Reviews

Kill To Love, Our Romeo And Juliet

Wow. What an absolute rollercoaster this series was. I genuinely enjoyed it far more than I initially expected. Historical BLs have always been a bit of a hit or miss for me, despite how much I adore the genre. There's something about the music, the cinematography, the intricate clothing, and the atmosphere of another era that I find incredibly captivating. I've always had a fascination with anything vintage or ancient, so discovering a historical or Wuxia BL that truly captures my heart is something I treasure.

I honestly don't even know where to begin. This story was nothing short of breathtaking. From beginning to end, it held my attention and left me constantly wanting to know what would happen next. However, this isn't a story filled with warmth and happy moments. It's one woven with devastation, where love and family are just as vulnerable to destruction as kingdoms themselves. A story of war, politics, forbidden love, power, and titles that become prisons for the very people forced to carry them.

The narrative unfolds beautifully, although I will admit that I struggled to understand certain aspects in the beginning. Keeping track of the different kingdoms, political relationships, and customs of that era can become quite complicated. I found myself doing a little research between episodes to better understand what was happening, and I'd genuinely recommend doing the same if you find yourself getting lost. Because once you begin to understand even the smallest details, everything starts falling into place. Suddenly, all those seemingly complicated pieces become part of something so beautifully constructed.

Visually, this series was an absolute dream. The cinematography was stunning, and the music deserves a special mention because it constantly pulled me deeper into the world of the story. There was something about the way it accompanied certain scenes that made everything feel even more emotional. The clothing was equally gorgeous, everyone looked so elegant, especially Xiao Shu He and Duan Zi Ang. I also thoroughly enjoyed the acting. The entire cast did a wonderful job, but Zhang Zhe Xu particularly stood out to me. The way he conveyed pain, frustration, and vulnerability through his expressions was something I really appreciated. You could feel so much without him having to say a single word.

As for the story itself, I loved the complexity of their relationship. We get to witness what happens when an Emperor and a Prince, the North and the South, an assassin and his victim, find themselves playing the roles of lovers in a world that was never designed to let them be together. Their relationship was practically destined to face complications, considering how much they seemed to embody opposing forces. Almost like Ying and Yang, two contrasting souls drawn together despite everything that should have kept them apart. Even their clothing reflected this beautifully, with one constantly dressed in black and the other in white. Two opposites, yet somehow belonging together.

And then there's the ending.

I won't pretend I didn't wish for something different. Of course I wanted them to have their happy ending. After everything they endured, I wanted them to finally escape the world that had taken so much from them. But perhaps that's precisely what makes this ending so bittersweet.

In a way, their story reminded me of Romeo and Juliet, although with a different kind of tragedy. Xiao Shu He becomes the Romeo of this story, except that his final act carries a much deeper intention. By drinking the poison, he not only secures the revenge he had long sought, but also ensures that Duan Zi Ang, already suffering from his illness, will eventually follow him after witnessing the death of the person he loves most. It's devastating, certainly, but there's also something hauntingly poetic about the way their story comes to an end.

Perhaps, in Xiao Shu He's eyes, death was no longer simply an ending. It was the only place where the world could no longer interfere with their love. No more kingdoms to serve, no more titles to uphold, no more wars to fight, no more political obligations deciding the course of their lives. Just two souls, finally free to belong to one another without the weight of everything they had been forced to carry.

And I think that's what makes the ending so interesting to me. Their marriage ceremony, where they cut strands of their hair and intertwined them as a symbol of their union, becomes especially meaningful when you consider the possibility of reincarnation. It almost feels like a promise that transcends death itself. A promise that even if this lifetime couldn't give them the life they deserved, their souls would continue searching for one another in the next.

Maybe that's where their happy ending truly begins.

Somewhere beyond the kingdoms, beyond the wars, beyond the names and titles that once defined them, I like to imagine the two of them meeting again. This time, as nothing more than two ordinary human beings. No Emperor, no Prince, no North or South, no assassin or victim. Just two people who happen to fall in love and finally get to experience the simple happiness that was denied to them in their previous lifetime.

I hope they reincarnate. I hope they find each other again. And most importantly, I hope that in their next life, they get to grow old together, until death eventually comes to find them once more. And even then, perhaps their souls will simply find another way back to each other.

Overall, I found this story incredibly beautiful. Its ending may be bittersweet, but it wasn't tragedy for the sake of tragedy. It felt poetic, intentional, and deeply connected to the story's themes. Even the way the characters spoke carried a certain elegance, almost as if every conversation belonged to another time.

An amazing story, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend. Some love stories are not meant to be lived in just one lifetime, and perhaps theirs was always meant to find its way into another.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Too much noise for nothing

I give this a 5 because I realize I don't like dramas where there are multiple leads and especially male leads. That said, I want to specify a few points as an author with more than a million book sales and as a 50+ woman. I didn't see anything controversial here. Writing the characters we want is the prerogative of an author. Like it or not, and you can see how many dramas I hate, is the prerogative of the reader, viewer. So there's nothing problematic in not liking a character or the writing of something or the views it tries to convey.

What is wrong though is to cerate a picture of something that isn't there. Reading about the "boob" scandal, I was expecting something truly controversial. A gesture out of context, only there to create a scandal. Yet the scene is the most natural it cold be. If you never had the chance to have your boyfriend getting you into his lap and touch you then you lose one of the most romantic and fluttering things that you can enjoy. They were a couple, they were tender with each other and he touched her boob. There is no Chinese culture here t bring up unless you only watched two dramas in your life. I've watched countless at this point and I vastly prefer them to the Kdramas these days, and I've seen many more explicit scenes than this in almost 50% of them. So where does this controversy comes from?

I know nothing about his personal life and if he's an indecent person, yes he should face consequences. But since I know nothing I will judge only the drama and the drama is coherent with what the writer wants to show. He wrote a realistic, more realistic at least, drama where people have flaws and live in real life. You don't like it? Fine. I didn't either. I didn't acre about any of he leads and found the female leads uninteresting and their acting wasn't great either. I still have to defend the writer's vision. He doesn't have to cater to anyone. It was his vision and what he wanted to convey and he did a great job.

Just don't try to twist things and take them out of context to create a scandal. it's disheartening and hypocrite. As an author I was accused several times about me heroines being too stubborn, too spoiled, too out of touch with the reality. See if I care. They are my creations and if I want them to be stubborn they will be. If I want them to be spoiled they will be. Same way my heroes will be perfect. Same way my heroines will sleep with their boyfriends before they get married if they ever get married.

I never cared about the women who accused me of being depraved because I have a few kisses in my books and I say without any ambiguity that a healthy relationship includes a healthy sexual relationship. These people aren't my audience. My books don't have explicit scenes because I choose not to, not because any reader has any input in my writing. If you want a book or a drama to fit exactly your vision, go create yours. Otherwise judge it for what it is and not for what you want it to be. Most of all don't spread lies.

I had readers create lies about my characters all the time just to make believe their outrage is right. This is what people did here. They took a natural gesture, not even explicit, not even inelegant, just a second of a scene beautifully shot, and made a mountain out of a molehill. All that to convey their sentiments. As I said, you didn't like something, fine by me and every person who has a brain. Just don't invent things. It's disgusting and you have no idea how much pain and tears go to write a line. And again, I've had reviews in my life from she should have her books made in movies to I'd rather watch paint dry. No offense taken. But much offense taken when you try to diminish my work by creating and speading false things.

Rant over.

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Tragedy, Tragedy, Tragedy, Tragedy

I already complete this show. This is my second republican era drama After watching this drama I feel I never watch any republican drama again..
First it has obsessed ml who try to rape fl and he is such a red flag after war we saw his redemption... than fl start falling for him..
But after I saw this whole drama pingjun never good with ml first she always play pitiful but who played her role she played amazing

This show just gave us tragedy and sad ending it's waste of good actors
I 1st saw xu ruohan in best thing and ryan cheng in fangs of fortune than the legend of female journal they did amazing acting including this but this show just show gave us tragedy so we feel their acting is terrible...

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s1 is only masterpiece

they runied this show s1 is like masterpiece
but after that the story and acting both are terrible
main leads had some aura and innocent look in s1
but in whole s2 and s3 all are expression less and overreacting
second leads side characters all are so good in these seasons like even cameo roles are good in this so scary and good plot
I really hate how they ruined this show without any reason wish they just stop making another

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BEST KDRAMA OF THE YEAR!!!

This is the first ever review I am writing, cuz i couldn't hold back .
I have never watched a beautiful kdrama like this before. This isn't just about loving someone; it is about accepting any form of them, like loving their soul.
the best line this kdrama has delivered is said by Yun I Jun "What is the point of you being a boy or a girl. you are just YOU" He just loves the person beside him girl or boy . and that's exactly true love.
i also love these two bickering and being witty.
They are soo precious to me cuz love like THEIR'S is truly not found.
Though the ml doesn't straight away tell that he likes the fl, it is truly seen in the way he talks to he and his action towards her.
this drama is definitely a WORTH WATCH.
It will always stay in my heart.

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Hilarious ?

This series is a must watch.

Thhe FL resembles a male, because she has all the qualities of a man. it is no hiding gender because even random people mistake her for a male. This is seen in episode 1 when she saves a girl from getting hit by a beer can in the supermarket and when she helps the old later retrieve her pension money. (Note: during these times she wore no chest binders)
She can only use the male restrooms because is mistaken as a male.

Her team are investigating a tycoon murder suspect (ML)
In order to get close to the ML she applies a a secretary responsible for his security

Their on screen chemistry is not only good but hilarious. Even the supporting roles are excellent

Give it a watch 😉

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This had one unforgiveable flaw ...

... that altered my ability to empathize with the ML. Consequently, altering my view of the entire series

Actors ... All very talented and they did an amazing job.
Characters ... Extremely well written. Their characters were detailed, deep, and memorable.
Production ... Beautiful.
Story ... Sadly, I was unable to enjoy this.
Chemistry .... No comment.

...

The writers forced me to change the way I viewed this show. I had to abandon the ML and only watch from the perspective of the FL. She was helpless, alone, confused; desperate. The ML, verbally, physically, emotionally, sexually, assaulted and entrapped her, forced her to do things against her will. She continuously tried to escape, tried to end her life only to be pulled back repeatedly. She was only a young lady when this started. What a heart-wrenching story.

I am saddened that I could not connect with the ML, His character was so dark and beautiful, I have watched many shows with a vitriolic ML, and I enjoyed witnessing their eventual redemption. This show went too far. This was not a profound love story or dark romance; this was, forced confinement, mental, physical, emotional, sexual threat, and abuse ... of a young lady. Trauma bonding is not love. To me, he was irredeemable. I was supposed to see romance, suspenseful dark but loving romance, all I could think and feel was disgust.

My grievance does not stem from the writers, directors or even the series/storyline, but from a personal standpoint of being robbed of an unimaginable love story and not being able to get past the MLs' villainy. I cannot understand why they went down this route, if not for him crossing those boundaries, the lines that should never be crossed ... the ML and FLs love story could have been devastating, dark yet beautiful filled with longing, endurance, suffering and profound love. How can I enjoy, watch, engage with this love story if I no longer have compassion, empathy or care for the ML and only feel revulsion?

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THE BEST CDRAMA I HAVE WATCHED IN HISTORY

I genuinely LOVE this drama so much. Like, I don't think people understand how much I enjoyed watching it. Everything about this drama had me hooked from beginning to end. The plot, the characters, the romance, the outfits, the hairstyles, the setting, and even the little details were absolutely beautiful. You can tell so much effort went into making this drama.

One thing I especially loved was the storyline. It wasn't just another ordinary historical drama. It had so many interesting moments, unexpected twists, emotional scenes, and surprises that kept me wanting to watch the next episode. I also loved the costumes because EVERY outfit was gorgeous. The clothing, accessories, and overall styling made the characters look so elegant and brought the whole historical setting to life.

SPOILER AHEAD!

AND CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE MOMENT HE GOT OUT OF THE CASKET AND SURPRISED HIS WIFE?! OMGGGGG. 😭😭 I WAS NOT READY FOR THAT. The way he came back and surprised her was such an unforgettable moment. I was literally so happy for her. After everything, seeing them have that moment together made my heart melt. THAT SCENE ALONE!!!

Honestly, I could talk about this drama forever. It made me laugh, feel emotional, get excited, and fall in love with the characters. I became so attached to the story that I didn't want it to end. This is definitely one of those dramas that stays in your mind even after you finish watching it.

I loved everything about it, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance, beautiful costumes, interesting plots, and unforgettable characters. 10/10. I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCH!!! ❤️

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Started with a bang... but ...

I usually don't write reviews. But with the kind of hype this drama has been getting I am forced to write a review that could be entirely my opinion. But here is my honest take on this series.

It started with an absolute bang.. the first 10-12 episodes were amazing. Even with the "bad boy" character sketch for the ML, he was the most interesting in the series. FL from the beginning was all show but no spark. I think part of the fault is the writer's character sketch of the FL. She wasn't anything great.. in any aspect. Her character is neither too strong, not too weak, she is neither madly in love.. nor does she hates with a vengence.. everything about her is lukewarm. The actress did exactly that. She didn't add anything extra to the character that was written which is a pity, because the ML in comparison was charming even when he was in his worst possible character.

The other thing that put me off, was the back and forth transition of the leads falling in and out of love.. (i mean the ML was always in love)..again it is the FL who was never sure what she really wanted. She was either landing in trouble which will warrant the ML to come and help her, but then she show lukewarm appreciation.. I think the flaw was in her character writing.

And like others said.. the side characters added a good value to the story, but their character was not followed through till the end. Excpet for the FL, everyone else did their part well. I think the FL need more experience.

Some of the story felt repetitive which was frustrating by the time we reach episode 25. In the end, I literally skimmed through the last 10 episodes to see what finally happened to the leads..and the others.

I would say this could be a one time watch, if you have the patience to go back and forth in the story line and if you absolutely love history and war stories. Rewatch value.. none for me! May be just the love/lust scenes between the leads..that was electrifying! :D

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Not a Mature Romance

Can't imagine why everyone is rating this so so highly. Couldn't get through it. I will state for what I watched the actors did their part as per script. What a horrible story had potential but fell flat. Park Min Jae and Im Yu Jin are the most frustrating couple to watch. Park Min Jae is wooden to the point that I thought I was watching paint dry. He is insensitive and apathetic. Great looking actor but looks don't carry the story. Im Yu Jin though she would be grounded and mature but quite the opposite, childish and headstrong. Being headstrong and sticking to your ideals and standing up for what is right is great but used the wrong way just comes off as being selfish.

Now for the supporting characters useless master grad students working towards their PHD and the social reject they got to play the villain Kim Se Jin (KSJ) seriously they could have written this character better and not made him so unyielding in his behaviour. It did not look like he changed no growth at all. The sad part is I actually knew someone like him in when in engineering! (Yes, peeps guys or even the odd engineering gal like him do exist in their straightforwardness but not so much drama).

ML
Park Min Jae (PMJ) has a disability and is reserved and has some trauma that his cancer will return - understandable every cancer survivor has to deal with reoccurrence. He is upset that his mother made the decision to amputate his leg instead of asking him - valid point and I see why he has trauma from it when his mother was never there for him otherwise but made the biggest decision for him instead of consulting him. Given all of that his animosity to his mother is understandable but really if he cannot forgive her don’t meet up with her ever keep going on with your life. Don’t accpect her expensive gifts.

He just lost the lower part of his leg - why does everyone treat him differently you would think people in the drama don’t see people with a missing part of a leg ever!? Why treat him like he is a leper or different just because he wears a prosthetic leg ( it is not like you can tell)? I don’t get it! He is not mentally disable. His girlfriend would be the only one who needs to know about his leg and his future in law family but no one else unless he chooses to reveal it himself to friends.

Now for the grad students - what a bunch of useless knobs! How did you guys even become grad students and not want to complete the project you are working on. PMJ cannot even keep them in line and what is the use of having a hands off professor who does nothing but then PMJ does not bring it to the professor's attention.


FL
Im Yu Jin (IMJ) first off how do you go from a major in textile and fashion with a minor in mathamethics to applying for grad school in robotics Grad school and get accepted into a program where there are 4 other people who know robotics. If this happens in real life sign me up! Suspend your brain if you are going to watch this drama. I am a huge fan of Kim So Hyun but hated her character in this drama. The actress did a good job with the script and how the character was written. Plus her clothing in the drama is awful! You are majoring in fashion why are you dressed so badly. I hate how the drama does not show IMJ going higher that her scheming horrible professor and report her professor's conduct to higher up's to get investigated. She got threathen by her professor she should have reoprted it. Everything she worked hard for gone down the drain. He character is headstrong and childish when it comes to her bf. I get in you and head over heal in love but seriuosly after only 1 or 2 episodes...!? Really I dont see why IMJ fell for PMJ just not believable.

Im Yu Seong - Yu Jin's brother ... what an awful character. You need to have some sense slappled into you and your parents. I will not respect my sister privacy even though she is in her late 20's and will interfer in her love life and tell his sister bf that he should leave Yu Jin if he love her. Plus Yu Jin's parents control your son.

I tried watching past episode 4 even skipping through the the boring parts and in episode 8 it was still the same the main couple was broken up and at odds with each other. Downwright boring. They could have shown us what happens when two people get together fall in love and deal with each others trauma and help each other heal and grow. But nope we are to be denied. I think I spent more time writing this review than watching the drama. There is so much more that I want ot say but I will stop. Go watch one of those AI drama's where you know the predictable plot and there is yelling and some shouting but eventually the good guys come out on top in the end better than watching this drama unless you are a big fan of the actor and actress.

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