Reviews

OBSESSED!!!

This is the first drama this summer that had me in a real chokehold. The chemistry between the lead actors Zhou Keyu and Bao Shangen is absolutely electric, from their easy banter when they start (and re-start) as enemies, to the literal diabetes they exude during their sweet moments, to the heartbreak they convey when circumstances drive them apart. THE YEARNING is 100000/100 in this one.

From their youth to adulthood there was never a moment I felt bored of their relationship and I felt that every plot device served to show us just how significant, impactful, and "destined" their love was. I truly believed they were made for each other. Often times I find it problematic when youthful (high school) love is portrayed so all-consuming that they'd willingly throw away their lives for each other (because it's just not realistic). I also would not think that someone can't possibly move on after a 10 year gap. But in this show, it not only makes sense, you can truly feel the magnitude of what they feel for each other. Zhou Keyu and Bao Shangen did an incredible job of bringing life to these characters.

Though the plot elements in the 2026 timeline could make a littleeeee more sense, i appreciated that they served to quickly bring our two leads back together (they know what we want hihihi).

Bottom line is, I'm OBSESSED. Never-ending summer has completely taken over my algorithm on all platforms and I'm not mad about it.

This is your sign to WATCH IT NOW! (and have tissues ready)

Leia Mais

10/10 | Loved This Drama and Suggest You Watch It

10/10 | Loved This Drama and Suggest You Watch It
I love this melodrama and suggest that anyone who wants to watch it do so without reservation. I have watched this series several times on this platform and on other platforms and have reached the same conclusion: It is a well written romantic story.
The love story between the two main characters was sensitively and realistically portrayed by two veteran actors:
Jinyan Wu and Xuxiye Liu. The fact that he was a warring general was secondary to their love story. They were enemies who would become selfless friends, confidants and finally lovers. I cried many times throughout the series and do not doubt that several of you will do the same. Their love was idealistic, but very touching. Women wish for a man who would love them as the prince loved his woman. This series had Eternal Love vibes and thus was, in my opinion, a beautiful drama.
Kudos to everyone involved in this great production. My recommendation: Watch for yourself and draw your own conclusions; I will definitely watch it again.

Leia Mais

1/10 A Beautiful Production Undone by Its Own Story

1/10 A Beautiful Production Undone by Its Own Story

This drama had all the ingredients to become a memorable historical epic: gorgeous cinematography, impressive costumes, strong performances, and an emotionally charged premise. Unfortunately, the writing completely undermines everything it builds. As the story progresses, the characters begin making decisions that feel inconsistent with their motivations, making the final stretch more frustrating than tragic.

The biggest problem is that the emotional conflicts rely on choices that simply don’t feel believable. Characters abandon their own values, friendships, and responsibilities in ways that seem forced solely to create drama. Instead of delivering a satisfying conclusion, the ending raises more questions than answers, leaving important character arcs feeling incomplete and emotionally hollow.

It’s especially disappointing because the production quality remains consistently excellent throughout. The cast does everything they can with the material, but even great performances can’t fix a narrative that loses its internal logic. Rather than feeling moved, I was left wondering why so many events unfolded the way they did.

Despite its visual beauty and ambitious scope, the weak storytelling ultimately overshadows its strengths. A frustrating experience that never fulfills the promise of its first episodes. Sadly, this is an easy 1/10.

Leia Mais

More like love at first sight

Thai gls are starting to lose me. Most of the shows I see only exist to show the lead actresses' chemistry and not to tell a story.
The show is named enemies with benefits, the pilot trailer and the official trailer all alluded to the leads being enemies with benefits but they were nothing like that. This is more of a love at first sight/one-night-stand thing cause both Lal and Wine instantly like each other and act married immediately. They were not even enemies, Wine was just strict.
I went in expecting banter, them hating each other yet being drawn to each other, navigating personal and professional boundaries etc.......I got nothing. They don't even do justice to the thai title 'Lal doesn't like Wine' cause Lal is the one who is 100% into Wine from the beginning. Their back and forth in the initial episode was good and I was so sad it died down.
The dynamics are also lowkey boring, it feels very similar to 'hello is this luck'
The stars are for the last half of the show and Wine's characterization. Wine was a good character, all of her fears and her experiences making her the person she is today and her awareness of herself were all great.
Jan and Jinging were great even though they didn't have much to work with. Most of the show was just them being lovey dovey with each other. KapookCize were just there but its good to finally see them as a solid pair. The side characters were good too, actually felt like a found family.
Osts were amazing. I wish they put more effort into styling cause I feel like we were supposed to feel a change in Wine physically after she starts dating Lal but we can't see that cause the styling is so basic. Lal's hair colour changing every episode was pissing me off.
I like stories in the same universe so I will be seated for bake love feeling.

Leia Mais

Are they being serious ?

My review isn't going to be very positive because... how do you have FreenBecky in your cast and still end up with such a boring series?

I honestly felt like the characters didn't make much sense together, and I never really connected with their relationships. The only truly interesting part of the series is the villain. The performance is excellent, and the character has real depth and complexity.

As for the romance between the Princess and Vayo... I was just bored. It genuinely surprised me because I expected so much more. Their love story never managed to pull me in, and I found myself losing interest instead of getting emotionally invested.

Leia Mais

Where are the enemies ? but the benefits is there

I really enjoyed this series. I think it's a great adaptation of the novel. One thing I especially liked was that they gave both Lal and Wine assistants. In the novel, they're not surrounded by as many people, so I thought that was a nice addition. I just wish we had seen more of Lal's best friend because I really liked that character.

I also loved Lal and Wine's personalities. They're completely different, yet they're still naturally drawn to each other, and I think that contrast works really well.

That said, I wish there had been more romantic and sexual tension between them. Everything moved way too fast for my taste. From episode one, it already felt like they were a couple, even though they're supposed to be friends with benefits. I really missed the slow build-up that would have made their relationship even more satisfying. Still, their chemistry is cute, and the series fully embraces the classic romantic comedy clichés.

I also appreciated that the show addressed topics like workplace sexual harassment, consent during sexual relationships, and the professional attitude expected in a corporate environment. Those themes added more depth than I expected.

My favorite part was definitely Lal and Wine's relationship. They communicate well, respect each other, and have a genuinely healthy dynamic.

On the other hand, the second couple was completely sidelined. Their development came far too late, even though I think they had the potential to be just as interesting.

Overall, it's a fun series that keeps you entertained while also making you think about some important topics. For that reason, I'd definitely recommend it.

Leia Mais

10/10 Top-notch quality triumphs over smear campaigns

10/10 Top-notch quality triumphs over smear campaigns
This drama is top entertainment. It has comedy, mystery, action, romance, politics, fantasy, spiritual cultivation, brotherhood and family love. All of these elements are fused together in a delightful story of a young, intelligent, hardworking and high-EQ sales manager Yang Ling (Dylan Wang), who finds himself in the ancient kingdom of Dafeng, inhabiting the persona of an orphan named Xu Qi An. Using his modern knowledge to solve cases, he rises from a lowly constable job to a position in a prestigious group called the Guardians. He even gains the fancy of a royal princess played by Tian Xi Wei.
Weeks before this drama aired, paid trolls on Chinese social media started maligning it and the main lead. Why? Because in the dirty and corrupt Chinese Entertainment industry, bullies don't want a grassroots-backed actor like Dylan Wang, who didn't come from money and doesn't have powerful backers, taking projects away from power-backed actors, especially the highly coveted role of the main character of a hugely popular novel on which the drama was based.
Due to the popularity of Dylan and the novel, GOTD still topped domestic viewership charts despite the smear campaigns. However, some charts susceptible to the effects of slanderous post and shadow-banning could not escape the multi-million rmb worth of smear campaign.
Nevertheless, the drama gained solid footing after more and more viewers realized its first-rate quality. What impressed many viewers most was the phenomenal acting Dylan Wang brought to the table. This drama proved his acting talent that his bullies keep trying hard to undermine.
It is hoped that drama viewers have been made aware of the prevalence of smear campaigns in social media and will not be so easily swayed by negative press about artists and dramas in the future.

Leia Mais

Blurring the lines between love and obsession

Double Helix is one of the best character-driven dramas out there. It is nothing but a beautifully written story about flawed people, forgiveness, and love that feels genuinely earned. Lu Feng and Yi Chen have incredible chemistry, and Ayden's acting truly brought the story to life. 🥹

For those calling it "garbage": at least finish the series first. It's completely fine if it isn't your taste, but judging it before seeing the whole story means giving up on something realistic and grounded enough to make you feel every emotion. 🙂‍↕️

Kudos to the entire team for giving us this lovely series! 🎉

(P.S. It was actually a traumatising series... but "lovely" because of all the beautiful moments between Lu Feng and Yi Chen. 🤧♥️)

Leia Mais

complete 10/10

this k drama blew me away. the characters’ chemistry, the storyline, the acting. it was all fantastic honestly… the main characters chemistry was so enchanting… you could FEEL the heartbreak and love and sacrifice that the main characters felt. you want justice for everyone who’s been wronged and the storyline has such a great pace. they don’t fall in love too early, then you’re left with 6 episodes of tying up the story. there were so many plot twists to keep you guessing. and then you finish it all up with a nice bow. no loose ends that I can think of. my first 10/10 and I’ll stick by that.

Leia Mais

Univers captivant

S'il y avait bien une série que j'attendais de pieds ferme cette année, c'est bien The Nanyang mystery et la saison 2 de the mystic nine et ce retour fut captivant dans un univers que j'aime toujours autant.
Il y a des séries que l'on découvre avec curiosité, et d'autres que l'on retrouve avec le plaisir de revenir dans un univers familier. Nanyang Mystery appartient clairement à la seconde catégorie. En tant que fan de cette saga depuis ses débuts, il était presque inévitable que cette nouvelle série trouve un écho particulier chez moi. Et pourtant, au-delà de mon attachement à la franchise, elle a réussi à me séduire par ses propres qualités.
L'une des grandes forces de ce drama réside dans son atmosphère unique. Dès les premiers épisodes, on retrouve ce mélange si particulier d'enquêtes, de folklore, de croyances populaires et de mystères surnaturels qui fait toute l'identité de la saga. La série nous plonge dans un Nanyang fascinant, où les légendes, les traditions et les secrets du passé se mêlent à des affaires parfois inquiétantes, parfois tragiques, mais toujours intrigantes.
Chaque enquête possède sa propre identité et parvient à maintenir notre intérêt. Même lorsque l'on pense avoir compris les tenants et aboutissants d'une affaire, le scénario trouve souvent un moyen de surprendre ou d'apporter une nouvelle perspective. C'est ce sens du mystère qui rend le visionnage particulièrement addictif.
J'ai également beaucoup apprécié la manière dont la série exploite son cadre historique et culturel. Là où de nombreuses productions policières pourraient se contenter d'une succession d'enquêtes, Nanyang Mystery utilise son environnement comme un véritable personnage à part entière. Les croyances locales, les communautés, les tensions sociales et les récits populaires enrichissent constamment les intrigues et leur donnent une saveur que l'on retrouve rarement ailleurs.
L'autre raison pour laquelle j'ai autant aimé cette série est sans doute liée à mon affection pour l'ensemble de la franchise. Retrouver cet univers procure une forme de confort, mais aussi une certaine excitation. On sait ce que l'on vient chercher, tout en espérant être surpris. Heureusement, la série réussit à trouver cet équilibre délicat entre respect de l'identité de la saga et renouvellement des intrigues.
Mais au-delà des mystères et des légendes, ce qui m'a le plus marqué reste sans doute le couple principal et là je ne vais pas forcément être du même avis que la majorité.
Ce qui élève véritablement Nanyang Mysteries au-dessus du simple drama d'enquête, c'est la relation entre les deux protagonistes. Leur dynamique apporte une chaleur et une humanité essentielles à un univers parfois sombre et inquiétant.
Loin d'être une romance artificielle ajoutée pour satisfaire les spectateurs, leur relation s'intègre naturellement à l'intrigue. Les moments qu'ils partagent permettent de respirer entre deux enquêtes, mais ils servent aussi à approfondir les personnages. On les voit évoluer ensemble, se soutenir face aux difficultés et développer une confiance mutuelle qui devient progressivement l'un des piliers de la série.
Leur alchimie est particulièrement réussie parce qu'elle repose sur les regards, les gestes et les non-dits autant que sur les déclarations. Cette subtilité rend leurs interactions extrêmement agréables à suivre. Même lors des épisodes centrés sur les enquêtes, on attend avec impatience leurs scènes communes tant elles apportent une dimension émotionnelle supplémentaire au récit, mais pour moi ce n'est pas une romance mais une bromance.
Leur relation s'est construite dès leur enfance et leur rencontre à l'orphelinat. Pour moi ils ont une relation fraternelle extrêmement forte et je n'ai rien vu de romantique. En tous cas comme dans killer and healer (par exemple)
J'ai également apprécié le fait que chacun conserve sa propre personnalité et son propre rôle dans l'histoire. Aucun des deux personnages ne se résume à être simplement l'intérêt amoureux de l'autre. Ils existent individuellement tout en se complétant parfaitement. C'est ce qui donne autant de crédibilité et de charme à leur relation.
Au final, Nanyang Mystery confirme tout ce que j'aime dans cette franchise. Les mystères sont prenants, l'univers est toujours aussi riche et l'atmosphère demeure unique. Mais ce sont les personnages, et particulièrement le couple principal, qui ont donné à cette saison une saveur particulière. Leur relation apporte du cœur à une série déjà solide sur le plan narratif et transforme plusieurs scènes en moments véritablement mémorables.
Si j'ai autant aimé cette série, c'est évidemment parce que je suis attaché à la saga depuis longtemps. Mais c'est aussi parce qu'elle a su aller au-delà de ses enquêtes pour raconter une histoire profondément humaine. Et dans cette réussite, le couple principal joue un rôle absolument essentiel.
Au final, Nanyang Mystery est exactement ce que j'espérais retrouver en replongeant dans cette saga : du mystère, une atmosphère singulière, des enquêtes captivantes et cette identité culturelle si particulière qui fait tout son charme. Mon enthousiasme n'est certainement pas étranger à mon affection pour la franchise, mais il serait injuste de réduire mon appréciation à la seule nostalgie. La série possède suffisamment de qualités pour convaincre par elle-même.
Pour les fans de la saga, c'est un rendez-vous incontournable. Pour les autres, c'est une excellente porte d'entrée vers un univers où le mystère se nourrit autant des enquêtes que des légendes. Une très belle réussite qui confirme une nouvelle fois pourquoi cette franchise continue de me passionner.

Leia Mais

10/10 An entertaining roller coaster of a series with mesmerizing leads!

10/10 An entertaining roller coaster of a series with mesmerizing leads!
This series has everything-two dynamic leads with earthshaking chemistry, super nasty villains, slapstick comedy, melodrama, murders, detective work including primitive CSI, fantasy ninja moves, ghosts, really lousy CGI, AND a couple of kitchen sinks.
Seriously, you have to accept this show with an open mind, and just enjoy the ride. The show reminds me of some of the episodic films from Hollywood in the 1930s. It also has some similarities to a picaresque novel; the central characters journey here and there, having adventures along the way and meeting odd and memorable characters. The special effects are hysterically crude but I enjoyed laughing at them.
Is it perfect? Nah. But it is entertaining, keeps your interest for its thousand episodes, and has a satisfying conclusion, albeit feels a little rushed.
I honestly don't understand folks carping about Seven Tan's appearance and/or performance. I find her delightful to watch-l've watched several of her shows, and she's always compelling. Her energy and skill bring out the best from her fellow actors. Yes, she has a pert nose, but it goes with her face. She has a comic's classic face-she can appear homely in one scene (like when she's puckering up to Allen Ren on that roof) or very lovely (when she's dressed up for the beauty contest).
I liked Allen Ren in this show very much. I find his other dramas stupid or boring or just so so-so. He is gorgeous in this role with pretty costumes, and I like him better a little beefier as he is here. He has great chemistry with Seven Tan, and I could watch him watching her for a long long time.

Leia Mais

10/10 Absolutely beautiful, nothing can compare

10/10 Absolutely beautiful, nothing can compare
I'm gonna say it right off the bat: this was the best show of
2019. My family and I have watched it many, many times (to the point where I really believe I will puke if this is mentioned again), and it has never ever delivered anything else but surprise, laughs, and approving nods. In other words: it's a good show. My favorite character must be Fan Sizhe, who's name is Versace in Chinese. His actor (Guo Qilin) shocked me with how well versed he seemed in his role. And Fan Xian. Oh, let's not forget the MC. He really acts like what I would act like if I ever transmigrated into a world like that.
On top of all that, the political intrigue, oh god, the political intrigue. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT, believe it or not. And good thing is, the intrigue MAKES SENSE, unlike some other dramas (I don't wanna talk about them). Aaaand, there's the angst. When Teng Zijing died, I was really trying not to cry.
Anyway, let's not talk about that. The story flow was magnificent and logical, with some comedy peppered in here and there. A good mix, if you ask me. The action scenes were very nicely done, and most of all the props and clothing. They were BEAUTIFUL. Incomparable. So overall, this series is really, really good, absolutely binge-worthy, so now, go and watch it!

Leia Mais

Glory to God in letting us live our truth

July 6, 2026

Ticket to Heaven is a masterpiece. I am beyond amazed and in awe of this series, as someone who is also in the same boat as Barth and Tanrak being Catholic yet gay, it truly speaks to my soul just watching this series. It is written so lovely and well, and the 6 episodes run time just makes sense. I totally get and understand both Barth and Tanrak, and seeing how they live in their truth is just a hopeful and positive message to everyone who is kinda in the similar boat. I truly think that there are a lot of aspects about our interdisciplinary lifestyles with conflicting views and opinions. However, it is truly all a good reminder that at the end of the day only God can judge us and that we can live our truths and let us still have a connection with God.

I remember looking forward to each episodes and having all my emotions be felt because it is truly such a matter of reality that many religious queer people face. I think that there are major factors in how this is also reflective of P'Aof's life story so it just really has a strong substance and depth. I am so happy with how everything unfolded and resolved. I love the execution of the first scene where Thailand is the pioneer for same-sex marriage in Southeast Asia. It just resonates well and eugh, it truly tugged my heart strings.

Ticket to Heaven deserves the love and recognition that it is getting. A truly heartwarming reality drama about religious queers and questions they face regarding life!

Leia Mais