Reviews

The negative review you didn't want

Perhaps this is way too harsh but I need to rant. I only watched 3 of the first 4 episodes because I need to take a break and sort out my expectations...
I'm writing this for those who share my opinion, not to make anyone avoid the show. Try it for yourselves because I'm sure a lot of others will not mind the same things as me.
So,
This was one of my most anticipated dramas of the year. Zhu Yi's book adaptations have always been great. I genuinely love Lu Yu Xiao. I read most of the book in advance just because I was too excited to wait.
However, this almost feels like a mini drama to me with some of the quality issues it has.
My first complaint is with the camerawork. I don't tend to have strong opinions on how a show is shot unless it's distracting. *This* is distracting to me.
The framing of the shots is awkward and almost suffocating in certain scenes. There's so much empty space in a lot of the shots and not enough scenery or beautiful views to justify this long of a shot.
The camera movement is so odd and shaky at different times and none of it seems intentional.
This might seem like an odd thing to point out - but I feel like there's something wrong with the amount of frames per second. It feels laggy and chalky.
Visually there's not much to see so far unlike its Zhu Yi counterparts. The most interesting part visually was the VR experience but it was overdone by the weird animations. A lot of the special effects look so off.
The sound quality isn't good either. (the way some of the audio overlaps, the volume differences, the dubbing, and even the music integration at certain times. it definitely feels like the dubbing was done on different mics.
Now I need to speak on the way LYX looks. Why is her makeup so pale? Her lips look faded. And her hair is curled forward so unnaturally I find it unbelievable that she's running around and not working on it all day. She's could've worn no makeup and put her hair in a ponytail and it would've looked much more authentic and beautiful.
Maybe I put so much expectations into this but I've looked forward to shows before and it was never this disappointing to me.
Anyway I hope it gets better because the source material is really good.

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Playing It Safe

Make Me Tingle is a drama that wades into topics still considered taboo in many parts of the world. Some of its themes hit close to home, and I found them relatable to an extent. At its heart, it wants to show that emotional sparks and physical intimacy go hand in hand in romance. The irony is that for a drama about emotions versus sex, set in a company that sells sex toys and condoms, it plays things far too safe.

The story follows Gong Yeon Su, who grew up in a traditional, conservative household where strict rules left little room for self-discovery. She barely knew who she was, let alone what she wants from love, until she got tangled up with a sex toy company and met Dokgo Dal, a man who opens the door to an entirely new world for her. As their romance grows, Yeon Su discovers the thrill of both emotional and physical connection, learns that the two belong together, and finally steps fully into her own skin. What starts as an exploration of unfamiliar territory eventually becomes a journey towards maturity, self-discovery, and learning to embrace her own desires.

The drama's greatest strength lies in how different the two leads are, and how they learn each other's worlds and values. Yeon Su is a conservative and rather naive woman who believes that emotions matter most in love. Go Dal is afraid of commitment, emotionally detached, and wants no strings attached. Naturally, these two have quite a bit to learn from each other. While Yeon Su discovers the world of sex and physical intimacy, Go Dal starts giving romance and emotional attachment a chance. Watching them find each other cute for stepping into unfamiliar territory is swoon worthy, and the combination gave me plenty of flutters.

What holds the drama back is that its safe approach makes it feel superficial at times. Even for a PG-rated, 10 episode drama, there was room for more depth. The exploration of emotions versus sex, sex as a form of communication, and how sex affects Yeon Su all stay at surface level. The idea that emotional sparks and physical intimacy are equally important is established, but the drama never quite explores why or how they matter. In particular, the exploration of physical intimacy and how it affects Yeon Su feels rather underdeveloped. This is especially noticeable considering that it is her first sexual experience.

We see her gradually become more comfortable with sex, but we barely get to understand how she feels about it, both during and after the experience. I actually like how the drama does not turn her into someone who suddenly becomes overly flustered or loses her composure after losing her virginity. People react differently, and perhaps Yeon Su is simply someone who finds the experience rather natural. Still, a little more insight into her thoughts and feelings would have made a difference. It does not have to be explicit to be meaningful. A few thoughtful lines of dialogue, subtle visual details, or even a little more attention to her emotional reactions could have conveyed so much. The same goes for the rest of her journey. The drama shows how emotional connection changed Go Dal, though I still feel it could have gone deeper. For Yeon Su, we just watch a naive girl slowly learn about FWB, sex toys, and sex, without giving us much insight into how these discoveries shape her understanding of physical intimacy.

That said, I appreciate that the drama made it clear why Yeon Su kept hesitating to sleep with Seung Jun but quickly agreed, and even initiated things, with Go Dal. I could have nitpicked this, but the drama saved itself by having Go Dal instantly want to try dating Yeon Su after years of wanting no strings attached. That contrast does not make up for the lack of depth, but it is enough to stop me from complaining. The explanation at the end also confirms that Yeon Su never really loved Seung Jun and was only with him because she thought it was time for marriage. In other words, she was following the timeline expected of her rather than pursuing what she genuinely wanted.

Beyond the story, the characters feel somewhat unbelievable at times. Yeon Su's conservative upbringing and lack of exposure to certain subjects are understandable, but her unfamiliarity with concepts such as FWB feels like a stretch, especially considering that she works in marketing. Being a marketer inevitably requires some exposure to different lifestyles, perspectives, and trends. Not knowing much about sex toys or understanding why people enjoy sex is one thing, but being completely unfamiliar with FWB is another. Still, I appreciate how Yeon Su approaches everything with maturity, patience, and a surprising amount of composure. Her character could easily have drifted into cringe, down bad for the male lead territory, so I am glad she kept her cool throughout. Nam Ji Hyun portrays her well, bringing both the mature and naive sides of Yeon Su to life with the material she was given.

Go Dal feels somewhat superficial and inconsistent as well. The drama introduces him as someone who enjoys sex without emotional attachment, but offers very little to establish this side of his character. We get one scene of a woman leaving his apartment after what appears to be a casual encounter, and somehow that is expected to summarize his entire approach to relationships. It feels as though the drama wants to establish him as a carefree, commitment-averse man before quickly molding him into a formulaic yet decent romantic male lead. To be clear, there is nothing inherently wrong with those who prefer casual relationships. I simply wish the drama had done more to develop this aspect of his personality instead of treating it as a convenient character trait.

I am also not completely sold on Kim Jae Young's acting. He handles the duality between the cold, aloof guy and the one trying to be romantic well, and his alluring visuals help, but something still feels missing. I cannot quite determine whether it is an issue with the writing, the performance, or a combination of both, but his characterization comes across as inconsistent. His expressions are often pleasant to watch, yet there are moments when they feel a little robotic. Dare I say, at times I wondered whether he even wanted to be there.

This ties into my biggest hesitation with the leads, which is that I could not fully feel the chemistry between Nam Ji Hyun and Kim Jae Young. The script, cute banter, and romantic scenes do a lot of the heavy lifting, making Yeon Su and Go Dal a captivating couple on paper. I certainly had my fair share of fangirling over their adorable interactions, and their romance has plenty of moments that made me swoon. Still, I was never entirely sold on the actors' chemistry. On a more positive note, the supporting cast did a wonderful job bringing their respective characters to life.

My favorite supporting character is definitely Yeon Su's aunt. Everyone has that one auntie who feels like a big sister or best friend. She is the family member Yeon Su can talk to about everything, and she covers for her until the truth can no longer be hidden. Her scenes are also hilarious and refreshing. Yun Ji Oh is another noteworthy character because his presence provides an interesting contrast to Go Dal. Like Go Dal, Ji Oh likes Yeon Su for who she is, but his approach is much more emotionally driven. He initiates things in a way that aligns with the kind of romance the old Yeon Su would have preferred. Through these two men, the drama presents different approaches to attraction and intimacy. Ultimately, though, it reinforces the idea that what matters is finding someone you genuinely love and connect with, rather than simply following a particular formula for romance.

Yeon Su's younger brother, Gong Nam Su, is another character I have mixed feelings about. I find him annoying at times, yet there is something rather touching about his relationship with Yeon Su. He misses having a father figure and naturally looks up to Go Dal for advice, which makes their interactions quite adorable. I also love how the siblings look out for each other despite growing up in a household where traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained. That said, I might be projecting some of my own frustrations onto Nam Su because the Gong family dynamic hits a little too close to home.

The Gong family is one where men matter more and sit above women, and the drama never sugarcoats it. Watching the women serve the men, seeing the family fuss over Nam Su while overlooking Yeon Su, and hearing how Nam Su is expected to focus on finding a job while Yeon Su is expected to focus on getting married are all particularly frustrating. I personally cannot stand the idea that men should be considered superior to women simply because of their gender, so these scenes were difficult to watch.

Nam Su's relationship with the dancer, Kang Shi Eun, also touches a sensitive topic. They made the mistake of not using protection, though even with protection, pregnancy is still possible, just less likely. What is done is done, and all that is left is to take responsibility. I do not mean they need to keep the baby. It irks me that she thinks she is a villain for wanting an abortion and feels guilty watching Nam Su work his bones off to raise the funds. The situation simply calls for an abortion, and the way Nam Su handled it bothered me. Then again, it becomes a learning opportunity and a chance for both of them to grow.

The visual style was a bit too much for me. The wide angle and fish eye lenses combined with blurred frame edges almost made me motion sick, and the color grading was a mixed bag, looking fine at times and hazy at others. Thankfully, the music was pretty decent.

The ending gives good closure to every character and relationship, and most importantly, it makes sense. The pacing is also well handled, allowing the emotions to settle rather than rushing through every development. I especially liked the brief but touching moment between Go Dal and his father. It may not be particularly elaborate, but it carries enough emotional weight to leave an impression. Still, it remains superficial. We see that Yeon Su and Go Dal are now simply dating, and we know when they fell for each other and discovered love for the first time, but I feel some depth is still missing. I also wondered whether Yeon Su ever gave those other sex toys a try, and whether she still works at the agency or now works full time for Go Dal's company. Those are just extra details I am curious about. I also have mixed feelings with Nam Su and Shi Eun’s ending. It might be different if Shi Eun had already kickstarted her career but here, she had just started her journey as a dancer. I wonder whether it would be feasible for her to have the baby. Their ending is the ending that I feel the drama just wants to enforce happily ever after to.

Overall, despite its shortcomings, Make Me Tingle was an entertaining watch. It may not offer the depth its premise promises, and its exploration of emotional and physical intimacy feels more like an introduction than a meaningful discussion. Nevertheless, it has a charming central romance, adorable interactions, and enough cute moments to keep me invested. Sometimes, you just want a drama that gives you butterflies without requiring too much emotional or intellectual investment, and this one served that purpose rather well. I would recommend it if you are in the mood for a casual romcom with a slightly unconventional premise, provided you do not mind a story that plays things safe and leaves quite a few interesting ideas unexplored.

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He Wanted a Girlfriend, But His Fake Boyfriend Had Other Plans!

Another Japanese school BL, but this one comes with a surprisingly unique and hilarious plot!

When Ren's sister gives him the advice, "High quality guy + High quality guy = attractive girls," what could possibly go wrong? LOL. The funniest part is that Ren actually takes her advice seriously!

Desperate to attract more girls, Ren sets his sights on Issei, an incredibly attractive guy who seems like the perfect partner for his unusual plan. Together, they start pretending to be a BL couple, openly showing affection towards each other in front of the girls, hoping to grab their attention. And surprisingly, their plan actually works, just not quite the way Ren expected!

Here comes the interesting twist. While Ren is only pretending to be romantically involved with Issei to attract girls, little does he know that Issei already has genuine romantic feelings for him. What Ren sees as a clever strategy to improve his love life might actually lead him into a real romance with the very guy he's pretending to date!

I absolutely love this concept! It's funny, refreshing and such an entertaining take on the fake relationship trope. Watching Ren confidently carry out his ridiculous plan while being completely oblivious to Issei's true feelings makes everything even more amusing.

So far, I'm really enjoying this series, and I cannot wait to see how their fake relationship slowly develops into something real. Will Ren eventually realise that the person he's been searching for might have been standing right beside him all along?

Japanese BLs always seem to find creative ways to tell romantic stories, and It's Just Business is another great example. The plot feels fresh, the comedy works, and the potential for a sweet romance is definitely there.

A fun and promising start, and I'm already looking forward to the next episode!

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Serizawa AND Suzuki Act Weird

This is another one of those absurd series that if you take at “face value”, it is cute, adorable, sweet, and fluffy. Someone, cleverer than I, used the term ‘buttery’ and that is very apt. But you can use whatever descriptive adjective you want. For me, it just became endless pedantic dribble. I have watched Japanese BLs for lo these many years and in my honest opinion, they get dumber, less postpubescent, more immature, and certainly less evolved. They paint and present Japanese males, especially gay ones, as infantile, vastly insecure, and simply inefficacious of ever fully enjoying the pleasures of the flesh. And I KNOW that is NOT true. Yet, as of late, studios insist on presenting gay relationships as nothing more than an exercise of two pre-pubescent boys playing in a sandbox at the local park. However, these series simply do not know how or simply care to advance a GAY story. That saddens me. The reinforcement of characters who are insecure, unsure of who they are, or are unlovable are the main themes. That would not be so bad IF there were lessons learned from that; but there are none. I struggled with how to rate this series because it had creative entertaining milestones and I found the three supporting characters essentially ‘stole’ this series and were admirable. I could watch them banter and jostle around all day long. They were just so cute and adorable. But overall, this series is so disappointing to me; but I am guessing others were taken in by the theatrics of it all. I thought of it as a ruse and found it wanton, however.

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Fantastic Palaces!! Beautifully shown Empires!! Lee Jon Suk is Amazing as Prince Heinrey

If you love high-society drama, gorgeous outfits, and satisfying revenge plots but with a fairytale twist, you need to hurry up and add this to your watchlist.

Lee Jong-Suk as Prince Heinrey is everything I wanted. He has this sly, charming, playboy energy, and his chemistry with the female protagonist Shin Min-Ah as Empress Navier is absolutely breathtaking.

The ball room dance is something still lingering in my mind and it was done effortlessly graceful by both the actors.
i want more and more romantic dances like this in the show..it was absolute delight to watch them dance like that.

The bird is my second most favorite thing on the show..it adds more fantasy and intriguing element to the story and loved how they added lot of fun elements considering from the bird perspective.

"The Remarried Empress" had a fantastic start i would say without any doubt and i am sure it will never disappoint in upcoming episodes as well.

Please keep in mind, this is purely fictional drama about empires and kingdoms..so imagine in those era, having mistress, concubines, Courtesan, paramour - all these sort of things are more common. If you are someone who do not question the moral framework of previous era and have a profound understanding that this is after all an adaptation from a fictional webtoon story, then this is the best ongoing drama i recommend for you.

I just want to conclude with just one saying.
"In love and war, everything is fair."

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Queen of Witty Badass FLs

When Ah Chou, a night soil collector, is about to get executed for killing the man who tried to rape her, Wei HengE kidnaps her from prison and offers a way out - to become a substitute bride in place of her niece Wei Rao who is decreed by the Empress Dowager to marry her fiance the dying, comatose general Lu Zhou, heir of Duke Ying in a luck marriage. Miraculously the Duke Ying’s heir wakes up on their wedding night, and Ah Chou is celebrated as the blessed wife who brought her almost dead husband back to life. But Lu Zhou looks at her in contempt the soon he opens his eyes, because he had an ugly encounter with Wei Rao in the past that revealed her ruthless and vicious side of her. Afraid of being sent back to the chopping block as Lu Zhou is adamant about driving her out of the house, Ah Chou tries hard to keep her disguise and win her place in the household despite her husband’s continuous contempt. As Lu Zhou, with his highly perceptive eyes and mind, starts to notice telltales that suggests Ah Chou being an impostor, and Ah Chou trying hard to retain her position as the heir’s wife when Wei Rao tries to snatch her place back, they subsequently uncover a piece of Ah Chou and Wei Rao’s past that is not too far apart than sharing a drop of blood.

Dammit I thought Tian Xiwei’s Fan Changyu had been the badass of all badasses FL in terms of physical prowess, then they bring forth Wei Rao who now sits comfortably as the Queen of non fighter Badass FLs who relies on their wits and brains to take down their opponents instead of their strength and physical skill. She performed with flying colours as the sinister and hot tempered former Wei Rao later Jundai, and still hit it right in the bullseye when she portrayed the kind-hearted but equally ruthless Ah Chou/Wei Rao. Her transformation from the timid Ah Chou, always bowing and kneeling soil collector woman to the utterly brilliant and unhinged Wei Rao wife of the Duke’s heir constantly holding her head up high beyond submission was mindblowing. Although both characters are ruthless and unhinged in their own sense, Tian managed to drive a distinct difference between them with her eyes, even as one character tries to pass as another. I am speechless, hat’s off, girl! You rock! And Wei Rao’s unhingedness is truly another level. Once she set her eyes on a target who had wronged her, she never backs down no matter who the target is, be it the empress nor the empress dowager or even the crown prince. That little arc where she rescued her foster sister was totally unexpected.

Yan An did great as Lu Zhou, the cold-hearted and rigid general who never take no nonsense, transforming the character into the one who chases after the girl he once despised. He was convincing when he hated her, and he did it brilliantly when he was pursuing her. I am never fond of clingy and possessive guys but somehow Yan An made the character lovable. His constant presence when Wei Rao needed him and his undying support of her plans no matter how utterly unhinged they were, despite Wei Rao never admitting her love for him, managed to make me root for him. They had soaring chemistry despite Wei Rao always pushing him away for three quarter of the plot.

The plot is too engaging that I keep breaking past my bedtime, good thing it was only 30 episodes or i wouldve spent more than 2 nights without much sleep. The family conflicts and the palace power struggle intrigues are both equally fascinating and it is particularly hard for me to put down the phone. And for a story that relies as much on the romance as the power struggle plot, I am particularly impressed that the romantic nuances were never cheesy or cringy. Whoever the screenwriter is, hat’s off to you too!

SPOILER BEYOND THIS LINE……….



They never explained how Han Liao was the first to discover the bride swap. I thought it would be explained later in plot but naaahhh they never did. And it’s also disappointing that Jundai is killed off quite early at the middle of the show.

The ending was also a bit abrupt and weird though, i mean they couldve ended everything with the new emperor ascending the throne - that wouldve been perfect, but nope, they won’t let Wei Rao live a happy normal life i guess. They had to send her fighting off a whole band of royal family now. That’s weird when she isn’t even royalty. I get that she would want to protect the baby in Hongxian’s womb but what power did Princess Huoguo really hold to trump out everyone else of the royal line? They never spell this out too. Now i am curious of the novel. Maybe the adaptation left something out that the novel would make more sense of this.

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Way better than I expected

My review: 9/10
I genuinely loved this drama so much! 😭❤️
I started watching Imitation mainly because of ATEEZ ( as a big atiny). I honestly expected very little from it, especially since so many of the cast members were idols and some didn't have much acting experience. I thought it might end up being one of those dramas I'd watch just for the idols, without getting particularly invested in the actual story. I was so wrong.
I became obsessed surprisingly quickly.

I loved the characters, the storyline and the overall atmosphere. I also saw quite a few people criticising the female lead and saying the chemistry wasn't good, but honestly, I really enjoyed both. I got attached to the characters and found myself genuinely caring about what happened to them.

One of my favourite things about this drama was the message behind it. I never fully realised just how difficult idol life could be. The pressure, competition, expectations and sacrifices that come with being an idol were really interesting to see. It made me appreciate the amount of work that goes into this industry even more.

I especially loved the friendship between the members of Tea Party. Their bond was genuinely one of my favourite parts of the entire drama. I loved seeing them support each other, spend time together and work towards their dreams. They made me so attached to the group, and I honestly wanted to see more of them.

I also have to mention the music. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of quite a few of the songs. Some of them, especially "Diamond", just weren't doing it for me. 😭 I did enjoy Tea Party's songs, the special stages and a few other performances, though. There were definitely songs I liked, but I sometimes felt that the music could have used more time and development.

And the ending episode was genuinely my favourite. I loved it so much and it left me with such a good feeling. I honestly didn't want the drama to end because I had become so attached to everyone.

Overall, Imitation completely exceeded my expectations. I came for ATEEZ, but I ended up falling in love with the characters, the friendships and the story itself. It might not be the most polished drama out there, but I had such a good time watching it, and that's what matters to me.

I genuinely wish I could watch it again for the first time. ❤️

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Another power woman drama

I found this drama incredibly interesting and, in many ways, inspiring. What stood out to me most was seeing a strong female lead truly driving the narrative. Wei Rao is not only intelligent and strategic, but also deeply compassionate, empathetic, and guided by a strong sense of fairness and justice.

What makes her character particularly compelling is how she evolves throughout the story. We see her learn, adapt, and grow through every challenge she faces. Rather than allowing circumstances to defeat her, she finds ways to turn even the most difficult situations to her advantage. Her strength isn’t simply about having power; it’s about knowing when and how to use her intelligence, thinking several steps ahead while remaining grounded in her values.

In terms of storytelling, I think the drama has both strengths and weaknesses, particularly when it comes to pacing, length, and the numerous plot twists.

For me, the 30 episodes are divided into two distinct narrative arcs. The first focuses on Wei Rao’s journey of discovering her identity and her relationship to other Wei Rao. The second shifts towards her efforts to safeguard her brother’s position and the Emperor. Although these two sections feel quite different, they both contribute to her character development and reveal different dimensions of her strength.

Without giving away the plot, I would say this is a drama worth watching for anyone who enjoys historical stories filled with political intrigue, unexpected turns, and complex characters.

Above all, if you appreciate a female lead who doesn’t merely react to events but actively shapes the direction of the story through intelligence, foresight, resilience, and compassion, Wei Rao is a character worth watching.

For me, the most inspiring aspect of this drama is that it shows how true strength is not simply about power, but about the wisdom, humanity, and courage to use it well.

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A little appreciation that I think it deserves ♡

I honestly think some of the criticism surrounding this drama is a little forced. The pacing, for a drama of its genre, is just right. It doesn't feel unnecessarily dragged out, nor does it rush through things. It finds a comfortable balance that makes the story enjoyable to follow.

One thing I particularly appreciate is the cinematography and the use of colours. Everything feels so visually appealing, and the costumes deserve their own appreciation. They're catchy, beautiful and add so much to the overall visual experience.

And the chemistry? Absolutely insane. What stands out to me isn't just the affection between the characters, but the level of trust, understanding and love they share. There's something particularly satisfying about watching characters who can rely on each other so wholeheartedly. Their connection is genuinely one of my favourite aspects of the drama.

Overall, I think Tiger Sniffs the Rose deserves a little more appreciation. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I certainly don't think the criticism does it justice.

My personal verdict: A visually beautiful drama with satisfying pacing and a chemistry that is hard to overlook. ♡

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A masterpiece beyond words. Easily one of the BEST dramas I've ever watched. 10/10!

A COMPLETE 10/10! ♡

Idrc what anyone says, be it the reviews or the ratings, but for me, this drama is a COMPLETE 10/10. Like, it was just TOO GOOD. I literally finished it within two days. Dayum lol.

So, basically, the story revolves around a girl who is a compulsive liar, but not because she wants to hurt anyone. Rather, it's her way of protecting herself from trouble and the bullies around her. She carries a lot of trauma from her past, and her only escape is reading comics by an anonymous author known as Black, who, of course, turns out to be our ML. Now, here's the catch: he apparently hates liars because his family repeatedly made promises to spend time with him, only to leave him alone every single time.

Unlike most dramas, the second FL is actually such a GREAT character. She isn't cunning, evil or unnecessarily involved in creating misunderstandings. She's genuinely amazing, and I absolutely loved her! Also, there are TWO side couples, and their chemistry is just DAYUM. Like, why are they all so good together?!

And can we PLEASE talk about the CAST?! Every single actor did such a phenomenal job portraying their characters. The acting felt so natural and convincing that you genuinely get invested in their emotions, struggles and relationships. The expressions, the chemistry, the little gestures and even the subtle emotional moments were so beautifully portrayed. You can actually feel what the characters are going through, and I think that's what makes the entire experience even more special. The cast was PERFECT for their respective roles, and honestly, I couldn't have asked for better performances.

What I particularly loved about this drama is how every character has their own trauma, struggles and emotional baggage, but instead of letting their past turn them into bitter or terrible people, they choose to be there for one another. They choose to love, support and heal together. Everyone is so loving, caring and wholesome in their own way. There's also this really terrible bully whom they eventually stand up against TOGETHER, and I loved seeing that.

AND THE STARTING AND ENDING SCENES!! The way the drama begins and ends with essentially the same scene adds SO MUCH MORE meaning to the entire story and its healing process. I genuinely cannot explain it properly 😭, but if you watch it, you'll understand exactly what I mean.

Another thing I appreciated is how beautifully it balances romance, multiple couples, comedy and drama. Nothing feels unnecessarily dragged out, and every storyline gets its own moment to shine.

Now, my personal favourite character has to be THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF. SHE IS SUCH A DIVAAA. Ngl, her screen time was relatively limited, but every single time she appeared, she SERVED. Absolute baddie behaviour. I loved her so much! Of course, all the other characters are equally amazing and inspiring in their own ways.

And the entire storyline, especially the ending, is so different and beautifully executed. I genuinely had started losing my craze for watching dramas recently, but THIS ONE brought it all back.

Also, I don't usually write reviews. In fact, this is probably my FIRST proper drama review, but I HAD TO write one for this drama because it deserves every bit of appreciation it can get.

The scenes, the chemistry, the characters, the storytelling, the emotions — EVERYTHING IS A 10/10.

It's such an underrated gem, and if you're considering watching it, JUST DO IT. I kid you not, I BET YOU'LL LOVE IT.

It's a genuinely heartwarming drama that teaches you about love, healing, acceptance, adjustment and growth while keeping you entertained throughout. It reminds you that people don't have to let their past define them and that sometimes, having the right people beside you can make all the difference.

I LOVED THIS DRAMA WAY TOO MUCH. I could honestly keep talking about it, but that's all I've got to say for now.

I KNOW THIS REVIEW IS LONG, BUT THIS DRAMA DEFINITELY DESERVED EVERY SINGLE WORD.

Hope you all love it just as much as I did!

HAPPY WATCHING!! ♡

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In love with a view (pictured in a wall)

The successful concept behind “Love Story in the 1970s”, an excellent Chinese drama, stems from its ability to move the viewer through a genuinely affectionate portrayal of human relationships.

Set in China in the mid-1970s, the series follows – primarily – the story of Fang Muyang and Fei Ni (Feyu Chen and Qian Sun, who are absolutely splendid in their performances and share a chemistry that is as spontaneous as it is natural), alongside a group of characters whose personal stories intertwine with the social, economic and political transformations of those years. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, unfolding through short episodes, without unnecessary padding, and with a delightful focus on everyday life.

The setting is fascinating, with China during the Cultural Revolution – far from merely serving as a historical backdrop – weaving its way through the protagonists’ lives, from their work and the organisation of the factories, to hierarchies, opportunities for university study, individual aspirations, and even the small (or large) family disputes. The collective dimension is undoubtedly one of the central themes of the series.

The discussion on the status of women is also interesting. The principle that ‘women hold up half the sky’ re-emerges as a cultural and social reference point, finding concrete expression in the story of Fei Ni. The desire to study, work, gain independence and build a future does not depend solely on marriage or a husband’s status. Women’s aspirations have their own dignity and their own raison d’être, without, however, reducing the issue of women’s emancipation to a simplistic dichotomy between men and women; instead, the narrative focuses on individuals with different sensibilities and expectations.

Naturally, once I’d finished watching it, I also found myself reflecting on the relationship between the story and the historical context in which it is set. The story spans a particularly sensitive period: it begins in 1975 and runs through to 1977, covering Mao Zedong’s death in September 1976 and the subsequent arrest of the Gang of Four.

It is a pivotal moment in contemporary Chinese history. The end of the Maoist era did not bring about an immediate transformation of society, but ushered in a complex transitional phase, in which institutions, mindsets and political structures inherited from the past coexisted with the first signs of a change destined to become ever more profound. The ideological and institutional legacy of the Maoist government continued to overshadow events, yet the significance of the political shift that was taking place was never truly addressed.

I do not necessarily regard this choice as a narrative flaw: “Love Story in the 1970s” is not intended to be a documentary, and its main focus remains on portraying the lives of ordinary people. However, the omission of certain historical events ultimately results in a rather selective – and at times sugar-coated – portrayal of that period.

I would not expect a romantic story to necessarily turn into a systematic portrayal of the tragedies of the era. That would perhaps be an unfair expectation given the very nature of the production. However, I sense a certain disconnect between the complexity of historical reality and its depiction on screen. The society portrayed appears to be plagued by hardship and deprivation, but the political and institutional responsibilities that were largely to blame for this are rarely explored in depth.

This is an important distinction: appreciating the sincerity of the feelings portrayed does not mean having to share, or accept unreservedly, the historical narrative in which they are embedded.

Indeed, Fei Ni’s story in particular allows us to observe this transition from a particularly interesting perspective. Her desire to study comes at a time when the Chinese university system is on the verge of undergoing profound change. In 1977, in fact, the national university entrance examinations were reinstated after a ten-year hiatus.

It is hard not to see in this passage a sort of symbolic parallel with the protagonist’s journey. Fei Ni still belongs to a society in which individual opportunities are heavily influenced by political and bureaucratic decisions, but her aspirations already seem to point towards a different vision of the future: one that is more personal, more autonomous, and based more on ability and the freedom to choose (her choice of university subject – foreign languages – is no coincidence).

In this sense, I would describe him as a transitional figure, almost a bridge between Maoist China and the China that would emerge in the years that followed. Not because he necessarily represents a conscious break with the world in which he lives, but because he embodies aspirations that would gradually find a different place within Chinese society.

From a psychological perspective, some characters are quite well-defined, at times almost exemplary. Fang Muyang and Fei Ni embody positive values with a consistency that, at times, leaves little room for contradictions. Even some issues, initially presented as difficult to overcome, are resolved fairly quickly through dialogue, mutual understanding and solidarity.

It is a narrative choice that can lead to a certain degree of repetitiveness. There is sometimes a lack of that complexity of character – characterised by ambiguity, fragility and unresolved conflicts – which I particularly appreciate in many Korean productions, for example. Not surprisingly, I also find the story of the couple formed by Fang Mujing and Qu Hua (Cristy Guo and Wang Tian Chen, who are excellent and perfectly in tune) interesting; their relationship presents greater uncertainties and contradictions, making it, in some respects, closer to the complexity of real-life relationships.

This does not mean, however, that the series’ optimism should necessarily be seen as a limitation. On the contrary, when viewed within the overall framework, it takes on a clearer meaning. The narrative seems to aim to portray a generation which, whilst living in difficult material and social conditions, finds its main points of reference in family, work and the community. A generation that wishes to improve its circumstances, pursue education, start a family and look to the future without losing its sense of belonging.

I found – curiously enough – many similarities with a certain style of Italian cinema from the 1950s: families gathered together, lavishly laid tables, shared concerns, small sacrifices, moments of genuine domestic intimacy. A portrayal of ordinary people told with warmth, without the need to turn every situation into a grand drama.

Maybe that's what makes the series so special. “Love Story in the 1970s” doesn't always explore the contradictions of its characters and the historical period in as much depth as it could, but it manages to create a world in which feelings have real value. Happiness does not necessarily go hand in hand with individual success or the possession of material goods: it can be a home, the chance to study, a shared meal, someone waiting for you, or the knowledge that you can rely on others. It has its own narrative identity and an emotional sincerity that deserve to be recognised.

It is a moving series that radiates warmth and which, despite some inevitable idealisation, manages to remind us of the value of solidarity and community life.

One question has also stayed with me since watching it: where would Fei Ni have been during the historic events of 1989? What sort of woman would she have become, and how would she have viewed that China which, having offered her new opportunities, would have continued to grapple with political and social contradictions that were far from resolved?

Of course, it’s just a figment of the imagination, but perhaps that is part of the appeal of characters who manage to transcend the boundaries of their own story: we can’t help but wonder what would have become of them.

And maybe that’s no small thing, in a television landscape where conflict often seems to have become the only possible way of portraying human relationships.

8/10

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Bad acting galore but so addictive

Things I loved

1 That the episodes were fast pacing and each had new twists and developments that kept you interested. There was no episode that wasn't interesting and for hat alone kudos to the writer. The plot wasn't bad. Formulaic, yes, bit also addictive, so it did its job.

2 The characters of ML's associate and his cousin the journalist. Two adorable characters I wanted together from the first time they met and my wish came true. Not only the characters were great, but the actors did a great job. Cute and talented.

3 The birth mother of the FL. Beautiful actress and I loved her character as the cook teacher and as the mother.

4 The mother of the ML. Also a good actress and her character was great. I loved her interactions with the ML and her MIL. The only thing that bothered me is that the couple with her husband was too weird. like he was her father seemed to me. I also loved that she didn't overacted.

5 The grandmother. The actress also was good, but to be honest I didn't like her reaction to the the reveal of what happened in the boat. That was nonsensical.

5 The sister of the ML. The actress had some weird expressions sometimes, but all in all her character was great enough to make me forget that.

6 The sister's husband. Nothing special, but he was a decent actor and a decent character so I have nothing to complain really. He didn't overacted either.

7 The ML's character. he was a green flag all over and never once he wavered about his feelings or his character. I loved that. it's nice to see someone who knows what he wants and how to preserve it. I loved how honest he was about his feelings. I loved how happy he was just to be with her. I just wish he was a bit more fun. That's what the drama missed a lot. There were no fun scenes, not really.

Things I liked

1 The father of the FL. Yes, he made mistakes, but I think he paid the price in the end. I wish he'd be together with the mother of the FL. I know it's more realistic the way they did it, but they both ere victims and why not give them a happy ending? OK they had a happy ending of sorts, but it's sad to be alone, no matter if you have a family and a granddaughter to dot on. Of course, he should pay for being stupid and marry the Wicked Witch, no argument there. At least the actor did a good job by not overacting.

Things I disliked

1 The ML's acting. Even though I loved his character and the actor himself seems a good guy and someone I would be friends with, his acting leave a lot to be desired. He isn't awful, but he's not great either. I've seen other series with him, and he is the same. His aloof acting bothers me. I think he tries, but it comes out as unnatural most of the times, robotic others, and even cringe and weird others. So I'm sad to say the acting wasn't up to par.

2 The FL's acting. She is as I said a beautiful actress with gorgeous features and lips and I can imagine her as a happy rom com heroine. I'm also sure she could be better in acting if she had a better director. Here he made her act like a sad heroine of a soap opera. What was the dal with the eyes always welled with tears. it was beyond awful. I wanted to smack her and the director. You can't possibly not see how awful that kind of acting was. I liked her much much better when she was happy, she was more natural.

3 The grandfather of the FL. I didn't like the actor or his acting. Weird to me and he never made me feel anything. There were many occasions I could feel his despair, his guilt or whatever, but whatever he said sounded bland to me.

4 The father of the ML. Another weird character and I don't like the actor either. Awkward and unfortunately a miscast to me. I imagine in real life the actors don't have a big age gap but it felt like he was her father in the drama. Not to mention that I found his character quite pathetic. I didn't feel anything from him either.

5 Kim Jae Won, Jeong Hye's secretary. Yes his character was a good one, and it was great to see him get closure, but for god's sake, he was also an awful actor. Some things he did with his eyes were like watching a dead fish act. Honestly, after a while I couldn't stand some of these actors. The way they acted is beyond bad and I can't imagine there were no better choices out there.

Things I hated

1 Yoo Se Hyeok. I could spare him the hate and go for dislike since he changed quite a bit and he had his life turned upside down, but the actor irritated me so much with his bad acting that I can't do that. Hare all the way. He reminded me of a child acting as an adult. I checked and can't believe that he is 35. I though he was 22 at best and that's not a compliment. Yes it is good to look younger in most cases but here it was distracting. It felt like he wasn't at his place and his acting was so bad I can't believe he ever got a role. I've seen maybe two scenes where he was decent. As of his character I'd like for him to be spared in the end to be honest. He made a mistake, a big one, but paying by being with that horrible woman it's a bit harsh.

2 Yoo Se Hyeok's mother. For her karma worked well to be stuck with a horrible DIL. Big payback for being such a shallow and awful mother and MIL to the FL.

3 Same goes for the sister of Yoo Se Hyeok. No excuse for such a shallow character other than being brought up by an awful mother. At least she can escape hell when she builds her own family.

4 The brother of the ML. What an awful actor and a despicable human being. I won't even bother to note why he had no redeemable qualities. Jealousy is a poison and the older I get the less I'm ready to give the benefit of the doubt to people who feel it. You are an adult, whatever eats you alive and comes from jealousy you should fight it. Going as far as stubbing his brother I didn't expect that and to be honest I'd prefer they didn't go that way. That was too dark for me. Also I can't believe he is only a year apart with Yoo Se Hyeok. that's crazy. He looked at least 45.

5 Yoo Ra, the sister of the FL. I thought at first her character wouldn't be that awful. But they did her dirty making her a crazy witch that wasn't any different than her mother in the end. Karma worked on her, and it was satisfying in a way, but also not. I don't know. Her character was irritating but they could leave her room for improving. The major issue with her though is the actress. How can I say that politely? I can't actually. She was probably the worst of the bad actors and there were so many. Sometimes her grimaces had no sense. I was there wondering if she was constipated, I don't know so weird. I couldn't even look at her acting a few times. At least she made me laugh sometimes and I loved how she abandoned her mother. That was great to watch.

6 The stepmother from hell. The actress was awful, with maybe a few scenes where she was decent. Her character was Evil personified and it was fun to watch. I'm happy with how she ended and she deserved every bit of misfortune coming to her so that was the highlight of the drama. I just think the actress was miscast anyway. Not only because she couldn't act, but her whole look didn't work for me.

7 The director. I think his directing was sub par and his choices sometimes didn't make any sense. Like the effing tears in the FL's eyes non stop, the grimaces of so many actors that got fast ridiculous and so many other things.

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Absolute cinema!

After years of putting off Twinkling Watermelon, I finally gathered the courage to watch it. And now I understand why I kept delaying it: I was afraid it would be over too soon.

I watched the entire drama in just 2 days, and now I'm completely emotionally devastated. It's the kind of drama that makes you cry from beginning to end, but not necessarily because it's sad. It's not that overwhelming kind of sadness that leaves you sobbing for hours. It's something different. You feel like you're experiencing everything alongside the characters. You know exactly where it hurts when the story touches a wound, and somehow, you feel it too. It's the kind of crying that actually feels good, even when your heart is aching.

As someone who absolutely loves time-travel stories, I loved the way they approached the concept here. Instead of sending just one person back in time, they sent two, allowing each of them to fix what needed fixing, help their parents, and, perhaps most importantly, work through their own struggles along the way. I loved how the story wasn't just about changing the past, but also about understanding the people who came before us and realizing that they had their own dreams, fears, and unfinished stories.

I've always had deaf people in my life, so seeing Cheong-ah's journey was especially meaningful to me. Watching her go from being a girl who was constantly humiliated and mistreated, even within her own family, to becoming such a strong and independent woman was incredibly moving.

Seeing her finally find her voice, stand up for herself, and eventually take on an important position in the company was so satisfying. And the revelation that her father had always cared about her but had never known about the abuse she was suffering? Oh my God. That absolutely broke me. There is something particularly heartbreaking about realizing that someone loved you all along but simply had no idea how much you were hurting.

But beyond the romance and the time-travel elements, I think what will stay with me the longest is the friendship. It's one of those stories about friendship that keeps lingering in your mind long after you've finished watching. The kind that makes you think about the people who come into your life, the memories you create together, and how some connections can change everything.

And, of course, the love story was beautiful. Not just romantic love, but the different forms of love explored throughout the drama: between parents and children, friends, and the people who choose to stay by our side. It all comes together in such a heartfelt way.

I do have one little complaint, though. I honestly wish we had gotten more answers about Eun-yoo's life in 2023. Her future felt a little too open-ended, and I would have loved to know more about what happened to her after everything. But well... I'll try to make peace with that.

All in all, Twinkling Watermelon was such a beautiful experience. A story about family, friendship, love, second chances, and the importance of understanding the people around us.

I finished it in 48 hours, but I have a feeling I'll be thinking about these characters for a very long time.

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