This review may contain spoilers
Self sabotagists in edgynonsenseland
Started strong, after first 2 episodes I thought it may be something great. But then, it got retarded, and the longer it went on, the dumber the story got.Fl and ml are both complete self-sabotaging morons. FL doesn't think things through and then regrets, rinse and repeat. She has only two moods, angry and shouting and then regretful and crying. First she denies ml surgery, screams at him, destroys his meds, even hits him in the head and then is like surprised pikachu "wHaT dO yoU mEaN hE'S goNNa dIE!?!". The ml, no better, starts off as a dedicated doctor who just wanted a life saving surgery but turns out it was just a joke, he's as crazy as her and his goal is to die on surgery table killed by his apprentice.
The entire story is them making each other's lives harder while actually caring about each other, but not being able to express it because of mental illness and poor writing.
The other characters are non existent. FL has two sidekicks who enable her and go on with her idiotic actions while bitching and moaning and then doing nothing about it. ML has a female sidekick who has more or less the same role but she's less obnoxious about it. The police officer investigating the case is dumb as brick and disgusting, and gangsters look and act like 1980's japanese yakuza.
The drama doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. Does it want to be an edgy black comedy, or tearjerker melodrama? It tries both, switching from one to another from scene to scene, but excels at neither, and the contrast is jarring.
The french insert song is pretty nice tho. It's called "dis-moi, je t'aime" just in case you wondered.
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After Ep. 8 I'm starting to consider dropping now... And I dropped it
This drama definitely hooked me in the beginning, but these last episodes feel too drawn out and distasteful for me. I'm surprised it goes on for 14 Episodes.I really liked the actors but the story just isn't it. I've come to realize that I can deal with not liking the side leads. It's when the main characters become questionable that I consider dropping.
I'll think about pushing until Ep. 9 cause I do like the actors, even though at this point the only characters I like are the Natural Bebe mother team. It'll probably depend on the first few minutes...
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Edit: I was too kind in my first review. I stopped at Ep. 10, thinking that pushing through Ep. 9 would redeem anything. It did not. It's a drama with unending misunderstandings that isn't even written well. I find that the choices of the ML and the FL characters are both questionable for many many reasons. Pretty sure everything that's wrong about this can be seen in Eps. 1-2. Also, the SML just irks me in a way. Everything just feels so wrong and it's also like i'm watching kids stuck in the body of 30 year olds. I'd say or rant more about this drama, but I know it's not worth the time.
HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND! Well unless you're into this thing. Also, i'm sure the actors have better work that you can watch if you're here for them.
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But one day I am big surprised for her acting skills ,that drama is a Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
That is September 22nd, Iam scrolling phone suddenly i saw a Extraordinary Attorney woo video clip.I was amazed by her acting skills at that time.Those of you who haven't seen Extraordinary Attorney woo won't understand why I'm saying this.
Essentially the struggle to become an advocate for an autistic woman,To be honest, her acting skills made me cry.
His look in Hyper knife surprised me.And I really liked the doctor's acting.
Hyper Knife is not just another medical drama - it's a nerve-wracking, high-stakes thriller that pushes the boundaries of morality and ambition. From the very first episode, the series draws you in with its intense storytelling, morally complex characters, and chillingly realistic surgical scenes.
I wasn't expecting this to be so dark and I'm so excited for the next episodes, I wish I had waited for the whole thing to air.
Park Eun bin went from playing Innocent Doe eyed Lawyer in her previous drama to unhinged psychopath Doctor in this one two completely different personalities and she played them perfectly.
This drama is proof that she can adapt to every role.
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1
2This review may contain spoilers
The Heart of Fangs of Fortune: A Journey Through Characters, Mysticism, and Emotional Depth
Fangs Of Fortune also known as " The Story of Mystics" or " The Big Dream Returns" , is a supernatural and mystical drama that follows the adventures of a group of people with unique talents and powers who come together to solve cases and uncover various mysteries. This drama features incredible action scenes, top-notch cinematography filmed in a gloomy and fantastical style that captures the mood perfectly, and strong performances from the cast, making it a standout in its genre.As flashbacks in this drama were used, they really added layers to the story and helped show why the characters acted the way they did. It wasn’t just random moments thrown in they tied the past and present together, making the plot flow better and giving more meaning to the characters’ decisions and growth. For me, this worked well in the drama because it made everything feel connected, and the timing of those flashbacks was perfect, revealing just enough to keep me interested while also showing how their histories shaped who they became.
The comedic tones in the drama were also necessary, especially with how gloomy and depressing some of the characters’ situations were. Without those lighter moments, the story would have felt too heavy. The humor balanced it out and showed how the characters coped with everything going on, which made them feel more real to me. And honestly, the shift from comedy to something darker and more emotional hit harder because of that. It started out funny, but once the truths were revealed, the tone became intense and heartbreaking. The shifts felt natural, too, like they were preparing me for the heavy emotional impact later on. By the time things got angsty, it didn’t feel out of place is it felt like the natural progression of everything that had built up.
CHARACTERS / ACTING
Neo Hou as Zhu Yan / Zhao Yuan Zhou
Zhu Yan is a 34,000-year-old great demon who carried the weight of his past and was determined to die because of it. His character was deeply depressed and used comedy as a way to cope with his guilt and loneliness. After spending so many years in seclusion, he decided to search for the Bai Ze Token while helping the team uncover not only their pasts but also his own. As the journey progressed, Zhu Yan found peace through his growing bond with the team. The friendship, love, and camaraderie they shared turned into a connection so strong it felt like family to him. Despite being the most powerful character, Zhu Yan wasn’t just defined by his strength but also by the emotional vulnerability he revealed over time. The drama centered heavily around him, and even though some scenes were cut, his presence and impact never dimmed.
Neo Hou’s performance was absolutely brilliant. He brought so much life to Zhu Yan, capturing the comedic, action-packed, and emotional moments perfectly. His portrayal was so convincing that I felt every emotion whether he cried, laughed, or fought. He embodied the character in such a way that my words can’t fully do it justice. Neo Hou as Zhu Yan surprised me in the best way possible, and his performance left me in awe. He made me cry when Zhu Yan broke down and laugh during his lighthearted moments, showcasing incredible range.
Chen Duling as Wen Xiao
Wen Xiao is a mortal chosen as the Bai Ze Goddess to protect the people and wilderness. While she wasn’t written as the strongest physically, her character was far from weak. Wen Xiao had a heartbreaking past, and her dedication to waiting for Zhu Yan after their time together showed her strength and loyalty. She spent years researching demons to better understand them, as seen in the first episode, which set up her role as a key problem-solver in the group.
Wen Xiao was smart, mature, and the glue that held the team together. She felt like a mother figure to the group, offering encouragement and wisdom during tough moments. I did wish to see more of her in the final episodes, but overall, I was satisfied with her character arc. Her chemistry with Zhu Yan was subtle yet incredibly intense, and their interactions were filled with unspoken emotions and tension that left a lasting impression.
Chen Duling portrayed Wen Xiao so naturally that every scene with her felt impactful. She made me cry during her emotional moments and smile in her lighter ones. Her talent really shone through, especially in her portrayal of the demon side disguised by Ao Yin. She played it so convincingly that it felt like an extension of Wen Xiao rather than a separate character. This balance between vulnerability and strength, along with the ability to switch between a heroic and villainous aura, showed how talented she truly is.
Tian Jia Rui as Zhuo Yichen
Zhuo Yichen played an important role in this drama. He started out bound by his goal to kill the great demon Zhu Yan, but as he spent more time with the group and got to know Zhu Yan, his character began to change. ZYC was an upright character who stood firmly for what was right, but when he found himself in the same position as Zhu Yan, he finally understood him.
Tian Jia Rui portrayed his character really well. He showed great versatility, transitioning from a reserved, quiet demeanor to someone who experienced real growth. The way his character’s before-and-after was shown was done very well, and I appreciated his acting in this role.
Cheng Xiao as Pei Sijing
Pei Sijing started as a cold and distant character due to her past experiences with demons and her brother’s situation. However, as the story progressed, she began to open up. Pei Sijing is best described in one sentence: “cold on the outside, but warm at heart.”
Cheng Xiao portrayed her character in a very good way. It’s not easy to convincingly portray a cold character without coming off as flat, but she balanced it well. I loved her action scenes, and her role as an archer fit perfectly with the group dynamic. She handled both the emotional and fighting scenes excellently, and I really liked her performance in Fangs of Fortune.
YaNan as Li Lun
Li Lun was a lonely character who made the wrong choices because of how he viewed humans and his strong desire to protect the wilderness. His actions broke his friendships and turned him into a villain, but as the saying goes, “villains are not born but made.”
I appreciated that his character had development toward the end, even though he caused so much damage to the demon bureau and the people. His final decision helped the group when they needed it the most.
YaNan played this character very well. He wasn’t just a good-looking villain with no substance he showed the contrast between his happy times with friends and his darker side after becoming a villain. His acting was impressive, and I’m proud of his performance.
MY FAV SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
I wish I could write longer for each character, but here’s a quick summary of two key members of the group:
Lester Lin as Bai Ju - Lester was phenomenal as Bai Ju. As a young actor, he showed a lot of potential and versatility. He played three parts: the comedic boy, the spy, and even an evil version of Li Lun, all of which were well-directed and well-acted. I truly believe he’s going to become one of the best Chinese actors someday.
Xu Zhen Xuan as Ying Lei - Ying Lei was such a comfort character for me. I loved his portrayal as the mountain god and his overall contribution to the group. He genuinely cared about the team and loved them all.
Xu Zhen Xuan did an amazing job as Ying Lei. His comedic moments brought so much light to the group and made me laugh a lot. He also did well in his fight scenes, and when it came to emotional moments, especially during that heart-wrenching choice he had to make, I cried so much for him.
GUEST AND SIDE CHARACTERS
All the characters, even the guest ones, played an important part in the story. From Aimi as Qing Geng, Zuo Ye as Fei, Zhang Miao Yi as E Shou the rabbit demon, and Ryan Cheng as Cheng Huang to Riley Wang as Ran Yi and Xiao Ran as Miss Qi, everyone’s performance was excellent. Lai Wei Ming, who played Pei Sijing’s brother, was another standout. I especially loved the sibling dynamic between Pei Sijing and her brother it felt natural and heartfelt.
ROMANCE AND CHARACTER DYNAMICS
The romance between Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao was delicate yet deeply impactful, reminding me of an “old married couple.” Their mutual understanding, words of encouragement, and sacrifices embodied the phrase, “What would you do for love?” Both answered in their unique ways, and their story has earned a place in my heart as a second Romeo and Juliet.
This drama also stood out with its subtle portrayal of relationships. From hints of BL and GL elements to the depiction of a polycule-like bond within the group, it offered layers of complexity. Wen Xiao, despite her physical frailty, wasn’t a weak or unnecessary addition to the plot or added due to censorship. Her character brought depth, warmth, and an essential perspective to the group dynamic.
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND OST
The cinematography in Fangs of Fortune was breathtaking. Every frame held purpose, allowing the emotions and thoughts of the characters to shine without excessive zoom-ins or unnecessary exaggerations. It gave space to interpret the story and characters’ struggles naturally, enhancing the overall experience.
The OST was equally masterful, amplifying the emotional and narrative depth of the series. Neo Hou’s “Yuanzhou’s Boy” (translation) and Liu Yu Ning’s “Unintentional Big Dream” were standout tracks, perfectly aligning with key moments like epic fight scenes or introspective character arcs. These songs added another layer to the storytelling, making each scene resonate deeply.
FAVOURITE SCENES
* All the fight scenes in this drama
* Wen Xiao in the sundial for 300 years to save her loved one
* Zhu Yan saving Wen Xiao
* The banter between Wenxiao and Zhu Yan
* The banter between Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen
* Lord Ying Long and Bing Yi backstory
* Ran Yi and Miss Qi heart breaking story
* Li Lun and Zhu Yan past story
* The Mpreg joke
*Qing Geng and Fei heartbreaking 💔 story
* Wen Xiao and the Rabbit 🐰 Demon fight ( Ep 1)
*ZYZ fake acting to take out his inner core
* THE Demon Bureau GROUP and so much more...
OVERALL THOUGHTS AND REFLECTION.
While Fangs of Fortune isn’t without its flaws, no drama is truly perfect. Despite minor mistakes, the story’s heart and intent shone through. The inclusion of characters like Lord Ying Long and Lord Bing Yi, portrayed by Neo Hou and Tian Jian Rui, respectively, enriched the narrative with a historical weight that complemented Zhu Yan and Yi Chen’s arcs beautifully.
The drama tackled themes of human nature, moral choices, and the balance between worldly desires and higher ideals. These elements, combined with intricate relationships and seamless directing, created an unforgettable experience. Fangs of Fortune reflected on the ugly realities of the world while marveling at the characters’ resilience and courage. One thing I have to say is the double standards for females, whether they are strong or weak, is so sad to see. No matter how they act, their choices and behaviors are often judged more harshly than those of males. It’s a frustrating pattern that highlights how women are held to different standards, no matter their strength or vulnerability.
The ending of Fangs of Fortune really pierced my heart, leaving me torn with emotions. As each character faced difficult choices, their struggles hit deeply, and I couldn’t help but cry. Even with the special episode that added something new, offering a glimpse of hope, the overall feeling was still bittersweet sad yet uplifting. It captured the weight of their journeys, and while I felt a sense of closure, it didn’t erase the heartache that lingered.
I am proud of all the cast hard work for this drama because it paid off well and it is was successful in it's own way, I do hope that one day we would have a reunion project with this amazing cast again.
For me, this was the most anticipated drama of the year, and it exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t expect. It’s rare for a series to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, but Fangs of Fortune achieved just that. It is truly a gem that I will remember for a long time. I recommend this drama to anyone who likes fantasy dramas with poetic dialogues and a story that deals with choices and this a drama that requires patience.
Fav Quotes...
" A little starlight, a candle flame and a street lamp left on travellers can all Pierce the darkness and you" - Zhuo Yichen
" There are thousands of laws in the world but none of them can defeat a single word of willingness" -Qing Geng
" When everyone was treating me as an evil demon and had feared me, hated me or respected me, she was the only one who still looked at me with warmth and sympathy" - Zhu Yan
" There are many ways to live your live.
Responsability is a choice, not a constraint.
Neither shouldering responsability nor pursuing dreams is wrong. Some people only wish to be a quite lake in the forest, while other people want to became a running river". - Wen Xiao
Thanks for reading!!!
જ⁀➴ ♡ ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡🪐༘⋆
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Love it!
I love this drama! Heart fluttering indeed 😍😍😍I recommend this to those who are tired from chaebol dramas.
Simple and realistic as it can get. Relatable characters. The greenest flag of a Male Lead there can ever be.
Roller coaster of emotions every episode. One minute you are laughing your ass off, the next minute you are bawling. I also love the Director. Big fan of his work in When The Camellia Blooms.
It is sure to steal your heart away with just few episodes.
Preparing myself when the drama is over and I am yet again missing the characters.
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"W," one muttered. "Why is the show called W?"
The other snapped their fingers. "W sounds exactly like 'Double U' - Double universe. Get it?"
"Clever!" came the reply.
........Except it was not.
Oh, it tried to be. From the offset, rules were made, broken and shaped into something else entirely. This constant shift in dynamics between real world and manwha world kept us on our toes. But two flaws held it back.
One - All of the characters in both worlds were flat. All of them. Except maybe one, but more on Oh Seong Moo later. Kang Chul was particularly tragic. To become self-aware of his own cartoon status, to gain a strong purpose to kill the creator - but then being reduced to nothing more than being Yeon Joo's chew-toy. She wanted romance, and romance was to be had! The plot would've been more interesting if he'd objected to his secondary creator's will (especially in the second half, when he had no recollections of their "romance") and resented her throughout. Muhahahaha. You can tell how sick I was of every romantic scene between them. Every-time manwha world tried to insert conflict, namely by having the killer after them, the end-goal was for their insipid reunion, that I stopped caring by episode 5. Seriously.
Yeon Joo. Man, I had major issues with this character. As I said to a fellow MDLer..."In the latter episodes, just to be walking around in pretty dresses, doing nothing but sleep and talk with Kang Chul - how is that inspirational? A woman with that much brains, will always seek for extra stimulation, not just be relegated to "Barbie" territory with fluff in her brains. Why make her a doctor in the first place? Just make her anything, if it doesn't matter so much."
I still stand by those words.
Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo's acting left a lot to be desired. They tried their best, excelling in certain points, but I was convinced by neither character in the end.
Oh Seong Moo/Hang Sang Hoon was a character portrayed well, by the actor, which is why he's my favourite, closely followed by Crazy Dog, who voiced every frustration with W's turns - he even voiced a fantastic thought. "Even though I hated the beginning, I must be respectful of the final episode"...and then, "That's it?"
Lastly Su-Bongah because he spent the majority of the episodes frightened out of his wits.
In some ways, the reason why I'm giving a high score of 6.5 is purely because the show tried something new and had an exciting soundtrack. My most appreciated scene in the show, was when Seol Hee was fading and drew attention to herself. Her will to survive was stronger, than the will of the show! And she wasn't even self-aware like Kang Chul. The only (truly) impressive dimension I saw.
Also the ending? More questions raised, than answered.
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This review may contain spoilers
All flash, no fire. Meh.
Revenge thriller drama is one of those genres that is hard to screw up but also, at the same time, hard to make good. It has been there since the start, and if you’ve been watching K-dramas long enough, you have probably seen all there is to it. There are only so many tropes to it that you would have pretty much always seen happen. Thus, to make it different from the rest, the characters unique to the plot set it apart from the average. Buried Hearts had all the ingredients to be a standout K-drama but somewhere along the way, it forgot to pack the emotional punch and compelling storytelling that makes dramas truly memorable. From the first episode, the setup hinted at deep secrets and emotional revelations. Unfortunately, what followed was a plot that never quite found its footing. The storylines meandered, and the pacing felt uneven and random at times. By the midpoint, it was hard to stay invested in the characters' journeys. There's a quiet beauty in slow-burn narratives, but here, the burn never really ignites.Park Hyung Sik as Dong Ju might be the only positive thing I have to say about this show. I haven’t seen much of him, to be honest, but the man can act. Those large and arresting eyes alone can hold an entire monologue in a single glance. Everything from his hairstyle, makeup and attire elevates his character as Dong Ju. He certainly commands the attention of the male lead. If PHS had not been the main lead, this show would have collapsed under its own weight. He is not just carrying the drama; he IS the drama. However, after saying all that, I am still not invested enough in Dong Ju, the revenger, but it’s more down to the accompanying characters and story that didn’t keep up with him.
Yeo Eun Nam. The emotional baggage that led her to cruelly abandon the love of her life in pursuit of her goals was a bold, fitting statement for a female lead. That version of Eun Nam was charming and ambitious, driven not by cold ambition but by fierce love. She felt like the kind of woman who could outplay you with a smile and make you thank her for it. The talent, the looks, the chemistry with Dong Ju; it was all present from the start. I was hooked. How did she end up feeling like a B-side? Two episodes later, she’s full of regret, stripping away everything that once defined her. Her motives collapse into weak, muddled reasoning, and from that point on, her choices become downright baffling. She’s reduced to an eye candy role, dull as a Monday morning. The affair subplot? Unnecessary and insufferable. It cheapened both leads and wrecked all the character work the show had so carefully built up to that point. He barely began to hate her, and she barely clung to her marriage vows. Fitting, I guess. Almost comical how she became an open, walking adulteress right in the house and somehow, no one batted an eye. Nothing against Hong Hwa Yeon; she was flawless. But the writing did her no favours.
So often, people criticise actors for having one-dimensional expressions, and Lee Hae Young as Huh Ildo was exactly that. He carried the same sickly, stoned, vaguely psychotic look the entire show. Even my dog could tell he was up to no good. From day one, the guy was plotting to swallow the whole company, stealing left and right and ready to murder to get his way. And yet, for some reason, the show keeps hinting at some hidden “good side” when literally nothing he did supports that idea. I don’t get it. It didn’t add depth; it just made him look weak and underwhelming as an antagonist. I know a lot of people were impressed by his performance, but for me, it just didn’t click. It felt like one of those roles that seems compelling simply because of the character’s intensity, but lacks real depth on closer inspection. Personally, I found the character lacking in nuance. The whole concept of making him overtly evil, only to later justify it with a ‘he didn’t know any better’ and expect some sort of forgiving reaction from the audiences, came off as unconvincing writing. Another confused character in a story that couldn’t seem to decide what it wanted him to be.
There are honestly so many other characters worth discussing, like Taeyun, Seonu, and Yeom Jang Seo, but I’ll skip over them because, in the end, they all suffered from the same issues: underdeveloped arcs, confusing motivations, and erratic, inconsistent behaviour. It felt like the writer had no real idea what to do with most of them beyond their initial concept or purpose.
The quest felt strangely uneventful, almost too easy for him. Everything that could go his way did go his way, eventually. How many times can one guy cheat death before it starts to feel like a running joke? I get it, it’s makjang, so I shouldn’t expect tight realism. But when it keeps happening, it stops being thrilling and starts feeling like lazy writing disguised as high-stakes drama. Smart characters suddenly turn clueless and guardless- I’m looking at you Yeom Jang Seon. Major events get swept under the rug, all under the weak excuse that “nothing could be done about him.” It started off strong, but the middle turned into a chaotic mess full of missed opportunities and hollow tension. The ending? Everything wrapped up so abruptly, it left me with more 'whys' and 'whats' than satisfaction and closure. After such a great start, nothing else really landed for me.
The biggest letdown? The lack of big emotions. Revenge thrillers in the K-drama world are all about stirring emotions, explosive confrontations and high-stakes showdowns that hit you right in the gut and keep you on the edge of your seat. Buried Hearts had all the ingredients for that: forbidden love, betrayal, and sacrifice. But yet… everything was delivered in a messy fashion that made the emotional core feel hollow. It wasn't subtle; it was just flat. It’s not a bad drama, but it never quite becomes a good one either. Despite its sleek aesthetic and occasional flashes of brilliance, Buried Hearts ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The story could’ve hit harder and made me feel more, but instead, it left me oddly detached. The writer had some good ideas here and there but failed to piece them together and expand on them meaningfully. There were barely any endearing characters, and the romance, despite the lead's early chemistry, fizzled into something tepid and forgettable. And I blame the writing of the characters for many of the issues. It's one of those dramas that I stuck with, not because I love it, but because I just want to see how it ends.
A revenge tale dressed in beautiful, dark aesthetics but lacking any real consequence or emotional punch. Park Hyun Sik and co deserved better.
Popping some Kopiko while I bury this experience deep down with the rest of my wasted watchlist.
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Love & Friendship Roasting On An Open Fire
Flourished Peony starts with He Wei Fan in an unwanted marriage of convenience. Circumstances led her to divorce her husband, Liu Chang, with the help of Jiang Chang Yang. And there begins a wonderful relationship. Circumstances kept bringing them together and they became partners in business and eventually good friends. They had a "tacit understanding as if they had known each other for years." What I like about Flourished Peony is how He Wei Fan and Chang Yang support and influence each other. Jiang Chang Yang doesn't try to overpower He Wei Fan. Instead, he steps back and delights in her skill at escaping difficult situations.The leads are entertaining in their interactions. And if you are not laughing at their banter, you will find yourself basking in the glow of their many moonlight companionship by the warmth of a crackling fire. Although the drama has the typical antagonists such as the evil ex-in-laws and self-centered princess to cause trouble for the female lead, this FL's perseverance to survive and cunning mind overcomes the frustration of watching the villains. Both leads are brilliant and strong-minded people skilled in their unique way. It felt natural from the start to see them as a couple even if it started on a business basis. Their personalities compliment each other. They simply fit. And this made for a wonderful chemistry between the leads.
The plot is not just romance. The romance simmers in the background while issues such as He Wei Fan's business goals and revenge plots are highlighted. But even though it is not romance-centered, each episode has moments where the couple interacts and slowly come to acknowledge a special friendship in which they trust, admire, and appreciate each other. For those of us who enjoyed those moonlit "dinner dates" the romance is slow burn over the sizzling fire. It is amusing to see how Chang Yang loves to tease Hei Wei Fan/ Mu Dan. And it is wonderful to see her understand his humor and reciprocate in light banter. And that look of admiration that crosses Chang Yang's face each time adds even more to these special moments. I love watching Li Xian in these scenes. His smiles make me smile! Both Yang Zi and Li Xian gave a perfect performance to show the development of their relationship. You will want more of their chemistry the more you watch.
In addition to the romance, the sisterly relationship between the women who bonded to work together is a positive aspect of this drama. The struggles they endured brought them closer together. This is another aspect that overcomes the frustration of watching the antagonists who will try your patience. Not to worry, they will come to a satisfactory end.
Flourished Peony is more than worth the watch. The only time I was tempted to fast-forward was during the scenes with Princess You Zhen, and Liu Chang. Luckily, this does not take over the drama. The combination of the slow-simmering romance, sisterly relationship, business ventures, quick-witted conversations, and humorous scenes kept me watching and wanting more. Flourished Peony shows the struggles for success in business, survival, perseverance, family and friendship, respect and empathy, love and ideals. It is a well-developed drama with a warm comforting sense of love that seems to encompass the whole drama. It is uplifting to see how people working together against evil and corruption can rise above the ones trying to put them down. Even better it ends well in anticipation of season 2! This will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy at the end. Now to wait for part 2.
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Is everone watching the same show I'm watching?
How does anyone find this funny? The level of homophobia and misogyny is unacceptable. In the first episode, feminity in gay men is equated with predatory behavior, and the second episode involves a brothel and one character bullying another into having sex against his will.This is terrible! Not in terms of production values or acting - it's solid there. But the writing is so backward, unfunny, and offensive that I'm truly shocked anyone likes it.
And the evil ex-GF trope again? Can we move past this?
It's a shame - I love everyone in the cast, and I was excited to see Pod in a lead role. Ep 3 was better and funny, but it's hard to get past the previous 2 episodes But even in 3, you have a gay couple paying a call-girl to pose as their romantic interest because they're afraid of Ton. What kind of message is THAT?
And the lack of originality... yikes:
Trip-and-fall-on-each-other-and-stare-at-each-other-with-faces-too-close-together routine? Check.
Engineers? Check.
Pathetic ladyboy? Check.
Silly fujoshi? Check.
One thing it does have going for it is Pod (Ton) is shirtless all the time (or wearing a skin-tight compression tank top which is pretty much the same thing) and I'm shallow.
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I am OBSESSED with Luo Yun Xi's looks
Finally something watchable and something worth reviewing. First few minutes in the drama and you can tell it is gonna be one of those bangers that you wait for the whole year if Luo Yun Xi is in it. I loved it a lot and when I say a lot...I mean it because I binge-watched all four episodes in a single sitting. The drama just draws you in with its suspenseful and breathtakingly beautiful scenes and the music is cherry on top. This is the sort of vibe which I got while watching 'Till the end of the moon' (atleast the first half of that drama). You can totally feel the 'Lotus case book' vibes because both the dramas have the same author. So if you like that one...you're gonna love the other one even more.I somehow love seeing Luo Yun Xi in antagonist roles. I don't know why but his sharp looks just goes with that and the starting scenes are just what I needed to get completely obsessed with the drama. I know he is playing a good character here but he is cunning and his smart way of dealing with the situations is going well with his heartless character. The haunting carriage and the wedding scenes are more than enough to make you binge watch it. What I wasn't expecting was seeing Alen Fang in an antagonist role and he is really very good here. I loved his mischievous, flirting, goofy roles a lot but this one is something else. All characters so far are good. I know it is more about brothers/friends centric and romance is not the centre but whatever we are getting, those little nuiances, subtle expressions and looks between FL ( if you can really call her that) and ML are more than enough to make your heart flutter. I just wish they dwelled little bit more with their story. Inspite of that I love seeing a FL who is not a typical bubbly personality instead she is serious, and her expressions adds depth to it that makes you think what is her back story. Other FL also portrayed her character well but it wasn't something that really stood out to me. The role was simple and there wasn't much to it. I loved all the other characters as well. A well selected cast for sure.
Overall I am very impressed with acting, CGI, and obviously smart writing though certain arcs could be shortened a little bit. Some scenes just felt dragged like one of the villains who kept pestering, she could be delt easily but it was done again and again. There were few scenes which made me skip the conversation. But overall it was really a good one especially if you are ML's fan. He is definitely made for historical/costume dramas.
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The Couple is Everything!
For those who will watch this, you are probably one of the big fans of this long-running screen couple, like me!!! YES, I can never get enough with this couple and even if they continue to show until Season 4,5,6,7 I will still watch it as long as it's the two of them starring!Unbeatable amount of kiss scenes, from sweet kiss, sad kiss, passionate kiss or even a small peck, they had the best chemistry! I even think they probably kiss more than kissing their real-life partners (?) Giving that they have worked together for 4 dramas. Well, not complaining because I LOVE IT! Unlike some other Chinese dramas that blurred out kiss scenes or even fake kissing, this couple went all out, salute the couple for their professionalism!!! It surprises me when they even included kiss scenes not for romance, there was a scene where they kiss just to test the spell (like wow!), but the way they showing it, it was so natural and pleasing, not cringey at all!
Story wise, at first I thought it was a standalone story, but apparently in the second half, it somehow relates back to some plots from the previous seasons. As for me, I kinda forget about the story so I went to do some read-up and managed to recall on it before continue watching (But do take note while doing your read-ups as you might accidentally caught some spoilers haha). I would say this is almost about the same standard as the 1st and 2nd season, entertaining but not special... especially when Romance of Tiger and Rose has first started with "Women ranking higher than men" kind of setting already, also some repetitive cliche plots like the previous season (amnesia, doppelganger, time travel, diplomatic marriage). But as I mentioned earlier, because I enjoyed watching the couple so I don't mind watching it too. But I personally prefer Season 2 the most, mainly because it has the modern era of the couple and I enjoyed that version of Mo Lian Cheng the most.
Acting, I find the casts' acting have improved. Not the best but is getting better, I personally find Xing Zhao Lin being one of the best among the team. Although he is one of the youngest casts but he captured a lot of detailed expression with his "small eyes" (HAHAHA) and played a matured role real well, didn't notice the age gap at all! Same goes to the new cast - Allen Fang that joined the team, although his role wasn't that favourable (kinda pathetic) but I'm impressed how he can be so serious and sorrowful in such a comedy drama, have to acknowledge his well acting though!
I hope I can see Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie on-screen again, again and again! No matter in this series or others, as long as they are acting as a couple in a drama, I'll take it!!!
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Fun fact (In case you're curious about the episode titles):
Since the episode titles of Melo Movie seemed a bit too familiar to me, I decided to do some digging. Much like Our Beloved Summer's episodes consist of titles that are movies. After some sleuthing, I've figured the episode titles in Melo Movie are quotes from different movies.Episode 1: "It Will Become Scenic When Dawn Comes" | The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Episode 2: "Why So Serious" | The Dark Knight (2008)
Episode 3: "Keep Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer" | The Godfather Part II (1974)
Episode 4: "It’s Not Your Fault" | Good Will Hunting (1997)
Episode 5: "No One Can Prepare You for the Love and the Fear" | About Time (2013)
Episode 6: "Happy Ending is Mine!" | The Princess Bride (1987)
Episode 7: "Thanks For the Adventure, Now Go Have a New One" | Up (2009)
Episode 8: "All You Need Is Love" | Love Actually (2003)
Episode 9: "We Were Like Strangers Who Knew Each Other Very Well" | Big Fish (2003)
Episode 10: "Life is a Beautiful, Magnificent Thing, Even to a Jellyfish" | Limelight (1952)
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This review may contain spoilers
Okay I’m going against the majority here & saying this is an idiotic series, for the following reasons:1)there is no Chemistry / no relatinship between the leads
The male lead just tells her off all the time. All she does is whinge & talk about herself (even when he’s sick/ injured!). Their relatinship pretty much goes nowhere for 17 episodes.
2) the female lead is annoying
She has great qualities- caring, tenacious & not pretentious- but the development of those qualities are sacrificed to emphasise her as an idiotic damsel in distress- so the male lead has a reason to interact with her. Therefore she’s reduced to being needy & dumb.
3) the male lead is only interesting when he is not with the female lead. The best conversations the male lead has are when he is not talking to the female lead! Seriously - what does he see in the female lead?! The series had me perplexed.
As you can see I got annoyed & stopped watching at 18 episodes.
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9
1Bon Appétit, Your Majesty – When Mediocrity Goes Viral
The best way to watch this drama? Grab some food, put it on 1.75x speed, and just let it run.. The show has no real substance. The writers clearly got lazy and decided a proper story was optional; instead, it’s basically a long food showcase where dishes get more screen time than the actual characters.Yes, the title hints at food, but the description also promised "romance, fantasy, comedy", Did it deliver? Let’s see:
Fantasy– Oh yes, time travel! The lead goes back to the past. I guess that’s *all it takes* to count as fantasy these days.
Comedy – Original jokes? Forget it. Just recycled gags from every older drama of the same genre you’ve ever seen. Classic.
Romance – Romance, they call it? There’s no buildup, no real conversations, barely any screen time together, and suddenly the ML falls for her just from tasting her food, forcing himself on her, while the FL randomly decides she likes him too. As if that weren’t enough, the leads have non-existent chemistry. They simply look like two good-looking people sharing the screen, nothing more. And after all this, the creators expect us to believe they’re in love. It’s utterly absurd
Now to acting.
Yoona’s performance was fine but predictable. She’s been playing the same rom-com roles for years, merely swapping the setting and profession. Nothing new, nothing surprising—just another comfort-zone performance from her, which, as usual, turned out to be average.
Chaemin shows good potential, but his acting here was wildly overhyped. He was mostly good throughout the run, but not the miracle the internet made him out to be. Honestly, most of the buzz seems driven by his looks rather than his actual acting, and that’s just how it works in K-drama land.
Also wanted to add this: Park Sung-hoon being dropped turned out to be a good thing—this weak script didn’t deserve an actor of his caliber. It was better suited for a rookie like Chaemin (who played his part well👍,still I believe his performance was exggerated by the audience), especially since it was the food, not the cast, that carried the show.
As for the central storyline—there wasn’t one to begin with. By the last four episodes, it felt like the writer finally as well as suddenly realized, “Oops, we don't have a plot,” and started throwing in whatever came to mind just to force a happy ending. The result? A drama with no sensible closure. The creators practically mocked the audience, with, “Let’s throw the dumbest stuff at them as we known they’ll swallow it,” and, unsurprisingly, audience did.
Conclusion: This is easily the most overhyped drama of the year—mediocrity at its finest. A one-time watch if you have nothing else lined up. With a 80-Minute episodes dragged out by endless food shots , average acting and no solid story, it’s not something anyone would revisit.
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This review may contain spoilers
Trashy guilty pleasure with a side of good smut
Kinn is the second son of a mafia boss who meets the barfly, Porsche. With no parents and a younger brother to care for, Porsche is willing to do just about anything for money. Following an excellent first episode, he gets recruited to be a bodyguard for Kinn's gangster family. As the two fall in love, they find themselves mired in generic gangster shootouts and a complex family scandal that involves the mystery of Porsche's dead parents.Which is to say, that on paper KinnPorsche sounds like fun. In reality, it's A-grade, rolled-gold trash full of Makjang twists, inconsistent characterisation and a whole lot of sexy boys doing sexy things - most of it non-consensual or involving incest.
KinnPorsche is essentially a fetish drama, with the various fetishes interspersed with something that resembles a plot only in passing: it doesn't stand up to scrutiny, doesn't make much sense and isn't important anyway, frankly.
The show is also a tonal mess, with different direction and production styles clashing (the first episode is surprisingly good, the next two are confusing and contradictory, and the tones clash regularly from there).
But once you get past the idea that this show should be taken in any way seriously - and if you're in the right mood - it could be your latest guilty pleasure watch as it quickly descends into a morass of hot guys boning; sometimes drugged, sometimes drunk, sometimes underage, and sometimes as a result of chained-up basement torture. And nearly always when they're related in some way.
There's a lot of gratuitous sex and mindless violence and the odd, weird, fluffy date episode, which doesn't fit at all. But, I guess, for some people fluffy dating is their fetish so that's here for you as well.
The acting is actually pretty good, especially for a Thai BL, and the sex scenes are genuinely steamy as long as you handwave the rape, incest, torture, murder and creepy borderline paedophilia.
Kinn rapes Porsche, gaslights him, abuses him, manipulates him and yet the relationship somehow seems the most healthy when compared to the other ones in the show. Especially Vegas/Pete ["Nobody can hurt you but me!"] and the super creepy Kim/Porschay ["You're my underage cousin but I'm going to manipulate you into kissing me anyway"].
Anyway, put your brain on hold and enjoy the abuse trainwreck. Otherwise, steer clear.
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