Reviews

Not perfect, but definitely worth watching

My opinion and feedback are totally subjective, and considering the huge fan following Pursuit of Jade has amassed, I hope I don’t offend the hardcore fans of the show. The 9.1 rating on My Drama List became one of the deciding factors to watch Pursuit of Jade, besides the cast. I had not watched any of Zhang Linghe’s shows before Pursuit, so I had no idea about his acting skills, but the actress is a known one (watched and loved her a lot in New Life Begins).

The story is not very unique. It has all the elements that a period drama is expected to have: a hero/heroine in distress, seeking revenge, a royal house planning and plotting, and a dark past that clearly affects many lives in the present. Nevertheless, it’s the screenplay that determines how the story unfolds and characters progress. Pursuit of Jade does a really good job in this area. Characters evolve and grow (at least most of them do). The subplots and the supporting cast have done a great job as well. The music is not exceptionally great, but worth remembering. Besides the romantic numbers, there are a few exhilarating pieces that blend well with the storyline.

The actors: Pursuit of Jade is full of great-looking actors. The whole Zhang Linghe beauty admiration doesn’t look like hype at all. He surely is a gorgeous-looking man, and not to mention, he looks utterly gorgeous in the traditional Chinese period drama costumes. The wigs have enhanced his looks 10 times; even in that bee sting headgear which he has worn twice during his grand entrance, suits him. The actress is a beauty herself and shines in all the scenes. Even the bad guys of the show are great-looking men. The romantic scenes are shot beautifully, tastefully, and in a truly aesthetic manner. I am glad that Chinese dramas have progressed in that department, where the kissing scenes look real and passionate. Keep up the good work!

Now, a few things that I didn’t like and honestly don't understand. In my opinion, Pursuit of Jade could have been summed up in 32-33 episodes, max 35. There was no need to make it a 40-episode-long show. There were a few dragging subplots and scenes that dragged a bit too long. The part where the FL is separated from her little sister and the ML, is dragged somewhat too long. The scenes consisting of violence and gore were too many. The ML was healing and getting wounded at the same time. The FL was tending to his wounds and nursing him back to health after every 2nd or 3rd episode. It was mentioned in the beginning that the young sister of the FL was ill, and they even tried to show that in one of the scenes where she breathes heavily. That’s all! That was the only time when she was shown to be a bit unwell. The character of the FL’s former fiancée, who later became the intern scholar, was not used to its capacity. There were more possibilities for his character, but in the end, he turns out to be a failed and dejected man who drowns himself in drinking.

No period drama is complete without political conspiracy, and Pursuit of Jade is no exception. I understood very little of why there was so much mess in the royal court, and why the emperor was acting all juvenile and dimwitted. However, I liked the romantic angle between the Grand Princess and Gongsun Yin. There were many other challenges that I came across in keeping up with the plots aside from the Main Lead’s romance (that was definitely easier to get along with and understand).

I may revisit the show sometime and then may understand the parts that I totally missed and didn’t try to understand, as I was more invested in the lead pair’s story.

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tis show my life lowkey

this show is a classic and is always so peak on every rewatch watching thie for the first time changed my life i like to rewatch it on ym flip phone it really adds to the show and firstkhaotungs acting is always great SANDRAY IS MY LIFE love that arctic monkeys comes into play in this show it brought sm happiness into ym life to here my favorite band be mentioned in a show i really like alex turner we will never hate you and yeah wish the yuri was in it a little more but life goes on forcebook and neomark did a good job too forgot to mention my kings i used to hate bostonnick sm but now i love them and miss them but im glad they had a more realistic ending also the ost never disapoinyts i listen to it everyday mainly on my flip phone i really love my flip phone and know the song word for word it helps me live i need it to survive also i stand by that ray is not a red flag fire emoji fire emoji

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What I expected...

When I started watching Soul Mate by asking from ppl I know and comments, I was really excited, I expected an emotional and meaningful story about love, healing, and connection. But honestly, it just felt like the show kept adding sad things only to make people cry. There was suicide, illness, grief, loneliness, abandonment, death — one tragedy after another. After some time, it stopped feeling emotional and just felt forced.

My biggest problem with the show was the relationship between Ryu and Yohan. The way the series was promoted made me expect a romance or at least a deep emotional love story, but their relationship never really developed. There were barely any romantic moments (I understand it was a very discreet and non verbal love wt no intimacy, and not much emotional payoff, but their barely had a sentimental HUG when needed). The show kept calling them “soulmates,” but I personally never felt that strong connection between them. They barely talked
one - a - one. Honestly, sometimes Ryu seemed closer to Sumiko than to Yohan, which made the main relationship even harder to believe (Considering they were Soul Mates for real).

Another thing that bothered me was the writing. A lot of the dialogue sounded unnatural and too slow. Big emotional moments happened, but I didn’t feel connected to the characters enough to really care. Some serious storylines, especially the suicide attempt and grief, were handled too quickly and didn’t feel realistic. Instead of feeling emotional, I mostly felt distant from the characters.

The pacing and editing were also confusing. The story jumped around so much that sometimes I couldn’t tell how much time had passed or how the characters were supposed to feel. In the second half especially, the series started to feel messy and unfocused.

The acting was probably the best part. The actors did a really good job with the script they were given, and some emotional scenes worked because of their performances. The cinematography and music were also nice, although sometimes the music felt too dramatic, like the show was trying too hard to make viewers emotional.

What disappointed me the most was how the series focused so much on queer suffering without giving enough happy or warm moments in return. Every time something hopeful happened, another tragedy came right after it. By the end, I wasn’t heartbroken — I was just tired.
When Yohan is about to get seriously sick and Ryu goes to him to be wt him in his "final moments", that alone was supposed to have crushed RYU'S feelings ONCE HE WAS HIS SOUL MATE, but to my surprise she had hidden from him that his supposedly ex- partner was dying and he accepted almost instantly.

Overall, Soul Mate had a good idea and strong actors, but for me it became an overly depressing story that confused sadness with emotional depth.
NOTE**** They completely forgot about Arata. Who almost got handicapped and never to be heard of him again (?)

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The Best.

The Story, the pacing, the acting, the direction, the music, the chemistry, the setting. A+++
I confess when I first watched this drama, i was frustrated at some aspects of it, the coworkers hypocrisy and at times, cruelty and some of the plot choices. But re watching it and loving it more and more has been a joy. It’s funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, satisfying and a really good thought out overall story, and wow Rowan is just stunning!! The production value is top notch and stylish. The acting and chemistry is engaging, believable and heartfelt.
I’ve watched a lot of both K and C drama’s, and this is one, if not THE one, of the best.

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Dramma a tratti fantasy e per questo è moderno e bello!

Questo dramma è un dramma di fantasia anche se apparentemente sembra solo un romcom moderno.
Monarchia moderna ai giorni nostri con di tutto una corte ma che con la storia non c'entra nulla perciò le polemiche sono esagerate.
Per me un bel dramma che mi è piaciuto anche tanto è chiaramente il fantastico cast ha fatto la sua parte ma la trama mi piace e sono felice di averlo visto e consiglio la visione senza concentrarsi sul lato storico che non c'entra proprio.
Il principe innamorato da subito di una ragazza già dalle scuole non ha più occasione di incontrarla ma poi lei diventata una gran imprenditrice per più prestigio vuole sposare per finta proprio lui, chiaramente inizialmente è un finto matrimonio che però tra intrighi di corte e tutto diventa un grande amore. Succedo infinite cose anche un po' esagerate ma loro si amano e faranno di tutto per stare insieme e proteggersi a vicenda. Cattivi presenti anche qui e avranno la peggio.
L'amore vince e la monarchia sarà solo un contorno.
Bellissimi i protagonisti e buona chimica, i backstage sono esilaranti.
Se amate le romcom al di là del contesto storico questo drama e veramente bello e vale la pena vederlo (meglio il prima possibile prima che venga tolto dalla circolazione)!

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That Marriage Stone Needs to Ban Them

Wow. They casted everyone so incredibly well and thr chemistry was absolutely fire for all of the couples.
Actors breakdown: The ML Hao Ming Hao did a great job but I felt he needed more emotional range. or maybe it was just the character. The FL Lu Yu Xiao was AMAZING. i will definitely be looking up her other dramas as this is the first of hers I have watched.
It would be nice to see Yu Cheng En in a character that doesn't give off "Peter pettigrew" vibes. He Nan (the Queen of abyss) did a good job with the complex role she had. I did wonder why she always looked like she was going to cry but maybe she was wearing uncomfortable contacts or something. Her love interest did a great job. I genuinely had no clue whose side he was on until further into the series.
I generally am NOT a fan of chinese OST (nothing personal just not my preference) and I LOVED this one. Im currently searching Spotify for the actual score.
Plotline: I felt like it kinda dragged between episodes 30 to 34. Like there are only so many times you can go in circles. That being said the show gave me a Ashes of Love/Eternal Love of a Dream. I would definitely suggest watching this one!

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Delightfully Crazy, Surprisingly Addictive.

The Demon's Pursuit is, quite simply, a story of chaos, a fusion of everything. Modern divorce drama collides with ancient xianxia lore; supernatural detective work intertwines with second-chance romance; low-budget constraints meet ambitious storytelling. Silly and funny, yet serious, deadly, spooky and creepy. This drama is proof that you don't need A-list stars or blockbuster budgets to craft an engaging drama. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in heart, creativity, and sheer watchability. It's the kind of show you start out of curiosity and finish with genuine affection.

When a divorcing couple is thrust into a fantasy novel mid-argument, they awaken in the demon-ridden Great Qian Realm: he's a condemned prisoner, she's a fallen empress. To survive, they must solve mystical crimes, navigate court intrigue, and confront the very real demons of their broken marriage. It shouldn't work this well—but it does.

I haven't watched Gao Hongkai or Wu Chunyi before, therefore I'm not familiar with their acting. As the story pulls me in, I realized how good these two unknown actors are. Wu Chunyi as Su Ningxue is a revelation. She balances imperial poise with modern vulnerability, conveying quiet strength without overplaying. Gao Hongkai as Lin Mo brings a grounded, weary pragmatism that makes his gradual emotional thaw feel earned. Their chemistry doesn’t rely on instant fireworks—after all, they’re already ex-spouses. What truly works is how they slowly rebuild their bond, unfolding with a quiet, natural warmth that feels deeply human rather than scripted. For a production relying on relatively unknown actors, the lead performances are not just competent—they're compelling.

At 24 episodes of roughly 15 minutes each, The Demon's Pursuit is engineered for modern viewing habits. There's no padding, no filler subplots stretching thin. Each episode advances either the mystery, the relationship, or both. It's easy to follow, easy to squeeze into a busy day, and easy to watch "just one more."

That said, the editing occasionally betrays the tight schedule. Transitions can feel abrupt, and a few emotional moments land slightly off-rhythm due to pacing choices. These aren't dealbreakers, but they're noticeable—especially if you're used to the polished flow of big-budget productions.

This drama doesn't pretend to be high art. It leans into its genre-blending chaos: one minute you're deciphering a cursed artifact, the next you're watching a quiet moment of reconciliation over a cup of tea. The "crazy logic" isn't a bug—it's a feature. It asks you to suspend disbelief, invest in the characters, and enjoy the ride.

And the ride is fun. The supernatural cases are inventive enough to hold interest. The romantic tension avoids melodrama by rooting itself in shared growth. The low-budget aesthetic, while visible (not too bad), doesn't distract from the core strengths: character and story.

For a low-budget production with relatively unknown actors, this is a surprisingly enjoyable gem. The acting—particularly from the two leads—exceeds expectations. The story, for all its chaotic fusion, holds your attention. And in an era of endless content, that's no small feat.

Watch if: You enjoy character-driven fantasy, don't mind bending logic for fun, and appreciate a rekindled romance that is both funny and sweet.

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Dream On

I took a long time between the first season of Only Friends and Only Friends: Dream On. The first season had my head spinning, so I need a little time to recoup. The story for Dream On was super predictable in a lot of areas, but then towards the end had me biting my nails and almost mad thinking it was going to end a certain way. I adore EarthMix and will watch basically anything with them in it. This performance of was definitely the spiciest they've had up to this point . AouBoom are also quickly becoming another favorite pair of mine and this series had an entirely different dynamic between the two of them than what we have seen so far. JossGawin are a cute couple and given how comfortable Gawin seems with whoever he is partnered with, I expect nothing less that brilliance from him. All three of our main couples delivered. Fluke's character was poorly written in my opinion. I didn't buy for a moment that anyone would have just continued to let him get away with his bs. It was nice to see Neo, Pod, and Mark make their appearances along with FirstKhaotung. Our plot got a bit messy in some areas, but overall this was a good series.

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The story

WOW!!!
For someone that usually goes for only romantic dramas I needed this.The FL is exactly my kind of charade. She is so brave the ways they depicted the story is just marvellous.A brave FL who stood up for herself and her family at such a young age,I resonate with her alot.It shows family struggles,the prejudice against women and young girls,and the way society in general treats women especially.Jingyi really outdid herself with this is.All I can say is watch it the first 4 episodes might be too slow and make you want to drop it but I promise it gets better.They could’ve added 2 extra episodes though

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Paguei com a língua, quero a segunda temporada para ontem...

Tá bom, eu paguei minha língua! Comentei hoje com a EmberMars que não havia assistido a essa primeira adaptação ainda e MEU DEUS DO CÉU como eu me arrependo de ter demorado tantoooo.
Como eu disse em algumas outras resenhas deste web novel, eu sempre ensaiava de assistir, mas desistia e quando me interessei todos os links com legendas em português caíram, até que o encontrei no Telegram, mas mesmo assim continuei enrolando e hoje, por causa da minha conversa com ela, resolvi assistir...
Apesar do final ser o gancho para a segunda temporada e eu já saber mais ou menos o contexto que virá na sequência, MEU DEUS DO CÉU (2), esse final foi de arrepiar HAHAHAH o Irmão mais velho da FL será muitoooooo mais sombrio do que as demais adaptações e confesso que estou torcendo muito para tal. Eu já tinha ficado curiosa quando a FL falou para o ML que era um assunto particular, mas eu não esperava por isso...

Agora falando do drama em si, como a história já cansei de focar nas outras adaptações, aqui eu gostei MUITO do casal.
As risadas me pareceram bem genuínas e houveram muitas cenas provocativas que me fizeram rir.
Confesso que, a cada adaptação, eu sempre espero as 4 cenas cruciais:
1. O presente da cliente da FL e a reação do ML
2. A cena do colar
3. A cena da abotoadura
4. Quando a FL conta da dica recebida pela sua assistente Bai Wei.
E aqui todas me fizeram gargalhar com a reação do ML.

Ultimamente o ator Wang Chen Peng tem virado o meu queridinho green flag, quando o vejo em drama, já meio que respiro aliviada esperando uma queima lenta, apesar de saber que um dos últimos lançados o ML não é bem assim, então ainda não o assisti rs. O admiro muito como ator, seu figurino aqui está impecável, suas expressões ótimas e a naturalidade em seu personagem me agradou muito.
Lin Zi Xuan foi a a figura perfeita para este papel de advogada fria, mas quando quer provocar ou demonstrar afeto, ela consegue expressar bem em seu rosto. Seu figurino também era muito bonito, gostei de ver a evolução das roupas e camadas para demonstrar também o cuidado e atenção que o ML tinha sobre o fato dela não sentir frio.
Gostei de que ambos tinham uma postura mais adulta e contrastava bem com a imaturidade da 2FL e do irmão mais novo. Gostei da maneira que os pais da FL foram retratados aqui, mostrando a evolução do senso de proteção da mãe perante a filha biológica. Ela encolhida na cadeira, remoendo as ações anteriores foi interessante de ver, nem todas outras atrizes conseguiram me ver este lado um pouco mais consciente dessa personagem.

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Falls short....

I was actually excited for this one because of the premise of the story.

Unfortunately, I agree with one of the reviewers who gave it a 1.0. Her observations are very much the same as mine.
The FL supposedly travelled forward in time, and yet, the story failed to focus on her difficulties to adjust to a new time zone. Just 3 episodes in and she was almost completely settled in life in the future.

This alone was off putting for me. But if the producers chose not to focus much on this, then well, I will have to continue and see if the story will have any depth in the coming episodes.

The only good thing for me, is that the ML, is now being given the exposure after being a supporting cast for years.

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