Reviews

Worth a re-watch for the two leads and the child stars

The two main leads carried this drama on their shoulders alone. The script was draggy and poor, the endless recaps were dumb, none of the other storylines were followed through properly, the two kids were fantastic but only used as props.

If it wasn't for the main leads acting chops and charisma, this drama would have tanked.

I watched it solely for TSY, Jing Boran and the 2 kids. Luckily, the main leads are present in almost all the scenes.

The original story was great, but the script/edits/direction of this drama, not so great at all. I read the English translation of the original and it was a fast-paced very interesting read.

Thanks to TSY and Jing Boran the drama has a very high watch and re-watch value.

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I didn't watch the final ending until like 16 years later

So I watched this drama through tv broadcast and they didn't broadcast the secret ending. So all this time I THOUGHT THE FEMALE LEAD DIED. Do you know how infuriated I felt when I found the secret ending on youtube in 2020, but I was also so happy they finally got their wedding. This third my date with a vampire is a bit of a drag and money grabber from ATV (cause they were losing to TVB lol). But they did a good job planning everything together and making the plot make sense. I guess they were too infatuated with new technology, they didn't realise that the ancient Chinese horror is the most scary shizz, not some chucky ass doll pfft. The OST is bomb, love singing that for nostalgia. Ma Sui Ling kinda cried one too many times for my liking, cause in my heart she always a badass B. I want her sword weapon so badly, but her one from second season was cooler, this one was like a light saber, and I was like Dafuq. And what is with the dragon summoning in this series, i couldn't even see the hand symbols properly (I'm trying to learn it here dah).

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My favourite out of the three from this series

This sequel was my favourite from the three of the my date with a vampire series. The childhood memories, the traumatic and haunting production. In terms of plot, Ma Sui Ling was just written beautifully as a strong female heroine, she's my idol till this day and Its been a good 10+ years since I first watched this drama. What also attracted me to rewatch this drama over and over again is the well written and complex relationships of all the characters, because they don't just focus on one relationship. Since the last time I rewatched this drama (which was a few months ago), I also see that there are so many moral boundaries that are taught, as a kid I think I learned very well from this drama. Sometimes dramas are not just entertainment, but they can teach us life lessons like this drama. I also like singing the OST, because it's just gold.

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Childhood memories

Honestly got nightmares watching this drama when I was a kid but god I just loved the plot and the female heroine Ma Sui Ling. I guess as a child I just learned that females can also be powerful and strong, and that was the message I absorbed as a kid from watching this drama and the whole series. In this drama, her character was written a bit weak compared to the sequels, but this one was definitely the scariest. Like god that vengeful ghost in the building gave me nightmares for years (cause I rewatched this drama on the VCR tapes like 50 times over). Last time I re-watched this drama was just the start of this year, still love it haha.

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you have to make it past the 1st episode

In the first episode the eng subs is a bit rough and gets the majority of the characters names wrong but thankfully they fix the subs and it is more accurate easy to follow along and refers to everyone with the right name. the story and the way their school system is designed is interesting and something we don't see too often. the show itself is good you just have to get past the first episode and everything will make sense by the time you finish the second episode. thankfully you won't be hearing the name war past the first episode nor be confused as to what is being said or when.

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Is it too short or just enough?

*happy ending*

Just like other reviews, I might say that this is one of the best BLs out there. I really love the focus on just one couple. And the angst of unrequited love felt like I was watching Sekaiichi Hatsukoi but with a more proactive protagonist. Ki Tae really went all out for Wan and I'm loving it so much.

The drama at ep 7 was chef's kiss. Though I wanted this to be longer, I also felt that the pacing and the length was just enough to keep my toes curled for excitement and not get bored of the series.

Is it just me, but game program k-bls really hit hard for me. Just like with Semantic error.

This series is just so nostalgic, feel-good, sweet and heartwarming without the excessive nc scenes. Definitely a must watch!

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This drama is a moving romance set against the backdrop of sweeping majestic landscapes with soulful and emotive music playing. You cannot help but be swept along with the love between Lu Chen and Gu Xiao through their years of separation and through the angst that both unavoidably created for the other. I have read criticisms that the drama is slow but to me, the pace of the show, the words that are unspoken but conveyed through expressions are a powerful way to convey the story. The final episode, although initially a bit of a let-down but on further reflection, is a different way of ending a story by letting the ML tell his part of the story. I am definitely going to rewatch to breakdown the nuances that I missed the first time round!

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Doesn't get more natural/realistic than this

Whose filmography should I follow? Is it the actors? The writers? The directors? The intimacy coach? Because all of them did a phenomenal job. In cdrama land, we honestly don't get enough romance stories featuring MATURE, ADULT, REALISTIC characters that properly communicate and maintain a HEALTHY relationship. In addition, the level of intimacy is sometimes so awkward or forced or not how you'd imagine two lovers acting like in real life so it makes you less engrossed in their relationship. However, in Road Home that was not the case. No one could look at Gui Xiao and Lu Chen and say they weren't meant to be, that they weren't madly in love. There was not an iota of awkwardness to be found watching their chemistry on screen. Their relationship was so freaking beautiful to witness, it gave me all the feels and I was swooning left and right and smiling everytime they were on screen.

For the most part, this drama makes you feel good all the time. The side characters were all positively written and it was so nice seeing the various friendships the leads had and how everyone was so loyal and helpful towards each other.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this for the amazing romance, the natural dialogues, realistically written characters and plot lines and beautiful scenery.

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I don't understand the hype to this drama tbh

This drama was airing around the same time as The Journey of Chongzi, and people were going to MDL in The Journey of Chongzi and was saying how great this drama was and recommending this drama was better than The Journey of Chongzi...

I wanted to not leave a review about this drama, until I fully watched it.

I did tried the first episode back then to "The Starry Love", and I couldn't get into it... So I left it on hold and then waited until this drama finished airing before giving this another chance.

After finishing this drama, I honestly don't get the hype to this drama to be honest, like to me, it's just "Okay...." at best, and I felt like I am just watching it for the sake of passing time, since I have nothing to watch at this stage.

The story and characters is okay, but it wasn't memorable to me.

The Male Lead Actor, Chen Xing Xu, I have seen him before as Yang Kang in "Legend of the Condor Heroes", and he's my favourite character in there.

This is my first time seeing the Female Lead actress.

I have to say that I didn't like the time when she have to collect the "Soul Shards" (the three different version of him) to revive Shao Dian You, because after he successfully got one, he left him at this place, and moving onto the next one.... And during that time, I felt bad for "La Mu" because he thought that his "Wife" Ye Tan was out chasing the other 2 more Soul Shards of him to revive Shao Dian You, and during that time, it is really off-putting because it really did felt like she was jumping between one guy to the next, even when they are all the same soul (person) in the end, but I cannot rub off that feeling that it gives off in the end for me... Since they each is their individual person.

Anyways, for me, the main pairing is okay, it wasn't enough for me to fangirl for them like I do for some other pairings I fell in love with in the drama.

Music was okay too, but it reminded me to the music in The Blue Whisper.

Overall Drama was OKAY (LOL)

But if I have to say something here, while this drama (The Starry Love) is airing around the same time as "The Journey of Chongzi", for me, I love and enjoyed "The Journey of Chongzi" >>>>>>>>> The Starry Love. The Starry Love, didn't make me love it like it did for some people in here... I guess this really goes to say something, i.e. every one is different.

Like I said, for me personally, this drama was OKAY at best. It wasn't enough to keep me motivated, or absorbed into the story/characters. Most of the time I was like "When is this episode going to end?" So yeah, I am not really a fan to this drama, only watched it to see why people keep comparing it, and what's the hype about, I don't get the hype on this drama....


Well, not a memorable drama for me to want to watch again, I can move on to watch the next one ~~~

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Child actress is a revelation, rest goes downhill fast.

Started off well but became too clumsy in the second half.

They really overplayed the intensity of some dramatic scenes. It's hard to explain but it's like they tried to portray some events happening to the characters as PTSD-inducing, or just really affecting them in a major way, but… they weren't all that intense to begin with. Made them miserable but it's just blown out of proportion, and it happens more than once. Just took me out of the story.

Choi Soo-young did a great job, but it's the child actress who was astounding. The fact that this thing works overall and has any weight (emotional or otherwise) whatsoever fully rests upon her shoulders.

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Slightly Dark but Heartwarming Series

Ah~ so this is how it feels to watch BL which is an original screenplay. Most of BL series out there, specifically Japanese, is an adaptation from manga and light novel.

To begin with, the premise of the story sounded interesting. I assumed it would be dark and angsty, but turned out it is lighter. Surely, the moment when the two main characters confronted each other and bickered are a bit scary. The tension was in a right amount to pull me into their emotions. Besides, I also agree that this series, which the interesting premise hinted complexity potential, needs longer duration to show more proper closure for Fumiya and Ritsu.

Next off, the cast was superb! I have no complain. Their acting skill, especially Suzuki Kosuke's potrayal is stunning. We all know that Fumiya, played by Suzuki, is a person who bottles up his feeling and thoughts. Suzuki successfully showing them from his eyes, the way his expression changed from one second of disappointment to patiently smiling, hiding all his negative emotion. Never thought he could play so much better than the main role in one of his previous work. For Honda Kyoya, I was a bit surprised for the transformation he showed me for this series. I mean, his image from Animals (that makes me start adoring his visual) totally different in here. He is totally into Ritsu whose appearance is warm and fluffy, also the sweet soft voice, just right to presents us his emotional sensitivity. Again, eyes, like Suzuki, Honda also displayed how Ritsu easily moved and hurt through them. I love to see them sparkling from happiness and filled with tears when Ritsu is in pain (⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)⁠.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡

About the music. I would give a 10, but I'm not into the OP soundtrack, so I lower the score a bit. I love Miwa and her songs since many years ago and the ED song sounds perfect for me. All the background music was perfect. As expected from the same composer as Eternal Yesterday. The difference is just, the bgm sounded more suspenseful than making me feel sad. The tension in them kills me (in a good way) (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠✧⁠*⁠。

I gave 8/10 for rewatch value since I am someone who watch shows that is emotionally stimulating, Jack O'Frost can be an alternative choice. The unhealthiness in the relationship makes me cussing Ritsu and Fumiya unstoppably for 6 weeks + 1 week before it aired + 1 week when it was not airing.

Overall, the time when I overthink the plot, making theories, and cussing the characters only show that I invested in this series. It was a fun rollercoaster ride and worth my time! ♡⁠˖

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10 estrelas

achei q o bl em si foi um "breaking stereotypes" mesmo a história sendo "cliche" tiveram bastante coisas q eu e talvez muitas pessoas não esperam em um bl, como por exemplo um casal safico, o fato do pat ser o cara muito músculo e mesmo assim ser um bottom. Eu particularmente gosto bastante da história, achei legal esse lance de Romeu e julieta versão gaykkkk, além do cast ser impecável, caras nos temos o Drake e o mark no mesmo cast, nanon, love, milk, ohm pawat, Jimmy!!!( lembro q na época de estreia o elenco era super unido, postavam coisinhas toda hora, sem dúvidas um dos melhores casts se não for o melhor. No geral, sou apaixonado nesse bl, o melhor bl do aos!

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Coming into oneself and finding love.

Overall thoughts; I love the comedy the show had to it. I loved the simplicity and warmth this series had to it. I was a bit uncomfortable with the age gap.
1. What I liked?
I liked how the actors where able to bring this story alive. They delivered with the portraying of emotions.
I liked the realism of local people's life and the normalness this series gave us.
2. What I disliked?
I disliked the age gap of 12 year, but it's not the gap is the problem it's the age between Minato Akira and Katsuki Shintaro. They were 9 and 17 when they first met, and 29 and 17 when they happened to meet each other again for the secondth time.
I disliked the fact it's a love story between an older man and a high schooler. This was the main reason why I was a bit uncomfortable with this show.
3. Personality Observation.
Starting with Shintaro's personality. He has a dominant personality, he is naturally assertive, straightforward, confrontational, expressive, has a natural innocent, and is jealous at times. He was my favorite character out of everyone in the show.
While Minato Akira personality is shy, reserved, timid, cowardly, non-confrontational, and shy's away from speaking his mind or admitting the truth out loud to others. I think this is why he can't maintain a healthy relationship with anyone.
4. Where their chemistry between characters?
I would say Yes! but it was mostly one sided and slow to develop. But it is worth it.
5. Character development.
Minato Akira character was developed nicely in the story. I think because of the influence of Shintaro, he able to be honest with himself and others around him for the first time. He found the confidence within himself to confront and open up about his true feeling and thoughts he been holding in for the longest time. I truly enjoyed watching his progress.
End thoughts; I rated this series 8.5 because I enjoy it despite its uncomfortable flaws. I loved each of the main lead character individually and they progress as the show goes along. For that alone It is worth watching.

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A must-watch for fans of rom-coms!

Love to Hate You is a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and action-packed dramas. The show delivers a perfect mix of positive energy, funny moments, and cool action scenes that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

One of the highlights of the show is its likable characters. The lead actors and actresses are not only beautiful, but they also have great chemistry on-screen. Their interactions will surely make you root for them, even when they are at odds with each other.

The pacing of the drama is fast and dynamic, but not overwhelming. The show's ability to keep the audience engaged without making them feel rushed is commendable. Moreover, the show has a lot of positive vibes that can uplift your mood and make you feel happy.

Another aspect that stands out in Love to Hate You is its OST. Each episode has a different OST at the end, and they're all fantastic.

Overall, Love to Hate You is an enjoyable watch that will make you smile. Its combination of romance, comedy, and action makes for an entertaining and engaging drama that you won't want to miss.

*This review was generated with the help of OpenAI's ChatGPT.

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Wow!

I just finished this TSL and I don't know for how long I've cried. My eyes hurts and are super puffy, my nose is so swollen and I have a headache because of my crying. I just have positive things to say about this drama. From the story, to the acting and music. It was amazing and absolutely one of the best cdramas I've seen in my life (and I've seen a lot).

The only negative thing or something I wished they included was when they the sisters regained their human form again. I wanted them to reunite with their lover and live a happy life. It just felt strange how they turned into a sacred tree again - how do you go from a tree to a human?

Otherwise, I literally have nothing bad to say about this drama. I really recommend this drama, but I have to warn you to have a lot of tissues by your side ;)

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