Reviews

I had a lot of mix feelings while watching this show. Going in, I was totally unaware of what I was getting into. I hadn’t read its synopsis, reviews, related comments and mostly flicked past the screencaps in the feeds. So in the first half as I realized what the drama was about, it hit me personally because of multiple reasons. I wanted it to be more raw and painful at times and at others, it got so real that I had to press pause and take a break from my own thoughts.

Then, somewhere in between Just Between Lovers took a turn down the typical K-Drama alley. It became overly melodramatic and sappy. In order to create a tragic hero, they piled every problem possible in the world on his beautiful shoulders and there was only so much I could buy before I started giving it the side-eye. Physical health  problems gave precedence to mental. I won’t say that it romanticized mental illness but it did gloss over it all. PTSD does not randomly vanish like this.

However, despite all this, one thing that was very clear to me at the end of it all was how much I enjoyed this show throughout. I was even more relieved than disappointed because of all the tropes it chose to follow because they provided the much needed escapism we look for in dramas. Even though, it dealt with heavy issues it didn’t drown in it. There was always a comedic gesture, a heartwarming moment and a swoon-worthy interaction between the leads to balance things out.

I think this drama had one of the best K-Drama romances ever. This was exactly the kind of relationship I fall for. It was a beautiful slow burn, where two people grow individually and together. They go through obstacles, they have their highs and lows and they become stronger through them- both in harmony and independently. And, it was all absolutely beautiful to watch. I’ve never been this starved for skinship between the leads and when it finally happened, it was so sweet and intimate that it was worth the wait.

Both the main leads were very dear to me. Gang Doo was simply an angel. I don’t think people like him exist in this world anymore but it would be a huge relief if they did. Moon Soo, even though some of her actions at the end were questionable was undeniably a sweetheart. There were some side characters I was lowkey annoyed with (Think: Second Male Lead, Second Female lead (though she had her moments) and the female lead’s parents) because of how much they victimized themselves even when other people had it far worse. But at the same time, I also adored a lot of other characters. Like basically everyone related to Gang Doo; his grandmother, his Doona, his brother figure and his team leader. You know what they say, good people are surrounded by good people.

As far as the acting goes, I won’t say it was exceptionally outstanding or that I was floored by it. Their inexperience and freshness shined through however, this worked out in their favor. Because the way the two portrayed their characters was so sincere and natural that it didn’t fail to capture the audience and touch hearts.

One of the best things about the show is the OST. I really recommend watching this show in a print that has the songs subbed while they play in the background. The lyrics are so meaningful to the plot and the play timing is perfect. So when you know what the songs are saying at a particular moment, it gives all the more depth and insight to the story. And it’s simply gorgeous.

So ultimately, Just Between Lovers is a show about healing, friendship, love, serenity and brilliant dialogues. Even though it develops slowly and maximizes emotion, it’s never boring. There are some tears here and there but with that comes so much more hope and so much more warmth.

Definitely recommend.
Enjoy!

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RECIPROCITY - Walk in a straight line BUT circle back to each other.

----The key point of the series is ----


"If there is only ONE person in this world who can understand your words, then he is more important than anyone else.” -Jiang Tian

"The population of the planet is now about seven billion. If the average life expectancy of each person is 80 years and they can meet 1,000 people per day, they will meet about 29.2 million people in their lifetime. The probability of two people meeting is 0.00417. while the probability that you happened to like him, he likes you back and you become each other's special 'someone' is only 0.0000173. Everyone has a "very moment" in their life. Your memory will freeze at that moment, becoming a very special moment. It turns into a most important memory of your life. And every time you think of it, you will always have a special feeling inside" - Sheng Wang



A good coming of age BL drama from Taiwan, adapted from the book 'Mou Mou' by Mu Su Li. It's a story of two 17 year old boys coming from different backgrounds, forced to live in close proximity due to their respective parents cohabitation. Slowly these two find a home in each other and open their hearts to a possible connection. The series is not fast paced which is one of its greatest advantages, it paints a nostalgic picture of the bygone days.


The story wouldn't have been as compelling as it turned out to be without the fabulous performance of both the lead actors. Liu Dong Qin who plays the part of a lonely, privileged and affable, Sheng Wang AND Benjamin Tsang who portrays the often stoic, prickly, Ace student of the class, Jiang Tian.

At first glance, the audience perceives, both Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang are opposite in their disposition and would likely clash due to their different personalities. However just in the case of magnets, opposite poles attract each other, the audience comes to realise that underneath their seemingly contrasting outward personalities, both hide deep seated vulnerabilities that they are unwilling to share or reveal to the world. Their close proximity due their parents' cohabitation enables them to peel the protective outward layer and peek into the inner hidden sensitivity of the other.

There are many instances where the viewers get a glimpse of how well these two fit together. With each Thread of shared experience, unrevealed emotion, conversations with concealed subtexts, silent support, All combining together; their relationship transforms into an unbreakable Rope of blazing love. Some of their interactions that make them realise they have found a 'home' in each other and share RECIPROCITY in their feelings are :-

1. Sheng Wang is beaten by some outside thugs on the school campus (arranged by a jealous competitive classmate). Sheng Wang while taking the beating and trying to escape from the goons, thinks that he is all alone and nobody is there to help him. When Jiang Tian finds out about this incident, he works out a way to catch these fellows and punish them. Later Sheng Wang finds out that Jiang Tian was instrumental in their being caught, he talks with Jiang Tian who divulges that if in place of Sheng Wang, he would have been caught alone by the thugs, he too would feel helpless and wish someone would help him. Jiang Tian further states that at that time he wasn't there to help Sheng Wang but he made sure those guys were punished for attacking Sheng Wang and making him feel powerless. (This conversation makes Sheng Wang realise that Jiang Tian would always protect him)

2. Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian both want to live in a dorm (hostel) at one point of time. However later, after the two feel a sense of fellowship, Sheng Wang no longer wants to live in a dorm but wishes to live in his father's house with Jiang Tian. Jiang Ting confesses that even though he also rejected the idea of living in a dorm due to their growing closeness (and the fact Sheng Wang was hurt by Jiang Tian wanting to live in a hostel) he still wished he could stay in a dorm. At that time Sheng Wang thought that Jiang Tian would leave him so he started distancing himself from Jiang Tian. Later Sheng Wang came to know from Old Man Ding that Jiang Tian never had a permanent home, he always kept his belongings packed in a suitcase, ready to leave the place where he was currently residing at a moment's notice because he had an unstable childhood and never got a place to call 'home'. Sheng Wang then offers to stay with Jiang Tian in a dorm, both of them would live in a dorm together so that Jiang Tian would feel safe for at least the duration of their boarding period (as it was fixed as per the fees paid and duration of their studies, the stay in a dorm is not depended upon unforseen changes in his mother's relationship with Sheng Wang in future) and would UNPACK things from his suitcase as he would get a clear timeline as to how long he could live at one place. (This conversation with Sheng Wang made Jiang Tian acknowledge that someone understood his fears)

By gaining insight into the other's frality, both feel protective towards the other. This understanding creates a bond of friendship and acceptance, however it is complicated by their budding romantic feelings for the other. Sheng Wang is more vocal about things but is oblivious to the romantic undercurrent between them or so it SEEMS, Jiang Tian on the other hand is hyper aware of his feelings but he is accustomed to bottle up his emotions never verbally voicing them out.

The hurdles in their way to a blissful life of togetherness are them being of same gender as well as their parents' relationship which makes them 'brothers' in the eyes of the society.

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I would say this series is multi-layered, it deals with many issues that a young adult goes through.....

1. Dealing with past trauma and loss - Searching for that certain some'ONE'.
2.The Bittersweet school life - surviving the competitive world of education where ranks and grades have to be maintained, the jealousy and backstabbing of other ambitious student(s).
3. The budding romance - Growing affection between two boys who care deeply for each other but are afraid of societal judgement as well as afraid of rejection by the other so they keep their feelings within themselves.
4. The stolen glances - Looking at your crush, trying to gauge their reactions based on subtle changes in their facial expressions. Trying to gain the attention of the person you are captivated by. Realising that what started as infatuation has morphed into an indestructible bond of Love that lasts a lifetime.

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I would also like to praise the director of the series, Liu Kuang Hui. The director made the perfect casting choice, Liu Dong Qin and Benjamin Tsang create a believable love story of two young people who are too afraid to voice out their emotions. The Director, through their slow build relationship managed to tell a heartwarming story of two youths' struggle to find a way to stay together. From Jiang Tian's attentive, observant gaze To Sheng Wang's unwillingness to get close to anyone who might desert him. Both fearing abandonment, their non-date Date, having each other's back. The director laid down layers upon layers of shared experiences to cement their commitment.


The soundtracks also manage to solidify the burgeoning feelings.. Although it's difficult to choose a favourite amongst them, my favourite is '17 Run to You', the lyrics were so appropriate for these two lost souls finding a common ground to flourish and live happily together. Other Songs include 'Just lonely', 'Interlude', 'Rainbow Love' and 'Love Proverbs '(The theme song)- All 5 of them have quite soulful melodies and meaningful lyrics that linger in your heart for a long time.


::::Overall:::: Another good BL drama from Taiwan, a little wistful, evoking memories of youth.
This series is replete with pathos for literary enthusiasts. People who are interested in literature should rewatch the series to savour the metaphors, symbols and references from other literary works that the Scriptwriter/ Director has woven into the narrative of the story.

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My 'Very' Moments (Additional Titbits)

1. Episode 3

'up to you' versus 'down to you' - There is a scene where the English Teacher in Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang's school is asking the students to differentiate between the phrases 'up to you' and 'down to you'.

As per the dictionary:
'up to you' means 'It's your decision! You choose!'
Where as 'down to you' means 'to be someone's responsibility or decision:Duty, obligation and responsibility'

In the same episode before the English Teacher brings up the topic of differentiating between the two phrases, Jiang Tian has given money to Sheng Wang for the bottle of water he had purchased earlier for Jiang Tian, Sheng Wang tells Jiang Tian that it's 'up to you' implying that Jiang Tian can choose to remain formal and stiff with Sheng Wang, unaccepting his clumsy attempt at explaining as to Sheng Wang only kissed Jiang Tian in school due to the game of truth and dare, the kiss was just a part of the game.

Later when Jiang Tian offers to be friends with Sheng Wang while talking in his bedroom. Sheng Wang's soliloquy brings the whole topic of difference between the idioms full circle. Sheng Wang muses - "At this moment, I totally forgot what our English Teacher had said. What's the difference between "up to you" and "down to you". Only then did I realise, the moment Jiang Tian said that, my world turned UPSIDE DOWN. My world toppled."

The thin line between "up to you" i.e choice and "down to you" i.e obligation, blurs as everything turns topsy turvy with one heart to heart conversation of Jiang Tian with Sheng Wang.


2. Episode 7 - Moving into a dorm

As per my perception and the conversation that Sheng Wang had with Jiang Tian, Sheng Wang hopes to find some 'stability' for Jiang Tian hence suggests moving into a dorm.

It was stated by Grandfather Ding that Jiang Ting had NO home while growing up, he was constantly on a move, sometimes living with his father, mother, grandmother or old man Ding... probably he may have spent an occasional night at some acquaintance's home. Now that his mother has moved into Sheng Wang's father's home, logically he might get a stable home but due to his past experiences, psychologically he is still unable to relax and unpack. He may fear things going south between his mother and Sheng Wang's father someday or displeasing his stepfather or ... or ..or...and he may have to 'move' again so he is keeping himself ready for that possibility.

As per Sheng Wang, living in a dorm Jiang Tian may unwind a little because even though they cannot live in a dorm forever, it gives a 'specified duration' wherein the students can live as per the fees they have paid for the term. Hence Jiang Tian can mentally feel some stability for that time period.

So it doesn't matter that there are two other people sharing a dorm room with them because at the current juncture of the story they are looking for 'stability' rather than 'privacy'. Therefore both are rejoicing at having achieved that goal.

Maybe later they may find sharing the accommodation with other two students a little restrictive but that's for the future..In the present, they can heave a sigh of relief on behalf of Jiang Tian.


3 . Episode 8

The difference between the conversation that Sheng Wang has with his father and Jiang Tian has with his mother regarding shifting from Sheng Wang's father's house to a Dorm.

Sheng Wang is quite vocal and doesn't mince words, he is eloquent and has a way with words. His father often considers him immature and doesn't really listen to what he is saying. Sheng Wang very clearly stated what he wanted and put his feelings into words to express what he wanted. He very generously accepted his father's need for a companionship but never faltered from his point of needing to stay in a dorm.

Jiang Tian and his mother's relationship is quite stilted due her guilt of leaving her son to fend for himself while she was busy earning money to support her family. Both stay quite, sitting on a sofa not knowing how to approach the topic, until they break the ice. Jiang Tian comforts his mother by saying that this time he is NOT alone when he moves to a new place, as he has a companion who would accompany him and ensure his happiness. He also expresses happiness that his mother will also not be alone as she has also found a loving companion.

What made me happy to see is that both boys want their respective parents to lead a happy life but they are not willing to change their decision. Their approach of discussing things with their own parent differs but both manage to convey their choice distinctly. They stay firm and polite but don't buckle under the pressure of parental guilt, obligation or coaxing.

4. Episode 9
Once again a topic explained in the beginning of the episode by a school teacher, forms a heartfelt moment...the series did the same in episode 3.

Now again in this episode. The difference between a period (.) and ellipsis (.....)

i.Period (.) means end of conversation, there is nothing left to say anymore.
ii. Ellipsis (.....) means something is left intentionally unsaid, the conversation is at a pause and there are more things that are unsaid, to be said.

This lesson, is quite meaningful as the relationship between Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang is at the ellipsis stage.....

There are so many things bubbling at the surface between these two protagonists waiting to burst out.

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*Through two incidents, we witness different dynamics of the relationship between Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian.*

When Sheng Wang cajoles, coaxes and calls him "ge" all the while pouting, to convince Jiang Tian to wear the sports T-shirt with embarrassing letters printed on, Jiang Tian surrenders, he agrees to put on the T-shirt to make Sheng Wang happy. Sheng Wang sports a smug smile because, he knows he would always get his way with Jiang Tian by pleading.
(Sheng Wang 1 : Jiang Tian 0)

Second incident, when Sheng Wang hurts his foot after the last round of Long Jump, Jiang Tian notices his wince when Jiang Tian is tying their legs together for a three legged race. Jiang Tian immediately calls a halt and asks permission from the teachers to take Sheng Wang to a health centre. Jiang Tian instructs Sheng Wang to get on his back so he could carry Sheng Wang piggyback style. With so many people watching, Sheng Wang is embarrassed to get on Jiang Tian's back, he squirms and tries to make excuses. Jiang Tian doesn't heed and repeatedly asks Sheng Wang to "get on" his back in a protective authoritative manner till Sheng Wang climbs onto his back so that Jiang Tian can carry him to the clinic.
(Jiang Tian 1 : Sheng Wang 0)

Both these incidents highlight their relationship dynamics, Jiang Tian will fold and give in to Sheng Wang's persuasions in all instances except when it comes to Sheng Wang's well being, then Jiang Tian wouldn't be swayed by anything. An interesting fact is that Each of them is aware of their strengths and weaknesses where the other is concerned.

(I have run out is space here so My 'very' moments for episode 11 and some musing on episode 12 specifically the Ending are added as comments to this review, If you are interested to read more please look up the comments)

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just want to point out the differences

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I wrote an in-depth review on GOODBYE MY PRINCESS previously, so here I just want to point out the differences in this "Director's Cut" edition and the originally aired edition of the drama. The main thing you are probably wondering is if there are "3 extra episodes" and the answer is NO NOT REALLY. Sorry to disappoint.
The reason there are "3 episodes" MORE in the Director's Cut and the original drama is that the first two episodes and the final 2-3 episodes have more scenes added in. Most especially in EP #1 & EP #2? Meaning, so many "cut scenes" were added back in, that is added up to approx 120-130 minutes of cut footage which extended the show by 3 episodes.
The MAJORITY of the show has absolutely zero changes. If there were any "extras" in the middle episodes they were so subtle, I didn't notice them. I wish we had more scenes with our leads extended in the middle of the show and after the Oblivion Falls shenanigans, but no such luck.
All that to say, I really did like the additions that were added in the beginning and in the end. They would have been MUCH appreciated if they had originally aired.

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I started The Good Wife to alleviate the painful wait for the new episodes of Doctors (oh, the irony). And 2 episodes in, I was absolutely engaged! The Good Wife is not a typical drama. It has a mature tone and deals with mature issues. When a normal Korean drama deals with cheating on your spouse, they make it all cheesy and overly dramatic. I just love how they handled the cheating in this drama. It was so realistic and you completely understood where each character came from.

The female lead was amazing. She was so calm and dignified and yet, there is a subtle change occurring within her throughout, simmering beneath the diplomatic surface. It never explodes or exposes itself completely. You cannot hold that change to one single moment. You can't point at one moment and say "there she is finally!" But you can feel the change constantly, scene after scene. Until it has become a part of her completely.

I love her character. It is so deep and yet we can all relate to it somewhere. The rest of the cast is equally amazing. Nana's character was brilliant. She was so unique in her style and I loved her screen-time, especially with Hye Kyung. I didn't know much about Nana before I started this show (except that she wins the title of "most beautiful face" a lot). But I really look forward to seeing her in more roles (and different ones). I didn't know much about Jun Do Yeon either (except that she was paid A LOT for this drama). But I she was so good here, I ended up checking out a couple of her movies (and loving them!).

The guys were awesome. Jung Won was sooo sexayyy. Like MY GOD. He's like a bad boy who grew up like some really fine wine. I'll be crushing on him for a while. The romance was unexpectedly awesome. The drama is full of sexual tension and I am not complaining.

Tae Joon was another complex character who was a delight to watch. The whole time you are wondering WHO THE HELL IS HE? WHAT IS HE THINKING? This guy had me really confused with his sometimes-bad-sometimes-good character. But then I realized the catch. This is how he is supposed to be. This is how we all are. There is no black or white. There are good sides to us and there are dark sides. And that is exactly how he was. He was a scary man but he was a gentle father. He was trying to do something right using wrong methods. He loved his wife but he succumbed to temptation. A lot. He was human.

The music was perfect for the drama and this drama can definitely be watched again for the complexities and the surprisingly swoon-worthy romance that takes it's own sweet time to build.

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A strong production. A bold story that comes across without make-up by Korean standards

If you're looking for a KDrama of the usual type, then you won't find it in "Children of Nobody". Here you are dealing with an impressive psychological thriller with lasting influence that comes across without make-up by Korean standards. This is about child abuse. The powerful here are not the economic giants, but the parents in their sacred halls. Not funny. The story wants to stir you up and it does. In the original, the title is actually "Red Moon, Blue Sun" and alludes to modern South Korean poetry that has been quoted several times. In connection with the crimes against children, poetry seems downright paradoxical.

If "Children of Nobody" at the time didn't make spectacular waves in the ratings, it's not because it wasn't done convincingly, but because there are a large number of unreported families in South Korea for whom physical abuse and the "stick of love" are still taken for granted. Sooner or later, these viewers would have to take a good look at their own noses. The topic is treated in a differentiated manner from a wide variety of perspectives.

----------------------------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- child abuse vs free, upright citizens ---
If people are broken mentally and physically from an early age, how are they supposed to learn to live as upright citizens? The road to free, responsible citizens still seems a long way off. 20/30 years ago in South Korea - without high technology, ubiquitous internet and social media - many people in their personal world largely only knew people for whom these practices of physical abuse were also a matter of course. The children and young people of today and the young parents of tomorrow, on the other hand, grew up in a time when they could learn a lot more about alternative living environments, value systems and educational concepts through the media. The field of consciousness is expanding. Conflicts with traditional structures arise. New perspectives are given space. In the exchange via social media, resistance and support can form, discussions are held and new values ​​and self-images spread. Change becomes possible.
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KDramas increasingly provide positive models of how things must become different in the future. In its own way, it tries to straighten things out in the context of child abuse that many take for granted.

Therfore "Children of Nobody" is a strong production. A bold story. A commitment to a future with free, responsible citizens - precisely because they are ruthlessly confronting with where society (in South Korea) actually stands.

Fantastic actors. Captivating story. Highly valuable.

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There are times, I think, when nothing beats a KDrama from the early 2000s

"Spring Day" is a love story told in a triangle. So drama in drama feels right at home here. And "Spring Day" has a lot more to offer in the proven makjang-mix to really heat up the story. If the merry-go-round isn't going straight forward, than simply because it's going backwards.

Three is one too many. Being well aware of the consequences and where the story must lead towards, it is nevertheless the path that paves the series pleasure of cathartic ups and downs. You can get really upset about this and that. The rhythms of the soundtrack whip your emotions through the most varied of situations. The assorted mix of (by now long) proven actors give the protagonists their three dimensional profile. None of those characters is really grippy, smooth or edgeless, though. Whether brotherly relationship, romance or parental relationship, it´s all full of sometimes touching, sometimes pathetic ambivalences – sometimes hurting, sometimes soothing and hurting at the same time. In short, the KDrama presents quite some space for compassion and catharsis.

There are times, I think, when nothing beats a KDrama from the early 2000s. I couldn't have timed my ´Spring Day´ better (in Spring 2023). After a flood of stories about contemporary scheming, autocratic backroom politics, bullying among students and misogyny, "Spring Day" feels like an island in many ways. The world is not safe there, on the contrary. Makjang rocks the turbulence upwards. Nevertheless, there are 'only' personal destinies and family tragedies here that do not have the social impact of some current series topics. We get thrown around in an ambivalent emotional swell between 'soothing' and 'hurting'. In the end the story is told to the end. The ending may or may not please, but it has its ending. (A lot of recent KDrama with current underlying social issues tend to deep down leave a thorn after the end of the story, as the social swamp that fueled the story remains a given reality and lingers on…)



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By the way:
With "Spring Day" in 2005, Go Hyun-jung marks her comeback after a War-of-Roses divorce with a Jaebeol of the Samsung Dynasty. So in 2003 she actually had just finished her own Makjang drama personally. Eventually, she was able to free herself from the obviously tormenting clutches of her husband and his dominant, oppressive family, who (so it is said) permanently devalued her because of her humble origins, simply making use of her beauty for bearing pretty children. Yet the price for liberation was high. Above all, she had to leave her children behind and give up visitation and custody rights. Although she was able to re-establish her life somehow against all (by her husband´s family deliberately implemented) odds , she (so it is said) still is not allowed to see her children to this day.

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Cotton Candy Romance

In Chinese, the terms 妹妹 (mei mei) and 哥哥 (ge ge) have double meanings - one refers to a sibling, the other can mean a lover. It is the mix up in the understanding and usage of the terms that has caused the hilarious misunderstanding of our naive characters that drives the plot. The love of one's sibling (platonic) and a romantic love can be confusing for someone who has never seen an opposite sex, let alone having a sister. This purity together with naivety leads to confusion and hilarious conclusions.

For the Chinese, it is very common for an admirer calling the admired "ge ge" or "mei mei". Using such terms helps to reduce the embarrassment of being too blatant in a relationship especially if it's hidden, as well as reducing the barrier in the name of familial relationship. In this drama, these two terms are repeatedly and interchangeably used and construed by various characters for different meanings.

This story is a fusion of the modern world with the ancient xianxia world. Our Female Lead Shi Xia (Wu Qianying) has accidentally travelled to the xianxia world while searching for her brother Shi Dong (Dai Yunfan). There in the xianxia world she meets the immortal Hou Chi (Zhao Yingbo) and falls in love with him. Hou Chi has never seen an opposite sex, nor heard of the term “mei mei”, and has no clue what a “sister” is, for Hou Chi is the purest of the pure and has been trained for 200 years to take over the role of the united ruler of the universe. But adopting Shi Xia as his “mei mei” to love and to protect changes his life because he also falls in love with her.

I really like Zhao Yingbo’s portrayal of the Hou Chi character. Hou Chi does look like a piece of wood, drained of emotions on his face, lack of understanding of any worldly matters and human relationship. Though slow in his motion, he is not stiff, and he is intelligent and loyal. Therefore when he eventually gives the viewers a slight smile, we know he is truly in love. The actor has an untainted look as pure as a baby’s face, with his innocent mind asking adult questions, it is really a joy to watch.

Coming from a modern world, Shi Xia is as astute as any of today’s young adults. Wu Qianying’s acting here is not bad as a sometimes-rebellious little sister, and can be rather sweet and cute at times. She and Zhao Yingbo make a very adorable pair with great chemistry. I love Dai Yunfan as Shi Xia’s protective big brother. The dynamics he has with his little sister and her boy friend, Hou Chi, are funny and warm, and the confusing interchanging use of the terms “mei mei” and “ge ge” is hilarious.

My Verdict

This drama is silly but absolutely adorable. At first, I wanted to drop at episode 1. But I was like licking a cotton candy that I couldn't throw away because it's too cute and fluffy. There’s not so much of a plot here. Basically, Shi Xia tries to find a way back to her modern world and Hou Chi tries to become the ruler of the universe so that he can help send her back. Then there is a couple of not-so-evil antagonists who suffer mental illness because of their wrongful perception, and perish eventually. The OSTs are very pretty and calming, just like our Hou Chi character and his relationship with the first girl he has ever seen in his life. Despite all the flaws and stuff, I was rather enjoying it.

Entertaining! Great watch!

P/S Though this drama is listed as having 35 episodes, there is an extra episode that tells the modern life of our love birds. Don't miss it. It super funny, and cute.

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Fan Service at its Best

First, let me warn you by saying don't look for these to strictly adhere to continuity. It's really fan-centric one-shots meant as a gift by the actors and producers. For example Byeong-In is in one episode as the captain of police at the same time Cheoljong is looking at the Queen's Dictionary which has notations about voting and gold/dirt spoons, which occurred later. In another segment, Hwan is sporting the sunglasses he first wears in episode 20 whereas all but the prequel seem to indicate the stories taking place right before or immediately after the banquet.

Segment 1 - SY and CJ meeting for the first time as adults. More So Yong centric than Cheoljong. At least they did manage to flesh out her character just a little bit. The prequel is beautifully shot with CJ romanticized and looking like Prince Charming from a storybook to the Nth degree. It has a dreamy quality to it.

Segment 2 - An absolute hilarious acknowledgement of the fans' comments about the similarity in looks and build of Prince YP and Byeong-In.

Segment 3 - Focused on the flirtations of the Royal Chef and Lady Choi

Segment 4 - KDramas are known for several tropes, one of which is the jealous lover. Didn't fit into the narrative of Mr. Queen too much, though they did manage to fit in one small scene towards the end, so the producers created this one-shot that is jealous KDrama lover overload. Very, very funny and really showcases the comedic timing of Kim Jung Hyun.

Segment 5 - Card game gone extreme between the Kim powerhouse siblings with poor So Yong's father caught in the middle.

Segment 6 - The most enigmatic one. This segment had some moments of comedy, but it had a strange undercurrent of wistfulness and melancholy as well which is tied into the wishes each character makes upon seeing their first meteor shower.

Overall, it was just fun watching. The comedic elements were ramped up and more campy than usual. The segments were definitely poking fun at the characters and storylines while at the same time trying to give fans elements that they couldn't necessarily incorporate into the main drama.

Looking back, I also feel that it supports my reincarnation theory. Prequel hints at the idea of destiny, middle segment answers the question of where the love and attraction is stemming from, and the last gives us the promise of reunion for the soulmates.

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To sum this drama up, it's a sweet, simple romance filled with lots of unrequited love.  While it neither intense nor original, it was still very delightful to watch. Surprisingly, the unrequited love was not unbearable to watch (unless you were seriously rooting for the second lead).  More importantly, the pacing was really good.  The drama hardly dragged, which has been a common occurrence for dramas coming out of Taiwan as of late.  It's hard to find one with a plot that hasn't been stretched thin.  The cast was pretty great.  Some of the supporting characters were a little flat, but the second couple was pretty well developed and entertaining to watch (not to mention stole the show).  I loved the soundtrack. Overall, a solid well balanced drama that I haven't seen coming out from Taiwan in awhile.

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As a fan of mystery/crime dramas i have to say this is one of the best i've ever seen. It's a mixture of CSI meets Criminal Minds. The story is pretty great and the cast is exceptional. Each character have such different personalities that it was fun watching them play off of each other while also coming together as one while eating bananas. They also have the BEST GUEST STARS EVER. The drama is well written with both comedy and seriousness. Kimura Takuya did such an amazing job bringing his character to life. His sadistic laugh and awkward social timing is pure genius.

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Another Satisfying Youth Drama

Story reminds me of "Go Ahead" (which is one of my favorite dramas by the way). The main plots are similar wherein two people have that non-blood related sibling relationship. But this is lighter and shorter than Go Ahead, and also has less heartbreaking issues/stories so if you liked Go Ahead, When We Were Young, With You, then this would also be a satisfying watch. Transitions of the characters emotions was well planned, and nothing seemed hasted, or dragged.

Since it's a lighter drama, and I personally like re-watching heart wrenching ones, then this has a lower rewatch value than the similar dramas I previously mentioned.

Hope to see more of the actors, they were good even if they are newbies

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The Dew Best Story

This mini series, where to start; I was smiling at the sweet puppy love crush, Best was having throughout the series. The friends also made me smile, one of the best of friends to have really, except Dew's acquaintance cause that rat sure isnt a friend. Anyways, War's acting was amazing as always, tore at my heart and squeezed it when it needed to be and Yin improved as well, actually bawled when he did so yeah bring tissues along for your binge. Shame it wasn't longer to really show off their talents with a HEALTHY COUPLE's storyline. Loved the chemistry between the friends as well.
As far as production goes, I was a little annoyed at the missing subs especially at a crucial part, luckily fans in the comments translated it but hope they fix it for the future watchers of the series, the cast deserves the best. Would I watch it again? Yes. It's my favorite YinWar series they've done. Gonna miss Dew and Best. Spin off for Ray and Dave seems possible from the hints of something going on throughout...or a second season would be great.

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Not a good story

Not worth it to watch 42 episodes.
We generally expect only one ML & want FL to love only ML through the series.
Here it was shown as the FL doesn't have any feeling for ML anymore due to some conflicts between families, and almost tried to develop feelings for SML.
It looks like writer tried to give same importance to ML & SML which caused this disaster.
ML significance gradually reduces & SML significance gradually increases after the divorce between FL & ML. we can tolerate this for 1 or 2 episodes but as an audience how do you tolerate this for around 10 episodes, ML wasn't even there in some episodes.
At the end, FL came back from US after 3 years & she still doesn't know what she wants. FL gives hug to SML as a friend after forgiving him, but it is not shown whether FL would like to get back to ML or not ? ML clearly would like to get back to FL but FL mind is not clear.
FL called both ML & SML as good friends & even sang a song for them.
FL & ML will only be friends ? will they become couple again ? it was left for audience imagination.

After watching 42 episodes, you will not like FL character anymore & you would feel FL doesn't deserve ML (FL doesn't show any regret for leaving ML).

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A drama where just 10 stars are not enough.

Warm sunshine on a winter morning, or a cup of coffee on a rainy day- we all know how comfortable it feels like right? These are the only ways to describe this phenomenal piece of work named Meet Yourself.

If I have to name one thing that I would watch every single day of my life without getting bored, it will be this drama. A slow-paced drama that doesn't feel slow but leaves you wanting to watch even more of it- sounds a bit exaggerated? But no, that is exactly what this drama is. 40 episodes that are about 45 minutes long each and I still want to watch about 40 more episodes of these sweet characters just going on with their lives, doing the most mundane things. I'm confident to say that I won't skip a second of it, just like I haven’t while watching the whole drama.

I won't name a favourite character because you know what? Every character shone. From our main leads whom we saw from episode 1-40 to Xie Qiang who was only seen in the last few episodes- everyone absolutely nailed their character. I smiled when they smiled, cried when they cried and laughed when they laughed.

The OST- every single song made me feel so much and was perfectly fit for the moment, the playlist is going to stay saved in my Spotify forever.Whenever "Days" played in the background it became hard for me to concentrate on the drama, it's such a soulful song that makes you think, hope and believe that everything will be fine, just take everyday as it is.And every time I hear "Saddle Of My Heart", it makes me pray and hope for a love like the one described in the song, the love that I felt between XZY and XHD.

This drama made me feel like I was there, I was also a part of the tiny, gorgeous, peaceful village of Yunnan. I iust know that nothing will ever top this drama for me, this will forever be in a league of it’s own. I will be recommending this masterpiece to everyone for the rest of my life.

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When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.

Qin Dynasty Epic, the fourth and final installment of the highly regarded Qin Dynasty series, is about how Yin Zheng fulfilled "Heaven's Mandate" to unify the Warring States (475-221 BC) and became the first emperor of China at age 38 in 221 BC. Such a monumental task was not achieved without the vision and dedication of many great talents from brilliant tacticians, crafty spies, talented engineers and powerful generals. These characters that made it all possible and how they were pitted against wily and determined opponents from six rival kingdoms is magnificently and vividly brought to life in this stunning production.

The production values are very high and there is extraordinary, game of thrones worthy battle footage against some truly breathless backdrops that convey the epic vastness and splendor of the empire. In-depth research and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the costumes, the weapons, the sets and the authentic portrayal of military strategies, diplomacy, espionage, the economics of funding prolonged warfare, the evolution of a common script, immigration and the consequent racial frictions and the conflict between meritocracy and legacy. These themes are seamlessly woven into the visual storytelling in a way that you cannot miss the natural, impenetrable mountain fortress that is Hangu Pass and the Qin life size battle map that further reinforces the topological and geographical advantages of the Qin state.

This is a historical drama but if you are not familiar with Qin history, then be warned that there are mild spoilers in the paragraphs ahead.

Duan Yihong's delicious portrayal of Lv Buwei, venal merchant turned kingmaker and indisputably one of history's great adventurers anchors well over half the drama. His economic reforms and policies paved the way for the eventual unification of the Warring States well before Ying Zheng's conquests began. This is the best written and best acted role in the drama that literally steals the show. This wonderfully grey character that was so inspired by a vision bigger than himself that he actively recruited and promoted the best talent even against his own nature and interest, notably in the case of Li Si. Their scheming both as rivals and allies and mutual respect despite their differences is one of the most complex and riveting portrayals in this drama. I find Li Si the character insufferable and while Li Naiwen's acting is good, it is not quite on par with that of Duan Yihong. Even though I think the drama ends at the right place, it is a pity we don't get to see the irony that Li Si whose life work was Qin's unification may have brought about Qin's rapid downfall with his cruel interference in Ying Zheng's succession. I love that this drama properly credits both Lv Buwei and Li Si with many of the lasting reforms made during Ying Zheng's reign; indeed many (not all) were well underway while he was still a powerless boy king.

The most slanderous and malicious accusation in Sima Qian's Shiji (史记 or Records of the Grand Historian) is that Ying Zheng was in fact Lv Buwei's son; that his former concubine Zhao Ji was already pregnant when she married Ying Yiren. Current historians are rightly skeptical as that would have been a 12 month pregnancy but the drama raises the question head on and leaves room for viewers to decide for themselves. It is likely no accident however, that they cast two actors that bear a strong resemblance to each other as Ying Yiren and Ying Zheng; both in terms of stature and elongated, elegant facial features and in sharp contrast to both Zhao Ji and Lv Buwei's more common rounded features. The desire to put both actors side by side results in the drama's biggest judgement error of having a 40 year old man play the 13-year old Ying Zheng. This is a tall ask of any actor and Zhang Luyi did the best he could but it isn't until well over halfway through the drama that the character's age catches up with that of the actor. In a misguided attempt to make Ying Zheng more relatable, we suffer through some unfathomable cringe dialogues as the obviously middle aged Zhang Luyi plays an adolescent Ying Zheng who is bullied, questions his legitimacy, experiences infatuation and grapples with his mommy issues.
 
In an attempt to appeal to broad audiences, the drama over-indulges in the salacious Lao Ai/Zhao Ji arc. Zhao Ji is mercilessly portrayed as the wanton, shallow, selfish, reckless and easily manipulated harlot who likely turned Ying Zheng into a misogynist whose women were all anonymous. And while Lao Ai's allegedly majestic physical attributes can never be disproven, he definitely had a peanut sized brain and his attempted coup was puny and nowhere near the scale the drama suggests. Although scandal holds timeless appeal, I am here to watch the first emperor of China, not the first gigolo of China. The time would have been better spent building up characters who become prominent after Lv Buwei's exit and indeed the immediate next 1-2 episodes feel like one hand clapping.

I must mention that Zhang Lu Yi redeems himself with his characterization of the mature Ying Zheng. I was riveted by how he howled like his heart was torn from him when he "fulfilled" Zhao Yan's abominable request only to be overcome with remorse and cowardice when faced with the real thing years later. His portrayal of Ying Zheng's encounter with Jing Ke is also exceptional. That said, I have mixed feelings about how this larger than life figure was written, it somewhat diminishes him. While I like that they humanized him and gave him a benevolent side that is at odds with countless other depictions, I wish they went with a bolder, more controversial interpretation by balancing that out with some vices and a more ruthless, darker side as well. I didn't need to see him cook scholars but even how he dealt with Lao Ai's kids was just glossed over, not to mention his legendary harem and his intense superstition. The real Ying Zheng is probably turning in his undisturbed tomb at this millenial, tree hugging, touchy feely characterization that robs him of the requisite ruthlessness to do great and hard things.

While there are many epic battle scenes the unification wars were fought just as much behind the scenes as on the front lines as all warfare is based on deception. By the time Yin Zheng took over, the six kingdoms appeared to be largely sitting ducks but nonetheless, they put up a really good fight. While the conquest of the remaining kingdoms after Zhao (especially Chu) feels a bit rushed, all the important moments are there. I really felt for the vanquished in this show, was moved by their desperate causes and teared up at their inevitable defeats. The sense of loss experienced by the de-throned young Zhao king with his mother and uncle as regent could have well have been the young Ying Zheng. Under resourced, out smarted, undermined by their own and with the odds against them, Li Mu, Prince Fei and Prince Dan still fought bravely and valiantly. But when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.

One of my favourite Cantonese expressions is 七国咁乱 which roughly means as chaotic as the warring states. I always find making sense of that messy, turbulent period of Chinese history so mind boggling that I cannot praise enough the clean, smart way this drama's narrative navigates the multitude of important events and characters that lead to the unification of China under Qin and the reforms and contributions that lasted thousands of years. Yes, there are some flaws, some missed opportunities and digressions that do not detract much from this sumptuous and enveloping historical drama that makes this a very solid 9.0 for me.

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