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Absolutely Cinematic
Veil of Shadows is the third drama by Guo Jingming that I have watched, and in my opinion, it stands as his most refined and complete work to date. In terms of cinematography, music/OST, and the actors’ performances, this drama surpasses his previous projects on almost every level.Cinematography and CGI
For a Chinese wuxia/xianxia drama, this is easily one of the best I have ever seen—perhaps even the most visually stunning Chinese drama to date. The use of color grading is particularly striking. In the early stages of the story, the tone leans toward warm hues, reflecting a lighter and more cheerful narrative. As the story progresses, the palette gradually shifts into darker, colder tones, mirroring the increasing emotional weight and complexity of the plot.
Each shot is carefully composed, with a strong balance between character placement and background elements, creating visually harmonious scenes. This is further enhanced by high-quality CGI that blends seamlessly into the world, making the overall experience incredibly immersive and visually satisfying.
Rating: 10/10
Soundtrack and Background Music
I absolutely love every piece of the OST. The music used in each scene feels purposeful and deeply impactful, elevating the emotional resonance of the story. One standout moment features a scene where the background music is performed by the actor and actress themselves, delivered beautifully and adding another layer of storytelling. It’s not just the acting that conveys emotion—the music itself tells a story.
Rating: 10/10
Storytelling
The narrative demands full attention, as it presents a significant amount of information in a subtle and often indirect manner. Some elements are conveyed visually rather than through explicit dialogue, which I personally find very compelling. This approach allows the audience to engage more deeply with the story.
That said, a few additional explanatory scenes might have helped clarify certain points without diminishing the overall experience. Even so, the story remains engaging and rewarding for those willing to pay close attention.
Rating: 9.5/10
Acting
There is little to criticize when it comes to the performances. The entire cast delivers exceptional work, especially the four main leads. Each actor fully embodies their character, capturing both personality and emotional depth with remarkable precision. As a result, every character feels vivid and alive.
Rating: 10/10
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This review may contain spoilers
Zany FL made this fantasy drama enjoyable to watch
I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and MDL & reddit friend thehepburn informed me of Shu Chang and this drama. Gosh I realised that I had this drama in my watchlist many many months ago (must be during my Zuo Ming phase). I watched it yesterday and was entertained.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I agree with the other reviewer about this drama being goofy. Well thanks to Xiao Qing. I also liked that she was nice & genuine especially towards those who treated her kindly e.g. ML's grandmother & parents.
2. Acting - Shu Chang excelled in this role. She commanded my attention whenever she appeared on screen. Zuo Ming performed well for a confused ML who later fell in love with FL. Despite the big age difference between them, their chemistry was dazzling.
3. Romance - It was warm & touching which I didn't expect considering how impersonal they were during their first intimate encounter. There were some nice kisses & sweet gestures. That wedding scene was touching.
4. Tone - I enjoyed the comedy bits. Hahaha the way FL walked before meeting ML's grandmother was damn funny. Drama was well-paced too.
5. Duration - This drama clocks in at 2 hours 5 minutes which was good for me as I don't enjoy draggy dramas.
6. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements from the snake alter ego to her use of powers. There was reincarnation arc used in this drama too although I wish it was longer because I'd like to see more of their dynamics in the past.
7. ML characterisation - Mr Nice Guy. I enjoyed his scenes which he remembered his past life.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Money hungry uncle & daughter who wanted something they did not deserve. Gosh the daughter was so desperate that she would stage scenes.
2. ML's action - I was dismayed when ML didn't immediately back up FL when she was slandered by others.
Favourite scene
FL's funny walk
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loved the brotherhood of friends
it was a good drama overall. the 4 friends since high school was a pleasure to watch - including the snippets or flashbacks at the beginning of each episode of the specific moments of their lives over the years.my favorite character was Tae San. he was an intentional man. he chose to love Se-ra and committed himself to her - while he struggled over the marriage issue he still wanted her.
Do Jin - difficult to watch him try to win Yi Soo over. but between Do Jin attempts and YI Soo’s seemingly immature responses/rejections, both of them left much to be desired in the first half.
Lee Jung Rok - what an idiot to cheat on his wife. I don’t have words for his kind. mi seek was just as weak - she actually enabled him by threatening to but never following through with the divorce
Choi Yoon - he always had a pained look on his face regarding Mi Ra. you never got to see him as a successful competent lawyer. mi ra’s many childish ways were annoying, especially her crying. Yoon and Mi Ra’s story arc was the least compelling evincing.
the show got better and ended well.
this drama offered som good insights guys and plenty of truly funny moments.
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"A Hilarious Start That Wins My Heart"
"The Boss is Tough, But I Can't Get Enough" — Honestly, that is the best way rhymely to describe the energy of this show so far!I’m genuinely surprised by the low rating—I've only seen two episodes and I'm already cracking up! While everyone has their own taste, this drama hits exactly the right spot for me
I just reviewed this drama from other channel where Im a regular reviewer, just rarely visit and review here in Dramalist and for some reason Im in the mood copy pasting my review from " over there" to " here" 😄.
I wasn't sure what to expect from an audit/office setting, but the dynamic between the leads is pure gold. Gong Myung playing the "fallen corporate prince" as Noh Ki-jun is the perfect foil for Shin Hae-sun’s as Joo In-ah's chaotic energy. She is a total scene-stealer! Her "quirky but lethal" vibe makes the office feel like a high-stakes battlefield, and she brings a brand of comedy that feels so fresh for 2026.
The Audit Team 3 -- "Cheating Specialists" 🤣
The PM team (Public Morals), aka the "Cheating Specialists," is ironically funny. The drama low-key roasts intense Asian corporate culture of nightly overtime. It’s a reality where people are stuck at the office so late that they barely see their wife , families, leading them to bond more with their coworkers than their spouses! While office infidelity happens everywhere East and West , this drama specifically highlights that "night-owl" office grind that makes these forbidden affairs almost inevitable. It’s a witty, light-touch take on a very real social pressure. But because it's a rom- com They handle this "forbidden affair" plot with such a witty, light touch.
Also, it’s so smart how the show uses "audit" as a double meaning. They aren't just auditing the company’s money, they are also AUDITING THE CHARACTER'S MESSY LIVES and failed relationships. It’s social commentary disguised as a rom-com, and I am here for the depth!
Shin Hae-sun is the absolute queen of "eccentric but efficient, in this show " and her role as Joo In-ah might be her best balance of comedy and intensity yet in this drama .She’s essentially playing a "madwoman" with a corporate badge, and it is glorious to watch.
Her "weirdness" feels natural—the way she handpicked Gong Myung for the "Public Morals" unit because she saw him in a stairwell with an engaged woman (talk about a misunderstanding!) shows she’s always three steps ahead.SHS has this unique ability to transition from a playful, prank-loving boss to an icy, bone-chilling executive in less than a second.
Gong Myung plays Noh Ki-jun with this perfect mix of "corporate prince" arrogance and genuine shock. When he gets demoted to Team 3, he doesn't just act sad, he acts offended. You can see the internal struggle in his expressions—trying to keep his dignity while being forced to investigate "menial" office gossip. It makes his character feel human rather than just a caricature of a hotshot.
What I loved GM's portrayal here , he isn't afraid to look a little ridiculous. Whether he's doing a hilariously dramatic "forced" song or reacting to In-ah’s "madwoman" energy, his facial expressions are gold. He knows how to use his "puppy-dog" features to make his frustration look adorable and funny at the same time.
He looks every bit the part of a 2026 elite corporate worker. His "corporate armor" (those sharp suits) makes his eventual "fall from grace" to the messy Team 3 office look even more dramatic. Plus, his expressive eyes really help sell that "cliffhanger" tension at the end of ep 2 —you can see him starting to realize that In-ah isn't just a tough boss, but someone with a secret he might be the only one smart enough to uncover.
What I also love most about this show is how both main leads really carry it as the anchors. In so many dramas, the energy is carried by just one person, but here? Both are absolute scene-stealers.
This isn't just a "watch while doing chores" drama. The wit is lightning-fast—if you miss a line, you miss a laugh! If you like intellectual equals who can’t stand each other but have undeniable chemistry, don't sleep on this one. Definitely my favorite weekend watch!
For the premiere week, it’s a perfect score for sheer enjoyment! Let’s see if this hilarious energy and brilliant drama-comedy balance can actually hold up until the finale. Consider my rating "unsteady". But 10/10 for now!
This is only my second review since coming back to Dramalist this month—The Perfect Crown was my first—and just like that one, I feel like I've found a total gem.
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Thought provoking but ultimately incomplete
Thought provoking drama, excellent performance, unnerving and uncomfortable cases and over all pretty dark. The ending was… incomplet. Still, I appreciate the scene between Karasuma’s mom and Kujo was very touching.The drama is really a commentary about the dark side of Japan, the rejects society likes to pretend they don’t exist. It portrays its real ugliness from setting to lighting. It was uncomfortable to watch. It also addresses the rigidity of their society, the quick judgement and lack of care the backlash causes.
I still don’t understand why Karasuma sought out Kujo to work for him. Karasuma and Kujo might be opposite types of lawyers, but somehow when facing their clients or persons related to their cases, they are on wavelength. They have each other’s backs.
While performances were great, and some actors were portraying characters very different from their usual choices, the characters themselves are straightforward. That is all except for Kujo himself. He’s not out there to make money. His choices are based on his values and beliefs. Good or bad, he will serve his clients to the end. He sees his role as a protector of the system. The contradicting side to him is that he doesn’t actually believe in the law when it comes to getting justice for himself or his loved ones.
Was it good? Yes!
Was it entertaining? Hm yes and no. Interaction between the leads are fun and relatable.
Many talented actors are in this drama, however, many were not used up to their potential. Ikuta Toma had 2-3 scenes in the entire drama.
Are there aiming at a second season? Will it begin with the bloodbath? I don’t know.
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Cuteness,shallowness and annoyance
I was so hyped in the beginning, but it all felt like a waste of time in the end.It's a cringe and "cute" drama without any sense of logic or realism, i've noticed it in the first episode ,and didn't mind it at all(that was a mistake). However , as you watch , it progressively becomes harder to endure shallow and cringey scenes, i was so annoyed at the last episode that i wasn't able to watch it entirely. During the whole series , a lot of thoughts were popping in my head like:
- Why exactly did Duang like Qin?
- Qin's trauma is such a pampered annoying rich kid trauma.
- Duang changed absolutely nothing with Qin.
- What a boring couple .
I was really into this Series in the first episodes, but it was long hours of nothing , just a weird cuteness between the main chatacters and a badly developed side couple. Most of the dialogue doesn't feel natural and the acting had so much ups and downs. It was really a waste of time watching this.
Despite it all, it's not a bad Drama... but i regret watching it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Grown adults fighting over name tags
Such a fun and hilarious show!!! It’s so refreshing to watch the artists I love having fun and getting to be childish! The cast has amazing chemistry and banter with each other. You can really tell how each one has become more and more comfortable with the games and each other as time goes on! I absolutely loved waiting to see each episode to find out who the special guest would be and what silly little games they would play. Offroad and Daou were so cute and amazing! Tay and Phuak were underdogs that never stopped fighting. Jeff and Oat were terrifying but cool. Ink and Nunew was sweet angels that could bring out their claws. Will definitely be rewatching!Was this review helpful to you?
Rewatching is so enjoyable and it's so damn goooood!!!
Yumi's cells season 1 is so enticing! Her cells add more life and spices to the story (especially emotion and naughty cells). I was able to know them more and it's all about learning to love yourself more before you love others. I most of the time relate to Yumi's action and choices and it makes it more realistic and not just a drama thing that is all about fantasy. That is what this story makes unique. I love Woong and Yumi's acting!The story became more interesting when Babi came in! The whole cast and acting is superb!
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Even the second male lead did a great job. His character added depth and emotional weight to the story. The villains were also very well portrayed—they weren’t just there for conflict, but they truly made the story more intense and engaging. The fighting scenes were another highlight—well-executed, powerful, and exciting to watch.
And of course, the OST was absolutely beautiful. I can’t stop listening to the songs—they really captured the emotions of the drama so well. “Chasing the Wind” by Liu Yuning, “Rebirth” by Curley Gao, “Flowers Drift Away” by Yan An, “Baseless” by Queena Cui, “Lonely Black Eagle” by Zhang Kangle, and “Journey Alone” by Hu Xia—all of them are so emotional and memorable. Every time I listen to them, it brings me back to the scenes and feelings from the drama.
Lin Yunrui as Zhuge Yue is definitely my bias. He almost perfectly portrayed the character. He’s not only handsome and charming, but he also gave depth to Zhuge Yue—showing him as someone intelligent, calm, and strategic, yet also deeply caring. What makes him even more admirable is how he expresses love through actions rather than words. He’s a caring man, a brilliant strategist, and an awesome warrior—strong, fearless, and always willing to sacrifice for the people he loves, especially Chu Qiao. His quiet way of protecting her made his character even more powerful and unforgettable.
Chu Qiao was also amazing. She’s beautiful, but more than that, she’s strong, independent, and resilient. Even as a young actress, her performance was impressive—especially her swordsmanship, which looked so natural and convincing. She didn’t feel like a typical female lead—she stood as an equal, someone who could fight, lead, and protect just as much as Zhuge Yue.
The chemistry between Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao is one of the best parts of the drama. You can truly feel their connection, especially in the small, quiet moments. One of my favorite scenes is when they ate hot pot together—it was such a simple but warm and genuine moment that showed their softer side. In the middle of all the chaos, war, and responsibilities, that scene felt like a glimpse of the peaceful life they both deserved.
The only thing that really confused me was the ending. I kept asking myself—was it truly a happy ending or not? For me, the perfect ending would have been something clearer and more real. I really wanted to see Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao living peacefully together, with their son and daughter, happy and complete as a family. Even just a simple scene of him saving his queen on the battlefield and then returning to a quiet life with her would have been enough.
I also wish the hot pot scene had been shown again as part of the ending—not as a dream or imagination, but as a real moment in their future. It could have symbolized that after everything they went through, they finally found peace and happiness together. That simple scene, turned into reality, would have been the perfect emotional closure—a dream that finally becomes real.
Still, despite the confusion about the ending, I truly enjoyed the drama. It’s emotional, intense, and full of memorable characters and moments. Rebirth is definitely a story that stays in your heart even after it ends.
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Disappointing
I am so sorry to write this. I have watched PA and anticipated the sequel. Unfortunately, it will be forever remain an ending at Episode 58 of the 1st season. I tried, I really do. From the 1st episode of Rebirth and right until I stopped at Ep 7, my face was distorted, my eyes squinting with dissatisfaction. Had to stop and not waste my time. Wrong casting especially the 2 FLs, very weak scripting, long winded flow and confused storyline all added up. Such a pity, now i have read that the ending was also dissatisfying, well..... I am glad I did not finish it. I truly pity LYR, 1 of my favourite actor who indirectly be smeared into thisWas this review helpful to you?
Not a fan of storytelling style and uneven screen time distribution
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25I waited for the hype to die down before watching the much anticipated “Veil of Shadows”. Given this is another Edward Guo production with new crowd favorites Tian Jia Rui and Yan An as the leads, expectations are high. I have to say, I did come in with some pre-conceived criticisms, but I can’t deny I think I enjoy this drama more than “Fangs of Fortune”.
“Veil of Shadows” shares many of my praises and criticisms of “Fangs of Fortune” and even “My Journey to You”. MJTY is darker and more serious, so it might not be fair to compare. As I re-read my own review of FOF (https://kisskh.at/profile/virgievirgie/review/407720), I was nodding my head and saying… yup…same here in this drama.
Plot/Pacing
I like the general plot of “Veil of Shadows”, however, I am not sure if I like the storytelling/execution. This could very much be a ‘me’ problem that I don’t like the style. The drama first confused me, then dumped a lot of info to clarify what happened (often without foreshadowing). I was looking forward to the journeys of Ji Ling (played by Tian Jia Rui) and Wu Shi Guang (played by Joseph Zeng). They should both be main leads, with complementary storylines of their history, romance, development and road to heroism. There’s so much material that should be enough to fill a full 40-ep drama, yet this drama is only 29 episodes long. I wasn’t sure why the drama wasn’t longer and what goes behind the scenes in how screen time is distributed. I was also quite confused in the beginning in the second arc when 3 different parallel storylines were happening in different years. On the other hand, though I really enjoy Ji Ling’s story and his romance with Lu Wu Yi, it’s unfortunate that Wu Shi Guan and Wu Wang Yan got the short end of the stick. Their stories should be just as interesting and compelling, but they were relegated to the bench in the last arc. At the end of the second arc when identity secrets are revealed to the audience, Wu Shi Guang should have increased screen time, especially when his romance also wasn’t as developed in the second arc as the other pair. The pacing of the drama is actually pretty good for the most part. It held my attention throughout and there’s no draggy part. In fact, the last 5 episodes are so packed with plot twists that I felt like I never got a breather. Secrets and schemes were exposed one after another and I hope it actually slows down and gives me time to pause and think.
Characters
First of all, why do they speak so slowly?? LOL... Anyway, I enjoy all the main characters and the main supporting characters. They are all unique in their own way, though a few of them I would like to get to know more on a deeper level. The guest stars in each arc also bring something special to the drama. I especially enjoy seeing Xia Zhi Guang, Fan Shi Qi and a different side of Wang Duo. Compared to “Fangs of Fortune”, the characters in this drama have more close 1-on-1 relationships than team camaraderie. Everyone is lovely and it’s nice to not hate on anyone or find anyone irritating. For a drama like this, you should expect some of your favorites might die. Well, be prepared because they die and don't die, then die and don't die….. Did they really die? LOL
Acting
I think the overall acting of everyone is pretty good. No one really sticks out like a sore thumb. Tian Jia Rui probably has the toughest assignment for his different roles. I do think he is still better as the young and happy Ji Ling, than the more imposing and serious Dragon God. Joseph Zeng is fine but I also don’t think he’s given enough, or challenged enough to do better. Chen Du Ling is fine and definitely better than in “Fangs of Fortune”. I might have to say this might be the best I’ve seen Ju Jing Yi. She always gets a lot of flack for just being pretty, but I do think she finally is given a role that could challenge her and let the audience see she can be more than a pretty face. Yan An still has those mesmerizing eyes, just like when he was in “Fangs of Fortune”. But here, he is given more to work with and to show a more vulnerable side.
Romance
Where should I start with this? I did not buy the romance at all in the first arc and I really dislike Ju Jing Yi’s dubbed voice LOL I don’t feel any romantic chemistry at all. Luckily, things got better in the second arc when each couple had dedicated time to build on chemistry. Ji Ling + Lu Wu Yi have a much better written romance in the second arc inside the mysterious Star Stone. They were adorable together and I had a lot of fun watching them get to know each other, open their hearts and share backstories. I just wish the other couple was given just as much. Wu Shi Guang + Wu Wang Yan romance is more mature and I actually like it more. The time they spent together as Cang Hao and Qing Yi, learning to live together, get to know each other and grow old together is a touching story. But we don’t see many heartwarming moments of them together. Because they need to grow old fast, their timeline moves so much faster than the other couple’s. When this couple is given touching moments, e.g. bracelets and ice embrace or facing the consequences of a secret alliance, Joseph Zeng and Chen Du Ling did a fantastic job with those emotional moments. When romance plays such a big part in the general plot and the last arc, it’s really difficult for me to buy in when I don’t see the development of them falling in love, and even how and when Lu Wu Yi falls madly in love with Ji Ling. “Veil of Shadows” tries to tell me their romances are heartwarming, heartbreaking and can move heaven and earth ... but didn’t quite SHOW me how that all happened, so I can be more invested.
Production
This is without a doubt a high budget production. Did you see all the hairstyles and costumes of every single character? Beautiful! Ok, they could also calm down on the white filter/makeup. I think the team might be a little partial towards Tian Jia Rui and not as much towards Joseph Zeng. If you like CGI and the special effects in big fight scenes, you would not be disappointed. Each battle is exciting, eye-catching and a small production itself. The fight scenes in the first arc had too many slow-mo moves to my liking, but they improved throughout the drama. The cinematography is beautiful but I also find it somewhat pretentious with many shots where the actors are just posing and looking pretty. The OST boasts a cast of big stars. If you could assemble Zhou Shen, Liu Yu Ning, Mao Bu Yi altogether in one album, you know this is going to be an awesome OST. I also like that many actors have their own songs as well. Because there are so many songs in the OST, the drama doesn’t have to play the same song over and over, yet music is played ALL the time. There are times when I just want to hear the dialog, or let the emotions fill the gap, but then music will play. The battle music also feels like video game music, for better or for worse.
Despite my criticism, I did have a good time watching “Veil of Shadows” and enjoyed it slightly more than “Fangs of Fortune”. This is probably due to the fact that romance is so central to the plot compared to FOF. Although I am a big fan of wuxia hard-hitting close combat fight scenes, I can’t deny I also enjoy the big production action scenes and the elaborate use of CGI here. The actors all actually did a really great job in these action scenes. The OST is beautiful and the story is interesting. I just wish I liked the storytelling/execution more, and that screen time is better distributed between the four main leads.
Completed: 4/26/2026 Review #686
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