Watched (2025)

WangXian!  Watch to know the story and characters, then go to AO3 and gorge on all the amazing fanfics written for this couple in this world.  The politics, characters, and story are very suited to alternative storylines (i.e. fanfic creation).  With all the stupid things that go wrong and scheming done, all the canon divergent and time travel fics are more interesting than the original storyline. 

I liked the anime better, but this was still enjoyable.  I wish they reminded the audience why the ML is broke more often since you forget and wonder why he doesn't have more money to go with this reputation.

FL is annoying and does not match the ML well, but the story and some scenes are amusing enough.  Anytime she was dressed as the hero was ridiculous... but that is apparently part of the charm in this show.

Why does the FL NEVER SHOW ANY FACIAL EXPRESSION???   This bothered me so much.  She would have been so much more likable if she actually smiled once an episode.  I liked the dynamics and goofing off among the teams - the bromance friendships were fun to watch.  They spent no time explaining the e-sport game, despite all the screen time it got... which was annoying.  I did like the ML's relationship dynamic with the FL though - classic pulling pigtails situation. 

Loved Simon Gong's performance as the crafty leader and artsy wanderer.  Well done bromance hinting at more, but keeping within boundaries of censorship.  Not usually a fan of Zhou Ye as her works are hit or miss, but she was well cast in this one. 

Mixed thoughts on this one - I liked a few scenes here or there, but did not consistently love it.  The FL was not very attractive or engaging, so it was hard to see chemistry with the ML.  Second couple was not interesting and Second ML was a whiny boy.  

Mixed thoughts on this one - Loved the music!  This was a nice surprise as I came for the romance.  But, the main couple's dynamic was not very interesting - he was too accommodating and she too timid.  Second couple was not believable.  The third couple that showed up in the last few episodes was SOO interesting though and there was little to no time spent on them, which was severely disappointing.  Wish they would have focused on them from the first place. 

Another Zhou Ye performance that didn't quite ring true to me...  I barely got through the first 6-7 episodes with how much I hated her character.  So aggressively pursuing the ML and being ridiculous about it.  Literally skip those and start at episode 7.  The ML then spending the next 10 episodes trying to win back her affection was also a bit tiresome, as if she was on the moral high ground.  The second couple was also poorly done.  Few funny moments here or there, but not interesting enough to rewatch.  

Interesting story!  Preferred the Japanese version though.  This one has more flair to it, but the romance of the couple is more believable and well done in the Japanese take.

Enjoyed this!  I liked seeing the FL's transformation as she grew in confidence, the villain's were enough without being excessively cruel, and the couple's romance was subtle and gently done (classic in Japanese drama).   Too bad it's only on Amz Prime - hope it moves to Netflix one day.

I mostly enjoyed this one, largely for their school days.  I did not like the FL actress much though, her enunciation at times was poor and made her sound dumb.... which was ironic since her character tries to prove she is not stupid.  The FL relentlessly following the ML even when people are trying to point out that she has another path better suited to her was also frustrating.  And the conflict of their separation was not very logical...  Enjoy the teen romance moments, and maybe the last episode where they go to the class reunion, but otherwise this one has mixed goods/bads.

Loved the music and timing to emotional scenes.  Interesting story line, but with a character who struggles with emotion clinically, it is hard to adapt to a romantic connection.  The second ML was miscast in my opinion - I don't see how he could have been so devoted and attracted to the FL; it just didn't fit his character.  I really liked the FL's mom and her support of their relationship.  The ML does show growth as he works to overcome his condition, with multiple setbacks.  

I like the storyline but wish a different actress could have been cast for the FL.  The fun parts of this show lie with the ML's roommates and their interactions.  I was more interested in Mei's gay awakening and bromance with the hacker guy than the main couple.  Wish they would have gotten more screen time. 

Blah... did not like actor for the ML at all.  FL character was overblown in her antics at times, so it was hard to see any chemistry or romance among them.  Skip it.

The trailer makes this one look more interesting than it is.  The ML lacks emotional depth and I did not feel much chemistry between the leads at all.  The FL's mother is ridiculous to the point you will be shocked how she can do what she does... I hated her so much.  The FL's family drama is a point of the story, but the way her mother, her father, and even her brother act... it did not endear me at all and I did not like them.

Not sure why people online seem to love this show.  I had high hopes going into it, but ultimately could not finish it.  I loved the gaming boys and their antics with their leader and the FL... but I felt the age gap between the leads was too large, ML looked in his 30's easily, and I could not feel any chemistry that was believable.  It didn't make sense and I stopped wasting time on this show.

Started off pretty interesting - bad boy x new girl teen romance, but then took a few curveballs and went off tracks permanently.  The FL does not act well - her character is sad and depressed, but she rarely changes her facial expression.  

Blah - leads lacked chemistry... Not overly engaging. 

Loved the humorous interactions between the ML and FL in the first half of the show.  When one of them would start some sort of "play" in front of an audience, the other would pick it up and support the "play" as well.  It was fun to watch.  The couple's separation midway felt unnecessary, but I think the leads showed the yearning and hardship well.  Both ML and FL are good at acting.  

Surprising liked this one... Mainly for the cat-and-mouse vibe that Duke Su gives off as he toys with others and gets to the root cause of issues in the capital.  I also liked the bestie vibe with the emperor.  The FL did well, but it isn't very convincing how everyone doesn't recognize her for the longest time.  Her features are too unique.  The ending of the show is a mess.

Classic rom-com with all the cliche's and silly moments and romance that a girl likes. 

Likes - ML's pursuit of the FL showed he was a fan and passionately devoted to the FL.  He is the younger in the relationship and this shows.  He is boyish in the best ways:  sneakily making moves against his rival, smirking when he one-ups the FL, jealous and pouty when something doesn't go his way, etc.  I liked how he dated a celebrity, yet he was a celebrity (online) himself.  The progression was well done.  

Dislikes - For the main character to be a famous singer and to only sing the same 1-2 songs the entire show is ridiculous.  Even when she is "branching out" into rock (?!)... it sounds like the same song.  Very disappointing.  Also, the FL is a bit too timid and naive.  This doesn't seem to match her confident image as a singer... maybe they are trying to show a "gap", but I found it strange.  To like her, you basically have to throw out the idea of her being a major singer - just forget that and accept her as a shy girl who apparently sings for a living and has a rich apartment.  The ML's roommates are also a bit excessively immature... a bit is okay, but they took the characters' to an extreme that became annoying.  SKIP all scenes with the character Ma.  She is completely uninteresting and her relationship with the comedic relief friend is unbelievable.  Don't waste time on them.  

Enjoyed this one, though more for ML's acting than the FL.  Something about the FL did not endear me.  I did enjoy the antics as these two figured out how to live together and the college setting.  Ultimately a heart-warming show.  

Loved this within the first 5 minutes of episode 1... the music is so good.  ML's performance as a genius being worn down by his own creations was so well done.  The romance is subtle and not clearly visible on the ML's side = classic Japanese style.  Overall I enjoyed it though.

Such a powerfully touching show... the FL's emotional rollercoaster, the ML's unwavering support, and their connection that spans years was amazing to watch.  

This show featuring Sang Yan came after Hidden Love (featuring Sang Zhi) but the timelines don't overlap well.  I would have loved to see the two couples interact in some way.  Instead, we just get a few comments in passing but even then, the timing seems off in the two stories.  

When I first watched this show, I wasn't sure I liked the female lead as I found her annoying.  Esther Yu's performance as a cutesy girl bothered me and I didn't understand certain phrases or actions.  However, this changed as I realized her playful nature was intentionally humorous and created good interactions among the friend group.  It is an act in itself and she does have more serious moments later on, showing her support for the ML and her friends.  

I really liked the ML's snowboarding friends and enjoyed how they played around, goofed off with each other, and poked fun at the ML.  

The show could have been improved if: 1) the breakup was removed (totally unnecessary and useless), and 2) it included more content/scenes to play up the ML's role in the snowboarding world (i.e. more fan meet ups, more social media moments - people posting about his girlfriend).  I heard the show was cut short and there likely were more scenes on this front - it's sad we didn't get to see them.    

I loved the last episode - lots of fun and a happy ending for all. 

Music: A+

This was a show that grew on me.  The FL's overly cheerful and cute personality was a bit much at first, but I really liked the dynamic with the ML - how her personality essentially thawed his cold view on life and brought sunshine to his world.  Seeing him open up, start to smile more, and interact with friends was heart-warming and enjoyable to watch.  I like how a scene later post college had him commenting that he never pursued her, rather he was pursued and helpless to resist such devotion.  He chuckles and accepts his fate.  

I would have liked some scenes from his office - we never got to see his coworkers meeting his girlfriend or realizing she is nothing like what they envision.  I really wanted to see it.  

All time favorite!  

The age difference was well done.  At that time of life (early-mid 20's), 5 years is negligible, but because of their history, Duan Jiaxu had to really reflect on their relationship and what he really wants in the future.  The drama did a good job showing his struggle.  The scene where he realizes his desire is so well done and Chen Zhe Yuan's acting is so expressive in this moment.    

I also loved the little scenes at the end of each episode.  My favorite was the one where a lady asks for directions to a cafe, then for DJ's wechat.  When Sang Zhi playfully spins it back and accuses him of flirting, his shock is so funny!  Like, what??? Did you not just see me?  Hahaha... and then he flips the exact same reaction back at her not 30 min later at the store when the reverse happens.  Their dynamic of playful teasing is the best!

Music - A+.  Very well timed with the scenes to bring more emotional connection to the moment.  

Ah, this one is so good... it needs more attention for sure and I hope to see it on Netflix one day.  There are such positive messages of self-care, healing, taking your time, respecting boundaries, and gentle love.  These are all topics popular in modern culture today so I feel like everyone would love this one. The love between the main couple is not a straight line and even when it seems like their feelings are returned, the FL decides she is not ready... and the ML understands and waits for her.  That is amazing right there.  In today's world, so many would just get angry and find someone new (swipe culture).  We need to see more of this example. 

The filming and scenes are beautifully done, especially with the correlation of the seasons/weather to the progression of the characters.  I liked all the information about TCM as well. 

The theme with tulips and the scenes of flower giving are so pretty.  

Music was A+ and very touching. 

Humorous points were well done among the character's friends.  I loved when the doctor friend who get jealous when He Suye would make comments about his girlfriend picking out his outfit, etc.  Also, the grandfather was so cute - just as invested in his grandson's relationship, rooting him on, and then blatantly spilling secrets later on to embarrass him, haha. 

First non-modern setting drama I watched in a long while.. I tried this one out because of Chen Zhe Yuan... and I loved it so much!   CZY did an amazing job playing his role - showcasing the "two faced" prince struggling to protect his country and those close to him.  The dynamic with Fu Yixiao is well done - you can see how they grow to respect each other and see each other as a true partner in life.  It was beautifully done.  

The prince's companions are fun, bringing good balance to the scenes - lightening the mood or getting a childish reaction out of the prince.