Reviews

drama had gripped

I absolutely loved this drama!! I’m big fan of ML, his acting is always so sincere. the FL honestly she’s never been my favorite but this performance completely redeemed her for me. 10/10.
the special fx were TEA!!! so beautiful and cinematography on point!!
the story sometime seemed to hit lulls but somehow added more depth to the bond between the leading couple. I was so invested I was crying so hard during the sad parts. like straight ugly cry 😂 Definitely a slow burn but a very gentle but also powerful romance story. will definitely rewatch one day!!

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One Terrible "Family"

Overall: with a "family" like that who needed enemies? 8 episodes about 40 minutes each. Aired on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-CpzQszt3GyMqPTQVMO_rbvSt6-YUvAg

Content Warning: non/dub con kiss, punch, manipulation, gaslighting, attempted suicide episode 8

What I Like
- beachy/relaxed setting
- sweet moments

Room For Improvement
- that "family" was total trash and they had zero consequences for constantly lying/gaslighting him
- a character swore he would be his memories and when he really needed to do that....he didn't
- open ending
- timeline/what was happening was a bit confusing in the beginning but it was cleared up in episode 1 part 4
- unethical doctor and terrible brother
- nonsense stuff: why didn't a main character have a journal or video diary right away, why wouldn't him and the other ML come up with a plan as they could have easily guessed what would happen the next morning

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CLASSIC FIRST LOVE STORY

A Love So Beautiful

Shen Yue = Chen Xiao Xi
Hu Yitian = Jiang Chen

The start of this drama was so cute. It was youthful, showing their school moments starting off with the time when Jiang Chen ignored Chen Xiao Xi. He was the grumpy neighbor that doesn’t talk, but scores really well on tests. She was the talkative neighbor who had a crush on Jiang Chen and struggled a little bit in school. It is one of the most classic kind of enemies/friends to lovers.

Episode 1: I love how Jiang Chen was ready to stand up for Chen Xiao Xi no matter if he was acting like he’s always annoyed by her. He catches the comments made in school about her, he was going to help her in the fight, he helped her stand up to the principal reading her own personal love letters, and he was able to connect the dots with the accidental love letter he received. Also, that little snippet at the end where we get his gentle side that morning that Chen Xiao Xi woke up really early to see him. From that point on, he also started to actually wait on her in the mornings, showing his compassion. He is def one of those like characters that appear morally gray, but actually care a lot about Chen Xiao Xi.

Episode 3: Jiang Chen just takes a while to warm up. At the end, he realizes that Xiao Xi is a pretty genuine person when it comes to her actions. Yes, she can be goofy, but she also knows what’s right from what’s wrong. She still owned up to her mistakes with the class money. Also, he says he doesn’t care and she isn’t fit to be the class leader material, but he still tries to help her find the money back. If it wasn’t for him, Chen Xiao Xi would be in way bigger trouble and her family would have to make up the 1000 dollars. And then at the end, with him riding his bike and laughing with her. He’s definitely warming up.

Episode 4: I have no clue why I never noticed how tall Hu Yitian is. He’s like double Shen Yue’s height. He had to fully bend down 90 degrees for her to reach his head. Anyway, like we’ve noticed Jiang Chen just takes a while to warm up. He didn’t help her practice hurdles until he found out she was doing it for him. He was so proud after she ran too. I kind of feel bad for Wu Bosong though. These past couple episodes it’s been so clear he likes Chen Xiao Xi. He’s done so much for her but she only sees him as a friend.

Episode 5: Jiang Chen starting to get jealous of Chen Xiao Xi and Wu Bosong was so funny. Him teasing her with putting the book even higher😭 Holy, he is so much taller.

Episode 6: Aww Wu Bosong suffering so much because of his care for Chen Xiao Xi. He’s the one that got her out of her mood and fought with his dad. He defended her character to his dad. Jiang Chen is confusing me. I don’t like his actions and words spoken towards Chen Xiao Xi. But, he still did defend her against those men and was more worried when he found out her transferring schools was real. Jiang Chen came at just the right time. Him convincing her to stay and whispering that to her shows how much he cared and wants her to stay.

Episode 7: Jiang Chen’s jealous side coming out. Him denying the seat next to Chen Xiao Xi at first until someone else wanted to claim that seat. The classic friend group shouting. I always love that scene with all youth dramas. The way Jiang Chen’s face dropped when Wu Bosong pulled Chen Xiao Xi aside to say that she is his motivation.

Episode 8: Jiang Chen needs to hurry this process up. He’s so wishy-washy with Chen Xiao Xi even though he always ends up caring for and helping her. He just needs to confess bc he already knows that she likes him. Or else it’s gonna be too late and Wu Bosong is going to take her.

Episode 9: With the debate, even though Jiang Chen got jealous every time Wu Bosong is mentioned, he helped Chen Xiao Xi make a good point and not embarrass herself. He also helped her with some key words because he knows what helps her. However, I was touched by Wu Bosong and his reaction, he seemed so proud of her. Also, the fact he played off his love confession to lessen the stress on Chen Xiao Xi showed how much he cares for her. Idk man, right now, Wu Bosong is the better guy and Jiang Chen still needs to step it up a bit in his expression of ideas and his thoughts.

Episode 12: Ah! The infamous scene. Li Wei is really pissing me off bro. Jiang Chen has clearly shown that he isn’t interested in you and you still overstep your boundaries. Not only do you see Chen Xiao Xi crying, but then you go and try to kiss Jiang Chen in front of her? Like thats just messed up. Wu Bosong bro. He does so much for Chen Xiao Xi, he balances swim, pays for a bunch of stuff, and shows up for her when she needs it. Him covering her eyes and turning her away with that angry look on his face…they better stay friends forever and Wu Bosong better find someone for him. He’s really a good guy. I don’t think Jiang Chen is a bad guy either, but he’s more of that morally grey type of character rather than Wu Bosong’s golden retriever energy. Chen Xiao Xi is growing through stuff bro. Her long time crush is fading to her and I feel so bad because she’s still just a girl trying to navigate life. Her first love just got stolen away from her in her own eyes, so I understand the depression she’s feeling.

Episode 14: Finally, Jiang Chen is making a move. He took that “I love you” plant and put it in Chen Xiao Xi’s bag. I still need the verbal confession though. Aw, poor Lu Yang. Everyone was tricking him the entire time by not telling him that Lin Jingxiao liked Li Shu. Not only that, but that whole heart attack scare was really really unexpected. I really liked that scene because of the family and community that it demonstrated though. Li Shu being the person trying to save Lu Yang and all of his friends helping him. No matter what struggles they were going through, they all united in their love and care for Lu Yang. Lu Yang’s public annoucement and confession to Lin Jingxiao was so cute bro. It took guts and I loved how Wu Bosong and Jiang Chen helped him by holding off Director Zhang.

Episode 17/18: What the heck, that kiss from Jiang Chen came out of left field. I mean, it didn’t because we as the audience could see his thoughts. But he hasn’t even verbally confessed yet. And then they suddenly became gf and bf without showing us how that happened. He kind of just assumed and there was not any formal, “I like you” and “I like you too, be my gf?” type of thing. It felt very Jiang Chen and Chen Xiao Xi like. Very lowkey and almost a little bit weird.

Episode 20: I’m a little bit confused about the series of events that happened. Are you telling me that Jiang Chen and Chen Xiao Xi broke up for 3 years because he went abroad to study? Then, when he comes back and they meet at the hospital, her and Wu Bosong are acting like they’re a couple. But then, Jiang Chen brings a fake date to the bachelor party. BUT THEN, that same night, Jiang Chen and Chen Xiao Xi kiss and Chen Xiao Xi is the one apologizing to Jiang Chen. Like, I’m so confused about this timeline and how everything is happening so fast. Are they now dating again? Like what’s going on?

Episode 22: Wow, I think this is the latest confession that I’ve seen, at least verbal confession. We finally got Jiang Chen saying all of his feelings out loud, all 4 min and 23 seconds of it. Wu Bosong bro, he was the one that basically got them back together through having Chen Xiao Xi on the phone while he was talking to Jiang Chen. Wu Bosong is literally the best, I wish he got a love interest of his own.

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Two Hearts, One Current

The Prisoner of Beauty is a historical romance drama that slowly reveals itself as more than a story of political marriage, it is a narrative about fractured trust, inherited guilt, and the long process of rebuilding a shared future through something as simple, yet symbolic, as a canal.

At its core, the drama thrives on the relationship between its two leads. The male lead begins as emotionally restrained, shaped by loss and a deep-seated belief in betrayal, while the female lead embodies calmness and clarity, moving through conflict with quiet intelligence. Their dynamic is not driven by constant conflict or melodrama, but by gradual understanding, a push and pull much like water shaped by wind, and wind softened by water.

The political backdrop of the clans provides the structure for the story, though it is not always the most emotionally gripping element. Instead, it functions as the soil in which the central relationship grows. Betrayals, shifting alliances, and manipulation drive the plot forward, but they rarely overshadow the emotional evolution of the main couple.

The canal stands as the most powerful symbol in the entire drama. Once an unfinished promise torn apart by war and misunderstanding, it slowly transforms into a living metaphor for reconciliation. What begins as a fractured construction project between two clans eventually becomes a bridge, not only of water and trade, but of memory, forgiveness, and shared survival.

Emotionally, the drama does not rely on a single overwhelming peak, but rather on a steady accumulation of meaningful moments. Some deaths and losses add weight to the narrative, but the strongest impact comes from the slow erosion of hatred rather than explosive tragedy. This makes the experience more reflective than devastating.

Ultimately, The Prisoner of Beauty is not a story that leaves a permanent emotional wound, but rather one that lingers gently, like water flowing through stone over time. It is a drama about learning that peace is not the absence of history, but the decision to build something new upon it.

A solid, well-crafted, and thematically cohesive series, even if it never fully reaches emotional intensity at its peak.

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was not obsessed with this

compared to the other two HIStory stories (My Hero and Stay Away From Me) this is definitely the better story. The acting and chemistry was good, the plot was decent - although some characters made very questionable choices. My biggest issue was the overall lack of consent between the two leads, Shao Yi Chen was way too forgiving of all of the things Chiang Chin Teng did to him. And the biggest point of contention between them (the reason Shao Yi Chen died and was avoiding Chiang Chin Teng) was resolved through a dream? Didn't make a ton of sense, lol but it was captivating which is more than I can say for the othe HIStory stories.

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It was fun to watch and the actors ate

I know it's not everyone's favorite, but I really liked it and enjoyed watching. Of course, if you compare it to the drama and spiciness of the first season, is somehow lacking, but seeing it as it's own show, I feel it was messy enough to be entertaining.

Controversial opinion; my favorite couple was JackDean (maybe expected from me cause last season my favorite character was Boston). From Only Friends I really tend to enjoy the mess and Drama, and they gave me all of it! The acting was amazing from everyone, but Mix ate everyone up.

It was good and entertaining but may not be everyone's cup of tea, and ofc is no masterpiece.

Bonus points cause I always love OF OSTs !

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points for creativity

I'm newish to BL, so if this is an overdone/overused trope... well it's new to me! LOL. the overall concept of a former lover dying and re-inhabiting someone else's body and falling in love with that person again is interesting. there's something to be said about love breaking through across gender. but the execution? Mai Ying Xiong (Aaron Lai) ends up picking the OG guy (or he thinks he does) and Lan Hsi (Patricia Lin) let's him go? So what was the point exactly? Also just doesn't really feel like a true BL because of her character's effort to make Mai Ying Xiong fall in love with her in another body.

That said, it was light-hearted and ends happily (well not for Lan Hsi lol) and overall I feel indifferent towards it. Wouldn't say it's a must watch, but I wouldn't tell you to stay away from it either.

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A disapoitmant

Since the pilot trailer, I have been hyped for this show. Of course I watched season 1, and SandRay are still one of my favorite couples out there. Season 1 was messy, and I love it for that. So you think season two will be as messy, and I think it should be like that, because it's only friends, right? But then you get disappointed if you think you will see that.

The plot was so not logical and also really weak sometimes. No couple mixes at all; come on, why do you call it "only friends“ if you're not ready to do it? For me the writing was the worst. I think the actors tried their best with what they got, but most of the time it didn't work.

The weakest couple for me was Arnold and Tua. I say that knowing that Joss and Gawin have good chemistry, so it has to be the writing. I think the timing when they got together was so strange; it didn't work at all. So after like 20 min they break up; I felt nothing at all. Also, sometimes it was cringe to look at their scenes.

I think for Rome and Raffy it was hard as well. The Raffy from the pilot was nowhere to be found, to be honest. But still, AouBoom is just that couple who works with everything. Like, the plot was really not that good, but I can't deny that I still loved to see them together and root for them.

Jack and Dean were, for me, the only couple who worked, also because of the writing. They had really good scenes where I felt something. For me, the scene at the Museum of Exes was a masterpiece. I felt so much and cried over their broken love. You feel that they still love each other, but both need to heal first. They worked really well, and it was a good story just because of them. Also, the acting of Mix, wow, respect; it was really good.

So, all that said, I was disappointed by the writing, and I think they were too scared to risk the official partners, so they didn't really take the risks that were needed.

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well, they tried.

My Hero: 5/10
I love Aaron Lai and that's mostly why I stayed, ngl. The plot was a bit odd for a BL with the main lead romancing her former lover and making him fall for his classmate. But ~spoilers, when she decides to let classmate Gu Si Ren re-inhabit his own body... that really confused me? Because that's not who Mai Ying Xiong (Aaron Lai) fell in love with right? Unless I'm missing something lol. I also was less than convinced by the chemistry between the two which didn't help. But it was interesting in it's own right. Lin Da Her stole the show with his grim reaper character.

Stay Away From Me: 4/10
I'm honestly not a huge fan of the step-brothers to lovers trope, so that already has me biased against it. It was decent plot-wise. I similarly thought that the main two characters didn't have great chemistry but it had a satisfactory ending.

Obsessed: 2/10
These two actors had the best chemistry out of all three couples but at what cost? Consent. Consent was the cost. I was not into the ending -- he (Jiang Jing Teng / Bernard He) decided to fake get engaged to protect his lover Shao Yi Chen (Teddy Ren) but not bother telling him about it? Why would you ever think that's a good idea? LOL. But this episode was the most interesting of the series, so do with that information what you will.

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Cute and dramatic – absolute perfection

Even when I saw the intro I knew this was going to be awesome. The crossover of a popular royalty setting with the modern world is soo good. The story is so well crafted, and I even enjoyed the political part of it, which doesn't usually happen.
IU and Byeon Woo-seok showed their amazing acting once again. I freaking love them, and even more when they're together. their chemistry, the tension, UGHHH YES YES YES. The romance was so nice to watch, there was quite a natural transition into when they started actually caring for eachother. And every kiss scene had be kicking my feet omg.
AND I CAN'T FORGET ABOUT OUR CUTIE PIE SECOND LEAD COUPLE. I KNEW ITTTTT I KNEW CHOI HYEON AND DO HYEJUNG WOULD BE TOGETHERRR. i love them my pookies.
I am kine of dissapointed that Min Jeonwoo became bad, but I guess he had it coming. I really liked him at the start, but oh well.
The school setting was really interesting, too, which is why I wish we maybe had more scenes from it. I know that it probably wouldn't be necessary for the plot, but... yeah.
The last episode ended so nicely. And he seems softer while not being a royal. When she calls him Lee Wan. I realized we didn't know his real name for the entire time until now lol.
so, overall, this is an absolute banger. yum yum.

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The drama lost my respect at episode 9!

Till episode 8, I was able to see only visual elements in the story - Beauty, fashion, visual perfection. But story wise, nothing! Still, it was at least a little entertaining.

However, in episode 9, I lost respect for the main characters. They deceived the nation, the rulers, their families, and everyone with the contract agreement. Okay. I understand that initially they did it and later they developed feelings. But, they didn't dispose off the contract right? So, the evil people used it to frame the couple and chase the male lead out of the palace. Understandable. What else can you expect from a evil character, right?

However, isn't it a fact that the contract was real? Did the villains fabricate the contract?? No. Absolutely not! Then, don't the royal contract couple need to explain that to the public sincerely and apologize for it? Absolutely.

Okay, let's say that they didn't do it because they were aiming for a perfect time to settle the matter, then did they show such a remorse internally? Did they have any guilt or shame for deceiving an entire nation? Nope. Not an ounce!

Alright fine. Then, what else were they doing if not even think about their mistakes or how to ask forgiveness from the people?? Oh let me tell you the golden reactions and proceedings - First, the female character rolled her eyes because the evil queen mom called the council of royal relatives. And why did she roll her eyes? Because the queen mom stated facts and female lead couldn't accept it coming from evil queen mom with evil intentions. But was what the evil queen mom said wrong or something?? Nope. She was absolutely right to anger, to call the council, to reprimand them for making a fool of the nation. But the lead characters' priority? Oww we are butt hurt.. you evil evil queen mom.. comfort me.. comfort us..aww.. BULLSHIT!

Next, what else were they doing if not thinking about an apology?? Oh this is pure gold- they were thinking about saving their asses. Oh wait.. don't be so kind.. just give it straight, what did they do?? They were tirelessly working day and night worrying about their royal positions BUAHAHAHAHA!

I'm an adult. I know the weight of what the people of a nation expect from their ruler and leader who they look up to, who will not just lay rules upon the people, but also set an example to follow. Unfortunately, as the drama focused too much on the visual elements, I guess they forgot to put some thought into their character building. They glorified arrogance and selfishness and projected an idea that these lowly and nasty qualities are acceptable if the visuals are in place.

Drama dropped as I lost respect. Kuddos to everyone that made it. You are the people that make the world more beautiful!

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HEALTHY COUPLE ALERT!!!!

I really enjoyed watching this vertical drama. I'm rather picky with what I watch and I tend to drop most dramas after 10-20 mins if I dislike something. I watched this till the very end.

It's heartwarming and empowering

What I liked:
+++ ACTUALLY HEALTHY CP!!!!! ML respects the FL, he uplifts her and treated her like an equal and she treats him like a normal human being too

+++ Character development!!!! It's not anything crazy deep, but in my opinion it fit the story well. I don't want to spoil anything but I think I can safely say that the FL grows throughout the story.

+++ Some character depth beyond the usual clichés: We have our usual 4 characters: ML, FL, stupid cheating pathetic manipulative SML (FL ex husband) and green tea bitch SFL. But hear me out! In my opinion, they actually have PERSONALITIES. I'm able to list out some character traits of our FL, she even has hobbies and skills. The ML maybe a bit less, but he's a good guy overall. Now, SML. Compete scum, but! Actual human scum, not a cartoonish flat scum. His attitude to the people around him is consistent throughout the story, his behaviours are also consistent and you can see that there's some depth and complexity to what he feels about the FL. Now, SFL. Come at me, but I actually liked her. She's a complete green tea bitch, but she also very clearly has a brain of her own and a goal in what she's doing. She's not just blindly sticking to the SML for no reason other than "the plot needs it". Even though I only got confirmation of it at the very end of the drama.

+++ FL and ML are equals, there's no poor weak good-for-nothing, damsel-in-distress FL. And she's not at ML's mercy.

+++ No rape, misunderstandings, fuck-or-die concoctions, unexplained bullying, forced marriages

++ Coherent plot

+ Quite nice music (although i might be biased, because it's unusual for me to watch dramas on sites that actually keep the original soundtrack)

+ Good/decent cinematography. I'm not a professional, but I honestly forgot I'm watching a vertical drama on some random website instead of on Netflix



Some small dislikes (don't let this repel you):
- there was a lie (only one which is an achievement imo, considering the usual amount in these dramas) that didn't get resolved and it left me feeling a bit uncomfortable, because I wouldn't like that to happen irl. But the FL was clearly okay with keeping that lie unresolved and the intention of said lie was not harmful to anyone, so I let it slide.

Trigger Warnings:
Car accident and death + some trauma

If somebody is sensitive about these things:
there are depictions of a gaslighting, manipulative and controlling relationship, but they're shown for what they are, not glorified in any way and resolved

There is one situation when sb is trying to force the FL into a kiss but doesn't succeed

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