Reviews

The play must go on. Adapt or leave.

There are two themes to this drama. The first that the world is a stage and its people are the actors. The second theme is that the world keeps changing and we either adapt or disappear. That is why the theatre company kept changing from the beginning of its inception to the last episode. However, the pacing and the lack of direction did not do this drama any favor. And while it has a stellar cast, it did feel that some of the cast members were underused. there were very interesting guest stars. Some of them made an impact while others not so much but overall it was a lot of fun seeing them.

I really enjoyed the era, the drama setting and the contrast shown in the last episode of how it changed. And that’s exactly how Japan is. It used to feel more raw, rough and authentic not perfect. Maybe a bit dangerous. While many places are becoming child friendly and feeling very safe makes it comfortable, it feels like a façade shown through bright colours, synthetic, perfection look to it. It definitely has lost its authenticity and rawness.

It’s hard for me to rate this drama. I really enjoyed the last couple of episodes, but it took me a while to get there. Some of the early episodes were difficult to get into or keep my attention. I was unsure of what it was trying to say. It wasn’t episodic, but it wasn’t continuous either. Early episodes felt like just scenes, cut and pasted together and not smooth enough to follow. When you know and like the cast, you will still enjoy what you’re seeing, but the story peaks interest much later in the drama.

I think the ending was very fitting, bittersweet but hopeful.

Read More

A Masterpiece of Soulmates and Redemption

The Premise: Two Souls on the Edge of Life
Along with The Untamed, this is one of the only "legit" historical bromance dramas that captures the true essence of soulmates. The story follows Zhou Zishu, a former assassin leader who has chosen a slow death just to be free, and Wen Kexing, the mysterious and flamboyant Master of the Ghost Valley. When their paths cross, they find themselves protecting an orphaned boy and unraveling a massive conspiracy in the martial arts world.
The Dynamics: Opposite Poles, One Soul
The relationship between the leads is the heart of the show.
The "Talkative" and the "Silent": Wen Kexing is charming, talkative, and constantly teasing, while Zhou Zishu is more reserved and talkative in his silence. Despite their opposite personalities, they share a deep understanding that transcends words.
Redemption: Both characters have dark, tragic pasts. They aren't just partners; they are each other’s "saving grace." They help each other move forward from their trauma and find a reason to live again.
The Found Family: I loved how they took in Zhang Chengling as their disciple. He became the "one and only" student to carry on their teachings, allowing their legacy to live on through him.
The Emotional Toll: Sacrifice and Loss
This drama doesn't shy away from pain.
Gu Xiang’s Tragedy: My heart broke for Gu Xiang, the lively "younger sister" figure to Wen Kexing. Her death at the end felt incredibly cruel because she had just found her own happiness. It was a heavy price to pay in their fight for the righteous.
Standing for Justice: Despite their backgrounds as a "Ghost" and an "Assassin," they choose to stand for what is right in a world filled with hypocritical "righteous" sects.
The Finale: A Happy Note in the Mountains
The ending is iconic.
The White Hair: Seeing the hair change to white was a powerful symbol of the extreme sacrifice made for love and cultivation. It marked the end of their mortal struggles.
The "Happy Ending": I am so glad they ended it on a happy note. In the special epilogue, seeing them live together in the snowy mountains, eternal and at peace, was the perfect conclusion for two people who suffered so much.
Final Verdict
Word of Honor is a poetic, visually stunning, and emotionally deep journey. If you love the "Soulmate" trope and high-stakes Wuxia action, this is essential viewing. It’s a story about choosing life over revenge and finding home in another person.

Read More

A True Thriller

Mystique in the Mirror is intense, gripping, and expertly written. The story does an excellent job of dragging you wherever it wants, weaving between confusion and fear, bobbing between the intense highs and the uneasy lows. I watched this incredible work of art without watching a trailer or reading the synopsis--I wasn't even sure that it'd be BL! I highly recommend watching it this way: Because I didn't know anything about the show before watching it (including what type of horror it was--paranormal, psychological, etc), I had so many theories in the first few episodes. All of them turned out to be wrong, but half of them had a hint of truth. I have the feeling I got exactly as close as the writers wanted me to be. The endless questions are an essential part of the experience: this is how the writers enable you to truly understand Alan's world. They give you just enough information to know that things are wrong, but not nearly enough to actually figure it out. I normally find series predictable, but I could never guess what would happen next, much less the ending.

Your questions will be answered, but you have to be patient. I wish I could tell you what emotion I felt at the end of the show, but let's just say my heart is still pounding as I write this, an hour later. The series is an emotional rollercoaster, building enough suspense and fear to have you on the edge of your seat, questioning reality, then make your heart race as you plummet with the breakdowns and action. The first few episodes have a lot of building, but they are important and really set the tone of the show. In the beginning, it felt like it was taking too long to get any answers, but after finishing the show, I think the pacing is perfect. If the series was any shorter, the ending wouldn't have been as impactful. Now knowing the ending, I want to immediately rewatch. I wonder how much more I will pick up on now that I know what the destination is, and I know you will feel the same way.

I've spoken a lot about the plot and writing, so I'll add a bit on the acting. Tou is phenomenal as Alan; you can see every emotion, every question on Alan's face as he navigates his turbulent and impossible-to-understand life. You feel the fear and the frenzy right along with him. Everyone else is also great in their roles, I really enjoyed Tenon as Pete ( I'm really hoping to see more of him soon) and Rudklao as Si.

My only notes are these:
1. This is a Thai production, and it has the typical Thai style--occasionally abrupt tonal changes between scenes and heavy reliance on music even in casual conversation scenes. With the genre of the show, I was expecting less of the lighthearted/silly music to be used, but the usage was pretty similar to other Thai BLs I've seen. In this instance, I think it took away from the story, but on the other hand, it gave a comforting and familiar reprieve from the intensity of the rest of the show. It's a matter of personal preference.
2. Some of the support character interactions felt forced, with two of the relationships (friends, lovers, family, etc) feeling very rushed. I won't say much more on that for reasons you'll have to find out.
3. Dr. O rubbed me the wrong way, but I'm not sure if it's a writing issue or an acting issue. Maybe I will rewatch and update with what I decide.

Overall, it is an excellent watch and well worth your time--I am so glad I used my time for it.

Read More

This film brings nothing particularly new to the table, the plot is predictable and the message clear. At times it's sentimental, as these films are wont to be, but it's not too on the nose, luckily.
I also feared that this would be one of those films that romanticise country life to the point of making it almost unrecognisable. It's not the case -- yes, the hardships are mostly glossed over, but at least all of the locations and tools are real, and there are a few hints to how difficult it is for organic farming to be recognized by the old guard.

I would have liked to see the women shown as more than "kind and supporting their men", especially after that impressive first scene, where a woman dramatically arrives in a snowstorm at the milk farmer's home and is proposed to immediately. It's unfortunate that this has no impact on the story whatsoever (and I don't think we ever get to know why she came there at that time) -- and I wish the writer (who is also the director) had been more honest and either written out the female characters entirely or given them more to "do". It's especially jarring as each and every one of the five farmers get a unique character and an interesting backstory.

Overall, despite the shortcomings, it's not a boring film, which is mostly because of the the beautifully filmed landscape and the outstanding performances of the high-class actors.


Was it good?
It was a good representative for its genre, not too preachy and with beautiful landscapes and excellent acting.

Did I like it?
I'm not a fan of the genre, I admit, and if not for JFF Theater making this available, I wouldn't think to seek it out. That said, I enjoyed it for what it was.

Would I recommend it?
If you like films about community, good food and a beautifully filmed country side, then this is absolutely a film not to be missed.

Read More

DISAPPOINTED!! :(

Since it is a spin off of "THE PRIESTS" movie, which is one of my fav horrors, I expected this movie to be as good as that but DISAPPOINTED!!
Theme is same for both movies -- Two Priests trying to save a Possessed Gal by performing exorcism there and the same here but Two Nuns and One Possessed Boy.

Wanted to see Song Hye Kyo in a different role like this -- A Nun perfoming exorcism but unimpressive :(

*** WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

Interesting in the beginning of the movie but it got completely CLUELESS, No Clarity of what is happening for almost 3/4th of the movie.

Building the background to the Story (perform exorcism to save the possessed) itself took more than half of the movie and made me think of dropping it
(but didn't bcz of my "Watching Tradition" -- Not to drop a movie/drama, once I start watching).

Pacing is Super Slow -- A Test to my patience !! :(

That constant struggle to understand what is happening in the movie and its lack of capturing the interest, actually made me irritated.
Usually, I enjoy any type of Horror works, until unless it is very bad and unfortunately, this is one of them :/

*** WHAT I LIKED :

Loved the blend of religions -- Christianity Exorcism n Shaman Rituals.
Perfoming both rituals together to save the possessed, only those scenes in the last 20-30 mins of the movie are Superb.
(Out of those 30 mins, some exorcism scenes too, are slow n unimpressive at times but not very bad, just tolerable :/ ).

Possessed Boy - his Acting n Makeup are VERY GOOD

There is a reference of the priests from the parent movie and there is a cameo of
Dong Won from the parent movie.

*** RATING:

Since I love horror movies, usually my rating will be 7+, unless the movie is very bad or uninteresting.

This is just 6 / 10.

Whoever watches this movie first n not the parent story ("THE PRIESTS"), might enjoy n find this interesting but not the other way.

Just a One Time Watch!

(Check out my Review for Parent movie "THE PRIESTS" too:
https://kisskh.at/profile/KeeShaMDL/review/433126
)

Read More

Rom-Com with a large slice of eye-candy

I really liked the bickering, push-pull leading couple, the ML obsession (in a funny/quirky way) with the FL once he knew he liked her. The support cast's stories were also very entertaining and so funny. All the couples had a happy ending, very nice kissing as well. Let's talk about the eye-candy....oh yes, there are many shirtless lovely male chests to make you swoon over. These guys go the the gym a lot! The viewers much appreciate it! Tons of smoldering looks by ML=check! Eye-opening to what it takes to manager a celebrity. I had no idea and firmly believe that would not be a job I would every want to try. The only reason I scored it a 9 instead of 10, is because the housekeepers revenge plot in the middle of the drama did not even fit the story-line and it was like the script writers were trying to figure out how to get enough plot to fit the 16 episodes. Other than that, I would recommended it and is re-watchable. (viewed drama on Viki)

Read More

A Mature and Powerful Story Led by Strong Performances

This is a grand and serious historical drama led by Zhang Ziyi and Zhou Yiwei. From the first episode, the drama stands out because of its high production quality. The costumes are elegant and detailed, the palace sets and landscapes look rich and realistic, and the cinematography gives the drama an epic and cinematic feeling. The story takes its time and does not rush important moments. War scenes are intense and well-choreographed, while the political parts are serious and easy to follow, even if they feel slow at times. This drama feels more focused on life choices, duty, and power rather than fast romance or light entertainment.

Zhang Ziyi plays Wang Xuan with grace and maturity, showing her growth in a very calm and controlled way. Zhou Yiwei is perfectly cast as General Xiao Qi, bringing strength, warmth, and quiet confidence to the role. Their relationship is built on trust, respect, and understanding instead of constant romantic scenes, which makes it feel more realistic and mature. The romance is subtle but meaningful, and both leads feel like equals.

Some parts of the story can feel repetitive, a bit stretched or emotionally distant, but the overall journey is strong and memorable.

This drama is best for viewers who enjoy serious historical stories with strong characters and rich visuals.

Read More

Cotton candy with a Buddhist veneer

I was in the mood for a dreamy fantasy, and the first episode of THE UNCLOUDED SOUL looked like it might do the trick. But by episode 2, I began to realize it had turned into a children’s flic with cute little pixies, a demon school for newbies, and a menagerie of talking animals and plants. The meanie demons (not the nice ones) were always dressed in black–so you could tell who the bad guys were. The decor reminded me of Snow White, Cinderella, Peter Pan or even the Wizard of Oz with a dash of Harry Potter thrown in.

At first, Demonland ( Valley of Ten Thousand Demons) had a feel-good glow. As for the plot–there were enough contradictions to confuse a quantum physicist. When the FL accidentally tied the match-making red thread around her own wrist and that of the ML, he told her that from now on the two of them would never be separated. They would forever have to stay thisclose to each other. Two scenes later, the FL is back in class with the other kids (her demon besties), but the ML is off doing grown-up demon stuff.

There’s a school “test,” which is described by the “teacher” as having two goals 1) steal a pillow, and 2) make a human child cry. The pillows are duly stolen, but...make a child cry? Really? I was hoping for Darth Vader, but these folks have all the menacing gravitas of a group of trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

The FL learns a spell to make silver, but seems to have totally lost this ability in a later episode when she needs a couple of ingots to pay a merchant. A certain character, supposedly an immortal, is stabbed to death. Other “immortals” are also killable. Little things like this had me grinding my teeth.

On the other hand, the FL is cute and spunky. The ML, in spite of being a demon, is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, protective, warm, and sensitive. He even learns to cook the FL’s favorite foods for her birthday.There’s something sweet and poignant in their relationship that kept me hanging in there. Then there’s the dashing captain whose only flaw is that he takes himself way too seriously – and that he’s a little too bonded with his sword, who is also his sister (don’t ask).

A group of human women (including the FL) are sent to a mysterious island ruled over by a a beautiful immortal who has kidnapped the ML and injected him with poison, in an attempt to break his spirit. These women are forced to cook and clean and dodge magic manifestations in a series of degrading competitions, meant to bring out their greed and selfishness – all for a chance to become immortal. Mixed in with this display of sappy banality is a haunting atmosphere of tragedy and gloom that hangs over everything like a pall.

In short, this series doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. Is it a children’s story? A romance? A tragedy? A Buddhist morality play? I felt pulled in a dozen different directions at once.
*******************

Read More

What a Masterpiece!!

This is the most cool, dramatic, traumatic and toxic bl in a one frame ever. It's not peaceful, but heartbreaking story that i'm really invest. This story is so fresh that i really never watch kinda this series before. This will make you crazy, like really because it's contained toxicity and betrayal but in a toxic and good way. Idk but i love everything about this, the ost, the actors, the acting, the story, the pace or everything that contain like it's soo wonderful yet so toxic. Love every second of it and never ever skipped even 1 millisecond.

10/10 from me, i'm soo recommended it to y'all, it's wholesome story.

Read More

The best Chinese period piece

After watching this series three times all the way through, I think it is one of the best period pieces I have ever scene. Zhao Lu Si makes me cry every time as her character struggles to hold onto her own values. Leo Wu is good at everything in this drama--action scenes, character depth, and ML romance scenes. The cinematography is so beautiful and well done that it is worth rewatching just to catch new views! The emperor is lovable, which is unusual for these dramas, and there is no inner palace drama between the Empress and the favorite consort. Both are extremely likeable, and that is also refreshing for a period piece. The relationships between all the characters continually evolve throughout the series in a way that leaves none of them one dimensional. I found myself hating and then loving a character or vice versa. It is a touching tale that humanizes the plight of the royal, noble, and top military families in the nation. I highly recommend this series.

Read More

Speed and Love don't mix

I'll start with...Speed and Love just don't mix. Once the action, pretty cars and dreamy Thai setting was gone so was most of my attention.

They had the tools and the cast to make a better story but the first half they focused on the action, rather than consistency with the plot. Then the 2nd half they did a 180* and focused solely on the lead's emotional journeys. As a viewer, I never recovered from the whiplash. I guess reading the novel would help here but the drama as a stand alone story was frustrating. My main beef being that it takes the whole show for Jin Zhao to learn how to respect and trust Jiang Mu enough to allow her into his life. He also has no problem asking their family and friends to lie to her face...for years! And they all agree to it. Both of her parents are terrible people as well. Her father ignored her for years, became a drunk, and really only took an interest in Jin Zhao's life. Her mother hid the fact that Jin Zhao had been trying to call her when they were children when they separated. And then hid her illness from her until the most inconvenient time to reveal it arose. I was unimpressed with how manipulative, needy and unrealistic Jiang Mu's character was in the beginning. But after Jin Zhao's accident she grew on me. Mostly because I felt bad for her. Almost everyone in her life lied to her and never took her seriously, including the man she loved. But bless her heart, she forgave every single one of them.

The side characters were interactive scenery at best. No one really gets their own separate story and I was fine with that. I really liked San Lai as a brother type for MuMu until he agreed to lie to her for Jin Zhao. I liked Lin Sui too. I want him to make me a drink out of his Ferrari 😂 then give me a ride. NaNa, Wan Qing , Feng Zi and the other racing people didn't get enough screen time for me to care about them. Both of MuMu's step parents and step sister were sweet though.

But at least where my mind wasn't pleased, my eyes were. The physical chemistry between Yu Shu Xin and He Yu was electric. Whenever they were in the same room it was fireworks and butterflies.

And as a car enthusiast I enjoyed that part of the first half. They did their research and most of what Jin Zhao, Lin Sui and Jin Qiang said wasn't complete nonsense.

The acting also wasn't bad. If you're not a fan of YSX's babyish characters she's pretty toned down here and did well in the emotional scenes. And for playing a man of few words, He Yu managed to make me tear up a few times. That intense stare of his gives me chills...in a good way.

Happy to be done. I highly doubt I would ever rewatch this but if I did I would stop at ep 19 for sure.

Read More

Lovely Drama with Lovely Main Leads

I regretted by not watching this too soon. It was warmth and slice-of-life drama.

The growth progress in FL are quite wonderful for being not favorable despite her achievement by her family until she make big decision by marrying ML. Gong Fang Ni is one of rare actress that make cute character are not artificial and overacts. FL friend is her sole support beside ML.
ML is self aware when he know he was sleeping with her student, which is rare male character moment in short drama. Charon is definitely work on his specialized green flag character. The romance is perfect for every part of it the phase when they are communicating about their concern. The chemistry was too lovely to see and it gives real reaction about how older man/young woman couple are usually do.

Highlight to this drama by implicating misogyny attitude by FL family neglecting their daughter despite her wonderful achievement over their son always being pampered despite being loser in real life. ML family reaction when they know their son got shotgun marriage with younger student is too relatable.

Recommended to watch.

Read More

Love the friendship/family bond.

It’s been a really fun journey with Twinkling Watermelon, and I enjoyed it a lot. I especially loved the father-son(???xD)/friendship bond between the two male leads - it’s easily one of the best parts of the drama. I also really liked Yoon Cheong Ah as a character and her connection with both male leads.

I think Seol In Ah did a good job portraying Eun Yu, but I didn’t really like the character herself. She gets a lot of screen time, yet something feels missing about her story/character development/purpose. It feels like the writer didn’t quite do her character justice.

My favorite character is Ha Yi Chan - aside from his first-love stubbornness, which was a bit frustrating at times xD. Choi Hyun Wook did an absolutely amazing job bringing him to life; honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else pulling it off better. He makes Ha Yi Chan the soul of this drama for me.

Ryeoun also did a good job as Ha Eun Gyeol. He looks and feels completely different here compared to Weak Hero Class 2, so props to him for that range.

I loved almost everything about this drama except for the ending. It felt like it needed more episodes and a different direction. That said, it’s still a great drama despite some small holes here and there.

Read More