Overhyped
I am perplexed by the hype surrounding this series, given its unrealistic superhuman female character. The war scenes featuring the characters' flawless looks, with not a single hair out of place, are laughable, particularly in the midst of violent conflict. The series started strong, drawing inspiration from 'This Thriving Land' and 'Nirvana in Fire,’ but ultimately devolved into a cliché similar to a mini drama. The female lead's comedic scenes come across as unrealistic and unnecessary, lacking connection to the actual storyline. It appears fans rated it highly based on the lead's visuals rather than the narrative, which I find disappointing. Zhang Ling He is in this drama for that purpose, slapped his name as first billed, and is pretty much a background aesthetic that only shows up as the female lead's love interest.I would not recommend this series.
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Sizzle To Fizzle
This show started strong but kinda went downhill after episode 29. The editing became choppy, scenes didn't flow well, and most of the time, narrations replaced actual action, which completely took away from the story's impact. I felt the Lin'An arc was overly prolonged which resulted in significant plot sacrifices to fit everything in.The male lead's character was sidelined and watered down, causing him to be overshadowed by the female lead throughout the drama. The Marquis of Wu'An, a figure of great importance was just an aura farmer with no real action on the battlefield. it’s honestly irritated me to no end. Just give this man some epic battle scenes for crying out loud!
Then there’s also our FL who faced zero consequences for her reckless actions after joining the military. She drugged her husband and made him miss a crucial battle, but was let off without any punishment because she was the wife of the Marquis. She broke many more rules and still faced no consequences, making it feel like she was above the law. Then we had her character become superwoman-like, killing seasoned generals on the battlefield with just two strikes, despite having no proper military training or battle experience. This was the fastest I’ve seen a soldier rise to the position of a general after just two battles. So unrealistic.
Despite the flaws with the writing, I think Tian Xiwei deserves credit for her performance here. It's her first drama I've seen and I’m quite impressed. ZLH, was still able to deliver a good one despite his FL overshadowing him.
I’m not gonna end this without mentioning Qi Min and Sui Yuanqing, oh boy, the Sui brothers were so deadly. I applaud Deng Kai for his portrayal of Qi Min. He portrayed this complex character so brilliantly. Lin Mu Ran equally did an amazing job, and it’s impressive considering he's just 20. I still can’t get over the confrontation scene between the brothers which led to SYQ's demise. That whole performance was peak.
Overall, this was an entertaining watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Warm and Cutesy
Cat For Cash sat third from the bottom of my GMMTV 2025 anticipation list. As the formula goes with GMMTV series, this felt like hitting the jackpot in the beginning, then fell short by the end.Let's Dive In.
This was a refreshing lane change for FirstKhaotung. Most of what they've brought in the past is brooding and hurt, and while there is a smidge of that here, it's mostly smiles and giggles and talking cat. Of course, as with any FirstKhaotung series, they do perfectly fine and perfectly brilliant in the chemistry department. The yearn was nicely top with a tad bit of jealously and angst, and it's the peak of the series.
Satang felt perfectly cast. I can't believe they'd somewhat give us WinnySatang in this after their split. Sigh, and I could've really use a series of Winny in glasses.
Great looked phenomenal here. He was fine in his role, but "blah, blah, blah, proper names, place name, backstory stuff."
What surprised me most was how nicely the episodic structure worked, especially early on. With such a simple premise, I wondered how they would stretch the material, but the show handled it better than expected. It still dragged in places, just not in the way I initially feared.
Overall: fluffy (literally), cutesy, and Great-in-glasses. The formula to a perfectly fine BL series. I will probably forget that I watched this a year from now, but it brought me enough satisfaction in the end.
Ratings:
Story: 8/10 - Cute ! I don't care for cats, and this show didn't change my mind on that, lol. I think the talking part was a bit cringe, but nothing terrible.
Acting: 8.5/10 - FirstKhaotung don't have the capacity to do bad. Satang stole the show for me. Great looked GREAT.
Music: 5/10 - Was fine, didn't distract.
Recommendation Value: 5/10 - ehhh. It's a skip honestly. Unless you're a big fan of FK or want something nice and fluffy.
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
“Among Thousands, I Found You — Pursuit of Jade” - My Favourite Drama of all time
Zhu Yu (逐玉) — Pursuing JadeThe Chinese title Zhu Yu (逐玉) literally means “pursuing jade,” but jade symbolizes far more than wealth: purity of spirit, moral integrity, and resilience beneath refinement. Unlike gold, which dazzles instantly, jade shines quietly, revealed through care and trials. Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng are like jade in rough stone—their true worth uncovered through hardship, choices, and destiny.
Characters
Fan Changyu: A butcher with hands of iron and salt, yet a steadfast heart.
Xie Zheng: A fallen nobleman whose quiet demeanor hides vengeance and sorrow.
The drama asks: who is truly noble—the one born with power or the one who becomes worthy?
Storyline: A Love Forged in Hardship
The story begins with survival, not court intrigue. Changyu rescues Xie Zheng during a snowstorm while he investigates his family’s massacre under the alias “Yan Zhang.” Their marriage begins as necessity, but mutual protection fosters love: she shields him from suspicion, he protects her from political danger. The narrative grows from village romance to war, revenge, and destiny, always centered on two people learning to trust again.Their love is not born from longing glances but from mutual protection.
Power in Pursuit of Jade
Power in the drama extends beyond the imperial court. It contrasts two forms of strength:
Fan Changyu Xie Zheng
Physical endurance Strategic intellect
Peasant resilience Noble authority
Together, they show that true power arises from balance, where mind and body, strategy and endurance, work in harmony.
Love
Love here is quiet.
It grows in small gestures:
sharing meals
tending wounds
standing side by side in danger
This restrained romance feels profoundly human.
A quote Xie Zheng choose to confess his love to Changyu truly pulled my heart strings.
He started saying Fan changyu told him in the past ''THAT I, AN UNCOVERED JADE, DON'T BELONG TO YOU EVEN IF YOUR NAME IS CARVED ON ME. BUT NOW I KNOW....YOU ARE THE JADE''
I JUST LOVE THEM AT THIS POINT
Deception
The drama thrives on hidden identities and concealed motives. Xie Zheng lives under the false identity of Yan Zhang.Enemies hide behind political alliances.Even love at first wears the mask of convenience and strategy. Yet deception is not mere intrigue—it becomes a crucible through which truth and loyalty are revealed, shaping characters and their fates.
Savior
Neither protagonist plays the role of passive lover.
They save each other repeatedly :Changyu saves Xie Zheng from death in the snow,Xie Zheng rescues Changyu from the violent tides of politics.
They are mutual saviors
Yearning
The quiet sadness beneath the story is yearning.
Characters long for - justice,peace,belonging This yearning permeates the drama like distant music
Acting: Strength Through Simplicity – Tian Xie Wei as Fan Changyu
Tian Xie Wei brings Fan Changyu to life with quiet intensity, blending naturalism with profound emotional depth.
Her artistry shines in subtlety: Eyes that speak when words fail, conveying longing, resolve, and unspoken emotion , commanding presence without raising her voice, radiating strength forged through hardship , Emotion held lightly, like a candle flickering beneath the wind, revealing tenderness only in fleeting moments. She embodies a woman shaped by adversity—never fragile, yet capable of profound vulnerability. Through Tian Xie Wei’s nuanced performance, Changyu feels achingly human, alive in both her resilience and the rare, delicate glimpses of her heart.
Acting: Iron Veins, Tender Heart – Zhang Linghe as the Marquis of Wu’an
Zhang Linghe embodies the Marquis of Wu’an with a presence that commands respect and instills fear, yet beneath his fearsome exterior lies a rare, tender devotion reserved for his wife.
His performance is a study in contrast: A gaze that dominates, sharp and unyielding, asserting his power,Subtle gestures of care, brief but unmistakable, expressing love without grand declarations, Emotion restrained, breaking only in fleeting moments where the fortress of fear gives way to longing
He portrays a man feared by all, yet tender for the one who truly matters. In Zhang Linghe’s hands, the Marquis’ rare tears are not spectacle—they are the distilled weight of loyalty, love, and unspoken sacrifice, making his humanity all the more striking against his iron-clad persona.
Chemistry: Quiet Rivers – Fan Changyu & the Marquis of Wu’an
The bond between Fan Changyu and the Marquis of Wu’an (Yan Zheng in disguise) unfolds with quiet precision, like a river carving its path over time. Unlike melodramatic romances, their connection grows through shared silences, subtle gestures, and hidden truths. The secret of Yan Zheng’s identity adds tension—every glance, every touch, carries unspoken stakes.
Key moments that illuminate their bond: Cooking together in the village kitchen, where simple tasks become acts of intimacy and unacknowledged trust, Tending wounds after battle, each careful touch a quiet acknowledgment of care, Exchanging glances across crowded rooms, eyes speaking volumes while the truth lingers unspoken
Their relationship feels less like sudden passion and more like two lives gradually intertwining, shaped by devotion, loyalty, and the fragile dance between love and secrecy.
Cinematography: Painting with Light
The Pursuit of Jade unfolds like a living painting, each frame composed with the care of a classical Chinese landscape. Soft, natural light bathes the actors, emphasizing their humanity rather than glamour. Long, atmospheric takes and sweeping wide shots capture the grandeur of the world, while intimate close-ups draw viewers into the emotional heartbeat of the story.
The color palette mirrors the characters’ inner lives:
Snow-covered scenes glow pale blue, evoking solitude and introspection.
Village life shimmers with golden warmth, reflecting domestic intimacy and quiet joys.
Battles and confrontations adopt colder steel tones, mirroring tension, danger, and inner turmoil.
Lighting frequently celebrates the actors’ natural beauty. Candlelight, moonlight, and soft reflections off snow create a gentle glow, transforming the characters into living art—figures seamlessly woven into the landscapes, where environment and emotion coexist in quiet harmony.
Costumes: Identity Through Fabric – Fan Changyu
Fan Changyu’s wardrobe traces the arc of her journey, reflecting both resilience and evolving identity. Early outfits are practical, earth-toned, and unadorned, echoing the harsh rhythms of her butcher’s life. Later costumes grow more refined, yet retain the subtle strength that defines her character.
The Flower Crown
Among her accessories, the flower crown stands out. Delicate yet commanding, it becomes a visual metaphor for transformation—marking the moment when a woman once defined by survival begins to embrace dignity, grace, and inner beauty. Fan Changyu becomes the first flower-crowned general of Great Yin, a symbol of both power and femininity. Through her wardrobe, Changyu is not only seen but felt—her clothing acts as a silent narrator of her evolving spirit.
Xie Zheng’s Feather Crown: Nobility in Light and Lineage
Xie Zheng’s feathered crown, inspired by Lu Bai from Journey to the West, embodies martial nobility rather than courtly luxury, merging ancestral legacy with the freedom of a warrior’s spirit.
The feathers carry layered meaning: Freedom – the untamed essence of a man forged in battle
Martial strength – a testament to courage, skill, and duty
Ancestral legacy – anchoring him to the weight of lineage and responsibility
Director Cleverly highlights Xie Zheng with lighting that shifts between dramatic shadows and glimmers of gold and steel. These visual cues magnify his formidable presence while revealing rare glimpses of vulnerability. The crown, the light, and his bearing together form a visual metaphor: Xie Zheng is at once a noble warrior, a man of hidden depths, and inseparable from the moral and natural world he inhabits.
Iconic Scenes: The Snowstorm Rescue
The drama opens with a haunting tableau: a wounded man collapsing amidst the swirling snow.
Fan Changyu’s hands lift him from the frost, a gesture both tender and fateful. This moment marks the inception of destiny, where paths cross, hearts awaken, and the story of love, loyalty, and transformation begins to unfold.
The blizzard is more than a backdrop—it is a silent witness to courage and compassion, setting the tone for a tale where human connection pierces even the harshest storms.
Iconic Scenes: The Bath Scene — Yin and Yang
“The bath scene, rich in Yin and Yang symbolism, blurs vulnerability and intimacy. Here, Xie Zheng finally lets himself slip, revealing his deepest feelings.”
Here, the bath is not about sensuality—it is a meditation on harmony and spiritual equilibrium, where two souls align, revealing connection through contrast and complement
The Battlefield Reunion
One unforgettable scene shows the couple reuniting amidst chaos and smoke. The camera circles them slowly, emphasizing how love persists even in war
Blue ribbon
1. Fate Manifested Through Motion
The drifting blue ribbon is more than decoration—it is fate in motion. In Chinese storytelling, objects carried by wind often signal destined encounters. As the ribbon floats toward Xie Zheng, it suggests an invisible force quietly guiding Changyu, turning their reunion into a mystical, almost predestined moment
2. The Ribbon as an Extension of Changyu
The ribbon is intimately tied to Changyu’s identity. When it leaves her hair, it feels like a fragment of her spirit traveling ahead In this scene, it acts as: Messenger ,Signal, Bridge between souls Landing near the wounded Xie Zheng, it visually links them before she even arrives, as if the ribbon finds him first
3. Emotional Symbolism
Amid uncertainty and danger, the ribbon embodies the deeper bond between them:
Yearning — the invisible pull connecting them
Loyalty — Changyu’s unspoken devotion
Salvation — her arrival as protector
Even in the chaos of war, this simple object becomes a visual metaphor for their enduring connection
'The man who never cried finally shed tears for her'
After Dangerous Moments
In middle episodes , when Changyu risks her life and he responds passionately — telling her he wants her to live even if he dies — fans treat that as a moment of emotional collapse under pressure, even if not literally “crying” on screen.
Build‑Up Toward Later Reunions
later episodes show he becomes more direct and expressive about his feelings — a fan‑quoted line like “As long as I live in this lifetime, you are mine!” conveys an emotional outburst brought on by his growing love. Whether it’s literal tears or emotional intensity, audiences read powerful feeling into these moments
Xie Zheng’s Oath to Fan Changyu at the Memorial in Pursuit of Jade
One of the most solemn and emotionally powerful scenes occurs when Xie Zheng kneels before the memorial tablets of his parents and swears his lifelong devotion to Fan Changyu
Repaying Blood Ties
In The Pursuit of Jade, before making his oath, Xie Zheng endures 108 lashes from his uncle. This punishment carries deep symbolism: by accepting the lashes, he declares that he has repaid the debt of blood and no longer owes loyalty to a corrupted family bond. The number 108 holds strong cultural significance, often associated with endurance and spiritual trial. Each strike becomes a testament to Xie Zheng’s resolve—his willingness to suffer in order to sever ties with injustice and reclaim his moral independence
A Vow Before the Dead
Afterward, wounded and exhausted, he kneels before his parents’ memorial tablets. In traditional culture, swearing before ancestral spirits is the most sacred form of promise—one that cannot be broken.In that quiet moment he declares that Fan Changyu will be his companion for life, someone he will stand beside until death
Meaning of the Scene
The oath transforms their relationship from a private affection into a solemn lifelong bond witnessed by the spirits of his family.It signifies three things:
Xie Zheng has chosen love over corrupted blood ties
Fan Changyu is no longer merely someone he cares for; she becomes his family
His future is no longer defined by revenge but by the life they will build together
Emotional Power
The scene is powerful because it is restrained. There are no grand celebrations—only a wounded man kneeling in silence, speaking a promise that binds his heart forever
In that moment, before the memory of his parents, Xie Zheng confirms that Fan Changyu is the person he will walk beside for the rest of his life—until death separates them
Xie Zheng’s Coin Gua Sha for Fan Changyu
Emotional Intimacy
The act is quietly intimate:
Xie Zheng’s careful movements show deep concern and tenderness
Fan Changyu, who is usually independent and strong, allows herself to be cared for, signaling trust and emotional surrender
This subtle caregiving communicates more than words ever could: love expressed through attentive action
Cinematic Framing
The scene is shot to maximize emotional impact:
Close-ups focus on Xie Zheng’s hands and Fan Changyu’s reactions, emphasizing attention and care
Soft lighting highlights their faces and the subtle gestures, creating warmth amid the tension
Background is minimized to center the viewer on the quiet intimacy of the moment
The Final Confrontation: Justice Against Blood
Xie Zheng learns that the man responsible for destroying his family is his own uncle, turning the conflict from political revenge into a painful personal reckoning. they meet on the battlefield, Xie Zheng fights with calm restraint, guided by justice rather than vengeance. the tragedy and isolation of the moment captured by camera.Fan Changyu’s quiet presence reminds him that he is no longer alone and that a future beyond revenge exists.Though he defeats his uncle, the victory is somber rather than triumphant, symbolizing the drama’s central message: true honor is defined not by bloodline, but by moral choice
THE WOMAN WHO REFUSE TO STAND BEHIND HER MAN BUT RATHER END EVERYTHING BY HER SELF
Iconic Quotes
Fan Changyu: “If the world abandons you, I will still stand beside you.”
“I can slaughter pigs to feed you, but I will never abandon you.”
Xie Zheng: “Justice buried in silence will one day return as thunder.”
“Everyone feared me… except you.”
“I’m not divorcing you anymore. Never!”
“Careful with fate.”
“Finding you among thousands.”
“As long as I live in this lifetime, you are mine.”
“No matter how far we wander, the past always calls us home.”
OST IN DEPTH
Careful with Fate [ JJ Lin] – fragile love ,mirror Changyu and Xie Zheng’s fragile, guarded love—every glance and heartbeat delicate, destiny fragile.
I Searched For Him…[Zhang Bichen] – destiny quietly revealed
Clear As Me [Yisa Yu]– steadfast virtue like Changyu—strength revealed through quiet, unwavering action.
Road Ahead [Huang Xiaoyun] – courage on uncertain paths seeking courage between love and duty.
Done Deal [Zhang Yuan] – fate’s inevitability painful paths must be walked with resolve.
One Thought [ Zhang Zining & Li Xinyi] – a single choice shapes destiny toward salvation or tragedy.
Wind Rises [Xu Hebin]– storms of change reshape lives.
Biding farewell to Zhu Yu brought me to tears, ZHE,TXW BEST DRAMA
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Striking Visuals, No Misunderstandings, Clear Communication, strong female lead- A drama done well!
What I really liked about this show was the Female Lead, and ANY show that does its female characters well is a great show.The initial episodes really had the high energy, tension, intrigue that was tantalising though the middle part got muddled through, a little draggy even but there were moments that made me really stick to and complete the show.
Not strictly enemies to lovers as marketed but the strong dislike between the leads due to their original roles/ duties were clearly palpable and carried out really well by the actors.
I really liked the casting and acting of the characters especially with Fu Yuxiao, Li Qin really brought this red clad general to life, she was absolutely the formidable general one who's capable, composed and intelligent.
I also loved how the characters were really consistent to their original goals & ideals. Ml doesn't end up becoming the emperor but instead left the governance to his sister. (love women in power)
They also have the most equal relationship. She literally lashed him back so they could be even to cooperate, the chemistry absolutely fire. They both experience betrayal together, help each other through the grief, protect each other and COMMUNICATE, NO MISUNDERSTANDING, He ALWAYS asks for her opinion and help cuz she's his partner.
Also I kinda didn't mind how the second couple went-? Loved the Princess's arc (possibly a villain arc but she was just collecting the dues) And the chemistry between her & the emperor was absolutely divine- he needed to be useful, to be worth enough for someone to ask for his help and she wanted her revenge. I loved how she went from this naive & sheltered Lil princess who thought she can fix him to scheming and using all her wits for revenge.
The Emperor was cunning, but also a philander in ways the contradiction in itself made him interesting, loved this arc, kinda saved the show as it went through the draggyness.
I was totally expecting more depth into the alliance and how it'll affect the main plot, kinda felt that it was underutilised.
💌 In conclusion-
The show is totally watch worthy with strong female character who's a general and behaves like one,ML who's kind, understanding ISN'T GRUMPY OR BROODY, CLEAR COMMUNICATION, NO BREAKUP, NO MISUNDERSTANDING, HE ENDING. Also doesn't help that the action scenes and visuals were absolutely gorgeous.
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The only reason we think its good its because of the visuals and the characters insane face cards
Pursuit of Jade is, at its core, a visually stunning production that unfortunately doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. What initially draws you in—and ultimately keeps you watching—is the sheer beauty of its cinematography. Every frame feels carefully composed, from sweeping landscapes to intimate character shots, making the drama undeniably pleasing to the eye.However, I need to point out that they were cutting the scenes weirdly specially in the fighting scenes.
Adding to this appeal is the cast itself. Nearly everyone on screen is strikingly attractive, with both the female lead and male lead delivering not just solid performances but also undeniable visual charisma. Even the villains and supporting characters, like the Xie generals, stand out with their commanding presence. It’s a drama where “face card never declines” truly applies across the board.
However, beyond its visual strengths, the series struggles in several key areas. The writing, in particular, feels repetitive and underdeveloped. The dialogue often circles back to the same points—especially the constant back-and-forth about class differences between the marquis and Changyu. The question of “what do you want to do?” is asked so frequently that it begins to lose impact, making emotional moments feel redundant rather than compelling.
Character development also leaves much to be desired. The male lead, as a marquis, lacks the intensity and authority one might expect from someone in his position. Instead of coming across as powerful or commanding, he often feels subdued—and at times, frustratingly passive. His frequent illnesses don’t help this perception, as it seems like he’s bedridden every few episodes, which further diminishes his presence as a strong leading figure.
Changyu’s arc, while promising, also suffers from unrealistic progression. While it’s established that she was trained by her father, the leap from that foundation to becoming a high-ranking general after only two battles feels rushed and unconvincing. The drama itself acknowledges that battlefield experience is vastly different, yet doesn’t fully justify her rapid rise. This makes her achievements feel less earned, weakening what could have been a powerful storyline.
Additionally, the overall plot lacks momentum. The story doesn’t develop in a particularly engaging way, and the fighting scenes—despite the historical setting—fail to stand out when compared to other dramas in the same genre. For a series involving war and military figures, the action sequences feel surprisingly underwhelming.
In the end, Pursuit of Jade is a drama that excels in aesthetics but falls short in storytelling. It’s worth watching if you appreciate beautiful cinematography and a visually captivating cast, but if you’re looking for strong character development, gripping dialogue, or realistic progression, it may leave you wanting more.
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Some parts of the story also confused me like I still don’t really understand why Leopard hates Luo Ren so much. It feels like there wasn’t enough explanation or buildup.
I also thought Mu Dai would be a really strong and important character, but we didn’t get to explore her strength or background as much as I hoped.
The concept is good and the vibe is there, but the execution just didn’t fully hit for me.
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Something you will remember
"Countdown to Yes" is a Japanese BL series of 11 Episodes, which finished just recently, and flew a bit under the radar. Japanese BL series always have this special place in my heart. There is this sincerity and gravitas Japanese people show, even in romance series. This is about Minato and Wataru, having been best friends since High School days, sharing an apartment for saving cost, and being united by their love for photography.This hobby of theirs makes for a lot of truly memorable flashbacks, something I am usually a bit mixed, but those moments with very few words with Wataru is busy with making photos of the landscape and Minato is way more interested by making pictures of Wataru instead. Those are quiet, tender moments, some unspoken love that is there. But Wataru is haunted by the idea, when he realizes his feelings for Minato, if the love fails, would they not lose their friendship?
The series is carried by fine details of everyday intimacy, of growing together over years, when Minato leaves the country for three years, where the main plot sents in, when Minato returns and they struggle with how their story should continue. The series had two really good actors complementing each other well, and since Japan has no ships, you have the benefit to give all into the actors and the story, uncertain what will happen in the end. Overall it wasn't a huge drama, mostly wholesome, but I found great value in the inner struggles both MC's have on a day to day level, which was filmed with the typical talent for "elevated realism" typical for Japanese series. You just felt inside a real, lived in world, where in contrast Thai BLs often feel a bit too "fantasy realism", if you get my meaning.
Here every gesture, every little moment together is like a window in a realistic world of two young men finding a way into their future, and even without great drama, the many small everyday dramas carried the eleven episodes very well, with a soft, wonderful but never intrusive music score. It was well worth watching, lacking nothing, achieving for what it aimed like those nice spring times you remember years later, even if the details escape you.
9/10
Recommended
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It's not bad, it's just boring.
Background plot- 65%Romance - 30%
Misc comedy - 5%
Background plot - Boring
Romantic chemistry - Pretty good
Misc comedy - Fine
Production value - Pretty good
Direction / editing - Not great
It pains me to write this review because the two leads are some of my favorites, but this drama was painfully boring. Not even the chemistry between the two main characters could save it. I kept finding reasons to turn it off or watch something else and I had to talk myself into finishing it.
I love a good slow, cozy romance / story, see last year's The Best Thing or First Frost. But this one was not it and the issue, I think, was the complete lack of real story and therefore character growth for the two main characters. They started the drama as strong, kind, lovely people and they ended the drama just the same. Add in all the incredibly dull scenes about solar panel technology that felt like propaganda and completely unnecessary and I had to fast forward at least 50% of the drama, but even then the parts that remained were so freaking BORING.
I'm not sure what else to say. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Boyfriend on Demand hasn't met my expectations
I honestly expected something different from this series.First of all, I found the series a bit monotonous at first: a girl's (Mi-rae) offered a free virtual reality device where she can go on dates and through this process, she meets different boys until she finds her ideal boyfriend.
To be honest, those dates didn't do anything for me; it all felt quite flat. Perhaps there were some fun or enjoyable moments, but they didn't contribute anything to the plot between the two protagonists.To be honest, I watched the first 5 chapters at 1.75x speed and still perfectly understood the plot, so those chapters could have been skipped for me, as they don't contribute anything to the plot between the two protagonists; they simply focus on Mi-rae isolated in a virtual world.
The last thing I didn't like about the series is how long it takes for the plot to include even a minimal interaction or romantic interest between the two protagonists, because, despite being a fan of slow burn, I found this plot too tedious and it was boring to wait for.
I understand that some people may have enjoyed it, but despite giving it my time and a chance, this series isn't for me.
I hope no one's offended by my review.
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Started strong but lost interest gradually
Pursuit of Jade starts on a strong note, with beautiful landscape settings, strong FL who makes her living for herself and her little sister by butchering pigs, as her parents pass away, despite the criticisms she face from her fellow villagers.She comes across ML who is saved by her when she finds him unconscious in the snow, which is the main backdrop of the Lin'an town.
The first few episodes were very interesting with a little bit revelation of the ML backdrop as Marquis Wu'an, the FL facing house issues from her relatives, her constant worries regarding money and her sister, while the ML trying to relay and receive information through the falcon.
There were few interesting moments where ML stands up for FL in various situations in the village as he agrees to become her "matrilocal husband".
Now this is where exactly I started losing interest, as it has taken ages for Xie Zheng, ML, to come out of the village and even disgusting is that, almost till ep 26,he kept on lying about his identity to her and also had made his men and army to fabricate many lies. I didn't understand any logic in this cat and mouse game of Zheng, since he loves her so much, why can't he reveal his identity in the later episodes?
Also, I gradually lost interest in the romantic conversations of the main leads and started skipping them to a point, where I dont know what's going on between them, either arguing, fighting, or trying to sort out?
Another major problem for me is Zheng, the mighty Marquis, even after knowing that someone wanted to kill him and somebody is trying to kill Fan Changyu, did not put even a single step forward in investigating these matters. Here and there we find him planning some strategies for war, but at the end he is not the one who fights or kills but Fan Changyu, a "self-made overnight heroine".
And coming to Fan Changyu, initially I found her quite capable, strong, righteous, amd trying to make a living, but once she steps out of the village, she is " the great female warrior, who without any training, can kill generals, who fought hard battles woth just 2 strikes".For me, she really turned into a ridiculous character and lost complete interest in her.She is capable of everything, from bringing rice to meat, to killing rebels and traitors, without a single scratch on her or years of training!!!
The only storyline that made me watch this far is Qi Min and Yu Qianqian.I wanted to see how their story comes to an end along with their son. Simply liked Deng Kai's acting. For me, he and his brother are the only saving grace.
Also, the Sui brothers were more interesting than the main leads. And as for the main villain, nothing serious has really been shown, so I dont know.
On a final note, I felt it a Wasted Opportunity, which lost its potential as it progressed.
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Deng Kai in this is like Niki Lauda riding around in a 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Deng Kai.We know he has charisma to burn. He has star power. But his range and depth - while improving all the time - can only get better with practice. He needs to keep working, keep working, keep taking new roles. No job is too small or too large for Deng Kai. But in a bad production, he's about as inconspicuous as a giant tiger trying to hide behind a fake palm tree.
The discerning reader such as yourself has probably already ascertained that I'm calling this a bad production. And indeed I am. That 7 is plus about 2 points just for Deng Kai alone.
What's wrong with this thing.
First off, the story is A) just dumb and B) it doesn't follow an emotionally logical chain of events. And therefore, it's not emotionally believable. That right there is the death knell for a romance drama. So you can just close the book on it before you even start.
But there's more. We got a few good outfits, but there's also a lot of drab clothes. And there's nothing lyrical, profound, poetic, or elevated about the dialogue at all. Not even during confessions. Daisy Li was unable to keep up with the demands of the FL's character, and **honestly who can blame her**. They ask too much of her, and of the viewer. So the performance came out looking passable at best. And same goes for the extras who apparently were chosen because they all just happen to be nearby that day and were just pulled off the lighting and sound crews and the food truck or somethin. 2ML ---aishhhhhhh idk. He's young, and needs experience, but --- let's just say he's not attention grabbing and he has to overcome the mid-tier face card the Creator bestowed him with. And the bgm/ost volume vs dubbing is way way out of whack, some of the notes the female singer hits sound like a cat yowling and your ears are like WHOA, bring it down.
Makeup.
On the good side. This stylist was working with the philosophy that you should enhance a person's NATURAL beauty. And I do like that very much.
But on the bad side. This entire drama looked like a BB cream sales convention. I have no idea how much BB cream was used in the production of this drama, but somebody should have taken a credit card and scraped it off everyone's face at the end of the day and put it in a big pile and then sent it to Guinness world records to have it officially weighed. And this stylist likes to pat - not lightly dust, but pat - powder into the surface of the BB cream. The effect is not great. The lighting and rez are unforgiving to the makeup techniques that were used.
Between that and the stupid hairstyles, they managed to age Deng Kai for the screen by like 10-15 years. Good job, guys.
Without Deng Kai in this drama, there is nothing to watch it for. So I'd recc it ONLY to people interested in following his career. Even as a red-flag romance, there's dozens of dramas that have done the same thing, only with far more style and sophistication.
Do you want a ride in an old piece of sh*t Ford Fiesta? No. Do you want a ride in an old piece of sh*t Ford Fiesta but only Deng Kai is driving it?
That's the only question you have to ask yourself here.
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An Emotional Masterpiece
Honestly… I still need to recover from this series — in a good way. I really don’t understand why this drama doesn’t have an even higher rating, because for me this is truly one of the best Korean dramas I have ever seen.This series is an emotional rollercoaster from the very first episode until the very last scene. I watched it almost without breathing sometimes. I binged the whole series in about three days because I just couldn’t stop watching. Every episode made me want to immediately continue.
The chemistry between the two main actors, Lee Jun-ho and Won Jin-ah, is absolutely beautiful. Their relationship feels so real, so fragile, and so emotional. Nothing feels forced or overly dramatic. It’s just very human and very sincere.
And Lee Jun-ho… he is just incredible. Not only is he very nice to look at — which of course doesn’t hurt — but he is also a fantastic actor. He has played many beautiful roles, and in every series he brings so much emotion and depth. In this drama especially, he really shows how good he is. You can feel his pain, his anger, his love, his guilt — everything feels real.
The story itself is very touching and quite heavy at times. It deals with trauma, loss, guilt, and how people try to continue living after something terrible happens. But it’s not only sad — it’s also about healing, love, hope, and finding comfort in another person.
What makes this series so special is how all the emotions come in very strongly: pain, sadness, guilt, warmth, pride, love, hope — everything. It really hits you emotionally again and again.
The music is also beautiful and fits the story perfectly. It really supports the emotional scenes without being too much. The settings and cinematography are also very well done. Nothing feels random; everything fits the atmosphere of the story. The directing is calm and emotional, which makes the story feel even more real and intimate.
For me, this is not just a good drama — this is really a masterpiece.
A beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable story with amazing acting and incredible chemistry. One of the best Korean dramas I’ve ever seen.
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This review may contain spoilers
Another 1960's Melodrama
This is my opinion, I'm not trying to persuade anyone else, but Shine was just another melodrama to me. I put aside my dislike for BOC's obvious smoking and ass fetishes to watch this story about boomers, a group Gen Z loves to clown. It was okay, but I much preferred Kinn Porsche. I found Victor very creepy, especially when he sexually harassed Trin. I've been in this type of situation before without the power differential and it is uncomfortable and stressful. The music was good, but the cringe party over the Beatles break-up were such obvious cliches that the only thing missing was For What It's Worth in the OST.The acting was excellent, and made up for the substandard story and storytelling. I especially liked the performance of Son who played the conflicted Krailert. Everyone else was either lawful good or chaotic good, or greedy and bad, but Krailert was a gray character. It wasn't easy being gay in the 1960's, and the closet was common address.
I found the gay love stories a little unrealistic for the time. All of these guys coming on to each other when not in a safe space. Coming on to another man outside of a known gay establishment, or without an introduction would have been very dangerous. I understand the need to move the story forward, but the relationship between Dhevi and Lert's assistant, Veera, was much more realistic for the times.
I gave this series a low score for rewatch value because I'll probably never watch it again. My overall score reflects the acting, and the music that were very high caliber. The messaging was melodramatic and not of real substance because in the end, with as much grandstanding about Thailand and being Thai, nobody really sacrificed for the land. I'm also not crazy about the moving abroad theme that is common in Thai BL. Victor died and Krailert sacrificed for the soil, and the viewer has to watch so much protest footage, yet Trin didn't commit to the land. I did appreciate the ending though.
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This review may contain spoilers
Misfortune bonds two people in an old small town
Such a pointless show. This is different from another show with the similar theme of communicating across time, Crossfire, which I thought had better execution.This show depicts miserable people, who don’t develop, and end up nowhere. Not to mention that the modern storyline was also pointless. There was no plot dedicated to the young characters except the bonding they got from passing time together and putting up with each other. If the modern storyline was removed, this show wouldn’t be all that different. In fact it might seem more artistic because we’d get the firsthand perspective of the air of mystery and suspicion from only reading the letters and not the intention of the characters behind writing them. Not to mention our main characters in the past are too old to even be alive, there is no reason for them to be communicating since their communication has very little impact on their lives. It doesn’t lead to the modern young people finding their parents, and it doesn’t lead the characters in the past out of their unfortunate lives.
I was shocked by what a scoundrel Shen Chen was in the beginning. Like it’s the misfortune of Yu Nian to be next to him to be implicated in every suspicion he can have about someone. And he’s carrying legal weight behind his suspicions. Who would put up with someone like that after a couple interactions. It would solidly fall into the category of harassment in real life when you meet and interact with someone like this, want to leave the situation, and then be unable to shake them off. The only time he compromised was to get her cooperation which she already gave, and then when he got any leads he would keep it to himself. That has zero integrity or loyalty. Outside of the character being not well-rounded, I don’t see the merit behind a depiction of such a character. There is no moral to the story here.
I also don’t see why Tang Yixun and Ye Haitang’s romance is one of epic proportions. The themes of this show remind me of the anime Your Name. That movie was a real tearjerker in terms of people bonding across supernatural connection set in a backwater small town. Returning to the relationship between Tang Yixun and Ye Haitang, the only time I felt they were bonding was when Yixun protected her from her dad. After she moved out, I really don’t see why they felt any attraction to each other. Sure not everyone ends up the best of the best in life, but people sure get damn close if they try and there’s no point to a story that shows people getting nowhere. And that is what’s depicted in this show. Yixun ends up in the same place he started in the beginning of the show thirty-five years later. That’s one way to nail home if you don’t work hard in life you’ll end up on the bottom of society. Which is what he did, which is where he ended up, wow what an amazing journey. I really could’ve done without the modern timeline of how pathetic the characters ended up.
Despite being twelve episodes, it’s surprising that there could still be filler content. I think Chinese show writers really need to take a class on story telling and plot progression and delivering a meaningful message through story. A show is not about its length, but it still needs to be purposeful with each second and minute of its runtime whether that be sixty episodes or twelve episodes.
In my opinion, this show was missing two fundamental elements. One was the growth of the characters in their own timeline. It makes sense that discovering a way to communicate with the future could be insignificant if it doesn’t really impact your life so its novelty fades into the background at times, however, if this secret discovery isn’t going to drive the character’s actions, then they themselves need to have a driven direction, because, story. The counterexample show, Crossfire, achieves this. On one hand Crossfire shows that communicating with the past isn’t all that life changing because it’s not human to be able to capitalize on every little moment and detail to change your own reality in society. It shows this by depicting the casual friendship between Xiao Fan and Wu Lei’s character. They’re not winning any lotteries or founding any industries, but they just enjoy each other’s company and advice as two humans who have have something in common even across time. Imagine talking with a buddy living in the Grecian time period and you could still bond over your love of mathematics together. In their own timelines, however, they are both advancing in their fields, with or without the meaningful mentorship of the other. On the other hand, Crossfire still shows that having this extra power and access to knowledge is very powerful as Wu Lei’s character tries to save his brother from dying in a car accident because that was the central tragedy of his life. The important point is this is being built up to throughout the story and happens from the beginning to the halfway mark. Thus, this discovery drives the story. On the hand, in Twelve Letters, this communication with the future is largely ignored throughout most of the show. Part of the way through the show, I thought we were just watching the progression of sad people heading toward their sad ends. It was made even worse because they spoiled how they ended up in the modern timeline and they were doing largely nothing to change it for eleven out of the twelve episodes. Not only was the supernatural mailbox not that impactful on the character’s lives, the characters themselves were not progressing in their own lives without the mailbox.
The other thing this show is missing is the change and impact discovering a way to communicate with the future and change the past brings. Another thing that the counterexample Crossfire did well is after the characters try to change the past and don’t totally succeed, they unravel the mystery of where their timelines intersect. If they were such influential figures on each other’s lives in the past, where are they now? How do they not know each other? How have they not sought each other out? Then when their timelines meet up, they change their present together and head toward a different ending that could’ve never came about if they didn’t meet across times and develop a friendship. Not only does Crossfire address changing the past, how that intersects with the future reality, it also rounds out a third perspective of when the realities are aligned, how they can go forward and grow together. All these nuances are painfully missing from Twelve Letters.
Besides the story not being much food for thought, what this show does well is vibes. In Chinese media I’m seeing more “vibes shows”, shows that are a collection of scenes that have no purpose but are aesthetically pleasing to look at strung together. That is what this show is. It’s decent cinematography and production of some good looking actors that are caricatures of something, interacting in a shallow surface level way that realizes old cliche ideas and sayings, progressing in sequence until its end. It was nice to see some themes of a cute bad boy depicted by Zhou Yiran, having a die hard love for Haitang, because, no reason. But he can kick ass in a fight so he checks the bad boy box. Haitang is a pitiful girl with an abusive father who tries to study her way out, so she oscillates between getting beaten up by her dad and being happy with the male lead. What a tragic girl, now we can kind of skim the surface of misogynist attitudes and family dynamics? Then there’s the typical rich kid who doesn’t know how good he has it in comparison to those around him so he picks on others. There’s also the cliche of once you join a gang, you’re in for life and the only way you’re leaving is as a dead body. There’s also the cliche that a gambler will sell anything and anyone around them to feed their addiction. These people are all just vibes and walking cliches that are tacked on in sequence that don’t really develop anywhere. Their small interactions don’t bring about anything meaningful change in each other. This is especially proven when Haitang dies because she met up with her father in her old age. The man is one step away from the grave and you still allowed him to harm you. I thought you learned the lesson that nothing good comes from interacting with him when you cut him off? Nope, you managed to still die from him in the ripe and wise old age of fifty, thirty five something years later. Talk about no character growth. What was the moral of the book “It Ends With Us”?
While the show doesn’t have any groundbreaking messaging, this show is worth a watch if one is bored without anything else to watch. This show is good for passing the time. Its acting, visuals, and story elements are executed well enough that there aren’t any hiccups to the viewing experience. This show doesn’t insult the viewers in any way in terms of plot holes or acting and visual disbelief. There is enough plot and mystery hanging over the entirety of the show to fuel a binging experience.
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