Faves of 2025

An unexpected hit. Surprising, because it starts badly, and hides its true value. But the excellence soon comes through. These are fun, loveable, heroic characters, and a very satisfying story that takes hold of your heart and pulls you in deep. 

Amazing. The underlying story that glorifies protesting is annoying, and if it weren't otherwise so good, I'd really dislike it. But everything that comes with it is excellent. Just a beautiful show, apart from that theme. 

I love and hate this show! Love, because Song Wei Long is perfection, the costumes and settings are richly, creatively, thoughtfully done - especially the braids and the costumes for Beixuan and in particular for Song Wei Long as Xuan Lie, Xuan Lie's friends are great, there are good other supporting characters and stories, and there's lots and lots of visual interest, intrigue, and difficulty to go through. Hate because 'Angelababy' is disappointing in her portrayal - too stiff and commanding and hardly giving an inch, ever. She needed to loosen up. But also her character, Jun Qi Luo. Hate how she treats Xuan Lie, despite his devotion and clear love. But the good wins out, for me. 

Starts high, goes down a bit, and ends high. 

Has flaws, for sure, but they are a cute couple, it's encouraging and even inspiring, enjoyable, funny, and comforting, and the ending is very cute, sweet, and fun. 

The boy she liked, who died - in a way - because of her, before they could actually share their feelings or date, comes back as a Grim Reaper to teach her how to live without him. Heartbreaking and bittersweet. Funny, sad, and profound. About forgiving oneself and each other, and finding reasons for living and being happy, after the hardest things happen.