Reviews

Started as a pretty good fun drama - but no character growth whatsoever for FL

This started as a fun drama, explores some deep issues and questions about The Will of God versus our own will, our karma, our karmic duties, and what happens when we do not cooperate with the Divine ....

The main issue is that FL is 100% immature and coldly selfish, cold closed heart, and she STAYS like that until the very end. A total waste of drama...

It could have been a 10 star drama bc the actors are great and just were not utilized properly.

The ML and FL are not shown liking each other. Either the actors just didnt feel it, and/or the director didnt force them to act it... but .. it is already Feb 18, I think ep 8 finished? and there is only 12 episodes and we havent seen enough of the romance or friendship ....

Sure they start as total strangers, then she tortures him and ruins his life and of course he is not gonna like her, however, that part of that drama DRAGS TOO LONG. She tortured him bc she was intrigued by him and kinda "owned him" and explored him and found reasons to keep appearing to him. But the drama doesnt explore that. It seems like she is just a mean person. But the fact is, she likes him and wants to make sure he noticed her - and she is using wrong methods for that. Sure, she is not aware of her feelings yet - but we the audience arent either!!!! bc the drama showed it, in a few seconds here and there. It was not enough to create tension and to convince the audience there is something romantic going on. We saw her being confused bc her hear flutters but the drama never explored that...

Lomon is really good at acting romantic scenes. ANd FL is also cute when she tries to flirt with him. That should have happened a LOT sooner.

First it should have been accidental blopers - since she liked him first and tortured him to get his attention, there should have been a LOT more "accidental" hitting on him too - WE HAD TO SEE THAT SHE WAS SOMEHOW SATISFIED THAT SHE HAD A REASON TO KEEP HANGING AROUND HIM "TO SHOW HIM" WHAT SHE CAN DO - and then it should have increased to the point where they became cognizant of their attraction, by the middle of the drama (ep 6) they should have been kinda together already

It was just too slow of a burn, and also while they didnt like each other, it was too harsh. She kinda hit on him and suggested dating, but it was so ... scientiically cold... and he just ... didnt feel anything bc she was so harsh, her tinny screaming nagging criticizing voice was irritating even to me... LOL LOL LOL

So perhaps, if they started being more friendly earlier, that would have saved the drama. This way, they are kinda jumping from enemies to lovers kinda overnight. So I think a little less of episodes on how she was misbehaving - we got it!!!!! omg we got it!!!! she was just obnoxious!!!! gnarling fox, so unplesant!!!! and he so cold and hurt.... SO LESS OF THAT - and more episodes about the two of them... I am not a script writer so I cannot say anything official, these are just some ideas.

The ending was terrible as FL just regressed back to how she was at the beginning... Ouch... !!!

So overall, if the plot/acting was a tad bit softer and their FRIENDLY INTERACTION and then naturally evolving into romance started earlier, it would have been a much better drama.
But - each couple is different, some jump from enemies to lovers into romance fast. If the script writer wanted to portray that, then I am not sure what kind of tricks they could use to squish the number of episodes while they are enemies, and/or to show more "cracks" in how they are officially not on the same page but are feeling attraction.

Their attraction happens just too fast and sudden and unnatural, and TOO LATE in the drama
That is a sad loss of talent, bc both actors CAN act very well.

And the drama would be worthwhile if FL changed and opened her heart by the end. SHE NEVER DID.

We the audience really do not care to spend the entire drama watching two people quarreling and bickering and learning all there is to know about their character faults and personal issues... That can be shown quite well with a few selected scenes... . We want to see THE PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION and we want to see THE RESULTS of that process.

So the old kdrama format - 1/4 for context and issues, 1/4 for starting romance, 1/4 for overcoming challenges to being together, 1/4 about putting it all together - did I get this right? I think this is usually the recipe. Sometimes it is pushed bc Part 1 is too long so putting it all together is too rushed at the end, but.. This recipe generally is a pretty good recipe that leaves the audience satisfied.

DON'T DRAG THE PAIN
SPEND A LOT OF TIME SHOWING TRANSFORMATION
is my advice here

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A series to watch on Lunar New Year lol

This is a light-hearted series which is really suitable for those who look for one to binge during Lunar New Year like me. The only complaint I have, like other fans, is that it has only 10 episodes instead of 12. PondPhuwin’s acting are improve a lot, especially Pond. Maybe because Thee is an interesting character. Phuwin is also excellent at portraying Peach. However some viewers might think his acting is stiff or he has been repeating himself. BUT, it’s how Peach is, and to be honest, character like Peach is kind of common in series in general. Anyway, the score of this series is 9 so you know it’s worth to watch this, no need to read any review lol.

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Huge Thank you for How dare you! this drama

First of all i would like to say i started to like Cheng lei’s acting skills so much, he is really cute when he is acting little bit playful and also he is good for playing role of Emperor and shouting etc. This is my first impression seeing Wang churan acting, i love her too, her beauty, acting skills too. Second of all i haven’t watching Hu yixuan acting in dramas for quiet long time which i saw her playing in “unforgettable love” and “river runs through it” and this time i felt like she become skinnier than i remember and became prettier. I just love seeing her cute smiles. Xie yong’er this role fits her so well, her makeup style was stunning too. Also i want to say Tang xiaotian acting skills making me surprised because i only saw him playing kind support roles before, this time i can feel that he literally proved that he can act really well. Applause for acting the villian Xiahou Bo. Finally my main point is that this drama healed me from “my page in 90s” because even tho its ending was relieving but still left a huge trauma of transmigrating dramas, but then right after watching MPI90s, HWDY! drama was released and today i finished it, i am fully satisfied by the ending, i want to thank the screenwriter, director👍👍👍

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Sweet romance for both leads.

I watched this on November 2025 and tried to rewatch again. A rare good script from Zheng Chen Yu since most of her drama were unbearable to watch, Wang Zi Lin on his non toxic character was quite rare to see too.

The overall story structure is simple, though it follows a few familiar tropes: a long-planned unrequited love, a younger nephew's lack of appreciation, and finally, after repeated displays of affection, FL reciprocates ML and age gap romance. After the FL confesses to the SML 99 times and is rejected, she decides to give up and tried to cling to ML.

There are two minor misunderstandings, but they quickly resolve them. ML is terrified of FL and manages to soothe himself when angry. SML is a typical example of someone who regrets his actions and then tries to cling to her.

There are no unnecessary clichés, and ML is proactive and assertive, making for a very enjoyable watch overall. The kissing scenes are mostly concentrated in the latter half. Although it's a story of a younger man/older woman romance with a teacher-student dynamic, it avoids the forced attempts to create a sense of intimacy and excitement using clichéd plot points

Overall warm and sweet atmosphere, it's a worth to watch.

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A Mature Defense of a Realistic Heroine

To everyone labeling the female lead as "toxic," I have to ask: are we watching the same show? After seeing numerous comments warning me about her character, I’ve found that with each passing episode, the reality is far more nuanced. Her trauma has hardened her, yes, but she is consistently doing her best to trust again and give people a chance. Despite going through trials most of us can't relate to, she still manages to smile. She is growing and learning at her own pace—which is exactly what real healing looks like.

Who Should Watch This?
If you are looking for a mature, three-dimensional love story, this is a beautiful and thoughtful journey. However, it requires a certain perspective to appreciate:

Avoid if: You have a strictly black-and-white view of the world or believe that love should only be "fluffy" and positive. If you aren't ready for a realistic interpretation of how real people handle real baggage, there are plenty of standard office comedies that might be more your style.

Watch if: You see the world in all its colors—both the ugly and the beautiful. If you prefer flawed, human characters over two-dimensional tropes, you will find this story deeply rewarding.

This is a story for the mature viewer who understands that love isn't always "pink"—sometimes it’s grey, complicated, and all the more beautiful for it.

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A Rare Drama Worth the Wait

"How Dare You" is one of those rare C-dramas that doesn't just pass time; it demands it. From its first few episodes, I was hooked on a weekly countdown, eagerly awaiting each new episode's release. That, in and of itself, is a testament to its gripping narrative.

"How Dare You" is remarkably well-paced. It doesn't meander or drag out its conflicts or take unnecessary side trips. It's a masterful build-up to a dramatic, high-note conclusion. Each character's development is deliberate and calculated, and the narrative honors the viewer's patience.

The ethereal beauty of the female lead is not just physical but also extends to her performance. She's a wonder to behold, and every scene she's in is elevated by her presence. Opposite her, the male lead gives a peak performance. He's got range, subtlety, and power, and he anchors this drama with an authenticity that's impossible to deny.

By its conclusion, everything comes together swimmingly. No rushed conclusions, no dangling threads - just a well-earned, high-note conclusion. "How Dare You" is more than just another C-drama. It's a reminder of just how powerful storytelling, pacing, and performance can be.

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It wasn't awful, but not good either

Hyun Bin was the saving grace.

I thought the story could have been much better, with more fun moments. The contrast between the two personalities was lacking.

The fact that the female lead was made to act as if she were interacting with two completely different people felt stupid. Yes, you can fall for someone's personality. But how can you love one, sleep with one, yet feel next to nothing for the other? They are the same person!

I also didn’t like the female lead’s facial expressions; she always seemed to be questioning life.

And the styling was terrible. I know it was 2015, but the clothing, especially Robin’s, was awful. It felt exaggerated and almost cartoonish, as if the wardrobe alone had to do the work of distinguishing the personalities. On top of that, why name him Robin? It’s such an odd choice. He invented a whole backstory and family for himself, and they were simply Koreans living in Korea. So why would he have an English name like Robin? It just made the character feel even more artificial.

The supporting cast was weak as well. No one was properly developed or given a meaningful storyline. And what happened to the circus? It was introduced as a central element, and then it was basically forgotten. There was no real payoff.

I still don’t understand why this had to be 20 episodes. Where Crash Landing on You could have easily filled ten more episodes, this one felt at least ten episodes too long.

I only gave it a six because it had potential and I finished it. But overall, it was a pretty hard watch for me.

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Leveled up Panor, but with loose plots. Still a good watch regardless.

In this sequel, viewers are introduced to an older and fierce Panor. This time, Panor is set to start a new journey as a college student, with big dreams of becoming a teacher. However, fate has other plans, and she must deal with threats coming from all directions.

“Let’s see whose black magic is stronger, yours or mine?” This line basically sums up the core conflict of this film. While the idea is strong enough to drive the story, the story structure is somewhat loose and uneven, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the narrative. The battle of black magic somehow lacks intensity. Plus, certain characters are not fully fleshed out either, leaving gaps in their development. And while the plot twist is good, it doesn't quite pack the punch needed for a standout climax. Despite this, the film manages to maintain a sense of intrigue and suspense all the way through.

As this film shows a more mature and ruthless version of Panor, Cherprang's portrayal of Panor has also leveled up, showcasing more polished acting that adds depth and complexity to the role. It's amazing to witness how well she has embodied this infamous role, solidifying her place in the horror genre. Alongside her, Pimma delivers a commendable performance, despite being a relatively newcomer to the scene.

The trademark of the "Art of the Devil" films is of course its gruesome and brutal gore scenes. While this sequel certainly delivers on that front with some stomach-churning graphic scenes, I found some of gore to be predictable compared to its predecessors. Fans who are expecting the new level of shock value might find this sequel a bit disappointing. Still, the film is well-made with great direction, improved CGI, and fantastic makeup FX that really bring the world of black magic to life on the screen. Plus, it's simply satisfying to see how the bullies got bullied back.

In conclusion, "Panor 2" is a good sequel that continues to explore the dark and twisted world of its titular character. The upgraded version of Panor, combined with strong performances from the cast, elevates the film. While the loose storyline and toned-down gore may leave some viewers wanting more, the overall execution is still praiseworthy. Despite its flaws, this sequel is still good watch regardless. With a more focused narrative and deeper character development, the future installments could be even more captivating.

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“When he comes, close your eyes.”

I first watched Love Me If You Dare long before I even created a profile here on MDL. I came back to it recently because I was chasing a particular feeling — that quiet intensity where tension and intimacy grow side by side.

Rewatching it now, I’m aware that I value emotional consistency and psychological coherence more than flashy chemistry or spectacle. And this drama still delivers on that level.
The thriller and romance don’t compete; they reinforce each other. The dialogue feels intentional, the character motivations remain internally consistent, and the emotional progression unfolds through trust and proximity rather than grand declarations.

Yes, the female lead is underwritten in places, and a few performances wobble. The off-screen intimacy, or the first kiss being understated, might frustrate viewers expecting a conventional romance. No overtly passionate kiss scenes are pushed to manufacture intensity, yet the tension is palpable throughout their entire dynamic. It lives in restraint.

Language inconsistencies (Mandarin vs. English) and improbable survival in the thriller beats are quirks — but I see them as stylistic and narrative choices that maintain tension, pacing, and accessibility rather than logic-breaking flaws. The side characters add warmth without disrupting the central tension.

Adapted from Ding Mo’s novel, with the screenwriter of Nirvana in Fire and a director who later delivered The Story of Ming Lan, it’s clear the craft is deliberate. The story’s architecture, pacing, and psychological realism still hold up remarkably well.

Years later, I can say this: I’m not just nostalgic. Some dramas impress in the moment. This one sustains itself.

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Excellent drama! Wang Churan and Cheng Lei are sensational! If they don't act in another drama together it will be a crime! Everyone in the cast was great! I only have a few things that keep this from being a 10/10 story.

About half way through, I was worried the story was going to fall flat, because I just wasn't as engaged with what was happened on screen. The forth wall breaks from the first few episodes was a breath of fresh air, and felt like a commentary on c-dramas in general. When they stopped and the typical tropes c-dramas fall into started frequently happening, I thought I might have to drop this one. But the story quickly picked back up and I was eagerly anticipating each episode drop!

My gripe with the music is more just with c-drama music in general. The overuse of songs bores me. I get it, more songs is more money spent, but I get tired of hearing the same motifs over and over again. This music in this drama is fine. I just got bored with it.

Overall, a very enjoyable drama! Kudos to Wang Churan and Cheng Lei! They truly were wonderfully cast! Their chemistry was electric! Wanyin and Dan were such lovely characters, and they brought them to life perfectly!

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