Reviews

...the duality of it all...

I kept falling asleep; next thing you know Netflix said I had finished the drama💔😝

So, I went back and watched and I was confused by the pseudo psychology and the plot twists that felt forced. I love the main lead actor, but he kept doing this thing with his eyes, pulling me out of the story to pay attention to him and that affected the enjoyment of the story.

The multiple languages, plus the korean english I found distracting, throwing me off.

The chemistry was to be marked present, but it didnt make sense why they kept rejecting each other.

Kudos to the female lead because her dual characters were so recognizable. Each time the dark character appeared, you knew soon 'chagiya' will be heard 😅😭

Best thing they did was dump all episodes all at once. Overall, the series wasn't captivating enough to wait for everyweek.

It's demure 7/10 for me.

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Bound by fate, kept by love, strengthened by never giving up…

In my top 2 stories.

This is so much more than a BL story. Yes there are a few scenes that contain NC, but they are extremely gentle and few and far between so if you’ve come here to watch some incredibly beautiful actors get dominatingly passionate or down and dirty all the time then this is not one for you. (Though the young adult actors are really very beautiful I will admit)

The plot follows a 20 year old called Khemjira and his closest friends as they try to undo a curse laid on his family that dooms male heirs to die before they reach 21. Along with a group of university students he goes on a summer camp to a distant and rather mystical village where he meets Master Paran with whom he shares deep and heartbreaking love in a previous life as fiancés as Khemmika and Wat. Meeting up in current day Thai Shaman duties and impending doom initially make it difficult for them to admit their feelings so there’s a lot of ‘will they, won’t they?’ creating additional tension for quite a few of the earlier episodes.

The second leads Chan and Jet were also lovers in their previous lives where coincidentally they were friends of Khemmika and Wat and they too remember their past but will they have the courage to pledge themselves to each other in this life? The other main characters namely Grandma Si, Yos, Chai, Thong and Ek all have a vested interest in Khem’s welfare, are brilliantly cast and add depth and dimension to an already well rounded story.

The actress Green who convincingly plays Rampueng, the bad guy who is determined Khem will not survive to be 21, is fabulously rounded as an out an out baddie but is she just venting her anger at the treatment and loss she suffered nearly 300 years earlier? The back story to Rampueng’s curse is so unfair and you will really feel for her as we get to understand why she does what she does to the people who wronged her and why she cannot let go of her hate.

This BL story is not your traditional ‘boy meets boy who get hot and heavy together and then live happily ever after’. It’s about love, revenge, hate and forgiveness and has a FANTASTIC plot line that will have you empathising with and rooting for every one of the main characters and sobbing as you get closer to Khem’s birthday. You will roll your eyes, jump as things go bump in the night, clap at little wins, smile and cry as the resolve of the main characters is put to the test in the roller coaster of a ride set in a very beautiful, spiritual and traditional Thai environment where spells, incantations, monks, Mo Phi’s and a shaman protect against evil forces.

There is nothing to dislike about this story (even though traditional Thai love songs are a little jarring to my western ears) and I would thoroughly recommend watching this.

The script is incredible, the acting terrific and believable, the buildings and backdrop on point and the fact it is set in such a stunning and cultural location adds value to the plot. Chef’s kiss level.

Would I watch again. Definitely. Absolutely

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Not my cup of tea

In my opinion, this movie's rating is way too high. There is NOTHING spectacular to keep you involved in the action. I didn't find the series particularly interesting. But it wasn't so bad that I would abandon it. It's a mediocre series that doesn't deserve an 8.

Yes, the script captured a realistic aspect of a human being who doesn't know how to accept love because it's unfamiliar to him; at least in the real world, this could be a reason that stems from his early childhood.

What I liked was that the series showed the side of the ML where he reflects on the situation and acts unexpectedly, but in a rude way that others initially condemn.

Shen Wu was my favorite character. Fei Qi Ming played a really cute role.

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Good Idea - But dragging

I loved the idea. Started watching it so happy. After episode 4 it kind of started to drag a little. No progress is made. The story between them is really predictable. I'm not sold on how one episode he's stuck on another woman and then next episode he's all of a sudden in love with the female lead.
Also when he finds out she's a fan she just says nothing. This is bad writting to just create drama.

Now i want to know who did it but I watched the last episodes while skipping 10sec all the time. It's so slow and so many useless scenes.

I will not rewatch 😁

PS : don't get me started on his 2005 haircut 😨

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So much guilt. So many regrets.

I would be lying if I call this a fluffy rom-com. Forget about doubling down on angst. Our writer-nim quadruple it by having all the main characters simmering in an bubbling angst stew. It is seriously depressing. Definitely not a breezy weekend binge.

However, if you hang in there, it will draw you in as the story develops and characters grow and evolve. I hope you are prepared, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

It all starts with the family's matriarch suffering a serious injury in a car accident. She lost a foot and ends up spending the next 7 years guilt-tripping her family into a pit of despair. She withdrew into their family home and turned it into a prison, nay, a torture chamber for all who crosses its threshold.

To be honest, I don't understand why she did that. Her kids are decent people. Her husband is loyal and caring. She was in her (late) 40's when the accident happened. Options are there to achieve a good degree of mobility and independence. It is baffling why she chose such a destructive path.

By the time we enter the frame, their family cohesion is largely gone. Everyone is on edge around her. All it takes is the slightest provocation and it is on for young and old.

When she passed away suddenly, it triggers more guilty feelings and recriminations. Let's just say the first few eps should be avoided by anyone who is triggered by this type of events. Forget a storm cloud hanging over their heads. It is an extinction level event. Everything from shouting matches to stony silence are all weapon of choice.

Oddly enough, the breakthrough came when all three reach their nadir. They end up having to talk it out as none of them can claim the moral high ground. We finally have relative peace and a glimmer of hope around the halfway mark. The clock is ticking though.

It should come as no surprise when the angst train hit us several more times. It is a nonstop rollercoaster ride. It is a little less white knuckle with the passage of time.

I won't spoil the A-plot as a lot happened and much of it are interrelated. Some are tropey. They are all relatable. I just wish it wasn't so relentless.

Without going into specifics, the role of communication is front and centre. Some straight talking provided us with breakthroughs. Yet at other times, it would breakdown completely. The show is keeping it real. This is something we all need to work on.

From my perspective, the main theme boils down to the old adage, carpe diem. It is not a panacea though. It offers a path forward for those willing to help themselves and seize the day.

In terms of acting, the ensemble cast did good. There is nothing fluffy about any of the roles. The FL and her father are first amongst equals. The weakest link, for me, is the FL's brother. He plays the angry young man with a touch of toxic masculinity. It is a one trick pony though. The mother deserves a special mention. She has a smallish role, but a very challenging one.

Oh, I almost forgot, the local priest is a delight! He is a contemporary of the FL and definitely not your typical parish priest. He is fed up with his flock using the confessional as some kind of free life coaching/financial advice/relationship consultation. His hands-on approach is a breath of fresh air. ;)

Does the show have a happy ending? I won't go that far. It is more of a promising one. Life goes on. There will be trials ahead. Their revitalised family unit will give them strength. I wish them the very best. Hwaiting!

P.S. One thing has been bugging me. The FL should have told Daniel she will buy him a ticket back to Korea as soon as he turns 19. I think that would be a more satisfying way to conclude this major branch. Those who have finished the show will know what I am talking about. ;)

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A Masterclass in Acting with a Divisive Finale

Dear X starts with a bang. The first half is a masterclass in cinematography and pacing—I couldn't look away. Kim Yoo Jung’s performance is haunting; she makes you pity her one moment and despise her the next as you realize the depth of her manipulation.

The male characters were the heart of the show for me. I was rooting for them the whole way through, and the friendship between everyone was so well-done. Specifically, the bromance between Jun Seo and Kim Jae-young was a major highlight—their bond felt authentic and kept me grounded in the story.

Unfortunately, the drama couldn't maintain its initial momentum. While it stayed "good," it lost the "amazing" quality of the earlier episodes. The last few episodes felt like a bit of a mess, and the ending was quite a letdown. I was expecting a much more polished finale for a show that started with such promise.

Even though the ending ruined the experience slightly, the acting and the relationships made it a journey worth taking.

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A beautiful watch

I found myself wandering why this show left such a huge impact on me!? I think it reminded me of the most delicious strawberry, mostly sweet, with a bit of tang/bitterness but so enjoyable it left me wanting more.

I really love a good slow burn and this one did not disappoint! The chemistry between the two leads was excellent, electric, swoon worthy - just all the feels. The supporting cast were great - the 2ML did a good job of getting me to dislike him - I guess that's just great acting on his part 🤣 while some aspects of the overall story were a bit predictable to me, I loved it anyway!

I loved Zhao Jinmai's Nie Xiguang. She was brave, unwavering in her loyalty to her friends, determined and just a strong character. She's wasn't without faults and always had a way of seeing through all the BS but I thought she gave Zhang Xu too much of her heart.

I didn't like Zhang Xu. However, understand he was a necessary character to highlight how obligation, societal expectations and lack of self worth can affect the way you see yourself and others. It wasn't a case of wrong place/wrong timing, it was fear based choices which led to his outcome/s.

On the flip side, you have Song Weilong's, Lin Yusen, a little misguided, broody but a romantic at his core. I felt like his subconscious always somehow knew the truth about Nie Xiguang which is why his endeavours to seek 'revenge' were really child's play. It felt like when Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang were in the frame there was no space for us, a little too personal, the piercing gazes, the light touches and embraces felt genuine, authentic. I was really hooked by their love story and was rooting for them as I watched their journey!

As I write this, I'm listening to the soundtrack of the series to get me into the flow and was reminded of how the soundtrack was perfect for the show. As of it were vitally important character, carefully underscoring the climactic moments of this beautiful story, particularly the romantic parts. It was beautiful. 'Counting on you' by Zhang Hao and 'You are the sun in my life' by Lu Yuan Yi and 'Uncontrollably' by Ray Hou will be seared into my mind and heart for some time!

I was sad when it finished and hope to see the two leads in more dramas together!

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A new favorite!!

Can this love be translated? is such an amazing drama everyone has to watch. It follows an interpreter and a rising actress. The main lesson is that everyone has their own language that some may not understand, but it doesn't mean they can't learn it. All actors were great! Despite feeling bad for Hiro for not getting the girl he liked, I'm happy for the main couple. In my fantasies, maybe there will be a romance between Nanami and him as well... I also like how everyone was on good terms after this! I guess we'll never know how the meeting with Muhee's mother went, so it's like a happy open ending. I recommend this as a breath of fresh air!!!

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A powerful and confident first episode

The casting is honestly perfect. Every actor fits their role so naturally that it feels less like acting and more like watching real people unfold. The leads deliver layered performances, especially in the quiet moments where a look or a pause says more than dialogue ever could. The chemistry feels effortless and real, not forced for the sake of the genre.
The music deserves special praise. The soundtrack elevates every emotional beat and stays with you even after the episode ends. It knows when to be subtle and when to hit hard, making key scenes even more unforgettable. So far, it’s a very strong start and absolutely deserving of a high rating. I’m already looking forward to the next episodes. I love FirstKhaotungs acting so much I have no words to describe their acting.🫶✨️

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Yes!

I really enjoyed this series. The virtual reality elements/design hooked me in and I thought the storyline was interesting. A cool way of showcasing the beauty of old vs new architecture. I was never really big on architecture but was fascinated with the elements shown in the series. Very nice! The romance between the ML and FL was sweet and developed naturally (although frustratingly slow for me lol) and loved the different relationship dynamics and the contrast between familial love shown in the FL side vs the ML side. I was invested in all of the characters stories too, the actors did a good job in keeping me hooked all the way through! Thank you 🤗

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Good one

The Haunted Palace is a story about spirits’ resentment and vengeance. In the middle of the story, a serpent deity and a shaman become entangled. Together, they eliminate the spirits.
The serpent wants to ascend to heaven, for which he needs the body of a pure soul—one that willingly accepts him. However, the person is not ready for this and fights against him. That person is the shaman.
In the end, they fall in love with each other and live a happy married life.
As for the acting, the male lead gave a fantastic performance, especially when he portrayed two souls in one body. The actor who played the role of the king also acted very well. Praising them does not mean that the other actors were not good; all of them delivered strong performances.

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