Reviews

66% treasure

bruh another fucked up drama, 30 episodes were great, then went downhill crazy

SPOILERS


they just kill the kindest soul, most evil characters get redemptions and female lead was acting crazy for 15 episodes, she just broke up with male lead after few days and started running away, then send him message through some shitty pillow and they just reconcile like that? after everything he done pillow worked? I know pregnancy can cause character changes but that shit was 180 degrees

Also - as the child was from sperm bank we are still not sure if that his child or what, as they were hinting to that all drama...
just give us blood check after child is born, as I can respect love for single mother of not your child but if the story progression is pointing to that then it's just cuckolding viewers...

Just frustration left...

Read More

Short and Simple

Honestly, I feel like the overall score is a bit high, but for a short drama like this, it fits. If you're looking for a simple pick-me-up show, this could be for you. If you're looking for a new show that has more than a simple love story, then this is not for you.

Pros:
- Pretty good acting
- The whole cast is all visuals
- Good kiss scenes
- Simple chemistry
- Supportive sister and friend
- Friend specified what he meant from the dialogue
- Simple dialogue and some fun scenes
- Music was simple yet lighthearted. Fit pretty well with the scenes

Cons:
- Very short episodes
- Chang In sometimes smiles after dialogue, so it sometimes breaks the illusion/ doesn't fit the dialogue
- Subs had an error with ages, once saying Su Hyeon was 20. Made it confusing when they later said different ages (plus would've been a whole different story if Eun Ho was 15!)
- Not sure if this was a website error, but a part of one episode had no audio for a minute?
- Some beginning scenes were a little lackluster with acting, but later in the story, it got better
- Did I mention very short episodes?

Read More

No big actions, but nuances that touches your hearts

This is not your typical polices investigating cases after cases. Main plot is to solve the disappearance of father and daughter duo, but along the way, it shows relationships among senior and junior in the police station, father and daughter after a divorce, neighbors and colleagues and all in the community. It’s such a touching drama yet at the same time, making us keep guessing who are the murderers.

The best part for me is how good Dylan looks without make up, presenting himself bare-faced in current drama scenes where heavy make up are a norm. His micro expressions are so on point that I can’t see Dylan in Ran Fangxu. A totally new respect to this actor for his talent and skills.

Read More

Good show with an unremarkable storyline and one annoying minor character

Personally, I first watched this show back in 2003 and re watched it again last year.

The real reason I watched this show is not because of Lawrence Ng and Ada Choi but for Edde Kwan and Gigi Lai. Their first formal on-screen collaboration was The Link back in 1993 that also stars Ada Choi. With that TVB drama 'The Link, Eddie Kwan and Gigi Lai became my Favorite on-screen couple.

As I said, pretty good show except for one thing or one minor character that ruined this show for me- Joey Chai.
Yes, that rich girl who fancied Ken, Eddie Kwan 's character. While she is not an evil person, I find her aggravatingly annoying, childish and pathetic.
In Episode 7, she cancelled a work meeting for Ken without his consent just so he can go to the UK with her. It is so obvious that Eddie is just not into her and only pursued her under Amy's influence. Honestly, is this Joey really that clueless??? Joey just gets on my nerves no end- she is kind of 'man-crazy' and shameless. If I were Ken, I won't fall for her either.
Like I said, Eddie and Gigi is my favorite couple and I really resented that this rich girl Joey Chai just got involved with Ken.
Whenever Joey 's scenes with Ken are screened, I just skip over. Hurts my eyes.

The producers also killed off Amy at the end, which leaves the possibility of Eddie marrying this Joey Chai after his jail term is completed (Amy, Gigi 's character had tried to frame him for murder of someone, and he had killed Amy in rage). I wished Amy had repented of her evil deeds and accepted ken 's love. I just didn't want Ken to end up with that Joey due to my intense dislike for this character. Thumbs down. Should have killed Joey Chai off instead.

Honestly, the actress playing Joey Chai is not even on the list of casts for this platform., which I suppose is a good thing. Not going to name her but in terms of looks, she is far from beautiful and is certainly no match for Gigi 's beauty and fame. And Eddie Kwan is too handsome for this small-time actress playing Joey. Yuck.

Read More

Deep yet Shallow

Fittingly for a drama called The Water, it was rocky seas, smooth tides, and then back to whitecaps galore, before, finally, the storm passed.

How many more water references can I make? Lol.

Okay, to really get into my thoughts: I admired the overall maturity present here, particularly when it came to the business aspect. The hotel empire wasn't simply a backdrop for the FLs' romance. It wasn't just a major source of conflict, but running it took front and center stage, from front desk employees having to maintain a standard appearance and dealing with guests, to having meetings to arrange partnerships and public promotion events.

I found myself invested in Nam and Lada's efforts at work and found their romance to be a needed shake-up for both of them after having to deal with such high pressure/expectations. I loved seeing the normally serious and composed Nam awkward and shy, and the normally high-energy and talkative Lada torn and tongue-tied. They were truly sweet together.

I even found the deception plot to have a lot more depth than I expected.

But . . .

Compared to The Earth (it's impossible not to compare them), which, if I take my rose-colored glasses off, I can acknowledge had its problems, I think The Water failed to deal with its serious/traumatic topics well, let alone achieve a romance so dazzling you'd be blind to it. When the finale came, I found myself feeling a bit bitter about it, to say the least. Yes, everyone was happy, but could/should a pretty bow really be tied on it after everything, and should EVERYONE have been so at peace after such severe manipulation and abuse? I would argue no!

I had many a good giggle and was entertained but not blissfully charmed. That's the best I can put it, I think.

Read More

GAH SEASON TWO EVEN BETTER but... GORIER T_T

Honestly, action was INSANE; you can tell EVERYONE put so much work into the scenes...

Absolutely superb acting just as the first season!!

Every episode is extremely INTENSE - so if you cannot take gore or intensity in terms of physically / mentally... it might not be for you~

Storyline has a lot of surprises! Good ones and not so good ones but another roller coaster of a ride!!

Honestly, really appreciated how season 2 connected with season 1, with the plot, memories, and characters; it really felt like one drama continued~

I cannot believe how the perfectly picked each of the cast members...

I think the ONLY thing I had a small wish for change was sort of perhaps building up the villains? Like S1 was great because the mother just happened to be intertangled... but S2 was just sort of extremely - just a straight up hateful evil dude?? haha

Totally still would recommend as it was still an insanely good watch!

Read More

10/10

Very good drama Dylan Wang is one of the best Chinese actor rn and he look very beautifulllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllleushshshshshhahshahahahahauahauahhahahsznznsjsjsjjajajajajajajajjajajajajajajajajjajajauwuwuahahhajajajajajajajjajajajajajajajajajjajajajajajajajjajajajajajjajajajajauuauwuwuHahahahajjajajajaajauuauauauauauauajjaajjajajajajajajajuwuwuquauBahahahajauauauauaujajajajajajajajauquwuauauauauauauauuaauuauauauauauauauauauuauauauauauauauauauuauauauaiaiaiaiaiiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiiaiaiaiaiauaiaiauiaiaiauaiauauauuauauauauauauauiaiaiaiiaiaiaiaiaiaiiaiaiaiaiaiiaauaiaiauauauuauajajajajajauauiaiaiaiaiaiaiauaiiaiaiauauauauauiaauuauauuauauauauauauuauàwwuauUJjajaja27272727shajauajjaajajja

Read More

A place of peace, warmth and laughter

Love this show so much already and the concept is 'chef's kiss'. Seonho back in variety, with his kindness, warmth and easy laughter is the best and his chemistry with 'chajumma', established through working with him on the The Tyrant, is such a pleasure to watch. The whole cast gets along really well and the elder villagers are so charming. Also, Seonho and Dino were incredibly sweet together. Can't wait to watch as all their relationships grow and deepen. If you are needing some peace, laughter and all around warmth, this is the show for you.
It drops every friday on Coupang Play and Viki.

Read More

Overall a very good show but with some very questionable scenes.

I really enjoyed this show. It has a fantastic cast and I really appreciate the ensemble nature of it. It is a bit weird in that at each character featured plays progressively a smaller role the farther the story goes, but I do enjoy that it isn't the typical 2 main characters with comic relief side characters. Most plot lines are good and each of the men and woman are different enough and have distinct dynamics that make them enjoyable.

The main negatives for me is that there is a lot of just artificially placed issues with many of the romances. Obviously you don't want smooth sailing but for me personally there are too many issues caused by complete failure in communication and unreasonable assumptions / idealism.

There are also 4 or 5 five scenes that are really despicable but played off as lighthearted or reasonable. They are minor enough in plot relevance which makes it annoying that they were even included. Examples include prolonging a forced abduction for brownie points, insane gaslighting, and just weird and callous behavior between family members.

Overall the show is very enjoyable, mostly due to the cast and production. The characters all have their unique elements and likeable. While some are close to being Mary Sues, most of them are more nuanced than a lot of other main roles portrayed in Chinese dramas.

Read More

Dropping only because of the female lead

The production of the series is quite well done and the plot is quite intriguing so far with a lot of mysteries to uncover. I'm also not adverse to stories that have misunderstandings or tragedies, but I do need to be able to at least like the main leads. In a second attempt to watch this, I just can't stand the female lead. All of the other characters are fantastic so far but because the female lead is a core character, it just isn't happening.

She had a tragic start to life but was fortunate enough to be saved by her master. Yet she acts like a spoiled brat who's overly obsessed with him. Although I'm totally fine with characters who start off ignorant and eventually grow into themselves, she is a different situation. She was raised by her master and grew up in a hidden sect... she should know better than to ignore his orders and the sect rules over and over again. She was also very aware how important the emperor was to her master. Yet her selfishness decisions not only caused her master and disciple brother to be almost beaten to death but almost immediately afterwards, she STILL decides to attempt to assassinate the emperor WHILE fighting her injured master in order to do so. Her annoying repetitive excuse and justification around her loyalty to him because he's her savior is just total bs. And not sure if this is due to the actress' acting skills or intentional but her character also feels narcissistic. While she is supposed to care about those around her, her face is consistently monotone.

It's quite unfortunate because I would definitely want to keep watching for the story and the rest of the characters (hence the higher score). But my dislike for the female lead is only going to be aggravating especially when it's already know how many of those around her treat her with sincerity... she's one of those characters who is totally undeserving.

Read More

my goodness i'm so obsessed with janjingjing

honestly, this episode was really really fun. The chemistry, the acting and just EVERYTHING. I feel like this episode did a great job introducing the characters while also showing that there’s so much more to the story coming later on. That’s what really captivated me from the beginning. You’re always thinking, “wait, what’s going to happen next?” “wholikes who?” “willshe say yes tobeing friends with benefits”

and I can’t forget how funny this show is because janhae reallyit so well. she's literally THE comedy herself LOLL. she's just being herself, and i can’t help but laugh every time she’s on screen. I’m also so in awe of jingjing. sheportrays the strict, troubled character so well, and when she’s drunk ... omg , she actually nailed that scene. you can clearly tell the difference of when she’s drunk, that there's another side of her that showsand she just pulls it off

i already love this series so much, and I’m really excited for what's more to come. I keep rewatching it and noticing more details every time. I’d definitely say give it a few episodes because I really think it’ll be worth your time!

Read More

I'm siding with the Primordial Force

This is officially the worst Cdrama I've ever watched. So bad I had to suffer my way through to the end to see how it turned out and, let me tell, it's a doozy. Whoever wrote this story needs help. Almost every character is blindly, obsessively in love with someone who will never reciprocate their feelings, but they remain masochistically loyal unto death, basically. Where do I begin?
FL is a pleasant, sweet, and simple minded girl who enters the cold, calculating, cruel and self-righteous world of the sects after her father dies. She follows her father's instructions and seeks out a cultivator who is the leader of the sect on Mt. Shu. She finds him as he is dying, and he hands ownership of the sect over to her, a teenage girl. Okay. His options were limited. She was there and alive which made her the best candidate.
She then travels to a second, more powerful sect, with an idea of becoming a member and finding the man she had developed a crush on just after the death of her father. He helped her out for a few days and then disappeared, but it was enough to make her young heart beat for him and him alone for the rest of the show despite some way better options. He, of course, was an immortal in disguise and the master of the sect she decides to join. During the entry tests for this sect, he literally tries to kill her by destroying the chain bridge she was crossing from one outrageously high cliff to another. Somehow, despite her fear of heights, she climbs to safety and misses her best chance to run for the hills. This was truly a crossroads in her life, that, had she been able to read the room, could have saved her an unfathomable amount of future torture and humiliation. Sect leaders who casually attempt to kill their recruits are not worth learning from.
And so she joins the cult. Here she makes many friends for the first time in her life, and her openness and naivete make her a favorite of many of her peers. She also has a friend outside, Dongfeng, who decided he must marry her after seeing her topless and always seems to show up exactly when she needs help. He's probably the best character in the story, but of course the FL can't bring herself to love anyone that could possibly love her back. He also has a grudge against ML for killing his father and his revenge becomes an issue between him and FL later on.
Despite a rough start in her discipleship, she eventually gains momentum and becomes the only disciple to our disaster of a ML. They live together in his floating courtyard called Loveless. ML severed his emotions as a young immortal and is basically a block of wood that somehow still invites the obsession of not just our FL but also his fellow immortal and raging psychopath, Zi Xun. Her lines are often pedantic but spoken with great feeling. She has no interest in justice or helping the people of earth. She only pouts and bewails ML's lack of affection for her. She also decides to kill FL and makes multiple attempts on her life. She is never held accountable for this in any way. Eventually, her obsession drives her to degenerate and become a demon.
Another peach of a character is Ni Man Tian. FL's peer and the most arrogant, awful, hateful person in this whole mess. She is a bully who never should have been allowed to stay in the sect, but the leadership there are completely blind to the injustices around them. They also bully and terrify and hold their heads high in their own self-righteousness. It's painful to watch.
Undergirding the whole show is the premise that FL is destined to be ML's "calamity." Their magic rocks tell them so. So there is a sense of impending doom always lurking in the background and growing and growing until the watcher wants to scream, "Just get it over with already!"
Eventually they do, but it's not a singular event so much as a spiral of events that includes FL risking all of the earth to save ML who isn't even nice to her. She, with the help of her trusty friends, collect these magical relics that can open a portal into a dimensional prison where the Primordial Force was locked up by a conspiracy of sect leaders a long time ago. Supposedly, this Primordial Force could destroy everything if unleashed. For the world built in this story, that would be a mercy. There is no real righteousness, no justice, no accountability. There are petty fights and endless accusations. There is scheming and bullying and greed and revenge. With a few exceptions. Those who don't harbor ill intentions tend to position themselves as martyrs every chance they get. FL and ML being the biggest examples. Even Dongfeng gives into this in the end and sacrifices himself for FL. In fact, nearly everyone she cares about sacrifices him or herself for her. Including the leader of the demon sect, Sha Qian, a consistently warm and supportive character towards FL who is blamed constantly for things he didn't do. His sect is a mess though and his commanders regularly disregard his orders and invite the hatred of the other sects.
So FL releases the Primordial Force, but he puts his power in her first. ML then sneaks in and seals the power inside of her so that she won't be able to defend herself from the relentless waves of torture and punishment that await her. FL puts on her martyr mantle and is taken for judgment at her sect. She refuses to give the true reason why she stole the relics and instead lies and says she conspired with the demon sect. Once again, they are blamed for something they didn't do. A long and boring story arc begins where FL is tortured relentlessly and cast into some kind of desert netherworld. Dongfeng saves her at the cost of his 5 senses and his life. Sha Qian opens the gate for her to get back to earth and exhausts all his power and withers up and dies.
FL lurks around the edges of her former sect, stealing glances at her beloved Master while looking sad. Her face was badly burned by Ni Man Tian during the torture saga and she wears a weird fabric leaf cluster over the burns. ML occasionally remembers FL fondly but when he finally sees her he speaks cruelly and orders her to be punished. At some point he locks her up and hopes that she will start to care less when the people she loves die. Her friends break her out after a few years and are immediately killed in front of her. She degenerates into a demon at this point, and the Primordial Force is unsealed. She takes over the demon sect for a short time and tries to annoy ML a bit before setting him up to kill her. He happily complies and then has BIG REGRET. As he holds her dead body, finally everyone who is still living feels bad for her.
The last scene is unthinkably cruel. ML resurrects FL by sacrificing his friend and fellow sect leader Mo Yan (who was a POS but human sacrifice is still really bad) WITHOUT HER MEMORIES. They live together in a simple cabin and he carries her around like a big doll puppet that occasionally wakes up and speaks like the old happy FL, the one whose life and dreams and loved ones hadn't yet been destroyed by him. WHO WROTE THIS?! WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS OKAY?!

Read More