Reviews

A very Japanese (and therefore weird) romance between two beauty consultants.

PLOT: Sahashi, a former model, works with his senpai Natsume as a beauty consultant. Sahashi (who is very successful) courts Natsume and does everything he can to boost Natsume's low self-esteem. They become a couple, work in different stores, and participate in promotional events. Sahashi's family wants him to move back to New York.

+++ Okuno So perfectly embodies the overthinking, self-doubting, and overworked MC. Toyoda Yudai is very handsome, and his acting is more natural.
+++ The romance is cute, following the classic dynamic : confident/proactive VS submissive/kind/can't-say-no .

### The setting is unusual: "careers in a cosmetics company," with the different positions, rivalries, seasonality, and events.
### Every time I watch a Japanese series, I'm struck by the cultural differences. The way of thinking (especially among introverted characters who overthink) is so strange to Westerners: excessive concern for "face" and others feelings, self-deprecation, constant apology even for doing nothing wrong, prioritizing the interests of the company/shop/group above all else, etc.
### The fast-paced OSTs don't fit the story.

=> I'm going to watch season 2 out of curiosity and because the format is short (that's one of the good things about Japanese series :)
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Romance très japonaise (donc weird:) entre 2 Conseillers Beauté

PLOT: Sahashi, ancien mannequin, travaille avec son sempai Natsume comme conseiller beauté. Sahashi (qui a bcp de succès) courtise Natsume et fait tout pr remonter la low-self-estime de Natsume. Ils deviennent 1 couple, travaillent dans des magasins différents, et participent à des évènements promotionnels. La famille de Sahashi voudrait qu'il revienne vivre à New York.

+++ Okuno So incarne bien le MC qui réfléchit trop, doute de lui-même et travaille trop dur. Toyoda Yudai est très beau et son jeu est plus naturel.
+++ La romance est cute, ds le schéma classique confiant, pro-actif / soumis, gentil, ne sait pas dire non.

### Le contexte est bizarre "carrières dans une Cie de cosmétiques", avec les différents postes, les rivalités, la saisonnalité, les évènements.
### A chaque fois que je regarde une série japonaise, je suis saisie par les différences culturelles. Le mode de pensée (surtout chez les personnages introvertis qui réfléchissent trop) est si étrange pr des occidentaux : se soucier à outrance de la "face" et des sentiments des autres, se déprécier, s'excuser en permanence même sans avoir rien fait, faire passer l'intérêt de l'entreprise/la boutique/le groupe en priorité absolue, etc.
### Les OSTs hyper-rythmées ne cadrent pas avec la story.

=> Je vais regarder la S2 par curiosité et parce que le format est court (c'est un des bons points des séries japonaises :)

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Not Every Love Story Feels Like Love

I just finished A Dream Within a Dream, and I’ll say this first, it’s definitely a good watch. It kept me interested all the way through, and that’s not something I say lightly.
The female lead really carried this drama for me. Her expressions, her timing, the banter, everything felt so natural and effortless. She made her character feel alive without trying too hard, and I genuinely enjoyed watching her in every scene.
It was also nice seeing Wang Cheng Si (Fu Gui) again after Prisoner of Beauty. That alone added a bit of emotional familiarity.
But my biggest issue was the romance.
It existed, yes, you could see it in the storyline and in certain moments. But I didn’t feel it deeply enough. I never fully believed that the female lead was in love with the male lead in that consuming, undeniable way. What I was missing was that emotional shift… that softness where she lets her guard down completely.
The male lead gave more emotionally, and because of that, the relationship felt slightly unbalanced. At times, her treatment of him felt distant, even when the story suggested otherwise. And that made it hard for me to fully invest in their love story.
So while the drama is enjoyable and well-acted, the romance didn’t hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.

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Convoluted relationships showing the complexity of emotions and motivations of couples

Honestly watched this only for Liu Yuning and thought it was just a standard modern day romance drama. This ended up being a drama that was at times frustrating yet eye opening to watch. How many of us can truly say that relationships are pure and simple? To be fair, the plot does create the conditions to explore one angle of the intricacies of temptation, commitment and love, which can make you think - what kind of crazy and morally grey show is this?! It then turns on itself and explores the fallacies of certain mindsets, which all in all made for a decent show that's not complete fluff/sugar/bewilderment.

Definitely stellar acting from the leads, and Vengo Gao reminds a favourite for me, where he balances his goofy/dorky charactor with an underlying steadiness which made the characterisation much more nuanced and enjoyable to watch. Plus points for it being different from his other roles which could seem more on the stiffer and stoic side LOL he was a cheeky lovestruck clown in this one. However, the acting from the other characters fell a little flat for me.

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What a series!

To be loved is to be changed and this is what this entire season was about, as soon as Yumi saw Soon Rook her cells, her emotions and her feelings started reviving (even if she was so done with him at first) and as soon as Soon Rook fell for Yumi his principles shattered, I realized how easy it is to change when you are in love, true love

As an introvert like Soon Rok who has been misunderstood in the past of my feelings, this season of Yumi’s Cells have really proven to me that the right person will definitely do everything possible to be with you, no matter what, and all you just have to do is meet them. There’s no pride or hesitation in how most introverts feel when we meet the person we care about… we express our feelings extremely to the max! Before the time, there may be misunderstandings as we live fully in our world, but once we are certain, we fight to be with the one we choose. I’ve been crying watching these episodes because it really has convinced me that true love will come for us, no matter our temperaments, and that all it takes is the right person and right moment. Yumi is guaranteed to be loved forever by this wonderful man. I’m so, so happy for her! What a beautiful end to one of the best series ever!

The animation element to this drama has been so consistent and brilliant it brought the story to life in such a unique way and made us connect to the characters on a deeper level. There’s always a bittersweet feeling when a drama you like ends, but saying goodbye to Yumi’s Cells is a lot harder. Such a great drama, everyone involved in it deserves their flowers.

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When I grow up

This is a pillar in the BL community, and I think that it is a little bit lackluster in almost every department, but I don't hate it for some reason. I would give it an 8.2 (8) out of 10. Okay, I am going to say what I liked, what I didn't, and then yeah.

Holy love mix-up. I think the concept for this is incredibly cute and also really funny, but I feel like this could get confusing if you haven't had the whole first 5 episodes spoiled to you over the past 5 years lmao. I love Aoki's character more than life. I think he is so kind and such a well-written character; I just wish they used his personality a little bit more. He is very selfless and caring, and that is so refreshing, especially in the BL landscape nowadays. This is bullshit, but lowkey in a good way, I can't explain it. It feels random but fun (AND VERY WHIMSICAL), and I think thats why part of me liked it so much despite the flaws. Like that cinderella shit? Like a one-off, they never mention it again, but it was so funny and so random, like I loved that. (Also, the guy who plays Aoki is so beautiful, and he lowkey looked like a girl with that blonde wig on, I'm dead. Actually, everyone in the main cast is the epitome of Japanese beauty, I love to see it). I can understand why people like this show, so I would recommend it if you are into lackluster Japanese BL that is all types of addictive. The couples in this has okay chemistry, I will give them that. Aoki and Ida have that brick wall special still, but they have slightly more chemistry than your average Japanese BL couple. And the girl and redhead lowkey had hella chemistry, especially with him bending down to listen to her (I will never be okay), but it just wasn't put to use as much as I would have liked it. Okay, yeah, that's it.

I think one of the main things that I didn't like about this show was the pacing and, in return, the romance aspect. Starting off with the pacing, I think that 10 episodes, all 25 minutes, there is not a lot to work with, but they spend the majority of those episodes running in circles around each other and dragging their feet, when they could have paced it out better and locked the fuck in. The second part is the romance aspect of this show. For "love" literally being in the title and there being no other plot besides the two main couples and their romance, God, the romance is so fucking lackluster. Now I am not saying we need to fuck every god damn episode, but I need to see more flirting, more kisses, more hugs, more hand holding. I feel like we only really got that at the end, and they should have written that better. I also think the romance building started really strong, but fuck, it died all the way out, and I felt like the episodes were really boring towards the latter half. And then they just broke up with their bullshit ass misunderstanding, like babe we have 2 minutes left, and now y'all wanna be happy? Like, don't piss me all the way off. Same with our side couple, like, be for real, y'all are so damn cute, why did Aida's bitch ass keep rejecting her? It feels like we are wasting my time right now. Nothing happened in this entire show lmao. Not a single thing, and all of the shit that did happen was so fucking random and felt irrelevant. Also, the guys who played Aoki, Ida, and Aida look old as hell (still sexy), like y'all are supposed to be in 11th grade, be fucking for real. Aoki and Ida started dating at such a random point, it felt rushed and confusing, and I know that was the point, but I was more thrown off than anything, like we needed more development in that department and in the whole show, but that's beside the point. THE RANDOM ASS ONE-OFF GIRL WHO HAD A CURSH ON THE TANIGUGCI FUCK! WHY? Just no. They started to blur the days and details of the story together around episode 7, and it just got confusing. EVERYONE IN THIS SHOW JUST NEEDS TO MIND THEIR BUSINESS HOLY FUCK. Like that's where all of our issues are from, like shut up. Shut all the way up. Okay, I am done hating.

I think this is a person-to-person thing, if they want to watch this or not. I think keeping in mind the year this came out and also the fact that it is coming out in Japan, so it's not as spicy or romancey as modern ones, but I still think it's good, and if you enjoy lackluster shit with a whimsical vibe, then this is for you lmao, if you don't, I suggest you don't watch this lmao. Okay bye!

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In my top 3 favorites for historical dramas

The Rise of Ning is one of those dramas that doesn’t rely on spectacle or constant twists to hold attention, it earns investment through consistency, character depth, and narrative discipline.

At its core, this is not a romance-driven story, even though there is a central relationship between Yi Ning and Shen Yuan. Instead, the drama builds itself around layered family dynamics, political maneuvering, and long-buried truths that unfold with deliberate care. What stands out most is that nothing feels wasted; every storyline, every character, and every reveal contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.

The pacing is slower than more plot-heavy or high-intensity dramas, but importantly, it never drags. The story is always moving forward. Developments feel earned rather than rushed, and the writing trusts the audience to stay engaged without forcing artificial tension or repetitive misunderstandings. That alone sets it apart from many dramas that claim to be “slow burn” but rely on stagnation instead of progression.

Yi Ning is a strong, intelligent female lead whose decisions consistently drive the story. She is not reactive or passive, instead she observes, calculates, and acts with intention. Shen Yuan complements her perfectly, with a restrained, controlled emotional presence that allows his actions to speak louder than his words. Their relationship develops organically, grounded in trust, loyalty, and shared experience rather than overt romantic gestures. The fact that the drama includes only a few small kisses underscores this; romance is present, but it is not the point.

The supporting cast is equally well-developed. Even secondary storylines—such as the dynamics involving Yi Xiu, Lin Mao, and Han Zheng—feel purposeful and fully integrated into the world rather than existing as filler. The early family conflicts within the Luo household are intense but narratively justified, and the later shift into political intrigue expands the scope without losing coherence.

The final arc, particularly the Marquis storyline, is where the drama elevates itself further. The tension is not rooted in shock value or cruelty, but in precision; carefully constructed plans, emotional stakes, and the looming consequences of each decision. It’s the kind of tension that creates a physical reaction because the writing and acting fully sell the stakes.

Visually and musically, the drama reinforces its tone beautifully. The OSTs are especially notable: subtle, emotional, and perfectly aligned with key moments, enhancing rather than overpowering the scenes.

Overall, The Rise of Ning succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t try to force romance, inflate drama, or rely on extremes. Instead, it delivers a cohesive, character-driven story with strong performances, thoughtful writing, and a steady, satisfying narrative arc.

It’s not a fast-paced spectacle, but it is consistently engaging, emotionally grounded, and exceptionally well-executed.

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Short dramas have their appeal — low commitment, high emotions, a fast-moving story. “A Tale of Love and Loyalty” adds an attractive cast (with a male lead that’s arguably even prettier than his female partner) and some unexpectedly gripping performances, but also has its weak points (more on that later).

The story revolves around a love triangle and power struggle between two men, a Crown Prince (Quan Pei Lun) and his warlord cousin (Richard Li), the Prince of Nanchuan.

Richard Li’s charisma is undeniable. His Yuwen Yuan is an antihero type of character that’s somehow unlikable, infuriating, sexy, and sympathetic all at once — a testament to his acting skills. When he’s reunited with his one-time fiancee, Su Yan, he’s bitter and intent on hurting and humiliating the woman who betrayed him, but in the end finds that he can’t let go of his feelings for her.

Quan Pei Lun also delivers an intense performance as Yuwen Yingren, the Crown Prince (and later Emperor) who married Su Yan and appointed her Empress. His calm demeanor hides a cruel and calculating character and it’s interesting watching his facade crack when things don’t go his way.

The two of them carry the majority of the drama with their compelling portrayals of characters with complex motivations and varying levels of unhinged behavior — their performances are much better than the messy script. Meanwhile, the female lead doesn’t have much of a personality or purpose other than to be caught between the two male leads, although Su Yan has some impactful moments of anger and despair towards the end.

I tend to avoid unhappy endings, but sometimes they work in a Shakespearean tragedy sort of way — as the inevitable outcome of characters’ choices. Rather than “A Tale of Love and Loyalty,” this drama is more like “A Tale of Obsession and Bad Decisions.” The conclusion is tragic, but reflects a quote from the male lead: “The only choice we have is how to die and for whom.”

Overall, this drama is hard to rate. Aside from the unsatisfying ending, it suffers from choppy editing and mixed production values (some decent music, weird filtering on actors’ faces, sets and some costumes look low-budget). But it’s a quick watch (about 5 hours for the whole series), so if you need a dose of angst alongside handsome men with long hair, this might fix your craving.

Note: If you’re watching on Viki, which formats the drama into 10 episodes, make sure to watch ep. 10 first — it’s a prologue.

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Heart Wrenching Drama

I started this back in 2024 and stopped after a few episodes. I could just not get into it. I was taking a break from watching Cdramas, so after watching Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, I continued watching it. Not going to lie, but I did cry a lot. It covers suicide, abuse, and bullying. I just didn’t get the part when Do-Hee’s parents were killed from a car accident, why did Madam Ju take her in? It didn’t made any sense, because where are her relatives? Especially grandparents?? You don’t see her interacting with her own extended family members. It was only the Ju family, that’s it. Watching this was also like watching a fashion show. Anyway, I’m glad some characters redeemed themselves, and the ending was perfect the way it is. It showed what happened to all the remaining supporting characters. It made me laugh and it made me cry. The music was really good, too.

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Not What I Am Looking For

Prior reviewers are singing the praises of a show whose first episode I found dull and boring. I really liked My Mister, but this show doesn't have any characters that I liked. I get it People watch shows for different reasons. Nothing in the first episode presented any reason for me to watch any more episodes. As I think about it, the cinematography bothered me. Something about the lighting made the actors look bad. Perhaps that was on purpose. As there seems to a limited number of actors that work in these series I have seen most of these actors before. Here they look old, tired, and bored. Candidly, the main reason I watched episode 1 was due to Go Youn-jung being in the cast. I enjoyed her performances in Resident Playbook and Can This Love Be Translated, and perhaps she does a great job in this series, too. I'm not sticking around to find out.

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