This review may contain spoilers
Super entertaining, visually stunning and insanely addictive (second season when?)
Where do I even start writing a review for a drama that completely stole my heart and is so far the strongest contender to being my favourite show of this year. It got me, an adult woman with a job stressful enough to have better reasons to look forward to Fridays, looking forward to them because they were "SCD days".I had no expectations and almost no prior knowledge when I started watching SCD. I haven’t read the novel, the only cast member I was familiar with was Matthew Han and I only remembered him as that cute cop from that somewhat cute Taiwanese BL. When I started watching the show, one of the first things that hit me was… the dubbing that didn’t fit the lip movement ;) I am happy it didn’t deter me from watching, because what followed was glorious.
First of all, the cinematography – by far my favourite aspect of this drama. SCD is absolutely gorgeous. The use of light and shadow, the colours chosen for specific scenes, the symbolism hidden behind the shots – this is a true art of film making which nowadays is often absent from modern productions that feel too sanitized, too clean, too bright, too… flat. SCD imagery has this magical depth present in the older movies.
I mean, how do I not gash over those scenes when Chusan stands illuminated by light, while – juxtaposed – Liuyi is covered by darkness, emphasizing them coming from two different worlds? Or by that shot with red background when Liuyi enters the warehouse to absolutely annihilate anyone who might’ve hurt Chusan. How do I not appreciate that Chusan’s room (Liuyi’s safe space) is almost always busked in gentle sunlight (minus that night when Liuyi has nightmares) and subtle pastele tones of blue and yellow? Or isn’t it so cool that the camera focuses on Hua washing his hands simply after talking with Guangming, as if to emphasize himself distancing from something that could taint him? There are honestly so many such scenes throughout the entire show and they really make me excited for a re-watch.
Secondly, the cast. Producers struck gold, there’s no other way to put it. Just like many others, I was completely drawn in by the chemistry between the main leads. But it wasn’t just the chemistry between them, but also their individual performances, for which they deserve to be applauded. He Yanzhao to me is like a diamond in a rough – maybe still lacking experience, but with absolutely crazy potential to become a phenomenal actor. I read this was his first major role in a drama – I guess when you have "it", you just have "it", after all. He’s incredibly expressive and has amazing ability to switch from looking cute/innocent/clueless/docile to dangerous/violent/domineering and borderline crazy. And none of these looks feel forced. On the contrary – his acting has this raw quality to it that makes it feel very authentic.
It took me some more time to warm up to He Changxi’s acting (not that I felt it was particularly bad at any time, but I was just too taken by his co-actor). However, ultimately I became a fan of his micro-expressions and, probably the thing I liked the most about him, his eye-acting.
Canto dubbing over Mandarin-speaking actors does mess with the final impression of actor’s performance to some extent, but there’s plenty of facial expressions and body language left to appreciate.
Thirdly, the characters themselves. They’re just all either very likeable or entertaining/intriguing. Both Chusan and Liuyi have their unique stories and personality that develop over time as we accompany them on their journey. Which, in turn, makes them more alive. Chusan is my absolute favourite of the entire show. I actually felt moved by his quiet determination and perseverance (and enjoyed his manipulative side too ;)). Liuyi is a perfect blend of cool and lame somehow coexisting within one person. He is also an interesting case of more complex emotions (I love the scene when he sees Chusan for the first time during people celebrating him getting to university – you can clearly see there’s a certain longing after a simpler, peaceful life in that moment within him; and of course the whole arc of why it bothered him so much when "Jason" spoke English and called Chusan "Sam").
But it doesn’t end with them either. I enjoyed virtually everyone who appeared on screen: from Qing Long and the longing after Liuyi always present in his eyes, to a pure delight that Xiao Ma (bless his heart) was, to absolute wholesomeness of Chusan’s dad and his girlfriend (?), to cooler than anyone else Dong Dong, or finally – my second favourite – Lu Guangming, with all his charisma, intensity and smugness :P
It’s all accompanied by a really pleasant soundtrack, with songs sang by the cast (which is an additional bonus for me). Spotify had already let me know that "Shi Ni Ai Le Wo" by He Changxi was my most listened to song in the recent weeks. So there’s that.
Ok, now on to the final thing I wanna address, which is the pacing of the story. Up until the very last episode I would confidently say it was impeccable. The story clearly spans over a few months if not more than a year (two years maybe?), but the narration deals with all time jumps and transitions very smoothly. Events that are not shown on screen (whatever the reason) can be still inferred from what’s actually shown or told, there’s no dragging, no impression of things being disjointed (which I find quite common in cdramas actually), everything flows very seamlessly.
This does change in the finale. I don’t necessarily agree with claims that it was completely scattered and crazily rushed. As a season finale, it was a rather successful one: provided big epic climax on the romance part, continued previously opened plot points while accelerating them and turning into an intriguing cliff hanger. If we do get a second season, I don’t think there was anything gravely bad about it.
Having said that, I do believe that the narration felt less fluent in the final episode, here and there I had a feeling that we needed one more scene to connect things better, while some scenes, on the other hand, felt redundant.
Still, as a whole (if I didn’t make it obvious already) I adored the drama. It had everything I could wish for in a show: great chemistry, convincing development of a romantic relationship, interesting protagonists, good acting, beautiful cinematography, a very satisfying blend of serious elements, (at times ridiculous) comedy and a tiny bit of action. I eagerly await the second season.
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The definition of LOVE IS EASY
I loved this season. Honestly, the best. I was scared of how they would fit their romance all in 2 eps and they really did give us a lot, but condensed. Made me wish for more episodes to see it, but I definitely loved this. Happy Yumi got her happy ending!! I would definitely recommend it. Also, I don't get why people don't start from season 1 because I feel like you would understand Yumi's choices due to the build up.The romance level is amazing, and I love how Shin Rook was straight to the point it just makes your life so easy being in a relationship like that.
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It became more than just a series
This season made me laugh just as much as the previous ones, but what really stayed with me is how deeply attached I’ve become to Yumi as a person. Watching her across the seasons, seeing her change, make mistakes, grow, and understand herself better, genuinely feels like growing up alongside her.I felt so close to her this time, her emotions, her struggles, the way she processes things all made sense to me in a way that felt almost personal. Her honesty and vulnerability are what make her so easy to connect to.
The cells are still the highlight, the Naughty cell had me laughing so much, and the Hunger cell felt a little too real, I’m pretty sure mine would look exactly the same. The relationship this season felt incredibly natural, nothing felt forced or frustrating, and I never once felt the urge to skip anything, which says a lot.
If anything, I wanted more, I could’ve watched them do absolutely nothing for ten more episodes and still be completely invested.
What stood out to me the most is how different this relationship feels compared to the previous ones, it’s more grounded, more stable, and just makes sense on a deeper level. You can feel that compatibility even before the story confirms it.
There’s also a subtle shift in how everything unfolds, she takes the first emotional step, while he’s the one who ultimately gives in completely, and that dynamic adds something new to her journey. It feels like everything she went through before led her here, to something more mature and balanced. I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
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Feels incomplete
These series feels incomplete in so many ways. The story concept is good but it was blended well with the characters. When did the love form,when did the hate dissolved in between the leads? you won't able to observe that well. Acting wise in certain scenes it felt real and hilarious too and in some scenes it was indeed quite bad or would have been more better.The story was also too short like with the characters it wasn't that lengthy or was in detailed to make you understand or feel their roles which r they playing. Music was super bad. Overall a one time watch i would say.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Quiet coming of age, pairing normal slice of life school friendships with a month in a very unusual young life. Back stories are mentioned and quietly present, giving it layers for those who will give it attention. The theatre life woven throughout adds more, as well as providing additional interest on its own merits. All in all, this is very well done.And below this is spoilers as it pertains to the very end. If you haven't seen it, please stop now. Seriously - it's a great film. Find it somewhere to watch, preferably legally if you can, to support quality filmmaking. Don't spoil yourself. Go back. Please. Ok, Is that ample warning? =D
The end shifts it from friendship CoA to BL. My first thought on realising this was "Yep, there are even female characters to be rejected for the boy, including an ex who still had feelings." That seems to be important to some BL, that the masculine boy realising feelings of same sex attraction had hetero options. We even learn of this through a young woman's words - before we see the boy's actions.
Many of these sorts of stories are well done, and I count Confetti amongst the best and appreciate the CoA complexity of emotions. Individually, telling diverse stories is so important towards nurturing empathy and understanding. But there is also an ecosystem in which these sorts of stories are the norm, these stories which always make girls and young women secondary, characters to be rejected for the boys' happiness.
So I'm happy for stories of boys growing and understanding themselves, of gay representation in coming of age and I still feel for girls who have this added into the mix of what society tells them it means to be female.
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A game that slowly slips out of control
What starts as a calculated plan quickly turns into something much harder to control, and that shift is what kept me watching. The whole dynamic is built on manipulation, hidden intentions, and a constant push and pull between the two leads, which makes every interaction feel tense, like neither of them is ever fully honest. I really liked the acting from both main leads, they carry the story well, and their chemistry is genuinely strong, especially in those moments where rivalry and attraction blur together. The plot twist was actually really good and added that extra layer that made everything more interesting and less predictable. Lan He Wei doesn’t stay passive and pushes back in a way that shifts the balance between them. At the same time, the story sometimes feels like it’s holding back, especially when it comes to fully exploring the emotional side of their relationship. You can feel the potential, but it doesn’t always go as deep as it could have. Still, the concept and their dynamic make it engaging enough to keep you watching.Was this review helpful to you?
I'll rewatch this over and over again ❤️
I really love everything about this series ❤️ The story, the cast, the music, and just everything about it. It made me feel many emotions in a very positive way. It was the first time I felt very excited while I waited for new episodes. I'll definitely rewatch this series many times. ❤️❤️❤️🫶🫶🫶Was this review helpful to you?
More Than Meets the Eye
At first glance, this drama may look like a light romantic comedy, but it quickly reveals itself to be something much deeper and far more emotional. It is a surprisingly moving story about love, pain, regret, and the complicated paths people sometimes have to walk. I honestly did not expect to cry this much, but the drama touched me in a way that stayed with me long after each episode.What I appreciated the most is how it shows that people’s choices are not always easy to understand from the outside. Some decisions may seem unforgivable at first, but once you learn the story behind them, everything becomes much more complex. This drama gently reminds us not to judge too quickly, because human lives are often far more tangled than they appear.
And of course, Ji Chang Wook is absolutely phenomenal here! Once again, he proves how versatile he is as an actor. He does not need to rely only on the “bad boy” image to shine — he can carry quiet pain, warmth, vulnerability, and emotional depth just as beautifully. His performance adds so much heart to the story and makes it even more memorable.
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A very Japanese (and therefore weird) romance between two beauty consultants.
PLOT: Sahashi, a former model, works with his senpai Natsume as a beauty consultant. Sahashi (who is very successful) courts Natsume and does everything he can to boost Natsume's low self-esteem. They become a couple, work in different stores, and participate in promotional events. Sahashi's family wants him to move back to New York.+++ Okuno So perfectly embodies the overthinking, self-doubting, and overworked MC. Toyoda Yudai is very handsome, and his acting is more natural.
+++ The romance is cute, following the classic dynamic : confident/proactive VS submissive/kind/can't-say-no .
### The setting is unusual: "careers in a cosmetics company," with the different positions, rivalries, seasonality, and events.
### Every time I watch a Japanese series, I'm struck by the cultural differences. The way of thinking (especially among introverted characters who overthink) is so strange to Westerners: excessive concern for "face" and others feelings, self-deprecation, constant apology even for doing nothing wrong, prioritizing the interests of the company/shop/group above all else, etc.
### The fast-paced OSTs don't fit the story.
=> I'm going to watch season 2 out of curiosity and because the format is short (that's one of the good things about Japanese series :)
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Romance très japonaise (donc weird:) entre 2 Conseillers Beauté
PLOT: Sahashi, ancien mannequin, travaille avec son sempai Natsume comme conseiller beauté. Sahashi (qui a bcp de succès) courtise Natsume et fait tout pr remonter la low-self-estime de Natsume. Ils deviennent 1 couple, travaillent dans des magasins différents, et participent à des évènements promotionnels. La famille de Sahashi voudrait qu'il revienne vivre à New York.
+++ Okuno So incarne bien le MC qui réfléchit trop, doute de lui-même et travaille trop dur. Toyoda Yudai est très beau et son jeu est plus naturel.
+++ La romance est cute, ds le schéma classique confiant, pro-actif / soumis, gentil, ne sait pas dire non.
### Le contexte est bizarre "carrières dans une Cie de cosmétiques", avec les différents postes, les rivalités, la saisonnalité, les évènements.
### A chaque fois que je regarde une série japonaise, je suis saisie par les différences culturelles. Le mode de pensée (surtout chez les personnages introvertis qui réfléchissent trop) est si étrange pr des occidentaux : se soucier à outrance de la "face" et des sentiments des autres, se déprécier, s'excuser en permanence même sans avoir rien fait, faire passer l'intérêt de l'entreprise/la boutique/le groupe en priorité absolue, etc.
### Les OSTs hyper-rythmées ne cadrent pas avec la story.
=> Je vais regarder la S2 par curiosité et parce que le format est court (c'est un des bons points des séries japonaises :)
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Would have been perfect in 10 episodes
The writers ran out of ideas and created too many unnecessary side quests to fluff up a 16 epsioder which could be done in 10. Dragging it out made what could have been an enjoyable period drama into a constant need to forward scenes. You could skip a couple of episodes and watch episode 15 as the finale. and since I can't submit this review without 500 words, I need to blab on here just like how the show blabbed on. Apparently at this point I still have not reached the 500 char mark. 10 more chars to goWas this review helpful to you?
Not Every Love Story Feels Like Love
I just finished A Dream Within a Dream, and I’ll say this first, it’s definitely a good watch. It kept me interested all the way through, and that’s not something I say lightly.The female lead really carried this drama for me. Her expressions, her timing, the banter, everything felt so natural and effortless. She made her character feel alive without trying too hard, and I genuinely enjoyed watching her in every scene.
It was also nice seeing Wang Cheng Si (Fu Gui) again after Prisoner of Beauty. That alone added a bit of emotional familiarity.
But my biggest issue was the romance.
It existed, yes, you could see it in the storyline and in certain moments. But I didn’t feel it deeply enough. I never fully believed that the female lead was in love with the male lead in that consuming, undeniable way. What I was missing was that emotional shift… that softness where she lets her guard down completely.
The male lead gave more emotionally, and because of that, the relationship felt slightly unbalanced. At times, her treatment of him felt distant, even when the story suggested otherwise. And that made it hard for me to fully invest in their love story.
So while the drama is enjoyable and well-acted, the romance didn’t hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.
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Best Chemistry
I absolutely loved *Yumi’s Cells 3*! The chemistry between the leads is just amazing—both the actor and actress did such a beautiful job bringing their characters to life. Their interactions feel so natural and heartfelt that they genuinely give you butterflies. The story is simple yet so warm and engaging, making it really enjoyable to watch. Overall, it’s a sweet, feel-good drama that stays with you even after it ends.Really I want their more drama. i want to see them in others dramas as couples
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Convoluted relationships showing the complexity of emotions and motivations of couples
Honestly watched this only for Liu Yuning and thought it was just a standard modern day romance drama. This ended up being a drama that was at times frustrating yet eye opening to watch. How many of us can truly say that relationships are pure and simple? To be fair, the plot does create the conditions to explore one angle of the intricacies of temptation, commitment and love, which can make you think - what kind of crazy and morally grey show is this?! It then turns on itself and explores the fallacies of certain mindsets, which all in all made for a decent show that's not complete fluff/sugar/bewilderment.Definitely stellar acting from the leads, and Vengo Gao reminds a favourite for me, where he balances his goofy/dorky charactor with an underlying steadiness which made the characterisation much more nuanced and enjoyable to watch. Plus points for it being different from his other roles which could seem more on the stiffer and stoic side LOL he was a cheeky lovestruck clown in this one. However, the acting from the other characters fell a little flat for me.
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What a series!
To be loved is to be changed and this is what this entire season was about, as soon as Yumi saw Soon Rook her cells, her emotions and her feelings started reviving (even if she was so done with him at first) and as soon as Soon Rook fell for Yumi his principles shattered, I realized how easy it is to change when you are in love, true loveAs an introvert like Soon Rok who has been misunderstood in the past of my feelings, this season of Yumi’s Cells have really proven to me that the right person will definitely do everything possible to be with you, no matter what, and all you just have to do is meet them. There’s no pride or hesitation in how most introverts feel when we meet the person we care about… we express our feelings extremely to the max! Before the time, there may be misunderstandings as we live fully in our world, but once we are certain, we fight to be with the one we choose. I’ve been crying watching these episodes because it really has convinced me that true love will come for us, no matter our temperaments, and that all it takes is the right person and right moment. Yumi is guaranteed to be loved forever by this wonderful man. I’m so, so happy for her! What a beautiful end to one of the best series ever!
The animation element to this drama has been so consistent and brilliant it brought the story to life in such a unique way and made us connect to the characters on a deeper level. There’s always a bittersweet feeling when a drama you like ends, but saying goodbye to Yumi’s Cells is a lot harder. Such a great drama, everyone involved in it deserves their flowers.
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