A Suspenseful Drama with Great Twists but a Confusing Story
I really enjoyed If wishes could kill and I ended up giving it an 8.5/10. I really liked the characters of Ha Joon and Se Ah, and I got attached to the whole friend group as well as Ha Joon’s brothers-in-law. One thing I especially loved was the plot twist where the drama makes us believe one specific person created the app, when actually that wasn’t the case at all. That reveal genuinely surprised me.I also really liked the atmosphere of the drama. For something involving deaths and a supernatural app, I thought the mood and tension were handled pretty well overall. Even though some of the special effects looked a little awkward at times, it didn’t completely ruin the experience for me.
However, I do have to admit that the story became a bit messy toward the end. Sometimes it felt like the plot didn’t fully know where it wanted to go, and I found it complicated to understand why the app suddenly became “alive” and how everything actually worked. Some explanations felt confusing or underdeveloped, which made certain moments harder to follow.
Still, despite those flaws, I found the drama entertaining, suspenseful, and emotionally engaging because of the characters and relationships.
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Interesting plot with sub-optimal execution.
Overall:Apparently this is controversial compared to existing reviews, but this drama is only worth 6-6.5/10, in my opinion. Whilst the plot pulls you in at first, it becomes dull extremely quickly, and only pulls you back in for the ending. Truly a loss. Furthermore, quite a few characters are unlikeable – especially Xin Mei which is an issue considering the amount of screen time she is given. However, Lu Qianqiao is an interesting and easy-to-root-for character who holds much more depth than XM. He has an interesting backstory which fuels his ironclad resolve to 'fit in', somewhere or another, through whatever means possible. This motive makes it easy to follow his intentions, and even easier for the audience to reel themselves in and root for him. While his backstory is described, it wouldn't hurt to have focused more on him instead of XM. If such was possible, the rating could be much higher as the plot does hold potential.
Story/Characters:
At the start of the drama, this plot is quite intriguing and motivates you continue watching, but that only lasts until Xin Mei's revenge arc for Lu Huai ends, with the beginning of her amnesia. The revenge is refreshing and really sets expectations for what Xin Mei's character is like: stubborn in her own morals. It is especially compelling considering her introductory 'detached' character which only seeks to marry a death-row prisoner. As she goes on a killing rampage, the audience feels a need to root for her to clear out these corrupt officials who wrongfully accused an innocent man to death by a thousand cuts. But that's about as much as her character goes. With the start of her amnesia, she grows to become a dull, stubborn, selfish, and self-righteous character who centres the entire world around herself. Bold claim, perhaps, but when she is blinded by her confidence and stubborn morals, she becomes unlikeable. From injuring Lu Qingqiao because she found out about his identity as a War Ghost to lecturing the sect disciples about good v. evil, she somehow has this unwavering confidence that she is always correct, therefore others must listen to her. It is exactly this unwillingness to consider the perspectives of others that makes her unlikeable.
Lu Qianqiao is an interesting character. He seeks to become human because he wishes to fit in somewhere, after living his entire life as neither this, nor that. It is exactly through this that we can understand his character and what is to be expected from him. His mother and father were spies from opposing forces who came together to create LQQ, meaning the fragmentation of his identity is inevitable. He is constantly forced to choose one side, yet he cannot, because he cannot belong entirely to one. Thus, he begins on his quest to truly become a human – it is this motivation that makes the audience want to root for him, becoming interested in the plot. What a pity that the drama decided to (arguably) give more time to XM instead, although even that was poorly-executed.
While this is disputed, I enjoyed A Sheng's character. Whilst she was not likeable, you could understand why she acted as she did, thanks to her entire backstory. This, in clear contrast to Xin Mei who has no explicit backstory aside from a couple lines about her being the only one left in her family, makes it easier to gravitate towards A Sheng. A pitiful child yet cunning child who turns the tables. Even as part of the main character group, she commits her own evils, especially towards Jin Lun, showing that she is not perfect nor does she have to be. She grew up in an environment where you either kill or get killed, so it's no wonder she's so heartless. Again, this ruthlessness and imperfection makes her character interesting. Not good, but interesting.
Overall, the plot has potential. I don't expect much depth nor nuance from idol-dramas, so this plot did exceed my expectations. The introduction of various determinants of good v. evil have the audience unsure about whose side to take. An ally today may become an enemy tomorrow, and vice versa. A clear contrast between the beginning, where the sect disciples are hunting down our main character group, and the final fight, where the sect disciples have allied with the main character group to retaliate against the final evil, the sect leader. It is impossible to fully determine what is good and what is evil, and this plot manages to touch upon that grey area. So much better than a plot where the villain is clear from episode 1, and they are evil for the sake of being evil. However, the middle of the drama drags on and the pacing is a bit odd, making them feel like filler episodes instead of actual plot. Scenes which could have progressed much faster are filled with the characters conversing, even when arguing during action/battle scenes.
Acting:
To start off with the male lead, Ren Jialun as Lu Qianqiao, his acting was fitting for this drama. He is able to accurately create the gradual change from War Ghost to human, as LQQ slowly begins to acquire a more humane understanding of the world. Whether its his childlike wonder for food, or his curiosity about the human experience, the subtleness is there and well-executed, making his character interesting. His range of emotions is the best part about his acting because he doesn't use the same expression or face for sadness, happiness, anger, fury, disappointment, disgust, etc., and actually creates some nuance. To be human is to feel multiple feelings at once, and he portrays that. While this may be the entry-mark to acting, to do so well is difficult, and the bar is considerably low nowadays.
Wang Herun as Xin Mei has absolutely no appeal. I am unsure whether this is a result of her poor acting, XM's confusing character, or both. When I watched the first episode, I had to double check who the female lead was as I felt absolutely no interest towards her; she simply felt like a guest character, no main character sentiments at all. The only time I was even vaguely compelled to focus was the shift from detachment to absolute fury XM faced when Lu Huai was unjustly killed. Such contrast created an actual incentive for me to focus on the story as we watched her unleash her wrath. However, even throughout that storyline, the actress was still lacking that final fit of rage. This feeling of lacking something continues with the rest of the drama, because it seems that she has three expressions: happy when she's with LQQ, sad when something happens, and an inexplicable overconfidence when she is lecturing others.
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This review may contain spoilers
anticipated this drama so much…but it just not up to expectations.
After finishing this drama, I’m truly not a fan of this screenwriter. TDHR might be popular among many but not me. I just don’t like how the writer wrote it. She unable to make me sit throughout the different plots, which is the same for FCY. I fast forward many scenes due to dull dialogues and weak buildups.I’m a fan of Guo Hu’s works but I realised his work reflects better with good scriptwriters. this was reflected wonderfully in One and Only & MLC.
The CGI was superb, set up and casts were wonderful. what could be wrong?
It was when Xin Mei delivered super long speech at Chongling Valley, I knew it. At that time, I swear that was the longest boring dialogue I’ve ever heard in a drama. to add, the short screen time of ML at the start bothered me. and with more and more characters introduced, story became more on the surface and unable to go deep. the story involves immortals, humans and war demon. yet the end goal was about immortals insecurities towards human inventions? pfft…
I’ve been following some of RJL works and I’m not surprised because his works are more of my type of dramas I’ll watch. I just feel Lu Qianqiao character is very deep, potentially can be expanded further. he’s such an interesting character to study. he’s a war demon, lived for 200 years. and he’s the only war demon left? I just wish writer wrote about remaining war demons rather than perished all of them.
romance part, I never bothered if it’s RJL’s dramas. used to it. however, he needs to stop giving me the same expressions he’s been showing since One and Only days. also, I felt Wang Herun overact a little like a little girl when she’s in love lol. like gurllll, act your age. unless you tell me she never had a crush which is not, since her first crush was Bai Zongying.
shoutout to Bai Zongying & Chu Ying. they are my favourite characters throughout the show.
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Sweet and cute and pretty funny
Overall I enjoyed watching this. It was sweet and cute and fun to watch.Absolute best sister. <3
Vicky is a genuinely interesting character. One of those characters that even the slightest difference in the portrayal could make her a very different character. But to me, she ended up being quite compelling.
The only real criticisms I have are that the camerawork feels a bit more web-drama level than polished. And the writing is a bit clumsy at times.
But it still tells a pretty sweet story and the story and emotions involved are actually pretty interesting, the history, the insecurities, some actual thought put into the emotional beats.
Oh and for some reason the OST is all like 90s sitcom style soundtrack? LOL not saying its bad but it is ...weirdly specific in the vibe that it brings.
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Beautiful!
I just finished Eternal Love of Dream, who is probably with Eternal love/Love and Destiny/Ashe and Love/Ancient Love Poetry one of the biggest chinese drama/xianxia. Like the others drama for this period it's a very high level of acting, i think this one is the one that i liked less. It's good and a pleasure to see a young Dilbara who was already good in her job but in term of story its not that deep as the others. I'm very happy watched itWas this review helpful to you?
Cringe, but it works
Even though it was cringe and ridicilous and i normaly hate that, i actualy enjoyed watching this series.I can't explain why, but it worked for me.
The story was fun and the visuals good. I don't really remember the music.
The acting was good, not great. The only one who was really good was Jeff.
Barcode had very good moments, but also bad ones.
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if you like mystery and thriller, definitely must watch
It was a very entertaining 28 episodes. Also, refreshing to see Dylan played a serious role, too far from any idol image. He needs more role like this, suits him well. I did enjoy the dynamics between Ran and Lao He. It was a real pity the faith of Ran. I wish he didnt die. At one point, I was rooting for him and Su Qing, I think they look good together! I hate Xu Meng the most. Everyone played their role really well! Very convincing! The cinematography, the twist, the story line and the casts are all superb. Hope to see Pan and Dylan in another drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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Decent BL but great thrill and mystery
I ahve a few things i want to comment on this show: first the storyline captivated me with the somewhat with its unique premise, especially in a BL, and as we progresses and the story kinda unfolded itself, various elements of the show tied in really well to create a conclusion and thrill that had been building up throughout. The plot twist however, was somewhat predictable, yet it still manages to deliver an exhilarating surprise that keopt me on the edge, the whole ending of the show wherew the twist unfolds was amazing to watch. The buildup to this twist is executed with such intensity that it heightens the overall experience, making the moments leading up to it feel genuinely suspenseful and engaging. And this is something i really enjoyed about the show. The THRILL. Its a very plot driven show but it just works well when it came to all the things that happens. I dont want to spoil. But the thrill of what will happen and to who was just super engaging and well written.ON the other hand though, one of the most significant shortcomings of this drama lies in the imbalance between its romantic elements and the VERY central crime storyline. Given that the narrative of the stopry revolves around serious criminal events, including multiple fatalities and intense, perilous situations, I anticipated a greater degree of tension and emotional depth from Joong and Dunk. The stakes felt high, but the execution of those tense moments sometimes and often missed the mark. I expected the characters to respond with more authenticity and gravity to the circumstances they found themselves in, reflecting the severity of the events around them. Instead, the crime elements came across as underdeveloped, and at times, they were eclipsed by the romantic plotlines. This overshadowing not only diluted the potential impact of the crime storyline but also undermined the overall narrative tension, leaving the viewer with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
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The same sex series
So interesting and heartbreaking at the time...I imagine the same sex relationship during the olden days when it has not been normalise ... Then the cast was PERFECT and the acting? TOP-NOTCH .. the the cinematography was excellent and the emotions were portrayed very well and performed when needed .. nothing was too much and nothing was lessWas this review helpful to you?
It Will Hook You....But
Unquestionably this story grabs you from the beginning. Hooks you in with its intrigue. Begins to drift in the middle in a meandering tropey and cliché fashion and then by the end, pretty much loses you. Regrettably, the ending is a disappointment and is a set-up for another season. That is all well and good, if there is one. I would have liked a bit more meat on the bone for this series, however. Nonetheless, it is entertaining because of the strong presence of the main protagonists. Even though they are tropey, they kicked their acting up a notch to make their characters so enticing to watch. To be sure, this is an entertaining series throughout. I dislike the use of humor in graphic or violent series as I think it diminishes the message and cheapens the presentation. Some things just do not lend themselves to humor. On occasion perhaps but this series relied too heavy on it, which reduces the seriousness of its message. Ugly messages need to be presented – ugly. Do not try to minimize that reality with cheap humor.Was this review helpful to you?
Challenging, uncomfortable, powerful
VERY topical for the entertainment/news media generally,perhaps even more so in Japan, not an easy watch. A great example of a Drama I REALLY enjoyed but will not watch again. All 3 female leads shone, Ms Ko was her awesome self and they nailed the ending. I hope more people watch this unflinching examination of the "truth" industry.Was this review helpful to you?
Phenomenal story telling in a high quality drama.
Just to promote this wonderful drama I write this review now after 5 episodes.This drama resembles a truly good book. It takes the time to tell a story—a narrative centered on fascinating protagonists, interwoven with a portrayal of the historical context. Yet much remains unspoken; instead, it is conveyed to the viewer through the everyday occurrences that befall the characters. And although the plot is set in a historical era, certain cunning tactics—such as the uncle’s maneuvering to secure his niece a spot in a coveted training course that is offered only once every ten years—bring the narrative remarkably close to our own time. These are people fighting, in their own unique ways, for their survival and for their place in society—a struggle we can all understand: everywhere, and even today.
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Generic Female Empowerment Snoozefest
Blossoms in Adversity is yet another female empowerment series centered on the female lead and her Hua family, which through circumstance becomes entirely matriarchal. This is very much a family drama with romance and political intrigue serving more as seasoning than the main driving force. Action is lackluster. The male lead is deliberately restrained to allow the female lead to shine even brighter. The series avoids most toxic tropes, but pacing issues often make it feel like a slog to get through. I certainly couldn’t.Was this review helpful to you?
A Childhood Promise That Changed Everything
The Earth is the most grounded story in 4 Elements, but don’t let that fool you. This series is packed with tension, secrets, slow-burning romance, dynamic action sequences and intriguing plot twists that keep viewers engaged.Din (Apple) and Rose (Mim) are childhood friends and their shared history forms the heart of The Earth. As a child, Din promised Rose that she would always stay strong and protect her-a simple vow, innocent in its weight, yet one that drives the entire story.
Every choice Din makes, every quiet sacrifice, every moment of protection stems from that promise. Apple portrays Din with restrained strength, letting emotion live in glances, pauses and subtle gestures. Mim’s Rose is fiery, stubborn and emotional, yet never weak. This was Mim’s first project and she handles it impressively, bringing depth and authenticity to her role (supported by Apple, who helped guide her throughout the process). Together, they feel authentic and deeply human.
Din is stability. Rose is movement. One grounds the other. And their chemistry? Magnetic. Even in quiet, ordinary scenes, their bond feels lived-in, earned and decades in the making.
The series also benefits from memorable supporting characters. Nam (Engfa), Lom (Freen), Fai (Milin) and Motdaeng (Min) bring humor, lightness and warmth to the story. Their interactions often break the tension of heavier moments and give the audience space to smile, making the world of the series feel richer and more alive.
The Earth impresses with its realistic world, stunning Thai landscapes and consistent tone. The show also features dynamic action sequences- from tense confrontations to fast-paced moments that add excitement and energy to the narrative. The directing and script balance action with emotion beautifully, while the soundtrack subtly enhances every scene.
The finale is emotionally satisfying. There’s no over-the-top dramatization, no forced resolutions. Instead, the story returns to the childhood promise: the moment when Din and Rose consciously choose each other. It’s subtle yet deeply fulfilling, lingering in the mind long after the credits roll.
The Earth is a story about the power of promises, loyalty and emotional growth. Apple and Mim prove that chemistry and subtle acting can sometimes achieve more than dramatic plot twists- and that’s why this story stays in the heart.
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A great show but..
This drama would've probably been better off a brotherhood/friendship kind of xianxia.. the females on this show ruined it for me.. From FL to supporting actresses.. i dont understand if its the directors fault making all these women has such weak characters.. im not just talking about physically. Let's start with the FL.. poor thing needs saving even when her cultivation is high.. always borderline dying.. then throughout the drama she makes these doe-eyes like bambi.. IDK what direction the screenwriters wanted her character to take.. then theres her sister.. lord have mercy.. this one is just a killing machine with zero feelings.. uses people to get what she wants.. and the screenwriters didnt even let her character redeem herself with all the people she wronged.. then theres the girl from the opposing sect.. she just does everything the sect leaders wants her to do without question.. completely clueless to the world around her.. ughhh not one female character i was happy with.. sorry.Now lets talk about the story in general.. it was interesting and good enough to keep me wanting to watch the next episodes.. Allen Ren and the other male cast members did a great job.. the fighting scenes were incredible.. I wish they spent a little more effort on Riley Wangs character.. would've wanted more development.
Bottom line.. would i recommend it? Yes, cuz everyones taste and opinions differ.. you may like the female characters on here. Would i rewatch? Me personally probably not. It was good and that was enough for me 💜
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