raquelsmsv

A Story with Great Potential… That Completely Falls Apart

With such actors and an intense historical setting, this drama had everything it needed to become a truly powerful story.

The core idea is fascinating — a brutal conflict between royal brothers fighting for the throne. Then, we have a modern woman who travels back in time after being betrayed by her boyfriend… only to repeat the exact same mistakes. Instead of learning or evolving, she falls for another man who is already had a wife just because he was nice to her. Meanwhile, the man who truly loves her — Wang So — changes for her, gives her his heart, and proves he is worth far more than the one she chooses first.

Her actions only make everything worse. She interferes so much with the flow of history that countless people die because of her presence. And when she finally realizes who she truly loves, she runs away from him instead of trusting him until the end. She dies far from him, leaving him alone, broken and miserable.

They even have a daughter that Wang So barely knows exists. He suspects the truth but is never given a real chance to confirm it.

In the end, the story feels incredibly unfair to the main male character. He promised he would find her again, but he ends up living a life full of pain after her death.

There is no satisfying explanation, no emotional closure, and definitely no happy ending. The narrative becomes confusing and disconnected, leaving many unanswered questions. Instead of feeling moved, I felt no real connection to the drama at all.

Read More

THE EMOTIONS ??

I don't know how to explain this but I cried a lot during this series and I loved it! The actors are fantastic and we have drama until the end!!! 💗💗💗 I know one day I'll watch it again! 💗💗💗
For me, the "icing on the cake" was the main protagonist. She knows exactly how to convey the emotions she's feeling and we feel the same with her. You laugh when she laughs and cry when she cries. I won't give any spoilers, but there is such a distressing moment and the actress conveys that emotion perfectly. I was constantly wiping my glasses with the cloth because of the tears. The title is a bit misleading and gives the impression that it won't be a very good series (at least that's what I felt) but it surprised me in a positive way!!!

Read More

Dear X: Fun Start, Wtf Ending

Dear X starts off fun and chaotic, with a strong trio of characters that make the story engaging and enjoyable. For most of the drama, I kept my rating between 8 and 8.5 because the characters were well-written and the interactions kept the energy alive, even when some plot points didn’t fully make sense. However, around episodes 9 and 10, the story began to drift. The pacing felt uneven, and the plot introduced ideas that weren’t fully developed. Then, the final episodes completely change the tone. The deaths of the two male leads were abrupt and lacked narrative weight, while the female lead’s survival left no real closure. The ending feels open, confusing, and disconnected from the buildup, leaving me unsure of the intended message. Despite the messy ending, I still enjoyed much of the drama, especially the character dynamics and early episodes.

Read More

Interesting, But Not Quite There

I’ll be honest, I started this drama because the synopsis sounded interesting. The mix of idols and a thriller element definitely made me curious enough to keep watching.

I really liked the male lead actor, and let’s be real, he’s very hot. Charismatic, interesting to watch, and easy on the eyes, which definitely helped. I wasn’t familiar with the female lead actress, but I didn’t think she was bad either. On their own, both characters were okay.

The thriller plot started strong. It was fun to create theories and guess who the killer might be. At some point, though, it became easier to figure it out, and the reveal didn’t hit as hard as I expected. Some very serious events (especially involving his ex-girlfriend) were resolved a bit too lightly, which reduced their emotional impact.

Now… the romance. This is where the drama lost me a little. I never really felt romantic tension or chemistry between the leads. The story leaned a bit into a fan/idol vibe rather than a balanced romantic connection, especially towards the end. I personally would have preferred a “quiet pride and support” kind of love instead of devotion bordering on fangirling.

Overall, this drama has a good premise, a strong start, and some enjoyable elements, but it didn’t fully deliver where it mattered most. Still, it’s not bad, just a bit underwhelming in key areas.

Rating: 6/10

Read More

Drawn in by the visuals, stayed for the story

I’ll be honest, I started Love in the Clouds for the most superficial reason possible: the cover. The male and female leads looked stunning, and I thought, why not give it a try? What I didn’t expect was how quickly a simple curiosity watch would turn into a drama I was genuinely invested in.

One of the biggest hooks for me was the male lead. He carries this quiet, mysterious energy that naturally makes you want to understand him, and that intrigue pulled me in almost immediately.

The drama never really felt slow; instead, it gave me nostalgic vibes similar to the Chinese fantasy films I used to watch when I was younger. Even the mystical elements, the hand movements, the powers, felt familiar in a comforting way rather than overwhelming. If anything, the visual style sometimes reminded me of Doctor Strange, which made the world easier to sink into.

The chemistry between the leads is consistently strong. This is one of those couples you naturally support, but the drama doesn’t beg you to root for them, their relationship unfolds so organically that you simply do. Their softer moments were genuinely adorable without becoming overly sugary.

The acting deserves real praise. Not just from the main leads, but across the supporting cast as well. And I have to talk about the cat and the dragon, they absolutely stole my heart. Their dynamic brought warmth, charm, and sometimes even emotional grounding to the story. It’s rare for companion characters to feel this memorable.

On the other hand, the final antagonist was easily the most frustrating character for me. His inability to move past his obsession with the female lead tested my patience more than once. But to be fair, that frustration is proof he played his role well.

Visually, the drama is beautiful. The costumes, styling, and overall production elevate the fantasy atmosphere, and nearly every character looks effortlessly perfect, something that really enhances immersion in a world like this.

The plot balances familiarity with unpredictability. You can often sense the emotional direction the story is taking, yet the journey still manages to surprise you. Importantly, this isn’t a drama that relies solely on romance. At its core is a story about altered destinies, two lives changed at birth, yet somehow still drawn together as if fate refuses to be rewritten.

Now, about the ending: the finale battle. It didn’t lower my opinion of the drama at all; it simply left me curious... I just wish we could have seen who would actually win in a real fight! Still, the emotional resolution is satisfying enough that it feels more intriguing than frustrating.

This is a drama I would absolutely rewatch, not only because I enjoyed it, but because it genuinely has quality. At times, it even felt like the kind of story that could support a second season.

Emotionally, it delivers where it matters. There were romantic scenes that made me want to hide behind a pillow, and heartbreaking moments that nearly brought me to tears, exactly the kind of emotional engagement I hope for in a fantasy romance.

Overall, I’d place Love in the Clouds comfortably above average. It may not reinvent the genre, but it succeeds at what it sets out to do: delivering a beautiful mix of romance, action, destiny, and magic.

Recommended for: anyone who enjoys fantasy dramas with strong chemistry, emotional weight, and an immersive mystical world.

Rating: 9.5/10

Read More

A Sweet Enemies-to-Lovers Rom-Com

One of the first reasons I enjoyed Sh**ting Stars so much is because I really like the male lead. I think he’s a great actor, and his voice is very calming, which made watching his scenes even more enjoyable. The female lead is also very beautiful and I loved her acting. Together, they had a strong enemies-to-lovers vibe, which made sense since they clearly liked each other from the beginning.

Their misunderstanding from the past caused real emotional distance, especially for the FL, while the ML kept trying to get her attention in very childish and annoying (but cute) ways. It took some time, but eventually he confessed properly, and from there their relationship slowly became more confident and comfortable. In the beginning, both of them are shy and nervous, which comes across as very cute rather than cringe, mainly because the acting is good and natural. As the episodes go on, that awkwardness fades and their chemistry becomes even stronger.

This drama is quite romance-focused and includes several couples. The lawyer and the FL’s friend are actually quite compatible since they have similar personalities, but their relationship felt rushed. Considering he had feelings for the FL before, it seemed like he moved on very quickly. As for the other friend’s romance, I personally found that couple quite cringe. I’m not sure about the exact age difference, but she felt very young compared to him, and her overly “cute” behavior didn’t help. I also didn’t feel much chemistry between them, which made their scenes harder to enjoy.

In the first episodes, the storylines involving the “fake employee” and the ML’s mother were very interesting and emotionally heavy. From a psychological point of view, these were strong arcs that showed how much the ML had suffered. However, those topics were resolved in a strange and somewhat rushed way, and then completely dropped as the drama shifted fully into romance, which felt like a missed opportunity.

Overall, I really liked this drama. It doesn’t feel tiring, it’s fun, entertaining, and easy to watch. Even with some weak points in the side couples and storyline development, the main couple’s chemistry and the lighthearted tone make it a very enjoyable rom-com.

Final score: 8.5/10. ⭐

Read More

Gentle, Sweet, but Missing Spark

This is only my second C-Drama, and I couldn’t help comparing it to my first, Speed and Love (2025), which had quick pacing, intense emotions, and explicit romantic tension. So when I started Hidden Love, the contrast was immediate.

In the beginning (up to around EP 7), I found many scenes quite cringe, partly because I was already visualizing Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu as a couple, and seeing her as a child and him as a teenager felt strange at first. Even though I think the actress playing Sang Zhi feels less immature than some other young leads, the early interactions were overly timid and didn’t draw me in.

As the story progresses, it slowly finds its rhythm. The plot covers different stages of their lives, from Duan Jiaxu as a young adult and Sang Zhi as a teenager to both as adults, which helps ease the initial age gap discomfort. That said, when both characters finally reach adulthood, I still felt the romance lacked the emotional intensity and impactful moments I was hoping for, especially after the slow build‑up.

One highlight for me was Sang Yan, Sang Zhi’s older brother. His playful dynamic with his sister, teasing her but genuinely protective, brought real warmth and humor to the story. His interactions with Duan Jiaxu also add depth and charisma to the overall narrative, and I wish he had appeared more often.

I also really enjoyed the portrayal of the parents, Sang Rong and Li Ping. Their relationship felt healthy and mature, something I don’t often see in dramas. They communicate openly and calmly, showing concern without yelling or drama, which was refreshing and comforting.

Another interesting aspect is how the drama handles Duan Jiaxu’s feelings. He doesn’t suddenly fall for Sang Zhi as a child; instead, the shift in his perception happens later, when they’re both adults, marked by a significant moment around the first snowfall they experience together, which is when he starts acknowledging his deeper emotions for her. That moment helped clarify his emotional transition and made their connection feel more believable.

However, something that bothered me throughout the series was how often the show reiterates that Sang Zhi has “grown up”. It felt repetitive, the audience already sees them as adults by the time the story reaches that point, so the constant reminders became unnecessary.

The ending, with a marriage proposal, felt a bit cliché and slightly rushed. On paper, it makes sense, both are adults, and culturally marriage is a natural step, but narratively it jumped too quickly for me after years of slow, gentle development. I was left thinking that spending more time on their emotional connection as adults before jumping to a proposal would have been more satisfying.

Overall, Hidden Love is a well‑made, wholesome drama with strong chemistry between the leads and meaningful family dynamics. I don’t have major issues with the acting, the performances are solid, but the story wasn’t as captivating for me as the hype suggested. It feels calm and comforting, but sometimes too quiet and contained for viewers looking for deeper emotional engagement.

Final rating: 7.5/10

Read More

Did I Just Fall in Love with C-Dramas?

Speed and Love was my first-ever C-drama, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.

At first, the Chinese language felt a bit unfamiliar since I’m used to Korean dramas (my only previous exposure to Chinese was through anime). But that feeling disappeared very quickly. These 29 episodes flew by, I completely binge-watched it, and at no point did the drama feel tiring.

The pacing is very well balanced. There’s a lot of romance for romance lovers, plenty of intense and emotional moments, and something I had never seen in a drama before: car racing. I had never come across a K-drama with this theme either, so this was a fresh experience for me. The racing scenes are surprisingly well done and add excitement and tension to the story.

The ML is a solid 10/10: acting, presence, chemistry, everything works perfectly. He completely pulled me into the story from start to finish. Coming from the K-drama and K-pop world, I sometimes associate certain vibes with people I’m already familiar with. Because of that, the ML occasionally reminded me of Yeonjun (TXT) in terms of personality and styling, and visually there were moments that reminded me of Seungmin (Stray Kids). This isn’t a comparison or a judgment, just a personal impression shaped by what I’m used to watching, which helped me connect more easily with his character.

The FL, on the other hand, had moments where her slightly childish behavior annoyed me a bit. That said, it’s clearly part of her character (she’s even described as spoiled by her own mother), so this feels more like a personal taste issue than a flaw in writing or acting.

The couple’s dynamic is one of the strongest points of the drama. They’ve always been very close, even before fully acknowledging that they are not blood-related siblings. Neither of them wanted to break that bond at first, which I found genuinely beautiful. But of course, when chemistry speaks louder, feelings become inevitable, and it feels natural rather than forced.

There were frustrating moments, especially when the ML chose to distance himself “for her happiness,” ending up making both of them miserable instead. Was it a stupid decision? Yes. But it’s also part of the drama genre, and the six years they spent apart carried real emotional weight for both of them. Thankfully, their reunion and mutual understanding at the end made the journey worth it.

Another thing I really appreciated: no forced love triangle. Even though there are potential love interests on both sides, the drama never turns that into unnecessary conflict. This made it much easier to believe in the couple and stay emotionally invested in them until the very end, and I never stopped rooting for them, despite everything that happened.

I genuinely liked all the characters, including the ML’s friends, who were interesting and well-used in the story. Nothing felt dragged out or pointless.

I started this drama thinking it would be an 8/10, halfway through I was already at around 8.5, and by the end I was debating between a 9 and a 10. In the end, I decided to be honest with myself. This drama has everything I personally enjoy: romance, action, intensity, emotional moments, light comedy, and great pacing. The only reason it’s not a perfect 10 for me is the FL’s childish side, which simply isn’t my personal preference, not a problem with her performance.

Final score: 9.5/10

A drama that completely hooked me from start to finish and made my first experience with C-dramas incredibly positive.

Read More

Love.exe: Tried, Finished, Won’t Rewatch

Love.exe is a K-drama that feels very modern for today’s standards. It includes LGBTQ+ representation, characters with disabilities, and themes of rebellion and social change. The school itself is quite unconventional, with different classes focused on modeling, programming, and science, and the students have a very alternative vibe.

None of these elements were shocking or problematic to me. In fact, the cast was one of the stronger points of the drama. I genuinely liked both the male and female leads, and the acting was solid overall. The episodes themselves are not bad, and I did make the effort to watch the entire series.

However, the main issue lies in the story. The plot feels weak, and the last episodes, in particular, are confusing and poorly structured. The decision to end the story with a school revolution felt strange and lacked proper buildup or logic. While this may be connected to the title "Love.exe - The 4th Love Revolution", it still did not feel satisfying or well explained.

I can see how this drama might appeal more to a younger audience, especially those born after the 2000s, who may connect more with its themes and style. As a millennial, however, it did not resonate with me. It is quite different from the type of K-dramas I usually enjoy, and unfortunately, it failed to fully engage me.

Would I watch it again? No.
Final rating: 4/10.

Read More

A Cozy Fairytale

I started Exclusive Fairytale after it appeared in my recommendations, but at first I struggled a little to fully focus on the story. I was already familiar with Jun from SEVENTEEN, and it took me a few episodes to mentally separate that image from his character in the drama. Fortunately, once the story settled in, that distraction completely faded and I was able to immerse myself in the narrative without any issues.

One of the strongest points of this drama is the female lead. The actress is very expressive and easy to watch, with a soft voice that never becomes irritating. Her character balances sweetness with strength really well, she can be cute and gentle, but also serious, confident, and even a bit aggressive when the situation calls for it. That contrast makes her feel realistic and engaging.

The male lead keeps a calm and steady presence throughout the story. He is observant, quietly attentive, slightly teasing, and consistently supportive. His personality doesn’t shift dramatically from start to finish, but that consistency actually works in the drama’s favor, especially within a romance that focuses more on comfort and emotional closeness than on intense conflict.

What surprised me the most was how openly affectionate this drama is. The romance feels soft, sensual, and surprisingly bold in its physical intimacy, with far more kisses than I expected. However, they never feel awkward or out of place, instead, they add warmth and natural chemistry to the relationship, making the romance feel lived-in rather than idealized.

In terms of plot, this is not a “heavy” drama. Conflicts do appear, including family-related issues, but they are resolved relatively quickly. The story doesn’t dwell on pain or prolonged misunderstandings. Instead, it chooses to move forward, keeping the tone light and emotionally safe. If you’re looking for intense angst, this might not be the drama for you, but if you want something comforting, it works beautifully.

I did feel a bit of sadness for the second male character who harbors feelings for the female lead. His realization that he doesn’t truly have a place in her heart is handled quietly and maturely, which makes it more bittersweet than dramatic. It’s a small emotional thread, but one that lingers.

Another charming aspect of Exclusive Fairytale is how it follows the characters through different stages of life, from childhood and school years to adulthood. Watching them grow, drift apart, reconnect, and ultimately build a life together gives the story a warm, fairytale-like quality that feels earned rather than rushed.

Overall, Exclusive Fairytale is a gentle, romantic drama that doesn’t aim to overwhelm the viewer. It’s soft, affectionate, and quietly confident in its storytelling. A perfect watch for those who enjoy slow emotional development, cozy romance, and a story that lets its characters grow together without unnecessary suffering.

Final Rating: 8.0/10

Read More

Last Summer Review: ML Saved the Drama

Just finished Last Summer (2025), and honestly… it was kind of a drag overall, but there were parts I really liked. The beginning of the story was actually interesting - trying to figure out what was happening with their memories kept me hooked. Then we eventually realize that they’re geniuses and that there are actually two of them, which takes a while to understand. At the same time, you start noticing things that don’t make sense, and slowly piece together that maybe there really are two of them. Up until that point, the story was genuinely engaging.

I’ve never found the FL’s acting interesting, though. Honestly, if it weren’t for the ML playing the brothers, I don’t think the drama would have had much potential. One couple that I actually thought had more potential than the main couple was the friends - the guy in a wheelchair. I really wish that storyline had been explored a bit more. I liked seeing the challenges they faced, and the part where the girl drops the bag and you see all the clinical and medical things she had been using to help him… he realized that she wasn’t unhappy, but genuinely happy with him, accepting him as he is and not caring that he’s in a wheelchair. In the end, he accepted her love, and now they’re expecting a child. That storyline ended up being more emotional and beautiful than the main one, and I just wish it had gotten more screen time.

Overall, the drama had potential but didn’t fully deliver - some of the acting and pacing felt off. I’d give Last Summer a 6.5/10. Honestly, I only made it to the end because of the ML; without him, I don’t think I would’ve finished it.

Read More

Brilliant Childhood, Disappointing Adulthood

The beginning of this drama was honestly the highlight for me. The child actors were incredibly charming, expressive, and carried the story with so much emotion and natural energy. Their version of the story felt engaging, well-paced, and genuinely captivating.

However, once the characters grew up, something shifted - and not for the better. The adult cast didn’t match the younger versions at all, and the transition felt jarring.

The king (formerly the crown prince) was adorable and full of personality as a child. As an adult, the only thing that vaguely connects him to his younger self are the eyes. The rest - expressions, face shape, even the general vibe - feels disconnected. I can understand that his harsh life might have changed him, but visually and emotionally it felt like a completely different character. The king’s brother also had a lot of charm as a child, but the adult version didn’t carry over any of that warmth or appeal.

Overall, most adult versions felt strangely mismatched, which made it harder for me to enjoy the second half of the drama.

The only character who exceeded my expectations was the girl who becomes queen. Her adult actress portrayed fear and vulnerability extremely well, and she felt believable within the story.

In general, I couldn’t shake the feeling that if they had filmed the adult part years later with the same child actors once they were grown, the story would have felt much more cohesive.

Childhood part: 8.5
Adult part: 6.5
Final average rating: 7

Read More

Drama, drama, drama...

First of all, the actor is drop dead gorgeous and the actress is super cute. This Drama is basically a journey through the meaning of what it means to be truly human. It tells the story of a girl who wants to give up on the world because she has a terminal illness and talks about a being who is destined to wander the world and observe humans. From the beginning we can see that Doom has a huge sense of justice despite himself representing the end and destruction. He's repulsed by humans who do actions with a negative purpose and enjoys teaching them a lesson. The turning point of this K-Drama begins when they cross paths for the first time. As he's a being created by God, he has a different image for each person, but the protagonist is the only one who can see him for what he really is and for that reason, she always sees the same face.

Read More

So Sweet, Yet I Wanted More

"When I Fly Towards You" is a very warm and comforting coming-of-age drama that truly shines during its school arc. The development of the characters in their teenage years feels natural, emotional, and meaningful. Watching them grow, especially seeing how the female lead supports the male lead in overcoming his insecurities and psychological barriers, is the strongest part of the story.

The male lead is written as an introverted and emotionally reserved person, which makes sense for his background and personality.

During the school phase, this works very well because every small step he takes feels like real progress. His growth, both academically and emotionally, feels genuine and satisfying, and the relationship develops through small, quiet moments rather than dramatic scenes, which makes it feel realistic and sincere.

However, once the story moves into their adult lives, the emotional progression slows down significantly. While their relationship remains sweet and stable, it also feels somewhat stagnant. The male lead stays emotionally in the same place, and although that fits his personality, it creates the feeling that his internal journey is never fully explored or resolved on screen. The romance becomes more about comfort and companionship, but less about emotional depth and transformation.

The ending, including the pregnancy announcement, is symbolically beautiful and shows that their love continues into a new stage of life. Still, it feels more like a life milestone than an emotional climax. It confirms that they stay together, but it doesn’t quite deliver a strong emotional resolution to their personal growth, especially for the male lead.

Overall, this drama is perfect for viewers who enjoy calm, healthy, and gentle romances with strong school development and a comforting atmosphere. It may not be emotionally intense in the final episodes, but it remains a sweet and heartwarming story about growing up and growing together.

Rating: 8/10

Read More

Unexpectedly Sweet

I just finished Falling Into Your Smile, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Tong Yao is honestly the first Chinese drama heroine I’ve watched in a while who doesn’t irritate me. Her voice isn’t high-pitched or grating, and she delivers her emotions naturally and beautifully. She’s not only very pretty but also a talented character, which makes watching her scenes a real pleasure.

Lu Sicheng is equally impressive. He’s incredibly attractive, but it’s really his personality that stands out. He has this perfect “Scorpio” vibe, intense, confident, a little cold, and completely magnetic. The romance between them develops slowly but naturally, with moments that are both sweet and surprising, like when he decides to kiss Tong Yao unexpectedly. These moments feel genuine and keep you invested in their connection.

One of the aspects I loved most about the drama is its focus on gaming. The scenes remind me of League of Legends, which I really enjoy. Watching the training sessions, tactics, matches, and cinematics is exciting and visually engaging. The final game was particularly interesting, and I really enjoyed the team dynamics in that climax.

The secondary characters are also a highlight. Some of the other players are genuinely entertaining, especially Chubby and K, who both add humor and charm to the team dynamic. I also appreciated seeing Tong Yao’s ex grow as a person and learn to accept her happiness, which added depth to the story and closure to his arc.
If I had to point out negatives, the product placement throughout the series can be excessive at times. KFC, facial masks, and iced tea appear in nearly every scene, which occasionally breaks the immersion. Fortunately, it doesn’t overshadow the story or the characters.

Overall, Falling Into Your Smile is a drama I would highly recommend. It balances a slow-burning romance with engaging gaming action, memorable characters, and strong performances from the leads. It’s visually appealing, emotionally satisfying, and genuinely fun to watch from start to finish. I would give it 9 out of 10.

Read More