Reviews

Not Shining

Still Shining had everything going for it. A serious romance and mature story with visuals to back it up. Acting was excellent with realistic characters and decisions. Regardless of the choices ML and FL made and how horrible they are at communicating it all fell in the realm of possibility. However, around the halfway point, cracks began to appear, and character motivations and reasoning started to falter.

When you realize there are only four episodes left, but the writers decide to introduce a second female lead, you know something is up. I was rooting for 2nd FL, but honestly WTF is she doing on this show? What a waste of precious time. The writers had her ask the male lead to roleplay a breakup, even though they never dated. I understood the context of why she did it, but are we serious right now? The writers seemed to want the show to appear smart through her with the nonsensical lines they made her speak all while neglecting the main focus of the story with an ending fast approaching.

This ending. My goodness. This show is definitely more about the journey than the destination. A rough journey at that. And a journey I’d argue not worth starting if you have other shows you’re interested in.

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Eu não gosto desse plot da menina pobre, abusada pela família que acaba transando com o ML e engravida de gêmeos porque a principio ele sempre a acha interesseira, sendo que é ele quem abusa e transa, e quando finalmente percebe que estava sendo um imbecil por sem investigar as coisas, a leva para casa e a sua família a enche de dinheiro, sendo que antes a acusava de ser interesseira por ter pego o valor que ele mesmo, burro, deu a mais...
Enfim... até aqui já explica a minha nota no quesito História, MAS... pelo menos aqui a FL realmente aparece com a barriga mês após mês (pulando alguns), apesar de nem sempre fazer conexão e quando você vê já passou quase 1 ano e voilá.. E eu gosto do fato dela aparecer descabelada após o parto, é bem mais real do que muitos outros dramas.
Fora isso, todos os antagonistas e a aparição da pseudo apaixonadinha pelo ML nos 45 do segundo tempo é realmente irritante, e sério, o subordinado dele é um trouxa, deveria ter apanhado também. Enfim.. é isso kkkk

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sometimes less is more.

The story was well written, the cast was definitely on spot, I saw no problem with the acting and I think the main couple had an insane chemistry. I loved the development of the "villains", it felt quite natural, nothing forced and are made well enough so you can't not hate them. The ending did justice to the main couple and I really liked it overall.

But, there were some things I did not like. For starters, I don't understand why they introduced a new villain, Oh Yu-Ra. I felt like Soo-min had enough dimension and motivation to be the "main villain" so it felt like it was unnecessary to bring Yu-Ra in the picture as well. Also her motivations weren't clear at all. I mean yeah, she wanted the ML but her actions can't be justified. I mean, the crazy ex it's a cliche in drama, but this was beyond the exaggeration you usually see, and it didn't really fit the plot.

There is also a constant attempt to compare Soo-min with Ji-won to show this parallel between evil and good, and we see it in the story about Soo-min's father and Ji-won's mother. They both experienced this but reacted differently. Even with these parallels, Ji-won's actions are still questionable. At some point I found myself asking "how many people need to suffer so you could live?" which I'm sure it wasn't the intention of the drama, but it happened.
I would've liked to see more scenes with the other couples as well, I think they were really cute and promising, but they're development felt rushed and unfinished.

Overall, I recommend this drama. It's easy to watch and it did not feel boring at all, but don't get your hopes too high. If you're someone like me, who likes romance drama, definitely you're gonna like it. Everything was on point and smooth, the interactions between the love interests are amazing, the scenes are well written, and the conflict had the perfect amount of drama. I can apreciate they didn't make it longer than needed to be.

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When Fire Meets Ice

I started this drama mainly because of the actor. I’ve already seen him in completely different roles before, from a 1970s setting to a modern story about programming. And now seeing him in a historical drama just proves how versatile he really is. He truly stands out.

This drama It’s not a simple, linear story. It feels like a loop, almost like reincarnation, or a destiny that cannot be broken. No matter what happens, even if one of them dies or disappears, they always find their way back to each other. It’s inevitable.

The female lead is especially interesting because she comes from the modern world into this ancient setting. And the drama never gives a clear answer: was it real, or was it all a dream?

Personally, I don’t think it was just a dream. I see it more as her soul transcending while she was in a coma, like we were watching a past life or another existence. And when she returns to the real world… somehow, he finds a way to follow her.

The male lead starts off cold, almost cruel, but it comes from trauma. He once had love in him, but it was completely destroyed. Then she appears, someone who doesn’t belong in his world, and that changes everything.

Curiosity turns into obsession… and eventually into love.

And this isn’t a soft kind of love. It’s intense to the point where they could destroy each other.

One thing that really surprised me was how romantic this drama actually is. I wasn’t expecting so many intimate moments, not in an explicit way, but in how deeply they connect emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Their bond feels complete.

There’s also this idea mentioned about a place beyond the three realms… and that stayed with me. Because it raises so many questions:
Did he die to find her again?
Was everything we saw a memory from past lives?
Or was it fate bringing them back together in the real world?
I think the drama allows both interpretations and that’s what makes it even more interesting.

The ending is open, but in a positive way. I had a feeling she would eventually return to the modern world, especially in the last episodes. I was just hoping it wouldn’t end badly… and it doesn’t. It gives you the feeling that they’ll finally have a normal life together. Not a life full of suffering and sacrifice, just something human, simple, and real.

Rating: 9.5/10

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Atuação impactante

Este foi o primeiro drama que assisti com o Zhang Chi e fiquei impactada com a atuação dele, apesar da pouca idade.
Jm papel complexo, interpretando um personagem com doença mental e sua obsessão pela terapeuta.
Um trabalho realmente digno de ser assistido, com uma trilha sonora bem escolhida, e um figurino que combinou completamente com o personagem.
A atuação da FL também foi muito boa, apesar de deixar um certo questionamento no ar no que diz respeito a ética profissional e do laço de confiança médico x paciente.
De uma forma geral, achei ótimo e já assisti duas vezes.

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This drama just hit different, I feel a new sensation.

I love the storyline. This drama is built with a refreshing (anti-mainstream) plot. The writer incorporates a mysterious element about Chan's memories, which influences his treatment of Haran.

What amazes me are the details of this drama, which give me a new sensation. I love their outfits, I love the OST, I love the dialogue, and the cinematography, which warms my heart.

This story is perfectly executed by Lee Sung Kyung and Chae Jong Hyeop; their chemistry is excellent. I felt the trauma when I saw Haran's eyes and the sadness hidden in Seanu Chan's eyes.

This drama will always hold a special place in my heart. Goodbye long winter, I will live this life without regrets 👋

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Good, but I enjoyed H2H more

My only complaint is that the series felt longer than it needed to be. In episode 8, I felt like we were getting a lot of filler and NC scenes just to expand the show out to 12 episodes, and by episode 10, I was watching at 2X speed so I wouldn't DNF it because I found my attention drifting.

Despite that, I liked the acting, except for JJ's, because it felt very stiff, but I've seen him in other things, and it's been fine, so it's probably because it was his first drama, or that's how they wanted him to act.

Didn't care about the singing. I rarely do unless music is the main focus of a character or plot, like Kim from Kinnporche, or ThamePo & Cutie Pie.

I love this kind of plot because it dives into something that many people experience, but don't really talk about. I have these kinds of dreams a few times out of the year, and it always leaves me feeling disoriented when they start happening in real life, and I think this show captured that feeling very well. I also like that in this series, it's an inherited gift.

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Melhor dorama que já assisti, se tornou um dos meu favoritos

Sabe quando você assiste um dorama em que o primeiro episódio é intediante, mas o final te prende a assistir? F4 é totalmente diferente, desde o primeiro minuto de episódio, você se prende a série, e a cada final você sente a necessidade de assistir o próximo episódio para saber o que vai acontecer. Meu caso foi o seguinte, eu comecei a assistir depois que eu tinha voltado as aulas, e como eu estudo integral, eu passava o dia inteiro pensando no que iria acontecer no próximo episódio, por isso eu te digo só assista, porque quando você começar é um caminho sem volta

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Poor acting, Amazing kisses, Plot holes, Awful Makeup

Subjective Gut Rating; 6.75 (rounding up to 7.0 coz of the kisses. That’s how I roll…LOL 🤣)

I was looking for an easy and light binge to end the work week, and I thought “Never Forget Your Enemy” is the right pick. Well, I was wrong. I thought it would be a fluffy and cute romance, and maybe even a second-chance romance when the leads are given another chance to work things out. Instead, the plot is a little more serious and darker than I initially thought. This is also not a big deal, because I’ve seen quite a few really good Korean BLs that cover some darker/angsty topics, e.g. “Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo” or “Secret Relationships” or “Love for Love’s Sake”.

Unfortunately, this Thai/Korean co-production isn’t up to par with the dramas I listed. There are 2 things that this KBL got from their Thai friends - poor makeup and great kisses. There’s so much makeup on the two main leads that I couldn’t look away. This is especially bad for Lee Ja Woon, whose acting is already bad (a little better in the last couple episodes, but distractingly bad). Coupled with poor makeup that makes his face look a little weird, it greatly decreases the enjoyment factor. But don’t worry, these guys can kiss! And who doesn’t like a couple wet dreams, right? I haven’t seen some great BL kissing in a long time. The actors, god bless them, are not afraid to open their mouths and go for it (without looking like they are going to eat each other’s faces). They are passionate and sexy, sweet and affectionate. Props to them!

How about the plot? Well, there are too many loopholes and things that don’t quite make sense. No one seems to have a sense of urgency to help Ki Ha Neul recover his memories. I’m not saying they need to force him, but they didn’t help at all. What about the creepy barista at the coffee shop? Given who he really is, falling in love with Ha Neul seems quite convenient and also what he did in the end. What about the contents inside the box? Why would Yeo Sae Byeok keep the contents if he’s not going to tell anyone or do something with it? Just burn them!

I don’t think I am going to recommend “Never Forget Your Enemy” to you, unless you are interested in checking this Thai/Korean co-production. The mystery is not too bad, and the drama is quite short (8 eps, 30 mins each). There are many better BLs out there, like the three I mentioned in the first paragraph.


Completed: 4/3/2026 Review #681

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I Can't Believe I'm Giving This a 10!!! Loved It!!

I started watching this because I really like Lu Yu Xiao in Perfect Match but didn't watch it until much later after it aired. I watched and dropped Hou Ming Hao's "Back From The Brink" because I couldn't stand watching the FL. I'll be honest when I say that it's very hard for me to finish watching some cdramas through to the end because I feel that a lot of times, it gets either too draggy or rushed through the final last few chapters. Not expecting much from this drama, I started watching with no expectations but was so surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I was so happy and satisfied with it!

I felt that Lu Yun Xiao and Hou Ming Hao had the perfect chemistry together! Their angsty and tearful moments were always so well acted and timed in sync! I really liked the pacing of the story. Despite that the FL constantly lies and hides the truth, her actions always betray her. She sacrifices herself so many times to save him despite even the dangers and torture she faces. She constantly risks her own health to save him. Even though she says she just doing it to get the antidote, as a viewer, you know that deep down, she's fallen for him. While her goal was always to save herself first by trying to get the Golden Millet Dream, she keeps lying because she didn't want him to have to go against his master's dying wish in order to save her. So she would rather steal and continue to lie to him so he doesn't have to make that painful decision. She's been hiding herself all her life so it becomes second nature for her to hide the truth from others, even at the cost of her love for the ML. She never confesses back to him because she's still at death's door the entire time.While the ML exposes his feelings earlier, he knows that she loves him. Even when true purpose of her being with him is exposed, he can't let her go and still watches after her. But when the truth is finally revealed, the relief of the ML is evident.

I did have a few gripes with some things in the drama. I wished that they showed the FL's Warrior Goddess side more often. It would've of been interesting if she had shown her fighting prowess by 'accident' and then the ML would question it. But you never really get to see that side of her at all. When she's finally suited up, she doesn't really have any real fighting scenes. lt seems like she got rescued a lot but at the same time, she also rescued the ML so that balanced out. I wished also that when the ML finally confronts her, it would've been nice for them to have a whole uninterrrupted scene of them being truthful to each other. Instead, we have a young girl playing the demon Zhulong interrupting their truth revealing moment. Kind of ruined it IMO. Also, the main 'second' villain was so-so at the end. He was good for being that obsessive guy but turning into a main villain, he really wasn't suited for the part.

I really enjoyed the leads' chemistry and their kissing scenes were perfectly steamy without being too cringey! Just perfect enough! I felt that both Hou Ming Hao and Lu Yu Xiao did a perfect job in this drama and were so very well matched! I'd love to see them in another drama again together! While the ending could've been a bit better, I was left happy and satisfied with the drama as a whole.

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Childhood Trauma and Tragedy Interferes With Love

I just finished Still Shining. This is not the typical romance love story and doesn't have the happily ever after ending. It starts out with a first love that seems to be heading in the direction of two lives together, but it takes a different turn. Traumatic events leave lasting scars and can change the course of people's lives, their hopes and dreams. Let me unpack some of this...

Both of our main leads are heavily burdened. We meet them while studying for college entrance exams. They are each other 's first love. We also get introduced to their lives.

Tae Seo has lost both parents in a car accident and he and his younger brother have to move to the country to live with their grandparents. His younger brother badly injured his leg in the same accident and will always have a limp. Tae Seo now assumes the responsibility for taking care of his brother and his grandparents. He studies hard to get into college, majoring in engineering but quits his engineering job after college when he realizes that his responsibilities to his family will always come before climbing the ladder or career success. He takes a job as train engineer and makes wooden frames on the side for extra money, all so he can be available when his family needs him. His life is busy fulfilling one responsibility after another with almost no time for anything else.

Eun-A helps her father run their home which also doubles as a vacation retreat. Her mother is not in the picture as she apparently left. Eun-A's father deals with depression and tried to commit suicide when his wife left him. Eun-A's main goal is to never leave her father alone, and to never be a burden to him or to anyone. There is a woman who enters her father's life, and while this gives Eun-A the chance to pursue her dreams, she has a hard time accepting this woman in her father's life.

Both Tae Seo and Eun-A go off to college but not in the same place. They juggle classes and trying to see each other. Tae Seo has to tutor, work part time, and take care of his grandparents. Schedules often do not work out. Eun-A quits college and pursues working an internship at a resort, which only makes seeing Tae Seo that much harder. In an effort to not be a burden, she breaks up with Tae Seo over the phone breaking his heart.

10 years later Tae Seo and Eun-A see each other in Seoul. They still have feelings for each other and start to see each other. However, life is still hard. Eun-A owned her own vacation rental, but had to leave it suddenly due to some corporate takeover (?). This was a part of the story I had a hard time following, Tae Seo is still juggling his responsibilities for his family, and this time his grandmother has a stroke (I think), so he juggles hospital visits. There are also other people who are in each of their lives so jealousies erupt and misunderstandings happen. This gets to be too much and this time Tae Seo breaks things off over the phone.

At this point as the viewer I'm wondering (in a frustrated voice) where the hell this is taking us. You really have to see the story through to the end. In the final episode. Tae Seo and Eun-A meet several times that end up being nothing, but finally they talk. Tae Seo wonders out loud why they ended up the way they did....and I'm sure every viewer is wondering this as well. The meaning behind this mournful couple who could never seem to get it together came in one line..."That is us. Never wanting to make things harder for the other." Eun-A's childhood scars meant she runs whenever she feels like she is a burden to someone and Tae Seo has so many burdens already on his plate, she doesn't want to be just one more. At first I thought she was just a narcissist that played with his heart, but I think she is just very realistic about how burdened his life is, and doesn't want to add to it.

This is the story of a very, very deep love two people have for each other who couldn't be free enough of life's burdens to be together. It's sad really as we are cheering for them to be together through the entire story. It's not a happily ever after ending, but only a hopeful one that maybe one day burdens will lesson and they can be together.

The acting was very good. It is very emotional throughout and the actors really brought out those emotions.

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What does did I just watch?

Literally asked myself this question out loud which was almost echoed by what did 'we' just watch from my wife.........eps 9 and 10 were definitely 2 hrs 15 min of our lives wasted~
Umm..........I've almost speechless. This was sad. Pure depression. A give and take relationship NEVER survives when it's one sided and that's how the relationship in this drama was portrayed from start to finish. ML have and gave and gave into the black hole that was the FL until an ultimate decision was made. And STILL.......the pattern never changed~
I wasn't sure what to expect but it sure as hell wasn't this. The FL and SFL did not cut it, or maybe it was the characters. I had the sense of two high school girls that just didn't mature at all. Speech, mannerisms, actions and decisions radiated indecision and uncertainty. There were very few scenes of positivity, the rest made you wanna go drown yourself. The ending was suspect and needs to be deciphered. I find so many similarities to the drama Love Me which ended a few months ago except the ending was much lighter. I'm not saying to ignore the drama but I'm pretty sure you're going to come away scratching your head like we were~

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Delightful with some darkness

I really enjoyed the story line. I did skip over most of the battles but the story / slow burn romance was pretty good.
I did NOT like the camera movement and the weird screaming music at the end of an episode was intense and jarring.
I love the camaraderie of the characters, how they developed. I love how the bad guys still had a depth to them and the intense storytelling of it all.
Honestly, I never laughed so much. I found the interactions continuing to hide the truths of various people highly amusing. I really enjoyed episode 26 in particular.
I love strong female characters and Fan Changyu is probably the strongest and best of all C-Drama characters I've ever seen. She doesn't get weak, she always remains strong and her character doesn't change. I love that. I love all the supporting cast too. I love that they are all changed by her simple truths, honesty and forth-righteousness.
The darkness, of course, is the fighting and battles. The story wouldn't have been as great without them but maybe they didn't need to be quite so long and intense. That's just my opinion. I'm pretty sure most people enjoyed the battles too.

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