Reviews

A feast for the eyes and butterflies for the heart

One of the most visually pleasing modern dramas I've watched! The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, and the Shanghai scenery made me want to book a ticket there immediately.

My biggest complaint is that the plot seemed to lose its direction somewhere in the middle. The story started with such an interesting concept, especially the Republic-era VR game, but I felt like that aspect gradually took a backseat. I honestly wish they had explored the game world more and given us more interactions and storylines within it. It had so much potential, and I found myself wanting more whenever we got those scenes. The climax also felt a little anticlimactic. After everything that had happened, I expected a stronger payoff, but it was just okay.

BUT THE CHEMISTRY? Absolutely no complaints. Chen Xingxu and Lu Yuxiao were so good together. Their romantic scenes had me swooning, and I've probably rewatched their sweet moments countless times. Chen Xingxu in those Republican-era costumes deserves a special mention because WOW. And Lu Yuxiao was gorgeous, too! I also loved that her character wasn't overly whiny or helpless.

Despite its flaws, this was such a fun and enjoyable watch. One of those modern romances that gives you butterflies without making you cringe.

Read More

Disappointing Execution Waste of a Good Premise - DROPPED!

I really wanted to like this show because the original idea sounded great, but it ended up being a total letdown. Right from episode one, the whole thing felt lazy, cheap, and messy. The story jumps around with zero flow, and the police investigation mystery is completely boring with no suspense at all. You can tell they had a tiny budget, especially with the ugly, fake-looking AI scenes and the total lack of any good OST.
The acting and comedy made it even worse. Every joke falls flat and feels super cringe. The female secretary (not the female lead) stands there completely frozen with no expression on her face, while the male secretary overacts so hard it's annoying and awkward to watch. A couple of tiny laughs here and there couldn't save how disconnected and painful this was to sit through. Save your time and skip it.

Read More

This double is hard to tell apart

I generally liked the drama. The only issue I had was Tian Xiwei's acting. I find it hard to tell apart Wei Rao and Achou. I had to use their voices to tell them apart (they either used different voice actresses, or she is just excellent at making them sound very different). The two characters she is trying to portray have the same smirk, same smile, display anger the same way, and same personality (intelligent, cunning and very flirty at times)

Another issue I have is that Achou supposedly grew up as a slave, but with just 5 days of training she is able to pass as Wei Rao, acts like a duchess, and no one is the wiser. The story starts that way. You put a slave in fine clothes and she instantly becomes a duchess in the way she walks, talks, writes.... Yes, it's just a story, just for entertainment. I just find myself break out of character every time I watch her acting like a perfect lady in a grand family. Maybe it's the director's problem, but Tian Xiwei certainly got the blame from me.

Read More

The review has spoilers and is subjective.

The drama was all over the place with far too many plot holes. It started off exciting, and I thought it would continue down a fun path where the FL sees ghosts, solves their problems, and she and the ML keep crossing paths until they eventually fall in love.
But five to six episodes in, the ghosts were pushed to the background, the romance felt rushed, a sudden out-of-nowhere succession battle began, and an engagement was announced before the love story had any proper development. On top of that, the side characters were treated mostly like props or NPCs.
I had high hopes, but ultimately, it was a disappointing watch.

Read More

A slow, emotional journey worth the patience

This drama was emotionally exhausting, and I mean that in the best way possible. I genuinely felt sick and overwhelmed watching everything Chen Yi and Miao Jing had to go through.

It started really strong, but the pacing slowed down quite a bit around the middle episodes. I understand why many people dropped it, especially when some conflicts seemed to repeat themselves. But honestly, isn’t that what healing looks like? Trauma doesn’t disappear overnight, and real healing takes time. I think the drama did a good job portraying that.

Both leads deserve credit for their performances. Melodrama requires a lot of emotional depth and subtle expressions, and I think Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi really brought their characters to life.

Watching their journey from childhood to adulthood was genuinely rewarding. Definitely a melodrama, and much more impactful than I expected.

Read More

somewhere along the way, you became my home

I've been a huge fan of Song Weilong for a long time, so when he was announced as the male lead of this drama, I was genuinely excited. I'm particularly fond of modern dramas, and since he doesn't appear in them as often as I'd like, I was really looking forward to this project. After all that anticipation, I can confidently say it was worth the wait.

One thing I particularly appreciated is that romance isn't the main focus of the story. There's much more happening beyond the relationship between Chen Yi and Miao Jing. The drama gives its characters room to grow individually, explores their family circumstances and relationships with the people around them, and touches on the challenges of everyday life. I found that refreshing. It doesn't feel the need to make every storyline revolve around the main couple, and there are plenty of funny, lighthearted moments to balance its more emotional themes. It makes for a genuinely entertaining watch.

The story also explores childhood trauma, parental neglect, growing up too soon and the importance of finding a place where you belong. I especially liked its portrayal of found family and how meaningful connections can give people a sense of stability they might not have experienced growing up. These themes are woven into the characters' lives without making the drama feel overwhelmingly heavy.

As for Chen Yi and Miao Jing, their relationship was one of my favourite parts of the story. I'm a sucker for a proper slow burn, and theirs felt natural rather than rushed or artificially constructed. Their shared history gives even the smallest interactions emotional weight, and I loved watching their connection develop through companionship and all those little moments that gradually become meaningful.

What makes their relationship work is that they're allowed to be flawed. They have their own emotional baggage, misunderstandings and difficulties communicating. Love doesn't magically solve everything for them; they have to learn to trust one another and grow into a partnership where they can stand side by side. The pacing can be slow at times, but I think that gradual development is essential to making their relationship feel earned. I wouldn't have wanted it to move much faster.

Now, onto the performances!

Song Weilong, I really need you to do more modern dramas. His portrayal of Chen Yi was one of the highlights for me, particularly the vulnerability he brought to a character who can initially seem quite reserved. He makes the quieter moments feel just as meaningful as the more emotional ones, and I loved seeing him in this role.

Zhang Jingyi deserves just as much recognition. She portrays Miao Jing's development beautifully, making the transition from the girl we meet at the beginning to the more mature woman she becomes feel natural and believable. Her expressions and mannerisms evolve alongside the character, while still preserving her vulnerability, independence and determination. I thought she was excellent.

Together, they have lovely chemistry. It isn't dependent on constant romantic gestures or dramatic declarations; sometimes, it's simply in the way they look at each other or understand each other's silences. That's exactly the kind of romance I enjoy watching.

And a very special mention to the OST, specifically THAT one track that's just whistling. No lyrics, no singing, just an entire song of whistling. As an autistic person with sensory sensitivities, I can confidently say this was my personal villain origin story. Every time it played, I was fighting for my life. I'm sure the song has its fans, but I was NOT one of them.

Now, my ONE BIG COMPLAINT: THE WEDDING SCENE. WHY WAS IT CUT FROM THE ACTUAL DRAMA?
After everything Chen Yi and Miao Jing went through, I wanted to see them get married properly. I wanted the ceremony, the vows and the chance to actually enjoy their happiness. And apparently, we're now expected to watch dozens of episodes only to have wedding footage released separately as extra content? I'm so tired of productions filming wedding scenes only to leave them out of the actual series. Why is this becoming such a recurring thing in romance dramas? LET THE COUPLES GET MARRIED. LET US SEE THEM BE HAPPY. These characters deserved that moment, and so did we.

Jokes aside, I genuinely loved this drama. It was funny, touching and refreshing, with a cast of characters whose journeys were worth following. I came into it because of Song Weilong, but I left appreciating the story as a whole.

I also want to address something that genuinely made my viewing experience less enjoyable: the comments on Viki. I came across far too many misogynistic remarks directed at Zhang Jingyi (the actress) and Miao Jing, and honestly, some of the things people felt comfortable writing were embarrassing. Criticising a character is one thing, but the constant double standards and unnecessary hostility towards the female lead are exhausting. And while we're at it, can we please stop sexualising Song Weilong every time he appears on screen? Appreciating an actor's looks is perfectly fine, but some comments go well beyond that. Please behave. Viki seriously needs better moderation for these comments because viewers shouldn't have to put up with this just to enjoy a drama. My recommendation? Keep the comments turned off. You'll probably have a much better time watching without them.

An enjoyable drama, a lovely slow burn and two wonderful leads. Song Weilong, please give me more modern dramas. I'll be waiting.

Read More

Botox is botoxing

Dropped. I genuinely can't look at Jong-suk's face without being distracted by the nose job and all the plastic surgery. It's hard to focus on his performance when his appearance keeps pulling me out of the story. Seyoung's acting isn't helping either; it feels pretty underwhelming and lacks the depth the character deserves.

As someone who actually read the webtoon, this adaptation is a huge disappointment. It's not just about changing a few details or taking creative liberties with the source material. The problem is that none of the cast seems to embody the characters they're supposed to portray. They don't capture their personalities, mannerisms, or the dynamics that made the original story enjoyable in the first place.

And don't even get me started on the chemistry. There's barely any spark between the leads, which makes it even harder to invest in their relationship. A good adaptation doesn't have to follow every single panel of the webtoon, but it should at least understand what made the original characters and their relationships compelling.

Unfortunately, this one misses the mark on almost every level for me. The casting doesn't work, the performances aren't convincing enough, and the chemistry is practically nonexistent. I wanted to enjoy it, especially because I was familiar with the source material, but there's simply nothing here that's making me want to continue watching. Some adaptations are better left untouched.

Read More

A run of the mill action / mafia BL

This BL drama features the relationship between an undercover cop and a mob chief as they fall in love in the midst of a gun trafficking mission.

It was somewhat entertaining with an overall good premise, a quite solid chemistry and okay acting. Nothing really outstanding or memorable and I can already feel this one will not really stick into my memory.

I also found the conclusion relatively lackluster as it felt super expected. Production wise, I think the AI flashback were unnecessary and the series could have definitely done without them. If it does not bring something to the table (or that it is even undermining the story and too distracting), better to skip it.

I would not recommend this to people as I feel it is pretty basic and forgettable. It was not catastrophic and the leads had some sizzling scenes together. The action was also entertaining as well. But given how it is already fading away from memory, it feel a bit like a shame.

Read More

A bit disappointed but, not bad.

Before I get into the good, I need to start with the bad. My issue is, and will always be, with Ms. Lizzy.

Ms. Lizzy, you got me F'd up!

There are a couple of gaps between storylines that just don't make sense to me, specifically with the secondary lead characters. Some of those gaps I could've overlooked, but what I can't comprehend is the reasoning behind Feng Qing Tian's storyline. Which, by the way, kudos to Hu Yi Chen! He did a magnificent job portraying his character. His angst was so palpable that you could feel his sadness and anxiety through the screen.

Now, BACK TO MS. LIZZY!

With all due respect, it's your story, and it's a damn good one, but with our little Qing Tian, you dropped the ball! Shit really had me THINKING, trying to find a reason to kill off such a complex and relatable character. To me, Qing Tian was, if not THE most complex character in the show, certainly one of them. First, you have his relationship with his older brother. Despite being the younger sibling, he was the one who HAD to take care of his older brother, almost like a manager. Second, you give us hints about his journey with his sexuality but never fully explore it. You leave his relationship with his dying friend for viewers to figure out, and don't even get me started on the cousin storyline. UGH! Third, we know he overcame depression because he mentions something about it to Chang Yang, but we never really get to explore that part of his journey. And fourth, to put the icing on the cake, we have his "friendship" with Xu Wen Shu, which I genuinely expected to blossom into something more.

And what did we get? NOTHING. Maybe regret, at best.

To me, Qing Tian and Wen Shu's storyline had so much more emotional depth and storytelling potential than the secondary leads' storyline. There was so much left to explore, and that's what makes their abrupt ending even more frustrating.
I also thought Feng Qing Tian's death was the writer's way of reminding us of *carpe diem*, which I get, especially when we look at his relationship with Xu Wen Shu. Seize the moment. Love while you can. Don't dwell on the past. Or, in Wen Shu's case, don't be afraid to follow your heart.

UGH! You can tell I'm STILL frustrated.

On the other hand, I honestly enjoyed watching the series. It's definitely a slow burn, so buckle up! This was my first time seeing all the actors, and I must say, they ALL understood the assignment.

Kuma and Liu Jing Yu had such amazing chemistry! I can't wait to see them act together again. Their storyline had a lot of twists and turns that didn't always make sense, but the actors were so lovely that I had no problem staying invested.

And can we talk about the cinematography for a moment? **ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!** The setting alone is breathtaking. From the mountains and the tea fields to the forests and landscapes, every scene feels like a breath of fresh air. The scenery creates such a peaceful, refreshing, and serene atmosphere that it's truly a visual delight.

Despite my frustrations, I honestly recommend this show. There's so much to appreciate, from the performances to the stunning cinematography. Again, this story could've easily been a **10/10** for me. But the plot gaps, the abrupt ending to Feng Qing Tian and Xu Wen Shu's storyline, and THAT ending?

I just can't move past it.

Read More

A fever dream with nowhere to go

The premise? Actually pretty damn good. It feels like someone threw Sweet Home and Squid Game into a blender, pressed the highest setting, and somehow Netflix decided to serve us the result. Well, I mean, they're practically siblings under the same roof, so the family resemblance is understandable. I went in expecting something exciting, maybe even something that would mess with my head in the best possible way. And technically, it did. Unfortunately, not quite in the way I had hoped.

Watching this drama feels like experiencing one of those fever dreams you have when you're sick, half-conscious, and your brain decides to produce the most nonsensical cinematic universe imaginable. It's absurd, bizarre, unhinged, and occasionally makes you question whether you're actually following the story or just hallucinating alongside the characters. The imagination is there, and I genuinely appreciate the ambition. But good lord, the writing. Having a bizarre concept doesn't automatically make a bizarre storyline good. At some point, someone needs to sit down and make all these ideas actually make sense. Instead, it feels like the writers kept throwing things at the wall, hoping something would stick. Spoiler alert: not everything did.

And don't even get me started on that ending. I know Netflix loves leaving the door slightly open for another season, but what if we don't get one? WHAT THEN? Are we just going to leave all those plot holes floating around in the void? Because this isn't some sophisticated, mind-bending ambiguity that invites viewers to interpret the story differently. It's a whole pile of unanswered questions dressed up as a season finale. If there's no second season, congratulations, we have officially watched a story abandon its responsibilities halfway through.

Lee Jae-wook, though, deserves some credit for showing a different side of his acting. I enjoyed seeing him explore something outside his usual range, but even he couldn't save me from questioning his character's brain cells. Perhaps the writer wants him to represent an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Fair enough. But being an ordinary human being doesn't mean having the survival instincts of a confused goldfish.

Visually, however, I have fewer complaints. The CGI was pretty decent and actually did its job. It managed to entertain, disgust, shock, terrify, and occasionally make me question why I was still watching with my eyes wide open. At least somebody understood the assignment. The visual effects delivered the chaos, even if the storyline was busy creating another problem for itself. Overall, Dead End Job had an interesting premise, a rather ambitious imagination, and enough visual madness to keep things entertaining. What it desperately needed was a writer who could put all those brilliant, ridiculous ideas into a coherent storyline. I don't hate the absurdity; I hate the fact that the story seems just as confused as the people trapped inside it.

Read More

??

What I thought:

OKAY, THAILAND… YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION! 😭🔥

Two pairings in one series? William × Est AND Barcode × Kin? Yuki is definitely not complaining! 😂❤️

I absolutely loved having both couples to follow. Double the chemistry, double the moments to fangirl over and double the reasons to get emotionally attached. 🥹💕

Sometimes you just know a series has hit the right spot, and this was one of those times for me!

10/10 from me! ⭐🇹🇭❤️‍🔥

Now excuse me while I try to move on… which we all know isn't happening anytime soon. 😂🫠

.. ... ... .... .... .... .... .. .. ... ... .... .... .... .... .. .. ... ..

🌸✨🌈 Hiii~ Welcome to my kawaii corner~ ♡(≧▽≦)ﾉ✨🌸

You can find more of my reviews on Instagram~ 🌟💖

Check my homepage for my account~ (｡♥‿♥｡) 🌷

Some reviews are under 500 words, so I can’t post them here~ (≧ω≦)ﾉ💫

Thank you sooo much~ ☆:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:☆ 💕🌸

Read More

if you love smart and cunning female leads with a dash of gorgeous male lead this is for you.

i had been in a bit of a drama drout for a while, constantly picking up dramas and dropping them. With c dramas i would get to episode 17-20 and be bored, with this drama there is not one dull moment. I literally never write reviews but i just had to write this one. I picked this up while airing expecting it to be a slow sludge to something interesting like most of them are but this drops you right into the story, i went from bingewatching as it was airing to catching up to the air schedule and waiting on the last few episodes with everyone else. this rarely happens for me, i hate watching dramas that havent finished but with this one i could not stop thinking about it.
The female lead is incredible at playing both roles and the writing is so clever you actually never know what is going to happen next because they dont set it up by having the characters obviously lay out their plans, you watch as it slowly unravels infront of you.
This is a clear ~he falls first and harder~ trope that is done amazingly well, their love is slowly and silently brewing in the background but not so slowly that its unbearing - and i say this as a romance watcher its basically all i watch and i feel like the way the romance was layed out made it even more enjoyable and worthwhile. Gosh i love this show.

my thoughts after the finale: i am sobbing, i hope there is a season two. this was the best c drama in years for me, im so attached to the characters i dont know how to move on now, the finale was bittersweet and im now in mourning over this show, i gave it a 9.0 while airing and now im done its absolutely a 9.5 gosh im gonna go cry some more now. wei rao is one of the best female characters ever written and i pity those who are so misogynistic that they hate that she isnt stupid or selfless, the way the ML loves her and she loves him back.. gosh idk how to move on, this has ruined dramas for me now, nothing will ever make me feel the way this did.

Read More