Reviews

Without Devices or Social Media In One of The Most Beautiful Cities on Earth.

I highly recommend this. i would love to reach through the screen and pick up some of the people and put them with the person that cares the most about them.

This show is so worth watching. I usually only like Gay themed shows, but this is beautiful, unique, engaging and well made

Spoilers:

Why is Yudai willing to throw away his friendship with Kensuke for a girl that clesrly does not want him when there is a beautiful, delightful girl who so clearly does. Why purposely break two hearts instead taking a chance?

Why must Maho forsake the guy who clearly likes her and thinks of her first, just because the selfish childish boy can't return her affections? Why take away nothing, when there is a chance for everything?

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A Fantastic Tale of Love & Forgiveness

I'm not a huge fan of Bai Lu but I started watching this show in between waiting for epidoses of Pursuit of Jade to drop. Moonlight Mystique presented a far superior contrast in storytelling & character development, & is a reminder of how there are very good shows out there that don't get a lot of hype.

Bai Lu plays Bai Shuo, a human noble woman destined for great power. She holds the key to the survival of the fatally cursed Demon King, Fan Yue, played by Ao RuPeng. Together they go through the steps of tribulation & ascendency of Bai Shuo in a series of challenges that further develop the back stories of all of the characters. I liked the balance of each character's storyline, such that there was no wasted time or stalling of the pacing in the show in general.

This drama is as bloody & gruesome as xianxia's can get, but all of the characters demonstrate that a balance of good & evil is present in every individual. Too many believe that beings can be divided neatly into distinct groups that don't mix, ie humans, demons, & eternals, but the main characters all exhibit mixed properties & attributes that don't fit "standard norms". Somehow there's strong message in this for our modern society, that people in our big wide world can't be categorized separately.

No action is what it seems & everyone does things to each other for a reason. Revenge killings are ever present but what transcends is the power of forgiveness. This seems to be the core of the story. It does get heavy on the melodrama, however, with a seemingly endless body count & characters dying repeatedly. It turns out the main characters are reincarnations of 60,000 year old supreme dieties, destined for yet another final showdown. The ending might not be satisfactory for some as it falls deeper into trajedy than most other stories, but neither is it a wrong ending as the whole drama starts & finishes with Bai Shuo. It wasn't until the end that I realized how much ground this drama covered, with Bai Shuo remaining true to herself in spite of all she that she goes through.

Overall, Moonlight Mystique was captivating to the end & is one of Bai Lu's better dramas.

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A selfish act of one throws the kingdom into chaos

Hmm… Pursuit of Jade is, without question, an outstanding production. From the superb acting to the exceptionally strong ensemble cast, complemented by beautifully executed CGI and a sentimental melodious soundtrack, the drama delivers on nearly every front. The lead couple, in particular, is perfectly matched—visually striking, emotionally convincing, and technically impressive in their performances. Their chemistry feels natural and compelling, elevating even the quieter moments of the story. In terms of overall production quality, this drama scores highly across the board.

That said, it is not without its flaws. The narrative leans heavily on familiar tropes—palace power struggles, manipulative and distrustful emperors, and the classic “rescue leads to romance” arc. While these elements are executed well, they do feel repetitive at times, echoing a formula that seasoned viewers of historical dramas will immediately recognise.

The story begins with Fan Chang Yu at her lowest point—having just lost both parents, struggling to survive as a butcher while caring for her younger sister, and enduring constant bullying. Her circumstances are bleak, further compounded by her fiancé abandoning her after passing the provincial examination, with his family looking down on her impoverished status. She is, in every sense, downtrodden and alone.

Fate intervenes when she discovers a gravely injured man buried in the snow. Demonstrating remarkable physical strength and resilience, she carries him home, unknowingly saving Xie Zheng—the renowned general and Marquis. Concealing his identity, he introduces himself as Yan Zhen, setting the stage for one of the drama’s most compelling tensions: the slow, inevitable collision between truth and emotion as both begin to fall in love, but at the same time not wanting to become a baggage to the other.

What strengthens the narrative is the intricate web of hidden identities and shared histories. Unbeknownst to them, their families are deeply entangled in a long-standing political conspiracy. The imperial court is divided between the powerful Li and Wei factions, each harbouring dangerous secrets. Beneath the surface lies a far greater mystery—the death of the Crown Prince’s family in a mysterious palace fire 17 years ago, the betrayal that lead to the capture and death of Xie Zheng's father and the Crown Prince at the battlefield, and the quiet survival of a rightful heir seeking to reclaim the throne. Are these the act of one single person or more?

The stakes rise dramatically when Fan Chang Yu discovers her own father’s role in past events—branding her, in effect, as the daughter of a traitor and placing her in direct opposition to the man she loves. This revelation injects emotional weight into the story, forcing both characters into an impossible position where love, loyalty, and justice collide.

The drama thrives on tension—concealed identities, political sabotage, and the ever-present dangers of the battlefield keep the pacing tight and engaging.

What adds further interest is its reflective ending. The glimpse into an alternate outcome—where a single act might have changed the course of a life—adds a poignant layer to the story. The “would-have-been” Crown Prince is portrayed as a far more benevolent figure, raising a thought-provoking question: is cruelty shaped by circumstance, or is it inherent? This subtle exploration of nature versus nurture lingers after the drama concludes.

Overall, Pursuit of Jade is a richly layered and emotionally engaging drama that excels in execution, even if it relies on well-worn narrative devices. It is well worth watching for its performances, production quality, and its intriguing story. This drama fully deserves its strong rating on MyDramaList.

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Girl boss with balance

To be frank my favorite couple was Fan ChangNing and Yu Bao Er.
Those kids were so cute! and it was a blessing to see them persevere together thought out.

When ChangNing met up with BaoEr when he lost it I cried a little.
She brought peace back into the insanity he was going through.

The pink swear he’d make her a queen when he grows up 🤣😄😊

How he because ruler while mom was the background. Very interesting. 😌

What i found fault with:
They spent a lot of time in Chang Yu, home village. I understand they wanted us to bond with those living there but really?! And most of the time with Yan Song the scholar they kept poking fun at most of the series. (I get it, let’s stop beating the dead horse)

Very annoyed with the fact for the first 10 or so episodes Yan Zheng was injured, you could sense he was strong but we never got to see his true fighting form. Always injured in some capacity or another.

The plot armor provided to Chang Yu was insane. Compared to her lover, this 90 pound wet little women fought like a deity. I know her father was skilled but really?!

Ok they gave her a handicap.
She couldn’t read and she maybe had dyslexia. Then they kept mentioning how beautiful she was. enough already. 😩
Aside from the princess, How the hell in this age could she maintain such a “fair skin” complexion?

To China’s credit, they were the first where I found they wrote heroin very well. No girl bosses. They earn it and they despise “the message”. But! They came close this time. I’m glad they kept “the balance.”

Politics, was hard to grasp in the beginning. Like most folks watching the families dynamics involved, where their relationships stood…. took a while to process. Mostly because they were side stories until it mattered after episode 24.

What I liked.

Cinematography was excellent, the director did amazing work with each scene to bring depth and flesh out this vision what he wanted to express.

Felt the differences between the capital vs other places. Though everywhere was too “clean”.

The use of light and shadows, optics, usage of color palettes was well done.

Writing:

Expected from most c-dramas, and J-dramas respect and “reflection of culture” and superstitions. We don’t see this in kdramas anymore because they purposely make moves with an international audience in mind.

The cast writing and translation was excellent. Writing in general was excellent. They understood the assignment and tried thier best to translate it into a proper script. Some folks say pacing was a problem. Yea a little, like I stated earlier they could have shaved a couple of episodes from the beginning. Frankly the series for me started at episode 23

Couples:

Loved the last episode where Qi Min was falling for Qian Yu but was nauseous being around her.
This relationship was nuts. All he needed to do was let her go. She even told him I should’ve have saved you. My dude was an imposter all along.
Brother loved a “snake in the grass@ and mother knew.

Loved Qi shu and headmaster Yin Gongsun relationship. It’s only when they were in the heat of a war torn situation they were able to express themselves. And that Heimlich maneuver made them partners for life.

I’d give the series an 9.0.
Production - 10
Story - 9
Acting - 9
Visuals Fx - 10
OST - 9.5

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The film delivers strong production quality and top-notch acting, especially with a cast of well-known actors who bring a solid level of credibility to the performances. There’s really nothing to criticize on that front—the acting is consistently excellent.

Visually, the movie stands out with its cold, snowy setting, creating a melancholic atmosphere that feels very reminiscent of Russian cinema. The cinematography captures this mood effectively, giving the film a distinct and immersive tone.

However, the storytelling feels a bit loose at times, lacking detail—especially when it comes to the intelligence and special agent aspects. The portrayal of the Korean intelligence agency (somewhat like Korea’s version of the FBI) feels underdeveloped and not as in-depth as it could have been.

The romance element was also a slight disappointment. It’s marketed in a way that suggests a connection between the main character and the female lead, but instead, the emotional focus shifts toward a relationship with another North Korean agent. This unexpected direction may not work for everyone.

On the positive side, the action sequences are a highlight. The fight scenes are engaging and well-executed, with a style reminiscent of John Wick—tight, hand-to-hand combat that’s both fluid and entertaining. In terms of action, the film easily scores around an 8 to 9 out of 10.

Overall, the story lands around a 7 to 7.5—it’s good, but not particularly memorable or rewatchable. It’s an enjoyable watch, especially for the action and atmosphere, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

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5 Stars for Acting!!!

I have watched alot of Bl dramas through the years. Current count is 557 series/movies. And there have been many great performances of talented actors. Watching Duang With You has reminded me what good acting is - especially with "TeeTee" Wanpichit Nimiparkpoom as Duang. His ability to go from silly and adorable to intense drama and tears is exciting to watch. He moves through his character with charm, graceful in his awkwardness. It is a great skill in someone so young. He is intent on his fellow actors - gives them focus while never losing his own character. His main scene partner is "Por" Suppakarn Jirachotikul as Qinn, who is also very good in his distant, brooding character. He is the perfect target for Duang's affection and they work beautifully together. While the story is sometimes reminiscent of previous stories, these two young actors seem to be able to make it fresh and make us want to watch and root for them. I find that I am smiling most of the time while watching. Bravo!!!

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A feast for the eyes boasting an impressive array of performances from a stellar cast.

Tian Xi Wei steps into the leading role with apparent ease, embodying the rough physicality, optimism, determination, and tenderness of Changyu in such a way that it is impossible to imagine another actress in her place. Changyu the character manages to straddle several tropes without ever fully reducing to a single stereotype. There's plenty familiar about her, but she manages to feel dynamic and multi-faceted in a way many female leads (especially physically capable warrior-types) fail to, in no small degree thanks to TXW's embodied performance.
The story manages to spin a high-stakes adventure full of intrigue without ever getting bogged down in long-winded court scenes or tedious politicking; a refreshing change for a genre normally obsessed with the intricacies of nobles scheming and legal minutiae. Equally refreshing is the focus on rural life and the attendant array of relatable and grounded difficulties. Though conflicts eventually escalate to a grand scale, we first get to know our characters in the context of trying to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, and look out for their friends and neighbors. In my opinion a much more sympathetic set-up than your standard "wealthy heir or heiress sparring with vindictive relatives over obscene wealth"(while casually surrounded by indentured servants).
The fight scenes and choreography are perhaps my favorite out of any c-drama. An incredibly satisfying fusion of crunchy, impactful realism and heroic acrobatics. TXW's physical performance shines here again.

The first arc of the show is incredibly solid. Great pacing, organic character development and gradual heightening of the main romance, conflicts, and stakes. Changyu and her friends are immediately likeable and interesting, and getting invested in their stories is deeply enjoyable.
Where the show starts to stumble is when we leave our starting village, about a third of the way through story. Events and character actions quickly begin to shift from believable and consistent to convenient and contrived. The characters' trajectories become unclear, the logic behind their choices and circumstances often vague or confusing.
Yang Zheng and Changyu's romance is repeatedly delayed by increasingly forced narrowly missed reunions, and inevitably resolved conflicts and disagreements that fail to address the issues one would actually expect their relationships to have. Characters are captured, escape, survive, and die as is convenient to the story. Changyu is desperate to find her sister, until she's not. Yang Zheng assumes Changyu of all people is waiting calmly at home for her sister to magically return. Qian Qian is reduced to a sad prisoner for most of the show, until she suddenly escapes off-screen and somehow immediately crosses paths with our protagonist in the middle of the wilderness. When the villain's grand scheme finally plays out, his nefarious ambitions coming to fruition after dozens of episodes of build up... he's immediately defeated (in a very awkwardly framed and strangely empty-looking sequence). Like, in 20 minute of screen time, he goes from triumphant to near-death, not because of some cunning counter-maneuver from our heroes, but because they rallied a modest number of soldiers off screen from the forces everyone knew they had available. Talk about an anti-climax.

There's more I could nitpick, but none of it is enough to truly offset the show's excellent production, acting, and stellar first act. At its worst, Pursuit of Jade remains a step above the majority of its peers, and though its unfocused writing stops it from fully living up to its potential, I finished the show feeling that in many ways, the bar for c-dramas had been raised.

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AMAZING

Stop this is actually not bad I’m shipping quite a lot of couples here ahh.. I hope there’s more catfish people

ChatGPT to fill in the words not mine Twinkle Love is a refreshing and heartfelt take on the dating show genre, offering viewers a blend of sincerity, warmth, and youthful energy. Unlike many fast-paced or overly dramatic reality shows, it stands out for its calm, almost nostalgic atmosphere that focuses on genuine emotional connections rather than conflict or competition.
One of the most praiseworthy aspects of Twinkle Love is its natural storytelling. The interactions between participants feel authentic and unforced, allowing viewers to truly connect with their journeys. The show captures small, meaningful moments—quiet conversations, shared laughter, and personal reflections—that highlight the beauty of simple human relationships. This makes it especially relatable, as it mirrors the uncertainty and excitement of real-life friendships and young love.
In addition, the scenic settings and thoughtful cinematography enhance the overall experience. The soft lighting, gentle background music, and carefully framed shots create a comforting and almost dreamy mood, making the show enjoyable not just for its content but also for its visual appeal. It feels less like a competition and more like a coming-of-age story unfolding naturally.
Another strength lies in how the show portrays emotional growth. Participants are given space to reflect on themselves, learn from interactions, and gradually open up to others. This emphasis on self-discovery adds depth and makes the show more meaningful than typical dating programs.
Overall, Twinkle Love is a beautifully crafted show that prioritizes authenticity, emotional connection, and personal growth. Its gentle pace and sincere tone make it a standout, leaving viewers with a sense of warmth and quiet appreciation for the complexities of human relationships.

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My closing of 2025?

Hopefully, this will be my last BL series of 2025.

I need to release my 'favorites' list for the year. It has been really hard to move on from Shine; I’ve tried multiple series, but none of them worked. I ended up dropping them halfway through, including That Summer and Me and Who.

Who would have guessed that this silly little thing would finally help me move on from Shine? lol

I had actually watched Keen and Sea in other series before—Only Boo! and Head 2 Head—but once again, those shows didn't succeed in making me stay until the end. Of course, I had to add them to my 'dropped' list. I honestly didn't expect this series to be this good. Since my previous experience with these actors wasn't great, I really didn't want to waste my time with them. But then I realized this series was only four episodes long, and I am so glad I tried it!

I honestly love this series! Should I watch Head 2 Head next, or just stop here and let this be my wrap-up for 2025?

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THIS is what a female general should be like! (and her hubby is just as amazing❤️‍?)

Finally gathered the courage to finish the last episode and say goodbye to what was honestly the best part of the past 3 weeks. Where do I even start🥲

Cast: Phenomenal. Give me 30 MORE!! WOW. Our leads were insane in this, in the best way possible. Let's start with our boy ZhangLingHe. I've watched him since his earlier supporting days, and knew his acting was always top tier, but seeing him diversify his roles and honestly just perfect every single one had me struggling to find a favorite of his. Marquis of Wu'An is BY FAR my favorite. He is ridiculously good looking, duh🤷🏻‍♀️, but his charisma both when his identity is unknown and when he reclaims his title is out of this world. The legendary entrance with the feathers on his head🤴🏻 may be the one scene where I actually had to cover my mouth from squealing like a loser. He is every bit reserved, wise, ruthless to those who deserve it, and soft to his loved ones. 10/10. You'd think that's as high as you can get but nope. Our girl Tian Xi Wei was honestly a 50/10. I have never been so impressed by a female lead. Coming from a poor background, she has all the qualities you'd expect-- kindness, respect, loyal❤️‍🩹. It's the qualities that are completely unexpected that blew me away. Her martial arts are truly better than generals who've trained their whole lives, and all the battle scenes where she's the main character were blockbuster-level scenes filmed showcasing the best of cinema👏🏻. I do wish they showed us a bit of her training she briefly mentioned, but I'm just going to assume she is a natural and barely needed it. TXW is known for being very strong despite her fairy-like image🧚🏻‍♀️ and petite frame, but being physically strong as well as mentally really made her a new favorite female character of mine♥️. This masterpiece is my favorite drama from both our leads, and I don't think that'll change for at least a couple years. The supporting cast was also amazing-- the second couple, the wise elders, the adorable little sister, the brotherly clique of hers... it could not have been better. Even the villains were great, though I shamefully admit that I found myself rooting for them at one point 😅 Love them all UGH

Plot: Costume dramas are always a hit or miss for me-- some have too much political talk or war scenes, but this was the perfect balance of keeping the story interesting while having relevant "serious talk" in the background. The first episode had everyone hooked, I'm sure. The cinematography of the first scene❄️ of the two leads early on was aesthetically beautiful, and there was not a moment I was bored. The balance of romance, comedy, friendship/family, revenge was MY FAVORITE! The progression of the plot was done nicely, and though not all of it was surprising, the fact that I'd wait every day for the releases and the torment of having one-episode release days says enough for me. I was hooked from the start, and each and every episode until the end.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, CHEMISTRY: EEEK🤭 another squeal moment just thinking about it. The progression of the romance was another reason for me to use the word PERFECT lol but truly, their chemistry is insane. It starts off just gradual, as seeing a beautiful man and beautiful woman on screen together normally does😂 But then they grow closer and suddenly they're willing to risk their lives for one another. Boom💥 nothing can tear them apart and you realize it's end game for them. Though we see some truly romantic skinship scenes quite later in the drama, I assure you-- IT WAS SO WORTH IT. ZLH is such an expert at guiding his female costars in romantic scenes and TXW reciprocated in a way where I am still questioning whether or not they caught feelings. Or moreso, how could they NOT??? I hope they have more works together 🤞🏻And even the platonic chemistry, between the friends and elders and kids. All so wholesome!

I cried, laughed, got anxious, and felt about every emotion out there. The "what if" scenario at the end was also such a great addition to help those of us suffering after all that happened in that last episode 😭😭😭

Three weeks have passed in a blur... and now it's time to say goodbye. The harder it is to get over, the more attached I realize I became to such a massive work of art. She's beautiful, he's beautiful, everyone was beautiful. Not to sound vain, but being pleasing to the eye and veteran-like acting and a beautifully-written story go hand in hand with creating a true masterpiece. I may need to rewatch this soon. If you are on the fence, WATCH IT! Goodbye, for now... 👋🏻🫶🏻

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I’m in love

This drama got me on a chokehold. It was honestly THE BEST DRAMA EVER! I thought I wouldn’t be able to find another badass female lead like Ming Yi from Love in the Clouds, but here we are. Just finished it today, 03/30/2026. I am so sad. My heart is broken now that this was over. How do I move on, fam? *Sobs* I felt this way when I watched Love in the Clouds because I had to wait for new episodes to air on Netflix. Anyway, this is a story about a young girl named Fan Changyu from Lin’an who comes from a family of pig butchers. She lives with her little sister Fan Changning, who is so cute and just as smart as her. I love how she quotes “In this life, be a good pig; in the next life, be a good person” before she slaughters the pig. One day, she discovers an injured man buried in the snow. Her parents just passed away so she becomes the breadwinner. A lot of her neighbors talk sh-t behind her back, but she doesn’t back down. She’ll fight for it as long as she is right. The man she saved was obviously a high ranking nobleman. He tells Changyu his name: Yan Zheng. It’s really funny how in most of these stories they try to hide behind a new identity, but still keep a part of their name. Brilliant idea, if you ask me. His real name is Xie Zheng, and he’s the Marquis of Wu’an. He lies low in Lin’an but secretly communicates with his men via a gyrfalcon. Yan Zheng was really nice when he offered to marry her as a matrilocal husband in order to help Changyu save her house, or else her greedy uncle and aunt will get it. I love how they talk to each other. You know they were slowly falling for each other every day that they were together. Changyu always tells him, “I’ll slaughter pigs to support you”, because she’s the head of the household and she thinks that Yan Zheng is a weak man. Then we see how Changyu fights when there were assassins that raided their home. How did she learn how to fight like that? Turns out, her father taught her martial arts since he ran an escort service. But along the way, there were so many things that didn’t add up. Some people who watched this were confused and didn’t like the ending. I refused to watch the leaked episodes because those have trashy translations. Everything was cleared up in episodes 38-39. Everything was clear to me. I did not skip the scenes, especially the political ones, and that helped me understand what was going on. I love how the second male lead, Li Huai An, the grandson of was such a gentleman. He knew his boundaries very well. Even up until the end, he made a smart choice. I love the scene where she’s in her armor on the horse and they’re on the street, and he just watches her from the window. I thought that was pretty sweet. When Xie Zheng was on his horse, she had a scene where she was looking out the window, too. I love it! At the palace, the way that puppet emperor wanted her when he asked if she was married. Na-uh. You wanna lose your head? If Marquis was there, oh boy, he’d be pissed. Your eunuch already lost his ear. Maybe you’ll end up losing your head. And when they met in secret in one of the alleys. The way he opened his arms and ran to him. Sweet kisses!! I’m melting!! The kisses were great, too. That bath tub scene that looked like they were Yin and Yang from above? Perfect. Anyways I just love everything about this drama. It holds a special place in my heart. The music, the cinematography, the costumes, the fight scenes, the characters… believe it or not, I even cried for the villains. To be honest, I cried at Qi Min’s demise. But he deserved it because he slaughtered a lot of people. He couldn’t even love his child, Bao’er. *chef’s kiss* The director and the whole crew were amazing. Thank you for bringing Zhu Yu to life. I swear, this drama had so many funny reels. I love how netizens were making videos and comments online saying they wanted to find their own Marquis one day in the snow. If not snow, maybe in the mud. Especially when he came through the gate in his armor and his lingzi headpiece (2 pheasant feathers that military commanders wear in ancient China to show glory and courage). Videos of cats and dogs wearing lingzi headpieces littered my timeline, which was really cute. There was also a video of a squid in a hotpot where they cut off most of the tentacles and left two, then the second clip was Marquis Wu’an, saying it was a glow up. I laughed so hard at that. We don’t get to see another wedding and their two kids, but it’s okay. As long as one of them didn’t end up dying, I’m all good. There was a “What if” special scene at the end of episode 40.

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This show left me in a tight spot. If you look at the show summary, you can tell the storyline is lame. And it's actually lame, how the heck a student ends up with a shaman? However, they transformed the lame story piece by piece into a beautiful and fun parts. Each part of the story is enjoyable, and it has a generous amount of comedy. The comedy quality is really good and consistent here, thanks to Park Seong A, Pyo Ji Ho, The Flower Master Shaman, and all the casts playing them. Then when you try to think about all of it by connecting each piece of the show into one story you'll start to think it's lame again, especially on the last two episodes. Looks like they've lost it from there.

The casts delivered this story beautifully. Cho Yi Hyun was astonishingly excellent in this show, she played the highschooler and shaman very well and fun. Cha Kang Yoon also did a great job. Choo Young Woo was also good, although I prefer the Bong Su version of him rather than the original Gyeon U.

This show lacks of backstory telling. The backstory of each characters were rarely told, several even left behing. I can't understand why Seong A actual parents left her when she was their "moneymaker". They didn't told us what made Gyeon U family tied so hard to Yeom Hwa, and where's the closure between Gyeon U and his family? Pyo Ji Ho was often left behind, and even had no backstory. His parents didn't even attend his graduation, I wonder why. It looked like he had been put aside especially since Seong A left the school. Yeom Hwa accused General Dong Cheon of resenting her after separating her from her deceased baby, but what kind of "resentment" was never clear.

This show has good music. Overall it's very funny and fun to watch and rewatch, even though the storyline could make you scratch your head.

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