Reviews

Pass, if you dislike gore and graphic rape.

High production value, but lifeless characters and flat dialogue, in my opinion. I know a lot of people loved it. So maybe the way the genre does things just isn't for me, but it felt like they were puppets more than people. Many of the decisions characters made also made very little sense and blatantly puppeteered to push the plot forward into more messed up sh*t.

The story wasn't interesting enough for me to sit through and wait to see if there was more gore and rape scenes, so I dropped it just past the midway point.

I don't see how this was a "black comedy," It wasn't funny... A little absurd, but I didn't get any laughs.

Ultimately, I just dislike shock media. I enjoy dark stories and good fight scenes, but not pointless disturbing gore and sexual violence against women. Unlike others are calling it, it's not a "sex scene" it's a "rape scene." I don't need to see that and it adds nothing to the story.

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A good one-time watch; Don't miss this

*This is my first review on MDL*
I started watching Lost You Forever when it was on-air. Initially (13-14 episodes), I found the story to be pretty interesting. While I was figuring out the plot, a lot of things were happening so it kept me hooked. After that, the plot became boring for me for at least 7-8 episodes. Then suddenly, it became interesting. Needless to say, be prepared for a roller-coaster ride in all senses (plot, angst, joy, fun).

What I really liked:
- Acting. Yang Zi, Deng Wei and Tan Jian Ci slayed in their roles. All of them had very different personalities but when they appeared on the screen together, it was really refreshing to watch. I have watched Ashes of Love numerous times, but Yang Zi really surprised me this time with her versatility. Contrary to the popular opinion, I did not find Zhang Wan Yi's character interesting.
-Story. I did not read the novel before so I thought this is a new and different story. You will enjoy the story if you haven't read the novel like me. For novel readers, they will enjoy watching the characters come to life as the portrayal is good.
-Set. A lot of time and money has been spent on the set and you will actually feel this while you watch the drama. The VFX is good. I especially liked the VFX animals because they were really cute.

What I didn't like
-Zhang Wan Yi's character and portrayal. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate him. But I felt I have seen similar acting in Goodbye My Princess. For me, the freshness was missing. I have seen similar characters for Tan Jian Ci's role as well but I found his acting refreshing. So, there is a difference I felt.
-Music. There was nothing special about it.
-Rewatch value. I won't watch this a second time.

That all being said, I am eagerly waiting for the season 2. This is a perfect drama for one-time watch. You will feel their pain, joy, love, and these feeling evolving and changing as the plot progresses. That is why you should not miss it.

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This was terrible

I've seen ppl recommending this saying it was good so I decided to watch it was a waste of my time honestly it was not good I wouldn't recommend.

First this was terrible everything went downhill from gyuri stole jisoo's phone ( for no reason) ever since she entered jisoo's life nothing went smoothly she's also so fucking selfish she basically ruined jisoo's Business that was going soo well.

The dad was a prick who basically flushed 60 million krw down the toilet that he stole from his son.

Jisoo is a coward who couldn't stand his ground against the bullying from Kitae and his minions and gyuri's controlling and selfish ways cuz he liked her. When minhee accidentally fell down the stairs all he had to do was call the ambulance cuz it was an accident it's not like it was purposely done but no he ran away which would've turned into murder (if she died). He was also stupid to take up the phone like if ur running away why take up a phone that was not urs and at the scene of the accident.

Minhee didn't have a right to blame jisoo when mr. lee died just because he told her not to say anything to the cops. She didn't have to obey him cuz she is free to say what she likes.

I didn't really like the cop idk y I didn't like her but I just don't.

All in all I'm blaming gyuri cuz if she didn't stole jisoo's phone none of this would've happened.

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A Character-Driven drama for those in the mood of some sweetness and cuteness!

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.75

A 9.1 MDL rating for a romantic drama is no joke as there are many other critically acclaimed ones that don’t reach this milestone. In order to give “Hidden Love” a fair chance to maximize the enjoyment of watching this, I prepared myself and will share my recommendations for those who hesitated. As an ‘older’ and veteran drama watcher, fluffy and cute romances don’t always work on me anymore.

Recommendations/Tips to prepare myself:
1. I am a romance junkie
2. I am in the right mood for a cute, sweet and fluffy romance.
3. I like the main leads.
4. I am OK with and am prepared for a character-driven drama.
5. I am OK with an age-gap that could seem big.

I know if I watch “Hidden Love” when it’s airing or when it just finished airing, I will be extremely critical in finding faults since the hype is real and positive reviews are everywhere. Therefore, I waited until I was ready. And I am ready now.


What I Like:

Acting - I am quite familiar with Zhao Lu Si’s acting and know that she has no problem acting shy or cute. She did not disappoint me. On the other hand, Chen Zhe Yuan surprised me in a positive way. I’ve seen a few of his dramas but don’t recall him having the ability to subtly control his emotions (happy and sad) and his big, beautiful eyes speak volumes in this drama. It’s only been a few years’ time and Chen Zhe Yuan has improved so much since his “Handsome Siblings” days, the first drama I saw him in. The rest of the supporting cast also did a great job. But this drama is about Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. If Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan can’t act, this drama will be a disaster.

Siblings - Many have pointed out the amazing chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Victor Ma. I echoed the praises that they are so fun to watch. Their banter, argument, and horseplay brought so much color to this otherwise quite mellow drama. Their conversations are fun and witty, and you can still see how much they care and love each other.

Sang Zhi (FL) - At first, I thought I would be very irritated with Sang Zhi. I’ve seen clips of her acting all shy with that baby voice. However, I enjoy seeing her character grow from a spunky 14-year old girl, to an independent strong woman who can think on her own, make her own choices and protects the man she loves. We’ve seen female leads who are supportive of male leads. But Sang Zhi took it to a different level. She not only supports her man, but she’s there to protect him (physically, verbally and emotionally), to dispel any prejudice and stereotypes against him, and stand up for him. In a way, she was more emotionally mature when she’s 22 than when Duan Jia Xu was 22 or 27.

Duan Jia Xu (ML) - How can I not love a walking green flag like him? Yes, he’s too perfect and that could be a criticism. But I am also not going to deny the fact that he’s going to my Hall of Fame for Best Boyfriend/Partner. He is gentle, kind, considerate, understanding, and thoughtful. A unicorn that you can’t find in real life but I can indulge myself in this drama and pretend he does exist.

Main Romance - Chemistry is great. I was actually waiting for the college days to come so that I can finally see them interact as adults. I love the secret confessions in folded stars, the shy-but-in love glances/looks, the courting, the heartfelt yet somewhat awkward conversations by two inexperienced lovers, and of course, the hugs and kisses. This drama is made for romance lovers. I can’t help but smile throughout the drama.

Sang Family - I am so glad to see Zhao Lu Si and Zeng Li act as daughter/mother again. After the traumatic experience of “Love Like the Galaxy”, I am so glad to see them in a much different dynamic. The Sang parents are so lovely as well. Even though they disapprove of Sang Zhi’s rebellious trip, they never yelled at her, but just tried to talk some sense into her. They might have disapproved of the leads’ relationship, but the conversations are mature, reasonable and all come from the heart and love for their daughter. It’s so rare to find such amazing parents in a C-drama. Adding the fun Sang Yan to the mix, it’s no wonder Sang Zhi is able to grow up to be someone worthy of love and can protect her love.


What I have Mixed Feelings:

Sang Zhi’s baby voice - I can understand Zhao Lu Si using a somewhat younger voice when she’s 17, but when she’s a college student, that voice has got to go. She can speak normally with her roommate, so I know she can speak normally to her boyfriend. Towards the end of the drama, she has grown to be a mature young lady, and that baby voice really doesn’t match her. Is that Zhao Lu Si’s over-acting, or the director wanted her to act that way? I would never know.

Sang Zhi (14 years old) - No matter how short Sang Zhi is supposed to be at 14, the amazing young actress can’t convince me she’s 14 years old. She’s 12 in real life but she looks like she’s 10. If you are going to use such a young actress, maybe they should have a different younger actor to play the male lead.

Stalker girl - The side plot about the stalker girl lasted a little too long. I also think her presence changes the overall tone of this drama. I understand the reason for her existence in telling ML’s back story, but I wish that side plot was written better. Luckily, she’s the only annoying character and she’s still tolerable.

Supporting Cast stories - Because this drama focuses on the leads’ story so much that the rest of the side characters are forgotten in the back burner. This can be a good or a bad thing. If you just want to focus on Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, then this is not a criticism at all. But I wanted a more well-rounded approach and wanted to know more about other characters. What happened to Sang Yan’s personal life? Did he really have a girlfriend? What is up with his knowledge of childbirth? I thought he got someone pregnant! What about the romance of the dorm mates? If you don’t plan to give them time, then let’s not start to begin with. Not every single character needs to have a love interest, but don’t start and forget.

Age gap - I don’t know if they have to keep on talking about how much older Duan Ji Xu is. 5 years isn’t really that big of a gap. It is central to the storyline, but it doesn’t need to be repeated and reminded so many times.


Overall, this is a great romance drama if you are looking for something easy, sweet and fluffy. The leads’ acting and chemistry are great and it’s a drama full of love, care and personal growth. If you are like me and like my tips above, that will increase your chance of enjoying this drama.


Completed: 8/27/2023 - Review #346

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A good mix of political intrigue, wuxia and romance

This series combines political intrigue, wuxia, and romance, three elements that I like in a costume drama. I have friends who recommended it, and it's one of the top 2022 dramas, so I dived into it.

Things that I like, which kept me engaged throughout the series:
• Political intrigue, strategizing, revelation of each mystery, and how the leads outsmarted their enemies.
• Smart and strategic ML and FL, who have connections in both jiang hu (pugilistic world) and chao ting (government/political world).
• Both ML and FL are very skilled in martial arts and fights really well!
• Yang Yang’s portrayal of Hei Feng Xi/Feng Lan Xi – overall, a very good performance by YY. The drama gives a lot of focus to HFX/FLX’s character development, since many of the political intrigues and actions happened in his domain.
• Zhao Lu Si as Bai Feng Xi/Feng Xi Yun – ZLS also did well here; however, I felt that YY had more room to show his acting ability. But thankfully, the drama eventually gave focus to her side of the story, and she really shined in the latter part of the drama.
• There is mutual trust and respect between the ML and FL, and I like that there is not so much drama and misunderstanding between them. I also like how they supported each other and faced challenges as a couple.
• Well-choreographed fight scenes and grand battle scenes.
• Great costume design – they’re colorful and there is great attention to detail, especially those worn by HFX/FLX.
• OST that fit the drama, especially the opening theme, “Unparalleled”, sung Liu Yu Ning.

Other comments:
• Chemistry between the leads – their romance is sweet and slow-burn, and I like their banter and humor, but it didn’t affect me in the same way (i.e., having that swoon-worthy feeling) as the other dramas where YY and ZLS were paired with other actors, e.g., Love Like the Galaxy, Love O2O, Fireworks of My Heart, etc.
• The last few episodes felt a bit rushed, but they still manage to wrap things up.
• The ending is more or less what I expected, so I wasn’t caught off guard too much, except for a few unexpected things.

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama, so I highly recommend it, especially if you like political/court intrigue, wuxia and romance.

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Does The Long Ballad show how powerful love can be, as lovers ignore the cost of love?

This post does contain small spoilers in the text.

The Long Ballad is unique in showing what power love has over a person. Many Korean Drama devotees will remember the Korean Drama ‘Nevertheless’ as a drama showing how one can ignore all the red flags which tells you that this is not a love pathway you need to travel. However, you also learn that your heart can so easily ignore all the warning signs as you steamroll over common sense. The story of The Long Ballad becomes a truly tumultuous journey of love for me of the true costs of love.

The Long Ballad (Song) centers around many true historic figures among the plot. The drama is a Romeo and Juliet story of star-crossed lovers from the Tang Dynasty Period (618-907) who should have been enemies, since their Tribes were enemies and were constantly clashing and fighting each other. Our lovers are Li Changge (Dilraba Dilmurat), a Royal Princess from the Tang Dynasty and A’ Shi Le Sun (Leo Wu) who is Commander of the Eagle Military Division of the A’ Shi Le Tribe. Being the only member to survive the loss of all her whole family in a coup for the Tang Dynasty Throne, heroine Li Changge sets out on a quest for revenge, as she remains loyal to her Tang Tribe no matter what the cost. Princess Li Changge is totally reckless in her quest, ready and willing to give up her life at any time. A’ Shi Le Sun becomes the one who wants that life for himself, and he refuses to let her sacrifice herself, as he constantly goes to her rescue. Li Changge and our hero A’ Shi Le Sun meet by chance while she is disguised as a man, who has full expertise in the Martial Arts. Later, when he finds out that she is a woman, love comes almost instantly, as he admires the bravery and skills of this powerful woman fighter. Even at the potential cost of the danger to his whole Military Division and potential disloyalty to his Tribe because of this love affair, A’ Shi Le Sun can not withdraw his heart to the side of reason.

A’ Shi Le Sun is often physically harmed, disgraced, and even loses his mother to death protecting the only woman he has ever loved romantically, as Li Changge continues on her reckless course. A’ Shi Le Sun tried many times to let go of his love for Li Changge, but he was not able to release himself from this burdened love. Love has full power over you, but so does Li Changge’s revenge and loyalty to her cause.

(When A’ Shi Le Sun’s mother was killed, all I could think of was “Release the Kraken”, as A’ Shi Le Sun went on a rampage of blood, ala Vincenzo.)

Along the way, Li Changge begins to realize the depth of the romantic love A’ Shi Le Sun has for her, as she slowly begins to return his endearing love. A’ Shi Le Sun’s love is like a third uncontrollable character in this love story of The Long Ballad. Every time Li Changge endangers herself A’ Shi Le Sun is forced to pay the cost of sanitizing her world to keep his love in this world. He could do no less. While the cost of loving Li Changge was great, losing Li Changge was a price A’ Shi Le Sun found unimaginable to pay.

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A tale of two children

I usually don't watch dramas as they are still airing but I simply couldn't resist given how much I loved the book. Although marketed as a romantic fantasy, this is as much Cang Xuan's story as Xiao Yao's. They are royal cousins who have lost all their blood kin due to massive political events. Xiao Yao grows up hidden in the world amongst human and small deities, while Cang Xuan grows up as a hostage in another country. They cross paths but don't recognize one another, and while Xiao Yao meets the two other loves of her life, nine-tailed fox Tushan Jing / Ye Shiqi and nine-headed demon Xiang Liu, Cang Xuan starts consolidating his power and scheme against his royal uncles. We see the world through Xiao Yao's eyes, the up and down of her relationship with Jing, her protecting Cang Xuan with her life, and her carefree water adventures and archery lessons with Xiang Liu. The one constant in her life is her sweet and protective relationship with Cang Xuan.

Acting and casting are phenomenal - Zhang Wanyi's longing gaze and Tan Jianci's cold demeanor with a warm crinkle only for Xiao Yao are the standout performances for me. Yang Zi's star power and chemistry with all her co-stars is the glue that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Set design is lovely, a tad too fake-looking aesthetically for me, but still remarkably beautiful. I wish they picked a more memorable intro song, though the overall OST is very good at evoking emotions. Lastly, the story artfully follows the book and while some parts of the pacing could be improved, the overall experience was very good.

Highly recommend watching this gem! I have already rewatched some of the episodes and will continue to wait with bated breath for Season 2. 9.5/10.

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Does Golden Spoon become the first Korean Drama to have two Male First Leads outside of BL dramas?

In Korean Dramas specifically and writing in general, the First Male Lead is the male protagonist around whom the storyline pivots. Therefore, the Male First Lead never becomes the Male Second Lead. In addition, if you pluck out this character from the storyline you have no story. Outside of BL Korean Dramas, you get one Male First Lead usually.

(No Spoilers)

The storyline for Golden Spoon is exceptional and unusual.

Golden Spoon is the story of two teen young men, one super rich and one very poor, who go to the same high school. The poor teen desperately wants to be rich, to control his life. As the story evolves, a Golden Spoon grants his wish to switch parents. In a reality-bend, he abandons his parents in his reality to become the son of the riches Chaebol. In this switch, the (unaware) natural son of the riches chaebol inherits the parents of the economically poor young student. Each boy keeps his personality identity and both are their original self, but they just live in a different reality in this switch. Reality is bent. As you can see, because of this unique storyline, neither teen can be plucked out of this story. (We are not talking about changing out an actor).

“Male First Lead” Confusion

In Golden Spoon, both boys fall for the same girl. She likes only one of the boys, but in this reality-bend, at any given time, both of our teen boys are this boy which she likes. This reality-bend in Golden Spoon leads to a Korean Drama conundrum. The First Male Lead of a story is always the protagonist about which the drama story is written. Because this story is equally about the two boys living in each others’ reality-bend, for me this makes Golden Spoon the first Korean Drama which I have seen that has two Male First Leads or Double Male First Leads and no Second Male Lead.

Fan Alert: The ending is mind-blowing.

Take-Away from the Story

Golden Spoon addresses whether all that is golden is really ideal? Should value be attached to the integrity of your soul? Is money really what makes you happy? Golden Spoon has many aspects of the Korean drama Reborn Rich. It handles the material in unique ways and may be a fresh look at an old theme, “Is the grass greener on the other side?”

Note: Golden Spoon is not a body-swap Korean Drama. Both boys are themselves, but the one with the Golden Spoon retains the knowledge of their former self and their relationships in the other bended reality. Although not knowing the life the other boy lived, each are retrofitted into that life or reality-bend. This makes for a unique prospective view on both of their lives.

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messy at the end

At first, it was fun for 30 episodes. After that it became drama, drama2 and somehow romantic.
The story ends up easily at the end even they had good built up at first. The plot solving at the end was too easy and loosen.
Even the story was messy at the end, somehow I was quite addicted !! But I cannot rewatch this series. Actor and actress were shoulder of this series.

I don't really care about Ling Ling Qi's family at all, somehow its story was too long, but it somehow was important enough for Bo Hai to realize something.
bracelet has not much detailed at the end and they both really not talk seriously about it, so this fantasy is questionable and they even use it for clearing some problem or misunderstanding...

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Good but underdeveloped romance

I really enjoyed this series. The cast was wonderful and production value solid. I think there was such good chemistry in the gangster friend group. I don't rewatch shows but for those who do, this wouldn't be a bad rewatch. My only issue, and pretty big one imo, is that the writers didn't develop Third and Khai's romantic relationship enough. Their friend relationship and the negative aspects of it were told well. I understood why they were friends. But I only understood why they should crossover to being more because GunOff have naturally good onscreen chemistry. But they weren't given enough solid romance to build the in-story romantic chemistry. So by the last episode, I felt underwhelmed by them as a couple. If they had incorporated more sexual tension/romantic chemistry into the story, it would have made Khai and Third's relationship better developed.

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Tense fight or flight scenes to yearning romance

This brought me back to those historical kdramas I used to watch around 2016. Those ones that you get invested in the characters and story and it flows so well.
I think it has an interesting angle on war during this era from perspectives of royalty, invaders, civilians, women, scholars, soldiers. It can get so tense on some episodes and I love it lol. The fight and flight scenes are gripping to watch in themselves (forget the romance for a second).
The ML is such a cool guy and he knows many things with an unclear backstory (I guess we will see in season 2). FL comes off a bit arrogant to begin with but when the war comes she really proves herself, I guess she just needs to mature in terms of love and romance. Either way they have great chemistry. I would definitely recommend this drama for the action and the romance and everything in between.

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What type of drama is this?

So basically its a very interesting drama that confuses everyone since the ML is shown as emotionless and it looks like he only wants to use the FL for his own gain so he can live. I could already guess that he isn't as bad as everyone thinks and as he shows. Later on in the story I do question the FL a lot because I didn't think the story would end like how it did, but it dies make sense and really shows the meaning to the saying that you only realise how much you love someone when they leave. If your worried about cliffhangers or worried that the drama will end without answering your questions then don't worry. It justifies the actions of the ML lead and as the story is revealed it leave no questions unanswered. This drama made me realise that the one who suffers from the beginning can suffer till death even if they are innocent. It doesn't matter how good your heart is, people will never know or understand you. I truly recommend this drama hope you can watch it 😁

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Ep 37 she finally wore flats!

I started watching this drama for Dai Xu. It's been so long since I've seen him in a good drama like Burning Ice or the Legends.

But this drama is about a gifted housekeeper who can walk in high heels anywhere.
High heels walking on grass
High heels walking in the country side
High heels pushing a wheelchair down the slope

The FL "gifted housekeeper" can fix apparently everyone's problems (other than her own). She's a psychiatrist, a nurse, a nanny all in one. Much of the drama lacks focus since it's about everyone else's stories and not really about her.
I keep watching this for sometime of development but it never really happened.

Honestly the basis of the story line isn't bad. Had they drama focused more on the slow burn development between the FL and the Man bun ML (who will grow on you) then the drama would've been more watchable.
Instead I had to skip through the filler lines and creepy 30+ year old calling "MOMMY" left and right. ...

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Can't have the one you love, love the one you are with.

Generally, the so-called romance stories have little if anything that’s considered romance throughout the show. Here I can finally say we get to actually witness the love growing. It has other side stories that contribute to the plot as well, but nothing takes center stage over their growing love. There is action, family, trauma, wars, and much more. However, it still holds its weight as the main plot.

Is this the best series to date? No, but it's the best script-turn series I have seen in a very long time. I have been watching these dramas as well, for two decades, and I can honestly say it's a gem. I would give it 4.2/5 on a 5-star scale and anything less than that would not be fitting.

I am a romance buff so I am very particular about my love stories. Their unknowing love faces challenges and setbacks like no other. You wouldn’t want to miss this ride.

The leads are great and so are the support actors. No one is overacting or failing to meet the expectations set by the viewers. It's pleasantly heartwarming even in the midst of a war.

You will definitely enjoy this one.

Happy viewing

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