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pretty enjoyable and entertaining show???
tbh i read some of the reviews on here before watching the show so my expectations were below 0 when i started it ... but it was surprising how many of these reviews don't meet with the series i've watched??ofc there are some tropes which are not that enjoyable (miscommunication mostly! some annoying characters —phoon 💀— and stupid misconceptions) but overall the shows pretty entertaining and enjoyable?? it's not a difficult plot to follow, the characters haven't gone through hell (lol) but got their own backstories and own problems they've got to deal with.
the acting was not the best but it was okay for me, the chemistry between the leads seem to be better pre-relationship than after they get together?? or maybe it's because i usually like the pining more ?? LMAO
the ost is cool, the script is light and easy to follow, the characters are cute and lovable (most of them!!), there are some nonsensical scenes but mostly it's pretty okay :D
btw this is the first part of the star and sky series (i was losing my mind to find which one was first)
if you're looking for a light-hearted show, with a hs-uni theme, hard pining, light angst, and happy ending, this is perfect :)
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It Gives You Depression
I waited for this drama because both the male leads are in my top ten favorite actors. This drama is so slow that the little happiness you get it not worth it. After the 5th episode I began to hate this drama. I felt like the abuse wife that wont leave her situation because she is afraid to leave the abuser. There is more crying and deceiving in this drama then I ever have seen. It is so depressing until the bitter end that it was better to see the evening news then watch this. Our life has it's own misery every day and I don't want to watch it on T.V. I felt that I was in "Edger Allen Poe" poem "The Raven"Was this review helpful to you?
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I WAS SO SHOCKED.
First, I would like to apologize, I have not read the manga yet. But I love this movie, I was thinking not to read the manga already because it already reach my expectations for movie. I would not like to compare with the manga. It was so intense and mind blowing. It was super B. I already read some comments that it has other parts of the manga so I am looking forward to it. It was Mobious Arc. So definitely looking forward to other stories of it. The hype live up its record,.you won't regrets watchingit. Kudos.Was this review helpful to you?
1A kitchen sink full of tropes but so fun to watch!
My Romance From Far Away was cheesy and cliched but I so enjoyed it! With a good-looking cast, lots of witty and lowbrow humor and physical comedy, as well as themes focused on life teaching and character growth, this show gave us endearing scenes that made me laugh and feel good. There were also moments that made me want to slap the characters but problems were quickly resolved. After one annoying episode, a heartwarming one would follow. Plus we get the most satisfying ending ever!With all episodes now fully subbed in English, it is an easy and bingeable show.
The plot was nothing new - high society girl found herself in a traditional northern Thai village and ended up falling in love with the ML while experiencing some humbling personal growth. The ML also went through character growth as he overcame his feelings of insecurity about differences in status and wealth. In between, the side characters had their own enlightening experiences.
I appreciate how the show highlighted the northern Thai traditions, food and dialect. I also like that the show made fun of itself and its genre like the ML ’s father comparing him to the male leads in the old lakorns. Strong, stubborn and silent, Khunkhao, the ML often frustrated the viewers because he was slow to acknowledge and reluctant to vocalize his attraction and eventual love for the FL. The most irritating parts were when he was so naively dumb falling for the schemes of his so called ex. Just like in the old dramas LOL!
Still, Khunkhao’s actions were definitely louder than his words and ultimately just like other lakorns, we would forgive the ML for causing pain to the FL and we would cheer him on. Puen portrayed Khunkhao well except his stony gazes at times came across as being blank stares. He is just so adorable though when he smiles and I have been a fan since I watched him in Likit Haeng Jan.
Bua played our clumsy, cute, and plucky FL, Thofah. Even though I was at times annoyed at Fah’s inconsistent behavior; mostly brave and confident but also often became the whiny damsel in distress, I still rooted for her all the way because she was just so optimistic and determined. Bua looked amazing in all her outfits. In fact, a shout out to the stylist for this show since the clothes (modern and traditional) were lovely. I am not too sure about Bua’s acting. She did pull off the transition of Fah well; from the spoilt “money can solve everything” character who was used to getting her way to a more self-aware, humble and sympathetic one. However, there was something off about her expressions that sometimes made me think that her make up was overdone.
Together, Khunkhao and Fah made the romance come alive so enjoyably that it kept me coming back for the next episodes. Apart from our main couple, there were a 2nd couple and a potential 3rd couple. The relationships may have developed differently for these other couples, but their path to being together was also a fun watch. The supporting cast, especially Khunkhao’s parents, and his wingmen In and Jan also deserved credit for adding flavor to the story. Khunkhao’s father, Uncle Taeng has got to be one of everyone’s favorite characters since he was so wise, kind and patient, and was singularly responsible for making our leads reflect and progress.
The soundtrack list was short but memorable, and by that, I mean the songs were effective in evoking memories of the scenes for me. I like the opening song, and it reflected the lighthearted and fun tone throughout the show. For posterity, I included the song list at the end of this review.
Overall, I do recommend that you try out this show. Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, adding this series to your watch list might do the trick!
Songs featured:
รักได้รึเปล่า Ost.อ้อมฟ้าโอบดิน | ว่าน ธนกฤต - Wan Thanakrit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0-4LckhXM
https://open.spotify.com/track/6tyYaFbNh5HeA6Xl3EryZr
เหตุผลที่ยังหายใจ (Still) - Tan Liptapallop x Tookta Jamaporn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxsk2yckAfY
https://open.spotify.com/track/22uJiJNMY6rJSaeRTbQi0o?si=Xy-1qXWGStu7ikPv2hmMHQ
คำตอบของทุกอย่าง - No One Else
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxx-6vEGTHM
https://open.spotify.com/track/1SmNutlpKCFi2qEspdk5EJ
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The Most Underrated Drama
This drama will forever have a special place in my heart. Not only is it a joy to watch, but it contributes to a special moment in my life for my father and I’s relationship.When I first put this masterpiece on, it was like love at first sight; from the beautiful places in Taiwan, the emotional story of a one of a kind soul, and the endless life lessons and quotes that truly hit the heart so hard you rethink your entire life.
For any of us that are on this site, it’s probably because we love the dramatic plots, crazy twists, emotional roller coasters, and the unrealistic, yet beautiful love stories Asian dramas have to offer. Those kinds of dramas are always what we look for, but this drama is what we all need, but didn’t know we did. It’s an emotional, beautiful, heartfelt, and more realistic twist on an average drama that just somehow makes it that amazing. We still get the romance, the drama, the mystery, the twists, and the beautiful story, but it’s presented in a way that I’ve yet to see in a drama; a way that grasps your heart so hard it’s not easy to let go.
Plot:
The plot is a story about an insanely kind father’s death leaving behind 2 beautiful daughters with the mysteries of his life. We’re then taken on a beautiful train ride through the beautiful places in Taiwan experiencing the beauty, the people, the traditions, and the legacy left by the star of the story. We also get a look at his daughter’s growth and discoveries not only about their father, but themselves as well, along with the support of their lovers.
Cinematography:
The feel-good, calming, and emotional visuals truly made this story even more enjoyable to watch. It was never boring.
Why it’s so important to me?
My father and I don’t get to spend a lot of time together, but while I was just starting it, my dad came and sat in the living room. Keep in mind, he doesn’t ever watch with me, but this one made him put his phone down and watch and ask questions. The emotions on his face said it all, he really liked it and was feeling the emotions presented just as much as I did. I glanced back and forth at my dad and the tv and I remember tearing up and thinking, “I’m so lucky to have my father by my side always there for me”. I know a loving father isn’t something everyone has, but this drama truly made me realize the value of his presence in my life as well as give us the opportunity to spend time watching this beautiful story together.
This may sound cheesy, but I truly cannot express how therapeutic this drama is to watch. It’s definitely a slow-burn drama, but never boring. When you’re really in your feels, this is the best one to watch for sure!! I’ve never liked a Taiwanese drama, but this truly captured my heart.
Thanks for reading :)
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This review may contain spoilers
I really enjoyed this Thai Drama, though I may be biased because the ML is so darn good looking ;-) It was cute & fluffy and filled with adorable moments and great side characters that though we didn't get to dive deeply into them as characters, they were still somehow memorable and great support for the lead cast. (honestly, shows with super complicated side character plots kind of annoy me in Thai dramas anyway because they are rarely well done/interesting enough for me not to want to just skip through. Personal Opinion.)
I (opposite of others, it seems) actually was not that convinced by the acting of the main antagonist, the evil step sister, so her role and how important it was to the plot/story was probably one of the only issues I had with this show. It felt off to me.
One other minor "issue" I had with the show was in a scene we see people deceive the FL to "test her feelings" which really hurt her, enough to call a BFF and cry. I felt this whole scene was played off way too easily and the ML should have really had to pay for this mistake and rethink what he was doing/how he made her feel by doing that. I think her insta-forgiveness (literally) was unbelievable and ticked me off as a woman/viewer. That kind of emotional manipulation is not OK and it could have been handled better in the show.
BUT, other than the two minor issues above, this show is lovely and I would DEF re-watch! I LOVE the cast and I LOVE the REAL kisses and REALISTIC emotions from the ML & FL. Adorable.
OH & an FYI. I started to watch this show with Eng Subs on a random website, but noticed in the first few minutes that the subs seemed "off". I found the show on YouTube and the subs there were GREAT, so I definitely suggest watching on YouTube for the better subbing experience :)
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In this version, there are three princes that make appearances. Crown Prince, 4th Prince and 14th Prince. The Crown Prince is seen as the villian for most of the movie and is determined to capture and kill Rue Xi for some reason, though I never could understand just what the motive was there. 4th Prince is a mash up of the 4th and 8th Princes in the original. Rue Xi is living with him, but again, this is never explained why, as there was no sister in this version. She was basically just living there, as a princess, though they were not married or related. Made no sense. 14th Prince is another mashup, this time of 13th and 14th Princes. He's the playmate and drinking buddy.
So, story wise, thoufh it does not follow the actual story like it claims, and though some of the reasoning and motives of certains aspects were not explained or did not make much sense, it was still pretty good on its own. However, because of the whole adaption thing and being that I am a fan of Scarlet Heart, I could not ignore the differences. Plus, there is a plot twist near the end that totally made me go WTF.
In conclusion, if you are looking for another version of Scarlet Heart because you love the story, you will be very disappointed with this version. On the other hand, if you have not seen Scarlet Heart and don't know the original story, you will probably be able to enjoy it.
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Finding clarity in the smokey shadows of adult life
The storyline centered around two former co-workers in their forties who left their corporate jobs and unexpectedly reconnected, leading to their bittersweet and mature love story. The drama explored the themes of personal growth, second chances, and emotional healing of the individuals.I love how the narrative of the storyline is subtle and deliberately emotional which highly focused on the quiet moments and complexities of adult relationships rather than high-stakes drama or sensational plot twists, so expect it to be slow paced. It portrayed the struggles of burnout and the search for meaning beyond the corporate grind, which resonated deeply, especially to those familiar with the pressure of modern work life.
I find this tone of the drama is "oddly peaceful,". Loved how it's dark visual filters emphasized the characters' emotional states. This approach gave the drama a contemplative mood which made me feel engaged with the characters' internal journeys as like my own.
The lead characters, Kuji and Azuma, were well-developed. They showed realistic flaws and vulnerabilities just like any other human beings trying to get through life. Their performance was heavy in subtlety and depth which captured their nuanced emotions of middle-aged love, friendship and acceptance. My personal favourite scene would be that conversation with Kuji and Azuma's nephew. The nephew's words offered pure, innocent acceptance. It was the first time Kuji heard a concrete proof that his presence was s genuinely welcomed by Azuma's family. The sudden, overwhelming realization that he was safe, accepted, and allowed to be vulnerable completely broke through Kuji's stoic defense mechanisms, triggering his tears. It was heartwarming.
However, it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those expecting more traditional or dramatic romance elements. It is not your typical BL which you have anticipated, but rather a mature romance with the heavy focus on emotional connection and life transitions through ups and downs.
But these things worked for me:
>Mature and realistic portrayal of love and life after corporate burnout
>Strong, nuanced performances by the lead actors
>The dynamic relationship between Azuma and Kuji and how they silently relied on eachother
>When Azuma was visibly affectionate, Kuji was a man of action. He silently stayed by his side, cooked for him to calm him down, put up a mirror infront of him to find a better version of himself, listened to him and gave his heartfelt feedbacks. They were silently there for eachother, comforting and providing clarity to eachother's life.
>Thoughtful pacing and emotional depth building
>The ending song "Black Out" by CROWN HEAD stole my heart. The vibe and tune of the song compliment Kuji and Azuma's life.
Overall, it is a quiet drama that offered a heartfelt exploration of middle-aged love and personal rediscovery. Its strength was in its emotional sincerity and mature storytelling, making it a rewarding watch for those who appreciates subtle, character-driven narratives. If you enjoy dramas that focus on life's quieter moments and the complexities of adult relationships, this series is definitely worth your time.
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Not Me shows how much potential BL Thai series have - It's addictive!!!
Not Me is awesome, all the elements work well together. There's great acting, especially from Gun portraying multiple characters and personalities. There's the music that follows brilliantly love, hate, dangerous and sad scenes setting the mood perfectly and making you feel excited. And there's a story full of social justice issues being discussed, so here I have to pause to applaud and reflect on that.It is rare for me to see a series not only tackling social issues but also making the viewers stop and think about their realities. I'm originally a jdrama fan, that's how I entered the world of asian dramas, but honestly I never really felt connected to their reality. The cultural difference is what attracted me. With Thai dramas, and more especifically BL Thai, however, it is the opposite. As a third world country citizen I can empathize and see myself in many things, and this series blew my mind. All the human rights, corruption, same sex marriage, law enforcement and issues presented here are part of my life as a Brazilian under my current government. I don't trust the police... This series really made me happy to see people fighting against the system. Kudos to the writers. It was impossible not to root for them and cry along when they got caught. The only thing that fell short for me was the open end, I really wish we could see if they're going to jail or not, and we have the unresolved issues with Todd. I could watch much more of it and there is enough material for that. You don't even get to know what happened to Tawi... Like, please, have another season or a movie to tell me?
The acting is superb, you understand both White and Black, you see the small differences in Gun's acting and you love their interactions. Gun is exceptional. I felt like hugging my sister even tighter next time we see each other, bc brotherhood should be like this, having each other's back no matter what. Off was also amazing, his Sean was so sweet under his hard skin, their love was beautiful to watch. Yok and Dan were also great, I totally understand Dan, he was forced to help the status quo, and although I'm happy they got to end up together, I wouldn't mind him dying lol. Kudos to the actors.
I can't recommend and compliment this series enough, if you ever come across this gem please don't wait and watch it. It is amazing!
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Romance for the Perfect Couple
This drama is a sweet story of two people falling in love. The beautiful Park Min Young in another significant role. Whenever she does a drama, you get the impression that she was born to do that role. Her role as Sung Deok Mi, the curator of an art museum and a secret fangirl, was believable and cute. Kim Jae Wook portrayal of the stoic Ryan Gold, the director of the museum, was the perfect complement to their relationship. Together they had enough chemistry to satisfy any romantic junkie, like myself. It was refreshing to see a couple come together and compliment each other with their love and care.At times it will seen like a slow process of getting there, but make no mistake about it, this drama is a romance. There were distractions to create the necessary bumps in the road to happiness, but they survived it all. The girl interested in Ryan, a distraction. The brother who wants to be Deok Mi’s boyfriend, a distraction. Director Eom, a distraction.The entire fangirl thing, a distraction and even the comedy was a distraction. Be patient, unlike me, and you will take a journey with a couple oozing with chemistry.
There were plenty of emotional moments that will tug the heartstrings and there were lots of amazing kisses.
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This drama isn't for everybody, I can imagine the quirks and humour won't appeal to many. I, however, really thought they influenced the overall feel in a positive way. It isn't your typical drama, if you take everything too literally you will miss out on a lot of the symbolism and underlying messages. It's one of those drama you can keep coming back to, every time you re-watch you will notice something new, a small detail you missed the first time around. These little details, in my opinion, really show how wonderful both the plot and execution are.
Acting wise, no complaints there, they all did a fine job portraying their characters. As for the music, the choices really helped build up atmosphere and fit well with the drama's mysterious vibe.
All in all, a drama I highly recommend if you want something completely different to the majority of other drama out there.
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I was a victim of my expectations with this drama. When I read the synopsis I was very excited because I thought I'd be watching a refreshing story told from the perspective of older characters. Sadly, I got the same old story --with typical problems, misunderstandings, and plot cliches-- awkwardly delivered by older leads.
On the surface, the story focuses on Ha No Ra. A woman whose world threatened to crumble at 38 after her husband asks for a divorce. In an effort to save her marriage, Ha No Ra decides to go to college so she could "match her intellect" to her husband's. At its core, it promised an interesting and powerful story: the loss of a woman's individual identity after becoming a mother and the struggle to find her place in the world now that her child has grown up.
The first half of the drama was interesting because it dealt with the issue of her identity crisis. However, halfway through the drama, it became evident the subject wasn't to be touched beyond the shallow surface. Like many k-dramas, the story suffered from unnecessary plots-points, poorly handled subject and misunderstandings that got drawn out way longer than they should've. There were so many problems that could've been avoided if the characters had simply talked to one another, that it soured my experienced and ultimately annoyed me.
Though the story took a turn I wasn't expecting, rather than surprised, I was simply disappointed.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Frustratingly dishonest
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The three main characters are an acquired taste. I didn't like any of them at first, then they sort of grew on me. "Sort of"… as in my endearment fluctuated as constantly as their change of hearts did.
Ha No Ra (female lead, played by Choi Ji Woo): It took me a couple of episodes to get used her character. Maybe it's a cultural clash, but her childish tantrums were jarring and a total turnoff. Since she was an older woman, I expected her to act more maturely. That is not to say she shouldn't be fun, just that I expected her to at least think before acting. Instead, she responded in the typical k-drama female lead's fashion: she screamed, stomped and pouted whenever something didn't work her way...
Cha Hyeon Seok (male lead played by Lee Sang Yoon): Out of the three leads, he was possibly the most engaging and the reason why I kept watching. That's not to say his character was perfect. Far from it. His constant fluctuation between running melting hot one second and cold as ice the next got old fast. His immaturity also wore down my patience. However, the moments when he was sweet and caring were doubtlessly the highlights of the show.
Kim Woo Cheol (played by Choi Won Young): He was an interesting character because he was consistently flawed. He was also always held accountable for his actions. Though he played the part of an antagonist for the most part, he was never consciously cruel and he did come to regret his thoughtless actions. Though he was a good character, he wasn't very memorable.
SUPPORT CHARACTERS: Shallow but likable
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There's really not much to say about them. They contributed to the story, some more than others, but remained shallow. Frankly, I would've preferred to have seen fewer characters but with more screen time.
PORTRAYAL OF ROMANCE: Served hot & cold with a side of childish
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The romance was childish and immature. There were some very sweet --albeit cliché moments. But they were often followed or preceded by cold words, jerk actions and tons of misunderstandings.
In a nutshell, the courting between the leads felt like watching two emotionally stunted adults try their hand at accepting and confessing their love for one another. So you pretty much get the hypothetical (although in this case, somewhat literal) scene of the guy pulling on the girl's pigtails because he wants attention, and the girl screaming at the guy to leave then thinking he's a cold jerk for leaving...
OVERALL: On the fence...
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Honestly, I hesitate to recommend this show. On the one hand, I've seen worst dramas and I did finish this one without skipping any scenes (though I was tempted). On the other hand, the story didn't deliver on its promise and quickly turned into a generic plot delivered by childish (sometimes cringy) characters. Though it did have powerful moments, they weren't enough to elevate this drama to more than an "okay" show.
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Some dramas entertain. A rare few illuminate…
Set during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, this drama could easily have fallen into the trap of being another historical epic heavy on costumes and light on substance. Instead, it delivers something far more ambitious — and far more meaningful. It is breathtaking in its commitment to historical authenticity, not just in aesthetics but in its portrayal of governance, reform, and the fragile art of holding a state together during turbulent times.A Drama That Understands Governance
What has impressed me most — and what I reflected on in my recent Strategic Teams post — is how deeply this series understands the work of governance. It doesn’t romanticise leadership. It doesn’t flatten history into hero worship. Instead, it shows:
• the complexity of decision‑making
• the tension between moral ideals and political realities
• the weight of responsibility carried by those who choose to serve
• the quiet, unglamorous labour of reform
This is a drama that treats governance not as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing challenge — one that demands courage, restraint, wisdom, and sometimes painful compromise.
Historical Characters Brought to Life
The show’s greatest strength is how it brings actual historical figures to life with nuance and emotional depth. These aren’t cardboard cut-outs of “good” or “bad” officials. They are human — flawed, principled, ambitious, weary, hopeful.
The performances, especially from the Wuyue leads, are exceptional. Their portrayals carry a sense of dignity and restraint that feels true to the era, yet emotionally accessible to a modern audience.
A Visual and Emotional Feast
The production design is meticulous. The lighting — especially in the intimate indoor scenes — is atmospheric and painterly.
Ceremonial and wedding stills are rich with cultural detail. Ensemble scenes capture the scale and uncertainty of a fractured era. Every frame feels intentional, reinforcing the drama’s themes of unity, resilience, and the pursuit of stability in chaotic times.
Why This Drama Matters Today
What elevates Swords into Ploughshares beyond entertainment is its relevance. The governance lessons embedded in its storytelling resonate strongly with modern organisational life:
• the importance of ethical leadership
• the need for clear purpose during instability
• the value of steady, principled reform
• the power of listening, humility, and collective responsibility
It reminds us that good governance is not a slogan — it is a discipline, a practice, and often a struggle.
Final Thoughts
This is not a “slow” drama.
It is a thoughtful one.
It rewards viewers who appreciate depth, historical fidelity, and leadership stories that don’t shy away from complexity.
For anyone interested in history, governance, or simply beautifully crafted storytelling, Swords into Ploughshares is a standout of the year.
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