Reviews

A Laidback & Entertaining Drama | A delightful show that exhibits how amazingly cozy retired life is

"How much courage would it take to cast aside one's life, accept another person, and even change one's way of living?" - Shen Li

Oh Gosh! I am so mad of myself. I was already counting the # of characters for my subject line but accidentally hit "Clear" on my phones notepad and in just a blink of an eye, everything was gone! ㅠㅠ

First of, I just wanna sincerely extend my gratitude to the entirety of the crew who worked hard to make this show possible. It has served as my salvation and redemption after watching such a horrible show that put me on a slump. So, thank you so much for being my getaway and saving me from that demise. <3

Before I proceed, I just want to share this line by XingZhi which I find funny and cute (Episode 36)

"I was beaten by my Father-in-law" - XingZhi 😂

I honestly don't have much things to say as I find this story extremely comfortable and easy to watch. I even failed to write commentaries while watching it because I was so engrossed on the show and don't wanna be bothered at all. I just seize the moment, took my time and suddenly I am already on the last 3 episode of this drama—that is how GOOD this show truly is. I was so lost, more so, doesn't care much about the time while watching it. Haha!

One thing, I eagerly wanted to mention is how 'Laidback" and "Cozy" this drama is overall. I appreciate how the show started with XingYun being chill at the same time playful towards the Phoenix Form" of Shen Li. + I find their earliest interactions as silly at the same time adorable. It felt lke, I am watching a couple enjoying their retired life on a rural paradise while being mischievous towards each other. It suddenly made me look forward to my retired life in the future. Lol!

Hilarious and Comical relief scenes are like the backbone of this drama—the main core element which made this show extra entertaining. I honestly think that all the funny moments combined have had contributed in making this the fantastic drama it is right now. Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy and appreciate each character and episodes.

Villains/Antagonists, Climax and Final battle - are something I think they've decided to go easy on. The antagonists, although are really infuriating but are somehow manageable because of Mofang. Man is totally uncommited. Hahaha! alAnd towards the end, it even feels like they were not given that much moment to shine as the final conflict/battle solely focuses on the fixing their hideous work but not about fighting them directly. I can say that they were utilized as a mere plot device to provide hurdles for the main leads and nothing more.

CGI, Colour and overall design - are good. I specifically love the animation of Shen Li's 'Phoenix Form' as it was so adorable. The execution of the special effects of the fight scenes are all done splendidly too. I am satisfied on this area overall.

Lastly, I want to express my grattitude to the director and writer for giving us Episode 39. I appreciate them a lot for giving us a whole episode dedicated to show how Jin Niang Zi & Mu Zi Chun's love story unfolds and also provides us more scenes of Xing Zhi & Shen Li's life after all the chaos they went through. I am very happy for this special fan service episode. <3

P.S. This drama made me imagine and fantasize how my retired life would be in the far future.

Story - 10, I was thinking of giving it a 9.5 but I watched Episode 39 and my reservation over this drama suddenly vanished as if it's the missing piece I have been looking for that completes this show for me. I need all production to be this generous when it comes to providing us fan service special episodes.

Acting/Cast - 10, Solid! The level of comfort and compatibility Lin Geng Xin and Zhao Li Ying is immeasurable—that even their kissing scenes exudes this playing-around vibe. I love how chill and playful they're that it inevitably shows on screen even if they don't mean to. Acting is really good too. I feel like the overall theme of the drama helped all the actors to act freely without inhibitions.

Music - 10, One of the very rare C-dramas which OSTs are all good. Everytime a new song plays, I always goes "Oh wow! Another good music!"

Rewatch Value - 10, Most definitely! I will re-watch it ONLY if I don't have a long list of dramas to watch.

Overall - 10, I wanted to thank the entire production again for creating such a wonderful drama. I healed myself through this show and had helped me get over that feeling of disappointment towards the terrible drama I watched before this. Highly recommend!!

IF you find my reviee helpful please let me know.

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Back to korean melo romcom golden days

Love Your Enemy is a delightful melodramatic romcom that whisks viewers back to the golden era of romantic comedies, where love stories were simple yet irresistibly charming. This drama captures the nostalgic essence of old-school romcoms, beginning with the classic tale of two high schoolers who meet, bicker incessantly, and fall in love in the most endearing, childish way. Fast-forward 18 years, and the couple reunites, only to find themselves caught up in the same playful fights and undeniable chemistry.

What truly sets Love Your Enemy apart is the unwavering love of the male lead for the female lead. His devotion stands the test of time, echoing the timeless romances of the past, where love was steadfast, pure, and enduring. This consistency in his feelings adds an emotional depth that will tug at your heartstrings.

The drama is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments. It’s funny, light-hearted, and incredibly romantic, making your heart flutter with its simplicity and sincerity. If you're looking for a show that feels like a warm hug from the past while still delivering all the feels, Love Your Enemy is the one to watch.

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Begins well but loses focus

I finally managed to finish this series, which turned out to be yet another drama that after a promising start slowed to a crawl and lost its way as the season went on (which helps explain why it took me so long to finish).

It was at its best when focused on the intrigue and suspense surrounding the two female spies/assassins who have infiltrated the Gong palace. Will they be found out? Will they work together or against each other? Will they persevere with their dedication to their original mission once they develop relationships within the palace? Will they discover the truth about their own pasts?

If only the plot didn´t keep meandering into long aimless overly dry pseudo-mystical monologues and conversations that don't go anywhere, when it’s not getting sidetracked into a rather predictable and poorly developed storyline centered on sibling rivalry and power struggles among the Gongs. As if that weren't enough, the drama ends on something of a cliffhanger, failing to provide an unambiguous conclusion.

At least most of the fight scenes were fairly good.

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Mission: Steal My Heart - 100% Complete!

To start this love letter of mine, I would like to say that I came in completely oblivious to the plot and drama genre. I had seen tiny glimpses of Xuanhuan dramas before and thought that they would never be my cup of tea. It's safe to say that I couldn't have been more wrong, and I'm so happy that I gave this show a chance.

It's very rare to find a drama with such a captivating storyline and rich world full of unique, lovely characters. The acting and overall production quality made this an immersive experience that kept me in its warm embrace until the end. Every plot twist and moment of character development was built in such a meaningful way. In a nutshell, I felt connected, and that's no easy feat.

As I'm at a loss for words, I'll just let my tears speak for themselves. Almost feels like I'm saying goodbye to a dear friend now that the drama is over. We had such an adventure together. It was full of laughter, love, hope and sorrow. We lost loved ones and learned to face hard truths. Most of all, it was a journey of growth. It changed me, and that's how I know it was one heck of a ride.

Finally, I cannot thank my fellow reviewers enough for convincing me to dive into this drama. As most of you promised, it truly stole my heart. Mission 100% complete 📕

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Mr. Plankton is an extraordinary K-drama that takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, blending humor, heartache, and profound moments of self-discovery. From the very first episode, I was captivated by the unique storytelling and the depth of the characters

The series brilliantly balances lighthearted moments with heavy themes, such as abandonment and the quest for belonging and the The climax left me utterly devastated yet uplifted. I cried so hard at the end as Hae-jo came to terms with his identity and relationships, ultimately realizing that family is not solely defined by blood but by love and connection. The final scenes were beautifully crafted, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

This K-drama is not just a story; it’s an experience that encourages viewers to cherish every moment and appreciate the people who truly matter in our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Plankton to anyone looking for a series that will make them laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey through life.

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Unexpected

Story:
First, stumbling upon this drama that only had two episodes, I did not expect that this show would be this good. This drama was not like your cliche, the cast was delightful, with no frustrating dubbings that could make your head explode, especially with the female characters since they're annoying and act like their age, unlike many Chinese actresses who have their voices dubbed in childlike voices and act like literal toddlers. Furthermore, the male actors weren't your typical Chinese standard, which made it more realistic. The three different storylines were done well as they were entirely different, which catered to more viewers and made the show less boring. The first storyline with the thot racer and the art curator was hot and new; this was a new storyline for a drama which made it interesting, and the high emotions they had for each other made it intense in a good way, somewhat addicting... The second story with Mai and Junie was my favorite; it was a slow burn but a good what if you know what I mean. Jun le was patient towards Mai, and their scene with another was a chef's kiss ( although I was at the end, they had more screen time). Their situation was maybe one of the healthiest relationships I've ever seen in a Cdrama. The third story with Casey and the piano Prodigy was not my favorite, but it was very interesting since I did skip their scenes I was more interested in the other characters as I was watching this for the romance; it is still a great story if you needed the break from the romance.


Cast:
All actors and actresses suited this role perfectly, and I can't nitpick them since they all did so well! But even though Elvis Han is not my favourite actor as I don't see him as great as an actor but he pulled through

Music:
I didn't care for the music, but the variety was great.

Rewatch value:
I wouldn't rewatch it any time soon, but It's a new comfort show and background TV series whenever I'm bored or studying and need something on the TV.

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An incredible series

This series caught my attention some years ago via the short teaser snippets from YouTube to the synopsis of the story / series. The "bonus" that caught my attention even more was having more than just 1 of my favorite actors and actresses playing this series. However, I dragged it out till now to watch because the total amount of episodes for this series was a bit too much for me. I rarely like extreme many episode series not because the series is bad but it is quite hard to find the time to complete them. Nonetheless, this series is definitely worth the watch.

I have not read the book of this series, probably would start hunting it down now. I know that quite a number of these characters do exist in reality though the story is mostly fictional. But it is a beautiful story, filled with alot of action, drama, political drama, learning to work together to eliminate the biggest threat and not to mention survival of the fittest. I especially love watching how the 2 female leads become stronger in character - especially the timid princess played by Zhao Lu Si - from their life experiences outside the palace.

The entire cast for this series did an extremely good job in breathing life to this series. From the main leads to support roles to the casual people you find in the series. Each and everyone of them definitely did a good job in bringing this series to life. The lead couples of this series are also very good together, although I am slightly bias with Leo Wu and Diliraba. Having watched Love like the galaxy before this, I feel Leo Wu - in terms of looks compatibility, from my own personal opinion only! - is much better matched with Zhao Lu Si. However, I have to say Kudos to both these pairs, they brought out their individual romance for this series very well. Definitely a thumbs up to all of them for their hardwork!

The soundtrack is beautifully matched and very drama"ish" with all the scenes. Totally love both the music and the series!

A thumbs up. Definitely recommend for a first watch, especially if you like ancient royal stories. For a re-watch, well it would depends on whether if you guys feel it is worth watching.

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Exploring the Mind of Shen Yi While Others Trail Behind

"I don't want to draw just their faces and personalities, I want to draw their hearts." That seemed what season 2 was aiming to portray. Delving deeper into SY's work and progressing as the genius sketch artist he really was. This was one of my more anticipated dramas of the year as season 1 was so strong. That said, this season didn't deliver the same gravitas as the first one. You were literally exploring the mind of SY while the others just trailed behind. Hopefully season 3 could tighten that up with a satisfying finale.

Pros: TJC as SY really went an extra mile in solving cases in this one. It was like he development a second personality or jumped into the mind of the killer. The compelling cases like the "abducted" kid and abusive father, the guy creating an alter to his sister at the bottom of the cliff by playing God essentially, the guy who created a play of bodies after his beloved died tragically. Also the last case how it started with the "serial killer" gene and grew into the final case about genetically engineering humans which goes against human nature and all laws of society. In all of these, we see SY's growth and letting go of past disappointments like the girl in the red dress that haunted his dreams for a long time after he ignored her when he felt something was off and a day later she was found dead in an alley.

The rest of the cast played well as support and their partnership was moving along from case to case. DC realized at the end that he had to be less rigid with SY as his ideology didn't fit SY and that's what seemed to drive SY towards FKY. Out of all of antagonists, FKY was the creepiest and he actually thought he could change SY to be like himself and drive a wedge between the two but that's not what happened. He only got temporary satisfaction as SY was onto him and he wouldn't let anything ruin his friendship with DC. I'm glad at the end it was SY who brought him down. The bureau gang was always nice to have around and even captain Liu from the regular bureau made a guest appearance for a bit which was a good guest spot. SY achieved his goal of painting the heart from the heart while also dispelling his own inner demon.

The cliff hanger was done very well. I couldn't help but notice the similarities of DC's stabbing that was done in a remote alley while he was on the phone to the one in season 1 of his mentor by some dude completely covered up. I think there's symbolism somewhere in there. Hopefully they will actually talk about that in season three. I'm a fan of those as long as we don't wait 3 plus years for season 3. But DC being stabbed and only feet from where SY was walking. The perp at this point could be a clone, doppelgänger, or even someone who had plastic surgery and genetic engineering by FKY to look like the SY from S1. I won't rule anything out.

Cons: As the title suggests, this season had our leads essentially running parallel investigations even if they were on the same cases. They were more separate than together and it seemed off. The rest of the bureau just seemed there not like season one's tight group like was depicted in their first picture. This season they felt more like just flailing on the sidelines. I wanted that connection between SY and DC that drew us to this duo in the beginning. And it was briefly shown in 28 when they finally brought FKY and his co-conspirators to justice. But I really felt DC was way too rigid and even almost jealous of literally anyone who became friends with SY unless it was their own little group. He also moved too stiffly and almost never smiled; it was like conducting an investigation or riding in a car with Oscar the grouch. They need to sand down those edges.

Also quite a few cases though important because they highlight the problems in society everywhere, were underwhelming. Like the first case of the contortionist obsessed fan who the idol essentially used to murder for him, the stalking case which exposed the guy supposedly caught in a love triangle but when in reality he was the one who was the ultimate player and both women got rid of him. Or of their hoarder coworker that had trauma from her grandmother so adopted that way of life. Or the girl who lied about her age to get the guy who assaulted her a bigger sentence and we had flashbacks of Captain Li. Another supposed love triangle where one poisoned the boyfriend and that contributed to his death later. Other cases were also very forgettable. There just wasn't as strong pull towards them. And there wasn't much breathing room in between cases where our group could do outside things or we see their lives or hanging out together as much as we did in the first season. That's how they grew as close as they did, through both work and otherwise. One thing just bled into another.

The writing needed to be tightened and not just let the body grow multiple heads going in different directions while headed to the same destination ultimately. I would have given this series an 8 but the extra .5 I gave for how well the last episode brought together and especially SY and DC having that heart to heart with both coming to their own realizations understanding each other on an even deeper level. The cliff hanger was also a nice touch since they weren't going to have a finale this season.

Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. But you have to watch season one or a lot won't make sense here. Despite the disconnect overall, the cases and the team's work was still what we wanted to see. A lot of the cases brought serious issues to light. Let's wait for season 3 together!

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really fun watch

honestly don't know why i ignored this drama when it was airing. i regret not watching it sooner but am glad i decided to pick it up. first watch of 2025 was great thanks to bad and crazy

the first 3 eps were a bit slow for me. i found a lack of hook and while alot of it was just major buildup for everything idk i was bored i almost dropped it. but luckily i didn't. it got good fast. i thought the investigative side of the plot was done well. and i'm also glad they didn't totally introduce the whole childhood thing right away. idk overall plot was well made and layered i'm too lazy to give an in depth review but lee dongwook is truly a legend in his craft

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Large slice of Life/large dose of Karma/sins of the Fathers?

This films delves into the lives of some talented, irreparably damaged, flawed haracters. To say the plot is unrealistic is ignoring the reality around us and failing to recognize how decisions of our ancestors can sometimes wreak havoc for generations.
This is a tragically beautiful love story stands out against smaller, safer, more ordinary relationships.
The dance scene between the male and female leads is pivotal. The ending holds hope. Happiness comes with a price.
They both persist. He is not giving up.
The cinematography and the soundtrack are stellar. What a story of the human experience!

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can't fathom this ending

I'll start by saying I'm not an expert in anything, even less so in cinema so this is just my humble opinion.

This drama started really good and I actually really liked the characters and the story line. I'm usually not a fan of "transmigration" or similar things 'cause most of the time, it's very difficult to write those kind of story "well". In this case, not only is it "transmigration" but it's also a grown up (40+) that goes back into a CHILD'S body.

I honestly thought everything was going pretty well (except the very poor treatment of mental health but because it's a short drama I overlooked it) but the END couldn't have been WORST. How could Dok Pal continue to live in this body ? of course the kid was SUICIDAL so he might not want to come back but like... let's talk about it, let' see what we can do but the fact he STAYED in the body??? what the hell, it make the all point/story/moral of the serie USELESS.
Then they joke about like haha hihi hoho so funny I took someone's LIFE.... no really I can't understand how this was aired.

The last thing, at the very end Dok-Pal says he wants to go on a date... did he suddenly forget he was 40+ ? disgusting.
To make the matter worse I heard it's actually a BL webtoon that they straight washed and in the webtoon, Dok Pal goes out with Se-Kyung which is I think even worse considering the fact he is an adult in a child's body.

well anyway that was my opinion and I couldn't just keep it to myself after being brutally traumatised by that last episode.

xx

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