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Sex is not filmed in a gratuitous way. Some people were surprised by the sex in this film, but it plays an enormous role in the story. Consider: the stability of the kingdom right now depends on the production of an heir. Internal rebellions and attempts to assassinate the king, even ministers petition that he abdicate, are causing chaos. Everyone knows that the king is interested in men, not women. They know the head of his personal guard is the one warming his bed at night, and this is why there is no heir.
The Queen's most important duty is producing an heir. She can't do that because the king cannot fill his end of the bargain. But to protect his image, she blames herself publicly so he does not lose face. She must endure so much humiliation because of him.
Then, to add insult to injury, he sends his favorite lover to bed her! Why he thought this was a good idea, is anyone's guess. Still, the Queen for the first time experienced physical passion and the Guard, well, he realizes that maybe he has been ill used by the king. After all, he has groomed him since he was quite young, and maybe he is only sharing the king's bed because he feels he must, out of obligation. Out of respect and a different kind of love...but he has never questioned it until now....It's also kind of twisted how the king could even ask him to do this....he just wants the child she has to look like him which is kind of romantic but so...selfish.
What I liked:
How each time he came to her bed, he essentially worshiped her body. I don't know if he insta-fell in love with her or if he just didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, but he tried to make her feel good and focused on her needs which was really nice considering she didn't want to be there and neither did he (I guess that changed...)
Also....the feeling of watching him fall in love with her and thinking THIS IS NOT GOING TO END WELL....but not caring....So sad...It isn't like he can break up with the king and be with her...and how he tries to steal glimpses of her....*sigh*
What I Loved:
When the Queen took the initiative! She was taking back control of her body! Especially in a time when women had zero control in those matters!
What I found to be REALLY Strange:
The emperor sat outside and listened to them have sex. Why would you subject yourself to that?
Overall Opinion:
The acting was great. It's hard to make a film with this much sex not seem like it is being exploitative. It was filmed very beautifully. The emotions were captured well. It was very well done. The only other film that I have seen with this amount of sex in it that was also able to film sex without it being exploitative was Monster's Ball (an American Film) obviously a very different film but still very good.
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In a world full of Jenny's and WeiWei's be an An DuoDuo
This short but sweet show was a total ride! After watching a few years of Chinese dramas I became accustomed to seeing the typical FL silently accepting adversity, and allowing herself to be bullied because she's too "nice" to retaliate and stand up for herself. I understand cultural norms, but eventually the wilting flower FL becomes overdone and repetitive. This FL was absolutely not willing to let others push her around, threw some of her own punches, and didn't allow anyone to mistreat her without retaliation. It was an absolute breath of fresh air and I NEED more FL's like this in my life.An even better aspect was the ML. He adored her just as she was, no judgement. He even stood back and watched her with a smirk on his face while she was being a total badass. He was right there with her, helping her solve her problems and get her revenge, and enjoyed himself thoroughly through it all. He made no offhand comments or judgmental remarks about her decisions, and didn't try to change her strong sense of self. I also NEED more ML's like this in my life.
The over-wrought drama of the plot was a bit campy, but seemed intentionally so. The evil mistress-turned-wife and ex-almost-mother-in-law were worthy opponents for the FL, and their over the top antics added just the right amount of crazy to the plot. Even the FL's interactions with her ex-fiancée were extremely satisfying because of how decisive she was after his infidelity.
This drama was well worth the short amount of time it took to watch it. It's a quick binge to cleanse your palette of those flavorless boring FL's and controlling ML's.
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1A kingdom for a concubine's smile.
Adapted from Ma Boyong's novel of the same name, The Litchi Road is a biting satire of a besotted old man's folly; an emperor who squanders a kingdom for a concubine's smile. Set during the twilight years of Xuanzong's reign, it is about Yang Guifei's well known love for lychees. To mark her birthday, he orders fresh lychees ferried 2,500 miles from Lingnan to Chang’an—a fool’s errand, as the delicate fruit spoils within days, dooming the 5,000 li journey.Enter Li Shande, a humble Shanglin Bureau official, gifted in mathematics, poetry, and botany but too scrupulous and apolitical to climb the ruthless Tang bureaucracy. He’s the perfect patsy, duped into the role of “Litchi Envoy” for this impossible mission. Written with dark humor and irony, Li’s stoic resolve—“I wish to live”—resonates with powerless commoners who rally to his cause, aiding his experiments in preservation and test runs. They are aided by merchants who see a profit opportunity in an ancient cold chain logistics network that transports this prized fruit inland to Chang'an and beyond. Yet bureaucratic hurdles and corrupt officials thwart them at every turn. The narrative sharply critiques imperial excess and elite callousness while quietly celebrating the “ants”—individually inconsequential people whose collective efforts achieve the unthinkable.
Zheng Ping’an’s parallel espionage arc, clearly not Ma Boyong’s creation, feels extraneous, though Yue Yunpeng’s comedic flair—obsequious groveling masking seething resentment—adds humor and depth to Li Shande and Xiu’er’s characters. His grudging aid, driven by his affection for Xiu’er, is touching, but a sharper writer might have made his plot arc more relevant and ended his and Gouér's journey in a more fitting way. Lei Jiayin shines as Li Shande, a relatable and at times frustrating anti-hero; a well-intentioned person who makes promises he can't keep and whose forbearance is ultimately exhausted by the iniquity around him.
Fans of Longest Day in Chang’an will spot familiar faces in new roles, with similar aesthetics and themes as this story unfolds over a dozen years later. The emperor, still smitten with Yang Guifei, balances power between the Left and Right Chancellors. The prose sparkles with wit, weaving classical phrases, puns, and Li Bai’s poetry for layered meaning. Lingnan’s sun-drenched palette and tropical costumes showcase the vastness and diversity of Great Tang. While Longest Day is a higher budget and more polished production, Litchi Road is a more fun watch. The sharp social commentary and heavy profound moments are balanced by levity and memorable hilarious scenes—like the uproarious, very 1990s cockfight (no animals harmed) that had me in stitches.
The ensemble, villains included, earns applause. He Youguang, the petty tyrant, and his scheming secretary Zhao Xinmin deliver comic gold, their fowl play both hilarious and menacing. The evolution of the ancient cold chain, aided by foreign merchants’ spice-transport methods, fascinates, while diverse characters add exotic richness. Amita’s strory ends abruptly, likely due to actor Nashi’s controversy, which taints the drama’s reception. However she landed the role or got where she is today, Nashi's acting is solid; far better than many popular leading actresses. Her look is so stunning and exotic it is hard to imagine anyone else pulling off Amita with that kind of boldness and flair.
The finale takes an odd turn, flirting with supernatural elements before winking at its own fictionality—an acceptable, if imperfect, close. The recurring “bad things happen to good people” theme feels realistic but heavy, with two gratuitous deaths and undeserved outcomes (good and bad) for many. Still, many bad guys fall, the good guys score a small but significant victory, and and fresh litchis are enjoyed by the story's true beauty in a poignant reunion. Despite a strong start, it misses a 9.0 but earns an enthusiastic 8.5/10.0.
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This review may contain spoilers
Everything happens for a reason ! Watch carefully, and you will understand.
I never really understood why this drama received so much hate. Most of the criticism centered on the male lead being labeled a "red flag," the female lead chasing him after abandoning him years ago, and the story being called slow pace and boring. However, if you watch the drama with patience, you'll find that nearly every criticism is addressed as the story unfolds. The characters' actions are carefully explained, and their motivations become much more understandable.The male lead initially comes across as cold, dismissive, and emotionally distant toward the female lead. But honestly, who wouldn't be deeply hurt after being abandoned without a single explanation by the person they loved the most? On top of that, he also carries painful memories of how the female lead's family humiliated and mistreated his own family in the past. Those wounds never truly healed. He spent years trying to forget her and move on with his life. Even after they reunited, he didn't immediately accept her back. His hesitation wasn't because he had stopped loving her, it was because he knew exactly how difficult their relationship would be. More importantly, he wanted to protect her. If they were going to rebuild their relationship, she first had to be willing to face her controlling family and accept the consequences of choosing him. He refused to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Many viewers also describe the male lead as arrogant and self-centered because of the way he treats his fellow firefighters. In reality, his strict attitude is a product of his harsh upbringing and the dangerous profession he chose. He pushes his team hard because he knows that even the smallest mistake during a rescue operation can cost lives. His discipline isn't driven by pride but by responsibility. As the story progresses, his colleagues gradually come to understand that his harshness is simply his way of protecting them and ensuring everyone returns home safely.
The female lead also had strong reasons for leaving him years earlier. She was only a recent high school graduate with no power to stand against her controlling adoptive family. She believed leaving him was the only way to protect him from her manipulative and abusive adoptive mother. Choosing to continue her education instead of rebelling was probably the wisest decision someone her age could make. After all, despite her adoptive mother's cruelty, it was still her adoptive family that had raised and protected her since childhood, making her situation far more complicated than simply walking away.
Both leads also experience meaningful character development through their careers. The male lead gradually earns the respect and understanding of his team as they realize the true purpose behind his demanding leadership. Meanwhile, the female lead is initially viewed as an emotionless doctor who relies on her family's influence to advance her career. As the drama unfolds, the reasons behind these misconceptions are revealed, allowing her to grow into a more compassionate doctor who earns respect through her own abilities rather than her family background.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the drama is the female lead's family. Her stepbrother is genuinely unsettling. His obsession with his stepsister goes far beyond normal sibling affection, becoming possessive and unhealthy (WTH he love her stepsister, he has a sister complex. it's absolutely disgusting). Because their mother controlled every aspect of their lives, he became terrified of being abandoned and desperately wanted his stepsister to remain trapped beside him. His overprotectiveness stems from years of emotional manipulation, but that doesn't make his behavior any less disturbing.
The female lead's adoptive mother is the true source of almost every conflict in the story. She is incredibly controlling, stubborn, and manipulative. Whenever things don't go according to her wishes, she is willing to hurt anyone, including her own children to get what she wants. The only disappointing part of the drama is that even by the final episode, she never receives consequences that truly match the pain she caused. That lack of justice leaves a bittersweet feeling.
The supporting cast is another major strength. The interactions between the two leads and those around them feel natural and entertaining. Yang Yang's bromance with Wang Yan Lin is especially enjoyable to watch, particularly for viewers who previously loved seeing them together in You Are My Glory. The firefighters, doctors, and hospital staff all contribute meaningfully to the story, while the male lead's family, especially his cousin, adds plenty of warmth and humor throughout the series.
Visually, the drama is outstanding. The cinematography during the rescue missions is particularly impressive. Whether it's flood rescues, earthquake disasters, or large-scale emergency operations, every sequence is filmed with remarkable realism and intensity. These moments showcase not only the technical quality of the production but also the courage and sacrifice required in both professions.
The chemistry between Yang Yang and Wang Churan is also far better than many people give it credit for. Their romance isn't built on instant forgiveness or dramatic confessions. Instead, it slowly rebuilds from years of heartbreak, misunderstanding, and lingering affection. The pacing may feel slow for some viewers, but that's exactly what makes their emotional journey so rewarding. As they gradually learn to understand each other's pain, they rediscover the love they never truly lost. By the end, they finally choose to face the future together, supporting one another through every challenge instead of allowing fear and family pressure to tear them apart again.
This drama is not a flawless drama, and its deliberate pacing won't appeal to everyone. However, much of the criticism directed at its characters ignores the emotional context that the story carefully develops. If you're willing to look beyond first impressions and give the characters time to grow, you'll find a mature second-chance romance about healing old wounds, overcoming family trauma, accepting responsibility, and finding the courage to choose love despite overwhelming obstacles.
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1too many characters/couples and an unfinished finale (watch the 1 couple cut)
Overall: there were 9 actors listed as main roles and 14 listed as support roles, they needed to cut the characters by half and then focus on the fewer characters/couples. I took a full point off for that finale which was one of the worst finales I have ever seen in anything, they dropped several plot threads/had no resolution for several characters/couples. 8 episodes about 40 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI and MFlow Entertainment's YouTube Channel (not in the U.S.). Produced by MFlow Entertainment which also made Tin Tem Jai, Ai Long Nhai, Coffee Melody Second Chance and With Love.After airing they made a special cut of just the established couple which I'd suggest watching instead of the series https://www.iq.com/play/beyond-the-star-nnkh0lxm1c?lang=en_us Just wish they would have had a better ending for them than a pinky promise promising not to cheat...
What Suggestions if you watch the whole thing (prioritizing the established couple and intimate scenes)
episode 1 - 14 minutes established couple sniff kisses
episode 2 - 32 minutes established couple in a window seat having fun
episode 3 - 5 minutes established couple in a tub having fun
episode 4 - 4 minutes glasses & friend dream kissing, 22 minutes established couple flirting & 33 minutes shopping
episode 5 - 16 minutes established couple on a couch having fun, 33 minutes established couple brief kisses
episode 6 - 36 minutes foot injured couple confession, sniff kiss and bed scene
episode 7 - 24 minutes (NSFW with foot injured couple) to 33 minutes and just pretend that's the end (episode 8 does have a meh NSFW scene with that guy wearing glasses 31-37 minutes)
Content Warnings: non con video recording/sharing, slap, manhandling, attempted suicide
What I Liked
- an established couple, they had some nice kisses/scenes
- cafe worker's dimples (though not sure why he lied about his part time job when the other character specifically said he didn't have to lie about it???)
- some decently done NSFW scenes (the established couple)
- (neutral) there were a few comedy sound effects, they weren't overwhelming
Room For Improvement
- there were a ton of characters introduced in episode 1 and I didn't care about any of them, I did eventually figure most of them out but then characters would vanish for an episode or more
- nonsense writing, a character said that they were waiting for another character to practice when we clearly saw them all practicing...
- slow pacing, I watched at 3x speed, didn't care about the rival company stuff or dance practices
- slap was not needed and not funny
- kind of hinted at a love triangle was annoying
- that final episode was absolutely terrible, barely anything was resolved, they also threw in a very serious thing in episode 8 with no discussion of counseling/medication/help
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This review may contain spoilers
Slow Start, Good Finish
I always loved QL's shows and she doesn't disappoint yet again! (Her little reactions/expressions are so on point)Not gon deny this show started off really slow, and a little boring but it eventually gets to you. Three good friends with totally different lifestyles but yet being tight as a group absolutely resonates. ML and FL (Wang Yang + Qinlan)'s arc started off primarily in office (although they did have a history as teens) but once they realised their affection for each other was always there, they got so direct with their love, it became really comfortable to watch. They supported each other in their own ways and bantered as adults (unlike other shows with push-and-pull between leads lol). Super clear and clean.
SML and SFL (Liu Yun's arc) was the most difficult to watch until she saw through her cheating husband's disgusting behaviour and never looked back. The story showed how she could be submissive for her husband because of how much she loved him, only for him to treat her reliance as weakness. She could be a total hopeless romantic but once she saw his true colours, she cut all ties almost immediately and that was really strong.
The other SML and SFL (Alina Zhang's arc) was really, really healthy. Both husband and wife loves each other deeply and never got affected by their surrounding and environment, regardless of who tried to step in. They did have a small conflict in between but it was quickly resolved.
Overall all three arcs showed the different kinds of romance there are - hopeless, healthy, growing, while not neglecting the office politics side of things. I'd say it balanced out really well, and it really gets you following as the story progresses. Now all you'd need is just to sit through the first two eps, and... you may eventually like it as well.
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meh
ok! i watched the cdrama og ver of this and i enjoyed how the lines between brother vs not were clear… cuz lowk that was incest LOL. and also enjoyed how there wasn’t a love triangle cuz that’s so yucky. additionally rly rly loved dal in this one. plus the couple was soo cutie. except why was he so dumb and i wish he liked her more throughout and we could see that. main couple was cute ish, good looking. not a lot of character tho!!! like erm idk what their personalities are like… also the dad liking the runaway mom girl was weird for me cuz huhhh how did he like someone so fast. ya this was jsut ok for me pretty cliche and not rly anything new.Was this review helpful to you?
First of all, the story. Plot was quite simple, and the execution was decent. The first half was – at least for me – a little bit draggy. The second one on the other hand was really exciting. It keeps you on the edge and makes you feel anxious. Nevertheless, I think ending could be better – it left me just really frustrated.
If it comes to music and directing - those two aspects are the strong points of “Time to Hunt”. Soundtrack suits this movie perfectly. Directing is great and very artistic. In general, cinematography is extremely well made – the dystopian city is impressive and the colors! Amazing!
The acting was great, especially Park Hae Soo. He didn’t even talk much but still made the biggest impression on me. Pure gold!
Overall, it’s an okay movie. Not a masterpiece but still a really nice and thrilling watch for a night with friends or a can of beer.
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Everybody lies.
This psychological suspense thriller featuring a female hardcore detective starts out well. Ran Dongdong investigates the death of Xia Bingqing, a young woman with secrets. To figure out what happened to her, Dongdong has to piece together who Bingqing was and why someone wanted her dead. As the list of suspects in this complicated murder case grows, it is clear that everybody lies whether they are doing it consciously or not. The way Dongdong nails down inconsistencies in the various testimonies by unreliable narrators and incisively teases out the truth is riveting.Work and life collide for Dongdong when it is discovered that her husband Mu Dafu crossed paths with the victim and he had twice rented a hotel room at the likely scene of the crime. She explores the complexity of love, marriage, and fidelity in both the work and personal arena and the lines start to blur. She begins to interrogate him like a suspect. In fact, he gets the worst of it because there are no professional restraints at home. Not that he is a paragon of virtue, far from it!! He was always a bit of a narcissist humanities professor that openly indulges in deeply intimate, highly flirtatious but ostensibly intellectual discussions with professional peers and students. She was fine with it until inexplicably, she is not. Likely because they fell out of the idealistic love phase of their relationship or maybe because he stopped telling her about these women that fall for him.
I did not expect to see this suspense plot devolve so deeply into a dark exploration of marriage between a dislikable and messed-up toxic couple. Both Song Jia and Wang Yang deliver mesmeric performances as flawed, complex, egotistical, and ultimately selfish characters. I did not like either of them. In fact, there are no heroes in this story. Other than the poor kid, pretty much everyone is a terrible person. Even the victim is too much of an architect of their own fate and is not empathetic. Neither of the two parallel plotlines is satisfactorily resolved. The whodunit mystery ends up being a howdunit procedural with too many plotholes and a weak, trite, cop-out motive for the murderer. The way the relationship is resolved also leaves unanswered questions although there is closure in the sense that Ran Dongdong and Mu Dafu really deserve each other. May they live tortuously ever after.
I enjoyed this drama up until episode 10 after which it turns into something I had no interest in watching. I can see how it may hold some appeal to people who like difficult relationship stories. My rating of 6.5 is for the very mediocre suspense plot, which is what I came to watch.
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Story 10
You can read the Synophis :), I'm just a sucker at unreachable love stories and this is one of them.
Acting/Cast 10
I found the cast very suiting and especially So Ji Sub and Yoon Kye Sang stood out the most. Everyone's favourite is I'm sorry I love you with So Ji Sub but mine is Road Number One, his acting was superb fear, laughter, love, joy, cold, warm, friendly, hostile even insane and crazy he had too act all of these emotions in this drama and he did it in perfection!
Music 10
The music in the drama is touching when it needs to, gripping when it needs to, romantic when it needs to and so much more. The soundtrack of this drama shows its a 5 star drama, I occasionally rewatch parts of the drama back from time to time just to listen to the soundtrack (because part of the soundtrack is untraceable at youtube :()
Rewatch Value 6
I wouldn't re watch the whole drama again just because of the fact that its too gripping and emotional. People die or loose parts of their body's. I would re watching it with someone else so I wouldn't look weak because I cried like a baby the first time :)
Overall 10
Really watch this drama if you're like a good love story, or a drama about brotherhood, the cruelness of a war that never ended in Korea. This drama really shows why should never have wars and it was stated as one of the most warm wars before the cold war.
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This review may contain spoilers
A lot of wisdom, interesting characters
I joined kisskh so that I could write this review. I have been watching KDramas on Netflix for a few years now and love so many of them. I thought I was going to love this one, too, but I felt really exasperated with how this one ended and I'm not sure I would ever want to watch it again (I've watched Chocolate twice, and there are many others I would definitely watch again). I liked the whole idea of the Liberation Club, and loved it when it gained a new member, and I feel like a lot more could have been written for the club characters interacting with each other, and about the two who were not main characters - I would have liked to know more about them. Although I liked Mi-Jung in the beginning, I liked her less and less as the show went on. The glum look on her face most of the time was maybe interesting at first, but it became really annoying after a while, and I also I think she was really stupid to think that Mr. Gu was an okay person who might ever be rehabilitated. I liked him, too, at first, but really disliked him by the end. What surprised me the most is that the two characters I disliked the most initially, Chang-He and Ki-Jung, became my favorite ones, especially Chang-He. I loved the weird accident at the end where he ends up in the wrong/right place. I love how sincerely sweet Ki-Jung turned out to be. There is a lot of wisdom in this drama - a lot to learn about relationships and feelings and interactions between people - and some funny moments along the way, where I laughed out loud. I don't know, maybe I could watch it again some day in the far future. It is worth watching at least once.Was this review helpful to you?
1. Netflix production = Quality television
2. Kim Eun-hee (Signal writer) = Quality writing
I’ve been out of the kdrama scene for… personal reasons, for a year and a half now and this drama was announced all the way back when my life was heavily drama-driven. Imagine my excitement when my beloved Netflix actually released this.
Long story short, Kingdom = Zombies in Joseon era. And… lemme stop you there. Zombies is in no way a new concept. In fact we’ve been living in the decade of zombie and post-apocalyptic future TV craze with most shows ending up being a shadow of themselves in later seasons. What’s more zombies have been done by Koreans too, in infamous movies and… mediocre – at best – dramas. However, Kingdom was all but done before. As a fan of post-apocalyptic TV shows and zombies themselves, this drama felt like a complete breath of fresh air. Not only was it a post-apocalyptic historical drama but also it felt exceptionally original.
So what made this – in just 6 episodes – so good?
- Incorporation of classic kdrama troops in an original form.
You got your average, classic historical drama backstory: political conspiracies, throne successors, political struggles to stay in power, corrupted nobles, evil queens ect, implicated with an overall story of a peculiar disease that “make the dead rise and seek for human blood and flesh”.
Which brings me forward to the second original factor:
- Actual explanation of how this shit came to exist
Zombie apocalypse is classic in 2019, we love it, we do. Name a show that actually took the time to explain how this shit happened. Nope! No writer actually went out of his way to try and explain how this happened. It always gets overlooked. But all hail writing Queen Kim Eun-Hee because this bitch gave us a reason. It is nothing groundbreaking and there is no need for it to be, but it is there and it makes as much sense as it needs to please the viewer. This is what i call brave writing, and i commend her on this.
- Plotwists and creativeness
Imma not spoil anything, I’ll just say: episode 6! This was an 8.5 until the last 10 minutes of the season finale. Kim Eun-Hee took an already existing idea and made it hers. Super mini spoiler-alert – zombies run now and that’s not the only new thing about this. At first the zombie classic lore changes felt foreign but there is nothing wrong with experimenting when it actually works!
- *tear* NO ROMANCE
Lemme hear you say YAAAAAAAS and a HALLELUJAH! I’ve been out of the kdrama world for a while now, but from my experience there is no non-OCN drama that won’t shove a romance down our beautiful throats and sorry but I like other things shoved down there (I mean food you freaking pervert!)
- Pacing and Cinematography
Kim Eun-Hee and Netflix makes a good combo cause, bitch that went by FAST and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen! Ok that was a stretch but appreciate my enthusiasm. I could easily call the cinematography the best thing about this. Hell each episode cost 1.78 million $ so yes. Netflix went all in, and considering this was renewed in a week, it paid back. The pacing is fast and it makes sense and it introduces new stuff and it has your something new and your something old and honestly, it’s great!
The only reason this doesn’t get anything more from me is because I’d have liked to see more of the characters backstories. Don’t get me wrong, they are well fleshed and super SUPER likeable. But there is somuch content you can add in just 6 episodes and I just missed that. Thankfully the show got renewed, and we got a tiny glimpse of their stories, which felt more like teasing to be honest, so here’s to looking forward to something in the next season.
Last but not least, I enjoyed the splashed comic relief In the episodes. It was there, it felt good, it was small but impactful and did not ridicule any of what was happening. Good writing again Kim Eun-Hee. All hail ect ect….
As far as acting is concerned, lemme be my usual sour self and say: I read that Song Joong Ki was cornered for the lead role but he declined. You know what guys? Some dramas are destined for greatness and… ALL HAIL THE DRAMA GODS FOR LETTING THIS DRAMA BE GREAT!
Phew, it felt good saying that – no offence to his fangirls but I’d like to take my dramas with as little boy-fanservice as possible.
That being said, I think I’ve never seen Ju Ji-hoon before. He was a noble hero, maybe a bit too cliché but it was necessary for the show to continue. I liked him a lot as the lead. And would love to see more of him
Bae Doona. Netflix likes Bae Doona and why wouldn’t they. She rocks, she’s the best *incert fanboying comment here*. I would have liked her to be a little bit more badass, but there was enough badassery here brought by other characters so it’s alright. Let’s make Doona a global star now Netflix ok?
Kim Sung Kyu. Do I know him? I certainly don’t remember him, but boy was he badass? Every character fulfill a purpose and made a flawless zombie-killing squad. The-walking-dead who?
Which brings me to the my fan favourite Kim Sang Ho. We have seen him in tons of dramas. Usually he’s the comic relief right? Correct me if I’m wrong, but he was amazing here, part of the main cast for me. He was the glue that made it work.
Overall, don’t be whiny bitches. This is 6 episodes long, of course it is worth it. Dive in already you won’t stop watching. Can’t wait for the 2nd season.
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THE STORY OF A BOY NAMED OU YANG AND A GIRL NAMED LIN MEIYA ..A MUST WATCH ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FOREWORD:This is the longest Review I have ever written,So bare with me.It was a long drama,with a rich story and complex characters so I will spend time sharing my experience I had with them,In the hope that someone would watch and enjoy it as I did.
I finished this drama a few days ago, but I couldn't bring myself to review it right away. It felt like returning from a long flight around the world or like an astronaut trying to feel the ground again after landing on Earth. That’s what watching 65 episodes of a journey like this feels like.I was emotional,I had lived with the characters for days and It is taking me awhile to let them go.To this moment,I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon this six-year-old drama, but it found me. And once I saw the episode count, I sighed and asked myself, “What could they possibly be talking about for 65 episodes?”
Curious, I dug into other reviews. Most were positive, though many were upset about a particular late-stage twist. But maybe that’s part of the magic discovering a drama that quietly sailed past your radar for years, and watching it knowing where the bumps and curves are. What pulled me in further was the cast almost entirely unfamiliar to me, except for Zhang Tao (Chen Zhe), who I'd seen in Nothing But You and Love The Way You Are. I went in with no expectations, just the strength of long-standing positive comments that had persisted across the years.
THE STORY
The setup is familiar: boy meets girl abroad.
But here, instead of meeting on the plane, they first collide literally on the streets of Paris. Ou Yang is running from his father's men, dodging responsibility and expectations, when he tumbles over Lin Mei Ya, who’s working at a small patisserie. Their official meeting happens later when they’re seated together on a flight back to China, thanks to an upgrade by Mei Ya’s wealthy best friend.Almost sounding like "Fake It Till You Make It"? Unlike the FL In FITYMK,who prefered silence, Lin MeiYa who is tipsy on champagne and probably happy for the upgrade, leaves a chaotic impression and the accidental suitcase switch becomes the spark that binds their paths.
Back in China, the story branches out into a mix of family business drama, class tension, and deep emotional arcs. But it’s all done with a grounded charm. The rich and middle-class circles are intertwined not with melodramatic force, but with a believable closeness and unexpected share of a "historical" neighborhood that will be the center of action throughout the show.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS
OUYANG (Male Lead – Sun Shaolong)
Ou Yang is not perfect, but that's exactly why you will love him, a big boy with a kind heart and an electrifying smile.He is fears, love and hate, make me want to get to know him, to get closer to him, he needs grow up, and he's always growing up. I would feel sorry for him, even pity him, for what he has gone through,but you just have to walk that path with him.
Ou Yang is like most young people with dreams, for love and family he wants to break free to realize freedom, wants to escape the dramatic sense of destiny, in the face of inner pain and struggle, he can only be brave to face. He loves deeply, directly and bravely, but in the face of the cruel reality he needs to make a choice, he has to bear, carry, this is the price of growth.At a times you want to reach into the screen and give him a hug..and say "OUYANG you are doing the best you can"
Ou Yang is a man unafraid of love, vulnerability, or emotional risk. He doesn’t hesitate to open his heart, nor does he hide his need for connection.
When he flies Lin Mei Ya across two continents under the guise of "work," it's not just about business, it’s about having someone in his corner, both literally and emotionally.In the solitude of the kickboxing ring ,a passion he keeps hidden from his controlling father, he finally allows himself to be seen. And Lin Mei Ya, with her quiet strength and unwavering support, cheers him on effortlessly.
In that moment, he’s not the heir, not the businessman, just a man who needs someone to believe in him. And she does.
Much of the controversy among viewers surrounds a major twist in the story, and while some felt betrayed by it, I found it painfully human. It raises a haunting question: What would you do if you discovered that the person you love is suddenly out of reach not by distance, but by a truth that makes it impossible to be with them?
The drama doesn’t shy away from this. Instead, it explores it through silence, moral struggle, and emotional collapse. Ouyang becomes a character you don’t just watch, you empathize with. His journey hurt, but it also healed something.
LIN MEIYA (Female Lead- Chai Bi Yun)
Lin Mei Ya is not your typical heroine. She doesn’t come from wealth or privilege, nor is she running from a gilded cage like Ouyang. Instead, she arrives in Paris chasing a second chance at life a quiet pursuit born from a history of rejection and resilience.
Born with a birth defect and abandoned by her biological family, Mei Ya is a survivor. She is the product of love not the convenient kind, but the selfless, healing love of an adoptive father who nursed her back to life. That strength carries her into adulthood, and it defines every step of her journey in To Be With You.
When she returns to China, she believes she’s about to step into her dream life, marrying the man she loves and finally settling down. But life has other plans. Betrayed and heartbroken, she finds herself in emotional chaos. It’s in this fragile moment that she crosses paths with OUYANG once again, not as strangers, but as two people standing at a crossroads. What follows over the next episodes is not just a love story, it’s a testament to her unshakable spirit.
Mei Ya doesn’t play the victim. She turns pain into power, faces adversaries like the fierce Li Weiwei (pre-redemption), and refuses to be bullied or broken.
Her dynamic with Ou Yang begins with friction fueled by their suitcase mishap and clashing personalities but soon evolves into a deep friendship and, eventually, a rare and unbreakable bond. She is good for him, he is good for her, and together, they heal and grow.
What made me truly love Lin Mei Ya was the depth and unwavering strength of her love for Ou Yang. Even when they were faced with an unspeakable twist,she refused to believe he had walked away without a reason. Her faith in him never wavered. She told everyone with determination, "I will go find Ou Yang, and he will tell me the truth." And when that truth finally came to light, painful, raw, and heartbreaking, she didn’t run. Instead, she stood beside him, on that rooftop, with all his brokenness laid bare, and said, "I knew you wouldn't break up with me for no reason."
That moment wrecked me. It wasn’t dramatic or loud, it was tender, resolute, and full of grace. Lin Mei Ya didn’t just love Ou Yang; she believed in him when it mattered most. And that made all the difference.
LI DONG (2nd ML) -Wan Si Wei
Li Dong is a beautifully crafted character who quietly stole our hearts,and by the end of the show we affectionately nicknamed him "Uncle Li."
His character radiates a deep emotional warmth, marked by unwavering loyalty, quiet strength, and a rare kind of gentleness.
Li Dong’s love for Lin MEIYA is patient, selfless, and deeply sincere, he supports her not with grand declarations, but through steady presence and silent sacrifice.
Even in moments of pain or rejection, he remains kind and composed, always choosing to protect rather than pressure. His emotional maturity and ability to love without demanding anything in return set him apart as a truly remarkable character.
What made Uncle Li our favorite wasn’t his romantic storyline, but his moral integrity and calm wisdom. He embodies a kind of manhood that values inner peace over pride, understanding over ego. Li Dong feels authentic and profoundly human.
In a drama with that heavy emotional twists and complex relationships, Li Dong stood out as a grounding force, someone who shows that love, when rooted in patience and respect, can be one of the most powerful and beautiful forces of all.
Did I mention he was the reason Ou Yang’s father had so many sleepless nights? He was the quiet force behind the scenes, Ou Yang’s unspoken manager and the owner of the gym where Ouyang often hid while chasing his mischievous ambitions. More than that, he was his best friend.
"Uncle Li" the name pinned by Lin Meiya back when she was just a student, working at the restaurant across from his,was deeply connected to both of them in one way or the other.But watching the woman he loves fall for his best friend must have been painful, but Li Dong is different.
LI WEIWEI (2nd FL/Li Dong's sister)- Shen TaoRen
Li Weiwei,is one of the most beautifully developed characters in modern Chinese television.
At first, she fits the mold of the typical bubbly, slightly annoying side character chasing after Ouyang despite his constant big-brother attitude toward her and being the sister of the ever-composed Li Dong.But everything changes after a pivotal event that becomes a turning point in her life. From that moment, Weiwei undergoes an extraordinary transformation, channeling her energy, loyalty, and razor-sharp comedic wit into protecting the female lead, Li Meiya, with an intensity that’s both heartwarming and hilariously entertaining.
What makes Weiwei so beloved is how she balances her fierce sense of justice with a wildly entertaining personality. She refuses to let anyone hurt Li Meiya or come between her and Ou Yang, becoming her self-appointed bodyguard, truth-teller, and cheerleader all in one. Her methods are often over-the-top and laugh-out-loud funny, but they’re always driven by genuine care and courage.
She becomes the heart of the story, a symbol of loyalty, growth, and redemption. Her journey from lovesick girl to fearless protector is one of the most satisfying and beautiful arcs you’ll ever see in a drama.
CHEN ZHE – The Villain (Zhang Tao)
Chen Zhe is the kind of antagonist that leaves a lasting impression, not because he’s flamboyantly evil, but because he’s calculated, cold, and quietly manipulative.
As a high-level player in the business and emotional entanglements of the drama, Chen Zhe operates with a polished facade that masks his dark ambition. What makes him dangerous isn’t just his actions, but how convincingly he blends into the lives of those around him, earning trust while plotting betrayal. He’s not loud, but he’s ruthless, someone who values power above loyalty, and control above love.
His villainy is rooted in deep insecurities and a thirst for recognition, which pushes him to cross unforgivable lines. Whether it’s using people as pawns or destroying lives for personal gain, Chen Zhe doesn't hesitate. Yet despite his efforts to manipulate outcomes and maintain power, his end is both fitting and sobering. Eventually, his crimes and schemes catch up with him, and he faces legal consequences, symbolic of how even the most carefully masked villains can’t outrun justice forever. His downfall is not just about punishment, but a moral closure.
OTHER IMPORTANT CHARACTERS TO NOTE:
XU SIYU: FL's best friend.She is a life lesson,she serves laughter and tears on the same plater.
JIANG YI LONG: ML's right hand man,bodyguard,hunter,ride or die,training partner,Jiang Yi Long has only one job; OU YANG
OU RUI: OU YANG's infamous sister,the center of gravity in Chen Zhe's web of deceit and his demise
Conclusion
To Be With You is one of those rare gems that quietly sneaks up on you and leaves a permanent mark. With its deeply emotional storytelling, rich character development, and refreshingly mature romance, it delivers far more than one might expect from a 65-episode drama. The writing is a solid 10/10, grounded, layered, and emotionally intelligent, with dialogue that feels natural and real. The casting is flawless. Every actor, even those previously unknown to me, embodied their roles so convincingly that they became unforgettable, especially the leads, whose chemistry was magnetic in the most subtle, soul-deep way.
While the music wasn't its strongest suit, it hardly mattered. The drama moved at such a gripping pace, packed with emotional intensity, action, and layered plotlines, that there was hardly space for a ballad to linger. And yet, the romance between Lin Mei Ya and Ou Yang didn’t need a sweeping soundtrack or physical intensity to be felt. They spoke with their eyes, touched with meaning, and held each other’s hearts in a way that made every hug, hand-hold, and lingering glance feel more intimate than a kiss. Their love was quiet but profound, deeper than the ocean.
The production value was another standout. Shot across three countries, the drama brought an unexpected cultural richness and cinematic beauty that’s rare in C-dramaland. From bustling streets to elegant foreign backdrops, the setting became a character of its own.
If there’s one point of contention among viewers, it’s the major twist that caused a temporary separation of the leads, but even that, in hindsight, added emotional depth and realism to their love story. For me, it wasn’t a flaw, it was a test they passed with grace.
In the end, To Be With You isn’t just a drama, it’s a journey. One of love, loss, resilience, and redemption. A complete, heartfelt experience that I’ll remember for a long time.
Someone said that this drama is a combination of all the good things that you wish can happen in K-drama and C-drama,and I completely agree.
If you reached the end of this long long review..check out the TT edit video Input together for all the important moments between Ou Yang and Lin Meiya:
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkeqP4qL/
PS:Thank you YouTube Community from the MZTV Channel for all the beautiful comments,laughter and tears..You made it fun and ease to watch a very long journey to the East.
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The beginning started of sooo beautifully it was just unbelievable with the dream-like setting. It portrayed the beauty of the Netherlands sooo well, it was just wonderful to see all that nature scenes. And I'm not just saying that because it's my birth country no, I really mean it!
The actors were too good, every one of them played their characters sooo well!!! I fell in love with both the male leads! I couldn't choose who I liked more: Lee Sung Jae who played the role of officer Jeong Woo, or Jung Woo Sung who played the role of assassin Park Yi! and of course i can't forget Jun Ji Hyun, who played the female lead Hye Young. She was just wonderful, she was able to portray the sadness and pain so well. None of the actors exaggerated their characters. It was just perfect!
I totally love the music used in the movie, maybe that's because they used classical/ballads. It was totally in synch with the plot of the movie. I think because of that I ended up enjoying it even more xD
Daisy is now on my list of all time favourite movies
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