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2What would you do for those that you love?
What would you do for those that you love? Would you give up your happiness? Would you give up your life?These are the questions at the heart of Twelve Letters, a fantasy and mystery drama about love, found family, sacrifices, hope, and the power of choice. The story is set across two timelines — Meiwan Town in 1991 and Beixing City in 2026 — and it revolves around our two protagonists, Ye Hai Tang and Tang Yi Xun. The world was not kind to them in 1991; their lives were filled with pain, suffering, and darkness. The only glimmer of light was them meeting each other due to unfortunate circumstances. For reasons initially unknown to the audience, one moment changed the course of their lives forever, resulting in a heartbreaking separation and a lifetime of longing and regrets. That is, until one day when a letter from 1991 arrives via an abandoned and mysterious mailbox in the year 2026, opening a connection between the past and the future. Will fate intervene, alter the timeline, and rewrite this tragic love story?
Right off the bat, the first thing I notice about Twelve Letters is its gorgeous cinematography. It is intentional and artistic — flawlessly capturing the beauty of Meiwan Town in 1991, with its natural rivers and mountainous backdrop in every frame, along with the run-down buildings of its residents that even the breathtaking sceneries cannot hide. There is a greenish tint to the color grading, giving the feel of a different era, teleporting us back in time. The Cantonese music, VHS tapes of old HK movies, landline phones, fashion — everything adds to the 90s aesthetic, making this a believable and nostalgic period piece. With the hauntingly beautiful osts cleverly used throughout the drama, I can't help but praise the love and thought that was poured into this drama. However, the stunning visuals do more than just set the scene; they are a reflection of our protagonists' shattered inner worlds.
Ye Hai Tang and Tang Yi Xun are two broken souls who find solace in each other. At first glance, they seem like polar opposites — a bright student and a troubled delinquent — but they are actually two sides of the same coin. They are pitiful, weary, and yet still so loving, selfless, and kind. They make me want to wrap them both in my arms and protect them from the cruelty of this world. The way they care for each other, only wishing for the other's safety and happiness, is so pure. Their relationship proves that chosen family can be stronger than blood. Like beautiful mosaic art, these two broken souls feel whole together. The raw and powerful performances from Wang Ying Lu and Zhou Yi Ran truly stand out.
And it isn't just the main couple who embodies this spirit of unconditional love and sacrifice — the supporting characters are wonderful as well. I love Cha, Rat, Xin, Nian, Cheng, Manyu, Guan, and Miao Miao. Each has their own distinct personality; all of them are flawed but endearing. There is an overarching theme in this story about how ordinary people have the ability to ease the suffering of others even if they feel like they are insignificant. These characters are prime examples of that value. The sacrifices they make on the behalf of Ye Hai Tang and Tang Yi Xun are selfless and heart-wrenching.
This was not the type of drama I normally watch and it emotionally devastated me. It was dark, brutal, and at times painfully realistic, and I took a considerably long time to complete it despite its short 12-episode run because I had to keep taking breaks in between episodes to catch my breath due to its heavy themes. This drama did not shy away from showcasing domestic violence and toxic family dynamics, putting the ugly reality of growing up in broken homes on display for the world to see. There were many times when I felt sick to my stomach and I cried my eyes out until my shirts were drenched in my own tears. Twelve Letters is one of those stories that will touch your soul and make you feel a dozen emotions all at once, and it is not for the faint of heart. And yet, the story drew me in unlike any other.
Despite how dearly I loved this drama, I couldn't give it a perfect score for one main reason: the dual-timeline structure was tricky to follow at times. The 2026 timeline had a linear flow, meanwhile the 1991 timeline jumped a few months forward only to jump a few months back inconsistently. This created disjointed moments in the narrative, and I had to pause the drama a few times in order to understand the chronology of the events. Even with this issue though, it did not detract from the genuine impact this story had on me.
After a rollercoaster of emotions, and many days of dragging my feet, I can finally say that Twelve Letters is worth all the tears that were shed. This story will stay with me for a very long time. It is not a drama for everyone. It is triggering for those who are sensitive to topics such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, gambling addiction, and violence connected to poverty. But for those who love character-driven mysteries and are brave enough to watch and make it to the finish line, you will uncover a heartfelt and unforgettable journey of selfless sacrifices, persistent love, and hope shining through the darkness.
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Did the letters really matter?
The drama follows two timelines connected through cross-travel letter exchange. In 1991, we follow the main leads, who are teenagers suffering from daily hardships and injustice. In 2026, we follow two adults whose lives are directly connected to the leads.POSITIVE:
- Romance. The relationship development was natural and so was the chemistry. I only wish we would have gotten a bit more fluffy scenes with them.
- Realistic story. If you remove the fantasy element with the letters, everything felt raw and real.
- Episode 8 was the best. In fact if it was the final episode, it would have impacted me greatly.
- All characters in 1991 were fleshed out well and felt like real people.
NEGATIVE:
- Side characters. The drama spent too much time on the 1991 bullies instead of the 2026 son and daughter (who for me were more important for the plot). My issue was especially with the little screen time the 2026 son received, because he played an important factor in the final episode and yet his character was so one dimension that I couldn’t really care about.
- Too much abuse. From start till the end. I get the set up and why it was important to show it, but at one point it was too much.
- The letters. My main reason for starting the drama was this fantasy aspect and yet in the end I felt like the letters didn’t really matter. It was just a “what if” scenario.
- Final episode. I expected something way, way more epic but it felt unfinished. I was quite disappointed and definitely knocked out a few points from my rating because of it.
OVERALL:
I went in completely blind, not reading the synopsis or watching the trailer. I knew this wasn’t my typical watch but still wanted to try it out. Objectively, it’s a good script and production but subjectively, I didn’t like it as much as I wanted to. I’d be hesitant to recommend it because of how extremely emotionally heavy it is. I watch for entertainment and most of the episodes stressed me out too much. I actually love angsty historical cdramas, but modern hits too close to home. The final episode unfortunately didn’t give me the pay off that I needed to make me feel the stress was truly worth it.
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A Way Back Into Love
Twelve Letters is a masterclass in evocative visual storytelling. My heart already began to ache in the opening scenes. In 1991, an exhausted girl staggers through the dark alleys of Meiwan Town to a bright red mailbox, sending a letter to herself. In 2026 Beixing City, Yu Nian’s confused father waits obstinately in the bitter cold beside an identical red mailbox. The image of this helpless old man clinging to fading memories, awaiting a letter from the past, imprinted itself on my heart. When he goes missing, Yu Nian discovers a mysterious letter and joins forces with Shen Cheng to find their parents. With the help of a ginger cat, a bright red postbox, and twelve letters, they race against time to connect the past with the future and help two people who belong together find their way back to into love.This immersive twelve-episode modern fantasy is drenched in a nostalgic, bittersweet palette that captures Meiwan Town’s yearning poverty, a constant sense of foreboding, and the faint, deceptive allure of better times ahead.
Tang Yixun is a young man with limitless potential—as a debt collector. This aspiring thug possesses the rare ability to beat the daylights out of a debtor without impairing their ability to pay. On a job, he encounters Ye Haitang, a young girl with a deadbeat dad who dares to stand up to him. He is unaccountably moved by her magnificent fury and her lonely, futile bravado. They meet again in a different setting and become entangled in a misunderstanding involving a mysterious letter—the first of twelve that will weave a magical bond through time and space between two people destined for each other.
The most outstanding aspect of this drama is the acting. I already held Wang Yinglu and Zhou Yiran in high regard, but they astounded me here. Their casting is impeccable—both actors are age-appropriate and look so convincingly the part that they seem to have simply stepped into their roles. Haitang’s pain, rage, and vulnerability leaps off the screen in a raw, visceral way. I was shaken by the authenticity of Wang Yinglu’s portrayal, how she spat the bone-deep hatred and trauma of someone pushed beyond their limits. Zhou Yiran’s smoldering depiction of Yixun’s steadfastness and his quiet joy in her company is no less intense than her fiery outbursts. Together, they were radiant, complete, invincible; their future felt limitless—until the beautiful but cruel world they inhabited intruded and conspired against them.
Twelve Letters is a stirring, emotional journey about a bond that endures through time and long separation. It is, at its heart, Yixun and Haitang’s story; Yu Nian and Shen Cheng serve more as narrative guides. I must have teared up during nearly every scene of this heart-wrenching tale. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a more sickening character than Ye Yibo. The main narrative aspect that didn’t quite sit well with me was Yixun’s “noble idiocy,” especially when it was so clear Haitang was not better off without him.
As for the ending itself, I am in the minority that thinks it is just right. I can’t help but feel the writer crafted a story that was simply too sad to be told the way it was written. So I personally don’t fully buy into the fairytale. I will remember this story for a long time.
I rate it 8.5/10.
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An Emotional Journey of Found Families
Just finished watching this Masterpiece.'Masterpiece' Isn't just a word i usually use for any dramas i like or rate higher but, '12 Letters' is One of the Best shows I've ever come across in life...'Parallel timelines' as a genre Isn't usually managed well but this one?My goodness I've felt all the feelings of this world just by 12 episodes of this drama....The soft innocent relationship dynamic of our leads in their youth which is beyond just love,more like two shattered souls found each other as family, the struggles of the people of that small town in 1991 who just merely wanted to survive Against their fate and this world absolutely was pure tearjerker,You'll have to take your eyes away from the screen sometimes to sob for what happened to the original timeline.But, i want to ensure future watchers that, it has a Happy Ending.Just start watching and the suspense of the storyline will keep you engaged, the mystery behind the Letters and the connection Between 1991 & 2026 will amaze you...The light hearted vibe of 2026 (it has some comedic elements too) actually toned down the angst for 1991, So it never felt boring...Just 12 episodes of absolute good storyline, perfect editing & directing, Masterclass Acting by All the Cast members, Amazing cinematography, and a satisfying ending...
what is truly unforgettable is the Ending of the Ending episode, I want to honorably mention Yu Nian,shen cheng,Zhang Guan & MiaoMiao from 2026 for putting their life in the line to make the OG timeline cease to exist for an altered future of Deserved Ending for the people of 1991...Like the final letter of Tang Yi Xun & Ye Haitang "The world is vast,& Life is Long...Your kindness will be rewarded...Goodbye two family members We've never met"
At first when i started the show,it kinda reminded me of Il Mare & Better Days,but the similarity became faded as I watched more episodes and this drama really shines at It's own demeanor. Give it a watch guys,It's a pleasant surprise! Happy watching!
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2A dozen tears, a dozen hope, a dozen letters and reasons to piece yourself back together!
Twelve letters and I are definitely in a toxic relationship. It made me feel sad, mad, happy, and then mad again with ugly crying and somehow left me immensely happy at the end.If I dissect the premise, it reads like those retro-time travel fanfiction. It all starts with Ye Hiatang from 1991, finding a mailbox and somehow connecting with Tang Yixun of 2026 (Thanks to the orange cat delivery system). Letters were exchanged and so was hope, exhaustion and pain! Somehow it was both cheesy and haunting.
It was more about vibes and feels rather than major plot twists because once you figure out the time travel /fantasy aspect of it, it becomes fairly predictable. But it didn't take anything away from the story because somehow I was able to predict actions but not the consequences.
This is the story of Haitang, who somehow makes her way till the very end despite all the harsh realities surrounding her. From the first frame, I never mistook her for being fragile. She was resilient but tired. Imagine living with an abusive father like that. She is a victim of adults failing her, but she isn't the one to give up. You will feel sorry for her at times, but then you will wipe your tears seeing her get up everytime and bounce back.
Tang Yixun isn't your "knight in shining armour" either. Our debt collector is messy, chaotic and has demons of his own to deal with. But I didn't like him because he was trying to fix things for Haitang, but he was just being there and treating her like she mattered.
I did feel it was very convenient for him to be there whenever Haitang was in trouble, and their connection initially felt fast-paced, but then their love wasn't built on grand gestures or cute things. It grew out of shared pain and trauma. Maybe it really is easier to open up about what breaks you when the company is right and they get it. They were just right for each other. Not perfect, but just right, and they need to be bubble wrapped and protected at all costs.
All they wanted was a family, and they did get one.
Coming to antagonists, forget scary monsters when you have a father like Ye Yibo. Cruel, controlling and violent. At one point, he felt like a cage that Haitang can't escape. But he was let go too easily and too many times. I know 1991 wasn't a progressive time but being free of assault charges that easily was kind of annoying.
We have another set of villains too, making life difficult for the Billiards gang. They went a little overboard with their involvement but I wasn't bored.
But not everyone around them was shady and selfish. The little found family that Yixun has with Li Cha Dong and Zhang Hao was adorable. It was the rainbow hiding in the storm's aftermath. Both their love stories were also tiny escape from the darkness. Both for them and us. I wouldn't mind a spin off for them specially Cha and Tan Xin.
What got me the most was how when the moment finally came, nobody even flinched. No second guessing... just pure instinct to step up and shield the ones they cared about. There was no big speeches or flashy heroics, it was the certainty that said "your life matters more than mine". And they didn't do it out of obligation but for love. Watching them stand there like a wall was both devastating and beautiful. Yixun and Haitang were lucky to have them as their found family!
The adults (children) in 2026 were also key players here. Both Yu Nian and Sheng Cheng
brought different things to the table. They both were in search of their parents and to find answers as to what happened but I feel both of them went a little too overboard with emotions at times. But again, the position they were in, the panic and frustration is understandable.
I think they grew on gradually. Somehow even with all the bickering and disagreements , they were there for each other.
Acting-wise, the leads Zhou Yiran and Wang Yinglu nailed their roles. Zhou Yiran was spot on with his "protective but never overbearing" portrayal of Yixun. I cried when he cried and I smiled when he did! Wan Yinglu, as Hiatang, also did a great job. What made her exceptional was the whole hollowed-out-of-life vibe in emotional scenes.
The supporting cast also did a great job because I hate some of the characters to the T, and like they say, if you hate a character, the actor did a good job.
Cinematography was the real MVP. It was just so Pinterest-y. The whole '90s vibe was spot on with those strong colour grading and nostalgia vibe. The clear contrast between the past and present kept everything visually distinct and easy to follow.
Lastly, the flaws… If I am being real, my eyes were way too glossy to list them all out, but here we go. The pacing in the last four episodes did feel a bit rushed. The coherence slipped here and there and at times it was hard to piece everything together. That said, it picked up almost immediately after. Maybe a couple more episodes would have helped the story breathe better but then again, the title is Twelve Letters, so twelve episodes it is.
Also, they did ended it pretty neatly but did leave with some questions. But it was more like an invitation to imagine.
Overall, I did love it from start to finish. It was like a heartbreak wrapped in hope. More than romance, it’s a reminder that love is not just about two people, it’s about the way it ripples outward and affects around, shaping families, friendships...even futures.
Will I recommend it? OF COURSE. But don't go in expecting the fantasy element to woo you or expecting this to be fluffy romance because it is everything but that. It will wreck you most beautifully. I also strongly recommend a box of tissues with it. (You will need it. Trust me)
♡ Favourite Quote ♡
I want to give you a sunny day but I only have an umbrella woven from storm clouds!
Thank you for reading my review! I know it feels more like an emotional blabber but this is exactly how I felt throughout. I hope you enjoy and suffer (lol) this drama as much as I did :))
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The unfairness of life
'Twelve letters' is one of the most underrated dramas of 2025. The story takes place in a remote town, full of emotions and suspense, wrapped in misery, with a hint of youthful romance.I am writing this review while the series in still airing as to avoid giving any spoilers by mistake. Feel free to read it if you wish.
The two main characters, Ye Haitang and Tang Yixun, have led anything but a worry‐free life. Ye Haitang was abused by her father who appeared sugar‐coated in front of any other person on the planet except his family. Her mom left Ye Yibo(her husband), leaving her young daughter to be the only victim of her father's outbursts. Tang Yixun, abandoned by his parents, grew up in an orphanage. He was later on bullied and had to "drop out" of school (I'm not going to go too deep into his past), and was forced to become a debt coletor in order to make ends meet.
Although most cdramas have around 20-40 episodes — more than enough time to develop the plot — this one has only 12. I do not find it lacking in this aspect, and it certainly does not feel rushed. To some, the main leads' relationships might be a little sudden, but we have to take into account that they are still children who get easly attached to someone who extends a helping hand.
The mystery, thriller and fantasy genres are deeply rooted in the story. The mystery of the appearance/disappearance of letters was excecuted well. Also, the criteria for traveling through space and time are a clever idea.
I don't have relevant enough complaints to be mentioned in this review, nor am I going to nitpicking at every corner.
The plot relies heavily on the traumatic factor, it also touches on subjects such as friendship and healing, showing that there's aways light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of us have probably found ourselves is a slump at least once in our lives, but we're still here, hopefully enjoying life, because we kept going. There is more to life than an abusive father; Ye Haitang must not put an end to everything to serve a scumbag of a man "justice". He will get his karma, and so will she.
I do not recommend this series if you can not understand the pain that lies under every smile. It may appeal boring or not make sense. I, personally, love this and I can tell it's going to be one of my favorites.
To sum it all up, give it a shot. Everything is worth a chance. Don't knock it till you try it.
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Our origins don’t define us. It’s what we do with what we have.
Dear reader,What if you try to resist a fate that aims to separate you from your loved ones? How hard would you fight if the adults and the world kept letting you down? And what if despite the fragility of your memory and body, you still hold onto some moments because they are worth more than life itself?
This show is the answer.
It’s about this two kids, A' Tang and A' Xun who didn't have the power to choose where they came from. In fact, everyone didn't have that power in the small town of Meiwan. Surrounded by poverty, abuse, and desperation, yet their best and worst selves, packed in twelve short, unforgettable letters and episodes.
Main Characters:
The soul of this series lies in its two leads. I had just seen Wang Ying Lu in another role where she played a fierce and mischievous character, but her performance here is on another level. There’s a behind-the-scenes story where she accidentally hit her head on real concrete and just told the director, "Let's continue shooting." Read that line again cause she's a savage for being so professional and staying calm. I was also amazed at how she seamlessly portrayed a lot of heart wrenching emotions. Her as A'Tang who only wants freedom is full of angsty ride but still felt so familiar and relatable.
And then there’s Zhou Yi Ran. I saw him in The Land Of Warriors and on When I Fly Towards You. But his portrayal of A' Xun was truly a painfully brilliant career milestone. Who said only Park Bo Gum could get to play best husband and father of 2025? At least Gwan Shik had a wife for him cause well, let me tell you that this yearner-of-thirty-freaking-years A' Xun exists. He was just a young man who loves giving and eating bread (with filling). Everyone was out to get him yet can still switch between dangerous to a green forest within a short second especially if his found-family needed him.
All throughout the drama bot these leads were not just cutting onions; he was eating them raw.
Now the supporting cast. I miss them all, specially the billiard house found-family. Their character development, along with the leads, let me see them not just as supporting casts but also as reliable and precious characters. They were a comfort place in Mei Wan but can also give you a gut-punch. And the villain... Oh you will hate him with every fiber of your being. He's worse than trash. And when you get to hate a villain role so much you pause just to curse them, you'd know the actors did a great job. Whoever cast them all and whoever decided to let their real raw voices be showcased in the drama needs to have a raise. I hope your pillow always stays cold when you sleep.
Within a few minutes of episode one alone, it has left me breathless, and I don't think I'll be forgetting it anytime soon. And so I agree about the peeps on X demanding the cast receive at least an award for this one. Never mind the emotions you'll feel while watching, both of ZYR and WYL's eye-acting and facial expressions in this short drama deserves a broadway award. This drama honestly gave the cast a lot of opportunity to showcase their talent for acting; many peeps in C-ent must be aching to work with them again now. I'll surely be tuning in for their next projects.
Music:
It’s not just the acting, though. It’s the feel of the show. One song from 福祿壽 (Fu, Lu, and Shou), an indie band I admired since 2023 (thanks to Noel's bio), was featured here. It was 春暖花开去见你 (I'll see you when spring comes and flowers bloom). I hadn't heard any new releases or news from them since 2021, so the moment I heard it as a background track, I knew I had to see every scene it was in, no matter how heartbreaking. The other songs were so fitting for the vibe as well. Music was one of the reasons I can't rewatch these songs and the drama, because I know I'd just torture myself.
The cinematography is a character in itself; every ray of light, every shadow, and every drop of rain or flake of snow tells a story. You can feel the cold of Meiwan’s streets and the fleeting warmth of the characters’ sanctuary through the screen.
Overall: ♡
If this story were a movie, it would demand an IMAX screen, 3D glasses, and with a mountain of tissues by your side. Yet I watched this drama only for free within a week, and I never felt so guilty for not paying for something so masterfully made. If you want to feel melancholy for two youths and cheer for them despite the odds constantly going against their favor, and if you want to have a good, soul-cleansing cry, then this drama deserves to be in your watchlist.
I’m sorry if you found errors with my English, not my first language. This was a long read wasn't it. But thank you so much for visiting this review!
PS: The headline quote is from the series 'His Dark Materials,' spoken by the character Marisa Coulter. Ye Hai Tang reminded me a lot of this character so I had to add her quote as this headline and it was quiet fitting alongside one of my favorite scenes from the drama.
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a good cry
This drama revolves around pain, melancholy and unfairness. How fate can be so unfair to two people trying to get out of the abyss of misery that they have been thrown into. If you are drawn to sadness and suffering and what life can put a person through or you need a good cry to vent, this sentimental drama is for you.what i liked and you might like too:
1.Story wise, the plot was presented in ''parrallel time lines'' frame. I am not a big fan of this format, but it was done impecably here. i got a little bit confused by the date ngl but it is rather clear as they dont dwell on too much secondary events (they didnt even dwell on important ones as you will see in the ending if you watch it lol)
2. i have just finished When destiny brings the demon knowing that the actress was voiced over there. so it was a happy surprise when i heared her low pitch resonant voice. it added so much richness to her character (matureness, this seemed important concidering what her dad made her go through).
3.Most importantly, her acting was heavenly, notably her despair in the first episodes. she broke my heart in different ways i never knew possible. the more or less contradicting portrayals she offered ,from her more fluffy and cute character in When destiny brings the demon to a tormented young girl that feels endlessly helpless in twelve letters, is rather impressive. She was able to express a vast spectrum of emotions from saddness, helplessness and despair passing by complete obsession to hopefulness and happiness with great balance.
4. This drama was shot beautifully. the cinematography is great. they seem to have allocated great attention to colorgrading, which i loved.
what i felt a little bit disappointed about:
1. the ending was a bit rushed and they left some pieces of the puzzle unexplained. i am okay with leaving a room for speculation and analysis for the audience ;nevertheless, we needed more than just a plain answer to the question: what is denouement for this complexe situation . we longued to see the long awaited aftermath. we longued to see them happy in their new timeline(so it was quite underwhelming eventhough we knew we got what we wanted implicitly). After it all settled, i am just thinking why torture us in two timelines, just to not give us a mere glimpse of the timeline we hoped for all along
2. i am not into continuous angst, and suspense lol . in this drama i couldnt sit for a sec without feelings of anxiety as there is always turmoil whether with yu nian and shen cheng or tang hai and yu xin.
3.Cha ge was a bit annoying sometimes (for his defense he could not do much)
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This review may contain spoilers
Tissues Required: A Journey of Found Family
This isn’t the kind of drama I usually gravitate toward, because I just know it’s going to wreck me emotionally and leave me in need of a full-on crying detox. And yet—this story took me to places ...It’s a deeply touching tale of ordinary yet genuine people dealt a cruel hand of fate. At its heart, it reminds us that blood doesn’t always define family—sometimes family is found in the most unexpected corners, bound together by timeless, unshakable love.
What struck me most was how the chemistry between the leads transcends the need for physical intimacy. No kisses, no overt gestures—yet their emotional bond is so palpable, so magnetic, it pulls you in and leaves you breathless. For such young actors, the cast delivered a remarkable performance, capturing raw, layered emotions with brilliance. I found myself bawling through nearly every episode.
The ML shines as a pure, kind-hearted soul who gives selflessly to those he loves, while the FL—my poor girl—deserved the world and so much more. On the other hand, I don’t recall hating a character as much as her father (except maybe the uncle from The First Frost—they’re tied at the top of my “most despised” list).
The parallel modern storyline added unexpected depth, especially the narrative of their children, which kept me equally invested. And the ending? Surprisingly satisfying, better than I dared to hope for after such a turbulent journey.
All in all, if you’re in the mood for an emotional carousel—heartwarming yet heartbreaking, devastating yet wholesome—this drama is an experience worth surrendering to. Just don’t forget to keep a box of tissues close by.
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"Love Written in Suffering, Letters Written in Time"
Sometimes a drama doesn’t just tell a story it makes you feel it deep in your bones. Twelve Letters is one of those rare gems.From the very first episode, I was swept into its hauntingly beautiful world. At its core, it’s a story about time, sacrifice, and love children shouldering pain in silence just to protect their parents, fleeting moments of happiness shining like stars against a backdrop of abuse and poverty. The way the drama reflects the realities of our society, especially the struggles of girls trapped in harsh households, is heartbreaking and all too real.
The acting? Absolutely top-tier. Wang Yinglu blew me away. I first noticed her in I Am Nobody, where her sharp action sequences left an impression, but here she proves her range with raw, devastating vulnerability. Zhou Yiran is equally magnetic the kind of actor who can break your heart with just a look. His micro-expressions, the way love and sorrow flicker across his face when he looks at the female lead… it’s the kind of subtlety that makes you fall deeper into the story without realizing it. He’s truly grown into a powerhouse of emotion, and this role highlights his versatility more than ever.
And it wasn’t just the leads the entire cast delivered an impressive performance. Sheng Cheng and Ye Nian especially stood out. Their sacrifices for their parents were utterly heartbreaking, and even though their time together was short, the chemistry they shared was undeniably beautiful.
What makes Twelve Letters so powerful is how it treats joy. The smallest laugh, a shared glance, a tiny pocket of safety they don’t feel ordinary here. They feel monumental. Because you know how rare they are, how fragile. And that’s the beauty of this drama: it makes you cherish the fleeting, because life for these characters is so often cruel.
The chemistry between the leads is electric yet tender. Even when the world around them is unrelenting, the way they hold onto each other gives you hope. It’s painful, it’s beautiful, and it lingers long after the episode ends.
If you’re looking for a drama that blends parallel timelines with raw social commentary, that makes you cry one moment and treasure a smile the next, TWELVE LETTERS IS IT. It’s not just entertainment it’s an experience that cuts deep.
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A Drama of Mystery, Melodrama, and Lingering Feels
Sometimes a drama starts like a thriller, takes a sharp turn into melodrama, and somehow still leaves you laughing, crying, and thinking long after the credits. Twelve Letters does exactly that.
The drama opens with two timelines: the nineties, where young protagonists navigate violent gang rivalries and domestic turmoil, and modern days, where two strangers are desperately searching for a missing parent, guided by a mysterious mailbox and cryptic letters. Initially, the tension between these timelines is delicious—intertwining in suspenseful ways that keep you guessing.
The nineties timeline is portrayed with authentic grit and rawness. The struggles, friendships, and loyalty feel lived-in and real. Modern timeline characters, however, sometimes stumble. Having grown up in safe environments, they are depicted with surprisingly low emotional intelligence, prone to shouting, mistrust, and childlike reactions—especially the female lead, who occasionally feels more like a teenager than a fully formed adult.
Midway through, the drama shifts gears. The mystery takes a backseat to melodrama, focusing almost exclusively on the nineties storyline, which spans 25 years. The male protagonist carries a lifetime of guilt and shame from being abandoned as a child, which is heart-wrenching in its own right. But for fans of suspense, you might find yourself muttering: “What about the letters? The mailbox? Hello?”
The latter part of the drama does circle back to the mystery, injecting suspense just when you thought it was gone. With the clock ticking and outcomes uncertain, the final stretch delivers both action and sentimentality without ever tipping into cringe territory. Themes of grief, life choices, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and deep emotional connection are explored with care—and some scenes linger long after the credits roll.
Despite the tonal shift into melodrama, the execution is compelling. Acting is excellent across the board, cinematography is strong, and the supporting characters inject moments of levity, humor, and emotional punch—some scenes genuinely made me laugh out loud. The soundtrack is interesting, alternating between lullabies in a southern dialect and darker themes that underscore the drama’s emotional highs and lows.
Verdict:
Twelve Letters starts as a mystery, detours into melodrama, but ultimately delivers a smart, emotional journey peppered with suspense and laughs. If you enjoy smart protagonists navigating messy, emotional lives—and can forgive a few timeline hiccups—this drama is worth your time. And yes, the mailbox mystery eventually pays off.
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Love wins all...
"Twelve Letters" fearlessly explores a complex narrative. The show masterfully juggles multiple themes, including the solace of found family, the intrigue of time travel through a mysterious mailbox, and the central mystery of the leads' disappearance and its impact on their children. The series navigates broken families, lost hope, dreams, heartbreak, and the bonds of friendship. Its layered storytelling creates an emotional rollercoaster, offering a deep, engaging, and mysterious experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The time travel element feels refreshingly original.
The characters in "Twelve Letters" are profoundly tragic yet resilient, embodying the human spirit's capacity for hope amidst despair. The female lead, reeling from the loss of her grandmother and facing an abusive father, clings to the hope of university and escape. The male lead, an orphan, survives without future aspirations. Their relationship is a poignant testament to finding solace in shared pain, offering each other hope and protection.
The performances are exceptional. Wang Yinglu delivers a stunning portrayal, her emotional depth and natural talent leaving a lasting impact. Zhou Yiran complements her with a quiet intensity that anchors the narrative.
The narrative transcends timelines, starting in 2026 with the adult versions of the leads mysteriously disappearing, leaving their children to solve the puzzle. Then, we journey back to 1991 to meet the younger versions of our protagonists. A mailbox connects these timelines, adding another layer of intrigue. I won't spoil more, but this drama is a refreshing dose of originality and brilliance that's a must-watch!"
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