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Completed
Oh! My Emperor
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 29, 2023
21 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Fun sweet funny drama

I found the drama quite enjoyable with many funny scenes, especially the jail part which was downright hilarious. However, I wasn't entirely convinced by the casting of the Emperor. The chemistry between the lead actors felt lacking, especially in the final scene which left me feeling disappointed despite the happy ending. It was too cold, and the actor seemed to struggle with portraying a character madly in love. Additionally, there were a few inconsistencies in the script, and some major explanations were missing, leaving me feeling puzzled.

Overall, the drama was fun to watch, but I strongly feel that without Lusi Zhao, the show would have been a big flop.

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Completed
Love Between Fairy and Devil
2 people found this review helpful
Nov 20, 2023
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

Beautiful love story

I have to say, the drama I watched was great, but I have some points to make. The first few episodes were slow and unnecessary, and the plastic armor and crowns were truly distracting and ridiculous. The makeup was not up to the mark, and the inconsistencies were noticeable. Furthermore, the Heavenly Lord deserved a lesson, which was upsetting. The happy ending was good, but the lack of an explanation for how it happened fell short.

However, the music was great and the special effects were well-made. Although the FL could be annoying at times, it was part of her naive and innocent character, while the ML was perfect overall. All the actors were well-cast and played their parts well, enough to make me teary-eyed.

In my opinion, this show is mostly for young adults, and it's a beautiful love story. I would put it on my rewatch list, but these cons need to be addressed.

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Douluo Continent
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 6, 2024
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Adaptation from Soul Land anime…95% different story meant for young audience.

I've noticed that the same scriptwriter is behind "Joy of Life," "Sword Snow Stride," and this drama. It seems that he consistently uses only 5% of the original story to create an entirely new storyline. As someone who has read the novels, I find it disappointing. However, I understand that viewers who haven't read the novels may have a different experience. While the first 5 minutes of the drama are identical to the original story, everything else is different. Characters have different personalities, backstories, and even relationships.

This story is intended for a young audience and fans of light fantasy novels. While that's okay, the level of believability is low, and it feels quite childish.

The "Soul Land" anime consists of 265 episodes, each 20 minutes long. It tells the story of a young adult soul master who is reincarnated in another dimension and uses his knowledge from his previous life to advance his power. Throughout the episodes, we see him grow from a child to a man alongside his friends. I also miss the clarity of the "levels" mentioned in the anime series. For example, 10 represents the 1st ring, 20 represents the 2nd ring, and so on. It provided an easy way to understand who had power and who didn't. The screenwriter decided to alter this essential aspect of the story. In the anime, every soul master aims to reach above 70 levels.

Some characters are different, like the teacher. In the drama, he appears weak and gets kidnapped, while in the novel, he is knowledgeable and strong and does not get captured. I didn't recognize the character of the 7 devils team. Wu was playing her character well, but I felt no chemistry with Zhao Xian.

I wasn't impressed with the acting, possibly because it seemed childish. For instance, the teacher faints, wakes up, immediately stands up, and then realizes he's supposed to be in pain. I admit that I fast-forwarded a few times after episode 9. At times, it felt overly childish.

In my opinion, the screenwriter and director failed to capture the essence of the anime. The special effects were well done and the only praiseworthy aspect.

The choice of actors is average. I decided to watch this drama because of Zhao Xian and my fondness for the anime series, but I don't think it's his best role. It doesn't compare to "The Untamed" where his performance was exceptional.

Regarding the OST, I was surprised to hear the same music as "The Love Like a Galaxy." It's a 2-year difference, and maybe the composer thought nobody would notice or remember?

On a side note, it's amusing to discover an actor who played a supporting role in "Joy of Life" (Prince Jing’s son) in a new role in this drama. Same mannerisms. Liu Run Nan.

It's frustrating when a show has a sad ending, especially when it was supposed to have another season. The ending was meant to be bittersweet and show the main character becoming a god master in season 2. Unfortunately, the show had low ratings or a limited budget. This is the only plausible explanation, as it aired in 2021, and after 3 years, there are no rumors of another season. It's a complete disregard for many viewers who expected a happy ending! Another major difference from the anime series: Wu and Tang San got married, as well as the other two couples. The Phoenix guy got a girlfriend, and all the antagonists died, while the protagonists lived happily ever after with Tang San, a god soul master protecting the world.

In conclusion, it's a disappointing drama with a sad ending.

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Completed
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Breathtaking drama with bittersweet ending

The K-drama period that I just finished watching is, without a doubt, one of the best ones I have ever seen. I was completely sold on it and couldn't help but be captivated by the cast's performances, the chemistry between the characters, and the intricacies of the plot.

While I was hoping for a happy ending, I couldn't give it a perfect score because of the bittersweet conclusion. However, there was an open-door possibility that the main lead would find a way to be with her lover. The mysterious voices she heard and the paintings she saw, as well as the appearance of a man who looked like the 8th Prince in modern clothes, all suggest that there is a chance for a resolution to their love story. Sadly season 2 never been produced.

I must say that I watched the entire series in a marathon, unable to let go of the story. The multiple love stories that were intertwined The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it. were all beautiful yet tragic.

The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it.

The love stories portrayed in the production were truly believable and heartfelt. Each storyline had a timeless quality to it that made it resonate with the audience on a deep emotional level. The themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, mistrust, jealousy, pain, despair, and even hatred were all perfectly executed by the talented cast. Every actor brought their A-game, immersing themselves in their respective roles and delivering performances that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Overall, the production was a masterful display of storytelling that left the audience feeling captivated and emotionally moved.

As much as I loved the drama, I must say that I have a deep dislike for time travel dramas in general. The same old sad ending of the main lead leaving her lover behind and returning to modern times is something that I find predictable and cringe-worthy. It would be great if the lead could live in the past, or if she were given a real choice, rather than being forced into an unhappy ending.

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Completed
Under the Microscope
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 10, 2024
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

You cannot miss this brilliant drama featuring a math genius.

This drama is truly exceptional and I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good TV show to watch. It was a perfect blend of great casting, superb acting, top-notch direction, incredible soundtrack, and impressive artistic vision. The way the characters were brought to life felt authentic and genuine, and the seamless transition of each scene into the next made the storytelling even more compelling.

I was particularly impressed with the portrayal of the autistic mathematics genius character, played by Zhang Ruo Yun. The way he brought the character to life was simply incredible, and I found myself truly invested in his story. His performance was nothing short of remarkable, and it was a delight to watch him on screen.

Another standout actor was Wang Yang, who played the wicked lawyer in the show. He was able to convey the character's evil persona with ease and made the audience root for his downfall. WuGang also did an amazing job portraying the villain, and his performance was both menacing and captivating. 3 of my favorite actors (Joy of Life). Shoutout to actress Qi Wei.

Overall, I would highly recommend this drama to anyone who's looking for a well-crafted and engaging TV show. It's a true masterpiece that has everything from great acting to impressive direction, and it's definitely worth your time.

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Completed
Miss Truth
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 9, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

Although there were some poorly made edits, I thoroughly enjoyed the drama.

Despite some enjoyable aspects, the drama had several glaring issues with the poorly written script and bad editing. The transition from one murderer case to the next was poorly executed, and the love change of mind of the female lead was poorly executed as well. Although the main storyline was intriguing and kept me hooked, the overall execution of the drama left me cringing.

Frankly, I found myself caught between two vastly different scriptwriters - one who kept me thoroughly engaged, and the other who made me cringe with poorly executed scenes. Unfortunately, the drama took a downhill turn due to the script's many ridiculous and bad choices. Funny on paper, but cringy on screen. Intriguing on paper, but poorly executed on screen. Too many cuts/edits that left me frustrated. Some casting choices were also debatable like the stepmother.

Despite these issues, the second male lead captured my attention with his handsome and mysterious persona. While the other male lead was a good actor, I didn't feel any chemistry between him and the female lead. The decision to go with more veteran male leads was fantastic! This was probably the main reason I kept watching.

The characters were intriguing, and I was particularly drawn to the portrayal of the genius character, who seemed to have some borderline autistic tendencies. The female lead struggled with expressing emotions and exhibiting fickleness in her romantic interests. While the script may be lacking, it could be interpreted as a result of her being autistic or a genius. This is supported by the fact that she demonstrated exceptional talent at a young age, mastering autopsy at just 9 years old, as mentioned by her shoufu. I must say, this all seems quite stretched to me and I am only speculating to explain, or maybe even excuse her character.

The ending was a complete letdown, leaving the viewers disappointed, especially since it was left open-ended with the possibility of another season that never materialized. Do not expect a typical love story. It is a complex and tumultuous triangle of love and misunderstandings that will keep you frustrated, yet still watching to finally watch the mutual love declaration.

Despite the flaws, I still believe that this is a great show. However, the producers should have done a better job with the script and editing to make it a more seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.

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Completed
Cry Me a River of Stars
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 27, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 2.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Annoyingly bad play by female lead - amateurism makeup artists

It's downright frustrating to witness a stagnant, juvenile narrative and a constant portrayal of women as helpless beings in distress. This drama is anything but charming or appealing. It perpetuates a foolish stereotype of women being dependent on men for their protection, which is unacceptable. The fact that it's supposed to be a romantic comedy does not excuse its ineptitude.

The plot was severely lacking in substance and was unnecessarily repetitive. The female lead's constant injuries and near-death experiences were excessive and tiresome. It was frustrating to see her consistently behave like a child despite being an adult character. Overall, these aspects of the story detracted from the viewing experience and were quite frankly irritating.

I have to be honest, I absolutely detest the actress's one-dimensional performance. It's as if she's incapable of portraying anything beyond a ridiculously childish level. On top of that, there was absolutely zero chemistry between her and her male counterpart. They couldn't even manage to kiss properly! It was downright ridiculous. And although the male lead's acting was good, he didn't appeal to my personal taste. Of course, everyone has different preferences. But in my opinion, his performance and that of the other actors deserve a 5-star rating, while hers is a total zero.
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The acting was subpar, and the casting was off. The makeup artist's inability to replicate the location of the pimples and the inconsistencies throughout the show only added to the flaws. Despite the sensitive topic of racial discrimination, the show managed to avoid acknowledging skin color, which was good.

To put it bluntly, there's nothing much positive to say about this show except there is a happy ending… somehow.

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Completed
Legend of the Phoenix
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 10, 2023
41 of 41 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 4.5
Rewatch Value 2.5
This review may contain spoilers

Great until not so great

The drama lost me completely when they added another unnecessary love story with two episodes that added no value to the plot. The second part of the drama was a complete waste of time, with the same villains unpunished and the same old baddies. The main female protagonist kept getting hurt by the male lead over and over again, and when a villain died, another one showed up. The old sage who initially hated her did so many nasty things to her, and we received no satisfaction from his death.

However, I will say that the actors were great and had fantastic chemistry, despite the significant age gap, which made total sense. I was hooked on the drama because the male lead was a man, not a boy. Hugo and I could have been older, though. Senior Mu, aka Demon Thian, was my favorite character alongside the male lead. The main female actress did a good job of playing the innocent, naive follower, but I much prefer sassy heroines. However, after a few dozen episodes, watching her bullied and emotionally hurt became too much for me, and they lost me again.

I enjoyed the first 15 episodes, but when she turned into a demon, they lost me again. I had to start skipping ahead from episode 30. The storyline could have been better, even though it was a low-budget series. The background, construction, and props were well done, but as usual, there were inconsistencies with the wounds, blood, and lack of budget to hire more people for crowded demon places. The hate at first sight was exaggerated.

The drama has a happy ending but not the kind I like. They reunited after 10 years and all they do is stare at each other, smiled and play both music. ML cried. She didn't. No hug. No kiss. Completely a miss from the director here.

To be honest, when I reread this review, I noticed that I only mentioned negative comments. But despite everything, the drama is still worthy of watching as it had many cute moments that made me teary-eyed.

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Completed
Princess Agents
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 8, 2023
67 of 67 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

great, but you should steer clear of the final episode to avoid frustration

I have mixed feelings about this drama.

The drama in question was absolutely captivating, and I was glued to my screen for hours on end watching it. Every aspect of the story was a masterpiece and had me on the edge of my seat. However, the last episode left me feeling disappointed and frustrated. If only they had removed the final episode, I would have given it a 10-star rating without hesitation. The hero died, but not before saving the woman he loved. Meanwhile, the other guy who also loved her tried to kill them both, but ultimately watched as the hero saved her. Unfortunately, there was no explanation or revelation regarding the woman's superpowers, leaving a lot of loose ends to be tied up. As a result, the final episode was a complete letdown that ruined an otherwise extraordinary drama.

The storyline of the drama was captivating and complex. It revolved around a love triangle, where the female protagonist found herself torn between two male leads. The first male lead was a fun-loving playboy, who eventually fell deeply in love with the main female lead, who was a maid. Their playful flirting and bickering were fun watching. However, things took a turn when the second part of the drama began, and the same actor portrayed a man who was seeking revenge.

In this part, I saw a man struggling with his love and losing her as he became more and more obsessed with revenge. He had witnessed all of his family members die, and this had pushed him to the brink of madness. His madness, in turn, increased his jealousy, doubts, and mistrust towards the only person who truly loved him—the main female lead.

The female protagonist's character is also complex. Her feelings for the other male were complex. He was her Kung Fu shoufu but his cold attitude didn't open any door for love. Eventually, after some secrets were revealed, she realized that she had developed feelings for him but was not sure if it was love until the very last minute when he died. She was conflicted with her feelings and found herself torn between the two men. It was the first drama I truly watched where the female protagonist loved two male leads, making the storyline unique and riveting.

I strongly disliked the epilogue as it left me with a lot of unanswered questions. It was disappointing to see a love story from the female lead only on the last episode. Additionally, the show lacked balance as it only focused on villains and drama without any friendship or romantic moments. What's more, the female lead's superpower was never utilized to save the hero, which was frustrating. Season 2 and the last episode were major letdowns.

However, I did enjoy the performances of the actors, both males and female. The first episode had me hooked from the start, and the first season as a whole was quite good. I particularly enjoyed the female lead's heroic kung fu moment, and both male leads were equally compelling.

It's worth noting the exceptional performance of the pawnshop uncle and his adorable pets. He added a much-needed dose of humor to the drama
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The drama in question was truly captivating, with an intricate plot that kept us all on the edge of our seats. However, it was unfortunate that the ending left a bitter taste in our mouths. It seemed to be a rushed and unfair conclusion to a story that had so much potential for further development.

The main male lead, who had been a central figure throughout the series, met his demise in a way that was confusing and unsatisfying. He drowned in icy water, apparently the only thing that could kill him. This left us scratching our heads, as the character was a highly skilled martial artist who had survived numerous battles and close calls.

To make matters worse, the other main male lead witnessed the drowning, and yet the female lead appeared unscathed and out of danger. This only added to the confusion and frustration of the viewers. All in all, the ending felt like a letdown and left us with more questions than answers.

Nevertheless, the lack of a happy ending left me feeling sad and disappointed. Despite this, this drama will stay with me for a while.

****

I came across the real story online after the disappointing ending. A blogger mentioned that we could find the complete translation of the book online, but I decided to read her blogs instead which gave me a satisfying conclusion to this drama. The story continues right before the epilogue, where the protagonist meets Yan, and they talk face-to-face on horses. It's then that she finally understands that he had used her love for him to fulfill his own ambitions to rule and conquer.

Happy ending!!

In the drama's final scene, the protagonist appears to die in a frozen lake, but he is rescued. His love interest, who believed him to be dead, leaves him behind. Two years later, they reunite, but she becomes emotionally shattered from leading her men to their deaths and realizing that her dream was merely an illusion. To make matters worse, the man she had followed for so many years, Yuan, betrayed her. When she finally realizes that her true love is Wen Yue and that he is still alive, she cannot open her heart to him due to her emotional turmoil. She let him go.

After another year, they met once more, and she finally realized that her heart healed. However, their love is still threatened by political wars, and they are separated once again. Finally, after many political conflicts and battles, they are able to find their happy ending.

***

Thank you to SueLee in the discussion section. The translation after the ice lake was cute and helped the closure of this drama.

Blogger, Ninja Reflexion, cut some book chapters but it helped to understand what happened after the ice lake. CREDIT to https://ninja-reflection.com/

https://ninja-reflection.com/2017/10/04/princess-agents-novel-translation-just-bits-not-whole-thing/
https://ninja-reflection.com/2018/03/28/princess-agent-novel-translation-part-2/
https://ninja-reflection.com/2018/04/05/princess-agents-novel-ending-translation-last-part/

MDL doesn't allow links in reviews, so you have to copy/paste ;)

***

The entire novel is truly a revelation. Season 2 will likely require a significant budget as it includes many wars and battles with millions of deaths starting from the lake scene in the last episode of season 1 until almost the last chapter of the novel. In addition to the intense action, there are beautiful love stories (plural) and a death that made me cry in a few chapters. The main couple is a genuine love story that fans will swoon over but with many twists and turns. The story spans 20 years.

In the TV show, the characters and plot were significantly altered from the original novel. While the novel does have villains, they are not as prominent as they are portrayed in season 1. The focus in the novel is more on a few characters who are seen in season 1. Therefore, I think the screenwriter and director might reduce the number of battles and instead focus on a smaller number of villains to control the budget. When I mention numerous wars and battles, it's probably about two-thirds of season 2 that is dedicated to battle scenes. . As per the novel, she doesn't have super powers except being a great martial artist and a genius war strategist.

I am completely certain that a major revelation will never be disclosed in a potential second season of the show. I had to carefully read the text multiple times to ensure I fully comprehended it. Yan Xun, when he became the most powerful emperor and assimilated Yan and Xia empires, way after she finally married Yue, Yan Xun had an affair with a male general. Many twists and turns. This is only the last 10 chapters of the novel. We discovered his life once he became emperor, married, and had hundreds of women in his harem. Yet only loved ah chu and this male general Xian Mo.

“Xuan Mo and he are good friends, and only so. Once the relationship changes from brotherly love to romantic love, it ceases to exist.”

So I am pretty sure season 2 will be different from novels except for a few major moments. It is a good thing because in the novel new secondary characters showed up and I could hardly remember who was who. Sadly the author did not give a lexicon

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Completed
The Only Girl You Haven't Seen
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 1, 2023
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Great acting, confusing plot

36 episodes. 10min each. 2 seasons.

First time watching 10-minute episodes. That was not a satisfactory experience. At times, I thought I skipped episodes because it made no sense.

- The third Prince was at times evil and others a lover. He loved Qi yet murdered her. He loves Xuan yet sets her up to be raped
- finally, the Fifth Prince becomes Emperor and makes promises to share rooms with Li… yet she disappears for a years
- out of the out-the-blue King of poison becoming her mother
- Qi/Li was a maid but a kung-fu master and genius doctor
- the mystic master coming out of the blue
- the second Prince who existed only to be killed

So many things made no sense or were left blank or ridiculous.

I want to highlight that, while the performances of the actors and actresses were great, I couldn't help but notice a stark contrast between the physical appearances of the main couple. She looked like a mature woman while he looked like a young man. Unfortunately, this was the only drama where the female lead had a prominent role, despite being in the industry since 2021. She deserves better. My guess is that her voice and physical appearance don't seem to be a good fit for young adult dramas which are the most popular, as they prefer a high-pitched teen voice and a youthful face. Perhaps she would be better suited for contemporary dramas. It is sad because she is an excellent actress.

The male lead was outstanding, but his appearance was more fitting for teenage or young adult dramas. While their acting was great, the chemistry between the two leads felt off, probably because they didn't match well.

I strongly believe that adult actors should look like adults, not like teenagers. Sadly, we don't see this often in costume dramas.

Overall, it was a watchable drama, but I don't see myself rewatching it anytime soon.

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Nov 22, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Great romance with a strong plot

I absolutely adored the drama, it had everything that I love! Rosy Zhao was amazing and the two male leads were fantastic. Thanks to Rosy, they really shone on screen. The drama was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of drama, romance and comedy. The costumes and makeup were impeccable, but the dance and song choreography needed significant improvement. It was not awe-inspiring to watch someone just turning around and around.

Ren Hao was my favorite character, his villainous yet madly in love portrayal was spot on. Not to mention he looks absolutely delicious on screen! However, I felt like we needed more information regarding his transition from a teenager to a man. I was left wanting to know more about how he became a villain, even if we got glimpses of his aunt.

Despite my appreciation for the music, I must say that the synchronization between Rosy Zhao's vocals and the music was extremely poor. Moreover, the dancing choreography was quite subpar, as it seemed like anyone could merely spin around with a flowing dress and raised arms. It is disappointing that the production did not put in more effort to improve these aspects of the performance.

Lusi Zhao is an all-round package. She shines and brings out the best in every partner, be it male or female. I caught a glimpse of her 2023 Lu Lu land concert, and she was stunning. However, I hope she pays all her taxes.

Even though I loved the drama and have re-watched it several times, I have to admit that the lip-syncing during the school singing performance was terrible. I wished the directors did better on this. But overall, the script, direction, and acting were all top-notch. Kudos to the entire team!

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Completed
What's Wrong with My Princess
0 people found this review helpful
7 days ago
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 1.5
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

A short drama that deserves recognition.

I came across a complete drama on YouTube. As usual, I start watching for a few minutes, and if I don't like it, I move on to the next video in my feed. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it and ended up watching the entire drama in one go—5 hours and 30 minutes!

This drama had obviously a low budget, which proves that you don't need a high budget to be successful. Typically, I’m not a fan of 10-minute episodes, but if the drama is engaging and can keep my attention for a binge-watch, then I'm all in.

**Cons:** The heavy makeup on the male characters was a bit off-putting; I prefer them with less lipstick. Additionally, I found the female lead unconvincing in the romantic scenes, particularly when she smiled.

**Pros:** The plot and dialogue kept me interested, and I appreciated the happy ending. The cast did a great job.

I am usually not a fan of transmigration themes because they often end bittersweet or sad. However, the scriptwriter cleverly navigated Chinese censorship, justifying the couple’s happy ending by framing it as a dream experienced by the female lead. That was a smart move.

I always check the cast’s previous works when I watch a new drama. I noticed that the male lead started his career with many dramas, but since starring in a same-sex Thai BL drama, he has only appeared in two others. 2 aired, 6 pending. Given recent announcements regarding the ban of BL dramas on platforms like iQIYI, Tencent, and Youku, along with the stringent censorship against same-sex themes in China, it’s no surprise that the male lead may find himself on a blacklist. I'm sure he was aware of the potential consequences when he took on the BL role. Thailand produces the majority of BL dramas, so if he chooses to continue in that genre, he can likely move his career there. (sidenotes: no kissing between ML and FL in this drama! 😆 )

Overall, I rated this drama an 8 out of 10 because it was solid and well executed.

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Fights Break Sphere
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 1, 2024
45 of 45 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

Meant for young adults, played by young adults. Aired in 2018, produced few years earlier

At first, I was confused and read some negative comments regarding this drama. So, I didn't expect much from it. Moreover, I thought it was just another case of youth martial arts that I had seen before. Later, I realized that the negative comments were referring to season 2 and it made me pleasantly surprised.

What confused me was the name mentioned in the drama and the name mentioned when it aired. Both are a different season.

The drama centers around a young and aspiring martial artist hero who faces various challenges in his mission to save the world. He attends a prestigious martial arts school with a group of loyal friends, and sweet romance blossoms throughout the series. His mission is to eradicate the evil, save his friends and have his revenge. While the plot may not be entirely original, it is worth noting that the drama was produced a few years before its 2018 release due to Chinese media censorship, so the special effects may not be as advanced as those in more recent dramas. The music choice at that time was probably good to attract young people too!

It's remarkable how much a few years can change actors and actresses. Looking back from 2024, it's clear that Leo Wu, whom I first saw in Love Like the Galaxy, was much younger then (probably around 16-17 in 2016 when it was produced), and while his acting experience was already impressive, he lacked a certain (normal) maturity that he has since acquired in his recent dramas, a few years later (he is 24 in 2024). Therefore, even talented, even with an already impressive list of dramas he played, he was still a late teenager and it showed. Even back then, he was already bodybuilding, which was evident from the number of times we saw him shirtless on the show. I'm sure his fans were over the moon! 😆

Few comical and over-the-top scenes were amusing, particularly when the ML cleverly wrapped a black scarf around his face to remain incognito, but peculiarly kept the attention-grabbing, one-of-a-kind, gigantic sword strapped to his back, making it obvious to everyone that it was indeed him. It was a comical display of a superhero in action, leaving me with a hearty laugh. This is why I call this drama meant for teenagers and young adults. The credibility was removed immediately.

Ahem… a special mention to the ugliest hairstyles I have ever seen in a drama!! Gosh, those were so distracting, poor Leo Wu!

I was taken aback when I saw Xiao Zhan in a supporting role, as I am a huge fan of his after watching The Untamed. This drama was a year before though and although his acting was good, he didn't shine as much as The Untamed. It's disheartening to see that despite his immense popularity, he doesn't seem to be happy. Every time I see him in recent interviews or TV events, he appears to be unhappy and wants to escape. He recently expressed his desire to take a step back. It's a shame that someone as talented as him doesn't seem to be getting the happiness and recognition he deserves.

It's funny that I found many actors and actresses who played support roles in the Chinese dramas "Oh My Emperor" (2018) and "Joy of Life" (2019). Some of these actors include Jason Gu and Wu Jia Cheng (from "Oh My Emperor"), Li Qin, Li Zi Feng, Du Yu Ming and Xin Zhi Lei (all from "Joy of Life"). It's rare for me to recognize actors, especially when there are hundreds of them. However, these actors made an impression on me when I watched "Oh My Emperor" and "Joy of Life" before this drama.

This drama is an entertaining production that is worth watching without high expectations. Although at episode 33, I found it was a bit redundant, I took a little pause and decided to finish the series. While it may not be the most memorable drama out there, it certainly has its moments and will keep you interested for the entire season. This drama is geared towards young adults but can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. As a personal taste, I do not like special sound effects (aka owls we never see to make sure we understand it is the night even if it is plainly the night with the moon or the crickets).

Overall, I recommend this drama to anyone who enjoys a good martial arts storyline with a touch of romance.

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Completed
Love in the Moonlight
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 25, 2024
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Romantic love story

The drama in question has definitely sparked some mixed reactions among viewers. While some have hailed it as a masterpiece, others have been critical of the age gap between the female and male leads, which spans six years. Personally, I prefer to watch a show first and then read comments afterward, so as not to be influenced by the opinions of others.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. The actors were fantastic and their chemistry was palpable. While Korean dramas tend to be slightly less conservative than their Chinese counterparts, I wasn't taken aback by the limited displays of affection, including a handful of hugs, a few instances of hand-holding, and a couple of closed-lips kisses. I'm more shocked when I see young actresses portraying prostitutes or older actresses playing characters that are much younger than their actual age.

In many dramas, we have seen the depiction of a forbidden love between two men, which eventually leads to a happy ending when one of them transforms into a woman. This is a plot that has been explored in both Chinese and Korean dramas, and I have personally enjoyed watching it when it is executed with emotional depth and complexity in both of the characters. One such drama that stands out in my mind as a beautiful love story is "Love in Moonlight." The way the story unfolds, with its intricacies and layers, is very well played. I can't help but be drawn in by the chemistry between the characters and the depth of their emotions. In romantic relationships, it's quite common to experience a variety of obstacles before reaching a happy ending. In fact, the more challenges the couple faces together, the stronger their bond can become. These bumps in the road can come in many forms, such as miscommunication, misunderstandings, disagreements, or external factors that put pressure on the relationship. However, overcoming these obstacles can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other, and ultimately a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.

The drama I watched did a great job of delivering the romance I was hoping for. The chemistry between the main characters was palpable, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire show. The plot was engaging and kept me invested in the story, and the writing was top-notch. Overall, it was a great viewing experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic drama to watch.

The age difference between the lead characters in a drama is a subjective matter. In my case, I had no idea about the age of the characters while watching the show and assumed that they were of similar ages. For me, both of them were young adults, and surprisingly, I was taken aback to see viewers being shocked about the age difference. I have seen worse cases in other dramas where actors in their 40s are paired with actresses in their early twenties. Therefore, the age gap of 16 to 22 years old, which I came to know after reading comments, was puzzling, considering that the only issue was a closed-lip kiss and a few hugs. The love depicted in the show was pure and romantic, which could have been portrayed by an actress even at the age of 16 years old. It is worth mentioning that historically, girls were considered ready for marriage at the age of 15, and in some countries, even younger.

I must say, I enjoyed Park Bo Gum as the main character. He played the role of a prince who was bound by strict traditions but was trying to break free and find a way to love the person he wanted while also fulfilling his duties as prince and future king of his country. He did a great job of making the character's struggles and conflicts seem real and convincing.

I have to admit that Kim You Jung's character in the drama was a bit frustrating. She kept rejecting the protagonist all the time, and her role seemed one-dimensional. She loved the protagonist but couldn't be with him, and loved him but didn't want him to touch her. The few times she allowed herself to show her feelings were great, but they were too rare.

While the storyline isn't particularly groundbreaking - featuring a prince, a woman disguised as a man, villainous ministers, and two men vying for the affections of the same woman - it was still highly enjoyable. The love story was heartwarming, and the script was engaging. The casting was also spot-on, with each actor bringing their character to life in a captivating way.

All in all, I thought this was a great drama and I would definitely watch it again in the future.

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Completed
Follow My Dear General
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 4, 2024
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Funny female lead character with a sassy attitude that I enjoy in cross-genre roles

The drama in question comprises 31 episodes, each of which is only 10 minutes long. Despite the brevity of each episode, the storyline is impressively well-crafted, leaving no gaps in terms of plot and character development. I found myself constantly amazed by this feat, as the series manages to pack in all the necessary elements of a compelling love story within such a short timeframe.

One of the things that stood out to me about this drama was the excellent portrayal of the female lead. She was not only physically believable in both genres, but also displayed a remarkable level of sassiness and maturity, avoiding the typical childish character tropes that can be so annoying. The chemistry between the two leads was palpable, and they made for a great match on screen. The plot was engaging and kept me hooked from start to finish, with a few laugh-out-loud moments thrown in for good measure. Overall, I thought this drama was very well done and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying watch.

The show was aired in December 2022 with an explicit mention of a second season. I am eagerly awaiting its release and hope it arrives soon.

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