Ecleveland

I started watching it already expecting to drop it within the first few episodes

I have to admit—whenever I read the reviews of some fellow viewers, I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy for their expertise and depth of knowledge. I’ve seen people who followed Veil of Shadows since the very beginning of its filming last year, and all I can do is stand in awe. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with something like that. I can barely keep up with the sheer volume of Chinese releases each year. On top of that, I’m still watching Scarlet Heart—because, honestly, I could never just abandon the classics—and then there are countless productions from other countries demanding attention as well.

I truly wish I could embrace everything at once. But I lack the time, the stamina, and sometimes even the clarity to separate what’s worth it from what isn’t. And that was exactly how it felt with Veil of Shadows. I pressed play already half-convinced I would drop it within the first few episodes.

Seriously.

The twists felt so relentless, so wildly unpredictable, that I quickly assumed this just wasn’t for me.

Well… I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Not a single episode went by without me craving the next. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen—not even for a quick popcorn break. I was genuinely afraid to blink and miss my passage into that other world… and honestly? What a show, my friends. What an unforgettable show.

There are so many strengths in this drama that it feels almost unfair to try to list them—they overflow, they exceed, they linger. But I’ll still try, even knowing it won’t be enough.

Costume Design: Simply breathtaking. Huang Wei—whose already flawless career includes work with Vogue and many other prestigious roles—left me with one lingering question: what dimension do you truly belong to? Because these costumes cannot possibly be from ours. They are otherworldly. Every piece feels like art in motion.

I’m not even sure how many tissues I went through just to wipe away the drool while admiring her creations.

Characters: Amid such a rich tapestry of personalities, each so distinct and vivid, one truth remained constant: every single character shines. Each carries a unique essence, yet all contribute meaningfully to the story’s beauty and depth. I loved them all—even the monstrous Jiu Ying. But my heart belongs, above all, to Ji Ling—our “false” Dragon Deity, who, to me, never stopped being divine, not even after the arrival of the Dragon’s tenth son. Tian Jia Rui delivered a performance nothing short of extraordinary. He didn’t just portray Ji Ling—he became him, in a way that feels utterly irreplaceable. To me, he is the soul of this story, its most powerful and unforgettable presence. I will never forget the sweetest little red fox.

And then there’s Lu Wuyi, the second character who captured my heart completely. Her life was nothing but fragments—broken, reconstructed, stripped of memory—until Ji Ling appeared in her world like a quiet miracle. She is, to me, one of the most unique and emotionally resonant characters I’ve encountered. Irreplaceable. Deeply human. Ju Jingyi portrayed her with such grace and sensitivity that it’s impossible not to be moved.

Screenwriting and Direction: Bold, inventive, and fearless. A story that dares to take risks—and succeeds. Its twists are not only surprising but purposeful, carefully woven without leaving behind loose ends or emotional gaps. Guo Jingming (Edward Guo) may be a deeply controversial figure in the artistic world, but talent like this cannot be denied. His early recognition now makes perfect sense to me. I haven’t explored his other works yet, but after Veil of Shadows, I feel compelled to.

Controversial or not, I genuinely hope he continues to share his vision with the world.

In the end, Veil of Shadows is not just one of the best productions of 2026—it’s an experience. One that lingers, captivates, and refuses to be forgotten.

Absolutely phenomenal.

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I have a feeling my Wednesdays will take a while to feel as captivating again

It has been quite some time since a Korean drama truly captured my attention, except for a few rare exceptions. The Manipulated was one of those rare moments.

Ji Chang Wook is a fully accomplished actor—this is an undeniable fact. With a strong supporting cast, a renowned screenwriter like Oh Sang Ho, and a high-budget production, there was little room for failure.

This is an intense drama, emotionally stirring at various points, with a brilliant beginning, a tense middle, and a very satisfying ending. I have a feeling my Wednesdays will take a while to feel as captivating again.

The fight scenes were so stunning that I often found myself covering my eyes out of sheer immersion. The visual effects were so impeccable that, at times, I even wondered if they could teach Chinese productions what real blood is supposed to look like—though I acknowledge the comparison may sound humorous. Of course, this does not apply to many Chinese dramas, nor does it justify praising one production by belittling another.

The Manipulated has more than enough merit to stand firmly on its own.

My only reservation regarding many of the comments I read after the finale is that I disagree with the interpretation of the ending as something definitive.

Everything suggests that the story will continue. And if that is the case, I will certainly look forward to the opportunity to appreciate this outstanding production once again.

An excellent and engaging watch.

Note: I only refrained from giving it the highest rating because a few aspects left me slightly unsatisfied. The elderly blind housekeeper, the ailing mother of the main psychopath, deserved a more conclusive ending, and the insecure, doubtful fiancée—who chose not to believe in or wait for Park Tae Jung—should have at least made an appearance in the finale, even if only to die of frustration.

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You simply cannot miss the first great drama of 2026. It is wonderful!

When I come across a production like this, I find myself wondering what to say… how could I possibly encourage others to watch it? But then I stop and think—who am I to recommend anything at all?

And the answer comes to me: I am simply someone who loves everything that is good in the world of entertainment. I adore BLs, I enjoy historical dramas, I love crime stories, I am fascinated by mysteries—anything that makes me think, feel, and truly immerse myself in a story.

So, if you are even a little bit like me, you certainly won’t want to miss this rare gem.

Absolutely loving it.

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The Heart Killers had a fairly decent start, but that was as far as it went.

I had not intended to write anything about this series. However, after reading the comments here on MDL, I could not resist leaving at least a brief note.

The cast, or rather the four main actors, are relatively new to me. This is only the second BL series I have watched featuring them.

At the moment, I am also watching the ongoing series Dare You to Death, with Joong and Dunk, and honestly, it is far more engaging than The Heart Killers. At least the script there makes more sense and offers a storyline with some substance.

The Heart Killers had a fairly decent start, but that was as far as it went. From the middle to the end, it completely lost momentum. The script is weak, the story shallow, poorly developed, and with very little that is truly interesting.

There is an excess of overly sweet and sentimental scenes, although I do acknowledge the actors’ effort in their performances. The acting was not outstanding, but reasonably solid, especially Khaotung as Bison. I must admit that the intimate scenes between him and Kant, played by First, were excellent. They do have chemistry, without question.

That said, despite the good scenes, pleasing cinematography, and the production’s commendable effort, the script simply did not support the project in any meaningful way.

By the end, I found myself fast-forwarding through several scenes, unable to endure the dragging pace any longer. Ten episodes would have been more than enough.

I would recommend it only for the visuals, the actors, and the mildly spicy scenes.

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Reflection on the eyes that oversee human justice.

I considered Ripe Town one of the most difficult and complex dramas I have ever watched.
Unlike the usual revenge dramas, this one presents us with a tangled story of controversial characters, leading us to experience countless different emotions.

I was surprised throughout the development of the plot and, I confess, there were many moments when I found myself confused, with recurring doubts—even about which characters the scene was focusing on.

The historical period in which the story takes place transports us to a dark world full of nuances, whether in customs, the unscrupulous application of justice, or the ambiguous nature of most characters.

This is not a story about heroes, much less a drama that makes us sympathize with the wronged and, in turn, rally behind their vengeful cause. It is, above all, a story with raw characters—human in their essence, prone to mistakes, missteps, weaknesses, good feelings, or, in some cases, absolute cruelty.

In a story without heroes, at the very least, we must appreciate the expertise and creativity of the criminals. Every crime was meticulously crafted, and even though they occur in different time periods, they were seamlessly tied to the present moment of the avenger.

Ripe Town is a drama that captivated me with its persistence and the desire to unravel so many mysteries. The translation in the version I watched left much to be desired, perhaps due to the complexity of the period's dialogues, which, in fact, made it harder for me to fully appreciate the overall context.

Despite my difficulty in fully grasping the work as it deserves, I really enjoyed the production.

It is not a drama for everyone, but it will appeal to viewers who appreciate a good mystery and a deep reflection on the eyes that oversee human justice.

I loved it!

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A Wonderful World That Gives Me Chills...

I see so many positive reviews about this drama, and I wonder if there’s something seriously wrong with me...

Unfortunately, I consider this drama below average. A weak, predictable story, a poor copy of countless other Korean productions.

Seriously! I’ve seen so many similar productions that I completely lost interest.

In fact, I watched it based on a recommendation from a friend whose opinion I value a lot. She even told me the plot had a vibe similar to *First Love Hatsukoi* (2022), a Japanese drama that, ultimately, doesn’t resemble this one at all.

Teen love, rivalry between classmates leading to a later romantic development—it doesn’t go much beyond a repetitive theme for me. Without a solid story behind it or a well-structured cast, it’s not even worth trying.

It’s the same thing over and over again—a waste of time.

The only part that I partially enjoyed in these 12 episodes was the period when we followed the young cast or the younger versions of the adults.

Of course, I can’t ignore the total lack of resemblance between the younger and older versions of the characters. Whether in physical appearance, mannerisms, emotional expression, or—worst of all—the famous "chemistry," there was absolutely no common ground between them.

Ju Ji Hoon is a very talented and versatile actor, but this character was laughable. The beautiful, brave, and resilient version of young Seok Ji Won died that rainy day, crying for his beloved while sitting on the stairs on a dark night. What remained for Ju Ji Hoon 18 years later (I believe that’s how long the wait was) was a bland, insecure adult trapped by his father’s expectations and a ridiculous romantic doubt that could have been resolved with a vacation trip or an honest, face-to-face conversation. The impression I got was that instead of maturing as a man, he regressed into a weak, indecisive adult teenager.

As for the ill-fated relationship, with its long years of waiting, I can only think of it as masochism, a lack of better options, or simply having nothing better to do in life.

Jung Yu Mi, as the adult Yun Ji Won, was a poor choice. I won’t even bother commenting on her portrayal of the character’s adult version. Just think about the last episode and her wedding dress choice, with a ridiculously inappropriate veil, and you’ll get an idea of how much value her wardrobe or "persona" received throughout the show.

As for the supporting cast, I’ll abstain from commenting as well, except to highlight the worst character of all—the clown, Kong Mun Su. What a laughable role the young actor agreed to take on. I wonder if a character could be more unnecessary to a plot than this one was.

And in the end, sweet as honey, for the umpteenth time, everything works out—every grudge is forgiven, and villains and heroes leave the poorly staged set hand in hand, crying or smiling, happy as can be. Mission accomplished!

A bed of roses...

I must confess, this wonderful world depicted in the latest Korean rom-coms actually gives me chills...

I didn’t like it, and I don’t recommend it.

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Khemjira is an interesting drama, but one with considerable flaws in editing and execution.

Khemjira is a mystical BL drama with a distinctive historical premise, yet quite uneven in its overall execution. To begin with, its story holds great potential for strong development. Culturally engaging and rooted in Thai traditions, it becomes a true gem that is hard not to admire.

For fans of the supernatural genre—reincarnation, spiritual possession, past lives, and ancient mystical deities—*Khemjira* offers an appealing dish that certainly deserves to be tasted.

Another important point that cannot go unmentioned is the commitment of the entire team to delivering a quality production. This is especially evident in the behind-the-scenes footage shown after each episode.

Unfortunately, in my view, this is where the best aspects of the drama end. I watched it until the very end mainly because of the story itself and, above all, the second couple, Chan and Jet. They completely stole the spotlight from the main protagonists.

With strong performances and chemistry that clearly extends beyond the screen, FirstOne and Tle Matimun portrayed Jet and Chan with mastery, charisma, and that lingering feeling of “wanting more.” Truly beautiful to watch.

On the other hand, the character who should have been the center of attention—Khemjira himself, portrayed by Namping—was a disappointment. Perhaps due to his young age and lack of experience, perhaps because of the way the director shaped his character, or perhaps due to his effeminate mannerisms, he failed to convey sympathy, emotional connection, charisma, or compelling chemistry.

A weak character, overly dependent on others, with an apathetic face and empty or unconvincing expressions, was undoubtedly the worst possible choice for carrying this drama.

His almost nonexistent chemistry with the handsome actor Keng Harit was a missed opportunity. Although Harit himself did not deliver a particularly strong performance—especially considering his potential—his presence in the mildly intimate scenes was appealing. Unfortunately, it simply did not work alongside Namping.

Given Thailand’s tendency to repeatedly pair the same actors across different dramas, I sincerely hope this does not happen with Harit and Namping. Otherwise, their career growth and long-term success could be compromised.

I understand that many viewers may appreciate this casting choice. I do not. Effeminate actors in BL dramas do not appeal to me. My apologies to the fans. That said, my heart remains open—perhaps one day a character like this will win me over.

In conclusion, Khemjira is an interesting drama, but one with considerable flaws in editing and execution. The episodes are excessively long, with oddly paced and unnatural dialogue. Some scenes even become unintentionally comical, with characters staring at each other, seemingly unsure of what to say or how to continue, simply waiting for the “cut” signal.

Do I recommend it? Yes—especially for the secondary couple.

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Uma promessa ainda engavetada

Infelizmente a trama seguiu caminhos inesperados, morosos e muito à quem do que prometeu no primeiro episódio.
Já perdemos um vilão importante e um herói admirável. Zichuan Xiu está longe de atingir expectativas cativantes como protagonista. E Di Lin, cujo propósito pareceu ter sido apenas roubar as cenas desde o início, também seguiu um caminho obscuro.
Lamentei profundamente pela produção, visivelmente dedicada por um bom trabalho. Uma cinematografia muito bem elaborada, figurino bonito e , por que não, um grande elenco. Sem dúvida, muito bons.
Infelizmente a trama foi fraca, desarticulada, arrastada, com personagens centrais pouco ou nada cativantes, como a princesa Ning. Personagem cansativa.
Sigo na esperança de uma grande virada, embora muito do que pareceu ser um clímax, foi decepcionante.

Considerações finais :
Dos 24 episódios, os 4 finais foram bem melhores. O drama nos foi apresentado como história única, mesmo porquê, segundo algumas informações, o drama foi engavetado por algum tempo e, só agora, em 2024, fora liberado para exibição.
Observarmos que não houve conclusão da trama, o que sugere uma segunda temporada. Não sei se isto me agrada muito, visto considerar o tempo de tela apenas parcialmente compensatório.
Ainda considero Si Yilin meu personagem predileto, assim como, sua história com a linda princesa do norte, a mais interessante. Ambos mereciam uma história à parte, pois possuem uma química encantadora.
Di Lin, ainda que um personagem interessante, seu lado obscuro confunde o espectador , embora sua Irmandade seja admirável em relação a seus parceiros, deixa dúvidas quanto ou até onde irá sua índole ruim.
Já nosso herói destrambelhado, Zichuan Xiu, mostrou ser um bom estrategista. Continuo não apreciando o modo como seu personagem foi apresentado, assim como, seu relacionamento amoroso com a princesa Ning. Um amor pouco convincente e nada atraente. Melhor se nem existisse.
Espero que a segunda temporada não permaneça engavetada por muito tempo, já que a trama pode ser facilmente substituída. Mas, apesar dos entraves, conseguiu melhorar relativamente as primeiras considerações.

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Um pouco do mesmo, porém, evolução positiva.

Este drama teve um começo promissor.
Contrário a grande maioria , não me considero fã de nenhum dos protagonistas principais. Já assisti algumas produções de kim Kang Woo e o considero ótimo ator. Já o belíssimo Cha Eun Woo, assisti muito pouco de seus trabalhos. Não posso falar muito sobre o mesmo, ou sobre sua atuação, já que aqui, até o momento, não observei grandes eventos, mas sem dúvida, cai muito bem como um colírio aos olhos. Kim Nam Joo, cujos comentários nesta produção são bastante negativos, ainda que pouco conheça suas produções, aqui, em especial, estou gostando de sua atuação. O melhor personagem da história.
Infelizmente, como tem acontecido com certa frequência nas produções coreanas, a evolução da trama vem perdendo o encantamento inicial.
E, como já disse, gostei do primeiro episódio, porém, agora, na metade da trama, sinto falta do elemento surpresa o que, tristemente, leva a um desinteresse na sequência.
Tudo muito óbvio e pouco criativo. Apenas mais um pouco do mesmo. Espero, sinceramente, uma melhoria, estou farta de desistir deste tipo de história.
Comecei esta análise no sétimo episódio. Felizmente, faltando dois episódios para ser finalizado, o drama vem apresentando uma evolução bem positiva. Consegui ver bons momentos de atuação de ambos os protagonistas. Em especial, Cha Eun Woo cresceu significativamente em meu conceito inicial.
O elemento surpresa permanece inalterado. Mas a história esta sendo bem construída. Vale a pena conferir esta evolução.

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wonderful

Brilliant!
I didn't have high expectations. I started watching because of the actors.

It's impossible not to watch something produced by the talented and wonderful Gong Yoo and the phenomenal Seo Hyun Jin.

But wow!!! I loved it. It went way beyond my expectations.

Impeccable acting, amazing script, perfect OST, and stunning chemistry.

The entire supporting cast was wonderful... the psychopath, my goodness! Excellent performance.

I never thought I would see Gong Yoo so handsome and flawless... I was so impressed that I'm even thinking of rewatching the unforgettable Coffee Prince (2007), by the way, one of my all-time favorite dramas.

Anyway, highly recommended!

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It is bold, emotionally challenging, and certainly not a drama that leaves you untouched.

Before anything else, it's important to clarify that this is not a conventional BL. Its subject matter is deeply controversial, and the production demanded a remarkable level of emotional depth from its cast. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for such a young group of talented actors to fully embrace and convey a story built around themes that are both delicate and profoundly divisive.

From beginning to end, the drama was permeated by an overwhelming sense of melancholy. Even in the rare moments of tenderness and intimacy between the couples, I never found the emotional comfort or warmth I was hoping for. The sadness remained constant, quietly lingering beneath every scene.

The religious storyline—historically controversial in its very essence—casts a shadow over the entire narrative. It creates a heavy, somber atmosphere that rarely allows either the characters or the audience to breathe.

What resonated with me most was the idea that love should be the highest expression of faith. It is a beautiful and compelling message. Unfortunately, I don't believe the characters themselves conveyed it with enough clarity. While their words often spoke of love and acceptance, their expressions, their fears, and even many of their actions seemed to communicate the exact opposite.

Although Tanrak ultimately made his choice out of love, the guilt, anguish, and suffering imposed by what was treated as an unforgivable "sin" appeared to haunt him for the rest of his life. That emotional burden never truly disappeared, making his journey all the more heartbreaking.

I have never been particularly fond of tragic endings. Reality already offers us more than enough pain. In this case, however, it wasn't simply the ending that left me saddened—it was the emotional state of the characters in those final moments. It made me wonder whether a different conclusion might have been a more fitting way to honor a love that had already endured so much.

Did I like the story? Without question. Very much.

But, as a fellow MDL reviewer whose opinions I greatly appreciate once said, perhaps I kept my analytical mind switched on a little too much while watching. Instead of simply experiencing the story, I found myself questioning it. By the end, I was left with a lingering sadness and far more questions than answers.

Despite that, this is an outstanding production, elevated by remarkable performances from its cast. It is bold, emotionally challenging, and certainly not a drama that leaves you untouched.

I wholeheartedly recommend it.

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Truly captivating.

First of all, I want to make it clear that this is not a BL series, but rather a mature, realistic, and politically charged story in which two men fall deeply in love.

Wi is openly gay, while Nong is heterosexual. The relationship that develops between them is, above all, rooted in respect, admiration, companionship, and mutual trust. What follows can be understood as a natural consequence when love transcends sex and gender.

Nong is a rural doctor, deeply loved by the public for his professional competence and his humanitarian dedication to the village population. He is a mature man, around 35 to 40 years old, both handsome and rugged in equal measure. His honest and engaging personality leads several political parties to see him as an ideal candidate. Nong, however, despises politics and politicians, which makes him firmly reject every proposal presented to him.

Wi is the youngest son of a powerful political leader who heads one of the most corrupt parties in the country. He is young, between 25 and 30 years old, educated abroad, refined, attractive, proud, and unwavering in his choices. He decides that Nong is the perfect candidate to run in the next election under his father’s party. He does not accept refusal and relentlessly follows Nong wherever he goes.

For this occasion, Nong’s sister suffers an accident due to the exhausting workload at the hospital where she worked as a doctor alongside her brother.

This event leads Nong to enter politics, driven by the desire to fight for better working conditions for doctors.

At this point, little imagination is needed to foresee the countless complications that Nong and Wi will face within the deeply corrupt political environment of their country.

If in so-called first-world countries corruption and fraud tend to operate behind a veil of discretion, in the Thailand presented here, these practices occur openly, without the slightest sense of shame.

And yet, the drama unfolds beautifully. Despite the rigidity of its political subject matter, the narrative remains engaging, accessible, and genuinely compelling to follow. The dialogues are coherent, fluid, and easy to understand.

That said, I can confidently state that *Mandate* has one of the best-written screenplays I have ever seen within this genre.

As a soft, gentle, and at times even humorous backdrop, our couple grows closer step by step, and our affection and admiration grow alongside them.

Truly captivating.

Their actions, words, reddened eyes, and restrained tears tell their story. The wait for their reunion is long, but deeply rewarding.

The final episode is devastating and breathtaking. I was completely taken by surprise and came very close to tears from pure emotion.

Flawless performances and a perfectly chosen cast.

Please, give this series a chance. I guarantee you will not regret it.

The only thing I want now is a second season. The ending strongly suggests this possibility, and I will honestly be waiting for it with great anticipation.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely. It is entirely worth your time. We are looking at a masterpiece.

One of the very best of 2025.

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Especially to those who believe there’s more to love and destiny than meets the eye.

“But above all, I wish that God may take care of you and continue to protect you, even beyond the limits where I can no longer go…”
This was one of the phrases I once received from a dear friend in the past, and I have carried it with me, close to my heart, wherever I go… That is more or less what this drama represented to me. A message of immeasurable love, one that neither time nor space can ever erase.

It began as just another Xianxia, filled with revenge, melodrama, sovereign gods, terrifying demons, and stylish celestial battles, but slowly it transformed into one of the sweetest love stories among the latest c-dramas.

Rarely have I had the pleasure of following such a captivating couple. Affection, tender touches, and kisses were present in nearly every episode from the moment they first came together. In a few words, I can say it was intoxicating, charismatic, and truly addictive.

I’ve thought this before, and every time I watch a production like this, I can’t help but think it again: even if I spend the next tem years of my life watching Chinese dramas, I will still not truly grasp this culture, this spectrum of productions, and this vast range of artistic talent that sustains them. It’s surreal!

As for Arthur Chen, this god of beauty—majestic and imposing no matter the role—this was actually my first time watching one of his dramas. I’ve been eagerly awaiting China’s release of *Immortality*, na original BL work (censored, of course, but adapted as bromance) based on the web novel *The Husky and His White Cat Shizun* by the phenomenal author Meatbun. In that story, Arthur Chen plays Mo Ran, disciple of Chu Wanning. I’ve read the books and I’m waiting with great anticipation for the drama.

So, when I saw that *When Destiny Brings the Demon* starred Arthur Chen, I decided to watch it in na attempt to ease my anxious wait a little. To my surprise, I ended up falling equally in love with his partner in the story. Wang Yinglu plays three different characters, and she is absolutely dazzling. Beautiful, funny, moving, and with a unique chemistry alongside Arthur Chen. I had also never seen any of her works before, and I don’t know much about her other roles, but here she was simply wonderful.

It’s true that in the first arc of the story, both Arthur Chen and Wang Yinglu faced a greater challenge, since it was longer and more intense, but I loved all three arcs almost equally, as well as the changes in their characters.

If I have one complaint about the production, it would be the distribution of time between arcs. The first, in the Immortal Realm, was perfect. The second, in the Demon Realm, could have been shorter. The third, in the Mortal Realm, was not enough. The story set in the empire was intriguing and deserved better development. And the time given to their reunion in the modern era was far too brief. I wanted more, much more.

Yes, the plot had a few flaws—it’s true—but the main elements were completely satisfying: from the costumes, setting, and OST, to the dialogues and directing. At first, I thought of giving it a nine, but in the end, I gave it a tem. It’s not every day that a drama holds you from beginning to end with such lovable characters and moments of pure delight.

As always, it’s hard to say goodbye, but what can we do? As the story itself showed us on many occasions, no pain surpasses the pain of parting. I’ll continue here on my solitary journey, hoping that the wait will one day end in a destined reunion.

A beautiful drama. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially to those who believe in things far beyond what our eyes can see or our imagination can reach.

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