I Admit It, I'm Just Here for FortPeat....
....and that makes this review sort of specific. I didn't read the story first, so I had no idea what to expect with this series. I definitely would not have watched it without my boys in it, is my overall conclusion after seeing the whole thing (through ep 10).That said...I am staying hopeful that FP get a different type of story for their next series. The two of them have ridiculous, insane chemistry and have the ability to have some of the best nc scenes that have are pretty explicit but work with the story without being gratuitous. I think the shower scene in Love Sea is one of the best in the entire genre. I don't want them typecast into only one trope (Fort chasing Peat, etc.) but this was a strange, sort of unpleasant, uneven story that they did the best they could with--Peat in particular went through a ton of emotions and personalities from ep to ep.
Their power is in playing off longing and love drama (the scene in LIAT on the floor of Sky's room is another benchmark moment for them). This wasn't the best vehicle for them to do that--and whoever was behind the production clearly had a limit on the NC scenes which is a shame because there are only so many CP that are REALLY believable in those scenes--FP commit completely, without any of the awkward moves or fish kisses that some other CP tend to lean into. Fort is magnetic on screen--his smile is electric (and off camera, his laugh could light up an entire city). Yesterday just didn't take advantage of any of their best qualities--Peat did good work but except for the last couple episodes it was hard to know if Kelvin was in scammer mode or actually in love with Vier...
I will probably watch anything these two make, but I hope the next choice let them lean into their strengths again, because when they are on, they are FIRE.
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Pursuit of Jade - Most Swoonworthy Chinese Drama ever on OTT
I could not get my eyes of Zhang Ling He , OMG he is the most handsome human to ever walk on this planet. Of course Tian Xiwei and every other character did a great job, but Zhang Ling He is outstanding. His walk, his looks, his guarded eyes and his style are impeccable, he dominates the entire screen with his presence. That said, the story line is a masterpiece and absolutely believable, each character does their job well, the scenes are beautifully played out. The war sequences are masterful and Qi Min also is a striking figure. The last episode number 40 was a delight to watch, giving the ending two probables was a master stroke. This Chinese Drama outranks every other drama I have ever watched. And it is totally binge worthy - infact you will be forced to binge watch, both the story and the characters are outstanding. But I am going to watch it again all 40 episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
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Secret Missions and High School Chaos
Undercover High School follows Jeon Hae-seong, a skilled NIS agent tasked with going undercover at a high school. From the very first episode, the show delivers an exciting and engaging opening, blending action with a sense of urgency that immediately draws the viewer in. While the overall storyline was solid, there were moments where the pacing felt uneven, and certain scenarios dragged longer than necessary, which occasionally tested my patience.One of the strongest elements of the series is how it portrays Jeon Hae-seong’s character. His awkwardness in everyday situations contrasts sharply with his ability to rise to the occasion when circumstances demand it, giving his character a relatable yet heroic edge. The series does a commendable job highlighting his growth and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, which forms the backbone of the narrative.
However, the inclusion of a romantic subplot felt largely unnecessary and somewhat forced. It appeared to exist primarily to tick the “romance” box rather than to genuinely enhance the story, and the show would have maintained a stronger and more cohesive tone had it focused solely on action and comedy.
On a brighter note, the villain was exceptionally well-developed. With a compelling backstory and clear motivations, the antagonist adds real depth and stakes to the plot, elevating the series beyond a standard action-comedy.
Cinematographically, the show shines during comedic moments and high-energy action sequences, capturing both humor and intensity with skill. The soundtrack, while serviceable, didn’t particularly stand out, though it effectively complemented the overall mood.
In summary, despite some pacing issues and the unnecessary romantic subplot, Undercover High School is an enjoyable watch. Its strong character development, well-crafted villain, and blend of action and comedy make it a series worth checking out.
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1A Drama That Turns History into Reflection, Meaning, and Message to Humanity
A historical drama rooted in real historical events is quite rare in the landscape of Chinese dramas. That’s why I feel truly grateful to have watched Swords into Plowshares. While watching it, I was reminded of the early wave of Hallyu, marked by remarkable Korean historical dramas such as Jewel in the Palace (2003), Jumong (2006), and Queen Seondeok (2009). It made me think that China should produce more works that explore its own history and culture and create a similar impact, helping the world better understand and appreciate the richness of Chinese society. As an international viewer, I can’t really take part in the heated debates about the more controversial aspects of this drama, but I genuinely appreciate it and thoroughly enjoyed watching it.The first thing I love about this drama is how intellectually challenging it is. It covers a full century of the Ten Kingdoms and Five Dynasties period in 10th-century China—an era after the fall of the Tang Dynasty that bridges the rise of the Song Dynasty. Watching the story, directly or indirectly, feels like learning history. There are so many events, all connected, forming a continuous chain that builds a coherent historical narrative. The storytelling is dense and demands focus and careful attention to fully understand what’s happening. Each episode needs to be followed slowly, without rushing. For viewers who enjoy a strong cognitive challenge, this drama is deeply satisfying.
The second thing is that this drama feels deeply meaningful to me. Its central theme is very clear: the search for peace and unity in a land torn by chaos and division. This is a universal pursuit, because every nation longs for these things in a world that is far from stable. What makes it compelling is that the drama portrays this journey as long, difficult, and full of sacrifice. It truly reflects the idea that “you cannot change the world before you change yourself.” We cannot bring peace to the world unless we ourselves desire peace and are committed to resolving conflicts through peaceful means. And we can only reach that point when we realize that violence is not a solution—it only creates more suffering and destruction.
Third, I really appreciate how realistic the drama is in handling issues of governance, society, and the state. I especially like how it presents leadership, bureaucracy/government officials, and military power as three pillars that must stand together to support the state. When one of these pillars fails, the country cannot function or move forward properly. The drama goes into great detail in portraying the dynamics and interactions among rulers, officials, and the military—how decisions are formed, debated, finalized, and agreed upon; how ideas develop based on virtues and righteousness; and how morality is preserved in an era when human dignity has fallen so low to the point where people literally become beasts who consume their own kind. Even though it is set in a dark and chaotic period, the story itself feels like a light at the end of the tunnel, offering hope.
Fourth, the character development is deeply moving. Even though it tells a grand historical story, the drama skillfully uses the perspectives of four main figures—Guo Rong, Zhao Kuangyin, Qian Hongchu, and Sun Taizen. We follow their journeys from youth to the end of their lives, witnessing how they change as they begin as nobodies, face the harshness of the world, form friendships, build shared goals of peace in their own ways, collaborate in different ways, and eventually become influential figures who shape history. Through their eyes, we experience both the joys and sorrows of that journey. We feel their worries, their losses, and their struggles, as well as their moments of success. Even though this is not primarily a character-driven story, it still explores their psychological depth well, allowing the audience to form a strong emotional connection with each of the main characters.
Lastly, this drama offers far more than I expected when I first started watching. The storytelling is very tight—effective and efficient. There are no wasted scenes, the plot is handled with strong discipline all the way to the end, and plot holes are kept to a minimum. The setting feels highly realistic, and the drama is unflinching in portraying the brutal side of history, yet it still leaves room for reflection and contemplation, helping the audience understand the world with a clear moral grounding. The values and virtues are consistently upheld throughout the story, so it never turns into just another Game of Thrones-type show that glorifies violence and the darker side of human nature. The use of music is also excellent—I never felt the need to skip the opening or ending songs. On top of that, the presence of many veteran actors adds a strong sense of gravitas, reinforcing that this is a drama created with a serious purpose and a message to deliver.
In the end, this drama stands out as a rare and meaningful work—intellectually engaging, emotionally resonant, and grounded in a rich historical reality. It offers not only a sweeping portrayal of a turbulent era, but also a thoughtful reflection on peace, leadership, morality, and the human condition. With its disciplined storytelling, strong performances, and clear sense of purpose, it delivers far more than mere entertainment. For anyone seeking a drama that challenges the mind, moves the heart, and leaves a lasting impression, this is absolutely worth watching.
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This review may contain spoilers
Korean Thriller/Crime Genre at its finest
Story, acting, directing, characters, ending....all perfect.The story quickly pulls you in within the first few minutes of episode 1 and it keeps you hooked until the last second of the finale, with a well-woven story that covers different themes; thriller/suspense, crime investigation, imprisonment, revenge and psychological. Each theme is highly well written, with a perfectly balanced pace and immaculate writing that provides ample mysteries and cliffhangers to keep the viewer on the edge of his seat at all times. The drama is highly bingeable so good thing I only enjoyed it after it completed airing.
The Acting was top notch by all the cast, I was particularly mind-blown by the 2 Female lead duo, their performance is accolade-worthy, with the slightest of facial expressions and gaze speaking volumes. Kim Go-Eun above all takes the cake here, boy oh boy did she manage to freak us out, leave one with shivers running down the spine, feel her pain and sorrow, fear her and pity her at the exact same time. you could be watching her just laying back gazing at the sky through a hole in the prison yard shades, and you feel like you can see her inner feelings through her gaze. Then to see how that daydreaming gaze switches to apprehension and animosity within seconds; that was a feast for the eyes.
I also really appreciated how both characters were written, and while their development arcs especially Mo Eun's might have had some blank parts lacking details but I respect the writers choice to leave the intricate details up to the imagination of the viewer. And despite both female leads being at opposite ends personality, conscience and nerve-wise, to see how their relationship shifted and enjoy their moments together on screen, It had been a while since I enjoyed such a relationship dynamic so well crafted.
If I had any trouble with the plot or the story writing it would be really small gripes not worth fretting over; for example the final motive behind her husband's murder was surprisingly lacking, I was expecting the motive behind his murder would be romantic, financial or to keep him quite from exposing someone's crimes like fraud or embezzlement. But I chose to convince myself that choosing that motive was to show how mentally unstable individuals could be not just driven to commit murder for such flimsy motives, but even worse chose to commit further crimes to cover up their tracks.
Another point that I would have appreciated had this drama steered clear from, is the writing turning to the miraculous capturing of the moment a crime is being committed or a person is incriminating themselves. I hate it when the main plot's mystery is solved thanks to a lost video or recording that managed to capture the significant moment to indict or acquit someone.
The first murder lacked such evidence, and we were told forensic evidence was tampered with by the perpetrator (only to find out police had tunnel vision and did not do a proper job gathering evidence). As for the second murder I believed they could have easily chosen to prove her innocence by one of several means; 1) proving he was still alive and well after she had left the murder scene, thanks to his interactions with his gaming friends , 2) Using the fact that he was gaming both chatting and talking with his friends and was actually shown to have stated he had met her and lived.
I know it is not a major thing, and many a drama chose to easily opt for the non-deniable easy evidence in the form of perfectly timed and positioned captured media, but precisely because as a viewer who had been appreciating the masterful writing of this drama such as the autopsy scene mentioning freezing the body hindered accurate determination of the Time of death but the state of digestion of food in his body suggested death happened 2 hours after consumption, you can say I was a lit bit annoyed when none of these clues were used.
Still all things considered, I really enjoyed this drama and loved the intense suspenseful mood it provided, and the deep and rich characters and their relationship dynamics.
To sum up, this is a drama I would strongly recommend to anyone, especially crime/investigation/psychological thriller fans. Give it a watch
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SUCH A GOOD TRHILLER
Forgotten is one of those Korean thrillers that grabs you from the first scene and doesn’t let go until the final reveal. The whole movie feels like a giant maze — every time you think you understand what’s going on, it flips on you again.I loved how tense and unsettling the atmosphere was. You can feel that something is “off” the entire time, especially after the brother comes back from his 19-day disappearance acting like a completely different person. It’s creepy in a quiet, psychological way, not a jump-scare way.
And the plot twist? Absolutely wild. It hits hard emotionally too, because the story suddenly recontextualizes everything you’ve been watching. I finished the movie just sitting there like, “Wait… what did I just watch?” in the best way possible.
It’s smart, tight, emotional, and extremely well-acted. If you like thrillers that make your brain spin while also punching you in the feelings, Forgotten is definitely worth it.
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LOVEE HER OUTFITTTTT
LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXIN LOVE ESTHER YU LOVE YU SHUXINWas this review helpful to you?
SPARE YOURSELF AND JUST GO WATCH OTHER YEOM JUNG AH SERIES
It hurts my heart to give this series low ratings. The first half of the drama was so good, i thought I found something to rave about after i finish watching it. But true enough, you'll never know until you watch it all. This has been the most excruciating watch ever in my years of being a kdrama fan. I have watched many series that are equally absurd, but this drama makes you gag at every turn. Just when you think you can breath already after passing on one problem, the writer makes it possible for the problem to breed other problems just to keep the show going. One would think the writer hates the characters she made so much she wanted them to die but she's on paycheck so she can't. Looking back, I wanna shoot myself for even pushing myself to finish this one. WTH WAS ALL THAT. I feel so freaking bad for those who starred in here especially for my dear Yeom Jung Ah. I can literally see the dread on her eyes as the episodes went by.Tho i did not regret watching this because it somehow satisfied my curiosity, i strongly don't recommend this one. The leads were great, so great i can cry at the loss of potential between them but it is not worth the stroke you'll get in watching this. just see small clips on youtube, those basically explains the whole thing without giving you unsolicited headache.
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⭐ Pursuit of Jade — Review
⭐ Pursuit of Jade — Review(formerly Chasing Jade)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10
I just finished Pursuit of Jade, and honestly?
This drama is peak. Absolute peak.
From the very first episode, everything about it pulls you in. The acting, cinematography, and overall production are immaculate. You can tell the director has a clear vision (same director as Blossom), and it shows in every frame. The visuals alone make you fall in love with the drama, but the storytelling and characters take it even further.
The chemistry between the leads? INSANE.
The tension? THERE.
The yearning? THROUGH THE ROOF.
You root for them from day one.
The female lead is strong, capable, and emotionally compelling. The male lead? His aura is unmatched. One of the best generals/marquises I’ve seen in a drama — powerful, commanding, but still vulnerable in the right moments. Every scene he’s in, he owns it. And together? They just work.
Their relationship dynamic is everything:
• Fake marriage
• Injured male lead
• Caretaking female lead
• Slow-burn into deep, intense love
Her literally saying she’ll kill pigs to take care of him??? I was GONE. That level of devotion, that raw love — it was so beautiful to watch.
The drama balances romance, angst, and action perfectly. There are so many heartbreaking moments — I cried a lot. The emotional weight in the middle of the story hits hard, and it makes you even more attached to every character, even the side characters and the kids.
And surprisingly? Even the second lead toxic couple had me hooked. He’s obsessed, morally questionable, and completely wrong for her… and yet you still feel something watching them. That’s how good the writing and acting are. Even the villains are too attractive, which makes everything more confusing in the best way.
Now, my only slight issues:
• The ending, while not bad, didn’t fully match the intensity of the rest of the drama. I expected more — especially in terms of battles and final payoff.
• Some of the political/war background was a bit confusing. The way names and past events were explained felt unclear at times, especially if you’re not already familiar. It could’ve benefited from clearer storytelling or flashbacks.
But even with that?
This drama still stands as a 10/10 for me.
It gave me everything I love:
romance, tension, emotional depth, beautiful visuals, and characters I’m completely attached to.
It’s honestly up there with Love in the Clouds for me — and that says a lot.
Final verdict:
A powerful, emotional, visually stunning drama with unforgettable chemistry and one of the most captivating lead dynamics I’ve seen.
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This review may contain spoilers
If There's an Afterlife, Let Me be the One to Find You
Congratulations go to the director for creating one of the most visually stunning C-dramas I've come across. Zeng Qing Jie, if I could kowtow to you, I would. I remember watching the 1st episode and just thinking to myself,'How is it so pretty? How is everyone so gorgeous? Not just the main leads, everyone, even the villagers, looked beautiful. How is this land so beautiful?? Even Changyu's house, a pig farmer's house, is presented with care. It's not a noble house with all the grandeur, but a cozy slice of heaven in the middle of a terrible world.'
Every scene is well thought out and shown in the best light. Let's not even begin talking about how excellently lighting is used in this story. I am not qualified to speak or properly express how well it's done
What I Liked (aside from the cinematography, of course)
1. The Characters - This story doesn't waste its cast. The characters, especially those in Lin'an helped mold this story. They were all so beautifully layered. The ones who stood out to me the most were
a. Fan Chang Yu - She had me the moment she slapped that pig in the 1st episode. Then she carried that grown-ass man on her back, and I decided I was going to stay. I love her. I like that she was normal, brute strength, of course, but normal. Normally, when women need to be strong in dramas, their personalities are cold and detached. Or they act more masculine than feminine. Or a combination of both.
It was good to see something different. I like that Chang Yu was still feminine and unrestrained in personality. She maintained her warm, caring personality throughout the show. Also, her not being smart was utterly hilarious. The way those Scholars kept running away from teaching her.... How Wen Kan was bedridden after a few days of trying to be her teacher....🤣🤣🤣
PS. After seeing the BTS scenes of Tian Xi Wei, girl.... I might just start hitting the gym because of you. So much strength and muscle in such a tiny body.
b. Xie Zheng - Has there ever been a hornier man in all of Hengdian? If so, someone please direct me to him. Those specific scenes in episodes 35 (or was it 36?), 37, and 38 will remain in my mind for a long time. I am partial to a beautiful, clingy man, so he ticked all the boxes for me. He fell for her the minute she came to find him in that pig sty that she'd hidden him in and never stopped. She really was his safe space. I also love me a matrilocal husband. And he took that role seriously, status be damned.
PS. We all know Zhang Ling He is beautiful. I remember seeing him in a scene in the drama 'The Best Thing', (I think he was admiring flowers or something), and pausing to think to myself, "I get it now. I understand now what those damnei stories are talking about when they mention beautiful men. They are talking about him." I thought he was pretty then, but that was nothing compared to how he looked in this show. Congratulations to his parents. This is a fine specimen.
c. QianQian - Though her story is a sad one, I loved how it worked to show us the difference in women's strengths. While Changyu had brute strength and martial arts training, QianQian's strength was in stubbornness, smarts, and perseverance. In a way, she reminded me of Qiao Man from 'The Prisoner of Beauty.' Their strength is softer, quieter.
Some women can fight on the battlefield, some with the power of the court, or a strong family background. However, more often than not, (like in QianQian's case), many women had to battle and batter with their minds and bodies—what some would call 'feminine wiles'—just to survive the men that came into their lives and trapped them. I love that she never gave up trying to run away. And always showed Qi Min that she hated him, even when that put her in danger
2. The Comedy
This drama may not have a comedy tag, but it was funny as fuck. From the pig slaps to the multiple slaps rained on Sui Yuan Qing (and the boxers incident), to little Chang Ning turning away and counting to 10 every time her sister (and later her sister and brother-in-law) beat someone, Song Yan's eventual humiliation, and the emperor crying with his eunuch, the pig butcher squad bullying people at the military camp, etc. The comedy and comedic timing in this were so good.
3. The Romance
This drama is 1st and foremost a romance. I loved that part. Watching the 3 couples navigate their 3 very different romantic (one of them isn't really romantic tbh) storylines was so good. The strongest romantic storyline is obviously that of our main leads, especially back in Lin'an. Watching their love slowly grow from convenience to genuine feelings in that picturesque village was just.... I will be going back to watch those episodes.
Gongsun Yin and Qi Shu were both a little angsty and a lot funny in their love story. I wish their story got more screentime. Watching Gongsun stumble all over himself where she was concerned was a highlight. As for my girl QianQian... I'm just glad she's free of that man —part of me wishes she'd stabbed him at least once, though. But perhaps her constant rejection of him hurt him worse than a stab ever would've.
What I Didn't Like/Think Could Have Been Done Better
1. Fan Chang Yu's Rise To Glory
We needed a training montage or something. We all knew she could fight. But fighting a few soldiers (elite soldiers at that) is nothing compared to taking down a general. Yes, she is strong, and yes, she'd had some training from her father b4 the parents passed away. But taking down two very seasoned and feared men is no easy task.
I'd have loved it if the show had some training montage where we could see her train at the camp and maybe participate in some battles b4 taking down these seasoned warriors and generals. It'd have made her eventual general status more believable and a little less sudden.
2. Some aspects of our Pig Butcher Squad
I rather liked them tbh. Watching them grow from thugs who got their ass handed to them by Chang Yu back in Lin'an to her main protectors on the battlefield and after she became a general was funny and warmed my heart. However, the story taking out Man Di was not it.
I think they wanted to show us the costs of war, but still... Didn't like that. Also, Jin Yuan Bao... What were they trying to do, making it seem like he was in love with her? That was unnecessary tbh. They should've let him remain in that brother zone. Things were much better and funnier then.
3. Xie Zheng on the Battlefield
I think we should've seen him fight more. We saw Changyu fight on the battlefield several times, which was a glorious sight to behold. We also saw Xie Zheng's prowess as a fighter back in Lin'an. He's amazing even with one foot in the grave. But I still wanted at least one proper fight scene with him as a general on the actual battlefield. That fight with his uncle doesn't count
4. The Political/Revenge Plot
It suffers. It should have shown in the latter episodes, but everything gets crammed in those few final episodes - with most of the reveals happening in the finale. Idk what they should've have cut (maybe some of Qi Min's and Sui Yuan Qing scenes? idk) but this aspect of the overall plot should've been allowed some breathing space.
5. The lack of proper kissing scenes between our main couple
Their lips kept touching, but why was it those 'dead fish' type kisses? Why did I have to learn that Xie Zheng is basically a vampire from Chang Yu's hickey after the fact? Why wasn't I shown that? The fact that Qi Min's crazy ass had better kissing and more sensual NC scenes than our main couple... sigh. Xie Zheng's horny ass deserved to be shown in all its glory
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Uneasy Alliance
I was getting "The Double" vibes in the beginning, and I settled in for a treat. And it was compelling, initially. The FL was mesmerizing as the abandoned child grown into a scheming survivor. When the equally calculating ML met her, the intrigues grew into dueling agendas. They reluctantly agreed to assist each other when their objectives matched, but it was an uneasy alliance filled with distrust and lies.The Good:
• The story had enough twists and action to keep me engaged. It did lose steam as it progressed but was still very watchable.
• The actors nailed their parts. Yu En Tai was masterful as the mild-manner father. I couldn't take my eyes off of Wen Zheng Rong when she was on screen.
• The ML was a stoic character, but his interactions with his little daughter were delightful. The actor could infuse some warmth into his frigid character with his smiles, indulgent attitude, and hugs when playing with the child.
• Beautiful costumes. Love those capes with the fur collars.
• Lovely scenery. I was amused at all the flowers blooming in the snow every shot, but, whatever. Ancient China must have had special growing zones.
• I sometimes grouse about open endings, but I admired how the viewer was left to interpret the final scene. Inventive!
The Bad:
• Both the ML and FL were morally gray characters. I empathized with them, but I never grew to like them. ML was willing to lie and endanger others for his purposes. He was comfortable with torture. FL was willing to kill the innocent in order to obtain her revenge. I admired their bravery and intelligence (but why were they always one step behind the villain?), but their ruthless natures made it hard for me to love them.
• This was a revenge, not a romance, drama, but I had hoped for a little more between the leads. It felt as though the drama was headed there, but those sweet moments never materialized.
• At the end, the FL admitted to the ML that there was one more thing she had lied to him about. He told her the past was in the past and to enjoy their beautiful future. Well, that's fine for him! What about me? I want to know what the other lie was!
• There was a bit too much "girl power" evangelizing. Even when I fully agree with the sentiment, I hate having it preached to me. Repeatedly.
• I had to suspend belief far too many times.
I added a half star for that imaginative take on an open ending.
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Very sweet, very cute story, a bit to much like a fairytale.
PLOT: To escape the relentless advances of Oh, the MC, Teerak and Muenfah pretend to be a couple. But the more time they spend together, the deeper their relationship becomes. Enough to overcome all the obstacles?+++ Thomas ♡o｡.(✿ฺ｡ ✿ฺ) and Por are the two most convincing actors, with the strongest presence. I'll be following them.
+++ Pleasant OSTs.
+++ Effective direction: pacing, framing, lighting, scenery, etc.
### Story too sweet, a bit like a fairytale where everyone is nice, everyone is beautiful... It's sweet, but it lacks intensity!
### They made the MC a big oaf. His behavior is excessively childish, even bordering on autism (which would explain his family's overprotective attitude). He and his friends are supposed to be 19-20 years old, not 13!!!
### Lots of product placement!
=> Cute and sweet (risk of diabetes?) but without any real depth.
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Très sweet, très cute story, un peu bizounours
PLOT: Pr échapper aux avances acharnées de Oh, le MC, Teerak et Muenfah prétendent être en couple. Mais plus ils passent de tps ensemble, plus leur relation s'approfondit. Assez pour surmonter tous les obstacles ?
+++ Thomas ♡o｡.(✿ฺ｡ ✿ฺ) et Por sont les 2 acteurs les plus convaincants, avec le plus de présence. Je vais les suivre.
+++ OSTs agréables.
+++ Réalis° efficace : rythme, cadrages, lumières, paysages, etc.
### Story too sweet, un peu fairytale où tout le monde est gentil, tout le monde est beau ... C'est doux, mais ça manque d'intensité !
### Ils ont fait du MC, un grand dadais. Son comportement est excessivement puéril, voire proche du spectre autistique (ce qui expliquerait l'attitude surprotectrice de sa famille). Lui et ses copains, sont censés avoir 19-20 ans, pas 13 !!!
### Bcp de placements de produits !
=> Cute et sweet (risque de diabète ?) mais sans réelle profondeur.
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There are 3, 698 Reasons to Love This Series!
I found myself thoroughly absorbed in this love story that is told unreservedly and unconditionally only from the perspective of the two individuals involved. It is displayed in soft, gentle tones, almost like a whisper. With cloudy overtones to the hues of the cinematography even though, ironically, it is a story where the central focus is photography. It is a serendipitous happenstance that turns out to be a long journey to destiny for two young men. This is a saga from a slice of life of two young men who are so deeply in love with one another with one so haunted by the thought of losing the other again that he is willing to not love again. Remember they are restricted by a society that does not value the commitment of two men living together. It felt more like an environment of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” So, there is no obligation, no social contract, no foundation, no pledge for staying together other than their own embrace to each other. Which for one party felt overwhelmingly fragile and very scary. I got it. Finally, I understood. The series concludes in one of the most creative and original ways I have ever seen, and I thought it was so authentic and astonishingly moving. What slightly distracted from this series but only a bit is its lack of passion especially in the kissing. Although it is certainly better than the vast majority of Japanese BLs of late, it still lacked a depth of believability to it. Make us truly believe you are in love with each other with at least one good, passionate, erotic, exotic kiss. Is that really so hard to do?Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
SAID WHAT I SAID. WOMEN IN MALE FIELDS. THIS SHOW IS SO GAY TBH IF XIAO JUE DID NOT REALIZE HAHAHACGI is kind of meh in the first episode.
Everyone keeps saying they're disappointed because this is a novel adaptation, which Xiao Jue terrified them in the drama version. I haven't read the novel; as someone who only watched the drama, this is my honest opinion. The plot was good, the slow burn trope makes me SCREAM. The cinematography is not the best, just good. I love that there's no toxic scene that C-dramas often do, such as forced kissing or unintentional things.
Xiao Jue is the greenest flag, letting He Yan choose her path, everything just for her, and the fact he's not giving up on his title, it's kind of rare in C-dramas that male leads would sacrifice anything, or make unnecessary sacrifices. Whilst they're still together, this is what we call LOVE MATH, MINIMUM LOSS.
THE MARTIAL ARTS COULD BE MORE EXPLORED... But, I love every scene of He Yan's fight. OH, I REALLY LOVE XIAO JUE'S GAZE. THE ACTING IS PEAKKKK, THE LOOK OF LOVE.
THIS IS WHAT I IMAGINE WHEN THE NARRATION SAID THAT HIS GAZE SOFTENED.
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