I'm going to start by saying that I didn't hate this drama. In many ways it was really good.... however..... compared to season 1, Dream High 2 is a little disappointing.
I like how the plot this time round is completely different, I liked that there was a new cast of actors to play with and that the writers gave us an entirely new story of the problems idols face once they've 'made it' rather than more students trying to achieve their dreams of becoming idols. I also like that the couple pairings could go either way, this drama has kept me guessing the whole way through (but often for the wrong reasons).
The story had a lot of potential but I felt was slightly let down by the characters. Hae Sung is fairly lukewarm, she doesn't have much fight and her relationships with other characters are unclear. For example 14 episodes in and I have no insight into how she feels about Yoo Jin. And what reasons (besides the fact he's an idol) does she have for liking JB? I just don't know.
Im Jae Bum did very well to get the part of JB as his debut part and I initially felt his character was very strong. I disliked him for his arrogance but at least I felt something about him. As the series progressed his character became more and more confusing, I failed to notice the point at which his character began to change and develop, it went from one extreme to the other so I can't decide if anything he actually does is serious or not. Furthermore the JB and Hae Sung story line is unconvincing, both characters are so watered down and fickle that I just can't work out what their motives are for doing anything.
Yoo Jin was one of my favourite characters but I also felt as a main character, there should have been a little more focus on him. He seemed to get shunted into the background slightly towards the second half of the drama but every second he was on screen I enjoyed. He's funny and his emotions are convincing, his 'G minooooooor' had me in tears of laughter.
Overall Rian was by far the best character in this drama. I began the series thoroughly disliking her but as I came to understand her more she began to grow on me. She's the only character, in my eyes, that really shows a true passion for performing. The others didn't appear to have much fight in them, however much they claimed they did, for this reason Rian shone in this drama more than all her co-stars put together.
One redeeming feature of this drama was the music, there wasn't one song that I disliked or bored me and 'B class life' is probably one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard. The drama really lives up to Dream High 1 in this category.
Overall I did enjoy this drama, the individual story lines never dragged on for more than a couple of episodes each and SOME of the characters are likable. However after about eight episodes or so I stopped feeling excited about new episodes coming out. I think it was the characters that did it for me, I don't think the actual actors are to blame but the way the characters are written, many being weak and unconvincing.
I was putting off writing a review in case my views on this drama dramatically changed, but with 14 episodes of dreary characters and confusing plots I don't think there's going to be a sudden change in the last two episodes. Sad but true.
Alone I think the drama is pretty good, but anyone who watched Dream High 1 will agree that in a fight, Go Hye Mi would definitely floor Hae Sung.
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That pretty much sums up my viewing experience of Pretty Boy: not a particularly good drama, but one I found extremely watchable and that I anticipated each week.
The storyline is two-fold: one thread is Dokko Ma Te and the ten women he must "conquer"; the second being a drama-standard birth secret plot. I will admit that the birth secrets had me most invested and offered little surprising twists. The women storyline might seem off-putting at first, but in the end, it became less about Ma Te taking advantage of women and more about a mutual exchange and growth happening within those connections.
Where the drama started to corrode were the moments where I actually paid attention to what was going on. Those were the moments when the plotlines to nowhere, random character entrances and exits, moments of discontinuity within the story, and quick fix deus ex machinas that happen off screen and present a quick "WTF" fix to a problem became glaringly obvious.
OK, that's admittedly quite a lot wrong with the drama. However, if you're looking for a drama that will fly by quickly with light humor and mystery and a quirky comic book feel to it, Pretty Boy should hold you over until the main drama course arrives.
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AMAZING ROMANCE MOVIE - RECOMMEND IF YOU LIKE FLUFFY, HEALING, ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPES
THIS MOVIE WAS AMAZING!! I came for Imada Mio, Meme, and some fluffy romance tropes, and I walked away happy.now look, the plot was extremely fast paced and rushed, which makes sense since they had to compress so much manga and light novels into one film. the lore and worldbuilding was all given over voiceover and I absorbed *none* of it. I had no idea what was going on in terms of the magic system wise throughout the movie but it didn't matter because....
I came for the romance and the romance delivered. Imada Mio and Meme were just so cute together, their chemistry was decent too. my fav trope is a couple healing each other and I was 100% left satisfied on that score. yeah, the FL cries and whimpers a lot and can be a damsel in distress but it makes sense bc of her awful childhood. it was heartwarming watching the ML build up her confidence and strength thru sheer kindness. and it was so touching to see her melt his heart. another fav trope - seemingly badass general is actually a shy, awkward softboi? check ✅. and Miyo turns out to be badass and not defenceless and worthless like everyone told her before her marriage... but I won't spoil it.
I loved seeing other actors I stan in this:
- Tao (she served so hard I didn't even mind all the flashbacks scenes with the admittedly gorgeous kimono)
- the Kanokari ML. no, idk his name. yes I appreciate him. yes we exist.
- the ML from Neko.
- my new crush, Takaishi Akari from JK to Haijin. even tho the latter was so evil in this. nice acting tho.
my only complaint would be that this movie needed more time with the couple instead of the fantasy/action elements. bc, let me be honest, I didn't come for that and neither I did the rest of audience I think.
otherwise I really loved this movie. as a romance movie, it was a solid 10/10, but I wish that was all it was. shoutout to the sound effects, visuals and gorgeous cinematography as well.
so, overall, i'd say this is a solid 8.7/10. def lived up to the hype.
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Good buildups but there's a tone shift
Spectacular cinematography and insane acting performances, the horror element is effective with a good amount of reasoning behind the plot, though the way it turns out at the end might be a little anticlimactic for some. The third act takes a weird tone shift after all the amazing buildups that were done earlier, more specifically its resolution part was given a superpower treatment instead of supernatural ones. Still, the historical and geopolitical backstory had lots of details which are quite logical, and their quality suspense holds well enough to make this an excellent movie overall.Was this review helpful to you?
A Sweet, Warm, and Healing Romcom!
This is my first time writing a review for drama, I want to say that i really love the drama, it has been my mood booster & happy vitamin everyday ❤️if you want to watch a lighthearted, sweet, warm, & healing romcom drama then this a good start for u!
At first, i watched the drama because of Xinxin. And i think just like Cnets say, i think Yu Shuxin really know how to pick a good drama❤️
YSX drama start from Youth, I've fallen for you, Find Yourself, Moonlight, Love Between Fairy and Devil, and A Romance of the Little Forest are all really good ❤️ .
The things i love from the drama:
- Yu Shuxin really smart picking character that suit her so much, the acting is very real & greatly believeable to the audience! Yu Meiren is perfectly written for Yu Shuxin! No one can play it perfectly Yu Meiren other than her! I love Yu Meiren character, she is such a smart, confidence, good at work, brave, can stand on herself, independent, hard working, and true to her heart! She is just so perfect so perfect example of a beauty with brain ❤️.
- Yu ShuXin used about 140 set outfit from 300 set outfit she prepared for this drama, i enjoyed looking all her beautiful & different outfit & style from YSX, She is such a fashionista, a beauty blogger indeed❤️
- Empowering woman, woman can also chase the man we like first ;).
- Yu Shuxin as Yu Meiren is still reborn as a flower this time too, she's a corn poppy flower this time and Zhang Binbin as Zhuang Yu is someone who expert in plant too, he is botanist professor, so much coincidence with LBFAD & Rattan :)))))!
- Zhang Binbin as Zhuang Yu is so great! At first he might looks cool and indifferent but he will melt to Yu Meiren along the way, really love his soft smile to Yu Meiren everytime she did cute/crazy things to him.
-It's a two-way crush/unrequired love thrope drama, which is my cup of tea, i really enjoy it!
- Brain power CP, both of the lead are intellectual people . The ML is Botanist Professor while the FML is Phd in Ornithology. The way sometime they make joke only they can understand it with the science reference :'). They are also not falling in love because the writer said so, they are truly are destined to be together, they are different souls that resonate together, they share the same brain cell, They both are such a cultural and literated smart couple ❤️
- Yu Shuxin and Zhang Binbin chemistry are overflowing and so top notch!❤️. I had to say that Yu Shuxin is really a Chemistry Queen, they way she always have a good chemistry with every of her costar! Mezhuangdan cp is not an exception! They gave a calm bf hyper gf vibe so strongly. Also their kiss scene is SOOOO GOOOOOOD!!! It's soooooooo PERFECT!!!*chef kiss :*
- A sweet, warm & healing enviromental protection campaign drama. Your eyes will be healed because so much green in the drama , a great cinematography of the little forest, plants, animal, small village, etc ❤️
- Original Story, which is rare in cdramaland these days
-The drama quiet gave a justice to the research background and it's also maybe due the fact that they had real experts and professional to guide them through the drama
- The adorable and sweet OSTs sang by our main lead Esther Yu and ZhangBinBin, they voice are really a honey to my ear ❤️
-Meizhuangdan cp behind the scenes are the sweetest and the funniest, they even much more in the behind the scene, go watch it y'all!
The things i don't like:
- too many unnecessary 2nd couple screentime
- the drama cut the Legendary iconic kiss scenes of the main cp
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Through the Storm: Wei Ruolai’s Riveting Tale in ‘War of Faith"
The pacing of this series is praiseworthy; it maintains a swift tempo without sacrificing the complexity of the story. Each episode builds upon the previous one, creating an engaging tapestry of events that leaves viewers eagerly awaiting the next twist. The narrative never drags, ensuring that the audience's curiosity is consistently sparked.Wang Yibo's portrayal of Wei Ruolai is a highlight of the series. His delicate performance accurately captures the multifaceted nature of his character. From the evident disappointment and heartbreak felt during his rejection at the central bank to the raw, unfiltered grief displayed at the loss of his brother, Wang Yibo's range is fully showcased. He conveys the innocence of a newcomer in the political maze, contrasting with the depth of his sorrow, demonstrating his strong acting skills.
The series excels in humanizing the political narrative through its characters. Wang Yibo's Wei Ruolai is not merely a pawn in the grand scheme of espionage and finance; he is a credible figure whose personal growth and emotional journey are as central to the story as the broader historical context. His interactions with other characters, especially with senior advisor Shen Tu Nan and the mysterious Shen Jin Zhen, add layers of complexity to his role.
I must add that Wang Yibo’s portrayal of Wei Ruolai is truly exceptional. We can observe how much the character has evolved from the beginning of the drama until now. The progression is remarkable!
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This review may contain spoilers
needed more runtime to better develop the plot and characters
Overall: I liked the unique premise but it felt rushed. I think they should have cut out Dennis' character if they didn't have the budget for a longer runtime. Aired on iQIYI.Content Warnings: attempted violence/murder, murder*, bullying, shove, dub/non con touching, past violence, past death, mental health struggles, power imbalance with boss/employee dynamic
What I Liked
- made me laugh several times like trying to drink but not holding anything
- I appreciate how different that first scene was from pretty much every other BL
- chemistry between the leads
- cute moments
- interesting premise
- was happy it was m/m in the past
Room For Improvement
- there just wasn't enough screen time to fully explain the plot, an example is why/when did Min Yu Dam's feelings change? or in the past, a line says they've been meeting at a certain spot but the audience has only seen them just meet, what exactly was/is the relationship between Min Yu Dam and Dennis (in the past and present)?
- Min Yu Dam has had that much time and he comes up with that stupid approach?!? why wouldn't he meet him as a friendly university classmate, there's never any explanation and it doesn't make sense
- the dead fish lip press kisses and even the 1 that wasn't still wasn't a good kiss
- in episode 2 they should have continued the flashing lights/noise thru that scene to show it was an ongoing problem and then put things back to normal once Min Yu Dam did what he did
- a 2 minute recap is too long for episodes that are under 15 minutes
- *this is a kind of murder but I won't be too spoilery
The Ending
- I actually didn't mind it as I didn't love that he forced him to be his secretary and go on dates with him however, this needed to be 16 episodes 1 hour each and what we saw took up the first 6-8 episodes and then they continued the story for the second half, otherwise it kind of ruins everything else before it
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*** What I Like (+):
--- Yang Yang is the Master.... Master at Kissing that is - too bad he didn't have a partner :(
--- Old Man Yu is most enjoyable character to watch .... The actor, Niu Jun Feng, is the best in the show! ... (just as good as he was in Battle of Changsha)
--- Zhang Vin is so very Hot looking as the brooding KO... too bad he didn't have much screen time.
--- enjoyable encounters .... nothing annoying.
--- Villains were not real bad .... some had a little bit of growth, a positive!!!
--- The Game scenes were shot well!
--- Good looking cast.
*** What I did NOT like (-):
--- Practically No plot .... nothing much happens .... no drama.
--- 2-dimensional characters .... No depth, no psyche ..... all the more kudos to NJF who made Old Man Yu shine!
--- Lead actress froze w/ open eyes as he passionately kissed her .... She's unhealthily skinny ... Does too many pout faces.
--- What's w/ the mystery of Mr. Beautiful and KO???.... It was probably a BL in the novel, they only hinted at it here .... but at least turn their friendship into something worthwhile!! .... not just shallow encounters :P:P
--- Her friend Er Xi is way too bubbly!!! .... trying too hard to be cute :P ... too much like a manga character .... a different actress could have turned her into someone cute and lovable ... ( I am thinking of Dilraba as the impish red fox princess in Eternal Love .... so cute and energetic w/out being annoyingly bubbly)
*** Recommended for those who like:
--- Refreshing love story, b/c no love triangles ... no angst ... trusting couple who talk things out.
--- fluff and cute scenes
--- No real villains
--- Don't mind that there is NO strong Plot .... and NO well-developed or complex characters. :(((
*** Not recommended if you want depth, complex characters or interesting plot.
*** Ratings
- Story - 3 .... simple, nothing there.
- Acting - 5 ... Not bad not good ..... some supporting were bad ... Only NJF's performance stood out as very good.
- Music - 5 ... It fit well ... bit too bubbly and "pop" for my taste.
- Rewatch - 2 ... only if in front of me, I won't turn around.... But I would never seek it out.
Basically, very bland and very blah!!!! ..... Not much to love and even less to hate .... If not for Yang Yang's kisses, there is nothing to watch.
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Creeped Up To the Top of My All Time Favorites
59 episodes was not enough. I usually shy away from long dramas since I have a full time job and two kids to take care of at home! But somehow I gave this drama a chance, and just couldn't stop watching it! I never thought any drama could top Eternal Love / Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms for me. Love and Redemption did just that. There is a purity to Si Feng's love that is just so captivating. Both ML and FL's acting were very impressive, very natural and they just fit so well with each other. I didn't find Si Feng handsome nor Xuan Ji pretty in the beginning, but after 1 episode, Si Feng became super handsome and Xuanji, super adorable. The actress was able to pull off so well the young naive girl (not in an annoying way, but very believable and sweet way), and in order to protect Si Feng and loved ones, she could pull off the super protective and powerful fighter persona really well too. Cheng Yi's acting was truly the best in the drama - he IS Si Feng. Their acting and chemistry together is unbeatable. I like that even though Xuan Ji didn't have her 6 senses, her actions still showed that deep in her heart, there was love for Si Feng already. There were a few parts that I got frustrated at her (but her actions and words are very understandable, so please don't misunderstand or give up on her), but for the most part, she was a very lovable character that I was rooting for all the way! She is one lucky girl to have Si Feng's love and heart 100%. I believe love should be 100%. Not 99%, not 70%. I don't like love triangles for that reason. I don't think the love is pure enough if the ML or FL is able to sort of fall for another person, even if it's for a short period or slightly. Si Feng is 100% faithful! He set the bar so high that I can't imagine another ML touching my heart the same way! He is also 100% loyal to his people and his friends. This drama is soo satisfying regarding romantic scenes. There is a super passionate kiss in ep 52, and lovely hand holding, hugs, sweet gazes throughout to satisfy the hopeless romantic. I don't want to give away any of the story, but I have to say, the 59 episodes are 100% worth it.Was this review helpful to you?
Just..... No.
Straight to the point "Review" ---- I thought this show had some slight potential to be a somewhat okay show, plot wise. Sure the acting isn't fantastic, it's both a little stiff and overdramatic at times, but they're all somewhat newbies so we'll let that slide.....But then the end of episode 3 happened - and after doing a little reseach and realising that it's an 9NAA production... it explains everything to me 😐
They did a good job at hiding the fact it was a 9NAA production (i only ever saw posters with Viu on it) otherwise I wouldn't have started it as I had vowed not to watch any 9NAA productions after the stuff that happened with Checkout the series and with Best and Cheque - and after checking out the bts vid for this episode it just confirmed my feelings for me, because they *once again* didn't seem to have any intimacy coordination prior to their NC scenes (it happened with Checkout too) and the crew seemed to be joking about the fact they should just get naked too so the actors would feel comfortable.
Also, I can handle some weird stuff, but the fact that they made ACTUAL twins lick each others nipples was weird af to me. Why not just hire actors that look similar to play the twins? I could then *maybe* deal with it that way but not when I know that they are actual twins.
Definitely dropping this one. Will be continuing my stance on not supporting 9NAA shows in the future because they do not seem like a company who has their actors welfare as a top priority. No wonder other companies have pulled out of collabs with them and all their actors leave the second their contractually allowed too.
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Okay i really love these kind of dramas with such amazing cast! I for YEARS tried to find some drama with action/spy AND powerful romance! The romance is very innocent, passionate and deep so if u want to see very deep emotional moments go for it! The action scenes were done also very good and kept the drama in a good flow. For me i did marathon and i NEVER found any moment boring. I know everyone has different opinion but this was....really wonderful. After year and half i finally watched drama guys and i enjoyed it so so much! The plot is very interesting and i never saw such plot so this was something very new and fresh! Keeps ur mind busy and trust me...you will lose your sleep XD
ACTING:
Okay I watched dramas with JCHW before and i knew he had talent but this like...smacked me straight in head and woke me up! I can tell he is a top actor and i don't care what others say. He seemed like he was really the character he was playing. From the first ep his face started to change with emotions..Nothing was too much and nothing was missing. It was perfect! Main lead girl is also great actor and i know her and i can tell this is her best role. I love that in this drama she is also the brave girl who will stand in front and fight for justice ^^
MUSIC:
Honestly the main song '' Eternal Love'' is downloaded on my phone and i listen to it all over again. It's too good. And did u read the lyrics? No? Okay than go and do it! It's so sweet and so real and it fits the main couple!
REWATCH VALUE :
To tell you the truth i started to watch it all over again right now XD It's too good to just watch it once...So right now i'm going at it once again! ^^
This drama is filled with emotions so enjoy it and give it a try i can tell u..that you WON'T regret it :)
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I have read countless comments of symathy for Na Hong Joo played by Park Ha Sun. I'm probably the only person that finds her character to be at first fake, then bitter and hateful. I don't for a minute buy into the thought that she was ever sweet and innocent. She forgets that she started the chain of events with her desperate action. What did she think her husband would do knowing that he caused her to take that desperate act over money? She made Cha Seok Hoon played by Kwon Sang Woo do something that he would have never thought of doing except that he knew it would save his family monitarily. Then when he tried to make it up to her and prove his love, she turned away from him. To top it off she goes on to blame him for the misery she creates herself and becomes a bitter bitch that I just can't stand. Now, I don't for one minute believe that Yoo Se Young played by Choi Ji Woo is blameless. However, I don't think she is the evil crazy bitch that everyone seems to think that she is. I think she was lonely and bored. She says she was testing them, but I believe she just wanted what they had for even a minute. However, the writer turning her into a victim is stupid and doesn't fit her character as a strong successful woman. Now, for Kang Min Woo played by Lee Jung Jin. I find no redeaming characteristics in this narcissistic jerk who treats women like objects and has no respect for people in general. I can't stand him. The other actors are fine. If you like C.N.Blue, then you will enjoy Lee Jong Shin's part as Hong Joo's brother.
The music is excellent.
I probably won't rewatch this.
I'm not sure if I recommend this drama. Watch it at your own discression.
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China Continues To Dominate Historical BL, a Masterpiece With Romance, Betrayal, & Reincarnation
When it comes to BL + historical drama, once again China proves that no other country does it better. Our first historical BL drama premiere of 2026 absolutely did not disappoint. From the very first scene, the dark snowy night, breathtaking costumes, stunning cinematography, brutal martial arts fights, and emotional atmosphere, this drama pulls you in instantly and never lets go.The opening episodes are heartbreaking. Watching princes destroy their own flesh and blood for the throne is cruel, tragic, and emotionally intense. Every political move feels dangerous, every conversation hides betrayal, and the palace tension keeps getting better with every episode.
But the real heart of this drama is Fifth Prince Yin Qi and Pei Yanzhi. Childhood best friends turned enemies turned lovers is already one of the best tropes ever, but this drama takes it to another level. The pain between them feels so real. What hurts the most is that they only realize how deeply they love each other when death is already standing in front of them. By the time they finally understand their feelings… it’s already too late.
And then fate gives them a second chance.
Imagine waking up three years in the past, discovering your mother is still alive, and realizing you still have one chance to save the person you love most. Sometimes you never truly understand how much someone means to you until they’re gone, whether it’s your mother, your soulmate, or the life you failed to protect. Heaven literally places fate back into Yin Qi’s hands and asks him: what will you change this time?
The reincarnation storyline is SO GOOD. It adds regret, longing, pain, and desperation to every single scene. Watching Prince Yin Qi try to rewrite destiny while uncovering hidden truths connected to Pei Yanzhi completely destroyed me emotionally. Their chemistry is incredible, every glance, every argument, every quiet emotional moment feels meaningful.
This drama truly has everything:
- One of the best NC scenes (watch end of ep 5)
- Stunning cinematography
-Beautiful OST/music
-Emotional storytelling
-Incredible martial arts scenes
-Palace politics and betrayal
-Reincarnation and second chance romance
-Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
-Tragic love mixed with hope
-One of the best BL chemistries in historical drama
The visuals are gorgeous, the acting is powerful, and the romance hurts in the best possible way. This is not just another BL drama, it’s a full emotional experience.
They didn’t hold back with the kissing and intimate scenes, and the chemistry felt natural, passionate, and intense. I was not expecting that scene at the end of Episode 5 at all; it felt very erotic and emotional, especially for a historical drama from China. You could even hear the moaning, and everything was shot in such an intimate and beautiful way.
I also love the second couple, the crazy and evil Crown Prince and his servant. Their intimate scenes are wild and add a chaotic, exotic energy to the series
If you love historical BL with angst, reincarnation, political intrigue, forbidden love, and soulmates fighting against fate itself, this is a MUST WATCH.
Another Chinese BL masterpiece.
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I really had high expectations.
Unfortunately I couldn't avoid to notice that something was wrong...
The plot. It didn't exist.
I really mean it. There's literally nothing.
Around ep. 18 I started questioning myself: "Why am I watching this?" or "What is the purpose of all this?".
It's not a good sign. It means that the story leads nowhere. It's really pointless.
Anyway, if you're really looking for something that doesn't require too much commitment, all the monologue that I wrote above will be meaningless for you.
Oh, there's also another thing: Useless scenes.
Tons of useless scenes, as much as you want.
And this is all... It wasn't that bad but not even THAT GOOD.
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