2nd time around
I just finished rewatching The Imperial Coroner to get ready for the newly released second season—and honestly, it reminded me why I enjoyed it so much the first time.The storyline is well written, and you can tell that, at the time of filming, the production team was still refining things like hair and makeup. It’s noticeable in places, but in a way that shows growth rather than distraction.
Set during the Tang Dynasty—which, I’ll admit, is one of my favorite eras (along with the Qing and Song)—the drama follows Chu Chu, a young woman who travels to the capital to take the coroner’s exam. She grew up hearing stories about a “handsome justice official” from the shaman in her hometown, which clearly shaped her dreams and determination.
What really makes Chu Chu stand out is her sharp mind and unique investigative ability—she can mentally reconstruct crime scenes as if she were either the victim or the murderer. That alone makes her character fascinating to watch. Her skills quickly catch the attention of the prince, especially when it’s discovered that she carries a pendant believed to belong to his father.
As the female lead (FL) and male lead (ML) work together to solve case after case, their partnership naturally grows stronger. The prince slowly falls in love with her—though, like many good slow-burn romances, he doesn’t fully realize it at first. Each case connects to a larger mystery, eventually revealing that his own tutor has been the mastermind behind everything.
The climax is especially satisfying—they use their wedding as a trap to lure him out and finally bring everything to an end. In the aftermath, Chu Chu is granted the title of Royal Coroner, and the emperor officially gives her and the prince the authority to continue solving cases together.
For me, this drama had a great balance—I laughed at times, felt emotional at others, and stayed engaged from beginning to end. The writers kept the plot moving in a way that never felt boring, and the director handled the pacing really well.
Overall, it’s a strong series, and I’m genuinely excited to start the second season. I just hope it lives up to how good the first one was.
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This review may contain spoilers
OG Ending is the Most Beautiful Pain
Just finished this and I love it! I'm glad I started it when I did instead of waiting. Contrary to popular opinions, I truly prefer the OG ending to the special episode one. The ending in the special episode was great, but I just feel like the main one ended beautifully. In my opinion, it's painful but bittersweet, and Duan Xu will definitely be back. Dilraba and Arthur make a truly powerful couple with unmatched chemistry. The visuals, cinematography, and storyline are absolutely stunning—perfect in every way.Was this review helpful to you?
LAUGHTER ROLLERCOASTER
The show was hilarious, emotional, and with good politics. The chemistry between the leads was amazing. FL did a great job convincing me she was a man at times; even I forgot that it’s a woman. I still don’t know how I feel about the ending, though it was bittersweet, but it’s the best they could’ve come up with.In short a must watch. 🧚✨
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Not much here
I tried to watch this drama several times, but sadly, I can't get over the lackluster acting and poor costumes (if you can call them that). Sets aren't much better.I like the story idea, but this drama was poorly executed, regardless of how you look at it.
In my opinion, acting across the board is so forced that it drives me crazy. Granted, I'm a bit biased as all dramas are compared to Joy of Life S1, which is a perfection IMO.
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Between the lines
This is my first review, despite having watched many TV series and films. I'm writing this not because this series is outstanding, but because it doesn't deserve such low rating. The series has many layers that aren't directly revealed to the viewer for the entire show. Slow pacing at times allows us to process hidden information/ story. It's important to read between the lines. That's why I think this is a drama that deserves a higher rating. It's different. The story unfolds before our eyes, but it requires us to look at the characters from different perspectives. There are not 100% evil or 100% good . They have different motives and hidden agendas. After watching, you might think there are many unanswered questions. But that's not true, everything is ultimately shown as it is. You simply have to analyze it to understand it. This series is raw, different, poetic, pure and dirty all at once. I recommend it to those who aren't afraid of intense scenes and want a break from standard dramas.Was this review helpful to you?
im glad i found you
It's probably one of the most realistic shows I've ever watched, if not the most realistic. Seeing Duang, I could see myself. He taught me the kind of lover I aspire to be, while Qin taught me the kind of lover that I deserve. The kind of love that exists between them is special and unwavering. Unshaken, they chose each other from the start until the end of the show. and it comforts me enough to know how much love they were able to show to us, and how much love is going to be left unseen by us, which would keep on going. This show genuinely improved the quality of my life. Thank you.Was this review helpful to you?
first thai bl [small spoilers]
im gonna say if i didn't watch this with oomf i would fall asleep between scenes. i know they want to marinate the scene but im too tired to let it marinate lol. storywise, its good. i love everything linking from past to present. THE LESBIANS WERE THE BEST PART OF THE SERIES. period. the acting is unserious at times but its fun to make fun of it looooool. my charnjet! I DID NOT EXPECT A SEX SCENE LIKEEEEEE what happened to kiss, hug and cuddle after confession. master and khem's trope is so bad. i hate it. I LOATHE HIM but character development (slight) lessen it. how can i call namping baby when hes 5'9 😭😭😭 but still baby ehe.Was this review helpful to you?
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Brotherhood, loyalty, family, love, karma! Enemies to lovers done absofudginglutely RIGHT!!
Warning - Several spoilers ahead!I started this drama without any expectations. I just came across a TikTok edit about strong FL in dramas, and Li Qin caught my attention, so I actually purchased a VIP membership on IQIYI to watch it. Boy, was that worth it!
This is such an underrated Gem! While reading about it, they say it got more popular months after it was released, which actually deserves more! I know the enemies-to-lovers trope has been a common theme in dramas, but this one definitely takes the cake!
I did have hesitations when I saw that CZ was the male lead here. Since reading the synopsis, it says ML is a so-called killer, ruthless general/first prince. I was like, how will a pretty-boy actually portray that one? Well, he honestly did a good job here. Although yes, he still is a pretty boy, but man can definitely command the screen every time he's in it! He did great even in his fight scenes, and yes, it actually makes you believe he is a ruthless killer, too! His stance, his walk, his aura scream Boss right there!
Let's talk about Li Qin as the red-clad female general Fu Yuxiao. Oh boy! or rather, oh girl! I have been watching Cdramas for a while now, and I can tell you this is definitely how you make a strong FL. Fu Yuxiao just hits ALL the check boxes right there. She is strong, capable, smart, and knows how to speak her mind. She even confessed first, and I was like, yes girl! Some say she looks "old" for this role, which I definitely disagree with, because I can't imagine any other actress who could be Fu Yuxiao. The character needs a mature, strong woman, and Li Qin is perfect for this one. I can go on and on about Fu Yuxiao, and I really want to thank the writer and director for creating this rare FL.
The chemistry! Another thing I loved about this drama is how both FL and ML respect each other. He lets her do her thing and just sends someone to watch her from afar, but not to the point where he always feels the need to protect her. Vice Versa, where she also lets him do his thing without interfering. But when they are together, especially during fight scenes, it is an amazing watch indeed! I love how she is always shown behind him, protecting him. I love her stance when holding that bow and arrow, ready to shoot at anyone who wants to hurt her man! How she is always behind him, protecting him. You are just rooting for this couple even before they realize their feelings for each other. How they went from trying to kill each other to being each other's most important person.
The brotherhood and loyalty! Even the side characters here are done right. How ML's right-hand men are perfectly loyal to him. Goosebumps during that scene in the final eps where Feng Battalion announced their support to him. How his men are willing to give their lives for their prince, and how the prince is also more than willing to give his life for his men! He always says he was displaced since he was a child, and his time in the Feng Battalion really made him realize what it means to have a family. Can I also say how well they wrote the siblings trope! Especially with the stepbrother. In other dramas, siblings fight each other to the death, betraying each other for the throne. But since this is our drama done right, I love how love and trust prevailed. I was initially scared that ChengYang might stray to the wrong path, but I'm glad they stuck to him being an amazing brother at the end. Even the three heroes of Jinxiu. I did get sad when Ning Fei and Yu Xiao had to k*ll Wei Ran in the end. He accepted his fate, knowing his loyalty to the prince was greater than his friendship.
The Villains! Oh boy. Our poor ML, who never gets a break. As soon as he gets his revenge, another problem arises and forces him to fight again. For this show, though, I understand some of the villain's point of view on why they had to do what they did. Except for Yao and Xia Jing Shi, who are just rotten people through and through. LOL. That final fight scene between Sui Ge and Jing Shi was definitely something! Pretty boy vs. pretty boy trying to kill each other, and I was like, Dang Yu Xiao, such a lucky girl! Every villain in this story got their karma, and it's a well-deserved ending for each of them.
Wheeew, Such a long review! I do have a lot more to say, since it's been a while since I've watched a drama this good, but for you reading this, I hope you give it a chance. Although I DID skip the scenes with Xiyang, the 2nd prince and the emperor of Jinxiu, as it's not my cup of tea. Overall, it's highly, highly recommended!!
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A Visually Rich Story that Combines Duty, Self-Discovery, and Love
This wasn’t for everyone, but it was for me.There are so many reasons why I enjoyed this. I loved the storyline—it captured my interest and delivered a romance I could really get behind. A lot of romance formulas don’t work for me (most of them actually), but I felt genuinely connected to this one. It was beautiful and engaging, and developed in a way that didn’t make me roll my eyes or lose interest. There were times in the middle where I wanted a bit more of the male lead’s early characterization—war driven and vengeful. Still, the narrative was balanced with other conflicts and subplots, so I wasn't too mad about the shift.
I also loved the darker themes, the underworld elements, and especially the strength of the female lead. Dilraba Dilmurat had kind of lost me over the course of her career, but this—and Love on the Turquoise Land—have brought me back. She portrayed her character exactly how I like my female leads: strong, powerful, decisive, and commanding. But I also appreciated the supporting cast too, even the shifty villains—some of whom found redemption, while others fell completely but still revealed a kind of moral line in the end.
And finally, the soundtrack. There weren’t many songs, but the main ones were perfect extensions of a world I loved watching. They complemented the scenes beautifully and really elevated the overall atmosphere. It was an easy escape for me. Overall, I loved this.
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Cute Storylines
at first in the beginning I was a bit sceptical and I couldn’t really relate to the characters an found 小哥 a bit annoying but once they became adults I started to really enjoy the story.小哥’s storyline lowkey hit me the hardest and the actress roommate which I never expected cause I lowkey found them the most annoying in the beginning.
I loved that the father got with his mother they’re honestly such a cute pair. I also like how we didn’t get hot romance but a softer version because it honestly would’ve been weird since they grew up together.
anyways I think the way the story wrapped up was super rushed but overall I really enjoyed this show.
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Really great
The best drama of pondphuwin, this drama deserve every success. Really great ... Humour , plot and overall everything perfectly written and characters played it very well...specially pondphuwin did an awesome job..everyone should watch this... This is the best 💕,.................................. I love this drama to the moon and back and thank you director who did this..great plot and one of the best BL dramas in Gmmtv ....Was this review helpful to you?
“Do I have an open invitation saying, ‘use me’?”
Yes, Lu Wanwan, you fucking do.Anyway, just finished a drama about a robot and an idiot apparently falling in love or something like that.
For this drama to not have been painful, it needed to be 12 episodes, 15 max (and I’ll kick my own ass for saying this cause I hate the shortening of tv shows more than anything). You know he likes her from the beginning but because they needed to stretch the story to fit 24 eps., he never tells her and it repeatedly becomes a source of conflict.
We have the same misunderstandings - the same arguments, over and over and over and over and over
I never want to see a character like this FL on my screen again. Someone would spit in her face, and she’d turn the other cheek for them to spit on the other side. No self-preservation whatsoever
They should take their poster child for a “virtuous woman” and shove her in a closet somewhere idc
She thinks smiling big is a personality trait.
Just a bag of helplessness in a human suit, paired with Mr. Robot. Completely unwatchable
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Despite FL keeping secrets, not being able to share the full story, and constantly appearing suspicious, ML was discerning and perceptive and judged her actions based on what he had seen of her true character "beyond" her appearance, so to speak. I just love an ML who is fully on FL's side, believes her, gives her the benefit of the doubt, supports her, etc. In this situation, so much of the deck was stacked against FL, and having ML in her corner literally saved her life. The way the show portrayed their relationship in the past and present is so beautifully done.
His razor-sharp attention to detail, patience, kindness and loyalty to her was so sweet and captivating, and they had really amazing chemistry. I love how intimidating he portrayed his character as, just as I loved how she portrayed her character as reserved and demure, slowly gaining confidence. Their devotion to each other and feelings for each other were conveyed so beautifully. He knew he wanted her and went for her! And thank goodness because nothing ever would've happened otherwise, lol. I loved the slowburn romance (well, as slow as it can get in a mini) and the scene where she finally confessed all was so sweet.
Highly recommend as a gem among minis. Great for binging!
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Absolutely Love this drama, and especially TIAN JIA RUI !!!
I’ll be honest—I started watching Fangs of Fortune purely because of Tian Jia Rui, and I have zero regrets. He completely stole the spotlight for me. His screen presence is magnetic, and every scene he’s in feels elevated. Beyond just being incredibly attractive, he brings a certain intensity and charm that makes his character impossible to ignore.This is only his second drama, but his acting is mind-blowing. He nailed the role with such talent and confidence that it’s hard to believe he’s still early in his career. I love him so much—he’s truly gifted and has the potential to become one of the standout stars of his generation.
The drama itself has its ups and downs, but Tian Jia Rui is the reason I kept hitting “next episode.” His expressions, the way he carries himself, and the subtle emotions he conveys make him the highlight of the entire show. Even when the plot slowed down, his performance kept me invested.
If you’re considering watching Fangs of Fortune, I’d say do it for Tian Jia Rui. He’s hot, charismatic, and absolutely worth the watch.
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If you give it a chance you'll enjoy the show.
A totally worth while drama to watch,i binge watched 11 episodes at a go and in a few days watched the last episode.Mark and Junior are an adorable pair, because i did not watch P10L and dropped Revamp.I did not have much to say about them in terms of acting but they really did well in this project.Mark projected his emotions so well in the scene where the wedding hall was a mess,i pitied him very much.I do hope they get to star in more projects because they are amazing actors their jokes landed and their reactions to situations was hilarious,Mark's reaction to the gecko situation was hilarious and Junior's reaction while pumping the balloon when he heard Kuea was coming with North cracked me up.It had been a while since i watched Ohm acting, after Between us i tried watching 369 but dropped it and wasn't keen on his projects.As for Poon we can see his growth he is kinda mature-ish and still got the mischievous vibe with him.I got the feeling he was leading Ohm in most of the scenes and was comfortable with him despite them being somewhat a new pairing.The wardrobe/costume for the main leads was AMAZING, their first wedding outfit was top tier.The locations were amazing too... Also is it because I watched it in a streaming site that i missed the ads that are normally shown in the YouTube episodes because i wondered where the 'usual' sponsors were from Lactosay,canon,the tea drink and cake there wasn't any food or drink sponsors in the scenes,why was that?
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