Reviews

Amazing mature love story with such depth!!!

This drama made me laugh, cry, and be completely in awe of the whole story line.

It starts out into a virtual murder mystery game and this is how our main couple meets. It does not focus on this game it is just the way our main couple gets away from reality for a bit. Where they can act and be someone else for a bit before they have to get back to their real lives. It is a slow burn romance, but I felt that just made them finally getting together even more exciting. It was such a beautiful build up for our main couple. The FL is going through being left by her boyfriend the day of her engagement party through a voice recording. It devastates her and leaves her with not even an answer of why. Our ML you find out is trying to clear his father's name and reclaim his name. Along the way they find each other. The scenes are also so beautiful to watch. If you are a romance lover what are you waiting for. Give this drama a shot!

I absolutely loved Lu Yu Xiao & Chen Xing Xu together it just felt so effortless and at times their love story felt so real. Their chemistry is just beautiful and heartfelt. These two really brought their characters to life and they keep you invested in their story.

Another character I really loved was Hu Xiu's best friend. She was such a strong woman through everything she goes through. Xiao Rou was also the greatest best friend to Hu Xiu. She would defend her at every turn and be there for her no matter what. I couldn't believe her husband, but knew something just wasn't right with him.

The last character I want to mention is Pei Zhen. The guy that played Pei Zhen just played him so well. I don't think of him as a villain though some may not agree. I just pitied the poor guy. You could just tell that he let jealously drive him. He wanted to prove himself so bad, and it just was never good enough. You can tell why the things Hu Xiu did meant so much to him.

I have to also gush about my favorite scene where I just fell in love with the ML here. It was at the FLs ex's wedding. I think this is just one of the best scenes in this drama. She shows up at this wedding by accident for the ML cause he is also her boss. She discovers why her ex called off their engagement so he could do a rushed marriage with another girl he was seeing. She wasn't going to say or do anything and was even going to stay out of sight after doing what she needed to for her boss. The ML lets her know she has done nothing wrong and gets her to hold her head high. The ML is just the best in this scene just everything he does for her. I literally swooned watching every bit of it I loved it so much. It literally needs to be watched to understand why I love it so much. I will say it again if you are a romance lover how have you not watched this yet.

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A pretty drama with a pretty cast that lived up to my expectations

My first ongoing C-drama in 2026. I’ve been waiting for this drama since I discovered Cheng Lei last year, and it doesn’t disappoint! I’ve never read the novel, the manhwa, nor watched the donghua, so I’m watching the drama as an original viewer lol.
I love it so much! I kind of lost track at the beginning of the plot. I mean, I know Prince Duan and the Empress Dowager are the villains, but their “slaves” (the ministers and allies) were all confusing me hahaha. I think I need more experience with politics and the monarch system in Chinese costume dramas (but come on, maybe I was just too tired to concentrate, because I digested Legend of Zang Hai just fine last year).

Anyway, I started the drama because of Cheng Lei, and he lived up to my expectations. His acting was just wow. When he switched his tyrant mode on, I was so scared. The angst… the backstory… when he silently cried inside for Zhang San’s memories, when Uncle Bei was gone, when he tried not to get emotionally attached to the other 2D characters… I cried with him :(((. I watched a lot of his dramas last year, and he set a new standard, at least for me.
Wang Chu Ran was also doing great with her role. She SUITS YU WANYIN TO THE BONE. The comedy was executed well, too. It’s not cringey, it suits the plot, and it IS funny. All the details of the modern “innovations” they brought to the palace, hahahahah I LOVE IT. As expected, my hotpot couple lol.

Praise to Wang Chu Ran as well, because what she portrayed is not just a pretty lucky girl holding spoilers from the book and trying to survive in the palace, but someone who actually made her power useful. I like how Yu Wanyin is such an F person (I mean her MBTI lol), because that’s what balances the soulless Xiahou Dan. She ‘undead’ him, wow.

Annndd, I need to make another paragraph for the visual production. IT IS AMAZING. I love how they threw red into the costumes, the makeup, the VISUALS. Xiahou Dan’s style is perfect. I love all the colors of his robes, the red-black one, the purple, the green, even the white at the Empress Dowager’s funeral. The hair is also good. I mean, I know C-costume dramas always deliver with long hair, but this one is just too good. Also, WANG CHU RAN, YOU PRETTY GIRL. I am not a fan of her, but I know I need to compliment her this time. The dresses… I mean, ALL HER CLOTHES ARE AMAZING. I love her makeup, her hairstyles, her sparkling accessories, even her silk pajamas lol. And COME ON, I REPLAYED THE EMPRESS STRUT LIKE FOUR TIMES?? The crown, the dress, the tail ARGH, SHE’S BEAUTIFUL. And I saved her photo in that costume, the one Cheng Lei posted on Weibo. You know which one lol.

So, I’m glad I’m watching How Dare You while it’s ongoing, because I’m embracing all the hype and replaying the clips on my timeline since I don’t want to move on yet. One thing, though: the ending might be disappointing for some people (especially novel readers), because it’s just too short (noooooo), but I’m slowly accepting it :D.
I’ve seen worse endings for this kind of transmigration story lol. At least we got that iconic HI HOW ARE YOU I’M FINE THANK YOU AND YOU (and adult Zhang San in pretty styling) arrrggghhhh!

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I’m so damn bored out my minddd…

look, I can’t lie. I forced myself to watch this drama because it looked cool. I thought it was gonna be some fighting action and whatnot. the first few episodes I flew past, SUPER interesting. Then, we got to the pub and him trying to beat the CEO plot. booooorrrriiinnnng! honestly, from what I watched I hated the female lead and I hope they didn’t get together in the end, CEO and his son got to go, and the girl who likes saeroyi or whatever his name is is probably gonna end up heartbroken and I’m not forcing myself to watch this anymore. 4/10, time to move on to the next drama and whatnot.

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A masterpiece!!

I will start off by mentioning the casting for this drama which was just plausible. Right from the first episode you can clearly see how Cheng Lei (Xiahou Dan) & Wang Chu Ran (Yu Wan Yin) bring out their best performances whenever they are together. They both portray their roles so naturally making it seem like it was the easiest thing to do. The way they both fit into their roles like hands in gloves is enticing enough to keep you engrossed in the drama! How they effortlessly play their parts passes the vibe check which skyrockets the potential of the show.

I guess we’ve all come across dramas where either the script is good but the acting is sketchy if the acting is good but the script is sketchy but How dare you!? really tops the list of transmigration stories. There’s enough comedy to give you a good laugh here and there while watching the show! Just the right amount of romance to keep you invested in the unfolding of the love story! Clever leads to save you from unnecessary misunderstandings! Supporting cast with stories worth paying attention you rather than those that may seem to be unnecessary feelers! Well, a fair amount of tear jerking moments to make you realise that you are watching a historical cdrama after all (sigh)🥲😭

One of the greatest highlights in this drama is the friendship! Despite ending up in a romantic relationship we cannot deny the wholesome friendship which kickstarted between the main leads. This side of the story was shown not in an overbearing manner but rather as a way to develop their character and gradually, their love for each other.
The friendship between the whole “secret officials club” was short lived but left a great impression especially for the greater good of the show! Bai & Bei were the sweetest icing on the cake 🥹❤️ Ohh my fragile heart couldn’t even handle the sisterhood moments, l will leave you to watch those.

I honestly did not have moments l felt were worth skipping or even watching at x2 speed. Each moment of the drama deserves its own attention. The downside of the drama is the main leads’ love story developing a bit later. Well considering how compatible they were l hoped they had expressed their love and feelings for each other earlier. However, it’s understandable considering how there was so much fish to fry with state affairs and dealing with the truth behind their transmigration. Secondly, I would have hoped to end the drama with some cast members alive but it is what it is😭 The second male lead pissed me off so many times! His mission the whole drama was just to get on our nerves but ohh well I will leave it at that. That being said, these issues aren’t ones to put you off watching this treasure because every moment of watching it is truly worth it!

I am so glad they gave us a happy ending because that was one of the reasons I was scared of approaching the end! 🥹❤️ If time and mindset permits, l hope you will watch this masterpiece!

Lastly, l would like to applaud the whole cast and crew for creating this gem!!

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Meu novo favorito!

Eu poderia me estender aqui dizendo o quanto eu amei profundamente a música, a cinematografia, que o figurino é maravilhoso etc, mas eu decidi fazer essa review pra falar do que senti emocialmente e tentar convencer você a assistir também.

O Xiahou Dan e a Yu WanYin são personagens especiais, é muito fácil se encantar por eles e foi por eles que maratonei 10 episódios em um dia só, mas além deles existem outros personagens incríveis nesse c-drama, personagens pelos quais me apaguei muito facilmente.
Antes de perceber, a jornada deles se tornou a minha e eu acredito que esse é o maior trunfo desse drama: a capacidade de nos fazer apaixonar por personagens fictícios, dentro e fora da tela, torcer por eles e sofrer por eles juntos aos protagonistas. Em vários momentos, senti como se eu fosse outra transmigradora da história, olhando de fora o desfecho de tudo.

Mesmo que o enredo possa ser um pouco confuso as vezes (eu pessoalmente me perdi bastante), ele é completamente envolvente ao decorrer do quanto mais você vai descobrindo sobre ele, vale muito a pena.

Vou sentir muita saudade dessa série. Quero muito reassistir no futuro, mesmo nunca tendo sido de rever nada antes. Só posso agradecer a todos os envolvidos por terem me tirado de uma ressaca enorme... depois de mais de um ano, finalmente terminei um drama de novo.

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A masterpiece of absolute crap, Narcissism and Divine Stupidity

If you enjoy watching a supposedly "elite" military general treat the creator of the universe like a footstool while he thanks her for the privilege, then this is the "masterpiece" for you. For anyone else with a functioning grasp of logic, hierarchy, or basic human decency, The 39 episode 45 minute each The Legend of Shen Li is an infuriating exercise in "Rubbish Writing."
The "General" Who is Just a Bully
The Female Lead, Shen Li, is marketed as a "badass warrior," but by Episode 15, it’s clear she’s just a narcissistic brat with a spear. She struts around the Immortal Realm with a level of "raisin cheek" that defies belief. Whether she’s laughing in the face of her betrothed while he’s literally trying to save a city from lethal miasma, or nearly strangling a prisoner because he said something she didn't like, she is consistently unlikable, impulsive, and cruel. She hasn't earned her status; she just screams the loudest and hits people who can’t hit back.
The Divine Lord Turned "Simp"
Then there’s the Male Lead, Xing Zhi. He is the last Ancient God—the literal pillar of the universe—yet he spends the entire drama "simping" after Shen Li like a brain-dead servant.
She commits a war crime? He feeds her a snack.
She orders him around like a medical intern? He complies with a smile.
She disrespects the entire chain of command? He looks on with "affected indifference."
His "devotion" isn't romantic; it’s pathetic. Watching a cosmic deity lose his dignity for a woman who treats him with contempt isn't "goals"—it’s a character assassination. By Episode 31, when he’s ready to sacrifice the safety of the entire world for her, the writing has officially collapsed into a logic-void.
A World Without Rules
The show completely ignores its own world-building. The Spirit Realm acts like they own the place despite being entirely dependent on the ML’s power to keep the Abyss from swallowing them whole. The Immortal Realm is a collection of useless bureaucrats who let a "vassal" General walk all over them. There are no consequences for her arrogance, no respect for divinity, and no growth.
Verdict
The only reason this show gets high marks is because fans are blinded by the lead actors' previous chemistry. Strip that away, and you’re left with two toxic leads burning down the universe for a relationship that feels entirely unearned. I didn't want to see them win; I wanted to see the Abyss swallow them both so the universe could finally have some peace from their combined ego.
Don't waste your time. It's 39 episodes of a God acting like a waiter for a brat.

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Psychological Horror Trip, But Worth It!

I spent 60 episodes subjecting myself to psychological horror, but I had a good time. It took way too long for the bad guys to be properly punished, and yet they still got rewarded in some cases, which was so annoying. This show is one long, arduous journey of heartbreak, betrayal, and scheming, and it is unfortunate that the subtitles were probably so simple that most of it got lost in translation ☹.

Regardless, I have to say that I loved seeing Wen Xi in her (short-lived) villain era after the Crown Prince told her that her father’s case was to be swept under the rug after all. The betrayal hurt, but it was mutual, and I like that she gave him a hard time. For the most part, she was the one taking the fall and chasing him, so her giving him the cold shoulder was chef’s kiss🤌🏻And, honestly, overall, our guy Ding Quan should have been a villain for the neglect and mistreatment he suffered… and all of it endlessly, like he never caught a BREAK😭💔!! The acting was amazing though, especially the emperor was great with his micro-expressions. Both leads captured the longing and yearning so perfectly too, I was honestly sobbing during the last episode lmao. (I admit I cried way less that I thought I would, but the special cut is waiting for me, so wait and see). Great show, but I don’t think I could ever rewatch?! The OST, however, is on REPEAT! I never skipped the intro because I was busy humming to it. Bless the composer who made the music🙏🏻👑

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don’t mind me, I just easily get attached to shows..

this show just changed me. I can’t stop crying and bawling my eyes out. this show was such a masterpiece, it is tempting with a lot of plot twists that edges you the whole time while watching. the chemistry between main leads was the best I have seen in a while, it’s such a shame that the main leads didn’t get another drama together or atleast s2 of vagabond. the story shows the real world that we are all blinded by. this will be my fav kdrama till the day that I die. It’s heartbreaking for me to get over the drama when it’s been 7 years, knowing there’s most likely no hope of season 2. thank you for making this show and thank you to the actors who made the story whole with their emotions. i will never forget this kdrama.

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Simples, mas bem feito

Para um drama sobre um casal que tem um caso de uma noite, desaparecem da vida um do outro, ela descobre a gravidez e eles passam seis anos afastados, eu me surpreendi positivamente com a abordagem.

Em vez de focar a protagonista apenas como mãe e fazer da maternidade o eixo absoluto da história, o drama mostra uma mulher que não perde a própria identidade. Ela continua sendo ela, trabalha o dia inteiro, busca o sonho de se tornar chef profissional e vê o filho à noite na hora de dormir enquanto os pais dela cuidam do menino durante o dia.

Isso me impressionou muito. Não gosto quando a narrativa trata a maternidade como um apagamento da mulher, como se ela deixasse de existir para ser apenas mãe. Aqui, o filho é um personagem secundário, importante para a trama, mas não o centro da identidade dela.

As avaliações negativas desse drama me parecem injustas, e sinceramente não entendo o que desagradou tanta gente. A trama é simples, despretensiosa e não tenta ser mais do que promete, é um simples muito bem feito. Um drama romântico com toques de comédia, personagens bem desenvolvidos, diálogos naturais e uma dinâmica excelente entre o casal principal. A química entre eles é ótima, e a história não perde tempo excessivo com personagens secundários.

O casal tem um realismo muito natural, eles discutem, se implicam e, no fim, conversam como dois adultos e se entendem, algo que acontece várias vezes ao longo do drama.

Também não concordo com quem diz que o protagonista é “agressivo e abusivo”. O maior traço dele é o ciúme, fora isso ele se transforma em um homem melhor por causa da protagonista. Ele aprende a amar e a ser pai, e as cenas em que tenta ganhar a confiança do filho depois de seis anos sem saber que era pai, estão entre as coisas mais lindas que já vi.

Gosto muito do companheirismo entre os protagonistas. O drama tem vários clichês, mas possui identidade e personalidade próprias. A protagonista tem diálogos maduros, e até os personagens secundários que tentam atrapalhar o casal não são insuportáveis de acompanhar.

No fim, amei a experiência. Devorei um episódio atrás do outro graças ao ritmo muito bom, gostei bastante do desfecho e fiquei genuinamente feliz por ter dado uma chance, apesar de tantas avaliações negativas.

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Good watch

It was interesting from start to finish. Some find Dalah a bit weird, but I found her characterization to be interesting and unique. I was looking forward to each episode, even though sometimes it was hard for me the follow what exactly had happened. Sometimes, I didn't really get why the character behaved the way they did but overall, the writing was not bad. I did like how the flowers played a part in the whole murder case. Also that society truly hasn't lost with the victim dying.

Overall a good watch and solid acting. For 6 episodes it worked quite well.

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