Sibtit (Push) trying to woo Prikkang (esther) with his possessive bad boy ways which I found very cute, the lead was always horny trying to steal kisses from the female lead which I liked. This drama was quite unsettling for me because from what I have read comments and watched lakorns, suppressing women sexually is portrayed as if it is a normal element. After a few episodes of him wooing her and finally winning her heart (after forcing himself upon her), the lakorn goes downhill with more "what the hell is happening" situation which questions us whether he is supposed to be the romantic male lead or the one who is evil and trying to break apart the couple. Push's snd esther's sanity in this lakorn is questionable, although the drama ends on a happy note.
I was very disappointed with Push's role in this lakorn (which is very much likely the same role as roy leh sane rai) but because I like him and also because of his cute possessive nature as well, I completed the drama. This drama isn't for everyone because it can get WTFable later on, but for PUSHSTANS you can watch it easily.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disaster
Honestly, the only reason I stuck with the show was to see her finally face consequences in the end. The ending wasn’t that terrible, but definitely not what I wanted or expected. The start was strong, but I was least interested in her journey. Sure, her character was unique and acted well, but I kept hoping she’d finally fall into someone’s trap or get manipulated for once. I still don’t get why everyone keeps helping her and feeling sorry for her.Jun-seo’s character felt a bit underdeveloped. And the actor — whether it’s Penthouse, Shooting Stars, or this show — he just gives similar vibes every time. Even if the characters are written differently, his acting always feels the same.
Looks like there might be another season coming, but I’m not looking forward to it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WHY?!?! It could have been better.
I am so annoyed with the ending, I don't understand this. There are SO many loose ends, I would have been okay with them not ending together but the execution and the plot just did not make sense. First of all, why did she have that picture of her that yijin was supposed to have? Why did she marry someone and have a long distance relationship with them when that's the reason she broke up with yijin? They didn't show her happy and have that "It's okay, we don't end up with our first loves as someone else out there is the one for us" ending but was just like "We don't end up with our first loves, whatever."AHHHHH i am infuriated rn, I'm gonna be mad at this for a while
Even scarlet heart was better than this.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Over rated
First series of Esther Yu, now I'm really wondering why she is so famous with that kind of acting skill?About the series:
1. 1st episode is very boring and not clear of what the series going to lead us to.
2. The next 10 series are quite entertaining with the humor and fast pacing story lines, but then afterwards the stories become dull and boring.
3. It is strange to have a so called "heroine" who can't or never fight at all ==> referring to the main female lead, whose facial expression is very dull and only able to act cute
4. second male lead acting also not great, flat facial expression and no chemistry with the second female lead
Overall, I do enjoy some part of the series, especially the beginning, but afterwards the story lines just draggy and acting from the main actress really lame make it quite difficult to watch.
No offense to Esther Yu hard core fans.. this is purely my personal opinion. I shall see her other work to make sure whether she can act or if this is her character in this series.
But looking at the background of her character, she is not supposed to be a "cute" person, from her modern era character she is not with that cute personality, why suddenly when she become the heroine character in the novel she become overly unnecessary "cute"? (to be precise : tried to act cute, but does not cute at all)
Was this review helpful to you?
1
1
1This review may contain spoilers
A beautiful tale of resilience, sisterhood & patient love, but S2 suffers from inconsistencies.
I just want to start off by saying that I absolutely loved season one of Flourished Peony. While the story itself wasn't anything new, the delivery was refreshing and it really resonated with me. I was captivated by the complexity of the characters, the pacing, the cultural richness of the Tang dynasty, the mature relationship and healthy communication between Mudan and Jiang Chang Yang, and the nuanced female friendships. Flourished Peony was incredibly well-written with beautiful cinematography and fantastic acting, and if the story had ended with just the first season, I would've been perfectly content with that.Maybe that was why I was disappointed when I started watching In the Name of Blossom and realized that it was lacking many of the elements that I previously praised. For more than half of season two, the healthy communication between Mudan and Jiang Chang Yang was replaced with cliches and overused tropes, such as angsty misunderstandings — the foolish idea that you must push someone you love away in order to "protect" them. This extended the slowburn romance for even longer than it was necessary and dragged down the plot's already slow pace.
On top of that, there was a decline in the quality of storytelling / writing as well. For instance, there was a plot twist that occurred at the midway point, and although it was supposed to be a pivotal moment for Mudan, it was so poorly executed and underdeveloped that it became a jarring experience instead of a meaningful one. So much of season two was wasted on the miscommunication and unspoken feelings between our main characters, and I felt the writers could've used this time to establish the important plotlines in this story more effectively instead. Had I not known that season one and two were filmed together, I would've assumed they were produced by two completely different groups of creatives.
Despite my frustrations with season two though, I did appreciate that the story at least stayed true to its values and themes until the very end. The strong performances of the actors, the stunning cinematography, the message of fighting for a better tomorrow even when it felt like all hope was lost, the main couple's fate despite its rocky journey, and the inspiring female friendships — all of this made a weak narrative more tolerable for me and I found myself enjoying the second half of the season even with all of my criticisms.
At its core, Flourished Peony (and In the Name of Blossom) was a story about women empowerment and the beauty of sisterhood. It taught us the significance of women having their own identities, dreams and purpose — regardless of their relationships with men. It shed light on the brutality of domestic abuse and it encouraged us to offer hope and support to those struggling in toxic cycles. It reminded us that strong women came in many forms: some are physically strong like Zhu Fu, some are resilient like Shengyi, some are compassionate like Lv Geng Chun, some are graceful like Consort Shu, some are generous like Xiao Xuexi, some are independent like Aunt Feng, and some are intelligent like Mudan. We should celebrate our differences and strengths as women instead of seeing them as reasons for competition and division.
One singular message was constant throughout both seasons: Life is filled with hardships, and there will be times when it feels like there is no way out of the darkness. But you don't have to suffer in the silence alone. It is okay to seek help; it is okay to accept it. The strength of others can be a beacon of hope that reduce your worries, aid you in overcoming your challenges, and help you find your way back to the light.
In the end, In the Name of Blossom paled in comparison to Flourished Peony, but I do think it is still worthy of watching for those who are invested in the main characters' journeys and want to see how their stories conclude. However, I only recommend it for those who have the patience and tolerance for the criticisms I mentioned above.
Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful Chemistry, Wasted Passion
Now that I’ve finished the drama, I can finally give a full review and I have to admit, my feelings are quite mixed.At first, I was completely drawn in. The story had a peaceful, comforting tone, and the chemistry between the two leads was undeniable. I absolutely fell in love with Wang An Yu — his presence is magnetic, his acting sincere, and he truly carried the emotional weight of the show. The plot, while simple, was exactly what I needed: something romantic, light, and soothing.
However, there are a few things that really let me down. First and foremost, I’m very disappointed in the casting decision. Choosing a lead actress who doesn’t film kiss scenes for a romance drama — especially one that’s meant to *express passion*, was a huge mistake. She’s beautiful and talented, and I don’t blame her personally, but it honestly destroyed a lot of the emotional payoff the story was building toward. The chemistry was there, but without any real physical intimacy, the passion felt incomplete.
To make things worse, the final episode didn’t land the way I had hoped. The wedding was lovely, but the scenes *after* the marriage — while maybe realistic — left a bittersweet taste. I wanted a romantic high point, something fulfilling, but instead it felt a bit flat and even a little disappointing. It wasn't the satisfying ending this couple deserved.
This drama had all the elements to become one of my favorite c-dramas: a compelling love story, a visually stunning cast, and a strong emotional base. But the missed opportunities — especially the lack of any kiss scene — were frustrating. What could have easily been a 10/10 ends up as an 8.5/10 for me, saved mostly by how amazing Wang An Yu was and the overall enjoyable tone of the series.
I’m honestly a little angry that such a beautiful couple and passionate story were wasted like this.
Was this review helpful to you?
Overhyped. Quite disappointing. Mostly boring.
I was excited to watch this drama because of the high praise and rating on here. However I was quite disappointed. The story had great potential but fell flat for me. Most of the episodes felt like fillers as nothing much happened to advance the plot. You could probably condense the story into 10 episodes and still get the whole plot. In fact, that would have probably made me enjoy it a lot more.ML story is the best part of the drama and I enjoyed seeing his journey. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the FL. Known as the greatest assassin, we spend all episodes watching her be a maid - clean, cook and run errands. She does have a sharp mind which she occasionally uses well but even that wasn't enough to make her an exciting character to watch. Their love story is sadly not convincing as I felt little chemistry and most of their romantic scenes were cringy. I actually loved the FL with the SML more and the fact that they had a connection since childhood made their relationship more real, sweet and wholesome. Even the older couple's love story was more enjoyable to watch than the main lead's.
Acting was good. Settings looked awesome. Fight & magic scenes were done nice but not enough. Overall, I would personally not recommend this drama to a fantasy lover. Cdramas (xianxia) are a much better choice in my personal opinion.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
just another fluffy drama
The trailer and the advertisements leading up to this show gave me very high expectations. I like yangyang and reba, they are honestly very good looking which I felt was the thing that gave this show its popularity boost. Acting-wise, it's all fine, no extraordinary emotional scenes or anything but that's not on them, it's on the script.Do not expect a deep or emotional slice of life type of plot. This is simplicity at its finest, full on fluff for the majority of the episodes. I like that there aren't any ridiculous misunderstandings or annoying exes and the couple communicates well. Plotwise, I felt like there were too many unnecessary romantic scenes which other than satisfying cp fans, serve absolutely no purpose in the storyline. I think they are cute but sometimes, it's really too much. Even yangyang was shocked at the extent they have to go to in the behind the scenes footages. To be honest, the plot is very unrealistic and doesn't fully depict the lives of 30 years olds (even more so for an aerospace engineer and big celebrity) but take it with a pinch of salt that this is meant to be a very fluffy romcom. It's just that with all the anticipation building up for this drama, I expected a LOT more... this wasn't exciting or interesting, just very romantic.
I would recommend this if you're looking for a chill fluffy visual explosion drama that doesn't require thinking. But if you are expecting an intricate plot or emotion laden scenes then this is not for you.
Was this review helpful to you?
I'M ALL FOR IT WHEN THEY FIGHT BACK
going into this I didn't expect much after seeing the movie version because of the love I have for film version, I was a bit worried they'll drag the story and such but the first 2 episodes got me hooked immediatelythe bromance is definitely gonna be bromancing but I wish they kept the BL aspect of it , it would've made the story that much more interesting but oh well , we can't always get what we want
I'm so excited to see where the story goes so I'll update my review when I finished the entire series
UPDATE
I just finished the drama and it was PHENOMENAL, I'm definitely gonna be rewatching this one, it had everything I look for in a action/school drama
Was this review helpful to you?
I don’t even know what to say...
If I had 10 cents for every time I wanted to DNF this series, I'd have a thousand cents in my PayPal account!Sigh.
I feel some type of way…
I am disappointed.
Maybe it’s my mood?Maybe it’s work? Maybe it’s cause I’m thirsty?
I don’t even know.
This is like sitting down to eat the fruit salad I normally enjoy, but instead, I was served random ingredients mixed with cream and ice cream. I reluctantly ate it all because I knew my favorite fruits (strawberries) were in there somewhere, as long as I kept digging around for them.
I guess I should get to the series ha? Yeah, well that is something, and it can’t be denied that watching this is certainly an experience - Positive, negative, annoying, funny, stupid...somehow.
I’m waffling, thinking about fruit salad or whatever, but the truth is that I really don't have any strong opinions about this show. Mostly just bemused annoyances. I think I’m probably being too critical, because I didn’t even dislike this. Don’t get me wrong, it started well at first, but my enthusiasm quickly faded ( I want to listen to Faded...I'm faded, I'm faded. So lost, I'm faded, I'm faded.So lost, I'm faded).
Maybe I’m just annoyed because I thought the plot was doing one thing when actually just ended up doing another. I would say this was more of an romance serials sparkled with some very not hungry vampires.
I love vampire stories. I love romantic stories. I love vampires romantic stories. So, by the same logic, I should have liked show. If the universe was fair and rational, I would have loved it and given it ten stars. But it she is not fair.
But this series was not:
- funny
- scary
- compelling
- exciting
- populated by lovable characters (there was one and they killed him.)
It was:
- predictable
- the kind of clichés that feels like a trick
- centered the most boring one the romance I have ever watched
- sad yes, but mostly just exhausting
- this one was simply just too darn slow for me.
This is a sweet, hot, tiresome lengthy story.
Mark is basically a Rome god and Tong is basically Sleeping Beauty or something. OK, fine, one years ago, we all swoon for hot handsome engineers. Today, we swoon for hot vampire who have a personality and does not drink the golden blood.I guess my cynicism is showing.
Okay enought with the negative.
I'm a fan of the opening song. I love it. There is some sort of magic in this song. I am so obsessed with it. I could listen to it all day.
Тhis show just is not for me. But if this one has caught your eye, don't let my opinion sway you. So many people have loved this series and I’m just really sad I couldn’t. I started out expecting to love this story.
Final
The series started with a bang, but ended with a dang.Thank God it's over.
Was this review helpful to you?
Words cannot describe
With one episode left I decided to finally leave a review which I don’t make many of unless I feel very strongly about something.The way I am so emotionally attached to these characters and this show is insane. I have not skipped a week since it started airing and that says a lot because I am a very forgetful person but week after week this show has been on my mind and I have probably rewatched it 5x .
First of the acting is just amazing Nanon and Ohm are absolutely fantastic at what they do and my heart aches every single time with them. Their chemistry is seriously insane and I can’t help but cheer them on every episode. I truly wish I can see them together in something else again but if they leave just this masterpiece I am not complaining.
Although the storyline enemies to lovers is pretty cliche and over used but if it’s done right it came be so beautiful and Bad Buddy does an absolutely perfect job at this.
The directing is Straight to the point but with amazing flow that doesn’t feel like something is missing or there should be a gap filled somewhere. Let alone the music !! It’s so catchy?! PLEASE ?! I BE SINGING NANON’s SONG ALL DAY !!
I don’t want to bore anyone with more details but if you are going “hmm maybe I should watch this later” lemme just tell you, you’re gonna regret it later. WATCH NOW! ITS WORTH IT 100% GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK
Was this review helpful to you?
Zhang Vin as Yi Mu was PERFECTION - but you really do feel he is wasted as the second lead. I think, having seen him as the cool, quiet and calm KO (who also had a warm heart) in 'Love O2O' he could've EASILY played Bai Hao instead and REALLY made it believable. The whole problem here has been that that we fans ship Yi Mu and the female lead, Hui Zhen, TOO much and it goes beyond the usual 'Second Lead Syndrome' - they just have INSANE chemistry in EVERY scene and Sheng Peter pales into the background if he has to share the scene with them. You HONESTLY see Bai Hao as the second lead and not the main love interest - whereas, even if he WAS the main lead, you're REALLY rooting for Yi Mu to be with Hui Zhen..
Sure there were differences between the original Kdrama ('She was Pretty') and this Chinese version - sure there was some things the Kdrama original did better, the male lead played by the always wonderful Park Seo Joon is an obvious choice. Another is that Go Joon Hee as Min Ha Ri certainly played the 'bad best friend' with a slightly more sympathetic air than the Chinese version, Xia Qiao, who is played (rather lack-lustrely) by Li Sierra.
BUT, and it's a big one. there are also MANY things this one did BETTER than the original. The Kdrama had the better LENGTH, however, this one has the better STORY because it also does at least have time to flesh out the characters a bit more; so the bullying main lead you REALLY despise, the BBF betrayer (or 'Female Dog Friend' as I called her, lol!) was MUCH worse in this one and so the hate we felt was much more real too. I think Sheng Peter should be patted on the back because a LOT of expectations are on this role and he did his best. I REALLY think we'll be seeing a LOT more of Zhang Vin in the future - the man was EXCELLENT as KO in 'Love O2O' too.
I think overall BOTH versions are very good and one is not worse than the other; they're just different. I give this 10/10 because it deserves it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Normalizing toxic relationships 101
This show is the worst thing I've watched in a while...Why is it normalized that Diao and Kuea are literally SCARED of the people that should love them?
How are Kuea and Lian supposed to be close
childhood friends even though they can't have a conversation about anything else than their relationship? Don't they have any common interests?
The characters of this show are puppets, flatly written to somehow drive the barely existent "plot" to some fan service, (there are so many unnecessary kiss scenes!) and then slip into the next recycled filler material about how they betray and gaslight eachother. These relationships are so unhealthy!
I was also just disgusted by the way that Hia Yi and Hia Lian treat Kuea and Diao like they are their dogs, it was infuriating! Two of the few things they did right in the show were letting Kon Diao stand up for himself and having Kuea be determined to call off the engagement (Only at first unfortunately). The glaring problems in their relationships were rather ignored instead of actually solved.
Despite the weird premise of the show I was genuinely hoping that the main couples were going to develop a meaningful connection over time, but there was barely any development. In fact for example, instead of showing his rebellious side more as the show went on, it felt like Kuea adopted a part of the "Annabelle " mindset more and more as his real personality. Just saying yes, smiling, shallow sweet talk and ditching the last bit of depth his Character had, until his breakdown when Lian proposed to him (The only emotional moment, I could actually get invested in). But afterwards he quickly paddeled back into mindlessly
obeying Lian.
Onto the next problem: Yi and Lian seem always keen on making Diao and Kuea as dependent on them as possible, taking their autonomy and controlling them, which is being portrayed as cute and caring, but it is plain toxic.
The "friendship" between Yi and Lian was also very lackluster, when they were meeting up they always just seemed annoyed and were missing, like pretty much any relationship in the show, any real common interests apart from being business partners.
Fortunately at least Kon Diao and Kuea's friendship was overall supportive and one of the few positive parts in the series.
Side note: I do appreciate the effort the actors put into portraying the characters well, but even good actors can't save a badly written show.
The only romantic relationship that wasn't absurdly unhealthy was the one of Syn and Nuer, they seemed to actually be on one wave length and even though their relationship was also lacking depth, it was still very cute and worth watching.
I truly believe that this show was made for a kind of thirsty viewers who don't really care about the plot as long as there are plenty kissing scenes between two hot actors (even if the kisses don't really feel romantic), as this is the only way I can explain why this show isn't as widely called out for what it is:
(also tldr) A substance lacking excuse for kissing scenes with a plotline almost exclusively consisting of normalizing unhealthy relationships, a few good songs and 10 minutes of preachy dialogue in the beginning and end, that can't be taken seriously, because nothing said is actually reflected in the show.
They should have called this series "normalizing toxic relationships 101"
I'm very disappointed, what a waste of time!
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
BL Drama Lovers Club20 minutes ago -
Characterization building.55 minutes ago -
Role Reversal (RR) Drama Lovers Club1 hour ago -
Last NON Asian Movie you watched? #23 hours ago -
Need help finding this unpopular drama4 hours ago
