Completed
The Crowned Clown
128 people found this review helpful
Mar 5, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This one of the best produced dramas I have ever seen and the first drama I have ever given a perfect 10. I cannot think of a single flaw that this series has.
The writing in this series is incredible. There are so many twists and turns, it will constantly keep you on the edge of your seat.
The acting is absolutely brilliant. Yeo Jin Goo does a brilliant job of portraying the duel roles. Lee Se Young is superb as the regal yet strong queen.
I highly suggest this drama to everyone especially if you love historical dramas.
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Completed
Mr. Queen
73 people found this review helpful
by Akriti
Apr 23, 2021
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

A drama you won't regret watching but will regret not watching ?


NO TOUCH!! ( If you know you know:))
.
Finally a drama that was able to snatch the place of my favorite drama and I think it'll stay there for quite some time.
Basically, it was on my watchlist since the release of the trailer but I couldn't watch it at the time of release because I prefer binge watching. Then I didn't watch it for months because I want to keep good things for my bad days and then finally I watched it and I loved it far more than expected. Everything about it was perfect to me.
Storyline was amazing, the cast and the acting was stellar, the music was amazing.
It was filled with humor. Like it can make the viewer cry and laugh at a time. The friendship was soo soo good, the bonds formed was natural.
The best thing was the character development. I hated some characters at first but the way they evolved was so good to watch.
The Queen have my heart. She is a spectrum of acting. The King was so warm and righteous but fun at the same time.
The other characters also did their job perfectly.
The trio of Queen, Court Lady Choi and Hong Yeon is so precious 🄺and also of the King, Prince Yeongpyeong, Byeolgam Hong and Kim Hwan . Royal Chef Man-bok was hilarious. Each and every character did their part perfectly. I wish I could write about all of them.
The villians were quite powerful in acting.
I liked the end. Tbh Instagram spoiled the fun for me since it is full of spoilers but many viewers were not satisfied with the end but it seemed perfect to me.
Overall, I loveddddddd the drama and now it left a void in me.
I'm going to miss it so badly😭😭😭

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Completed
Filter
73 people found this review helpful
by JJJ
Mar 11, 2025
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A Letter to the Ordinary You and Me

I have so many thoughts about this drama that I am not sure I can even fully express it.

This drama takes us on a journey with Su Cheng Cheng, an ordinary woman (but also incredibly strong) who gains this filter bracelet that allows her to learn something new about the world and herself with every transformation. Filter is not just about her transformations; it is also about the filters people have on each other that influences our views of each other. Once we have a bad impression of someone, we tend to only view their behaviors in a negative light and vice versa. This drama showed us what we thought was correct might not be the actual truth. Through these trials, Su Cheng Cheng learned what it means to love herself, the platonic loves she had from the very beginning, and a romantic love that shakes her core over and over again.

On the other side of the story, we have Tang Qi, an incredibly intelligent man who can also be awkward. He too had his own filters on which prevented him from seeing the person who was next to him all along. However, Tang Qi proved over and over again that he has the sincerest heart, and he loves with his entire being. He is able to self-reflect and try to see Su Cheng Cheng's POV on why things escalated the way it did. He is one of the best male leads I have seen in terms of development and viewers can't help but fall for him.

This drama has it all; comedy that you don't even see coming, friendship that is mutual and solid, family that is supportive, sci-fi that adds a layer of mystery, case-solving that actually gets intense, introspection about beauty standards, gender, societal norms, and a romantic love that is so pure and sincere that you can't help but smile every time you see Su Cheng Cheng and Tang Qi on screen. It is a story of misunderstanding and a story of relearning each other again. Thank you to this amazing drama and this excellent cast. I was so happy chasing this drama for the past 2-3 weeks and losing sleep was 543753345% worth it.

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Completed
Always
72 people found this review helpful
Feb 4, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Finally! I watched Only You with high expectations and mostly...I wasn't disappointed.

The acting and chemistry between So Ji Sub and Han Hye Joo are what make this movie great. It's no secret I am a huge fan of So Ji Sub and I am very glad to see him do such a great job as Cheol Min ~ a man with a violent past who is struggling to rise above, better himself and repent the mistakes of his past. But I couldn't give this movie a higher score than 8.

Only You actually has a really great story set up: The rough, bad boy boxer unexpectedly meets a spunky, upbeat, innocent and mostly blind girl and they fall madly in love. Angst ensues when he tries to raise the money for an operation for her sight. I was thrilled watching the development of their romance. The way this movie played out would have gotten a higher score from me if they wouldn't have added the recycled element of connecting fates. The totally over used plot device of fate tying two lovers together is what drops the overall score for me. Time and again I see this scenario used in Korean movies and dramas and it gets old.

But the scenes between the lovers are filled with sweetness, sizzling chemistry, humor and heart. So Ji Sub is an extremely emotive actor who portrays every emotion in his eyes, expression and body language. He's just plain good. Call me a fan girl if you will but the man is talented. Han Hye Joo is also a favorite. I really liked her in Postman to Heaven and even more in Only You. She's one to watch for I think. I'd really like to see her in a drama again.

All the technical elements are there. Gritty, harsh lighting and gloomy settings and set design are used for his world and warmer light and more lovely settings are used for her world. When they are together everything is brighter. A nice touch by the cinematographer.

The music was very nice. Memorable in the opening sequence, in the love theme and the closing credits. I gave it a 9.

The re-watch value I give a 7 because in my case, the strength of my liking for the lead actor will have me watching this again. Others may feel differently.

Only you is a typical love story: touching, filled with angst but also includes a lot of light moments as well. I recommend it highly for all of us romantics out there.

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Completed
Love Me If You Dare
121 people found this review helpful
Jan 5, 2016
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This drama was bindblowing, literally! I was 100% concentrated while I was watching it and it made me guess things all the time. I can guarantee this is must-watch for every crime drama fan!

So, Bo Jin Yan is criminal psychologist who solves difficult cases with help of his newly hired assistant, Jian Yao. At first like almost in every drama they concentrate on seperate cases. And like in most of crime dramas, there was something bigger in the background but I still say this is one of the most unique crime dramas ever.

Very professional, high-quality writing. Just as you have decided you have conclusion how a scene is going to end writers make a turn and will make you go like 'whaaaaaaat?!' I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of being surprised and not knowing what happens next. I'm sucker for good mystery/crime drama and this is the best I have watched for a long time! Ending episode threw me off the course and I was staring my computer screen mouth open :D

Leads had great chemistry and I enjoyed every awkward moment they had because of Jin Yan's serious character. I'm always drooling for handsome lone wolfs and it was adorable that IQ genius was struggling with romance.
Side roles were important and well written into plotline but I wish they would have had more depth into Zi Yu's character. He was the only side role I was excitedly waiting for to appear in every scene.

I liked how this drama didn't totally evolve to concentrate on romance element because most of dramas make that mistake. Instead they concentrated on Jin Yan's character and especially how he sees things inside his mind analysing criminal's mind.

Music was actually pretty good! I'm not a fan of chinese music, especially ballads but I fell in love with ending song~

So if you enjoy crime dramas with mysterious and exciting cases, adorable characters and little bit of romance, this is totally made for you!

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Completed
Come and Hug Me
169 people found this review helpful
by 3GGG
Jul 19, 2018
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 13
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
PLOT: Masterful
--------------------------------------------------------------
This series is among the best of the best. It is one of those rare shows where every episode matters. The plot was never left hanging in order to extend the series. Instead, every single scene was developed in service of the narrative.

The transitions from tension-filled scenes to sweeter ones was flawless. It made watching the series easy and enjoyable. The narrative was also organic, with nothing feeling forced or out of place.

Overall, prepare yourself. This drama will demand your complete attention, push you to the edge of your seat, steal your breath away and have you rooting for more than just the main leads.

MAIN CHARACTERS: Memorable
--------------------------------------------------------------
The main leads were remarkably three dimensional. They were given as many strengths as weaknesses and every single one made sense. The development of the characters was consistent and coherent. Every action had a lasting consequence, and every instinctive reaction demanded a hefty price.

Yoon Na Moo (male lead, aka Chae Do Jin): His complex character was handled masterfully. He was presented as a sympathetic and strong figure, but realistically so. The best way I could describe him is with the saying, "courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it." Throughout the short series, this character struggled with his inner fears but accepted his vulnerabilities rather than hide them. He was strong precisely because he was afraid... but he didn't let that fear rule him.

Gil Nak Won (female lead, aka Han Jae Yi): Despite her tragic backstory, she was well written and very well portrayed. She's strong, not because she got over her past, but because she's able to face her present while accepting what happened. Her strength is quiet and subtle; allowing her actions to show her defiance rather than voice them loudly. She's also very nurturing towards Na Moo and I love that she never once runs from her problems, but faces them head-on. Because of the nature of the story, Na Moo's side of the story was more intense, but she is without a doubt one of the strongest female leads I've seen in Kdramas so far.

ANTAGONIST: Imposingly petrifying
--------------------------------------------------------------
Yoon Hui Jae (ML's father): Heon Joon Ho deserves an award for his performance. Every time he stepped into a scene, he dominated and filled it with almost palpable tension. He cast a terrifying shadow over every character, continually reminding you that he was a prowling beast ready to strike. Forget Hollywood "horror" movies and "frightful" tv shows. From now on, Yoon Hui Jae is my new standard for blood-curdling terror.

SUPPORT CHARACTERS: Relatable & complex
--------------------------------------------------------------
Though this series has an amazing cast of characters that bring something of importance to the table, I'll focus on the top three characters that merit a special recognition...

Chae Ok Hee (ML's adoptive mother): Talk about a character caught between a sword and a hard place. Her performance was absolutely brilliant and her character was probably the most relatable. Ok Hee is going to go down as the definition of a strong mother. She's a testament that water can be thicker than blood and, when push comes to shove, any mother will pull her claws out to protect her children.

Yoon Hyun Moo (ML's brother): Kim Kyung Nam deserves an award for his superb performance. Alongside Hui Jae, he stole the show for me. He had some of the most powerful scenes and the strength he displayed was of a different kind than usual. He was a sacrificial character (a spot almost always reserved for the female lead) but with a strong purpose. He loves, selflessly and fully, without expecting anything from anyone in return. I found myself hurting alongside him and rooting for him throughout most of the show.

Gil Moo Won (FL's brother): Another character that stood out with his complexity and excellent portrayal. We were given his backstory in small doses until the picture was completed. This was a character that lingered in his pain but who was strong enough to accept and ask for help when things got tough. He understood and empathized with Hyun Moo because they were both shades of grey, which gave them an undeniable bond. The fact that he plays off of Hyun Moo so well, made me wish they could've shared more screentime together.

PORTRAYAL OF ROMANCE: Sweet & nurturing
--------------------------------------------------------------
The relationship between Na Moo and Nak Won was exceptionally balanced. It was an exchange of giving and taking; of want and need. They were loving, sweet and nurturing towards one another. They were also both hurting and, rather than taking the easy way out by keeping away from each other, they actively decided to pave a path out together. The quote: "You lean on me, I'll lean on you and we'll be okay" is enough to describe this beautiful relationship.

Here are some of the highlights:
1) They each have moments where one of them is vulnerable and the other strong; so it never feels one-sided.
2) There are no misunderstandings because they communicate with each other in a very honest and straightforward way.
3) The chemistry between them makes their relationship feel natural together. You can tell how much they care for each other with every stolen glance, soft smile and lingering touch.

HORROR FACTOR: Off the chart.
--------------------------------------------------------------
You better be prepared to hold your breath and curl your toes whenever Yoon Hui Jae steps into the scene, is all I'm saying.

OVERALL: This is a masterpiece.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The art direction is Hollywood quality (I'd say it even surpasses it). The framing, colors and lighting enhance the message communicated. So if you know what you're looking for, you'll be amazed at the attention to detail.

The music has also been carefully selected, used to amplify a feeling rather than distract. The ambient sounds help enhance the atmosphere, drawing you into the scene and forcing you to live it alongside the character.

Add to that the interesting story, superb characters and amazing acting you'll get a series that you'll not soon forget. Re-watch value for this is also quite high.

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Completed
Shopaholic Louis
66 people found this review helpful
Nov 11, 2016
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
Who has finally a favorite drama this 2016????? YES! Shopping king louie is so far the best drama to me until the date. Yeah, maybe I'm exaggerating? Probably. I needed a drama like this? Absolutely.
Pure ! They are so pure… I just wanna hug all these pure souls and no leave them go never!!

Lets go to start:
- Plot : Something new without introducing new things to the romcom (Yeah it sounds so twisted)
- Cast: ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. The leads are so extra and pure that I can't say nothing more.
- Drama itself: It had the perfect amount of love, comedy and good acting.
- Music and effects: SO CUTE AND FUNNY!

If you wanna spend a good moment watching a drama, buy this! Yeah, spend all your time and hours watching them. Embrace the cuteness of Seo in Guk (what a gem, is this puppy even real?)

Con: mmmmmm maybe the drama topic tips? But Bah you almost don't realize it and I gave up trying to find dramas who delete these topics.

If you wanna find yourself smiling when some of these characters are smiling, this will be your drama.
Have a good time queens and kings of shopping.
See ya!

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Completed
Extracurricular
107 people found this review helpful
by Love
Apr 30, 2020
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

A power-struggle between morals.

I started watching 'Extracurricular' on a whim, I didn't think much of it and just wanted to see something that was on Netflix. The simple action of watching one episode turned into a 10 h binge, and I have to tell you it was one hell of a ride. This drama didn't hook me on the first episode, I felt a bit hesitant: Will this be another unrealistic shitty teen thug type of story? But nonetheless I continued.

After the second episode I knew, this is something else. The premise seems simple enough, a normal setup for a Korean thriller/action movie but this took it deeper. During the 10 episodes the viewer get to know its main character Oh Jisoo and his contrasting behaviors as well as his partner Bae Gyu Ri. The character work on these two was phenomenal, I loved seeing their facades crack little by little to show what these young humans held within themselves all along. Although they commit actions that goes by the law of morals you cannot help but route for this unfortunate pair. I personally related to the characters, especially to Bae Gyu Ri and her struggles to keep her image in front of her parents, the school and Jisoo. Although the circumstances that these characters goes through is unrealistic you can draw similarities to their struggles of fitting in, money, grades and love.

The acting was simply amazing! Nothing more is needed to say, all cast members seemed to act well in their parts and the production was done so smoothly that I almost forgot that it was all an act.

Well all I can say is that this blew me away, I was chocked at the amount of enjoyment I felt watching this short but thrilling drama. Everyone that enjoys to feel nervous and wants to see something a bit fucked up and dark: 'Extracurricular' is something for you!

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Completed
My Little Bride
59 people found this review helpful
by Rourou
May 8, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
1) The reason I watched this:

I was attracted by the synopsis so I decided to give it a try.

2) Storyline/Plot:

The general story isn't complicated nor original; I saw this type of story in "Sweet 18" before yet this film's storyline was really appealing.

Positive points:

*The story was romantic but not too romantic since it focused on family too.
*It had a great combination since it was funny, cute while being a little serious
*The story's developement was amazing to follow.
*The whole adult-child love story was somehow innocent even when they lived toghether: I liked that concept.

Negative points:

There isn't, I just wished that they made this into a drama instead; it would have been perfect that way.

Story: 8.5/10

3)Acting/Cast:

It couldn't been any better even though I am not too familiar with the leads.
*The chemistry between them was somehow captivating even though it wasn't that present.
*Moon Geun Young did a great job in portraying the innocent 15 years old girl with all its sides; whether it was with her husband, her family, her school and everything else.
*I loved how Park Sang Min reacted with his little bride by trying to be the responsible adult but that didn't cut out the funny side of his character.

Cast: 7.75/10
Acting: 8/10

4)The ending:

The type of ending that anyone would like to see even though it was typical but that doesn't deny that it was fluffy.

The ending: 8/10

5) My Impression (How did it affect me):

*I was intrested in the whole concept ever since the film began, I had fun while watching it and it wasn't boring, not even the slightest bit.
*This is is a great memorable film.

My Impression: 9/10

6) Overall :

*If you like rom-coms then you must watch this.
*If you like old-young relationships then this is for you.
*If you like innocent love stories then you may like this.

Overall: 8.5/10.

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Completed
Marriage, Not Dating
59 people found this review helpful
Aug 24, 2014
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
Honestly I did not expect anything about this drama, I just randomly clicked the first two episodes and it got me hooked.

Story: I gave it an 8 since the plot isn't any groundbreaking and I admit the description for this drama is cliche but when you get into the drama itself, it was so refreshing. In most romcom kdramas, I usually know or my expectations were right on what will happen next but Marriage Not Dating is just pure surprise. They made the cliche worth watching, you don't even know what to expect.

Acting/Cast: 10. The actors are so perfect esp the main leads. I already forget the last time I root for the main couple so much. Props to Han Groo and Yeon Woo Jin, it's like this drama its tailor-made for them. Though the side characters Jinwoon and Sunhwa did not appeal to me, Jung Min (Hoon Dong), and Kim Hae Sook are so great I kind of forget the 2nd leads.

Music: Should I include the sound effects here because 10 is not enough for it. :The sound effects guy must be in every romcom drama) The OSTs in this drama are so good and it match the scenes perfectly.

Rewatch Value: Oh boy, this one of the few kdramas I will never get tired rewatching. Maybe I'll start in a few hours. Haha. :)

Overall: 9.5 This my highest rated kdrama ever because I never give a perfect 10. It's just me but definitely all those almost perfect dramas waned in the middle or still lacks something. But all in all this is still the best romcom drama for me. No extended angst and pure fun.

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Completed
A Beautiful Lie
59 people found this review helpful
Nov 3, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

don’t waste your time

don’t waste your time on this for it shitty ending.

It started well for me, but the plot went down hill at some point, the last 6 eps were disappointing.

The good :
- the acting was decent
- the music
- the third couple (who was not seen a lot) was cute, pretty good communications, healthy relationship. they solved their problems pretty fast
- I think all 3 couples have good chemistry
- some scenes impacted me emotionally, like ep 18 with the second couple or just scene related to first and second couple, I was almost crying
- I like the eps when the leads were with the kid
- the friendship
- this is a good and bad point, but I appreciate at first using mental illness of ML as a plot for problems/breakup, that felt real to some aspect and not like some cdrama where are think the breakup is pretty stupid or the use of a third party is annoying
- at some level, I liked the second couple, I loved their chemistry, but I don’t think their story was well written
- I enjoyed the romance between the leads (expect the last part of the drama)


the bad :
- dragging second couple getting together
- dragging the problems between the leads
- became somehow boring at some point, 36 eps was too much
- the worst ending possible that literally ruins everything. Doesn’t make any sense, rushed, nothing explained. FL is 100% hallucinating him, sad ending. And this is just nonsense. be clear damn it!! if he is dead, explain it, be clear about it. Why end with such horrible nonsense ending. Feel incomplete. Poor FL too, I hate it.

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Completed
Mood Indigo
59 people found this review helpful
May 2, 2019
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
when I thought there was no more beauty in the world ... it's not just a BL drama, it's much more; a raw and delicate story at the same time, sad and exciting, like life itself. the erotic scenes are exquisite and have made my whole body tremble. a history of excessive and uncontrollable passion with which I have been able to identify myself at some time. will it be just passion or would love be born at some point? do you think that both have the same feeling? I had not seen anything so beautiful for a long time
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Completed
The Love by Hypnotic
59 people found this review helpful
by Cho Na
Nov 8, 2019
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 6
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

No Need to be Hypnotized, This Drama is Simply Enchanting

This drama captivated me from beginning till the end. Everything I wanted to see in a romantic comedy is here, and then some! This review is strictly for the drama, not to compare/contrast with the manhwa "Prince, Don't Do This!" (ēŽ‹ēˆ·äøč¦å•Š) written by Dong Man Tang, in which it was loosely adapted from. I am rewriting the synopsis below for clarification without spoiling the plot.

STORY
Princess Aimala (new country name is Ming Yue) from the southern country Xi Yue is forced to marry to Prince Zi (common name is Li Qian), the 9th prince of the northern country Bei Xuan. Both parties disagree but it is for the political alliance. Li Qian already has a marriage arrangement with his childhood friend Lady Qiao (Hui Xin), and Ming Yue has a lover General Yun Ci. Both dislike each other since the beginning they met. Ming Yue who is skilled in horse riding, shooting, and hunting is not a typical feminine lady according to her new country's custom, neither she is beautiful. Even the Emperor (Li Qian's dad) despises her. Li Qian is cold and reserved, and has no clue on women and how to please them. Ming Yue is his first love. Even then he is still unsure if his feeling towards Ming Yue is genuine or fabricated, because his wife has another unique skill: she can hypnotize him and she does it, a lot! The couple needs TONS of guidance on love and sex (yes that's right!) from their friends: the wise Kong Zhen, the playboy Jin Yu, the mischievous Kang Le, and the straightforward Tan Li. The story is not all rosy though, we also get to see inside power struggles and outside rebellions, tragic past unfolds, hatreds and betrayals, revenges and sacrifices, broken hearts and even deaths.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS DRAMA:
(+) It is a well-done medium or big budget show.
(+) No need character or story guidance or anything like that you usually need it for watching Chinese history/palace dramas.
(+) The story has a lot of features for everyone's liking: action-packed, mysterious background, steamy romance, hysterical comedy. It's not boring, it's fast or evenly spaced. I do not skip scenes or conversations though I do a lot with Chinese dramas.
(+) The story is not straight-line, has a lot of facts from the past, dreams, plot twist and surprises.
(+) Satisfactory ending
(+) Good looking cast from the main to the supporting ones (gosh even the musician Lan is stunning and the Empress is elegant)
(+) Adorable acting of Ling Mei-Shi as Ming Yue. Although there are more beautiful Chinese actresses, but the choice to cast this cute young actress as the outspoken, mischievous, and smart foreign royal princess is just right, either in funny, romantic, or sad scenes.
(+) Charming acting of Allen Fang as Lin Qiao. From cold and serious, to confused and suspicious, to romantic and playful, his facial expressions are just right. Also the fighting/martial arts acting. He is also a member of Chinese pop boy band M4M. He sang some songs in this drama (see OST comment below). And he looks better in historical drama than in modern day drama (his other drama is Childhood Sweethearts Pianist but he looks bland there)
(+) Stunning acting of Ni Han Jin as Yun Ci. Though lots of comments do not like him, I feel bad for the Yun Ci role. Though he is abrasive and aggressive but his broken heart and pain look real as a man whose lover is snatched away behind him. He is not only handsome, but has a great body, too! And FYI I do not have Second Lead Syndrome.
(+) Exceptional acting of Zhou Zi Xin as Hui Xin. I saw her in Put Your Head in My Shoulder drama as supporting role who also likes the male lead, but Hui Xin's love here for the prince is dangerous and devastating. The actress is capable to go thru yandere transformation from a gentle, submissive, elegant lady to a conniving, hateful, and dejected villain.
(+) Other supporting actors and actresses are just right playing their respective roles.
(+) Great cinematography. Camera shots and angles were just right.
(+) Breath-taking sceneries. Lots of falling flowers and snow rains. They could be real snowing scenes too because the drama was filmed during the winter months of January to March 2019. The filming location is at Hengdian World Studios, the largest film studio in China or even the world (http://www.hengdianworld.com/en/default.html)
(+) Beautiful OST from the drama opening and in special scenes. The opening song is "Magnificence" by singer Jian Hong Yi (who is also handsome). The main leads Allen Fang and Ling Mei Shi sang "The First Seen Snow". Allen Fang also sang "Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon". A song specifically dedicated to the love of Yun Ci and Ming Yue is "Departure" by Jin Runji with mystical Middle-eastern tone.
(+) Elegant royal costumes, especially for the Princess and Princess. I love especially their outdoor gears and the Turkish/Middle Eastern robes Ming Yue and Yun Ci wear (in the manhwa Aimala is from Uyghur, the ancient Turkey area in Asia)




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Completed
Love in Between
59 people found this review helpful
Jul 7, 2020
43 of 43 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

ā€˜She Shen Qu Yi’

ā€˜She shen qu yi’ (čˆčŗ«å–ä¹‰) literally means sacrificing oneself for justice. This drama is about this ideology. Everything the main characters do is based on this belief. The current political turmoil in the real world makes this drama especially comforting, giving hope that there are still many of these ā€˜xia yi’ people out there fighting for justice and sacrificing themselves. It's this ideology that brings tears to viewers' eyes and to love the characters.

This drama has an amazing storyline with great wuxia. It starts with a nail-biting scene, and continues to be nerve-rackingly intense almost throughout. The intensity is so great that it’s hard to watch without a drama partner. Viewers are therefore advised to find a viewing buddy before beginning this drama. Having said that, viewers may also kick off the partner half way through as the drama slows down and the plot becomes less intense.

Zuo Qingci (Zhang Yao) is a sickly but brilliant doctor who wanders the earth, saving those who can’t afford a doctor. He also has a different identity and is the mastermind to save the Emperor and the kingdom from fallen into the devil’s hand. In his quest, he finds his long lost love, a girl who has given him meaning to live at the time when he loses all hopes. Together, they meet challenges testing their love and trust for each other, and in the end they’re rewarded.

The side couples’ stories are equally enthralling. To my content, the characters are well developed and their stories are well told, and even bring tears to my eyes. Other supporting characters are pretty well developed too and they really engage the viewers’ sympathy.

All the female characters are strong, determined, dignified and brilliant (there are no love sick silly girls who go all out to get the love from their men). Even with a physically sickly female character as in Xie Jiang Er (Xu Meng Yuan), she is sensible, strong and wise. Her words are comfort to all those around her. For many of the scenes, Su Yun Luo (Zhang Ya Qin) is disguised as a boy, Fei Kou Er. Her make-up is probably one of the best disguises I’ve ever seen in a Chinese drama with dark rough skin and tattered clothing, and no boobs. Zuo Qingci’s make-up reminds me of Mei Changsu (Nirvana in Fire) – white robe with fur. Probably such style gives the viewers a sense of simplicity and frailness.

I’m really impressed by the acting, in particular by Shi Yun Peng who portrays Zhu Yan, and Deng Yu Li who plays Shen Man Qing. They have totally convinced me and captured my heart.

The only qualms I have are perhaps how they've talked about and built up of certain mysterious 'da xia' (heroic) characters, and as soon as these characters appear on screen, they're being killed off without much effort. It's really bewildering because heroes are not supposed to die easily like ants. The overall suspense building up to the climax is ruined basically by the climax itself as it doesn't match up to the built-up -- it (the climax) is not exactly unexpected and spectacular; the climax is the anti-climax. After the climax, it leaves the viewers asking the question: "What is the point of all these?" A lot of the actions and decisions by the characters, seemingly futile, can only be explained by the "she shen qu yi" belief. Again, like many Chinese dramas, the ending is weak and feels 'forced' without much effort being put into it. The main characters become pedestrians, losing all their heroic appeals.

Despite all these flaws and plot holes, I've enjoyed this drama. It is through and through a wuxia story with all the wuxia elements and virtues – brotherhood, sacrifice, devotion, endurance. At the same time, it is interjected with romances to slow down the pace for the viewers to take a breather. The story is intriguing, the fighting scenes are beautiful and convincing.

If you're a wuxia fan, you'd love this drama. If you're a romance buff, you'd equally love this drama. Amazing story, amazing acting, amazing music, amazing cinematography. It’s a must-watch and deserves a rare 10/10.

Two thumbs up!

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Completed
Secret Love
59 people found this review helpful
Jul 23, 2014
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
BRACE YOURSELVES, LONG REVIEW COMING!

It’s kinda hard for me to rate and review this drama as a -one thing- because the -mini drama- doesn't follow one story line so, I’m rating them and reviewing them individually. The general rate it’s basically an average I did with the rates I gave to each story, but if you don't wanna read the entire review just pick the story you want to read or if you don't want to do that either and just want to know if this is worth watching, then, yes it is worth watching. If you like love stories in general you'll definitely enjoy this hehe...

So, let's go!
NO SPOILER

*1st story* -Seung Yeon and WooJin-
Overall rating--- 7.0
Rewatch value--- 5.0

A kinda heartbreaking story about a couple that has to face death and loss in their relationship, this story also has a sci-fi-time-traveling plus that makes it interesting and different. The story can make you cry and laugh and make you sit at the edge of your chair because you basically don’t know what’s gonna happen later, so you suffer with the characters. It has a pretty good acting of both sides and a satisfying ending, the chemistry between them was ok, I didn’t feel an awesome connection but it was good enough to make me root for them.

*2nd story* -Goo Hara and Kim Young Kwang-
Overall rating--- 10
Rewatch value--- 10

Oh my...! I’m so glad I watched this, seriously. The chemistry was like BOOM! I totally felt the sparks when they were together. Ok, the story goes like this: This shy and ordinary girl who works in a convenience store, one day realizes that she has terminal cancer and makes this list of things she wants to do before dying, and in the path of fulfilling these wishes, she meets (in a very odd and funny way) this crazy-problematic guy who is gonna become our hero, so the rest... You have to watch it. The story is clever and funny and the reason is that the characters are the strong point of the drama. They are so loveable and enjoyable, because they are real and they have flaws and craziness and energy and chemistry, and problems, and scars and fears and so on... I liked that this drama took a serious and sad topic like this one and turned it into a light and easy-to-watch thing. This could have been a perfect 16 episodes drama :)

*3rd story* -Kang Ji Young and Bae Su Bin-
Overall rating--- 7.0
Rewatch value--- 6.0

This drama tells us an innocent lovestory, I’d say a one side lovestory, but probably you won’t agree with me, anyway, after you watch it you can describe it as you think it actually is. The acting was pretty good of both sides, and the drama has a plus that I can’t tell you but it’s basically the soul of the story, in other words the writer of this drama is genius srsly. Hehe, although it takes a little to take off but it's worth watching 'till the end.

*4th story* -Jung Nicole and Lee Kwang Soo-
Overall rating--- 9.0
Rewatch value--- 7.0

I don’t have much to say about this one, although I really enjoyed it. The story follows the journey our main characters have to follow to solve a riddle that will lead them to an inheritance. The story has 2 kinds of love. One is the father-daughter’s love and the other one is the love between our couple. The acting was GREAT! I loved Jung Nicole and Lee Kwang Soo’s acting sooo much! And also the chemistry was awesome.

*5th story* -Park Gyuri and Ji Chang Wook-
Overall rating--- 10
Rewatch value--- 10

Please watch this story!!!

This one was probably my favorite one, although I didn’t like her character that much, actually I found her kind of annoying sometimes, but still...
Her character is the perfect Oh HaNi (Playful Kiss)- If you know what I mean-, a crazy, prideless stalker girl, but still cute. She works for a travelling agency in Jeju Island, so you can imagine how beautiful the scenery is.
His character is super enjoyable, he’s kinda jerky, he’s kinda cute and funny and DAMN! This man is beautiful, it should be illegal being this mesmerizing, srsly. He’s an angel, actually he’s her guardian angel and that’s what makes this story awesome. The way these two meet and how they develop the angel-human relationship was pretty well written, performed and directed.This is the only one story of the series that has a second male lead and an actual love triangle. I was really sad when this ended because this SHOULD be a 16-20 episodes drama. Who do I have to talk with to make this a drama? Please drama gods!! Come on!

Sorry for the long review... If someone actually reads this, thank you and I hope this has been helpful to you

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