The sweetest masterpiece
This deserves a full 10 stars! Let me start by saying that. It was super cute – I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.There’s great chemistry between the couple and the pacing of the story is well done. It addresses some really relevant subjects, such as the struggles in showbiz, obsessive fans, and the management of expectations between idols and their followers. There are also a few unexpected plot twists that I enjoyed, along with a fantastic soundtrack.
I’m really glad to have discovered Lykn through this series; these kids truly deserve all the hype they’re receiving. They’re so talented!
If you haven’t given this a try yet, please do. It’s definitely worth it.
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If I could give Pursuit of Jade more than 10 I gladly would.
Although the ending was rather disappointing, it doesn't affect how good this drama was! From the very beginning it captured me. I hadn't been this hooked by a Chinese drama since long last year. But POJ had all the ingredients to capture more from the beginning. Stunning visuals, a good color scale, beautiful costumes and locations. Intense battle scenes, great character development and characters. A riveting story, class A+ acting and handsome leads. But I think what pulled me more into the world of PoJ was its Female lead. Fan Changyu has to be the best female character I've seen in a drama for a long shot. Her journey was a pleasure to watch, and I have to say that she's been the only FL that's never disappointed me. I love her growth, her strength, her spunkiness, her fire. She was just amazing from the get-go. And was masterfully played by TXW. It wouldn't surprise me if she has all the directors lined up already fighting or her.Xie Zheng was also an amazing ML. He was threatening, caring, intimidating, sweet to CY, protective, supporting, lost his head when those he loved were in danger. He was the kind of man all of women want. Have to say Marquis was some of ZLH's finest work ever.
Even the smallest of characters in this show were so well written, none of them felt like filler and added so much to the story. I loved all the characters. Yes, even the villains, or loved to hate them so to speak, the characters were masterfully crafted by the writers.
Now onto the magic between Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei. Those two were an atomic bomb together, they had so much sexual tension that sometimes I had to look away. That's how intense their chemistry was, and one of the major reasons I was heavily drawn in. For me, if the leads don't have chemistry, it doesn't matter how good the story is, I won't watch. Pursuit of Jade really was a recipe in all the elements I love in a drama. I really hope ZLH and TXW work together again. It will be such a shame to waste chemistry like theirs.
I loved Changyu and Zhang's love story. Love how hard they fought to be together, despite the things that threatened to separate them. Adore how they were always a team even when they were at odds with each other, they were a team. They are definitely in my favorite love stories list. I'm going to miss them so much.
Now the question comes.... what do I do after Pursuit of Jade is over? I don't know but I'll surely be watching this over and over again. It really was a Jade among Chinese dramas. 100/100. I rarely found fault with it at all.
I highly recommend this to anyone who hasn't watched it yet. You'll have a great time watching!
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Tian xiwei and zhang linghe ????
The Pursuit of Jade stands out as a visually captivating and emotionally rich drama, elevated greatly by the exceptional performances of Tian Xiwei and Zhang Linghe. Tian Xiwei brings an effortless charm and authenticity to her role, blending playful liveliness with deep emotional sensitivity. Her expressions feel natural and sincere, allowing viewers to connect with her character on a personal level, especially during the more intense scenes where she conveys emotion with remarkable subtlety. On the other hand, Zhang Linghe delivers a powerful and composed performance, embodying a quiet intensity that draws the audience in. His ability to express complex emotions through restrained acting, particularly through his eyes and subtle gestures, adds depth and nuance to his character. Together, their on-screen chemistry is undeniable—natural, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Their interactions, whether tender or intense, feel genuine and impactful, enhancing the overall storytelling. As a pair, they bring balance, depth, and a compelling dynamic that makes The Pursuit of Jade not just visually appealing but truly memorable.Was this review helpful to you?
The mellowest assassins in history
I was not prepared for this!First with tattoos, unhinged Khao, shameless Dunk, and badass Joong. It’s overwhelming in the best way possible. On top of that, there are some really compelling story elements and amazing chemistry between characters.
Joong and Dunk stole the show with their dynamic and relationship development. The genuine emotions that Fadel and Style feel for each other are so captivating that I found myself loving their characters more than I did First and Khao's.
Kant and Bison were still interesting, though. Their instant lust transforms into love in a really wholesome way; we just have to forget how Kant gets involved with Bison after their one-night stand, which we conveniently overlook for the sake of wholesomeness!
The hitmen premise was well thought out, but I felt the plot got a bit lost in the middle. By the end, we managed to get back on track, but at that point, I was more invested in the romance than in the hitman angle.
Overall, the entire project was enjoyable, and I definitely think it's worth watching!
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A depiction of comedy, complex relationships and sacrifice
RE-WATCH --->Given that I re-watched it, I’d say this is definitely worth a watch!
Honestly, I kind of love KP. While it has its obvious issues, it’s still really good. The plot is engaging, and the acting and action’s pacing are strong.
Yes, the relationships in the show are quite toxic, and no one is safe from these problematic, dominant gangsters. However, some of them do manage to redeem themselves – Vegas, in particular. And, by the end, you find yourself tolerating Kinn because Porsche does, and it really centres around their relationship, doesn’t it? So, you don’t really have a choice.
It's not a masterpiece but ultimately, I believe the show offers a great portrayal of comedy, complex relationships, and the theme of sacrifice. It’s enjoyable!
Side note: Jeff Satur's OST, "Why Don't You Stay," is the real masterpiece of this entire project. This song tells not just the best emotional love story, but it’s also heart-wrenching given KimPorchay's story.
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I didn’t expect to feel this invested
Broken of Love started with a level of care and quality that really surprised me in the best way. From the cinematography to the pacing, everything feels thoughtfully done and allows the story to unfold naturally without losing tension.Faye Peraya delivers a strong and controlled performance as expected, and Yarinda brings a very composed and compelling presence. But what stood out the most to me was Atom. As a newcomer, she feels incredibly natural on screen, and at times her performance is unexpectedly powerful. She doesn’t just keep up, she adds something fresh that really elevates the dynamic.
The chemistry between the leads feels organic and effortless, and the tone balances darker emotional elements with intimacy in a way that feels intentional rather than exaggerated.
The soundtrack is also a highlight. It’s honestly one of the strongest I’ve heard in a Thai GL and it enhances the emotional weight of each scene without overwhelming it.
Overall, this feels like a clear step forward, not just for the series itself, but for the genre. If they can maintain this level, Broken of Love has the potential to become something really special.
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Top drama
This drama is genuinely impressive. The scripts are well-written, and the scenes are crafted beautifully, featuring actors who deliver clean and engaging dialogue (both fictionally and in reality).I thought the acting was outstanding. Smart did an excellent job, and Boom really surprised me – his expressions and the rawness with which he portrays his character made me emotionally connect with everything he expressed in this drama.
I also really liked the arc about the obsessive fan and the portrayal of the challenges that idols and actors face due to public scrutiny. They were both interesting and relevant. Many people seem to forget that celebrities deserve privacy and boundaries. I appreciate that dramas like this are attempting to highlight these issues. Hopefully, it resonates with some viewers.
Overall, this is an incredible drama, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only complaint is the honey. Why?! Just… why. Honestly, RIP that whole carpet!
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An overload of love and basil, but no long beans
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this definitely caught me off guard. The chemistry, the storyline, the pacing, and the food shots had me hooked from episode one.When I discovered that SailubPon and BenzGarfield were involved, I was thrilled. However, considering the premise, I was a bit apprehensive – would this be the Thai live-action version of Food Wars?
Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised!
The pacing of the story was decent, especially since they only had 8 episodes to condense all that content. The couple's storylines were well intertwined, and I appreciated how they developed at different rates. Oab and Plawan had this intense love-hate relationship right from the beginning, while Methas and JJ experienced a more gradual, slow-burn romance as they learned from each other. This kept me engaged throughout the series.
Overall, this is a feel-good, culinary-focused romance drama, and I really enjoyed it!
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Worth a chance but remember, this is going to be about the worst job ever!
This was an interesting journey. I ended it on a positive note, but I still found myself quite against most of the couples in the drama.The romance between Ming and Joe has numerous issues. Let’s not kid ourselves. Ming even handcuffs Joe to a staircase at one point – and not in a fun way! However, I appreciated how they learned to communicate with each other instead of making assumptions and hoping for the best. The growth both Ming and Joe go through throughout the story is also, for a lack of a better expression, kind of heart-warming – these are all positive signs for their future as couple.
It was also very cathartic to watch Tong get what he deserved. I was cheering when he got, quite literally, kicked to the curb! Power to May, let’s go!
Sol deserved better, but his constant interventions were off-putting. Like, move on, my guy! He clearly doesn’t want you, and you’re better off without him.
In a way, I think this show effectively illustrates that rebounding or finding a ‘stand-in’ to fill the void of unrequired love ends up hurting everyone involved rather than solving the existing problem. Ming should have tried to move on instead of pursuing Joe. (Him finding out the actual truth behind Tong’s signature back poster was, perhaps, the BEST part of this drama, not going to lie.)
It also presents a compelling argument about how people exploit someone's naivety and kindness for their own gain, and the consequences that follow.
Overall, I think it’s a worthwhile drama to watch. I wouldn’t rush to see it, but I also wouldn’t skip it. The acting is good, the characters’ interactions are entertaining, and the premise holds an important message.
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4 minutes to redemption
I really enjoyed this, although I was a bit disappointed that the ending was somewhat open and didn’t feel like a proper conclusion. It honestly seemed like they either ran out of time to film or out of story to tell.However, I thought the acting was good, and the whole concept surrounding the 4 minutes, and its significance, was executed really well. It might come off as confusing at times (I certainly felt that way), but if you trust the process and stick with it until the end, everything about what happened to Great and the people around him is clarified.
Be aware that there’s a fair amount of gore and spice/intense moments in this, so if that's not your thing, you might want to consider that before diving in.
Otherwise, I had a great time (pun fully intended, lol!)
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A good parallel to UWMA and a deep dive into one’s emotions
I ran, and I mean RAN, to watch this when I found out it existed!WinTeam has my whole heart. I fell in love with them in the main story, so I was really excited to watch this. BounPerm have great chemistry, and I loved their relationship development as they transitioned from friends-with-benefits to actual lovers.
I also enjoyed the small glimpses of the main timeline in UWMA, with Dean and Pharm falling in love in the background and a deeper exploration of Pruk and Manow’s relationship. Additionally, I was thrilled to see couples like TulWaan and BeePrince introduced; they brought me so much joy!
Seeing Santa as Boun’s baby brother was also incredibly wholesome – he's so cute!
Overall, this is definitely worth watching, even if you prefer how the story evolved in UWMA. While it may not do justice to the original, it’s no longer focused on them. If you can let go of that, you’ll find it quite enjoyable.
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The red string of fate
I have no words. There’s so much to unpack in this drama – star-crossed lovers, connection through the red string of fate, and a deep dive into the adversity and challenges that gay men have faced and continue to face over the years. I cried my eyes out, especially in the opening scene with InTouch and Korn, and throughout episodes 15 to 17. It was painful, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once.The reason I didn’t rate it higher is that I wasn’t connecting with the main couple. Pharm looked uncomfortable ALL the time, even in non-intimate scenes where they were simply looking into each other’s eyes. Dean, unfortunately, seemed to lack any personality whatsoever. I felt like they wouldn’t have ended up together (given that they had nothing in common) if it weren’t for InTouch and Korn’s connection.
Team and Win were my favourites, to be honest. Their relationship was brief on screen, but I felt a greater connection from their few minutes together than I did with Dean and Pharm’s entire storyline. I also appreciated how Manow and Pruk were included in the story. Their relationship felt organic and really wholesome, rather than being just a token straight couple.
Lastly, InTouch and Korn… what can I even say about these boys? Every moment between them was a mix of wholesomeness and heartbreak. They experienced happiness (albeit short-lived), sadness, frustration, understanding, and vulnerability – all these emotions were beautifully portrayed by the actors. I think I had tears in my eyes during every scene because I knew how their story would end.
And the OSTs! An instant addition to my playlist – they were so good, so emotional, and so raw. They set a beautifully tragic tone for these characters.
Overall, I believe this is a truly great drama that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
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(Im)Perfect 10 Liners
This was really cute! I also appreciated the format of the series, which combines three stories into 24 episodes (with 11-12 episodes each). This allows you to either binge-watch the entire series or take breaks and intersperse it with other shows if you prefer. It’s refreshing and reduces the pressure to watch everything at once, especially if long series aren't your thing.Arc and Arm were adorable together, featuring a slight rivals-to-lovers premise. ForceBook are always a joy to watch; they bring fun and good vibes to every series they star in. I also enjoyed seeing Arm’s character development as he grows from his first to second year.
Yotha and Gun's storyline had more depth and significantly more drama. I didn't appreciate most of Yotha's actions in his part of the story, but I understand that his behavior is influenced by his upbringing and the way his first love unfolded. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t dislike him (I think it’s hard for me to feel negatively about anything associated with Perth!). I just wish he had made different choices. Additionally, I liked how the story involving Yotha, Faifa, and their family issues was developed – that was a good, compelling arc that had a wholesome conclusion.
Lastly, Faifa and Wine brought me joy throughout their story. The slow burn, the yearning, and the connection between them were simply wonderful, and I enjoyed watching Faifa grow into himself.
Overall, this is a good, albeit typical, GMMTV university drama.
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Healthy enemies-to-lovers
Oh man, this was incredible! The story, the tension, the relationships, the chemistry between the main leads, the soundtrack, the actors – all of it was so well-crafted and directed that it was truly enjoyable for the viewer.I wouldn’t change anything about how the action developed. The transition from enemies/rivals to lovers felt seamless, with little to no awkwardness between the main leads. This fluidity only made it more enjoyable to watch, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in their journey.
Someone described this as a ‘breath of fresh air,’ and I completely agree! It wasn’t just entertaining; it felt genuine, almost as if I were witnessing two close friends navigate the complexities of love. It made the whole experience more relatable and heartwarming.
So, overall, I definitely recommend this drama!
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Questionable relationship with a happy ending
This series is good – nothing too complex or deep, but fun to watch. You kind of have to turn off your brain to truly appreciate it, as the writing leaves something to be desired. However, once you do that, it can be quite enjoyable.I wasn’t a fan of the intern-CEO relationship at first. I’m always cautious about these dynamics, both in series and in real life, because of the power imbalance they can create. However, Gun and Cher didn’t really suffer from this; Gun never used his position to take advantage, and Cher didn’t try to manipulate his boss for personal gain. They felt somewhat like equals, which was refreshing, even if it was a bit unrealistic. In the end, I think it worked out nicely.
I also appreciated that there was already an established gay relationship in the series. It’s amusing how often the only gay relationships in dramas are between the main leads and are framed as being ‘discovered’ or ‘re-discovered,’ rather than being shown as preexisting.
Finally, I think ForceBook have good chemistry, but unfortunately, I didn’t feel much romantic tension between them in this series. I loved their dynamic, but it felt more like they were close friends than lovers.
Overall, I think it’s worth watching. It’s a great way to pass the time – the pacing is decent, so you don’t get bored, and the characters make it fun.
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