Reviews

Shaky Story/Production saved by solid cast

I don't watch these Xianxia dramas except for the Eternal Love with Yang Mi & Mark Chao. This is the first one I watch because I like ZL's acting ... I have to admit I skipped A LOT in the beginning to get to the interesting part. I will probably rewatch some but not all because the storyline is shaky and slow initially. Eternal Love is better and more solid in storytelling.
The chemistry and solid acting by almost all of the cast make the drama watchable.

Context: Finished watching ... fan of Lusi ... couldn't handle Ancient Love Poetry (sorry no hate to anyone but I don't like Xianxia. The only one I could watch was Eternal Love with YangMi)
1) Chemistry was 9.0 - WAY & ZL are both youthful - very convincing - and shows love for each other with longing looks (I just wish that they give more time to develop the interactions - I find the scenes disconnected sometimes - they were kissing and then the next scenes - what happened? again it's about couple interaction)
2) Acting from all cast- 9.0
3) Screen play / plot holes (5) - convoluted (again I didn't watch ALP) - sometimes abrupt transitions
4) Director (5) - the way it was film and presented - no wow factor - LLTG was way better in artistic presentation
5) Costumes - the peacock has the best costumes

Overall: I could make it to the end not because of ZL but it was entertaining after ep 10 where he suddenly realized that she's the one ?? just like a step function. As I said, the director is not very artistic ...
I gave it a 9.0 only because it's the only Xianxia that I made it to the end.

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Boa História e péssima execução

O drama começa muito bem com uma história e enredos envolventes, mas tudo começa a desandar do meio pro fim, fica tudo mt arrastado e óbvio, a máfia começa a ser muito óbvia e ter decisões burras. O final não fecha as diversas pontas deixadas durante a série, ser tudo parte de um jogo virtual é uma decisão preguiçosa de roteiro, além de que o que os pais fazem também não faz sentido, tudo bem querer vingança contra os bullys, mas punir os dois únicos amigos da menina não faz sentido. No final, uma série com bom potencial acabou virando uma série mediana que temos que engolir esse final.

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Drama Falls Short in Story and Character Development

After reaching episode 7, I decided to stop watching this drama. The main reasons for this decision were the lackluster elements of the story and characters. Despite the potential, the plot felt underdeveloped, failing to draw me into its world. Additionally, the dynamics between the leading characters lacked the depth and chemistry needed to truly engage an audience.

As an admirer of Ok Taec-yeon, it was disappointing to see his talents not fully utilized in this project. While he has shown exceptional skill in previous roles, particularly in 'Vincenzo', this latest endeavor didn't seem to match up. It's my hope that future projects will better showcase his abilities and provide more compelling storytelling.

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… And to where your eyes stray to

Bodyguards falling for whoever they are supposed to guard is a trope I have always loved. So, it’s no surprise I have really enjoyed this drama. The plot was simple, but I didn’t mind it. Seeing the series is quite short, I think anything more complicated would have a lot of shortcomings as there would be no time to properly address everything.

Han Tae Joo & Kang Gook: The two of them are very different yet similar. They come from different backgrounds, have different outlooks on life, and while one seems to be a trouble-making womanizer, the other is a problem-solving and always single bodyguard. But the two do share some interests. They both seem to deal with problems in a similar way, sacrificing their own happiness to keep their loved ones safe. I was ready to dislike Tae Joo and his spoiled self, but I really liked him at the end. Gook carried his emotions on his sleeve, even if he was trying hard to hide them. He knew it would only bring trouble to say it out loud. I think the two actors had nice chemistry, even if the acting was a bit weak at some points.

As for the bad, I really wish we had seen more of the main leads being a couple. I really missed at least a few scenes with them just being lovey dovey with each other. Han Tae Joo’s father was a very unlikeable character. And while I wasn’t bothered by him being all high and mighty and who knows what else, I absolutely hated his behavior and attitude towards Hang Gook. It just didn’t sit right with me. Maybe it’s because of how short the series is, but his motives were not believable. Nor did they make much sense.

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favorito

Meu coração fica quente só de pensar no hospital Doldam. Gosto muito dos personagens, parece que são minha família. Sem dúvidas minha temporada favorita. Conheci Dr Romantic em 2021 quando estava procurando por trabalho da SungKyung, e acho que foi minha melhor descoberta possível, a personagem dela mora no meu coração. Tive alguns problemas de Daddy issues assistindo meu querido Kim Sabu, tenho dependência emocional nele. Acho que eu poderia ficar horas falando sobre como esse drama mudou a tragetoria da minha vida, fiquei dias pensando em fazer medicina ?. Mal terminei de assistir e já estava morrendo de saudades. Gostei muito dos casos, prendeu minha atenção do começo ao fim. Aguardando ansiosa pela 4° temporada, espero que seja tão emocionante quanto.

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Perfeito, sem defeitos!

Eu nunca pensei que chegaria o dia em que um drama superaria Wait My Youth em meu coração, mas When I Fly Towards You chegou de voadora!!! Perfeito, leve, com um squad de amigos encantadores, um casal maduro, companheiro, e seguro!

Apesar do período deles na faculdade e na vida adulta ter sido rápido, não foi algo que deu a sensação de história corrida. Tudo aconteceu de forma suave, e emocionante, deixando o coração quentinho a cada interação.

Pra quem gosta de dramas fofos, com casal que se apoia mutuamente, se entende, e percebe os minimos detalhes pra fazerem um ao outro felizes, eu super recomendo!!!

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Lesson on maladaptive coping mechanisms.

I don’t think I've ever watched a drama where all the main characters needed therapy more than these three. Pathological avoidance, codependency, constant need for external validation, running away from the pain and sadness - building it up inside you until it reaches breaking point. "It's just tolerance, not acceptance" - delivered in the drama in context of sexuality, but it also quite well described the way the characters were dealing with loss. Tolerating the existence of the tragic past, not fully accepting what really happened. Escaping from anything that might force them to face reality.

Daddy issues, yes - you read it well. Surprisingly, no matter how strange the relationship might have felt, I could not stop myself from being pulled in and wishing it would have a happy ending. It seemed like the only way out of hell for both In and Wang (the mom can stay in hell as far as I know).

Many people told me this drama feels more like a play, and I have to agree. Not beating around the bush - I’m not much of a theater fan. Everything is amplified and exaggerated on stage, there is not much space for subtlety as it has to reach each and every audience member. 180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us somehow managed to keep the unique feel of plays while also being more detailed and approachable about it, making me fall for the charm it possesses.

All that said, I cannot say watching this drama was an enjoyable experience - it’s not a fluff romance you can relax to after work. All the characters are painfully frustrating, but observing their actions, witnessing their regret, being pierced by the hurtful things they say and buried under even more painful silence and unspoken truth… Felt like a solid dose of life lessons. What kind of person do you want to be? One that cannot face their own guilt? One that runs away from what’s important to them, cosplaying it as self-sacrifice? Or one that stays true to themselves, fighting for what feels right, while still trying not to hurt people around them?

For the acting - loved it for the majority of the show. Pond did an amazing job bringing Wang to life - I want to adopt and protect that character with all my heart. The skillful way he was able to present both youthful stubbornness, but also maturity that comes from pain he had to go through. Mam also impressed me, especially in more emotional scenes. While I did like Nike as In, and for most part I had no issue with his performance, there were moments of his line delivery that felt quite robotic, especially when compared to his co-actors.

The production and directing? Loved it. One of the aspects I appreciated the most was how some scenes played a bit longer, truly making it possible for all the emotions to settle in and have a bigger impact. The drama was both choking you with feelings and letting you breathe and take the moment for what it was, without distracting you, skipping right away to the next scene.

Overall, what a surprisingly interesting and intense watch. I feel like a lot of scenes could be dissected and have an essay written about their meaning - they just invite you to make your own judgments, reflect on the characters, their choices and how you might react in a similar situation.

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Don't recommend watching if you are watching due to the TV series Love O2O

DON'T WATCH AND WASTE YOUR TIME
The story is similar to the TV series Love O2O. To be more precise, it's a combination of good/popular scenes from the series. It's not in a flow, more like they have enacted scenes and pieced them together. The male and female lead personalities have changed and have gotten rid of many characters and lack of character development. That 1hr 40min was a complete waste of my time, don't recommend watching even if you are super bored. If you want to watch Love O2O then the TV series is the one to go to.
Whoever is able to watch this movie more than once I bow down to you. I was suffering through the entire movie and barely finished watching it.

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A love letter to love in all its forms

This is the first drama I completed in 2024 and what a beautiful way to start the new year. Above all else, this is a story about love, romantic love, yes, but also the love between friends, the love you have for your country, the love you have for your family (the one you're born into, the one you marry into, and the one you make for yourself), and above all else, the love and respect you have for yourself. Cho Yi Hyun and Rowoon absolutely shine as the titular matchmakers who have each known love and loss, who are each seeking their place in the world, and who end up finding solace in each other. Park Ji Young is mesmerizing as one of the best-written antagonists I've ever seen, balancing her character's calm dignity as the firm but fair mother-in-law with her quietly terrifying ferocity as the cunning puppet master pulling all the strings behind the scenes. The secondary characters are just as compelling and memorable, from the sweet but stubborn sister-in-law Ye Jin to the young and noble Crown Prince to the steadfast bookseller to the actually competent King to the real Yeojudaek to the old bachelors, and of course, the unforgettable Maeng sisters, who each got a love story that allowed them to stay true to themselves. It's evident that every aspect of this drama was produced with love and care, from the beautiful cinematography to the excellent writing and character development and I especially enjoyed modern style choices like the giant location headers and the mockumentary format at the beginning of each episode that made the show feel fresh and fun. The last episode became a bit too melodramatic for me but all in all, this was a gem of a drama that I can't wait to rewatch.

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Go watch it rn!

The best bl/bromance (idk, probably bl) I've ever seen. Also I didnt see the original drama but thats okay

The story was touching and amazing also how they added a family theme was really good. It was sometimes a bit cheesy but yk its okay.
The plot was interesting enough, I didnt understand the thing w their parents much tho

Their chemistry was brilliant. Also I loved the little girl and I hate the weird girl (idk her name) xd. And the end umm It was sad but good. In dramas they often mess up the ends, but this wasnt the case, so this end was unexpected and interesting.

I rewatch it a lot, but I always cry like a psycho, so if ur strong enough, watch it!

Im praying for season 2, but I heard there wont be one idk tho, but Im already sad

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Episode one is a bit bland, the setting is not so great, i might have given up if not for the lead characters. The pacing is also quite slow. I'm glad that I didn't give up. It is one of those shows where you have to pay attention to every scene. It was really well made.

Lu Zhao Xi (ML): He is adorable with the devil face he tries to make, its so embarrassing and cute at the same time. He was decent person from start to end. He did like to tease the heroine a bit and behave like a child pulling a girl's pigtails, but it was fun. Apart from that, there was no toxicity detected.

Ye Shi La (FL): She matched the ML's adorableness and was just as decent of a person as the male lead. Their romance was slow burn and they took time to understand each other. She often played along with the ML knowing that he was teasing her, but sometimes she took him seriously.

I liked the actress in the drama The Day of Becoming You, which also has a similar pace.

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Get ready to fall in love with Tonghao and dislike Shan Jun Hao (P.S they are both the same person)

I have too many problems with this drama.

First things first, Shan Jun Hao (ML) looses his memory and is named Tonghao due to a case of mistaken identity.

Ye Qian Yu (FL) and her family hit the ML while driving in the dark and decide to not report it but to take him home. It just didn't sit right with me. However when Tonghao (name of the ML when he lost his memory due to the accident) found out about it later in their relationship, he forgave her and was okay with it.

Tonghao, who lost his memory, was much better fit for FL than Shan Jun Hao despite them being the same person. Once he got his memory back and became Shan Jun Hao again, he forgot all about his time as Tonghao, he became a jerk. He went out of his way to say the meanest and most hurtful things to Ye Qian Yu. The personality change was too drastic and it was too easy to miss Tonghao, who was so very adorable.

Tonghao's only fault was that he was a bit selfish with his love for Ye Qian Yu. Even when he found out about his identity as Shan Jun Hao who had a fiancé, mother, and adopted brother waiting for him, he decided to forget about them completely and he did so in a very cruel way. All he wanted was Ye Qian Yu.

Apart from the initial hit and kidnap, Qian Yu was a happy character, a bit shady when it came to making money, but we see her grow. Even when Tonghao insisted that he wanted nothing to do with his old memories, she went out of her way ensure he met with his family. But she got delt a crappy hand, Shan Jun Hao family were so damn crappy to her, everyone of them despite her giving him up when he was Tonghao. She just had to keep taking shit from these guys including Shan Jun Hao and not once did he apologize for it. It was sad to watch and she just kept being so understanding. The whole situation was crappy for everyone, what made it worse was Qian Yu became the punching bag for Shan Jun Hao's family.

They did have a happy ending but I wished he had gotten his memories back of being Tonghao.

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Dont rely on REVIEWS.

I wouldn't say anything detailed here, all I can say is watch it for yourself to know and to see it for yourself.

The connection of EACH character is so good, like EVERY character has their sense. You'll get mixed emotions. See for u to know.

The cast? Their acting is phenomenal. Jihoon and Sangwoo NAILED IT. I love Lomon and Yeeun so much, but Jihoon and Sangwoo? Danggg, these two.

Tbh, I somehow get why some peeps said the ending was unsatisfying and a bit disappointing. But for me, personally, I love it. Just a right ending for this kind of drama.

Watch it to see, dont rely on reviews.

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Looking for something to make you smile but don't come short on angst? This might be for you.

[reposting from my comment]

I can't believe it has really ended ?

before I say my final 'review', I would like to say kudos to the cast and crew for delivering such a beautiful story to us. there would always be room for improvements but i think overall, it was a drama worth my time (and money ?). like i've said before, i can't picture any other actor playing gujin/yuanqi or actress playing ayin/fengyin or any other characters, really. they've all delivered pretty well and i'm so thankful for their dedication and passion to present to us this beautiful production. ❤️

to my f4: gujin/yuanqi (wang anyu), ayin/fengyin (zhao lusi), ajiu/hongyi (li yunrui), yanshuang (jianai), you will always have a place in my heart ? you've made my days for over a month exciting. will really miss these four a lot! hopefully they get together again for a drama, whether modern or wuxia/xianxia, anything! just would love to see them together again. they have so much chemistry as a bunch friends and it made the 4 characters' relationship more convincing and perfect! ❤️

now for my final 'review'. ?

first of all, the OST! i so so love all the tracks and what i love most is the fact that we start and end all episodes with lusi's and anyu's voice, it is just perfect! im sure i will be listening to them even after the drama ?

second, the production, from the actors to the backdrops/cgi. like i already said, i can't really see anybody else playing the characters, esp. our leads. i think they made the perfect casting for them. zhao lusi distinguished and expressed the three different 'personas' very well, and made it easier to immerse to the change of character. i have to give wang anyu a hands down with his expressive eyes. when gujin is happy, sad, conflicted, i could totally see it in his eyes, it made it easier to empathize with his character. considering it is both their first xianxia dramas, i think they really did well together ? as for li yunrui and jianai, they made a perfect second couple. they looked cute together and more lovable as our MLs best friends. lastly, for the cgi. most of the time, it was really good but there are some parts they could've totally improved. but overall, there were a lot more beautiful shots that i think those could be forgivable ?

last but not the least, the story. like i mentioned at the start of the drama, i love the pacing because it was not too fast nor too slow. some might find it slow, but i think the build up to fengyin's arc was just right, and even if fengyin's arc was shorter, it didn't fall short from ayin's arc. both were beautifully executed with both heartwarming moments and angst.

speaking of angst, who else cried when fengyin dreamt about her and yuanqi back at the forbidden valley which was truly bittersweet for me, when xian zhan returned and met at qingchi palace with the remaining 3 disciples (yq,fy,qy) and then when the daze mountain disciples finally gathered and fy realized all the sacrifices yuanqi did for them? and then last but not the least when yuanqi sacrificed himself to protect the 3 realms where his love lives and fengyin begged fengyuan and bibo to save him before fainting? let's add when our f4 minus yuanqi plus the phoenix clan and daze disciples helped fengyin breakthrough to the god realm...?‍♀️ ? my emotions were just in a rollercoaster ride ?

the ending! i was already braving for the worse (that yuanqi won't come back as i think that is one alternate ending the novel has) but i'm so so thankful they went with yuanqi coming back alive! ❤️ the look of happiness and longing in yuanqi's and fengyin's eyes were just..! ❤️ after so many ups and downs and another thousand years of waiting, they finally got the happy ending they truly deserved ??❤️

we cannot forget hongyi and yanshuang's wedding! ❤️ the wedding was beautiful to say the least, being held at the pear blossom garden they both grew together to wait for ayin's return. it wasn't too grand but all the important people in their lives was there and i think that is what made it truly meaningful and beautiful. ? i totally felt bad for huashu being manipulated by her father but i'm happy that at the end, she still chose to do good. in that regards, lan feng would be really proud of her. i hope that mayne in some alternate universe they'll be reunited. ? the relationship between xiuyan and the mingqi is also one to watch, really. you won't see them as much but their relationship dynamics was also interesting. it really goes to say that having the right people in your life can really help you better yourself. ? lastly, aoge and san sheng shi (the three stones of life) finally returned to where they should be and wanted to be (and they are finally tied with the red string of fate ?).

overall, happy ending for everyone! ❤️

again, congratulations to the cast and crew and hoping to see new shows/dramas from our leads and it would be better if they are together again in a new drama ❤️

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