This review may contain spoilers
Strong start...ending...sigh
Pros: I loved all the couples in this drama. It was really nice to see a historical costume drama where most of the married couples we see are actually in love. That's honestly rare to see. Additionally, the chemistry the female lead had with the male and the second male lead was nice. I also really enjoyed watching everyone's acting. Lastly, issues that arose in the relationship between GJZ (fl) and CYY (ml) were solved very quickly and not dragged out.Cons: The plot. Lmao, it's all over the place. They were trying to do so many things with so few episodes. Honestly, in order for a drama to be well executed and have both romance and politics, it needs to have at least 50 episodes. It felt like they rushed through the ploticial stuff at the end. Additionally, some of the deaths that occurred in the last episodes were very unnecessary, and we still have unanswered questions. Did the villain actually die? What's going to happen now in court? Although the emperor has proven to be very smart at such a young age, I don't think he can rule/command the court on his own, and all of Cyy's trusted people are gone. So what are they going to do now? These are the questions I would have loved to see answered in the end, but remained unanswered.
All in all, I loved having a community of people to discuss the episodes with day after day. I'll miss watching this show. Hope to see future collaborations between RM, Cisha, and WW in the future again. The three of them did great, as did the rest of the cast.
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This review may contain spoilers
A place to inhabit when the outside world feels too heavy
Amid the flood of BLs built around big twists and intense conflicts, Cat for Cash moves in a different direction. It’s smaller in scale, more intimate in its approach, and, above all, focused on making the audience feel, even if that means slowing things down and leaning into everyday moments. The premise, which could easily come off as quirky (a debt collector who can understand cats and a reluctant heir to a cat café), is handled with surprising emotional sincerity. The result is a series that begins as a light romantic comedy but gradually reveals deeper layers about grief, affection, and reconciliation.Right from the first episode, the tone is clear: there is humor, but it never comes without emotional weight. JeMeow’s death acts as the turning point that drives the entire story, and it’s also where the series shows its greatest strength: its ability to translate complex feelings into simple yet meaningful scenes. Lynx’s grief isn’t idealized; instead, it feels messy, contradictory, and at times even uncomfortable, especially when shaped by unresolved resentment.
Within this context, the relationship between Lynx and Tiger becomes the true core of the narrative. Unlike many BLs that rely on external conflicts or prolonged misunderstandings, the development here feels more direct and emotionally honest. Their connection grows through silence, lingering glances, and small acts of care, creating a dynamic that may feel slow to some but ultimately finds its strength in that very softness. It’s a slow burn that values the journey as much as the destination.
Much of this impact comes from the chemistry between First and Khaotung, who once again show an impressive command of emotional nuance. There’s a natural ease in the way they interact that gives even the simplest moments real weight. Tiger, in particular, stands out as an unconventional lead: a debt collector who, far from being cold and ruthless, reveals a quiet sensitivity, especially when it comes to cats or Lynx. Meanwhile, Lynx carries the emotional weight of the story, and his journey toward reconciling with his mother’s memory is easily the most solid arc in the series.
Visually, Cat for Cash leans into a warm and comforting aesthetic, with soft lighting and intimate framing that turn the café into a kind of safe haven. There’s a clear effort to make this space feel symbolic rather than just functional, a place where memories, affection, and unresolved pain coexist. The soundtrack supports this atmosphere well, enhancing emotional moments without overwhelming them and helping to maintain immersion.
Even so, the series still has its shortcomings. The writing sometimes hesitates to fully develop its own conflicts, resolving situations too quickly and without meaningful consequences. This weakens certain narrative arcs, making them feel somewhat shallow or repetitive. On top of that, the show’s most unique element, Tiger’s ability to communicate with cats, is surprisingly underused. What could have been a defining narrative device often feels like a minor detail instead.
Another aspect that stands out, though not in a positive way, is how Tiger’s cat allergy is portrayed. In theory, it should be a significant limitation, almost a natural barrier to his presence in the café. In practice, however, it only seems to matter when the plot needs it to. Tiger spends hours, sometimes even days, in a closed space filled with fur and airborne particles without showing consistent reactions. The allergy ends up feeling selective, more like a character trait than a real condition, which slightly breaks the suspension of disbelief in a series that otherwise tries to ground its fantasy elements in emotional realism.
The pacing can also be divisive. By choosing a more contemplative approach, Cat for Cash sometimes risks feeling stagnant, especially for viewers expecting clearer narrative progression. There are episodes where very little seems to move forward, which may affect overall engagement. Added to this are a few inconsistencies, both in the internal logic and in certain character choices, that, while not entirely damaging, are still noticeable.
And yet, it’s interesting how Cat for Cash still works despite these imperfections. That’s likely because its greatest strength doesn’t lie in the plot itself, but in how it makes the audience feel. There’s an emotional honesty running through the series, a genuine attempt to explore loss, imperfect love, and second chances. Lynx’s relationship with his mother, even after her death, is a perfect example of this: complicated, painful, and deeply human.
In the end, Cat for Cash isn’t about grand events, but about small, quiet gestures, the kind that slowly but surely change everything. It may not be the most tightly structured or consistently engaging BL out there, but it is, without a doubt, one of the most sensitive. And for those willing to meet it at its own pace, it offers something rare: a safe, almost therapeutic space where even the hardest emotions can soften just a little.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unfortunately, it really shows that this is a Disney+ production.
Lack of clues and details to build theories:Over the course of 9 episodes, there’s not a single hint that makes the viewer want to come up with theories or even guess who the villain might be.
Do you think the death of the main character’s parents has anything to do with the story? Nope.
Do you think the classical music theme matters? Not at all.
Do you think the fact that the main character lacks some social skills plays a role? Nope.
What about the male lead being stuck in the same position for 10 years because of an unsolved case — think that’s important? Nope.
Basically, any detail you think might be connected to the murders before episode 9 becomes totally irrelevant, because for 9 whole episodes, they only give you one suspect.
And surprise — in episode 10, they tell you that nope, he’s not the antagonist after all. So all your theories are basically pointless. Only if you watch a lot of K-dramas like this, you probably caught the phrase “construction company” and maybe figured out where the story’s heading.
Cast:
The producers of this K-drama clearly have no idea how to make the most of their cast’s potential. Honestly, if any other actors had done this show, it wouldn’t have made a difference — they use so little of the actors’ range that it feels like they never even watched their past performances, whether lead or supporting.
The antagonist:
The antagonist in this story apparently has super strength or psychic powers or something, because there’s no explanation or detail about how they kill. People just show up dead, and that’s it. The only death that’s actually interesting isn’t even caused by the antagonist — it’s done by a side character.And the worst death is the final one — Puzzle 8 — because you literally have to use your imagination to make any sense of how the body ended up way up there with no help at all.
P.S. For some reason, in the episodes around the second murder, there’s this weird POV shot of the main character’s hand gripping the car keys. I have no idea what they were going for with that scene — it’s just odd, and to make it weirder, they only use that POV once. Just that one scene.
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The writer seems to have forgotten logic for most of the parts, or we viewers are taken as IQ like those naive FLs in CEO dramas. I'll just point out some parts.
~Identical Twins:
The most important part of the drama is biologically impossible. How on the earth twins with a different gender are identical? There is only one case possible but then girls always have turner syndrome. Oh, please don't tell me about sesquizygotic twins they only share 50% DNA so they can be half identical.. or identical as babies but not as growing teens. (Sorry for starting biology class here.) Though I was impressed by Choi Myung Bin I can't let it slide how illogical it is.
~Sexual Orientation:
First I do not have a problem with the concept of love without thinking of gender, or loving person/human. But I'm very disappointed how sensitive issues like this are handled carelessly in the drama. Ji Woon was more bothered that he fell in love with CP than the fact that CP is a man.. damn how can he not question himself for a single time that his first love was a girl how his preference change overnight.. then he starts to imagine Lee Hwi as a girl, but then says he likes her as a person, not gender.. damn what a mess? I mean we have seen Han Gyul (Coffee Prince) getting tormented in the twenty-first century... we like talking about Joseon Era, but no the male lead should be perfect he shouldn't question his love... even if it looks way unrealistic.
~Attack on CP:
In the envoy drama that happened, his guard u̶n̶intentionally attacked Lee Hwi and he just gets away with it.. okay it that possible? first, it was clear that the attack was intentional but even if it was unintentional how can a mere guard get away after attacking the CP of the nation... it's a very big thing.
The story itself is grand as cross-dressing is on a big level... it's not like she's dressing as a man to become Eunuch, or to get in school or university but as the future king of the nation which is a big thing.
Romance is bland, politics completely sucks... action, is there any? just some bits. The writing is inconsistent, it lacks substance. The king's affection is an absolute example of lazy writing with poor characterization. I was hoping for some great, well-written politics, mind games...Politics, what can I say? probably all budget went over a shot of Rowoon carrying flowers around the palace... as I have never seen court this empty with just a few ministers (sometimes it suddenly has a lot of ministers)... with only 2-3 who can talk. but not it has nothing to offer. I don't think this setup needed 20 episode format as most of the part feels like filer.. even the main thing romance. Love-pentagon most unnecessary thing, it doesn't even create that much tension it should have.
The most problematic character of the series is the male lead Ji Woon.. no it's not like he's a douchebag or something.... he's clueless, legit he has no freaking purpose for his existence other than being a love interest of Lee Hwi. He's a typical nice, goofy guy who does nothing but fangirl over Lee Hwi for half of his screentime. His character is written one-dimensionally... there's nothing particularly interesting in him that makes me root him with Lee Hwi lol
Lee Hyun is more interesting than Ji Woon.. at least he is three-dimensional with different shades, he's not that nice guy all time but can take action when it's needed. I liked Ga On from the very start he has that mysterial aura around him.. that made me take interest in him, generate curiosity about his back story.. and I was waiting for that BIG revelation all time, then when it happened it all goes flat. All mystery they tried to create.. and what was delivered is a disappointment, but I'm very glad they didn't drag him in love-pentagon to make it hexagon. I like So Eun but she has a very bad first impression... It took me forever to get warm with her due to it, but then I adored her. Ha Kyung clumsy, little stupid girl... she's the only person with whom I sympathies in the whole thing, coz she's nothing but an innocent, pure soul who got dragged into this mess... just coz she loved a man, who's not a man.
The best thing about the drama is Eun Bi, she's phenomenal... the Lee Hwi she portrayed was charming. Most of the time voice is neglected in cross-dressing dramas, but we can see Eun Bi also worked on her voice so that she can sound like a guy. This is one of the very few believable gender-benders where FL can pass as a boy... yes her weight, height is not ideal for the role but the body language, her presence, the way she acts... make her perfect for the role.
I adore and respect Lee Hwi, this character had so much potential (kinda wasted with romance)... there were many changes to how she can be a great, wise king but fewer actions prove that. The character growth was less explored due to induced fluff. In more than one half of the drama, she doesn't have a purpose why she remains as CP, king is a good person so power isn't in the hand of the wrong people... but her king gonna lead her grandfather to get power and her becoming pawn in power play. And it's not like that many people's lives are on skate as other than Eunuch and Court lady no one knows her secret. When she gets purpose... as the story forwards it's already too late coz drama has lost its charm.
Music is forgettable... it's high-quality production serving great visuals but the color scheme is bright, not ideal for watching on the big screen as it's too bright.
Don't bother if you are expecting great Sageuk with the realistic portrayal, action as most of the time it's just filer romance with lack of chemistry (I just don't feel anything for this couple) and try to disguise with some bits of action here and there splattered. Apart from Eun Bi and her Lee Hwi, nothing is amazing or mesmerizing... it's only grand with the name and set up but everything is just mediocre.
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Instead of a “will-they-or-they-won’t” plot, which all romance, include Western, does, they show the natural progression of a relationship, through various stages, with all the adaptation and negotiation that it involves, in a very adult-manner. While that could easily be boring, the cast is magnetic, photography stunning, and they really have great dialogue and a lot of chemistry. A *LOT* of chemistry. This series often takes your breath away and a whole sequence in episode 7 is a steamy classic in itself.
You also see a lot of conversations regular shows completely skip over, about sex, jealousy, consent, compromise. The series is romantic and sexy, but also very realistic in the depiction of a healthy relationship.
As a viewer, I was always waiting for the traditional BL mode of throwing a wrench into the plot at some point, but that, thankfully, never happens. Instead, they make a bold decision to, in the last third of the series, essentially switch the protagonists and make the main couple supporting, which gives us a unique opportunity: see the main couple live their happily ever after on screen, because now there are news leads carrying the weight of the drama.
If one criticism is to be made is that there are other two possible couples on the posters and peppered throughout, but they are given little screentime and have very little connection to the main plot, feeling completely throwaway. It’s not a huge issue, as they don’t show up that often, but it’s glaring, especially because the stories deal with rape and are very misplaced in a series that explores consent so well, otherwise.
On the production site, as I mention, the photography is gorgeous and there are many different locations, making the show visually very interesting.
The act is superb and even the supporting actors are on point. There is one weak link in Plan, who plays Can, but the other actor he mostly shares scenes with is so good that balances that out.
I cannot recommend Love By Chance enough. It not just a great BL, it’s a great series, standing tall among Eastern and Western programmes as well.
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Mouse; A Masterpiece or A Mess?
The best way to describe screenwriter Choi Ran’s "Mouse" is somewhere between a masterpiece and a slightly disjointed mess in certain parts.
It’s wrong to entirely slander that " Mouse" wasn’t a good series. Without a doubt, the main cast were absolutely brilliant. ( Especially Lee Seung Gi’s hauntingly profound portrayal as Ba Reum, truly defining his talents as an actor.) Additionally , " Mouse" arguably had some of the best character development seen in a mystery- crime series in a long time. The portrayal of psychopaths felt haunting for the most part, whilst main characters Ba Reum ( Lee Seung Gi) and Mo-Chi ( Lee Hee Joon) had some shockingly profound character developments and twists. Even seemingly superficial side characters in the beginning such as Oh Bong-yi ( Park Ju Hyun) and the suave Choi Hong-ju, or " Sherlock Hong-Ju" ( Kyung Soo-Jin), had a lot more to their characters than first meets the eye.
However whilst it would be easy to give this drama a decisive ” 10/10” and write it off as flawless , it is undeniable that it isn’t without its faults either.
" Mouse" is undeniably a collection of surprising twists and turns which soon become a little disorientating. Whilst rooted in real—life depictions of a serial killers with a slight "fantasy twist" intriguing plot points soon become slightly predictable and mundane in the latter part. It was almost as though screenwriter Choi was running low on ideas ( despite the endless supply of unanswered questions left open for viewers) and decided to group together a cluster of feverish flashbacks, dismiss more intriguing characters peppered throughout the storyline and manoeuvre deux ex machina solutions for the resulted ending.
So, is " Mouse" actually worth watching from all the hype? This depends a lot on personal preferences. Whilst not flawless and a little clunky in the second-half, "Mouse” was undeniably filled with good acting, intriguing plot, characters and profound themes.
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A MEMORABLE MINI MAKJANG!
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***I'm gonna keep this brief because I don't have the time to say everything I want to say.
Main Takeaway: "Revenge is a dish best served cold."
IDK IF THEY PUT CRACK IN THIS OR WHAT BUT FROM THE VERY FIRST EPISODE THIS DRAMA HOOKED ME AND I’VE NEVER LOOKED BACK. IT IS SOOOO ADDICTING!
First things first, "What’s better than a contractual time travel romance with mystery, revenge and lots and lots of drama?!" This show legit has it all. They said spicy makjang in 12 episodes and thats exactly what they meant!
When I tell you the pacing feels just right and no episode feels like a filler, just know I’m being so serious. I have never been bored for even one second. This drama starts out confusing in episode one but by the end of the episode and onwards you understand everything perfectly.
I LOVE LOVE LOVED the chemistry between Do Guk and Yi Joo!!!! These two are masterful performers and you can literally feel the tension, angst and passion dripping from them anytime they have a really intense scene together. The chemistry between these two is to die for and I feel like they truly fed us with the development of their relationship. They have definitely made top 5 best kdrama couples of 2023 for me.
AHHHH I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA. Even the characters I hated… you must know they’re doing an amazing job for me to want them to die, rot in jail or be hit down by the infamous big white truck. I know I keep saying it but drama is just so so so so good!
Like many others I do believe it is one of the best webtoon to drama adaptations. They kept the major plot points and original webtoon readers seemed to be satisfied with the outcome. So there aren't much complaints here!
One of the main things I disliked about this drama was the 3rd act conflict breakup. It was cliche and unnecessary to say the least. I also feel like Yi Joo struggled and endured so much even when she set out to get her revenge. It was heartbreaking watching her be in constant pain and agony as she uncovered all the secrets as the story unfolded.
Another minor thing I disliked was Do Guk's wardrobe. It was evident the production team went ham and spent all the money on the women's wardrobe leaving very little for the men. They definitely could have budgeted better and put more of an effort into our leading man's fashion. To be honest I just ovelooked it because Sung Hoon's visuals and performance made up for all of that.
Additionally there are some plot holes and aspects that could have been more properly developed but I feel like they did the best they could with the 12 episodes.
In my opinion, more makjang's should take a leaf out of this one. Unlike others it did not need 100+ episodes to make a good and convincing story. I feel like had the drama been any longer then people would have started to lose interest.
Perfect Marriage Revenge is definitely one of the most enjoyable dramas I've watched in 2023 and I would rewatch it in a heartbeat!
If you are on the fence about starting it I suggest you do so immediately! It’s seriously such a treat and you do not want to miss out.
With all of that said I gave this an 8.5 rounded up to a 9/10.
Tysm for reading!
❤️
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If Machiavelli knew the future, had a pack of abs and the world's baddest grandfather...
Listen to me. Before reading this review, I need to ask you a question:Why do you want to watch this drama? Is it because you just want to be entertained by unbelievable but extremely exciting twists at every turn or you want a drama with solid writing, realistic and logical storyline with no plot holes whatsoever?
If your answer is the latter, then our conversation ends here and I would have to regretfully say my goodbyes but if your answer is the former? Then, please. By all means, stay.
Reborn Rich is pure adrenaline rushing, thrill inducing crack of a show that offers you absolute entertainment for all of its 16 episodes.
So let me explain what you’re going to like about this show:
☑️ Song Joong Ki kicking absolute ass:
Song Joong Ki’s character here is this brilliant edge lord who is out for revenge, equipped with the power of the future, an IQ of 600 and skin that’s as smooth as a baby’s butt. While he is not the most well layered character out there with incredible depth or substance, he does excellently deliver your quintessential hot, charismatic and conveniently overpowered oppa character that’s easy to root for and puts on a great show.
☑️ The baddest grandfather alive:
The biggest winning point for me was definitely Lee Sung Min’s grandpa. His character is as vicious as they come. A true anti-hero with the greatest business acumen, greed for expansion and corporate ruthlessness. For all intents and purposes, the grandfather is a character with flaws and yet the one that you will come to love the most. His relationship encompassing love, compassion, respect and at times rivalry with his grandson (Song Joong Ki) is easily the highlight of the entire drama.
☑️ Acting and Music:
The drama is complemented with an emotional and powerful soundtrack that beautifully underscores impactful scenes. Moreover, the acting is excellent across the board which is unsurprising considering the veteran cast. I am not the biggest fan of Song Joong Ki’s work and I do believe he tends to only play certain types of characters he is comfortable with but even I have to admit that he really shines in some of the scenes in Reborn Rich. Acting wise, for me this is his best work yet.
☑️ Storytelling, politics and the battle of wits:
As someone who is doing her MBA and is an Economic major, I absolutely ate up all the business politics and corporate talk. The main lead knows the events of the future and uses that knowledge to play with stocks and investments so it benefits him. His back and forth with his rivals is so entertaining to watch. The politics and scheming aspect is executed quite well and never gets boring or stagnant.
☑️ The controversially out of the box ending:
Ok, so this is something you might not like. The majority of the people hate the ending and I can see why. I, for one, absolutely loved that they attempted to go so out of the box with this one. I wouldn’t in my wildest dreams have been able to predict the way the drama ended. It’s a very brave and ambitious route to take and while it doesn’t have the best execution, it’s still a commendable attempt by the writer.
I loved the way the author was able to run the story of a brilliant, young potential heir of the powerful Sunyang group parallel to the poor, desperate employee working at the same Sunyang and let the two worlds coincide beautifully.
Now, let’s go over the drama’s weak points:
❌ Romance and the female lead:
This is an unfortunate pattern that most female leads in a Soong Joong Ki drama are mere props with not much contribution to the plot. The female lead is the same here and the actress who isn’t given much to work with in the first place, delivers a quite bland and unexciting performance. The couple lacks any substantial chemistry and the romance isn’t believable. This is why it has been a relief for me that throughout the drama the love story was just a sub plot and shelved to the back whenever it mattered.
❌ The Execution:
Like I said, while I understood what the writer was trying to do with this, the execution is choppy at best. You have your favorite truck of doom making quite a few appearances, you have extremely convenient plot devices trying haphazardly to fill up the writing loopholes.
If you consider the way the story flows, it just doesn’t have the best writing out there. Some characters aren’t given proper development, others are introduced just for plot procession, while others are taken out abruptly or change drastically for the same purpose: to move the story forward or fit a particular narrative. Ultimately, this drama is more focused on the next big thing rather than the nitty gritty's or the development of its characters.
✅ Ending Thoughts:
This is the drama that you watch if you just want a good time. It has its emotional moments (especially in the way it masterfully explores the relationship between a prickly grandfather and his overly intelligent grandson), its moments of laughter and lots of scheming and fun twists.
Right from the start, it's obvious that the show requires a lot of suspension of belief and logic because it's just not that deep.
So if you’re willing to take it as an easy entertaining journey, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t be immersing yourself in pure Sunyang madness and hatching your own plot to take over the world!
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This review may contain spoilers
This has been a series I’ve been looking forward to since the initial trailer was released and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. From the very beginning the story has been consistent, heartfelt and funny. The Shipper is a perfect example of a fujoshi’s imagination, including how far it can be taken and how far from reality it actually is. Initially promoted as a BL, the story soon takes a different turn, a very good diversion.I myself am a BL lover and the reason I started this series was actually to get my replacement for 2gether the series, but this turned out to be something I very much enjoyed. I’m still very confused about as to who to ship, but that’s what makes this show itself- it’s extremely unpredictable. One minute you’re on a BL ship, the next a heterosexual ship and the next, ( I’m actually ashamed to say this ) a sort of incesty ship. But that’s what makes this series so good, the fact that it’s realistic, but at the same time doesn’t take itself too seriously.THE STORY:
This is what I imagine fujoshis to be like. It’s very realistic, you know, except for the soul swap stuff. Seriously though, this series has an extremely investive story and very real, very flawed characters. The ones we never get to actually see on our screens. The characters who make mistakes and are able to admit it. The characters who sometimes act before thinking, just as actual humans do at times. The characters who have problems and don’t have perfect lives. The characters who very much resemble ourselves and the characters who are actually worth rooting for. Although I would have loved to see Kim in Pan’s body, I can’t say I’m disappointed. They gave us the exact story that they promised, in a well written way too.
THE ACTING:
Perfection. The acting is perfect. Each character is beautifully portrayed and written. Every single member of the cast is perfect as their character and even out of them. If I mentioned every actor and how well they’ve been portraying their role, let’s just say this would be a very long review. I’ll say just this, this series hit the jackpot with the cast. The way every emotion is clear and correct for every scene is very rare and this is some of the best acting I’ve seen in a while.
THE PRODUCTION :
The production has been spectacular. The level of production has been significantly high in GMMTV shows, but this is a cut above the rest. The premise may be repetitive,what with the soul swapping, but this series has genuine life lessons and a well executed plot. It may be unrealistic at times, but I believe that was the point production was trying to make.
THE OST:
The OST honestly slaps. It’s sweet and light hearted, very much like the show. The video for the OST though! That’s the cutest s**t I’ve seen in a long time. The second track though. I have a feeling that after this finale, I might cry a bit every time I hear it and I listen to it a lot. Like, a lot!!
THE NEGATIVE:
Now I know the student- teacher relationship was needed to move the plot along, but come on! She’s 40 ( sorry 39 ) and he’s 17? I cringed so hard at those scenes. Also, violence is never okay. It doesn’t matter what the situation is. VIOLENCE IS NEVER OKAY. One thing I have to say is never, ever expose someone’s life or secrets. We may never know what it is that they’re going through, so stay considerate.
THE ENDING:
That’s the ending you’re going with huh? I was honestly hoping that WayKim would have a happy ending, but it is what it is. My heart is broken and guess that’s that. Despite that, the finale was quite good. Everyone got their happy endings and the last frame of the series makes me believe just a little bit that WayKim will have one too. I really hope there is a second season. ( God, please let there be another season! )
The great thing about this series is that so many of us started watching it for the BL, but we seem to have continued watching it for what it truly is, a beautiful and heartfelt story full of laughter and tears.
This series has quickly become a favourite of mine and for good reason. Despite having low viewing and not much exposure. I hope everyone gives this show a try. The cast and crew deserve that and more. Hope this review has been helpful to all you confused individuals out there. If you do decide to watch it and are confused about who to ship, don’t worry, I’m pretty sure the characters themselves don’t. Thank You!
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2The black hole of brain cells the Alphas had - the true entertainment.
Where to even start? The manipulations, red flags, black flags, assaults, temporary and plot convenient “face blindness”, amazing brainpower versus negative brainpower - the mix of everything one can imagine. And my brain struggles with comprehending all of that. But maybe that was the point?The best and the worst aspect for me? Shen Wen Lang. I loved him and I hated him so much. How can one character be this dumb? It’s magical. And so entertaining. Frustrating too, but in an entertaining manner. I think the key to enjoying the show is to… not feel bad for any character and keep reminding yourself it’s just a makjang werewolf coded Omegaverse trash tv. It’s a bit like a horror movie - you are not supposed to feel bad for the victims… That’s sounds bad, but it is what it is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So first we have the biggest victim - Sheng Shao You. That’s your smart-dumb male lead who knows enough to be impressive to others, but also lacks any street smarts and insight to see through Hua Yong’s schemes. To be manipulated this bad for this long is a skill itself. Still, one thing I did appreciate a lot was how his pairing with Hua Yong went against typical conventions. The “top” was the scheming feminine force, and the bottom was the manly man. It was surprisingly well written and delivered.
Then we have the blackest of black flags - Hua Yong. What a casting to be honest. Huang Xing was able to deliver the feminine vulnerability and the badass bitch energy seemingly without any problems and both cases were perfectly believable and made sense for the character he was playing. The fake smiles, smirks delivery when no one was watching, fake tears, anger issues, complete obsession and devotion. All so wrong, all so entertaining.
Gao Tu was the most heartbreaking character of them all. Of his own making, that’s also true, but no matter how you look at it he was a victim of his social and economical situation. Truth to be told, his character was the only one that made me feel uncomfortable while watching There was one scene, a close up moment to his face that lasted maybe 3 seconds, but it was so raw and felt so wrong, even thought I was laughing like a maniac few seconds earlier because of the ridiculous plot, this one moment slapped me in the face with how wrong what I was watching actually was. And dear lord, that was such a bad choice from the production team. The way to enjoy these shows is to NEVER make them hyperrealistic, they are not supposed to be taken seriously.
As for the plot itself - what a mess. The only well written and delivered things were Hua Yong’s schemes. All the rest? Oh so bad. Starting from anything related to business - why? 80% of business related scenes were useless and had no impact on the overall story.
Then we have a joke that Gao Tu and Wen Lang story was . I do not care that they had even less presence and development in the novel. The good adaptation knows how to fix the shortcomings of the source material - you either remove bits you know you cannot elaborate more on, or you expand on the bits that were underdeveloped to create a more cohesive story with a strong and fitting conclusion. Here we have just wasted the potential that their dynamic was. And I don’t even want to talk about the clownery the conclusion they received - I cried, screamed and laughed, because I could not believe that was it.
Acting was hit and miss. Huang Xing and Li Pei En easily delivered a solid and convincing performance. Qiu Ding Jie was a hit or miss depending on the scene - overall passable. Jiang Heng gave me nothing. That’s the “I got dragged here by a friend and got involved, but I don’t really know what I am doing” vibe. Kind of hope acting is not his dream job (oops).
The production… Where to start? I did like how they managed to film and deliver the intimate scenes. There are obviously limits to how much they can show since it’s a Chinese BL, but without showing much, they were still able to deliver the sensual and at times a bit spicy image. Maybe I’m just tired of the soft porn we are getting from Thailand? Anyway, this was a pleasant surprise. They did go a bit too artsy with some filters, but since they used them to "censor" certain things - I will give them a pass. They clearly tried to do their best with the limits they had.
But then there are the ridiculous issues with editing - especially sound design and dubbing. There was one scene that lasted a good 10+ seconds where the characters were obviously talking, but there was no dialogue sound, just the background music. Stuff like that, things related to post production and smart planning more than the budget are hard to excuse.
Overall, what a bullshit drama it was, but how entertained they made it amazes me. There were a lot of things that should have been fixed, but I’d be lying if I said I did not have fun watching. But it’s for sure not the “it’s so good I love it”, but rather “it’s so bad, I love it” type of a deal. I ranted after every episode, my blood kept boiling, but I could not drop it, and I watched all episodes as soon as they dropped.
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Cons - Main character is not that smart. He does not use the transmissions to it's full potential. Could have changed a lot things but he chooses not to and the show does not provide any good explanations on why he would not do anything worthwhile in the whole show ( don't wanna spoil). The cases were very predictable and the only reason criminals didn't get caught is because every other cop other than the main characters are either corrupt or incompetent. The criminals themselves do things that don't make sense. They are smart enough to avoid getting caught for many years but get caught in the end because of something very stupid that nobody would ever do. One thing that pulled me out of the show was that the criminals or victims in the cold cases don't look any different or their lives changed in any way. At the very least, characters who were 30 in the past should have some white hair or their careers or others part of their lives changed in 20 years. Everybody seems to have just been doing the same thing for over 15 years. Nobody moves on or do anything else(ex. photographer).
conclusion - I went in to the show expecting good storytelling, exciting cases and changes with time. I was expecting the characters to use the transmissions more effectively and do something that changes the time or character development. They used the transmission like around 6 times during the whole show. I am not seeing what everybody loves about this show. The only thing I got from this show is great acting, good cinematography, great scenes and bad plot.
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(DISAPPOINTING) DIRECTOR,WRITER BRAIN DAMAGE , TOTAL TIME WASTE ,NO SENSE
Fu***** Mockery!If any other Kdrama team wants to learn how to ruin a perfect drama they can watch RR, i am just so devastated after finale that how someone can turn a really good drama to depression.this is supposed to be based on WEB NOVEL you can change the ending but at least see if it is suiting or not this make no sense
It was all going great for the first 15 episodes which was 94% of the whole show and suddenly they put their illogical reasoning towards finale.
I am with no words right now instead of cursing to put it here.
People who are going to watch this just avoid this to save your precious time…
I was going to write a 9/10 for this show before ep15 ending and now even wants to give it 1 just because of this finale but because of 15ep have to give it something better ,the writer here tried to subvert expectations with a nonsense ending for no reason but to create controversy and inflate her own ego, and by doing so not only stabbed the novel this was based on but also tarnished what the title of the drama indicated, the main character by going back to his poor body went against what the title of the drama was indicating, "Reborn rich", everything the ML did and experienced on the journey to the end became meaningless, which means anyone who watched this drama to this point has wasted their time too.
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Sae Bom & Yi Hyun's fight for Happiness
or should I say — "watching them together is our Happiness"This drama brings out many versions of humans. It shows how layered this society is… I met a mix variety of people here, those who will help others selflessly, those who may save themselves first selfishly, those who think money is God & everything can be bought even in case of emergency… There are those few confused characters too who are in a great dilemma that if they should help or not…
The drama also depicts that Class discrimination between people from upper & lower class can survive even in such chaos… so the more I started to love the leads, the more HATE I had in my mind for those extra mean characters… by hate I mean I wanted them to just die... If you want to watch this, you need enough patience for annoying side characters.
Han Hyo Joo (as ~ Yoon Sae Bom) is an anti-terrorism trainer & someone who is selfless & fearless. She is kinda reckless at times but she is straightforward. I loved the way she kicks, I was like "Oh my God, that was so smooth!" Definitely a very good Strong female lead. But she doesn't falls under the category of Smart female leads for me cause her decisions were all hasty, without consideration.
Park Hyung Sik (as ~ Jung Yi Hyun) is a detective & a former baseball player who has courage and knows when to use his cop & sportsman skills. He is righteous & strong. PHS has definitely got good action skills. That car slide scene is something I saw repeatedly again and again. He is good at no matter what role he plays. Happiness as Hyung Sik's comeback drama is perfect.
The chemistry of the leads is like so pure. They understand & support each other. They are like one team. No forced romantic moments considering a total action-thriller drama. So, No exaggeration of romance. Just a simple couple who pretended to be a couple but actually love each other a lot deep in heart. Their bond is just precious. I wish these two get more chances of cooperation cause look at them, they look so good together…!! And I'll stop fangirling now haha.
Jo Woo Jim (as ~ Han Tae Seok) is a military informant who wants to help everyone. He plays the hard cold guy role in front of everyone but is actually very caring at heart. There has to be someone who takes the tough decisions & be bad, he chose himself for that. There's one scene when I just screamed that "Oh God, HE IS SO COOL"…… well, there's PHS Oppa in this drama so shouldn't I just cheer up for him more but No, Character-wise, I loved Han Tae Seok more…
Keeping us hooked up… This isn't draggy at all… just a simple zombie drama that goes "little" in-depth with the characters but from the enjoyment point of view, I was personally enjoying watching it. It wasn't very scary in terms of visuals but it did make me nervous about what is going to happen next.
I think I am gonna miss the rooftop of this drama, I just feel very attached to it, I wonder what's so special about that place… then, my only complain here was that I wish they gave more background story for the characters first so that we can connect to them…
Overall, I loved this drama and just that it's thriller and I basically know all the facts now, so I won't rewatch this but what a nice ride this was… Give it a try if it suits your drama taste…
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This review may contain spoilers
"Sword and Fairy 1" is like a warm hug from an old friend, whisking me back to the golden days of Chinese fantasy dramas while adding a dash of new excitement. Even with a new cast, the magic of the original characters shines through, making me fall in love with them all over again.Credit must be given to He Yu for his portrayal of Xiao Yao, infusing the character with a rare blend of charm, vulnerability, and unwavering devotion. Xiao Yao's romance with Ling'er was adorable. Though I wasn't rooting for them, I love how in this version, he stayed loyal all till the end. His heart was set on Ling'er. Yang Yu Tong did great as Ling'er too. I couldn't help but compared her to LYF version, and though she was very beautiful and did well with the character, I still can't imagine anyone else playing Ling'er other than LYF. In the end, XY and LE has always been lovers, meant to find one another and fall in love all over again.
Now...on to my favorite character- From the moment Yue Ru graces the screen with her presence, she commands attention with her vibrant personality and unyielding spirit. Headstrong and loud, she was definitely a force to be reckoned with, unapologetically carving her own path. Something that had always stood out to me about Yue Ru in both version was her remarkable depth of character. Beneath her fiery exterior lies a heart of gold, brimming with kindness and unwavering loyalty to those she holds dear. Despite her flaws and imperfections, she remains true to herself, refusing to conform to societal norms or compromise her values for the sake of acceptance.
I have always rooted for XY and YR to be endgame. They're chemistry stole my heart. Xiao Yao and Yue Ru are like fire and ice—constantly bickering and bantering, yet undeniably drawn to each other like magnets. Xiao Yao and Yue Ru had unwavering loyalty and fierce determination to protect one another. Despite their differences and frequent squabbles, when push comes to shove, they stand side by side, ready to leap into action without a moment's hesitation. They may not be romantically involved, but in each other, they find a kindred spirit, a confidant, and a true soulmate.
*I loved that in episode 34, they used the same OST from the '05 version for LYR*
What this version did well was the trio's dynamic, XY, LE, and YR, is the unwavering support and devotion they show towards one another. No matter the obstacles they face or the dangers that lurk in the shadows, they stand united, ready to lend a helping hand or leap into action at a moment's notice. XY never wavers in his commitment to protect and support his friends, even if it means putting his own life on the line. Likewise, Ling'er and Yue Ru prove time and time again that they're more than just damsels in distress—they're formidable allies who can hold their own in the face of adversity.
Not every character's journey resonated with me quite as deeply as others. For instance, the romance between Tang Yu and Ah Nu failed to captivate my heart in the same way as the original version did. Perhaps it was the portrayal of Tang Yu by the actor, or maybe it was simply a matter of personal preference, but their love story didn't leave as lasting an impression on me as others did. However, amidst the myriad of characters, one stood out —Liu Jin Yuan. Despite his frail appearance, Liu Jin Yuan possesses a strength of character and wisdom that far surpasses his physical limitations. His intelligence, kindness, and unwavering courage make him a truly admirable figure, earning him a special place in my heart.
Let's talk about those fight scenes—nicely choreographed! The choreography is on point, the actors did great with all the moves. It's like watching a dance, but with swords. The OST's were great.
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Personally, I think the beginning was very well done. The child actors did a good job within the film, especially given it was such a big part. When it got to when she was older it got a bit confusing I thought, but after a little thinking you can understand. The story line was good, but I think it had a bit too many concepts thrown in. I wish it was a simple "girl returns to grandmother and has to adapt to life" sort of thing, but I understand that for a lot of people, that wouldn't sell. I also don't like how there are hints at romance within it, but then that is abandonned - you should either leave it or put it in. However if that sort of thing doesn't bother you then this film is pretty good.
As I said, the cast is quite good. The young children within the film do a good job, as do the grandmother and Hye-ji. The acting can't be flawed too much, but I don't think it was a perfect performance by anybody.
Overall, I would rewatch it possibly. I think it is a nice film and it does give you something to think about, which I enjoy. It was a good film.
Sadly, I can't tell you where to get English subtitles online. I'm sure they will come out soon. I watched it on a Cathay Pacific flight, so that's the only way I can tell you to get it (nice holiday in HK)
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