Bittersweet & Reflective
I really enjoyed this. It stirred up a strong sense of longing and nostalgia while I was watching. Even though much of the latter half was bittersweet, it felt true to life—something I could identify with, empathize with, and even commiserate with. I felt a profound connection to each character, despite how different they were from one another, because each of them experienced a stage of life that we all go through as we grow older. That’s why I believe this drama resonates more with older viewers—we've faced more of life’s challenges and growth, which allows us to relate on a deeper level.However, one major critique I have—and the reason this drama doesn’t sit on my top shelf—is the excessive use of flashbacks. By the midpoint of the series, they were overused, often repeating the same scenes, and sometimes took up nearly half an episode. I ended up skimming through them because I was already so familiar with those sequences.
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An Epic Story Undercut by Its Execution
I have such a love-hate relationship with this drama. If it hadn’t been a Guo Jingming adaptation, I wouldn’t have tried so hard to stick with it. It held so much promise for me, but the execution, pacing, and some of the side plots didn’t quite land. The narrative itself was truly epic: wonderfully layered and poignant. When viewed as a continuum—tracking what happened to the characters and how much their lives had changed from the people we met at the start—the ending becomes incredibly impactful. Their trajectory, character growth, and the life challenges they faced added a depth that really drew me in.Unfortunately, it was weighed down by uneven execution and common cinematic tropes—especially the overuse of memory sequences. That said, I can still see the potential in this drama and the elements that were truly compelling or kept me emotionally invested. So while this wasn’t a win for me, I don’t regret spending so much time on it.
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Well-Layered Performances in a Harrowing Narrative
I am not going to lie, this is a very traumatic watch. The narrative and performances are well-layered, which made it impactful and engrossing. The characters captured my empathy and sympathy, with painful backstories and current injustices. I became deeply invested in their problems and wellbeing, wanting good things for them in their future. However, I did need a break near the middle, or around the final third, as some of the storylines felt a little repetitive. Once the plot was well-established, the show reused its formula for several of the smaller arcs. But once I was back on it, I was quickly immersed.I would recommend this to anyone needing Republic Era recommendations or to those who enjoy short content. As a whole, I think this is a solid watch
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Not the Ancient Love Poetry Continuation I Hoped For
This drama felt like two different shows to me. One was all about the subplots, whose storytelling resonated with me the most. Their soul and passion gave the entire feature its momentum. Then came the second part, which centered on the two couples’ stories—and that’s where it lost me. It deviated heavily from the Ancient Love Poetry universe, and I struggled with the reframing. I love Bai Lu and Cheng Huasen, but losing the Tianqi–Yuemi narrative—and seeing Xuanyi, who was compellingly grey and layered in Ancient Love Poetry, reduced to a maniacally love-stricken Mo Li—was disappointing.I had hoped for a continuation of Ancient Love Poetry that would offer closure on Tianqi and Yuemi’s story—but that’s not what happened. Moonlight Mystique is more of a reinterpretation, and taken as an independent feature, it unfortunately wasn’t the version I was hoping for. I also found the second leads problematic. Their transitions didn’t feel fully developed, with no real epiphany or accountability until the very end. Ultimately, this just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m not even sure how to rate it, because the inconsistencies were ... well, inconsistent. The side stories were top shelf for me, while the main storyline fell flat. So, although the drama had a strong start and initially captured my heart, the ending didn’t land for me once the subplots wrapped up and the lead narrative dominated.
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A Phenomenal Storyline Despite Its Weakest Thread
I was blown away by this drama, though unfortunately I rated it lower overall because it wasn’t consistently dynamic. While the main narrative was phenomenal, the romantic plots were subpar and didn’t quite fit. That said, I skipped through all the romantic scenes by the midpoint, rating the main storyline as a top-shelf favorite. These scenes were cinematically beautiful, compelling, and poignant. They kept me engaged and constantly guessing about what would happen next and who was truly in control. Masterminds shifted throughout the series and the drama gained layers of depth with it. It made what was really happening behind the scenes difficult to discern and the storyline exciting. I loved it so much, I went on to watch the next season.Was this review helpful to you?
A Well-Executed Time-Travel Drama Powered by a Great Cast and Strong Dynamics
This is a solid time-travel drama with elements of time and space manipulation, palace conspiracies, and fantastical plots. Altogether, I think the cast did a wonderful job, and I really enjoyed the character dynamics and the development of the leads. While the ending was a personal letdown, it didn’t take away from the overall experience. I found the narrative and script consistently well-executed and the ending just came down to personal preference.Was this review helpful to you?
Quirky and Comic-Book–Toned, a Hidden Gem
I loved this—and I honestly wasn’t expecting to going in. But some of my all-time favorite dramas have been pretty offbeat, with kitschy tones. So it’s not a dealbreaker for me when something isn’t polished in a conventional way. I thought the narrative here was incredibly unique, and it had several elements that made it feel well-rounded for me. It was comedic and touching, with bits of adventure and mystery mixed in. The 30-minute episode length also made it easy to fit into my schedule—I ended up watching most of it over breakfast.If you enjoy comic book-style action and characters, this could definitely be a win for you.
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Slow-Burn Storytelling with a Deep Emotional Payoff
I really liked this. It’s an emotionally charged story that transcends time and generations, and it captured me from the very beginning. While there were moments when the pacing felt a little slow, it seemed stylistically intentional—this isn’t a superficial or fluffy drama. It’s the kind of story that invites you to sit down and truly feel what the characters are experiencing. The narrative quickly draws you back in with the beauty of its storytelling. It’s layered and mysterious, with a fantastical twist that never diminishes its emotional depth—drawing on themes of connected fate and second chances. It’s the kind of drama that makes your heart race—and then sigh—as you reach the end and reflect on the characters and all they’ve endured.Was this review helpful to you?
Surreal, Offbeat, and Bittersweet
I'm glad I watched this. It’s not a top-tier watch for me, but it’s definitely worth the time.The filming has a surreal quality, often blurring the line between reality, imagination, and virtual reality. There are a few plot holes, but given how distorted reality is throughout the story, they actually fit the narrative rather than take away from it. It's offbeat and intriguing—but I have to say, surprisingly depressing, which isn’t something I often feel with this genre. The ending felt bittersweet, especially once you realize what a "happy ending" truly means for these characters.
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A Smart and Stylish Drama That Delivers in Two Pieces
This drama is split between two distinct tones, and I loved each one. The first half is edgy and gripping, with avant-garde cinematography that draws you in through scenes filled with anxiety and intrigue. The second half shifts toward self-growth and character development, focusing on personal improvement and learning—all delivered with a sharp sense of humor. The performances and narrative were outstanding. My only wish is that the drama had circled back to some of the edginess I appreciated so much at the start. That said, it was still an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Offbeat, Absurd, and Absolutely Addictive
I absolutely loved this! It’s exactly the kind of offbeat, quirky story I enjoy. So many sequences were hilarious and absurd, and it never missed a beat. The on-screen dialogue and deliveries perfectly matched the humor intended in the script. And despite its lighter arcs, the narrative and central conflicts remained engaging, with a satisfying number of shocking twists that elevated the storyline.The series centers on zodiac or celestial powers, hidden identities, power struggles, and subtle coming-of-age themes. Friendships are tested, alliances are formed, and several characters are challenged by fate and acceptance. My only critique is that I wish there had been a second season. The ending doesn’t provide full closure, and a few hinted revelations clearly set the stage for a continuation. Still, I would rate this very high. I only wish more directors today created dramas like this one.
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A Powerhouse On-Screen Dynamic
This drama is one of my top favorites starring Li Fei. I absolutely love Hu Yiyao too, and seeing her paired with Li Fei was a dream. But setting aside my personal admiration, their chemistry and on-screen dynamic are undeniably powerful.This is a revenge-driven, palace-themed drama with an engaging and emotionally resonant backstory. I connected deeply with the protagonist, Zhao Ge Fu, and found her journey captivating. I especially appreciated the character development and interactions—it even inspired me to start reading the novel because of the lasting impression the drama left on me.
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A Beautifully Woven Tapestry of Comic Book Stories
This 12-episode short drama unfolds like a collection of interconnected comic book stories, each chapter presenting a new, gripping scenario while subtly building toward a larger mystery.The series begins with A Lai, whose life changes after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman. From there, each episode explores a different, self-contained story — ranging from surreal and supernatural concepts to crime, psychological dilemmas, love that defies time, shifting identities, and morally complex choices. Every chapter stands strongly on its own, blending suspense, emotion, and poetic storytelling.
As the series progresses, the threads between these stories gradually reveal a deeper thematic connection. What initially feels like an anthology slowly forms a cohesive narrative tapestry, leading to a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
This is a unique and beautifully executed short drama — creative, atmospheric, and thoughtfully structured. I would love to see more series like this.
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A 10/10 Experience in Emotional Storytelling
Wow. That’s all I can say. This was a heavy and impactful watch with so many layers. I don’t think I’d rewatch it—which is usually a criterion for my top-shelf favorites—but I still have to give this piece a 10/10 because it was so powerfully performed and had an equally strong narrative.What this drama did so well was deliver what was essentially a detective story through the experiences of each character. We were brought to the heart of their psychology, watching them grapple with the guilt of living after someone they loved had passed, many of them feeling responsible. This burden shaped their relationships with one another and the community, leaving several characters haunted by lingering shadows across two decades. This is an exceptional drama, and the performers portrayed their characters in such a deeply human way that you couldn’t help but connect and feel for them—even for those who participated in the crimes.
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Powerful, Raw, and Deeply Human
This is a powerfully delivered performance and not one for the light-hearted. The cinematography is beautifully executed, adding depth to the storytelling as it unfolds in layers and keeps you engaged throughout. The narrative has real grit, examining difficult choices and harsh realities while delving into the heartbreaking and complex psychology of its characters. The story is raw and compelling, with a whodunit element that slowly pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth behind multiple events. Loyalties and friendships are tested—some fail, while others grow when least expected. This is a drama whose characters stay with you long after the final episode.I’m not sure this series is for everyone. It depends on what styles and tones resonate with you. I often see people looking for light rom-coms, and this is not that. It explores dark, gripping themes, but it does so with honesty and beauty, telling a compelling story filled with characters I truly fell in love with. I would rate this as a top-shelf watch.
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