Reviews

อย่าหยุดสู้! -- Never Stop Fighting!

I usually only watch variety shows when I'm feeling really, really sick. So, when I clicked start on the first episode of "Running Man Thailand" in late February, I didn't expect to get hooked on the show and to wait impatiently for the next episode to air each week.

Somehow, the regular hosts, their guests and the technical crew made this show highly addictive. There's never a dull moment, even if some episodes scratch the two hour mark.
Granted, not every game met the mark (I think the game inventors severely underestimated the difficulty of the Pattaya Beach games), and I didn't think the "couples' episode" (ep 5), was the best of ideas -- but overall, the games were well-designed, and made so that every participant could shine at least once.
Episodes were also edited on point for the most part; the editors built tension incredibly well and I think they found the best scenes to tell a good story for each game. The amount of material must have been huge, so I really think this is impressive work.

The regular hosts were delightful! I love how competetive all of them were -- nobody backed down, even when exhausted or cornered. NuNew was a wonderful surprise. I also liked how they grew over the course of the season -- from people who knew each other in passing as professionals in the same industry to team members (or opponents) who know each other's strengths and weaknesses.
However, even with all of these great aspects, there's one thing that makes this show stand out: The hosts (and guests) all genuinely seem to like each other. I love how happy they are when an opponent does something extraordinary; I love how they step back after a fight and check if the other is okay. There never seems to be even a second of animosity between any of them.
Of course, one never knows how much exactly is scripted in shows like these but I think there is some genuine fondness among the participants.

Overall, I enjoyed almost every minute of "Running Man Thailand". I really hope the producers will consider a second season.

For those who consider watching just one episode for their favourites -- you can, of course, and it's likely you will enjoy it. But I really recommend watching all ten episodes for the development of the dynamics between the regulars.

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A gentle escape where kindness takes the lead.

Beautifully humane, focusing on different generations, their daily lives, struggles and happy moments. And what I loved the most was: it did not have a "main character".

This is what I feared a little bit when I started watching it - will Park Bo Gum overshadow other cast members and the core of the show itself - the villagers? I’m happy to confirm he did not and the production team did not try to put him in the center of every moment. It was a team journey and it felt like it. Park Bo Gum at times feels like the synonym to “kindness” so can other people keep up with his perfect image? Yes, they can, with their own charms and good qualities (also, Park Bo Gum is unreal and we don’t deserve him).

I started it for the cast, but kept watching for all the villagers. The way I truly feel like I know them, how it felt like I was getting my own weekly dose of healing after a stressful work. It was a great reminder that it’s okay to slow down, take a moment to yourself, to appreciate small moments. I also love the bond that was made between the actors and the guests of Bogum Magic Curl. The unique charm small towns possess: the feeling of unity, kindness, warmth and support.

On one hand I want to write detailed thoughts about all the customers and at the same time I want to say as little as possible, because experiencing it as you watch is the correct way to go. They are all subtle and small moments that had a great impact on both the cast and me as a viewer. Living in our chaotic times this show is the healing we all need.

Overall, what a treat. The only reason I am not giving it a full 10 is I kind of wish we had more, but shorter episodes and more celebrity guests - they always brought a new and fun dynamic to the Bogum Magic Curl. Still, I can pass more celebs, but more episodes would be great. Reality is what it is - I know all these actors cannot spent more time in production of one variety show like that.

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Nice drama. Ignore bad comments and watch this drama

Nothing much to say. But its definitely not as bad as they say. It may be somewhat drang at some episodes but definitely with watch. May be i have felt that they shoul have entered to the relationship fast but because of fl hesitant it has delayed though ml is very clear of his feelings. Even sfter kissing and her acceptance of that kiss and happiness she has hesitated until 30 episodes. Thats the thing i haven't liked.

OMG!! Most importantly I have loved 2nd ml zhou ran's acting. I have got 2nd ml syndrome. Literally i ahve thought of forgiving him even after many of his things as he was forced to do such things but later because of loneliness he had done those. I have literally cried for him and even not getting over him

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Cute, but unbearably dragged out

Well, this "masterpiece" is finally over. The plot drags on painfully long: the main character’s phlegmatic nature and her endless overthinking about guys are just too much. The first love storyline is so overly sweet and unrealistically perfect that it becomes hard to take seriously. The female lead is a total disaster, with a completely emotionless acting. It’s impossible to tell what she’s feeling: joy, sadness, or nothing at all. Watching this is frankly boring and even annoying. The male lead at least tries, but it’s not enough.

On the plus side, the supporting characters are great: the neighbors are a gem, the girlfriend is great, and the friends are good too. And the real star is the baby — incredibly cute and charming. The final episodes are overloaded with drama to the point where it feels like they were trying to squeeze maximum stress out of everyone. In the end, it’s overly stretched, unconvincing, and at times annoying. And there were definitely not enough kisses.

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Avoid… a complete disaster.

What a deception! I rarely rate a drama 1 but here we are…

Facts: Princess Agents (PA) incorporated supernatural elements. Rebirth featured fabricated events and storylines. PA was supposed to have a second season and not end on a bittersweet note. Rebirth was intended to be the sequel but became a completely different story from the novel and certainly not a logical follow-up to PA. Rebirth failed to satisfy in the romance department and concluded with a sad, unsatisfying ending that killed both FL and ML.

I never have preconceived notions before watching a drama. I was even excited. I didn’t care about the age gap but wondered how they would shoot the happy ending with a couple very much in love without physical interactions, but why not? I was open-minded; I’ve seen how prude Chinese directors can be and happy endings nonetheless. I never watch FL Tiantian on screen, and most of the others, except, of course, ML. I was curious—the same curiosity I had when Joy of Life S2 aired. Mostly because both stories are my favorite novels and dramas.

Well... that was a major slap in the face. This drama was a complete mess. It felt like the cast was just out of school, reciting lines without conviction or trying too hard. Rebirth’s first episode started with a cliff of corpses (uh?). My eyes rolled so much that I had to grab a bottle of XX (#sarcasm)

They completely missed the mark with the rebirth project—wrong casting, wrong scriptwriter, wrong director, wrong narrative. The PA audience expected logical continuity after the lake ending, with romance, a happy ending, and genuine chemistry between the leads. Instead, they cast a 17-year-old and a lead who is a decade older. She was praised for her knowledge and experience after being cast in PA… She was around 10 and shot only a few scenes as a young teen in PA, probably in just two days. What knowledge? What experience? Was she even allowed to read this novel, since there are references to sex encounters? Their choice wasn't based on her talent but rather her connection to Zhao Lying and PA. ML was hired for his popularity, and Yan Xun was cast based on his looks. There was absolutely zero chemistry between them.

Rebirth was announced as the sequel to Princess Agents. However, what they failed to mention was that all the unresolved questions—such as the supernatural spider-ice power, her origins, her difficult complex love story with Zhuge Yue, Li Ce's unrequited love, and Yan Xun's first complicated first love—were entirely ignored. Rebirth took the story in a different direction, with no romance. The forty-episode run ended on a disappointing, sad note, with both ML and FL dead. I am not sure why they chose to kill the main leads… definitive closure for this TV drama? Trying to gain more tears from the audience to end it dramatically?

They fail. Big time. In every major aspect. Casting, script, directing.

I am undecided about the martial arts since some scenes looked like toddlers playing with sticks. Absolutely not convincing.

The only positive aspects are the beautiful visuals and some supporting cast members.

Many fans believe there is a popularity rivalry between Princess Agents and Rebirth. They are mistaken. Comparison is inevitable. Princess Agents was not a huge success when it aired, mainly because the novel's author was dealing with plagiarism issues. However, the cast, script, director, and OST were outstanding. The story was engaging from episode 1. The only issue was the final episode, which, as we know, ended on a bittersweet note with no resolution. It was not meant to have a different ending because season 2 was supposed to follow. Unfortunately, Season 2 never aired for various reasons, and the fans expressed their frustration loudly.

I compare this drama to someone expecting a luxurious meal and getting a sandwich instead… not worth it to watch.

I encourage you to watch Princess Agents and read the novel. Both have different narratives, but both are very addictive. Rebirth? What rebirth? It is certainly not a Phoenix but ashes.

The director, Lu Hao Ji Ji, also helms The Double. He tends to favor sad endings, often resulting in the death of either the female lead or the male lead, or both. Keep his name in mind, as I will, before watching a drama. For those like me who prefer happy endings, I will definitely avoid any drama if he is involved.

Sidenote… On Douban (general rate 2.9), 91% of reviewers rated this drama 1 or 2 stars. They disliked or hated it. MDL rated it 7.5 up to mid-series then dropped to 6… with ratings on both platforms consistently declining each day.

Conclusion: a major failure.

***

Main Characters:

Novel:
All the events in PA and Rebirth are inspired by the novel, reflecting common practice. They borrow elements and adapt them for each celebrity cast in the dramas. What they notably failed to do in Rebirth was to show how emotionally broken Chu Qiao was when she left Yan Xun for good. She loved him as her first love, remained faithful and loyal, but after they escaped to Yanbei, he lost his humanity and turned his genuine love into possession. He also became jealous when she gained popularity and respect within his army (except among his close lieutenants, who had an agenda). The more he pushed her away with his actions and jealousy, the more he became a selfish tyrant. He was a broken man. He never recovered from her departure. He loved her, but his love was twisted.

Zhuge Yue fell for her because she was his favorite main servant. In the novel, he never taught her martial arts, but they later fell in love. When she left his house, she was about 9 or 10. She stayed confined with Yan Xun for 8 years, then they escaped to Yanbei. That age difference makes both dramas quite different, as Zhuge Yue waited 10 years before confessing his love. It took many years before she could finally admit she loved him.

Li Ce's love for her was never known to her while he was alive. She understood how much he protected her and loved her unconditionally only after his death. He definitely had many concubines, but he loved only two women in his life: one was dead, and Chu Qiao. He gave her everything, but he knew she didn't love him as a man, so he kept his love silent. When he was assassinated, she took over his empire and united it again. She saved his two children, fulfilling one of his last wishes and requests to her. I admit that I cried like a baby reading the chapters

Endings:

Novel: (very) happy
Princess Agent: bittersweet
Rebirth: sad

Novel:
Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue become the king and queen of a northern kingdom, likely Mongolia, although it’s never explicitly mentioned. Their kingdom has no slavery. They have two children and an adopted child from Li Ce. Li Ce's second child is raised as the future emperor with strong support from Chu Qiao. It takes some time before they live together, and they marry after they become a couple, meaning they had sex before marriage. Their sex life is very happy (lol), and Zhuge Yue never takes a concubine or another wife. The ending focuses on all their grown-up children. It leaves room for a new story but it never gets concretized.

So, indeed, a happy ending for them.

Yan Xun does not die and remains alone in his vast palace. He's an emperor. He married and has an empress he doesn't care about at all, and he also has hundreds of concubines, many of whom look very much like Chu Qiao physically (sleep with them once and discard them). He ends up lonely, filled with mixed feelings of regret for his choices that drove Chu Qiao away, but he also understands that his desire for power, revenge, and jealousy took precedence. He never loved anyone else but her. His love was selfish and possessive. He placed her on a pedestal. They only ever shared one memorable, unique kiss—no sex. Some see it as obsessive, but I see it differently. I saw a man who lost his soul after the slaughter of his family, and only Chu Qiao was his anchor. His lieutenants, jealous of Chu Qiao, fed him lies, and his jealousy took over… pushing her away. She lived alone in Yanbei for 2 years, and when her own army was in trouble because of Yan Xun, she left and never returned. After that, he met her in person once, but it was brief—mostly just looking into each other's eyes. Both understood it would be the last time they'd see each other. When he realized she loved Zhuge Yue, he tried to kill her on the battlefield—not by himself—by sending groups. If she couldn't love him, nobody would. Of course, he failed. Yan Xun achieved his goal of becoming the emperor of Yanbei and killed thousands of thousands of enemies, until the last option to keep the Yanbei empire alive was to sign a peace treaty. Everyone feared him; nobody loved him. He was utterly alone, missing her and thinking of her.

***

The novel has under 300 chapters, and many full translations are available—some of okay quality, others less so. Dissatisfied with what I found, I decided to proofread and edit it myself, but it isn't complete yet. I am also working on other novels like Joy of Life, Word of Honor (BL), and other romances, as well as Xianxia. As a human editor, not relying on AI, I update slowly but consistently. *The link to my blog is in my profile* 😉

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Visually Amazing but Storytelling Confusing!

There is no way to deny Veil of Shadows is one of the Chinese drama that has most beautiful cinematography. The characters' designs were all well made. The costumes are beautiful. The soundtracks are also very nice and fit into the mysterious gothic background cinematoghy.

The story is actually interesting. It has this vibe of Painted Skin which it is based on. In my opinion, it is not told well. The storytelling uses,"show first, reveal later! And oh twist!", so often that its really difficult to go in depth emotionally connecting with the story because for me, I just simply lost track both on story and characters'motivations (Because characters play cunning most of the time). There's just non stop feeding in that "cool make me lost track on the taste.

The fantasy themes such as demonic power themes are very nice. However, the show repeatedly use time looping, characters role playing others in other past timeline. Especially this role playing people in the past, is something new for me, and I am not so convinced into this fantasy element theory. Nevertheless, I do like how this theory was used to develop Wu Shiguang and Wu Wang Yang romance bonding. It's such a pity that their story was sidelined later.

Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi loved each other so much. They protected each other at all cost. The drama indeed has a lot of their scenes and some are quite repeated. The drama indeed is showing their deep love but I just cannot emotionally connected to their romance despite the fact that I was initially interested in them because I like this dynamic of him being innocent , naive and attracted to her, while she's a little cunning but also attracted to him. Their past of them meeting at the valley, with him bringing her flowers and her giving him rasberries was repeatedly shown as her memory. They do have cute scenes in that star stone time loop where they role play as other couple too. With all the scenes being shown I still feel there's skipping something to them being having such deep bond. Because this couple also has to hold having to destroy each other. Ji Ling was given the responsibility of the role of Chi Wen, ninth dragon, by Chi Wen to kill this evil force, 9 head snakes, Jiu Ying, or wait until the 10th dragon appeared who is of course Wu Shiguang. And Lu Wuyi was made by Jiu Ying to hold some of himself inside her, when got killed, he can use Wuyi's body. So she needed to be destroyed or else main villain, Jiu Ying will use her to destroy the world.

The ending is questionable. It is happy end but it skipped explaining things especially how Wu Shiguang did to time loop and bringing back Wu Wangyang and other 9 tail foxes back to life (after Wangyang and others sacrificed themselves to protect pillars of the world for not collapse), and also how did weasel demon, Youchi come back to life after sacrificing. Its like timeloop was changed and some happenings are deleted. But its not shown well. So Wu Shiguang was very powerful but why it took him too much strength to get rid of the villain, even Ji Ling spirit that came back was more powerful? The viewers really need to make up things on their own to the story.
As for Ji Ling, he was actually already dead but his soul can still come back after some theory add up and his soul go inside the time loop crystal to rid of Jiu Ying putting the thing inside that can permanently seal part of his in her. Ji Ling succeeded and get rid of villain in that time loop. The ending shows Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi in another timeloop of life that they are just normal people who met and fall in love again. So I take that as happy end because main characters reunited and happy at end of drama. As for why and how did that happen, the drama do not tell and left to viewers to just think on their own. (This kind of thing was done and twisted in drama that for some viewers this ending not something to be trusted) For myself, I think about a lot of symbolisms and theory use, i cannot really find strong substance in it. It just seem to go just randomly on whatever it wants to. Just like when the last timeloop, villain was slained and get rid of. Some dead characters such as Youchi come back to life but not others, I cannot really find substance on how and why that is. That left me with unserious confused impression 🤡🙄, which is my overall rating to the drama is not so high. I give it 6/10.
Even that so I will still recommend this one to anyone who enjoy Guo Jingming previous works (visual is guaranteed) and to fans of Ju Jing Yi and Tian Jia Rui. Maybe you will probably connect with it than I do.

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Strong on vibes and acting

I started the show with limited expectations.
I read some reviews, that the plot will be Swiss cheese. So I prepared myself for a bumpy road and some likely frustrations, how it will play out.

But after watching the first 2 episodes I was sat.
Honestly? It surpassed my expectations.
I loved the dynamics between our 4 main characters. They had on screen chemistry with each other and their acting left nothing to be desired.
If you don’t start to think about the logic of the whole story, you will have an exciting time through vibes and great acting alone.
The last episode was a nail biter.
Dew is the born actor for a villain role. 👀 Holy guacamole 👀
I only knew him from “F4: Thailand”, where he was the boring nice guy. But he is wasted as a nice guy.
The other 3? Chef’s kiss too.

That whole drama reminded me of old movies from the 90s:
The first episode “Final Destination”.
The last few episodes “Flatliners” (not the unnecessary remake. The original.)
And the overall vibe - the music is a heavy lifting actor in this show - “Conspiracy Theory” (not story wise, but the vibe).
I had a good time with it.
A small stash of Kleenex at hand could be useful, since the drama has some onion cutting moments.

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10/10 Absolutely fascinating Chinese drama

I can't remember seeing tv series that afected me so much. I don't know if that is because of the different style (Chinese movies have a unique approach to the viewers) or because of the drama plot itself but it was so good. The first few episodes I've struggled with because there was so much information I had hard time remembering and a lot of names which I couldn't remember but after a few episodes it was easier for me to watch. I think the most interesting thing about the drama were the characters and their development through the episodes. There was a hidden message behind every scene which I found absolutely fascinating. The two main leads executed their roles perfectly. I was captivated by Wang Yibo's performance as Lan Zhan. To have a few lines and to have to count on the facial expressions it's the most difficult role to play. Good job! Abou the plot - it was interesting, it touched very powerful and meaningful themes such as family relationships, brotherhood and even love.
Some the scenes in the series were one of the most romantic things I have ever watched, even though there were only hints. I found that approach very powerful. The costumes were great, the atmosphere was like a fairytale, the OST was perfect. And yes, after 30th episode when everything started to come to place 1 cried a lot and I'm not a movie crier at all. Every little detail moved me and after the last episode I can't stop thinking about that drama.

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10/10 You'll definitely fall in love with this series!

First of all, before watching you should be informed first that the series is just an adaptation to the book in wattapad. So expect that the storyline is different from the book, if you're a fan from the book in wattpad its clearly not its resemblance just an adaptation to the characters.
Overall, the series is not your ordinary Filipino film. The story is full of plot twist that will leave you hanging & amazed. I could say its one of a kind and from watching it to iwant-youtube-netflix I can still feel the emotions I felt when I first watched it. Its a never ending mixed of emotions that will give you a heartfelt feelings.
In addition, I think Belle Mariano (Maxpein) really nailed it.
She carried the show from the beginning till the end with her acting, I would say my favorite part would be episode 3 when her eyes speaks a million of emotions when she carried her scene that touches the heart of many. I also think that the author made a really good plot twist at the end, its your no ordinary filipino film more of an adaptation of kdramas' storyline.

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10/10 F4 Thailand is the best show I've ever experienced

I'm not exaggerating - this show is such a treasure. If you're familiar with any of the previous versions, you're in for a ride. The creators are clearly inspired by all previous versions, and what they've done is pull out the best symbolism and themes from all of them to make this incredibly well-paced love journey. All of the young actors are fresh but believable, and this is clearly a passion project for everyone involved. I recommend checking out the review show "F4 Obsessed" on YouTube if you want to magnify your experience. There are references in F4 Thailand to King Arthur's Court, mythology like Psyche and Eros, and an overall theme of celestials falling from the sky - stars beings being knocked out of the heavens by a little girl who is just a simple weed. It's absolutely brilliant storytelling and just very well-made. Ignore the haters. There's too much to love in this one, they're simply overwhelmed and confused.

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I Wish it was better

I was eagerly awaiting this one and after binge-watching it in one seating I must say I am quite... disappointed ?

I found the Shamans couple much more interesting overall, and I felt the main teen characters all lacked depth and emotional maturity... Even considering their age(they’re supposed to be 16-17), I found they all lacked emotional depth and felt like flat archetypes/2D characters, not really “alive." The actors did a good job portraying emotions so it's really not their fault, i think it's because of the production.. I'm throwing some shade here tbh but back in my days, dramas used to be able to pull credible characterisation even with shorter episodes. Enough for us to get attached to the characters you know?

I am aware that with multiple main characters and a group of friends, you can’t really do that deep dive and show their family or the dynamics in the group with more scene, etc (oh and conveniently the main character's aunt is always away etc. felt like a budget decision more than anything), but they felt more like archetypes : the otaku, the sporty girl, the rich mean girl, the nerd, the cute guy. I don’t know, it just lacked that zest.

Also I would’ve loved more scenes with the older shaman lady and at school. It lacked that “this is satisfying” feeling you sometimes get when you're get REALLY into a drama you binge watch, so I felt they didn’t delve deep enough. Also, the timeline and school stuff were skipped. This felt lazy and I am starting to wonder if they use AI to write some of the scenes. ( wouldn't be surprised)

I understand Netflix’s strategy of spending less on dramas with a small cast to boost viewership, rack up numbers and keep everyones eyes stuck on their screens.. but even with just eight short episodes, I think they could’ve gone deeper into the details to really immerse us in the series.

Finally I agree with some comments there and reviews there, especially those comparing it to previous short productions like 8 Show, Pyramid Game, and Might Has Come.

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