Reviews

Flawed characters create Interesting stories. I might even be on Team Luke! *gasps*

To say “The Early Spring” is a controversial drama is an understatement, especially with a male lead that isn’t very kind with his words. But you know what, that’s also why this drama is so good, because you go back-and-forth on whether you like him/her or not. Flawed characters with growth make a good story.

Jing Bo Ran as Luke/Luan Nian (Male Lead)
Let’s just name the elephant in the room. Jing Bo Ran is amazing in this drama. Not only does he look so goddamn hot 🥵 in his many different outfits, but the acting is chef’s kiss. The controlled emotions he displayed in the breakup argument is WOW. And then that telephone call in tears? A completely different kind of WOW. But Luke as a character? That is one hot topic. I was preparing for the worst, but in actuality, I might even like him more than Flora (FL). The criticisms he receives from many viewers about his rudeness, his sharp tongue and his inability to communicate are very consistent with his character. He was introduced as this flawed guy, and his actions never deviate far from that. Flora knows that, we as viewers can see that very clearly. Therefore, from his perspective, he also feels insecure when Flora wants to keep their relationship a secret. Yet he respected that. He questions her affection and love for him. Flora doesn’t want her efforts to be displaced by perceived favoritism and wants to separate business from personal relationships. He respected that and I respected her. That’s why it was very hard for me to blame him when he is being a professional and makes business decisions as an executive, which may not be what Flora wants. The only thing I would say is that he should have trusted Flora more, especially her relationship with her housemate Sun Yuan Zhu. Time and time again, he gets jealous and not trusting enough. However, I also see where he’s coming from, as Flora never willingly shares important events, e.g. sexual assault or suicide. He feels powerless and useless because he can’t protect her. But Luke has consistently shown his love for Flora through actions, even if he fails to recognize he has fallen deeply in love.

Sun Qian as Flora/Shang Zhi Tao (Female Lead)
Flora is easy to root for from the very beginning. We all love a story of an idealistic, hard-working young professional persevered and become this independent and successful business woman. She has great character growth as a person and as a professional. Her initial attraction and infatuation towards Luke (come on now, who is not attracted to Luke) might have been a little naive but she’s an adult after all. She gave in to her desire and started a secret relationship. But in this relationship, she has always been in the driver’s seat. She sets the conditions and Luke listens and follows. She always has the upper hand in this relationship, even though she feels inferior to him due to their boss/employee relationship and socio-economic standing. But as viewers, we can clearly see how Luke has fallen hard fast. But her young age and inexperience make it hard for her to really accept the realistic consequence of separating personal and professional relationships. I would even argue that when she’s pissed, she was actually disrespectful to her superior, a top executive, and ignored him on several occasions. You do not ignore an executive if you walk past them so openly. On the other hand, I also can see from her perspective why she didn’t share the sexual assault and the suicide, but I think she failed to see it from Luke’s point of view as well. The power imbalance forces her to grow and be a better person so that she can stand next to him proudly, and I respect her for that.

As a Couple
As a couple, they have a lot of fun together. We get enough kisses and hugs, and flirting and fluffy moments. But when things don’t go well, they both shut down instead of asking questions. All they need is to communicate and be more trusting. But we have seen these issues in many drama couples. They do not always seem to be in sync of where they are in the relationship. When Luke is ready, Flora is not. When Flora is finally ready, Luke questions her sincerity. It takes being apart from each other and Luke to change quite drastically for the relationship to work out. Many love the softer Luke in the last few episodes. I have mixed feelings about it. Do I want to see Jing Bo Ran being a cute puppy? Sure. But I am also not a fan of a character who deviates too much from who he was in the beginning of the show. Luke has changed and has put in effort to make the relationship work. What about Flora?

The review is getting long. So a few quickfire notes:
1. I wonder if the translation has taken away the cultural context or intonation of Luke’s hard words. Either I set the bar really low for Luke, or I didn’t really find his harsh words enough to be called verbal abuse.
2. What is up with Jin Bo Ran’s entrance each time with slow-mo romantic music and glossy filters? It’s a little much.
3. Love Lumi and the housemates. A girl needs to have besties like that.
4. Where is the story of Lumi and Will?? Will is very useless here. It’s such a tease without showing us anything.
5. There are many kisses, but the camera angle isn’t showing us much. Their kisses could have been more passionate and sensual. I don’t think Sun Qian is matching up to Jing Bo Ran’s intensity.
6. The business plot is not boring and I think it has a pretty good balance of romance and business.

When I started this drama, I wasn’t sure if I would be on Team Hate or Team Love. I ended being on Team Love and Team Luke as well. With two flawed characters (I would argue they’re both red flags and not just ML), it keeps the viewers guessing what twists and turns are coming up. The pacing is good and nothing is draggy. I have a great time taking sides, flipping from one to the other. I personally would recommend “The Early Spring” but if you can’t stand the first few episodes of Luke’s harsh words, then just drop it. Also, if you don’t agree, please don’t yell at me in the comment section.. LOL 🤣 We can respectfully disagree with each other.



Drama Completed: 9/15/2026 Review #723

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A lot of fun and well worth watching.

This show totally surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. It's not the highest production values. It doesn't have the biggest name cast. And the special effects and music, while fine, aren't especially notable. But man, the story and the way the actors implemented it, were just so much fun. Very well paced as well, so nods to the directing and editing. The plot wasn't super sophisticated but had just enough nuance to keep it interesting. Plenty of room was left for humor and very little of the humor was cringe or forced. Most of it was well-delivered naturally within the plot and so actually was funny (unlike the often overly forced humor in so many c-dramas). The plot had a few classic tropes sprinkled in, but none of them were massive awkward contrivances and none were dragged out just to delay the plot extra episodes. The show definitely left room for a season 2 so hopefully that will happen.

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A Modern Family Drama

Cast:
Xu Kai
Ding Yong Dai
Deng En Xi
Hu Ke

Wow. I finished this on Sunday and I'm still suffering fallout from it. I want to say I am a parent, my child is an adult, and watching the dynamic between the family and the outside world struck a deep chord within me. When does protecting someone you cherish go too far? At the end, when you're told how young Chen Hui and Songge are I was left speechless.

The surprise for me was Xu Kai. I was totally surprised that his character wasn't bailed out at the end, and that he was totally believable as Chen Hui.

I don't want to add spoilers so I will just say this is a powerful, slice of real life family drama. I only gave it a 9 for rewatch value because I can't watch it again. I don't see how they can do a S2 though. It's perfect as it is.

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"Fear a meaningless life, not death itself."

Escape was an exciting chase film running from North Korea to South Korea. Instead of denouncing Communist rhetoric as in some films, the focus was Im Gyu Nam’s overwhelming longing for autonomy and the freedom to fail as often as he desired. The man charged with hunting him down was an old childhood friend who had lost his dreams and had no hope for the freedom Im was willing to risk everything for.

Im Gyu Nam is in charge of a small squad of soldiers near the DMZ. After finishing his 10 years of military service, he will be assigned civilian duty as a farmer or miner. Every night he maps out his escape from North Korea gathering information and biding his time. His subordinate, Kim Dong Hyeok, mucks up his plans by attempting an escape using Im’s secret map. When both men are arrested and tortured, Im’s childhood friend Major Ri Hyeon Sang arrives declaring Im a hero for capturing a deserter. After reassigning Im, the desperate soldier refuses to give up on his dream.

What worked for me:
Lee Je Hoon and Koo Kyo Hwan had great chemistry as estranged friends and bitter adversaries. Their cat and mouse game became more ferocious as the minutes clicked on.

Instead of vilifying the NK propaganda, they showed the South’s sounding very similar. What Im understood was that at least in the South he could travel, explore, and find his own path, one he chose-not the government or Ri. His motivation wasn’t overtly political—he just wanted to live and die on his own terms.

Ri had his own failed dreams-as a pianist and as a man. He’d acquired too much power and status to throw it all away for a friend or freedom.

Je Hoon running! And running! And when he wasn’t running, he was rapidly recalculating as his plans were thwarted. There was no room for boredom in this film.

What didn’t work as well:

Kim Dong Hyeok felt wedged into the story for a couple of obvious plot reasons.

While I enjoyed the fast-paced storytelling, the lack of backstory and motivations was frustrating, reducing the characters to cardboard cut-outs.

After the first half of the film, the situations became more preposterous, especially the deux ex machina used when all seemed lost.

To sum up:
I enjoyed this film when I quieted my ever-questioning mind. The story and thrills raced at breakneck speed with Lee Je Hoon and Koo Kyo Hwan often able to overcome the plot holes and narrative minefields through force of will and charisma. If you are a fan of either actor or this category of film, it’s one to try.

16 September 2026

Trigger warning: Loss of a leg. Wild boars killed.

LGBTQ note: It was heavily implied that Ri was gay and that he and another character had been together when he was stationed in Russia as a competitive pianist. He also possibly cared for Im in a more than brotherly manner. Now married to the Division Commander’s daughter with a baby on the way, he was unable to lead the life he desired. I’m hoping that the writers were not implying that his bitterness was what caused his cruelty. Other movie villains don’t need a reason to torture and kill so I’m going to assume, that this film didn’t drag out that old homophobic trope.

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loved it

this was a great series first off I loved all the characters in the series. it was raw and hot with the storyline the chemistry was on point. have a storyline that's written and how the actors played it out. definitely love the NC scenes they were great
more BL's need these kind of NC scenes instead of cutting them or removing them. it was a real interesting BL's I enjoyed every episode and I would definitely definitely rewatch it as many times as I can. I hope the actors next BL's is just a hot as this bl it's most definitely get a 10 out of 10 for me by far the best bls of 2026 so far.

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A series that goes beyond the “BL category.”

Best BL of the year. And I can safely say it’s one of the best BLs of all time! It’s a series that talks about the philosophy of life, death, and nature. It also touches on important issues such as homophobia, internet culture — including cancel culture and shipping culture — and the pressure within the audiovisual industry. On top of that, it has a very well-written plot, wonderful performances, extraordinary chemistry between the main couple, splendid cinematography, and a soundtrack that doesn’t disappoint.

It’s a work that requires a little patience, as it has a slow, detail-rich pace, but in the end it’s all worth it. It’s a series you’ll want to rewatch several times to pick up on all the details. And anyone who liked Your Name Engraved Herein by Kuang-Hui Liu and Happy Together by Wong Kar-Wai will definitely fall in love with A Winter Sun Wakes the Wind in Spring Hills’ Dream, as it’s on the same production level as those two great works.

I also want to mention that one of the series’ greatest strengths is the way writer/director Zelia managed to address important themes masterfully and gave me great lessons about the cycle of life. I’m eager to follow her future projects.

And for anyone who loves a happy ending, you won’t be disappointed. Yes, it has a happy ending! ❤️

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PEAK SHOW MUST WATCH

Duang With You is such a beautiful and enjoyable Thai drama that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is just beginning to explore Thai dramas or BL dramas. From the first few episodes, the story is interesting enough to make you want to continue watching, while still being easy to understand and follow. It is the kind of drama that can be enjoyed without having to think too hard about a complicated storyline. One of the things I really love about Duang With You is the cast. The actors are very handsome and talented, and the characters are brought to life in a really enjoyable way. Their expressions, chemistry, and interactions make the romantic moments even more fun to watch. The characters also have their own personalities, which makes it easier to become interested in their relationships and want to see how their story develops. The plot is another thing that makes this drama enjoyable. The story is understandable and easy to follow, which I think is especially important for people who are new to watching BL dramas. There are romantic moments, funny scenes, emotional moments, and plenty of situations that keep the story entertaining. The drama manages to give you a good mixture of romance and other elements without making everything feel too complicated. If you are a beginner who has never watched a BL drama before, I would definitely recommend giving Duang With You a chance. It is a nice drama to start with because the story is relatively easy to follow, the characters are interesting, and the cast is absolutely beautiful and handsome. It can also give new viewers a taste of what Thai BL dramas have to offer. Overall, Duang With You is a very enjoyable drama and one that I would happily recommend. The handsome and talented actors, beautiful chemistry, understandable plot, romantic moments, and emotional scenes all come together to make it a fun experience. If you are new to Thai dramas or BL dramas and want something entertaining and easy to get into, Duang With You is definitely worth watching. It is honestly

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PEAK SHOW MUST WATCH

The actors and actresses are sooooo handsome and beautiful. Their OST is rly gooddddd! PLS WATCH :>
The drama plotting is very interesting and understandable. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers_ is honestly one of the dramas that I would highly recommend to anyone who is just starting to explore Thai dramas. It is such an enjoyable and easy-to-watch series, especially for beginners who may not know much about Thai dramas or BL dramas yet. Even though it is not a BL drama, it is a great starting point for people who want to discover more Thai actors, actresses, and series. One of the best things about F4 Thailand_ is the cast. The actors and actresses are incredibly talented, and they are also very beautiful and handsome. Each character has their own personality, which makes the story more interesting to watch. The chemistry between the characters also makes many scenes enjoyable and memorable. It is easy to become attached to the characters and want to keep watching to see what happens to them. The plot is another reason why I enjoyed this drama so much. The story is understandable and easy to follow, so you do not have to worry about getting confused by complicated storylines. There is romance, friendship, drama, comedy, and emotional moments, which gives the series a good balance. The story keeps you interested without becoming too difficult to understand. For someone who is a beginner in watching Thai dramas, I would definitely suggest giving F4 Thailand_ a try. It is a good introduction because it has an interesting storyline, attractive and talented actors, beautiful visuals, and plenty of entertaining moments. Even if you have never watched a Thai drama before, I think you can easily get into the story and enjoy the characters. Overall, F4 Thailand_ is a very good drama and definitely one that I would recommend watching. It has everything that can make a drama enjoyable: a good story, amazing actors and actresses

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Captivating Red Flags and Magnetic Visuals: A Review of Don't Be Too Emotional

Don't Be Too Emotional serves up a magnetic dark romance fueled by striking visuals, compelling mystery, and an irresistible lead pairing. Tee Boonyakait and Heng Thatpong deliver off-the-charts chemistry as Big Jane (Jane Patrick) and Little Jane (Jennalee), pairing incredible visual appeal with a deliciously complex dynamic. Big Jane’s aura as a mysterious, wish-granting "red flag" gives the early episodes an instantly captivating hook, pulling viewers straight into the dark, intriguing atmosphere as the supernatural favors unfold. However, the series stumbles slightly in its mid-section narrative logic. The emotional momentum takes a puzzling hit when Little Jane breaks up with Big Jane over his shady, dangerous business—only to reconcile shortly after while Big Jane continues operating the exact same secret venture. Despite that frustrating bit of circular character logic, the overall concept, core premise, and supporting cast remain well-crafted and thoughtful throughout. Tee and Heng's electric dynamic and strong screen presence make this dark, wish-granting romance an thoroughly engaging watch.

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A masterpiece

Police x law x precognition x romance drama. Somehow absolutely delivers on each front. I didn't expect to be so absolutely hooked on it from the start. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved puzzling out how they would prevent the future events from happening and how the cases would work out. The different cases were interesting, a bit dark (content warning: animal death) but not too much. The main and supporting characters were a joy to watch. It felt very believable for having a supernatural premise. The romance was absolutely adorable and not overdone. The reveals had my jaw on the floor. Its so so good I recommend everyone see it.

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You’ll Laugh and then you’ll spend the other 15 episodes groaning

As a huge fan of every “Call My Manager” adaptation (the Turkish version is my fave) this was right up my alley. I love an ensemble cast and this was like a funnier version of the aforementioned show. I liked the leads and KYD was genuinely funny in this one. But my lord the writers were DETERMINED to torture this character. The show should’ve been called ‘Celebrity Survivor: Gong Tae Sung‘.

They truly could’ve picked two struggles for the man and gave Oh Han Byul more to work with as a character. This was good but by the end I was exhausted on behalf of a fictional character. The rom-com of it all was perfectly written, I don’t know why the writers were intent on torturing their male lead.

And my goodness Lee Jung-shin is quite pleasant to look at. I definitely wish he had more screen time.

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