This was such a great drama, definitely a top-tier xianxia. You can kind of guess the plot around episode 30, but before that, it’s totally unpredictable which is super exciting. The drama is a visual treat the costumes and cinematography are stunning, and the OSTs are incredibly touching. For me, the true antagonist was Mu Qi Bai. Situ Ling, in my opinion, is just a weird, pitiful character like, you kind of feel bad for him, y’know? He doesn’t come off as the type of antagonist you hate to the core, unlike Mu Qi Bai, who fits that role much better. Situ Ling feels more like a sore-thumb loser, and you know he was never going to win anyway.
The second lead couples were adorable, and the main couple had some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a C-drama. I would’ve loved more female lead-focused fight scenes because I adore strong female leads, but I get that they wanted to show the leads as equally matched, which is sweet. The first 20 episodes were honestly the best, giving an intense adrenaline rush. The drama felt a bit short, probably because it was so good. While the ending wasn’t rushed, it could have benefited from more depth and slower-paced moments. For example, the baby-switching trope was a bit cliché, but exploring the lore of the empress and emperor of Yanguag Mountain further would’ve added richness The best part of this drama, though, is the yearning male lead I love that omg and the female lead is also such an adorable and well-written character. Definitely a must-watch drama!
Yo Episode 27 is getting exciting again! It had been a bit dull for a few episodes before this, but now it's interesting and becoming enjoyable once more. Hopefully, we'll get to see more strong female lead lore in the second half ;-;
The only disappointing factor so far is that the female lead hasn’t had her epic main fight scene yet, which I’m really hoping happens in the final episodes and not just some boring resurrection. But yo, everything else is fire 10/10 either way, because the female leads aren’t dumb characters. They’re smart and powerful, with a depth to their personalities that I think is top-tier quality for xianxia
This is such a masterpiece, and I’m completely hooked! It’s incredible, especially since I just got back into dramaland after a long break I missed it so much, for real ;-; 25 episodes in 5 days, Rawr :3
Some films leave a fleeting impression, while others carve themselves into your soul, refusing to let go. Better Days (2019) is the latter—a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of storytelling and becomes an experience. Without a doubt, this film has cemented itself in my top 10 movies of all time. It is a raw, visceral, and deeply evocative portrayal of youth, trauma, and the desperate yearning for hope in a world that often seems cruel.
What struck me most about Better Days was its authenticity. Every emotion, every fleeting smile, every tear-soaked moment felt so painfully real. If you have ever been a teenager, this film will resonate with you on a profoundly personal level. It captures the unspoken frustrations, the quiet battles, and the unrelenting turmoil that come with that phase of life. The cinematography itself enhances this sense of realism—close-up shots of the characters’ skin, the exhaustion in their eyes, and the heavy silence between words make you live their experiences, not just witness them.
Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. These two don’t just act; they breathe life into their characters. The pain in their eyes, the hesitation in their voices, the unguarded vulnerability—these are performances that deserve every award possible, perhaps even an Oscar. There’s an undeniable angstiness that will leave you in pieces, making you bawl your eyes out, yet you won’t be able to look away.
Beyond its emotional depth, Better Days is a harrowing reflection of reality. The film sheds light on bullying—one of the most insidious forms of cruelty that exists, especially among the young. Even if one has never faced severe physical abuse, we have all, at some point, felt belittled, outcast, or ridiculed. This film doesn't shy away from showing the brutal consequences of such torment. It makes you question the world we live in, the systems that fail to protect the vulnerable, and the silent struggles countless individuals endure.
While on the surface, Better Days may seem like another enemies-to-lovers trope wrapped in a dark, angst-filled package, it is so much more. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, one that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. It is thought-provoking, yet somehow, in moments when you least expect it, it makes you smile. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of times, happiness can still find a way to exist, even if only for a fleeting moment.
The ending is nothing short of perfection—the kind that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The actors seamlessly transition into their adult roles, embodying a maturity that is both palpable and deeply moving. The shift in their demeanor is remarkable; no longer are they controlled by their emotions, but rather, they have gained the strength to control them. The weight of their past does not define them anymore—it shapes them into individuals who can finally breathe freely, unshackled from the chains of their former lives. There is an immense sense of relief, a cathartic realization that, at last, they hold their future in their own hands. The freedom to simply exist as themselves is a luxury they have fought for, and now, they finally get to embrace it.
As one wise soul once said, "Sometimes, in this small life, all we humans need is happiness above all." This film embodies that sentiment—through pain, through hardship, through tragedy, there remains an undying flicker of hope.
Better Days is not just a movie; it is an experience that will haunt you, move you, and ultimately, change you. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself for one of the most powerful films of this generation.
Wow, every episode just keeps getting better and better! 🤩 The comment section is drowning in spoilers, but they just keep popping up anyway. 🙃
Gotta give a shoutout to the male lead—dude’s an amazing actor! 👏 Everyone’s hyping up the female lead (rightfully so), but I wanna take a moment to appreciate the ML too. I’ve seen him as a second lead before, especially in Dreaming Back to Qing Dynasty, and let me tell you—major second lead syndrome! 😭 Even though I watched him in Mr. Honesty, I feel like this drama really lets him shine in a whole new way.
Also, the dad’s character? Meh. Kinda mid. 🤷♂️
Now, about the mother—I definitely feel like she has a past, and there’s so much backstory that’ll explain a lot about the female lead’s journey. It’s pretty obvious she wasn’t always like this—something made her this way. And somehow, I have a strong feeling this ties into the bigger storyline. Like, this could be the key to future events! Even though the female lead has definitely had unfair things happen to her, she doesn’t seem like someone who would do anything to completely ruin her life. That’s why I think this is truly a karmic story—everything has a cycle, and everyone’s actions will come back to them in one way or another.
Of course, this is all just my own speculation, but if things turn out this way, chef’s kiss 🤌🔥 And if it’s even better than what I’m imagining? Even more iconic! Can’t wait to see how it all plays out! 🤯🔥
Ohh, The Glory definitely got me hooked! I’ve always wondered how Duling hasn’t landed a main role yet, especially after seeing her kill it in so many notable C-dramas. The best performance I’ve seen from her is in Till The End of The Moon That drama was awesome.
The Glory has me glued to the screen every second so much so that I lowkey considered buying a subscription just to binge it faster, lol. The angsty chemistry? Top-tier. The storytelling? Dramatic in the best way. So far, it’s delivering everything I wanted.
But listen, if the FL doesn’t get a happy ending after everything, she’s been through... BRUH. If this drama dares to hit me with a disturbing ending, I’m immediately slapping it with a 1-star rating. And that one star? Yeah, that’s purely for Duling. Oop.
Oh. My. Gwad. This drama is pure fire! Empresses in the Palace has completely redefined the way I rate historical dramas—it’s that good. If you’ve been craving an intense, angsty, costume drama that leaves you emotionally wrecked (in the best way possible), this is it.
The acting? Beyond perfect. Every glance, every tear, every subtle expression hits hard. The costumes and makeup? Absolute perfection—every character feels so alive, and the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. You can feel the emotions in every episode, like you’re witnessing history unfold right in front of you. And let’s talk about how brilliantly it captures a woman's reality in ancient times—brutal, heartbreaking, but so compelling.
And the chemistry? If you know, you know (IFYKYK). The dynamic between Zhen Huan and you-know-who was so beautifully tragic that it shattered my soul into a million pieces. Any drama that can make you feel this much is an undeniable masterpiece.
If you’re into lighthearted, fluffy stories, this might not be for you. But for a true costume drama lover? This is hands-down one of the best out there. I didn’t think I’d have the attention span to get through 76 episodes, but even if I only watched one or two a day, I was hooked. I had to know what would happen to our girly, Zhen Huan. Her character arc is absolutely devastating but also a testament to her strength.
She’s a queen. This drama is a must-watch. Period.
Ughhh, finally, Season 2 of Signal! I still remember how amazing and absolutely scrumptious the characters and story were in ss1. But I hated that open-ended ending! The only reason I was okay with it was because the last episode had such a strong emphasis on setting up another season. Also, it was that freaking awesome—pure fire to even hate. Still, the lingering unanswered questions haunted me for months. And that walkie-talkie? Yeah, it never left my mind. It’s been living in my head rent-free ever since. 😭📻
started watching this drama becoz its short and everyone seem to have good opinion on this so far pretty good for a low production drama the main leads are cute and funny ,to me personally the fml is not that annoying aside from sometimes the high-pitched screams and her not giving in to the romance lol like it's the 3rd ep so shouldn't expect much lol the ml is hwat >< and he is also adorable to me since he acts so tough and tries to makes his face so serious like dude I saw them sneaky smirks lmao yes quite fluffy so far
Just finished it ! <3 pretty standard xianxia/wuxia drama that is very entertaining,The romance/chemistry and the acting is chef's kiss also I found the cinematic theme to be fun and a little unique all the pastel colorings.
The only cons I could say is that the plot was a little rushed and some character's storys wasn't in depth and sometimes the "different lifetimes" felt pretty similar to one in one way or another well no drama could be perfect so I took some points off for that only
The second lead couples were adorable, and the main couple had some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a C-drama. I would’ve loved more female lead-focused fight scenes because I adore strong female leads, but I get that they wanted to show the leads as equally matched, which is sweet. The first 20 episodes were honestly the best, giving an intense adrenaline rush. The drama felt a bit short, probably because it was so good. While the ending wasn’t rushed, it could have benefited from more depth and slower-paced moments. For example, the baby-switching trope was a bit cliché, but exploring the lore of the empress and emperor of Yanguag Mountain further would’ve added richness The best part of this drama, though, is the yearning male lead I love that omg and the female lead is also such an adorable and well-written character. Definitely a must-watch drama!
What struck me most about Better Days was its authenticity. Every emotion, every fleeting smile, every tear-soaked moment felt so painfully real. If you have ever been a teenager, this film will resonate with you on a profoundly personal level. It captures the unspoken frustrations, the quiet battles, and the unrelenting turmoil that come with that phase of life. The cinematography itself enhances this sense of realism—close-up shots of the characters’ skin, the exhaustion in their eyes, and the heavy silence between words make you live their experiences, not just witness them.
Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. These two don’t just act; they breathe life into their characters. The pain in their eyes, the hesitation in their voices, the unguarded vulnerability—these are performances that deserve every award possible, perhaps even an Oscar. There’s an undeniable angstiness that will leave you in pieces, making you bawl your eyes out, yet you won’t be able to look away.
Beyond its emotional depth, Better Days is a harrowing reflection of reality. The film sheds light on bullying—one of the most insidious forms of cruelty that exists, especially among the young. Even if one has never faced severe physical abuse, we have all, at some point, felt belittled, outcast, or ridiculed. This film doesn't shy away from showing the brutal consequences of such torment. It makes you question the world we live in, the systems that fail to protect the vulnerable, and the silent struggles countless individuals endure.
While on the surface, Better Days may seem like another enemies-to-lovers trope wrapped in a dark, angst-filled package, it is so much more. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, one that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. It is thought-provoking, yet somehow, in moments when you least expect it, it makes you smile. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of times, happiness can still find a way to exist, even if only for a fleeting moment.
The ending is nothing short of perfection—the kind that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The actors seamlessly transition into their adult roles, embodying a maturity that is both palpable and deeply moving. The shift in their demeanor is remarkable; no longer are they controlled by their emotions, but rather, they have gained the strength to control them. The weight of their past does not define them anymore—it shapes them into individuals who can finally breathe freely, unshackled from the chains of their former lives. There is an immense sense of relief, a cathartic realization that, at last, they hold their future in their own hands. The freedom to simply exist as themselves is a luxury they have fought for, and now, they finally get to embrace it.
As one wise soul once said, "Sometimes, in this small life, all we humans need is happiness above all." This film embodies that sentiment—through pain, through hardship, through tragedy, there remains an undying flicker of hope.
Better Days is not just a movie; it is an experience that will haunt you, move you, and ultimately, change you. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself for one of the most powerful films of this generation.
Gotta give a shoutout to the male lead—dude’s an amazing actor! 👏 Everyone’s hyping up the female lead (rightfully so), but I wanna take a moment to appreciate the ML too. I’ve seen him as a second lead before, especially in Dreaming Back to Qing Dynasty, and let me tell you—major second lead syndrome! 😭 Even though I watched him in Mr. Honesty, I feel like this drama really lets him shine in a whole new way.
Also, the dad’s character? Meh. Kinda mid. 🤷♂️
Now, about the mother—I definitely feel like she has a past, and there’s so much backstory that’ll explain a lot about the female lead’s journey. It’s pretty obvious she wasn’t always like this—something made her this way. And somehow, I have a strong feeling this ties into the bigger storyline. Like, this could be the key to future events! Even though the female lead has definitely had unfair things happen to her, she doesn’t seem like someone who would do anything to completely ruin her life. That’s why I think this is truly a karmic story—everything has a cycle, and everyone’s actions will come back to them in one way or another.
Of course, this is all just my own speculation, but if things turn out this way, chef’s kiss 🤌🔥 And if it’s even better than what I’m imagining? Even more iconic! Can’t wait to see how it all plays out! 🤯🔥
The Glory has me glued to the screen every second so much so that I lowkey considered buying a subscription just to binge it faster, lol. The angsty chemistry? Top-tier. The storytelling? Dramatic in the best way. So far, it’s delivering everything I wanted.
But listen, if the FL doesn’t get a happy ending after everything, she’s been through... BRUH. If this drama dares to hit me with a disturbing ending, I’m immediately slapping it with a 1-star rating. And that one star? Yeah, that’s purely for Duling. Oop.
The acting? Beyond perfect. Every glance, every tear, every subtle expression hits hard. The costumes and makeup? Absolute perfection—every character feels so alive, and the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. You can feel the emotions in every episode, like you’re witnessing history unfold right in front of you. And let’s talk about how brilliantly it captures a woman's reality in ancient times—brutal, heartbreaking, but so compelling.
And the chemistry? If you know, you know (IFYKYK). The dynamic between Zhen Huan and you-know-who was so beautifully tragic that it shattered my soul into a million pieces. Any drama that can make you feel this much is an undeniable masterpiece.
If you’re into lighthearted, fluffy stories, this might not be for you. But for a true costume drama lover? This is hands-down one of the best out there. I didn’t think I’d have the attention span to get through 76 episodes, but even if I only watched one or two a day, I was hooked. I had to know what would happen to our girly, Zhen Huan. Her character arc is absolutely devastating but also a testament to her strength.
She’s a queen. This drama is a must-watch. Period.
The only cons I could say is that the plot was a little rushed and some character's storys wasn't in depth and sometimes the "different lifetimes" felt pretty similar to one in one way or another well no drama could be perfect so I took some points off for that only