Reviews

Over the top superhero cop thriller

Great stylish, anarchic, over-the-top, quasi-superhero-cop-thriller with typical Japanese sadistic/horror elements, a cast of hilariously evil characters, great production values and an amazing score. The acting is a mixed bag overall. More than solid J-Drama.

Kiriko is such a bad-ass, irritatingly epicene, gorgeous, inspiring heroic villain. The way Shibasaki Ko speaks, soft and muted yet delicately enunciating, absolutely hypnotizes me.

Takahashi Issei, in a slight deviation from his usual acting choices, manages the worn-out toughened-up physicality of this role as well as everything else he has done before, which is to say outstanding.

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delight BL - exactly what I wanted from others

old fashion cupcake is, as my headline says, exactly what I wanted from other BLs and honestly, other jdramas I've seen. this show was heart-felt, with our main characters striving to take care of each other and learn more about themselves at the same time. they both feel like real people, with a real history with each other

I'm usually not a fan of age gaps, though at 29 and 39, their ages lend themselves to a really fun sort of angsting without making them feel (to us, the viewers) that they're uneven in some way. (though how they, the characters, feel is a little different :3) I really enjoyed the mental journeys both Togawa and Nozue went through over the course of this show, and how their relationship grew from coworkers to friends to more. there were lots of scenes that had me smiling or laughing alongside them, and other scenes where I felt their confusion or sadness

honestly loved this show, though I'll admit the first episode is probably my least favorite. I didn't expect to enjoy the "let's pretend to be girls" thing as much as I did, it added such a fun layer to their interactions!!

I already know I'll be rewatching in the future

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yang yang and Zhao lusi very nice

Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi are a fated pair. To the world, they're known as the Hei-Bai Fengxi duo, "Hei" and "Bai" as in black and white. They're each other's greatest rivals, companions and partners in crime but also inseparable like light and shadow. It's hard to describe their relationship with just a few simple words.

"As beautiful as she is lethal." Bai Fengxi is a smart and brave yet carefree heroine who stands in the face of justice. She's a cute glutton when there's good food and a headstrong, cheeky opponent when there's a good fight. Secretly, she's also Princess Feng Xiyun of Qing who's renowned for her intelligence and eloquence.

Hei Fengxi is the embodiment of grace and elegance that's known as a diplomatic and just hero. But underneath that façade, he's extremely cunning and ambitious, just like the endearing nickname "Black Foxy" Bai Fengxi has given him. Like her, he also has a double identity as the Second Prince Feng Lanxi of Yong. From a young age, he was forced to fake illness and learn the ruthlessness of court politics on the path to becoming the royal heir. Hei Fengxi is tough and merciless towards his opponents but incredibly soft-hearted when it comes to his own people, especially Bai Fengxi.

I'm truly in love with the duality of both leads. They're adventurous and playful in the martial arts world, but very dedicated to their royal duties in bringing peace and prosperity to their citizens. There's an unwavering trust and teamwork between Hei and Bai Fengxi that makes them a force to be reckoned with. What's more impressive is that they're both on equal footing where no one side is weaker than the other in talents, martial arts or status. While political schemes and wuxia values do play a major role in the plot, there's a more evident focus on romance.

The chemistry between Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi is so sweet and overwhelming. Admittedly, I didn't know how this couple would pane out in a historical drama but this is way better than any of my wildest dreams. They just click so well together. I can see that both have matured a lot in their acting. Yang Yang has become more experienced with subtle expressions from his role in You Are My Glory, as well as with action scenes from Glory of Special Forces. His background as a contemporary dancer also greatly contributes to the poised and refined portrayal of Hei Fengxi. On the other hand, Zhao Lusi plays the dashing and charismatic Bai Fengxi very well. She's truly badass on so many levels. It's like she has combined the female power from both of her roles in The Romance of Tiger & Rose and The Long Ballad together. Despite the age gap in real life, this pair looks great together on-screen. Though off-screen they're so childish and competitive with each other, it's no wonder Yang Yang said they have the same mental age as a 5-year-old.

This drama also has a very vibrant side cast. Xuan Lu as Feng Qiwu is such a girl crush and I love it when she teams up with Bai Fengxi, total femme fatale style. It's nice to see Wei Wuxian's martial sister kicking up a storm and fighting like a general. The kid playing Han Pu is such a sweetheart. He's a smart little cookie that knows how to bring the vibes. Feng Chang, played by Zhang Tian Yang, is a great older brother. He's protective of Hei Fengxi and really cares for him. Zhang Feng Yi pulls a very convincing act as the sly and cynical King of Yong (Hei Fengxi's father). It's heartbreaking to see Hei Fengxi suffer at his father's callousness.

We can't not talk about the excellent production from the director of none other than Love and Redemption, Ancient Love Poetry and Under the Power. The costumes are absolutely gorgeous and really highlight the duality of the leads. Those high pony tails and headpieces are just chef kiss. The scenery, action scenes and CGI are seamless. I love how Hei Fengxi uses the fan and Bai Fengxi uses her silk ribbon, it's such an effortlessly cool way to fight. Plus, those flying sequences are so satisfying to watch. While the last few episodes do feel a bit rushed, the overall plot remains fairly coherent and easy to follow. As prementioned, it's not supposed to be full-on political, like for say Nirvana in Fire, but emphasises more on the journey of Hei and Bai Fengxi as they traverse the world and discover what is truly the most important in life. Admittedly, there've been a few controversies and problems with the production crew towards the later part of filming, but this drama has turned out to be a fine one so all credits to the cast and staffs.

The OSTs are very complementary as well. Unparalleled (无双) by Liu Yuning is so empowering and intense. Except it's a bit strange to hear from Zhao Lusi's lover in The Long Ballad, if you get what I mean. My favourite got to be Breath of Wind (风息) by Tiger Hu and Ye Xuan Qing as it's very fitting for the Hei-Bai Fengxi couple. A Dream Come True (一梦浮生) by Silence Wang is like a sweet love confession. While Like A Dream (如梦) by Sunny is like a bashful reply to that confession. Lastly, Orphan (孤注) by Tan Wei Wei is the emotional song that hits you least expect it.

*If you're confused about the politics and would like some clarifications, CloudA has put together a fantastic background summary in the Discussion forum below.

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

“If I die, no one will know your [Hei Fengxi's] true face. Life will be boring.” Bai Fengxi

“I can hide anything from the world. Yet, I can’t hide anything from you [Bai Fengxi].” Hei Fengxi

“They always say to love until the ocean and earth run dry. We both know that these are just false promises. To me, I only want to hold your [Bai Fengxi's] hand until the end of life.” Hei Fengxi

“I met you [Bai Fengxi] when I just started in the martial arts world. And thanks to you, I saw the kindness of the world. And thanks to your company, I know what true feelings mean. It’s all thanks to you that I gave the world another chance.” Hei Fengxi

“They said sometimes you had to lose one thing in order to gain another. But some things are too painful to be let go. I can’t let go of her [Bai Fengxi] no matter how hard I try… I can let go of all my mortal desire except for this one. I can discard three thousand strands of woes but let me keep this one strand… Let it bind me for the rest of my life.” Hei Fengxi

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A simple refreshing drama:)

I loved the cast and story wise everything was balanced. Some people might feel there were a lot of unnecessary scenes or fillers or that it was draggy, but I feel like these scenes were the ones that added depth to the story. It's not conventional for a kdrama hence the unpopularity in Korea. But otherwise the acting was splendid, chemistry was just PERFECT and romance was top notch. This drama lived up to its genre!!!

And the past life trope was well played out and I would more appropriate and connecting for this storyline. It was not just like "oh I loved you in the past so I have to love you now" kind of this. There was good flow and reasoning to why it is how it is. This is the first couple in a kdrama that has been intimate throughout the episodes, at least longer than some other dramas. Like bed scenes, sleeping together, having conversations, hugs and small kisses. You dont see this often.

I am definitely going to watch it again^.^

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Searching for love to win a bet

I watched the edited, movie version of this drama.
There is nothing much to say about this low budged endeavour: the eagerness and the will are ok when you are starting out but WayuFilms have been at it for a long time now and, frankly, a couple of years ago they managed to use shoestring budgets admirably well, crafting beautiful short movies with a good story. Not any more!
Recent offerings follow the same structure in a 30min format separated into three distinct parts: introduction with a lot , and I mean A LOT of awkward, OTT acting. Next is a silent montage of the couple being lovey-dovey, getting to know each other, etc. etc. accompanied by elevator piano music. And finally the third part, when they come out and the problem from the introduction part has been solved and the acting is suddenly much, much better.
There is nothing much to the story: a girl makes a bet with her brother and in order to win enrols into a Family class. That does not work, so another girl, she barely noticed, offers to help her. This reminded me of the plot of a couple of Korean web dramas.
The actors are young and still learning. The bickering siblings were well done and the gl couple had decent chemistry. For once they filmed outside a couple of scenes and the drama suddenly became warmer and mellower.
This short offering is not going to change the world but it is a cute watch and, anyway, independent producers need to be supported and cheered on. I just wish they'd find the creativity they lost!

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Love in Every Smile

"Please Smile" is a heartwarming slice of life romance series that follows the everyday life of Qi Miao, a 30-year-old media company employee with beauty and confidence, and Zhou Ye, president of a finance company who is handsome, sweet, and gentle. Their paths cross during a chance encounter with a bully, and later, due to coincidental work-related meetings that eventually blossom into a sweet romance.

Their journey starts with a hiccup as Zhou Ye has to stand Qi Miao up on their first appointment due to urgent work. However, on their second meeting, they discuss work matters and later share a delightful dinner, laying the foundation for their growing fondness. As their relationship deepens, viewers are treated to a sweet and ideal romance.

The show explores the nuances of Qi Miao's friendship with Fang Luoluo, providing a glimpse into the significance of meaningful connections. The series also delves into Qi Miao's relationship with her mother, a typical Asian mother, revealing a loving and intricate bond. Amidst the romance, the show captures the beauty of ordinary everyday joys and nuisances, making it a delightful and relatable watch for audiences of all ages.

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All the characters are imbeciles.

I can't say it was a disappointment because I didn't really have any expectations. I'll just sum up the story by saying it was disorganized. I always assumed the guy with the orange hair would be ML, but it's actually the piano guy. However, the major three had really amazing visuals, which is quite remarkable. I can't even begin to convey how the main character made me cringe. I didn't like the way she behaved either; it seemed that an attempt to portray her as "cold, famous, but also kind" was made, and the result was a completely nonsensical portrayal of a character. Particularly the glasses-wearing antagonist female, who didn't even really appear like a villain and whose attitude was so strange? In short, the story was disorganized, the plot was dull, the characters were unreal, the main three's visuals were amazing, and the music kept playing. To be honest, I was going to silence this. I also wanted to mention how much I detest the singer-female lead cliche since I find it so obnoxious, but I left out the prejudice towards ratings. I don't even post hate reviews generally, but this drama was so ridiculous.
For anyone noticing that this review seems similar to another review, it's due to me forgetting which email I used for that account, and that my hatred for this drama is still blooming beautifully and made me want to write one more hate review.

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A cute cliche love story between a cupid and a human.

The story is just another fluffy romance and won't bring anything new that hasn't been seen before and will end the same way too. There is a past life trope and some serial killer stuff added to make it somewhat interesting. The cast be it the leads or side characters have done well.

Jang Dong Yoon as a handsome cupid was a very good choice as he has the looks and charms to portray one. ML's nature is quite the opposite of FL and their combo is fun to watch.

I would say the most annoying character in the show has to be the SML. Dude is a cop who is given the task to catch a serial killer but spends most of the time trying to separate the leads. He is extremely nosy, delusional and irritating. Be it breaking into ML's house to get info about his past or asking FL to stay away from ML, he has done everything that makes you hate him and question how could this dude be a cop. He gets on your nerves even more than the serial killer.

The chemistry between the leads is good. It isn't too strong or sensual but more like calm and sweet. I was skeptical when Nana was casted as just before this show I saw "The Masked Girl" and Nana was on fire in that one as her role of one scarred, crazy and fiery woman. So going from that to her role, I wasn't sure if she will be able to pull off one sweet simple girl role in this show but she sure did justice to her character. He character is cringey and idiotic sometimes but that is countered and overpowered by her straight forwardness and stay true to heart nature. Since the first ep, she goes openly for ML and isn't even slightly wavered by anyone else which I really enjoyed.

It is a good show, more like a one time watch which sometimes get draggy but still enjoyable.

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Pra quem assistiu goblin isso aqui é um jantar. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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underrated pearl

the acting and the story is great, even though I was sometimes annoyed at the female lead for not defending herself but the writing was well done and as the episodes went on, her take on the situation and her decision not to do anything made sense.

every characters are touching in their own way and the development is delight to watch. each one of them has a story and it's nice to see how they interact with each other.

the way they protect each other, grieve, laugh and cry together is heartwarming.

and as usual, all the actors give a great performance

can't wait for the last episodes and for the karma to catch the Seoul girl.

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simple enjoyable drama

this was the first ever cdrama I ever watched in my life and now in 2024 i have finished over 100+ cdramas and kdrama and a handful of jdramas and Thai dramas

This drama is worth a watch for every beginners. The main thing I loved in this drama was the acting and the sort of enemies-to-lovers situation and the main frustrating part was all the cliche struggles they go through and the ending is very frustrating as well, the production did a great job the cast, acting, clothing looked astonishing and also the story is cute and unique on its own. overall it could be not everyone's cup of tea but if u look past the cliches it is a decent drama

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poor casting

I am about 16 episodes into the drama.....it story is either good nor bad....the actings is also just so so......everything about the show is only mediocre.

Immediately into the show. I noticed the height differences between FL and ML.....He is really tall and she is cute but super short and tiny..She barely reached the ML's chest. That is not the only problem, she is only about 1/3 his size..........Next to Nan Hua and Jiang Xiao Chran (FL's best friend, a better match for the ML) Jin Zia is looks like a 6 year old child with adults.

Whoever choose the castings, did an extremely poor and dreadful job. They are sooooo ill-matched, uneven..... it's ridiculously comical to put them side by side.......

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Second Couple Had More Chemistry Than The Leads

The only good thing about the lead couple casting was that the female lead could actually be mistaken for a pretty boy.

They not only lacked chemistry but their story was so boring. Despite such a interesting trope, they weren't able to hold my interest. I finished all the 40 episodes in 6 hours, skipping to scenes that featured the second couple. Now, these two were so well-written and cast perfectly for their roles. They had amazing chemistry.

In the beginning, I though the SML's resting face was too bland and it just made in look expressionless but when he starts interacting with the SFL magic happens. If it wasn't for my curiosity about what happens in the end and how it happens, I would have dropped the show.

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It was great at first but it became a major letdown

The drama was wonderful at first, it was entertaining and it was painful to have to wait until the next episode.

The chemistry between the actors was great, as well as the aesthetic. However it wasn't enough to save the drama in the end.

The plot became lame and uninteresting after the two lead settled in their happy life and the revenge against the villain seemed to be forgotten.

As much as Do Do Hee and Gu Wong's sweet and funny moments were a delight to watch at first, it turned to a tasteless comedy that didn't bring anything special anymore because it didn't relieved the stress of the episodes as it did at the beginning.
Speaking of comedy relief, the gang could have been a nice touch but it was under used and didn't live up to its potential.

About the villain : it was interesting to search clues on his identities at first but the last couple of episodes made him mediocre, I doubt he will leave a long lasting impression on the kdrama's villains' book

The plot really went downhill after the episode centered on Gu Won's past life, as interesting it might have been, it broke the pace of the story and starting episode 13, it only went worse.

Episode 14 : unnecessary breakup, and the fact that Gu Won killed Do Hee's parents didn't actually brought much to the plot, especially so late in the story

Episode 15 : bad and disappointing

Episode 16 : also disappointing

It seems like the story and its characters lost their sparks and became of shadow of what they could have been

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