Was this review helpful to you?
Mysterious and Absurd Cases of the Tang Dynasty
2 people found this review helpful
Eerie and Spooky: A Hidden Gem Among Tang Mysteries
I absolutely loved this. Guan Yue has starred in several Tang mystery series, and I would consider this one among the top two in his collection and one among all Tang mysteries. Many people enjoyed Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty starring Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang, but unfortunately, while I thought it started strong, it dipped into ordinary by the middle. I didn't find anything particularly creepy or strange about the remaining narratives, and I was so disappointed that I didn’t continue on to watch the next two seasons.For me, this drama by far outperforms and outmatches Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty, which is why I bring it up as a comparison. I also think this series—along with his other Tang mysteries—proves that a shorter format can be more than enough; short form doesn’t mean the content will feel lacking or incomplete.
I found this drama highly engrossing and impactful. The production never felt low-budget. The short stories didn’t feel dry or repetitive, and the delivery was eerie and haunting throughout. I was invested every second and never felt a dip in pacing or storytelling.
Since I don’t see many people posting about it (apologies if it’s just my algorithm), I have to say this could be a true hidden gem for those who enjoy spooky tales built around an investigative framework. The story follows a trio working together to solve complicated and seemingly supernatural cases: a forensic specialist, a behavioral or scene analyst, and an on-the-ground investigator. I loved their dynamic and how each role brought a distinct expertise to every case they handled.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great Revenge Story
Where do I even start with this show.Yu Yin as Shi Yin is everything I want in a female lead, she's not crying in a corner waiting to be rescued, she's actively dismantling everyone who wronged her with the calm energy of someone who has made a list and is checking it twice. Her chemistry with Gan Wang Xing is the slow burn done RIGHT. You feel the contract marriage shifting into something real gradually, not because the plot told you it did, but because their scenes together actually earn it.
But let's be honest. Shi Qing He, the evil sister, is the reason I stayed glued to my screen. This woman is a one-person disaster machine, stealing, lying, manipulating, and escalating in ways that made my jaw drop on a rotating schedule. Every time I thought she'd peaked she found another gear. The audacity was genuinely impressive. Horrifying, but impressive.
The revenge arc is deeply satisfying in the way vertical dramas rarely manage, it doesn't feel rushed or accidental. Shi Yin uses every resource available to her, including Han Zhan, intelligently. She's not rescued. She reclaims. Big difference.
If you like your female leads sharp, your male leads genuinely supportive, and your villains absolutely unhinged, this one's for you.
Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped because tul was annoying
Was excited for a crime gl but ended up dropping it because tul was annoying, like you are not going to get the medical reports that soon STOP HARRASSING THAT DOCTOR AND LET HER DO HER JOB, i also didin't feel the chemistry between the mc's honestly. I am going to give high scores because the story seems interesting and good.Was this review helpful to you?
Chaotic fun, with humour and character.
This was a lot of fun and the participants all worked super well together. I'm impressed and happy that they showed their vulnerabilities and nerves as well as their strengths. Running Man Thailand has an air of healthy competition and friendship. The games are tough but everyone manages to do them. You can actually see them get tired the more times they receive punishment etc. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!! The whole thing feels very authentic and each contestant contributes to the experience. Its a must watch! ps loving the bond between Tay and Jeff 🎉Was this review helpful to you?
THE PLOT AND THE WAY ITS SO GUT WRENCHING
Honour is one of those dramas that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. From the very first episode, the story grips you with its emotional intensity, layered characters, and beautifully paced narrative.What truly stands out is the acting. Every performance feels natural, sincere, and deeply immersive. The leads deliver emotions with such authenticity that you don’t just watch the story — you feel it. The subtle expressions, the tension in key scenes, and the raw vulnerability all make the characters incredibly believable. It’s the kind of acting that makes you forget you’re watching a drama.
The plot is equally compelling. It balances drama, emotion, and suspense in a way that keeps each episode engaging. Nothing feels dragged out or unnecessary. The storytelling flows smoothly, revealing just enough to maintain curiosity while building anticipation. The themes of dignity, relationships, and personal struggles are handled with depth and sensitivity.
Visually, the drama complements its tone perfectly. The cinematography, background score, and overall atmosphere enhance the emotional weight of the scenes rather than overpowering them.
Was this review helpful to you?
Twists, Turns, and a Body Swap Done Right
What sets this drama apart is its beautifully crafted plot. It’s a clever fusion of folklore, actual history, supernatural elements, and fantasy, all tied together with twists and turns that keep you glued to the screen. The pacing? Spot on. It gives the story and characters room to breathe, develop, and surprise you with interesting narratives throughout.Now, let’s address the elephants in the room. First up: the body swap. Yes, that one. But here’s the thing—it’s woven into the story so seamlessly that it doesn’t feel awkward or forced. No cringe humor, no over-the-top antics. Just a well-executed plot device that works.
Second elephant: the age gap. A sensitive topic, sure, but let’s give credit where it’s due. The leads deliver powerhouse performances with undeniable chemistry. Nam Ji Hyun may be five years older than Moon Sang Min and look more mature, but their acting is so top-notch, you’d never call it a miscast. That said, the real casting head-scratcher? Choi Won Young as the father of Do Sang Woo. A father at 12 years old? Really? For Hong Min Ki, it works, but for his older brother? Not so much.
Speaking of Hong Min Ki, let’s talk about this rare gem of a second male lead. His gray character is so layered and compelling, you could build an entirely new drama around him. Every time he’s on screen, you’re hooked, wanting more depth, more exploration, more him.
The entire cast, honestly, is beyond expectations. It’s one of those rare dramas where every performance, every detail, feels meticulously crafted. From the writing to the production, it’s a masterpiece you simply can’t skip.
Was this review helpful to you?
Standout Dramedy
"How Dare You?!” is, for me, an absolute standout among Chinese dramas. A series you don’t come across every day — and one you certainly won’t forget anytime soon. The blend of humor, emotion, historical atmosphere, and genuine depth is simply unmatched.And as a little insider note: it almost could have been titled “How Are You?” — and that subtle nuance already hints at what makes it so special. This is not just another generic “I got pulled into a story” trope. It’s a cleverly constructed dramedy that plays with expectations and then gracefully turns them on their head.
Not a single second feels slow or unnecessary. Something new, surprising, or emotionally powerful is always unfolding. The characters grow in believable ways, and the development of feelings is portrayed with a rare tenderness and authenticity.
And then there is the visual beauty: the costumes, the colors, the cinematography — every scene feels like a painting. You can sense the love and care poured into every detail. The actors don’t simply perform; they embody their roles. It doesn’t feel like work — it feels like passion brought to life.
For me, this drama is a true highlight and absolutely worth rewatching. It’s rare for a series to captivate me this completely. A genuine masterpiece.
Was this review helpful to you?
Ugh
I'm dropping this for now. (?)Unfortunately I bought all three (?) seasons on disc, so I might finish it one day.
I remembered the beginning in the arena, which I still think is a fun scene - it actually feels a lot more realistic and gritty than I'd expect. And I remembered Dong Qing's animated performance as Qing Tan - I do really like her in this.
I also kind of like some of the side characters - Yang Hao Yu as horny Gandalf is funny.
But god, I despise Yang Yang as the protagonist. First drama I've seen him in and he's absolutely godawful.
Genuinely unhinged attempts at "acting", completely destroys the main character and makes him impossible to like.
The story is kinda just dumb cliched fantasy nonsense.
Was this review helpful to you?
BETTER than Not Me or Theory of Love, but still flawed
Theory of Love has lots of realism to it, but it has a big Off’s character redemption arc that it not believable for multiple reasons, so this makes the series way less realistic that it could have been for the sake of fairy tale happy ending typical of the BL genre.Not Me (2021) is unique and outstanding conceptually for many reasons, but the details of what and how it happens are not believable, they demand lots of “suspend disbelief”.
This series, being also faulty, is not even a BL:
1. No multiple couples
2. No stupid sound effects
3. A love triangle.
And it is way more real than nearly everything out there.
In regards to the question of the “AI”, which is actually just neural networks (JNN), versus art.
I call it all JNN because they can not reason, derive causality, understand anything. There are attempts to combine them with algorithmic logic to imitate thinking, but this is a rigid thing that comes from the 1980s and it is nothing alike to what an actual person can do.
In the future alive human artists will still have a niche as performers who can draw quick sketches or even bigger works in real time in clubs and galleries. Of, at the very least, have their works in expositions with certified multi-angle video shoots of the whole painting process. Maybe even some analogue or provably simplistic digital cameras will be certified and offered for rent to artists to prove the authenticity of their work as being done by their own hands.
The “AI”, as described above, can not think, it is just an aping of parroting tool that can rehash what it was trained on. It can produce works that can be perceived as made by a human, but it is not different from e.g. stones in nature randomly situated in a way that can be read as meaningful.
So if we define art is an act of an artist that includes thoughtful consideration, the neural networks can not do it. But if we define art is some object itself, then it does not matter if a human or nature or a neural network has made it.
* * *
Details and drawbacks are noted in a comment with spoilers below.
Was this review helpful to you?
Bit formulaic if I’m honest
There’s lots to like and plenty to dislike in this drama.Likes:
The actors were great, even if the FL was very grating to begin with. The character development was spot on, the chemistry between the FL & ML slowburn and realistic (with its up and downs honest and believable) and the subplot of the embassy shenanigans was uncovered layer by layer which added intrigue. The production values and costumes were great even though the FL’s hair looked plastic.
Dislikes:
Although the ML quickly worked out whodunnit for each crime after a while I wished there had been less of them to solve as after a while I got a bit bored and I will admit that I skipped a few chapters (ok, about half). Additionally, the English accents and intonation was hilariously awful.
Would I watch this again, no.
Was this review helpful to you?
MUST WATCH DRAMA
No Pain No Gain is such a wonderful drama to start the year with. I really enjoyed it. It’s the kind of comedy I’d love to rewatch as a comfort drama. The humor feels fresh and genuinely entertaining.The story also makes us question which side we should take — Pei Qian, who deliberately tries to make the company lose money for his own benefit, or the employees, who pour their hearts into their work and unintentionally help the company earn more profit, which goes against Pei Qian’s goal.
For the last episodes, I feel like some scenes were a bit dragging, while others felt rushed. Or maybe it’s just my feeling? I’m not sure. It seems like something was missing, but I can’t quite explain what it was.
ANW THIS IS DEFINITELY MUST WATCH DRAMA!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
FL was the scumbag
I am curious about dramas that are about robots and AI. I found this drama on youtube so decided to watch it. This is essentially a cheating drama. I didn't enjoy the drama.What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I appreciated Assistant Xu's protectiveness of his boss. I also liked ML's father.
2. Acting - I quite liked Chen Chu Huan's acting.
3. Length - Just 90 minutes.
4. Antagonist's action - I liked the scene where FL was told off by the antagonist. She blamed him for ruining her marriage but he set the record straight.
What I disliked:
1. FL - She cheated on her husband by kissing another man. Then she blamed the other man for ruining her marriage. Silly woman.
2. The other man - Yes, I disliked him not just for pursuing married woman but for taking credit for a project he didn't lead.
3. Sci-fi - Unfortunately there were many sci-fi scenes in this drama as it focused mostly on FL's arc.
4. The ending - I disliked it.
Favourite scene
When male antagonist told FL about her mistakes
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
It felt unnecessary
Watching this felt really unnecessary. The movie (part 1 of the storyline) felt like a complete end. I still wanted to watch this in hope it had a good story but it felt really short on all ends. The fight scenes were really unrealistic all the time, him winning eventhough his opponent was way bigger/ stronger/ better at fighting. While watching you also really felt like it was supposed to be a movie turned into a small serie which again felt weird since the first part was a movie. The acting/actors were good though, some part of the serie felt of, as in scenes that were suddenly very light/fluffy without any reason, in my opinion.Also the end scene was a bit confusing so i still hope for another part so i can know how it ends.
Was this review helpful to you?
