Mizuhira-san

To let go is to embrace

Hello, dear Wispys~ Most of us have finally reached our destination (i.e. the finale of the story), while some are still 'experiencing' the journey together with Tang Li Ci and others. It was a wonderful journey for me, and I hope it was a splendid experience for you as well! (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)💞

Loosely adapted from the novel “Enduring a Thousand Tribulations” by Teng Ping, the drama follows its sole main character, named ‘Tang Li Ci’, on his journey to accepting certain truths, letting go of obsessions, and sacrificing for the greater good. The story begins with the lavish wedding of a young woman named A-Shui, who allegedly sold herself to City Lord Hao Wen as his concubine to pay for her father’s funeral. However, the wedding is abruptly halted when a devastating tragedy occurs mid-occasion, at the hands of a single man, as if it were a blessing in disguise for the innocent, young girl. This mysterious assailant reveals himself to be Tang Li Ci, a cruel and cunning cultivator who supposedly gouged out the heart of his saviour, who was essentially family for seven whole years. Being accused of the brutal massacre, the true young master Tang embarks on a journey to clear his name, along with his faithful friend, who is more like a devoted follower, Chi Yun. That is how he meets new people, such as A-Shui, Zhong Chun Ji, and Shen Lang Hun, some of whom later become his newfound family… Our male lead will face several confrontations and betrayals as he steers his life towards an almost impossible goal of resurrecting his deceased senior brother, Fang Zhou, and making things right.

Unlike some historical C-dramas we’ve watched, [Whispers Of Fate] draws on a range of philosophical and religious themes closely connected to Buddhism, such as “letting go of the self” and “embracing emptiness”. Therefore, I would humbly like to interpret my review through the lens of Theravada Buddhism (School of the Elders), exploring certain plot points and identifying how they are interconnected with the concepts of “The Four Noble Truths”, “The Wheel of Life”, and “The Eightfold Path”, which I will provide relevant links below to aid further understanding. (..◜ᴗ◝..)✨

More than ten years before the incident at the Hao residence mentioned above took place, Tang Li Ci (formerly known as Ajibaner Tang Jia) was rescued and taken under the wing of a highly revered martial artist, Fang Zhou, who was the eldest disciple and master of the Zhoudi Tower. Fang Zhou bestowed the name 'Tang Li Ci' upon him with the hope that he would become someone special—someone who doesn’t cling to past grievances. Seven years passed, and the bond of brotherhood between them grew deep—so deep that Tang Li Ci could not accept the fact that Fang Zhou was nearing death due to old injuries sustained during a battle with Yi Que Yin Yang at Tiandu Peak. This obsession led him down a dark path, where he practised an unorthodox technique to transfer his healthy life force to Fang Zhou while absorbing the poison harming his senior brother into his own body. However, this attempt ended in disaster, resulting in Fang Zhou's instant de@th due to Liu Yan’s interruption. Still unable to accept this loss, Tang Li Ci clung to a final desperate hope. He dug out his senior brother’s heart crystal to 'nourish' it within his own body, ensuring that it would continue to beat. As if that weren’t enough, this crafty 'fox' even stole the ice coffin belonging to Wangyu Yuedan’s father, the former leader of 'The Palace of Fallen Jade,' to preserve Fang Zhou’s deceased body inside. (Yes, I know… He’s been a naughty boy, stealing other people’s belongings… (ᵕ—ᴗ—) )

All living beings experience suffering, both physical and mental. Tang Li Ci's situation serves as a perfect example of Gautama Buddha's famous quote, "the root of suffering is attachment." This celestial being felt his world crumbling when confronted with the First Noble Truth: suffering or unsatisfactoriness (known as ‘dukkha’). His intense longing and obsession to be with Fang Zhou, who had already passed away, led him to pursue an impossibly dedicated goal of resurrecting his deceased senior brother—this is a clear example of mental suffering.

The Second Noble Truth (‘samudāya’) addresses the origin of dukkha, which is suffering caused by desire and attachment. This suffering arises from craving permanence in an impermanent world. These desires can manifest in wanting to achieve something—such as Tang Li Ci deluding himself into thinking he could bring the deceased Fang Zhou back to life—or in not wanting something, which reflects Tang Li Ci’s unfortunate fate associated with Yi Que Yin Yang. This latter aspect is a significant source of the misfortunes he has encountered.

In episodes 32 and 33, the male lead finally grasped the importance of letting go of his past obsessions, accepting them, and living in harmony with the present. From a Buddhist perspective, these small steps toward understanding one’s cravings and recognising the illusory nature of permanence represent significant progress toward the Third Noble Truth, or 'nirodha,' which means the cessation of suffering. 'Nirodha' signifies the potential to end our suffering and be liberated from the “Wheel of Life” (Bhavacakra). This concept illustrates the Buddhist belief in the cycle of Shengsi (生死), the Chinese transliteration of life and de@th, emphasising the interconnectedness of birth, death, and rebirth, as well as the teachings of karma.

Our male lead is determined to keep everyone by his side and to alter the tragic outcomes he has witnessed—the deaths of many innocent people, including his close friends and acquaintances. It is only when Tang Li Ci comes to understand his own suffering and its origins that he will truly grasp what it means to let go of these desires and embrace emptiness; this is what ‘liberation’ entails. As another quote states, “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

The fourth and final Noble Truth, known as 'magga', explains how individuals can guide themselves to achieve enlightenment by practising "The Eightfold Path". This path consists of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. In simple terms, it is a guide that helps us move away from our cravings and towards ultimate freedom. In his final moments, Tang Li Ci reflected on the sincere wish he had made during the Lantern Festival:

“No matter how the world changes as years pass, I hope the people I care about, those who were with me, and friends who fought side by side…, can live peaceful and happy lives.”

When Tang Li Ci focuses on his desires, he becomes ensnared in the Wheel of Life once more, taking on different forms: first as a little white fox, then as a dragon. In the new timeline, he consistently serves as a guardian deity, protecting Shenzhou (神舟), which means Divine Land or Divine Continent, and its remnants. This role has led to the creation of the Legend of the Fox-Dragon. While it can't be said that he has fully achieved enlightenment—since he remains tied to that world by his attachments to friends and those close to him—it can be inferred that this protective Fox-Dragon may have finally grasped the Four Noble Truths before disappearing into the mortal realm. This occurs after he resets the world to a time before the existence of the Tianren realm and Yi Que Yin Yang.

Although time travel does not exist in Buddhism, ancient texts describe countless physical galaxies, solar systems, and worlds similar to ours (**which would be Shenzhou in the drama), collectively referred to as the “Thousand-Fold World System.” With that context in mind, here is my subjective interpretation: What if the Tang-gongzi we knew were reborn as an entirely different being in a world that resembles our own? At some point, he might have regained his memories due to his abundant spiritual powers, allowing him to ‘change the past’ and create a brand-new world filled with happy inhabitants.

And now… CUT! -ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ This is getting far-fetched… (๑´>᎑<)~* Let me finally present my humble insights on the drama...

Although the ending of [Whispers of Fate] may not be considered perfectly happy by all viewers, it is a drama that boasts stunning visuals, enchanting music, and a thought-provoking storyline. The production team paid close attention not only to the attractiveness of the main and important supporting characters but also to several minor characters who have only a few minutes of screen time. For instance, this includes the lesser-known members of Feng Liu Dian (House of Pleasures), the two goddesses guarding Ajibaner Tang Jia’s celestial mother during her pregnancy, along with other celestial beings.

One of the most charming aspects that captivated me was the music and the traditional instruments used. I was especially taken by Hong Gu’s arched harp, known as the Zonggaoji (originally called the "Saung-gauk" in Myanmar). This instrument is unique and rare, as it is not commonly seen in historical Chinese dramas. Among all the original soundtracks, my favourite is "春声碎 (Shattered Sounds of Spring)," followed closely by "临风吟 (Ballad to the Breeze)." "Shattered Sounds of Spring" feels like a soulful ode to Tang Li Ci’s longing and false hopes, as well as Liu Yan’s resentment towards him after Fang Zhou’s passing. In contrast, "Ballad to the Breeze" seems to convey that Tang Li Ci has finally come to terms with the truth and has moved past his earlier struggles. Additionally, the wardrobe designs for each character have been thoughtfully chosen not only for their visual impact but also to reflect the rich history of ancient China. Personally, I found Zhong Chun Ji's wardrobe choices less appealing. Unfortunately, her styling came across as somewhat over the top. For instance, her initial hairstyle at her introduction and the purple princess outfit paired with ocean-themed head accessories were particularly striking. (づ˶˃⤙˂˶)

[Whispers of Fate] can be a slow watch, and some viewers might feel that the story drags before reaching certain climactic plotlines. However, as you continue watching, you will find yourself hooked. The drama is undeniably complex, and it would have benefited from more thorough explanations of key events, such as how Ajibaner Tang Jia(Tang Li Ci) was injured and subsequently saved by Fang Zhou, as well as Tang Li Ci’s connections to Yemo and Yi Que Yin Yang. Additionally, the character arcs can be confusing, particularly with A-Shui.

A-Shui had great potential to drive the story forward with her intriguing, mysterious background. She was depicted as a pure-hearted woman who heals those around her with unconditional love and care, without any ulterior motives. However, she came across as a plain, blank sheet of paper left unused on a desk—without intention or purpose. A-Shui was one of the biggest enigmas for both Tang Li Ci and the audience. Unfortunately, her characterisation felt unsatisfactory. It would have been more effective if her relevance and importance had been hinted at in the earlier episodes, rather than being crammed into the later ones.

Despite a few downsides, [Whispers of Fate] is definitely one of the best dramas worth watching. By paying closer attention to the details and themes, we can learn a lot from these characters about their choices and their consequences. The drama offers not only entertainment but also a rich narrative filled with knowledge about ancient Chinese culture, infused with artistic heritage, philosophy, and religious viewpoints.

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

The following links may help clarify the concepts I used for my review:

The Four Noble Truths-related:
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/four-noble-truths
https://buddhasartofhealing.com/blogs/thangka/dharmachakra-the-wheel-of-law?srsltid=AfmBOorLcTPTx228ED37pwiRx-P8kp8WFuUEg0Ip4NDq-Lu0NHYxWHbu
https://buddho.org/buddhism/#the-truth-of-the-way-that-lead-to-cessation
https://www.worldhistory.org/Four_Noble_Truths/

The Wheel of Life:
https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0072.xml#:~:text=bhava%2Dcakra)%E2%80%94or%2C,concrete%20form%20abstract%20metaphysical%20concepts.
https://www.lionsroar.com/buddhism/wheel-of-life-bhavacakra/

Many-worlds system concept:
https://www.quora.com/Does-Buddhism-support-the-theory-of-parallel-universes
https://www.themindingcentre.org/dharmafarer/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/R450-160524-Parallel-universes-RB150.pdf

Famous Gautam Buddha Quotes:
https://www.vedantu.com/general-knowledge/gautam-buddha-quotes

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“The so-called fate and who gets to decide it”

(⁠っ⁠.⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠っ 💗💗 Now hello, my dear "little songs"~ It's review time!✨
('Little songs' as in 'Xiao Ge' derived from Yi Xiao and Sui Ge's names, which @Ximena helped me think of for our fandom name~ Changed the original one I thought of, but anyways... let's move on~)

First of all, I want to shower the cast and crew with the praise they truly deserve. Well done and thank you, [Fated Hearts] Team, for presenting us with a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers plotline, featuring strong main characters and no unnecessary misunderstandings between them! Chen Zhe Yuan's Feng Sui Ge and Li Qin's Fu Yi Xiao are the power couple we've always wanted to see on-screen. They remain steadfast despite external factors and significant events, such as amnesia. The initial episodes, showcasing their bitter enmity, are so realistic and vivid that it’s easy to believe they could k!ll each other without hesitation. What ultimately brings them together is indeed fate, acting in ways neither of them is initially aware of. Both characters are absolute and straightforward, and I loved how their love developed naturally, without feeling forced. They are drawn to each other’s light and become each other's saviours.

I want to give a big round of applause to the veteran actors who portrayed Emperor Feng Ping Cheng, Prime Minister Zhuang Shen, and Murong Zhong. These characters were the most memorable scene-stealers, apart from our fated couple. Who can stand idle when their children are at risk and faced with past injustices? The character arcs of these three fathers are solid, each with valid reasons for choosing their respective paths, even if they are ultimately unforgivable. Feng Ping Cheng often says it's fate, but is it really? Another standout performance came from Qin Tian Yu as Emperor Xia Jing Yan of Jin Xiu. I loved how he delivered harsh truths to the naive Susha princess.. 〜⁠(⁠꒪⁠꒳⁠꒪⁠)⁠〜♬⋆.˚ Who would have thought he would become one of the characters I’ll miss? If there were a spin-off miniseries for this drama, I would love to see the story of Xia Jing Yan and Feng Xi Yang— that would definitely be 'bad and crazy'! ( - ᴗ •́ )✨ Another favourite of mine is Lu Ke. He brings such big puppy energy, much like a Chow Chow~ ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵). He may seem aloof and wary of strangers, but he has absolute devotion to his master and commander, Sui Ge. ฅ՞•ﻌ•՞ฅ

True to its name, [Fated Hearts] showed us what fate truly means. "Why did you do this? Why won't you love me? Why can't you understand me?..." There were many 'whys' questioned by various characters in the story, and those were the fuel for their simple desires, which eventually led to greed, betrayal, and wrong choices.

We follow the harrowing journey of two wounded souls desperately trying to escape the depths of despair, where betrayal has left its deepest scars. Fu Yi Xiao was one of the three formidable warriors who stood by the Prince of Zhennan, the illegitimate heir to the Jin Xiu Kingdom. Together, they faced countless trials, always having each other's backs in battle. However, the unwavering trust they built crumbled when their master prioritised power over the bonds they shared. Xia Jing Shi, the Prince of Zhennan, presents himself as calm and collected, seemingly plotting his rise to power against his foes, yet he is no different from the very people he claims to despise. Yi Xiao has endured a lifetime of torment, but the brutality of her past only intensified when she uncovered the truth behind her suffering…

On the other hand, Feng Sui Ge unwillingly had to embrace all the thorns in his soul. He's been stabbed in the back many times, both metaphorically and literally. (If only I can hug him tight to comfort him, but I'm also scared of Yi Xiao's arrows.. (¬_¬") & Sui Ge's neck-breaks (ᵕ—ᴗ—). . .) Despite his father’s harsh upbringing to make him strong and ruthless, Sui Ge managed to survive years of mistreatment. Unfortunately, his father, Feng Ping Cheng, cannot love properly, and the anguish of losing the love of his life pushed him into deeper darkness, which only deepens Sui Ge's suffering. However, our ML pulled through with the help of his brother-like best friend, Murong Yao, and his close aides and subordinates, but this glimmer of light didn't last long either. The tender friendship between the two 'brothers' faltered after a certain tragedy, giving way to insecurities, grudges, and an unspoken rivalry from the young master Murong...

Watching [Fated Hearts] made me reflect deeply on the concept of fate. Susha's emperor blamed nearly every misfortune and responsibility on fate, as if it were the sole explanation for his troubles. His ego and pride ultimately led to his downfall at the hands of those closest to him. The Zhuang clan's greed and overconfidence have resulted in their own demise; they can blame no one but themselves, as it was simply karma coming back to haunt them. As for the Murongs, I initially felt sympathy for the father. If not for his unreasonable son's actions, Murong Zhong might not have resorted to such extreme measures. However, we can't definitively say that this was the only reason for his actions. It could also be that his long-hidden grudges finally surfaced, with his son's fate serving as the trigger and the final straw.

This raises the question: "Was everything determined by fate, or were they simply the unavoidable consequences of past actions?" Was it predestined that the two royal families of Susha and Jinxiu would descend into chaos, or were their chaotic ends the result of their own actions? Was Jinxiu's red-clad archer destined to become a vassal of Susha's God of Death, or did their decision to unite lead to the end of the war? The question remains open...

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Thanks for the hearty 'meal', real Ms. Screenwriter~✨

*phew* (⁠*⁠´▽｀⁠*⁠) . . . . .
Alright, so, I don't even know where to start cuz my heart's still pounding! I'll just go straight to the point. People, this drama [A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM] is a must-watch! You will find every element needed to create a perfect transmigration, historical Chinese drama in this one. Comedy? Drama? Romance? Classic C-drama cliches😏? You name it! The drama started with a BANG and held its momentum until the end. From everyone's costumes (literally ALL) to make-up and hairdos, I'll give it the highest marks possible. How can I not!? All the actors and actresses are dazzling and charismatic, and the aesthetics match them well. The OSTs, bgms, and sound effects are like no other - JUST AMAZING! MAGICAL!

Here: https://youtu.be/5T8ccfqmX6I?si=cpHpeMH0KjWKxL3C

All the actors and actresses nailed their roles! I instantly fell in love with the main leads, and I guarantee that their chemistry is top-tier. Not only them, but every single supporting cast member is memorable and unique. They all have distinctive traits. I suppose everyone who's watched already knew the brilliance of the drama's important cast members. Hence, I won't say much about them anymore. OH, but there's one. Our dear Fugui! I love him so much! He gives off this 'huge grumpy yet adorable puppy' vibe😆🤎, if you understand what I mean. Secondly, I give ALL the recognition to the Wanning River Crescent minions! 👏👏👏 They deserve full praise, truly. Don't they remind us of the pink soldiers from Squid Game? The main contrast between them is that the pink soldiers look CUTE but are DEADLY, while WRC-minions look DEADLY but are CUTE (⁠つ⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)⁠つ... Although we don't know how they look because they always have their masks on, we can see that they do act differently from each other, which makes them look humane, not just some one or two-dimensional beings drafted on paper. Last is Nan Rui, the goofy, happy-go-lucky 18th prince. I was annoyed by his actions and idiocracy in the earlier episodes, but he became one of my favourites later on; one of the most relatable characters, I'd say. I'll remember his iconic 'GYA-HA-HAH' laughs! ( ⁠⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦ ⁠)⁠

Now, onto the villains. First, Chu Gui Hong. Boy, he rocked, and he acted exceptionally well in his first villain role! The emperor was unreasonably bad, but he changed later on. Realistically speaking, he should go through as much pain as Nan Heng did to be able to fully understand his son. Nan Heng was such a sweet son for him to be forgiven this easily, but I'll accept it cuz it's Nan Heng's choice. He was so elated to finally be accepted as family, poor guy🥺. Another villain I'd like to give credit to is Nan Heng's uncle. Despite his cruel nature and the distorted path he chose, he did care for his nephew in his own way. This may be an unpopular opinion, but in my POV, I do think Nan Heng (& NH's mom) holds a certain place in his heart.

The WHOLE premise is to be taken example for future transmigration dramas. I've had enough of those open endings (no need to mention the sad endings 🙄). Some dramas I want to compare with are [ROMANCE ON THE FARM] and [LOVE GAME IN EASTERN FANTASY]. Both of them are extremely entertaining, and I also love them. What only disappointed me was the ending scenes. Both dramas left the final moments to our imaginations, which doesn't sit right with me, and feels like there's still a lump (or hole, whatever ಠ⁠‿⁠ಠ) left in my heart; it doesn't feel satisfied enough. I mean, we wanna SEE WITH OUR EYES!!! We want to WITNESS the main leads' touching reunions BY OURSELVES! (⁠ノ⁠ಥ⁠,⁠_⁠｣⁠ಥ⁠)⁠ノ⁠彡⁠┻⁠━⁠┻

Therefore, to me, [A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM] sits at the top of the list. It lives up to its name and delivers the message they want to give to the audience with A SUPER, ULTRA HAPPY ENDING! -period-

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I like the way it shone✨

To be completely honest, I personally love this movie. Despite all the criticisms it received right after releasing the trailer. The CGI is very well constructed, such as the monsters, the backdrops, and when they use their skills. I may feel this way because I haven't read the novel or the webtoon, but even if I had, I wouldn't say this adaptation is any worse. Certain points include how much effort the crew has put into this project.

For such a fantasy-packed, well-written source material to turn into something visually believable isn't an easy feat. The whole time watching ORV, I felt like I was literally drawn into their world as a bystander, watching everything unfold; how they tear each other apart due to greed, how people became the actual 'monsters' in the world when faced with life-and-death situations, and how there's still hope in humanity as long as we change...one after another. The CGIs and the ensemble cast's brilliant acting made this all happen.

Talking about acting, I would give my utmost praise to all the cast members, especially our adorable Lee Gil Young and the steadfast Jung Hui Won. Oh, and not to forget our soldier guy, Lee Hyeon Seong~ Na Na did an exceptionally great job here! Her action choreography is top-notch! Additionally, our little Gil Young is so cute whenever he does that pose to call forth the insects~ XD

Another unpopular opinion of mine would be about Pil, the Goblin. He's a cute chap in my point of view. He's the "cute, but can k!ll" type of existence. His 'cooperation' (kind of) with Kim Dok Ja was interesting, and I love him getting confused whenever Dok Ja mentions something that the new 'players' aren't supposed to know. He could become a good partner lol XD

My only dissatisfaction is that there were so many unanswered questions for this movie, and although it wrapped well, I hope there will be a continuation. The open ending has hinted at new possibilities, which could take an intriguing turn (hopefully) in the future. However, I doubt there will be one with how the reactions were.. :'D It's quite sad though...

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"Sweet like honey, and sharp like mint"

First and foremost, let me kowtow to our mighty prince-general couple, whom I so adore and respect. 🙇‍♀✨ [Shadow Love] will be remembered as one of the most unique Chinese dramas of the historical romance-fantasy genre. The WHOLE drama really lived up to its name, which can literally be translated to "With Jin Chang'an". If we look back to the earlier episodes, when the leads first met, Shuang gave our ML the name "Jin An" in the hopes of establishing "perpetual peace and stability for the Jin dynasty", the era they live in. Their main goals were to "resolve the crisis and help people live in peace and prosperity" all along, and by episode 38, they brought peace to both Taijin and Da Yao kingdoms, their citizens, and also to themselves..
These references can be found in this article ➡ (https://news.mydramalist.com/article/ryan-cheng-stars-alongside-another-female-general-in-shadow-love)

Now, let me tell y'all what impressed me the most. ʕ⁠っ⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠ʔ⁠っ💓

One, is the unique character designs (obviously, ain't it? X3). We get to see a lovable and obedient Jin An; the mysterious and wild Xuan Yi Ke; and lastly, the dignified Prince Annan of the Yao kingdom, Duan Ao Deng~ Cheng Lei delivered ALL of these roles with brilliance! 'Dislike' is not even an option here. The role was custom-made for him. The same goes for our FL, Li Shuang, portrayed by Song Yi. Despite the harsh criticisms aimed towards her, 'Li Shuang' wouldn't be perfect if it weren't for our actress. Next is Lu Xin and Mo Yin, our beloved secondary couple, who brought extra smiles to the viewers. I love how sarcastic Lu Xin can be, and how she can handle her man well~😝 No less than our great general Li! Then we have our Qiao'er and Ouyang Jun, the couple we failed to protect😿. Lastly, the person who had the most character development imo would be Li Ting (Shuang's younger brother). He started as a bratty younger sibling who'd always bring trouble to a determined individual who is worthy of respect, and Wu Yu Heng made it convincing~ This link here is proof that they nailed their roles with precision ➡ [ https://youtu.be/rprG6F82cqI?si=dU9_d_EERQaTaLMS ]

Second, there are the tight-knit bonds of various relationships, both platonic and romantic. Li Shuang's love for Jin An (ML) and the male lead's devotion towards her know no bounds, despite the outside influences and his inner turmoil. Their journey was not futile, and every moment was valuable for them to face off the looming angst. Apart from these lovebirds, the most heartwarming bonds can be found in the brotherhood of ML and his Emperor brother, Papa Li and his tiger cubs (Shuang'er and Ting'er), as well as the friendship between Lu Xin, Shuang and Jin An.

Lastly, we can't forget the magnificence of the beautiful settings and CGI, elegant wardrobe choices, hairdo, and makeup, as well as the pleasing OST music from start to finish. Some of my favourite OSTs are Sole Love by Liu Yu Ning, Beyond Fate by Jane Zhang, and Bringing Peace by Huang Xiao Yun~ All the intricate details the editing department has added bring life to not only the characters, but also to the world they live in~✨ It's a fantasy world, but nothing is overdone~ ^^

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A lovely gem in the world of mysteries

"Coroner's Diary" captivated me right from the start with its intricate storytelling, stunning costumes, and outstanding performances. Here’s a breakdown of what impressed me and what didn't.

First, while some viewers might not enjoy the 'love at first sight' trope, I find it a refreshing approach to romance in historical C-dramas. Typically, these dramas stretch out the characters' realisation and acceptance of their feelings for each other until halfway through. The phrase 'love at first sight' exists for a reason, after all—it's not impossible.

Second, the cases featured in the drama are uniquely charming, each with its own mystery and resolution. The first case stands out the most for me because it helped me connect with the various characters being introduced. The scene where Wan'er reconstructs the headless corpse, set to the haunting song "Wind and Rain," is particularly memorable. The official and the victim's loved ones quietly mourn her during that moment, making it poignant. Beyond the romantic scenes between the leads, this scene has truly stuck with me.

Third, regarding editing, I noticed some minor flaws, but overall, it was acceptable. I especially loved the costumes, accessories, makeup, and hairstyles throughout the drama. Yan Chi and Yan Ze’s looks exude a specific aura while still giving off a sense of calmness. Yan Qi is portrayed as devilishly handsome, and the crown prince has a charmingly naive quality.

Fourth, the acting across the board is commendable. The entire cast did a brilliant job, including the child actors, who were quite convincing. For instance, the child actor playing Yan Sui, the youngest prince who eventually ascends the throne, and the younger version of the boutique owner killer were both impressive. I love the grandmother figures, too!

Finally, one of the standout aspects of "Coroner's Diary" is its music and background scores. All the songs are lovely, but my favourites are "Wind and Rain," "Don't Sigh," and "Morning Snow Records."

In conclusion, I would recommend this drama to anyone unsure about watching it. It can be seen as a classic C-drama that follows the female lead’s journey to uncover the truth behind her family's injustice, aided by powerful allies. Along the way, she falls in love with the male lead. While some story tropes may be predictable or cliché, reviving these elements in 2025 isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially since many dramas from the past couple of years have left audiences with unsatisfactory endings.

Additionally, the pacing of the story is worth noting. Unlike some historical dramas with a similar feel, "Coroner's Diary" doesn’t drag on excessively. There are a few plot holes in certain cases that remain unexplored, which can leave viewers a bit confused, but we can overlook that. Overall, this is a drama that is certainly worth my time! ✨

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EVERYTHING'S PERFECT!!!

*Please bear with my wordy sentences (plus, my amateurish vocabulary) cuz I've got a lot to talk about X3*
Every single episode makes my heart skip a beat. "Dali and the Cocky Prince" is a feel-good drama with lots of lessons to learn from! Not only did it teach me about art and the nature of the art industry, but the drama also gave me life lessons and how we should appreciate what we already have at present time, while also helping others with a kind heart; being forgiving when need be; to never give up what you have faith in. Both the storytelling and main characters (i.e. Dali and Mu Hak) are so lovely and funny that I can't stop grinning whenever their scenes pop up! I laughed and cried together with them~ Mu Hak's family was a bit of a mess but they all cared about each other after going through several mishaps together. There's a lot of character development for them which I liked (including Chak Hui, cuz I didn't really like her at the beginning but rooted for her later on). Not to mention "Our Woo Tak-shi" XD; love him so much! He'd always be Dali's family and guardian, and I'm glad the director & screenwriter didn't add any romance line (like a crush on the FL) between them, cuz they're just so cute as they are~ Storywise..., WOW. That's all I'll say... one word.. cuz I can't describe it with just words... Everyone, YOU MUST TRY WATCHING THIS DRAMA! You won't regret it!!!
Oh and, the soundtracks in the drama are so magical, up-beat and playful(?)~ Anyways, I love them all!
I just finished watching this drama and felt extremely contented! To simply compare this drama to food, it's like that feeling we get after eating a hearty meal when being famished (the pork dishes looked really tasty which made me want to grab a bite too.. XD)

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When man plays god, there's always a price to pay

Firstly, I'd like to say this drama deserves a 10 (at least for me😉). MOBIUS is such a gripping mystery-thriller, sci-fi drama, which will keep you at the edge of your seat EVERY. SINGLE. EPISODE! The plot is complex, with so many twists and surprises. It will make you keep guessing who exactly SQUID is! You know what's fun?✨ It's coming up with many possibilities and discussing different theories with fellow Mobius watchers! - ̗̀(⌯ˊᗜˋ⌯) ̖́- Now onto my humble observations . . . .

Not one cast member showed weaknesses in their acting abilities. My earnest praises go to Ding Qi (Bai Jing Ting), the main protagonist, and Mo Yuan Zhi (Song Yang), the main antagonist. Despite being opposites, their sarcastic banters are what lightens the mood even in serious/de@dly situations. Ding Qi is a skilled police officer, who's de@d serious about his work but can also be a goofy goober at times~ I love his personality, and of course love how handsome he is~(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ Kyahh! His James Bond-themed undercover attire suits him so well, too!😎✨ Mo Yuan Zhi, on the other hand, had a character decline due to his obsession and grief, in which Prof. Jiang was the trigger to his first downfall. After watching what he went through, I couldn't hate him enough, but that doesn't mean he is forgiven. He should pay for his sins. His unchanging love for Feng Wan Qing would've been admirable if he hadn't gone down the wrong path. What he's done over the years didn't justify his supposedly harmless intentions, which are to revive Wan Qin and save himself.

On the positive side, Ding Qi have supportive teammates who would trust him no matter what. Their bonds are so heartwarming and enviable. They were all "act first, question later". Ding Qi must've been a very reliable and trustworthy cop who worked his way through many obstacles for them to trust him unconditionally. His romantic counterpart, An Lan, is also a lovable and sensible person~ Their romance was subtle, but you can see it in their eyes, their actions, and their trust for each other. She was Ding Qi's light and also his weakness. Ding Qi wasn't afraid of death because he knew he could reset and change destiny. He was testing fate. However, that weakness is what makes our ML value his life, as well as others' lives, more.

"Being with you, I can give up everything else..."___Ding Qi ₍ᐢ⸝⸝› ‹⸝⸝ᐢ₎💕 For A-Qi to decide to give up such a useful power that has always been a part of him for nearly a decade, means An Lan's THAT PRECIOUS to him! He wasn't afraid of death, but now he is, cuz he has someone he has to cherish and protect, someone who will wait for his return, someone he wishes to spend ALL his time with...

MOBIUS presents us with the time-loops that exceed nature's law of order in our mankind, yet it's a natural phenomenon in Ding Qi's world. It poses us with the question, "What would we do if we were in the same situation and held the ability to change the future?🤔" Why these time loops occur is still shrouded in mystery... It's as if the world were a simulation where it resets itself to give second chances; in this case, five of them. It's as if 'the world' itself was asking to take a break, asking for mercy from all the side effects caused by human beings. Who knows, right? It would've been great if we could get an answer to that question to fix things.

MOBIUS is not just a drama; it's a lesson to be learned through our protagonists' and antagonists' experiences.

1. The law of equivalent exchange 💱 ➡ Drastically trying to make changes that defy world order will result in hefty sacrifices. One example is the creation of the RAN drug, followed by human experiments during its incomplete state. (However, the moral compass depends on how these procedures are conducted, the people involved and their true intentions.) Additionally, the most apparent are the side effects that the time loopers have: dangerously shortened life spans. Although RAN was initially created to cure cancer, it became an entirely different drug, which enables the user to become aware of and live through the time loops.

2. One's fate is not to be trifled with ➡ "Guys like us are not afraid of d8@th," were the words Ding Qi said to Ye Kun. Our ML knows things will reset again, and not even d8@th can stop him from doing what he must. However, his rash decisions caused a butterfly effect which led to certain tragedies in the first few loops. The more he tried to fix them, the worse the outcomes got. Mo Yuan Zhi, on the other hand, is the same. Not letting go of Wan Qing even after she's gone, leading to him being delusional that he could revive the d8@d. (Thank GAWD Ding Qi and his team arrested him . . . Otherwise, MYZ's new 'cure' might actually create (time-looping) zombies! I mean, that's how they all start! *phew* ᕕ( ⊙ ⊙ )ᕗ💦)

SO ANYWAYS, the moral of the story is "don't take things for granted and cherish what you have before they disappear someday"...cuz we don't get to redo/reset like Ding Qi or Mo Yuan Zhi. ( > 𐢭 <)

Last but not least, the OSTs are 🔥✨!!! My favourites are "不眠日 (Sleepless Days) - 鱼头 killa4nia (Yu Tou), 脏饼干 (Zang Binggan)" and "Paradise - Journeyy Belton"~ 🎶🎵✨

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This review primarily presents my subjective perspective on the drama as a whole.

Acting-wise, all the characters played their roles exceptionally well. My favourite character apart from the main leads is Zhuge Kong Yun, the red peacock 😆🦚. His sassiness knows no bounds, and his character bears a striking resemblance to Bei Ming's. It's just that our male lead is always one step ahead of him. Both of them made huge mistakes which affected many people, but they learned their lessons and turned over a new leaf. The one thing I feel unfulfilled is their scenes together, solving cases and betting with each other. (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) / "🎲

As for the story, I wasn't intrigued initially, but only after reaching nearly half of the drama did I get entirely hooked. Starting from clearing his name and their journey together to Haiya. Boy, those episodes were GOLD✨. The story took a 180-degree turn from a less chaotic city investigation to an all-out combat mode in an unfamiliar land. There was no boring moment at all~ The romance part is sufficient for this kind of drama, and I'm loving their chemistry here. Their buildup was much better in the latter episodes.

In conclusion, [The Wanted Detective a.k.a. Calming Waves] is a unique premise with gripping mystery elements and heartwarming friendship. The cases were interesting and made me keep guessing who the culprit might be. It's a 9 for me~

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Healing with chocolate; Loving with progress.

"Romantics Anonymous" holds a special place in my heart with its storytelling, music, and the masterful acting skills of the cast. It helped me realise that even in the darkest times, when it seems nothing is possible, taking just one step forward can make a huge difference. However, sometimes we need a great deal of courage and effort to take that single step.

Lee Ha Na is an incredibly talented chocolatier who suffers from scopophobia, making her a recluse. Nevertheless, Ha Na took a step forward to interact with strangers by mustering all her courage when her solitary pillar and guardian-like mentor left the world... That's a significant step. Despite feeling uncomfortable in a new environment, Ha Na strives to achieve her goals in whatever role she is given, whether as a waitress or the boss’s difficult assistant. Gradually, but surely, Hana began opening up to those around her—or at least making the effort—and I am so proud of her for taking one step at a time to heal.

Fujiwara Sosuke is the new head who took over “Le Sauveur” after Mr Kenji passed away. As he grappled with his own fears (i.e., germophobia), he followed in the footsteps of the shop’s predecessor, but with higher ambitions and unwavering passion. Despite being born into wealth, Sosuke always prioritised others’ wishes—at least internally. Contrary to his intentions, he still struggles to even slightly touch others, which makes him misunderstood. Miraculously, Ha Na was an exception.

As the two ‘wounded’ individuals join hands to solve each other’s problems and help overcome their darkness, Ha Na and Sosuke found love. It was a warm feeling both longed for but couldn’t attain—until they met. The man fell first; so, his growing feelings for her gradually encouraged him to confront his traumatic past. The small steps he took to bridge the gap between himself and his crush were so endearing, I wanted to support him wholeheartedly. It was heartbreaking to see him step back to support Ha Na’s love for Hiroshi (although it was a mistaken feeling on her part until she realised later that it was merely gratitude). That is genuine love.

As for the secondary couple, Hiroshi and Irene, they are rather complex. Although she is a renowned psychologist, Irene is also haunted by unresolved past traumas. This made her unable to love or trust any man or be in a serious relationship, much to Hiroshi’s dismay. Their push-and-pull cycle persisted for quite some time until Irene healed her inner child.

If I had to compare the two couples with chocolates, Hana & Sosuke are like “Pure Kenji” (looks quite normal, but will eventually melt your heart with its deep, rich flavour), while Irene & Hiroshi's relationship is like “Wasabi en soie” (looks exotic with conflicting tastes—the pungent, sharp wasabi that melts into the sweetness of brown chocolate—but somehow harmonises beautifully).

Although our main couple still struggles to overcome their inner darkness, together, there is nothing to fear. Their presence is the remedy for one another, whether they are together or apart~
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The making of Romantics Anonymous: https://youtu.be/Luykepu_aIw

Original Japanese OST(Confession): https://youtu.be/4l9KdJJxSB4
Korean version: https://youtu.be/COR_jj7prNE

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Reflect on one's past and relive the predestined fate

[Echoes of the Self] was a pretty decent watch. The male lead and female lead have awesome chemistry, and both delivered their roles exceptionally well~ What impressed me the most was the unique idea of the female lead encountering her past self, literally. The time-travel happened as if to make her reflect on her naive self and redirect that younger version onto the right path. Love the fresh plot of a time-travel drama~ ^^ And our male lead has that puppy energy, and he's absolutely adorable when he smiles! Kyaahh!!! ₍₍⚞(˶˃ ꒳ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾💕

The costumes are so beautiful!!! Suits all of them very well! I especially want to praise Li Yan's character design and his high ponytail hairstyle. Really looks good on him. It gives him a youthful look, even more than his modern version, and whenever he smiles, it makes me swoon. Kekeke~ Oh.. my little heart. (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝) Fu Wei/Zhou Ruo Xi's costumes and makeup are also extremely eye-catching ~ I especially love her eye makeup!! (I might try it on myself - although not that skilled LOL) Just... their faces were a bit too white; they were literally shining(?) or glowing(?).. yeah.. I can't.. ¯\_ (ᵕ—ᴗ—)_/¯

Acting-wise, I think the leads did really well. I especially want to praise our dear actress Sebrina Chen for her versatility in acting dual roles as the young, ambitious Zhou Ruo Xi, and the wise and cautious Fu Wei (or future Zhou Ruo Xi). Despite being one person even in the story, her acting convinced me that the two women were totally different. They hold onto contrasting beliefs and strive for what they think is best, in their own ways. I can see ZRX being the daredevil kind of person (in the latter episodes), a girl who believes she has to grasp onto whatever high-ranking person to achieve her goals. We can see how weak a person she was when she suffered as the illegitimate daughter of the Zhou household, but then she became a somewhat strong yet twisted person. Sebrina, as Fu Wei, had a completely different demeanour; she was calmer and composed, held herself with an authoritative aura, but wasn't a wicked person like she was in her first life.. #BIG_APPLAUSE

The ending was somewhat expected, and I consider it a happy one, cuz if we think about it, Fu Wei herself isn't a living person in that era (after time-travelling), while the ML, Li Yan, also shortened his lifespan to rescue the FL. Their time that's left to live is basically considered short since then. It was a bittersweet ending with full of hope. We could say our FL was rewriting what she remembered about her past life as a novel, and met her past lover/husband again in modern times~ A bit cliché, but hey.., it works~ (૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭

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Endearing and uplifting!

[Ticked the spoiler tag just in case] The drama has taught us many lessons, what to appreciate, and how to approach life positively even after going through many hardships. What caught my attention were the titles of each episode. They are meaningful and uplifting. True to its name, the drama showcased a lot of beautiful landmarks on that astonishing island; especially, the animation in the intro was so cute and endearing X3. Storywise, I think it has a good flow, but the way they handled the antagonist at the end felt a bit anti-climatic (in my opinion), because she was SO ANNOYING throughout the drama that I wanted her to get a taste of her own medicine in the most dramatic way possible (but it wasn't shown -_-). I feel sorry for Sang Do and hoped someone show up in the end to love him, but none (it's fine as it is tho X3). I also loved how all of the friend circles respect their friendships more than their personal feelings (most of the time). The way Samdal-ri was portrayed, their bond, and their history were breathtaking~ Last but not least, the OSTs were beautiful and befitting of the drama! My personal favorite is "Song of the Sea by Leeze".

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It's a bloody horror & comedy, literally

(I put up the 'contain spoilers' tag just in case)
Love how it is portrayed uniquely with a combination of different genres such as comedy, horror, a bit of melo (?), and even supernatural-like elements. I laughed and cried in the latter episodes, but the first few episodes were no less of a rollercoaster ride. I thought it'd be a disappointing take on the zombie genre like some others that failed to attract its audience, but no; it was great~ What I liked the most was the ending of the drama, which was directed in a way to be hopeful towards the future (both for the audience and the drama itself). What's most surprising was the alcohol part XD. I mean, who thought of such an idea lol! For once, being a drunkard is helping lives! The zombies were unexpectedly horrifying too. After watching several similar dramas and movies of this genre, I thought I'd already be numb to them by now, but wow. Another good factor is that they don't drag on the story. It was short and precise, and contains all the elements that connects the whole story. Looking forward to a new season if there will be one~

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Worthy of the title "LEGEND"✨

Fellow MDL-ers, please try watching [Legend of Zang Hai]! I highly recommend it! 💯✨

2025 is set to be an incredible year for Chinese dramas, featuring yet another masterpiece! I didn’t just watch a drama; I went on a whole journey with the main characters. We witnessed Zang Hai's growth from childhood to adulthood, making the experience truly immersive.

When it comes to acting, I have nothing but praise for ALL the cast members! 🌟 From the protagonists and antagonists to supporting characters and guest roles, everyone was brilliant. The main leads complemented each other exceptionally well. Xiao Zhan's acting is truly remarkable; his eyes and micro-expressions convey a million words without the need for dialogue. His performance is neither extreme nor underwhelming—just perfect. It feels as if the character 'Zang Hai' was created solely for him. I can't imagine anyone else portraying this role. 👏👏👏

Zhang Jing Yi and Zhou Qi also showcase their talented acting skills within a complex script. Typically, audiences may not favour female characters like Antu, but I believe she portrayed her character very well without going over the top. The chemistry between Antu and Zang Hai felt natural and slow-burning, with valid reasons behind their love. Despite their strong feelings for each other, they never overlooked their duties and responsibilities. I appreciated how they worked hard to balance their love and their commitments, and I'm truly happy for this precious couple. 🥰

In my opinion, Zhuang Zhi Xing had the most character development in this drama. He transformed from a frivolous and carefree young master, always inebriated, into an almighty general at a young age. His bond with Zang Hai was as remarkable as the master-student relationship between Zang Hai and Gao Ming. Their interactions, friendship, and cooperation were highlights I always looked forward to in the series. ✨

Here are some remarkable scenes, in no particular order:
1. Escaping from the late emperor's tomb, including Ji Qun's last moments with Zang Hai.
2. The first face-off between Marquis/Duke Ping Jin and Cao Jiang Xian at the court meeting.
3. Duke Ping Jin and Zhuang Zhi Xing's duel in front of the palace gates which was the last interaction between father and son. I cried watching their fight😿; even though I can't forgive Zhuang Lu Yin, his last moments were heartbreaking. I know Zang Hai wanted him dead, but not like this.
4. The boat date during the Ghost Festival night, when both the male lead and female lead realised their feelings for each other.
5. Zang Hai's "reunion" with his late Kuai family members while he's in a coma.
6. All of Antu and Zang Hai's interactions—I just love them together! 😝💕 They're such a rare combination. The last time I saw chemistry like theirs was in the drama "Ancient Detective (2020)".
7. Zhuang Zhi Xing's squadron and Antu's reinforcements battling against Zhao Bing Wen's troops outside the cave.
8. The finale scene where Zang Hai looks at the city gates, reminiscing about his journey and recognising himself in someone entering the city, just like how he did when he first arrived. It has mixed feelings of nostalgia, accomplishment, sadness and hope.

The OSTs are breathtakingly beautiful, especially "Turn to the Vast Unknown" and "Hidden Stars." However, all the songs are great!

What I appreciate about this drama is that it doesn’t rush to make us believe Zang Hai has the ultimate plot armour of a virtuous male lead. He is a grey character who doesn't hesitate to use people or situations to benefit his "avenger's mission". He openly admits to being responsible for turning Zhuang Zhi Xing into the 'monster' he is now. Zang Hai didn’t reach the top all on his own; he had helpers who covered for him and aided him along the way. He was often impatient and made mistakes early on. His imperfections make him relatable—someone we can fully support as he overcomes obstacles. The story is well-balanced, and the mystery element is delivered with great precision (although I found the masked figure suspicious from the beginning, the identity behind that mask was cleverly hidden until the right moment).

[Legend of Zang Hai] will remain in my memory for a long time~😌🫂

Once again, my dear MDL-ers, please give this drama a try. I guarantee most of you will love it!

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Music, dance and make-up

One of the best romcoms of the year! Every cast delivered their roles perfectly, even little Hua'er (oh, she's just so cute! X3). Everyone has great chemistry; not only the ML and FL but also the bromance and sismance in this drama are attractive.

The main couple = quirky, cunning, and funny, but are serious in what they do.

Prince Hengyang = mature, loyal, and protective of his loved ones (not only towards his family and friends, but also caring towards his fallen soldiers' families). I love how jealous he was of his younger brother because Lu Yun, his childhood & best friend, wouldn't call him by his nickname while the former(Prince Chang Yi) was always mentioned with the nickname 'Aman'.

Secondary couple = CUTE & PRECIOUS

The brotherhood = Heartwarming; unlike in other C-dramas where brothers are always competing with the ML character or act according to their hierarchical structure, here, they resemble actual brothers. Another thing that stole my heart is the bromance between Lu Yun, Lu Xian, Chang Yi, and Heng Yang. You'll be able to witness them in the latter episodes X3.

The sismance = Just like the quartet of MLs mentioned above, the four FLs also make a perfect team. Although there were misunderstandings and headbutts in the earlier episodes (due to LY, the cunning fox Xp), things wrapped up well in the end.

Lastly, the icing on the cake is, the make-up and costumes, dances and songs!!! LingYu's sword dance and the koi dance gave me goosebumps while watching! SHE NAILED IT! I'd say they're the best dances I've ever watched in C-dramas! Not your normal choreography. Not to forget Chen Xiu's drum dance too; it was beautiful and exciting. Princess NanPing's poem/song was so ethereal! I rewatched their scenes (especially, FL's koi dance scene).

Just go watch it and you'll know it's worth it!

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