his enemy. He is sensible and insightful.To have a revenge based drama, a smart and clever lead was a must. It is absolutely no fun in watching revenge show with dumb and slow-witted characters.

4) Good looking main leads. If you only watch the show with good looking leads. This show might be for you. At same point while watching the show in it's early episode, I even thought the 2nd male lead was much more good looking than the 1st male lead :P

5) No love triangle. If you hate a romance show with love triangle/ rectangle / polygon this might be the show for you. There was only one-sided crush present in the show and even that was'nt too burdening because our heroin's love to our main male lead was unwavering to the end.

6) Very hot steamy kiss scene :P (I'll leave it to your imagination of how hot it is.. :D )


7) The OSTs was so great. All the soundtrack was so damn fantastic that I must download all of them and keep it in my phone. I usually got bored while hearing the same song over and over again but it was'nt the same case with all the song in BYS. It now has been dozens of times already I listen to the Shi Shi - He is'nt Worth It, I keep wanting to listen to it more. I also love the Don't panic song the same. It is cute and catchy.


Alright, I think 7 reasons are enough for now. Lastly, I recommend this to everyone who want to watch revenge-melo-romance drama at this moment. Give it a try, you might love it the way I did ^^

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