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1More like a glimmer rather than being starstruck
I've said it before and I'll say it again: This should have been a movie. Or, at least, been released all at once. The cut-off of many episodes felt unsatisfying and, overall, just got in the way of the flow of the story.Also, it seemed like scenes were missing, and I'm sure a longer runtime would have added more depth to it . . . However--strangely--I'm not mad about it.
Maybe it's the indie vibes and solid acting that won me over and made me see past its flaws.
Just about Zuho: I do have to bring up how great it was to have him, being the fairly famous K-Pop Idol he is, actually speak out against the hate he was getting for acting in a BL, and not just that, but openly voice his support, love, and respect for the LGBT+ community in his response.
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Hard-hitting Psychodrama
This one popped up on my Netflix feed recently and while the premise sounded intriguing, it was the magic words "Toby Lee" that hooked and reeled me in. Toby Lee last seen by me in the historical detective drama Miss Truth isn’t the main character here but he certainly commands a strong presence throughout the storyline. The titular "her" is played by Tiffany Hsu and she gives a sterling performance as the deeply troubled Lin Chenxi, a competent HR recruiter or “headhunter” whose life is thrown into complete disarray on the arrival of a new employee.The show begins with a suspicious death in an aged care facility in a small town. The victim is a former high school physics teacher Xie Zhizhong. The local cops finger a nurse, Yan Shenghua, a former student of his, as the chief suspect. As the show progresses, who done it, however becomes secondary to why it was done. The teacher's death is more or less a MacGuffin to make way for the real story — a terrible destructive secret that sets the stage for family dysfunction, guilt, regret and estrangement.
Lin Chenxi is a busy professional going places in her company. On the surface things seem to be going well for her. But enter Danny (Chris Wu) the cousin of the CEO who is eager to prove himself as the organization’s new rising star. His cocky, glib, overconfident demeanour camouflages a far more sinister persona. Danny, in fact is a sociopathic misogynist and loathes being upstaged, particularly by women. When Chenxi successfully talks a potential recruit into accepting a contract after the arrogant Danny botches the negotiation process, he goes ballistic. He lashes out and deploys the only weapons available to him — sexual harassment which escalates into violence.
These series of events seem to trigger deep seated memories and emotions that seem to set the stage for a mental breakdown. In a state of panic after escaping from the clutches of Danny, Chenxi meets with a road accident and is rendered unconscious.
When Chenxi regains consciousness she finds herself back in the house that she grew up in with her parents and twin brother in their hometown. From then on she exists in a perpetual state of confusion about where she is, who the people around her are and her relationships with them. The folks tell her that she’s been in an accident and seems to be suffering amnesia but why does she have fragmented memories of of a life elsewhere in Taipei with a supportive boyfriend (Toby Lee) who is now nowhere to be found. Much of the show sees her trying to navigate these memories trying to sift the truth from the lies as she becomes embroiled in the investigation of the death of her former teacher and the disappearance of an old classmate. It soon becomes clear that her family and former besties are keeping things from her as she stumbles around in the dark looking for answers.
“Shards” used here is apt as it points to the fragmentary and even unreliable nature of memories. Moreover it also refers to the fragility and brokenness of a soul stuck in a tragic past with no healing in sight. A shattered visage as it were. Furthermore “shards” can also signify the pieces of a puzzle that the audience has to put together as they journey with Chenxi.
As the audience sees events through Chenxi’s lenses, we are inevitably drawn into the same disorientation and speculation. Has she travelled back in time? Has she landed into an alternate universe? Is this all just a really bad dream?
The answers come eventually because the show isn’t just about the sordid past but about the dysfunctional gender dynamics that plague our world today. Sexual harassment opens the door to other unpleasant subjects related to the treatment of women in the workplace, the use of technology to invade women’s most private and intimate spaces. As it exposes the nasty side of cosmopolitan 21st century living, the show doesn’t shy away from taking a broad perspective on how both men and women are complicit in perpetuating such behaviours this side of the sexual revolution.
Despite the hard-hitting subjects covered in these 9 episodes, all of this still manages to arrive at a satisfying and profoundly moving finale. It's no exaggeration to say that this drama probably has the best ending I've seen all year. There’s undeniably an ugly side to humanity that has to be confronted constantly and often it seems to be our default position to do harm even with the best of intentions. In spite of the psychodrama and psychobabble at the end, I don’t find the resolution simplistic. There is an acknowledgement that the past is not so easily expunged and living with mental health issues does take a toll not only on the survivors but also on their loved ones. The goal is healing which will take time and effort.
All in all this is a strong script that’s tightly plotted. The cast as a whole is excellent — young and old. It’s the first Taiwanese drama I’ve watched in a few years because I had more or less given up finding one with a decent script without tons of fillers. I imagine that the format — 9 episodes — helps in keeping this trim and terrific. Regardless of the fact that I found this show engaging and immersive, I can’t see too many wanting to revisit it.
It would be remiss of me to end this review without some kind of warning. This is not a show for the faint-hearted, it’s certainly not for those who will be triggered by images of sexual assault especially if that’s been a feature of their past. Even though I’m someone with a strong stomach for crime shows, I too found those scenes disturbing and confronting.
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Love transcends all
Where do I even start? I mean I just finished it right now and I feel this weird kind of heaviness. This is one of those shows that I am going to feel nostalgic about. Everything about it was so saddening yet beautiful. All actors did an outstanding job especially the main lead (Fandy). The direction, the lines, the ost were totally on point. Despite knowing how the show is going to end right from the very start you still feel this gravitational pull to continue watching it. It has made me feel so empty right now honestly speaking. It just hits you like like a train I mean it is just so painful yet pretty in its own way. How this one love story helped in bringing together so many people and made us question our own love for those whom we love.It teaches you alot about love and humans. Makes you have so many doubts about your own relationships. It actually literally shows you how pure love can be, transcending even death. How love is more bluer than blue itself that it can surpass time amd continue to live in other people's minds, stories and hearts.
The story is about two people in love who can do anything for each other's happiness even if it means hurting your ownself in the process, about the sacrifices they made for each other and how despite everything their love continues to inspire people.
I will recommend watching it because after a very long time I felt like I will remember a show for the months and years to come. It just hits you right on the spot, makes sure that all your intestines get wrecked and still manages to make you want more of it. I hope the two lovers get a happy ending in their next life.
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Feel good drama with mature characters and honest conversations
This drama filled my heart. This is what I would categorise as a "feel good" drama.The characters clearly were not living fairytale lives and had their hardships and traumas to overcome, but the drama never dwelled on all that pain and sadness. We saw an honest attempt with characters reflecting on their lives and trying their best to live for the moment. It wasn't about forgetting the past and ignoring it, but rather accepting what happened and counting blessings for the people left behind, the time they currently have, and the future they can build.
This is why I love J-dramas so much, because it is not the plot or dramatic points that drive the characters, rather it is the other way round with characters driving the story.
I absolutely loved every character and couple in this drama and I would recommend this to anyone looking to watch something light yet healing. Watching this made me feel a little less lonely.
Special mention to the leads who really hit it out of the park with their acting. So much expressed through their eyes, and emotions. I teared up (out of happiness) at so many of their moments <3
All in all (and I rarely say this) - THIS WAS PERFECT.
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Blossom through the cloud offers a relatively light, binge-worthy watch with solid acting and production values.
Ruan Sixian's journey isn't just a backdrop for the romance. Her three-year training montage and the professional hurdles she overcomes feel earned and inspiring.
The show shines brightest when portraying female capability. Mid-air emergency scenes feature all-female crisis teams- from the cockpit to the medical crew- handling intense scenarios entirely through professional competence.
Another incredible moment is when Captain Yue collapses mid-flight due to a sudden medical emergency, Ruan Sixian steps up with decisive composure and precise professionalism, successfully taking full command of the cockpit controls to steer the aircraft out of immediate danger landing safely.
Female growth and unwavering solidarity serve as the powerful structural backbone of the series.
For her debut as a FL, I think Liu Xiening has done a good job. Her initial gritty ambition, her "giving as good as she gets during their high-stakes confrontations" are watch worthy.
Rather than playing a standard, overly idealized heroine, Liu Xiening leans into Ruan Sixian’s pride, stubbornness, and wounded self-esteem, which grounds the melodrama and makes her eventual professional triumph satisfying.
Miles Wei steps easily into his signature "cool, sophisticated executive" persona. His character is sharp, charming, and authoritative, but also hides a supportive and dedicated side. Fu Mingyu character shows a significant growth from a cold CEO to a contrast cute lover to a supportive partner and professionally into a more visionary, employee-conscious leader
Cinematography
Stunning Aerial Aesthetics: The visuals inside and outside the cockpit are sleek, clean, and expansive. The show captures the beauty of flight, sunset horizons, and the sprawling airport runways with a cinematic flair that feels premium. The workplace sets look authentic rather than like low-budget studio stages, grounding the fictional airline in a believable environment.
The ending delivers exactly what it promises-a sweet culmination where career aspirations and romance merge smoothly. Both leads achieve their reform and captaincy goals without sacrificing their respect and love for one another.
Cons: Editing seems off in certain places
If you are looking for gritty, indepth aviation training scenes and authentic aviation timelines then you might find this superficial
The initial misunderstanding trope, work place power couple and corporate politics tropes are nothing new or ground breaking
Overall you can watch it for its unique aviation backdrop, for the depiction of a woman breaking barriers in a male-dominated aviation field. It is a low stress watch with decent chemistry, good supporting characters, family dynamics and plenty of comedic fun moments.
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This review may contain spoilers
Pinocchio on the surface is about a bunch of reporters who learn what reporting is truly all about. Or at least, that's what I was expecting until I heard Lee Jong Suk joined the cast. I swear nobody has a knack for good roles the way he does. He just knows how to pick an amazing role and make it even more amazing with his acting skills. And that's what this drama was. Absolutely AMAZING. Every episode took me deeper and deeper into their story and by the time I was done, I was crying like a wild horse (if wild horses cry). Every character, every situation and every decision (made by Dal Po) either turned me into a huge of puddle of emotional mess or brought a huge, shiny grin on my face. Some stuff got me slapping my computer screen so hard (I'll make it up to you babe). There were no in-betweens. Also there were no dull moments. Coming to characters. Dal Po is amazing. And not just your everyday amazing but amazing amazing. While I was watching I can't even count the number of times I would've made a choice completely different from him. He was so brave and just so right. The kind of path he took, there was no assurance that he would be able to avenge his family at all and as we moved further into the story, we realize that if he hadn't made the choices that he did, he wouldn't even have been able to catch the right culprit. As for Park Shin Hye, I've really only liked her in You're Beautiful. Her characters in Heirs and Flower Boy Next Door were extremely disappointing. But this is her best portrayal. I loved Choi In Ha and her blunt attitude (not that she had a choice considering the Pinocchio Syndrome). I think I'll have a hard time remembering it's not a real syndrome.
The supporting cast was amazing, especially Yoon Yoo Rae. Her little love-story towards the end was really cute (I'm trying really hard not to give spoilers here, but I'm so excited I can barely contain it, lol). In Ha's mom, her dad, her grandpa, everyone was great. Both the Caps and OMG the whole staff at YGN. I absolutely loved them. Especially the dude with the creepy grin and the hairband. He was awesome! Ahn Chan Soo was awesome. Kim Hae Sook is one of my favorite actors when it comes to moms and other older roles and the parts she plays always have something great to offer. Same happened here. Her character started out as a sweet and overly-protective mom which reminded me of her roles in Marriage Not Dating and I Hear Your Voice but it grew into so much more. Last (but most definitely not the least) Ki Jae Myung was mesmerizing. You know what he does is wrong, yet all you feel for him is sympathy and make excuses for him, because the emotional turmoil he goes through is simply palpable. He suffered through years of pain and guilt and he suffered all by himself. It was beautiful, the way his character was shaped.
The music is good, though not extremely good. It's melodious, relaxing and not too dramatic. Every Single Day has composed some nice ones for the OST.
Comparisons to I Hear Your voice are inevitable since the lead actor along with supporting cast and the writer-director were same for both dramas. And there is an essence of IHYV here in this drama, which makes it just as great. But nothing is repetitive and Pinocchio easily holds it's own. I would recommend it to everyone now that all the episodes are out and you don't have to live in agony waiting for new episodes.
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This review may contain spoilers
Warning: Beware of Diabetes, it includes so many sweet moments. Wanna have some good laugh, a full dose of fluff with adorable pairing with excellent supporting characters? Falling into your smile definitely won’t fail you… to fall for its charm.
The story isn’t magnificent itself (it offers nothing new) but I fancied its pace, progress, relationship dynamics, the portrayal of friendship, how characters are written and their interactions happen. I wouldn’t consider it as fully plot-driven drama, it focuses more on the characters’ life-development-problems they face. There isn’t a specific evil antagonist here but it portrays the cruel reality of how social media, obsessive fans can play the role of antagonist with being so much toxic to the extent.
It’s not necessary to have information or have much interest in gaming to watch it, you can take it just as an individual romantic comedy.
In terms of chemistry, I felt the spark and they are just so cute together. I can’t imagine Chessman or Smiling without Xu Kai and Cheng Xiao. A classic example of a bickering couple, their fights are entertaining, the quintessential foundation for their relationship. The fact the progress in the relationship between them is very realistic surely adds more points. It does have an arc where it becomes more serious but it’s just for short time... it never stops being rom-com.
Tong Yao is just ambitious, hard-working, not to forget soo adorable, though due to her expressions she seems oblivious :’). But her development, the way she reacts to situations is genuine, I would rather say her character is rational plus human-like (The thing many drama writers forgot to make characters who can be considered as humans). Lu Sicheng can’t be considered a cold lead at all, he is just straightforward and honest. He does have different shades in nature...He can make mistakes but also admit when he is wrong. He has flaws as any normal human being can have with being a three-dimensional character. He can be very lovable, warm, tender when he is with Tong Yao but very austere and responsible as a captain of the team. Ah I forgot the important thing he is such a tease lol xD
Loved Xu Kai’s performance, was vigorous, lively. His smile is icing on the cake. I’m not fully satisfied with Cheng Xiao’s acting. As she has almost the same expression (Which looks like she’s confused) most of the time. I’m not so sure about her game ID as she doesn’t seem to be Smiling much (no pun intended). But I can let that slide as most of her previous works are in reality/variety shows and relatively she’s new in acting or maybe it’s her character that doesn’t allow her to have many expressions. Though there are particular scenes where she impressed me. Special mention: Ending scene of 26th episode and opening of 27th episode.
In technical aspects, it doesn’t have any problems when it comes to camera angles, editing, color palate/grading. Though I’m not a very big fan of dubbing and it bothered me here, it is overdubbed (Means without the original voice of actors), Especially with Xu Kai, It’s ME because it’s hard for me to hear three different voices from the same person as I have seen him in Court Lady and ALP very recently. Korean dubbing it all out of place. Sound effects are on the point with being funny many times, really liked the OSTs they wouldn’t have been more adequate. 'Heroes' give me goosebumps with its bg music, 'Follow the light' is my favorite among them with Chen Zhuoxuan's vocals
I really liked the animations of games, it has a different feel and vibe. It’s more satisfying than just listening to the commentary and actually visualizing what’s happening in the game, plus the graphics were good so more than enough. Talking about the cinematography of the show it’s not stunning but definitely decent, and as it’s about gaming it doesn’t need to be very beautiful.
This drama has one character without him… sure it wouldn’t have been this fun, and he is no other than Fatty (do I really have to explain the reason why?) His expressions and reactions are priceless plus he encounters some situations all time where he’s like ‘Is this dream?’ ‘Am I sleepwalking?’ ‘Why me?’ He just makes the drama more funny and enjoyable. He is unquestionably a show-stealer for me, and one more reason to smile. Not just him but I love all team members of ZGDX every character is colorful and with an interesting secondary couple that is like the cherry on the top.
Fun facts: After ages, any C-drama managed to stay on the trending list (on MDL) for a long time.
The end credit song 'Soulmate' is a duet by our leads Xu Kai and Cheng Xiao.
This was the end of the review.
Now if you are curious about different information as drama is facing a lot of dispute from c-netizens (Its douban rating is 3/10) some basic information about it:
It is adapted from the web novel that is implicated of plagiarism, the writer added real-life events without any consent from the people. Professional players spend 16-17 hrs every day training. They don’t really have any time to do other things as they have no time left, let the fact of having a romantic relationship aside. Unreliable portrayals and lots of inaccuracies of professional Esports players, the online gaming community, how things work out there. It is written by people who totally have zero idea about professional gaming. China has one of the largest gaming communities and Esport is becoming more widespread day by day. It has become a delicate topic to handle and for all these causes, drama receiving hate from c-netizens and gaming communities.
But people forgot at the end of the day... Its main purpose is entertainment as it's just a drama.
See you next year ;D
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Why is it worth a perfect score?
Story: I love this kind of stories. It's a story about people who have a very responsible and demanding job, who love that job and practically live for it. It's a really motivating drama, makes you wanna find your dream profession, pursue it and then do something meaningful in your life. The drama does not drag at any moment(well the beauty of jdramas- they have only 9-11 episodes and you're left wanting more). There is also a love story, though not a heart-wrecking romance as somebody observed, but as it normally happens - you meet someone you like, so you want to be with them and you wish all the best for them. There is also a great bromance,heart-warming family(Shinkai dad-GREAT!)and random hilarity (the girl next door-LOL) in it as well. Generally, all of the characters were very well crafted and you want to know more about them.
Cast: It's Kimutaku in his prime - with his boyish charm and in uniform ^_^. But all the cast members were great and their characters were complex and interesting.
Music: As it didn't attract my attention at all, I have nothing to say about it.
Rewatch: I already want to rewatch! Actually I even did a bit- the best scenes.. ;)
This drama is really outstanding in my opinion, so I highly recommend it.
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I'm so guttered that it got cut down, because it was a beautiful series and could've been developed a lot more.
Watching the movie, I initially thought it was going to be boring, with no kisses and stuff (I found it kind of odd) [and Ochiai Motoki is so cute]
but this was really a discovery: it's funny, not predictable in any way possible and it's so romantic and well done.
Story: I wish Chief's storyline was a little bit better (the ending is so much painful to watch), but I loved it! It makes sense, it's not boring and there are pretty much no fillers. I liked that Haruta-san didn't actually understand his feelings for men, thinking he was just a kind-hearted person.
All characters have specific roles, they're not just there for decoration or to fill some plot holes. The storylines are not extremely developed, but they're clear enough to let you understand every character's feeling.
Acting: Tanaka Kei is awesome, really, but Hayashi Kento (Maki) surprised me so much. He's really skillful and i think Maki couldn't exist without him.
The kisses are so goood! (I mean, there's no tongue, like in some thai BL or sex scenes, but they're realistic!)
The game with "Haruta" being mixed up as the lead's first name (his first name is Soichi) is HILARIOUS. I couldn't stop laughing. Even Chief, that loves him so much, still thinks Haruta is his first name xDDD
If you're looking for something romantic and funny, in a very sweet BL sauce, this is definetely for you!
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So why should you watch 9 End 2 Outs?
Firstly, because it shows a story about two lifelong friends falling in love in a very realistic way – they don’t fall for each other instantly, it’s a long process that makes you believe that this CAN happen in a real life. You won’t find here a vicious ex or a third party who does everything in his/her might to separate the main couple; the biggest obstacle that Nan Hee and Hyung Tae have to overcome is their fear that when they’ll change their relationship they’ll lose a precious friend.
Secondly, the acting. I have to say that both Soo Ae and Kee Jung Jin have done a marvelous job portraying characters who are ”maybe something more than friends”. When I watched them bickering I felt like they really knew each other very well, when they supported each other it looked real and when they started to question their relationship it made me understand their dilemmas. Even if their love story is not passionate or full of bold kisses it’s not boring, it draws you completely into their world.
Thirdly, the atmosphere of the drama as a whole. This one is really heartwarming, maybe because of the relationship between Nan Hee and Hyung Tae: their comfortable friendship, their maturity and their obvious caring for each other and as for the plot mostly the lack of bigger twists – the story is flowing steadily in its own pace.
I gave this drama an 8 because, let’s face it, it’s not something that makes you stunned by its greatness or creativity, but still is worth watching (and rewatching!). If you’re looking for a realistic story about mature people, this one is for you.
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You get a double story in the end with her and her mother's love story. This certainly is the perfect mix of gushy romance with coming of age.
Much MUCH better than Romeo and Juliet by far. It's more satisfying than sad at the end and worth the watch! Perfect for a girl's night. My friends dread subtitles but they had nothing to complain about when it was over.
Although, I give the music a nine because I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to hear it.
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Ancient Love Poetry: The Xianxia Drama of 2021
Countless days of waiting weren’t for nothing. My anticipation was sky high for this Xianxia, and my patience was also tested to the maximum. With a lengthy list of countless words to describe Ancient Love Poetry, I can say without any hesitation that ‘disappointment’ is an excluded word.I’m probably not lying if I call the Xianxia genre my soulmate. I am a sucker for this beautiful genre, and Ancient Love Poetry is a must-watch if you enjoyed/loved the previous famous Xianxias. The drama brings you into a world of magic and beauty that makes it terribly hard for you to take your eyes offscreen.
Story-
What may appear at first glance to be a Cdrama filled to the brim with Xianxia tropes, it is not false to say that Ancient Love Poetry has difficult tribulations, character reincarnations, and most of all, heartbreaking sacrifices. But with the addition of beauty and elegance, a Xianxia drama can take these tropes to a heavenly level. Adapted from the well-known Xianxia novel “Shang Gu”-Ancient God (上古) by Xing Ling, the drama followed the original piece evidently well, and maintained the tension, angst and beauty masterfully to the very end.
A Xianxia would not be very well-rounded off without world building and character introduction, which Ancient Love Poetry did magnificently with. As with the majority of costume Cdramas and even more with Xianxias, it can be difficult to attempt the memorization of characters and locations. With a helping hand that is the first few episodes of Ancient Love Poetry, the audience found less struggle with this concept. I could even call Ancient Love Poetry educational in terms of the Xianxia genre- From just 49 episodes alone, I, who has done extensive research on this fantasy genre, broadened my knowledge even more.
What comes with the introduction also comes with a slight impatience towards a rather slow-paced plot in the beginning. In easier words, Ancient Love Poetry did not entirely succeed to capture everyone’s attention at the beginning, resulting in the creation of let-down droppers. As many of us say, the story gets very interesting starting from eps 12-16. And as expected, the story only progressed towards more captivation. Longer dramas may provide more time for the background story, which may seem unnecessary and boring but are actually important for the story as a whole. The sheer level of love and angst in this drama is enough for one to cry out numerous waterfalls.
It was also a pleasure to discover that aside from the lead couple, romance spread across many lovable supporting characters, as well as familial love, long lasting friendship, and even hateful grievances. Although Ancient Love Poetry focuses heavily on romance, the story also kept the audience on the edge of their seats with a few major problems that spread throughout the four realms and that threatened the existence of the true gods.
Production-
Ancient Love Poetry’s production is such a gem that I decided to give it its very own section in this review. The production is simply gorgeous, and the drama’s high budget certainly paid off and was used to its full potential. The costumes look simple with its light pastel colors, but with its simplicity comes a wave of freshness and slight joy. The drama’s CGI is not a joke, either. Each strand of magic and spell is carefully produced to the most believable extent, providing a most magical experience for the audience. Each realm in the drama also gives off special vibes. The bright gold Heavenly Palace boasts its grandeur while the lighter-colored Qingchi Palace expresses its beauty in the form of nature and water. Inside the palace, rooms and props are delicately adorned with the uniqueness of its realm, from shimmering golds to billowing blacks. Editing was not a problem either, as traditions were neatly made without any distraction.
Cast-
Please allow me to disagree to the fullest extent with the Chinese netizens claiming that Zhou Dongyu was not fit for the role of Shang Gu. She absolutely nailed this with astonishing talent. With the challenge of Ancient Love Poetry being her very first costume Cdrama, Zhou Dongyu portrayed Shang Gu perfectly, a playful girl who later grows up into the leader of the God Realm with a difficult destiny. Zhou Dongyu does exceptionally well with deep scenes, and Ancient Love Poetry gave her another chance to display this talent. Her acting was not forced at all, creating a lovable character with a heartbreaking history.
Believe it or not, Ancient Love Poetry is my first drama starring Xu Kai. As I watched this along with his first modern drama, Falling Into Your Smile, I got the perfect chance to compare his completely different roles and made the conclusion that he is an amazing actor who can portray almost any character. As a caring male lead holding unspeakable love, Bai Jue stole the hearts of everyone. He successfully made us cry rivers for him as we accompanied him on his grueling path of love and sacrifice. Xu Kai as Bai Jue and Xu Kai as Qing Mu couldn’t have been more different and heartbreaking. With contrasting personalities but the same passionate love, both characters gave way for the audience to experience their love and pain.
Shang Gu and Bai Jue are cute. Period. With cute chemistry and powerful love and care for each other, the director of ALP, Yin Tao (one of my favorite directors), did not make a mistake when he casted Zhou Dongyu and Xu Kai as the leads. I can’t think of anyone better.
Many of the supporting actors and actresses did phenomenally, to say the least. A drama is never complete with a complex range of supporting characters, all with different beliefs and lovable or hateable traits. Completely contrasting with Bai Lin in Love and Redemption, Liu Xueyi as Tian Qi was an absolute pleasure to watch. Liu Xueyi kept the balance between a playful and perky true god to a caring friend and master. Lai Yi as Gu Jun was one of my favorite characters. This righteous high god couldn't have cared less about power and the messiness of the Heavenly Realm, and lived life to the fullest. Even as a father, no one and nothing could stop him from protecting his daughter at all costs. Last but not least, I would also like to give a big round of applause to Zhang Jiani, actress of Wu Huan. This complex character is a major challenge for anyone, but Zhang Jiani did more than wonderfully, and was such a pleasure to watch on screen.
Even with characters of very minor importance, I was always invested in their own stories and their part in the drama. Character development was done so well in Ancient Love Poetry that some characters made quite a big personality change, while others never failed to keep our attention.
Soundtrack-
What more than breathtaking awe for the OST of Ancient Love Poetry? With songs sung by exceptionally talented singers, they truly brought out the magic and beauty of the drama. Along with traditional background music and propelling lyrics, what a gem of a soundtrack this is.
I will do another thing I have never done before in any review, which is listing the soundtrack, to show the very preciousness of the OST:
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“Penannular Love”《绝恋》by Zhou Shen (周深)
“Yearning”《年岁》by Mao Buyi (毛不易)
“Sense”《感应》by Liu Yuning (刘宇宁)
“Twilight”《朝暮》by Deng Shenme Jun (等什么君)
“A Thousand Years of Searching”《千寻》by A-Lin
“Mountain Sea”《山海》by Zhuo Yao (灼夭)
“The Thought of Life”《执生念》by Ye Xuanqing (叶炫清)
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Here is a verse from “The Thought of Life” that I deem most beautiful and heartbreaking:
“她, 化身飞烟, 生死离别, 他为她守护三界”
“She, turns into flying smoke, parting life and death, while he protects the Three Realms for her”
Overall-
It is still quite hard to believe that Ancient Love Poetry might have just become my favorite Cdrama of all time. The title of Xianxia of 2021 is most fitting for this drama, if not enough. With tens of thousands of years of love and grievances, I was sucked deep into this moving love story. What started off on quite a good note only got better and better with a diversity of characters and relationships and a journey across the magical Xianxia world.
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This review may contain spoilers
The two leads form a splendidly unique mixture, providing unique heartbeat and appeal to the story
“The Kidnapping Day” is all about its two great protagonists. I'm tempted to say: it is about the female lead character. The actress is simply wonderful and perfect for this character. Nevertheless, in my opinion, in her eccentric role she comes into her own so brilliantly precisely because her adult counterpart: the Kidnapper, who is just the way he is – as a rather clumsy person, he is practically the antithesis of this cheeky eleven-year-old but highly intelligent know-it-all. Yet, he ist the one who is sort of seeing, liberating and nurturing her usually neglected self, that is hidden underneath her intellectual brilliance: First of all she is just a child with all needs that come along. So, he might be not as smart as the little girl, yet he is actually the true grown up, who is not letting him be mislead by her genius, but watching out for her and intuitively caring for the child she is, too. This splendid mixture provides the unique heartbeat and appeal. So together they form this edgy team, keeping the audience in a good mood.The plot offers a lot of humor and quite some comicalness of the situation, but there are also serious themes lingering. After all, there is an unsolved murder case. Furthermore, it is nevertheless a case of kidnapping, even if the prefix may change over time. Added to this is the sad fact that health is often a question of money. And ultimately, behind all of this, there is also the issue of abuse. “The Kidnapping Day” is also able to tackle the ever late-breaking topic of “education hype in South Korea” in an original new way, entangling it in an exciting crime thriller.
What initially starts as kidnapping quickly takes a completely different direction. The victim becomes the mastermind. The police, or at least one of the investigators, dares to think twice and appropriately take unusual paths according this unusual case. Good and evil, black and white, its blurred. Yet, there are still unscrupulous villains. We are also stumbling over complex enmeshments, lying way back in the past.
“The Kidnapping Day” knows how to deliver on a variety of levels. Accordingly, the number of viewers has more than doubled over those 12 episodes. The special charm of the two leads also got me and I was happy to stick with them. Mind you, this was basically because of the charming relationship dynamics of the two leads, and how the two shape the kidnapping scenario along the way in a pleasantly witty way, including the solving of the murder case and at last providing a solution .
P.S.
The two protagonists, their particular relationship, THAT is the clever strength and the endearing piquancy. The rest might at times come across rather careless and pallid. Obviously, this is (once more) the product of the new era that has dawned in the KDrama orbit. Numerous new networks are now happily playing along on the market, including ENA, former SKY, which has repositioned itself in 2022 in order to get involved with its own KDrama productions in the top Pay-TV segment. (ENA belongs to Korean Telekom and produced 22 series in 2023 already.)
In general, with Disney, Netflix and others, I´d say KDrama productions feel like having doubled in 2023 (I didn't count, though). But what seems like a blessing at first sight turns out to be a bit of a sham, too. Where are all the original ideas supposed to continuously come from? And if there is a promising plot idea, it is yet far from being thoroughly worked through... Quantity rarely automatically goes hand in hand with quality. And it doesn't work the other way around either. Accordingly, “The Kidnapping Day” also suffers from the ravages of time: negligence can be observed here and there. However, the main strength and driving force of this story - the strangely lovingly developing relationship of the two unconventional leads - luckily is awesome enough to carry and equilibrate.
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Enter Sandman
I’ve always loved mysteries and detective dramas, especially with a refreshingly unique concept and innovative approach to investigations of cases. Even better if it has elements of friendship and bromance or sismance, while romance is optional because there are already so many romance-fuelled dramas out there and we need more of the other stuff for a change. I’m positively thrilled to attest that this drama has all of the above qualities (minus sismance but plus romance).Psych-Hunter is a supernatural mystery and psychological thriller adapted from the novel Haunted Houses Handbook (凶宅笔记) by Er Shi San (贰十三) which was published in 2013. As I understand from readers of the novel, the adaptation is modified slightly pertaining to the main characters’ backstory and the inclusion of a romance arc, hence the FL is added in the screenplay. It is directed by Li Ze Lu (李泽露), who had directed the similarly-themed Tomb of the Sea (of the Lost Tomb franchise), and his experience in this genre really shines through.
What makes this show truly fascinating is not only the fusion of investigation procedural with traditional Chinese beliefs, mythology and the art of geomancy (Feng Shui), but also the practice of “exploring the psyche” aka Zhuyoushu (where one completely immerses within the psyche of the subject in a subconscious state, as opposed to mind reading). Having this concept set in the Republican period in China is appropriate as this particular era is steeped in moral ambiguity and intense fear of superstitions, folklore and mysticism, all of which enhances the paranormal vibes of the mysteries being investigated.
The drama showcases high production values through outstanding art direction, lavish Republican era settings and beautiful costumes – in particular the smart police uniforms, extravagant evening gowns and the bespoke 3-piece suits - along with generally fantastic cinematography and steady camerawork during action scenes. The framing of the intriguing abstract setting of the psyche world is visually stunning, and the steampunk outfit worn by the 2 leads during the hypnosis sequences is a nice touch.
The story centres on the friendship between the 3 leads and their investigations in Changshanzhou. Jiang Shou is adept at exploring the human psyche. Qin Yi Heng is the scion of the prominent Qin family and a skilled medical doctor. Yuan Mu Qing is a (self proclaimed) policewoman and daughter of the local warlord. The overarching plot is about Jiang Shuo’s unexplained memory loss, the disappearance of family, friends and others linked to the main villain known as Liu Zhi aka Six Fingers. In connection with the main mystery, our band of protagonists encounter no less than 15 mysterious cases in their pursuit of the villain, namely:
1.Feng Shui murders
2.The abduction
3.The horologist
4.The bizarre black cat
5.Mu Qing’s past
6.Game of death
7.Jiang Shuo’s psyche
8.The playboy
9.Movie studio murders
10. The mysterious village
11. Dead spirits’ post office
12. The riddle of the cheongsam
13. The haunted mansion
14. The tattoo conspiracy
15. The Rubik’s cube
Each case is infused with elements of horror, some more so than others, which puts a bit of scare in viewers. The story starts off briskly then settles at a steady pace, before reaching a frantic and thrilling climax. There are certain unexplained plot holes and loose threads that are left hanging along the way, but we still get the answers to the major question marks by the end. Somewhere past the halfway mark around episodes 22 to 27, the romance gets in the way somewhat unnecessarily with draggy fillers and certain characters - Jiang Shuo and Yuan Mu Qing being the chief culprits – momentarily losing their composure (and common sense). Fortunately, by episode 28, normal service resumes and the 3 friends re-focus on solving mysteries. The haunted mansion, the tattoo conspiracy and finally the Rubik’s cube mystery which brings closure to the overarching plot, are the most convoluted and action packed among all the cases and require much thinking to unravel the puzzle. The big reveal takes place right in the penultimate episode where at long last we learn the truth of who Liu Zhi really is. NOT TOTALLY UNEXPECTED YET SHOCKINGLY UNEXPECTED AT THE SAME TIME. Absolutely and utterly FREAKING MINDBLOWING. I will stop right here and not spoil it.
The main cast generally performed well, in particular Liu Dong Qin’s understated and naturally portrayed Qin Yi Heng. The actor subtly invokes the right dose of intelligence, stoicism, and vulnerability that elevated the portrayal of this very well written character to greater heights. The nuanced micro-expressions and overall exemplary acting really sets Liu Dong Qin apart from the rest of the cast and points to an extremely talented actor indeed. I’m tempted to follow his portfolio of work after this, notably his main role in Medical Examiner Dr Qin 2, and other future projects.
Hou Ming Hao is a popular actor who’s well known for many major roles, including the iconic character of Wu Xie in The Lost Tomb 2 so he is no stranger to this genre. His acting here is on point and fits well the role of Jiang Shuo – lively, witty, street-smart with a hint of mischief in his eyes, plus he cross-dresses very nicely indeed. Perhaps the only issue I have is the lack of consistency with the way the character is written, which is attributed primarily to the romance element written in involving him and Yuan Mu Qing. He somehow loses his edge and suffers from serious lapses of judgment for about 6 to 7 episodes. For the most part, including the amusing bromance between him and Qin Yi Heng, I’ve enjoyed Jiang Shou’s scenes which provides much entertainment value to the show.
Yuan Mu Qing is played by Zhu Xu Dan (Bambi), whom I last saw in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (incidentally, the final episode here reminded me of her transformation in HSADSS). She’s an experienced actress who has been cast in a long list of dramas and I thought she did okay here as part of the investigative trio and is convincing as the pampered daughter of a warlord. However, her character suffers from the same inconsistent writing at various points in the show. At times she can be lethal with her martial arts, strong and smart, as befits a policewoman (even an auxiliary one) only to turn into a damsel in distress, and her extreme neediness to cling onto Jiang Shou did grate on the nerves a little. I’m generally indifferent to the romance arc, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the storytelling but unfortunately it did for a few episodes. Mercifully, her character grows out of it towards the end.
The OST features 4 tracks, including the energetic intro rock piece Hunter Heart, and the subdued and emotional Let Her Go as the closing theme, which is very beautifully sung. Track listing as follows:
1. Shin - Hunter Heart
2. Sean He, King - Let Her Go
3. Meng Zi Kun - Game of Happiness and Sadness
4. King - Empty Fortress
On the whole, Psych-Hunter is one of the better produced and extremely entertaining detective investigation dramas of the year that successfully integrates supernatural themes, traditional Chinese beliefs and cleverly conceived mysteries into a smartly condensed package, along with poignant moments of pure bromance. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and now that we have come to the end, I will truly miss this show. I’m not sure if there will be a season 2 but if not, hopefully another similar one comes along in the not too distant future.
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Blossom Through the Cloud is off to a flying start!
The series kicks off with a fast-paced opening arc that ditches toxic melodrama for a refreshing story about resilience and workplace gender dynamics.The script tackles the real-world challenges women face in the male-dominated aviation industry. I especially liked the scene where Captain Fan supports and guides Ruan Sixian’s journey from her first day at the aviation academy to her return to Hengshi Airlines as a trainee pilot under her wing. It was also great to see Fu Mingyu bring his three female pilots together—Huang Ying (Hengshi Airlines' first female captain), the current Captain Fan, and future captain Ruan Sixian—for the historic launch of their new aircraft model.
The early episodes make the closed-door training sequences and subsequent flight simulator assessments feel genuinely earned.
Miles Wei is a master at playing the executive type, effortlessly balancing a stern, no-nonsense corporate exterior with subtle emotional depth. He is perfectly cast here as Fu Mingyu, the disciplined, logical vice president. While initially rigid and dismissive, he acts as a pragmatic businessman who swallows his pride to recruit top talent. This early highlight showcases real character depth. As an experienced, talented actor, he will surely anchor the romance with a mature, grounded feel, making his character's journey from skeptic to devoted partner feel earned.
Ruan Sixian stands out as a genuinely competent female lead. Instead of playing a clumsy rookie who relies on lucky breaks, Liu Xiening portrays her with a sharp, uncompromising dignity. Her drive to become a captain stems entirely from personal ambition. Rather than leaning into toxic boss-employee tropes, the script expertly pivots to mutual respect.
Pacing: The opening episodes feature zero filler. Every secondary character introduced—from rival pilots to board members—connects directly to the upcoming corporate restructuring or Ruan Sixian’s assessment challenges, keeping the story moving at a steady pace.
The cinematography skips the oversaturated, washed-out lighting that usually ruins low-budget romance dramas. Instead, the sleek airport lounges, uniform designs, and flight deck scenes are shot with clean lines and sharp, cinematic framing.
Soundtrack-wise, the series kicks off with the beautiful song "It's a Beautiful Life" by Aurora Sunshine and Tayler Buono. Every track features an emotional, atmospheric theme that perfectly fits the high-altitude workplace setting.
The mid-series shifts gears from the comedic, rocky beginnings of its characters to deliver a highly satisfying blend of professional triumph and mature romance. Refreshingly, the drama does not drop the aviation realism just to make room for romance.
Final concluding episode acts as emotional "comfort food," successfully resolving workplace friction with a heartwarming and happy ending.
Negatives:
The narrative seems to lose its momentum with a domestic stretch and an added "breakup" plot in the final stretch. The editing seems a bit messy in places leaving viewers confused. The subplot with the best friends love story felt like a filler.
Despite the flaws, the core vibe is still there.
It is a beautifully produced, feel-good journey that proves dreams can take flight even after a heavy storm. Also highlights that true love shouldn't require giving up your ambition, but should instead act as the wind beneath your wings. Highly recommended if you love strong female leads and workplace dynamics.
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