Reviews

let's go s4

Taxi Driver Season 3 proves once again why this series remains one of the strongest and most impactful Korean dramas today. The storytelling is intense, well-paced, and emotionally engaging, tackling real social issues that many dramas are afraid to address. Each case feels meaningful and grounded, making viewers reflect on justice, morality, and the reality faced by victims. The acting is outstanding, especially the main cast, who continue to show strong chemistry and depth in their characters. Action scenes are well-executed, the music perfectly matches the tone, and the overall production quality is consistently high. What makes Season 3 special is how it balances action, emotion, and message without feeling repetitive. The story clearly has more to tell, and the team’s journey is far from over. This season strongly deserves continuation, and fans are more than ready to support it. Season 4 is highly anticipated and absolutely necessary.

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let's go s4

Taxi Driver Season 3 proves once again why this series remains one of the strongest and most impactful Korean dramas today. The storytelling is intense, well-paced, and emotionally engaging, tackling real social issues that many dramas are afraid to address. Each case feels meaningful and grounded, making viewers reflect on justice, morality, and the reality faced by victims. The acting is outstanding, especially the main cast, who continue to show strong chemistry and depth in their characters. Action scenes are well-executed, the music perfectly matches the tone, and the overall production quality is consistently high. What makes Season 3 special is how it balances action, emotion, and message without feeling repetitive. The story clearly has more to tell, and the team’s journey is far from over. This season strongly deserves continuation, and fans are more than ready to support it. Season 4 is highly anticipated and absolutely necessary.

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let's go s4

Taxi Driver Season 3 proves once again why this series remains one of the strongest and most impactful Korean dramas today. The storytelling is intense, well-paced, and emotionally engaging, tackling real social issues that many dramas are afraid to address. Each case feels meaningful and grounded, making viewers reflect on justice, morality, and the reality faced by victims. The acting is outstanding, especially the main cast, who continue to show strong chemistry and depth in their characters. Action scenes are well-executed, the music perfectly matches the tone, and the overall production quality is consistently high. What makes Season 3 special is how it balances action, emotion, and message without feeling repetitive. The story clearly has more to tell, and the team’s journey is far from over. This season strongly deserves continuation, and fans are more than ready to support it. Season 4 is highly anticipated and absolutely necessary.

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mafia heir and good cop vertical series

Overall: this was a soap opera-like vertical series. Note: I rate vertical series against others in the same genre. 53 episodes about 2 minutes each. Available on the iQIYI app.

Content Warnings: held against will, violence, non con kissing, homophobia, slap, punch, self harm, addiction, manipulation, non con picture taking/sharing

What I Liked
- verse/no negative connotation with type of preferred position
- grandma
- ongoing intimacy

Room For Improvement
- hobbling around afterwards
- sound effects and corny music
- nonsense stuff
- supportive coworkers

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Strong Performances and Psychological Depth: My Top-Shelf Watch of 2025

This received a mixed response from audiences. But for me, it’s a top-shelf watch and my favorite of 2025 so far—I can definitely see myself rewatching it. I loved everything about it from start to finish: the intro, the outro (which I watched every time for its graphics and music), and the entire soundtrack. The overall and individual performances were strong, and the use of different camera angles gave it the feel of a costume avant-garde production. Every detail—from the set design to the dramatic overtures—elevated the narrative and dialogue.

Why I loved it:
Each episode was packed with riveting plots and subplots. Even when the people behind the conflicts were obvious, the delivery was so emotionally impactful that the predictability didn’t matter. I especially appreciated the psychological complexity, character dynamics, and growth. It was easy to sympathize with their struggles and become fully invested in their outcomes.

While I’ve heard differing opinions, I thought Chen Duling delivered an impactful performance as a strong lead. The supporting cast also brought such weight to their roles that the lines between main and supporting characters blurred—this series wouldn’t have been the same without every single one of them. I also appreciated the social commentary on women’s issues. Even when certain scenarios felt stilted or unrealistic, the intent and emotional resonance still came through.

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Well-Layered Performances in a Harrowing Narrative

I am not going to lie, this is a very traumatic watch. The narrative and performances are well-layered, which made it impactful and engrossing. The characters captured my empathy and sympathy, with painful backstories and current injustices. I became deeply invested in their problems and wellbeing, wanting good things for them in their future. However, I did need a break near the middle, or around the final third, as some of the storylines felt a little repetitive. Once the plot was well-established, the show reused its formula for several of the smaller arcs. But once I was back on it, I was quickly immersed.

I would recommend this to anyone needing Republic Era recommendations or to those who enjoy short content. As a whole, I think this is a solid watch

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Not the Ancient Love Poetry Continuation I Hoped For

This drama felt like two different shows to me. One was all about the subplots, whose storytelling resonated with me the most. Their soul and passion gave the entire feature its momentum. Then came the second part, which centered on the two couples’ stories—and that’s where it lost me. It deviated heavily from the Ancient Love Poetry universe, and I struggled with the reframing. I love Bai Lu and Cheng Huasen, but losing the Tianqi–Yuemi narrative—and seeing Xuanyi, who was compellingly grey and layered in Ancient Love Poetry, reduced to a maniacally love-stricken Mo Li—was disappointing.

I had hoped for a continuation of Ancient Love Poetry that would offer closure on Tianqi and Yuemi’s story—but that’s not what happened. Moonlight Mystique is more of a reinterpretation, and taken as an independent feature, it unfortunately wasn’t the version I was hoping for. I also found the second leads problematic. Their transitions didn’t feel fully developed, with no real epiphany or accountability until the very end. Ultimately, this just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m not even sure how to rate it, because the inconsistencies were ... well, inconsistent. The side stories were top shelf for me, while the main storyline fell flat. So, although the drama had a strong start and initially captured my heart, the ending didn’t land for me once the subplots wrapped up and the lead narrative dominated.

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A Hidden Gem - not often at the top of must watch lists

Rating: 10/10

I passed over watching this multiple times before getting to the spot where I did not have a lot of preferred content and I was willing to give it a chance. I am glad I did. I almost considered it more as a 9 or 9.5 out of 10 because there's a strong thread of sadness running through this drama that really hit me hard—but I am an empath and so it had me in tears more than once. But, even though it was more of a tear jerker than I expected, the story and the romance were nice enough that it was forgivable. The main couple, Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei, have one of the sweetest and most believable romances. Their chemistry feels natural and genuine, and it's the kind of feel-good love story that warms your heart. There is a gentle balance in dramas, end too abruptly and it feels like they expect you to complete the story, drag on too long and you feel like you are riding side car on their whole life. This one struck just the right balance it did not feel rushed nor did it feel slow or padded. Thus I highly recommend this one for anyone that likes a mostly feel-good romance drama with emotional depth. Some people actually find the cathartic sadness healing, but even if you're sensitive like me, the happy ending and uplifting romance make it worth it in the end. The only minor thing that bugged me was one family plot point that felt unnecessary and a bit too heavy. It didn't ruin the show at all, but I think the story would have been just as strong (maybe even lighter) without it. Overall, this drama left me smiling through the sniffles—super sweet, and heartfelt.

Spoilers

The part that almost made me rate it lower was Lin Zhi Xiao's father dying. I really didn't think it was necessary for the story. He could have stayed in remission, and the emotional weight of the cancer storyline would still have been there without the full tragedy. It added such a deep layer of sadness that lingered. It hit me at a particularly rough time in my own life when several elder family members and friends had passed away. So, there is enough of that in real life I don't want it in my entertainment. I am not entertained by being sad. It was lightened up by just the right amount of post-wedding glimpses which showed that Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei were still going strong and happy years later even after suffering the loss of her father. That was just enough continuance on their story to leave you satisfied without overdoing it. But the story centered so much on the cancer, and Lin Zhi Xiao's parents close relationship that I wish we'd seen something about how Lin Zhi Xiao's mom was doing seven years later. She must have been absolutely devastated after losing her husband, and it would have been so comforting to get even a small glimpse or mention of her being okay, maybe finding some peace or happiness. That was the only very minor flaw for me—the show wrapped up the main couple perfectly with those sweet after-wedding details and their life together (love the family they built!), but leaving her mom's outcome hanging felt incomplete. Still, the romance between Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei is so pure and believable that it carries everything. The way it was foreshadowed and built made the sad elements predictable enough that they didn't blindside me, and the happy, loving payoff made it okay even though I don't normally prefer series that have such a heavy and sad element.

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Season 2: Everything Fell Into Place

This drama meant everything to me. I could—and absolutely will—watch it again. That’s how much I loved it.

Season 2 massively improves on the weak romantic points of Season 1. The romantic elements were minimal, mature, and seamlessly integrated into the story. Every scene felt purposeful, with smooth transitions and emotional impact. Season 2 delivered a powerful narrative centered on kingdoms in conflict—leaders fighting for their people, for power, survival, freedom, justice, and hope. We witnessed growth and development among individuals, communities, and even enemies. Themes of friendship, kinship, trust, respect, and admiration were beautifully explored. There was also a touch of fantasy, with mysterious identities and questions of fate. The soundtrack was just as beautiful and haunting as in Season 1, matching the sequences and emotional tone of the scenes. In my opinion, this is a masterpiece.

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enemies to lovers vertical series

Overall: this is an over the top vertical series and I judged it based on vertical series of a similar style. Aired on iQIYI app, 1-6 free, 50 total episodes around 2 minutes each

Content Warnings: beaten up, non con touching, sort of kidnapping, slaps, non con video recording/sharing/outing, sexual assault, attempted murder, manipulation, drugged, beaten up

What I Liked
- the dad
- apologized for what his family did
- admitted it, didn't try the noble idiot trope
- helped each other
- I did laugh a few times

Room For Improvement
- comedy sound effects
- "I'm supposed to be the top" and doing it when being drugged was involved

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Such a fun watch!

I had so much fun watching this show. I literally couldn't wait to watch the next episode when I was at work, this show was what I looked forward to everyday, im truly sad its over (but it couldn't have ended any better). Nut is such a FUNNY actor and I loved his energy throughout this whole series. Queen through and through💅. I feel like this was one of the best dramas I've watched in a while purely for the fact of just how much it made me laugh and smile. If you're looking for something that will keep you in your seat, is hysterical, and will entertain you throughly, this is the show for you. What a wonderful story and series. If you're having a bad day and are wanting to smile, Im The Most Beautiful Count is for you🧡

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A Phenomenal Storyline Despite Its Weakest Thread

I was blown away by this drama, though unfortunately I rated it lower overall because it wasn’t consistently dynamic. While the main narrative was phenomenal, the romantic plots were subpar and didn’t quite fit. That said, I skipped through all the romantic scenes by the midpoint, rating the main storyline as a top-shelf favorite. These scenes were cinematically beautiful, compelling, and poignant. They kept me engaged and constantly guessing about what would happen next and who was truly in control. Masterminds shifted throughout the series and the drama gained layers of depth with it. It made what was really happening behind the scenes difficult to discern and the storyline exciting. I loved it so much, I went on to watch the next season.

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An Engaging and Haunting Drama

I greatly enjoyed this drama and would wholeheartedly recommend it. The characters have depth, are likable, work well together, and deliver engaging performances. The scriptwriting and filming choices are thoughtful and effective, and several viewer expectations are successfully met. The narrative is nonlinear, moving back and forth in time, while the setting alternates between dark and brooding and bright and hopeful. These contrasts provide visual variety and effectively convey mood, atmosphere, and psychological states.

The plot contains multiple layers, and the cinematography helps reveal them without making the storyline feel repetitive. What works particularly well is how easily the show could have relied on familiar, clichéd subplots, yet instead it takes a different approach, presenting a typical narrative in an atypical way. This keeps the storyline fresh and engaging, with conflicts and resolutions remaining unpredictable. As a result, it is easy to become invested in the characters and to sympathize with their struggles.

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A Gripping Family Drama

I initially watched this drama for Zhou Yiran after seeing him in Twelve Letters, but was disappointed that, despite being billed as the male lead, his role felt more like a supporting character. The story centers on the female lead, Qiao Qingyu (played by Zhang Jing Yi), and tackles dark themes such as bullying, suicide, depression, abandonment, abuse, misogyny, family pressure, conformity, trauma, and grief. This is more of a family and coming-of-age drama than a romance or youth series with characters that you either love or hate. The plot follows Qingyu as her family uproots to escape rumors about her older sister Qiao Baiyu’s mysterious death, and she becomes determined to uncover the truth behind it.

The first half is engaging as Qingyu investigates her sister's past which reveals her family dynamics. However, the second half drags, especially with the brief arc about Mumu's family issues, which felt unnecessary. The drama’s characters are polarizing; for instance, I found Qingyu’s portrayal frustrating and unrelatable. At times, her younger brother seemed more mature than she was. She’s often standoffish, withdrawn, and acts on her own misunderstandings, especially toward Ming Sheng (Zhou Yiran) and her parents. She doesn’t show much appreciation towards people who support her like Ming Sheng, Mumu, or even the male teacher who offered to help her. Although complex and flawed, her character didn’t resonate with me due to a rather flat performance by Zhang Jing Yi. Throughout many scenes with Ming Sheng coming to her aid, she often looks at him with a blank, emotionless expression. After admitting that he's always there for her whenever she needs help, Ming Sheng asks "Are you touched by this?", she responds with icy detachment, "I don't want to be indebted to you. It’s not until episode 21 that viewers finally see her genuinely smile, laugh, and express real emotion while spending a full day with Ming Sheng. However, the moment is short-lived as the focus shifts to her vacant expression after he leaves. While some actors can convey deep emotion with just their eyes, Zhang Jing Yi unfortunately falls short in this regard. The storyline where Qingyu learns to dance in a short time and is able to perform on stage, despite having much less experience than her older sister, felt unrealistic.

I felt more empathy for the older sister, Qiao Baiyu, who endured bullying, abandonment issues and trauma but ultimately realized her parents’ quiet love for her. Her tragic ending highlights how suicide transfers pain to loved ones. However, the mother, Li Fanghao (Liu Dan), stands out as the most compelling character—a strict, tormented woman shaped by guilt, grief and patriarchal family pressures. Despite her harshness, she loves her children deeply and tries to protect Qingyu from repeating past mistakes, making her both tragic and relatable.

Ming Sheng’s resentment toward his father seemed unclear, as both parents share responsibility in a divorce and his mother was the one who left him to pursue her career ambitions. Although Ming Sheng harbors resentment toward his father, the two share striking similarities—they are both reserved, dependable, and prefer to demonstrate their feelings through actions rather than words. Ming Sheng’s personal growth is rooted in coming to terms with his father, all while he steadfastly supports Qingyu in the background. While his role is less prominent than the female lead’s, Zhou Yiran manages to convey impressive emotional depth, especially in the poignant scene at the Qiao family’s noodle restaurant where he breaks down in tears.

Overall, the drama is a decent watch with strong ensemble acting, effectively portraying themes of overcoming struggles, healing from loss, and resilience.

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