Forgetable and Regretable
And I thought Journey of Legend was bad, Sword and Beloved is even worse. It’s like the first time I had sex: quick, confusing, and utterly forgettable.In a sea of talented Chinese actors, Cheng Yi somehow feels past his prime and yet he shouldn’t be. Maybe the blame lies with the production company or direction, but the hype surrounding this drama only made its failure more glaring. For someone once known for emotional intensity, Cheng Yi now looks stuck in an endless cycle of recycled expressions and overwrought suffering. What once felt passionate now feels mechanical.
The series started with an interesting premise but quickly fell apart. Between the filler “lovey-dovey” scenes and paper-thin plot twists, it felt like a desperate attempt to stretch mediocrity into forty episodes. Cheng Yi’s character barely anchors the story, more like a bystander watching others die, much like in The Journey of Legend. Apparently, death follows him more faithfully than any love interest.
There is no sword and definitely no beloved in this series. What it should’ve been titled was “Spiders Have Feelings Too.” The pacing is lifeless, the writing uninspired, and the production forgettable.
At this point, I’m convinced Cheng Yi has fallen victim to repetition- same roles, same expressions, same emotional clichés and the result is cinematic déjà vu.
Final Verdict: 3/10. A stunning example of how hype and habit can kill artistry. I’m officially dropping this show and taking a long break from Cheng Yi dramas
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It’s Zorro on steroids
I really wanted to like this Chinese drama, after all you have to strong lead actors and great supporting actors as well. My issue is the storyline and timeline itself. Sometimes I watch a show and feel like they need to add more episode but in the case of Shadow Love, they could have cut it short. The show started very well with a fine balance of action, love and tension, but as the show moved on, several episode was unnecessary in my opinion and just cut short. It’s like watching tending where the top notch athletes kept lobbing the ball waiting for who will hit the ball hard and end the match. This lack of continuity as the relationships evolve is so disruptive in the flow. And what about them weak and lame emperors. Basically the story talks about two strong characters and everyone around them is weak, unable to make a strong sustainable action.The production at times was good and most of the times was poorly done. Unlike the Guardians of. Dafeng, Shadow Love looked cheap. In costumes and an unconvincing masked outfit. Yes, you can recognize who is behind the masked zorro in this show. Maybe I can’t help but compare all the other beautifully produced shows, it just doesn’t cut it for me.
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When all the great ingredients failed to make a beautiful dish
The premise of this fantasy Chinese drama about a simple country boy with no special powers and lacks ambitions, going through life with a passion to grow and learn is classics as time. The best part is watching our protagonist grow into the hero that he is. Unfortunately the show is filled with so many characters that diluted the essence of the story. Some characters were introduced but led to nowhere and makes one wonder what was that all about. Even the antagonists were confusing to the point that there was no single entity who took the role. So was this good vs evil or dumb vs dumber? The show felt like watching The Hunger games met Harry Potter and the video game Destiny. Acting was good but lack depth and sincerity. My favorite parts were the fighting scene with magical powers which were beautifully done but other than that we could have skipped 20 episodes or maybe needed another 10 episodes to expand on the storylines.
Our protagonist had a personality of a toad who only loved to swallow everything in front of him. The introduction of a love story only to end with nothing felt like a hitting the wall at high speed.
Just like the love story lost in the muddy waters, there was not enough focus for his friendship to grow with his best friend, albeit a soulless body wearing a mask. Not sure why he has to wear a mask at all.
The show has so much potential starting out in the first epsisodes only to be messed up by bad script writing and poor editing. What is unfortunate when the storyline goes awry is that the ending is even worse. Maybe there will be another season based on how it ends yet at this point I really didn’t know who to root for and why should there be another season. If there is another season with a really bad storyline or script please spare us the agony of figuring out the essence of this show.
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The Tale of Two Princes — Review of Fated Hearts
Fated Hearts attempts to tell the story of two princes. One, born to rule, lacks the ambition to lead; the other, fated to stand in his brother’s shadow, burns with resentment and hunger for power. To further complicate the mix, the story introduces a female general — a potentially strong character — who becomes entangled in their lives and emotions.At its core, this premise could have been compelling. Themes of fate, ambition, love, and betrayal have long been staples of great historical epics. Unfortunately, Fated Hearts feels like a missed opportunity, undone by a script that tries to be grand but ends up feeling bloated and directionless.
If I were to summarize the show’s moral undertones, I’d say it explores nearly every deadly sin — greed, lust, pride, envy, wrath, and even a touch of sloth. The only one missing might be gluttony, unless one counts the female lead’s relentless “consumption” of responsibility as she constantly saves the men around her from disaster. The overindulgence in melodrama and unnecessary subplots could itself be considered a form of narrative gluttony.
And that’s really where the problem lies: too much filler, too many characters, and too little coherence. Strip away the side stories and focus on the central conflict — the father’s expectations, the rivalry, the price of duty — and this could have been a tightly written 16-episode drama. Instead, it stretches into 38 episodes that test one’s patience more than they move one’s heart.
At best, the series offers a reflection on the burden of legacy and the sin of a father (or mother)forcing his children into lives they were never meant to lead — a familiar theme in many Asian narratives. But even this moral thread gets diluted amid the endless palace schemes and repetitive emotional arcs.
Perhaps my view comes off as cynical, but this isn’t just about Fated Hearts. It’s part of a larger trend I’ve noticed in recent Chinese dramas — beautifully produced, visually rich, and star-studded, yet lacking in depth and storytelling discipline. Much like what has happened in parts of the Korean drama industry, commercial appeal seems to have overshadowed creative integrity.
I can’t help but wonder: have audiences grown too forgiving, choosing to idolize familiar faces rather than demand stronger narratives? Or have writers simply given up trying to challenge us with thought-provoking stories? Fated Hearts isn’t the worst drama out there, but it’s another reminder that stunning visuals and famous actors can’t save a weak script.
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Netflix trying to create a Korean John Wick gone wrong.
This is a classic story when what was a great business of Korean drama started going downhill once they became so commercialized. Typical of Netflix who created Squid Games to gain more viewers through sensationalism and violence. The acting is superb I will give them that but the storyline is just plain ridiculous for a $30 million dollar budget. Let’s make a series and show how stupid the Korean government could be and their sense of security is just an oxymoron. After all SK is always in alert and never in this show did they show this to be true. This is why I’ve been watching less K drama and more C drama for its content but got caught with the hype.Was this review helpful to you?
a story worth watching
One of the recurring challenges with many long-form Chinese dramas is their tendency to lose focus over time, often becoming drawn out or repetitive. Blood of Youth, however, manages to sustain its momentum across all episodes. It presents a narrative that feels complete, with each arc contributing meaningfully to the overall story.The series distinguishes itself through the depth and complexity of its characters. Each figure—whether central or supporting—has a clear backstory and motivation, contributing to a broader understanding of the world the drama builds. The storytelling maintains a balance between action, emotion, and reflection, keeping the viewer engaged without overwhelming them.
Acting and Themes
At its heart, Blood of Youth explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and betrayal. The performances are consistently strong, capturing both the moral ambiguity and the emotional struggles that drive the characters. The antagonistic roles are portrayed with nuance, and the interplay between good and evil feels grounded rather than exaggerated.
The only notable drawback lies in the large number of supporting characters. For non-Chinese speakers, it can be challenging to keep track of names and relationships, though this is more an accessibility issue than a narrative flaw.
In an era where the sheer volume of C-dramas can lead to creative fatigue among both creators and audiences, Blood of Youth stands out as a reminder that quality storytelling still exists within the genre. Though viewed later than its initial release, the series proves to be a rewarding experience—an example of how thoughtful writing and direction can elevate familiar tropes into something memorable.
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They should rename the 5 puzzles instead
I would like to write a prolonged review of this show but I couldn’t care much for this Disney production…the script is lagging and lacking depth specially in character development. Though I like the flat affect of the male lead, the female lead was so irritating to watch. I liked her in the Witch series but being a narcissistic neurotic character is not her cup of tea. Maybe it’s her acting of poor direction but how can a police department tolerate an individual to just insert herself when she wants to. Rich girl bratty behavior driving. Lamborghini in a PD reminds me of another show, “Bad Boys” with Will smith and his Ferrari. And please enough of the slight of hand magic trick redirection in scriptwriting. That is so….80’s? My wife truly enjoyed it as she felt entertained but my mind was constantly finding flaws….i just struggle to watch this.Was this review helpful to you?
Boat and Oat’s affair to remember.
Have you ever watched a series that felt like it was written and produced purely for the leads’ love affair? That’s exactly what My Stubborn delivers.At its core, the story follows two very different individuals who could easily be called an “odd couple.” One is tall, reserved, and confident in his sexuality, while the other is shorter, loud, and confused . Watching their relationship evolve—and seeing how their personalities clash and then complement each other—is half the fun. The other half? The unapologetically explicit NC17 scenes that appear in almost every episode. Honestly, it felt like being transported back to my college days, and I couldn’t help but relate to some of their escapades.
Surprisingly, those intimate scenes never overshadowed the storyline. The leads’ chemistry was so strong that it was hard not to believe they had something going on off-screen. The way they looked at each other made it impossible not to root for them as a real couple by the end.
The production values aren’t as polished as other Thai BLs, but that’s not what this show is about. My Stubborn is about missed opportunities, about living vicariously through Boat and Oat’s journey.
I’ll admit, at one point I thought the frequent NC17 scenes might drag the story down—but in the end, I realized the series wouldn’t have been the same without them.
It’s a show I could easily rewatch: it’s cute, funny, sad, and ultimately satisfying when the leads finally end up together. A perfect recipe for a sweet, indulgent dessert. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about the drama of life—it’s the Boat and Oat show.
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It didn’t know me out
I really wanted to like this series specially with with good looking male leads but I found their acting really weak, the chemistry between leads was lacking, and though the story initially had potential but it fizzled near the end. The ending was predictable which isn’t necessarily bad. I’m noticing it as a pattern with thai series when it comes to fight scenes specially in a boxing ring where the fight coordination is lacking authenticity. Personally I would like to see these two in another series and give them a chance, with a better script they have a potential to improve their chemistry.Was this review helpful to you?
Too many twists and turns
Watching Bangkok Boy felt like riding a tuktuk on the streets of Bangkok, weaves around trying to get to the destination. The edgy drama just became overwhelming that I really didn’t know who to root for. I felt the relationship of the main character wasn’t fully developed and just rushed. I don’t mine a bait and switch storyline but there just too much switching I couldn’t keep up. Keep that edgy for at but please allow the viewer to absorb and focus and get engaged. As the saying goes “if you lost me at hello…you lost me forever”Was this review helpful to you?
A story as old as time with room to grow
It can be difficult for some viewers to accept the idea of an older man falling for a younger man. Even though we live in what’s supposed to be a more open culture, certain relationships still carry a sense of taboo. But as the saying goes, love is love—and if BL relationships are to be embraced, then age-gap dynamics should be viewed with the same openness that we often grant heterosexual couples.What stands out about this series is how much it focuses on character growth and emotional evolution. As the story unfolds, you discover there’s much more depth to the relationship than first meets the eye, which makes it all the more special. While the acting still has room for improvement, the natural chemistry between the leads more than makes up for it. The kissing scenes could have been stronger, but it’s worth noting that both actors are straight, which adds its own challenge.
I haven’t seen many BL dramas produced and located in Hong Kong and it has potential. The OST is both beautiful and haunting, adding a layer of atmosphere that lingers after each episode. I’d love to see these two actors reunited in future projects
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What if Joan of Arc were Chinese?
This is exactly how Mulan should have been told.
From the very beginning, the tension between the two leads sets up the story beautifully. The drama strikes a fine balance—adding layers of intensity without ever overwhelming the viewer. It’s never easy to convince an audience that a woman can believably take on a male role (with perhaps Barbra Streisand in Yentl being the rare exception). But Zhou Ye achieves it brilliantly, not by disguising herself to look like a man, but by embodying strength and commanding presence through her actions.
Ryan Chang, as the stoic general, delivers a remarkable performance—subtle, restrained, almost devoid of emotion, yet capable of softening when he is with Zhou Ye.
The fight choreography is nothing short of breathtaking—a martial arts ballet performed with precision and grace. The musical score deserves equal praise, heightening both the tension and the tender moments.
What truly elevates the series is the evolving love story. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine and compelling, keeping you invested from start to finish. The drama is paced just right—long enough to let both the plot and the characters’ growth unfold naturally, but never dragging.
At its heart, this series is about more than a warrior’s courage—it’s a celebration of women’s strength, love and determination. As the song goes, “I am woman, hear me roar.”
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Disney’s 12 dwarfs fails again
Just like its twelve characters, this show is struggling with an identity crisis. It can’t decide if it wants to be a comedy, an action piece, or a suspense thriller. With such a large ensemble, the real challenge is developing each character and their relationships—and here, it falls short.For once, I found myself rooting more for the antagonist than the leads. Ever since Crash Landing on You, many K-dramas seem stuck in a rut, especially under the growing influence of U.S. film studios. Some of my friends have already switched over to C-dramas for fresher storytelling.
Sorry Disney, but if you couldn’t save the Seven Dwarfs, there’s no saving these twelve disciples either
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Finally a Thai BL drama worth going mainstream
What happens when you suddenly wake up one day and discover you’re a prince? It’s a trope as old as time. But from the “Game of Thrones”-like opening sequence, you immediately know this is a big-budget Thai BL series. I credit Domundi for breaking new ground by producing BL shows with higher budgets and more adult-oriented storytelling, moving away from the cheesy, teeny-bopper style often associated with the genre.With two top-tier leads, Zee and Nunew, expectations are high—and the production delivers. Filming on location in England, paired with gorgeous costume design and stunning sets, gives the drama a refined, high-end feel. The sweeping musical score perfectly matches the emotions on screen, adding depth to every scene.
The cinematography is a standout. From beautifully lit performances to breathtaking shots across the UK, the world-building feels convincing, drawing you into this imagined kingdom. Even though it’s difficult to accept an Asian cast as European royalty, the direction, visuals, and fencing sequences elevate the concept and make it surprisingly believable. The fencing competition, though predictable, was executed with elegance and added to the regal atmosphere.
Another refreshing detail—the absence of product placement. Unlike many Thai BLs that are often weighed down by sponsors’ items, this series feels free to focus entirely on story and artistry.
Zee and Nunew shine in their more mature roles, delivering romance that is both passionate and beautifully orchestrated. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Ohm bring remarkable depth in their supporting roles, with chemistry so strong it nearly steals the spotlight. Their final episode scene was especially moving—it brought tears to my eyes. I only wish their background story had been explored further.
The pacing can feel slow at times, largely because of the many characters that require development. While this risks feeling tedious, I’d still prefer it to a rushed narrative crammed into fewer episodes. In fact, the show benefits from weaving in broader themes—social, geopolitical, and environmental—alongside the central romance, giving the story more weight and relevance.
In conclusion, if this is the future direction of Thai BL, then we’re entering an era where the genre can truly go mainstream
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A beautiful rendition for people with disabilities
“The only thing deaf people can’t do is hear” and these words truly define people with disabilities of any kind. As a physiotherapist I have seen so many shows that misrepresented the emotional difficulties of people with disabilities. Though acting is becoming someone you are not, acting as a disabled person is much harder because the actor has to learn not only the what the person thinks but also learn what the person is unable to do. The ML did this perfectly although I couldn’t help but stare at his beautiful expressive face. Having a nephew who is deaf taught me to focus on their face as a major part of their communication. The ML did the same thing. I give credit to the Taiwanese writers and actors for making some of the best BL and LGBTQ shows and this ranks very high in my opinion.Was this review helpful to you?
