Very fun to binge
I enjoyed the show thoroughly the romcom was so well done and watching the show felt like a breeze and very entertaining. I absolutely adore the fire chemistry between FL and ML, they're perfect together literally a chemistry that will never leave my mind. I ended up having a crush on both of them by the end of the show LMAO. Kim Okvin is such a girl crush! The comedy part was so enjoyable too, i had so much fun. The reason for my 8.5 is because it got a bit slow near the end, because they gave the airtime to the 2nd couple which i was honestly not too interested in. Overall a recommended romcom for meWas this review helpful to you?
Magic happens under this director Zeng Qing Jie
Even though the leads are both really good-looking, most of their past dramas were kind of meh for me. A few were decent enough to finish, but none really made me go “WOW” until this one. I never been impressed by the 傻白甜 roles that Tian Xi Wei always takes on, so thanks to this drama, she can show off her true potential. From wire works, to horseback riding to carrying ML on her back, she definitely lives up to the role.Honestly, I think director Zeng Qing Jie is the single biggest reason to the drama's success. Everything from the styling and lighting to the storytelling just clicks, and the camera really knows how to capture the leads at their best. Talk about maximizing face cards from leads to the supporting leads!
The opening visuals and music give off a similar vibe to Blossom. The chemistry is very good esp by ep 7, but I wouldn’t say it’s as explosive as Blossom because it's double the episodes so build up needs to be way slower. Its such a fun and enjoyable watch with everything going for it! This is really how I think idol period drama should be made.
Enjoyable characters all around even the evil psycho ones are shippable!
Best memorable scenes outside of ML/FL which I'll be rewatching:
Li Wen Kai saves FL ep 9
FL takes psycho bro hostage ep 18 followed by FL killer fire scene
Li Wen Kai, FL reunion scene ep 23
Yu Qian Qian/Psycho Qi Min ep 21
FL fight scene with pig slaughter comparison ep 30
Qi Ming/SuYuanQing Final scene ep 33
Qi Ming/Yu Qian Qian Final scene ep 40
Too bad there's only 1 Zeng Qing Jie. For sure this is drama of the year for me that I shall be rewatching.
Now that it's over ... I feel a bit empty for weeks to come.
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Surprisingly reallllly good!
Park Shin-hye is amazing I didn't think from the poster or character look it would be that great. But it's definitely worth watching.Not only for her but the storyline is what stood out for me the most. It keeps you hooked throughout the whole series which is remarkable and well done for this genre and setup. All the twists, turns and challenges get you engrossed. They delivered and executed the storytelling incredibly well. You cannot get bored watching this series and you won't want to drop off anywhere.
The writers and team have done an excellent job at keeping this drama fresh, insightful, intriguing and funny. You think many times you may know what will happen in a scene as expected from other dramas, but literally every time it's completely a new take, this is what makes this drama even more enjoyable and refreshing to watch. I'm super glad I clicked play - you will be too! It's the best uncovercover series I've seen.
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Storyline
I love the story line this short drama, unlike the others short drama.I never watch short drama like this.
The ML and FL have a strong character.
Really good drama for watch.
The first time I watch Zhao xixi drama.
The FL dan ML have a strong emotion.
The minus one is, in this drama, there's none story back about how the ML becoming chairman of the company.
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This drama can be found on: https://www.viki.com/tv/41295c-to-my-beloved-thief#about
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This review may contain spoilers
Transmigration turned into entertainment, drama, and romance without inhibitions.
I confess that I came to “How Dare You?” without having read the novel, the manhua, or seen the donghua and minidrama. And perhaps because of that, because I had no expectations or comparisons to make, I was treated to one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. This drama is, quite simply, a delight from start to finish.The cast is impeccable. Wang Chu Ran and Cheng Lei not only have chemistry, but they carry the credibility of a crazy premise on their shoulders and make it work. She shines in the duality of being a modern woman trapped in the body of a seductive consort; he, as the tyrant Zhang San (Xiahou Dan), manages to be terrifying, ridiculous, vulnerable, and adorable in a matter of seconds. Their evolution within the book, especially his considering he lived a long time trapped in that reality, is one of the emotional pillars of the story.
What I liked most is how the drama takes the cliché of “entering the book” and revitalizes it. The protagonists do not leave their modern humanity behind: their 21st-century essence constantly clashes with the rules of the ancient world, creating hilarious situations but also interesting dilemmas. The premise is simple but effective: they have to survive by playing the tyrant and the seductive consort while trying to change the destiny written in the book. And they do so with intelligence, humor, and a lot of romantic tension.
The drama strikes an enviable balance between comedy, romance, drama, and intrigue. There are moments of genuine laughter, scenes that quicken the pulse, and others that tug at the heartstrings. The funny moments are not mere comic relief, but an essential part of the characters' personalities and their way of coping with a world that is not their own.
The villain, Prince Duan, is another success. He is human, truly evil, and above all, consistent: he will never love anyone but himself, and the drama does not attempt to falsely redeem him. The secondary characters are also well drawn; there are several that you end up growing fond of, which enriches the journey.
If I have to find a fault (and that's why I'm not giving it a 10), it's the ending. Not because it's bad—it's happy and satisfying—but because of that device so typical of transmigration dramas: the scene where they meet in the real world and look at each other. I admit, it bothers me. I would have loved to see more exploration of their adaptation to modernity, especially in the case of Zhang San, who spent so much time inside the book. A few specials showing his life in the present, with its conflicts and culture shock, would have been the perfect finishing touch.
Conclusion:
“How Dare You?” is a drama that embraces its absurd premise and turns it into gold. With charismatic performances, a brisk pace, well-constructed characters, and an enviable balance between genres, it becomes an addictive and hugely enjoyable experience. Yes, the ending plays with a cliché that I personally don't like, but the journey is so fun, intense, and romantic that I forgive everything. I loved it, and I loved it a lot.
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Loved, loved, loved their chemistry ❣️
When I heard that we would get to see these two boys in a series together again after ten years, I was incredibly moved. I knew before the premiere that it wouldn’t be their story after Addicted, since they didn’t get the rights from the author, so I was expecting something different.The first four episodes was overall good. Even though it was clear from the start that the series had a fairly low budget, the shots throughout were beautiful and the chemistry between the two leads might be some of the best I’ve ever seen. That chemistry was honestly what kept me watching until the end.
The script, however, had holes from the very beginning, and the direction didn’t help at all. Aside from the gorgeous cinematography and the main couple’s chemistry, I didn’t find much else interesting. Each episode felt worse than the one before, and the writing became almost nonsensical in the final episodes. For such a short series, there were far too many filler scenes. I won’t even comment on the second couple.
Despite all that, I finished it, mostly for emotional reasons and out of respect for these two amazing actors, who kept the promise they made to their fans even ten years later.
I can’t give it more than 7 out of 10, and even that seems pretty generous overall.
Still, I really hope to see them together again in another project with a tighter script, their chemistry is absolutely chef’s kiss. 🤌
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1This review may contain spoilers
Bizarre
So bizarre that my first thought was that I was watching a J-drama. I double-checked the next spoken sentence and ascertained it was, indeed, a Chinese drama. It's dark, dangerous, and deviated from the average drama.The leads were adorable together. He's the boy your parents warned you about: the bad boy. But not your typical bad boy who did poorly in school and hung out with the wrong crowd. This boy was smart, menacing tall, feral, and definitely detrimental to the well being of those around him. She, on the other hand, was tiny. The ML often picked her up around the waist with one arm and carried her like his own personal Barbie doll with a curtain of glossy black hair. She was kind, brave, and resourceful and an absolute addiction of the bad boy.
The mood was black, and it seemed it was only night in their world. The visuals were striking: the ML and FL fell from the dark sky into a heart-shaped pile of pink balloons (please don't ask why the balloons were there, as logic has no place in this drama, and I'd have to explain the leads landed, miraculously unharmed, on their feet next to a tank containing a murderous mutant octopus with huge ears which was mind controlled by a zombie, at which point the explanation about the balloons hardly matters, right?). Do I care that the plot is ridiculous? Not a bit, because I'm not bored. And the OST was as wild as the action.
I thought I'd picked a tiny filler to watch between the longer dramas, as Viki only showed six episodes. I realize now it has 40 (but only 18 minutes each), which Viki will mete out on a weekly (?) basis. Bah, humbug. Here's hoping the drama keeps its frantic pace, phenomenal weirdness, and ends well.
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This review may contain spoilers
Without the Last 2 Episodes, It Could Be 9/10
This drama started so good I originally gave it a 9/10. It felt like a combination of True Beauty and Lovely Runner. Interesting plot, adorable main couple. Even the plot with Bong-su didn't disturb me at first — I actually enjoyed this character, and the actor was great at playing the double role. His performance was really nice, with the immediate difference when switching between the two characters.I felt like this until episode 10. Then something changed and I actually don't understand what happened. By the end of the drama I stopped paying attention and just waited for it to finish to learn the final outcome. I feel like it could be much better if they kept the original idea with the young shaman trying to find her true self and trying to reconcile it with love.
Also, just my personal opinion: how can one person (ML) be that affected by so many bad things happening in his life? I know it's a drama and so on, but it doesn't sit right with me. Maybe I just have too strong a sense of justice. It just felt like too many things happening to a high schooler. Screenwriters really love torturing their characters with the plot. 😩
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Underrated Gem of 2023!!!
First of all,weilong is a perfect actor,i downloaded this series without much expectations cause of the low rating but I'm really suprised at how good this drama is,its literal perfection.His character is well written,the story is not dragged,cheng nuo is not without flaws but he looks majestic and different from other idol drama actors.
I highly recommend!!
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Rich, layered, beautiful tapestry of a production
I am smitten by the landscapes, direction and cinematography with such subtle angles that there is a movie like quality which only Chinese cinema can deliver. When you get the right acting talent who are not only both gorgeous to look at, but also pack a solid punch both as actors and as characters in the story, there is no doubt the drama is off to a fantastic start!! I am personally disturbed by the butchering parts of it but grin and bear it by covering my eyes as it is a significant part of FL's character design and lends heavily to her extraordinary skills, as one may discover in the first 7 episodes. Xi Wei has a strong presence. Meanwhile, ML is all demure and mysterious, yes please we have been waiting to see ZLH on screen again for a very long time so Hell yeah!!!! Both are well matched, so hats off to the casting as well! Highly recommend.Drama aesthetics and actor face cards 💯
Use of the colour White - snow, falcon, robes 🤍🪟❄️
Landscape wide shots, close ups, ethereal transitions ✨🏔️
Fight choreography 🗡️⚔️🗡️
I was not satisfied with ZLH's limited screen time and one dimensional portrayal of the character in the script, what with him being more of a supportive role than a lead. I for one started watching POJ only because Zhang Ling He is in it, everything else that is good was a bonus like the FL is written so well, there are some new talents like Deng Kai and Lin Muran to watch out for, there are some really cool aesthetic shots and a cinematic softness that the director brings. But at the end, it can be disappointing if you are only here for Zhang Ling He! I think last 10 episodes have tried to make up for it but it was not enough for me personally.
P.S I don't think it would have been THAT much of a joy ride had I not read the novel , but it certainly dimmed the golden halo the Director built in the first 6 episodes. Ah, the pre novel aura!!
*******
Early post leak bad subs check-in***
After the initial high, POJ has been dwindling on a stretched storyline and editing going slightly off-key. I prefer to see consistent momentum in a drama like this which has really good source material in its novel. Overall, production quality remains above average but story telling has been faltering and not quite building creatively either the political aspects nor able to keep the romance progressively flourishing.
A little disappointed by the way the story is unfolding, scenes are almost standalone with little transition fluidity.
9.2 is too high, it should sit comfortably between 8.5 to 8.8, no more.
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My favorite movie by far
There are few films that have left such a mark on me as this one. First, through its colors, the incredible use of space and framing within sets that enclose both the spectators and the actors in moments of tension, and then open up (sometimes so much that you feel omniscient) in moments of common beauty. This is cinematography in its most beautiful form. Of course, both the actors are divine. This is a film that haunts you—just a single image lost on Instagram, and you immediately know what it’s about, all the feelings it evoked in you that evening. But it’s not a film that tells you everything; you need to feel it, sense the undertones.Was this review helpful to you?
Who's the bad guy?
Wow! even though this series is a little dated, (2019), the story is a "mild" psychological thriller. Who's the real bad guy, we just don't know. Every episode is filled with intrigue. Yes, because it is a little older, the fashion sense is dated but that's just fine. The fun of this intrigue, makes it a binge watching series to find out who is the good guy and who is the bad guy.For sure 58 episodes is a lot for any series, but I still finished it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Cliche' Kdrama, But Just Adorable
If you go into this knowing it's going to be the normal Kdrama with all the memes and cliche's, it's easier to watch. The characters are over the top especially Ah Bo Hyun's Jae Gyu. What I liked about this drama was that even though the characters were exaggerated, none were really annoying. They were likable, cute, and funny. The story line flowed enough to keep me tuned in until the end.Nothing surprising, amazing, nor earth-shattering here. Just Kdrama cuteness at its best.
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When Love Becomes a Subscription
In an era where technology influences almost every part of our lives, the Korean drama Boyfriend on Demand explores a fascinating question: What if love could be downloaded like an app? Blending romance, comedy, and a touch of science fiction, the drama offers a playful yet thought-provoking look at modern relationships in a digital world.The story follows Seo Mi-rae, a hardworking webtoon producer who finds herself constantly overwhelmed by work and personal disappointments. Like many people struggling with real-life relationships, she turns to a new service that promises something extraordinary — a virtual boyfriend experience. Through the app, Mi-rae can choose from a variety of ideal partners, each designed to perfectly match her preferences and emotions. These AI-generated boyfriends are attentive, understanding, and always know exactly what to say.
At first, the idea seems like the perfect escape. The virtual dates are dreamy and flawless, offering Mi-rae a sense of romance that feels almost too good to be true. However, as she spends more time in this artificial world, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur.
At the same time, Mi-rae’s real life becomes more complicated when she interacts with her colleague and rival, played by Seo In-guk. Unlike the perfectly programmed AI partners, he is imperfect, unpredictable, and sometimes frustrating. Yet, his genuine emotions slowly begin to challenge Mi-rae’s idea of what love truly means.
Opposite him, Jisoo brings Mi-rae to life with a soft and charming presence. Her character represents the modern individual caught between convenience and authenticity — someone who enjoys the comfort of a perfect digital relationship but still longs for something real.
What makes Boyfriend on Demand interesting is not just its romantic storyline but its underlying theme. The drama subtly questions whether perfect love is truly fulfilling if it lacks real emotions, flaws, and unpredictability. The AI boyfriends provide everything Mi-rae thinks she wants, yet something always feels missing.
Visually, the series is colorful and stylish. The virtual dates are designed like fantasy sequences, filled with beautiful settings and romantic moments that feel almost like scenes from a dream. This contrast between the glamorous digital world and Mi-rae’s ordinary daily life highlights the emotional conflict at the center of the story.
However, while the concept is unique and engaging, the drama sometimes struggles to fully explore its deeper themes. Some parts of the story feel repetitive as Mi-rae continues trying different virtual partners. The narrative occasionally focuses more on the entertaining scenarios than on developing the emotional complexity of the characters.
Despite these shortcomings, Boyfriend on Demand remains a light and enjoyable watch. It combines humor, romance, and a modern technological twist that makes the story feel relevant to today’s audience. For viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a creative premise, the drama offers plenty of charming moments and entertaining interactions.
In the end, the drama leaves viewers with a simple yet meaningful question: Is love about perfection, or is it about the imperfect moments that make relationships real? Boyfriend on Demand suggests that while technology can simulate affection, genuine connection is something that can only exist between real people.
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