Reviews

Amazing chemistry and characters! Very satisfied w/ tempered expectations about the political plot.

Oh. My. God. I absolutely loved this story, but more specifically, I loved the characters. It's very much a character driven story to me, and the actors all do a great job of making you feel for them, whether they're a main lead, villain, or side character. Usually, C-dramas don't spend much time on the "village life" arc of the main leads. However, the time spent on the bond between the main leads and side characters is what made the rest of the story compelling, even when the climax was not as big as what the rest of the story built it up to be. It serves as the foundation for the FL's down-to-earth personality, the ML's humanization, and it makes you utterly invested in the world they and their friends live in. There were multiple scenes that I watched multiple times because the camera angles, the dialogue, and the actors pulled them off so well. So many surprise reveals pulled of *so* well. I can already tell I will be rewatching this drama for years to come. Only regret is that I won't get to experience it for the first time again.

I loved that the strong female lead archetype is refreshed with the element of being a butcher, and I love that ML largely lets her fix her own problems rather than using his strong, influential male lead magic to make things easier for her. She earns everything truly by her own merit. I love the comedy that comes from their differing social positions, and their chemistry is off the charts! Zhang Linghe does an amazing job balancing ML's two sides, one that is utterly devoted and a simp for his wife and the unrelenting, ruthless Marquise. It never feels forced or like whiplash. I saw Tian Xiwei in "New Life Begins," and I knew she would absolutely nail the part of FL. Every trope is served in a way that makes sense for the story and doesn't feel like it's stuffed into the story just because (except for the excessive FL tend to ML's wounds to create forced tension, especially at the beginning). I also must say I am a sucker for whenever the ML falls first and *hard* for FL.

This drama, as other people have pointed out, does suffer some discrepancies due to the 40 episode limit. There are scenes where you just know there was meant to be more. However, this drama never feels awfully disjointed. My expectations for the court life and political scheming was already tempered; I had heard from many people who had read the web novel that not nearly enough time was spent unraveling the very complex events of 17-years-ago. I have never read the web novel, but after watching the drama, I view it as a story much more devoted to our female lead's development and the main couple's devotion to each other. There's a large dose of political intrigue, and I feel given the restrictions, the ending was still relatively well-paced to me. I am very willing to make that exchange for the time we spent on their time in the village and on other battle fields. I think you'll be very satisfied going in knowing that the political plot is not as elaborate as the novel, but the story still does an amazing job of making us fall in love with its characters.

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Not perfect, but definitely worth watching

My opinion and feedback are totally subjective, and considering the huge fan following Pursuit of Jade has amassed, I hope I don’t offend the hardcore fans of the show. The 9.1 rating on My Drama List became one of the deciding factors to watch Pursuit of Jade, besides the cast. I had not watched any of Zhang Linghe’s shows before Pursuit, so I had no idea about his acting skills, but the actress is a known one (watched and loved her a lot in New Life Begins).

The story is not very unique. It has all the elements that a period drama is expected to have: a hero/heroine in distress, seeking revenge, a royal house planning and plotting, and a dark past that clearly affects many lives in the present. Nevertheless, it’s the screenplay that determines how the story unfolds and characters progress. Pursuit of Jade does a really good job in this area. Characters evolve and grow (at least most of them do). The subplots and the supporting cast have done a great job as well. The music is not exceptionally great, but worth remembering. Besides the romantic numbers, there are a few exhilarating pieces that blend well with the storyline.

The actors: Pursuit of Jade is full of great-looking actors. The whole Zhang Linghe beauty admiration doesn’t look like hype at all. He surely is a gorgeous-looking man, and not to mention, he looks utterly gorgeous in the traditional Chinese period drama costumes. The wigs have enhanced his looks 10 times; even in that bee sting headgear which he has worn twice during his grand entrance, suits him. The actress is a beauty herself and shines in all the scenes. Even the bad guys of the show are great-looking men. The romantic scenes are shot beautifully, tastefully, and in a truly aesthetic manner. I am glad that Chinese dramas have progressed in that department, where the kissing scenes look real and passionate. Keep up the good work!

Now, a few things that I didn’t like and honestly don't understand. In my opinion, Pursuit of Jade could have been summed up in 32-33 episodes, max 35. There was no need to make it a 40-episode-long show. There were a few dragging subplots and scenes that dragged a bit too long. The part where the FL is separated from her little sister and the ML, is dragged somewhat too long. The scenes consisting of violence and gore were too many. The ML was healing and getting wounded at the same time. The FL was tending to his wounds and nursing him back to health after every 2nd or 3rd episode. It was mentioned in the beginning that the young sister of the FL was ill, and they even tried to show that in one of the scenes where she breathes heavily. That’s all! That was the only time when she was shown to be a bit unwell. The character of the FL’s former fiancée, who later became the intern scholar, was not used to its capacity. There were more possibilities for his character, but in the end, he turns out to be a failed and dejected man who drowns himself in drinking.

No period drama is complete without political conspiracy, and Pursuit of Jade is no exception. I understood very little of why there was so much mess in the royal court, and why the emperor was acting all juvenile and dimwitted. However, I liked the romantic angle between the Grand Princess and Gongsun Yin. There were many other challenges that I came across in keeping up with the plots aside from the Main Lead’s romance (that was definitely easier to get along with and understand).

I may revisit the show sometime and then may understand the parts that I totally missed and didn’t try to understand, as I was more invested in the lead pair’s story.

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tis show my life lowkey

this show is a classic and is always so peak on every rewatch watching thie for the first time changed my life i like to rewatch it on ym flip phone it really adds to the show and firstkhaotungs acting is always great SANDRAY IS MY LIFE love that arctic monkeys comes into play in this show it brought sm happiness into ym life to here my favorite band be mentioned in a show i really like alex turner we will never hate you and yeah wish the yuri was in it a little more but life goes on forcebook and neomark did a good job too forgot to mention my kings i used to hate bostonnick sm but now i love them and miss them but im glad they had a more realistic ending also the ost never disapoinyts i listen to it everyday mainly on my flip phone i really love my flip phone and know the song word for word it helps me live i need it to survive also i stand by that ray is not a red flag fire emoji fire emoji

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What I expected...

When I started watching Soul Mate by asking from ppl I know and comments, I was really excited, I expected an emotional and meaningful story about love, healing, and connection. But honestly, it just felt like the show kept adding sad things only to make people cry. There was suicide, illness, grief, loneliness, abandonment, death — one tragedy after another. After some time, it stopped feeling emotional and just felt forced.

My biggest problem with the show was the relationship between Ryu and Yohan. The way the series was promoted made me expect a romance or at least a deep emotional love story, but their relationship never really developed. There were barely any romantic moments (I understand it was a very discreet and non verbal love wt no intimacy, and not much emotional payoff, but their barely had a sentimental HUG when needed). The show kept calling them “soulmates,” but I personally never felt that strong connection between them. They barely talked
one - a - one. Honestly, sometimes Ryu seemed closer to Sumiko than to Yohan, which made the main relationship even harder to believe (Considering they were Soul Mates for real).

Another thing that bothered me was the writing. A lot of the dialogue sounded unnatural and too slow. Big emotional moments happened, but I didn’t feel connected to the characters enough to really care. Some serious storylines, especially the suicide attempt and grief, were handled too quickly and didn’t feel realistic. Instead of feeling emotional, I mostly felt distant from the characters.

The pacing and editing were also confusing. The story jumped around so much that sometimes I couldn’t tell how much time had passed or how the characters were supposed to feel. In the second half especially, the series started to feel messy and unfocused.

The acting was probably the best part. The actors did a really good job with the script they were given, and some emotional scenes worked because of their performances. The cinematography and music were also nice, although sometimes the music felt too dramatic, like the show was trying too hard to make viewers emotional.

What disappointed me the most was how the series focused so much on queer suffering without giving enough happy or warm moments in return. Every time something hopeful happened, another tragedy came right after it. By the end, I wasn’t heartbroken — I was just tired.
When Yohan is about to get seriously sick and Ryu goes to him to be wt him in his "final moments", that alone was supposed to have crushed RYU'S feelings ONCE HE WAS HIS SOUL MATE, but to my surprise she had hidden from him that his supposedly ex- partner was dying and he accepted almost instantly.

Overall, Soul Mate had a good idea and strong actors, but for me it became an overly depressing story that confused sadness with emotional depth.
NOTE**** They completely forgot about Arata. Who almost got handicapped and never to be heard of him again (?)

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The Best.

The Story, the pacing, the acting, the direction, the music, the chemistry, the setting. A+++
I confess when I first watched this drama, i was frustrated at some aspects of it, the coworkers hypocrisy and at times, cruelty and some of the plot choices. But re watching it and loving it more and more has been a joy. It’s funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, satisfying and a really good thought out overall story, and wow Rowan is just stunning!! The production value is top notch and stylish. The acting and chemistry is engaging, believable and heartfelt.
I’ve watched a lot of both K and C drama’s, and this is one, if not THE one, of the best.

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That Marriage Stone Needs to Ban Them

Wow. They casted everyone so incredibly well and thr chemistry was absolutely fire for all of the couples.
Actors breakdown: The ML Hao Ming Hao did a great job but I felt he needed more emotional range. or maybe it was just the character. The FL Lu Yu Xiao was AMAZING. i will definitely be looking up her other dramas as this is the first of hers I have watched.
It would be nice to see Yu Cheng En in a character that doesn't give off "Peter pettigrew" vibes. He Nan (the Queen of abyss) did a good job with the complex role she had. I did wonder why she always looked like she was going to cry but maybe she was wearing uncomfortable contacts or something. Her love interest did a great job. I genuinely had no clue whose side he was on until further into the series.
I generally am NOT a fan of chinese OST (nothing personal just not my preference) and I LOVED this one. Im currently searching Spotify for the actual score.
Plotline: I felt like it kinda dragged between episodes 30 to 34. Like there are only so many times you can go in circles. That being said the show gave me a Ashes of Love/Eternal Love of a Dream. I would definitely suggest watching this one!

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Delightfully Crazy, Surprisingly Addictive.

The Demon's Pursuit is, quite simply, a story of chaos, a fusion of everything. Modern divorce drama collides with ancient xianxia lore; supernatural detective work intertwines with second-chance romance; low-budget constraints meet ambitious storytelling. Silly and funny, yet serious, deadly, spooky and creepy. This drama is proof that you don't need A-list stars or blockbuster budgets to craft an engaging drama. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in heart, creativity, and sheer watchability. It's the kind of show you start out of curiosity and finish with genuine affection.

When a divorcing couple is thrust into a fantasy novel mid-argument, they awaken in the demon-ridden Great Qian Realm: he's a condemned prisoner, she's a fallen empress. To survive, they must solve mystical crimes, navigate court intrigue, and confront the very real demons of their broken marriage. It shouldn't work this well—but it does.

I haven't watched Gao Hongkai or Wu Chunyi before, therefore I'm not familiar with their acting. As the story pulls me in, I realized how good these two unknown actors are. Wu Chunyi as Su Ningxue is a revelation. She balances imperial poise with modern vulnerability, conveying quiet strength without overplaying. Gao Hongkai as Lin Mo brings a grounded, weary pragmatism that makes his gradual emotional thaw feel earned. Their chemistry doesn’t rely on instant fireworks—after all, they’re already ex-spouses. What truly works is how they slowly rebuild their bond, unfolding with a quiet, natural warmth that feels deeply human rather than scripted. For a production relying on relatively unknown actors, the lead performances are not just competent—they're compelling.

At 24 episodes of roughly 15 minutes each, The Demon's Pursuit is engineered for modern viewing habits. There's no padding, no filler subplots stretching thin. Each episode advances either the mystery, the relationship, or both. It's easy to follow, easy to squeeze into a busy day, and easy to watch "just one more."

That said, the editing occasionally betrays the tight schedule. Transitions can feel abrupt, and a few emotional moments land slightly off-rhythm due to pacing choices. These aren't dealbreakers, but they're noticeable—especially if you're used to the polished flow of big-budget productions.

This drama doesn't pretend to be high art. It leans into its genre-blending chaos: one minute you're deciphering a cursed artifact, the next you're watching a quiet moment of reconciliation over a cup of tea. The "crazy logic" isn't a bug—it's a feature. It asks you to suspend disbelief, invest in the characters, and enjoy the ride.

And the ride is fun. The supernatural cases are inventive enough to hold interest. The romantic tension avoids melodrama by rooting itself in shared growth. The low-budget aesthetic, while visible (not too bad), doesn't distract from the core strengths: character and story.

For a low-budget production with relatively unknown actors, this is a surprisingly enjoyable gem. The acting—particularly from the two leads—exceeds expectations. The story, for all its chaotic fusion, holds your attention. And in an era of endless content, that's no small feat.

Watch if: You enjoy character-driven fantasy, don't mind bending logic for fun, and appreciate a rekindled romance that is both funny and sweet.

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Dream On

I took a long time between the first season of Only Friends and Only Friends: Dream On. The first season had my head spinning, so I need a little time to recoup. The story for Dream On was super predictable in a lot of areas, but then towards the end had me biting my nails and almost mad thinking it was going to end a certain way. I adore EarthMix and will watch basically anything with them in it. This performance of was definitely the spiciest they've had up to this point . AouBoom are also quickly becoming another favorite pair of mine and this series had an entirely different dynamic between the two of them than what we have seen so far. JossGawin are a cute couple and given how comfortable Gawin seems with whoever he is partnered with, I expect nothing less that brilliance from him. All three of our main couples delivered. Fluke's character was poorly written in my opinion. I didn't buy for a moment that anyone would have just continued to let him get away with his bs. It was nice to see Neo, Pod, and Mark make their appearances along with FirstKhaotung. Our plot got a bit messy in some areas, but overall this was a good series.

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The story

WOW!!!
For someone that usually goes for only romantic dramas I needed this.The FL is exactly my kind of charade. She is so brave the ways they depicted the story is just marvellous.A brave FL who stood up for herself and her family at such a young age,I resonate with her alot.It shows family struggles,the prejudice against women and young girls,and the way society in general treats women especially.Jingyi really outdid herself with this is.All I can say is watch it the first 4 episodes might be too slow and make you want to drop it but I promise it gets better.They could’ve added 2 extra episodes though

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Falls short....

I was actually excited for this one because of the premise of the story.

Unfortunately, I agree with one of the reviewers who gave it a 1.0. Her observations are very much the same as mine.
The FL supposedly travelled forward in time, and yet, the story failed to focus on her difficulties to adjust to a new time zone. Just 3 episodes in and she was almost completely settled in life in the future.

This alone was off putting for me. But if the producers chose not to focus much on this, then well, I will have to continue and see if the story will have any depth in the coming episodes.

The only good thing for me, is that the ML, is now being given the exposure after being a supporting cast for years.

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Enjoyable, low-stress rom-com

The one-liner: Falling into Your Smile is an enjoyable rom-com that is mostly low-stress and emotionally pleasant.

Pros: Both leads are enjoyable to watch. Xu Kai is a little predictable, playing the ML, Lu Si Cheng, as the same sort of 'cold, stoic, super-competent CEO' role that he has played in multiple dramas. Even though he's technically NOT a 'CEO' of a company in this drama, the type of character he plays is basically the same. Nothing new there and while that might seem a criticism, Xu Kai does play it well. Chang Xiao, as the FL, is a different sort. Her character is very reserved towards other characters, guarding her emotions carefully, though inwardly very sensitive. She only shows her emotions strongly to her best friend and, as their relationship grows, to Lu Si Cheng. Otherwise, she holds a straight face towards almost everyone else. This sets up the irony of her in-game call-name because while in real life, Tong Yao rarely smiles, in the game she is always Smiling. Among support characters, the FL's parents and the ML's mother are all wonderfully played in short appearances by veteran actors - especially both moms who each eat up the scenery when on screen. Alas, neither is on screen enough. The plot of the show is fairly straightforward, similar to any sports-competition type drama: The characters work together over a long season of ups & downs towards a goal of winning a championship, overcoming many different types of obstacles along the way. The competition portrayals are fun and exciting. The shift into 3d-animated portrayals of the game events is fun and exciting to watch.

Cons: The behavior of a lot of the supporting cast is cartoonish. The various e-sports gamers, despite mostly being young men in their mid-to-late 20s, are portrayed as having the maturity level of 5th graders. This is supposedly humorous but mostly looks insulting to real-world e-sports competitors who are mostly rational adults. The plot is, as I said, mostly fine, but does lean into the 'noble idiocy' drama trope in a few of the episodes and that's annoying. Also, the show writers commit two glaring ethical sins that really bothered me. Early in the drama, for drama effect, they have a character commit what is objectively a very serious criminal felony - striking someone from behind with a whisky bottle on the back of the head. The sin is that later, this is completely whitewashed and forgiven as if he had done nothing more than give someone a mild shove. Instead of the character being in prison, he is welcomed back to the team with open arms. This is absolutely ridiculous and could have easily been avoided by the writers. If they had simply had the character do nothing different _except_ simply push the guy hard, then everything else written in the show would still have worked without feeling like a whitewash. Then, later in the show, there is a scene where one of the competitors from one of the other teams, isolates Tong Yao in a hallway alone, physically restricts her and threatens her. She has no way to escape the situation other than to bite the guy on the wrist to break free. Later, instead of acknowledging her situation AND HER RIGHT TO DEFEND HERSELF, the writers have Lu Si Cheng scold her for freeing herself and insisting that the only right thing she should have done is to call for Cheng. He even locks her outside of the base for hours and hours as punishment. But this is ludicrous. Cheng simply was nowhere to be called to for help. Lu Si Cheng was completely in the wrong for demanding this behavior of her and for punishing her for 'doing something wrong'. Because she did not do anything wrong. This is victim-blaming and does not reflect well of the ethics and morality of the writers.

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