Completed
Love Story in the 1970s
0 people found this review helpful
by Dragna
Apr 5, 2026
29 of 29 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Warm Comfortable kindof drama

Cute & Charming with a female character that's resilient, persistent and really strong. ML is also soo cute but has his own flaws that he actively tries to workout and they both encourage each other to be a better version of themselves- I really loved that, aside to that tho...the story is pretty mild, can be used as a palate cleanser but the plot in itself does not leave anything much to say...tho the journey is really beautiful.

The secondary couple? Initially it was a no no noo for me but the SFL was really rational and charming so much so that I really came to enjoy her story too.

Overall a really fulfilling and fun ride!

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Completed
Hidden Love
1 people found this review helpful
by Dragna
Apr 5, 2026
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

Definitely Not for me, should've dropped ?

I regret finishing this even with fast forwarding and skipping the eps.
I was definitely not the intended audience for this show- the young and ignorant me might have enjoyed this show.
I did like the relationship both characters had with their roommates and friends with Song zhi. It highlighted her naivety and showed her as a college girl with dreams and passion- and both did look cute together. Song zhi and Song yan's interactions were soo hilarious.

This show was not for me.
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Completed
Bloodhounds Season 2
3 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2026
7 of 7 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

Hwang Chansung!!

I'm really happy to see Chansung(2PM) in another drama. (Tae-geum) and this time even though it's a support role it felt like a main role. His acting was on spot. Also the fight scenes were very professional. you can see that all the actors trained really hard for the fight scenes. And Chansung was using his martial arts skills that was a different aspect from the others cuz the kicks and the footwork was awesome to watch. And his fight with rain was awesome. Both great actors and the storyline between them was well written that's why the fighting scene was very emotional and thrilling at the same time. I watched the first season but this time more than main roles I liked the villains. I think they carried the show...

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Completed
Blossom
1 people found this review helpful
by Dragna
Apr 5, 2026
34 of 34 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Exquisite cinematography, well developed characters & a satisfying end.

HOLY LORD I'M TOTALLY OBSESSED WITH THIS SHOW!!
I love the depth, the schemes, the mystery of the plot but even more so the cinematography is epic-

Usually it takes me a few eps to be hooked by the show but here episode one enthralled me soo strongly, it does take a slight dive after the initial high but after that the quality & consistency of the characters remains the same throughout until the final conflict- it was weird seeing them trusting the emperor despite hs past transgressions and also very hard to believe that they'd let their hard work go naught and have fallback plan thankfully that didn't happen, it was along the lines of fooling the audience, artfully done in my opinion.

Also loved the story of the ex husband & his loverhow it first showed that people do change, how upbringing and environment affects people, i really enjoyed watching their arc.

This show had a really competent plot, an amazing cast, with brilliant acting, great fighting sequences and ofc the amazing cinematography.

The ending ngl this one had by far the most fulfilling ending instead of just the usual 10 minutes of happily ever after this one had a lot- and seeing Song Mo & Dou Zhao being the tired parents of a kid with boundless energy and rejoicing when she goes to school was soo hilarious and the best!

This show is a MUST WATCH!!

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Completed
In Your Radiant Season
1 people found this review helpful
by Phopai
Apr 5, 2026
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

THE 'SEASONSAL' METAPHOR

The drama's primary strength lies in its striking visual and emotional contrasts. The narrative centers on Song Ha-ran, a designer who has metaphorically 'locked herself in winter' after a tragic accident in Boston seven years prior, and Sunwoo Chan, a man who appears to approach life as if 'every day is a summer vacation.' The cinematography skillfully transitions from cold, sterile interiors to the vibrant warmth that Sunwoo Chan introduces into Ha-ran's life. Although the series initially presents as a conventional romance, the plot gains depth as Sunwoo Chan's enigmatic background is revealed. After losing his hearing and memory in an accident, his connection to Ha-ran's past—specifically his association with her late boyfriend, Kang Hyeok-chan—offers a compelling rationale for their encounter. The series avoids sensationalizing trauma by emphasizing the protagonists' efforts to reconstruct their lives, rather than focusing solely on their suffering.

Lee Sung-kyung delivers a nuanced and sophisticated performance, effectively portraying the transformation from the 'ice queen' CEO of Nana Atelier to an individual who gradually permits vulnerability. Chae Jong-hyeop continues to excel in roles characterized by emotional healing. His portrayal of a character whose cheerful demeanor conceals profound secrets and physical scars introduces complexity, preventing the character from becoming a simplistic 'sunshine' archetype. The subplot involving Ha-ran's grandmother, Kim Nana, and her experience with dementia, introduces a poignant secondary theme concerning the fragility of memory. This narrative thread parallels the protagonists' struggles, as one seeks to forget while the other strives to remember.

In summary, In Your Radiant Season forgoes conventional high school nostalgia in favor of a mature and atmospheric exploration of trauma, memory, and healing, resulting in a satisfying and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

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Completed
The New Employee
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2026
7 of 7 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

So cute

I loved this a lot!! Watched it in one sitting. It was very simple but so cute. The mains did so well, they kept me wanting to see more. The charcters were very likable.
The visuals were great and the music good.
All actors did a great job. The mains had great chemistry and good kisses.

I will definatly watch this again!
Was this review helpful to you?
Apr 5, 2026
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
From all the parts of this series i have watched, this one kinda let me down. Especially Wu Xie's character. They have shown him very impatient coward and childish in this, cause irrespective of the scene or danger he leads with courage. But here it was all opposite. Still by the end of the series the story started getting better.
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Dropped 8/10
Yesterday
3 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2026
8 of 10 episodes seen
Dropped 1
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

OMG Kill me now rant!

I can't believe I have dragged myself through 8 episodes of this awful series.
Everything about this series is bad.
The story keeps shifting in time and in the beginning makes no sense at all.
The acting is wooden and atrocious. Maybe it's all that botox, and plastic surgery, but neither actor seem able to actually change their facial expressions at all, so whatever the scene is their faces look exactly the same.
People say these two have chemistry?!? Umm what, when, show me, cause I didn't see an ounce of chemistry in this or their previous series (which was equally bad).
As for the terrible plot. No just no. Who falls back in love with someone who has ruined their life, their familes lives and their families business!!!!?!
No no no...Rant over.

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Completed
Veil of Shadows
23 people found this review helpful
by hum
Apr 5, 2026
29 of 29 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10

Skillful Storytelling. Mesmerizing Visuals. But Logic Breaks in the Final Episode.

------------------------------------------------

My score journey

∘ after 15 ep = 8.5
∘ nearing toward ep 20 = 9
∘ ep 22-28 = 9.5
∘ after ep 29 = 9

------------------------------------------------

I’m completely hooked for the first 24 episodes before the fast campaign was released. At that point, I couldn’t wait any longer, so I went all in in one go.

I am mind-blown at every turn of events. Every episode surprises me. I can’t guess ahead. It’s the only Chinese drama in a long time that I almost never fast-forward. Instead, I keep rewinding again and again. The story is solid, most of the logic is tight, the story unfolding is skillful, the acting is mesmerizing, all the dialogues are worth listening to, and the visuals are breathtaking!

But what a pity, the director disappointed me a bit right at the very end. This already happened once when I watched "The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity" from the same director/writer, where something fell apart at the end. And with this drama, he repeats it again (full complaint with spoiler alert at the bottom).

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Visualization - Cinematography

The composition in each frame is beautiful - real food for the eyes. The camera work is well designed. There are so many camera techniques used to drive the story’s dynamics. I can see how everything is well thought, well designed before execution.

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Visualization - Choreography

The characters’ movements are heavily choreographed and executed with visionary eyes. This shows how thoughtful the behind-the-scenes team is. They maximize every technique, even the beauty of the actors’ movements, to deliver each scene with maximum impact.

The choreography of the nine-tailed fox sisters is especially alluring. Both of the sisters feel totally out of this world. They’re captivating to watch, and just by watching them, I was pulled into their demonic spell.

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Story

The story keeps surprising me. Just when I think there’s nothing new left, it goes beyond what I could think of - again and again.

There’s always something new to discover. Things keep moving forward. Nothing feels repetitive. The pacing is tight - nothing drags, nothing slows down.

I can clearly see the writer/director’s complex mind and his ability to keep up with it. He doesn’t miss most of the points he sets up and comes back to resolve them.

But it’s a pity - he drops that momentum right at the last episode (more complaints at the bottom).

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Character Design

There are many interesting characters being introduced throughout the story. While their roles vary in weight, no one feels like filler.

Even small roles are introduced at the right time, with clear identity and purpose. Every character feels fully realized, which strengthens the whole story.

Another strong point is that this story doesn’t follow the typical two-lead structure. Most dramas stick to one main couple, making it easier for the audience to invest emotionally.

But this breaks that pattern. It presents two equally weighted couples - and it works! I’m fully drawn into all of them without feeling overwhelmed or diluted.

However, one character feels a bit off. When Su Jian / Mu Long appears, her character breaks the tone of the story. I get that the actress became popular for how her character in "My Journey to You" broke conventions, but here it feels like a copy-paste. It feels repetitive, uncreative and out of place.

I can understand the intention to add some color to the last demon subplot (there are 4 background stories for 4 demons, and this is the last one, so I get that the writer might be running out of ideas at this point), but since she only appears briefly, it lacks consistency and ends up being the only hole in an elegant cloth. Nonetheless, this is still considered a minor hole that I’m ok overlooking.

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Casting - or maybe Directing

The two nine-tailed fox sisters are perfectly cast. Their presence carries strong emotional and visual weight. They really sell the otherworldly feeling.

The voice of the younger fox sister also sounds very surreal to me. It's suitable for her nine-tailed fox demon role. I didn’t think it was her original voice at first and thought they sought out a voice actress to make the character sound like that, but it’s actually her own voice.

I also like Ji Ling / Chi Wen a lot. The actor still has room to improve, but he fits the naive, child-like nature well without going overboard.

Even the supporting cast is strong. The first supporting character who appears deserves special praise. The male nine-tailed fox makes a strong first impression. He sets the audience’s high expectations for side characters' role and performance right from the start. As a result, it sets the tone for the drama and the standard for all the side characters that follow.

I’m not sure if this is great casting or strong directing - probably both.

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Acting

The romantic vibes between the older fox sister and her partner don’t feel authentic, though. I don’t feel any romantic love there. In their love scenes, it feels like they’re just following basic acting techniques rather than acting from inner feeling.

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Music

I’m especially fond of their instrumental background music. It’s very well designed and composed - not just there to fill silence. The music fits the meaning of the scenes and enhances the intended atmosphere making emotions clearer and stronger.

And there are so many soundtrack pieces - both instrumental and lyrical. They have enough choices to not feel repetitive like "Pursuit of Jade", which relies heavily on one main song.

------------------------------------------------

🍅 Director/Writer

He has a very distinct signature style. His storytelling is layered and complex but not messy.

His vision is on another level, and he can turn his imagination into something tangible on screen. His stories unfold in unexpected ways, constantly pulling viewers deeper into his carefully constructed world.


╔════════════════════════════╗
ㅤㅤㅤㅤComplaint for the Last Episode
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ════════════
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ * Spoiler Section *
╚════════════════════════════╝


🍋 Core Issue: The ending breaks too many established rules.

🍋 Questions from the last episode (based on the remarks mentioned along the events in the new time/space, as shown below this question section) :

▶ Question #1
Why the hell Li Jie doesn't seem to know Ji Ling?? So Ji Ling doesn’t exist in Shilin Sect in the new time/space or what? Then who the hell is the dragon deity from 100 years ago when Wu Shiguang hadn’t even been born yet? Chi Wen? Then who the hell suppressed the original body of Jiu Ying with his spine?? Nobody??

▶ Question #2
If there is no Ji Ling at Shilin Sect, Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) wouldn’t have that obsession after death to set Ji Ling free and protect him. Then how the hell was Li Jie born??

▶ Question #3
Li Jie doesn’t seem to know Ji Ling, but there seems to be a Ji Ling somewhere in the world since he hears a voice in his heart telling him to go find someone whose name or whereabouts he doesn’t even know. So what the hell could the background story be here that aligns with Li Jie’s origin if it isn’t tied to Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother)’s obsession after death?? I think there’s none!

▶ Question #4
How the hell do Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi turn into humans with no past memories? They haven’t died. They basically just travel through time and even seem to handpick the time/space they want to live in at the end, so they haven’t died or reincarnated from being demons. So how?? Like, how the hell?? And why?? Why no memories??

▶ Question #5
And why, why Wu Shiguang still has his memory from the original time/space when Li Jie and the demon hunter don't? In the new time/space, Ji Ling is supposed to be the only one who has the whole memory from the original time/space.

▶ Question #6
In the new time/space, Wu Shiguang doesn’t earn the six petals on his forehead, which means he doesn’t turn into a true dragon. So how does he become a dragon deity?

▶ Question #7
And to become a true dragon, he has to earn four dragon powers to activate his scales, horns, claws and eyes. If there’s no Ji Ling at Shilin Sect to prepare these dragon powers for Wu Shiguang, then it’s natural that Wu Shiguang can’t become a true dragon.

▶ Question #8
Why the hell did the writer let Jiu Ying’s spirit energy fragments go into the time travel with no follow-up story??? WHY THE HELL??? They could’ve just let Jiu Ying completely die with no trace, but WHY THIS?!! Are they going to make a sequel to this drama or what??


◥◣◆◢◤


🍋 Sequence of Events in the New Time/Space

(1) 150 years ago
- Yuan Xizai died
- Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) met and imprisoned Ji Ling the fox
- Ji Ling swallowed dragon scale
- Ji Ling became the Dragon Deity
- Chi Wen left to press down the original body of Jiu Ying

(2) 100 years ago
- Wu Shiguang was born
- Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) supposedly died around this time according to human life span
- Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) was devoured by the Butterfly Twin Demons
- Born Yuan Wuhuo, the Butterfly Demon
- Born Li Jie who went to stay at Shilin Sect
▶ Li Jie supposedly met Ji Ling ─── (Question #1 & 2 & 3)

(3) 50 years ago
- the Flood Dragon's Massacre happened
- Wu Shiguang thought Shilin Sect killed his tribe and hated dragons
- Formless Moon Sect's members reborned
▶ Lu Wuyi was born ─── (Question #4)
▶ Ji Ling from the future killed Jiu Ying, the Fox Queen ─── (Question #4)
▶ Ji Ling brough Lu Wuyi away - no one in the world of this new time/space got to know her ─── (Question #4)
- at Shilin Sect, Ji Ling was still the dragon deity developing Ji Can, the Loneliness Demon, in his heart
- Li Jie was the commander at Shilin Sect

(4) Present
- Wu Shiguang supposedly went to Shilin Sect and found out the truth about who actually killed his tribe
- Wu Shiguang doesn't have to kill Jiu Ying (the Fox Queen) anymore
- Wu Shiguang still had to kill Chi Wen to kill the original body of Jiu Ying
▶ Wu Shiguang had to become a true dragon to kill Chi Wen ─── (Question #6 & 7)
▶ Wu Shiguang had no petal on his forehead ─── (Question #6 & 7)
- Wu Shiguang went to meet Wu Wangyan at Formless Moon Sect
- Wu Wangyan had no memory about Wu Shiguang
- Ji Ling was supposed to died from being devoured by Ji Can from extreme loneliness
- You Chi became the commander at Shilin Sect
- Yuan Wuhuo (the Butterfly Demon) supposedly died since the reason for his existence (obsession to kill and set Ji Ling free) vanished
- Li Jie actually supposedly died since the reason for his existence (obsession to protect Ji Ling) vanished
▶ Li Jie, instead, didn't seem to ever know Ji Ling. He said he always heard a voice in his mind to find a person whom he didn't know the name or his whereabout ─── (Question #1 & 2 & 3)
- Li Jie reached three-petal level
- Li Jie wanted to set off on a journey to find the reason for his existence.
▶ in the parallel time/space Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi were humans living in the same village, but didn't have memory about each other when they were demons ─── (Question #4)


------------------------------------------------


🍋 Other Remaining Questions Condensed around the End:

▶ Q8 ▶ How does the dragon ring that is supposed to be with Wu Shiguang end up back with Ji Ling when Ji Ling comes back to life???

▶ Q9 ▶ Who’s the owner of the 2nd Ji Can? Since the person has to have a dragon scale in their body, Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) wouldn’t be the one. Chi Wen is on a supreme, real god tier, not a weak demon pretending to be a deity like Ji Ling, so he doesn’t seem to have one either.
≫≫ I think it's unnecessary to mention the 2nd Ji Can. In the whole drama, if we just focus on the only Ji Can in Ji Ling's heart, there wouldn’t be this loophole.

▶ Q10 ▶ Why does Lu Wuyi have to look exactly like Di Zhu?
≫≫ Again, I think it’s unnecessary to mention that Lu Wuyi’s appearance is exactly the same as Di Zhu’s. There’s no need to mention this at all.

▶ Q11 ▶ Jiu Ying seems to be the owner of the illusion between Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling in the star stone. The logic is that it’s an illusion drawn from the memory of someone who has also entered the star stone, but that person can’t be his own past self. Then who is the person Jiu Ying becomes in the illusion? Not the snake, right? Since the snake was Jiu Ying’s past self.

▶ Q12 ▶ Is the owner of Li Jie’s illusion in the star stone Yuan Wuhuo (the Butterfly Demon version)? But the owner of the illusion can’t be the past self and has to be someone else as an observer. So why does the butterfly demon become himself in the big brother version in the illusion? Or are they considered different people? But then there wouldn’t be an owner of the memory in the illusion, and that illusion couldn’t be shown.

▶ Q13 ▶ The male nine-tailed fox demon’s original form is female. In his male form, does that count as using a spell? But if he uses a spell, the frozen curse should follow to kill him. So how can he remain in male form without the curse chasing him?

------------------------------------------------

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Ongoing 24/24
Put Your Head on My Shoulder
1 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2026
24 of 24 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 5.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

DROPPED IT NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE!!!!!!


PLOT:🗯️🗯️
A bubbly girl and a cold guy end up living together. As time goes by they end up developing feelings for each other.

I watched this drama in the past, dropped it and picked it up a second time just to see if anything would change... It didn't.

This drama is cute at the very beginning. I like how they slowly fall in love but after episode 14 everything is so flat and boring. The second time I made it till episode 18 but nothing is really engaging.

When the romance is the main driving force, once the couple is established the drama just dies.

I like me some cute stuff but when "cute scenes" is everything you get I'm out.
I can't stand endless episodes about dating, eating together, hugging etc.

The sub plot in this drama are basically non existing.

The ml is supposed to be a researcher with a fierce competitor in the same project. In the beginning their banter is fine but in the end it gets so repetitive. They say the same stuff over and over.

The other characters are paper thin which means outside the main couple there is no one else to focus your attention on.

The main leads aren't the most interesting people either especially once they get together.
They are frankly annoying. I particularly disliked how the FL treats her bestie. I know that you just got a new boyfriend but your friend is sad, she just need to vent a bit and you treat her like an inconvenience.
You live with with your guy 24/7, is it too hard to spend some "girl time"?

The ml isn't any better. He has no empathy for anyone, is obsessed by his girl and spends his time googling solutions to the most mundane stuff. Annoying.

The actors are fine I like them unfortunately, I don't feel the same way towards their respective characters.

I would recommend this drama only if you really are into couples spending time together without a strong plot behind them.

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Completed
Runaway
0 people found this review helpful
by Axin27
Apr 5, 2026
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
First the plot, I'll admit that it is not perfect and a lot more series has clearer plot lines than this but for its unique genre for a GL series it really set the bar on good terms. For a horror, mystery, and thriller genre it does not disappoint because from my first impression of the series I was quick to judge for its quality and the ability to showcase the theme but I was amazed that they did it fairly good. Second their acting and chemistry, they showed good chemistry and their dedication to perfect their craft is admirable because for their first time to be together in a series and having the ability to connect with their character and also have chemistry is really hard and they did that effortlessly. And kudos to the ghost, apart from the main CP the character who portrayed the ghost did fairly good also. I advice to someone who will watch the series for the first time is to have a wider understanding not everything is as it seems, enjoy the mystery, and enjoy the process of the plot. Don't stress yourself so much.

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Completed
Pursuit of Jade
4 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2026
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

This Drama Has Me in a CHOKEHOLD — A Story That Stayed With Me

I fell in love with this drama from episode 1... and honestly, I didn’t expect that at all. This isn’t even my usual genre, but Pursuit of Jade completely pulled me in.

Everything about it just works. The acting is superb... every actor delivered and truly brought their characters to life. You can feel the emotions, the struggles, and the growth in each performance. The characters themselves are so well-written, and their development throughout the story is incredibly satisfying to watch.

The plot is engaging and keeps you hooked, with a story that never feels dull. Every episode adds something meaningful, and I found myself wanting more every time.

The production quality is also top-tier. The CGI is impressive, and the action scenes are executed so well... they feel intense and immersive without looking overdone. And the main leads? Their visuals are absolutely stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off them... they add so much charm and presence to every scene.

I haven’t felt this way about a drama in the same genre since Prisoner of Beauty, and that says a lot. Pursuit of Jade really surprised me in the best way possible.

If you’re hesitant because it’s not your usual genre... just give it a try. You might end up loving it as much as I did.

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Completed
Military Prosecutor Doberman
0 people found this review helpful
by bmt
Apr 5, 2026
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

How Far would you Go to Get to the Truth?

This is a drama not for the faint of heart and so I watched this drama in phases.
After watching this, you may think - how much of this can be true to a nation's military group?

Like any drama, it goes back and forth to present and past wherein we get to piece together the stories behind the tragedies the lead characters had experienced. At first Doh Bae Man was only after getting rich, so he will use his power to twist the truth in favor of his 'benefactor.' He did benefit so much, yet he is crooked. Little did he know that there is a much larger gangrene in the military involving the highest officials.

Power when mixed with greed is dangerous. That is where abuse, power-tripping and cruelty stem. For Gen. Noh, she uses people to further her cause, to protect herself and get away with the crime. How would you be able to fight this kind of monster.

Good thing the story had its redeeming factors"
1. When Doh Bae Man regained his memory of the true murderers of his parents.
2. When Doh Bae Man decided to join forces with Cha Woo In.
3. When other servicepeople felt used or guilty that they turn to say the truth.
4. The real criminals were punished giving hope for a better military
5. Cha Woo In regained her father's company.

But we cannot just set aside that there had been so many murders in this drama. Though it took a long time for the truth to be revealed, justice was served.

This drama may also be a message to those in power - whether be a government office, a head of a company or even a general - to live well, not be greedy rather serve with integrity with care for humanity.

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Completed
Pursuit of Jade
69 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2026
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 30
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Pretty Boaring

Once upon a time in snowy Linan County, expert butcher Fan Changyu stumbles over a suspicious lump of snow on her way home from work. To her shock and delight, she discovers a gravely injured man whose deathly pale face card screams "too handsome to perish." No self-respecting, recently jilted gal leaves a man who looks like that to freeze to death. So with preternatural strength that belies her dainty stature, she hefts this gorgeously useless sack of frozen flesh over her shoulders and piggybacks him home to Xigu Lane.

This drama is a feast for the eyes. The camera pans leisurely over one fairytale-like idyllic countryside scene after another. It is a fan service extravaganza of stunning face shots of Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu eyeing each other thirstily as they casually beat off petty village villains. Their expressions hint at a complexity that never materializes. Nothing really happens for about seventeen gorgeous episodes loaded with the promise of betrayal and intrigue. The long-winded Linan plot arcs and bucolic themes remind me of The Lady in Butcher's House (2022), which is nowhere near as beautifully shot but is a hell of a lot funnier.

When the plot finally moves, it is like watching a pig run amok in a china shop—I mean, military camp. But the fight scenes are great: fantastic action choreography and thrilling camera angles that will convince you that a short gal viciously wielding a short-range butcher's cleaver can defy physics and defeat an entire invading army of tall men with long-reaching spears and swords. And there is nothing more hilarious than watching a handsome decorated general and his army gallop heroically to the rescue after all the fighting is done by a butcher and her pig squad. For her efforts, she is promoted to the point of inefficiency and made a general and war heroine - yups another dynasty that bites the dust! As for the redoubtable Marquis Wu'an, his formidable military reputation is only told, never earned. The man's greatest accomplishment is hiding his identity from his beloved beyond reason and at the risk of king and country. After the military misadventures cum absurd hidden identity arc, the long-awaited conspiracy finally reveals itself to be overly convoluted and anticlimactic. It is a stretch to call the final antagonist a villain. The drama ends unsatisfyingly, without closure and with a poor semblance of justice.

The main focus of this story is Fan Changyu, who is the Mary Sue of butchers. She is a souped-up martial arts version of Cinderella who traded her glass slippers for a wicked butcher's cleaver. I have always found Tian Xiwei obnoxious, so the fact that I never felt the impulse to sock her in the face is a true testament to Director Zeng Qingjie's ability to make her look a lot lovelier and more likeable than I thought possible. She put a lot of work into her fight scenes, and it showed. I was not impressed by her military antics, but that is on the writing, not the acting. As a CP, her chemistry with Zhang Linghe was good but paled in comparison to Deng Kai and Kong Xue'er's dark passion. While I have never seen Zhang Linghe look so hot in a drama, he is sidelined and reduced to little more than a decorative vase by the narrative. He drew the short straw on action scenes, and Xie Zheng's complex, painful relationship with Wei Yan is not fully explored. It is a pity that this director conjures up such sensational visual impressions that are not fleshed out by the screenwriting.

There are too many mouthwateringly hot clickbait characters in this story, but they all turn into two-dimensional cartoons as the plot unfolds. I stuck around because of how compellingly Deng Kai breathed life into the dark, sadistic, and tortured Qi Min. His intense, obsessive chemistry with the audacious and malicious defiance of Kong Xue'er's Qian Qian lights up the screen with a forbidden sensuality. Both Qi Min and Marquis Wu'an should be fascinating, complex parallel characters with pasts and a real grudge, but lazy writing reduces them both into love brains with questionable motives.

Overall, a pretty boaring romantic fairytale that is bound to check all the boxes for lovers of the genre. Fans of plot- or character-driven stories may find it lacking on many fronts. This might have worked better as a parody or a dark comedy, or if the humor landed better. Yet the visuals are so outstanding that I find it impossible to rate below 8.0 so let's call it 8.0/10.

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Completed
Matori and Kyoken
0 people found this review helpful
by Nyy010
Apr 5, 2026
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Good Crime Drama, But Had So Much More Potential

This series starts out as a really good premiss, a former child star who took a wrong path for survival. It shows the dark side of drugs and crime in Japan (just like any other place in the world). The main protagonist, Kyonosuke is portrayed really well by Daigo Nishihata. I'm not really familiar with his past work as an actor, but you definitely are on his side as you get deeper into the drama. You can't help but feel for him and his position he got himself into.
I think the one problem I had with giving this a much higher review , was the simple fact that the other main characters in this were so unlikable. The cop and narcotics agent are considered the "good guys", but they were really just as cold hearted as the drug dealers. They treated Diago horribly throughout each episode. It's difficult to really like a series, when most of the main protagonists are very dislikable people.
Overall, it had a continuing good story to follow and the ending was somewhat satisfying. Toru eventually realizes how important Daigo has been. As for Akito, he never redeems himself, making him a very disappointing "good guy" right to the end.

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