First of all, I want to say that I really appreciate the idea of drama focusing on deliverymen’s life and struggles. It was a breath of fresh air to see something different. I’m not sure how realistic the whole drama is though – the four main characters’ life struggles really seemed too real, but other stories were very exaggerated. Which is not necessarily a bad thing of course, since everything in the drama was handled almost perfectly. The pacing was fine – it’s very slow at first but honestly, I was hooked since the first episode and I’m sure you’ll be, too. In case you are not, you’ll have to wait a bit, because the story picks up after episode 4. Well, the ‘’strongest deliveryman’’ part starts a bit later. It got a little boring though, around episode 12-13. But even during these boring episodes I always found something entertaining and the last two episodes were also good and satisfying.
One thing I have noticed while watching is that the show almost has no clichés. I mean, there were so many times when the writer could have go with the usual tropes and annoy the viewers, but she didn’t do it. I’m very thankful, because I’m so tired of same clichés and tropes. ‘’Strongest Deliveryman’’ has its own rules and that’s what differs it from other rom-coms. Despite being a very light and sweet drama overall, it doesn’t fail to bring depth and emotion to the narrative. It makes you think and feel. Don’t dig too deep though, the drama doesn’t take itself that seriously. It’s actually very simple but that’s why I love it so much.
Choi Kang Soo, our main lead, was a dream come true for me! He is sweet, lovable, kind-hearted, caring and sometimes playful. He is the definition of ''a good person'', but he didn't allow his good heart to turn into his weakness. He is always honest and doesn't like deceiving others. And Go Kyung Pyo's sweet acting made his character even more easy to love. He was just like a puppy, I loved him. Yeah, sorry for my bias lol.
Oh Jin Gyu completely stole the show. He is the character who developed the most throughout the show. He appeared as a spoiled, arrogant boy who didn't appreciate his life enough and relied only on his parents' money. But inside, he was just cute teddy bear and he was slowly showing this side of him. He learnt to cherrish his own life as well as to respect others' lives, too. Kim Sun Ho's acting was more that brilliant! He is one of the most underrated actors I've ever seen. He has so much talent and he showed it in ''Strongest Deliveryman''. He made me like Oh Jin Gyu even when he was acting like a complete jerk. Definitely my favourite character!
Our leading ladies are not so easy to like, at least at first. They are this type of characters that 90% of the drama community finds annoying. Lee Dan Ah is a person who detest her own country and since she doesn't like her life, she often acts too rude and she also hits people without a reason. I think I'm used to this kind of characters and maybe that's why she didn't bother me that much. Actually, I loved her sharp tongue and her passion for working. I loved that when someone looked down on her she didn't stay calm and responded immediately. Chae Soo Bin was good as always, I think this role really suited her.
Lee Ji Yoon is even more spoiled than Oh Jin Gyu and she is the most annoying character in this drama. She was sometimes very cute and innocent though and a lot of scenes with her were exceptionally funny. I was very pround of her at the end, so she definitely develops in a good way.
Overall, ''Strongest Deliveryman''is a drama with an entertaining story, good characters, fairly decent acting and pretty nice OST. It has romance, bromance and an unexpected plot twist in the middle which noone could have predicted. It has its own charm and is very easy to watch. I recommend it if you are not in a mood for a serious watch but you still want something gripping. I think if you only pay attention to the positive aspects and not search for the negative, you'll definitely enjoy it!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
First of all, the reason why I watched this drama is that the synopsis said this was the "Chinese Gossip Girl" which I later found out was not the case. I watched Eternal Love and really liked the actors which so happened to be in this drama, so I decided to give it a try.Be warned and
SPOILER (kind of)
You're going to be disappointed if you're expecting this be like Gossip Girl on The CW.
This show is NOT like Gossip Girl. There was no mysterious "Gossip Girl" who exposed some of the character's secrets. Yeah, there's a lot of drama that happens between the characters. There were a few times where people gossiped on their phones about main characters. The drama has the wealthy/popular/beautiful characters but they aren't really b*tchy or super egotistical. Most of the cast play students, but they're university students....and that's about where the similarities with Gossip Girl ends.
Was it terrible though? For me, even though the plot wasn't what I expected, it wasn't that bad either so it didn't really waste my time.
The cast did pretty well with the acting. I have to give credit to them since most of the actors here were rookies at the time and I think for some, it was their debut drama.
Overall, I think they did a pretty good job!
I rewatched the drama and enjoyed it more since I really like a few of the actors after watching some of their more recent dramas (Dilireba, Zhang Vin Vin, Gao Vengo, etc).
Edit: I forgot to mention that the order of the episodes is really weird. I'm not sure if that's how the drama was directed or purposely edited. But I think the last few episodes don't match up with what happened previous episodes. I don't know if that's because I missed something important or if the people who uploaded the show put it in the wrong order.
For those who need English subs, I don't know if this show has been subbed because I watched this on Youtube which had no subtitles. I also couldn't find any other drama sites that have this show on, but if there is, I think it would be raw.
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie was easy to follow, you just have to sit back, enjoy the great acts, and let your heart warmed.
Girls, be prepared to fall for the leading actor's character!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Got lost watching the whole drama
How do i even summarize this drama? A mess and a lot of plot loops ?1st) usually long dramas will drag, and this one did. I enjoyed a good half of it and then started to get confuse and lose interest towards the middle .
2nd) wanted to watched mostly because the main leads were Sheng Yi lun and Wang zhi wen .
Storyline ( let me try my best to summary)
There was an evil sword that no one who control, so Feng gave up her life to put a seal/lock the sword. This causes her husband to go to the dark side, thus creating the evil dude group aka An Ye You Ting. There is also a earthly king and his people, as well as this sect called Jiu Hua. The male lead goes to like a deity school and gets into the sect of Jiu hua, which there is a prince. The female lead is also in the sect. She is the daughter of the Mo family who is respected by the earthly king. The Mo family turns out not to be the family of the female lead, but the female lead is actually the daughter of feng and the evil dude. Meanwhile , another powerful family is the Ye family. One of the main protagonist his the elder Ye son., Ye wu Que. He's obonxious, arrogant and evil. He joins hands with An Ye You ting to try to kill the male lead. I forgot to mention that the male lead once did have any wuxia ability, but somehow got this stone and his powers increased a lot. After that, a whole bunch of stuff happens, lol by the end I'm kinda lost.
Romance- hardly anything between the female and male lead, mostly hugging. Finally the kiss at the very end, lol ep 52!!! Even the second male lead the prince, got a kiss from his loved one...
The last 15 episodes just confused me, it was like two stories were happening because the male and female lead were both separated and faced their own things, and towards the end they just merged the two story into one, and called it an ending.
Was this review helpful to you?
If “Love Between Fairy and Devil” & “Till the End of the Moon” had a low-budget baby…
…it would be this mini-series!So if you like the premise of either but can’t commit to 30+ episodes for each show, then give this a try first. Yes, it’s a mess, but that’s characteristic for mini-series so I find it easy to overlook plot holes and wacky writing for the sake of a fast Xianxia fix.
The plot follows Zhao Lu, a fox spirit (?) played by Lin Jin Yi. She’s a fun character for the most part, mischievous and strong-willed with a bit of a mean streak. Her sect is eradicated by the Demon Lord Lin Fan Ying, so her master sends her back in time to kill the enemy before he becomes powerful enough to kill them. (Yes, just like TtEotM.) 300 years in the past, she meets the Demon Lord as Mu Ting, the young heir to his throne who has yet to turn evil. Through some magic mishaps they become tied together so that any pain or harm done to the FL is suffered by the ML instead. (Yes, just like LBFaD.)
I’m convinced they cast, dressed, and styled Jerome Deng, who plays Mu Ting/the Demon Lord, to resemble Dylan Wang in LBFaD as closely as possible. And while he’s very pretty, his acting was wooden and could have been stronger. Still, I enjoyed seeing his character on screen, and in the physical dimension, he had strong chemistry with the female lead.
I don’t know what to say about the plot…it meanders. It’s chaotic. It leaves no room whatsoever between big events to breathe. Such is the fate of a mini-series. For someone with an attention span as short as mine, it can be a blessing — there’s absolutely no room for filler. But that also means there’s no room for relationships and plotlines to develop in a natural, meaningful way.
TROPES, for those interested (light spoilers):
- ML falls first and quickly
- mischievous, strong-willed FL with a tiny bit of moral greyness
- jealous, possessive, clingy, totally whipped ML
- annoying SFLs
- love square… 3 men fall for the FL
- time travel, change of fate, fated connection
Was this review helpful to you?
They really went all out and did not come here to play
Loved it!I am totally biased because I love seeing Iwata Takanori acting and have been waiting for this ever since he posted about it on his Instagram, but I like it regardless.
This is a very controversial topic, but should be discussed nonetheless. It deals with infidelity from multiple perspectives, and gives an insight into multiple couples who all live in the same apartment complex. Rather than approaching this drama thinking that it has been made to justify certain behaviour (cheating and abuse), think of it as a way to explain it. Because humans aren't perfect, and we don't always make the best decisions with sound judgement. Often, I experienced feeling annoyed with characters but then understanding their struggles. At times it will be frustrating, but that's the point. Certain characters will try to justify themselves, and you'll just roll your eyes, but that doesn't mean the character wronged will forgive them.
The acting was really great. The leads really outdid themselves and went all out. The side characters also put their all into their characters, despite not being part of the main plot. I'm always impressed with Iwata Takanori's work and his choices of roles outside of EXILE-related dramas. I really felt his anxiety over wanting to protect Sakura. Shinohara Ryoko also did really well at expressing her pain. The name of the drama is really important - Fishbowl Wives. And that's exactly how Sakura felt. In the condo, she felt she had to live up to expectations of being totally in love with her husband, but behind the scenes, she was suffering. Shinohara Ryoko did a really good job of expressing that.
Back to the title - it is significant in understanding the emotions of the women in this drama. Many wives in Japan become housewives after marriage, and the wives in this drama are no different. They are confined to the private sphere of their home with no room to grow, and as Haruto explains, goldfish need room to grow in their bowls. With no room to grow, the wives are additionally scrutinized and judged and cannot find a place to fully be themselves. Sakura was able to find such a place with Haruto, but it was different for all the wives.
Side note, episode 6 had a twist that had the potential to make this drama a psychological thriller and I love that. 😂
Overall, the drama raises important questions on what it means to be successful and happy. It also gives an insight into the expectations of women and some of the choices they might make when they feel lost, despite being in a loving marriage. I definitely do recommend this drama, but it is of course important to read the tags, because it is much more mature than other dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie is not for anybody, some will hate it some will love it, I'm in between, and I will give this movie strong 7.
Was this review helpful to you?
1
1A Force of Nature
She and Her Girls is a biographical account of Zhang Guimei’s tireless quest to educate impoverished young women in Huaping County. It opens with a gut-wrenching portrayal of how Teacher Guimei rescues her fourteen-year-old student, Gu Yu (yes, that is still the age of consent in China), from being sold into marriage to fund her father’s drinking habits. Guimei is a force of nature, sweeping through Huaping County to save one girl at a time—even before she has the means to support their continued education. Through sheer stubbornness, tenacity, and desperate resourcefulness, she secures land for her school, strong-arms provincial authorities, recruits promising teachers, and badgers private entrepreneurs to get her girls’ school off the ground.I was pleasantly surprised by the humor that lightens what could have been an overwhelmingly heavy story about rural China’s marginalized girls. The narrative doesn’t shy away from mocking Guimei’s more grating traits—from her deafening early-morning bullhorn to her judgmental, unforgiving demeanor. This humanizes her, preventing her from becoming a one-dimensional saint. Beyond Guimei, there’s no shortage of personal sacrifice: Chen Sihai and the teachers put their lives on hold to build the school. The sheer volume of altruism is almost suffocating, but given the obstacles, perhaps that’s what it took to succeed.
While most praise has gone to Song Jia’s award-winning, unflinching portrayal of Guimei, Gu Yu’s story moved me the most and anchored the drama. Though overlooked by awards, I found Lan Xiya (Gu Yu) and Zhang Tianyang (Chen Sihai) even more compelling than Song Jia and Nie Yuan.
The narrative peaks with Gu Yu’s academic journey. Unfortunately, none of the other girls stand out—their stories are neither well-written nor distinct from countless other coming-of-age tales. There were several natural stopping points, but like Guimei herself, the story soldiers on doggedly, trudging through forgettable generations and trite subplots. I enjoyed the drama up until the midpoint; afterward, it became a slog, further weighed down by heavy-handed propaganda.
Despite the strong script, fantastic cast, and standout moments, this is an overrated drama—nowhere near a masterpiece. There’s no segment I’d feel compelled to rewatch. The first half earns an 8.5/10, but overall, 8.0/10 is more than fair.
(To my knowledge, Gu Yu is a fictional character.)
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie launched the career for juri ueno and and shihori kanjiya
You will laugh out loud when the girls take charge of the bento lunches, trust me this is a super funny movie and wicked music too.
This movie got me hooked on japanese actresses so much i am learning the language and Shodo too.
You will be hooked the moment you view it beleive me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is one of the few modern wuxia (martial arts) dramas. In this drama, there's some law that the police can't get involved in school affairs. In each school, it's like normal school except it houses martial artists. Some of them are "ma gua" which means they have no martials arts. They have this whole hierarchy which isn't explained very well. But basically, in this drama, school and people are fighting for power. It's also loosely based on the Romance of The Three Kingdoms and all the characters are named after characters from the novel.
Weird isn't it? That's my reaction to the first episode. The series was meant to be comical although the comedy subsided a bit later in the show when things got serious.
Story: The story was much better than I expected. It actually kept me hooked. That they actually had plans for this drama. Though sometimes things were resolved in a weird way. But that's what this drama is..."weird". For example, in this drama, chickens are extinct and they're treating like precious, godlike animals. The emperor's seal is even a golden chicken. But chickens turned out to play a good part in the drama. The first couple of episodes made you think that this was mostly a gag drama but it evolved into much more than that. The character development was beautiful <3. Each of the main characters had their own story and their own issues and we got to watch them overcome those issues.
Acting: The acting is bad. But since this drama isn't very serious or there is little to no serious acting to be done, it's fine. Also the reason that the acting is bad, is because the cast are minor celebrities (except George Hu) and mostly musicians/rockers. Such as Dong Cheng Wei.
It's a wuxia drama, therefore terrible CGI effects. But the story, the friendship, the bromance, the romance- you can look past all the flaws.
Music: Like I said, the cast are mostly musicians so the music is great. I have downloaded most of the soundtrack. After watching this drama, I grew a love for chinese rock music. The background music stuck with me many months after completing this show.
The drama is long. But don't let the number of episodes and the weirdness turn you away. It suprised me how good this drama was.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Love That Heals: A Drama That Teaches Us to Choose Ourselves
To the Moon and Back is one of those rare gems in the world of drama — a series that stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving a lasting imprint on your heart. It’s the kind of show that mixes laughter, tears, and introspection in the most seamless and natural way, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that’s both rewarding and deeply moving. From the very first episode to the final scene, this drama manages to captivate, heal, and inspire in a way that’s so authentic, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.The Story: A Beautiful Journey of Love, Family, and Self-Discovery
The plot centers around Penneung, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, who, despite his success, is emotionally repressed and suffocated by his father’s controlling influence. He’s lived a life dictated by expectations and the desire to please others. In contrast, Mata, an illustrator raised by a vibrant and loving family of drag queens, is the embodiment of freedom, kindness, and acceptance. Their meeting — which starts off in a hilarious misunderstanding with a Halloween cake — sparks a connection that is as unexpected as it is profound. What follows is a beautifully developed relationship between these two opposites, as they help each other heal, grow, and become the best versions of themselves.
The journey they embark on isn’t just a romance; it’s an exploration of self-love, healing from past wounds, and learning to accept both yourself and those around you. Every moment in the show is purposeful — every gesture, every word, and every silence speaks volumes about the emotional depth the characters are experiencing. The show does not shy away from the darker aspects of life — the trauma, the family struggles, and the painful journeys — but it handles these themes with sensitivity, humor, and grace, making the process of healing both uplifting and touching.
Characters: Deep, Multifaceted, and Real
The cast of To the Moon and Back is nothing short of spectacular, with each character bringing their own unique charm and complexity to the story.
Mata (played by Toey) is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable female leads in recent drama history. She is not loud, overdramatic, or flawed in the typical ways we often see in rom-coms. Instead, Mata is a beacon of light — cheerful, caring, and incredibly kind. What sets her apart is her ability to love without judgment, to accept people for who they are, and to create a space where others can grow. Toey’s performance is nothing short of brilliant — it’s clear that Mata was made for her, and she brings the character to life with such authenticity that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else playing her. Mata’s warmth and generosity are palpable, and watching her support Penneung as he learns to embrace his true self is incredibly inspiring.
Penneung (played by James Ji) brings a quiet strength to his role, which is perfectly complemented by Mata’s radiant energy. His character is someone who has been emotionally stunted by his upbringing, and watching him open up and transform over the course of the series is a beautiful journey. James Ji’s portrayal is effortlessly natural — there are moments when you forget you’re watching a character, and it feels like you’re simply seeing him in his truest form. He brings a soft yet deeply emotional vulnerability to Penneung, and that makes his character arc one of the most touching in the drama. The chemistry between Mata and Penneung is undeniable — it’s the kind of relationship that feels organic, built on mutual respect, understanding, and growth.
Supporting characters, like Father Grace and Aunt Vee, elevate the story in such meaningful ways. Father Grace, with his unconditional love for Mata, is the pillar of strength and wisdom in the story. His teachings about love, kindness, and honesty have shaped Mata into the person she is, and his presence in the series brings so much warmth and depth. Aunt Vee, too, plays an important role in shaping Mata’s worldview, and their family dynamic is truly something special. The Cage gang, with their lively and fun personalities, adds another layer of love and support to the narrative, proving that family isn’t just about blood — it’s about love, care, and acceptance.
Themes & Messages: Healing, Growth, and Love Without Judgment
The beauty of To the Moon and Back lies in its ability to tackle heavy themes with grace and sensitivity. It addresses issues like mental health, self-acceptance, family dynamics, and love without judgment in such a way that it feels like a warm hug for the soul. The drama showcases the importance of being true to oneself and supporting others in their own journey of self-discovery. The characters are not just navigating love but also the pain and scars from their past. As they heal and grow, so does their love — it becomes stronger, more honest, and more supportive. This drama teaches us that true love isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing each other’s flaws and strengths and growing together.
The show also highlights the power of found families. Mata’s relationship with her unconventional family is a prime example of this. Despite being rejected by society, they continue to support and uplift each other, proving that love and support can come from unexpected places. Similarly, Penneung’s journey with Mata and her family shows how love can help heal even the deepest wounds, and how being surrounded by the right people can help you find the courage to embrace who you truly are.
One of the most powerful lines in the drama — “I love Mata because she gave me strength to choose me” — encapsulates the core message of the show. It’s a reminder that love should empower you to choose yourself, to be the best version of who you are, and to never settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Cinematography & OST: Beauty in Every Frame
The cinematography in To the Moon and Back is stunning, with each frame carefully crafted to highlight the emotional depth of the story. The warm tones, the soft lighting, and the beautiful locations all contribute to the calming and soothing atmosphere of the series. The visuals perfectly complement the gentle pace of the drama, enhancing the emotional experience.
The OST is another standout feature. The music flows seamlessly with the story, elevating the emotional moments without overwhelming them. Yindi, in particular, is a song that perfectly captures the essence of the drama — soft, melodic, and full of heart. The music never feels out of place, but rather enhances the intimacy of the relationships and the emotional arcs of the characters. It’s one of those soundtracks that stays with you long after you’ve finished watching, making it even harder to let go of the world of To the Moon and Back.
Final Thoughts: A Drama That Heals and Inspires
In conclusion, To the Moon and Back is more than just a drama; it’s a beautiful reminder of the power of love, growth, and self-acceptance. It teaches us that love isn’t just about being in a relationship; it’s about growing as individuals, supporting each other through the highs and lows, and embracing who we are, flaws and all. The acting, the writing, the themes, and the cinematography all come together to create a work of art that resonates deeply with viewers. It’s not just about romance — it’s about healing, finding peace within yourself, and being surrounded by people who love and accept you for who you truly are.
This drama has made me laugh, cry, and reflect on what it means to love and be loved. It’s one of those shows that stays with you, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve finished watching. If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to start from episode 1 right now. You won’t regret it. It’s a journey worth taking, one that will fill you with warmth, joy, and a renewed sense of love and acceptance.
Was this review helpful to you?
A very cute way to advertise.
If we could get rid of many commercials and have adorable video ads like this more often, then I wouldn't be skipping ads all the time. lolEpisode 1: Zero Photography
This was really cute and it was nice to see Milk and Love play Ink and Pa from Bad Buddy again. The story makes you think that taking photos and preserving history should be important in our lives. It was really sweet.
Episode 2: Zero in the Moonlight
I always thought Tu had more chemistry with Dew than with Bright in F4 Thailand, and this episode shows that. It was cute, a bit odd, but cute. They acted well together though.
Episode 3: Zero Supporter
This is another opportunity to see Earth & Mix play as Korn & Win from Cupid's Last Wish. It was sweet and considering the plot of Cupid's Last Wish it had some ironic humor. They are just good actors, so they can pull off most roles.
All in all it's worth watching. Don't expect anything groundbreaking or stories that are too deep, because they only have roughly 50 minutes to tell each story and ultimately they are still advertisements for Oishi honey lemon green tea.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Nice Watch
This was a good easy watch even though most of the characters went crazy at some point; I did not find it angsty. Most of us are looking for happy endings when watching dramas. Yes, this one has a happy ending. In my opinion too happy. I think most of the crazies had it too easy at the end for the gravity of the things that they did, it would have been more satisfying if they were at least punished in some way. Though I did like how Noh Go Jin and Park Yang Tae became frenemies at the end.I liked how Noh Go Jin and Lee Shin A's relationship developed, there was no push and pull, it was like go all out hating each other at the beginning - got it all out of the way, discovering that they like each other and from then stuck and supported each other despite everything - not even the two faced ex could come between them.
I liked the OST too :-)
Was this review helpful to you?
Being bad never looked so good.
Rose Finch unfolds like a dark, chilling, and morbidly sensational penny dreadful set in Republican-era Shanghai. The story opens with a bizarre and graphic double murder involving an elite showgirl at Rose Finch (Zhuque Pavillion/朱雀堂), the hottest nightclub in town. Detective Tang Zhenyun is hot on the case, enlisting the aid of talented forensic scientist Xia Mo. Their paths cross with Gao Ying, the enigmatic and deadly boss of Rose Finch, who alternately aids or obstructs their investigation as suits her agenda. She seems intent on uncovering who is murdering her "songbirds" while protecting her family's interests. Is Gao Ying friend or foe?This is a fast-paced, gripping crime thriller that, with its 20-minute episodes, has no time to waste on romance or typical drama digressions. The plot remains tightly focused on one major case, delivering relentless momentum. It’s more violent than expected, unflinchingly portraying the lawlessness and rot festering beneath the era’s decadence.
Wan Qian anchors the narrative with her awe-inspiring portrayal of an inscrutable, powerful, and ruthless mobster’s daughter who lives by her own code. Being bad never looked so good! Zhang Cheng also impresses as the pugnacious, hot-blooded Detective Tang, always ready for a brawl. I was surprised to see Qin Junjie in such a haunted, nerdy, and low-key role, but as a team, this unlikely crime-solving trio clicks perfectly. My only gripe is the dead spouse trope, which feels a bit maudlin and out of place.
The ending has some mildly unsatisfying aspects—it’s dark, cynical, yet oddly fitting for the era. A fantastic short watch. 7.5/10.
Was this review helpful to you?
