Reviews

Treinem mais esses policiais

Macho, nunca vi policial ser tao burro desse jeito.
A historia é ótima, amo os PoohPavel eles são incríveis. Até a porra do ep 10 todo mundo era inteligente e tava super conseguindo resolver o caso, ai parece q emburreceram de uma hora pra outra. Ninguem nem pensava em uma solução inteligente( e podiam ter várias) e deixaram praticamente todo mundo ser capturado sem fazer buceta nenhuma so assistiram.
Parça, me fala como um adolescente conseguiu capturar 2 fucking POLICIAIS?
Tirando isso, o romance é super fofo e legal, eu me caguei de medo nas cenas de terror principalmente com aquela mulher do rosto cortado, o casal do IML é inteligente e muito legal adorei a historia deles. Enfim, treinem mais esses policiais intelectualmente.

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Such a Hidden Gemz!

I first saw Ci Sha in The Shadow's Edge, and I honestly thought he was more of a film actor than a drama actor. I couldn't imagine him leading a romance drama, but here I am, writing a long review about one 😂

First of all, I have this habit of looking up the actors before I start a drama, and I swear my jaw dropped for a whole minute when I found out Ci Sha and Winwin (Dong Sicheng) are the same age. Like... wow. 😂 They look so different. That's how you maximize human resources in the entertainment industry, I guess.

Anyway, I started this drama with zero expectations. It was also my first time watching the female lead, but wow... it turned out to be SO good. Like, GOOD good.

I watched it right after Moli, and somehow this drama gave me everything I had been hoping to get from Moli. After watching A Splendid Match, I can finally admit that Moli failed to deliver some of the scenes I was expecting. Like... this is how you execute a battle scene! Watching those amazing war sequences here completely healed my disappointment with Moli. I couldn't help comparing the two since I watched them back-to-back.

The first 17 episodes may feel a little slow because they're focused on the female lead's growth from a young girl into a mature woman. Her personality development takes time, and many of the choices she makes early on come back to affect her later. It may feel frustrating at times, but those conflicts are necessary for her character arc.

The war scenes in Episodes 38–39 were absolutely EPIC. Everything I wanted from a large-scale battle was there: the strategy, the emotions, the loyalty, the fear, the sacrifice, and the sheer grandeur. The choreography was incredible, and the second male lead's ending was heartbreaking yet so beautifully done. That's exactly how you deliver an unforgettable war sequence.

The final episode was probably the weakest part of the drama. It felt a bit rushed, and some storylines weren't wrapped up as neatly as I hoped. I was about to ask WHERE IS MY MAIN COUPLE LOVEY DOVEY SCENE??? But then they gave us the extra chapter (seriously, don't skip it, it's adorable... and a little sexy too 😏), so I'll forgive the writers lol.

The acting is excellent, the OST is beautiful, and although the pacing might feel slow for some viewers, please keep watching until around Episodes 18–23. That's when everything starts coming together, and the story really takes off.

I didn't like Ye Xian at first, but he ended up becoming one of the best supporting characters. He literally sent his own army to help them and fought alongside them. He deserved a much happier ending with his new little girl.

The drama does use some familiar historical C-drama tropes, the evil (?) stepsister fighting over the dowry, the useless father, the twisted (?) stepmother, beautiful women surrounded by lots of admirers but somehow it still feels fresh enough to keep you invested.

The political storyline is surprisingly engaging, and the villain is fantastic. I previously watched the actor in The Guilty, and honestly, he was born to play villains.

Ci Sha's character and Ren Min's character have completely different personalities and objectives, and I loved how naturally they portrayed that contrast. Their chemistry was amazing, even though they're only two years apart in real life.

Overall, A Splendid Match is such a hidden gem. It has one of the best war sequences I've seen in a historical C-drama (seriously, two episodes of epic battles!), solid political intrigue, great performances, and a lead who's allowed to be flawed, make mistakes, and grow instead of being unrealistically overpowered from the start.

Give it a try! You might end up loving it as much as I did.

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You want answers? No. Have a clue that leads nowhere! Oh, and it's a nationwide conspiracy now.

So, I might not get on with Chinese dramas that are longer than, say, 25 episodes. This is just the latest example -- and if I could, I would not give a rating with this review at all.

So, on the technical side, this drama is fine. The actors do a good job. I like the clothes that look as if they are actually made of cloth instead of a wisp of nothing; They get wrinkles, have texture and weight. The sets are slightly overdone but serviceable.

But after stalling for two weeks on episode 21, I have to admit defeat.

The first arc was beautiful. I loved the characters and their character delevopment. The romance progression was nicely done and well integrated into the overall plot. The background setting made sense. I liked that it seemed to focus on events in a town of regional importance; a refreshing difference from all the court dramas.
I liked it as a business drama with a revenge plot, cleverly hidden in a wuxia skin. There were fighting scenes, but they were never the focus; instead we got a main character whose only talent lies in his wits.
The characterizations and their development went forward at a steady pace and made sense within the narrative.

The second arc was already much less interesting. The main character is just too flawless, especially given his age. The stakes seem higher, but actually are not. The plotting and counter-plotting feel repetetive. The plot distached from any character development for me, and that was a bad sign already.

And then the next antagonist appeared in episode 20, and I was bored by him as soon as he opened his mouth. Another of the same, and much less of a *character* than the previous two antagonists.
Instead of developing things steadily as they did in the first arc, the screenplay hit us with a few plot twists coming out of nowhere -- felt like Chekhov's gun went off when we didn't even know it had been there.
Also, the script made it obvious that this or the last arc would make it to nation level -- I gave up.
I'm not willing to watch another 15 episodes just to see the same things again.

If the writer had wrapped things up after the first arc, this would have been a solid, tightly-written, enjoyable watch. Instead, they chose to do a Dragonball-move and escalate things without cause.
Or maybe I am just not cut out for these overly long Chinese dramas.

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Overrated

Taejoo, a rich heir, and his live-in bodyguard and only friend Gook, get closer after he sets up Gook with someone.

What I Hate
The writing is genuinely awful. It makes no sense, the plot holes are massive. Why does Taejoo need a live-in bodyguard? What is their relationship? Why did the restaurant owner ask sex positions to high schoolers? WHY DO THEY SLEEP IN THE SAME BED???? Okay so apart from my million questions the writing is also lacklustre, it’s super predictable and they don’t feel like real people.

What I Like
The acting is incredible and the leads have so so much chemistry. (wasted chemistry imo)

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anthology series

Episodes are 6-12 minutes each. Airing on Strongberry's YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNd7BhdAz80qUNA7TbUwA-nsD3o9T94_3&si=68-U3UiuA7a966wJ (not in correct watch order)

Story 1: A Ghost’s First Love (GL = ghost and her love (per the title)) 7.5
2 episodes
Content Warning: non con kiss.
Some scenes were too dark. I don't understand what the last scene meant.

Story 2: Look at Me (BL = introvert x optician) 7.5
2 episodes
odd angles for the camerawork
did not like how the optician said he looked better without glasses

Story 3: A Killer Recipe: The Red (BL = cafe owner x contract killer)
4 episodes
Content Warnings: murders (can start part 1 at 1:40 and part 3 skip 2:15-4:55), past death
This is a prequel to the story in the first anthology. I really wish it had been a sequel, but I enjoyed it for what it was. It was odd with the retcon (seemed to just starting a relationship vs they were a long term established couple) and why didn't a character go to the police?

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Playing “Evanescence – My Heart is (f$#$%#@ng) B.R.O.K.E.N” in the background

This series touched something deep in me. It might not be the most logical or even the best series out there, but it managed to reach my heart. Despite being so short, it made me cry, something very few series have ever done. I felt the pain, the helplessness of losing someone who was your entire world, and the crushing reality of not being able to repay what they’ve done for you.

It reminded me so much of My Heart is Broken by Evanescence. If I were Jae Woo, that song would be the one I identified with the most. Yes, the plot was confusing and could have been better, but it still delivered the anguish, the despair, and the helplessness. I’ve never personally experienced a moment like that, yet this series shattered my heart into tiny pieces.

What I Liked

1. Actor’s chemistry: The leads had incredible chemistry. Their tender, cute moments felt genuine, and I cherished them as much as Jae Woo did. Watching Ji Hoon slowly realize who Jae Woo was made their interactions even more meaningful.

2. Acting strength: Despite the budget, the acting carried the series. The emotions, anguish, confusion, hope, love, and finally pain, were delivered flawlessly. If the acting had been weak, I wouldn’t have cried, but these two leads are truly talented.

3. OST: Musically, this was one of the best BL soundtracks I’ve heard. The vocals were powerful, and the music amplified the emotions, leaving me with a bittersweet ache that lingered long after the final episode.

What I disliked

1. Confusing plot: I never fully understood how Jae Woo ended up in the past or the mechanics of the story. That lack of clarity weakened the narrative.

2. Ji Hoon’s lack of intelligence: If I knew I would be killed because I was disarmed I would literally go with something, to at least fight for my life and his. Literally a f#$#@#$ng shovel or a timely call to the cops could've been the salvation we needed for this couple. Yet, Instead, my friend turned himself in to Natural Selection.

3. Rushed ending: By now, you can guess I wasn’t happy with the ending. Ji Hoon’s acceptance of death was heartbreaking, but the finale also felt cramped and rushed. This story needed at least 12 episodes to breathe.

Conclusion:

I loved this series, it was a voyage across a sea of emotions. Short, but powerful. My heart still hurts, and I’m still crying. Even though the story wasn’t perfect, it delivered the raw feelings it set out to portray.

Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY.
Would I rewatch it? Maybe someday, but I’m not even sure if I would even dare to do that. It hurts AS F##### HELL.

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Good Story, So-So Romance

If you're a big fan of romance, on a scale of icy to scorching hot - I give this one a lukewarm.

Cheng Lei is gorgeous and does a really wonderful job with his character's emotion throughout the show. This was my first time watching the popular Bai Lu. Her character's story is amazing and I was glued to the screen to find out what exactly was going on with her. Too bad the actress didn't portray her well. It was a super flat performance. I'll give BL another chance though. Maybe it was just this drama where she falls a little flat? She was just so one-note the entire time.

The ending was a little lack-luster, as well as the OST. Sometimes the music sounded like it came from an 80's sitcom or a Lifetime movie. Weird. I'm giving this one an overall 8 though just for the story which kept me guessing through Ep what - 32? And Chen Lei who did an amazing job. Bonus points for that little cutie Lin Muran. That kid is GOING places!!

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Very educative but fun serie with a lot of representation.

I originally wasn't planning on watching this. I mostly watch bl and I'm definitely not a straight guy. I'm never really comfortable with NC scene's and even in Bl I prefer to skip them. I decided to finally give this a try after watching 'Let's talk about Chu' and I have to be honest, I was expecting something familiar. Honestly, I am surprised about this series with Gmmtv. I really regret not watching this earlier!!

Ok a small rant about Gmmtv and my surprise on them making this series. These days (talking 2026) whenever gmmtv makes a new series it's either straight, bromance or gay. In their straight and bromance series there is barely any representation and it irritates me quite a bit. This is also the reason I often refuse to watch their bromance or straight series. This is of course just an opinion and please do not come at me lmao. I don't necessarily find this extremely bothering but should be taken in consideration, the unrealistic Nc scene's and I'm talking zero mentions on STD or protection. And consent... uh yeah barely there. Anyways my point is that Gmmtv rarely shows these kind of things even though it like extremely important.

Let's get through the point of representation first. They really tried to include as much as possible! Lesbians who are trying to get a kid, Nonbinary representation, the gays who are always complicated, the open relationship trans girl x cis guy, the 2 with the most random kinks ever and then the main character. And I didn't even include all the couples. I love the representation so much!! It's not just another 'straight' series about sex but it's actually educative about other type of relationships aswell. "You have to learn about this no matter what your orientation is" this made my day thank you.

At first I was like "I love Nim she is such a girl boss. I love her and Molly!!" but later on in the series I started disliking Molly a lot. I'm talking about the scene where they kissed with Alex. After Alex got into the future, when I saw Nim with Bew I really liked them. Bew genuinely seemed so sweet towards Nim but yeah even that... it all backfired. When I saw how Molly became later on in the series I was like YESS. I already saw chemistry between them and Nim again, but Nim has Bew. I like their ending a lottt and Nim did not deserve that. I loved how Molly is nonbinary and a bit disappointed in the lack of non binary dysphoria but at least they included one scene.

I loved Jo and Army. They had a pretty alright relationship even though they fought a few times. What I liked about them was that both had very reasonable reasons for their actions. Jo was obviously very closeted and I totally get him. He is a soccer coach so what can you expect. I really appreciated the adding of him being a coach and SPECIFICALLY soccer. I don't think I'm the only gay guy but I feel like soccer is one of the least accepting sports out there to play. The audience is especially the biggest problem. Till this day they're still singing homophobic songs in the stadiums. Anyways, I fucking get Jo and I also feel bad for Army at the same time. Army wasn't that closeted and he did seem to want to out his relationship.

Then Rose and Jedi. I didn't really realise Rose was trans at all until episode 10. Rose is fucking stunning and I loved her through the whole show. I was really surprised when I found out that she's a makeup artist and not a small one either like wdym Best Jira (Rose's actress) has done Lisa's make-up from BP?! Anyways, episode 10 really did a lot to me. Imagen getting proposed to and then immediately having transphobic comments... It should be a happy moment fuck them. I loved how everyone stood up for them. Jedi was also super nice in this series and I loved the moment he told Rose he wanted to end their open relationship it was actually so cute and adorable.

I'm trying to write about every couple hahhah. I forgot who but there was a character that got like assaulted, right? Until fucking episode 12 I THOUGHT TONY WAS THE ONE WHO DID IT. I kept hating his face and whatever but then I realised I totally got the wrong guy. Anyways, Joong had a lot of chemistry with multiple people and I quite liked it because I kept wondering who he'd end up with.

Okay.. then See-ew and Liu. They were quite messy to be honest I was kinda forcing myself to be ok with their 'k1nk'. It just felt extremely weird and yeah, pup play isn't exactly the most common thing but I still don't wanna shame See-ew for liking it. Liu having foot k1nk was also a part where I had a side eye. At least they actually included it also being a thing. I actually really like See-ew but when Alex was his older self it kinda felt like the friendship was kinda like... gone. To be honest I feel like his younger self was better friends with See-ew but in the future just Army.

I'm so surprised about Phuwin's role as Ice in this series. I'm quite used to Phuwin playing the softer roles, aside from we are. I kinda like this side of him too. His hair is making me wheeze. I'm not writing this because I'm a Narawin but to my opinion there's like zero chemistry between him and Kim no hate. During the series it just felt like they had completely different goals. Not just the parenting part but just in general.

The girls in this show were such great visuals. The intro feels so incredibly nostalgic. Genuinely couldn't skip the intro because of the adorable clips playing and the song (sweet but naughty) IS SO PEAK. I used to listen to it often without knowing it came from this series. I absolutely loveee the colour pallets they used and the styling is amazing. (Aside from Phuwins hair hahahaha).

I already had a feeling something felt familiar, especially the fights and breakups and everything. Turns out this was directed by Ninew who also directed Only Friends and I have to say it both has the same vibe hahhaha. Ninew as the director and P'aof as the producer?? Such a good combo damn. This is really worth it!

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Great Potential in the Beginning, Falls Flat near the End

I'm writing this review because a lot of the perceptions of the characters and story are bothering me. The Eternal Fragrance had great potential and worldbuilding, but falls flat sometimes and had a just okay last episode. I will start with the good and bad and then do a (short) rant.

THE GOOD AND GREAT:
- Strong worldbuilding: There were only a few things that I was confused about but otherwise it was not hard to follow
- The ML and FL: I thoroughly enjoyed these characters and their relationship. They each have their own motivations that they stick to but are plagued by their love for one another when it comes into conflict with what they want. I am always ready for a doomed lovers trope
- The styling: I love love love all the outfits and hair for the main six. Most especially the demon lord and the divine tree. Makeup could be better for the men. Styling for the old dudes was mostly pretty good too, couldn't stop staring at their eyebrows lol.
- (Most) side characters: I love a found family, the six friends were great when they were given screen time. I wish we saw more of them because according to the timeline they spent at least a year together. The side characters for demon clan weren't thoroughly explored but I did like how their arcs ended
- (Some) villains: I appreciate the commitment to making certain characters just full on assholes even if they have misplaced motivations caused by centuries of hatred. Some of the endings are very satisfying, some fall a little flat. I think Cuixuan was quite good, actually frustrating because we know his strength. It made me root for the ML and FL more.
- Brave choices (?): Basically this drama isn't afraid of doing unexpected things and killing characters. They aren't characters you get super attached to but it's still pretty shocking. It makes he story and relationships more intense.
- Song Weilong and Ju Jingyi!!! Started this drama for SWL, I love his expressions and he looks great as a demon lord. This was my first JJY work and it's a great first impression! She played Jiang Lifei really well.

THE SUBPAR:
- CGI: The low budget for CGI is immediately noticeable unfortunately. Thankfully the smaller battles look okay, but the flashback to the Sea Calamity and battle with the demon lord from 500 years back looks pretty awful and they show it a lot, so that's a bit distracting. I really think some creative lighting could have helped a lot.
- Editing: Choppy quite often though it doesn't take away too much from the story. The abrupt cuts sometimes are very annoying and can make some parts of the story difficult to piece together.
- Tongzhou: I hate a love triangle but I could tolerate his character in the beginning when everyone was in the academy. Unfortunately he devolved from there and got pretty annoying. His treatment of Lanya was very satisfying for me but what he was doing to Lifei in the end was unacceptable and he did not receive a satisfying punishment for it. His character arc wrap-up was incredibly disappointing to me because they almost had it right, but refused to punish him for all the awful shit he did for what felt like "old time's sake". It was more disappointing because the drama usually isn't afraid of hurting characters that were/are good people.
- Lack of love scenes: I felt the tension, it was great. I wish we got more lovey-dovey scenes. I know, I know, a story doesn't have to have love scenes to be good. But we spent so much time with them and their developing relationship, I think it would have been a satisfying wrap-up.
- The last episode: As someone that was enjoying the show pretty thoroughly, the last episode felt quite flat because of some character arcs (Miaoqing, Tongzhou) and lack of time with the ML and FL, instead spending time with side characters.
- Demon lord's eyeliner: Super specific but it was genuinely distracting, sad because he looks amazing otherwise

Lastly, I have to rant as someone that was seeing the comments while this was airing:
Jiang Lifei and Lei Xuiyuan were a lot of fun to watch when you ignore the dozens of people that believe Lifei should just ignore the people around her and just go along with Xiuyuan. I really don't understand people, he betrayed her trust in the beginning (which she forgives him for, mind you), and in the final arc it LOOKS like he has caused the deaths of multiple people close to her indirectly and directly (we as the audience know it wasn't him, but she doesn't!). It is so ridiculous to think she should just ignore all of this, things that make it look like they really are fated to cause doom, and follow along with everything he says. Her taking time to make her own plans and find out the truth is what makes her a good FL. In fact the relationship and trials between the ML and FL are what feel the strongest to me in this drama.

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Unique love

This was a fantastic series about two people who struggled to keep a relationship due to their unique personalities. Erng was told by partners he was weird, unattractive and fat. Intha was criticized by his devotion to his religion, his unique family dynamic, and coarse language.
Finding each other and accepting each other while falling in love was done well. We were on a journey through their relationship, their devotion to each other no matter the circumstances, and being by each other's side no matter what.
It's rare to see this in reality, let alone in series. Usually we're seeing perfect couples falling for each other, or the beauty and the less beautiful trope.
However here we see two imperfect people finding each other and genuinely loving each other.
I will definitely rewatch this one!

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