Reviews

First impression

Ever since I've watched ThamePo, I've been waiting for William and Est to get another series together, and it finally happened. And moreover, it did not disappoint.
The acting, visuals, and everything else are off the charts so far. I am so excited and can't wait for more episodes.

You can watch it on Viki: https://www.viki.com/tv/41494c-you-maniac#episodes

Things I liked:
1. Moth. I like these characters, seeing Est be so sassy and William, who seems to be a really sweet guy irl, playing a person who sleeps around is just really fun.
2. I'm so happy to see GMMTV move more and more away from making mediocre school/uni BLs. Listen, I love them as much as the next person, it's just that GMMTV makes so many of them that they are all just the same thing just in different wrappers. So it's nice to see more serious and exciting series like Burnout Syndrome and You Maniac being made.
3. KinBarcode. Even though I mostly started watching this series for WilliamEst, I'm still glad to see Barcode, especially now that he is in a new pairing with Kin. I haven't previously seen Kin in anything, but so far so good.

Things I disliked:
Nothing so far.

Leia Mais

Between Love and Duty, Which Would You Choose?

Out of all the BL I have ever watched, I finally dare call one them of my absolute favorite; and that is, of course, The Edge of Horizon.

This series tells a forbidden love story, whether it's forbidden because of status or because of them loving the same gender. That's one of the things I love about same-sex love stories: They are extra forbidden.

Now, usually I get bored quickly after the main couple gets together, but here, they don't get together long enough for me to get bored; there always has to arise a problem to make them separate once again.

This story has a lot of crying and very little laughing, it's full of tragedy but also growth, and though it made me feel very distressed at times, it was too good for me drop it.

You feel the dilemma of the characters fighting between love and what they believe is right, and you can't blame them for any choice they choose to make.

Inn and Ongsa's acting's are amazing, you can feel every emotion they try to convey. And I'm especially surprised at Ongsa, seeing how incredibly young he is! And though it was probably very hard for them, having to cry so much, they did it very well.

All the characters here have meaning, none of them feel like a background character; they all have their own story.

The main song is sung by the main actor Ongsa himself, and his voice is like honey to the ears, very sweet.

A lot of scenes have very beautiful lighting (The car scene, for example), and the pacing is very understandable and makes you want more.

The streets, the cars, the clothes, all immersed you in that era, and there was no scene that felt too modern.

This series made me want to watch more angsty historical same-sex romance, though there isn't much, really.

I hope the success of this series soars, and everyone who can, will watch it.

I loved it all, the acting, the plot, the music, the cinematography, the directing, everything.

I couldn't help myself so I watched the last episode on the One31 live online channel, but I won't count it until I watch the uncut version.

Please, if you're thinking of watching this, give it a chance, I believe you won't be disappointed.

Leia Mais

⭐️il mio eterno rewatch

Sh**ting Stars è uno di quei drama che riesco a riguardare infinite volte senza stancarmi mai. È ufficialmente entrato nella lista dei miei preferiti e, ogni volta che lo rivedo, riesce a regalarmi le stesse emozioni della prima volta. 🥹💗

Ho adorato tutto: la storia d’amore, i personaggi, l’atmosfera leggera e divertente, ma soprattutto la chimica tra i protagonisti. Lee Sung-kyung e Kim Young-dae sono semplicemente fantastici insieme: il loro rapporto fatto di battibecchi, incomprensioni, momenti teneri e una buona dose di ironia mi ha conquistata completamente. 🫶🏻

Una delle cose che amo di più è che non si prende troppo sul serio. È un drama romantico, divertente e scorrevole, ma riesce anche a mostrare il lato meno glamour del mondo dello spettacolo e il lavoro spesso invisibile delle persone che stanno dietro alle celebrità.

E poi ci sono i personaggi secondari, che rendono il drama ancora più speciale. Ognuno ha la propria storia e contribuisce a creare quell’atmosfera di “famiglia” che mi fa sentire sempre a casa quando lo riguardo. ❤️

È uno di quei drama comfort che metti quando hai bisogno di qualcosa che ti faccia sorridere, emozionare e, inevitabilmente, innamorare di nuovo dei protagonisti.

Potrei averlo già visto più volte? Assolutamente sì. Lo riguarderei ancora? Senza pensarci due volte. 😂💗

Per me Shooting Stars è semplicemente uno di quei drama che rimangono nel cuore. ✨

Leia Mais

A fun time

I watched this on a whim and found it to be enjoyable. This was not the best drama I had watched but it was really fun and I found myself very invested in the legal plot and wanted to find out what the conclusion was going to be.

I do wish that the romance had been more developed and we got to see the chemistry of the characters more and I think the show in general could have benefited from longer episodes to give more time for these things to play out.

All in all, it was a lovely watch and I was surprised to find that both of the lead actors did not have many other main roles in their show reel. I thought they were both good and both showed real prospects for the future, I would look forward to watching them in other roles.

Leia Mais

A decent series with forced character growth

If you're craving a fast paced, messy drama fix, this show is a watchable guilty pleasure but character development across the cast is largely half-baked.

Jack learns nothing, taking zero accountability.

Despite being credited as main cast, arnold and tua suffer from the exact same issue, a total lack of genuine character growth. They aren't written with their own motivations or earned arcs, they exist strictly as plot catalysts to stir up drama for everyone else.

Raffy only stops sabotaging dean out of sheer exhaustion and defeat, giving up once he realizes jack will only ever see him as dean's replacement. Instead of genuinely growing up, he retreats back to rome offering a casual apology and winning him back with a public confession rather than doing any real internal work.

Rome 'choosing himself' and raffy chasing him happen at the exact same time, turning what should have been rome's moment of independence into an instant surrender.

Only dean gets growth but it feels completely abrupt. Once he ends up entirely alone, he suddenly apologizes to raffy, reconciles with jack, lets jack go, and even apologizes to tua.

The relationship dynamics are hit or miss across the board. Romeraffy were compelling before the misunderstanding whereas jackdean only became engaging after the misunderstanding. Arnoldtua's arc was wildly rushed moving from tua erratically stabbing a mannequin and insulting his friend over a hug picture straight into an unearned, instant reunion.

Terrible pacing ruined the show's momentum. Jackdean were given far too much screen time early on, rendering their story completely boring through overexposure. Clearing out their drama around episode 6 or 7 would have fixed the structure, giving arnoldtua and romeraffy the space they actually needed for a natural, well paced reconciliation instead of a rushed resolution

Overall the series is worth a one time watch for its compelling drama even if the writing stumbles along the way.

Leia Mais

Great romance

For a vertical drama this was fantastic!

It has a Gorgeous ML who I doubted owned a shirt for the first 10 episodes... not that I was complaining mind you, he is serious eye candy, a great romance, little to no angst and a happy ending.

As a warning or enticement (your choice), the male lead is very... um... the only word springing to mind at the moment was YUM, but while true wasn't the warning. There are forced kisses, a lot of them.

I don't judge vertical dramas the same way I do standard ones. I look at them more like I do a Harlequin Romance or a Harlequin Blaze (for the more steamy ones). They're good for a quick watch, granted some are better than others, but don't take them too seriously.

Leia Mais

Sex ed for grownups of our time

An interesting dive in to the sexueal issues of todays society. With an adorable therapst male lead, nice side characters and a sweet female lead.

This is less of a romance more of a highly educational drama which is kind of sad. The romance parts could have been so much more. With a huge focus on communication and finding the root of the problem instead of just treating symptoms.

There are a few characters that made my blood boil, something I felt I just did not fully understand and there is one episode that made me really uncomfortable in a good way I guess.

So basically decent drama with a mix of pop culture and drying up as old age approaches.

Leia Mais

Camera is important

The story is about a woman who wants to make her own film. She's always making short films in high school. But there is another man who has actually loved her since high school without her noticing. It becomes interesting when they both become adults, and they have different goals. Not long after that, they become involved with each other. It's where their journey begins...

The problem that I found in this K-drama is that the cameraman is too shaky. But at quarter end of the episode, it becomes much better. I don't know if they changed the cameraman or if the cameraman improved over time. So please be patient and calm when you watch first until mid of the episode :)

Leia Mais

It was okay

The story itself was okay. Jang Tasha was cute and the girl was cute but it was boring and i just skimmed through the whole thing idk like literally just skipping scenes.

I saw the vision and the idea but i just didn’t fall in love with the story and acting like i have others. i didn’t get any butterflies or anything either.

and the plot twist wasn’t even a plot twist. like wow he’s actually taeha’s dad wow and then shoots himself? like ok cool?

and also the girl was lowkey still selfish and self absorbed but only a tiny bit less and it still pmo

Leia Mais

I’m watching, I guess (；＾ω＾)

There are so many people, everyone has such a strong character, so much information, and while I’m still thinking “who is this?” another person already appears (；´Д｀)
But Judo was there so basically OK ( ´ー｀)y-~~

Also please do another FREE signing event in Tokyo…
Honestly free is better because you can talk more and take photos too (＾ω＾)
Please put Judo in the calendar too, preferably with a signature (｀・ω・´)

I’ll watch the drama too, but I also want an event schedule.
Preferably free (；＾ω＾)
And if too many other people might come, announcing it at the last minute is also fine _ (┐「ε:)_

Leia Mais

The Road to Splendor: A Love Letter to My New Obsession (and Why I'm Side-Eyeing My Past Self)

Okay, let me start with a confession: I dropped Melody of a Golden Age after three episodes. I know, I know—please don't throw tomatoes. But here's the thing—The Road to Splendor has me seriously reconsidering my life choices. If this is what Ding Yuxi can do with a role, I owe that drama a second chance. More on that later.

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Zhao Ling: The Man, The Myth, The Salt Smuggler

Let's talk about Ding Yuxi as Zhao Ling for a moment, because I need to scream into the void about this man.

In the beginning, he's a dashing salt smuggler—and I mean this in the most romantic, "every girl's first love should be this" way possible. He's brave, reckless, has swagger for days, and when love hits him? It hits him like a ton of bricks. You can see the exact moment he realizes he's done for. His eyes go from cocky "I'm just here to make money" to "I would burn the world down for this woman" in approximately 2.5 seconds.

And the way he looks at Fu Ting Yun?

If anyone ever looked at me the way Zhao Ling looks at her, I would simply pass away. Daily. I'd be swooning so hard I'd need a fainting couch—and I don't even own one. Ding Yuxi's eyes are SO expressive. I had no idea he could convey that much longing, devotion, and pure yearning with just a glance. He went from reckless smuggler to mature General Zhao who fights for the poor, stands for justice, and somehow got even MORE attractive in the process. How is that fair?

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Fu Ting Yun: The Woman We All Want to Be

Ancy Deng—where do I even begin? She's so young, but her eyes tell a million stories. She was made for this role. Fu Ting Yun is what every girl wants to be when they grow up: intelligent, resourceful, resilient, and absolutely refusing to die quietly in a nunnery after being falsely accused by her own family. She doesn't just survive—she thrives.

And watching her grow? Chef's kiss.

· Fu Clan Ting Yun: The perfect noblewoman, polished and poised.
· Xie Clan Ting Yun: Forced into survival mode, using her wit to navigate treacherous waters.
· Zhao Clan Ting Yun: Finally, finally, finding her equal and her home.

Her growth felt earned. Every scar, every setback, every moment of triumph—I was right there with her. Ancy Deng didn't just play Fu Ting Yun; she inhabited her.

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The Chemistry: SIZZLING

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Ding Yuxi and Ancy Deng's chemistry is INSANE.

It's a slow burn romance that starts with mutual respect and survival instincts, grows into partnership and trust, and then—WHEN THEY GET MARRIED—matures into something everlasting and so deeply romantic it made me clutch my chest multiple times.

You know when a couple has chemistry so good that you forget you're watching actors? That's these two. Every glance, every accidental touch, every quiet moment between them felt electric. The way Zhao Ling looks at her like she hung the moon? And the way Fu Ting Yun softens just for him while still being a complete boss? I'm unwell.

Side note: This show convinced me to give Melody of a Golden Age another try. I dropped it the first time, but if Ding Yuxi can deliver this level of performance here, I owe it to myself to revisit. Wish me luck.

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The Supporting Cast: A Perfect Foil

The women of Ganlin Town, Commander Wang, Mo Yi—all of them were perfect foils to Zhao Ling and Fu Ting Yun's growth. They added depth, heart, and sometimes much-needed comic relief.

But let's talk about the villains:

· Wen Zheng as Madame Yu: I HATED HER. And I mean that as the highest compliment. Every time she appeared on screen, I was ready to throw hands. She was SO convincing as the conniving, despicable matriarch that I forgot she's just an actress doing her job. Well done, Wen Zheng. Well done.
· Dong Zi Fan as Yu Jing Xiu: A confused man with all his priorities crossed. His regret arc was tragic and well-acted. You could see the conflict in his eyes—the desire to do right vs. the weight of his family's corruption. He broke my heart a little.

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The Real MVP: On-Location Cinematography

One thing I LOVED about this drama? Real locations over heavy CGI. The mountain and period settings felt lived-in, authentic, and immersive. You could almost smell the tea and feel the river breeze. It gave the whole series such a grounded, earthy feel that so many historical dramas miss with their green-screen backdrops.

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The Ending: Satisfying & Sweet

The 36-episode run wrapped up beautifully. Zhao Ling resigning from the court to live a peaceful, quiet life with Tingyun? YES. After being used as political tools the entire series, they deserved their happy ending. Side characters got closure too—A-Sen building his home, Madam Mo's son passing the imperial exam, Miss Wu finding freedom. It felt earned.

Criticisms? Sure, the final political arc felt a little rushed compared to the earlier high-stakes survival elements. And some viewers (rightfully) noted that Master Yu's death—accidental head injury during a struggle—felt too easy. We wanted to see him face proper justice!

But honestly? The emotional payoff was so strong that I forgave it.

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Final Verdict

Watch this drama. Just do it. Prepare to swoon, cry, cheer, and maybe reconsider your life choices (like me with Melody of a Golden Age). The cast is phenomenal, the chemistry is off the charts, and the story will stick with you long after the final credits roll.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find someone who looks at me the way Zhao Ling looks at Fu Ting Yun.

Leia Mais