Reviews

Self-sabotage your life…

It’s a character study on a really unlikeable character, dare I say unlovable person? By the end of the show I felt empty and following Go Yeong’s life was simply exhausting. While most dramas highlight the good traits of the characters, this one puts on the spotlight all the flaws and makes you feel uncomfortable.

I honestly cannot really say much good about Go Yeong. His egocentric nature, not learning from his own mistakes, double standards, unrealistic expectations, lack of motivation, constant negative thinking made me just sigh as I watched him self-sabotage over and over again.

And then you start to see all the unfortunate things that happened to him, all the small and big tragedies, events that completely changed his life and you feel bad for him. He was rather… pitiful, but one that you just did not know how to help, even if you had a chance.

Never learning from his mistakes was his biggest flaw. He understood many times what went wrong, he clearly reflected on his behaviors… and then when the time came to make a different decision, he followed the same wrong path. Over and over again.

He was surrounded by people, yet so alone.

What made this drama work for sure was the directing and the acting. They sell the story for me. I think we can all agree that Nam Yoon Su did a phenomenal job as Go Yeong, but I also want to talk about Jin Ho Eun as Sim Gyu Ho. There was something so… vulnerable about that performance I was honestly in awe.

Episode 3 and 4 were visually stunning - probably the best use of light I had seen compared to the other episodes. Visually it perfectly captured that part of Go Yeong's life - romanticized feelings of falling in love to then crumble into pieces.

On the bad side though, there were some storytelling aspects I did not enjoy at all. Inconsistencies about how important or unimportant specific plot points were, how much impact they had on character lives, what were the true reasonings and motivations for some actions.

Still, what a gripping story. Not enjoyable, but that was never the point of it. It’s not really a love story if you ask me. It’s a life story.

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Thugs and badmen/Punks and lifers/Rest your weary heads, all is well

Ever watched a show that was so unexpectedly dark and raw that you needed a few months to recover?! This show starts with a blunt force trauma to the head and that's the energy it keeps for the rest of its run! I don't know what I thought I was gonna see in this show but what I saw was so insanely wild and then, so unexpectedly warm and healing that I was swept away.
Perhaps one of the most unusual cases of found family trope, the show bring the main characters together through violence, deception and desperation. But then these people who are all the human equivalent of street rats just sort of...stick together and make this dingy, dirty little flat into a home and you just wanna keep them safe?! But the show doesn't allow you to do that because it just throws the most horrifying stuff in your face and it does it so casually and easily like it's nothing?
I don't know where I'm going with this. This was a very interesting, upsetting but ultimately worthy show with a very clean storytelling but telling a grimy and gruesome story that makes your skin crawl. So odd.
Just approach with caution...and a knife! Or not....ugh!
The technical side was great! The artistic side was great! The plot was told perfectly and to top it all off, one of the leads reminds me of someone who is very very dear to me so I was extra emotional while watching this and I liked this character from the first moment and felt so safe when he was in the scene even though he's literally like a dangerous panther, always a second away from launching into an attack at the beginning. I just knew in my heart that he is just a cautious kitten. :(
Anyway, I struggled with rating this because "enjoyable" or "fun" or "feel good" is not at all how I would describe this show but it deserves a 10 out of 10 stars rating.

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A Knockout Drama That Hits All the Right Notes

Every so often, a show comes along that completely blindsides you, and Boyhood is exactly that kind of drama. Before stumbling upon it, I had no idea it even existed, but now, I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem that deserves all the praise it can get.

First and foremost, Boyhood showcases the extraordinary acting talent of Yim Siwan, who delivers a performance that is nothing short of breathtaking. His ability to embody his character with such depth and authenticity is awe-inspiring. And he’s not alone—the entire cast is phenomenal, each actor bringing their A-game to create a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

The director, whose work I wasn’t familiar with before this, deserves immense credit for the show’s stunning cinematography. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, with emotions brought vividly to life through the synergy of strong performances and masterful direction. Whether it’s comedy that genuinely makes you laugh, moments of frustration that hit hard, or heartbreak that leaves you gutted, Boyhood makes sure you feel every beat of its emotional spectrum.

One standout aspect is the fight scenes. They’re choreographed and filmed with such precision and artistry that they’re as much a visual treat as they are emotionally engaging. Adding to the experience is the show’s outstanding music, which elevates every scene to new heights. And let’s not forget the unexpected romance—it’s surprising how a non-romance drama manages to portray love better than many shows dedicated to the genre.

Another delightful touch is how each episode is named after legendary movies and TV shows. It’s a clever nod to pop culture that adds a layer of charm and personal connection for viewers like me, who couldn’t help but smile at the thoughtfulness behind it.

Boyhood has set the bar high, and I’m already seated and ready for season two. If the next installment is anything like the first, we’re in for another masterpiece. Bravo to everyone involved in this incredible drama!

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Great drama! Just go and watch it :)

I don't know where to start, because this is probably the best drama I have watched in a long while. So to start with the nutshell: If you're into crime, if you like complex and not entirely satisfying (everyone is happy, justice is served, amen) storylines, and great acting, then this is your drama.

Plot:
The tone and stories are, in my opinion, darker than season 1, but I prefered that. There's not a single case with easy answers, and in at least one of them, the final solution feels realistically unfair. Characters are multifaceted, and often victims and perpetrators are not that easily categorized. So, great plot!

Shen Yi's art is used in more varied ways in this series, and some of the statements about art... They took some liberties there, and, call me a philestine, but I don't get the map he's trying to draw. But still, the ideas are really ingenious and set the drama apart from other detective dramas.

Acting:
The two leads, Tan Jianci and Jin Shijia are really the showstoppers of this drama. There's some brilliant acting going on! They had me on the edge of my seat, crying and laughing and awwing. The dynamics between the two leads is probably the best reason to watch this drama apart from the cases themselves. If I could I would shower them in awards!
But it's not just he main leads' performance. In fact, the acting in this drama is on point even down to minor characters and guest roles. There are some really remarkable performances of suspects and victims here.

Re-watch Value:
In my opinion, both seasons are really worth re-watching, because they contain more depth the second time around.

In a nutshell: Brilliant acting - realistic and consistent characters - great script - interesting, challenging cases - great title song - some real cliffhangers - and addiction factor 10/10.

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Introduction Review and character Dynamics.

This rapid introduction Review is based on different research about "VoS" across many forms with %99 accuracy. Note that %1 narrative are based on anticipation.

. The "VoS" emerges as a highly anticipated Chinese drama that promises to captivate audiences with its intricate narrative and rich character development.

. Set in the mystical Luo'an City, the drama explores a world where the line between humans and demons blurs, offering a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and romance.

Plot Overview:

. The plot revolves around frequent cases of monsters poaching human hearts, leading to an alliance of unlikely heroes.

. The series features priests Ji Ling/TJR(2ML) and Li Jie/Ya An(3rd ML) from the Shilin Sect, including a demon disguised as a priest named Wu Shi Guang/JZ(ML),

. This diverse cast, including Lu Wu Yi/JJY(FL), Wu Wang Yan/CDL(2FL), and many-others, unite to unravel the mystery of the heart-digging cases, which leads them to confront the cunny fox demon Xiao Wei(VL), the mastermind behind the chaos.

Storytelling and Character Depth:

. What stands out in "Veil of Shadows" is its compelling storytelling. The drama is not just about solving mysteries but will delve deep into the motivations and backstories of each character, making them relatable despite their fantastical nature.

. The plot narrative is enriched by the lore of the Dragon Deity, whose power is central to the plot, adding layers of intrigue and conflict as characters grapple with their desires for protection or destruction.

Visual and Directorial Excellence:

. The direction by Edward Guo brings a visual feast to the screen, echoing the style seen in his previous works like "My Journey To You" and "Fangs of Fortune."

. The aesthetic choices, from costumes that reflect the characters' dual natures to the atmospheric settings, will enhance the mystical ambiance of the series.

. While some fans including me have expressed concerns about Guo's tendency to prioritize style over substance, early glimpses suggest "Veil of Shadows" might strike a better balance, offering both visual allure and narrative depth.

Cast Performances and characters dynamics:

. Jiu Jinyi character as Lu Wu Yi portrays with a profound sense of mystery, her journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, navigating through the complexities of a world where humans and demons coexist.
. Her character's charm lies in her cunny transformation from a relatively innocent fox spirit into someone who must confront the darker aspects of her identity and the world around her.

. Cheng Duling's as Wu Wangyan is portrayed as sophisticated and strategic, with a deep understanding of human psychology.
. Wu Wangyan's motivations are tied to the power of the Dragon Deity, and her interactions with other characters showcase a blend of rivalry and potential for alliance, adding layers to the narrative's tension

. Ya An's character as Li Jie might serve as a catalyst for plot twists or as a bridge between different character arcs. His role could involve elements of intrigue or mentorship, typical in such fantasy settings where alliances are fluid and motives are hidden beneath layers of deception.

Tian Jia Rui TJR Standout Performance:

. Tian Jia Rui's portrayal of (Ji Ling/Man Man/Long Shen) in "Veil of Shadows" will be nothing short of masterful.

. His ability to embody three distinct characters with unique emotional depths will showcases his versatility as an actor.

. From the intense fight scenes under harsh conditions to the nuanced portrayal of internal conflict and transformation, Tian Jia Rui will evidently pushed his boundaries, delivering scenes that resonate with raw emotion.

. His commitment to the role is evident in his dedication to performing his own stunts, even in the most challenging environments, ensuring authenticity in every frame.

. His performance promises to be a highlight, adding layers of complexity to the narrative with a performance that could very well be career-defining.

Other Aspect:

. The chemistry between the leads, particularly (JJY with TJR) and (CDL with JZ), will adds a romantic subplot that complements the darker themes of betrayal and redemption.

. The characters in "Veil of Shadows" are set to explore themes of identity, power, love, and the struggle between light and darkness, all against a backdrop of fantasy and intrigue
.Each character, with their unique motivations and backgrounds, will contributes to a rich tapestry of storytelling where every alliance or betrayal has significant consequences.
.The drama promises to be a visual and emotional journey, thanks to the depth and complexity brought by its characters.

Anticipation and Fan Reception.

. The excitement surrounding "Veil of Shadows" is palpable, with discussions on platforms like Reddit showing a high level of anticipation.
. Fans are particularly eager to see how the story will unfold, especially given the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and love among characters from different parallel realms.
. The buzz around Tian Jia Rui's performance is significant, with many looking forward to witnessing his growth and the depth he brings to his roles.

Conclusion:

. In conclusion, "Veil of Shadows" is poised to be a standout drama in the fantasy genre. With its engaging plot, rich character arcs, and the promise of stunning visuals, it's set to enchant viewers.
. Tian Jia Rui's performance is anticipated to be one of the drama's strongest elements, promising to deliver not just entertainment but a profound artistic experience.
. So shether you're a fan of Chinese dramas or new to the genre, this series is one to never miss to add to your watch list.

NOTE:
I didn't add JZ character arc because I don't have much information about his character Arc yet.

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Heartwarming "slice of life" romance

In my eyes, this is a heartwarming love story, "slice of life" drama with independent, mature characters.
It is kind of slow-paced, letting us take part in the characters' backstories and personal developments.

The fact that there are no workplace drama, crazy scheming jealous other parties or over-controlling relatives, makes the story more believable and relatable.

Brief synopsis, as per my memory:
A chance encounter brings former couple Gui Xiao and Lu Yan Chen back in touch with each other. They fell in love in their middle school days, and tried maintaining a long-distance relationship when education and career paths separate them.
Can Gui Xiao, with a successful career within finance, and Lu Yan Chen, a special forces police officer in a different part of the country, overcome the emotional wounds from the breakup and rekindle their feelings, with the obstacle of geography and careers?

Some notes:
The soundtrack was fitting.

Acting was convincing. This really opened my eyes up for Tan Song Yun as an actress. She brings a very good energy and charm to her character. I sometimes found myself suddenly smiling by the sweet interactions between the two main leads.

What bothered me a little bit was that many of the episode endings seemed very abrupt (Viki).

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Healing drama of 2024

Having walked out of a toxic job and figuring life in 2024, I resonated so well with the story, and am so grateful to hear assurance from this show. <3

I would recommend this drama for anyone lost in life, figuring out life, a drama suitable for start of the year. It has a slow, dreamy vibe with soft filter effects that makes it like a film, plus the soundtrack is so suitable for the story. Each character has their own story developed nicely till the end. Some mentioned that main character's story was cut short, but I felt the multiple character introduction makes a good break to develop the story as a whole!

It's not heavy in romance yet some parts makes your heart race - the dialogues, the acting - it makes me want to fall in love again. The life lessons learnt there is a 10/10.

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I don't really like or care about baseball...but Namkoong Min is in it

This is one of the most well-made Kdramas out there. The production value, the plot, the acting, everything was A+. The style is sort of similar to shows like Prison Playbook or Dr. Romantic, in which a lot of different characters' stories are told and while there are central characters in the plot, they are not the major focus of the show but rather the conduits though which the story is told. There's a lot of social commentary in this, with attention to the importance of community, Korean ethical values, corruption, passion and empathy, and doing the right thing despite the difficulties. Lots of han, lots of jeong, lots of annoying villains. And by the end, you are supposed to feel this sense of camaraderie with the characters and cheer for their success and cry with their failures.
It's a really good show. The casting line-up are insanely talented and they all brought their best as usual. I think there was like a random kpop idol actor in the mix too and ...well, he was certainly an idol...they always stand out like sore thumbs, you know?! But overall everyone was good. And I really enjoyed this.
I can't say that it inspired any intense emotional investment in me that it would make it an all-time favorite though. It was a really good show. It was emotional at parts and by the end you really care about it all but there was also a sense of distance between the characters and viewers that never really slid away for me. There were parts when I was bored or too annoyed at the jerks but overall, this is a show definitely worth watching and a delight. Especially, it's good for watching with family...though maybe not small babies family, since I think there was a lot of cursing and it has a lot of business talk so kids will be sooooo bored. But like, adult child and adult siblings/parents...that would be a good watch.

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Atypical KDrama

Perhaps disproportionately rated high but this show was such a confusing enigma to me when I was watching it that it deserves a nod of respect, at this point. In a landscape where mediocrity was reigning over an unusually lackluster year of disappointing kdramas, Atypical Family was released with little fanfare. It wasn't a hyped drama. It didn't start trends or move viewers to rally behind its fantastical romance or revenge plot. I had no expectations for it. I didn't even like the first episode. The acting seemed meh, the plot seemed meh, the nonexisting romance felt meh, nothing about this drama was particularly interesting or outstanding.
And yet, I kept going back to it, week after week. It was so bizarre. If you asked me what I loved about it, I wouldn't be able to come up with anything. But then, week after week, the show ended on an intriguing note that brought me back for more, then before I knew it...I cared! I cared about the characters, about their lives, about their ending.
That's just so bizarre until I was hooked. But then I was hooked on, like, episode 9! It took forever but the show had the longevity to bring you back each week until you got invested.
No one has so subtly managed to succeed so quietly, just from being unassuming. So I have no choice but to salute this show.
That said, there were definitely certain elements to this show that set it aside. It was in fact an unusual kdrama with elements that are either taboo in kdramas or challenge what is widely accepted as a natural part of the rom-com of SK. Perhaps that's why it went under the radar because I have noticed most seem to prefer watching the same repetitive stereotype with massive plot holes instead of trying something new. I kind of get the comforting familiarity of that but then you miss out on the unexpected interesting stories.
This show had an interesting female lead. She was experienced, scheming, and not cute. The male lead is a depressed blob who has no machismo or masculine charisma. The rest of the points...I don't remember! I watched this show so long ago and I should have reviewed it then but I was too confused then and now it's too late! But there were more stuff setting it apart!
The acting here was okay. I know some people didn't like the male lead. But I don't think it was the actor's fault. The main character is literally depressed. He's not gonna be your typical drama oppa, okay?! The whole point is that he drink to forget he is alive. And same goes for every other character. They have a lot of personal defects and those are intentionally highlighted in the show. So, the characters are intentionally irritable, distant, lethargic or moody.
What stood out from this was the production value. The sets are gorgeous, the lighting is immaculate. The music is so beautiful. The outfts are meticulously chosen to fit everyone's personality and their consistency game is off the charts because little changes in scenes are all part of the plot and one mistake would ruin that.
Rewatch: I still won't rewatch unless I was determined to pitch it to someone else.
Overall: I highly recommend this as it's a good show and it keeps it interesting in a respectable number of episodes. Some say they wanted more but experience has shown that Kdramas don't do well with MORE episode! Less is your way to go.

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Slow and beautiful

This is one of those dramas that has left me with a lasting impression. It is slow paced, lovely, sad, and has a very fitting soundtrack. The overall feel I would say is "sensual" and soft; from the lightning to the music and the looks and dialogue.

The acting is good, especially both of the main leads, the cinematography is beautiful, and the locations are scenic and nice.

Brief synopsis as per my memory:
The female protagonist has an illness that makes her mum overly protective of her. On an outing from her house, she gets smitten by a male hairdresser's voice when he washed her hair. She seeks him out again, and although he is hesitant, they do start to form a bond and a relationship.


Warning:
If you like conclusive endings, this is not for you.
I saw in discussions for this series on Viki to watch it til the end of the credits, but Viki kept cutting me off, so I wasn't able to do that.

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Overall well made, although a lot of familiar tropes

Overall this is a quite well made drama, and worth watching if you normally enjoy romantic dramas. It does have several familiar tropes though, so don't expect huge surprises or great amount of originality.

Personally I liked both of the main leads (Zhang Han and Xu Lu) – especially him grew on me as the series progressed.
I also liked the 2nd ML (Hong Yao) and the supporting role played by Wang Xuan.

From my point of view I believe the story could have benefited if they skipped the subplot schemed up by Bai (Man Man), as that just was a bit too much for my liking.

Sadly, the lightning work and sound was occasionally a bit poor in some of the later episodes.

The soundtrack was a bit different, I would say, but quite pleasant to listen to.

This series fall into the line of C-dramas promoting (high-lighting) a specific topic or field; in this case Chinese fashion and culture. I don't mind it, but it can become a bit too much every now and then (too blatantly "promotional").

I don't regret watching this, but I can't really remember much from this show either now that some time has passed.

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worth watching

the 2 leads have great chemistry & Betty is a wonderful actress. watched some of her earlier works. mark is also excellent.
this show is never boring & tend to over watch 🤣🤣🤣🤣
really good
the show begins to be very exciting after she had gone through the darkest moment
it tells of how talents are suppressed at work & how talent can be discovered and make a competitive difference
in this aspect, the story has depict it very well
really good story line
Betty has always been an outstanding actress. her earlier works are equally good. I have not watched her for several years. it’s good to watch her again. she is really one of the best

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