A Dream within a Dream

Brilliant

Loved every minute of this series. The ‘script’ concept was conveyed brilliantly and developed well. The actors portrayed their roles exceptionally well and the ending was very satisfying-always love knowing how all the characters ended up. The characterisations were very clever and references to roles such as Passerby A etc made me chuckle in amusement. Themes of controlling your own fate and never giving up added meaning to what I would classify as a parody of historical dramas. Despite the brutal clashes, the comedic element was most entertaining especially in the choreography of the final battle scenes. Beautiful cinematography, costumes and OST. Love the soundtrack and particularly liked what reminded me of the almost ‘western’ Quentin Tarantino style music for the military and dramatic moments. All the songs were well placed and of course those sung by Liu Luning are fabulous. I also felt the last few episodes were so well edited, maintaining the tension of the unexpected twists to the development of the story. The screenwriters for this series did a splendid job.

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Script outplayed all of us

This was such a fun to watch drama, beginning to end it was so good and hilarious. I have watched many dramas where transmigration is the theme but their endings remains lukewarm. However this drama ending didn't let down. I can say that beginning was good but ending was outstanding.
Yep plot holes was their like what's the purpose for weapon forging but why put a logic in a drama which already having too much drama where we are watching a script within a script😂😂. The ending was also open like for me NH and NF was 2 different people cause I saw that NH in end came from a portal and not from behind the SYM, even that portal has the historical background. However some people have assumptions that NH and NF are both same. So in all we are left brainstorming about the characters within a script in script. That is a good writing which is hard to find these days. I really enjoyed this drama cause even in serious scenes there were comic element which make us realize that its not real and it's only a drama within a drama🤣🤣🤣 director and scriptwriter outplayed us for 40 episodes. All the actors were so good even supporting casts and the chorography of the fight scenes between NH and CGH was awesome. Ep 40 was the best episodes and any ending being best in a drama is rare. All the ost placement within the scenes were nicely done so editors did a great job. Overall, it's a must watch drama and have a good rewatch value👍🏻

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Started with 10, ended with 10.

This drama is one of my fave this 2025! It set the standard high. But, TBH whatever script LYN takes I will take it and watch it! He is such an amazing actor. We have to thank him for getting this job because no one will portray the NAN HENG the best way he delivers it. Those small details he adds to make this character shine is remarkable! I love him so much!

Yi Tong- this is the first drama i watch from her and she also delivers the character. Some people say she looks and acts like Bai Lu but she is a person of her own. I hope she becomes more popular.

and to ADWAD --- it has been a ride! Waiting for a new episode to watching the very last one has been an enjoyable thing this past weeks. This gives me something to look forward for the day. The never ending theories are what makes it more fun! I'm always mind blown.

To the cast and crew, Thank you so much ADWAD!!! 😍😍😍

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Didn’t Expect a Transmigration Drama to Make Sense… But This One Did

Finally wrapped up this drama, and to be honest, I was hesitant to even start. Not because I dislike the transmigration genre, but because most dramas never handle it properly. They either lose logic halfway or waste the premise. The only reason I pressed play here was LYN, and I figured even if the story didn’t hold up, at least his acting would.

The first 10 to 15 episodes completely pulled me in. They were witty, hilarious, and surprisingly cohesive for a transmigration setup. Everything made sense, and the pacing felt right. Then came the inevitable slowdown. Episodes 16 through 27 dragged and almost lost me.

But here’s the thing: everything after episode 28 was so wild, creative, and well executed that it redeemed the weaker middle. The latter stretch balanced the whole experience and made the ending feel truly satisfying. Honestly, this is one of the rare transmigration dramas that actually makes sense of its own plot, with reasoning that didn’t feel forced.

Some viewers call the female lead “too dumb,” but I completely disagree. Imagine being thrown into the world of a script: how rational would you be? Personally, I know I’d mess up worse than she did. Her reactions felt natural and grounded, which made her more believable than the overly “perfect” female leads we usually see.

Another detail I really enjoyed was the music. While the setting was historical, the soundtrack leaned modern, which created a clever contrast. It felt like a subtle reminder that although the characters were moving through a historical world, the truth was they were still in the present, simply living out a script.

Even the way some of the minor characters were named felt realistic from our perspective. Labels like “NPC 1,” “NPC 2,” “Anonymous,” or “Outlooker” made perfect sense, because to us, that’s exactly what they are: background fillers with no real identity. It immediately reminded me of the K-drama Extraordinary You. That small touch gave the story another layer of self-awareness I really appreciated.

It’s not a perfect drama, and the pacing drop keeps me from giving it the highest overall rating. But within this genre, it easily earns the top recognition from me. By the finale, the highs outweighed the lows, and I walked away genuinely satisfied.

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MUCH FUN AND THE TWIST IS TWISTED

Mainly, first, I thought that the drama was serious because of the past trailers HAHAHAJAJA, but it turns out to be hysterically laughable and super super unpredictable twists. I was cackling every episode, and of course, the romance is good good 💯. I AM ENJOYING THE SHOW!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT SO MUCHHH 🫀 YITONG AND YUNING WERE SUCH A COMEDIC CP.I AM AMAZED HOW THE STORY FLOWS. SOMEHOW I CANNOT PREDICT IT, AND TO GUESS? WHAT WILL BE MORE TWISTS? HAHAHAHAHA. FOR NOW, LET'S ENJOY LAUGHING, THEN SADNESS LATER LMAO. CAN'T WAIT FOR FURTHER EPISODES. I HOPE IT'S A H.E. 🥲

*****(SPOILER? AND RANT!!!

NOTE:DO NOT COMPARE THEIR PREVIOUS WORKS TO ADWTD BECAUSE IT IS REALLY DIFFERENT CUZ IT IS A TRANSMIGRATION FANTASY COMEDIC ROMANCE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SHOW BECAUSE YOU SHIP THEM IN R**L LIFE OR YOU WILL EXCUSE SOMEWHAT THAT THE FL CHARACTER IS BLAH BLAH CHURVA…THEN PROCEED TO PRAISE THE ML CHARACTER CUZ HE IS BLAH BLAH URGHH…THE DOUBLE STANDARDS AT ITS FINEST! STOP, WILL YOU ALL? JUST SHUSH YOUR MOUTH!PLEASE, LET'S JUST ENJOY EACH OTHER'S PREFERENCES AND OPINIONS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT…SIMPLE! CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR FAVORITE SHOW OR WHATEVER...JUST DO NOT LURK ABOUT THE SHOW, BASH OR HATE THEM. I SAW A FEW COMMENTS THAT THE PREVIOUS DRAMA DROPPED OFF YUNING IS THE ONE THAT SUITS HIM, NOT SOME COMEDIC SCRIPT, AND THEN MORE ASK WHY HE IS ACCEPTING THOSE KINDS OF ROLES THAT ARE TRASH…LIKE HELLO?! HOW CAN YOU BE A CERTAIN VERSATILE ACTOR IF YOU DON'T EXPLORE SOME KIND OF GENRES TO ENHANCE MORE YOUR ACTING SKILLS LOL?AND ALSO, MOST PROBABLY YITONG, WHO RECEIVED A LOT OF HATEFUL COMMENTS AND SAYS THAT SHE IS JUST EXAGGERATING, A BAD ACTRESS, OR NOT HAVING CHEMISTRY WITH YUNING. THAT IS ABSURD!! THEY'RE ACTRESSES AND ACTORS FOR A REASON. DO NOT FANTASIZE AND OVERSTEP YOUR DELUSIONS JUST TO BRING DOWN A PERSON. YOU'LL ALL LOOK LIKE PATHETIC SLY FOXES (JUST JK). YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT BECAUSE THEY'RE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE PARTNERS, OF COURSE. DUH. HAVE SOME MANNERS AND GIVE THEM CREDIT. RESPECT THE ARTISTS WORKS. LOVE LOVE YUNING AND YITONG. 🥹🫶🏼 LET'S JUST STOP TOXICITY AND HAVE SOME MINDSET NOH AND SPREAD LOVE

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Drama with no logic - Tragedy into Comedy

Finally finished it! 🤯

I had so much anxiety and impatience trough other half of this drama. I thinked I would be disappointed but drama actually came to be better from half.

Ending didnt disappointed its kind clear, but make me bit confused also. Basically can be OE, SE, HE. All is for your perspective. Production and script was so well done.

Music nailed in this one. LYN again show what he can do...LYT has her best role so far I am sure of it. I wish her all the best in future. He actually look even more beautiful in modern world so why not modern drama again together.

Third best costume drama for me this year. I think directors, scriptwriters and also music composers should see this and implement and boost quality of sound in future works because for me it gives half meaning to drama.

LYN voice acting and eyes acting is his best touch with all other expressions and quality. I can bet he can do even more better. There is no limits for him!

I want him in xianxia with Bai Lu. Their chemistry would be bombastic and kisses you can imagine...BTS would be so hilarious I dont doubt! Lets manifest together! 🙏

They really twisted our mind and go in all ways they could. I wish to see more drmas with comedy like this...I call it tragedy into comedy... And also drama with no logic...

But love and fate dont have logic on the end... ♥️

Thanks all the crew for wonderful drama and hard work! This drama definitely wont be forgotten because it was unique! 🌟

White head same heart! - Everlasting love! ♥️

It really was A Dream Within A Dream... ✨✨✨



What I loved in last 6 eps...


35 - Fugui speaking to NH. Bad scene and talking about hairpin was so hilarious and on point for any costume cdrama. NR making SG jealous and wanted him to take action. Scriptwriter is actually scared of NH lol. His villainous aura makes him scared lol. He is scared even of his own character. SYT and SG that slap was personal.

NR - I am sorry I doubt this character. I am glad he wasn't evil.

36 - NH cant die!!! He is fighting for his SYM. SGH bastard, second lead, lunatic and psychopath character. Pfff... Good acting Wang! Wind is rising. I believe this will be reference like in MM was. SY, NH and SG working together yeah yeah yeah. Flash on the tape meaning bad things will happen...

37 - The second NH led his arm on emperors arm he forgive him. Sight and he let go... SG didn't let SYT had till battle... Whoever you choose he cant be worst than me... Oh SG... LYN again died as hero same pose as in AJTL. - Only by dying I can prove I am not fictional character! Heartbreaking! SYM uses his sword. Covering him with cloak make me cry so bad.

38 - All back in time. Loop! I knew it! She telling truth even NH cant believe he actually believe her. Again sad things happen. NH always wants to die first because don't want to see her die...

39 - NR also can see dejavu! Scriptwriter scream NH. NH is like bro shut up lmao! SYT want to cut SG hair was nice touch he loves his hair she knows it obviously... SYM preparing NH and put his cloak on. Sadness...

40 - Chaos! SYT and SG play music together. I wanted that actually. Song Hurry up hurry up is great for this scene. NR and Fugui cowboy music - HELL YEAH!

CGH didn't listen because original scriptwriter actually make him to be whole villain There was no turning back. Finally that screenwriter helped finally saw power of community and their souls seemed real....

I cant believe we waited and now is already over! Ohhh... I thanked I will be sadder but actually I am satisfied. I will miss them but will be okay. Go back when I want.

They never got formula for weapon forging...

To satisfy us they put all in this drama for sure, it was twisted, chaotic, chaos, etc. This drama was supposed to be like that... Fight choreography was amazing! Main villain died by his own hands as many died like that in cdramas... His destiny in his own hands. So let me be dead if I can have what I want...

NR scene with maid was so beautiful. About SG being pregnant was so cringe and funny. Looks like all know about script world by now and no one bothers. Even Song baba and emperor are lovely dovely with their wives because of script good behavior lmao! No one died except CGH... Ah what an tragedy lol!

Ending give a lot of answers, but post credit scene gives us much more questions. That portal tho!?

On the end my opinion is that NH is actually NF who also transmigrated with SYM to script world, but he forgot all, but when he was back he remember his experience. On the end it was also part of the script so doesn't matte because its HE but I want to know still...

Amazing and unique drama indeed which we will remember! 😍

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A Dream Within a Dream is one of the C-dramas I’ve watched with a truly unique storyline,

A Dream Within a Dream is one of the C-dramas I’ve watched with a truly unique storyline, something I usually only see in manhwa or manhua. The blend of comedy, romance, and seriousness is so well-balanced that there’s not a single boring episode.

I was truly shocked by Chu Guihong's unexpected change. He went from being the lovable and adorable character I adored, to someone I ended up hating.

As for Nan Heng, I initially disliked him because he wanted to kill the FL. But the more I understood his character, the more I started to love him. When he was mistreated, I couldn’t help but cry. He’s the first character I’ve ever felt this much empathy for. Every time the FL said hurtful things to him, it broke my heart 😔.

Regarding the FL, Song Yimeng, at first, I loved how carefree and unproblematic she was. But as the story progressed, there were times I disliked her for how she treated the ML. Still, in the recent episodes, I’ve come to love her again because she has her own reasons for what she's doing, she's trying to survive for herself and her family.

I really, really love this drama. I’ll rewatch it every single day. 💖

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THE HUMOR IN THIS DRAMA IS PURE GOLD!

I love this drama! It’s basically a hilarious tribute to all the historical c-drama tropes we love to hate. The nods and tongue-in-cheek jokes between the writers and viewers are pure gold, and even the OST lyrics feel like inside jokes for fans.

The cast is fantastic and you can tell everyone had so much fun filming this. It’s not just silly. There's a mix of comedy, romance, intrigue, and court politics, so it has everything for everyone. I also appreciate how it blends historical and modern elements in a way that makes fun of c-drama censorship and all the unrealistic moments we’ve seen a million times.

I’ve seen some viewers compare ADWAD to Prisoner of Beauty, which was an amazing drama, but they’re not the same at all. ADWAD is its own thing, a very funny and clever take on the transmigration trope. It is silly on purpose to make important points about the genre. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much watching a c-drama before. A+ from me!

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Life is but a Dream

I still can't believe this drama is over! I'm still processing everything that happened, and I’m finding it hard to put my thoughts into words.

First and foremost, this was such a refreshing story—it felt like a mix between a Disney-like fairytale and Inception, with a touch of satire and intentional absurdity. It was so nice to watch something with an original script—not adapted from a novel or webtoon—because you truly never knew what to expect. I was surprised by how unserious and playful it felt at first, but over time, I genuinely fell for the characters and became invested in their journeys. It started off strong, and it ended just as powerfully.

Highlights:
- The actors did a great job portraying their roles! Li Yi Tong was perfect as SXY/SYM—her cuteness never felt forced, and her comedic timing was spot-on. I hadn’t seen her in a while, so it’s exciting to know she has more dramas lined up. Liu Yu Ning’s acting has noticeably improved—he did an excellent job portraying NH and expressing a range of complex emotions. At first, his character felt similar to roles he’s played before (he often plays the tragic hero/tsundere type, which he does well), but NH gave him a chance to show more depth and range.
- The supporting leads were also amazing, each standing out in their own right. I especially loved NH’s brothers and comrades—because let’s be honest, what’s a Liu Yu Ning drama without some solid bromance? I appreciated the secondary female lead, SYT, especially because she wasn’t just a plot device to push the main couple's love story forward. She could be obnoxious at times, but I admired how she stuck to her beliefs, even if they were unconventional for that era. Her idea of men carrying and giving birth had me laughing out loud. Seeing Wang Yan again after so many years (from Huan Zhu Ge Ge!) was a nostalgic bonus.
- The humor and satire had me on the floor—I’m sure the cast and crew had fun parodying common drama tropes and throwing in references to the entertainment industry.
- Action scenes were well done. Liu Yu Ning continues to prove himself in fight scenes, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was directed by the same person behind Mysterious Lotus Casebook (one of my favorites for martial arts choreography).
- Despite having many cliché moments (intentionally so), the pacing was solid, and I appreciated how the plot could shift between comedy and seriousness without feeling jarring.
- The fact that it wasn’t adapted from a novel made it feel liberating—there was no source material to constantly compare it to, which made it a truly enjoyable and unpredictable watch.
- The ending (and that post-credits scene!) threw me for a loop in the best, most Inception-like way. It completely lived up to the title, and I loved seeing all the theories people came up with. The writer clearly left clues throughout the story, allowing for multiple interpretations.
- The aesthetics and OST were the cherry on top.

Not So Great:
- I know SYM received a lot of flack for how she treated NH for a chunk of the story. Personally, I could understand both leads’ perspectives. SYM’s actions didn’t seem unreasonable—she feared for her safety and well-being based on what she knew about the original NH and how her life was supposed to play out. That said, this arc could’ve been tightened—it dragged a bit longer than necessary.
- The Emperor’s treatment of NH felt inconsistent and underdeveloped. Even if he was projecting his wariness of Gao Chang Yin onto NH, his deep hatred—especially since it started even before the Empress died—didn’t make much sense. I kept waiting for a meaningful apology or reconciliation, or at least a clear explanation. Instead, we got a sudden and unconvincing 180 into “caring father” mode.

Final Thought:
So… is life but a dream?
There’s only one way to find out.

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Just watch it... It's absolutely hilarious ?

I don't normally write reviews🙃🙃🙃🙃 but this is really good💯💯,



it's funny🤣 and serious at the same time. The character development is also well done, and the romance is good...






The ML and FL chemistry is also good plus you will love the side characters.... They did amazing 💯👍









Ps I wasted all the space cause they wouldn't let me submit unless my review is long so.............................................................................................. sorry🙏 🤣🤣🤣

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