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Could have been great
This started out great: a fresh concept that was funny and interesting. Unfortunately, it fizzled out by the end.Was this review helpful to you?
A must watch drama guysss....
I don't usually like these kind of funny comedy romance dramas but that was different and the best drama I've ever watched in this genre....I would love to watch it again and again......
And khun thee's character is like the exact me 😭 and I love it and the way peach handles all these moods and everything and both of them have their own boundaries....
The main thing is the communication...
They didn't had fights because they talked about everything they listened to each other and that's what we and everyone wants in their real life but most of us don't get it unfortunately 🤧......
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This review may contain spoilers
A combination of poor writing and awful characterization | Should have been "Legend of Qishao".
"It's hard to find someone you like who likes you back. It's harder to love each other for the rest of one's life." - Noble Consort Yi (Feiye's Mother)I am literally out of nice words for this drama. This is a clear representation of how illogical and ludicrous idol dramas were back then. It goes beyond common perception and will leave you baffled as to what just happened. For the record, I even gave it consideration... lots of it—thinking that I had to be considerate since I am watching a 2018 drama eight years later, in 2026. But heck! This show is an abomination. I couldn't even stomach watching it consecutively from episode 30 onward because the storyline increasingly became overly frustrating and unbearable to watch.
It would have been understandable if the reason for my disdain was the hateful antagonists; however, my disgust for this show is rooted in the storyline, repetitive plot, supporting characters, and the protagonists themselves. Plenty of the scenes are giving "2018–2022 idol drama" absurd tropes. I would have accepted it if they kept them to a bare minimum, but dang! They went above and beyond! Watching it today made me roll my eyes. The level and scale is just too much for me. Some examples are:
× Scene Transitions: One minute they're jumping off an enclosed pond, and the next, the setting has suddenly shifted to a massive waterfall. Where did that even come from? /Facepalms/
× Lack of Urgency: I don’t understand how they can just "chill and grill" or go stargazing when they have an enemy to catch—someone who is likely lurking nearby, waiting to kill them.
× Historical Accuracy/Etiquette: Having a concubine perform a lewd dance in front of everyone is a complete violation of palace etiquette. Not to mention, her outfit was incredibly revealing for the setting. (Episode 23)
There are a handful of these, and I am just too exhausted of this show to recall all of them.
The story started at a relatively nice pace. Though the storytelling was quite odd and the scenes were simply absurd, I kindly gave it a pass, considering that this is an idol drama and I'm watching it in 2026. However, such scenes kept on happening to the point where it started getting irritatingly unbearable. Well, it's not like it wasn't annoying at the beginning; it was at least acceptable at first, but as the story progressed, it gravely worsened. When I reached episode 30 and realized that it still had 18 episodes remaining, I started asking myself, "Why is this unnecessarily long? The story should have ended by the 30th episode to wrap up all this nonsense."
The narrative itself has potential. It has a nice foundation and could have led to a brighter and more compelling path only if they hadn't overly utilized the repetitive plot of poisoning random high-ranking individuals and saving them just to give Han Yunxi (FL) the spotlight. It was common to do that, to set up the FL as whatever legendary poison master they want her to become. However, what's annoying is the introduction and development they gave her. She was supposedly a poison master or a master-to-be, but she is simply amateurish and inexperienced for the title—and it remained that way until the very end. She's hardworking, I will give her that, but she's nothing without the people around her. Her character development felt so artificial that I started telling myself how big of a liability she is to this story. She is constantly being saved by everyone because, if not, her head would have rolled on the ground within the first 10 episodes. She was impertinent and courageous, yet incapable.
The entire story feels like a training ground that, frankly, didn't help much. In the end, she was still unable to formulate a cure for Long Feiye's poison. If it weren't for the blood inherited from her father and the medical book/bracelet belonging to her parents, she would have remained useless for 90% of the show. I'm not even sure why the drama was named after her. The only justification seems to be that her father's blood—which happened to be the cure—runs through her veins. Aside from that, I can't think of any reason the title fits. "The Story of Qishao" would have been a much more reasonable alternative title.
Regarding Long Feiye (the ML)... he is no better! He kept too many secrets and was always nonchalant about his feelings. Additionally, he maintained a cold, stoic poker face that seemed normal during the first half of the story but became exhausting to watch halfway through the show. The only moments his expression changed were when he was jealous or, on rare occasions, when he was happy. He is frustratingly reserved and rigid, which dragged out their romantic issues until the very end.
The "cheerful girl and stoic, cold guy" trope would typically work if the characters were allowed to warm up to each other naturally. But goodness—the male lead served a cold, expressionless face for 98% of the show, while the female lead remained amateurish with little improvement by the end. Not to mention her unnatural acting, which I could barely stand after enduring it for 30 episodes. Just imagine the emotional restraint and tolerance I had to exert to finish this show.
What made it even worse was the 2nd CP; who were both so immature and bickered so much that I’d get a headache the moment they appeared on screen. They started the show that way and ended it with that same demeanor—an uncalled-for consistency. I truly cannot! I’m just grateful they learned to put up a facade once he (Tang Yi) ascended the throne and they became the monarchs. If not, I would have pulled my hair out from sheer frustration.
In conclusion, a lot was happening—repetitively—and while the story wasn’t necessarily messy, it became exhausting over time. The plot felt recycled, constantly using the same tropes just to make the female lead appear capable and reliable. Surprisingly, my biggest issue wasn't the story itself, but the characterization of both the protagonists. Even the supporting roles were a pain in the ass!
The only consistent character worthy of praise was Gu Qishao. He was the MVP of the show and the lead we actually deserved. It’s a shame they decided to kill his character at the end, too. He was the male lead we never had; the story's ultimate "TOTGA" (The One That Got Away). This drama would have been miles more interesting if the focus had stayed on him. The actual protagonists were equally frustrating, and Gu Qishao alone was the reason I stuck with the show until the very end. At one point, I even hoped for a "lead reversal," wishing he would take over the story entirely. He was the only character who kept me watching and prevented me from dropping the series. That being said, it’s safe to say there was "No real winner" in this show.
If I were to create my own ending, I would have Gu Qishao and Han Yunxi end up together and let Baili Ming Xiang handle Long Feiye until he dies. lol. Halfway through the drama, you just get tired of the old, worn out plot. Well, I guess it’s my mistake for watching a 2018 drama eight years later, but dang! Some other dramas I watched that were released in the same year aren't this bad.
Let me conclude this review by saying that I dread—severely—finishing the last 18 episodes of this show. I had to make preparations per episode in order to brace myself for whatever ridiculousness they were about to serve me in the remaining episodes. It was a real challenge to finish them. This drama is way too long for its own good. 30-35 episodes would have sufficed.
P.S. I’m still wondering about the unexplained mystery of the magical bracelet. It is disappointing that the story concluded without delving into its lore, especially since it was a literal cheat code that saved Han Yunxi’s ass multiple times.
Story - 4.0, The overall storyline wasn't bad and could have worked—if only it hadn't been mismanaged and misdirected. I don't know what the director and writer were thinking when they shot those repetitive scenes. Didn't they get tired of it themselves? Smh
Acting/Cast - 4.0, I hold no personal grudge against the cast—I actually admire most of them, particularly Zhang Zhehan and Wang Youshuo. However, I am disappointed by the writing, specifically the poor characterization of the female lead and the second couple. I also believe Zhang Zhehan overplayed his character’s coldness; his unchanging poker face eventually felt grating rather than compelling.
Music - 7.0, I can't even recall how the music sounded because I was so irritated by how tiring the plot had become. Well, at least the music never bothered me, which is why I am giving it this rating.
Rewatch Value - 1.0, It's a hard NO from me. I won’t even waste more words explaining why. Just read my review above and you will know.
Overall - 5.0, This drama greatly disappointed me. I love Zhang Zhehan, so I watched it; however, it traumatized me. I don’t think I can watch his other dramas for the meantime. To sum it all up, this drama was killed by bad writing and poor characterization. I will never understand people rating it so high—geez, some people really have no taste! lol
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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Nothing of substance
<< major spoilers! only read if you've already finished!!>>Production and acting are great. Actors did their best with the script given. Great sets and video quality.
But there is absolutely no plot. A whole lot of nothing happens besides some shallow romance in my opinion. I kept expecting there to be some stakes or action due to Mr. Thee being a dangerous mob boss with guns and body guards, but there was only like one scene where his life is threatened (for reasons i still don't really understand? but tbf i was skimming through at that point). They could have at least not had every conflict resolve in 0.2 seconds.
Guy tries to hurt Peach? Thee is there immediately.
Guy tries to hurt Thee? Of course they already knew and got him.
Dad doesn't approve of love? Meets Peach and is fine immediately, despite a lifetime of telling Thee that love is weakness or whatever?
Also Thee's mom seems really nice and supportive? But he just doesn't call her because he's embarrassed? weak explanation.
Peach falls for him because of Thee's supposed tragic backstory, which is growing up lonely and having a lot of danger in his life? but the danger is no where to be found. It made it hard for me to care at all about their relationship.
I honestly cared more about aran and tawan's relationship (perthsanta) because although they had stupid and underdeveloped conflict, was at least real and emotional and i could relate it to real life couples.
I burst out laughing when they got married. What? They've been dating for what seems like two weeks maximum. And the wedding gift is surprise i adopted two traumatized children that we now have to care for full time!
Another thing that kept really ruining the immersion and emotions was the fuckass music. They would randomly play like the worst montage music at completely inappropriate times.
I did have some good laughs (at the jokes but also at the terrible plot) and Pond did a great job as Thee. I know the show is supposed to be lighthearted and fun, so maybe i'm just not the right person for this.
(also wtf the opening of the show is Thee literally trying to sexually assault aran at gunpoint and we just like totally forget that? and peach is like whatever let me date him actually???)
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"A deep indigo blue...we're children of the sea"
The Naked Island was a 1960 black and white film with almost zero dialogue, save for a couple of “heave-ho’s.” Without the spoken word, Director Shindo Kaneto had to build his film frame by frame in such a way as to convey the meaning behind the characters’ actions. This slice of life centered on a small family living in poverty on an island without fresh water was compelling, if flawed.Senta's small family are the only inhabitants on a tiny island offshore. They are largely subsistence farmers and must travel to the larger island in order to obtain fresh water for themselves and irrigation. Several times a day, they row, refill their four buckets, and return to their island to water their plants. Their two small boys tend the home and animals, find firewood, fish, cook, whatever is needed.
The family didn’t talk or touch. On rare occasions, Toyo would allow a contented smile to escape. Mostly, they worked from waking until sleep. Lugging the heavy buckets up the narrow, rocky mountain path caused Toyo's legs and arms to quake, but she doggedly kept to her repetitive routine. Toyo and Senta exhibited unemotional stoicism most of the time. No gentle camaraderie and affectionate support slipped through regardless of circumstances except in one moment of joyful laughter. Only after the unthinkable happened did Toyo break, the grudging acceptance in her eyes turned to lifeless automaton. Despite living together, a bitter loneliness filled the quiet spaces.
Shindo did an excellent job of making a Groundhog Day scenario where every day was the same engrossing. The adult actors let their faces and body language tell the story. Otowa Nobuku conveyed a world of information in every flicker of her eyes and tired shrug of her shoulders. Even without dialogue--tension, urgency, desperation, joy, despair, heartbreak, and wounded resignation came across clearly. Hayashi Hikaru’s splendid score never overwhelmed the scenes, in fact, in the most dramatic scenes, Shindo often scored the moments in silence. One scene held my score back, I couldn't let it go. Senta had a violent response when Toyo made a mistake out of sheer exhaustion. I kept hoping she’d push him off the mountain, but she never did. There were also times it felt like they could have developed a few systems to make their daily grind a smidge less soullessly taxing.
Poverty can drive people to extremes in order to survive. Watching Toyo and Senta haul water up the mountain day after day with no end in sight reminded me of Sisyphus, only with knee buckling buckets instead of a huge stone. The weather, exhaustion, and a mind-numbing grind could not thwart their labor. Even when life felt like it shouldn’t go on, couldn't go on, the water must still be drawn and poured out on parched plants.
12 February 2026
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A nuanced and emotional film that touches upon nuance, taboo, coping with loss and more.
While watching this in the cinema, was in tears at more than one stage of the film, so bear that in mind if you’re debating watching it.I did not expect the film to start where it does - before the accident. However, it does, and it is meaningful in its choice to do so. There are many, many small details to be noticed that all point towards things that are never spoken but add a lot of deeper meaning to the film, right from its opening. Some of these things would only be noticed by people who pay attention to these types of detail, but it adds nice layering to the experience.
Having not yet rewatched, I am sure there are some more details that I didn’t notice in the cinema, and it really helps tie together the story.
So, what exactly is the story? Well, reading the synopsis is all you need to know going in, it is a story of love, identity, and trauma. The acting was moving, and the complexities beneath the surface make for a more interesting story than the premise might originally suggest. As I recall, the music really helped support the acting in the more emotional moments. This film also stays away from categorising anything as black or white, and leaves viewers with some interesting points to ponder.
Well-worth the watch if this sounds interesting to you, although perhaps be ready for some emotional moments and if needed, save it for a time you feel ready for them.
A month late to actually writing this review, so while Kaede isn’t quite as fresh in my mind, it has had time to marinate in my thoughts and should be a bit more free of any recency bias.
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In my opinion, Love Between Lines was much better. It had a mysterious but cute and balanced plot that kept me interested. The storyline was engaging, and the characters felt more believable and well-developed. Overall, this drama just didn’t meet my expectations, especially when I’ve seen better like Love Between Lines.
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Pretty standard.
Watched opening morning 2026/02/13, 9:30am.While a pleasant enough watch, there is nothing particularly stand-out about this film in any direction. The strongest part of the film for me would be the action scene choreography, but considering the fighting, there should have been a bit more than what they did fx makeup wise.
Lots of familiar faces here, and that’s probably the main appeal. It’s nice, but not particularly dark, romantic, or full of character growth. Trying to categorise it I’d probably go with Drama/Romance/Action.
There wasn’t particularly anything unexpected or otherwise deviant of what you’d expect with this kind of story. It’s sweet, it has action and drama, and a little bit of romance. I haven’t read the manga, but it’s storytelling similar to several Japanese live-action dramas I’ve seen.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this - rather than that, I would say that if you are a fan of the cast, manga, or want some filler, that this is a good option. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad, it’s just not doing anything particularly new, refreshing, or exciting in my opinion.
I imagine the manga is largely a cozy read and am tempted to check it out afterwards though.
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FL was quite most annoying person for transmigrated drama
I watched this yesterday since i liked recent Li You Lin and Jin Lu Ying collaboration and watch this drama. Both lead acting are decent especially Li You Lin ; he can transformed from cruel villain to clueless lovefool. I quite like puppy in this drama too bad his screentime was only for first part of drama.The plot is about FL who transmigrated into the ML's era as his first wife who died earlier while she reading history article about him-corrupt and cruel politician.ML was chooses to buried with his first wife. She is basically lackluster in modern era so she didn't develop everything like other transmigrated FL in other dramas. The first half FL just following her knowledge on her history article so she just want to divorce ML like ML promised when they married. ML already begun to fall for her. ML true feelings are revealed when she risks her life to shield him. FL just wants to prevent him from becoming corrupted and killing fewer people, but he ends up falling for FL and not wanting a divorce anymore
The supporting characters are also well-developed; the eldest sister-in-law and Lord Lu both have their moments.
The second half was frustrating, highlighting a man who's tight-lipped and a woman who lacks boundaries. ML and FL almost never fully trusted each other. I even suspected at one point that the FL loved Lord Lu even Lord Lu was quite confused or simple term FL is Lord Lu hardcore fans, I quite understand most of viewer frustrated with FL and i first didn't understand why ML want to be buried by his first wife but i need the explanation of FL first life as first wife.
I quite how the kisses was elevated from the first until the last one the romance chemistry between Li You Lin and Jin Lu Ying was quite good.
Quite decent watch if you are quite patient person. with FL stubbornness.
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acho que em certos momentos a história se torna maçante, mas quando isso acontece, ha alguma reviravoltas ou um momento fofo do casal, que te faz esquecer o tédio e deseja viver àquilo também.no final, senti falta de mostrar mais as relações dos melhores amigos, sinto que renderiam muito e tirariam um pouco do tédio, ja que eram um casal formado por um homem virgem e uma mulher experiente. renderia risadas.
mas o importante é que mostrou que amor tambem está na amizade, a sua alma gêmea pode ser a sua melhor amiga
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Underrated!
Ok, if u're into the Omegaverse genre, don't ever hesitate to watch it!For those who don't know this genre:
This series is a fresh concept in the entire BL series world—a great story with the best actors.
BUT I recommend you go and read about this genre, and if you don't like the idea or the details, then just move on.
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Prepare your tissues type of melodrama #C-Trauma for the win!
Very good! It makes you addicted real quick and keep up a nice pace. It could have been less episodes, we wasted a lot of time because of intentional miscommunication. It was really interesting how they tackle on war, the psychological issues it brings and didn't give us any weird miracle but rather kept it more real.Chen Ze Yuan was phenomenal in his role! I've never seen him like this, I discovered a new aspect of his acting and loved it! And Liang Je did a good job too. They had a nice chemistry. The characters development was also nice. We had a great cast because we end up being attached to several supporting characters. Overall, if you like melodramas, just go for it.
I couldn't give it a 10 because even though some aspects are quite realistic which makes the drama even more enjoyable, some others are just... a bit too biased and cliché. When the subject is military, every country always paint themselves as the savior which makes them neglects a lot of other aspects. Nothing wrong with it, it's a drama and it definitely doesn't make the show less significant. But some dialogues did come off as weird, out of place. You'll wonder, who says such thing or who acts like that. They went overboard with the melodrama and missed making a masterpiece.
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Ending was bland, beginning was soo good!
I would’ve given this show 9 stars if the ending was written better. I binged the first 5-6 episodes ish & then had to force myself to get through each episode after that. The actors were great though! The initial storyline was so wonderful, but the ending just didn’t have a lot of spice & I think it could’ve been written differently with a similar outcome. I wish they would’ve wrapped up Bong-Su’s story differently. I wanted him to get to go to high school & be a kid! His character was adorable and mischievous lolWas this review helpful to you?
Simple and Boring
The starting was fun. I knew this was a comedy romance and I was prepared for a light hearted romance but I was not ready for boring.All scenes that could/should have been emotional or carry some depth, basically the back stories of both main characters were shallow.
The young romance was boring and I found myself skipping through any scene with them.
I do like the main male lead which is why even with so much skipping I finished this drama.
I could not decide if the lawyer had a crush on the ML for chasing him for a silly to no reason OR he genuinely liked FL.
Parents were selfish and confused about what they really wanted.
Nothing about the story sticks, everything is on a fast pace and you just don't get to enjoy a certain emotion properly before another one is thrown at you.
It's a simple, uncomplicated binge watch that does get boring from time to time.
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