Jiang Xuening ZENAR

A Drama About Love, Loss, and Moving Forward

From the very first episodes, I was impressed by Zhao Lu Si’s versatility. I personally think she shines more with a mature voice rather than her usual “uwu” tone. though I’m not sure if her voice in this drama was dubbed.

Overall, the drama is good, though it runs for 40 episodes. The only downside for me is that some of the revenge scenes felt a little dragging. There were moments that could have been shorter without losing their impact.

What I really appreciated, however, is that the show didn’t just focus on the relationship between the ML and FL. It also highlighted the dynamics and growth of the supporting characters, which made the story richer.

The ending leaves things open for viewers to interpret. For me, the takeaway of this drama is that in life, we all go through different phases that shape us into the best version of ourselves. People will come and go, whether we like it or not but life continues. Our experiences should serve as stepping stones toward our goals. And most importantly, we shouldn’t let revenge consume us. Life is short, and it’s meant to be lived with a clear mind and a peaceful heart.

Read More

Intriguing, Well-Crafted, and Visually Striking

The story is excellent, filled with twists and turns, and the storyline is clearly well thought out, it definitely deserves a high rating. I was also amazed by the drama’s cinematography, which felt unique compared to most Chinese dramas. And of course, hats off to the costumes, no surprise there, since the costume designer also worked on Moonlight Mystique.

That said, I did notice some odd scenes that seemed disconnected from the previous ones. Perhaps they were cut due to the 45-minute runtime limit. I think the visual effects could use more effort, ideally reaching the same level as Korean medical dramas.

One more thing, usually I can eat while watching C-dramas, but for this one, I couldn’t! The autopsy scenes were so graphic and realistic that eating was out of the question, in the best, most immersive way possible.

Read More

When peonies bloom and wither: A quietly powerful sequel

If Part 1 of In the Name of Blossom pulled us in with quiet tension and elegant storytelling, Part 2—Flourished Peony—goes deeper and hits harder. Everything feels richer: the emotions, the power struggles, the subtle moves behind the scenes. It’s the kind of drama that grows on you, slowly but surely.

What makes this part so beautiful is how it uses the peony—not just as a symbol, but almost like a mirror to the characters and their journeys.

🌸 When the Peony Withers
There are moments in the show where things fall apart, and it’s not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it's quiet and painful—like a peony slowly losing its petals.

In life, we see people realizing that their dreams aren’t turning out the way they hoped.
In love, relationships fade, not because of lack of feeling, but because of timing, silence, or pride.
In business, former power players start to crumble—once admired, now barely hanging on.
And in politics, influence can disappear in an instant. One wrong move, and suddenly you’re out of the game.

It’s heartbreaking, but it’s real—and it’s beautifully done.

🌺 When the Peony Blooms
But then... just when things seem like they’re at their worst, the show gives us these quiet, powerful moments of hope. And just like a peony in full bloom, it’s breathtaking.

In life, some characters find new strength and purpose, even after being knocked down.
In love, there’s healing. Not the over-the-top kind, but the gentle kind—through honesty and vulnerability.
In business, new voices rise, showing that being overlooked doesn’t mean being powerless.
And in politics, strategy wins over noise. It’s the patient ones who end up making real moves.

Final Thoughts
Flourished Peony isn’t loud or flashy—it’s smart, emotional, and quietly powerful. It reminds us that things fall apart, but they can also come back together. Like a peony, life goes through seasons: sometimes you wither, sometimes you bloom. And both are part of the story.

If you like dramas that are thoughtful, beautifully shot, and full of layered storytelling, this one’s worth watching.

Read More

“My Love Will Make You Disappear” Falls Short of Expectations Despite Strong Performances

My Love Will Make You Disappear had the potential to be a heartfelt and powerful film, especially with its strong lead actors known for their exceptional acting. However, the final execution left much to be desired.

The biggest letdown lies in the storyline, which felt mismatched with the talent involved. The character development was shallow, lacking the depth needed to make viewers truly connect. It’s likely because it was condensed into a movie format, which made the pacing feel rushed—every scene felt like it was in a hurry to move on. There were also exaggerated moments that took away from the film’s realism, making it lean more toward a mass-market appeal than a deep, thought-provoking narrative.

On a more positive note, the film does capture slices of Filipino life, like how closely-knit communities can be—where neighbors all know each other. It also reflects modern realities such as same-sex relationships raising a child, and how society is slowly normalizing these dynamics. It touches on the struggles of being a breadwinner and the quiet sacrifices that come with it.

The movie also carries some wholesome messages: the value of forgiveness, patience in love, trust, and unity. It emphasizes that loving someone doesn't diminish you—and that when people disappear from your life, it’s often because they were never meant to stay. The right person will never walk away; they’ll choose to stay because they were meant for you.

Read More

Not just a "Period drama"

Flourished Peony is a beautifully crafted Chinese historical drama that unexpectedly draws you in with its slow pacing and emotional depth. The storytelling flows smoothly and I honestly didn’t expect to get hooked, but I was. The series boasts impressive performances from its cast, with each actor fully embodying their roles, bringing authenticity and heart to every scene. The cinematography and set design are visually stunning, immersing viewers in the elegance and challenges of the era.

If you’re into chill, reflective series with rich character development, this drama is definitely for you. While some plot twists may feel familiar, the unfolding events remain compelling and worth the watch. What makes this drama special is its focus on themes like friendship, family, human rights, and women empowerment. It offers a touching yet sobering look at how limited women’s freedoms were in earlier times, a reminder of how far we’ve come in the 21st century, where women now have the power, voice, and freedom to shape their own paths and participate meaningfully in society.

On the political side, the drama also sends a strong message about unity and collective action — that when people stand together, they can challenge and change the unjust systems that govern them. I deeply admire the courage of characters like He Wei Fang and Jiang Chang Yan, who, despite dangerous circumstances, are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.

"Flourished Peony" is not just a period drama; it’s a moving reflection on societal growth, personal conviction, and the power of standing up for what’s right.

I'm definitely looking forward to Part 2: In the Name of Blossom.

Read More

A Story of Love, Power, and Regret

Of course I watched Feud the moment I saw Bai Lu was in it – I mean, she's my ultimate fave! 😍 Paired with Zeng Shunxi, this drama already had a solid foundation with such talented leads. The acting is top-notch, the costumes are breathtaking, and the OST is absolutely captivating – definitely a treat for the senses.

Let’s talk performances first: Bai Lu, as always, delivers a deeply emotional and compelling performance. Zeng Shunxi holds his own beside her, and their chemistry feels authentic and well-balanced. You can really feel the tension and emotion in every scene.

Visually, this drama is stunning. The costume and set designs are rich in detail, and they beautifully reflect the era and mood of each scene. The cinematography is elegant, with so many scenes that could be framed as artwork.

Now, about the storyline – I’ll be honest, I found it a bit lacking in some parts. The plot started off strong, but as the episodes went on, it lost some of its punch. A few of the later episodes even felt somewhat similar to those in Moonlight Mystique. It’s not bad, but I just expected a bit more in terms of depth and pacing.

And the ending? Ugh, I was left hanging 😭 – it felt rushed and unfinished. I really wanted a stronger conclusion after all the buildup.

As for the characters... OMG. Dao Ming Si?! 😂 If you know, you know. I won’t spoil who I’m referring to, but let’s just say he was the most frustrating character for me – I seriously wanted to scream at the screen. That’s how you know the actor did a good job though!

Thematic-wise, behind all the beautiful faces and elaborate costumes, the story delivers some powerful messages:
– Power and ambition can consume you, and no matter how beautiful the surface is, there’s always a price to be paid for betrayal and revenge.
– Appearances can deceive, and true strength often comes in quiet, painful choices.
– And most importantly: When you love someone, tell them. It’s easier said than done, but don’t let fear hold you back until regret is all that’s left. This drama shows how silence can hurt more than any sword ever could.

Final Thoughts:
Feud is a visually captivating drama with excellent acting, especially from Bai Lu (bias aside, she really shines here). The plot could’ve been more solid, and the ending more satisfying, but overall it’s still worth watching – just don’t expect everything to be wrapped up neatly.

⋆.ೃ࿔🌸*:･𝔃 𝓮 𝓷 𝓪 𝓻🍧 ₊ ⊹

Read More

Waking up each day means another chance to begin again

If you're going through something right now—whatever it is—this drama might just be what you need.

Our Unwritten Soul is a light drama, but it hits deep. It's emotional in a quiet, meaningful way that sneaks up on you. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t try too hard, but still gets you crying at 2AM without realizing it. The characters feel real, the story is simple but sincere, and it reminds you that you're not alone in what you're feeling.

If your heart’s a little heavy lately, give this one a shot. It won’t magically fix everything, but it’ll feel like a warm hug when you need it most.

Read More

Fame, Scandal, and Deception

If you're into dramas that explore the dark side of fame, social media, and influencer culture, Celebrity is a must-watch!

This gripping K-drama takes you into the cutthroat world of online celebrities, exposing the scandals, betrayals, and intense competition that come with chasing fame. The storyline is full of twists, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The lead actress, Park Gyu-young, delivers an outstanding performance, portraying both the glamorous and vulnerable sides of her character. The drama also highlights the reality behind curated online personas—how social media isn’t always what it seems.

The suspense, mystery, and social commentary make this drama binge-worthy. If you love thrilling, thought-provoking series with a stylish and modern aesthetic, Celebrity is definitely worth adding to your watchlist!

⋆.ೃ࿔🌸*:･𝔃 𝓮 𝓷 𝓪 𝓻🍧 ₊ ⊹

Read More

The ending we never knew we needed

This is one drama that took me a while to finish. Honestly, it could have been done in just two days, but it took me around three weeks to complete. By the time I reached episode 26, I already started to lose interest. For the sake of finishing it, I ended up fast-forwarding from episode 26 until the last few episodes.

The drama started off very promising, but when another plotline was introduced, it felt a bit dragging and I lost excitement. However, the last three episodes redeemed the story. The relationship between the male lead and female lead became more engaging, and I must say the drama had a strong finish with a satisfying ending.

One thing that bothered me, though, was the dubbed voice of the male lead. It did not always match the consistency of his acting, which was a bit distracting at times.

Still, if you are into assassin-themed dramas with a touch of romance, Kill Me, Love Me is worth a try.

Read More

Fun Start, Flat Finish

If you’re into shows that make you think and mess with your brain a little, The Devil’s Plan: Death Room is definitely one to try. Honestly, I didn’t really get the rules of some of the games (they were kinda complicated for me 😂), but I still enjoyed watching because of the political tension between the players. The way they moved, schemed, and formed alliances was way more entertaining than the games themselves.

But by Episode 9, I kinda lost interest. Some players started showing their true colors, and not in a fun way. I was especially disappointed with So Hui—she felt so indecisive, always siding with Hyun Gu, and didn’t really try to work with other players. It felt like she was just playing it safe instead of actually playing the game.

By the time Episode 10 rolled around, I was just skipping through most of the scenes. The winner became super predictable, so Episodes 10 to 12 didn’t really excite me anymore.

Overall, it’s a good watch if you like strategy, tension, and mind games. But for me, the later episodes lost their spark. Still, the earlier part of the show was worth it for the drama and power plays alone.

Read More

Love is patient and enduring

This is a two-season Chinese historical drama that intricately explores love, family, politics, friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness. The title itself, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒚, 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒚 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑨𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒂, 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆: 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. These are not just romantic ideals, but emotional strengths the characters must develop to survive and grow.

Interestingly, the drama also showed that love does not always triumph over revenge. You may truly love someone, but when the scars run deep, sometimes the desire for justice—or revenge—outweighs forgiveness. Not everyone can forgive. And that’s reality. Life operates on cause and effect. Every action, whether good or bad, has a consequence. I hope we all strive to choose kindness—for ourselves and others.

I decided to watch this series because of its high ratings. But watching it reminded me that every viewer sees a drama differently. What works for one may not work for another. And that’s okay.

The story weaves together a lot of elements: family dynamics, political schemes, friendships, and love stories. The relationships between characters are complex and emotionally charged.

However, I found the political storyline quite dragging at times. I often skipped those parts because what really kept me watching was the romantic development between the male and female leads (ML & FL). Watching how their love story would unfold and survive each trial was the real highlight for me.

If you're not into political plots in dramas, this might not be your cup of tea.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 :
✧ 𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: villains are exposed, justice is served. This makes every episode satisfying to watch and keeps the momentum going.

✧ 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬: Just when you think things are settled, another enemy appears. Some characters you thought were good turn out to be the real antagonists. It keeps you guessing.

✧ 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The romance between the leads isn’t straightforward. It’s full of trials—both external and emotional. But that’s what makes their relationship feel real and earned.

✧ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: The drama shows real-life family issues that teach us about forgiveness, sacrifice, and letting go. These moments often felt very grounded and relatable.

"𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒔" — this could be the core message of the show. While the world around the characters is chaotic and sometimes cruel, love, in its many forms—romantic, familial, platonic—remains a powerful force. But the drama doesn’t shy away from showing that forgiveness isn’t always easy or possible, and that revenge can sometimes feel more righteous than love. That complexity is what makes this story resonate.

Read More

Love is patient and enduring

This is a two-season Chinese historical drama that intricately explores love, family, politics, friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness. The title itself, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒚, 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒚 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑨𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒂, 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆: 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. These are not just romantic ideals, but emotional strengths the characters must develop to survive and grow.

Interestingly, the drama also showed that love does not always triumph over revenge. You may truly love someone, but when the scars run deep, sometimes the desire for justice—or revenge—outweighs forgiveness. Not everyone can forgive. And that’s reality. Life operates on cause and effect. Every action, whether good or bad, has a consequence. I hope we all strive to choose kindness—for ourselves and others.

I decided to watch this series because of its high ratings. But watching it reminded me that every viewer sees a drama differently. What works for one may not work for another. And that’s okay.

The story weaves together a lot of elements: family dynamics, political schemes, friendships, and love stories. The relationships between characters are complex and emotionally charged.

However, I found the political storyline quite dragging at times. I often skipped those parts because what really kept me watching was the romantic development between the male and female leads (ML & FL). Watching how their love story would unfold and survive each trial was the real highlight for me.

If you're not into political plots in dramas, this might not be your cup of tea.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 :
✧ 𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: villains are exposed, justice is served. This makes every episode satisfying to watch and keeps the momentum going.

✧ 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬: Just when you think things are settled, another enemy appears. Some characters you thought were good turn out to be the real antagonists. It keeps you guessing.

✧ 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The romance between the leads isn’t straightforward. It’s full of trials—both external and emotional. But that’s what makes their relationship feel real and earned.

✧ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: The drama shows real-life family issues that teach us about forgiveness, sacrifice, and letting go. These moments often felt very grounded and relatable.

"𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒔" — this could be the core message of the show. While the world around the characters is chaotic and sometimes cruel, love, in its many forms—romantic, familial, platonic—remains a powerful force. But the drama doesn’t shy away from showing that forgiveness isn’t always easy or possible, and that revenge can sometimes feel more righteous than love. That complexity is what makes this story resonate.

Read More

The veteran actors truly delivered outstanding performances.

SPOILER ALERT! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Acting-wise, it was great. But as a viewer, I felt like something was missing, though I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was. According to other reviews, Season 2 focused more on the games rather than the backstories of the players, unlike Season 1. I think maybe they will reveal more in Season 3?

In terms of the games, I’m glad they introduced new ones in Season 2, except for one that seems to have become a trademark of Squid Game. As for the new characters, hmm… for me, they didn’t have as strong an impact compared to the ones who died in Season 1. Season 1 was still more exciting to watch.

I recommend it mainly because it’s the second season of Squid Game. Plus, it’s a quick watch—only seven episodes, with a special Episode 7.5 to help explain why Season 2 turned out the way it did.

Read More

A short but flavorful treat

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a well-made short K-drama that’s perfect to binge-watch in 2025. For me, the last episode felt a little too short since some events weren’t fully expounded on. But at the same time, keeping it at 12 episodes was a good choice — any longer and it might have turned dragging and less impactful.

I’ve seen many dramas that feature cooking, but this one really stood out. The cooking scenes were beautifully portrayed, and they genuinely showcased the richness of Korean cuisine. Watching it makes you want to fly to South Korea just to try authentic royal cuisine for yourself! Bon Appétit!

Read More

A Heartfelt and Beautiful Journey

This special was truly heartfelt. I even cried in the last episode. Through this journey, I felt like I got to know each celebrity better — how they treat one another, their personalities, and their genuine connections. It showed a different, more emotional side of them, which made it even more meaningful to watch.

Aside from the touching moments, the show beautifully highlighted the stunning location where they filmed. The scenery was breathtaking and full of culture and history. Watching it made me feel inspired, and I really hope I can visit that place someday.

Read More