I love Love in the Clouds!
This was my very 1st C Drama & it did not disappoint. I have re watched this show so many times. I love HMH! I have sent watched all of his shows. But this one is still my favorite and I keep going back to it. The music is beautiful as well. I have fallen in love.There are some parts I don’t like, but I won’t put any spoilers because I just don’t understand why the FL would do some of the things that she does but I know it’s different than the book. I haven’t read the book but I have heard some things about it on social media.
I know POJ is very hot right now and people don’t know how to move on but if you haven’t seen this, I think this is way better and there’s no need to move on. Just watch it again.
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Slow Start -> EXCELLENT Finish
Love upon a time is a show that started off slow and somewhat predictable, but slowly turned into a show that was unique and exquisitely done. I was really excited to see Net and JJ in main roles for a series, and they absolutely delivered on these roles! I am partial to soul mate/reincarnation tropes, so if that's not something you're into, this probably isn't for you - but if you're into it at all, this one is DEFINITELY worth watching! Just get through the slow start and it becomes a masterpiece.Nakun (JJ) has been having the worst luck ever, right as he turns 20. Thinking it can't get any worse, he has a few too many drinks and goes and watches the stars fall - only to end up transported back in time 400 years. There, Lord Phop (Net) informs him that he, now known as Klao, has been missing for awhile, and Phop is glad he has returned. Nakun now has to try to play the role of Klao, figure out why he got transported there, and how he can get back, all while falling in love with Phop.
The first few episodes were a little too silly, and had a few too many stereotypical/repetitive elements of "oh I'm not really back in time, I must be dreaming!" type plotpoints. However, as the actual plot of the show picked up, this show began to wow me. I don't know what has been happening with Mandee/Domundi recently but WOW they are killing it! I loved the attention to detail in this show, from the costumes to the language (and the slow assimilation of Nakun into the past dialect was wonderful). I think that as long as you're willing to watch the first few stereotypical sent back in time episodes, you are in for a real treat with this one! The amount of emotion these actors delivered was fantastic to watch, and NettJJ killed these roles. Not to mention, Latte and Kim as Jom and Kaew was such a nice addition! I loved all of the characters in this and cannot recommend it enough, especially if you like period pieces.
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I Tried, But I Can’t
I love Wang Duo, and Guo Jingming, but I can’t continue with this one. While the drama has genuinely funny, offbeat moments, getting to them has been a struggle, and the balance between what works and what doesn’t feels too uneven.I’ve watched similar dramas when I was younger that leaned into exaggerated, light teen comedy and cute, stylized delivery (like Clarissa Explains It All or Out of This World). That approach just doesn’t resonate with me anymore, and I may have simply aged out of that format.
The drama focuses on everyday, business-oriented lifestyles, centering on a younger generation in the fashion industry, with an older one in the background. I’ve watched half of the series, that's a fair chance to know if it works for me—and ultimately, it's just not my cup of tea.
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A Flawed but Thoughtful Coming-of-Age Drama
This drama initially felt like a coming-of-age story, and later shifts into more of a slice-of-life narrative. There were moments I really, really liked it, and others where I simply liked it. While it sometimes felt crowded with subplots, the transitions between them kept the story engaging, and the pacing was quick enough that earlier threads never felt lost. I appreciated how the subplots reflected different stages of life—how perspectives and relationships evolve with age, how second chances can emerge through maturity, and how certain situations can serve as cautionary tales, particularly within family and relationship dynamics.The drama also excelled in using character psychology to reframe an ordinary world, helping us understand the characters’ emotions, fears, and desire for connection. This made them feel vulnerable and engaging, with meaningful growth as they navigated life’s challenges from college into adulthood, while parallel storylines echoed these developments. For these reasons, the narrative felt layered and purposeful, making it easy to connect with each storyline and character.
My main critique was the repetitive cycle of misunderstandings, angst, and frustration between the leads, particularly Yi Yao. I enjoy slow-burn dramas, but felt stronger plot devices could have been used to sustain it rather than relying so heavily on miscommunication or avoidance. I also struggled with some overbearing supporting characters whose behavior often felt intrusive and uncomfortable, repeatedly inserting themselves into situations and pressuring the leads in ways that disrupted the flow of the story. However, I still enjoyed my time watching this version of Guo Jingming’s Cry Me a Sad River.
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Still a Favorite Two Years Later
I already watched this in 2024 when it first released, and it was my top-tier favorite then. After being disappointed by several newer watches and dropping or passing on them, I decided to revisit this one, and I have no regrets. It was a favorite in 2024, and it’s still a favorite two years later. There are so many layers to the story that it barely feels like a rewatch. I’m noticing and feeling things now that I completely missed the first time, so this entire experience has been incredibly welcoming.While GJM isn’t for everyone, he definitely is for me. And although this drama seems to divide audiences, even among people who enjoyed his other dramas or films, I hold this one in just as high regard as the rest of his work. Some people describe it as slow or depressing, but that’s not something I personally connect with. I find the drama very well-paced, consistently engaging, and I’m practically hanging onto every scene. Plus, I find it incredibly funny.
And while the mood can be heavy at times, it genuinely moves me and I connect deeply with it. I see this story as a pendulum swinging between highs and lows, where moments of joy exist alongside hardship. Is this a bright, carefree drama where no one struggles and every day is perfect? No, but that isn’t realistic, nor is it the point of the story. These characters are on a journey to confront and resolve hardships, so naturally they encounter pain and obstacles along the way.
What makes it meaningful for me is the promise that it will all matter in the end, and that they find love, comfort, and support through the friendships and bonds they build with one another. This is only one chapter of their lives; another story will begin once this one ends.
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Fantasy & Deep Reflection
This is an incredibly thoughtful movie. It explores difficult subject matter, addressing and spreading mental health awareness in a unique way by weaving a fantastical story that brings important issues into discussion in engaging ways. It also delves into philosophical questions about love and life, questioning the value of both.Was this review helpful to you?
Better Than the Sequel, But Not a Win
Between the two movies, I enjoyed this one more. I thought it was funnier, the character development was more engaging, the story took time evolving and it didn't feel like we were thrown into a never ending fight between two camps, which is how I felt about the sequel. However, overall, the narrative is still confusing and doesn't have a firm foundation. It seemed like the story started well before the movie did. I had to consult outside sources to understand the stage setup and the conflicts, as this is based on Guo Jingming's novel under the same name, Línjiè Juéjì (临界爵迹). Only then did I appreciate the events as they unfolded. So, I suspect to appreciate this movie would require reading it first.Was this review helpful to you?
High Hopes, But A Miss for Me
This animation wasn’t for me. The visuals are beautiful, but many elements didn’t align with my preferences. The plot felt underdeveloped and poorly explained, and the pacing was off, making it feel like I was watching a slow-moving story about very little. Overall, this was a major miss for me, and I’m still trying to understand the disconnect I felt with it. However, the ending piqued my interest.Was this review helpful to you?
A Simple Story with Deep Emotion
The storyline is simple, but it makes you feel. It teeters between inner turmoil through the pursuit of revenge and internal peace. The character growth and lead relationship are poignant and beautiful. I enjoyed watching this and I would recommend it to all Guo Jingming fans. It’s a fast watch, but by the end it felt like I had been on a full journey, with the characters experiencing and enduring a great deal along the way.Was this review helpful to you?
One of My Top 5 Chinese Dramas
This is one of my top 5 Chinese dramas. I loved the tones, the filming style, the cast, the wardrobe, the plots, the side plots, the twists, the anti-hero roles, the character development, the footwork, and the soundtrack. The only thing I didn't love was how it ended on a cliffhanger without a confirmed season 2. But this watch was worth it to me. The narrative is poetic, intelligent, and cryptic, giving it depth and replay value.Was this review helpful to you?
The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity
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A Darker, More Atmospheric Sequel
This has a different feel and storyline than the original movie. However, it still follows the main Yin-Yang Master, Qingming, an officer of the Yingyang Bureau, and Yuan Boya, his close friend. It's an interesting rendition in that it independently continues a storyline that seemingly ended irreversibly. So it's as if you are getting two alternate stories with the same characters. I enjoyed both versions immensely, and I love that the tones contrast. The settings and color palette of the sequel add a dark theme that expands on the script. And the cast transform their roles to fit the scenes and plots beautifully.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A complete waste of time
This show had very high potential in the first two episodes, and once the cafe boss appears it all goes downhill. From the way that she used him for her gain to all the events after are a complete inconsistent mess.The show has plot points that it uses and then forgets about an episode later, it honestly feels like I'm watching an AI bot forgetting previous conversations in real time as the episodes went on. Alongside the forgotten plot points, there is also times where characters do a complete 180 to how they were and episode before, and it just made me more confused than anything as I watched.
The ending is also maybe one of the worst endings in all the k-dramas I have watched and liked (not including the less serious dramas), because not only does it make no sense, it additionally just feels like the writers had no idea what to do in the story so they just throw in the most bs plot ending.
I honestly wish I had just stopped watching around the middle of the show, because honestly this show is just such a waste of time and potential.
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An Offbeat Republic-Era Watch
This is a Republic-era piece, which I haven’t seen them do before, and it feels a bit unusual—but in a good way that makes you want to keep watching. The offbeat tone works almost like an indie film, where atmosphere and psychology take priority over strict linear coherence. The costumes and settings are visually striking and add meaningfully to the story, making it a beautiful watch overall.Was this review helpful to you?
wayyy too much politics. if you're looking for more romance this is prob not for u
ugh i wanna like this SO BAD cuz i love chen du ling and zhou yi ran and this pairing is like exactly what i wanted 😭 but there's just SO MUCH POLITICS. like yea its listed as one of the genres but its just too much i can't. its just really not my cup of tea tbh. the dubbing is also erm a bit intense for my liking...like idm the plot. its interesting yea but im just a romance girly through and through so this is just not for me
maybe i'll pick this up again and try sit through it all since it's only gonna be 24 eps... but idk... the politics is too big of a theme so we'll see ig
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Simple and Engaging
This is one of their better dramas. I enjoyed the narrative and it was easy to follow. I liked the concept, the overall subplots, and the characterization of the roles they played. If you are a fan of demon lords and have enjoyed Samael's frequent use of these roles, this might be your top choice.Was this review helpful to you?
