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A Surprisingly Engaging Mini-Drama with Romance and Intrigue
I usually don't expect much from mini-dramas, but Money Is Coming is surprisingly well done. It is not perfect but the flaws are forgivable. The story is pretty tight and engaging, with well-written dialogue and well-paced scenes that keep things moving. Despite the shorter format, the drama doesn’t feel rushed or underdeveloped—every scene serves a purpose, whether it’s driving the plot forward or deepening character relationships. The directing is good, and the pacing ensures that there’s never a dull moment. The villains are exactly what you want in a drama like this—twisted, scheming, and power-hungry, upping the entertainment factor.However, what really makes this drama stand out is the heart-fluttering romance. The leads have fantastic chemistry, and their scenes together induce butterflies. I enjoyed watching the dynamics between them, filled with subtle glances, lingering touches, and tension-filled moments that kept viewers engaged. Some of their scenes are so evocative, even when the skinship isn’t blatant. I thought the acting overall was fine. Lin Ze Hui, playing Xiao Xing Heng, the male lead, did well in conveying the unspoken emotions that simmer beneath the surface. Zhi Yue, as Ning Zhu Xi, complemented him well, balancing wide-eyed innocence with intelligence and sharp wit. They are really there for each other, and there was an event in episode 18 that really delivered that message.
Of course, it does not hurt that Lin Ze Hui and Zhi Yue are both incredibly easy on the eyes—seeing them together is a visual feast, whether they’re locked in a heated stare or sharing a quiet, tender moment. Their presence alone enhances the drama’s appeal, making every scene they share even more captivating.
The production value also adds to the overall experience. The soundtrack fits perfectly with the mood of the different scenes, heightening the tension in dramatic moments or amplifying the sweetness of romantic encounters. The costumes, hair, and makeup are all nicely done without feeling over the top. Unlike others, I like the female lead's makeup, which reminds me of the manhua or doujin makeup style. They lend to the drama's aesthetic appeal.
Ultimately, this show is a satisfying one. The leads manage to stay one step ahead of their enemies most of the time. The balance of romance and intrigue keeps things engaging from start to finish. It’s a well-executed drama that proves mini-dramas can be just as compelling as full-length series. Whether you’re in it for the romance, the tension, or just the pure entertainment value, Money Is Coming is well worth the watch.
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A Total Green Flag Male Lead
Not having watched the other related lakorn series like the Suparburoot Juthathep ones or the first Devaphrom one, I decided to jump straight into this one, hoping that I would be able to make sense of the show without knowing the characters' backgrounds. Fortunately, it was easy to understand the connections and relationships based on the references dropped in the show.Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai, the second part of the Devaphrom series, featured a young FL, Kwanruetai, who was plucky and street smart but sometimes quite rash. Kwan was also a natural beauty but was forced by her mother to hide all her loveliness under boyish clothes and caps. Her mother was the link to the Juthathep family, as she was M.L. Maratee Dhevaprom, the Nang'ek who was crazy about the ML's father and was totally in her own world, with her misconceptions about the Juthathep family betraying her, more specifically the ML's father jilting her.
Despite her rough and tough appearance, Kwanruetai managed to steal Khun Chat, our ML's heart. Khun Chat was an idealistic doctor known to his family as being disinterested in relationships and love. I enjoyed watching Khun Chat slowly fall for Kwanruetai's charms without her even trying. She was different from the other ladies that he had met, and one could tell that he was attracted to her after they butted heads a few times.
I like watching their relationship progress and Khun Chat was really such a green flag. He never wavered once he had his heart set on the FL and was determined to overcome all obstacles to be with her. His consistency and steadfast love for Kwanruetai from the start to the end showed his stability and commitment to her despite the trouble her mother gave him. Even though Kwanruetai wasn’t sure about her feelings at times and found it difficult to deal with the challenges, Khun Chat was still there for her.
It is also great that both leads were capable in their own ways. Despite his sweet baby face, the ML had a fine muscular physique and, being in the military, could fight. So can the FL, and she protected her loved ones quite well.
This lead couple was cute! Yada was cast well - she pulled off the tomboy tough act but is really quite lovely. Mikey is gorgeous and a good fit for Yada. There was chemistry between them, and they were adorable together. Being fairly new, both actors can certainly improve in their facial expressions, and sometimes, when Yada cried, I cringed. As for Mikey, he often had the same frozen look on his face, but when he smiled, he melted hearts, including mine. In general, both did a decent job and did not drag the drama down for me.
The second couple was sweet as well. Additionally, it was nice to see the strong family bonds among the Juthathep family, especially the siblings and their cousins. Many interesting characters showed up in the show, which piqued my interest. Now, I am intrigued by the stories of the older generation, so hopefully, I can find the shows from the 2013 series.
One drawback was that the villains felt one-dimensional. Of course, there was a female character who was always scantily clad and convinced that the ML was hers. Luckily, she did not appear in every episode, so she did not become too annoying. There was no second male lead; instead, there were heartwarming and supportive half-brothers.
What I disliked the most was how the FL always chose to give up everything and sacrifice her happiness for her mother, who clearly was mentally abusive towards her. I know in many Thai dramas, there is a strong emphasis on filial piety toward parents, but in this show, the mother was just too much. At first, I didn't even want to see her get any redemption. I only wanted the gratification of seeing her being punished for her ignorance and vileness.
However, the ending wrapped things up well and I don’t even mind the mother having found her way. There were even a 3rd, 4th, and 5th couple with their own sweet moments.
Overall, this was an enjoyable show, fun to watch, and worth the time. Now, I look forward to catching up with the first drama in the series and following the third one, which is airing right after. I would love to see Kwanruetai and Khun Chat again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Warning! The cringe factor is fairly high in the first few episodes. Scenes meant to create moments of sparks between the ML and FL were so contrived that they made me laugh out of embarrassment. I can only handle so many scenes of the FL accidentally falling into the ML’s arms.Still, I found the show entertaining and, in general, well-paced. It's an interesting plotline with a ML who hates lies and a FL who lies mainly to avoid conflict and hurting others as well as herself. Adding depth to the story was the subplot behind the love-hate relationship between the ML and the second ML. Throw in a scheming, bitchy third party vying for the ML's love, plus other villains so gratingly annoying, and you have a rom-com that is delightful but with enough drama to cause your blood pressure to rise at times.
I did wish that the romance between the lead couple started earlier, but mainly because the chemistry was great! Fang Zhi You was just so charming and adorable once he acknowledged his feelings for Xu Yi Ren. He was always trying to be romantic with her, and the skinship progressed so naturally. Their kissing moments were cute, and I like that they both can be honest about their lack of experience in love. The fact that Zhi You always told the truth made whatever he said to Yi Ren so much more meaningful, and he did say the sweetest things.
I was also touched by their commitment to each other and how they were both consistent in their acknowledgment privately and publicly that they were each other's one and only love. Even when others have assumed that their relationship has failed because Yi Ren did something unforgivable in Zhi You's eyes, it was heartwarming to see Zhi You not actually giving up on her, and for Yi Ren choosing to stay as close to him as possible even if it meant being humiliated repeatedly. It was endearing to watch Zhi You struggle with his principles, while his love for Xiren remained unwavering.
I was less interested in the second couple's relationship. The chemistry was not there for me, and I have to admit that I skipped through their scenes a few times.
The character development of the two leads in the show was the biggest plus point for me. I liked how Zhi You matured into someone who is more mindful of other people's feelings particularly Yi Ren's. I appreciate how he still valued honesty and did not lower his own standards throughout the show but instead he became more aware of social graces and the "give and take" aspect that was necessary in relationships. My favourite moment was when Zhi You realized that loving someone 100% mean accepting both their strengths and weaknesses.
It was also gratifying to see Yi Ren drawing strength from Zhi You's love and became braver. The development of her self-awareness and self-confidence was satisfying to watch, especially when she finally stood up against her nasty aunt and cousin, and their emotional blackmail. Yi Ren never did stop lying completely, but she did become more honest and true to herself and Zhi You. She realized that she did not need to lie to avoid conflicts and that it was better that she faced her problems upfront.
Fang Shi Yu, the little sister, and Li Zhe, the second male lead, were absolutely awesome, and they were the perfect catalyst for the lead couple's relationship. Shi Yu was an absolute breath of fresh air, and she was the voice of strength and reason. It was cute to see her advise her brother in the matters of the heart, and so refreshing to see her stand up to adults and put them in their places. Li Zhe was so charming and disarming, and even towards the end, his longing for Yi Ren was still palpable despite him accepting that Zhi You and Yi Ren were meant for each other, and that he wanted the best for them. I suffered a little of the second lead syndrome, especially since I became invested in Li Zhe's back story with Yi Ren. Ultimately, I am glad that he still got his happy ending with his father.
It would have been nice to see the other characters develop further like the villains actually learning from their mistakes. It was a bit anticlimactic for me when there were no retribution or lessons learned for the aunt and cousin. At least the uncle showed some backbone finally towards the end. I did find the way the show wrapped up He Yu Wen, the third party's story in a rushed manner, but at least there was closure between her and Zhi Yu.
Acting-wise, I thought Xin Yun Lai's portrayal of Fang Zhi You and Liu Hai Kuan's as Li Zhe were really good. Their micro-expressions were on point, and you can see the array of emotions play across their faces nicely. Of course, it does not hurt that they are both good-looking in their own ways. I look forward to seeing these two actors play the lead roles in more dramas going forward.
While I like Yi Ren, the character, I was less impressed by Liang Jie, who played her. I really tried throughout the 31 episodes to like her, but it just did not happen. I would not say that her acting was bad. In fact, I think she did fine overall, but there was just something lacking. It could be her' resting bitch face'. She often looked like she's pouty or bratty even during scenes that did not call for it.
Like in most of my reviews, I am going to comment on the wardrobe styling. I find that in most C-Dramas, they must have a low budget for the female lead wardrobe and again it is a miss for this show. Both male leads’ clothes were fine overall even though less enviable compared to other shows. The female lead’s styling however was terrible. All the over-sized Peter Pan and shawl collars!!! It’s 2020 for heaven’s sake! Why in the world did they have to make her look granny-like and dowdy? I realized that they want to contrast Yi Ren against He Yu Wen in terms of sophistication but they really went overboard!
The OST was all right. Other than the two tracks that I thought suited the moods of the scenes well, I didn’t remember any other ones.
Overall, I would recommend this show for its fluffy romance, interesting plot lines, and good looking actors. I would probably re-watch the cute romantic scenes. Typically 31 episodes would be borderline too long for me. The fact that I continued watching and completed the show means that others may enjoy it as well.
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This review may contain spoilers
I started watching Devilish Joy because of Choi Jin Hyuk. I watched him for the first time in 'Fated to Love You' and suffered the second lead syndrome so badly that I wanted to watch him in a show where he gets the girl. This drama captured my interest from the get-go, with an endearing story that started with the two leads falling in love at first meet. The show has all the key elements - great acting, a good mix of romance, comedy and melodrama, gorgeous cinematography, and good-looking actors. However, I have to warn you; it is also a bag of cliches! If you can get past the kdrama tropes, the show may pleasantly surprise you and exceed your expectations.
Choi Jin Hyuk as Gong Ma Sung looked really fine in his suits as the chaebol heir who was also a genius neurosurgeon. However, his character was not the typical cold and arrogant jerk. Instead, Gong Ma Seung was a warm-hearted, generous, and romantic man, who not surprisingly captured the female lead's heart immediately in the first episode. Choi Jin Hyuk did not disappoint, and he was able to convey so much through his expressions and body language. I was really into his character, and if I allow myself some fangirling - I love how his smile reaches his eyes and his voice...oh his voice!
It took me a little longer to warm up to the female lead, Joo Gi Bbeum. She seemed too silly for a 30-year-old top star, but she developed more depth soon after the first couple of episodes. Soon Ha Yoon was very believable as the unfortunate singer, who struggled against all sorts of challenges but managed to maintain her dignity. Her petite loveliness was a great match for Gong Ma Sung, and the chemistry between the two leads was palpable. This is a couple I can imagine as truly dating - their kisses (and there were many compared to other dramas) were so natural.
I also came to like Hoya's character, Sung Ki Joon - uncle/nephew bromance was fun to watch and their reunion scene was perfect!
Besides the leads, I did enjoy watching the other characters like Woo Jin and Nan Joo (the leads' sidekicks), and Gi Bbeum's family. They all had flaws that made them more relatable. However, I found the villains rather one dimensional and there was no character development. They are just shown as evil people with no other motives aside from greed. I found their backstories rather lacking, and not certainly not enough to explain why they hated Ma Sung or Gi Bbeum so much to inflict such terrible pain on them.
The music was good - the songs fit the moods accordingly but nothing memorable. I did not hear any that tugged at my heart strings and made me want to save it to a playlist.
As for the ending, I was very satisfied. Not going to lie, I almost didn't want to watch the final episode. The show went into full throttle drama towards the end and I was an emotional mess thinking that only a miracle can give me the happy ending that the characters deserve. Luckily, it is kdrama land after all, and one can toss all reasoning and logic aside. That said, I like that the show did not wrap up everything too neatly and the happy ending was not overly done with Gong Ma Sung recovering completely from his illness. With that, I ended the show with a feeling of hope, and thinking that there's potential for a season 2.
Overall, this drama is pretty entertaining. Yes, there were plenty of cliches but the story was well developed. The romance, focused on unconditional and timeless love was heartwarming and there were enough subplots to beef up the drama.
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A Hidden Gem Worth Sticking Around For
Another Taiwanese drama that seems underrated on MDL, Agent from Above is a series that deserves more attention than it’s currently getting. Hopefully, being on Netflix , it will get more viewership.Set in a world where gods, spirits, and humans coexist almost matter-of-factly, the show wastes little time explaining its mythology. Instead, it drops you straight into a universe rooted in Taiwanese mystical culture, where the male lead, Han Chieh serves a god, the Third Crown Prince to maintain balance between realms . I like this immediate immersion where the supernatural is treated as an everyday reality.
At its core, the story is a classic struggle between good and evil. Han Chieh, a flawed ML bound to his duty and debt to the Third Crown Prince, acts as the human guardian, empowered with magical artifacts to take on supernatural evil and disturbances, while grappling with his own past and guilt . The narrative may begin somewhat confusing in episode one—but once it finds its footing, it becomes much more engaging and cohesive.
Where the series really shines is in its tone and execution. Taiwanese productions have a distinct flair, and this drama leans into that strength:
Visual effects are impressive, enhancing the fantasy without overwhelming it.
Humor is cheeky and well-timed, adding levity without undermining the more emotional moments.
There’s a lingering bittersweetness throughout the story—an acknowledgment that not every innocent can be saved, and not every evil needs to be eradicated.
The ending, in particular, strikes a satisfying balance. It feels grounded, almost realistic within its fantastical framework, while still offering a sense of hope. It doesn’t tie everything up too neatly, which works for me in this case, and even leaves room for a potential second season.
Overall, Agent from Above may not be a flawless series, but it’s engaging and visually strong. It is a hidden gem for viewers who stick past the first episode, and definitely for those who enjoy supernatural dramas with a touch of humor.
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Not Perfect, But Worth It
This drama took a while to find its footing, but once it did—especially after the midpoint—the story truly picked up. I’d encourage anyone starting this series to stick with it past the initial episodes, as the second half delivers more romance, entertainment, depth and character development.I did enjoy the show overall, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the writers were unsure about what kind of story they wanted to tell. While the setup involving the female lead traveling back in time was intriguing, the connection between her time-traveling and her actions in the past often felt loosely defined, even inconsistent at times. The plot tended to skim the surface rather than dive deep into the potential of its themes, which left the execution feeling somewhat messy.
One of the more significant themes—advocating for equal rights and legal protections for sex workers—surfaced sporadically throughout the series. It was especially noticeable in the beginning and then re-emerged more strongly toward the end, suggesting that this was meant to be a key message of the show. However, I wish this theme had been more consistently and thoughtfully woven into the narrative rather than treated as an afterthought to wrap up the show.
That said, the romance was the heart of this drama, and it was beautifully portrayed for me. Bow and Pon had undeniable chemistry, and they made the love story come alive in a way that helped me forget the script’s shortcomings. While the physical intimacy was fairly tame, their emotional connection was believable and enjoyable to watch. It certainly didn’t hurt that both leads are incredibly attractive—and yes, Pon got plenty of chances to show off his physique!
As for the ending, I have mixed feelings. It was satisfying, but it carried a bittersweet note for me that lingers after the final scene. I don't want to provide spoilers so let's just say for me, it wasn’t the kind of fairy-tale wrap-up that I wanted, but it was poignant and fitting for the tone the show ultimately settled into.
In short, this drama had its flaws, but it was still an enjoyable watch—especially for fans of romance and time-travel stories. If you can look past the uneven storytelling, you might find it worth your time.
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Finding Love and Overcoming Obstacles
Third in the Dhevaphrom series, this lakorn is about how Captain M.L. Ronnajak (Jak) Juthathep met again and almost instantly fell for his old classmate, Jaipisut (Noopok). She however, had a bad impression of him because of their childhood experiences. Due to her misunderstanding of him, it was not an easy path for Jak to win Noopok's heart.Like the other Devaphrom shows, the FL had a mysterious background. The show focused on her secretive origin, and a lot of the plot was dedicated to uncovering her secret. Also thrown into the mix were some bad guys causing trouble for the main characters and a stereotypical hi-so mother who would do anything to climb the social ladder using her child.
All the Devaphrom lakorns I have watched so far were slow-burn romances, but each romance was different. This one is more like Laorchan, where the focus was more on the FL's backstory and her mission/goal. Also, compared to the other shows, the main couple had more obstacles and interfering parties. Even third parties with good intentions were annoying.
Still, the show did a good job weaving the romance in. The romance was cute and became more satisfying to watch in the later episodes. There were some sweet scenes, and when the leads were finally together, they were endearing.
I initially had put it on hold since I found the FL too prejudiced and judgmental based on her past with the ML. However, I picked it up again with a fresh view, and she was not that bad. After watching Laorchan and Kwanruetai and now watching Poncheewan, Noopook in this show was by far the most prim and proper from start to end. Careful with her actions and image, Noopok resisted Jak at first because of his player image, and even when she was finally won over by Jak's persistence and charms, she was reserved.
Visually, Tate and Oom look really good together, as do the second couple Job and Lingling, which is probably why the opening credits are all photoshoots of the characters. The opening song was fun and in general the main songs were enjoyable. They are on youtube,
โคตรจะรัก by Tom Isara Kitnitchi
เพิ่งเข้าใจ by AUN JESSADA
ทางขนาน by Atitaya Tribudarak (Mind) (4EVE)
Acting-wise, Tate could certainly need some improvement. The others were fine, which is why Tate's stiffness stood out more. His character, Ronnajak, though, was a great ML who was committed to the FL from start to end. I was annoyed with him in the beginning for not being more firm with the 2FL and her mother but he redeemed himself very quickly once he was sure of his feelings for Noopook.
I am not surprised that some viewers prefer the second couple's storyline. It was the typical hate-to-love story and the roller coaster feelings between the two made it more interesting to watch. They were adorable together and I liked how things worked out for them.
Overall, this was still a good watch. It was a little more draggy with so many episodes focused on the FL's search for her mom. Since that subplot was not that exciting, say compared to Laorchan's mission that was filled with intrigue and supernatural elements, I am not surprised that most people got bored.
Regardless, it should have been rated higher and is worth watching, especially if you want to complete the series or if you want to enjoy some eye candy in a decent show.
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Cute, fluffy, and fast-paced version
I have seen the Korean original and all (Chinese, Thai, and now Japanese) adaptions of this story, and I liked all of them. None of them were perfect, but I appreciate each one’s cultural style and artistic differences. If I were to pick a favorite, I would not be able to do so since there were elements in each that I liked a lot. Overall, the great mix of comedy, romance, and drama in the different versions resulted in good entertainment for me. This Japanese adaptation was different because it was more lightweight and less draggy due to the condensed storyline. However, a shorter version meant less time spent on character development. Also, some poignant or meaningful scenes were left out that hit the sweet spots in the other versions. That said, the drama still managed to follow the original storyline pretty closely, and whatever deviations made more sense.For those who have not seen the original or any of its adaptations, the plot is based on the classic and over-used "Childhood Love" trope. It is a story of how two people, despite lies and mistaken identities, still manage to find their first loves in the end. This story is truly a sweet rom-com, and in this Japanese version that is faster-paced, you will feel less angst during the prolonged misunderstanding on the ML's part and less frustration at the noble idiocy on the FL's side. However, with a lot more episodes, the other versions did a better job showing how the ML slowly fell for the FL.
In all versions, the ML was a jerk at first, but my favorite one was Nakajima Kento's portrayal of Hasebe Sosuke. Visually, I find him most appealing, with his sharp gazes transitioning nicely into boyish heart-melting looks. His smiles were truly disarming! Also, Sosuke was much less mean compared to the other versions. His angry or stern attitude towards the FL was tempered by his confusion and struggle to fight against the attraction he felt towards her, even when he thought he had already found his childhood sweetheart.
Also, I thought I would not get the second male lead syndrome in such a short series, but Akaso Eiji as Higuchi Takuya still won my heart. His good looks, his cool and supportive character, and the chemistry between the FL and him still caused me to root for him. I wish there was an alternate version where Higuchi had his happy ending with Sato.
In this version, the FL seemed the most natural without exaggerated freckles, bad teeth or ugly glasses. She looked normal, albeit a little unkempt and dowdy with her masculine clothing and lack of attention to her appearance. However, she was still pretty and cute, especially when she smiled. I love how Koshiba Fuka acted as Sato Ai, and her portrayal of the FL was the least cringey among all the drama versions.
As for Risa, the best friend, I find the character in this version, the most selfish and could have benefitted more with some further development. Still, Yui Sakuma did a good job and she is lovely. Reminds me of Anne Hathaway, visually.
The acting was great across the board, but it was difficult to note stellar performances when the story moved so quickly.
There's not much skinship, but the actual kisses were good, especially the last episode! The main leads were so cute together, and once they became a couple, the sweetness factor increased. I wish there was more kissing because they looked comfortable and natural when they did kiss.
There were not many songs played in the drama and mostly were instrumental. The theme song was fun and reflected the cute tone throughout the drama. The other was the more romantic song used a lot during the meaningful scenes. It definitely heightened the mood for me. For posterity, I have listed those two here:
1) 夏の午後はコバルト / Awesome City Club
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHDIX-RNgSY
2) Summer Hydrangea / Sexy Zone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a6SXtlEQB0
Overall, do give this drama a try! The sweetness, the silliness, the laughter, the terrific cast, the lovely ending - there's enough to keep you entertained on a weekend binge!
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Endearing Slice of Life Lakorn that Deserves a 2nd Season!
"To me, It's Simply You" is one of the Thai Lakorns that I wish they would make a Season 2, as it was a truly well-done "slice of life" drama. What makes this series appealing for me is how well the show depicted the everyday experience, the recurring themes of friendship and family, the struggles of daily life, and the stark portrayal of the good and bad sides of human nature. Though primarily character-driven, the plot is still crucial, and in this show, the main characters' little and large struggles and triumphs were well written, executed, and acted.To pull off a great drama without relying on a dramatic or extraordinary storyline, casting is the most essential ingredient. After all, the characters drive the story, and the cast must be good. Not only do the actors have to portray their characters accurately, they also need to work very well in tandem with everyone else. This excellent rapport is necessary for the cast to produce a seamless, touching, and most importantly, relatable story that keeps the viewers engaged and wanting more. Without a doubt, this show totally delivered! The entire ensemble was so fun to watch as they interacted with each other and dealt with life in general, living in the same village. The script was funny, often low-brow, and the sexual innuendos just kept coming, but I found it hilarious because the dialogue reminded me of how my friends and family would converse in real life.
Nadech and Bow have a wonderful and easygoing chemistry. It is a treat to watch them as the main leads, Kiew and Chompoo, as they find love, navigate through relationships and deal with heartbreak. It is my first time watching Nadech, and I am impressed to see him in such a role. He appeared comfortable playing a comedic role, and I never knew that he could sing. Nadech did a great job as Kiew, who moved to Bangkok from one of the villages in Northeast Thailand (or Isan) and lost touch with his roots. I enjoyed watching Kiew's character development as he assimilated back into the Isan village way of life, like lapsing into the local dialect and appreciating the food as well as the traditions and beliefs. It was endearing to see his family and friends tease him as they welcomed him back. Bow was so lovely as Chompoo, our intelligent, determined, and incredibly stubborn FL, who, unlike most Lakorn FLs, was also very calm and self-sufficient. It is so nice to have a nang'ek who can take care of herself and value her self-worth and pride. It was so CUTE when Kiew and Chompoo started flirting with each other - Chompoo, usually almost tomboyish, getting all girly and demure, while Kiew acting all awkwardly shy. Bow is so naturally beautiful, and when paired with Nadech, it was good looks galore.
In addition, the show stylist deserves kudos - the clothing and traditional outfits were practical but attractive at the same time.
It was also refreshing not having annoying nang rais who constantly scream throughout the show. Even though there were unrequited love and love triangles, the people involved were realistically more rational. They experienced the usual doubts and hesitation that tempered the crazy behavior that one typically expects from a Lakorn. Best of all, the show emphasized respect and the value and importance of friendship.
Finally, to top it off, the soundtrack was so heartwarming. The music was mostly traditional but very fitting and set the scenes and moods perfectly. I was not expecting the show to be a partial musical, but the way the show wove the songs into the story and have the actors sing them captured my attention and evoked my emotions appropriately. Enclosed below is the link to the OST list, but I also included another link to the adorable love song that Bow and Nadech sang together.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu-BmsoVBj-tog7735T_Hn7FzJOZ3c9p9
ขอใช้คำว่าแฟน lyrics rom | Nadech Kugimiya & Bow Maylada | ost Mon Ruk Nong Pak Ka Yan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzFvTZof_qE
Overall, I could not recommend this drama more. It really is a charming story with actors who can deliver while looking good doing it. I am surprised that the viewership is so low given the star power of Nadech. Not knowing how well this show did in Thailand, I hope that Ch. 3 would do more to promote it. It deserves more exposure for sure!
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This review may contain spoilers
Charming coming of age love story
The "long lost childhood friend turned lover" trope is nothing new, but the show used it very effectively. What makes it more meaningful is that our Male Lead, Nan Xi has a social anxiety disorder, and therefore his early friendship with Xia Rui, our female lead, has left a lasting, profound effect on him. He never forgot Xia Rui and never faltered in his search for her.I enjoyed their story of blossoming love, a romance that most would have deemed impossible given how different their personalities were. However, in a world of incompatibilities, they became each other's light and destination. They knew that they are each other's one and only, unique to and completing one another. Their unquestioning trust in each other made for a delightful and extra sweet relationship. Neither one is perfect, though. Nan Xi was a genius, adept and excellent in anything that he attempted but was an extreme introvert, uncomfortable with the world. Xia Rui was bright, talkative, and plucky but unmotivated when it came to her studies. She often caused stress for Nan Xi and her closest friends, Zhao Yi Shu and Cheng Er Luo, who only wanted to see her succeed and be with them in the same university. Individually they were flawed, but the show delivered a strong message of how imperfectly perfect they were together as a couple and for Xia Rui, Yi Shu, and Er Luo, as friends with unbreakable bonds. Being each other's anchors, they were able to pursue and succeed in achieving their dreams.
Adding to the heart-warming plot was the focus on family, friendship, and the bond between teacher and student. There were lots of positive feels in this show, focused on the four friends' lives in high school, university, and early post-grad years. I liked how the adults respect the young people, acting as positive influences, and providing support. No real antagonists and even potential love triangles were only hints, resolved quickly and relatively painlessly. Even the ones causing a smidgen of chaos ended up being good friends with the main group. The lack of melodrama was a plus for me, and I appreciate how the show stayed consistent with its storyline. Unlike many C-, K- or Thai dramas, there was no dramatic twist or turn, throwing the audience off with a different arc.
While the show has its strengths with respect to the adorable romance and character growth of the primary characters, it did get draggy concerning the secondary couple, Yi Shu and Er Luo. Both of them were annoying at times, with Er Luo being so dense and unaware of Yi Shu's feelings for him and Yi Shu's unwillingness to clarify and confess. It's one of those relationships that could be smoothed out and move forward if there was some communication, even indirectly via the main couple. I did not understand why Xia Rui did not help more, given how the other two contrived to create opportunities for her and Nan Xi.
The cast did well and had excellent rapport with each other. This is quite the 'PG' show with so many kisses...interrupted! Still Fiction Guo and Wan Peng had great chemistry, so endearing together, and I hope that they will play the OTP again in another show. I watched Fiction Guo in Accidentally In Love and Su Yu, and his portrayal of his characters in those shows, and this one highlighted his acting skills and potential. He does comedy well, and in this show, as he emoted well without a lot of dialogue. He has a few main roles lined up, so I look forward to seeing him more. Wan Peng also did well as bubbly Xia Rui, but I wonder if she will get pigeonholed into such a character. Her role in First Romance was very similar and even in My Girlfriend is an Alien, she played a clumsy, bumbling, unlady-like character. It would be nice to see her portray a more feminine role. I totally see her as an ideal female lead, strong and sassy, and she does have attractive features.
The supporting characters were awesome. Lao Hu and Lao Yi, the parents & grandparents, all added fun and substance to the story, but the scene-stealer was Xia Rui's little brother, who was the little sage, truth-teller, and overall, a bundle of cuteness.
Music-wise - the OST was great, and I like how the show played 'sexier' songs as the OTP's relationship progressed. I am partial to duets, and the show featured a couple of nice ones.
I'd highly recommend that you watch this if you like light-hearted and binge-able dramas featuring strong friendship and family ties, character growth, and a healthy romance between the main characters who never wavered from their love and commitment.
Lastly, a shout out to CarmenEngSub for subbing this show!
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Under-rated fusion sageuk - great balance of comedy, drama and intrigue
Indeed a worthwhile watch, and I enjoyed the cheeky contemporary details that the writers slipped into this sageuk drama. Elements like a manicure bar, cafe, taxi stand, and the male lead's knowledge of mixed drinks were not what I expected, but they certainly established the show as a fun and interesting one. I have not seen the other versions so my review is solely based on this drama.For a lighthearted rom-com, the story was well-written and even better executed, switching between serious and hilarity, between dark themes and fluffy romance. Yes, cringe-inducing K-drama tropes were deployed, and the villains were somewhat predictable and not fully developed. Still, I never found myself wanting to fast forward.
The story flowed nicely, and the introduction of the characters and sub-plot lines felt organic. Comedic moments were on point, and there were often curveballs. Scenes that felt like the romance was about to kick off were often disrupted by unexpected unromantic developments. These twists kept me watching non-stop, and I was elated when the OTP finally got together! Even though 16 episodes felt just right, I did wish for only one more just to see a grand finale wedding.
Being a fusion sageuk, I liked how progressive the women were portrayed. Good or bad, these women were not afraid to go after what they wanted. I mean, Princess Hye Myung was the boss! Always questioning traditions and rules, and choosing to study medicine over getting married to her beloved Gyun Woo first. We also have Da Yeon going against her father's wishes and instead openly asking him to help her get Gyun Woo, and even her servant, Mal-Geum unabashedly chased after Gyun Woo's friend.
That said, I did like how it was Gyun Woo who made the first move with Hye Myung. Sounds contradictory, I know, but I still relish the romance of traditional courtship, and Gyun Woo scored major points when he asked the Qing prince to back off. Also, his confession to Hye Myung was so heart-felt and endearing.
My favorite thing about this show was the chemistry between Joo Won and Oh Yeon Seo. They played off each other so well, and they looked good together. Both actors were excellent and have proven their acting range. They emoted so effectively, especially Joo Won, who displayed grief and anguish so well just with his eyes.
The supporting cast deserved a shout-out as well, not only the actors but also the characters they played. Lee Jung Shin as Lieutenant Kang won me over - I was kind of hoping that he was the SML, and others who worked for me included: Prince Wonja (Choi Ro Woon) and Choon Poong (Shim Hyung Tak).
The music was another plus point. The OST was well selected, and I loved the usage of Pachebel's piece, Canon in D, and the adaptations of it.
Last but not least I have to mention the dimples! Not only did our OTP have the most adorable dimples, so did the little prince, the scheming queen, the villain, Gyun Woo's friend, and other characters. Everywhere I looked, it was dimples galore!
Overall, I recommend this show for its amazing OTP, cute romance, and satisfying ending.
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I liked Sabrina Chen after watching her in My Unicorn Girl. However, she was even lovelier in this show. She has the perfect features to play a flower boy but easily transforms into a charming and beautiful maiden. I enjoyed watching her portray Su Qi, a female lead that was independent, rational, and has a high IQ and EQ. Even the dubbing used for her voice was suitable, quite unlike the usual high immature voices that C-dramas tend to use for female characters. Being a newly debuted actor, Zhang Ling He did well, with an ability to display a wide range of emotions. He was perfect as Pei Zhao/Prince Qi, who is now one of my favorite male leads. How can one resist a handsome ML who was absolutely committed and devoted to the FL, plus had the skills and power/influence to protect her? Pei Zhao complemented Su Qi so perfectly when it comes to physical appearance, intellect, and maturity. This OTP had many swoon-worthy love scenes with lots of well-done kisses. I love that Su Ci often initiated the kisses, and Pei Zhou always followed with deeper steamier ones! Also, the amount of attention paid to little details during their hugging and kissing scenes made me smile; like the way their gazes held, or the way the Su Ci tightened her grip around Pei Zhao as their kiss deepened. They were so cute together, even holding hands as they went about solving cases.
The secondary couple was also adorable together, and they were likable characters that added value to the plot. It was a good-looking cast overall (notable mentions: Zhang Jia Ding, Zhu Min Xin, and Li Jin Rong).
I like the song that played every time there was a meaningful moment between the OTP, but I did not find the OST memorable in general.
Rewatch value is high because I am a sucker for a good romance drama with great kissing.
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Do yourself a great favour and watch this drama!
There are already so many reviews, but I felt compelled to add mine since this is now one of my top favourite Chinese dramas. Now, I have not seen Eternal Love, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms After Story, nor have I read the novel, so my review is entirely based on the show alone.I didn't expect this show to be so addictive! I was so reluctant to watch the last few episodes, and I even waited for a couple of weeks before I finally finished it. I just did not want it to end. It is also my first show that is longer than 50 episodes. I have a habit of needing to complete any show (and not dropping it), so I tend to avoid long period dramas. However, I made an exception this time because of the great chemistry between the main leads. The trailers drew me in, and my only regret is that I did not watch it sooner. I really love the story! Even though some reviews stated that certain parts got draggy, I truly enjoyed the different arcs - from when Feng Jiu became Dong Hua's pet fox to the final battle at the end. Of course, fortunately for me, the ending was a satisfying one; otherwise, I would be so heartbroken that I would probably swear off Chinese period dramas for good.
Dilraba and Vengo really nailed their characters! I cannot imagine anyone else playing Feng Jiu with so much sass. Dilraba is mesmerizing, and it is completely believable when the character was described as a legendary beauty. She portrayed the future Queen of Qing Qiu with such grace and I love that Feng Jiu was also intelligent (albeit naive at times), good in martial arts and weapon making, and her culinary skills so exceptional that it won Dong Hua's attention. The same thing with Vengo - he played Dong Hua Di Jun with perfection. His acting range shone as he switched from icy handsome god to adorable pouty lover with endearing, smoldering looks reserved just for Feng Jiu. Also, while I have not seen that many period dramas, I cannot think of anyone else who looked so attractive in white hair (other than his own offspring)!
I also look for micro-expressions when it comes to acting skills, and both of them pulled it off so well. After all, they each had to portray three different character personalities, and they went through so many emotional periods of different levels across the various realms. The chemistry between these two was off the chart, and I truly enjoyed watching them fall in love even when they did not realize that their relationship was forming. I usually keep my interest strictly within Dramaland, but this is one of the very very few couples so far where I hope would become one from reel to real. I totally ship them together.
As for the rest of the cast - major applause! All of them did amazingly and so many good looking ones all in a one show :-) I was genuinely interested in the different characters - Lian Song, Cheng Yu, Chi Wu, Si Ming, super cute Ah Li, Zhe Yan (Baron!!!), Su Mo Ye, Qing Ti, Meng Shao and the list goes on! These characters completed the show. And yes, I have to mention Ji Heng, who was the one character I hated, not the actress who did a good job but the character - boy was I upset with her actions towards the end!
Other than that, the CGI effects were fantastic. It was obvious that they put a lot of thought and effort into creating the various realms and worlds. The fox was so well done, and I could not find any bad effects. Music-wise, also well-done! I have already added the OST soundtrack to my playlist.
The rewatch value is high for me since I am already rewatching it. Haha! As I said, this show is addictive!
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Well-Written and Nicely Executed Rom-Com with Visually Appealing CP
Overall, this was a very entertaining watch. The main plot is nothing new - cold, indifferent military officer and the heir of a powerful family meets a poor but resourceful girl. However, the show was well-executed, and it was also quite creative in the way the male and female leads met and ended up in a contract marriage. The story was mostly well-written, the comedy was on point, and there was some great dialogue. Still, there were cringey moments, and the middle dragged a little, but the later episodes were well worth the patience. Also, there were some hilarious scenes like the female lead cleaning out the family during mahjong! The cinematography was stunning, and I was impressed by how much attention was paid to the CP's wedding. Against the grand backdrop of the manor, the scenes were simply gorgeous. The costumes were lovely with fabulous colour schemes; I loved how the couples were often color-coordinated perfectly.After reading the comments, it seemed that many viewers were bothered by the lie about the fake pregnancy going on for so long, but that did not bother me. After all, it was the catalyst that brought the CP together and was the basis for the story. That was the main reason why I was willing to deal with the draggy middle episodes. I was increasingly interested in finding out how everything would be resolved at the end.
The main couple had good chemistry, albeit not off the charts compared to other screen couples. I like that it was the male lead that started liking the female lead first. He was always looking out for her, secretly smiling at her, and wanted her even after finding out that she lied about the pregnancy. The show got even better after the female lead acknowledged her feelings for the male lead. From then onwards, their love never wavered, and they remained completely committed to each other. Loved the kisses (could have been more) and skinship!
Like in many C-dramas, Xiong Xi Ruo, the female lead character, can get a little annoying and tiring with her immature, self-serving ways. However, her actions, for the most part were justifiable; after all, she wanted to keep her life! Admittedly, I did not give this show a higher rating because I felt that there were too many filler episodes where I felt extreme irritation at Xi Ruo for being so dense, stubborn, and constantly misunderstanding the male lead. Still, she was quite endearing for the most part and had character development eventually. Li Hong Bin, the male lead, was as loyal as they come, and he did so much for Xi Ruo without her even knowing. With such an amazing male lead, the story would have a winner if their relationship was more balanced, with Xi Ruo being more considerate of Hong Bin earlier in the show. That said, Xi Ruo displayed bravery and self-sacrifice when she blocked an attack on her father-in-law and took a stab for Hong Bin.
Xi Zi is adorably pretty with her dimple and has looks worthy of a female lead. Lately, the actresses cast in lead roles have been visually unremarkable, at least to me. She did fairly well portraying Xi Ruo, but there was some over-the-top acting during the crying scenes. I am not sure if it is the directing, or as a newbie, there was room for improvement.
Tall, good-looking with a great physique, Xia Ning Jun fitted the bill as the male lead, Li Hong Bin, and showed a good acting range, from cold sternness, angry jealousy, loving glances to swoony stares. Like Xi Zi, he is also a newcomer, and I hope that he will get more chances to hone his skills.
The supporting cast was good as well. Li Hong Bin's bodyguard A-Mao, and his parents were hilarious, and the villains evoked the right amount of annoyance. That Ru-er really made my blood boil, and I was so happy to see karma coming around, and she got what she deserved!
I love the OST, especially the title song, the duet that played during poignant moments, and all the instrumental pieces. So fitting for the scenes and helped to evoke my emotions. Also, the usage of sound effects to highlight the comedic moments was effective.
Overall, I recommend this sweet rom-com, especially if you are looking for one with little angst, where the CP only has eyes for each other and has a satisfying ending.
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Simple, endearing and pure
This drama was a pleasure to watch after some heavy Thai Lakorn and historical C-drama. Such a simple but well-executed plot about first romance, highlighting the struggles of youth and the awkward journey of inexperienced young adults as they try to develop their crushes into relationships. This show made me smile a lot, not only from watching the main couple's relationship evolve but also from watching the heartwarming interactions between family and friends. Additionally, the show delved into some social topics like bullying and self-esteem. To me, it was quite successful in delivering good messages.Riley Wang as Yan Ke and Wan Peng as Xiong Yi Fan had a unique dynamic that made them so entertaining to watch. Both leads have engaging visuals - attractive but not your typical classic good looks. I first saw Wan Peng in "My Girlfriend is an Alien", and I thought her look was so fitting for a character who was not from this planet. In this show, she portrayed Xiong Yi Fan perfectly, a bumbling female lead who traded her tomboyish ways for a more feminine demeanor. Xiao Xiong was resilient, optimistic, always protective of her friends, and looking out for the underdog. She was also adorably clueless, hence the slow burn romance.
Riley Wang has come a long way since I first watched him in "I Hear You". His acting range has improved, and he's gotten better at emoting effectively. That dimple when he smiles! He was an excellent choice to play Yan Ke, a talented pianist who was smart and handsome. Despite being popular, Yan Ke was not arrogant and instead came across as sensitive and somewhat innocent. I enjoyed watching his attempts to get closer to Xiao Xiong, trying to confess his feelings and deepen their relationship. I shared the poor guy's frustration, and when he and Xiao Xiong finally got together, I practically jumped off my sofa cheering!
It is a mostly young cast, and while they did well, there is room for improvement. Another noteworthy actor is Ken Wu, who played Bai Yu Ze; I would not have guessed that this was his first drama. Unfortunately, as much as I liked his character, his potential romance with Ding Ming failed to capture my interest. I appreciate that there was a happy ending implied for Bai Yu Ze, but I did not see any chemistry between him and Ding Ming. On the other hand, I was rooting for Qi Xiaosong and his love interest. Also, the supporting cast was superb, and they had a great rapport. I loved Xiao Xiong's dad and Yan Ke's mom; both so supportive and loved their children so much!
The main couple's relationship demonstrated how love prevailed even in the most challenging times. Their liking for each other never wavered. When they first crushed on each other in high school to when they met again in college, they remained focused on each other despite other people trying to come into the picture. I liked that the second male and female leads were clearly told from the get-go that they never stood a chance. I also liked that the main couple never lost sight of their own goals and development. There was also a nice story twist when Xiao Xiong and her supposed love rival ended up motivating each other on to better things.
Another high point for me was the OST. The song choices were great, very fitting, and evoked my emotions.
Overall, I recommend this light, sweet rom-com, especially if you are looking for one with little angst where misunderstandings are quickly resolved and the OTP only has eyes for each other.
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