Reviews

Great story, not quite following the novel

I have read the novel and really liked it, even if I was wondering how this will be ecranised in a drama, especially in China...

But the drama is more cosmetised, skipping/omitting what was dark in the novel. A lot of things are missing, but still, the trust and deep love between them are intact.

I thought 32 episodes wouldn't be enough, but I suppose Columbia's part will not be included.

Overall, it's a slow-burn love story, really atypical, with a lot of ups and downs. Love the portrayal of the 2 main actors; they are really good at immersing us in such complex characters, deeply hurt in the past, with pains that will remain for their entire lives.

Updated after finishing all episodes: really sad the Columbia part wasn't included at all; still, some quotes came from that part.

It was a great story with better potential, but due to the adaptation for the ecranization some parts were skipped and others were added (but not so catchy for me).

The main actors did a great job; love their performances, that's why I gave 9.5; still, 0.5 points are lost for missing some important parts of the novel

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This is so good and I cant wait to see more episodes!

This series is adorable in a grown ass men adulting sorta way. They are incredibly funny. Their platonic energy is amazing. They have great chemistry. The comedic timing is great. It's so real and also so hilarious, but not childishly zany. It's a friend group of grown men living their grown lives, experiencing grown problems, and having grown conversations for grownups to understand. I feel like I know them, or like I could find them IRL.

In addition to the fun, they are discussing real issues of friendship, dating, and self esteem. It's funny but it's not fluff. Perfection!

My only complaints are the short episodes and the timing of their release. It's making me crazy! I'm invested in what happens to these guys!

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Best drama I watch this year (so far)

no joking.

I`m really picky when it comes to dramas in general, because I watch soooo many.
This feels like (and is) a throughout good production.

++acting++
acting was on point, emotions were portrayed great. everyone involved did a great job. bet its hard to act pretending there is a bad spirit in front of you. the fighting scenes was great too.

++music++
I rarely point out the soundtrack, but I have to with this one, because all in all only great choices were made.
tbh I was really surprised to hear a Dune-like soundtrack in this one, it really gave me goosebumps and made the scene even better.

++directing ++
was also great. the use of cci in this one was really great and on point. the spirits looked great, the fighting scenes were top. the one at the end could have been a bit better, bit thats really nit picking atp. I do feel a bit robbed about the ending though, because we still dont know what happend to the mc in the spitit realm after he turned. I`m hoping for a season 2 that explains that part properly.

++story++
the story follows a young man that can see spirits since he overcame death as a child, his mother dies in the incident. he is called or better kidnapped into the palace to solve the case of the pond spirit that seems to kill everyone from the royal bloodline. by his side, the princess. she can also hear the spirits voices. together they solve the mysteries of the spirits that hold resentments and also discover well hidden secrets of the palace and royal family. always by their side a a little cute spirit that helps them out in dire situations.

tbh the cute spirit was a nice addition and made it less dark without making it comedic or too light hearted, which I liked. the cci was great like I said above. every spirit, the path to the spirit world, the spirit world itself, the resentment, everything looked amazing and well put. props to the director and producer for this one. the fighting scenes were also well put together.

++conclusion++
if you like great story telling mixed with horror elements and great cci, this one is perfect for you.
its horror, but not scary to the point you will freak you out. must watch for me.

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Beautifully Crafted, Personally Uncomfortable

I'm dropping this one for now, though not because it's a bad show.
My biggest issue is the step-sibling premise(even if the leads are not legally step-siblings). That alone isn't necessarily what bothers me the most—it's how casually the drama leans into the "brother" and "sister" dynamic. Whether it's a cultural nuance I'm simply not used to or an intentional storytelling choice, it makes me uncomfortable enough that I can't fully immerse myself in the romance.
Otherwise there's so much to admire here. The chemistry between the leads is wonderful, the cinematography is gorgeous, the set design is absolutely top-notch. Song Wei Long completely owns his role—he's phenomenal and easily the standout performance. Zhang Jing Yi is excellent as well, but SWL truly steals every scene he's in.
One moment, in particular, will stay with me for a long time: the scene where Song Wei Long's character's vulnerability is laid bare--with his PTSD rushing in headlong--not just before the woman he loves, but before the audience as well. It's beautifully acted and lingers long after the episode ends. Also, the moment when after they kiss (rain drenched after they return from the metal scrapyard) SWL's back is towards the camera and there is that moment (realistically long) of silence when he tells ZJY's character to give him some time. That is acted so well--the body language is enough for SWL to convey what his character is going through.
Unfortunately, my discomfort with the central dynamic outweighs everything else, so I'm setting the drama aside for now. It's a shame, because in almost every other aspect, it's a beautifully crafted series.

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You’ll Relate to the Emotions the Story Conveys.

The series grabs your attention from the very first scene. Every moment is engaging, and even though the pacing is slow, it’s purposeful and packed with meaningful details, so you never feel bored.

The chemistry between the two lead actors is exceptional. Their performances are convincing, and it’s clear they genuinely enjoy what they’re doing and fully understand their characters. The sexual tension is incredibly well-executed, keeping you excited and anxious to see what happens next.

The situations and the characters’ decisions feel natural and realistic, showing that the writers and research team put a great deal of thought into the story. The cinematography is beautiful, the color grading is stunning, and the musical score perfectly complements every scene. The emotions unfold gradually, allowing you to truly connect with what the series wants you to feel.

It’s polished, authentic, emotionally effective, inspiring, and wonderfully heartwarming. It even makes you want to fall in love all over again.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best BL series I’ve ever watched. Brilliant work.

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better than s1? let's see

honestly i loved the uncanny counter S1 and decided to watch S2 I expect alot from the S2 and yeah it was good but not better than S1 although there are some things where S2 got a win against S1.

Q. Why was S2 not better than S1?
- The storyline was good but there were many faults and some things which didn't sense at all also they made too dramatic scenes which feels like typical indian serial so it was rlly distracting

Q. What were some things that were better than S1?
- The villians and the action were/was rlly good most prob better than S1 (acc to me). especially last two eps got the win..it's def fun to watch

Q. Should I watch S2 then?
- Def you should but can not guarantee if you would like it as everybody got different taste of watching kdramas but it is indeed a good one but not better than S2..

Final conclusion : i personally recommend you to watch the uncanny counter S2 even though there were some things not comparative to S1 but it is still worth watching!

· opinions and ratings : love this kdrama and it was rlly fun to watch..solid (8/10)

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I binged both seasons and absolutely loved it. What really sold me on this show is how mature Natsume and Toma’s relationship is. They’re like a power couple that just clicks, constantly challenging and pushing each other to grow both personally and professionally. They make an amazing team at work, but they still have their own individual drive and goals, while always having each other's backs. That was definitely the highlight of the show for me.

It’s so incredibly refreshing to watch a BL where the romance isn’t built on one-sided sacrifices, petty miscommunication drama, or one partner completely giving up their career and identity. Instead, they actually talk through their issues like adults and always respect each other. I honestly can't stand shows where someone loses themselves just to make a relationship work.

Okuno So and Toyoda Yudai have insane chemistry and gave such amazing performances. They completely nailed the transition from competitive coworkers to an incredibly sweet, mature, and secure couple.

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Soft Power

The Prisoner of Beauty is a nicely shot drama with strong performances and some good ideas. I just think it wasn’t the best drama for me.

I knew there was romance, but it became a little too dominant for me. I could have done with more intrigue and a stronger story instead.

My biggest disappointment was that I felt the female lead had much more potential than the script allowed. If the writer had been a bit bolder, she could have become one of the most memorable characters in dramaland, instead she falls a bit flat. The actress was amazing, this was just a story problem.

I really liked the use of water as a metaphor for soft power, it was an Important element of the story but I think it could have been used with greater effect by a different writer.

I binged it, so there was something there but I wouldn’t rewatch it.

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For C-Dramas lovers this is a very enjoyable drama

Meaning of C-drama lovers: We are non-logic-tolerant, and we all know that in China nobody dies from spectacular falls...
So I really enjoyed this drama filled with strategy at all levels, even non-logical levels, very handsome men from the north with great hairstyles and outfits, and the one earring. A great change from the usual c-drama male style. I liked the female actresses, except, of course, for the princess, who is over-the-top exasperating even though they try to justify her behavior from past trauma. But that is why we have the fast-forward buttons. The Jun male cousin is the correspondent of the princess. Unbearable. Fast forward on him as well.

And finally, the few times that the main leads shared a kiss, they were beautiful and not the hardly-touching-closed-lips-let's-get-done-with-this-torture-type usual kisses in dramas.

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What I liked:
1. Amazing acting and resemblance of bipolar disorder and PTSD
2. The realistic time span
3. Character development and an actual difference between the mains' personalities from past to now
4. ML finally getting a psychiatrist was the perfect ending plus the mother dying is like a weight dropping from the shoulder
5. Actual realistic regret that the watcher can *feel* from ML plus the director not adding SPECIFIC scenes from the novel to the drama (iykyk)


What I didn't like:
1. MC not getting a psychiatrist as well even thought it was too obvious that he has PTSD even without it being mentioned
2. The homophobic mother (not related to story), cause personally I hate all homophobic parents who make their children reach peak mental illness because of their homophobia, but without the mother (in the story here), the story wouldn't have even developed
3. Another personal hatred not related to the story: ML thinking since his father died and him being a lil sad bout it but not for long until he prioritizes MC means that MC "must" do the same and prioritize him over his parents. ML already had a bad relationship with his parents meanwhile MC had a normal, cozy, loving family. He can't just hate his family and let go of them in a second.
4. Would've liked just a little more screen time for the second couple
5. The brother trying to bring MC back to being "normal" and then a little after he gets a boyfriend

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The Power of Love in the Face of Illness

I've just finished this drama, and I can't stop thinking about how beautifully written it is. It shows just how strong a person fighting an illness can be when they are surrounded by people who love them. I adored everyone—there were no villains, just deeply 'human' people staying close to someone they truly care about.
I completely understand why Lin Tuo wanted to keep his parents, his friends, and especially An Zhique in the dark about his illness. The mere thought of feeling 'useless' and 'sick'—and above all, the fear that others would 'sacrifice' their normal daily lives to care for him as he gradually lost his independence —triggered a defense mechanism. It made him believe that by avoiding them and phasing himself out of their lives, both they and he would be 'relieved.' But love doesn't work that way; it doesn't fade so easily.
As the drama highlights, staying by the side of a loved one who is ill—no matter how much you love them—is a heavy burden, especially psychologically, and even more so when dealing with a degenerative disease.
I loved how the show paid so much attention to Lin Tuo's perspective. He found the courage to let go of the thought of ending his life (feeling like 'there's no point in living like this') and chose instead to truly live (even if it just meant enjoying a single meal) for the sake of everyone who loves him, even knowing the disease would eventually take over.
Obviously, the paralysis is the most 'visible' turning point, but the tracheotomy was no less significant—it was an even more courageous choice. In the final episode, when Lin Tuo gives his speech for the anniversary of the university where he and Zhique studied, you can see how much he struggles to speak. Yet, it's that exact courage and will to live that keep him from feeling ashamed and "showing" himself; instead, he uses the moment to raise awareness about these terrible diseases and the desperate need for targeted research to find therapies that can slow down their effects.
I also adored Uncle Guo's character, who 'delegated' to Lin Tuo the task of managing the support chat for patients and their families—a space to motivate each other, share experiences, and find strength.
In short, this drama isn't your everyday show because it touches on a very delicate subject: health and coping with illness. Angels Fall Sometimes is a masterpiece from the very first episode to the last.

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What I liked:
1. Cinematography
2. Acting
3. Both of the mains learning dances from each other
4. The dance together at the ending was just peak
5. The difference between the two mains' vibes and dancing that confirms the phrase "opposites attract" perfect without being too much

What I didn't like:
1. I think there's some unasnwered questions between the mains
2. ML looks kinda creepy like Jigsaw
3. Didn't quite understand ML's past and why is he like that currently
4. The sudden invitation to dance in front of everyone at the ending without even having a proper talk about what they are and the fact that they haven't spoke for a while, all that and still smiling in the dance like nothing happened
5. That obsessive girl who originally dances with ML, something about her obsess just doesn't click for me

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The East Palace Is Basically Stranger Things Meets Kingdom

The East Palace felt like Stranger Things and Sweet Home meeting Kingdom. It blends the eerie supernatural mystery and creature horror of the former with the engaging palace drama of the latter, creating quite unique and thrilling experience. While the first half felt a bit underwhelming despite its fast pacing, the second half completely transformed the drama into perfectly gripping, edge of your seat thriller.

Funnily, it wasnt the ghosts or supernatural creatures that scared me the most, it was the humans, especially the royal family, who would stop at nothing for power and the throne. They didnt even spare their own flesh and blood. Even after causing so much destruction, their greed never stopped. Despite facing the consequences of their actions, they kept going until the very end and even then they never changed. They remained completely consistent with their characters, which i found to be one of the most fascinating aspects of the drama.

Also another favorite aspects of the drama was its world building. It established two parallel worlds, one inhabited by humans and the other by ghosts, spirits, supernatural creatures and powerful beings known as the Realm of Gwi. I really loved this concept. The two worlds mirrored each other while remaining completely separate. Ghosts and spirits existed and operated within the Realm of Gwi and the protagonists had to enter that realm themselves in order to confront and eliminate them. The concept was executed really well. The Realm of Gwi gave me strong Stranger Things and Sweet Home vibes, while the palace politics, royal conspiracies and historical setting reminded me of Kingdom. The drama really felt like a perfect fusion of both.

Both protagonists find themselves trapped by the big bads of the series and are left with no choice but to fight these supernatural beings to survive. What i also liked was that almost every major character outside of the protagonists existed in morally grey territory or was outright evil. Whether it was the King, the Queen Dowager, the King's biological mother, the Crown Prince or the other royals, nearly all of them were consumed by power to the point where they wouldnt even spare members of their own family.

Cho Seung Woo's character was particularly fascinating. He was the King of the nation yet completely rotten to the core. However, there were moments when he displayed genuine human emotions, making him a surprisingly layered and interesting character.

The drama also didnt limit itself to traditional ghosts. It introduced several unique supernatural creatures and i found them quite interesting. I especially loved the little Labubu like creature that constantly clung to the ML and saved his life in several critical moments. It was both cute and hilarious.

The production quality absolutely deserves special praise. The cinematography, camera work, direction, visual effects and overall atmosphere were all fantastic. Many scenes set inside the Realm of Gwi and throughout the palace were visually stunning. The eerie lighting, haunting environments and beautifully composed shots made both worlds feel immersive and unforgettable.

The acting was another major strength. The exorcism sequences, horror moments, emotional confrontations and action scenes were all very well performed. Several scenes actually gave me goosebumps because of how convincing both the performances and direction were.

If I had to criticize one aspect, it would be the first half. It wasnt bad by any means but compared to the second half, it felt relatively tame. The lighter comedic moments early on slightly reduced the tension and made it harder to fully invest in the story. However, once the second half began, the tone became much darker and more intense. The drama started delivering one plot twist after another. Although a few twists were predictable, the execution, pacing and presentation made them consistently exciting and entertaining.

The ending was satisfying. Both protagonists got a happy ending and most of the villains were punished for their crimes. The King, however, was spared. Initially, i expected him to die but keeping him alive actually made sense within the story. Removing him from the throne would have created political instability since there wasnt a suitable successor. Instead, his punishment was arguably even worse. The final scene reveals that the countless vengeful spirits would continue haunting him for the rest of his life, forcing him to live with the consequences of everything he had done.

Overall, The East Palace absolutely lived up to my expectations and didnt disappoint me at all. While the first half was somewhat dull, the action packed second half more than made up for it with its engaging narrative, thrilling plot twists and satisfying payoff.

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