A Tarnished Love Story
This is a difficult watch for much of its first half. Even with a second chance at life, the gifted but emotionally stunted female lead remains drawn to the scheming love rival, who consistently prioritizes his family and politics over her. He allows her to die slowly from poisoning and frames the male lead, her husband, so she will have him killed. In contrast, the devoted but estranged ML still loves her, even as he dies knowing she ordered his murder.FL has a bad case of “princess syndrome,” and believability and mutual respect are sacrificed for added drama. The heavy focus on the love rival further weakens the central couple’s relationship. A couple of standout romantic tracks also lose impact through overuse in scenes between FL and the rival. The dark core of the story clashes with humor that does not always land, though it does provide some relief from the relentless scheming and rivalry angst.
The romance feels heavily tarnished, with the central relationship undermined by uncomfortable cuckold and simp dynamics and a love triangle that drags well past exhaustion. It persists into the finale where a third of the episode is spent on an overindulgent end sequence for the rival. Meanwhile, the main couple is left with a brief, perfunctory, and ultimately unsatisfying happy ending. FL appears to settle for ML, the man her dubiously rational mind believes she is supposed to end up with. Yet her attachment to the rival, who betrayed her in both lifetimes and moments earlier tried to kill her husband, is so strong that she has to be physically restrained from throwing herself into a fire to save him, risking both her own life and that of her unborn child.
If toxic female fantasies and pure palace drama are your thing, dive in. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
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The best movie I've ever seen
I have seen my fair share (way more than my fair share, to be completely honest) of zombie movies, but Train to Busan stands in its own category. This movie isn't just a horror/zombie film; it's a movie about survival, fear, bravery, family, and love. I cried like a baby during this movie, and every time I've rewatched it, despite knowing what happens.Was this review helpful to you?
Irritating characters, boring plot
I wanted to watch this because of Kim Hye-Yoon and a few scenes I saw on tiktok but all the characters were terribly infuriating and the storyline was so dull. Both leads came off as immature and honestly Lomon’s character continuously annoyed me because he just would not accept the consequences of his actions. I came here to read the reviews to see if it was worth finishing because I was on episode 4 waiting for things to get better but unfortunately it does not sound like it will. Dropped the show.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Thoughtful and Nostalgic Portrait of Love in 1970s China
Here we have a well-crafted series, carefully produced, with a refined aesthetic. The director truly immerses us (and for me, it was my first time—so thank you for that journey) into 1970s China, where we mainly follow four couples, each with different kinds of love and different life goals.The main couple builds their relationship slowly, based on first love. Their relationship is very healthy, mutual, and balanced, with romantic moments. It’s an exemplary relationship built on mutual support, friendship, and encouraging each other’s dreams, with the modesty and innocence of first love.
The second couple comes from past traumatic relationships. With more experience and maturity, they portray a more passionate love. At first, there is a lack of communication, but it gradually evolves into something more open as they learn to express themselves.
The third couple, involving the female lead’s brother, represents a more traditional, domestic kind of love typical of the time—less romantic and less idealized, but still very solid.
The fourth couple shows younger characters who make rational choices. Their relationship works because they understand that their personalities and life paths are compatible.
Character writing:
All of the above shows how extremely well-written the characters are. They feel alive, and we can understand every single one of them—not only the couples, but also the parents and supporting characters.
Casting:
I want to highlight the entire cast, which is very consistent and strong. It truly feels like an ensemble rather than a show built around one standout star, and I appreciate that.
The director gives us many romantic and nostalgic moments, with very positive vibes. It also reminds us that in the past, people may have had less materially, but they communicated more and found happiness in simple things.
Context and pacing:
The series takes its time, which can be both a strength and a weakness. For me, the energy drops after episode 20, and the show loses some of its charm afterward. Otherwise, I would have considered it flawless.
The series also portrays the social realism of 1970s China, with professional constraints, strong social pressure, and limited access to education—yet an even stronger desire to learn and grow.
Fei Ni is the central character: pragmatic, ambitious, and clear-minded. She is quite rare in Chinese dramas, and it’s refreshing to see a character who can sew, work, write, study, and still be kind.
Her love interest is resourceful and positive—thanks to these qualities, there is almost nothing he cannot achieve. The early episodes are also quite humorous.
Another strong point is the absence of clichés. The story is not built just to glorify a star, but offers a genuine and thoughtful narrative.
To sum up:
It has a “When Life Gives You Tangerines” kind of mood in a C-drama version, but more stretched out—which is also its main weakness.
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OMG what a gem!!!!
I love this drama!!! it is so well done!!! All episodes!!! what ppl call "too much talking after ep 5" is super interesting, as those two talk phylosphy of conning etc."IT WAS FAKE, BUT iT WAS NOT A LIE.
SARAH REALLY LOVED BUDOAR "
How did I miss it back then when it was airing?? BC THE MDL SYNOPSIS WAS SOOOO BAD. It looked like a really boring drama.
But this is about a female con artist who really figured out rich women and really went after them - created what they wanted and then stole from them. Wow great job
THat Budoar store and bags and the whole experience were really good, actually! Creating an EXPERIENCE for the rich... SHE DID A GREAT JOB!!!!!
This drama is SO FUN!!!!! It is "girls story" as well as class story.... about women trying to be someone... about "low girls" and "rich girls" and everyone trying to be pretty and have pretty things and higher status... about female friendships and women as enemies... FASCINATING about being slaves of the system... about the societal prejudices....
also at the time of epstein files, this drama tries to focus on women as epsteiners and their male prostitutes. What a cheesy cover up and distraction from epstein files... On one hand, it is good to show the equality of genders in doing evil things, on the other hand, it is a total coverup of the real epstein files :)
I started watching it ONLY BC I LEARNED HOW GOOD IT WAS ON THIS BLOG https://byrei.ink/
It is so nice to have a drama about women too.
ML was ML in Love Scout. He is good at this detective role actualy But his eyes look like plastic surgery gone bad. His eyes pop out so much it is creepy
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Great depth
This series has great depth with its non-cliche approach to the romance genre. The production values are imaginative with a variety of techniques applied when developing the story. In particular, I loved how Luan’s play is juxtaposed with the reality of the couple’s issues but that was just one out of many ways about love which was communicated in a creative and innovative way. This series sustained my interest especially in portraying the relationships between couples and amongst the characters. There is a pessimistic approach with so much angst in so far as each couple have conflicts and complications but the discussions and revelations about love are so well scripted. The resolutions for each couple with the final voice over narration by Xiao Xi with the montage visuals of the characters tied everything together as far as what love is about. This was most satisfying. The writing is top notch and the cast do a tremendous job in portraying their characters. Gong’s character is most appealing for me due to his sense of humour and larrikin nature that at times was not without depth. I loved the ending. It was an enjoyable twist. Overall a very clever series.Was this review helpful to you?
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what a show!
Absolutely flawless; it didn't disappoint in a single aspect. From the powerhouse acting to the top-tier direction and the atmospheric soundtrack everything was perfectly in syncThe direction was gritty and immersive, capturing that 90s undercover vibe perfectly. The fight choreography felt raw and realistic, making every action sequence count. It wasn't just 'action'-it felt like storytelling through movement
Ji Chang-wook and Wi Ha-joon delivered career-defining performances. The chemistry (and tension) between the lead and the antagonist was electric. You could feel the psychological toll on the characters in every frame, which kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last second
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HOT GARBAGE (surprisingly entertaining though)
it didn't think I would make it so far. I am basically dropping this drama on the last episode just because my brain cells cannot take it anymore.I have to be honest: the drama is a Trainwreck but the funny part is that somehow they manage to keep you entertained.
it is a very weird experience.
This show is called "only friends" but I think it's missing a key word.. "only shitty friends".
The story is about a group of "friends" and... Their hornyness I guess🤣
People fuck around like they drink water. It's sex scene after kiss scene after sex scene.
They are so casual about having sex with one another but funnily enough they instantly catch feeling for everyone.
If you are looking for sexy people getting down look no further because there isn't anything else tbh.
Every character in this drama feels like a copy. They all flirt in the same way, are sassy in the same way and use some cheese pick up lines.
They try so hard to include heavy themes like depression or drug addiction but fail miserably.
One character admits to cocaine use like he is talking about a new toothpaste.
On some level they are all toxic.
If you want some mind numbness this is good.
It's a shit show.
This drama is like your friends explaining some gossip about people you don't know. You basically don't care about them but you kinda wanna know how things evolve.
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we need a new season
I felt that the lead actor, Park Ji-hoon, gave a decent performance this time around, though honestly, it didn’t quite hit the same highs as his breakout performance in the first season where he absolutely killed itPlot & Pacing:
The sequence of events was solid and kept me hooked throughout. As for the ending? It was a total rollercoaster
I was hyped to see Geum Seong-je finally teaming up with the protagonist after Na Baek-jin’s death. And then, seeing An Su-ho reappear? That was the ultimate cliffhanger. It feels like they're clearly setting the stage for a third season, and I’m definitely crossing my fingers that we get one soon!
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My Favorite Drama of All Time
I loved this series. It's my favorite among historical/wuxia Chinese dramas. Till the End of the Moon gripped me from start to finish: a grand tragic romance that plays with reincarnations, the struggle between fate and free will, and a beautifully handled redemption arc. The production is sumptuous: immersive sets, carefully crafted costumes, and clear, emotionally driven choreography. The OST perfectly underscores the key moments, gentle when needed and poignant in decisive scenes, and the cinematography gives the drama a strong visual identity.Bai Lu is incredible. She carries multiple identities with an impressive acting range, including gentleness, resolve, vulnerability, and restrained anger. Everything is nuanced and sincere. Her gaze speaks as much as the dialogue, and her alchemy with her partner makes every confrontation memorable. She conveys the character's evolution without ever overplaying it. A truly standout performance.
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An Incredible Drama
I loved its dark, intense, and captivating atmosphere from beginning to end. The series perfectly blends suspense, emotion, action, and fantasy elements, while maintaining real depth in its story. The sets and cinematography are stunning, with a truly striking atmosphere that immediately immerses you in the period.For me, "Gyeongseong Creature" is a real success and a drama that should not be missed.
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Striving Alongside Your Lover
Sometimes, a surprise second season, while not being strictly necessary to wrap up anything story-wise, is a delight.I considered this second season of Cosmetic Playlover to be a small step above the first in terms of consistency. Not only were the MLs consistently communicating and putting in effort to maintain their relationship, but even individual arcs in career/character growth were well-paced when stretched across more than one episode.
This season was all about tests of endurance and ingenuity. Mutually striving alongside/pushing your lover forward.
I'd not only call them a healthy couple but a realistic one that could be looked up to.
I'd even be ready to watch a third season!
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1When You Get Another Chance At Life
I went in with no expectations and to my surprise, I love it! This drama makes me feel so satisfied. If you have regrets in life, this drama would feel fulfilling. The original Xia Xiaolan from both past and present are so common. The transmigrated Xiaolan is such a badass and I am loving it. But do remember that Xiaolan has a cheat sheet in life and she makes the most out of it. The drama moves at a fast pace but that’s understandable considering that they packed a long novel into a 36 episodes drama. The ending is expected due to the ban, but whatever with that. I just love how fulfilling this drama makes me feel.Was this review helpful to you?
A Drama That Draws You In
I have seen MANY Chinese dramas in the 8 years I've been hooked into Asian dramas. This drama ALMOST beats Love Like The Galaxy which is my top one. It's a VERY close second. I love a strong woman drama, but this one shows off the FL's character in physical strength. The FL is believable as well as beautiful. Those eyes of hers draw me in. The ML is no less beautiful and his tenderness in this drama got me from the start. Unfortunately Netflix is on 1 drama per day this week instead of two which is sooooo aggravating. Don't miss this drama. It is definitely worth your time to watchWas this review helpful to you?
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unique plot and fantastic chemistry
Overall: this is a slow burn done right. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/6325/sammys-childrens-day-2026 (not available in Macau, Japan or Korea) ; Viki viki.com/tv/41463c-sammys-childrens-day (U.S, New Zealand possibly other countries) YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvGcdVlZnkJ5Y4OWETVZTXmJMKswptul5&si=arkxVwP7ybUjxOgt (everywhere except Japan and Korea, episode 2 onwards requires a membership)Content Warnings: murders, blood, torture, violence, kidnapping/held against will, coercion, mental health struggles, suicide, past child abuse, attempted sex trafficking, self harm, manipulation, non con kiss, grief
Watch Suggestions (take out most content warnings)
- episode 1 watch beginning to 16min, 20:30-end
- episode 2 watch beginning to 1:50, 6-15:30, 23:40-30:15, 36-38
- episode 3 watch 5min-14:45 and 31-46
- episode 4 watch 23min-end
- watch episodes 5, 6 & 7
- watch episode 8 (skip 18min-22:30)
- episode 9 watch beginning-5:30 and 28-end
What I Liked
- the setting/plot
- unique dynamic (the person who did the kabedon in a later episode is not who a viewer would expect)
- chemistry
- production value
Room For Improvement
- the main character appeared deadly and stone cold and then in the second half of episode 1 became goofy, it did balance out okay later
- finale had a quirky part, they show what happened after the credits at 35 minutes
- the cliffhanger ending with open plot threads and needed more with the side couple
- not a fan of dubbing but I didn't take off points as I know it's extremely common in China
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