Reviews

Demons and humans and their complicated interactions

This show features an imaginative world where demons and humans coexist. The people are as skeptical as we’ve always been, so in a fun reversal of normal dynamics, our protagonists sometimes need to deal with the incredulity of a disbelieving public.

The FL, Banxia, is not particularly smart, strong, skilled, anything- she’s often afraid and needs to be saved. She is, however, very reasonable. I often thought her words, actions, even thoughts and feelings, made perfect sense given her position and abilities, and I agreed with her behavior throughout. All these traits make her relatable and likable. I still didn’t love her, but I found no fault with her- she’s got what she’s got. And she does get braver throughout the show.

As for the ML, Xuanye- I really like his vibe. Even despite his tragic past and impressive abilities, he has this casual, down-to-earth style. He’s not trying to act cool, he just talks and acts like a normal person. Most of the time he looks harassed, but sometimes he also looks flabbergasted, incredulous, exasperated, taken aback, etc. And sometimes he looks genuinely happy. He’s low-key, selfless, and very likable.

The romance between them is done well. It grows naturally, and between Banxia with her healthy communication and secure attachment style and Xuanye avoiding awkward conversations like the plague, it’s not too flowered up or overdone. I also don’t like awkwardness so Xuanye really saved me here. There are still awkward scenes, like with side characters, but they are on purpose for humor and actually funny.

Speaking of funny, I wouldn’t call this a comedy, but there are legit lots of hilarious moments. The humor is incorporated well so it doesn’t feel forced. I never liked slapstick humor and this is sort of the opposite, so it’s not always obvious but that makes it funnier.

As for side characters, this show had quite a few that I really like and who also show up regularly. I think in general the side characters are done well, have personalities and screentime, though I wouldn’t have minded seeing more of them- some of them still get forgotten.

For the plot, some of the story arcs feel a bit drawn out, just going on for too long. I actually watched a lot of the show at 1.25X speed (this also because Banxia talks really slowly). But I think the story arcs get better as the show goes on, and I found the last one very exciting. Some of them made me anxious, but they end up mostly resolving in ways I was satisfied with- the protagonists and I seemed to agree on who is good or bad, and who deserves sympathy. The ending got some hate but I don’t think it’s that bad, see below for more details.

A special shoutout to the world building. I wasn’t always too impressed by the CGI demons, but I think the dynamics of the world are well-done, showing how demons and humans can be both good and bad, and the way prejudice and power dynamics play into their dynamic. The show even does some explaining about how demonkind works, which is pretty cool.

Acting-wise, I really like this role for Allen. Some of his expressions legit made me laugh, and his smile also made me smile. For Song Zuer, I think she’s a pretty good actress, and having the patience to speak that slowly is no small feat. I wasn’t a huge fan of the way her mouth seems to be hanging open a lot (just not the most flattering look?), but small quibble.

I didn’t always love the CGI in this show, but I thought the fighting is quite good, top half of what I’ve seen. It’s excessively acrobatic but the hand-to-hand is actually quite solid. The costumes are alright- I really like Allen’s styling (he looks like he came out of an RPG) but this is not my favorite style for the ladies and I didn’t really like Banxia’s hair. For the music, I liked some of it- maybe one or two of the OSTs and a few of the BGMs- most of it was not my favorite, but okay.

Overall I think this is a pretty good show that I enjoyed watching, though not a masterpiece that I love. I did sag on it a few times but I think it was mostly due to anxiety, and then things ended up resolving alright. It ends up being a good mix of warmth and trauma. I would watch a sequel, though I’d be surprised if we actually got one.

ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS





Ah yes, the famous “sad ending” that everyone keeps ranting about in comments. I honestly don't think it's so bad. Everything works out except the main couple are willingly separated at the end. You can see the wheels turning, though (his dad examining the broken travel pass artifact, Banxia asking for directions, etc).

In more detail: excessively tragic events towards the end are undone for the last two episodes by time reversal. Time reversal is one of my least favorite tropes, but this one is actually pretty well done- everyone seems to be roughly the same person, and the same story arcs still happen in some form. This also gives us 2 episodes of closure to see how many (though not all) of the side characters fare in this redo, which is a nice second chance and wrapup for some of the story arcs (...I am still sad about the little black cat, though).

Plus, there are echoes of the original timeline in the new one. Mainly, Xuanye still remembers everything, which puts him in a heartbreakingly bittersweet situation. Luckily, Banxia regains her memory too, so the two of them get maybe ¾ of an episode to catch up and say goodbye. I do think it’s a bit forced melodrama to tug at heartstrings (cmon, how did that artifact break?) but it’s not bad and leaves the story open to a future reunion.

I did google the “original ending” intended by the writer, and agree it’s much better. In this ending, Xuanye forgets everything after the time reversal, but Banxia regains memory and goes to find him, they defeat enemies together and he also remembers everything again. It’s much better all around from character development and closure points of view, and they totally could have fit in another story arc... but, whatever, we got what we got. Rate a show for what it is, not what it isn’t.

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What a trainwreck!

If you like gothic-horror where people in a house with seemingly no outside contact die off one-by-one this one might be for you! For me, it was a train wreck of a show I couldn't look away from. Even so about episode 15, I was getting a bit bored, and skimmed through the last four episodes as I had figured out the killer by ep 5 or so.

The ML is given nothing to do. The FL seems to be clever, and I liked that but the plot started to fragment halfway through with dad waking up from the coma and being able to walk around, and evil step-mom going crazy, and the mysterious poison being given to everyone (why wasn't it given to FL right off the bat? That would resolve the reason the killer was doing all of this).

Every episode has a dozen tropes squeezed into it, but it goes off the rails into scary-town and everyone is dark and tragic. The motivations behind some characters are head-scratching, and in the long run, the plot makes no sense. There is a separation and time jump that is stupid as it resolves nothing, but the leads do get together at the end (by that time I just didn't care).

Not a rewatch for me, and personally, I can't really recommend it. It's just a weird little show.

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A very beautiful Taiwanese BL (sensitive, humanist, moving)

PLOT: Wei Qian, even though he was really young , has managed to provide for his sister, Lili, and the street kid he took in (and adopted?), Zhi Yuan. It was difficult; he was involved with a gang, but he eventually managed to break free. His friend, Sang Pan, completes this "family." Xiong helps him resume his studies, and Xiong, Sang Pan, and Qian end up starting a business. However, Zhi Yuan, now a young adult, loves Qian and finally confess him and kisses him. Qian, distraught, sends him to finish his studies in the US. But time and distance don't erase these feelings.

+++ ☆✲ﾟ｡(((´♡‿♡`+)))｡ﾟ✲☆ Chris Chui and Kurt Huang are fantastic, intense, and moving. The chemistry is palpable. Kudos!!
+++ Superb cast with great actors (all of them)
+++ I love these Taiwanese series; they're realistic, not focused on the elite, but on ordinary people. There are no clichés, no over-used plot twists, no obvious coincidences.
+++ The storytelling focuses on the psychological development of the characters (and it's believable). The budgets are limited, but used intelligently. The message is very humanist and positive.
+++ The OSTs are well-suited to the emotions conveyed.

=> This isn't a BL. It's a magnificent story of love, family, and resilience.
**************************************************
Très jolie BL taïwanaise (sensible, humaniste, émouvante)

PLOT : Le ML, Wei Qian, s'est débrouillé pr subvenir aux besoins de sa soeur, Lili, et du gamin des rues qu'il a recueilli (et adopté ?), Zhi Yuan. Cela a été difficile, il a fait partie d'1 gang, mais finit par réussir à s'en sortir. Son pote, Sang Pan, complète cette "famille". Xiong l'aide à reprendre ses études, et Xiong, Sang Pan et Qian finissent par monter une start-up. Cpdt, Zhi Yuan, adulte, aime Qian et finit par le lui dire et l'embrasser. Qian, désemparé, l'envoie finir ses études aux US. Mais le temps et la distance n'effacent pas ces sentiments.

+++ ☆✲ﾟ｡(((´♡‿♡`+)))｡ﾟ✲☆Chris Chui et Kurt Huang sont fantastiques, intenses, émouvants. L'alchimie est palpable. Kudos !!
+++ Superbe casting avec de great actors (tous)
+++ J'aime ces séries taïwanaises, réalistes, pas centrées sur les élites, mais sur des gens ordinaires. Il n'y a pas de clichés, de twists usés, de coïncidences grossières.
+++ La narration est focus sur l'évolution psychologique des personnages (et elle est crédible). Les budgets sont limités, mais utilisés intelligemment. Le message est très humaniste, positif.
+++ Les OSTs sont bien adaptées aux émotions transmises.

=> Ce n'est pas une BL. C'est une magnifique histoire d'amour, de famille, de résilience.

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Great life lesson for all ages, but VERY slow paced

It's NOT Too late to fulfill a dream

Great plot worth to watch, although for me personally this was waaaaaaaaaaay too slowpaced, so I had a hard time to finish it, despite liking the plot, so I can only give it a 7/10 rating.

People should watch it to get encouragement to boldly do things, follow your wishes, start over etc.

The friendship between the young 20s man and the much older 70 year old man was really heart-touching too. They both learned and grew from each other. I cried alot. Already since ep 1.

Finally, but not the least, it's great to have a kdrama where narrow gender roles aren't followed and two men are not too scared to do ballet, their passion.

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First Impression: Flower Boy

Overall: hope they deliver with this unique premise. 8 episodes about 45 minutes each. Airing on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/6944/flower-boy-2026-e01

Content Warnings: manipulation, likely bad stuff in the past

What I Liked
- unique premise
- countryside setting
- chemistry/visuals

Room For Improvement
- should have left it at 1 CGI butterfly
- hope there is a well done redemption arc because a lead jumped into "extracting" without even knowing what that entailed
- nervous about parentage but that might be me getting too soap opera-y

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First Impression: Love of Silom (uncut version)

Overall: fantastic visuals with some nonsense plot. Final review could change a lot in either direction. Airing on WeTV uncut https://wetv.vip/en/play/bxtr3r0z3fgpe7d/u4102fulffn and WeTV cut https://wetv.vip/en/play/myqt8siebvvlfdd/x4102glny62
(first episode was 15 minutes longer in the uncut version)

Content Warnings: manipulation, choking, violence, threatened rape

What I Liked
- visuals
- easy to understand premise

Room For Improvement
- what I would give for safe, sane, consensual and sexy BDSM in fictional media
- there was nonsense plot things like a person who was knocked unconscious was not immediately taken to a hospital, also police interviewing an apparent victim and perpetrator at the same place/time sitting side by side

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Good Storyline

Different Princess is one of those dramas that surprises you when you go in expecting something light and simple, only to end up emotionally invested. At first glance, it feels like another “author falls into her own novel” story, but it quickly becomes much more entertaining because of its strong character chemistry, mystery twists, and the balance between comedy and emotional depth.

The story follows Hua Qing Ge, a web novel writer who suddenly finds herself trapped inside the world of her own historical novel after readers criticize her tragic ending. Instead of being the powerful heroine, she becomes a side character destined for disaster. What makes the drama fun is watching her try to outsmart her own plot while realizing that stories—and people—don’t always follow the script she wrote.

The strongest part of the drama is definitely the relationship between Hua Qing Ge and Ji Chu. Their romance is a slow burn, full of teasing, suspicion, and emotional tension. Ji Chu carries a darker and more complex energy than the usual male lead. He starts as someone cold and dangerous, driven by revenge, but gradually reveals his loneliness and desire for real affection. His performance gives the drama much of its emotional weight. Hua Qing Ge brings humor and chaotic energy that keeps the story lively, and their chemistry makes even the ridiculous moments believable. ()

Another thing the drama does well is pacing. Many transmigration dramas get stuck repeating the same “I must follow the original plot” problem for too long, but Different Princess moves faster. The story shifts early, allowing the mystery and side characters to become more interesting. Even the secondary couples have enough emotional pull to keep viewers invested. Reddit viewers especially praised the twists, the bickering-lovers dynamic, and how engaging the mystery remained through the middle episodes. ()

That said, the drama is not perfect. The female lead can feel overly immature at times, and some viewers found her decisions frustrating. The ending also leaves mixed feelings—it is not terrible, but it feels rushed and slightly underwhelming after such strong emotional buildup. Many fans felt that one extra episode would have created a much more satisfying conclusion. ()

Overall, Different Princess is not a grand masterpiece, but it is absolutely an enjoyable watch. It is funny, romantic, dramatic, and surprisingly heartfelt. If you enjoy historical fantasy dramas with playful female leads, dangerous princes, strong chemistry, and a little “fixing your own mistakes” chaos, this drama is worth your time.

My Rating: 8.5/10

It may not be perfect, but it is charming, addictive, and one of those dramas that keeps you saying, “just one more episode.”

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a beautiful mutual unwavering crush

at first i thought this drama was like any other crush drama small memories from the past with leads getting together at the present but this was diffrent the present and the past hits the same multiple times we watch both the past and the present at the same time we even saw the FL predicting that the ML liked her back then while writing her novel espically the holding hand scene the ML hold the FL hands and instead of confessing hes crush he just said sorry wrong person while hiding a deep feeling only he knows about a feeling even 12 years couldnt make that feeling dissapear i wanna talk about the leads and the acting and how good the chemistry is honestly the kissing scenes wasnt too much after leads only got together at ep 24 sadly like a mutual crush story couldve been much earlier but they choose to make a new full slow burn for leads while returning to their old flames a flame that was cooking on a very low speed until they met together and that flame got even bigger and bigger the FL finally got to know the real ML the warm one instead of the cold and aloof one he was predicting to be and honestly if the ML never faked that personna and was real with the FL from the start maybe their interactions at the start wouldve been much smoother instead of many awkward scenes between them this ML acting is always top i remeber i watch you are my secret and he was good there too but honestly this drama did make 6 ep alomst fully focused on the ML and the FL but you are my secret did a much better job presenting the ML and FL dating and kissing even tho it was a one sided crush from the ML like there even tho it was a one sided crush they got together at ep 10 or smthing like that and the drama was 32 ep long with full growth of both the ML and the FL but overall I REALLY LIKED THIS DRAMA i was a bit dissapointed that they only got together at ep 24 but those last few ep already did the job espically their wedding night like it was like 3 or 4 min of them kissing this drama really hits diffrent butttt i really wouldve loved to see a time skip with their child and maybe second couple also get married (the ML bestfriend and the FL bestfriend) and maybe the ML sister and her friend confess and also get together we see the succese of the ML after comming back to china and the succese of the FL novel all over the world and the perfection of its adaption yes i really recommend this one dont give it up from the 15 ep the best ep are the last phew ay alomst forgot the story had sm thrill without drama between the couples the thrill was external tho this was one of the reason i liked this drama neither the second male lead neither the second female lead did anything to destroy the main couple relationship maybe a few tries from the second female lead but was a complete failure after the ML liked the FL for 12 years hes love cant be on impulse as she said

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A Hypnotic Subversion of State-Enforced Conformity

ABO Desire is a fascinating, bizarre, and ultimately hypnotic mystery-horror-stalker mashup. While it utilizes the "Omegaverse" (Alpha/Beta/Omega) framework, it serves as a scathing satire of elite obsession, labor exploitation, and the rigid social engineering associated with contemporary Chinese power structures.

The series is anchored by an outstanding, intense performance by Huang Xing. He is a master of microexpressions, allowing a myriad of thoughts and feelings to flicker across his face to communicate volumes without a word. His hypnotic presence makes the "Enigma" reveal feel like a profound philosophical shift rather than a mere plot twist.

His Enigma represents a radical "Third Way" outside the traditional Alpha/Omega binary. By portraying the Enigma as someone who holds the most power yet has zero interest in titles or status, the show mocks the elite’s social obsession with rank. It suggests that true agency is only possible by subverting the patriarchal, hypermasculine power dynamics promoted by both the genre and contemporary Chinese state-aligned “gender policies.”

A particularly poignant metaphor exists in the secondary romance. The lower-rank character’s desperate attempts to "pass" as a higher rank serve as a universal reference for marginalized people—whether they are LGBTQ+ individuals in repressive societies or people of color in racist systems. It highlights the psychological and physical toll of a system that demands conformity for social survival.

This struggle is literalized through the brief, yet telling, inclusion of "ABO toilets." For an American viewer, they are a surreal and disturbing reminder of our own country’s current obsession with public restrooms. The policing of these spaces in the show mirrors the real-world attacks on transgender citizens, who, like the characters in the series, embody a direct threat to and an undermining of traditional hegemonic masculinity.

Written and directed by a female-led team, the series acts as a visceral condemnation of labor exploitation and the rigid social engineering that defines the fragility of "Alpha" status. The "domestic stability" found at the end is only achieved by completely dismantling traditional power dynamics. The two dominant male characters are forced to "grow up" and broaden their acceptance of others, proving that true dominance comes from intelligence and strategy, not CCP-mandated artificial masculinity.

ABO Desire is far from perfect—it is dense, messy, and requires a rewatch to truly grasp—but it is brave and essential. It proves that even a "fantasy" genre can be used as a razor-sharp tool to attack the foundations of patriarchy and social hierarchy.

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Want more of Goto Gin

This was a satisfying conclusion to the Gannibal duology. Granted, I felt that things became silly in the series with unexplained overpowered villains whose motivation I just couldn't understand.. But none of it dampened the otherwise creepy vibe. I wouldn't say I absolutely adored every part of it. It is a moving story despite its flaws. I was hooked.

I especially loved how the setting played an important role. The dreary atmosphere of the village acted as an actor itself. The villagers' reactions and actions seemed understandable, too. Despite the fact that I hated them for being cowards. But honestly, reality is like that, no?

One criticism I have is of Goto Gin's backstory. It was so cliche and so...disappointing. That being said, Goto Gin herself was such an intriguing character. I wouldn't mind getting a spin-off about her. Where she's the one who tells her story. She uses stratagems that don't just involve her using a honey trap on everyone. I found elements of Mishil from Queen Seon Deok in her.

Please give me a spin-off about her.

Another would be Mashiro's angle. By the end, she and her mother felt like a doll to me. They were just there. I couldn't get why Mashiro protected that pedo and That Man. And maybe it's just me, but it took me out. Yes, she might be an empath...kind... pure-hearted...but that seems so paper-thin.

I loved the interaction between Keisuke and Agawa at the end, though. My heart went out to Keisuke, who was torn between his duty and doing what was right. I think by the end of the show, it was he who became my favourite character. I could just feel his inner turmoil without it being put to words. I also liked Kuroe's character and hated Sadamu. More power to her!

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When I find Myself Wishing for More Episodes

Spirit Fingers is a wonderful coming-of-age Korean drama that stands out as an underrated hidden gem. It delivers heartfelt growth, self-discovery, and a slow-burn romance with a classic opposites-attract dynamic, all while emphasizing personal development and emotional recovery. The series shines through its warm, feel-good energy and creative flair. It follows a shy high school girl who finds her voice and confidence through an eccentric sketch club called Spirit Fingers, where members embrace colorful personalities and imaginative themes. The club’s meetings transform ordinary spaces into vibrant, thematic “sets” with spot-on costumes and cosplay-like elements that feel magical and immersive—pure enjoyment on their own. The romance develops gradually and naturally, balancing sweet tension with genuine character growth. Supporting relationships and friendships add layers of charm, humor, and heart. The show avoids feeling overly silly or circus-like despite its playful title and cover art; once you dive in, the “Spirit Fingers” concept reveals itself as a meaningful symbol of unity and personal spirit (each member linked to a color representing their essence).Visually creative, emotionally uplifting, and packed with laugh-out-loud moments alongside quieter reflective ones, Spirit Fingers left me missing the characters and world when it ended. It’s the kind of comforting, rewatchable drama you’d happily put on again or recommend to friends. I highly suggest it to fans of romance, youth stories, and light-yet-meaningful tales about building self-esteem and finding your people. Don’t judge it by the cover—this one surprises in the best way.

Spoilers

The only real detractor for me was the portrayal and resolution of Song Woo-yeon’s family dynamics, particularly with her mother and father. The parents came across as deeply toxic—Song Woo-yeon’s mother was clearly emotionally abusive toward her, constantly criticizing and tearing her down, while the father exhibited emotionally abusive behavior that felt like it could easily tip into physical territory. Comparisons between siblings in a negative light struck me as classic abuser tactics. Coming from the “spare the rod, spoil the child” generation where respecting elders was non-negotiable and parents weren’t expected to be their kids’ friends, I still believe there’s a healthy middle ground. A parent’s role isn’t to constantly criticize or diminish a child. The show leaned more into portraying them as overly stern rather than fully acknowledging the abuse, which softened the impact for me. Even more unrealistic was the quick turnaround at the end, where the family suddenly becomes supportive. In real life, deep-seated toxic patterns rarely resolve that neatly or quickly. If it were more realistic, Song Woo-yeon (and her older siblings) might have distanced themselves more permanently—perhaps her moving in with friends or leaning harder into independence, especially since her brother was already carving his own path. Other dramas handle similar situations with more permanent separation, which felt more credible here.That said, I deeply appreciated how the drama handled Song Woo-yeon’s personal arc. Her low self-esteem made complete sense given the emotional abuse from her mother. The Spirit Fingers club played a beautiful role in her growth, helping her gain confidence, learn to like herself, and finally stand up for what she wanted—insisting on staying in the club and pursuing her relationship with Gi-jeong was a huge, empowering milestone that showed real character development. I loved Song Woo-yeon’s alter ego/imaginary friend. It felt psychologically grounded; in abusive environments, people often mentally dissociate or create alternate mental pathways to cope, which can evolve into vivid inner voices or personalities. This element rang true rather than feeling gimmicky. The club’s creativity was another highlight: the thematic sets and costumes for each meeting were amazing and added so much visual delight. The way the club called out and ousted the bully girl was satisfying, as was the main guy’s strong stance against bullying in general. Song Woo-yeon’s little brother was adorable—smart, observant, and it was sweet how he eventually warmed up to the “big creep” (the main guy). The second couple felt compelling and well-developed, and there was a nice subtle hint of a third couple with the guy waiting for her return from Germany.

A couple of minor mysteries lingered: the exact situation with Gi-jeong's parents wasn’t fully explained, leading to an orphan-like assumption, and the ownership of the cafe felt a bit vague. I wonder if the show intentionally kept those details light and mysterious to preserve a magical tone.

Overall, even the absolute toxic behavior being under scrutinized and called out for what it was didn’t detract much from the experience. The show’s heart, the joyful chaos of the Spirit Fingers group, and Song Woo-yeon’s inspiring journey far outweighed the family resolution quibble. It’s a feel-good story that balances realism in personal growth with whimsical creativity, and I’ll definitely rewatch it someday. The title and concept make perfect sense once you’re in—it’s about collective spirit and unity, not anything cheer- or circus-related.

If you enjoy warm, character-driven youth romances with creative flair and meaningful themes of self-acceptance, Spirit Fingers delivers in spades. Highly recommended!

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DON'T LISTEN TO THE BAD REVIEWS GO WATCH IT!!

This show was sooooo good!!! The story is well written and very different from usual cliche BL plots. The cinematography is also in a different league of it's own. They truly know how to use lighting, where to put it, and are very knowledgable in creating beautiful colorful hues to add so much more to the moment. The acting is superb and the actors are very handsome as well. The only thing is that they switched the translation/dub from Mandarin to Cantonese so the lip-syncing is very off lol, but once you get past that it's an amazing show and I definately recommed it to anybody! I don't know why the ratings are so low honestly since it's an 100000/10. PLS I NEED THE S2 NOWWWWW!!

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