A Captivating Drama with a Unique Mix of Action and Mystery
MLC isn’t your typical fast-paced drama. Instead, it leans more into storytelling, with each mystery tying into the larger plot. It’s not gonna be everyone’s cup of tea, but honestly, I loved how much detail went into each case.Cheng Yi as Linhua/Xiangyi starts off pretty playful, but as the story goes on, he really explores the deeper sides of the character, and he does it so well. He’s not all about over-the-top theatrics; but when the emotions hit, they really hit. He might not fit the usual "visual" type that’s super popular in c-dramas, but his versatility totally makes him stand out. Oh, and bonus points: he dubbed himself this time!
One of my favorite parts was the dynamic between Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng. The dynamic between Cheng Yi's character and Joseph Zeng's character is so humorous and engaging. Their chemistry adds a delightful touch to the drama, and when Xiao Shun Yao's villainous character enters the mix, things become even more intriguing.
I get that the slow start might make some people want to drop it early, but seriously, don’t. It’s so worth it. I gave it a shot, and before I knew it, I was totally hooked. If you want something different from the usual romance-heavy c-dramas, MLC is definitely worth checking out. It’s smart, witty, funny, and still manages to pull at your heartstrings.
Easily one of the best c-dramas of 2023!
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MUST WATCH FOR XIANXIA FANS!
Luo Yunxi brought so much depth and elegance to his portrayal of Tantai Jin. One of the most impressive things about his performance is how much he conveyed just through his eyes. Whether it was intense anger or deep sorrow, he didn't even need words to make you feel it. His eye acting was especially powerful in scenes where his character was battling his inner demons.But what really makes this drama stand out, in my opinion, is that Yunxi's character is a true anti-hero. He has a dark, even disturbing side, which makes him such a fascinating and complex character. Despite all his flaws, I couldn't help but root for him! Bai Lu’s character is also a breath of fresh air. She’s nothing like the passive or whiny heroines we see so often in c-dramas. She takes charge, makes things happen, and has so much agency.
I also loved the role reversals in this drama. Bai Lu’s character is the one initiating intimate moments and even saving Yunxi’s character when he ends up in distress. It was such a fun and refreshing twist!
If you're looking for a xianxia drama that shakes things up and offers something different, this is a must-watch.
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A STAND OUT DRAMA IN 2024
Just finished all 40 episodes!This drama was such a breath of fresh air. It puts the female lead front and center, which was a really nice surprise since I expected a drama all about the ML. I went in expecting a typical romance where the ML takes charge all the time, but The Double totally defied my expectations.
The FL’s revenge plot drives the whole story, and she’s far from a helpless damsel in distress. She’s sharp, resourceful, and takes control of her own fate, with the ML stepping in to support her only when necessary. Honestly, I was surprised by how little screen time he gets, just a few minutes per episode (always elegantly waving that red and gold fan of his!)
I really liked the chemistry between the leads (even with all the talk about their age gap). Their relationship develops slowly but is full of heart-fluttering moments that make their growing feelings feel so natural. The ML actually reminds me a lot of Ling Buyi (LLTG) and Xie Wei (Kunning Palace), though he’s more refined and calculated, less impulsive. Wang Ying Yue carries a mature presence despite being so young, and his acting is seriously impressive.
The whole cast is great, but a real standout for me was Liang Yong Qi as Shen Yurong. His performance, especially his eye acting, was incredible! He gave his character so much depth; he balanced the dark and intense moments with just the right amount of restraint. Some of his scenes were actually chilling. I’d love to see him take on a leading role in the future.
As for the story, it’s engaging and suspenseful. There are some plot holes and over-the-top moments, but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. The Double is easily one of the best dramas of 2024.
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IF YOU ARE A XIANXIA FAN, DEFINITELY WATCH THIS!
This drama has all the familiar xianxia tropes but with a fresh twist. It was a fun and less predictable watch. What I love most is the overall light tone, as the drama is packed with humor and steers away from the usual dark, heavy atmosphere that so many xianxia dramas favor.The chemistry between the leads is so good, and they handle both the comedic and dramatic moments really well. I know some people complained about the slightly cartoonish CGI, but honestly, it didn’t bother me much. The engaging story and quirky characters more than make up for any visual shortcomings. (And seriously, some of these characters are just adorable!)
All in all, Back from the Brink is a refreshing take on the genre and a genuinely enjoyable watch!
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SO REFRESHING - ONE OF THE BEST COSTUME & PERIOD C-DRAMAS
This drama is an absolute masterpiece!Everything about it is top-notch: the script, the dialogue, the cinematography, the character dynamics, and the performances. It completely pulled me into the characters' world!
What really makes this drama stand out though, is its fresh approach to romance and character development. I loved how the secondary characters actually mattered to the story and were given the respect they deserved. Zhao Lusi’s acting is so expressive here, especially in her crying scenes. Wu Lei was perfectly cast as well. He brought Ling Buyi’s darkness and tenderness to life with so much skill. Honestly, I’ll be a Ling Buyi fan forever!
But the best part for me was the balance between humor and drama. I laughed, I cried, and sometimes both at the same time!
I have so much respect for this production, and I already can’t wait to re-watch it!
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NOT THE USUAL XIANXIA
Conflicts get resolved FAST in this drama! There’s barely any buildup!The two leads are incredibly powerful, especially the ML. He wields immense power, to the point where he can take down any villain or big bad with just a dramatic flick of his hand. The FL is just as strong-willed and independent, which makes her a perfect match for him.
That said, I did have to adjust to the pacing, especially in the beginning. It starts off a bit slow since the drama takes its time developing Shen Li and Xingzhi’s relationship. Some of the side characters felt like filler or just comic relief, though I did enjoy the occasional meta moments (Goddess Youlan).
One of the biggest highlights is definitely the cast. Zhao Liying is fantastic here, giving her character so much strength and depth. She’s unapologetically powerful and, thankfully, not whiny! Lin Geng Xin might not be the most expressive actor in c-dramaland, but this role fits him perfectly. He plays the stoic, all-powerful last surviving ancient god so well. I honestly can’t picture anyone else doing it better.
While this drama didn’t hit me as hard emotionally as some other xianxia dramas, there’s just something so compelling about it that keeps me coming back for more.
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DAMAGING PORTRAYAL OF AUTISM
While the actors deliver strong performances, this drama really misses the mark in its portrayal of autism. The suspenseful plot keeps you hooked, but the way it depicts the autistic female lead is problematic; it paints her as a psychopath with no empathy. On top of that, the implication that she’s drawn to the serial killer because he’s "just like her" (possibly on the spectrum) just reinforces harmful stereotypes.It’s frustrating to see a 2022 drama use these outdated and damaging tropes instead of offering a more nuanced representation of autism. South Korea, do better!
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A true masterpiece that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions!
The Untamed is hands down one of the best c-dramas I’ve ever watched. I even read Mo Dao Zu Shi while watching, and honestly, I think the drama surpasses the novel in every possible way.It’s hard to put into words what makes this show so special; you really just have to experience it. The characters are layered and compelling, and the story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster across all 50 episodes. What really sets The Untamed apart is the incredible world-building and character development. Every character, whether hero or villain, is given depth and respect, and the world they live in is anything but black and white.
Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian is phenomenal. His performance is so nuanced, and you can just feel every emotion he poured into the character. His chemistry with Wang Yibo is also amazing, but this isn’t just a typical BL drama, but a story about devotion, family, and sacrifice. It follows a group of young people on a journey that changes their lives forever, and it hits hard.
If you haven’t watched The Untamed yet, do yourself a favor and start now. I wish I could erase my memory just to relive it all over again with that same sense of wonder and excitement.
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Immortal Samsara - OVERHYPED
As a Cheng Yi fan, I had high hopes for Immortal Samsara, but ultimately, it fell short for me.THE GOOD
The drama boasts stunning visuals, a beautiful OST, and captivating costumes. The cast, including Cheng Yi, delivers strong performances. Cheng Yi, in particular, impresses with his ability to portray three distinct characters with unique mannerisms and expressions. Ray Chang's performance as Yu Mo is also notable.
THE BAD
Unfortunately, the drama falls into the trap of recycling the same tropes and character archetypes found in other xianxia dramas. Yang Zi, despite being a talented actress, is pigeonholed into playing the same cutesy, innocent character that she has played before. The story drags in some parts and has inconsistencies in its narrative. The finale also feels rushed, despite the addition of two short "special episodes" to provide a conclusion.
IN CONCLUSION
While Immortal Samsara has its good points, it fails to break away from the cliches of the genre and falls short of being a standout xianxia drama. It may not be worth a rewatch for many viewers.
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TOXIC, TOXIC, TOXIC male lead!
Let me start by saying that this drama starts with such an exciting, interesting premise, but for some reason, halfway through, the story becomes an incoherent mess driven by characters that engage in nonsensical behaviors.Overall, Wolf kept me very entertained (hence the generous rating), BUT my biggest criticism is that it romanticizes abuse to the point it becomes absolutely nauseating. As a female viewer, I kept wondering if the writers really, really hated women, because the amount of physical, sexual, and mental violence inflicted on the female lead by the “hero” of the drama is beyond anything I’ve seen in any Chinese dramas with toxic leads. It's quite puzzling that the censors didn't take issue with scenes showing attempted rape (in some disturbing detail, may I add).
And what’s even more ridiculous is that this drama tries to persuade viewers that all of these violent actions benefit the female lead, who is a helpless and mindless character in constant need of protection. After all is said and done, her character changes very little. There is zero (zilch!) character development: she forgets and forgives all the abuse she’s been put through by the male lead, all in the name of true love.
The cast is fantastic though, especially Li Qin and Xiao Zhan, who stole every scene they were in. While Darren Wang excelled in the action / battlefield scenes, bringing a certain toughness to the character that was very much needed, I found his overall acting to be quite lackluster. Besides scowling (A LOT!) and grunting in pain, his performance lacked emotional complexity and nuance.
The only category in which this drama gets A+ is the OST! Absolutely amazing!
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It was a 10 for me until the last few episodes. Then it dropped to 8.5.
Southwind is a bit rough around the edges, especially toward the end. Some parts don’t flow smoothly, and there’s a subplot that feels kind of unnecessary and way too over-the-top for my taste. That said, I really enjoyed the family dynamics, especially the power struggle between the Fu brothers. The cast is absolutely top-notch, no complaints there. But my biggest frustration? By episode 39, some of the characters who committed truly horrible acts didn’t get the punishment they deserved (Yunshen’s mother, I’m looking at you!).And of course, Cheng Yi once again proves he’s the king of whump. His character has more lives than a cat; he is shot, paralyzed, staked… you name it, he’s been through it all.
Overall, this was a great watch, but those last few draggy episodes definitely took away from the experience.
A+ for Cheng Yi, though.
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WHAT A HIDDEN GEM!
Ingenious One is absolutely brilliant. Every episode feels like a puzzle piece fitting perfectly into the bigger picture. I was hooked from start to finish.Chen Xiao’s performance is next level. His range is incredible, and the way he conveys emotions just through his eyes is unreal. I was completely in awe of him throughout the drama. While IO doesn’t focus too much on romance, the romantic elements it does include are beautifully done. Yun Xiang and Shu Yanan’s relationship feels so real and heartfelt; it completely drew me in. Their dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the show.
For me, IO is easily one of the best dramas of 2023. Can’t wait for season 2! A+
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GREAT STORY, BUT NOT A FAN OF REN JIALUN
The story was great, with a good balance of court politics, action, and romance (though the latter is underdeveloped; the emphasis is on the protagonists' deep connection, with no physical intimacy whatsoever). I may get flak for this, but I found Ren's performance to be wooden and emotionless. He is not a versatile actor; he practically had the same expression on his face in every single episode, even in the harrowing scenes, where the script was clearly conveying that the character was supposed to be disconsolate and heartbroken (In some instances, you could even tell his tears were fake and applied artificially with an eyedropper).Was this review helpful to you?
A visual feast and a very compelling second-male lead
Visually and aesthetically, this drama is gorgeous. Every song, the costumes, the special effects - a feast for the senses. At first, I was a little intimidated by the length, but the story is very captivating from start to finish and focused (for the most part) on the main narrative (unlike other dramas that tend to veer off course and introduce too many secondary characters that act mostly as filler).Don't be fooled into thinking this is a fluffy rom-com with fantasy elements because at the halfway mark, viewers are bombarded with emotionally impactful and often harrowing scenes that are tear-inducing. The entire cast is brilliant, though I have to mention Luo Yun Xi's performance as Night Immortal / Run Yu. He was SO impressive at depicting his characters' complex, multidimensional, and nuanced layers. In many ways, he is the star of the whole drama, despite his status as second male lead.
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Fantastic drama, but a torture to get through at times
The visual effects and costumes are gorgeous in this drama, and the fantasy elements do not disappoint! In particular, I appreciate that the story doesn't offer stereotypical images of gods and demons (as exclusive symbols of good and evil, respectively). In addition, I love that it explores a variety of current themes using mythological filters (racism, interracial relationships, gender issues, same-sex relationships, etc.)The cast in this drama is fabulous! First, kudos to actor Cheng Yi for portraying the overly self-sacrificing Si Feng with such finesse. He was such a captivating presence and so incredibly expressive, especially in the scenes that conveyed his character’s physical and spiritual suffering! Also, the assortment of villains in this drama is absolutely fantastic! Most of them have interesting layers and motivations, giving the main themes more dimension.
My only criticism is that the storyline tends to be repetitive, especially in the second half. Whoever wrote it must have been a sadist! That is, the romance is centered on continuously torturing and pounding on Sifeng (the male lead), whose commitment to the female lead verges on dangerously toxic. The relationship is fraught with misunderstandings and omissions, to the point it becomes almost unbearable to watch. A side effect, unfortunately, is that the female lead ends up being portrayed as naive, manipulable, and even unintelligent. At times, I found this aspect of the characters’ dynamic to be emotionally draining and vexing.
Still, despite these shortcomings, this drama IS a solid 10 out of 10 (for its great entertainment value), though I do want to mention that personally, I don’t think I could stand to put myself through it a second time.
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