1Countdown that fizzled out . . .
Was the mutual pining/yearning great? Yes! Did the flashes through time and tracking of days/the date add a unique element to the drama? Undoubtedly. It felt painfully nostalgic and sincere. Like a private school scrap-book.However—a big however—one character did the majority of the heavy lifting, emotionally speaking. One character put themself out there, opened up, and took steps forward for the relationship: Minato.
At first, Wataru's hesitancy to cross the line of friendship was relatable. Change is scary. A start risks an end. But refusing to acknowledge what's there . . . Doesn't make it disappear. And delaying can cause others pain: It did here.
And while Minato was self-sacrificing, pushing his feelings down for Wataru's sake, taking time to sit with himself and try to see a way forward . . .
Wataru leaned on his cowardice like a faithful crutch. Practically moping around in self-pity before he finally got it together.
It made the romance feel so unfairly one-sided and unearned once the "yes" finally came.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I Wish People, Who Are Opposed to the “Subject Matter,” Would Watch
This is a beautiful story about a boy born in the wrong body and the doctor, who wanted to offer this person a better life.No matter what you think about the subject, if you would watch this with an open mind and heart, you might understand what transgender people go through and the hardships they face. If you watch this, you might gain some insight and some empathy.
This movie is a delicately-told story of one young person facing uncertainty and the unknown, but with the hope and willingness to do anything to be who they always knew they were, and hoped they could be.
I admit, I’m more than a little surprised this came out of Japan, but it goes to show this story is, truly universal.
The fact is Japan is a highly conservative society, where most people, especially, older people, know nothing about this subject.
It makes it more difficult for gay & transgender people, overall, because they have no rights, can’t adopt, and, I guess, surrogacy’s not an option, either. This all makes it more stressful and difficult for the LGBT community.
But, this film is a gem, which may open a few eyes—hopefully, not only in Japan, because there are closed-minded people everywhere.
We can only hope.
PS All the actors were excellent, but Mochizuki Haruki, as Ai, was stupendous! And he’s only 18 years old!!! Incredible!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
POJ is the best drama 2026
This is the first time I m watching very good drama with good quality. The cinematography top tier, the story good, the cast very good, supporting role very good. And the most important thing is Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei Chemistry is damn so good. Their acting skill also very insane. Specially Tian Xiwei as Fan Changyu she act with heart. I can feel everything from her acting. When she happy I m happy, when she sad I also sad and when she cries I also cries. And her action skill also very good. I hope Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei Will meet again in another project, this couple is very amazing.Was this review helpful to you?
FL lwk Weak, Annoying, and Repetitive while ML Suffers and Endures Almost Everything
Rant: OH MY DAYS. I’VE TRIED TO WATCH WITHOUT GETTING MAD. I STOPPED WATCHING AFTER 10 EPS. I TRIED TO GIVE THIS DRAMA A CHANCE, BUT THERE’S BEEN TOO MANY TIMES I DROPPED IT AND PICKED IT BACK UP.Some positives:
Casting, Ost, and acting is amazing. I love it. I like the storyline and the idea of it. Majority of the characters are very well written. Set is beautiful as always. Visually a stunner!
First of all , the idea of the script writer helping her basically makes her immortal. When Nan Heng tries to harm her, she’s safe bcs thats the “rules” so absurd in my opinion. There’s no brains in this story, all about rules, script, fate. This repeated until like the last 10 eps. My main issue with this drama is the female lead. She uses her full brain 0.25 of the times. She’s arrogant not open minded at all. Every time something out of her plan occurs, she believes it’s fate. Because of her stupid belief is why the drama is 40 eps long. I’m not watching this ever again. Maybe for u, definitely not for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
Life is both Bitter and Sweet...just like this drama
On Viki, this drama is called Thirty but Seventeen. Most of the drama is not about teenagers. I like my drama's spicy and I have no shame in admitting that, but every great once in awhile, I want a drama that makes me cry at how hard life can be, lift me up and remind me that everyone goes through tough times and somehow makes it through. The angst is not because of romance, ( although there is romance), but because life can be filled with trauma, such as death of a beloved friend, abandonment, or or long term PTSD....all kinds of heartbreaking things. Even though I cried plenty of tears, this drama is also warm, healing, sweet, joyful and heart moving. Sometimes pain is too hard to bear and it's easier to escape - literally or figuratively. This was an awesome drama that was filled with intrigue, forgiveness, courage to face the hard times, happiness, family, and love. I do recommend it, but bring a box of tissues.Was this review helpful to you?
Too late to appreciate love
The storyline is beautifully written, with a strong emotional core that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. However, one thing that felt lacking was the development of the two sisters. Their story was rushed—given barely ten minutes—while the rest of the drama focused almost entirely on the relationship between the female lead and male lead. It left me wanting a deeper understanding of their role and significance.The female lead, Li Er, is a Chu shaman who falls in love with Prince Jiang Yi Han. Her gift is both powerful and tragic—she is only allowed to use it three times in her life. She uses it twice to save him, knowing each time comes with a cost.
Then comes the moment that truly tests her heart.
On the day of Jiang Yi Han’s wedding to another woman, he seeks Li Er out once again—this time begging her to perform the final “Dance of the God” to save his new wife. He claims he still loves Li Er and that the marriage was only out of duty, but by then, his words feel heavy with contradiction. Love, when spoken too late, begins to sound like regret.
Li Er is forced to make an impossible choice. She has already sacrificed so much for him—so what is left of her to give?
After performing the final dance, she learns the truth: she will not die… but instead lose all memory of him within ten days. A crueler fate, in some ways. To live on, but without the one person who shaped your heart.
Only then does Jiang Yi Han fully understand the price she has paid.
By the time realization hits him, he has just seven days left to live. And in those final days, he clings to her—trying desperately to hold onto a love that is slipping through both their hands. Each morning, she wakes without knowing him, relying only on the notes she leaves behind, fragments of a love she can no longer feel.
Before his death, he makes one last promise—to light up the city with fireworks.
On the seventh day, knowing his end is near, he asks her to stay with him until midnight… and she does.
The ending felt a bit messy and could have been handled more clearly, but emotionally, it still lands. For me, despite its flaws, it was worth it. The kind of story that lingers—not because it was perfect, but because it made you feel something deep and lasting.
Was this review helpful to you?
Maid to wife
The female lead is a doctor from the modern world who suddenly finds herself inside a novel—reborn as a lowly maid serving the marquis’s wife. But this isn’t just any story to her… it’s one she already knows. And in that story, her character is destined to be abused and ultimately killed.Unwilling to accept such a cruel fate, she makes a quiet but firm decision: she will rewrite her ending. No longer a background character waiting to be discarded, she begins to take control of her life—and slowly, her place in the story itself.
The male lead, the marquis, is a deeply passionate man who has devoted his heart entirely to his wife, his childhood sweetheart. He once made a solemn pledge—to love only her and never take another woman.
But fate has a way of bending even the strongest promises.
While the female lead is tending to the wife after an intimate encounter with the marquis, he notices her for the first time. There’s something about her that catches his attention. When he asks her name, he finds it unappealing—and, in a subtle but symbolic act of possession, gives her a new one: Wan’er.
From that moment on, the balance begins to shift.
What starts as a passing curiosity slowly grows into something far more complicated. The connection between Wan’er and the marquis deepens, evolving into a relationship neither of them had planned. His loyalty is tested, her ambitions sharpen, and the lines between fate and choice begin to blur.
In the end, the maid who was meant to be forgotten rises—step by step—until she stands at the center of the story… not as a victim, but as the new leading woman.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Cute story idea that was missing something
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.Overall, this was a cute series. Unfortunately, the execution was not the greatest.
The positive: All of the characters were very likable which kept me watching. I also like the supportive group and family dynamics. This also had beautiful cinematography.
The negative: The main problem was the pacing. I love slow burner romances, but the script stretched it out too thin. This made the storyline drag on longer than it needed to. However, I did like the last episode (episode 10) and the after story (episode 11).
The in-between: The acting from the main leads was good.
Random Note:
This easily could have been a 6- to 8-episode series.
Episodes 1 – 10 is the actual series, episode 11 (After Story) is a special episode.
This is one of those series you should give a try, especially now all of the episodes are out. However, you can wait to watch it when you’re in between series.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
This does have a happy ending.
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall concept is fun
I would have watched until the end but I couldn't find the rest of the episodes with english subtitles. Also Francis Ng was lowkey so funny with his exaggerated expressions and eye rolls. The fat short dude was annoying asf because why are we yelling?! Xu Ruohan really popped out with her amazing acting skillsWas this review helpful to you?
This is definitely a slow burn romance
I enjoyed this drama, but because I liked the ML so much I really wanted more skin ship. They took a while to get together, but it was not too tiring. Her parents were wonderful and his grandfather was a pleasure.There were no screaming in-laws...only two episodes with a difficult ex...so quite enjoyable in that regard.
No one cheated or slapped someone in the face...a slice of life drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Surprisingly strong hshort
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It feels more like a proper drama than an hshort. It was a pretty quick watch but they still managed to flesh out a few characters with depth and interesting characterization.The main lead is a strong person with agency and competence. She is intelligent and is proactive -- she isn't waiting to be victimized by the usual villain shenanigans.
Many of the plotlines have an impressive amount of complexity, characters are not flat and sometimes a villain isn't just evil, and has room for growth. Even with some "redemption" it never feels too easy -- there is still accountability for people who do bad things. But they aren't just written off either.
All around, glad I watched it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A secret gem
The storyline is well developed, the scenes are beautiful, and the actresses take their roles very seriously. I especially liked the characters Tarn and Vicky they are complete opposites at first, but despite their differences, they eventually grow closer.I also really enjoyed the police aspect of the series, and the action scenes are well executed.
The only thing that bothered me was the part where Tarn is drugged and Vicky still sleeps with her. I don’t think it’s appropriate to show something like that.
I also really liked Tarn’s friends they’re very endearing. Vicky also deserved a stronger group of friends. She does have one friend, but that relationship isn’t as memorable or well developed.
Despite that, I would still recommend the series, even if it does feel a bit like cop propaganda.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Insane Performance By Both Leads
** SPOILER HEAVY REVIEWDespite the premise of this story being wildly messed up, this is actually my favorite drama from either lead respectively. The story of a suppressed, abused young girl being forced into a business marriage with another family member being used as leverage/held hostage is so overused but this story did it right, in my own opinion. The FL delivers such a strong range of worry, panic, sadness, and overall exhaustion from the situation she's forced into. At the same time, the ML is just handsome, deranged and overall wild in such a way that's unapologetic and straight-forward. From start to finish, he really only cares for the FL and those who are loyal to him, disregarding the 2FL's obsession with him and basically dragging his entire family down at every turn. This was that story that really cemented Yu Yin & Chen Si as two of my top favorite short drama talents from the very beginning. 10/10 recommend to romance fans.
Was this review helpful to you?
"A cozy place to stay"
There is no denying Black Tavern’s similarity to King Hu’s Dragon Inn (1967), but there were enough differences for Shaw Brothers’ inn at the end of civilization to carve out a bloody spot of its own.A wandering monk sings a tale of an official carrying a trunk filled with treasure cultivated from a lifetime of bribes. Ears perk up in the tavern with everyone making a hasty exit to find said official. Eventually, the criminal element condenses upon the remote Black Tavern on a snowy night, coming in waves. The first to arrive is Zheng Shou Shan aka The Whipmaster and his disciples. A “hero” named Zha Xiao Yu who saved Zheng and his crew on the road asks to be cut in on the deal for the price of his sword. Soon the swords and whips are flying as the thieves descend upon the tavern. Official Hai with his trunk of treasures seeks shelter from the storm at the inn on his way to retirement which only increases the feeding frenzy among the murderous lot. A mysterious swordswoman appears who could change the balance of life and death.
Ku Feng dominated this film with his lethal whip, a surprising star turn for the hard-working actor. He's one of my favorite supporting actors, but here he stole the show. Tung Li was the dashing swordsman who always seemed to materialize when needed. I squealed a little bit when I realized that Shih Szu was the swordswoman with a connection to The Lady Hermit. This time Wang Hsieh was already dead when she arrived on scene. Her screen time was rather limited but she was in the final fight. Dean Shek sang many of his lines as the annoying, I mean wandering monk. He had a rather important part to play in the final outcome. Numerous familiar faces popped up trying to steal the treasure and then were as quickly dispatched. Wu Ma and his Five Ghosts of Xiang Xi, which included Yuen Wah, pretended to be hopping vampires. Was hoping for the real thing, that would have made this film perfect! Jackie Chan was briefly on screen as Official Hai’s servant who was killed just before the hour mark if you are trying to spot him. Stuntmen Mars and Little Unicorn also had time on screen.
Simon Chui and Chui Chung Hok designed brutal fights with a variety of weapons. Nearly every inch of the inn and courtyard were decimated as the fighters used whatever was around them to fight with or defend themselves with. Nothing felt repetitive as the different groups of villains remorselessly attacked. The big finale was vicious and creative. Ku Feng was relentless with his whip and physical onslaught. Did I mention, I really enjoyed his performance?
No evil eunuch or army threatened anyone. This time it was just wave after wave of crooks attempting to make their fortune off someone else’s misfortune. I must say that Official Hai was nonplussed at having to walk around the bodies to enter the inn. With every passing moment they stacked higher, disappeared and more bodies hit the ground to take their place. The atmosphere wasn’t as claustrophobic as Dragon Inn, but the fights were exciting and nearly nonstop. I’ve learned from watching these films that it’s important to avoid inns on the edge of nowhere. And if you must eat there, always order the vegetarian platter. I graded on a curve as I do with all of these old martial arts films.
23 March 2026
Trigger warnings: Several decapitations, disarming scenes, severed body parts, eyes pulled out, cannibalism.
Was this review helpful to you?
