Reviews

A Fantasy Romance of Fate and Reincarnation

This is a demon-and-goddess fantasy romance built around reincarnation, fate, and enduring connections that transcend lifetimes. I found it to be a sweet and engaging watch, with enough mystery surrounding the characters' pasts to keep me invested in how the story would unfold.

As a miniseries, the production isn't without flaws, and there are a few gaps in the storytelling. However, the fantasy elements, romantic themes, and emotional moments made it enjoyable overall.

The season 2 ending may frustrate some viewers, as it leaves several threads feeling unresolved. However, there have been discussions among fans about a potential continuation, and comments attributed to cast members have suggested that additional material was planned. Whether that ultimately happens remains to be seen, but the story certainly feels like it has room to continue.

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the journey of a liquor deity.

watching Dashing Youth is like eating a cake with too many toppings on it. it’s a treat for sure - but it tries to squeeze in too many side plots and characters into 40 episodes, all while trying to show our main character, Baili Dong Jun’s growth, and his relationships with our other main characters.

characters are introduced, say a few lines, and disappear for a few, if not, the rest of the show. sometimes people pop up and while my brain is still trying to remember their name and their alliance they have already said their piece and hopped off screen. it’s a pity because many characters here are quite likeable and of course, dashing to look at. we had time skips every other episode (especially at the start and in the last arc), which could’ve been woven into the plot or show differently. the characters also don’t look like they’ve aged at all despite all the years gone by (except the kids who obviously are now teenagers).

towards the end, key plot developments are simply animated and narrated - i get that it would’ve been too much to show everything, but at least show a few snippets here and there instead of narrating everything off screen? this creates a disconnection within the world the show is trying to build. (for example, Yue Qing ends her life completely offscreen when she’s been one of the more important supporting characters? Lei Mengsha is suddenly a General?)

acting wise was done well. weakest link would’ve been Yi Wen Jun. her character was already not written very well, but i think the actress could’ve portrayed her better.

i was quite disappointed with the fight scenes. the first half had solid fight choreographies, but after that it was just CGI after CGI (though done well), and sometimes fights are skipped entirely. i was looking forward to seeing good sword fights here, but unfortunately did not get enough.

the only redeeming factor would be the friendship between Dong Jun and Ye Yun. i loved their camaraderie, and wished they had more screen time together. i also hoped to see more friendship/teamwork scenes where Dong Jun explores and fights alongside his new found buddies.

i would’ve enjoyed this cake more, if it just stuck to a few toppings that help bring out the core flavour.

overall: 8/10 (i rate pretty leniently)

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Firstly everyone agrees that the cinematography is absolutely amazing. Every shot was so beautiful. The scenes, the videography, chefs kiss.
I loved the actors too. They did a great job.

What I didnt like was the how they went about it with the plot.
I think it would have been better if they focused more on using Do Ra Mi to "get revenge" on the ones who raised Mu Hee. She just showed up on the christening and thats it. They were child abusers and they deserved to go through hell. Dont even get me started on her father. What kind of disgusting parent is he that abandons his own daughter??

This story had so much potential for speaking up about child neglect, bad parenting, etc. But I feel like it didnt do enough on that part. But then again it was maybe because it tried to be too many things at the same time. There were so many characters where i felt like it just showed me enough to make me curious but then it didnt satisfy that curiosity to the end. For example with Ho Jin, I felt like they needed to shed more light in that situation with his mother. She was horrible to him and you expect me to believe that all they needed to say to each other was a simple sorry?? I wish all of these plot points were much more expanded on. That way the lesson from each of them would hit harder.

But I do have to say that now that I am reawatching some scenes I am understanding more and more Ho Jins feelings and Mu Hees feelings so I do think it deserves a rewatch.

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Best movie i have ever seeeeen!!!

First of all this movie is an absolute masterpiece. I never write these review like the one i am writing right now but this is the first movie that has made me cry like a baby. I was literally sobbing nonstop for like last half an hour of the movie. As someone who has lost someone close to them i could feel myself in the place of M. This is like a 0 regret movie. What i mean is when you loose someone it comes with regrets like i could have done this and that. But seeing M by her side the whole time made me less burdened about my regret with my own life. And i hope that i can also love my grandmother like he did and spend more time with her and love her more and make her feel heard and loved .

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Keeping diary on a vacation

I like this reality tv.

They may be having a summer vacation, but still with some kind of goals to meet. I like that they tried to eat healthy and were able to enjoy the produce within their backyard. I like that they were able to enjoy the sea, met new people, learn new recipes, had fun with their showbiz friends.

And having that cute dog Popi, a simple life away from the city pretty much occupied their time.

I like the house where they lived.
I like the ingenuity of Choi Woo Shik (even in baking), the cooking skills of Yu Mi, and the backyard which they beautify.
I like the way they keep a diary each night, especially Woo Shik's drawing. Sometimes I forgot that he is already in his 30s, because he is such a playful person.

And rightly a very cool Summer Vacation since the house has everything they need and there are no limits on what they can buy and cook. It seems so many highlights on what they will cook and mostly are successful.

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A Summary, Not a Story (Actual Rating: 0.5)

Watching this drama was like watching a very long recap - a surface-level overview that prioritizes conceptual ideas over meaningful execution. If you are expecting a compelling psychological study of a complex villain, set against the rich backdrop of a post-war Japan rebuilding itself, you will find yourself disappointed.

The show tried to do too much, and decided to solve their problem by heavily relying on us having prior knowledge of the public figure. Instead of, oh I don't know, focusing on active storytelling. The script spends barely minutes on the titular character’s actual formative years, immediately thrusting us into Hosoki Kazuko's adulthood when her persona is already fully established. From there, the plot settles into a repetitive, superficial cycle:

A business is established -> The audience is abruptly told the venture was a success in the next scene -> A hardship occurs that barely lasts and has our Hosoki still looking as impeccable as ever, then is followed immediately by another pivot to a new enterprise -> Rinse and repeat

Because we are not permitted to witness the labor behind her success or properly see the emotional fallout of her failures, Hosoki's supposed moral descent carries no dramatic weight. Not that there even IS a semblance of a moral descent to explore in the first place. By the time the drama reaches its crude conclusion, we are once again simply told that she is the villain, rather than being allowed to witness her evolution into one. Heck, we don't even get into fortune telling, her actual big business, until the last couple of episodes. And even then, it is just breezed through like it is a mere footnote.

Speaking of, the show starts off with Hosoki fiercely criticizing a woman for relying on men, advocating instead for female independence (ironically, in real life, Hosoki propagated that it was women's duty to serve men). Yet, despite this opening stance, the narrative anchors all of Hosoki's struggles to her romantic entanglements. While romantic conflict can be a valid vehicle for character exploration, the relationships in this drama lack emotional resonance onscreen. Because Hosoki is written as a mere image rather than a fleshed-out human being, the emotional weight that these conflicts carry are as light as a feather.

As for the acting, Erika Toda herself delivers a great performance, but she is visibly constrained by the material. I don't think Erika herself knew just who she was portraying or wanted to portray. The direction and script leave her characterization fragmented; rather than portraying a cohesive, evolving individual, Erika is left navigating a series of disjointed emotional states dictated by the plot's immediate needs.

Historical context? Despite the immense potential of the post-war setting, the historical backdrop functions as mere window dressing. Aside from well-crafted period sets and sporadic news snippets, the socio-political climate has zero impact on the actual story.

I only stuck around until the end because a non-MDL reviewer said that the last few episodes were juicy enough. But I was ultimately left sorely disappointed there as well.

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Better than expected but still so predictable...

After "Love in the Moonlight" I did not expect much... but at least it was not painful to watch. It's still sooooooooooooo predictable, sooooooooo black/white characters and sooooo much forced drama. At least the pictures are pretty, even prettier compared to "Love in the Moonlight".

And because it is as it is, I have not much to say about it. To have a relationsship with the a man whos uncle killed his mom, seems a bit too ridicilous for me especially when his first move was to "steal" his scent and burned his village. For me, this whole story did not make much sense. Most of the time I felt bored out of my mind, because after episode 2 you can predict excactly what will happen.

Overall a medicore show framed in beautiful pictures but very shallow and very trashy. So if you want to watch it, be my guest, it's one of the better shows in the (two) month(s) of crap thai BL.

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A very good series,

in which all the characters had their own past, logic, character, and they were all very well used. I also liked the last episode, which offered several different options. Overall, it is well thought out, funny, and at the same time rough and cruel. The series has a really beautiful visual aspect, costumes, and environment. In places, it looks like something out of a fairy tale. There is the right amount of humor, action, and tension and sparks between the characters. Of course, they take their time, but that doesn't matter. Although I sometimes enjoyed the relationships of the secondary couples more than the main one. Especially during the period of various campaigns. But overall, it is an eye-pleasing and undemanding spectacle that I really enjoyed.

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A spectacular drama you must watch! ?

A spectacular historical drama! Absolutely loved it! ❤️
Rating: 10/10
As a regular viewer who completely fell in love with this show, I can confidently say it is a true masterpiece! The story is captivating, beautiful, and keeps you hooked until the very last minute.
A huge bravo to the actors, especially Liu Xueyi (Lin Yunrui)! His performance was absolutely incredible, powerful, and deeply moving. The chemistry, the stunning costumes, and the emotional depth of the characters made this an unforgettable journey.
It is a wonderful, romantic, and highly emotional drama that stays with you long after it ends. If you haven't watched it yet, you are missing out on something truly amazing! 🌟

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✨???✨

A beautiful, emotional masterpiece! ❤️
Rating: 10/10
I am just a regular viewer who fell completely in love with this show! Dazzling is absolutely wonderful, romantic, and incredibly moving. It starts like a sweet fantasy story, but it turns into a deeply emotional journey that touches your heart and makes you cry.
A huge bravo to the actors! The chemistry was amazing, and the acting felt so real and powerful. It’s a beautiful reminder to cherish every moment of our lives.
If you haven't watched it yet, please do. It is a masterpiece that I will never forget! 🌟

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The ultimate vigilante drama! A fast-paced masterpiece that scratches that justice itch.

Teach You a Lesson is an absolute banger when it comes to raising awareness about juvenile crime and school bullying. It masterfully exposes the frustrating loophole where underage villains exploit the law to get away with gangs, drugs, and horrific crimes, hiding behind their minor status like a shield. Watching Na Hwa Jin put them in their place and beat them into submission is the ultimate dopamine hit. It is deeply satisfying to see these characters finally face real consequences.

Structurally, this show is brilliant. I’m only on episode 2, but the pacing is insane. The writing is so efficient that a single episode packs a punch and covers a storyline that would normally take other dramas a whole 35-episode arc to resolve—it’s all killer, no filler.

Huge kudos to the screenwriter, director, and the entire cast (both main and supporting) for delivering this absolute piece of art. No matter what country you are watching from, this is a powerful, must-watch drama that shows exactly why the younger generation needs to be guided onto the right path.
Absolutely obsessed!

PS: Did I mention Na Hwa Jin is such a fine good looking actor, I mean his looks so charming. He can charm his way out even just be standing there.

Edit: I'm at episode 5 and I'm so loving the progress and fast pacing. Plus there's a looming major twist ahead maybe about his wife. Why is Na Hwa Jin's actor so freaking dashing in every he does?

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