Sunshine17130522

There is so much I want to say about this series but only one word really sums it up – masterpiece! It has been a while since I’ve been on edge, waiting, anticipating but thoroughly enjoying each episode! I end up binge-watching this within a short time because I couldn’t wait to see what happen next!

What I like about this series:

The chemistry between the leads. I know FL is a big star and she has done a lot of movies rather than series so I wasn’t expecting much. But I was taken by surprise. Being an experienced actor, she really did a great job here! Half the time besides admiring each and every different outfit she had on, I kept watching her expression and her gestures. I also enjoy ML performance. I forget what a great actor he is. He plays the great warlord, he is able to conquer all his enemies on the battleground as well as the emperor court. I can’t stop thinking about his love for FL. He was a man with principle, integrity, and love for his wife and his brotherhood. Often his choice was for the good of the country, his wife, or his army. Quite honestly, I was expecting a bit of a rough time when they got married. ML was not her first choice but as a chess piece, she was thrown into an arranged marriage. I love how the plot opens with them having an open heart to heart conversation, kicking off their relationship to a good start. I gotta admit I stayed because I knew from that point on, this was going to get good! I’m glad I stay for the whole ride! It was very impressive. There was so much that happened! It made you questioned who can you trust? Is blood thicker than water? Can you really hold your integrity as a poor humble being or will you fall for the beautiful temptation of what the emperor court offers? I’m actually glad we got seasonal actors because I don’t think a new face can pull off such beautiful acting, chemistry, and feelings!!

The plot and storyline. I was on edge and couldn’t wait for the next devious plot. If you read my previous reviews you know I don’t like fighting for the throne and emperor politics but this series got me thinking so hard I could barely sleep. All I can think about is, what are they planning next!

Cinemograph - the colors, the details, the outfits, everything was so appealing I didn’t know where to look.

The bad:

Just small little things that I chuckled at. There were a lot of scenes where it was slowed down to emphasize and heighten the emotion that was going through your head. One, in particular, got me chuckling, the scene where FL ran to the gate door after seeing that it was ML on the other end.

The other scene was when ML found out about her miscarriage, the doctor told him that she won’t be able to give conceive anymore and if she did, she can die from it. He grabs onto his heart from the attack. It was a bit over the top for me. His character was always this calm demeanor, no how bad the situation is. He took his time listening to the complaint, took his time understanding the issue, thought through the situation before taking action. I kept thinking about the time he stood outside waiting for her to respond.

What I often thought about:

The chemistry between the two. There is this mutual understanding, this love they have for each other. ML will do anything for her, even risking his life with his army to save her. They even had a fight for the first time about money, why can’t every couple's fight be this cute! I want and demand a Xiao Qi now!!!

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Intergenerational trauma

This will be a relatively short review, mainly as a way for me to remember that I watched this series.

I took my time with Generation to Generation because, as a wuxia, it’s packed with characters, sects, and complex relationships. Early on, I’ll admit I was pretty lost—especially in the first 10–13 episodes. Keeping track of who hated who and how everyone was connected didn’t really click until later.

Around episode 15, the pacing improved significantly. The story became more engaging, and the main couple’s romance finally started to develop, which was something I had been looking forward to.

As the plot progressed, deeper secrets were revealed, particularly surrounding the previous generation—the aunt and uncle’s story and the events that shaped everything. While these revelations added depth, they also made it somewhat predictable, and I found myself less invested in the overarching mystery. What really kept my attention was the romance between the leads.

One of the highlights for me was the male lead. I had previously enjoyed his performance in Twelve Letters, so I was excited to see him here. However, I did hesitate starting this drama because wuxia has been harder for me to stay engaged with lately. That feeling carried through, and once the main antagonist was revealed, I ended up fast-forwarding through the final episodes to focus on the key points I cared about—mainly the resolution of the aunt and uncle’s story and the ending of the main couple’s relationship.

Overall, I think “intergenerational trauma” is a fitting way to describe this series. The actions and conflicts of the previous generation heavily shaped the lives of the current one.

Despite its complexity, I found this series slightly more captivating than another drama I was watching at the same time.

Rating: 8/10

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I finally found the time to watch Speed and Love, and the biggest draw for me was definitely the racing. Growing up on Initial D, I was immediately hooked by the mountain racing scenes—the terrain, atmosphere, and even certain tactics felt incredibly familiar. Moments like shutting off the headlights to throw off an opponent genuinely felt like a nostalgic callback. This review might feel a bit scattered since I was jotting down thoughts as I watched, but that also reflects my viewing experience.

I’m usually very invested in storytelling, but after seeing so many clips and spoilers beforehand, I already had a sense of where the plot was heading. The story follows a fairly straightforward “fake siblings”-to-romance setup: a taciturn male lead with a troubled past, and a female lead who acts as his emotional anchor and source of light. Because of that predictability, I wasn’t especially invested in the narrative itself. Still, I adore Esther and wanted to give the main couple a fair chance—and to be honest, they do have solid chemistry.

This drama feels clearly geared toward a younger audience. It’s cute, fluffy, and filled with romantic moments that evoke the feeling of first love. While it’s not usually my preferred genre, I ended up treating it as a “crochet and watch” series—something light to fill the time while waiting for other releases I’m more excited about.

The beginning of the series kept reminding me of The Forbidden Flower, and after doing a bit of digging, it made sense to learn they share the same director. I didn’t have the best impression of The Forbidden Flower—it felt more like a fangirl passion project than a fully grounded story—and that same vibe showed up here as well, particularly in how certain emotional beats were framed.

One element that did keep me curious was the mysterious meet-up storyline. I kept wondering if there was an undercover cop angle or some kind of shady deal involved. While that thread eventually went exactly where I expected, the execution wasn’t always easy to follow. The pacing and time jumps—especially involving Snakey and how she inserted herself into his life—felt a bit choppy. Her transitions between school life, social events, and uncovering his dangerous side lacked smooth narrative flow, making parts of the story feel rushed or underdeveloped.

That said, while the first half—particularly the Thailand portion—felt like a blur, the second half really pulled me in. Watching him lose his mobility and slowly fight his way back, both physically and emotionally, was where the drama truly shined for me. This arc gave the story more depth and made me reflect on what Speed and Love was ultimately trying to say. Was it just an innocent first love story, or was it about sacrifice in the name of love? I’d like to believe it was the latter—and that’s where the series found its strongest footing.

Lastly, it’s been a while since an OST immediately caught my attention, but Zhang Bichen’s “I’m Determined To” was an instant favorite and added emotional weight to several scenes.

While Speed and Love isn’t entirely my type of drama, I think viewers who enjoy first-love stories, youthful romance, and reunions born out of sacrifice will find a lot to like here. Between the beautiful visuals, engaging racing scenes, and a very good-looking main couple, it delivers what it sets out to do. For me, this was a solid 7/10.

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I don’t know about you, but Osaki Ichika as Haruka completely won me over in this series. I love her clumsy charm and how genuinely naïve she is, especially in her friendship with Hikaru. I also love how the supportive male lead helps her pursue the man she thinks she’s in love with. At first, I thought she would only see Hikaru as a girl because of his cross-dressing, but I’m glad their date went well and that she eventually falls for all aspects of him—not just his pretty face.

Because of characters like Haruka and Hikaru, Cinderella Closet ends up being such a light and fluffy romantic series. My only complaint is that Netflix released the episodes so slowly that I had to put the show on hold a few times… and ended up rewatching episodes more than once. But honestly, it’s worth watching over and over.

I won’t repeat the full plot since MDL already has a solid summary, but one thing I’d add is that Hikaru isn’t just a fairy godmother figure, he instantly becomes Haruka’s best friend, someone she treats like family.

Besides the unrequited love storyline, one thing I really appreciate is how naïve yet genuine Haruka is. She even befriends her ex-boyfriend’s ex, Suzuki Mio, a famous makeup artist. Haruka is truly a girl’s girl, and that made me root for her even more.

I also have to mention the makeup and styling in this series. Hikaru’s looks both as a man and in his female persona—are consistently gorgeous. So many times I caught myself admiring his outfits, especially the orange sweater he wore on their first date!

Overall, I recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick watch that’s light, fluffy, and fun. It’s charming, entertaining, and full of heart. And honestly, you’ll end up loving Haruka just as much as I did. I truly wish I had someone like her in my life.

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Perfect binge watch for the weekend!

Romantic Anonymous was a series I binge-watched in a single day. It’s been a while since I’ve watched something like this, so I spent the week I had off catching up on shorter, fast-paced dramas—and this one was at the top of my list!

The story begins with Hana Lee, who struggles with anxiety and can’t look people in the eye. Our male lead, Fujiwara Sosuke, is a germaphobe. Both deal with their own challenges on a daily basis, but they share one thing in common: they both love chocolate. They end up working at the same place, and as they spend more time together—especially while trying to save La Sauveur after the owner’s passing—they slowly begin to fall for each other.

Below are some things I loved about the drama:

• The cast!
It feels like a collision of worlds. I grew up watching C-drama, lakorn, Bollywood, Jdorama, and K-drama, so seeing actors from different industries collaborating feels like a dream come true. I love every moment of it, and I’m so glad we’re seeing more Japanese actors working alongside Korean actors.

• Akanishi Jin’s return.
This deserves its own mention. Seeing Akanishi Jin acting again makes me so happy even nostalgic. The last time I saw him was during his idol days with KAT-TUN. If you know, you know what happened back then, and it’s been a while since we’ve seen him in a drama.

• The meaning behind each chocolate.
One thing I love about J-dramas is how they often focus on more than just the romance. Here, the emphasis is on the chocolate and the personal stories behind each piece. Because of this, each episode was unique and fun to watch.

Romantic Anonymous is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and appreciates stories where even small things carry special meaning. There’s a sweet love line between the leads (and a second couple!), and the cast—many of whom are longtime industry veterans—makes the storytelling even stronger. I totally recommend this as a weekend watch if you want something quick, warm, and satisfying… because that’s exactly how I enjoyed it!

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Surprisingly, I loved Serendipity. I usually struggle with slow-burn romances, but this one just worked for me in a way I didn’t expect. As I looked into the series more, I discovered that the screenwriter, Cheng Ting Yu, also wrote Princess Wei Young and The Sword and the Brocade—two dramas I already love or have on my completed list. That definitely explained the familiar vibes: slow-burn romance, hidden identities, first loves, and a cold, emotionally guarded male lead. It's clear that her storytelling style just clicks with me.

What I Loved:

1. The Side Couples Steal the Show
One of my favorite aspects of Serendipity was the supporting characters and their storylines. I adored all the couples, especially Prince Rui & Yin Shu Jun and Su Tang Li & Prince Yu. I might be in the minority here, but Su Tang Li and Prince Yu were the couple I looked forward to the most! Their relationship was messy, toxic, and deeply emotional—I was totally here for the drama. I knew they’d end in tragedy (both dying with each other’s knife at their throat), but that intensity was what made them compelling.

Also, shoutout to Yang Shi Ze as Prince Rui. He’s really grown on me lately, and I’m loving
everything he’s in. Can’t wait to see more from him!

2. Pacing & Binge-Worthiness
Again, I’m not typically a fan of slow burns, but when the pacing works and the storyline draws you in, it’s so easy to lose track of time—and that’s exactly what happened here. I binged through this series whenever I could. I did skip most of the political scenes (not my thing), and just focused on the relationships, which were the heart of the show for me.

3. Lu Yu Xiao as the Female Lead
Another cast member I’ve come to really enjoy is Lu Yu Xiao. I’ve watched quite a few of her projects in the past year, and she continues to impress me. She brought a subtle, emotional depth to the role that made the character relatable and easy to root for.

4. The Love Triangle That Actually Makes Sense
I usually dislike love triangles because they tend to be frustratingly indecisive. But in Serendipity, it felt more grounded. The female lead clearly knew who she loved—her heart chose him early on, and she often dreamt about him. So even with second lead syndrome, I didn’t mind it here at all.

What I Wish Was Different:

1. Sudden Revenge Arc
The female lead’s drive for revenge felt a little abrupt. I get that Su Tang Li might have had some impact on her, but it didn’t feel like their bond was strong enough to justify how extreme her actions became. That emotional shift was hard to buy into, especially in the last few episodes.

2. Choppy Edits & Rushed Plot Points
Towards the end, I noticed some weird editing and rushed transitions between scenes. Maybe I skipped too much, but I found myself rewinding a few times just to make sense of the plot. The flow started to break down near the finale, and it made the ending less satisfying.
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Final Thoughts:
Serendipity definitely has its charm. If you’re into slow burns, layered relationships, and the “she fell first but he fell harder” trope, you’ll probably love this drama. Despite a few flaws, it had the kind of storytelling and character dynamics that kept me emotionally invested. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did—but that’s the beauty of serendipity, isn’t it?

7/.5/10 for me

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And Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei does it again! I adore both leads, and the trailer was promising. This was one of my most anticipated dramas of 2025. The trailer gave off serious Mulan vibes, reminding me that girls can still kick ass if they want to.

What I Loved About This Series:

• The Leads: As I mentioned, I already loved both Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei from their previous supporting roles to more main leads. They always stood out to me, so seeing them finally take center stage made me genuinely happy. They delivered.

• The Storyline: A simple but satisfying plot of betrayal and reclaiming what’s rightfully yours. From the trailer, I expected something closer to Mulan, but even though it took a different route, I was still completely on board.

• The Characters and Humor: The characters were well-portrayed, and the light humor made each scene enjoyable. Zhou Ye’s charm is undeniable, and Cheng Lei’s expressive eyes conveyed so much emotion. Seriously, I love this guy!

• The OST (or lack of it): I honestly don’t remember any standout OST. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it just means I was so caught up in the story and characters that any music took a backseat.

What I Wish Was Different:

• The Last Three Episodes: After the main character reclaimed her identity, the story started to drag. The final episodes fell flat, which often happens when a drama peaks too early without a solid wrap-up for the leads.

• He Ru Fei’s Character: I really wish the real He Ru Fei had been more compelling. Instead of being cunning or strategic, he came off as foolish and easily manipulated. It was disappointing, especially because I really like the actor. But I get it—sometimes the script just doesn’t give a character much to work with.

It started as a strong 9/10 but I’m giving it a final 8/10 because of the dragging ending.

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I finished this drama shortly after it finished airing, but I didn’t get the chance to write a review and put my thoughts down—until now. This was probably one of those dramas where you knew what to expect, but still kept hoping things would change. I didn’t expect everyone to die—the reality of the drama hit me hard. I finally understood why the male lead lived the way he did for the rest of his life.

Love in the Pavilion is the second installment of Fox Spirit Matchmaker, and I have to say, it was the one I looked forward to the most. Here are a few things I think the show did really well, and what I personally loved about it:

1. The Cast & Characters
The cast and the characters they portrayed were incredibly moving. I saw an interview with Liu Shishi and Zhang Yunlong, and I cried when he said:

“After Huaizhu left, one line came up in my heart: I don’t want to change the world anymore. I admit that I was wrong. Can you please give Huaizhu back to me?”

That line stayed with me.

Having Wu Xuanyi, Ding Yuxi, and Meng Ziyi join the supporting cast just made it even better—I was all for it.

2. The OST

The music was powerful. The one song that broke my heart over and over again was Rainie Yang’s “Burning Love.”
There’s a scene in episode 33 where Yitan ends up killing Wangquan—and she gives him the most heartbreaking gift: a dream, her specialty. The dream showed the happy ending that all of us fans were rooting for. I cried so hard when Rainie’s song played, especially at the line: “Whose love can be wider than the universe? It's ours.”

Right before the dream began, Wangquan said:

“No matter how dark the world is, I’m not scared because we have love.”

That line, combined with her gift—a dream—broke the spell he was under.. That whole scene destroyed me—I still cry when I think about it.

3. Story & Themes

The beginning was fun and lighthearted, introducing the supporting cast and their roles. But as the story progressed, the emotional weight became overwhelming—in the best way. If you enjoy adventure, wuxia, and stories of a group of loving individuals coming together for a greater cause, you’ll enjoy this series.

Just be prepared for heartbreak. This series seems to set the foundation for the third part, which I’m really hoping arrives soon—maybe even this year.

Final Thoughts:

A beautifully acted, emotionally intense series with unforgettable moments.

Rating: 8/10

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I didn’t expect to end up watching White Olive Tree. For those who’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know I don’t hold the highest opinion of Liang Jie. I actually watched this drama with a friend, and we had to drop it a few times before finally finishing it. Along the way, there were things I appreciated about the show—and some things I really wish they had left out.

What I loved about this series:

Chen Zhe Yuan as the male lead.
I know he gained popularity through Hidden Love, but I didn’t fully watch that series or pay close attention to his character—I was more focused on Lu Si and her character development. However, in White Olive Tree, I truly appreciated his performance. The way he adored the female lead, how love radiated through his eyes—it was compelling. Overall, I just really enjoyed his character here.

The beauty of the Eastern country in the beginning.
There’s something timeless about the setting in the first part of the series. The landscapes, the atmosphere, and the way their love story unfolded there—it all had a poetic charm. That part of the story really stood out to me.

What I wish they would have skipped:

The second trip to the Eastern country.
The idea of returning to face their fears and work through trauma together felt forced and fictional. I understand what the show was aiming for, but it didn’t land for me. I’ll be honest—I fast-forwarded through much of those later episodes. While their bond was still evident and emotionally touching, the setting and pacing during this second return just didn’t feel real to me.

The ending and the question of survival.
I genuinely didn’t expect them to survive. It felt like the story was preparing us for a symbolic ending—perhaps that they had found peace in death. Given all the trauma they endured, the idea of “returning to normal” seemed incredibly unrealistic, both emotionally and mentally. So in a way, I think the ending they chose was the best possible one under the circumstances.

Final Thoughts:

This was a 7/10 for me. I could have rated it higher, but realistically, the direction the story took just wasn’t for me. I understand why it went the way it did, but it didn’t resonate on a deeper level. Because of that, I don’t see myself re-watching this any time soon, which is why I’m knocking off a few stars.

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There’s something nostalgic about But Always. Because the main story is set in the ’90s, the moments the characters lived through felt strangely familiar. It's a simple love story about two childhood sweethearts falling in love again, and I really adored both the younger and older cast.

It’s been a while since I’ve watched anything with Nicholas Tse, so I was surprised—and really enjoyed—his performance here. I remember him from the early 2000s, where he often played the "bad boy" or characters with a tough attitude. But in this film, he plays a bit of a fool who’s just deeply in love and keeps searching for the girl he can’t forget—whether in Beijing or New York.

What I loved most was that she was always his choice. That consistency in his love is one of the main reasons I adored his character. The story moves quickly, but that’s pretty common in older movies, especially with so much packed into just an hour and a half. I also loved the timeline—it brought back a lot of historical memories, which made it feel like I was back in high school.

One thing I personally would’ve loved to see more of was stronger chemistry and emotional connection between the leads. But I get that with so much happening, it was easy for some moments to slip by. I also secretly hoped that he survived the Twin Towers crash—that maybe he was back in Beijing, waiting for her at their childhood spot.

Things I loved about this movie:

The attention to detail with the time changes. There’s something beautiful about showing how the world changes over time—like the street sign where they used to wait for the bus. It really made me miss the feeling of older films.

I already mentioned it, but I absolutely adored Nicholas’s character.

The ending, where it’s revealed that he was always there, even noticing her during her happiest time at the earthquake camp—that really got to me.

I’m giving this a 7/10 because it was genuinely nice to watch something that felt familiar.

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Best Series for the Start of Spring

At one point in this series, I seriously thought out loud, This should have the word ‘blossom’ in it!—because there were so many flowers everywhere. 😆 From her tulips in the beginning to the small osmanthus flowers that fell onto the bathroom floor as she shook them off, the floral imagery felt like it was just everywhere.

Where I live, we don’t get much of a spring, and if we do, it’s gone in the blink of an eye. So, this drama truly made me feel like spring was here. It was like smelling fresh flowers and enjoying the soft spring rains. It just felt right, filling me with a little tingle of happiness that I couldn’t contain.

Things I Love About This Drama:

🌸 The characters—I just enjoy every one of them. I love their warmth, their radiance, and how natural they felt. It was like watching a sweet love story unfold in everyday life. I also loved how they all got along, always playful with each other. One little detail I found endearing was how the FL calls her parents Mr. Shen and Ms. Liu.

🌸 Scenes from the series. There was one, in particular, that I thought about a lot—the moment they watched the sunrise together. Something about it, the way the morning slowly awakened the world, felt so nostalgic. This series truly gives me that fuzzy, tingling feeling of happiness. Another moment that stood out was when she was suffering from bad cramps, and he used moxibustion to help her. I was tearing alongside with her.

🌸 The screenwriter for Hidden Love also wrote this one! No wonder it carries that same warm, comforting feeling.

🌸 If you’ve read my other reviews, you know Zhang Linghe is one of my top favorite actors. I thoroughly enjoyed his character here— a handsome TCM doctor mending broken hearts? Yes, please, sign me up!

🌸 The side characters! Even though they didn’t have much screen time, I adored the nosy neighbor patrol, always in everyone’s business. I was screaming and laughing when he announced, “Your house is on fire, and Mr. Yan is here to propose marriage!” My favorite sidekick! And let’s not forget the nurses/front desk ladies and the little boy—absolute gems.

🌸 At the beginning of each episode, there’s a small note about an herb, each one tying into the story in a beautiful way. Osmanthus stood out to me the most—it’s a herb I recently came across, and I love its scent.

In short, this series is a refreshing burst of springtime joy that reawakens the senses and warms the heart. Its delicate blend of humor, romance, and vivid imagery makes it the perfect escape from winter’s chill. I’m left with a hopeful reminder that even in the briefest moments, beauty and warmth can bloom—just like the unexpected charm of a spring flower. Enjoy every moment and let this drama inspire you to embrace the season of renewal.

8/10

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Funny, fresh and entertaining

This was one series I could not stop watching! It was funny, creative, and best of all—Dylan Wang was the star of the show!

Ever since Devil and Fairy, Dylan has continuously impressed me with his acting. This series felt more lighthearted and super entertaining with minimal love line, which I do not mind!!! The summary posted by MDL is pretty accurate, so I am not going to mention what it's about.

Things I loved about the series:

• The side characters – This is what I love about wuxia! You meet so many characters and you end up falling in love with some of them along the way. I was screaming and shouting when the Bronze Brothers were back together with Brother Yang!!!

• The slapstick comedy – The humor in this show is amazing, and Dylan nailed his character so well! It felt so natural that I honestly think this is just how he is in real life.

• The family relationships and the teams he forms – By the end, you just know he’s a beloved guy. Everyone felt he was worth saving, even turning a blind eye to what he took to carry out the righteous “revenge” for Mr. Zheng

Why I knocked off a few stars:

• The build-up was a bit slow for me. It also took me a while to get used to the idea that he was from a different timeline and universe. But once I said "Screw it, let’s just enjoy the show for what it is without judgment" I started loving it even more. I highly recommend keeping an open mind—don’t try to make it make sense, just enjoy it!

• The ending!! I was screaming, not even realizing I had reached the last episode. It was that good… but it ended on a note I did not expect. I demand a Season 2 or a super long movie to conclude a happy ending!!!

Overall, I highly recommend watching it if you’re a big fan of Dylan and enjoy wuxia. There are some sad parts, but you’ll find yourself laughing, shouting in joy, and feeling like you’re on the same journey as the cast.

8/10
Rewatch value: 8/10

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Simple but beautiful

Fangs of Fortune is a visually stunning drama with an outstanding cast and breathtaking color grading. I’m eager to rewatch it and analyze whether specific colors carry hidden meanings.

At its core, this drama follows a simple storyline: a good guy chasing down a bad guy. However, it’s so immersive that you quickly forget the simplicity of the plot. Instead, it feels like embarking on a journey with the characters. We meet a diverse group of individuals, each with different backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses, and personal demons they battled. This dynamic makes the drama captivating—if you love character-driven stories, you'll be drawn in instantly. As the characters progress, we learn more about one another, making you cheer for them along the way. The male lead, a great demon, finds ways to help those who have walked down the wrong path, and together, they overcome one obstacle after another to defeat the bad guy.

What I Loved:

The Cast

I follow many of these actors and actresses, and they portrayed their roles very well!! For once, Neo was exceptional—I’d love to see him take on more roles like this! Cheng Xiao, who always shines in variety shows, looked like she truly enjoyed herself behind the scenes. While I love her cool and composed roles, I do hope she gets a different type of character next time for more variety. As for Chen Du Ling, I watched an interview with her and felt she deserves more opportunities—she seems like such a fun person! Her teasing and playful energy were perfectly showcased in this drama.

The OST (Original Soundtrack)

I can’t praise the OST enough. Each song felt like a story, told from a perspective that belonged to that character. I shed so many tears whenever specific songs played. Initially, I struggled with the frequent song transitions, but by the end, I found several tracks that I couldn’t stop replaying.

The Editing, Colors, and Cinematic Beauty

One scene that lingers in my mind is Ying Lei’s sacrifice to save Bai Jiu. As Bai Jiu sits in sorrow with flashbacks to the past, he sees Ying Lei’s shadow and follows him. Then comes the dramatic song and the stunning golden-yellow color palette—I was completely drawn. The lyrics struck me deeply:

"You’re in front of me, blocking the pain,
Who cries with swollen eyes, with a broken heart,
Walking, stopping, chasing your voice,
I’ll turn into raindrops, an ancient song,
Running towards you, looking for you… find you."

This drama was so visually mesmerizing that I couldn’t help but admire every bit of detail. I’ll definitely be following this director’s work in the future!

The Side Characters

Seeing Ai Mi and Zuo Ye again brought me to tears! I know this isn’t a direct continuation of Journey, but it certainly felt like it. Ryan Cheng’s minor role was a wonderful surprise, and it was fun to see the Gong brothers back in action!

What I Didn't Love:

The ending felt unnecessarily dragged out, a pace I didn’t not expect. I also disliked how Ying Lei wasn’t acknowledged as part of the main group. When they mentioned "the five"—Zhou Yuan Zhou, Wen Xiao, Zhuo Yi Chen, Pei Si Jing, and Bai Jiu—I was heartbroken that they didn’t say "six." Ying Lei always felt like an integral part of the team.

Final Thoughts:

I highly recommend Fangs of Fortune if you’re looking for a visually captivating drama with alluring aesthetics and a simple yet emotionally engaging story. Just be sure to have plenty of tissues ready!

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Felt like a second chance

It has been a few days since I watched Wonderland, and I can’t help but write a review. Hopefully, this will help me process my feelings about it. I don’t have any strong negative emotions toward it, but there’s something unresolved about it that leaves you feeling like you're in a daze. I often find myself reflecting on the different storylines.

I wasn’t expecting to watch this movie, but the preview featuring Suzy and Bo Gum was so captivating that I had to give it a try.
The movie starts by giving us a glimpse into the lives of several characters: a mother following her dreams but is willing to do anything for her daughter, a couple in a long-distance relationship, and two program creators, one of whom seems to have feelings for the other. We eventually learn that some of these characters are only able to communicate through a phone. It is later explained that, for this to be possible, the individual is either in a coma or has passed away, leading to the conclusion that the person they communicate with on the phone is generated by AI.

I initially watched the film because of Bo Gum, but I stayed for Bai Li’s story. Reflecting on it, the film feels like a second chance at life for those who have lost loved ones. Everyone grieves differently, and for some, Wonderland offers comfort.

However, some viewers may find the lack of backstory frustrating. If you prefer clear explanations, this might not be the movie for you. Personally, I didn’t mind this aspect, as I filled in the gaps with my own theories based on the scenes shown. For example, I believe Hae Ri’s parents have passed away, and she was likely an early user of the system, as suggested by a comment from Hyeon Su.

One aspect I really appreciated was the portrayal of Bai Li’s mother’s grieving process. Despite knowing the full truth, her struggle felt real. Bai Li's character felt so genuine that she even caused a glitch in the system, which added an emotional layer to the story. I think Wonderland would have worked well as a miniseries—there's so much more that could have been explored, though I am still happy with the movie.

The only downside for me was the aftermath of Suzy and Bo Gum’s storyline after he wakes up. I struggled to understand Suzy’s character and what she was trying to portray. Her acting felt disconnected, and it left me confused about her emotions. For this reason, I’m knocking off a few stars from my rating.

I’d recommend Wonderland if you’re looking for something new and are interested in AI. As I mentioned earlier, it reminds me of the idea of giving life a second chance. For those who are alive, we keep the memories of our loved ones alive by thinking about them and wondering what they would be doing. For some, Wonderland might offer that kind of comfort. In this world, individuals are living their dreams and are in a happier place. We all have our own stories, and sometimes, through loss, we learn to rely on others. We come to appreciate the small things our loved ones do for us or even the things they might hide from us.

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Fluffy and cute!

I decided to give short Chinese dramas another try, and I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s simple, sweet, and full of fluff. The storyline follows the familiar trope of the ML and FL being forced to cohabit, along with the usual cute kid who brings them together.

I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a short drama filled with cuteness. I love that the misunderstandings between the leads don’t linger for long, making it an enjoyable watch to pass the time.

My only downside is that it took him a while to confess to her, but the affection after the confession was so cute that I can only knock it down half a star

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