Reviews

Welcome to the world of doors!

Oh my gosh, I loved this so much. I’m still pretty overwhelmed as I am writing this but I try my best to give my review a structure lol. There could be minor spoilers, but I won’t spill any major ones. :P

◢ What is the drama even about?
Ling Jiu Shi just quit his job and spends his time playing games, when he gets hands on an apparently very new game: “The Spirealm”. But as he starts playing he notices how real it feels and suddenly one day, when he opens a door in his apartment, he instead finds himself in a corridor with 12 doors, pushes open one of them and is sucked right into the game, where he also comes across veteran player Ruan Lanzhu.

From here on our journey starts. 12 doors being 12 eerie worlds to survive for them to pass the door and return to reality. As you can guess, there is no choice avoiding it, as the door can just appear anywhere and anytime. And if you die in the door, you also die in real-life.

◢ The Stories inside the doors are all kinda creepy - but never really scary. Perfect for a scaredy-cat with a thrill-loving heart like me. I found the stories all very interesting, intriguing and never dragging. I think they had a pretty nice pace. The 78 episodes were over super quick, I didn't even notice. Very binge-able!

Inside the doors, the “players” encounter a certain setting and have to try their best to survive by finding the key to the exit-door. They have to gather clues to the story and taboo-rules to comply so they won’t get killed by the creepy gate-keepers. Kind of like a riddle x survival video game.

◢ The Bromance was very strong in my opinion. I wouldn’t believe the main-leads were just acquaintances for even a second. Their bond was that strong. The things they said and the way they looked and cared for each other didn’t leave me with any doubts about their relationship. And knowing this being an adaption of a BL novel did the rest.

But the story also had other elements: like the progressing friendship of the members of ‘Obsidian’ - Lanzhus organization for helping people through their doors. There were many interesting and likable characters I enjoyed watching.

◢ About The Acting, well, I’m not an expert but I’m an average drama-watcher who also cringes at very bad acting - didn’t have that here tho. I personally think the acting of the main characters was pretty strong. Juishi was well portrayed by JunJie (Lan Zhu too, of course). All mains fit their roles, actually. Especially also the actor playing the twins with completely opposite personalities. The only ones whose acting wasn’t that good were some of the little side-characters. But I don’t mind.

The music was nice and fitting. Cao Giai's “I know” is still giving me flashbacks and heart-clenches.


◢ Novel vs. Drama
Of course there were some major and minor changes in the drama. The most obvious, of course, was the censorship of the romance - but also the toned-down horror-stories. In the novel there was way more gore…

Lanzhus character was also censored lol. In the novel he is a drama-queen who enters some doors in drag - which is super fun to read. Gladly, in the drama he majorly kept his personality traits, just, well.. toned down.

And then the whole game-setup. While the drama played with the theme of virtual reality, the novel was completely fantasy. The doors here were not a game or a curse even, they were a chance (although a morbid one) for people who were about to die to extend their life big time.

Other drastic changes were the ending and the twist. The twist in the novel is slightly different from the drama - with a very big impact tho, and more mind-blowing. It was better explained in the novel, but also a bit more confusing for me lol. Absolutely stunning! <3

◢ The Ending evokes rather complicated emotions in me - as it was not what me and others would have wished for - but it also wasn’t the worst outcome, I guess. It was pretty much up for interpretation. While the novel ending is super awesome in my opinion, there were also things to be sad about.

◢ So, what was better? Novel or Drama?
Generally, I prefer the novel because of the romance, the twist and the ending. Though the novel still leaves open some questions I had. The stories inside the doors of the drama were very close to the novel, so I liked them in the drama better as I prefer watching over reading when it comes to things like this. I liked that in the drama the friendship and bond between the members was more vivid as the viewers got more scenes with them to grow attached to. Of course I also prefer how the gore was excluded lol.

◢ When it comes to flaws, there was only one that bothered me: I personally found the differences between low-level doors and high-level doors too little. Although the danger increased, the taboos and clues were always on the same level. Most weren’t that hard to guess.

◢ The Spirealm has many good points: the interesting eerie survival games making the drama partly episodic, the clue discovery, the mystery, the bromance, the friendship, the twists... if you like all that, then you might give it a try. ;)

Now, after finishing the drama and the novel, I feel very empty inside. I wish I could forget everything just to experience both once more for the first time. I loved it very very much. One of the best dramas I’ve seen. :)

-Info: I watched the drama version that got taken down. Who knows what they will cut out for the new release on iQiyi etc.

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A good fast paced drama with a lazy ending.

So this drama mainly focuses on action, which is also where it shines. It also does a decent job establishing and developing characters and also blending the characters together. I do think the cast was a little to big for such a short drama. Overall it was an interesting drama with an interesting story that kept me engaged all the way up until the end which is where it disappointed. I can't say much without going into spoilers but the ending was just very inconclusive and leaves with a million questions. The ending doesn't feel like good or well crafted writing at all, it more so just felt lazy.

The ost is overall good but there were some scenes where the music felt very unfitting.

The acting was pretty good from all characters.

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Now I'm just more concerned that people just rates this show poorly because it had low viewership ratings. 1st of all, viewership ratings shouldn't be included when it comes to rating a tv show by its quality. I am not a robot and tomorrow with you are just two examples from a long list of shows that had low viewership ratings, but are really good shows.

Story
This a fucking melodrama for god's sake. If you're complaining about the shallowness of the characters, or the never-ending cat-dog chasing between the two leads, well then you must not be familiar with melodramas. Melodramas are usually very slow paced, filled with one-dimensional characters, and everything is exaggerated. In terms of the story, I was fine with it. Nothing spectacular, but I liked the backstory and how the story progressed (especially the ending). Gave everyone proper closure (yes including Shin Joon Young), and reminded us of a sense of realness.

Acting
Kim Woo Bin literally carried this show. If you were to compare his acting to a boxing match, it's a straight up beat down. Every time I think of a bad boy stereotype, I always remember Kim Woo Bin. He just portrays it the very best for me; signature smirk, douchey tone, always looks angry. Idk... it gets the job done for me. Suzy was ok for me, like the rest of the cast. Not good, but not bad as well. (For all Suzy haters by the way, her acting has improved drastically in while you were sleeping)

OST
This is the bomb!!!! I have only given a perfect 10 to music to 1 other show, and that's Goblin. Trust me, even if you don't know the show, you'll love the OST. It fits the scenes in the show perfectly, and the blending of the music made it so much better for us to hear. Even the english song was good. The tune and melody are happy and bubbly and full of energy, but when you actually listen to the words, it's actually bitter-sweet cause it kinda foreshadows a lot about the show. I loved every song in the show.

Rewatch value
I'm not really a fan of Melodramas, but even if I was, I'd still not rate the rewatch value of this enough. The heartbreak was good, but it lacked enough 'romance' and proper build up for me to remember.

Overall
This drama received so much hate and criticism because of it performing badly, and people started to say that it is a bad drama when it's actually decent. Let's be honest, how can you expect this drama to be viewed a lot when it competed with Doctors (Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won) and later on, W (Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo). That's just plain injustice

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I was hesitant to watch this series because of the bad reviews from previous audience. I didn't like the trailer at first. But as the old quote says, "Don't judge the book by its cover."

The storyline is great. It is great that this series tackled bullying in school and how does it form someone's personality and life. Nanon (Oh, Mushroom) is great in portraying his role as the victim of bullying. He then meets In, a transferee and Nam, as the class president. Three of them together be friends and got Sun as additional when twists of events happened.

The cinematography was great. The music chosen was fantastic! It's quite remarkable and brings fresh taste to the series. I like the fact that there are two couples, one is the regular one and other is a bl(boys' love). And the great thing is, this two couples' story doesn't interfere or eats the other story. They have both have different stories even the characters are in a circle of friends. Thanks to the writers.

Overall, it was a great series to watch. I want a Season 2! Please! I want to know what's next for Peach and Oh, and the great bl of In and Sun! :D God bless to all the people who made this series possible. :D

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Knock Out Special Episode – Sweet, Sexy, and So Much Fun!

After all the intense fighting and emotional chaos of the main season, this special episode was exactly what I needed. It was light, adorable, and full of heart. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire 67 minutes — it flew by so fast! 😊

The little side story with Kaew trying to win over Jay was absolutely precious. Her sass, confidence, and determination were so fun to watch. She truly stole the show every time she appeared!

Keen trying to flirt with Thun again had me laughing non-stop — especially the foot massage scene! 😂 And don’t even get me started on the ghost prank. That was comedy gold.

Gunner (who plays Thun) is such a standout — handsome, charming, and effortlessly cute on screen. I really hope to see him in more BLs soon. He has star quality written all over him. ✨

And of course… the NC scene at the end? Whew. Thun with his hands tied to the bed — yes please. 🔥 That scene was so erotic and beautifully shot without being over the top. Keen and Thun’s chemistry continues to be unmatched. And the cuddle at the end? Absolutely melted my heart. 🥺🛏️

This special episode was the perfect cherry on top of an already amazing series. It gave us laughs, sweetness, a little spice, and a satisfying, affectionate close to Keen and Thun’s story. Loved every second of it.

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still my favourite kdrama after 9 years and after my 9th rewatch

i could write a novel about how much i love goblin but all i will say is i just finished my 9th rewatch and i am surprised how despite knowing everything i still cried my eyes out watching the last two episodes. Truly such a tragic love story for our main and the second couple.
i find this show to be perfect in a way i cant describe it
1) the casting is 10/10 they found the best and most fitting actor for each role especially thanking them for giving us the best second couple ever (LDW and YIN chemistry is unmatched). gong yoo being the coolest mc to ever exist and kim go eun just being gorgeous and adorable as ever. despite the unique relationship they both played the roles so well i just fell in love. Also thank the staff for casting yook sungjae and introducing me to one of my favourite kpop bands btob and my fav idol actor.
2) the ost is unmatched i think its the best ost i have heard in a kdrama till day, its still so good and iconic and i always listen to it and reminisce about the drama and watching it for the first time when it was airing
3) acting and cinematography also perfection this drama is beautiful and like the way its shot the lighting plus the amazing acting there really were no flaws
4) the plot and writing 10/19 i felt no string was left untouched everything came together beautifully and i felt it wasnt rushed at all which is sadly rare for kdramas coz alot of them fumble the last episode. this drama had sucha. great story with the historic past to the funny yet satisfying end. the way all the chars tied in together just was so so well done and didnt feel forced at all.
5) the balance of all the genres was perfect like there was a good amount of humour and a good amount of romance for it to be a romcom but its also well done as a historical fantasy with the flashbacks and all. the tragedy was amazingly written too like it truly had me breaking down so many times. it really has everything for everyone

now ik people hate on the main couple due to age gap but i hope u can still give it a chance. once u watch it u will realise the type of love they have is mkre than just romantic love. i think the second couple showed that kind of love well, the tragic yet beautiful love story that transcends time, they were made to fall in love with each other no matter the lifetime. Our goblin couple seemed different it was more of a soulmate connection, destined to be together....tied by fate. i think this trope is often messed up in mangas. manhwas and dramas coz it can get weird with reincarnation but goblin does it well. their love is much more wholesome and pure i would say.

either way i hope u give it a chance, i still believe to this day goblin is a perfect kdrama and the best kdrama ever, i will probably continue rewatching it every year like i have till now

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The storyline was Lengthy I was waiting for when these episodes will end and its kind of boring that they were dragging the whole storyline as there is no ending of it. After reading details I was expecting that drama will be wowed blasting but it was okay. Rather than difficult plotting, they would have some simple Romance that would be great but according to the drama there was a lot of melodrama involved, whole family thing and then superstar's tantrum. I mean it's a drama it's not a circus that they are involving every single thing.

As for the acting, I really love lead actors' acting and Mike did his best but I don't know why I feel like his voice is not his voice is it's just someone backing it up.
As for Song Chacha character which is played by Ju Jing Yi was beautifully played and the essential points are you can say essential personality traits was shown very clearly that how song Chacha is and how she lives her life.
And the character Lan Tian which is played by Jerry Yan. This whole character was so much in hatred with other characters that I was like I can kill this person (Lan Tian) if he was alive but after a while, at the ending, everything was settling down because every drama or every romantic drama need to end as a happy ending.

and as for the music during the intense situations and scene music was played on the dot I was so much into the scene and because of the music I was overwhelming with my emotions and also it was like I was living that scene I was standing there. music does matter to the drama but because of the whole Lengthy and dragging thing I was irritated every time so I really didn't get through the music or you can say feel the music.

To be very honest I really don't want to talk to myself by Re-watching it again and again because according to me it's not that amazing.

For the overall review, I would like to say that I appreciate the acting and I appreciate the music (which I really don't know when I listen to it). As for the plot and the whole storyline I was little disappointed because I was expecting something more playful, fun, and romantic but it turned out to be a more melodramatic, disastrous, and family problem.

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Classic Drama that did not live up to expectations

This is one of those classic historical dramas that gets brought up a lot. It's known for being romantic and emotional, maybe a little tragic. It's also packed with plenty of tropes -- not inherently a bad thing! -- such as amnesia, secret identity, lost love, childhood love, two men in love with the same woman, prophecy?, etc. On top of that, I really enjoy Kim Soo Hyun as an actor, so I was really looking forward to seeing him in this.

Unfortunately, I just really do not feel that this drama lives up to all those expectations. Watching it with no nostalgia attached, I just felt like it rang very hollow. There were a myriad of problems, from repetitive and dull pacing devoid of much tension, to flat cliches, boring side characters, and worst of all a female lead whose screen presence resembles a wet mop. I do think that Kim Soo Hyun is acting his ass off, but he isn't given much to work with. His character spends most of the drama wrestling over the same conundrum -- could this shaman be his lost love? -- and doesn't get a chance to demonstrate other traits besides introspective, hostile, pining and confused. There are moments where his cheekiness, intelligence and charm comes through a bit more as the King, but those moments are rare in a sea of melodrama.

I know that Han Ga In is widely admired for her role in this drama, but I cannot understand why. Her character is dutiful, calm and pure, which is dull. But she also has this very stunned, awestruck and frightened expression through most of the drama. She is like a deer about to be hit by a car. This is one of those examples where I just cannot fathom why so many people fall in love with her. The child actress who played her had a little more spunk, but Han Ga In brings a blankness to the role that is disconcerting. Yes, she can't remember her past, but she isn't a robot! Yes, she has feelings and cries for the King, but you never get the sense that she has an inner world at all. She seems like a shell. This is the biggest barrier for me into the show.

Besides that, I feel like the pacing of the drama is not very good. It spends too much time resolving the initial issue -- who is the female lead?? -- without much tension, and then poorly sets up some other villains. All in all, just not handled well. You can look to tons of other dramas to see a better handling of secret identities and amnesia in historical dramas. It's practically the trope holding the genre together.

My advice would be to skip this. Or, maybe watch it so that you've watched it if you're a completist. If you are looking for deep romance look elsewhere. If you want to see Kim Soo Hyun cry, this may be the right drama for you.

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Interesting Family ?

The series depicts the story of Byeon Moo-jin, who went bankrupt a dozen years ago and got divorced, and who appears in front of his daughter Byeon Mi-rae and wife Geum Ae-yeon 14 years later as a multi-billionaire.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Romance in the House. I just finished episode 12 . The character development has been great. It does see, slow at times, but that is because the actors and producers have worked hard to create real or authentic relationships between the characters.

So as not to give spoilers, I will say the story line with the slowly developed over time with gestures and actions has been my favorite part. It has made their story that much sweeter and long lasting

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Very Surprised

I love J & D, so i went into this wanting some cute fluff, but i have to say it was better than anticipated.
Very nuanced, lots of issues & topics covered, like internalized homophobia, bias, self awareness, great communication (eventually), say what!!!??
But as usual in BL, we have a great ramp up and then it drags a wee bit at the finish line, and both MMC's had fam misunderstandings, but on the whole if you love our boys, and let's face, so pretty to look at, then go for it.

Plus added AouBoom bonus, and Boom broke my heart with his acting, needed all the hugs.

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The best Taiwanese drama of 2020

At first I started watching this drama, because some aspects of the story reminded me of W: Two Worlds and Extraordinary You.

I found the first episode a little tedious, but the following episodes stuck me in the story and since then I was looking forward to the next episodes.

I admit that I liked the story better when it happened in the book, because the plot in the real world, for me, was a little tedious

About the characters, I loved the female lead and the way she made fun of the romantic cliché stories. This role was made for Vivian Sung and I loved her in this role.
The first lead irritated me at times and until halfway through the drama I shipped the protagonist with the second lead.

Speaking of the second lead, he was one of the best characters in this drama, I loved his attitudes and I loved the ending that the story gave him.

Now for sure the character that I hated the most in this drama was Chuchu, at first she was very annoying and then when she started to become friends with the female lead I even started to like her, but I hated the way that the story turned her into a villain, I think it would be much better to leave her as a friend of the principal, without creating an unnecessary female rivalry.

In summary, this is a very cute and romantic drama that will surely bring you some good laughs and you will be addicted to the story and hope that the couple will be together soon.

The ost of this drama is also perfect and for sure many songs will stay in your head and you will probably want to put them in your playlist

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Messy, stupid story... as usual...

Thankfully some people are cutting together 55 episodes of 90 seconds clips making it a movie, so we can watch it in one go. While production quality is not bad, the story is. Also the vertical format does not help and the so called "action" scenes are a bad joke.

The chemistry is just ok, but nothing amazing and the acting leaves a lot of room for improvement. This series is mildy entertaining but also boring most of the time even when it only runs for around 95 minutes.

I can't even say I was disappointed because I did not expect anything. When you are behind in your watching schedule, you should watch something else because it's not worth your time. I have no clue why the actors do such bad series, but I assume they have contractional obligations and they need food on the table.

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