Reviews

My favorite historical drama so far

Personally, I prefer xianxia/wuxia over historical dramas. A great historical drama for me is usually on the same level as an average fantasy series, and yet, in my ranking, PoB was far above several fantasy series that I think are incredible.

​The plot was so well written. While the story is far from surprising and the tropes are well-known, it was so complete—with no room for plot holes or pointless subplots—that it elevated to another level, making it a delight to watch from beginning to end. Dropping it didnt even pass through my head.

The water metaphor that weaves through the entire story was included with such sensitivity that it's impossible not to learn a thing or two there.

​The actors just nailed it. I don't even have to say the great work the main couple did, but I also would like to shout out to the other cast members. All the characters were great, heroes and villains. There were some tiny annoying stuff here and there, but overall, I would give it a fairly a 9.

TL;DR: Its amazing. The plot, despite being cliché, is flawless with no plot holes, and the acting is incredible. 9/10 easy.

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Not Perfect but great for binge-watching

Are there plot holes? Yes
Does the story line make sense? Not really
Is the acting out of this world? No
Is it worth watching? Definitely

I did not keep watching the drama for the political or event familial plot. I watched solely for the relationship of the 2 main characters. Finding each other after so many years, bogged down by their own secrets & responsibilities. Giving their hearts to each other and the heaven's not being on their side. The male lead literally embodying the song Let The World Burn by Chris Grey. He wrecked havoc on the world to bring his loved one to his side and eventually being betrayed by him time and time again, even his death is bitter sweet.

I suppose I am a masochist enjoying un-requited love stories, heartbreak and emotional suffering gifted by the one you love. This drama, though not perfect, quelled my craving for a bitter-sweet, toxic and intoxicating love story.

What they could have done better is if there were fewer conflicts instead of so many, considering it was 12 episodes and 35 minutes each ep. They really could not have done justice anything besides the main characters love story. The actors had what it takes to deliver their characters, the director knew how to bring it to life, but the script was what was missing. Had it focused on a simpler arc for Duan Zi Ang and lesser betrayals it would have hit harder. The 2 lead's were getting hurt left, right, and center it was like back to back, I wanted to see more of their love story and just them.

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A short but sweet series to warm your heart

Even though the series only has four episodes and ended too early, they managed to pace the characters' development so that the next one wasn't too rushed. The plot and the series itself are well-directed, organized, and easy to understand.

Aside from the fact that SeaKeen's acting isn't 100% perfect yet, they did a great job playing their roles as the two protagonists. Especially Sea's performance as Mawin; he's improved since Only Boo! Perhaps playing the shyer character while Keen plays the more energetic one will be more their vibe, which is why it worked so well!

In conclusion, it's a good miniseries for those who enjoy fluff, serene and warm series with kind and good-hearted characters!

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Amazing acting by Uee, but regresses near the end

Little girl so cute!

I appreciate the fact that the single mother in the story actually has to take care of the kid, and it's a big part of the story. I appreciated that a lot. How she makes time for parenting. Having a kid is complicated! Most drama stories (and it's not contained to kdrama here) take parenthood as this thing that is kind of there in the background, but in reality kids become the new center of your reality, they can't be hand-waved away so easily.

So yeah, the kid in this drama is important, which is nice, but not just as a human being but also as a responsibility. The adults have to make time around the kid, not the other way around.

The victim blaming coming from the guy was definitely not something I expected though, and it soured the whole thing.

Overall, due to its ability to dodge frequent tropes, I would say this show was still decent, but it loses steam by the end.

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Best BL of the year

Three years of wait didn't disappoint. I always loved BOC for their quality like its more lile cinema quality really different from typical bl dramas. The costumes the atmosphere. The characters they designed it very well. Every character has their own story. The acting on point actors really does match their character. The story it self was really good. It was so realistic. I think NC seens not nessecary . But the story it self so good. I really loved the drama. Cant wait for the last ep. Victor and veera death really broke me. The fact that i stil cant forget it so tramuatizing i feel really bad for character. I highly recomnend this drama. Special mention The soundtracks so good give 90's vibes

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Don't Let the Ratings Fool You—This is a Hidden Gem!

Wow, this show took me completely by storm. I almost skipped it because of its low rating, but the supportive comments convinced me to give it a shot. What a fantastic decision. This is a genuinely underrated hidden gem, and I absolutely loved every minute of it.

I binged the entire series in just a few days because I simply couldn't stop watching. The cinematography is incredible, and the 1970s atmosphere is so immersive you feel like you're there. The acting is top-notch across the board, making a seemingly simple plot—get the treasure—into something truly captivating.

What I enjoyed most was how the show took the time to introduce each character's backstory, showing their motivations and how they eventually learned to work as a team. It's a powerful look at human greed and what people are willing to do for money. The series also does a great job of balancing the serious drama with well-placed comedic scenes.

My favorite character was Hui Dong, a pure soul who seemed to be the only truly good person in the entire show. The final episode is a beautiful mess in the best possible way. I never would have imagined that taking some pottery out of the sea could lead to so many twists, turns, and betrayals. Watching each character try to outsmart the others with their own individual strategies was incredible. This show is a must-watch for anyone looking for a unique and memorable story.

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My Question....

At this point, the only thing I care about is—WHO IS GETTING THE DOG?! Like seriously, where is he going to stay? Did the writer just forget about that? The guy literally went on a whole date for this storyline… and then poof, nothing.

And don’t even get me started on the ending. It didn’t even feel like an ending. I didn’t realize the show was over until today. Like… huh???

Don’t get me wrong, the series was absolutely amazing. Even though they completely ignored the romance angle, it was still worth watching. But that finale left us with way too many unanswered questions and zero closure.

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WHEN A DRAMA PROMISES HEAVEN BUT SERVES YOU REHEATED MICROWAVE HELL

So, I watched Twelve. Yes, all eight episodes. Yes, my brain cells are suing me for negligence. This drama had the audacity to lure me in with talk of “twelve angels,” zodiac mythology, Ma Dong-seok flexing his tiger spirit, and Park Hyung-sik going full evil villain. Sounds epic, right? WRONG. What I got was a poorly edited fanfiction with CGI zoo animals, pacing slower than a government office queue, and characters with the emotional depth of IKEA mannequins.

Let’s talk about the story, or rather, the concept that pretends to be one. The setup: twelve angels, one resurrected evil spirit, a world in danger. The execution: twelve angels… sitting around eating, bickering, and occasionally spouting vague lines like “the darkness is coming” as if that counts as plot progression.

By episode three, I realized the show wasn’t going anywhere. The villain pops up now and then to look moody, then vanishes like he forgot he had a dentist appointment. The so-called “epic mythology” dissolves into background noise while the writers stall for time. Honestly, the evil spirit should’ve just destroyed the world in episode one... it would’ve spared us the suffering.

This drama is called Twelve, but I’ll be damned if I can name more than three of these angels. They’re supposed to embody the zodiac animals, but instead they’re just filler bodies moving through the set. Imagine a group project where one guy does all the work while the rest hover and occasionally nod: that’s this show.

Even Park Hyung-sik is wasted. He tries, but the script gives him nothing to work with. His “evil” is about as threatening as a toddler with a Nerf gun. As for the rest? They might as well be extras with speaking lines.

Now, let’s discuss the crime against eyes that is the CGI. You’d think a fantasy drama with angels and demons would invest in visuals. WRONG AGAIN. We got effects that look like they were pulled from a YouTube tutorial titled How to Animate Badly in 5 Minutes or Less.

At one point, a CGI sequence was so bad I thought my screen was buffering, but nope, that was the actual edit. I’ve seen higher production quality in TikTok filters.

Every episode felt like it was 90% filler, 10% “something vaguely fantasy.” Characters talk in circles, then sit around and eat. Meanwhile, the plot crawls forward like it’s dragging a dead horse. I swear entire scenes exist just to remind us the show hasn’t been canceled yet.

By episode four, I wasn’t watching anymore; I was enduring. By episode six, I wasn’t enduring; I was negotiating with myself: “Just two more, and you never have to think about this again.”

Watching Twelve is like ordering a luxury steak dinner and getting a half-eaten convenience store kimbap. It promised mythology, action, and high stakes, but instead delivered cheap CGI, limp characters, and pacing that could put insomniacs to sleep. It’s not fun, it’s not camp, it’s not even hate-watchable. It’s just… sad.


FINAL THOUGHTS

Twelve is the definition of a wasted opportunity. With that cast, that premise, and that hype, it could’ve been epic. Instead, it’s eight hours of missed potential. A drama called Twelve but really should’ve been called Zero, because that’s the amount of enjoyment it delivers.

My advice? Don’t watch it. Don’t even think about watching it. Just read the synopsis, maybe glance at a poster, and move on with your life. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

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Enviable Relationships, Good Chemistry

Summary >>
This drama takes some time with its scrupulous, mindful characters. You will have to be patient with these often-times customary and habitual activities. However, the execution definitely stands apart from many other dramas. This drama screams about beauty in simplicity. All kinds of relationships, be it young lovers or familial consideration are very well presented in this work.

CHARACTERS >>
Xu Zhi: She is the charming, single, desirable, but disengaged girl. Our FL surely likes to compete doesn't matter if you're her boyfriend. However, she remains indifferent and is unable to read the emotions of people around her. Sometimes she is so objective and straightforward with her words that you are better off with a bitter medicine. Things start to change when she realizes she has feelings for the talented, responsible and mature Chen Lu Zhou

Chen Lu Zhou: The humble and unbeknownst topper from the No.1 high school in town. He tries to continue his life on the pre-decided path laid by his parents, only to encounter a smart and beautiful Xu Zhi. His relationship with his family may appear tumultous on the surface but is actually caring and well-wishing. His relationship with his mother doesn't appear to be good but both care about each other deeply.

Zhu Yang Qi: He is the friend naturally suited to partner with someone like CLZ. He doesn't hide any emotions... not for long at least. He is trying to heat up what would be the perfect pork and sauce that would refuse to be mixed. He along with his new bestie, makes things lively and excitable.

Cai Ying Ying: If you found her more attractive than Xu Zhi you won't be the only one in the room. Cai Ying Ying is the cute, encouraging best friend everyone would love to have, boys and girls alike.

The two dad-daughter pairs show contrasting but caring and meaningful relationships. The two doctor dads are very proud of their daughters. The healthy yet unrestrictive approach of Dr. Xu's parenting towards Xu Zhi is really satisfying to watch. The scenes where all four of these are present are very cheerful.
The anticipation of the two leads towards one another is quite natural to understand the other without even talking since both of them are very smart people. While, on the other hand, Zhu Yang Qi and Cai Ying Ying don't quite understand when they start liking each other when most of their actions are to bring their best friends together. Both of them are easy-going, fun-loving and good-natured individuals that are ignorant of each other's feelings.

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It Hurts So Good

Kill to Love is a beautifully crafted historical BL drama that I’d honestly compare to fine wine—it just gets better the longer you stick with it, lol. I wasn’t hooked at first; the beginning felt a bit vague and slow, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up. It keeps building up and gets more and more gripping with each episode.

Plot-wise, the concept isn’t entirely new—there’s forbidden love, betrayal, ambition, and power struggles—but the execution is what makes it stand out. It keeps you entertained and always curious about what’s going to happen next. Zi Ang and Shu He first crossed paths as kids when Zi Ang saved Shu He from danger. Years later, fate brings them back together as adults, and that’s where things really start to unfold.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the chemistry between the two leads. I mean, there are a lot of BL actors with great chemistry, but these two are on another level. On top of that, their performances were solid—especially Zhang Zhe. It’s his first main role, and I was honestly blown away by how good his acting was.

As the title suggests, Kill to Love is all about the lengths Zi Ang is willing to go just to win back the one he loves. He couldn’t care less about power—all he ever wanted was Shu He. You can really feel the depth of the story. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. And even though there aren’t a lot of traditionally sweet or romantic scenes, the subtle gestures say it all. Through this series, you’ll feel sadness, joy, hope, heartbreak, and eventually, some form of healing.

The ending isn’t the typical “happily ever after,” but honestly, that’s what makes it hit even harder—it feels real. If you’re looking for a historical BL that’ll make you feel everything, this one’s definitely worth watching.

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Disappointed by this drama despite the acting & spicy scenes

I decided to watch this drama yesterday to find a specific moment for a reddit post. This is my second drama of Cao Sai Ya and of course I am familiar with Cao Tian Kai and his body of work. This drama is ok - well, I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by 3 leads. Cao Sai Ya had good chemistry with Cao Tian Kai and actor who played the antagonist.
2. Intimacy - Sexual tension between FL & ML was high. Passionate kisses and physical intimacy were plenty. CTK's abs on display more than once.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both FL & ML. Her heels were very high - I guess she must be tiny & petite. I like the contrasting styling for the two sisters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man.
5. Ending - I liked it because it was realistic.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Shen Ji Bai was a psychopath. He was cruel, sinister & possessive.
2. Writing - I felt the arc involving FL and antagonist too draggy. I knew he was evil in the first scene involving him and the twins but later there were plenty of torture scenes. It felt like FL didn't have concrete plans to rescue her sister. I wish she just approached ML for help and worked together on a plan. I also disliked that FL's identity was kept secret from ML for too long.
3. Romance - There was no emotional connection between FL and ML so I didn't believe in their love story.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had grilled skewers for their date

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Beware of petty chefs

A cute little watch. It was pretty fun.

Acting:

Pretty solid all around. Casting was good. Sailub was a fantastic chef and Pon was a little rascal dumbass fr. Nothing was really outstanding but there wasn’t anything bad. Overall, good performances for the story.

Writing:

I liked the cooking competition storyline; it was fun. I think the pacing made sense for the plot. I don’t understand the immediate move to engagement, but okay. I also don’t understand how quickly bro left that new restaurant, either. It felt a little bit rushed towards the end, but not atrociously so. I just think this may have worked better as a 10 rather than 8 episode series, but it’s still pretty good as is.

Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:

There was pretty good chemistry between these two dudes. I was a bit surprised because of the whole goofball x cold dude thing. This was a pretty good romance story, nothing revolutionary, but still enjoyable. The kissing in this was superb. Truly perfect, good work out there boys.

NC Scene:

Lowkey took me by surprise because there hadn’t been one earlier in the show. Solid work. Sailub got that finesse, that sensuality, that passion. I like that. Pon was a bit weak in that regard, though. But he plays a good tease/infatuated person.

Music/SFX:

Music was good, nothing really stood out as amazing or bad. The SFX were solid, both the real cooking ones and the goofy drama ones.

This was a cute little watch, I enjoyed it.

Now, for some highlights from my notes:
- Boyfailure
- Broke boyfailure
- Dumb broke boyfailure
- A desperate man fr
- Bro is the fifth Beatle
- Yes, cheeeeffff
- This is gonna have some major emotional breakdowns due to betrayal, guilt, and longing
- Everybody is fishy fr I don’t trust any one of these dudes
- Awe chef is already feeling a bit of jealousy, I see
- Uh oh they went and did it
- Chef is gonna be so hurt waahhh
- Spectacles is gonna be an issue soon
- Damn, chef seductive
- Shit is sensual
- Those words are filled with some serious vitriol
- Spectacles a little bitch for that
- Bro broke Spectacles
- You could’ve explained right away and shown him the texts then left him to stew on it
- Everyone is so petty in these parts
- Ya’ll have been back together for all of like 2 weeks, relaaxxx with the engagement

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Not for everyone, but definitely worth a watch.

The series feels cinematic—more like a movie than a typical TV drama—and its unusual concept makes it refreshingly unique. Set in the 2000s, the context fits the story well; if you’re Asian, you might find the plot even easier to follow. There are a few small flaws, but they never derail the overall experience.

The mystery of the sister’s death might be easy to guess early on, but that’s not the point. The show is about how her death affects the people around her: how the female lead learns the truth in stages, how she copes and grows, and how each character arrives at their own form of acceptance (even the “villains” at the end have their own acceptance moments). The male lead also has a meaningful arc about understanding and acceptance, just a bit more typical.

Acting is solid if not spectacular for the leads, while the parents deliver standout performances. Side stories add depth and are well-written. The setting creates a suitably gloomy atmosphere without feeling oppressively dark. Each episode includes quiet romantic beats between the leads—there isn’t much overt chemistry , which fits for high schoolers not to get too much sexual looks in their eyes like other series.

Overall: a dark but calm watch that won’t leave you emotionally drained. If you want a quick breakdown: 3 parts detective/mystery, 5 parts psychology, and 2 parts romance.

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