Reviews

I wasn't expecting the romance to be so BIG

I did not think I would get SLS in this type of drama. I didn't go into this thinking it was a romance drama.
I watched this drama for the mystery and the thriller, especially all the psychological aspects of the storyline, which were amazing btw. The last thing I expected was to get heartbroken on behalf of the SML. I didn't read the synopsis or anything for this drama, I just went straight in, but with these types of storylines I have never found romance to be one of the bigger aspects of the drama until now.

I had such bad SLS for Jiang Cheng 😭. He was the best written character in the entire drama. I've watched a few other dramas staring Qin Jun Jie and I've always found him playing characters that seem like the SL but ends up being the ML, this is the first time seeing him actually be the SL and I hated it.

Jiang Cheng went undercover to find his best friends killer (his long term girlfriend and fiance at the time's brother). He was raised by Zhou Jin's family, he even calls her parents "mum" and "dad" as they were his parents long before they got together. He did everything he could to find out who killed essentially his brother, it took him a lot longer than he expected and he had to live a miserable and lonely life those 5 years just to get a lead on his case. I don't blame the FL for moving on after 5 years, if she waited just a little bit longer than everything would have been perfect for them. But, literally the year she married the ML (not out of love in her part, but more like an arranged marriage), she finds out Jiang Cheng is an undercover agent, that he never cheated in her and that he did everything to find her brother's killer. I genuinely don't hate Zhou Jin for moving on from Jiang Cheng, their break up was HORRIBLE. He set it up to seem like he was a heartless cheater in possession of drugs. She still waited for him for 5 years, despite thinking that he was trash she couldn't move on from, to the point that it kind of made me angry that she still held any feelings for a cheater. That is why despite how sad it is that they didn't end up together, I get it.

Jiang Hansheng was great, a good love interest and his storyline with the villain was good. The villain was obsessed with Hansheng in the sense that the guy literally wanted to torture Hansheng to death. Habsheng was really good at annoying the villain in order to destroy the villain, whilst Jiang Cheng was good at getting close to the villain and destroying them from the inside out. Both MLs had a very different way of going about their mission and it was very interesting to see how these two characters with essentially the same goal go about it.

In the romance aspect, Jiang Cheng storyline was a LOT better and made more sense. The Jiang Hansheng had a huge crush on the FL even though he hardly knew her and interacted with her only twice as a child. His immediate love for the FL was weird AF (if this was any other drama people would call it a toxic obsession), he hardly knew her and was chasing after her for years and literally stalking her (he admitted this). Jiang Cheng and the FL had a better storyline, their love for each other made sense, they knew each other their entire lives, from best friends to lovers. Jiang Cheng as a character made sense, everything he did and why he did was realistic considering his background with the FLs family, but the MLs obsession made no sense. Zhou Jin and Hansheng together were really good, they were never toxic or anything. I am not saying they were a bad match, it's just their story starts off weird but at the end they are really good together and Hansheng was genuinely a huge green flag for her. He knew what he was getting into when he married Zhou Jin, he knew she was still not over Jiang Cheng at the start and that she did not marry him out of love.

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A visual feast that sacrifices depth for spectacle.

When we talk about Guo Jing Ming, we know what we're in for: dazzling sets, dreamlike cinematography, costumes that look like they've stepped off a runway, and an obsession with aesthetic beauty. And in "Veil of Shadows," of course, every shot is a postcard, every character appears sculpted by an artist, and the wardrobe and styling reach truly impressive levels of detail. Visually, the drama is "a work of art in motion".

The story evolves with multiple plot twists that, contrary to what might be expected, I found a bit convoluted. However, the drama tries to weave events together with a certain clarity, at least for most of its runtime. It's entertaining, holds your interest, and, in the end, the characters could be said to have a happy ending (or at least one that tries to be).

And here comes the big "but." Unlike other works by the director, in this one I couldn't grow fond of or deeply connect with the characters. And that's a problem when the plot depends on you caring about what happens to them. The relationships and dynamics between the characters, in my opinion, lack the necessary depth for the viewer to invest emotionally. You see what they do, but you don't feel why they do it beyond the superficial.

And there came a point where I no longer knew who the main protagonists were. The focus shifts so much and is spread across so many characters that the narrative compass becomes blurred. This, combined with a final phase where the conflict is reduced to a spiral of "sacrifice + sacrifice + I'll sacrifice myself so you don't die," ends up being more tiresome than emotional. Self-sacrifice loses all its weight when it becomes the only available dramatic resource.

As for the*demon villain, there's no depth given to his background, his real motivations, or what led him to become what he is. He's evil just because, because the plot needs a big bad. And when the time comes to face him, the solution appears at the last minute, is confusing, and feels more like an excuse to give a moment of glory to all the characters who had some weight during the series. It's a functional ending, but empty.

Despite everything, I enjoyed it. I can't deny that the combination of polished aesthetics, constant twists, and a brisk pace makes the episodes interesting. The OST is also good and accompanies the key scenes well. Guo Jing Ming knows how to create atmosphere, knows how to sell short-term emotions, even if he doesn't sustain them later.

"Veil of Shadows" is a drama that dazzles on the outside but remains somewhat hollow on the inside. Its technical craftsmanship is outstanding, its entertainment value is guaranteed, and it has moments of genuine interest and drama. But the lack of emotional connection with the characters, the slight plot confusion, the overuse of the sacrifice trope, and a poor villain and final resolution hold back what could have been a memorable work. If you're looking for something visually spectacular to pass the time, it delivers. If you're looking for a story that touches your heart, you might be left wanting.

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Loved It!

I found the basic idea very cute and somewhat comical.
I've actually been following JuniorMakr for a while (specifically since P10l), but I've only just started following OhmPoon, and I have to say I really liked them!
If I had to choose, I think I preferred TimPai's story a little more, I found it very mature in a certain sense
A light and fun series that also handled delicate themes very well.
I found the ending coherent and right for the story... and the songs were also quite catchy. I recommend giving the series a try; you won't be disappointed.

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A true MASTERPIECE

So, I really wanted to write an impactful review but I think both Carla and Yue had breathed the words most of us who had watched and enjoyed would like to say about this epic drama. So let me only adds that another person who should be praised is the director Pui Paoon, I have watched some of the dramas she had directed and she really bring out the best of the actors ability and the ones who had worked with her should call themselves lucky.

Another thing I liked about this drama, the two leads’ chemistry aside, was how they had shown the human in all the characters and they didn’t made it one sided like every other adaptions before this series. In every other adaptions, you won’t feel sorry for the Burmese side at all but in this one, you feel with both sides which was really great to see. Thumb up!

Everyone who want decent acting, impactful story with good messages should try this one. Believe me, you won’t regret it.

I am sure I will be rewatching it again and again and crying with them all over again.

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This was almost perfect

This was going so well the main couple communicated very well. They had no misunderstandings at all until episode 28. I think when male lead switches up randomly and starts being mean to female lead and cancels their wedding it truly was so close to perfect because it was a strong female lead, perfect romance, no silly breakup no misunderstanding genuinely how do you fumble something that was going that good? And the fact that she forgave him immediately also didn’t even let him beg does this actress have a requirement for scripts that have male leads that treat her badly and she goes back immediately to them like first lighter and princess and now this

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I wish I could've loved this drama

When I first read the synopsis, I thought I was getting some sort of adaptation of the movie Life as We Know It. I was so thrilled, because I was looking for a drama that wasn't just about romance.

The first episode was okay. The introduction of the characters was nothing really special, but I didn't mind. The little actor who played Woo Joo is truly the best. What a talented little kid he is. At times I even thought they used AI to alter his expressions.
All in all, episode 1 was a promise.

After episode 1, the story started to progress a bit. And then it went downhill.

Seeing the type of drama, we as viewers already expected the ML and FL to become an item, so I was unpleasantly surprised when they introduced some idiotic love triangle, starring a so-called perfect 2ML, who lacked any depth whatsoever. And why were they even focusing on this so much? The camera kept doubling back on "romantic" moments between FL and 2ML.

Honestly, just why?

Why couldn't this have been a show about two people who weren't remotely ready to become parents, struggling to keep it together? Why wasn't this about exploring family dynamics outside of conventional families? Why wasn't this a slice-of-life (à la Something in the Rain) type of drama highlighting the real-life struggles all parents go through? Why didn't we get a drama exploring real enemies becoming partners due to a greater good? Also, FL was struggling money-wise, how in the hell did she "manage so well" after having another mouth to feed, and pay for daycare?

The characters: After Woo Joo, the ML is the better character. At first he seemed like an asshole, but he was pretty consistent. He knew how to communicate his needs and feelings. Getting to know about his trauma made him more relatable. And due to that trauma he is kind of neurotic, wanting his surroundings to be just so. (I recognize this, because I am the same, we have issues, believe me). I hated that they didn't explore this more. All of a sudden this neurotic person just accepted his fate/new surroundings and went about his day as if nothing happened. Then we have a FL who was written so flat that I didn't really understand what made her tick. I truly feel the character lacked something. I found her at times to be really aloof or uninterested.
I hated that she took on the role of guardian, but then just forgot about being said guardian all the time. Yes, we all have to work, but come on. What would she have done if uncle wasn't there?

Maybe the actress lacks experience, I didn't really see or feel her pain, even though her whole world imploded. Also there was no chemistry. Not between ML and FL, or FL and 2ML. The common denominator being FL.

All in all, I was truly disappointed. The writers had such a good chance to introduce something new. Instead they went for the most basic trope imaginable and executed it in the worst way possible. Truly a shame.

That being said, I also want to address the production. Did they hire rookie interns to do the editing?

Things I noticed: 2ML and FL went on a date, we see them driving at night on their way to the date. Once they arrive at the place of the date, it's daytime again. We see ML and FL at a park with the baby. The baby is quietly playing somewhere while they talk, once the camera pans out, the baby is gone. The baby just made a mess of uncle's house, the baby is dirty all over. When uncle carries him out of the house, his clothes are miraculously clean again. I'm sure there were more, but I stopped noticing so I could finish the drama and go on with my life. But it's 2026, these mistakes aren't supposed to be this big.

Anyways, I'm not going to keep on writing. If you don't mind dramas where the focus shifts mid-drama, give this a try. Otherwise, just sit this one out and go on about your day.

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Comfort series.

This freaking BL man! I'm going to re watch it again, STRAIGHT after! This is the main thing that's given me comfort, over the last week or two. I'm always DYING to watch it. Honestly best BL out there (and going to be extremely difficult to top it). I love it so much. It's such a comfort. I don't know why people don't like Duang (well I do - it's because they say he's annoying, but I LOVE him, don't find him annoying and would love a best mate like him). 😆 I've got a life long list of BL, but this one will have me for about at least 4 more re watches, straight after each other, before I move on.

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Soft Chaos in Love Form

Let me start off by saying I genuinely enjoyed Duang with You. Waiting for it to finish before binge watching was the right move because I know for a fact I would not have survived the weekly wait. This is the kind of drama that works best when consumed in one go, where the fluff, cringe, and emotional beats flow continuously without interruption.

At its core, Duang with You feels like a toned down, more PG13 version of Secret Crush on You, and that comparison never really left my mind while watching. Duang and Toh share the same DNA as characters, awkward, deeply in love, a little too much at times, but still endearing. And I say that as someone who really enjoyed Secret Crush on You. So naturally, I found myself comparing the two, and while Duang with You delivers in many aspects, it doesn’t quite reach the same level for me.

A big reason why I was excited for this project was Tee and Por. After seeing them in Your Sky, I already felt like they had potential. Por especially stands out immediately with his visuals. He has that kind of face that draws attention even if he’s not doing much. Tee, on the other hand, has a naturally light and warm presence that makes him easy to watch. So when they were announced as leads, it felt like a well deserved opportunity for both of them.

Starting with Tee as Duang, I’ll say this directly, Duang needed more cringe. And I mean that in the best way possible. The character thrives on being over the top, borderline uncomfortable, and that’s what makes him memorable. Tee did well, he made Duang cute, awkward, and lovable, but there were moments where it felt like he held back. Some of his movements came off a bit forced, which makes sense given the nature of the character, but it didn’t always translate naturally on screen. That said, he still managed to balance the comedy and sincerity of Duang. And interestingly, when he drops the high pitched tone and changes his styling a bit, you can actually see his potential for more mature or even dominant roles. That range is there, it just needs the right project.

Por as Qin is a different case. Let’s be honest, his visuals carried a huge part of his presence in this drama. He has that quiet, slightly intimidating aura that fits Qin’s character well. His performance in lighter and romantic scenes worked, and you could feel the chemistry between him and Tee. However, when it came to heavier emotional scenes, there’s still room for growth. The foundation is there, but the emotional delivery could be more layered. Still, for a major role, this is a solid showing and something he can definitely build on.

The storyline itself follows a very familiar formula. Someone falls for a person they think is out of their league, puts in the effort, gets closer, and eventually develops a deeper connection. It’s not new, and it doesn’t try to be. But that simplicity works in its favor. It knows exactly what kind of story it wants to tell and sticks to it. If you go in expecting something light, fluffy, and easy to digest, it delivers.

The intimate scenes are quite present throughout the series, and they were done well. They didn’t feel out of place and were used to develop the relationship between Duang and Qin. Personally though, I found myself enjoying their kissing scenes more than the heavier intimate moments. The kisses felt more genuine and emotionally driven, while the other scenes leaned more on physicality.

The supporting cast is another strong point. Duang and Qin’s friend group added a lot of charm and balance to the story. They made the world feel more alive and contributed to both the comedic and emotional aspects of the drama. I also appreciated that the story didn’t heavily rely on the usual “non-accepting family” trope. It’s refreshing to see a BL that doesn’t center conflict around that, especially when it’s already been overused.

Qin’s internal struggles, tied to his childhood and family, were introduced well and had real potential to add depth to the story. However, the way it was resolved felt a bit underwhelming. It’s one of those moments where you can see what they were trying to do, but the execution didn’t fully match the build up.

The introduction of Tiw was another interesting element. Initially, it seemed like this would create a more intense conflict for both Duang and Qin, but it was resolved rather quickly. While part of me wanted a more drawn out tension, I also didn’t mind the quicker resolution. It kept the story from becoming unnecessarily dramatic, even if it reduced the overall impact.

One thing I have to highlight is the pairing itself. Tee and Por have something that works. Their chemistry is believable, and there’s a natural dynamic between them that makes their scenes enjoyable. Their management should really invest in building this pairing further because they have potential, not just in dramas but even beyond that, especially considering they’re part of DEXX. Strong pairings are hard to come by, and this is one worth developing.

On the technical side, Thai BLs continue to improve, and this drama shows that progress. The cinematography is clean, polished, and visually pleasing. It’s getting closer to the level you’d expect from Korean productions. Combined with a solid OST, the overall viewing experience becomes even more enjoyable.

At the end of the day, Duang with You knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s not trying to be groundbreaking or emotionally heavy. It’s here to be fun, a little cringey, romantic, and easy to consume. And it succeeds at that. It just plays things a bit too safe when it had the chance to stand out more. I do hope Tee and Por get more opportunities in the future, especially in projects that challenge them more and allow them to grow as actors. The potential is clearly there.

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Overall a nice series, I have questions tho ?

I think this is a 8/10 for me. I have questions tho.
# So was Tim sleeping with all that woman that ended up crashing his wedding party?
# The younger cousin, why was he in the series, is he a special needs kid? Why does his mom baby him like that and even when he was staying by Pai, why the heck did Tim have to walk him to the bathroom to shower. That was just weird. He is not 5.
# Did I read it wrong in the beginning thinking that aunt is evil and up to no good.?
# What was up with Pai's hair...it looked too full at times, like a curtain or something, it looked too "big".
# Anyone else find it disrespectful that the grandpa outed Tim to his parents about being a scammer? I didnt like him much, he seems arrogant and a dickhead.

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The Female Doctor

First of all, I wouldn't watch short dramas. This is one of the few I've watched. I found it successful. Although it's short, it tells the story of a female doctor working in the Chinese Palace and how she rose to that position. I understood it. I found the success story good. Because it's short, it's superficial, fast-paced, and simple. It doesn't go into detail, which we can see as a shortcoming. Or, we can say that it's better because it's short and simpler to understand.

It was a beautiful success story. I found the lead actress, Hong Xiao, successful. She suited the role and carried the series from beginning to end on her own. She gave a good performance. Yang Ze accompanied her well. Zhen Shi Yi was good in the role of the villain. She made me hate her. Xu Zian and Fan Lei also portrayed the villains well. I liked them. Evan Wang was also noteworthy. It's a good series for those who like success-themed dramas. It's very short. I recommend it.

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