Why Would Anyone Drop This Gem? (FINAL THOUGHTS NO SPOILERS)
First, I think it is unfair to compare Chen Xing Xu's last drama, Love Between Lines, with his current one, My Page in the 90s, as they are vastly different genres.Lin Huan Er was drawn into a book during a debate with a fellow reviewer (from 2025 to 1999). She was strongly opposed to the way female characters were depicted. The storyline is unique in that it uses a completely out-of-place animated pager to guide the female lead through her daily challenges so she can get back to her "real' life in 2025. Thus, the title of the drama. I don't understand why anyone would tank this gem without giving it a fair chance. It is not the serious drama that one expects; no, it is beautifully absurd. The acting is natural and hilarious. Because of the deadpan humor and overuse of ridiculous clichés, My Page in the 90s is so amusing and is a joyful viewing experience.
The chemistry everyone desperately looks for between the lead characters is definitely unmistakable. Chen Xing Xu and Wang Yu Wen are well-matched in acting skills here and visually make a lovely pairing.
As new episodes are released, the storyline grows more complex as the characters fall in love with each other. It is difficult not to laugh out loud when the female lead is going to such harebrained, risible lengths to prolong her time in the novel, leaving Gao Hai Ming, who has her heart and her love completely and utterly confused. Stick with it; you won't be disappointed as long as you keep in mind that MPIT90s is in no way supposed to be serious. It is ludicrous on steroids!
Will she make it back to 2025? What will happen to Gao Hai Ming's character from 1999? Will she meet him again in 2025? Will he recognize her as Lin Haun Er from 1999? Hmmm...
February 1, 2026 🌹FINAL THOUGHTS🌹
You all can not begin to imagine how much I have enjoyed being immersed in this brilliantly written drama. Chen Xing Xu and Wang Yu Wen brought their characters to LIFE in a way that depicted a quiet, unassuming, sweet, innocent love between two people who had never given their hearts away before. For any of you who are doubting whether this drama is worth watching...IT IS! I walked away feeling satisfied, excited, happy, yet very sad that their journey had come to an end.
Wanna hint? Pay very close attention to episode 1. It sets the foundation for the entire storyline.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹HAPPY WATCHING!!🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
HAVE A BOX OF TISSUES HANDY!
#BLESSINGS
***WATCH WITHOUT COMPARISON OR PREJUDICE!***
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This review may contain spoilers
SIMPLY EXCELLENT, BUT...
Love Between Lines was a wonderful departure from the usual C-drama. I was hooked from the very first episode. The unique addition of the role-play synopsis is what sets the drama apart from others. The acting was natural and charismatic; the chemistry between the Leads was outstanding. Even though the storyline followed a predictable pattern, the script was well-written.My rating will not be affected, even though there are a few things I did not agree with:
1. The LBL storyline was set primarily in the office, coffee shop, Zhou's husband's job, or the role-play club. Every episode was about someone's relationship, which included their profession. Shine On Me was criticized for the same reason. Yet, The Best Thing was also set in a hospital, a clinic, or a hotel that had more uninteresting scenes. "UNFAIR" to SOM in my opinion.
2. I did not like the ending. Their relationship was never made known to the office staff, and they decided not to get married, but adopted a stray cat. (UNFILLING and INCOMPLETE) At least the Leads in TBT were married, and SOM storyline came full circle with marriage and a family while achieving personal and professional goals. There was no weak script in any of the dramas I mentioned.
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I Was NOT Disappointed!
I enjoyed this drama VERY much! It was clean and not off-putting. Many Kdramas have become linguistically distasteful (overuse of profanity) these days like the shows here in America. I found LND quite refreshing. The lead characters worked well together to present a relationship of love, longing, and denial. Their parents and friends only added to the sense of family and true friendship. This is a series for viewers who want a lighthearted rom-com. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but in a fun way. Would I watch it again? DEFINITELY!!!Was this review helpful to you?
I Am Enjoying MIL
This a typical drama about love, breakups, and misunderstandings even though the love is real. The lack of communication led to unnecessary heartache and fear of being hurt caused doubt and mistrust. Even though MIL was predictable, as they/dramas all can be the same, I have thoroughly enjoyed the FL/ML interactions. The comedic interludes between the four friends kept me laughing! This drama is worth a second viewing.**After completing the series, I am not satisfied with the main lead couple's resolution of their romantic conflict. There could have been a better outcome in my opinion!**
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Beautiful Love Story
The title "South Wind Knows" gives an indication that there will be twists and turns, ups and downs, happiness and sadness, intrigue and disinterest. The story seems all over the place without connecting the dots to some viewers. In my opinion, each facet of the story stems from the two lead characters. Though they may not be deemed to be as strong as the main storyline, each character in the Fu family has his own drama. There is nothing about SWK that lends to the idea of being boring. The main characters' story is a beautiful depiction of true love, trust, sacrifice, fear, acceptance, rejection, and love again. Even though it can be seen as unreal, viewers must remember that this drama is fiction; therefore, anything can take place. The typical overbearing mother should not be a surprise. The son who wishes to please his controlling parent is not surprising either. I give SWK a solid 10 because I accept it for what it is...a well-acted, complexly presented story of first love and the drama of a typical greedy rich family. The music is lovely and fitting for SWK.Was this review helpful to you?
Very Sweet Romance Without Tooth Decay
"Would You Marry Me" is the perfect combination of innocent love, betrayal, longing, and acceptance. JSM and CWS characters' chemistry is so well-balanced that it makes their affection for each other adorably sweet and easy to watch with smiles and giggles. I found myself rewatching the scenes building up to a romance that I believe will not disappoint realistic viewers. It definitely has rewatch value for me.Was this review helpful to you?
Worth the Watch
I won't go into any details except to say the pairing of the FL and ML was perfect! The comedic timing was perfect! The acting was perfect! Don't miss this drama! It is one of the best, uncomplicated series I have ever watched. No one will be disappointed in this May-December romantic comedy. The pacing of each episode was just enough to grasp the storyline and still want to watch it again while waiting for the next one. As I said, I'm giving no details; so, watch NGNL for yourselves and be thoroughly enamored with the lead characters.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Now That I have Finished the Drama...
Song Weilong is one of my all-time favorite actors, and recently, I have come to admire the work of Zhao Jin Mai. Both possess acting skills that capture the viewer's attention. Shine On Me has honestly been more than I bargained for. I did not expect the amazing chemistry between the two leads.I look forward to the continuation of this series.
January 7, 2026
Where do I begin? To say that I enjoyed Shine On Me is an understatement. To say the least, I looked forward to the previews when a new episode was released. To say the least, I rewatched my favorite scenes repeatedly while waiting for another day to begin.
The music became more relevant and fitting as Yusen and Xiguang's relationship developed. I was drawn to their complete and total devotion to one another. The unwavering support and encouragement were admirable. What impressed me more was that there was little or no physical intimacy before they solidified their position in each other's lives. Afterward, the way they came together was appropriate. For me, the true test of a good romantic drama is whether or not love can be expressed in ways besides grabbing a partner every other second. Though the words, "I love you, were never spoken, it was the tender look in the eyes of Yusen for Xiguang that exposed his heart, and vice versa.
We got to see two young people being pulled out of past emotional pain and stepping into a healthy, mature love that helped them grow into the people they longed to be, fulfilling their goals. One did not try to overshadow the other, but walked in their own destiny, fully undergirding the other.
In the end, Shine On Me was a complete story worth watching. Finally, they were blessed to have a beautiful, intelligent daughter who had her dad wrapped around her finger.
#BeautifulDrama
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