This review may contain spoilers
Underwhelming
I just finished the drama and I have no idea what I just watched.The premise was very interesting: two female spies infiltrated an enemy sect as potential brides to wreck havoc. "We must act as enemies!" they said. "So we can gain trust!" they said. And then it all fell apart. They did nothing except cozying up to the two males and then falling in love with them. There was no suspense, espionage, intrigue, betrayal, ANYTHING to fit into the promised plot. Weishan and Shangguan just spent time drinking tea and talking about what they should do, without actually doing anything.
And then there were long winded pointless side stories. Why should we care about Ziyu's mother? She was some chick his dad married who spent all her life pining after her lost love and ignoring her only son. Shangjue and Yuanzhi made a big deal about her being pregnant when marrying the dad, insinuating that the dad wasn't Ziyu's biological father, which would disqualify Ziyu from becoming the Sword Wielder. We were forced to watch a series of flashbacks of Ziyu's mom and Lady Wuji as if there was an actual point there. Was Lady Lan really Ziyu's mom? Or was it actually someone else...like Lady Wuji? That would've been such a cool plot twist. Ziyu was the secret son of the Gong family and Wufeng's super secret agent "Anonymous". SHOCK! But nope! Lady Lan was Ziyu's mother and Lady Wuji was just a nanny. Nothing to see here.
The drama was only 24 episodes, so I thought it would be action packed. Nope! The writers actually managed to make it mindbogglingly boring. The last 3 episodes dragged on and could've been made into one single episode. There were scenes of characters just standing around with snow falling in the background. I seriously couldn't wait for the story to end. I just did not care about any of the character or the plot. Too much screen time was given to secondary, less important characters and their irrelevant storylines, like Elder Yue and Yunque. Why was this important and why did we need to care? There were extended scenes of characters monologuing and telling us all about their plans, instead of showing us. The dialogues about poisons and fighting techniques were extremely convoluted and technical. I felt like I was reading a pseudo scientific thesis filled with confusing terminology that I did not understand.
For the entirety of the show, it was emphasized that Wufeng was the ultimate villain. So why was Ziyu's brother, who was killed off at the beginning, brought back as the bad guy AFTER Wufeng was already defeated? There was just too much plot entanglement and surprise twists that led to nowhere. Less is more.
The writers could have done a better job at Ziyu's character development. He started off as an immature and care-free guy who was forced into the position of the sword wielder. After becoming the sword wielder, he continued acting like an immature and clueless hot-head. The three trials made him grow up and improve his skills. But we didn't see the actual character growth. He just suddenly became mature in one episode.
I did like that Shangjue and Yuanzhi were not the actual villains, but more like competition for Ziyu. Shangjue was right for questioning and challenging Ziyu because Ziyu was an immature kid who did not deserve the position of the sword wielder. I am glad that Ziyu actually earned it at the end.
The finale was plain stupid. Shangjue watched Shangguan leave after she told him she was pregnant with his baby. Ziyu let Weishan go visit her family without any security escort. It appeared that Weishan was ambushed at the family home, so her fate was unknown. The last scene was Ziyu painstakingly waiting for Weishan to come back looking all sad. We heard the gate opening and him looking at it with an unreadable expression. Did Weishan come back? Or was it someone else? Did Weishan and her twin do a switcheroo? What was happening? If there is a sequel in the works, this ending makes sense. But, we don't know, so the ending was completely nonsensical. It's ok to make sad endings. But an ending should have a logical conclusion. This was not an ending at all, but an end season cliffhanger.
Overall, the drama had very good visuals and fight scenes. The acting wasn't bad either. But the story progression, pacing, and the finale were disappointing.
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I watched the drama in one sitting with a confused face the whole time because DEAR GOD WHAT DOES SHE SEE IN HIM. If I ever met a man like him I would run so fast. I'm not sure if he's sexist or what, but almost every time he opened his mouth it was either controlling or insulting.
Honestly he reminds me of Christian Grey minus the BDSM abuse with the way he treats the girl he is supposedly "in love" with. That scene with the contract in this drama? He called himself the ALPHA in the relationship and she was the OMEGA that had to listen to everything he said. WHATTT!?!?!
Just...no.
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Like Sitting In Front Of a Yule Log
This is like watching a Yule log in the fireplace burn. It is a slow, crackling, source of heat, warming the front side of you while the back side of you is frigid. In this case, the back side of you is euphemistically your brain. While it does at times give you a warm feeling of comfort and entertainment, it also dulls and numbs your brain with its slowness, cheesiness, and emotional torture. I could never figure out why anyone loves to watch series where the major focus is on one protagonist playing ‘hard-to-get’ to the point it is almost emotional abuse. I just do not get it.You can read the rest of my review of this series at BLBiss.com.
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I came to this film because it's a Park Chan-Wook work and because of Song Kang-Ho. I wasn't disappointed in either. The supporting cast, especially Kim Ok-Bin, did a great job. This was a dark, comic, vampire love story and I enjoyed the many levels of the film. This movie is not for everyone: it's long, it lulls at points, and it's brutal and sexy. THIRST is definitely original and worth watching to the end.
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A dissapointment, despite my love for the cast
I have a very soft spot for Choi Woo Sik. He is one of my favourites in Korea since Our Beloved Summer. I just love seeing him act and does his magic with his soft personality and great acting that makes every role he takes has depth. But unfortunately, even my favourite could not save this cliche and very superfacial story.The things i hate the most bad rom-coms is that there is no actual context of the characters to full in love. No fluttering moments, no time to bond, no details to make you feel like ahh please just kiss already. His confession was so badly timed, the emotional development was non-existent. Even the very beautiful Jung So Min could not move my heart in this drama.
OSTs were bad, nothing actually worth hearing..
I am all in for light rom-coms that let you watch the show without deep thoughts and just for enjoyment, but ONLY when there are actual real emotional attachement in them. "Empty" would be the perfect word to describe it.
It just make me upset cause since years, every Jung So Min drama was so good. Why would they agree to such soulless show. :(
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This one is recommended!!!
Honestly, even though Her Trajection felt a lot like Marry My Husband, I absolutely loved the remake. The similarities in the plot-line were undeniable especially the theme of second chances and revenge—but the Chinese version brought its own unique charm that made it stand out. It wasn’t just a copy; it was a reimagining that gave more emotional depth and visual appeal.The pacing of the story was tight, and despite being a short drama, every episode felt meaningful and impactful. What really impressed me was how the characters were developed so well in such a short span. The female lead was powerful yet vulnerable, and the chemistry between the leads felt natural and intense. I was fully drawn into her journey of pain, growth, and self-empowerment.
The acting was another highlight. Each actor perfectly embodied their roles, especially the protagonist, who delivered her performance with so much emotion and nuance. The antagonist, too, was convincing without being overly dramatic. The cinematography, the music, and the set design added to the immersive experience—it felt polished and cinematic, not rushed.
Her Trajection might be short, but it’s definitely worthy of attention. It proves that a drama doesn’t need 30+ episodes to tell a powerful story. The emotional beats hit hard, and the themes of love, betrayal, and personal strength were portrayed beautifully.
I really hope we get more gems like this in the future—unique remakes that respect the original but still bring something new to the table. If you enjoy dramas that are both touching and empowering, Her Trajection is definitely worth watching.
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Painfully bad
I want my money back. This was painful to watch. Non readers cant even understand it, it lacks so much context and would be confusing for ppl who havent read the novel. It sucks, thats all.Now, this movie in the perspective of a reader, also sucks. The story is all over the place, doesn't follow the original plot, cgi and cinematography is so painfully average (one might even say bad) for a movie that has a big budget. Even so, it seems like they used that budget for the actors, but was that good? No, not really. They couldnt capture the character's vibe and aura well. It was a waste of space, time, and money. Just give up already
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Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy
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BEGINNING!
The meaning of Chronical which is a Greek word is "annals of time." It's a record of past event, it represents the roots of history. So as it's name suggests "Arthdal Chronicles" it's history and the journey of Arthdals living on the land of Arth. It's not historical it's ancient. It's starting of civilization. Every era has it's own problem own struggles not even one era doesn't have passed that didn't had struggle of power. Though it's mythical story it represents the struggles and greed of power on the land of Arth.This part is just beginning of this journey. We don't explore many things it's like an introduction to all characters and the base of story. It's quite confusing in the first episode because of time laps but we get to know a whole imaginary world with different tribes with different cultures.
The cinematography in the best, it can't be more beautiful than this. Both ML and FL's character are likeable but it's not romance based drama so they don't get more screen time together.
It's very interesting and unique story, the best part is it's originality. I was hooked from the very first episode. Even the last twist of 6th episode wasn't unexpected but still I'm curious what will happen next. I really enjoyed the first season and now looking forward next two seasons. I hope they'll as good as I'm expecting.
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Beginning of an EPIC journey
Wow! This live-action series really justifies the most popular and greatest manga of all time.We tend to have this negative idea about the live-action series. They are based on the manga/cartoon/anime series that we all like. As a fan, we want to like them. But they can never meet our expectations. It is not easy to translate the manga/cartoon world into a live-action world. Most of the live-action series fail terribly. BUT, let me tell you, the one piece live-action successfully translated the magic of the One Piece manga/anime series. It is no doubt the best live-action series of all time (till now).
Questions & Answers:
1. What is this story about?
-This is a story about adventure, friendship, dreams, inspiration, reaching one's goal.
2. Is this series mainly for kids and young people (as many mangas and cartoons are targeted at young people)
-No, this is a series for all audiences. Especially for adult audiences. Anyone, kids, young and old people can watch and enjoy this series
3. Should you watch Manga/Anime before this?
-No, you don't need to watch. If you like this series, maybe you can start Manga/Anime after finishing this.
4. Does it feel unrealistic and manga/anime like other live-action series?
-One piece world is a fantasy world. It does feel unrealistic sometimes, but unrealistic in a good way. You get used to the world very quickly.
5. How is the pacing?
-It is fast-paced, and not many unnecessary events happen. Most of the events are important and have a meaning.
6. You don't like manga/anime, will you enjoy it?
-Yes, of course
7. Is it like other pirate series, i.e. Pirates of Caribean?
-No, only a few similarities. But overall it is different. It shows the pirates and pirate world in a totally different way that you never watched before.
8. Is there romance? (MDL viewers like romance)
-No, it is about friendship and adventure. It is full of emotions.
9. Is it better than the manga/anime?
-No, but almost the same. This series only covers the first part of the manga/anime series. Manga/anime gets far more interesting in the later part. If you only consider the first part, this live-action series is almost the same as Manga/anime.
10. How are the main characters and side characters?
-Very good! Very much likable. One of the best things about one piece manga/anime is its characters. The characters are some of the best in the entire book/TV industry. The live-action was only 8 episodes. It couldn't explore the details of the characters like the manga/anime did. But, still it did a pretty good job.
11. Should you watch it?
-A big yes. You should at least give it a try. There is a reason one piece is the greatest and most popular manga of all time.
12. You never liked other live-action series before, in fact, you disliked those. Will you like this series?
-Yes, this is unlike other live-action series. This is good.
13. Is there comedy? Will it make you laugh?
-Yes, yes. The humor is good, It will make you laugh in certain scenes.
14. How are action, and cinematography?
-Very, very good.
My Ratings:
Story: 10/10. One piece manga story will get a 10+ from me. Live action story gets a 10.
Acting: 10/10, just perfect. All the actors did a pretty good job
Music: 9/10, Very very good. All original tracks. All were good, but just wished they used some of the music/songs from the anime.
Rewatch Value: 9.5/10. Very high rewatch value. This is the kind of show that you would enjoy no matter how many times you watch it.
Overall ratings: 10/10
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The story is really great and realistic. After each episode you learn more about each chara and there relationships with each other. At the same time they need to stay alive after the accident. All charas devleoped with the story and the acting was really great.
I couldn´t predict the ending and was really surprised.
If you expect like me at first a drama with blood and lots of killing of each other, don´t watch it. You will get a quielty on going story, where the main focus is more on the relationships from the charas.
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Best Timely MESS EVER!
WOW!! Just WOW!! What a surreal feeling this drama gives you. I didn't want this to finish. I would like this to go on forever.The drama started with a BANG!! (literally Bang with a gun), and after 4 episodes you will feel like what more they could show than this as time loops are created every time. But Man I was wrong. This show gave me more than what I anticipated for. I was swept away in this mess right from the start. It can be confusing at times, but once you get the flow of the drama, you get used to it.
Story is based on web-toon, but its unusual than typical time loop dramas. In many dramas time loop gives different results every time you do things differently. But in here, you have to do things differently to stop the time loop.
This story gives BEST character development ever as Baek Jin Sang in dramaland. You hate his bluntness and rudeness in the starting episodes. But before you could know it, he slowly crawls under your skin and become a part of yours. You feel for him as a person who he is and why he is like that. His struggle to change himself is just AMAZING. Kang Ji hwan is at his best in this comedic role after a long time. I could never imagine BJS performed by another actor. I rewatched his many scenes and dialogues in later eps.
Another breather of the drama is Lee Roo da. The Life-saver for BJS and his major change-maker. Roo da is bored by routine life, and she keeps to her own self without caring for other people's stuff. But Time loop changes her into Roo da who is cheerful, caring, and righteous person with no nonsense attitude. Jin hee is spotless and charismatic as Lee Roo da. She had one of the Best chemistry with KJH.
Though it's said romance is short or not up-to the grade. But I didn't feel it that way. The chemistry both leads have is beyond just being lovey-dovey to each other. It is more of bringing out the best in each other and doing everything possible for the other person.
Gong Myung is adorable as Kang Joon ho. But in all the time-loop thing, he felt like a support character rather than second ML. Though I dont mind it.
I liked the comedic timings and the interactions among characters.
The messages in this drama are given in a totally different perspective. They portrayed the work life problems in Funny but deep and subtle manner. That's the charm of this drama.
Loved the music. 10/10. Every OST, every b/g tone is just superb. Every song gives you the emotions for every scene. Comedic, romantic, sad, happy, frustated.. Music is just perfect.
Definitely a rewatch! Love you Baek Jin sang ^_^
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This review may contain spoilers
A school BL which is not stupid or superficial...
This is a sensible series about self discovery and jumping over each others shadow, with a lot a emotional baggage and finding together in the end.What makes this series special is we have a clear gay guy from the start and one with a dark past, but also someone who does have a sexual relationsship with the friend of his brother. Of course that's not an ideal solution, they have been "forced" together not because of love but to cope with their their world. The older one loves his brother without a chance of having a relationsship and the younger boy was bullied because of this feelings for another boy. Both compensate with sex to overcome their loneliness.
Kanata enters Akiras world in an unexpected way and that begins to heal Akiras broken heart but also induces the fear his past will repeat itself. Akira has a to overcome his baggage and Kanata has to face his unexpected feelings. After many struggles both decided in the end to stop running away and face each other.
While not perfect the direction was a very sensible one, showing the struggles of both characters. But the end could have been better with a bit more punch and as so often we don't get a real kiss. Both ML struggled a bit with their performances but it was not really a deal-breaker. Production quality was also nothing I can complain about. Everything was put into frame with a deliberate focus. Overall I enjoyed this mature approach compared to all the thai crap (Duang with You for example) so much more. So yes, I would recommand all of you to watch this!
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This review may contain spoilers
1st of all I don't really get it why people are rating dramas so high these days? The same case for this one as well if I'm not wrong.The story was slow paced, scenes were stretched for no reason and story felt shallow as it progresses.
For better experience watch at 2x, skip the middle and watch last few episodes you won't really miss anything. I hate the fact that the writers are trying to convey the message by theme rathar than characters themselvess. Only watch it if you're bored to death.
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Dark, toxic love with obsessive & abusive male lead
What the hell did I just finish watching, was my first thought as the end credits rolled. This is the darkest and most disturbing cdrama I’ve ever seen. You are not only getting an angsty, toxic love story but a full on psychological thriller.The drama is about the female lead who pretends to be a Princess to avenge her family and the male lead, a Prince who is mysteriously scheming behind the scenes.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Love-hate relationship. In fact it’s more of a lovers to enemies trope.
- Beautiful aesthetics and cinematography.
- Strong-willed female lead.
- The epitome of red flag, toxic, obsessive, abusive and pretty much psychotic male lead.
- 1000% angst. Check the trigger warnings below. Nothing is sugar coated here and not many can stomach it.
- Republican era cdrama vibes but in historical style.
- Fantastic acting from the main leads. I watched this for He Xuan Lin and she didn’t disappoint with her fantastic aura on screen.
- Hot kisses (only those that were consensual). The male actor looks like a great kisser.
- Sped up politics/revenge. The focus is on the love story so the actual plot stuff is kind of glossed over.
- A very fitting ending that brought me to tears.
- A big contrast between the first and second half of the drama. After ep 12 the plot turns 180.
OVERALL:
Horrible things happen in this drama and yet it’s written well for the most part. Only the last few episodes felt quite draggy. I loved the aesthetics and the female lead as a character. My big complaint is that I didn’t truly understand why the male lead became so deeply obsessed and toxic with her but who knows, I might have missed that detail. Anyway, to be honest if I knew how dark the story would get, I probably wouldn’t have even started it.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Disturbing scenes of abuse, r*pe and forced kisses.
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“I hope you never meet someone like me again” by the male lead.
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