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Tearjerker + Amazing performance by Roy Chiu
Completed - 3/29/2022Subjective Rating - 9.0
Objective Rating - 7.5-8.5
Without really paying attention to the tags of this movie, I thought I was going to watch a romantic comedy. Little did I know I would be crying my eyes out. This is a definite tearjerker.
A Cheng is a kind-hearted debt collector who fell in love with Hao Ting at first sight. I have never been a fan of love-at-first sight, and I'm not going to lie, the way he pursues Hao Ting could be viewed as stalker-ish and problematic as well. But once I got past these 'hurdles', I am fully invested in their love story.
I love A Cheng. What he went through in this movie breaks my heart. I cried so much after things went downhill for him. He's always been so kind to everyone he encounters. I want him to live happily-ever-after with Hao Ting. Roy Chiu (who plays A Cheng) is fantastic in this movie. His acting range is in total display - silly, kind, violent, betrayed, in physical and emotional pain, and heartbroken.
It's really hard for me to put into words why my gut feeling tells me this movie is worth my 9.0 rating. Maybe I was caught off-guard by all the feels. Maybe I was too impressed with Roy Chiu's acting. Maybe I am just watching the right movie, at the right time, in the right mood.
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Decent sequel but NOT a must-watch, esp. if you forgot all about Season 1
*edit* Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25 (increased from 8.0)I watched “Young Blood” season 1 during my obsessive C-drama watching year in 2021. I only vaguely remember the fun schooldays. I almost forgot that it ended on an unfinished note and was happy to hear season 2 is happening with almost the full cast back, especially for Steven Zhang and Zhou Yu Tong. But is season 2 just as enjoyable as season 1? After I read my notes on season 1, I am afraid it’s not as good.. It’s a decent sequel but the pacing is inconsistent and it did not hold my attention for the full 27 episodes.
What I Like:
Acting - The all around acting of the full cast is consistently great. The six main cast members did not disappoint, nor did they exceed my expectations. The drama also has a pretty good veteran supporting cast. Despite the change of actor for the role of Wei Ya Nei, it did not affect my viewing pleasure.
Individual character development - Although the three-year separation is a little weird for the overall plot, I am glad to see that it allows for each member of Section 7 to develop and grow. I am especially glad to see that innocent and sweet Pei Jing becomes more independent, and not just hide behind Wang Kuan. I am glad to see Yuan Zhong Xin and Zhao Jian continue to be the dynamic duo who understands each other and creates troubles together. I do wish to see more individual stories and the process of their individual growth and achievements.
Badass FL - Zhao Jian as the section leader was badass in season 1. I am glad she continues to be the calm and badass leader of the group. Oftentimes, this does not last for a full season, let alone two whole seasons. It’s so nice to not see a damsel in distress who needed to be saved by the male lead, or a female lead who loses her smarts when she’s in love.
Villain - I haven’t seen such an interesting villain in a while. Yuan Hao is not plain evil. Actually, aside from being an emperor in power and wanting to maintain his power, I don’t think the drama portrays him as a bloodthirsty evil person. He just wants what most emperors want. He’s looks menacing, is intelligent, sarcastic, funny and incredibly strong physically and mentally. Section 7 is full of smart team members, so it was nice to see how they try to outsmart Yuan Hao, and vice versa.
Section 8 - I assume they were introduced in season 1 but I had no recollection. But the small amount of screentime the three members of Section 8 have here impressed me. I actually want to know more of their history and stories. They were a surprising delight that stole the thunder from the main cast.
Costumes - I love all the costumes especially when the cast is in Xia traditional hairstyles and attires.
What I have mixed feelings about:
Romance - I love the more mature romances in season 2. Yuan Zhong Xin and Zhao Jian have a fun relationship as they have such similar personalities and are on the same wavelengths. The scene in prison where they pledged their love for each other in a unique way, is one of my favorite romantic scenes. Wang Kuan and Pei Jing continue their sweet love. It’s interesting to see them being the more lovey-dovey type and holding hands all the time. They are definitely not shy in showing some public display of affection. Wang Kuan is such a polite, mellow and gentle scholar that I would never have thought he could be a super protective and assertive boyfriend. Both couples understand and trust each other. However, despite liking how the romance is written, I think the chemistry is just decent. I wonder if it’s because the drama focuses too much on their mission, and the romantic moments are hard to come by. I feel that it’s such a waste as the romances and the four actors could have delivered so much more when given enough time.
Darker Tone/Comedy - I was a little taken back in the initial episodes as the drama started off with a more serious tone than I expected. It was quite political and comedic moments were lacking. But then, these comedic moments start to show up more, and unfortunately, I feel they were a little out-of-place. The comedy doesn’t seem to be as funny as before. Supporting character Yu Chi Yuan is the ‘clown’ of the drama. His dumb, comedic moments are fun for a while but then they happen way too often and I get annoyed.
Pacing - Personally, I feel that the middle of the drama dragged. The pace was great in the first ⅓ of the drama, then slowed down in the middle and picked back up in the last ⅓. Unfortunately, I lost my concentration during the slower episodes, and it fails to gain my full attention back even in the final episodes. Because the second season focuses on one main mission, there aren’t enough to keep me invested for 27 episodes. The pace would be better if this is a 24-ep drama, or if there are other smaller side missions that lead to the finale.
CGI/Action Scenes - If the drama spends money on costumes, it definitely saves money on CGI. We got some fake horseback riding going on here. Luckily, this is not a xianxia drama, so most of the fight scenes do not require CGI. Speaking of fight scenes, I was quite happy in the first couple episodes as we have some close combat fighting. But there aren’t enough throughout the drama and I do not enjoy the slow motion scenes they have in these fights. I was glad they did give us a final fight in the end and not just casually mention it.
Overall, I wish I had watched both seasons back-to-back as I might enjoy it better. I think if you want to skip season 1 and go straight to season 2, it’s possible as well. As I said, I forget almost everything in the first season. This is a decent sequel but not a must-watch. But if you like the cast and want to continue the journey with them, then it’s not bad.
Completed: 8/24/2023 - Review #343
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A Rare, Dark Wuxia Gem with supporting cast stories that touched my heart
“My Journey to You” dropped without much promotion and it appears to be a dark horse this late summer. I also succumbed to the hype and wanted to check out a dark wuxia drama, and I am so glad I did. You might not agree with me, but this drama reminded me of a combo of “Bloody Romance” (female assassins, gray characters and love stories) and “The Wind Blows from Longxi” (scheming and plot twists). I don’t have any major criticisms, just a few that are very subjective.What I Like:
1. Genre - A dark pure wuxia drama is hard to come by. No matter the tone, cinematography, or the theme, “My Journey to You” tells a story of secrets, scheming, plotting, and you don’t know the real truth until the very end when everything unfolds. I wish there are more wuxia dramas like this.
2. Main Cast Acting -
= Esther Yu - I applaud Esther Yu to finally branch out and not play another cute character. I’ve seen enough of her in that role in 3 of her previous dramas. I would not say she was excellent, but she definitely meets my expectations and more. I still find her serious face quite emotionless (I have the same criticism of her in the body swap portion of “Love Between Fairy and Devil”), but overall her sad scenes are much better than anticipated.
= Zhang Ling He - Quite a few criticisms of his acting and character when I read some comments. His character might not be as interesting in the beginning (more of that below) but I do find him decent in this role. He improves throughout the drama as his character grows.
= Ryan Cheng - Wow… this is the perfect role for him. He’s not my kind of handsome, but he’s definitely charismatic and attractive in his role as Gong Shang Jue. HIs side-eye looks are devilishly good. I went back to watch clips of him in “A Familiar Stranger” and he is definitely a lot better in this drama. I am glad to see him in a big production after so many smaller web dramas.
= Lu Yu Xiao - Is this really the cute teenage girl in “Time and HIm Are Just Right”? She’s only 23 years old and is so talented and beautiful. She captures the essence of Shangugan Qian beautifully and has excellent chemistry with Ryan Cheng.
3. Supporting Cast - Love all the characters, including the little annoying brother Gong Yuan Zhi. The acting of the supporting cast is great and I don’t have anyone to single out and pick on. I’ve only seen Jolin Jin in “Remembrance of Things Past” and I really did not recognize her as the hilariously crazy and obnoxious Gong Zi Shang. She really brings some comedic relief to this serious drama. At one point, I worry she’s a little too much, but her antics stop and we move on. I love the supporting cast stories (more so than the main romance) and I was worried how many would survive in the end. In C-dramaland, you know there will be plenty of deaths and I just pray they are not my favorites. Each of their stories touched me and I’m so glad this drama balances the main cast’s stories and the supporting cast’s stories very well.
4. Different Perspectives of the World - The four main characters have very different upbringing and they bring their own perspectives of the world they’re living in. One thing in common is that none of them had a very happy childhood. Actually, most of the characters seem to be missing some type of love & affection when growing up.
= Gong Zi Yu (ML) was criticized for being dumb and not as intelligent as the other leads. But I beg to differ. If you look at things from his point of view, he has intentionally ignored all that’s going on in his family and world. When he was pushed into the leadership role, of course he can’t have the same knowledge and wisdom as everyone around him. He needed time to learn, experience and grow. This drama really did focus on his growth.
= Gong Shang Jue (2ML) was the strongest and the smartest, yet he was not chosen to lead. He has got to be one of my favorite gray characters in a C-drama. His perspective has never wavered - to have the best person to lead, whether that’s him or someone else.
= Yun Wei Shan (F) is the unwilling assassin. She was forced into the world of assassins and longs for her freedom. In a way, she reminded me of the FL in “Bloody Romance” (but she actually kills and is a lot smarter and more experienced).
= Lu Yu Xiao (2FL) is such a beautiful little vixen. Without going into spoilers, her motive of causing trouble and her assassin instincts are fun to watch.
5. Gong Shan Jue/Sangugan Qian romance - I love these two intelligent characters trying to outsmart and out-scheme each other. Their interactions sizzle with chemistry. Their conversations are a game of chess. Did they really fall for each other despite all the mistrusts? Probably. Was I looking for a little more PDA and skinship? You betcha! But what we get is a game of cat and mouse and I am quite satisfied with their ending.
6. Production Value - I love all the elegant costumes. Simple hairstyles for men and women. Detailed patterns on their clothing with layers over layers. I also appreciate the use of natural lighting. Even though the drama appears a little dark (figuratively and literally), no fake bright light was used in many of the scenes. I enjoy the simple sets and rooms, which reflect the characters' lifestyle. Beautiful people and beautiful cinematography. Most importantly, almost all the main characters and supporting cast are using their own voice. I also like all the songs, especially the title song 云之羽 by 张杰 Jason Zhang and 远山如昨 (love the sound of a guitar). I am so glad the songs are not overplayed.
What I have Mixed Feelings (Minor Criticisms):
1. Main Romance - I hate to pick on a romance when this drama is a lot more than a love story. However, when the romance between Yun Wei Shan and Gong Zi Yu does play a big part in the big scheme of things, it does matter. Unfortunately, I am not feeling the chemistry between Esther Yu and Zhang Ling He. Compared to the secondary romance’s sizzling chemistry, this love at first sight is lacking in depth and feels. Is it because of the assassin’s personality/role, or Esther's emotionless acting? Or maybe It’s Zhang Ling He’s acting or the writing of the romance? I actually do feel the love from Zhang Ling He’s gaze but not much from Esther.
2. Action/Fight Scenes - I was going to put this in the positive category, but then the slow motion scenes are gnawing at me. “My Journey to You” has beautiful fight choreography and cinematography. I would say the use of slow-motion scenes are probably better than many other wuxia and xianxia dramas I’ve seen before. However, I still feel that there are too many. When it was a big fight, the excitement is halted when a slow motion scene comes into play. I also would have loved to see more fights throughout the drama, especially in the middle of the drama. This is a minor criticism because I do really think the fight choreography is excellent and the actors did a really good job as well.
3. Pace - I wonder if this drama is trying to make the episodes a lot longer (a little over an hour) to bypass the 40-episode guidelines. If you add the runtime, this equates to a regular 36-40 episode drama. There are a lot of dialogs because of the scheming, so it could feel slow if you don’t like the conversations. I find the pace to be OK, maybe a little slower in the middle. The last 5 episodes are my favorite because it’s action-packed. But, when it’s slow, it feels so much slower when everyone walks and talks slowly, especially with some slow-motion scenes.. Is it just me?
4. A few questionable things - The 3rd assessment, I was prepared to ball my eyes out but then ML sorta bypassed it so easily? The secret passage isn’t really very secretive when everyone uses it. Some characters I thought would never survive after getting hit and stabbed so many times, but they did. Others get stabbed once or twice and they die, or someone is still alive and body intact after a huge explosion.
Overall, I strongly recommend this drama if you are looking for a more serious and darker wuxia drama. There are comedic moments, but this is not a fun drama. Many criticized the ending but I am quite satisfied. I am not sure if there will be a season 2, but one should never expect a very happy ending with such a dark C-drama (not saying this is a sad ending either.. LOL)
Other Random Observations:
* These supposedly cold-blooded assassins are full of feelings and emotions.
* I love the first real kiss of the main leads after CPR. It was quite nice and romantic.
* This is a drama full of sad characters with no good childhood. Parents seem to be non-communicative with their love for their children.
* It’s so sad when the green jade turned to red 🙁
Completed: 9/17/2023 - Review #354
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Different Tone from Part 1 - Court Politics, Revenge, Romance and Angst
Completed - 8/21/2022Part 2 has a different tone and feels like a completely different drama. While Part 1 sets things up and gives us an introduction to all the characters, it has a focus on family and friendship with a dash of romance. Part 2 on the other hand focuses on court politics, revenge and our main romance. We have a more serious drama that’s full of angst and sadness with a dash of sweetness and comedy.
What I Like:
Cheng Shao Shang (FL) - I like that she is true to herself throughout the drama. Because of her childhood, she has abandonment issues. You can say that she has a lot to learn to be someone’s partner or wife, and has to learn how to love and trust ML. Yet, she is quite a feminist. She believes in her ability, and that she doesn’t have to follow the traditional footsteps of women to get married and be defined as someone’s wife. I like her revengeful attitude and her protectiveness of those who treat her well. I tend to like strong and badass female leads, but I have grown to like Cheng Shao Shang and she has become one of my favorite female leads.
Acting - I was not impressed with Leo Wu’s acting in Part 1, so I am very happy to see that his character is giving him more to showcase his ability in Part 2. He is excellent in all his emotional scenes, and he melts my heart when he smiles at FL. I really do feel his pain and internal struggles. This might be the best role I’ve seen Zhao LuSi in. She’s known for her cute and outgoing roles, and then she branches out to a more conservative role in “The Long Ballad”. But in “Love Like the Galaxy”, her role as CSS really allows her to flex her acting chops and to show how much she has grown as an actress. From being the naughty and petty 15 year-old, to becoming a mature and strong woman at the end of the drama, Zhao LuSi is the star of the show. Leo Wu and Zhao LuSi are still so young. They really have a bright future ahead of them. Supporting these two young leads is a very experienced supporting cast. I love the royal family - the emperor, empress and consort Yu.
Emperor/Empress/Consort Yu - What a lovely trio we have in this drama. Where else can you find a trio like this in a historical drama? The Emperor is hilarious and he’s the biggest fan of ML and doesn't hide his partiality. He also is the biggest cheerleader and matchmaker of the leads. I love all his funny moments, especially the last scene. I am so glad that CSS found the mother that she always wanted in the Empress. Under her love and care, CSS is able to grow and learn to love, and be the best person she could be. The sisterhood between the Empress and Consort Yu is lovely to see as well. This drama has a different type of harem, even if the princes and princesses do not always get along with each other, we also do have people killing each other for the throne. Maybe this has something to do with the awesome parents that they have. Lastly, my new favorite character, Consort Yu. I love her sassy retort. I look forward to all her scenes and want to hear what she has to say each time. No one dares mess with her and it’s fun to see her interaction with the Emperor. They are a match made in heaven. It would be interesting to get a side story of when they were younger.
What I have Mixed Feelings about:
Main Romance - I am very glad to finally see their romance begin in Part 2. However, the early development is what I have mixed feelings about. I feel that they have more chemistry when they are bickering and arguing with each other, than when they are speaking sweetly. I already know ML is deeply in love, but the way FL falls in love is quite a mystery. One episode she is still hesitating whether to marry or not, then in the next episode or two, she’s already very in love. I want to see the slow development as this feels pretty abrupt and unbelievable. However, once I got past this initial stage, I got what I wanted - the love, the sweetness, getting to know each other, angst, and understanding. I am also glad that the angst is not due to misunderstandings, but it’s actually because they understand each other too well due to their different upbringing and thoughts of the same situation.
Battle/Fight scenes - I applaud Leo Wu for his effort in all the fight scenes. You can see him and others are not just swinging their swords aimlessly. These are hard fought battles and the drama doesn’t shy away from some of the more torturous and bloody scenes. But what I don’t like is the slow motion. This is not a wuxia drama and doesn’t have continuous fight scenes. You really don’t need to slow down a slash or a jump. This makes the exciting fight sequence less exciting.
What I Don’t Like:
Uneven Pacing/Weird or underdeveloped plots:
I find it hard to follow all the characters involved in ML’s revenge plot. In the middle episodes of Part 2, I became quite confused about all the names mentioned. Some characters appeared in Part 1 and I sort of forgot their names or what happened. But the drama name drops all those involved, I had to pause and think who these people are. Eventually, I figured it all out, but those episodes have a lot of talking and court politics, thus, also slowing down the pacing of the drama. Some minor supporting characters disappeared for most of the drama, and then popped up again at the end to seek revenge. They seem to have come out of nowhere. So much happened in the last 5-7 episodes that it feels rushed. I am not sure if it’s because of the editing or the writing.
A few other weirdness:
1. What happened between Cheng Shao Shang and Yuan Shen after they visited CSS’s home?
2. When did FL’s 2nd brother and XiXi become so close that there are talks of marriage? Didn’t they only have one kiss?
3. I needed more scenes between 3rd Prince and ML to justify the behind-the-scenes happenings
4. Well, the rebel leader also seems to have come out of nowhere.
5. The way that our smart FL got in trouble in the end by falling into the schemes of the two female supporting characters is repetitive and underdeveloped.
Other Random Observations:
1. Leo Wu frowns a lot when he does his serious General face.
2. Impeccable hair even after fire/explosion/battles
3. Enjoy the background music and songs are not overplayed (actually I don’t notice them much).
4. So glad Yuan Shen is not an annoying high school boy anymore. He’s matured to be a good support for FL.
5. *SPOILER*
Waited this long and I didn't see the wedding???? It’s been talked about for 29 episodes.
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Inconsistent plot, acting and storytelling BUT definitely Sexy!
Completed: 7/10/2022"KinnPorsche" is such a hyped up mafia BL drama that I figured I would check it out to see what it's all about. I then realize this is not really a mafia drama, but a mafia slice-of-life drama with a good-looking cast and many sexy scenes. I was expecting an action-packed mafia drama with a side of romance. But it turns out to be a romance drama with a side of mafia action.
What I Like:
1. Sexy scenes - Not going to lie, if you are 18+ and enjoy sexy scenes, this is the drama for you. The scenes are shot beautifully and well-acted. You can feel the emotions and the sexual tension. The scenes are both sexual and sensual, and they definitely could make you blush. Kinn and Porsche's kisses are a treat and they really put in the effort.
2. Good-looking cast - Yes, this drama is full of good-looking guys. Isn't this one of the biggest attractions? Of course, we all have our preferences, but for me, Porsche and Kim are my kinda of handsome.
3. Production - I am not sure if this is considered a big budget production in Thailand, but I enjoy all the scenes in the Main family house. Beautiful rooms with sweeping views of the city, gorgeously decorated interiors with high end furniture/props/chandeliers, etc . Oh, can't forget the gardens, fountains, koi ponds and the swimming pool (both indoors and the one with city view). Great cinematography, nice tailored suits for all bodyguards and the leads. Some of the action scenes are well done and don't seem too fake.
What I don't like or have mixed feelings:
1. Plot - There is no central plot to the drama. It's very character-drive the majority of the time, and it seems like a slice-of-life drama about bodyguards. It's not until towards the last couple episodes that a certain family plot becomes more prominent. There isn't enough about the mafia, and the focus is on relationships/romance. Some scenes and episodes are great and interesting, others are cringey and give me that "What the heck did I just watch" feeling.
2. Comedy - The comedic moments in this drama are too over-the-top for my taste. I am sure many love it, but I don't think they fit the general feel of the drama. I can take small doses here and there, sprinkled throughout the drama. But when the comedy is concentrated on a certain episode, that's too much for me to take. Thus, I feel this drama is very inconsistent.
3. Romance - Yes, I like the sexual and sensual scenes. But on the other hand, some of the scenes are too cringey. Two adult men are acting like teenage girls in love for the very first time. I thought these guys are in their late 20s, or early 30s, and have already been in different relationships before. All the romantic relationships in this drama are quite toxic and unhealthy. These guys are walking red flags. Relationships full of lies, mistrust, dishonesty and not always consentual.
4. Inconsistent acting - I feel that all the actors are best with the more emotional scenes. I particularly enjoy Porsche and Vegas' acting. Kinn's acting doesn't always hit the mark. I do not particularly like Porchay (I know it's an unpopular opinion). I find him too awkward and I don't know why Kim would be interested in a little kid like him.
5. Illogical plots holes- Let's just say there's no way we should still see Vegas after the final credits. All wounds heal ridiculously fast. No one needs to wear any bulletproof vest because even though you're showered with bullets, you won't die.
I will recommend this Thai BL drama if you want something with a mafia theme, sexy scenes, high production value and a good-looking cast. But don't expect an amazing drama with a good script and perfect execution. I enjoyed it for its entertainment value and WTH moments that make me laugh, thus a rating of 8.0. There are better Thai BL dramas out there, e.g. "A Tale of a Thousand Stars", "Not Me", and "I told Sunset About You".
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Impactful , Awesome Chemistry, Great Acting by Gun (Black/White)
Completed - 3/28/2022 - 8.75 rounding up to 9.0"Not Me" introduced many international viewers to Thailand's social injustices and inequality via the popularity of BL dramas. I probably would not have watched this drama if it's not a BL drama, and I am the targeted audience for such a genre - straight woman. But I am so glad that I get to watch such great drama. There hasn't been any other BL dramas that my novice brain can recall that includes serious topics as social injustices and inequality, mixed with romance. We have seen many too many high school and college dramas, good and mature ones are hard to come by.
What I Enjoy:
1. Tackling Social Issues - As mentioned, "Not Me" has a strong focus on regular citizens speaking up and fighting social and economic injustices. It discusses issues such as upper-middle class/elite privileges, evil corporation monopoly and dirty /illegal business tactics/practices, police corruption, disability rights, marriage equality, etc. Even though it doesn't go into details about all of these topics, it brought light to viewers that Thailand also struggles with these issues. I am not sure if Thailand has censorships like China, but I guess because "Not Me" does not target the government, it's free to discuss other issues. I also enjoy the discussion of 'Rule of Law' vs "Rule by Law'. There are some very intelligent discussions about this, and I appreciate that.
2. Gun's Acting - When White was first introduced and moved back to Thailand, my first impression of him was a dorky but smart college grad who looks like a high school kid. But throughout the drama, I have witnessed his transformation from dorky White to an inexperienced Black and to become very comfortable in his new identity. Gun portrays all these identities so well. You can see from his eyes how they change from persona to persona. The aura he gives out is very different as well. This is my first drama of Gun, and I was concerned initially when I see dorky White that he might not live up to the expectations. What an impressive acting range Gun showcases by playing both White and Black.
3. Off's Acting - Off might have been a little overshadowed by Gun's impressive acting, but he did a fantastic job as well. His character also provides him with many opportunities to showcase his acting ability. He switches from an impulsive & aggressive Sean, to a very smitten and totally-in-love Sean effortlessly. He also has great emotional scenes.
4. Second Half Drama + Romance - It took me a couple episodes to feel really invested in the story and the characters, as the first half covers some very serious topic. But from the middle to the second half of the drama, there is a very good mix of drama/action and romance. The pacing is great and I am totally invested in their cause, and also in their love lives. The chemistry between Black and Sean is incredible, though I have minor issue about how it all started (discussed more below). But the scenes when they are together, you can feel the sizzling chemistry and you just want them to hug and kiss (great kisses, by the way). The same goes to how Yok looks at Dan/UNAR. I can feel how he was initially attracted to the mysterious UNAR and the scenes of them together are just as awesome (though I don't like Dan's acting as much). It broke my heart towards the end of the drama with scenes between Yok and Dan at the hospital.
5. White as Black- I like how White, as an outsider, joins the group and tries to support them using more appropriate measures. Instead of just following what is instructed of him, he comes up with alternate solutions that yield much better results. I also enjoy how he matures and realizes that he's part of the problem, as someone coming from an upper-middle class family with connections to help pave his road for success.
What I don't quite Enjoy (nitpicking a little):
1. They don't look their character age - A few characters, especially Todd, looks like a high school kid dresses in his dad's clothes. He has such a young face, yet he's already a business tycoon. I find that a little hard to believe. White also looks like a high school kid instead of a college graduate when he was initially introduced. Eugene looks like a high school cheerleader, though she is really pretty and I enjoy all her dances.
2. Black/Sean falling in love - I feel that they fall in love too quickly. They were just arguing and beating each other up in one scene, and then in another they are giving each other love glances at the protest. The transition from enemies-to-lovers needs a little more development. Don't get me wrong, I love their chemistry, it just happens a little bit out of the blue.
3. Other's Acting - Because Gun and Off's acting is so great, comparatively, the other team members don't measure up to their level. I feel that Dan is the weakest link out of all the guys. When he's not crying, he seems to only have one facial expression when he's with Yok. Gram and Tod's acting is also just so-so.
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Then I thought, maybe this is the drama's way of repaying me for sticking around for the slow burn romance. The drama is compensating me for putting me through the emotional roller coaster of their relationship. It's giving me the cute fluffiness that I didn't get enough in the full-length drama.
In the end, it comes in full circle. The monologue of Han Ting describing his definition of love. The montages in reverse motion on the TV screen as we witness their love story again.
And last but not the least, Han Ting using his very last special boyfriend card. It's the perfect ending to a love story that I love so much.
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Light-hearted and predictable with above-average acting and a dash of cheesiness
I was looking for a cute and fluffy rom-com, and thought “Dating Game” sounds like one. It turns out to be more of a light business romance than a fluffy romance. However, it is still a light watch. The plot is quite predictable, the game is a little cheesy but the romance is sweet.Let’s start with the Dating game app itself. I should not be surprised in this day and age that there are more and more dramas about AI, gaming and being obsessed with it. When the game “Yuka! Love Me Please” as introduced, it didn’t seem too horrible an idea, as there are many lonely people in the world. What’s cringey is actually the name of the game, “Yuka! Love Me Please”. You can’t find a better name? Luckily, Yuka-chan is adorable and our male lead, Hill, is very likable. However, seeing a bunch of guys singing and dancing too the game’s theme song at the farewell party was a little too much.
Yuka-chan continues to play a very important role in this drama. She’s like the female lead. As I said, she’s adorable and I really don’t mind Hill’s interaction with her. The drama also focuses a lot on the development of the new game. This is not a surprise, but the whole process of “missions”, fake dating and that crappy game prototype are all quite cheesy. But we need these “missions” for the two couples to get together and eventually overcome traumatic experiences and prejudices.
The two romances are different but sweet. Hill and Junji have a slower-burn romance with many sweet moments. They are the more reserved couple. Phat and Bay’s romance moves a lot faster and they are definitely the couple who are more comfortable with kisses and intimate scenes. Both couples have decent chemistry, though I wouldn’t say sizzling hot. Although the drama is not giving me a lot of cute and fluffy scenes, it does satisfy the romance lover in mind.
The best thing about this drama is for me to re-discover March (who plays Hill). Apparently I saw him in “The Sand Princess” before, but I don’t remember him at all. March is not the most handsome nor the cutest actor out there, but there’s something about him that makes me like him a lot. His acting is natural and comfortable, and the best of the cast, seeing he’s an experienced actor. But it appears this is his first BL. His partner, Mukai Koji is also an experienced (non-BL) actor in Japan. He’s mixed but definitely a lot more fluent in Japanese than Thai. When speaking Thai, he does sound like a foreigner, a little monotone with many pauses in between. His acting is not as good as March, but he seems more comfortable as the drama goes. Fluke and Judo have been BL partners for a few projects, so they are not unfamiliar with each other or the intimate scenes.
Another nice thing about this drama is the gang of lovely and supportive co-workers and family members. They are a fun bunch that offers some comic relief, but also don’t take too much screentime. Speaking of comedy, what is up with the ugly hairstyles for Fluke and Victor. The stylist also has some very interesting choices for Fluke to wear.
“Dating Game” is a simple and light-hearted drama. It’s good if you watch it in the background but as a whole, this drama is average. I didn’t rate it lower because I really enjoy March and the overall acting of the cast, and how lovely everyone is. The drama is actually longer than it should be, with a few episodes over an hour long. It does serve the purpose of helping me destress.
Completed: 4/11/2026 Review #682
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Well-written and acted, Engaging political drama with a small but impactful Romance
Wow…What a fantastic drama! Let me just say, I don’t usually watch politics-focused drama as I am a romance lover. But I was browsing and came across “Mandate” that has great reviews. I finally found myself in the right mood and sat down to watch it. I am so glad I did. I hope my review does this drama justice and entices you enough to give it a chance.Plot:
Every country probably has a politician like Dr. Nong. He’s the one who sees injustices and inequality, and wants to fight for the people. But Dr. Nong is not an idealist or typical perfect ML. He’s flawed and makes poor decisions. Throughout the drama, we see him swim though the dark and dangerous waters of corruption and run into roadblocks to achieving what he originally sets out to do. Is he able to stay true to himself? Or did he get polluted along the way? “Mandate” packs in a lot within 8 one-hour long episodes. It was able to keep me focused and engaged. Each character is layered and plays a role in the grand scheme of things. There are no fillers here. As I was reading other reviews, I learned that the drama mirrored the political landscape in Thailand. I believe many countries probably have similar issues with backdoor deals and scheming within and between political parties. Selfish and corrupted officials who claim they work for the people but are filling their own pockets. Gathering secrets, forging documents, setting traps and collecting intel on your enemies are all tactics that happen everywhere. “Mandate” is able to tell a story that feels very realistic, even though I have no way of knowing what’s actually happening behind the scenes in the real world. I don’t see any glaring plot holes either.
Acting/Characters:
Excellent acting all around! From the veterans to the younger actors. I have no one to pick on and is genuinely happy to find a drama without overdramatic lakorn acting, or cheesy and cringey BL acting. This is only Ben’s second drama after "Step by Step” and I am so impressed with his acting. “Mandate” came 2 years after “Step by Step” and I wonder if he intentionally tried to find the perfect script, thus, waited a little bit. He still has room for improvement, especially in scenes when he’s angry. Wi (Ben’s character) is smart, professional and very mature for his age. He’s born into a political family and knows all the dirty little secrets. He’s not the perfect, idealistic angel but also uses dirty tactics to get what he wants. Working alongside veteran Boy, and other veterans probably helps elevate his acting. Boy plays the main lead, Dr. Nong and he’s fantastic. Dr. Nong is rough around the edges, stubborn and quite the opposite of Wi. I also love the other two members of Team Dr. Nong, the intelligent and cool-headed social media guru Ni, and the young and enthusiastic Jump. I even love the ‘villains’, Wi’s ex + political rival, and the sassy and tenacious reporter Gale. No one is perfect in this drama, yet I like every single one of them.
Romance:
Don’t expect this to be a BL romance. The romance between Dr. Nong and Wi is slow burn and not the main focus. Even though Ben and Boy have a large age-gap in real life, you don’t feel that in the drama since Dr. Nong can be playful, and Wi is so mature. The two of them have excellent chemistry, right from the beginning when they are just political colleagues and comrades. As feelings develop, the relationship develops naturally. I was not expecting the romance to be impactful in a way that leaves a deep impression on me in the last few episodes. Romantic moments are few but scenes of the leads together are plenty. For romance lovers, we are treated to maybe 15-20 minutes of kisses, fluffiness, and intimate scenes total in the whole drama. But those moments are precious and a nice palette cleanser. They do have some emotional conversations and you can see how they support each other throughout this journey together. But with a drama that focuses on politics, romance is not immune from lies, secrets and behind-the-scenes deals.
Do I recommend “Mandate”? ABSOLUTELY, especially if you are a fan of political dramas or any of the actors. Even though the episodes are an hour-long, it goes by really fast. It’s rare for me to come across a Thai drama that has an engaging plot with great execution, characters that are interesting and well-portrayed by every actor, and a romance that is not the main focus yet delivers an impactful punch. After finishing this drama, I have to immediately tell my friends I LOVE IT! This gut reaction warrants "Mandate" at least a 9.0 rating from me. Why not a 10? Because of the ending 'spoiler' below.
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Ending (may or may not be spoilers)
I want to share, not about the events of the last episode, but how it ended. The final scene wraps up the first year of Dr. Nong’s political life, after barely survived. However, it’s very obvious that there should be a season 2. But will we have one? I sure hope so because I look forward to a reunion and happy ending. Because it doesn't totally wrap up the whole story, I am docking 1 point from my rating (for now).
Completed: 2/23/2026 Review #669
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Mature JieJie/DiDi romance with Excellent leads acting and chemistry.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25Another pleasant surprise I found in “Sniper Butterfly”. I usually avoid JieJie/DiDi romance but due to liking the leads, Michelin Chen and Daniel Zhou, I decided to give this a shot for my challenge. Surprisingly, the big age gap did not bother me as much. I think this is due to the fact that ML, Li Wu, is such a mature character. Compared to the more cutesy rom-com drama such as “My Fated Boy”, this romance is more challenging, slow-burn and mature. This is not to say “My Fated Boy” is a bad drama as I liked it fine. They gave very different vibes and I’m glad “Sniper Butterfly” offers a different type of JieJie/DiDi romance.
My main criticism of this drama is not the plot, but the execution and the time spent during the high school days. I understand the need to have shown us a strong foundation of their beginning, so that we can believe in the loyalty and undying love Li Wu has for Cen Jin. However, as the drama switches back and forth between the present and past timelines, viewers already have a pretty good idea of what happened in the past due to what we’ve seen in the present. Because of this, I feel impatient when the past is still slowly revealed. I want to know what is happening to our leads in the present after they reconnected and reconciled. “Sniper Butterfly" might benefit from cutting a couple episodes to make the pacing and the plot a little tighter.
I’ve also seen other criticisms of how Li Wu behaved in the first few episodes and many viewers dropped the drama because of that. It actually didn’t bother me much. Given the history of the leads, I could understand why Li Wu behaved a certain way. He actually turned around his ways pretty quickly and I’m glad the drama didn’t drag on his ‘meanness’.
On the other hand, I really like the acting of the leads, especially young Daniel Zhou. I started liking him in “A Moment but Forever” even though he only had a supporting role. He was great in “Always Home” but here in this drama, he was excellent. One of the reasons why I like this drama so much is because of Daniel, and the character development of Li Mu. From being a shy, timid yet stubborn 19 year-old, to a gradually maturing, passion-finding college student, to a confident professional yet still vulnerable adult… Daniel did a fabulous job. It’s hard to outshine a veteran such as Michelle Chen. I recently watched Michelle in “Dear Enemy”. Though I like her, I don't like her character. But here in “Sniper Butterfly”, I enjoy her acting and her character, Cen Jin. Cen Jin is independent, feisty, protective yet smart and professional. Daniel and Michelle have great chemistry as siblings, family and lovers. Their kisses definitely do not disappoint and I’m so glad especially due to their real-life 19-year old age gap.
The secondary romance is cute too. And they definitely show us how opposites attract. But I felt that their romance abruptly stopped once they got together. There’s another pair in the drama, but they also felt like an afterthought. They’re married, but we skipped the courtship and everything in between. What exactly happened? Is it really necessary to show us this young couple?
There’s some business plot in the drama, though not overwhelming. In the end, “Sniper Butterfly” is a romance drama and not a business or business romance drama. The business plot features AI and Advertising, but luckily it doesn’t bombard you with “China is the best” propaganda.
“Sniper Butterfly” is a romance drama at heart. If you enjoy JieJie/DiDi aka Older Woman/Younger Man romance, you might enjoy this. The romance is slow burn and not in a romantic-comedy way. Witnessing the character development of Li Wu and Daniel Zhou’s acting are highlights for me. I wish they didn't dub Michelle Chen due to her Taiwanese accent, but at least all other actors seem to be using their own voices. In the end, I’m really glad I gave this drama a chance.
Completed: 2/3/2026 Review #664
P.s. Drama #3 - Self-Imposed Dropped List Challenge from @Anhua’s dropped list.
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Started off strong with a Cute romance before a few frustrating episodes towards the end
Many compared “10 Things I Want to do before I Turn 40” to the other very popular drama, “Old Fashion Cupcake”. They are similar, yet not the same. I think “10 Things” has a simpler, younger-at-heart and lighter storyline. It’s more slice-of-life. On the other hand, “Cupcake” delivers a more mature romance with a similar premise of self-discovery and change. I personally like “Cupcake” more, but “10 Things” is also very enjoyable.Change has to come from within, and you have to be the one to take the first step. Suzume was lucky to have found Keishi, who walked beside him as he tried to check off his To-Do list before he turned 40. Taking this first step already takes a lot of courage. Eventually, he realizes it takes more than that first initial step and more than having someone to lead him and push him.
Suzume and Keishi are cute together. I enjoy all of their dates to check off the To-Do list. It’s nice to see Suzume open up a little, and show Keishi his love of cuteness and fluffiness. But what matters most is his feelings and he has a hard time opening up. Keishi is the one that took 99 steps forward and Suzume just took 1. But that doesn’t mean Keishi is ready to openly date Suzume. Technically, this is Keishi’s first relationship, yet Suzume acted like he’s a 40-year old virgin with no experience. Afterall, he’s had a boyfriend before, though it’s been a while. The last few episodes were heartbreaking when the reality of dating really dawns on them. Both chose to run away, before eventually resolving the conflict in the end.
I am not going to lie, it was quite frustrating watching those two in the last few episodes. It’s like they forgot they have been honest and communicative for most of the drama. They obviously like each other very much. Did they forget they can actually use words and talk to each other?
“10 Things I Want to Do before I Turn 40” is still a cute and enjoyable drama for the most part. It might not have delivered the same mature romance, chemistry and emotional impact that “Old Fashion Cupcake” has, but Suzume and Keishi are adorable together. Hey, at least they end with a nice kiss, not like THAT other popular JBL that ended with the elevator door closed in our face. LOL
Completed: 10/3/2025 Review #630
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A Roller Coaster Ride of Love, Hate and everything in between.
I went into “Kill to Love” with no expectations at all. All I wish for is that it is better and not as cheesy as “Meet You at the Blossom” and that’s a pretty low bar. Ok, I didn’t really watch MYATB, but I watched clips of the drama and it’s not my cup of tea.Having said that, I was so happy that it’s not similar at all and definitely better for my taste. “Kill to Love” is very political and angsty, full of schemes and lies and 1.5 toxic relationships. Though listed as a drama from Singapore, it’s actually another forbidden Chinese BL licensed to be broadcasted and distributed in another country.
With a somewhat inexperienced cast, the acting is OK. I’ve definitely seen worse but none of the actors performed horribly. The early episodes are rougher but the actors improved throughout the drama. I found Zhang Zhe Xu improved the most from the 1st episode to the 12th episode, even though I think Mi Jin started off stronger. Maybe being in the role of Duan Zi Ang, Zhang Zhe Xu has more to work with as his character has gone through the most and requires him to act out various emotions.
The plot itself is a roller coaster ride. In fact, I think the drama might have tried to do a little too much and should pull back just a little. It gets a little repetitive when you are expecting lies over lies with some guilt of true emotions mixed with it. The pacing is not bad but did slow down in the second half of the drama, until the final couple episodes.
How’s the BL romance? It’s good, if that’s what you are coming for. I enjoy the enemies-to-lovers development a lot. Even from early on, you can see the director intentionally show the unintentional (or maybe intentional) touches here and there. Linger around the waist to try to fish out something from the belt, the intimacy of applying medicine, don't forget the handwashing! That’s why this drama can never go past Chinese censorship. The chemistry and tension are there from the start with our two main leads. There are a few kisses, though not fish kisses, they could have been better (from Mi Jin’s part). A few cute and fluffy scenes before the angst starts. I wasn’t expecting the turn of events but I do enjoy the love/hate relationship. I actually like their ending and thought it was realistic given the lead's history of struggles, love and hate.
What was disappointing was the half-baked toxic relationship between Xiao Shu Qian and Huo Ying. It started off so strong with all the abuse, and I thought it’s going to develop into something more. But no, it just got dropped in the middle and left me hanging and wanting more.
We all know this is not a big budget production, but I do think the director did a good job in making everything look decent. The costumes are nice and the actors look pretty good, especially for Mi Jin/Xiao Shu He. The makeup is better than other bigger budget productions. But the fight scenes aren’t that great and I wish they got rid of the slow motion.
If you are looking for a historical BL from China, this is probably one of the better ones out there. I would recommend it if that’s what you are looking for. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride as you follow the development of the main romance and everything they need to weigh between feelings and responsibilities.
Completed: 9/11/2025 Review #624
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A lovely journey of self-discovery and not a cheesy rom-com (don't trust the ugly poster).
I would never have watched “Kururi 〜Who’s in Love with me〜” if not for my trusted friend’s recommendation, because 1) I am not a super big fan of amnesia, and 2) look at the ugly dated poster! LOLHowever, to my very pleasant surprise, the amnesia was done really well and the three men are lovely in their own way. Looking at the drama’s poster, you might have thought this is a cheesy romantic comedy about the guys. Actually, this drama focuses more on the female lead, Ogata’s journey of rediscovering her old self, accepting who she is right now, and balancing the old and the new her.
We follow Ogata’s journey and find out who she was through her monochrome wardrobe, minimalistic apartment, testimonials of those who know her (co-workers and supposedly friends). Ogata was perplexed why she lived such an understated life when the Ogata with amnesia is full of personality and colors. Along the way, she discovered her real passion in life and is able to use her amnesia to jump start a new life.
On top of that, she found a mysterious ring in her possession and was trying to find the owner. She discovered she had this ring specially made for someone she loves, but who is this guy? No one has come forward to claim it or contacted her after her accident that he is her man. Instead, 3 other guys show who have shown an interest in her - the self-proclaimed ex-boyfriend, the self-proclaimed best friend from work and the self-proclaimed love-at-first-sight loverboy. But, are they who they said they are? Who is Ogata going to end up with? Or is she not going to end up with any of these three guys? You will have to watch to find out! I was happy I got the ending I wanted, but it took a while. I do think the drama can benefit from cutting 1 episode.
The cinematography is beautiful and I love the use of flowers. That little flower shop is my favorite place for a variety of reasons. The drama is able to slowly integrate flowers and colors into Ogata’s journey without force feeding you. The supporting cast is small but lovely. Aside from the 3 men, Mio, the little girl, is adorable and always has words of wisdom for Ogata. Kae is the best neighbor and supportive friend you could have when you have amnesia. Anri is a great mentor at work and in life, and Rui adds to the handsomeness in the drama. The older couple adds to the sweetness and sadness to amnesia and offers Ogata another perspective for those we were left behind.
I would recommend “Kururi〜Who’s in Love with me〜” for you if you are interested in the amnesia trope and how it affects the person and those around them. Actually, I think instead of asking who is in love with Ogata, the question should be, who is SHE in love with. This drama does not have over-the-top acting or an innocent and submissive female lead. Ogata is lovely and I am happy to cheer her on throughout her journey.
Completed: 9/1/2025 Review #619
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If only they reduced the excessive long pauses….
… I would have liked “Every You, Every Me” a lot more. This drama went under the radar since the lead actors are not as well-known and are still quite new to the industry. A few fast facts -What I dislike the most:
* Too many long pauses between sentences. This dramatically slows down the pace of the drama and worse when it involves two young actors who are not experienced enough to show microexpressions on their faces.
What I have mixed feelings about:
*Inconsistent acting of the leads. They are still new, so I can’t expect them to be as good as many others. But that doesn’t mean I should give it a full pass as it did affect my viewing pleasure. But I do think Top and Mick were best in the last arc, and especially that short scene about the workshop.
What I like:
* The concept of the drama: where the same actors (Top and Mick) are in 5 unique storylines playing the main characters. I also particularly enjoy the last story when it’s a quick recap of the first 4 stories and expertly using the reaction video to tell us the romantic journey of Inn and Pun.
Ep 1 - Sun/Dol = I like this unique story about rain and color. It reminded me a little of the KBL “Color Rush”. The story is simple and cute.
Ep 2 - Prin/First = This is a more common storyline about the boss/secretary. We’ve seen a million of them. Grandma was cute but she’s crossing that boundary a little. This is an easy watch but the least memorable of the 5 stories.
Ep 3-4 - Namping/X = This seems to be everybody’s favorite, but not for me. I have the most to criticize even though I was moved in the end. I think the script and the pacing are the biggest problem for me. I fell asleep during this arc (but also probably because it was Friday night and I was tired from a long week of work). Did X just fall in love by accidentally having a love-at-first-sight moment years ago? What’s the background story? Namping/Top is so gorgeously feminine that I couldn’t take my eyes off him. But I don’t agree with Namping’s decisions. Additionally, the side couple does not bring anything to the general story and it’s just there for the sake of being there.
Ep 5-6 - Sian/Blue = This is the flirtiest one and I like their chemistry and banter. Top was super handsome with the cool long hair, being topless and showing off his muscles every chance he gets. We got some wonderful kisses and skinship as well. However, that bit about Blue and his friend seems out-of-place.
Ep 6-8 - Pun/Roi-Inn = My favorite story of the drama to tie everything together. The acting is the best during this arc. There isn’t too many plotholes or things I dislike, except again, the long pauses between sentences.
Overall, I recommend “Every You, Every Me” due to its interesting concept. If you can tolerate the pauses and silence, you will enjoy it more than me. Giving this an 8.0 to bump up the rating a little, even though objectively, this is more of a 7.5-7.75.
Completed: 5/11/2025 - Review #575
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High speed non-stop plot twists led by a unique and strong Heroine
Subjective Rating; 7.75Never heard of “Doppelganger” until my friend mentioned and recommended it. I didn’t read the synopsis or the comments and dove into it blind. She didn’t lie, this drama is full of plot twists left and right. If you don’t pay attention, you might miss it and then it moves on to the next. So much happened in these short 28 episodes, and I needed time to catch my breath.
The best thing about this drama is a strong heroine. This is her story through and through. If you want a smart, grey/red flag, strong-willed, cunning yet caring female lead, you got it. She takes matters into her own hands and is not afraid to use/borrow power for others to achieve her goals. Without giving out any spoilers, “Doppleganger” also has a unique way in the storytelling and execution of this theme/genre that I have not seen before. That is quite refreshing, even if there are some plot holes.
But if you are looking for a strong romance, this is not it. Many mini dramas have a focus on romance and are the main selling point. This drama is not one of them. Though romance is central and important to keep the plot moving, this is not a romantic drama. I am actually quite disappointed in the main romance and don’t see any chemistry between the leads. I may not have second lead syndrome, but the 2ML is a much more interesting character, and this has nothing to do with Chu Zi Jun being more good-looking than Deng Kai. I actually think Chu Zi Jun might have more screen time than Deng Kai.
Despite a strong female lead and the interesting take on this genre, I am not satisfied. I wanted the drama to slow down a little. I’ve seen better mini dramas out there, but “Doppleganger” is interesting enough and actually not too bad as a lower budget production.
Completed: 5/11/2025 - Review #574
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