Reviews

REDEMPTION AND RELATIONSHIPS

"Prison Playbook" isn't your typical prison drama. Instead of being dark and gritty, it's surprisingly funny and heartwarming. The story follows Kim Je-Hyeok, a baseball player who ends up behind bars. Despite seeming simple, Je-Hyeok makes the best of his situation and finds humour in everyday prison life.
The show's real strength is its characters. From the silly yet endearing Lee Joon-Dol to the tough-but-soft Kim Min-Chul, each character is unique and adds something special to the story. The show also avoids portraying them as hardened criminals, instead focusing on their backstories and showing that they're more than just their mistakes.
This focus on humour and redemption makes "Prison Playbook" a truly enjoyable watch. You'll laugh along at the characters' antics, but you'll also feel touched by their friendships and personal journeys. The show isn't perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're looking for a drama that's both funny and heartwarming, "Prison Playbook" is definitely worth checking out.

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just watch it .. you won't regret

this is one of the dramas that I am giving 10 on 10 rating because I never expected to give a drama like this the rating that I am giving it but this drama has made me cry uncontrollably it has made me smile laugh out loud think about some things

your life is not about tomorrow it's about living in the present is also one of the greatest thing you understand after watching this drama

this drama makes you want to live life and make you enjoy every moments and not regret anything in your life
there might be some things to make this drama not the best but for me it's very great drama and I will rewatch this drama whenever I am feeling low
I don't know this drama made me feel so much... there are lot of people saying that you know this drama is very boring after 6 episode it's very hard to like get through it I didn't feel like it
I am someone who always put the dramas that I am watching at 2x and watch it but this is one those drama that I have never had to watch with higher speed
I loved the past shown and how the depicted the world and how the characters change the clothing according to the time that we are in and all the digital things because the world is now more digital and stuff like that I loved everything about this drama I definitely didn't expect to cry but It did
it was a Happy ending they were a lot of moments swhere I was like why do why is happen to them like they are dealing with a lot of serious topics and they depicted it good enough
I love how the show that even animals can want to take their own life because they don't want the owners to feel sad


This is a perfect example of Korean drama
because this drama talks about a lot of things that happened in Korea even though they are unfortunate things
but this things really did happen and we can't really hide the truth we have to remember them and honour the people that did a lot of things for us
in the end I would tell everyone to watch the drama
cause I loved it
a lot of people were commonly on the age gap and how the actors don't have any chemistry I don't think we watch the same drama I won't lie
they were the whole chemistry lab guys what the hell
they didn't even kiss but the tension between them uff
I loved them ....
the friendship,the regrets,the teamwork,the love,the kindness,the purity,the boss everyone

I love how they depicted that even if someone is bad they will get what they deserve like how a criminal was saved by the RM team but he got what he deserved in the end
I know that most of the time we say like a lot of females get for the deserve they needed to get more but maybe they lived their life haven't to makeup for it in some way or maybe after life we don't know what happens after but maybe they get what they deserve
and there is one concept that I didn't love this that is the people who commits suicide don't go to heaven they go to hell which definitely was not something that I would really expect but it's a cool concept to think about...

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Not a binge Watch

Unlike many other Cdramas, this one stands out with shorter episodes, typically lasting around 30 minutes, with the final episode extending to 40 minutes. Despite its brevity, with only 16 episodes, the drama boasts a compelling plot. However, the execution leaves something to be desired, as the story continually introduces new twists and turns. Just when you think a twist has resolved, another one appears.

Some plot points remain unresolved by the end, and attempts by the director and scriptwriter to address these loopholes often lead to further confusion. Nevertheless, the standout performances of the entire cast, particularly the leads and the second leads, are a significant highlight of this drama.

This drama took me by surprise when I initially watched the first five episodes. For the first time in a long while, it felt like we had a refreshing story with minimal tropes and intriguing characters. However, as the series progresses, it loses its grip on the time travel plot, resulting in a mixed bag by the end.

The male lead is the standout star of the show, delivering an impressive performance from start to finish. His portrayal of a playboy pretending to be a spoiled brat to protect the female lead was particularly captivating. The female lead was good, but her mediocre acting was disappointing. She reminded me of the female lead from "The Impossible Heir," showing little to no reaction throughout the drama.

It's suitable for someone who enjoys sci-fi. Despite an interesting concept, the plot is poorly written, and riddled with flaws, plot holes, and unanswered questions. The ending felt very rushed, suggesting that the drama needed more time or episodes. A time travel drama should be cleverly written with clear explanations, but this one made an average attempt at best. Nonetheless, it was an interesting watch, with many clichés served up but also carefully garnished with intriguing time and space twists. I didn't expect it to be this enjoyable!

Your Kdrama bestie!!!
Instagram ID
@your_Kgirl

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The real family is not only made up of blood relatives.

I didn't expect this series will get under my skin like this. It was full of tears, emotion, beauty, innocence, cheerfulness, but also pain, endless desire and patience (!), huge responsibility and the effort to achieve something good. The beginning of Qian and his sister's life was very bitter, painful and sad. And he also took home a boy from the street. I admire that he has grown into such a good and smart guy. The living conditions of all the children were terrible. Nevertheless, they grew up to be great people and a close-knit family together with their external brother San Pang 😂. Qian was incredibly selfless, caring and kind. He preferred his "siblings" to himself and they were his driving force. On the other hand, he suppressed a lot of emotions inside him, as if he thought he didn't deserve to be happy. And he was also afraid of his feelings. Apparently things didn't go the way he thought they should. And Yuan certainly did not help him in this. Nothing shook his feelings. He was solid as a rock. From the beginning when he was young, terrified and troubled, but after his return an incredible change. The calmness with which he talked about his feelings and how he treated his "brother"... It was fun to watch how their roles changed and Qian fight with himself. Excellent performances by both the main actors as well as the supporting ones. At the end of each episode, a beautiful reflection on family.

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NO WORDS JUST LOVEE THIS!!

i have no words to say for this drama.It’s just *perfect*
i think this is far most satisfied chinese drama i watch the progress between the two couple is fast and the misunderstanding resolves very fast between them not like other drama where they resolves the misunderstanding 5 eps bfr ending.Also this drama where the brides got switched the groom already found out on the 5th eps not like other dramas where they realised when the story near the ending.THIS DRAMA IS REALLY FUN TO WATCH I REALLY RECOMMEND TO WATCH.It wont make your blood boil cause the character have chemistry and they always communicate when they encounter problem.Thank you soo much for the person that make this drama i love it soo much

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Sweet love story

This series was recommended on reddit for its story & romance scene. I enjoy it & would say that it's one of the few good mini series.

What I like
1. Romance - I love it when male lead is attuned to female lead's needs and always prioritise her first. Love the scenes when he did housework. They are quite affectionate with each other. I also like second lead romance though I wish there were more scenes focusing on their growing romance.
2. Butterfly slave plot - Fascinating though I wish the writers had not gotten rid of it so viewers can see how characters accept the condition and become more empathetic.
3. Rain Lu - great acting. She conveyed various emotions well from innocence, delight to upset and disappointment.
4. Length & duration - I don't fancy historical drama but I like this series because it's short & concise.
5. Cameo - I like cameos from The Killer is also Romantic. Already have it in my watch list so I am going to watch that series next after completing this review.

What I dislike
1. The 3rd act - I feel it is too rushed especially the last 3 episodes. I'd like to know more about Lord Wu'an struggles.
2. Flashbacks - I know it's important as viewers got to learn about how Chengfeng & Qianyue's relationship developed but those episodes did not excite me.
3. Chemistry - There are many romantic scenes between 2 main leads but I don't feel much sexual chemistry coming from the actors.

Favourite scene
When Qianyue appeared as butterfly slave to Princess Baozhu. Beautifully shot & highly suspenseful.

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An ending that pulled the whole show down

The drama is actually quite a fun watch. You know from the get go what sort of drama it is going to be and you can sit back and just enjoy the beautiful cinematography with ease, because the plot armour is going to be thick in this one. No drama, no stress. Our characters never really face setbacks themselves, but the people around them do, so the leads come in as a sort of messiah to save the day.

Yes, it is a typical Mary Sue. And no, there is nothing about the plotline that is original or never seen before. We have it all - the OP couple, the spineless father (that suddenly finds one by the end), the jealous half-sisters, the obsessed lovers, the court drama etc. YetThe Double has taken the same formula and delivered it in a bottle that people will buy just for how it looks…like stanley cups.

The leads seem to be in their comfort zone with acting, with Xue Fangfei being a more peppy version of Wei Yinglou. But the acting in general is quite good. The drama does many face zoom shots, which are really a hard hit-or-miss, especially when it comes to Wu Jinyuan, but Wang Xing Yue does them quite well. However, the two antagonists - Liang Yong Qi as Shen Yurong and Li Meng as The Eldest Princess, Wanning- stole the show. The two bring a depth and emotionality to their characters that the leads seem to lack, allowing us the space to understand their characters better. It is almost like the plotline tries to do the leads dirty. Everyone gets a sad backstory for being evil, even Ji Shuran; I dislike it when shows don’t do that well. Especially for this type of story, such backstories only annoy or seem meaningless.

As you progress in the story, you find yourself confused about Shen Yurong’s intentions - is he protecting Xue Fangfei, is he remorseful, is he manipulating Wanning, or is he really evil? Even till the end, you wonder what his actual plan is. Liang Yong Qi shows us Shen Yurong’s descent from an upright and happily married scholar to a morally corrupt, murderous and unhinged man who himself doesn’t know which of his words are the truth and which are false. Though he blames the world for making him the way he is - hungry for power to protect himself and his family. Shen Yurong comes from a poor family. His father’s death was caused by someone powerful and they were unable to even seek justice. The final words Yurong’s father left behind were “be the most powerful or you will always be the one being crushed”. And his struggle to become the most powerful also comes with giving up his morality and love. He values the struggles his mother and sister went through to raise him to his level so for him they are non-negotiables. So when pushed to the corner, he sacrifices Xue Fangfei. Every Time he meets her since then, he always seems to be on the brink of a mental breakdown. You can see he struggles with his choices- both past ones and the ones he knows he has to make. He hates the man he has become and seems to want to return to the way things were - to start afresh. Almost putting the whole country in jeopardy to achieve it. Every scene takes him closer to the desparation of a cornered powerless man fighting off the demons he created. I can't say I am dissatisfied with his ending, It is sad to watch a man who had the potential to be good to turn out be the most pathetic. As Xue Fang Fei said, I hope he reincarnates as a powerful noble so he can finally hold up the morals we all know he possesses at his core.

At the same time, you don’t see Wanning as anything but a princess drunk on power. Someone who likes to hold her “sacrifice” of being used as a hostage for the enemy kingdom and her poor treatment there to get away with murder. And she gets away with so much that it doesn’t make sense at all for any emperor to tolerate her! Sometimes I found myself wanting to scream at the emperor “Just use Xiao Heng to spread the Princess’ true character which can give you a chance to investigate and prove it and THEN get rid of her!”, but I guess I am too modern to understand the intricacies of imperial politics. It was annoying, seeing this seemingly motivationless woman just kill someone because she fancied her husband. But then you get her backstory - you see the humiliation, the torture, the pain, and the torture she went through. She is treated like a low level concubine and not a princess, being used to the whims and fancies of her captor. A hauntingly beautiful scenery to mask her inner turmoil. She has been abandoned in a shed with sheep and goats. She walks into the middle of the lake in the winter, forcing herself to miscarry the child in her belly. Which eventually leads her to not be able to have children. As a woman myself, it was hard to see all that and not even feel an iota of empathy. It makes everything she does make so much sense. She thinks the country owes - she suffered while the rest of the country lived in peace. She takes what she wants, rules be dammed. She is delusional and obsessive, but it makes sense. Despite her sarcasm and mean demeanor, she genuinely fell for Shen Yurong. The possibility of being with his child makes her lose that evil edge, making her softer and less domineering, yet that is only for Shen Yurong. In the end, her death also is decided by her, she lost for the first time since her return, and not to Xue Fang Fei or Duke Su, but the love of her life, Shen Yurong.

They both have tragic ends, never even coming close to their goals. Though as they reach their end, you feel a tinge of regret for the people they could have been had they not been dealt such unfair cards in life. But that also means the main characters would’ve continued on as their incomplete selves.

That is something the show portrays very well. The leads are well matched in terms of cunningness, smartness and wit. In fact you can see there are gaps in one’s strengths that are filled in by the other. For example, Xiao Heng starts to lose his cool when Jiang Li is in danger, while at the same time Jiang Li keeps her cool (even the emperor comments on it at one point). Jiang Li tends to go overboard, often placing herself in danger, which is where Xiao Heng steps in to pull her back. Jiang Li does take a lot of support from Xiao Heng, but initially it is mostly to involve him in her scheme so if exposed he can help her, but later that support is freely given and she takes advantage brazenly. The love confession is unspoken - they both know, only a confirmation of affection (along with a pan away kiss scene that makes you want to pull Yu Zheng’s fair out) is needed and they KNOW. In fact they have KNOWN for a long time about each other’s feelings and I find that so so so refreshing.

There are honestly only good things in my mind about the drama. It is a splendid watch. I wanna binge on it again. THOUGH the ending was FRUSTRATING and UNNECESSARY. Even though the special episode was a little awkward (maybe because it was so rushed and the snippets were really too short), you kind of understand the importance of post production work that goes into adding the dots on chemistry. Like usual, I am going to pretend the drama ended at the marriage scene and they had a happily ever after.

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Intriguing Story

This movie was quite enjoyable. There was some predictability in the storyline with some questionable moments that made me go “of course that would happen or wow what a shocker (sarcasm),” but overall I can understand the high praise for this movie.

The Good

It was filled with high action from beginning to end and the overall story moved at a fast pace so things never got boring. Although I’m not familiar with all of the Chinese lore, it was neat to see it portrayed in a large feature film centered around war. The overall acting was a highlight here as most of the cast did a pretty decent job. Overall production was good with attention to details from the costumes, settings, hair and makeup, etc. wasn’t low budget at all. I’m glad the run time was also a little longer to give time to actually tell the story without it feeling rushed or too incomplete for the first installment.

The Bad

Not much in the way of character and world building. Most of the movie was shot in 1 or 2 locations. Though there was a summarized backstory in the very beginning, would have like to see this go deeper and explain more of the war backstory and king’s backstory in more detail so we could connect more to the story and motivations. Again, as mentioned at the beginning, there was some predictability in the story that I wish would have been turned more into an interesting twist. The OST was okay but not very memorable.

I’d recommend a watch for this movie if you like high action and stories about Gods.

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Interesting premise but lacks a strong follow-through

I got to the start of episode 22 and was thinking a lot about how I was really bored by this point in the series. I ruminated on why I got so bored, when the series had, to me, a strong premise, and I have a few thoughts.

First, though the premise itself was strong, the opening of the series was difficult. Mainly because Lucky Tang's character was introduced to us in such a bizarre and off-putting way. If you started this series and were totally put off by her actions, I can guarantee you that this weird entitled behavior of hers gets dropped pretty much after the first episode. I have no idea what the writers were thinking by introducing her character to the viewers in this way, especially considering what you learn about her in the following episodes.

Which leads me to the main thought I had regarding this character and this series. What we learn about Lucky is that she used to be a highly skilled programmer at a top software company, but this career ended because a couple of factors: her best friend died of cancer; her mentor unexpectedly died as well (I can't remember why); and her boyfriend, who also worked with her, cheated on her with a woman whose father owns this software company (this was actually fuzzy, but it's what I remember). As a result, a demoralized and grieving Lucky decides to quit her job and move back to China to start a new life. She takes a job as a receptionist in another software company, not giving her real resume, because she says she doesn't want a 'career' anymore; she just wants a normal job that will pay her bills and not make her life difficult. This company turns out to be run by an old childhood friend, whom she doesn't recognize yet, Lu Zhiyi. This is her main love interest.

To me, this is all super interesting and intriguing as a set up. But there are a couple of issues and some missed opportunities here. For one, if Lucky wants to really get away from her old career, why would she take a job at another software company? I really think this was a too obvious way to create drama for Lucky. By doing so, she ends up still in her ex's orbit (though on the periphery), which seems like a strange move when she wants to hide the fact that she's a programmer and get away from him. And when more drama unfolds at her new job, I just kept feeling like she should quit. If she really didn't want to end up in the same place she was before, why would she put herself in a position where that could happen?

Second, in regards to career vs jobs. I really thought there was something interesting being said here about the way we perceive success and hard work. Lucky's personal losses really seemed to put into perspective for her the preciousness of life. There was an implication here that real fulfillment doesn't necessarily come from career achievement, but rather by spending as much time with your loved ones as you can and having fun. Her personal goal of reliving her childhood and finding childlike joy in life, seemed like it could have been more poignant if it was more developed as the main drive of the series. Later, it comes up that she want to build an app that would help adults relive their childhood, which ends up being a project at Lu Zhiyi's company. I was kind of disappointed by this. I kept thinking that she could just build this app by herself (plenty of people build apps independently), which would have made more thematic sense than relying on her boyfriend's money and resources. Why did it end up seeming like Lucky couldn't actually achieve anything without, you know, a man? (eyeroll).

Then there's the question of the ex and the woman who is now his wife. Again, this was all kind of fuzzy to me, but I felt like it was implied that a) he cheated on her with this woman to get ahead and b) this woman used her wealth and position of power to make Lucky's life miserable. I really felt like if they made these two implications stronger and then made that a central theme to the romantic drama, this series would have been so much more compelling. Especially when her new love interest's ex girlfriend, Gu Ling shows up. I'll preface this by saying that the actress who play Gu Ling really did an amazing job at making her the most unpleasant person on the planet. Gu Ling is a wealthy heiress who is a big shareholder of Lu Zhiyi's company, and she comes in basically on a mission to get Lu Zhiyi back and crush anyone who stands in her way. I mean, I could talk about the Ex Who Won't Let Go trope, but I won't because what's the point. What I will say was this was a perfectly missed opportunity to create a dramatic parallel between this situation and Lucky's previous situation. In both instances, a more powerful person uses their wealth and privilege to make her life a living hell. The emotional difficulty for Lucky would be to reconcile these situations and see that they aren't the same, but also to have a moment of relief at being able to take back her own power, therefore overcoming the emotional trauma of what happened before.

The fact that this was so obvious to me, but was completely missed in the story, seems to me a case of just reductive laziness. Instead, we get trope after trope after trope and not enough compelling character drama that feels like it's actually saying something. So by the time Lu Zhiyi and Lucky get together, I feel bored. From the way the series developed, you'd think the only point of conflict was whether or not these two crazy kids would work it out, so when that happens if feels like there's really nothing left to watch. In that respect, the series took an interesting premise and characters and flattened them out until they were nothing but stock characters playing out trope-filled plot points. And while there were some fun moments, I'm disappointed by its unfulfilled potential. So, unfortunately, I'm not going to continue watching. :/

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THE BEST CHINESE DRAMA THAT I HAVE EVER WATCH.

I finally finished it in 1 month :(
It was a bit delayed because I was busy with my re-registration for college :D
Everything in this drama was so good that several times I got excited myself while watching it.

And for Wang Zhi my boy, YOU ARE SO COOL HERE 😭❤️.
From the first time I saw Wang Zhi in this drama, I was convinced that he wouldn't betray his friends and superiors.
I LIKE HIM A LOT 😍.

And for Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, I really like the chemistry between you two. I always hoped that there wouldn't be a third person who would interfere with this chemistry. And my wish came true until the final episode 😆.

I will never forget this drama. Maybe... I'll keep rewatching it? 😃.

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It will occupy your attention... but it probably won't leave much of an impression.

I liked this one for the easy, mildly interesting plot, and the way the pacing flows so nicely through the beginning and middle.. I also liked the actors. The leads had some chemistry, the kiss scenes were decent. FL was wisely cast -- she was the only thing elevating the show into something that could almost be taken seriously. ML did his best and it wasn't bad at all, he just needs some more acting experience under his belt and he will improve.

The problems: The way the story unwinds towards the end starts to get laggy and a little bit boring. The storyline, plot devices, dialogue.... all of it is really tired and cliche. The main couple kind of loses a little fizz in the final few episodes. Some of the soundtrack was slightly overdone to try to boost the dramatic or emotional content of the scenes.

I thought it was a little bit refreshing and ambitious for them to try to miniaturize an epic wuxia into something compact like this, and they didn't do too bad of a job. They just didn't do too good of a job either. This is a good between-shows watch with some decent kiss scenes, but definitely not of rewatch caliber.

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Is your family well?

Bitter sweet hell is a breath of fresh air.This kdrama is artsy in some way, it feels like it's written and produced by poets.I also love the inclusion of novel authors here.It really exceeded my expectations and they did "mind game battle" a justice!Both Young Won and Se Na are good manipulators with their own different intentions, they're calm, articulate, and really thinks thoroughly what will they do in their next steps.(they inspired me to take psych in college😭)
Maternal love here is so fascinating yet sad, i have a love-hate relationship with Sa Gang tho.The ending is so well-made, the built-up is so good.Of course the friendships here are commendable too!Especially So Yi and Do Hyun's friendship.
The witch's dance of Sena at the end really gave me chills.The soundtracks fits so well with the kdrama too.
Honestly i loved this so much this will be so memorable to me since i relate to most characters (especially do hyun)
The characters had depth and connection with each.Really love how Sena harrased Young Won, she didn't have a close up encounter with her before, but she almost ruined her life, and that's a fucking psychopath!

"The meaning of being well as a family differs to everyone, maybe being well means being strangers, or being knitted tight with each other, or maybe being well is just letting go of them.But one thing is for sure, that a family shouldn't hold secrets to each other, so that when you're asked how well your family is, you'll be more comfortable and lighthearted to answer"-what i learned in bsh!

It's such a bitter sweet feeling to see this kdrama end, that I'll miss binge watching this! Definitely recommended!

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A Must-Watch for Qin Jun Jie Fans - History with a side of Treasure Hunt & Wu Xia

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

There’s so much to unpack in this year’s “Heroes” that I don’t know where to begin. I think to fully enjoy this drama, having a little cultural and historical context during this time would be helpful. Veteran and esteemed reviewer, PeachBlossomGoddess, wrote an excellent review providing some political background info. You should read that as well. I am not a history buff, so I don’t know much. But I know that during the setting of this drama in 1911, it was a time of change and towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. After watching many Republican era dramas of spies, I know that the fight for this change doesn’t end until a lot later. 1911 is only the beginning for the revolution.

This is an interesting time to have a wuxia drama. A drama that brought together three very different individuals with different ideals and backgrounds towards a common quest of treasure. Their approaches are unique to them, and they clash and fight and become frenemies. I’ve enjoyed each of their individual journeys.

There’s so much I want to write in this review and I don’t know how to organize it. Some random categories then.

Qin Jun Jie (Men San Dao) - I have always liked Qin Jun Jie and he has never disappointed me with his acting. He was FANTASTIC in this drama. He plays the main character, Men San Dao, a serious former emperor’s personal guard who was imprisoned for 12 years after the failed attempt of the emperor’s 100 Days’ Reform. For the most part, QJJ plays a very solemn guard. But you can also see the controlled emotions on his face, the softening of his eyes and expressions when he’s facing GeGe (the love of his life) and the slightly mischievous look when he’s with Lucky and Liu Lin. He has great chemistry with Maggie Huang (GeGe) even though they have very few scenes together. I can still feel their attraction and love, even if they never touch one another. The scene when Men San Dao was lost and confused in front of the emperor’s tomb, was heartbreaking and beautifully acted by QJJ and brought tears to my eyes. I can’t see anyone playing this role but QJJ.

Pang Han Chen (Wan Jia Luo) - I don’t recall seeing Pang Han Chen in previous modern dramas but I think he did a great job as Wan Jia Luo, the stubborn, righteous constable who never gives up on chasing and seeking justice. His character might not be the most endearing and is rather frustrating to watch, but PHC portrays the character well. I feel his uptight righteousness, his shyness when he’s with his girl and the frustrations especially in the last couple episodes. He also knows how to make an entrance! I do wish his character would use his heart and his brain a little bit more. His stubbornness costs him a lot, but also saves his life many times.

Liu Yu Ning (Zhuo Bu Fan) - I enjoy his acting here a lot more than in “A Journey to Love”. I do believe LYN’s acting has steadily improved. However, there are too many acting powerhouses in this drama, thus, I think he’s the weakest out of the 3 male leads. He’s such a tall guy, but he doesn’t seem to have good posture. As the #1 Swordsman in the country, he doesn’t exude charisma to live up to this name. However, I am pleasantly surprised that his fight scenes do look pretty good.

Romance - We have three forbidden romances, yet the writing or acting did not fully take advantage of this. It’s unfortunate because they could be so much more memorable. Of the three romances, the one that I actually feel something is between Men San Dao and GeGe. I might be biased because I like Qin Jun Jie, and this pair also has the fewest scenes together. Yet, I can feel their chemistry oozing because of two amazing actors. They don’t have to touch each other for me to root for them. Unfortunately, the other two romances have more screen time, yet are so bland. I am not sure if it’s Liu Yu Ning’s acting but I am not sensing his controlled emotions towards Huo Qin. This pair has no chemistry at all but their story could be the most heartbreaking. Jinna Fu (who plays Huo Qin) looks like an older sister to Liu Yu Ning. LYN is not responding to her affection. Lastly, Chen Si Che’s portrayal of Lin An Jing might be the weakest of the cast. And maybe because of that, I definitely do not feel any chemistry between Lin An Jing and Wang Jia Luo as a couple. I do have to say the last scene of them together was moving (mainly because of Pang Han Chen’s acting) but it was too late for me to like them as a couple.

Action Scenes - First things first, I still think there’s a little too much slow-mo fight scenes. However, compared to other wuxia and xianxia dramas, it’s not that bad. As a wuxia drama, there are quite a few well-choreographed close combat action scenes. The drama also does not shy away from blood, violence and deaths. The several duels between Men San Dao and Zhuo Bu Fan are very satisfying to watch. Both actors, QJJ and Liu Yu Ning, also did a great job and act like they really know how to fight. I do not see any actor who is just swinging the sword like they’re dancing and not fighting.

Lucky + Liu Lin - As individuals, both of them are quite insufferable and annoying at times. However, when they have scenes with Men San Dao, I like them both very much. Lucky just babbles way too much in the beginning and when he’s doing his sales pitch. But when he’s being roped into Men San Dao’s plans and they have scenes together, they have great chemistry and are quite hilarious. Lucky also brings out the mischievous side of Men San Dao that he doesn’t often show. Similarly, Liu Lin’s preaching can get a little much. But I do enjoy her arguments with Men San Dao. They are like siblings bickering with each other, though I think Liu Lin might actually like Men San Dao. Men San Dao probably just treats her as a little sister. But no doubt they both admire each other’s strengths and dedication.

Smart and Strong characters - It’s so nice to watch a drama with intelligent characters trying to outsmart each other. Everyone is trying to figure out the next person’s moves. We have smart villains and smart protagonists. Women play a pivotal part in this drama as well, and none of them is a damsel in distress. They hold their own - emotionally, intelligently and physically.

Acting/Voice - “Heroes” has a very strong cast, especially the supporting cast which features many veteran actors. I might have picked on a couple of them, but overall, the acting is excellent. It also has a wonderful cast of guest roles. I was immediately impressed with Yin Zheng’s very short scene as the Emperor Guang Xu. He only showed up in Ep 1 but his voice and his acting leave a very lasting impression. I was also very glad that actors are using their own voices. I also really enjoy the actors using different accents and dialects when they are at different cities/regions. For a drama with such historical context and so many important conversations, hearing the actors' own voices really highlight the acting and give watchers a different form of viewing pleasure.

Opening themes - I noticed there are few opening themes for this drama. The main one includes real historic footage during that time, mixed with drama footage in the same old-style cinematic color tone. Then there are two that have monologues from Men San Dao and Zhu Fu Fan, speaking of their experience, beliefs and regrets. There’s another romantic cheesy one featuring the supposedly romantic pairs and a few supporting cast. This one is weird but funny! I am one that fast-forward all opening and closing credits, but when I see the cheesy one with floating roses, I had to pause, rewind, and make sure I did not miss it.

Flashbacks - The drama uses several flashbacks to tell us the background history of our characters. They are not long and they don’t keep on repeating to annoy you. The one I like the most is the montage in the earlier episodes detailing the romantic history of Men San Dao, GeGe and Zhong Hai Chao. It was so well-done that it broke my heart.

Subtle moments - This is quite a serious drama but then once in a while, it will drop a scene that gives me a chuckle. It could be Men San Dao holding a black vase that can break up a marriage, or the three leads playing cards while killing time. On the other hand, scenes like tightly grasping a sword, or nonchalantly wrapping a necklace/bracelet around the wrist could mean something but not openly verbalized. Or the first real conversation between GeGe and Liu Lin is full of subtle flaunting of who is more closely associated with Men San Dao. This type of jealousy is shown through witty conversations and not petty behaviors. Many of these scenes you have to pay attention to because they come and go in a flash.


I strongly recommend this drama if you are interested in history with a side of wuxia and treasure hunt. The pacing is good and there’s a lot going on to keep you interested and invested. Pay close attention to the well-written conversations and the subtle moments to fully enjoy it. There’s romance, but not central to the plot and not really done well.



Completed: 6/29/2024 - Review #454

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