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If you enjoy Ding Yu Xi, watch this drama
==Breakdown==Background plot / palace intrigue - 85%
Romance - 15%
Background plot - Meh
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value and direction - Good
Let's be honest, if you watch and enjoy this drama, it's because you like Ding Yu Xi. This is my first drama with this actor and I'm now watching his entire backlist.
There is nothing else exceptional about the drama. Thus, you have to set your expectations appropriately. The story isn't the worst. It's mid / fine but I found it convoluted at times and boring most of the time. The production value is fine-- not mind-blowing, not bad, just fine. The rest of the cast is pretty good and plays their parts well. I liked the FL-- the actress and her character-- quite a lot and look forward to her future projects.
But Ding Yu Xi is BY FAR the best part of this show and I have re-watched his scenes because he's just so dang mesmerizing. He eats this role and the character of Shen Du is exceptional / interesting / captivating because of the actor who plays the part.
I'd say it's 30% palace intrigue, 55% solving mysteries, and 15% romance. The leads had great chemistry (for their 15% of the story), but if you watch Cdramas for the romance, maybe just watch some compilation videos on YouTube and skip this one.
Then again, if you're a fan of Ding Yu Xi, this one is worth watching for him / his scenes alone.
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How could they mess this up so badly?
==Breakdown==Background plot - 50%
Romance - 30%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - terrible
Romantic chemistry - terrible
Misc comedy - terrible
Production value - Good
Note, the 6.0 for the cast include the guy who played Ryu Shi Oh (which is a 10+). Everyone else plus Ryu Shi Oh averages out to equal a 6.
I've never watched a show or read a book where I was actively rooting for the villain to succeed as much as I was rooting for Ryu Shi Oh. The only other example I can think of is 'Black Panther' and even then, I liked the hero a lot and felt conflicted. Not so with this show.
Ryu Shi Oh was the only good thing (other than the cameo from the original show). And it's not like he was just okay. He was AMAZING. What the actor did with this character was nothing short of miraculous. Thus, when you compare all the other characters and their nonsensical journeys and lack of chemistry to Ryu Shi Oh, it made this show so difficult (and frustrating) to watch.
How did the creators not understand what was happening while they were making it? It seems so obvious. If you have a villain that is 100% more interesting and compelling than the hero, you re-write the script and you reshoot scenes. You make the hero the second lead and you redeem the villain. Come on, people. But, no. We (and Ryu Shi Oh) were robbed. We were so, so, so robbed.
The other storylines were over-the-top and incredibly boring, to be honest. I tried watching them but ended up fast forwarding any scene that didn't include Ryu Shi Oh.
In summary, I can't recommend watching this show, not even for Ryu Shi Oh. Instead, save yourself the frustration and just watch edits of Ryu Shi Oh. You'll get the picture and save yourself the brain-numbing exposure to the rest of this tepid drama.
What a colossal waste of time.
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There's a reason this one is everybody's favorite
==Breakdown==Background plot- 35%
Romance - 40%
Misc comedy - 25%
Background plot - Excellent
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Excellent
Production value and direction - Excellent
First, the script. The script and story are brilliant. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. There are a few people who point out the age difference between the main characters. This didn't bother me for a few reasons:
1) There's no romantic chemistry between them until she's older, but I loved the bickering friendship chemistry between them in the early episodes. And her young age at the beginning contributes to the absurdity and therefore comedy. You're not supposed to see adult love between the characters (at the beginning). You see a bickering, frustration, growing respect, empathy, eventual admiration and like between two humans, which is appropriate.
2) The main premise of the story is he's a hundreds-year-old Goblin; you're going to have to be willing to suspend disbelief, people! If the part of the story you're hung up on is the "age difference" between a 200+ year old Goblin and the "bride," then that's odd.
3) His character, honestly, wasn't very mature. LOL! I mean, he was old, but his maturity level wasn't commensurate with his age. He seemed petty and kinda tired of life when the show started. He continued to be petty (but less tired) as the show went on. The character was stuck (mentally and emotionally) at the age of his "death," likely 30 or so. That was made very clear. Thus, she grew up and so did he, eventually coming together when they were similar in mental and emotional age.
Second, third, fourth . . . one hundredth, the cast. Holy moly, there has never been a more perfect cast. My Drama List should allow users to apply a "11 star" option once. If they did, this show would've received it from me for its casting. Obviously, all the main leads were incredible. This was my first introduction to both Kim Go Eun and Gong Yoo, and I have become a big fan of both. Their chemistry with each other was incredible. Their chemistry with other characters was also incredible. The way they look at each other in later episodes (just look) will give you butterflies. AAAHHH!!
The music must be mentioned. This is the first (and only) drama where I still listen to the entire soundtrack. Each song is worth listening to on its own. 10+++ stars for the music. It has become the drama against which all other OSTs are judged.
I want to go back to the script for a second. I can't say enough about how great the dialogue was. Obviously, the actors' delivery was essential to bringing it all to life, but some lines / interactions were so brilliant. Funny, poignant, witty, engaging. So good.
Direction was good. Art direction, cinematography, and production values were also good.
Overall brilliant. Loved it. Have watched it 2x so far. I'll probably watch it 10 more times at least.
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It was good!
==Breakdown==Background plot - 30%
Romance - 50%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Great
Misc comedy - Good
Production value and direction - Good
This is so cute.
I really enjoyed how low stakes, sweet, and fluffy this is. If you're looking for a fun and sweet rom com with a straightforward story and chemistry between the actors, this checks that box.
In addition, there's something about Chae Jong Hyeop's performance that is both adorable but also super sexy, and that takes the drama up to a new level. I've never gotten butterflies in my stomach when a character merely smiles. His smiles are making me feel things.
Kim So Hyun is just a delight to watch. She's one of those actresses who makes every scene feel effortless. She comes across as "a girl's girl" in this one and I love her character. She's straightforward, honest, kind, and intelligent. Love her.
Also a big bonus: everything the characters do makes sense. At no point have I yelled at my screen or turned it off in frustration.
The SML and SFL's story was sorta boring at first, but it's (eventually) cute and eventually grew on me.
In summary, so far, if you're looking for a fun show to keep you engaged with low stakes where romance is the central story, highly recommend this one.
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It's just too long
==Breakdown==Background plot - 60% (more and more as the show progresses, but averages to 60%)
Romance - 30%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Meh
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value and direction - Good
There are a few scenes that take place between the end of their high school days and the start of their college days that are complete gold, and that's the only reason I'm giving this a 6.5
The first half was fine, the 3 episodes referenced above were FANTASTIC, and then it was pretty bad starting episode 12 forward. That's a lot of bad episodes.
The ML and FL did a great job, and I honestly would've dropped it if it hadn't been for the actors. But the rest of the cast was not great. Another super irritating thing about this drama was how the friends were so stupid. I mean, everyone but the mains were morons and didn't know how to listen, especially the lazy guy friend from high school and the FL's best friend. Ugh. They were SO ANNOYING! I skipped so much of episodes 20-28 because of these two characters.
Chemistry between the leads was great, romance was good, support cast and story were extremely *meh* 6.5 is generous.
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Incredible performances from the entire cast make this heavy drama worthwhile
==Breakdown==Background plot - 85%
Romance - 15%
Misc comedy - negligible
Background plot - Quite good and important
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy -NA
Production value and direction - Good
I hope Zhang Jing Yi and Zhou Yi Ran star together again. Their onscreen chemistry was absolute fire, but they had few interactions in this drama. Since I watch C Dramas mostly for the romance, this show has no re-watch value for me, but I'm glad I took the time to watch it once. The story is an important one, told with a well written script and powerful cast.
Liu Dan (who plays the mother) was also standout in the drama. Super impressed with her acting.
Overall, worth a watch. Just make sure you're in the mood for a heavy story.
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Biggest disappointment of 2025 / Cringe-fest / I blame the casting director
==Breakdown==Background plot - 20%
Romance - 80%
Background plot - Good
Romantic chemistry - THE WORST I'VE EVER SEEN (despite the ML attempting to carry the show by himself)
Production value and direction - Excellent
I really loved Liu Hao Cun in 'Derailment,' but this role is not right for her at all. I would go so far as to say this is the most miscast role of all time. The title of this is 'Be Passionately In Love' and the FL is neither passionate or (as far as I could tell by episode 18) in love. Reading through comments it seems this actress doesn't feel comfortable doing any kiss scenes or physical intimacy on screen? Then... why the heck did she take this show? She singlehandedly ruined what should've been an epic modern romance.
And what a total waste of Wang An Yu's talent. I felt so bad for the actor during literally *ALL* of their scenes. It's like he's acting all alone in this one. Poor guy. :-\
Basically, it's a great story, great music, great cinematography and direction, etc. etc. etc. ruined by a flat and soulless performance by the FL. Despite my admiration for both actors' previous performances, this one was legit hard to watch, I was cringing more and more, and ultimately had to drop it.
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Excellent performances paired with a substandard script
==Breakdown==Background plot - 60%
Romance - 30%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Meh
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Meh
Production value - Good
As always, Park Min Young was excellent. Na In Woo was new to me and I was impressed. He really sold his part. Everyone else was cast perfectly. The "bad guys" were fully committed, especially the best friend, and their performances were often disturbing (which was the point, I think).
The problem was the script and, therefore, the actual character development. I'm usually fine with cartoonish caricatures in fluffy / silly shows, but the good guys were nauseatingly good and the bad guys were over-the-top bad. Like, moronic, no redeeming qualities bad guys.
Given what the actors and director had to work with regarding the script, I thought it was the best it could be. Thus, 6.5.
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The lead actors carry the drama
==Breakdown==Background plot - 40%
Romance - 50%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Fine
Production value - Not great
For what it is, it's pretty good. My favorite short format CDrama is 'Familiar Stranger.' This one is just pretty good in comparison.
Overall, the story was a little out there but still fun, dialogue wasn't bad at all. The FL has great comedic timing which I wasn't expecting. The script also played to her strengths, which was great. The ML played his role perfectly and was quite adorable to watch. I'd say he and the FL were the best part of the show.
Their chemistry was pretty good (longing looks) but the skinship / kisses were very *meh*. (In comparison, 'Familiar Stranger' had both top notch chemistry and better / more realistic skinship scenes than most full-length dramas.)
I'd say it's worth a watch if you're looking for something fast where the central story is the romance.
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This is my favorite Yang Yang drama (so far)
==Breakdown==Background plot - 45%
Romance - 35%
Misc comedy - 20%
Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Really good
I tried to watch O2O and . . . no. For a lot of reasons, no. But mostly because the two main characters were the most boring main characters I've ever had the displeasure of attempting to watch. Then I watched 'You Are My Glory' which was okay for a while but then it was very *meh*
But this one was SO GOOD! I loved the story. I did not find the main female lead / character at all wishy-washy. Her perspective and actions made sense to me, as did the unfolding of their story together. Unlike most modern CDrama where things tend to drag in the middle episodes, this one did not.
And their chemistry was top notch. You could tell the actors were really comfortable with each other. This is the best chemistry I've seen (so far) anyone have with Yang Yang.
Also the side-plots were also quite good. I loved the supporting cast.
But watch it for the chemistry between the two leads. SO GOOD
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Overall worth a watch
==Breakdown==Background plot - 45%
Romance - 40%
Misc comedy - 15%
Background plot - Good
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Good
I haven't seen the original, nor did I know this was based on a different drama until after I watched it.
This drama was binged over the course of two days and I have no regrets. Previously, I'd enjoyed the ML in Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic, and I'd loved the FL in Vincenzio, so I had high hopes.
I will say, the FL did just okay in this drama. Maybe if I hadn't watched Vincenzio I would've enjoyed this one more, but the scenes where she really shined in this story were moments where her character was similar to her previous role.
The ML was great in almost every scene and really sold the story.
I do have to note, however, that it seemed like the two lead actors never quite reached a level of physical comfort with each other because the affectionate scenes didn't come across well. I know both the ML and FL can do better, so this lack of chemistry between them (in this romantic drama) knocked off a full star.
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Romances of 5 daughters
==Breakdown==Background plot - 30%
Romance - 40%
Misc comedy - 30%
Background plot - fine
Romantic chemistry - it varied from AMAZING to *meh*
Misc comedy - fine
Production value - fine
I dropped this one in the middle of the last daughter's story since I was no longer enjoying the show (and life is to short to be a completist).
Couples ranked in terms of chemistry and story:
Third daughter / 1st story: EXCELLENT story and chemistry-- these two characters and actors really sold their romance and chemistry.
Fourth daughter / 3rd story: Good story, great chemistry-- the chemistry between the actors saved the story.
First daughter / 2nd story: Okay story, good chemistry-- the female lead was much, much stronger than the male lead. She was awesome and he was mid. I definitely think he was miscast and the weakest of the leads.
Fifth daughter / last story: Redundant story, abysmal chemistry-- the actors were fine, but maybe the female lead was too young (IRL) to be playing this role. It's like she didn't know how to have romantic chemistry with anyone.
Overall story was fine. I won't re-watch, but I enjoyed watching it up to episode 29 or so.
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I'm not sure I'll ever move on from Sang Yan's love for Yifan.
Best contemporary melodrama I've ever seen==Breakdown==
Background plot - 35%
Romance - 50%
Misc comedy - 15%
Background plot - Interesting
Romantic chemistry - OFF THE CHARTS AMAZING
Misc comedy - Cute
Production value - Good
The story is about a girl who is naturally quiet, thoughtful, and reserved who experiences a period of intense trauma (outside of her control). About a year before this period of trauma, she meets a boy and they are smitten with each other, although not overtly. It has lovely first-love and young-love vibes throughout as their history unfolds through short flashbacks at the beginning of each episode.
The bulk of each episode takes place in present day, where the woman and man encounter each other 6 years after she abandons him and breaks his heart (her reasons are explained fully by the end of the drama and make total sense / feel very real and authentic).
The casting for both the FL and ML was perfection.
The FL character is ridiculously adorable. She's not "cutesy" at all. There's no baby voice (in fact, her voice is soft and deep) but she's so darn wholesome and adorable, I often wanted to put her in my pocket and protect her from the world. And that makes watching her ordeal all the more difficult.
The ML character is played by the lead actor to absolute perfection, balancing on the line of "I'm angry with you for breaking my heart" with "I care deeply about you and want you to be safe and well." I was impressed with his delivery. One second he's giving her the most heart fluttering look of pining and longing, and then in the next moment he's arrogantly insisting she finish his left over porridge because he hates to waste food.
Their story was so good because it was clear that Sang Yan truly loved Yifan and cared about her, regardless of whether they ended up together or she ever wanted to date him. He did things in secret in order to ensure she was taken care of and safe. He felt she deserved the best, even if she never chose him. This doesn't make him a push-over, these actions demonstrate how truly exceptional his character is.
The author cleverly introduces several other male characters who all show interest in Yifan, but are clearly more interested in dating her/what they can get from her than her well-being. They mansplain, they strut, they try to make their feelings her problem. Sang Yan never does this, but rather disguises his feelings by coming up with excuses for the kind things he does so as not to make her feel pressured.
I've enjoyed a few contemporary Cdrama romcoms, but haven't (hadn't) yet found an adult contemporary romantic melodrama that I could stomach. As an aside, I typically don't enjoy adult contemporary romantic C-melodramas. Usually, the plot suffers from the infusion of Chinese government propaganda and is centered around how great China is (because one of the show's main characters-- usually the guy-- has a job as a "selfless hero," like a firefighter, policeman, soldier, etc. all in service to the greater good that is China). But this one had absolutely none of that, thank God. I think it was a much better story overall because it lacked the propaganda rampant in the genre.
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This review may contain spoilers
You have to enjoy angst
==Breakdown==Background plot - 25%
Romance - 65%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Excellent
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Excellent
Things I loved:
1. The romance is the story. Thus, this is a romance. My favorite.
2. Sometimes, if the romance is the story, the plot and the world building feel a tad lacking. Not this time. The plot (twists and turns, etc.) were PERFECTION, which made the romance story so much better.
3. Okay, the chemistry between the ML and FL. Holy cow. The chemistry. 1000x this chemistry. I was feeling the chest aches from episode 3 onward (my favorite).
4. The happy times were so cute and satisfying. Even though I enjoy the angst, it has to make sense; it always did, and periods of sadness were followed by satisfying periods of just the most adorable, lovely interactions. <3 LOVE <3
5. The characters were flawed and how great is that?? No one was perfect, everyone had issues, they were all doing their best. Based in a fantasy world, their characters and motivations felt realistic and relatable.
6. The battle scenes and actions scenes were so well done. I actually watched them (I usually don't)
7. Artistic direction!!!!!!!! SO GOOD!!! So many shots felt like a painting. The artistic direction enhanced the story and I love that for us.
8. She's a badass.
9. He's also a badass.
10. They save each other multiple times.
11. The kiss scenes looked like they were actually kissing, not like weird fish smashing lips that we sometimes get with C and K dramas.
12. No overuse of dramatic staring contests.
Things I didn't love:
1. That it ended. It should've continued forever. *CRIES IN CDRAMA*
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There is no love triangle (or rectangle) but it is the slowest of burns
==Breakdown==Background plot - 55%
Romance - 35%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - Excellent
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Excellent
Dear Romance Fans: don't be discouraged by the early episodes, the love story is a MAJOR part of the show (eventually). This drama is definitely a case study in a slow burn romance leading to an extremely explosive endgame.
Contrary to what some folks might've stated, there is really no love triangle (or rectangle, or hexagon, or whatever). Yeah, the FL has a few storylines with other menfolk, but those only serve to enhance her character development (and the ML's character development later on) as well as drive the plot forward. I despise love triangles, but this didn't bother me one bit.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one and will definitely re-watch it again, especially episodes 30-38 :-)
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