Reviews

What a beautiful historical drama.

I didn't know that this was based on true historical events and characters I'm not gonna lie, not until the very last episode where they showed on screen the text of what happened after. Probably the only cdrama that made me look up the characters and check their wikis, and even looked at the life back during the Qing Dynasty. I was so invested lol. So invested in reading wiki, I made it to Wu Zetianm Four beauties of China, etc. like bruh I don't how I even got there lmao.

My favorite character is definitely Chenbi or the Noble lady Shun. I think her introduction into the very later episodes, just when we all thought no new character is gonna be introduced anymore, is brilliant imo. Her perfect character was just *chef's kiss*. Probably the only character in a Cdrama that have fooled me twice. Like I really fell for it when she said she wants to help Yinglou and the 2nd male lead because she was previously saved by him. I really wanted to cry at that time coz wdym you're not a part of the good gang T_T. Anyways, she quickly rosed as one of my most favorite characters in watching cdramas.

I think the part that I didnt really like is the emperor, like they tried to make him as someone competent but it doesnt really show. He's the most annoying emperor/king I've probably encountered.

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Wang Xiaoyi and Wang Yanxin quite match for stoic character.

I watched this last year because nice premise and it turned out it was average. Both actor was quite stoic but it was decent watch.

Wang Yanxin is perfect for playing a role within the system; his restraint and stoicism are very captivating. Furthermore, the ML's character is well-developed; he later realizes what he wants and bravely pursues love without hesitation.

FL seducing the ML for medical expenses, later develops feelings but isn't love-struck; she's capable of self-preservation, doesn't need help in dangerous situations, is kind and rational, and always prioritizes her life and career. I quite like this show, but the FL's seduction of the ML in the first few episodes was a bit awkward and didn't feel quite right.

Wang Xiaoyi dance shows her amateur level and it can be the problem since the FL job was dancer. Many of the dance moves are poorly handled. The production team should have hired a professional dance teacher to choreograph them.

The plot is plausible, and both the main and supporting characters are well-developed and memorable, such as the second uncle and ML's mother.

You can watch this if you dont have any idea to watch.

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Good premise, but overrated.

I'm gonna be honest. I don't really know how this got such a high rating. I think this one is overrated imo.

First things first, I think episode 1 was good, not until they introduced Jiangli and her maid. There's just no way that they are introducing two characters that just mogs the main character and make her look like the side character instead. I think it was bad casting tbh, original Jiangli and Tong er is just way too pretty.

But the main thing that I really don't like about this drama is the writing/script. This drama had such bad and unnatural dialogues, it was making me cringe by what I'm reading the whole time. The premise of this show was so good as well but the writing just ruined it.

I think the best part of this drama is definitely the Princess Wanning and Jiang Ruo Yao's arcs. I can't really comment on the other parts as the bad writing puts me off every time. The production was good tho.

I honestly think people only gave this a high rating because the main actress played the main character in Story of Yanxi palace which was a really good show and a very popular one.

Overall, a 6.5 and that's me being tempered.

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Recoss

Honestly, it was hard for me to move on from the past dramas I watched, but this one felt different. It reminded me why I should keep watching Chinese dramas. Cheng Xingxu completely nailed his role here. I have seen many of his dramas before, but this one really stood out and made me appreciate him even more.
As for the music and OST, it did not have a huge impact on me. I did not mind it, but it was not something that stayed with me throughout the drama. That said, there were a few moments where the OST worked well, and if a song truly connects with me, I usually save it.
In terms of rewatch value, I personally would not prioritize rewatching this drama. Not because it was bad, but because I would rather spend my time discovering new stories instead. Overall, this drama left a meaningful impression and reaffirmed my love for Chinese dramas, mainly because of the acting and emotional impact rather than the music.

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BL with Boss and Noeul (｡◝‿◜｡) but a confusing and poorly written plot (by Mame)

PLOT: Cirrus, the university's star, appears to Pukhan (a sweet and shy student) after a car accident. He reveals that he is his boyfriend from another dimension. Despite his doubts, Pukhan wants to help him, and they gradually become lovers. Pukhan discovers Cirrus's family situation and the life he led with his mother, a crazy woman (abusive, manipulative, toxic +++). However, Cirrus is involved in another accident, and another personality emerges.

+++ Boss and Noeul are two fantastic actors, without a doubt, with extraordinary natural chemistry. I regret, however, that their roles are so rigid, preventing them from fully expressing their potential.
+++ The direction does what it can (sets, framing, pacing, etc.) to make a story with this mess.

BUT
### The plot is completely absurd, confusing, and incoherent. I'm OK for discussing about mental health, but… not like this!
And the "other universes" premise doesn't hold water.

### Some characters are walking caricatures (especially the women... A bit of misogyny from the autor ??): the mother, of course, is completely crazy; the fiancée is the same; Tri, the abrupt friend.

=> I'd love to see Boss and Noeul (whom I adore) in a future drama, taking on different roles and with a well-constructed story.
(￣︶￣)>

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BL avec Boss & Noeul (｡◝‿◜｡) but a messy and poorly-written plot (Mame's work)

PLOT: Cirrus, the university star, after un accident de voiture, débarque devant Pukhan (sweet and shy student) pr lui dire qu'il est son boyfriend d'une autre dimension. Malgré ses doutes, Pukhan veut l'aider et ils vont peu à peu devenir lovers. Pukhan va découvrir la situat° familiale de Cirrus et la vie qu'il a mené avec sa crazy mother (abusive, manipulatrice, toxique +++). Cpdt Cirrus a un autre accident et une autre personnalité apparait alors.

+++ Boss & Noeul sont deux acteurs fantastiques, no doubts, et avec une alchimie naturelle extraordinaire. Je regrette un peu que les rôles dans ce couple, soient aussi figés, ne permettant pas aux acteurs de montrer leur potentiel.
+++ La réalis° fait ce qu'elle peut (décors, cadrages, rythme, etc.)

MAIS
### La storyline est complètement perchée, confuse, incohérente. Je veux bien qu'on parle de santé mentale, mais ... pas de cette façon ! Et le contexte "autres univers" ne tient pas la route.
### Certains personnages sont des caricatures ambulantes (en particulier, des femmes ... misogynie ??) : la mère bien sûr, complètement folle ; la fiancée idem ; Tri, l'amie brusque).

=> J'aimerai voir Boss & Noeul (que j'adore) dans un futur drama, assumant des rôles différents et avec une story bien construite
<(￣︶￣)>

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S Tier Series. Instant Classic!

One of THEE best BL series from GMMTV. Full stop. This has cemented PondPhuwin as one of the top CPs in the game right now. Pond is totally in his element and shines as Khun Thee. He was born to play this role. Phuwin’s portrayal of Peach is so grounded and heartfelt. The layers that he has brought to this character is next level. Est, William, Santa, Perth, Bonnie, Godji, JJ, and the rest of the cast are all top notch and excel in their roles. There are no miscasts in this series. Everyone belongs here. The rewatch value is insane, the acting is impeccable, and the series as a whole is in a class all by itself. Instant classic!

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Hilarious and really good

I don't care what other people think about the drama. It's just right for me.
It's not one of those typical “take everything seriously” dramas. It's just hilarious and my stomach hurts from laughing.
And the body swap story isn't annoying like in most dramas. It's funny and I love how the two try to cope in each other's bodies.
All the actors doing a great job. It's not easy to be funny on screen and get watchers entertain.
I watched a lot dramas and this one is really good.
The ML is handsome, charming and FL is so wonderful. She's pretty and yet a tough girl, who knows what she wants.
I love everything about the drama and like I said: it's good.

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Plot was bad but the making out was great

I watched this just forsake of Zhang Shan and Wang Xuan. Both are great kisser and the plot was bad.

FL has always suffered bullying from her family of origin, being switched at birth by her biological parents. She's quite pathetic after returning home, but thankfully the ML gives her fairness and favoritism. The kiss between these two was so passionate and intense, their eyes were practically glued to each other, making the viewer feel we should not interrupt their making out scene. The Green Tea Sister aka SFL was so annoying.

The cons is FL's parents and brother didn't receive any punishment in this drama. Also, SFL committed suicide, and the way her parents were grieving at her suicide scene clearly showed that SFL was more important to them than FL It's very likely that the parents would blame the FL for the SFL, so I think this aspect was handled very poorly.

Only for hardcore fans of the actors.

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Average at best

Disclaimer - No hate for this drama! I swear! :)

I’m getting a little tired of the “we don’t know how to communicate” plotlines. And while I do love a good classic BL, I’m also increasingly fed up with the constant financial imbalance and the tired victim–savior dynamic. We all know I have a soft spot for red flags and a sprinkle of toxicity, but that’s a conversation for another day.

This did nothing for me and I want to know why! I felt like it was a bit dull, a bit cute (I HONESTLY THINK SO), a bit boring, and mostly uninspiring. Personally uninspiring. And sometimes my focus was all over the place.

I read the reviews and I am glad many people loved it, but I do not get it why I did not. This review isn’t meant to bash the drama, just sharing and maybe if you’re easily annoyed and don’t enjoy spending time on something that feels like you’ve already watched it three times before, you can safely skip this one.

That said, I will religiously watch season two. I did have my favorites in season one, and at the end of the day, this is just one story, so I’m willing to see where it goes.

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Well written with a social agenda.

This is a drama with an agenda. Like many law dramas the world over, it seeks out underdog stories and features the winning of impossible court cases so that there can be a sense that injustice doesn’t always prevail and sometimes, against the odds, justice is served. The audience, me included, experiences a sense of release and satisfaction at getting our own back against a nebulous, all powerful world that is designed to crush all resistance. In the real world, these triumphs are few and far between, just a small handful in a generation.

And the irony strikes me that the powerful and corrupt are happy for these dramas to be there. Why? Because they allow for the release of some of the dissatisfaction and frustration by giving us all a sense that we can effect change, whilst in fact we are sitting in our armchairs staring at a screen and doing nothing. Otherwise that pent up anger and frustration might get released in more effective and threatening ways. And by heavens, in the current global environment we really need to feel change is possible and work out how to do it. But this is a review of a drama, not a piece of sociopolitical comment, so I will stop there.

As a drama did it work? If you are prepared to wholeheartedly take up the narrative it will carry you along very nicely. I have noted that some people found it too much. Some of the stories are very specific to Korean society and how the law currently stands on a variety of social issues. Other cases highlight minorities and show them in a positive light. This is a way of deliberately encouraging attitudes to change and pressure public opinion. Like I said, it has an agenda.

For me, the jarring note was less the choice of stories/cases and more the standard overly sentimental approach. It relies on a lighthearted tone for most of the time and quickly flips you back up if the storyline dips into too much tragedy. My preference is for something a little less sugar-coated and a little more real. However there were plenty of moments where it packed a punch. This was, in the main, down to an excellent performance by Jung Kyung Ho.

Ever since I saw him in “Cruel City” I’ve rated him as an actor. His character has some depth written into it which he is more than capable of doing justice to. The best episode by far imo, is Ep 10, where his character is called upon to account for himself and JKH steps up to the plate. He is someone who can carry off serious drama and I would love to see him do more of it. Unfortunately, there are not many being written and produced these days. The rest of the cast provided good support and were varied enough to add to the interest.

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The New Gold Standard for Reverse Harem Vertical Dramas!

Hong Luan Yin's plot is proof that a story doesn't have to be revolutionary. As the saying goes: "There's nothing new under the sun." But if a story's execution is good, then it'll feel that way. And that's exactly what happened with Hong Luan Yin. It felt revolutionary because it was a reverse harem handled with care. Yun Qi was given time to explore her relationships with the men, and production didn't let "propriety" (*GASP* an actress kissing four men in a drama? Whatever will we do???? Will she even be able to marry now?!) limit their artistic vision.

The drama seemed to have a decent budget. It couldn't have been too high because the characters only got one or two costumes, but it wasn't low either because the wigs and sets were good. I wanted to point this out because whatever the budget was, the director (and the rest of the crew) made everything look and feel opulent. Sumptuous, even. The soft, golden lighting, the rich colors, the ornate brocades and jewelry, the heavy velvet, the curtains fluttering in the breeze. It was visually stimulating, and helped immerse me in Yun Qi's scheming, tense, and sensual world.

Hong Luan Yin is not a short vertical, and yet I was locked in for three and a half hours. In fact, when it ended I wanted more. Which is unusual because I tend to avoid verticals that go over two and a half hours because they start dragging.

Now that I've finished waxing poetic about the plot and production, let's talk about the characters:

• Yun Qi (our beloved FL):

Not gonna lie, I was nervous about her portrayal. Logically, it would take a confident, charming, and assertive person to control a harem, but dramas always seem to make female leads in reverse harems endlessly flustered, clueless, boring, and indecisive. The harem of men usually control her more than she controls them, which is why Yun Qi was such a breath of fresh air. She was cunning, charming, assertive, generous, and even funny!

I appreciated that she had a firm grasp on her harem (including the maid LOL. They should've put her on the cover too). This word gets thrown around a lot, but Yun Qi is genuinely iconic, and I don't know if we'll get another FL like her any time soon.

• Yun Jin Chen:

My prince. My baby. My puppy. My kitten. My darling. My peach. My love.

Can you tell he was my favorite love interest? Or was I too subtle?

When I first saw the cover for Hong Luan Yin, my eyes went straight to him. He's wearing plain white and light blue robes. He's not as ornately dressed as the other male leads, but something about his eyes and his posture drew me in.

Yun Qi's scenes with Jin Chen were the best in my opinion. They were the most emotionally intimate and raw. They don't have the explosive, fervent kind of passion audiences seem to prefer in drama couples, but they still have passion and chemistry. It's the slow-moving intense kind that oozes through the scene like syrup. It enveloped me during so many of their scenes, and I wanted more.

• Qi Zhuo:

As the sexy "male entertainer", he was definitely my second favorite. Not only was he gorgeous and had the best clothes, he had fantastic chemistry with Yun Qi. His backstory's a little confusing though, so I'm looking forward to getting clarification if we're blessed with a second season.

I definitely need to see more of his outfits and face jewelry. Dude would be the final boss at the Met Gala.

• Huo Xiao:

Even though he's ranked third on my list, Huo Xiao was a pleasant surprise! He's handsome, but overly calm and serious MLs aren't my jam. I usually find them boring. But I loved how jealous he was whenever Yun Qi got chummy with other men, and how ready he was to break the rules for her. That's what made me warm up to him.

• Xie Lin Yu:

I didn't dislike him as much as I thought I would, but he was still my least favorite male lead because he had the childish, immature hothead thing going on. I'm not knocking whoever has him as #1 on their list, but that male archetype's just not my thing. I appreciated the comedic relief he provided, though.

With all that said, I'm obsessed with Hong Luan Yin, and I will be watching it many more times and praying for a season 2. Yun Qi is awesome, all the male leads have distinct relationships with her, and I'm interested in seeing where the story goes. Just like other popular verticals, I'd be down for a whole bunch of seasons, and Yun Qi ultimately picking all of the men in the end.

Hong Luan Yin is now the gold standard when it comes to reverse harems, so I hope it inspires more intentional, fleshed out dramas like it.

If you read all of that, thanks for indulging me. When I love something, I can't be succinct.

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Paved the way…

I watched this very much knowing I was entering the “kill your gays” era of cinema, it’s been 20 years, so expecting the worst is just something you have to gird your loins against when it comes to watching gay cinema of this time. But what I got instead is a story that LITERALLY tried to bury its gays, only to give them a second chance, and then another fatal blow, but yet another redemption beyond expectation. Why aren’t more people talking about this?! I will admittedly agree that I wish there was just a bit more at the end there that really brought home a happy ending. But I’ve got an imagination and can plot out the rest on my own. I have to give it to movies like this that brought about the realistic expectation that BLs can have a happy ending. Although this may not be noticed by the masses. This is definitely worth the roller coaster ride of a watch and worth your time. Give it a go for sure.

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Why DMD Friendship Season 1 Truly Worked

I thoroughly enjoyed this season of DMD Friendship. The conversations throughout the show were healthy, honest, and clear. Even though both the audience and the cast came in with certain expectations, the many plot twists—especially in who people chose for their dates—were genuinely fun to watch. I loved that unpredictability because it aligns perfectly with the show’s purpose: expanding your connections to ultimately realize who the one true partner is for you.

The challenges were well done and really showcased the different levels each cast member was at, as well as how they used their individual strengths and worked through their weaknesses to complete the missions.

Bringing Tle in at the midpoint was a great decision. He did exactly what a bombshell is supposed to do—create chaos—and he absolutely delivered. He fit in naturally and never felt overshadowed by the others, nor did he overpower the existing dynamics.

Most of this cast had already known and worked with each other at events, and that familiarity really showed. Their comfort level allowed for deeper, more meaningful conversations. Even when some cast members knew early on who they wanted to pursue and stayed consistent (like ThomasKong), I still appreciated those who went out of their way to explore other connections, such as Keng with Tee or Firstone with Tle.

What stood out to me most was that even when confusion arose, the cast remained clear and honest with themselves instead of being wishy-washy. The judges’ critiques were also constructive and made sense within the context of each challenge. Overall, it was a really enjoyable and well-balanced season.

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