This review may contain spoilers
TRULY EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!!
I started it because I really loved the chemistry of both ML and FL, and wanted to see more of them. Their acting goes beyond my rating scale and I could literally feel the emotions portrayed, bypassing my screen and reaching my heart and eyes. It happens for very few dramas. For the first few episodes, I will agree that I couldn't keep up with the storyline, everything felt so overwhelming and confusing. Like they were trying to build mystery but was very much scattered. I would like to pass it because during this time, the way they built all the side characters and all, was truly commendable. It is like I can watch any episode as standalone. Every episode will be like a whole package in itself.The OSTs, the costumes, the background sceneries, everything was on point. The dialogues and their perfect execution is the key to this drama's success for me. I personally loved their spirit animals, their friends at Jixing Abyss, Ming Yi's (FL) father and ML and FL ofc! It was such a heart-healing drama, like even though there was a cruel plot cooking at the backend, the drama never let go of it originality and wholesomeness. I was really disappointed when Ji Bozai (ML) couldn't recognize Ming Yi as Ming Xian even after so many episodes and hints, like how can a ML be so dumb!? But then I completely understood the whole point and storyline after that. It was just a different form of love they had each for each other and at times, I would fail to understand its depth but once understood, it will truly well up my heart.
The whole drama is like a vintage wine which just gets better with time (more episodes). I think after ep 20, you will truly fall in love with the drama and its characters and storyline. Because till then, all the characters and sub plots would mainly be set in place, and now you'd have got complete picture of all the plots in the drama. There are very subtle plot twists and revelations, not your usual "it blew my mind" moments. Also, what makes this drama different for me is: Firstly, the first drama where I have actually seen FL being in so much pain and sacrificing herself for the hero, usually its the opposite. Secondly, there is no such concept of hatred between them. They both are in themselves such strong and independent characters, so wisely acted out their roles. There was no unnecessary or immature or dragged out scenes. Everything made sense and even their childish moments or be it their starting "husband-wife pretending" moments, they were so fun to watch. Thirdly, not any of the good side characters die at the end, it was in true sense a happy ending which is very rare in chinese historical dramas, where usually side leads are killed or sacrificed at the end to bring out sympathy or provide a melo end to the drama. But here I was truly happy with the ending.
It was truly the justice served right. I loved how all evil characters met their doom one by one, and what a powerful message the whole drama portrays. More than sacrificing yourself for the lover to save the world, you both should together save the world and live together or die together. It didn't glorify sacrificing oneself for the lover but taught us a different way where both ML and FL can trust each other and the capabilities, and are willing to join hands together. Like it was such an inspiring and comforting moment. Overall, I personally loved the characters' chemistry, the humor, the war scenes, the pain, the sacrifice portrayed, the emotional depth and so many micro-lessons from every episode. It gave me a whole lot of memories and happy moments. Truly a comforting and dopamine-boosting drama! Be patient, trust the storyline and the plot, you will automatically get connected to its characters and will really enjoy such a wholesome and heartful drama.
LASTLY, I LOVE ML AND FL CHEMISTRY, THE OSTS, THE PLOT AND THE ENDING!!!
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Purest and my top favorite c-drama of 2025!
To me, I am personally very satisfied with the drama. It kept me hooked till the last, though I know many left it in between maybe after ep 12 or didn't like the story. But it is one of the most refined, balanced and mature plots I have ever seen. I loved how every episode was crafted, the hidden layers and the morals it was conveying throughout. It was like finding my own conscience and the Way while watching it. i was not just lost in romance or a scripted World, it was like I am personally being transformed throughout. The acting was top-notch, along with the dialogues. The best chinese historical drama which went so ahead in conveying the overall message. Good always wins over the evil. Love is never a weakness. It can win over anything,I loved every character, our both secondary couples and the characters from its past prequels. Every episode felt like a story I wanted to rewatch again and again, and all episodes are so wisely numbered and arranged. Episode 12 , 29 and 36 were my favorites. It shows us all forms of love and relationships. The best drama to watch for unconditional and true love and promises.
Don't watch it if you are only here for entertainment, time pass, to see some romantic arc between the ML and FL, conventional power struggles, or some Xianxia. Watch it with a pure heart, try to understand what deeper message the drama is trying to convey and the essence of living this life. The war between hatred and love, good and evil, desires and promises, so beautifully and painfully portrayed. There was no kissing scene between the ML and FL, still love never felt distant between them. They were so pure as characters, their love naive and eternal, their affection deep and so do their strong mind, sticking to their morals and the duties. Their individual selves not lost in the love but being complimented by it. The main story was not lost in love, though love did play a huge role. A strong emotion capable of destruction and new beginnings.
I loved our two couples in Western regions. I enjoyed the comaraderie, the freedom and the unrestraint throughout. I know many sacrifices and deaths are there throughout, each one teaching you something and bringing out a strong emotion, still the other characters' carried. Every character (good) was capable of saving the world in their own way and did their best. They believed in each other till the end. Love doesn't always need a long time to be spent together. Even one small encounter can bloom into something deeper and sacred. The way they looked at each other, always there by each other's side, always protecting each other, even sacrificing themselves, their hearts speaking the same emotion.
Trust me, you are gonna enjoy its every episode. It is one of the most refined and powerful c-dramas of all time. The vfx, the sceneries, the osts, the costumes, the stage design, everything. It's meant to be watched on big screen. I usually watch dramas at 2x, but here I really wanted to slow down, to feel the emotions, and the essence truly. I know the ending was not that great. We don't know if the couple ended together or not, was very much like an open ending. But now it doesn't matter. Having witnessed their true love and the life story, now I couldn't care less if they end up together. I know they will always be happy wherever they would be and would always be together. If not in this realm, maybe the other and would forever be remembered in our hearts. A silent smile filled with hope, is all I can say to describe the ending. It is not weak but exactly as how it should be. Looking forward to the new generations while cherishing the past ones! I hope the sacrifices were worth it and if there is a sequel to this, it would be less painful and wish for more mortal togetherness.
It gives me the same feeling I had while watching The Untamed. Die a life with no regret. Do everything you can to protect your loved ones and let love never be a burden. Don't let your heart be corroded with hatred, walk on your Way, and find your purpose. Wanquan Manor or Western Regions- I prefer western regions more. (stories etched on borders are more fateful than those of central plains)
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Not your usual revenge or rags to riches story! (MIND-TWISTING DRAMA)
My expectations were really high after watching the first episode. Though I have not read its webtoon, this drama really was unique and cinematic in every sense. I loved the acting, the dialogues, the design, the conceptualization and the OSTs. The actors really portrayed their characters to the best and successfully evoked the emotions out of the viewers. The intensity and the darkness, the manipulation and the subtle intentions, are clearly evident and is the jewel of the whole series. The psychology of the human mind, along with sociology, is strongly depicted.Overall, the beginning was great, the characters' build up was great, like you would want to decode the whole episode, the things you missed in the bg and will wait keenly for the next episode. The drama is very different when it comes to liking or revenge themes. To my understanding, there are many characters throughout that are playing vital roles. The timelines at beginning changed very abruptly back and forth, so it was difficult to keep up. You need a lot of effort and decoding, better be a psychology student, to see through the character's act and intentions.
I never felt empathy towards a single person throughout the whole show. It was just too dark and deep in the bg. It does tell a lot about the society and the harsh reality, fame and power, besides the psyche of an ASD person. The drama is fun to watch, it may give you adrenaline rush and many WHAT moments, and I know it is unsettlingly emotional throughout. Earlier it was fun, like 'WOW' moments, then it became unsettling, then concerning and conflicting, and lastly I just wanted it to end quickly.
A very good drama, writing wise obviously and its adaptation here. Like the visuals, the actors' choice and the the bgm, is just awesome, to binge watch on a big screen. You need to watch it multiple times to uncover its hidden layers. It can be called a masterpiece but there are things I personally feel are lacking or bring down the drama rewatch value.
I am really disappointed with the ending. I didn't expect a cliffhanger or wait for Season 2 at all. (though I have not read the original version) I really felt bad at the end when she didn't die. Like it would have been a perfect ending for me. I couldn't understand her husband, I lost the plot there in last 2 episodes. Baek Ah Jin's emotions were very well controlled throughout and well portrayed by the actress, that kept the drama going for me. I wanted to see more of some characters. There were some scenes that were very frustrating writing wise and some scenes I felt needed more explanation. Or like more dialogues in the bg for viewer's understanding or at least writer's cut.
It was like we were alone throughout the whole journey of watching this drama, like we are embarking on our own personal fears and lessons, and its totally upto us in which direction we want to steer it towards. So a very collaborative but mentally pressurizing drama. To conclude, I liked watching this drama, like it was something new after a long time, and was well directed and acted, the main reason of continuing this drama till the end. The story could be worked upon and more evident justifications, to make it a lighter and smoother watch journey. It is fun, mind twisting and exciting.
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NEVER FELT A SINGLE EPISODE BORING!
Amazing drama! It really exceeded my expectations. I was critical at first to start the drama, but once I started, I couldn't leave this in between. It kept me hooked throughout. The acting, the plot, the bg music and the sceneries, all were on point. Every character has a story and there was a perfect balance of emotions. One of the very few dramas where both ML and FL are ready to give their all for the other though not in a stupid or too selfless way. They will do anything to protect their partner and even die for their sake. The communication between them was clear, no unnecessary miscommunications or dramatic subplots. The way it covers all three realms and spans through 3 lifetimes and the modern world is commendable! A bond that goes beyond time and space. I really love the dialogues and simple scenes that evoke joy in little things. ML and FL had good chemistry, not too much time spent on love building or melancholic scenes, had a very strong storyline, and the way both their dreams matched stirs audience's hearts. It is so relatable at points, the desire to live a simple life, to have wisdom to look beyond mortal world and to be carefree and bold. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, every scene holding a deeper meaning and every episode building onto something more beautiful. The ending was satisfactory and the dialogue "every lonely journey ends in a fated encounter" really is the solution to all modern problems. The drama was like a soft glow to my dark chambers of life.Was this review helpful to you?
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Loved the story, the chemistry and the heart-warming acting! <3
A nice, complete K-drama with a good plot, not too light or too heavy. Main couple really killed it with their roles, from their acting to their dialogues. Really loved the chemistry between them! That sweet, giggling, fluffy and heart-soothing romance everyone craves for. I am really in love with FL's big beautiful smile and ML's cutesy baby face. Like..wowww they made such a great couple to watch. If you loved 'King the Land' or 'The Business Proposal,' you'd definitely liked this one.This drama has all - childhood sweethearts, rich boy-poor girl, fake marriage, revengeful ex, latent murder mystery, troublesome in-laws, office romance, and what not! It leaves you with a happy and satisfied heart. My personal favorite is the second couple, their story was so K-Drama coded and truly to fall in love with. Also loved FL's mom and sister character, ML's grandmom's character, like they balanced the drama so well.
Ending is really good, like all the loose ends tied together and like a complete bouquet of new beginnings. No such complex or dark themes. A simple, lovely drama to watch on a sunny day. Moral is that you can always reflect on your mistakes and start anew, you just need to have the courage and will to do it. Don't destroy your whole future for the false thing you have now. Follow your heart, don't let go of the people who truly care about you and accept you for yourself.
The drama never felt so long or stretched. Though it could be more refined, plot could be stronger, side characters' stories could be developed more and more powerful dialogues or memorable scenes. Overall, it was a good, pleasant drama; really loved the beginning, in the middle it at times lost its direction (was really annoyed by FL's ex nagging) but gradually it regained its charm towards the end. Those cozy, heartfelt moments shared between ML and FL, how they used to comfort and embrace each other, have really set the expectations high.
I really loved the FL's character in 'Alchemy of Souls' and she did not disappoint me here. Would love to see more of these characters' future dramas! To end this: the drama was like a sweet, spicy breeze in this cold, winter season; encircling me with comforting joy and eventually warming my heart :))
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An escape to magic, tears and genuine connections!
The drama that made me cry the most! It started off with very mysterious, serious and beautiful story, the one that keeps you hooked for the next 5 episodes. It's basically about a demon hunter and normal gov official's daughter who can see demons after an accident. She seeks his help regarding her father's disappearance and gradually they grow closer as they work on other demon cases, along with their friends crew, 'The Guanping City Squad' (my nickname to them). I loved watching the different demons' chaos and how they set up the whole story and our characters' movements against it like I would literally watch all 7-8 episodes at glance until that one demon's arc is completed. The stage designs were so good, the acting, the OSTs, the story and the implementation. More than romance, expect a whirlwind ride of demon hunting and friendship in making. It is a very heartwarming drama, where you can expect genuine laughs and anticipation.At the start, I did not like FL's character that much, like she was too different from the other conventional FLs of Chinese historical dramas. She acted too much on her emotions, too reluctant and too afraid. But slowly, her character evolved into one of the best, balanced and quick-witted FLs I have ever witnessed. She is cute, too caring but at the same time, wise and brave. She never felt like a burden to the ML and slowly her character shined. She never gave up on her love or family or friends, an embodiment of true sincerity and loyalty. She will always speak her heart out in contrast to the ML. When he failed at words, she gave the words to their love. No toxicity, no crazy family drama, no stupid love triangle and no useless misunderstandings, just common lives seeking their purpose and outshining themselves.
All characters are so strongly developed and we can resonate with each one of them, even though the main trope is given the most importance. Every character is built on some value and personal conflict. The whole demon vs human and good vs bad concept are so powerfully depicted. Usually, such demon-human love stories have sad ending, and so thus this one. But I really hope for Season 2. The emotions that are portrayed with their every movement and facial expressions transcend words. Their longing, love and passion for each other is on next level, something pure and unconditional. Many a times, you will not see it evidently, the drama lacks romance scenes as such but its in those sad hugs, happy embrace or shared laughter and light humor. All comes out so beautifully balanced.
Don't expect so much focus on ML and FL romance trope, because the drama is much more than that and wants to convey something beyond that. only by the last 10 episodes, their love finally blooms and takes shape, where they realize they can't live without each other and keep coming back to each other, even if the end holds only parting in their fate. Like such a strong and different drama it was, had serious undertones and the ending just leaves us hanging in between like them for each other. No matter if their minds forget each other, their hearts will still beat for each other. The epic, dangerous love story of a demon turned demon hunter and a meek, underconfident turned fearless lady - XUANYE AND BANXIA.
Even I don't know when they truly felt for each other and truly wished for having more scenes of their love story depiction and those small memorable times spent together, in between those demon hunts. It felt like there was no breathing space or the main trope was not given that evident importance. So at times I do felt disconnected from their story, but their pure emotions for each other so subtle yet heart wrenching, always kept me rooting for more. If you seek light hearted, action, friendship and a little sparkle of pure romance i.e. originality and fun, then go for this! Can't expect more from such a drama, so simple yet so powerful. I guarantee you that you will never get bored while watching this. Watch this for story not romance.
And I really wanted to see more of second couple's love story, but it will somehow always be dropped in between, even till the last. Like none of them got a proper closing or beginning. Just telling us the unpredictability and the pain you have to endure, bravery that it demands, and a selfless heart, to truly witness it or be a part of it. The whole timer reverse or memory losing scene at the end, really left the viewers astray. Like all the previous episodes and scenes and memories felt fake, those strong connections and genuine friendships, but that was all the drama was teaching us - to give up, to move on and still carry a heart that follows its purpose.
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A PERFECT THRILLER AFTER A LONG TIMEEE!!!
I did not have any expectations when I first started the drama. I was completely unaware of its storyline, plot and hadn't even watched the trailer. I just jumped write into the drama, going from the face value. And I was captivated by the action sequences and the acting, in just 10 minutes of the first episode. I couldn't stop myself from watching the drama. I completed all the 16 episodes in just 2 days and I am very proud to say that it was my best drama choice so far!It doesn't have that overpowering love angle but yeah, love plays a latent powerful role in the whole plot. The thriller, the mystery, the chills, the tension and the deception, all are the key elements of the drama. It should really be made into a Netflix series. It is so well-written and directed, I got so emotionally attached with our 'cops' team and guys, spoiler alert it is not a sad ending though it does demand season 2!!
So there is a murder mystery that's being chased and also prevention of a foretold murder as announced by the 'squid.' Is squid the mastermind behind all the murders? Who is 'squid'? In every episode, the number of suspects increases. Many a time, I think that at this point anyone can be the 'squid' (the murderer). Every character is so intelligently written and ahs a subtle backstory, that adds spark to their deeds and behavior. It is difficult to fully decode anyone's personality or their motives. We can't exclude anyone from the suspect list. Dang qi (the protagonist cop) is a time loop perceiver i.e. he retains the memories of loop days (certain days repeat 5 times and the 5th time is the final outcome). He is so strategic, flexible, has got out of the world fighting skills and brain. Every moment of the loop day is carefully and meticulously planned. There is so much that goes beyond the normal eyes and every move has a deeper motive. The whole scene of Moma biotech, genetic experiment, technology, early trials and revenge, really adds a unique unprecedented angle to the drama. The storyline is amazing, how everything unfolds one after another just at the right time, there is nothing that you can guess beforehand, and so many intelligent moves are written.
Episode 13 was my favorite. I will not give the spoiler alert but it is the best episode of the whole drama. The 'wow' moment for me. No unnecessary subplots, no messy storyline, clear character roles and execution, really makes it one of the best thriller dramas of all time. "Corals and trees can map the age/ time of the world. But since last few years, the rings has increased from 365 to more than 400. The time and space are changing." This line sums up the base of the whole drama.
Everything starts falling in place once you reach the end of drama. The bigger picture starts revealing itself and it is majestic and unbelievable at the same time. The drama will really make your adrenaline go crazy, you holding your breath and your eyes always focused on your screen. How one simple research (a genetic one) can lead to such drastic changes, it is just an example to what our future world holds. The scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, heirs and the police all navigate through these changes in a tangled yet deadly way. In whose hands will the power rest? Can we trust the person? Is life for a life worth it for that person? Can we change our destiny? WITNESS THE MOBIUS.....the traps, the breakthroughs, the search and the ultimate chase!
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A GOOD TIME PASS & A LIGHT DRAMA
Merry Kiss Christmas - As the ending says!So I watched this drama because of the actor, at times it did feel like he is carrying the whole show. I started because of the hype and the scenes going viral from the first 2 episodes. I was hooked to the story line at start but slowly, it made no sense. Too unreal. Too bizarre. Too dramatic. (I think I am being too brutal here) The acting was great, I really loved the second couple, the rich boy-poor girl vibes, the office drama and the rom-com moments. It was light, fresh and humorous.
But...the chemistry between ML and FL did not match between a lot of scenes, side characters' arc was not build up that much, the background power dynamics plot felt boring, and the love was not that easy to understand as showcased by the drama. Though I really liked the different emotions portrayed and balanced throughout, the shock, anger, betrayal, grief, joy etc.
If you guys have loved Business Proposal, King the Land and other workplace rom-coms, you can give it a try but don't expect too much. The plot feels new and unique at start, but it not different from the rest. Instead the story feels very slow-paced (even after watching at 2x :) ), repeated and overstretched. The OSTs didn't stand out too much for me. The dialogues are very good, the messages conveyed, the screenplay, the setting and the whole build-up, yet it didn't touch the heart that much.
To summarize the whole story, ML and FL had a good time and a kiss at Jeju island, but the FL runs away because of family problems and ML keeps searching for her in the city. FL then joins the ML's company but under the identity of a mother and this devastates him. The office dynamics and action starts. Work Projects, friendships, figuring their feelings out, little bit jealousy, confessions, guilt, all tangled together. Some scenes are very good and wholesome. There was no one to hate on particular for me. Only in episode 8 was it revealed that FL is not married neither a mother, and in ep 10 they start actually dating. So if you are looking for pure romance or butterflies in stomach or a dating era, don't watch it.
It is more of a mature drama where both ML and FL are portrayed in their 30s, it talks about financial struggles and relationship hurdles. It did feel stupid when ML went crazy over the FL with just one single kiss that they shared. And how he still had feelings for her even when he knew she was married (though it was fake). Like little unrealistic! FL was also conflicted about her feelings about him. To add more to this, it felt really frustrating when second ML keep rejecting or acknowledging the feelings of second FL. I know love is complicated but why are you making it look stupid. Only when second FL finds his son when he gets lost, and she gets hurt because of him, he truly acknowledges her love. Like that unconditional love is not there. And it's okay. You will get to see another side of love in this drama.
Overall, you can watch this drama if you like office plot and rich boy-poor girl tropes, and have free time. It may feel boring in middle but try to look at deeper meanings of the scenes. I have listed both good and bad points of this drama above. So you can judge from that. You will love the characters, the side plots are not heavy, and the main plot though feels stupid at times, it's worth it. You will definitely get a good laugh, adrenaline and tears!
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BEST BALANCED DRAMA EVER!! CAN'T MISS WATCHING THIS IN THIS LIFETIME!
I have always been a horror, supernatural, paranormal and everything mysterious fan. I have never ever watched a BL series and this was my first one. I have been planning to watch it for a long time. And I can't describe my feeling after finishing all it's episodes. I WANT MORE OF IT!! The mix of horror and BL was the best and just the right amount, perfectly balanced throughout. Neither disappointed me.I have not read the novel, and the plot completely blew my mind away. It was a great experience. The acting was superb, every character arc is well built, even the side characters (eg. all the villagers), you will feel such a strong connection with them, even after the series has ended. Like they did true justice to their roles, even went beyond it.
The friendship, the comaraderie, the past lives, the good and bad spirits, all were the key elements to me. Horror scenes well so well designed and implemented (I remember each one of them). The incantations, shaman, monks, and the whole Issan village, is just another vibe and I got to learn so much from this, about the Thai culture, their rituals and the way of living. It showed me its completely different side and it was truly eye opening.
The locations, the dialogues, the BGM, the attention to the details, deserves my bow and respect. The effort and the collective hardwork really shows. It has just raised my standards really high. Keng and Namping specially were so good, and their chemistry on fire. Actually, all our couples in the series, had brillaint chemistry, which is very rare. Special mention to Keng, I really fell in love with his looks when his face was first revealed in the series. Like he is so damn hot, his face card on top. And his character is so powerfully and handsomely depicted, I was literally drooling over his scenes. His tattoos were just wow. Like he is my new crush now. AHHHH...I SWEAR HE HAS GOT ALL THE FANS' HEARTS!
The whole cast was just a wow, it was so fun watching all of them. The drama really felt like smth close to my heart (I have watched many but this one was different). It had some deeper layers and messages. Something that needs to be watched attentively. It just grabs your attention from the first shot, and you will never be bored. Like this word is not in its dictionary. It failed even the Korean ghosts, like I am so overwhelmed!
Banger jumpscares, cliffhangers and the chemistry! I will not be able to get over this drama for atleast 1 month!! The characters have really left a deep impact, a story I can never forget. They have really brought the characters to life, and my whole heart goes to them. I have never been this crazy before for any drama or characters, but I am for this drama.
IF YOU ARE NOT WATCHING THIS SERIES/DRAMA, YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING ON A LOT, YOU ARE GONNA ENJOY IT A LOT. EXPLORE ALL THE LAYERS, SEE EVERYTHING AND THEN JUDGE. DON'T JUST GO FOR BL.
I LOVEEEE THIS DRAMAAAA. ALL THE BEST TO THEIR FUTURE WORKS AND MAY THIS DRAMA GETS LOT MORE VIEWERS AND SUCCESS!
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