Reviews

A Heartwarming Journey of Healing

Small Town Remedy follows the story of a genius surgeon Liu Zhengliang whose life falls apart after a failed operation results in a patient’s death. Fired and stripped of everything he has worked for, he is forced to return to his hometown in the northeast. There’s just one problem: he has a debilitating phobia of snow, rooted in childhood trauma, and snow is hardly a rare occurrence there.

In an attempt to save his younger brother, he gets roped into staying at Xiao Ximen Hospital, a rather second-rate medical facility whose director initially tricks and takes advantage of him, but also looks out for him in his own unconventional way.

There, Liu Zhengliang encounters a whole host of colourful characters who gradually leave their mark on him. Through his interactions with them he begins to soften, rediscover his sense of purpose, and little by little find his way back to himself.

Despite being a slice-of-life drama, its greatest strength lies in its carefully thought out story and excellent character development, not just for the ML but for the entire supporting cast. It’s engaging from beginning to end, never dragging or feeling boring, and the episodes just fly by. It beautifully balances realistic everyday situations with heartfelt stories, all brought to life by outstanding acting and genuinely fantastic humour.

Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming story about healing, personal growth, and the unexpected people who help us become better versions of ourselves.

10/10

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Bogged down with hospital politics & repetitive plot devices

I keep saying that Doctor/Hospital dramas aren't "my thing" yet here I am again writing a review for a drama that I intended to watch only as a "filler" & I ended up finishing it.
I barely got through the first episode & dropped it for a month until I thought to watch it with the assumption that it would sufficiently bore me so I'd be inclined to sleep. That didn't happen.
While the first episode starts with the characters in the present, it quickly switches to 13 years earlier (Ep 3) & stays there for a good long time, which was weird.
By the middle of episode 4 I felt as if we were 3/4 of the way through what seemed like a decent plot. It also felt like all the main characters had circled back to where they had been 13 years earlier .

This drama is just good enough to give it a 'decent but falls short' rating. [ Anything I'd consider worth rewatching has to be 8* or higher]

This would have been much better at 16 episodes.
Around episode 16 it started to really feel draggy, with plot devices repeating themselves.
As it is it's just bogged down with the Hospital politics , intrusive people & the female lead's singular focus on revenge. For most the drama she chooses to nurture her grudge rather than let it go (& pursue happiness, love & focus on the future instead of on the past .)
Instead of those plot points ,we could have been given better resolution on some of the side characters like the female lead's BFF, the male friend ( Kim Su Cheol) from the past & the second male lead-who don't get the storyline attention or story conclusions that they deserve.
Still:
With all the focus on revenge it was nice to see that in the end it was Forgiveness & letting go of grievances that really gave freedom, as it proved more powerful that hate

This is the ONLY drama I have ever approved of a time skip . Still, it would have been nice to have some short flash backs to clear up what happened to Cheon Sun Hui & Kim Su Cheol in relation to thier relation ship to Yoo Hye Jeong in that 13 year time gap.

**************Spoilers************
dumb things:
Long manicured nails on a surgeon !!!

yet another Time skip (3 week time skip in episode 19) & this one I didn't think was necessary

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A definite 10/10 and an absolute recommendation from me! ❤️

What an absolute rollercoaster! Even while it was still airing, I found myself looking forward to every single episode and counting down the days until the next one. And honestly, it was worth every second!

Every episode kept me hooked, entertained and on the edge of my seat. The final episodes were especially intense and took everything to another level. I absolutely loved how everything came together in the end. The conclusion was beautifully done and those very last moments were just so beautiful.

This drama kept me invested from beginning to end, constantly surprising me and making me feel so many different emotions. also loved the second couple!!!

A definite 10/10 and an absolute recommendation from me! ❤️

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We Can Finally Relax with the Couple After their Complex Relationship in the Drama.

The drama was very mature and bordering dark, but this special episode does a 180 and gives the couple (and us) sometime to breathe and soak in their relationship.

•❅✧❅✦ STORY •❅✧❅✦

After the MLs have finally settled down and figured out their complex relationship, this special episode serves as an epilogue and is very relaxing.... Notice how I said relaxing and not romantic. There is very little romance, just a wholesome slice of life and some possible forshadowing for the relationship the two MLs with have in the future.

In the episode we meet the ML's former manager's boyfriend. They are two older gays in their late 50s and early 60s. The two MLs interact and seem to long for the relationship the two older gays have. The entire episode is relaxing and warm. A big contrast to the drama, which was very tense and dark. The episode seems to show that their relationship has calmed down and isn't as turbulant as it was in the series.

•❅✧❅✦ Overall •❅✧❅✦

This special episode is a glimpse into the future of relationship. Both MLs have settled their complex relationship and made it simple. They have calmed down. And the two older gays seemed to be a forshadowing into what their relationship will look like in the future.

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A Mature Drama Without Any Whimsy

The drama is very mature and almost dark. The only thing keeping this drama from turning dark is the ML's bubbly personality once he regains his footing in life.

•❅✧❅✦ STORY •❅✧❅✦

The plot is very interesting. Since high school the ML's "servant" had been waiting on his hands and feet. Even as they grow up and go into the world of business, they keep their relationship the same. Once the ML falls from grace and his "servant" maintains his status as the president of a security company, the ML starts to feel like he's hit rock bottom... Only to be brought back up by his "servant."

The story is very complex. Aside from the business aspect, the relationship between the two MLs isn't simple. Their relationship is so complex, even they don't know what to call it. Bully, and victim, master and servant, lovers, sex friends.... what is the right word to call their relationship? From our ML's POV their relationship started out as master and servant that bordered on bullying. From our "servant's" POV their relationship was always more complex and played into his kink (which I don't think he realizes he has.) The whole story is about these two navigating their complex relationship while also helping the ML regain his footing in life.

•❅✧❅✦ OVERALL •❅✧❅✦

The drama is very mature despite the ML's bubbly personality. If you are looking for romance or light hearted whimsy, you won't get that until the special episode. The drama itself is very interesting, but mature. A good watch if you like mature and almost dark concepts.

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From Dark Poetry to Pure Noise

A series based on a revenge, but which, for me, is radically divided into two parts.

At the beginning, the series takes a strong direction. It's slow, delicate: we discover La-el through dance, it's sensual, the camera films the fingers, the glances... The series pushes you to love her at the same time as Kang Yoon-gyeom. There is lust, psychological manipulation, mutilation. We fully accept La-el's darkness, and we tell ourselves that her revenge will be just as much.

Unfortunately, the series completely betrays itself afterwards. We go from a La-el vs. the elite showdown to hair-pulling over a guy.

The series drags on without moving forward. Around episode 10, you'll be thinking: « Geez, what is even left to tell with so many episodes remaining?! » There are plot conveniences all over the place (example: a child crying right when someone asks the right question). La-el starts wearing outfits that clash. We endure flashbacks, tales of destiny, secondary characters explaining that La-el is struggling...

Do I recommend it? A demanding series that turns into a telenovela: whether you belong to the first style of audience or the second, you won't be satisfied.

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Slowest Slow-Burn Love, But Sweetest!

📺 On NETFLIX:
At around episode 5, we ask, "When Do Kham & Sood Finally Become a Couple?"

It happens gradually, but the big turning point is around Episodes 25–26!

Here's how it unfolds:

- Episodes 1–24: They deeply love each other but keep it hidden — longing, quiet glances, gentle care, staying close but never fully saying it out loud.

- Episode 25–26: After being separated and then reunited, Sood asks Prince Wilat for permission to live openly with Kham — that's when they stop hiding their feelings and step forward together.

- Episode 29: They have a painful misunderstanding that temporarily drives them apart — Sood thinks Kham betrayed her and runs away.

- Episode 30: They reconcile in Amphawa — that's when their hearts truly, fully belong to each other and they choose one another completely.

They face the royal court together — not just as concubines, but as partners standing side by side, willing to sacrifice everything for their love.

So, in short — They don't rush it. Their love builds slowly, quietly, and beautifully. By the end, they're not just "a couple" — they're each other's freedom.

The chemistry between the two lead stars? ELECTRIC!✨

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XLX is busy solving problems all day, every day!

Many viewers have provided good reviews on this drama and I'm not an exception. I, too, have good things to say about this drama. :)

What I Liked A Lot:
- Riveting plotline which was fast-paced. It made me want to continue watching and watching.
- The ML and FL lead were not my favourites but they did their job very well. Bravo! Top-notch acting IMO. I was invested in them and the progression of their relationship.
- The OST suited the show and while the songs started to sound quite the same and to merge into one another... they were pleasant and I enjoyed the songs.
- I was truly touched by XLX's adoptive parents who were through and through good people. They embraced her as theirs and she embraced them as hers. It was a beautiful relationship to witness. The scene, which stood out for me greatly, was when XLX cried upon seeing the "xi bing" and her "mother" told her to cry - let it all out, and then, live her life like a grass/ weed and to live her life vigorously and with vitality; to live her life to the fullest. I think it is a positive lesson for us all to seize life by the horns and to navigate its ups and downs with vigor, wit and perseverance.
- I liked the relationship of the two leads as they learnt that fate still put them together anyway.
- I liked the empowerment of the women. I liked the message shared that women were not foolish beings to be coddled but women are fully capable human beings with our own minds, desires, ambitions, preferences and so on and should not be treated as mere pawns in the game in which men play. Men use women thoughtless and recklessly to further their own ambitions while keeping women reigned in under their power. I liked that ZXT grew up and grew into her own person. She realised that she could only depend on herself and by bettering herself, she would be able to rise and be her. LXW also grew up and became a much better woman/ person. It was nice to see her meeting her soulmate at 35. The growth of the women in the story, such as LXR and the maids in the household, was gratifying.

What I Did Not Like Too Much:
-

TBC

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Life is messy. Life is beautiful.

What I love most about Small Town Remedy is how human it feels. The drama has such a lovely, lived-in atmosphere, and I really enjoy how it balances the medical stories with warmth, humour, and the everyday lives of the people in this small community. Most importantly - it never feels like it’s trying too hard to be profound. There’s a genuine sense of connection, kindness, and healing that makes the whole drama feel comforting without being shallow.

And Xiao Zhan’s Liu Zhengliang is such a big part of what makes it work. Liu Zhengliang feels like a real person, with all the complexity and imperfections that come with being human. I find that kind of acting far more compelling than anything showy, because it makes you connect with the character rather than simply admire the performance. The entire ensemble cast is amazing! Every single character is well fleshed and makes you care about them.

Th score and the cinematography are on the next level, there were moments I couldn’t believe I was watching a modern Chinese drama cause they rarely tend to stand out for me.
For me, Small Town Remedy is a reminder of why I love a well-written, character-driven drama, a one of a kind type of show that I will be coming back to many times in the future.

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Love And A Lot Of Drama

Personally, I had a feeling I wasn't going to enjoy this story as much as I wanted to when I noticed how quickly everything was progressing from the very first episode. I'm not particularly fond of BLs where the main couple is already dating or gets together within the first few episodes, because, more often than not, what follows is an endless cycle of drama, misunderstandings, and emotional agony. And unfortunately, this series was exactly that. After the initial episodes, the story became increasingly focused on conflict and back-and-forth developments, which simply wasn't what I was looking for.

I've come to realize that dropping a series I'm not connecting with is something I constantly consider but rarely follow through with, so I've made a promise to myself to stop forcing watches that aren't doing anything for me. I knew going into this that the characters were former lovers who had been separated, but I still wanted to give it a chance and see how the story would unfold.

However, I don't want this review to come across as me claiming the story is bad, because that's not necessarily how I feel. Putting aside my personal preferences and the way I would have liked the narrative to develop, I can recognize that this is a well-made story within its respective genre. I have watched "I Feel You Linger in the Air", which I absolutely loved, and this series reminded me of it in quite a few ways. Maybe it's simply the way that particular story was written and executed that resonated with me more, because despite the similarities, I never quite felt that same spark or emotional investment here.

One of my biggest issues was just how quickly the relationship progressed. I understand that their love had already been established long before the events of the series, and we were essentially witnessing them at the height of their relationship before everything fell apart. However, even after approximately 11 years apart, they seemed to fall back into each other's arms almost immediately. Maybe it's because I'm particularly fond of yearning, emotional restraint, and that slow process of two people gradually finding their way back to one another, but I felt like the story lacked that entirely. There wasn't much hesitation, denial, or internal conflict surrounding their feelings, which was something I personally would have liked to see explored more.

Additionally, considering the historical setting and the social attitudes surrounding queer relationships during that period, I sometimes found the characters' openness and acceptance of their feelings a little too convenient. I understand that the story doesn't necessarily have to revolve around societal prejudice, but there were moments when the characters felt almost too modern in their outlook for the time period. It took away from some of the historical realism for me.

And then there was the drama. A LOT of it. LOL.

Overall, I thought the chemistry was decent, the acting was good, and the cinematography and soundtrack were enjoyable. However, the overall storytelling felt a little too much like a lakorn or even a telenovela at times, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it might just not be my preferred style of storytelling.

I really want to emphasize that this is entirely a matter of personal taste rather than a criticism of the genre itself. I'm sure plenty of people enjoyed this series, and I can absolutely see why others might find it entertaining. If anything, this experience has made me realize that historical BLs with this particular approach to storytelling might not always be my cup of tea. "I Feel You Linger in the Air" remains a major exception, which I rated a 9.5/10, so maybe it's simply a matter of execution and the particular elements a story chooses to emphasize.

Regardless, I'm glad I gave this one a chance. I tried it, realized it wasn't for me, and dropped it without feeling guilty about it. No regrets! If this is the kind of storytelling you enjoy, definitely give it a try. You might have a much better experience than I did!

Overall: 7/10

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Dive Into The Series

Dive Into You is quite an interesting take on time travel. It has it's flaws but it is a fun journey and kept me hooked which is why I enjoyed it.

With the first episode, you get to experience a multitude of emotions. The episode starts strong and ends on a funny note. The brother sister duo were awesome. Though there were times early on when I was not convinced by their switched roles, I could see it becoming realistic later on.

The comedy eventually dies down and episodes get more and more serious, they still have light moments. I found both the couples interesting. Also I can't prove it but that Dubai Chewy Cookie moment seemed like it was AI and, IMO, slightly cringe. But I can see why it would be amusing seeing how obsessed Koreans are with it.

I really loved the action and judo scenes in this drama. Frankly I felt that there should have been way more!

The final episode was quite interesting but the last 15 - 20 mins felt a bit dull to me personally. Though it was satisfactory, I was already missing the excitement. Some times the drama also felt a bit slow when it concerned the main couple and I had to speed it up.

It's not perfect but in a way, if we had to try to fix things or redo things, we'd probably mess things up a few times too.

Also, the OST is so good! I am waiting for I Feel You's official release because there is an AI version spreading online. Hello is also great. Also the use of behind the scenes footage as a parting gift, was cute.

The drama is worth a try.

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The AI Wasn't Giving But The Chemistry Was

Wow, finally a decent CBL! And unfortunately, it comes with AI editing and an AI-generated OST. I'm very 50/50 when it comes to AI. I understand that it has its advantages, but I'm also very aware of the harm and downsides that come with it. Personally, I try to avoid using it as much as possible, although I recognize that AI has already integrated itself into so many aspects of the online world that avoiding it entirely is becoming increasingly difficult.

That being said, I generally try to stay away from AI-generated series because I struggle to feel any genuine connection to something when the actors, performances, and entire production are artificially generated. Thankfully, this series only uses AI for certain editing aspects and its OST, which I can somewhat understand if we're working with a limited budget and trying to cut production costs. However, that doesn't necessarily make the execution any better. At times, the editing looks noticeably cheap and sloppy, and it occasionally pulls me out of the experience, regardless of how invested I am in the story.

I also agree with the comment by Rike regarding the OST. A lot of the music sounded incredibly robotic and lacked any real emotion or personality. I even noticed that one of the songs incorporated the lyrics from "Feeling Good," although the actual composition sounded completely different from the original. It was essentially the same lyrics presented through a different arrangement. And honestly, it makes me wonder where we draw the line when it comes to AI and copyright. At what point does using AI to recreate or reproduce existing artistic work become an infringement on the original creator's rights? The idea that practically any piece of art can be recreated with a few clicks is something worth discussing, but I'll save that conversation for another day.

Now, putting all the AI-related issues aside, this was actually a pretty enjoyable series! I genuinely liked the overall storyline, and the acting was surprisingly good. The chemistry between the leads was REALLY good, especially for a CBL. Wow, they did not disappoint in that department! I also really enjoyed the NC scenes, and overall, I don't have many actual complaints about the story or its execution beyond the AI elements.

Honestly, I could easily see this being a 9 or even a 9.5 if it had been edited by actual people and featured a properly produced, human made OST. Considering what I assume was a relatively limited budget, I think they did a pretty decent job with the resources they had. The casting, number of people involved, and sets were all handled quite well, and those aspects genuinely added to the experience. My biggest issue was that the AI-generated music occasionally made everything feel lifeless and artificial, while the editing sometimes disrupted the flow of the series and made it difficult to stay immersed.

But yeah, aside from the AI slop, this wasn't a bad watch at all! I almost ended up binge watching the entire thing in one day, but it got too late, so I settled for finishing it over 2 days instead. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't watched it yet!

Overall: 8/10

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This is not for the faint of hearts

Disclaimer: I stopped at ep 39 😁...cause I know my limits lol.

First, and foremost if you don't like main leads dying in shows don't watch this or watch it right before the last episode 🤷🏾‍♀️. That's what I do.

Second, storyline-wise this is NOT everyone's cup of tea. FYI, It isn't mine either. I like fun bubbly love stories with a lot of kisses. This drama was steamy at time, but rarely ever fun or bubbly lol. If you're a normal person (and not a of 15yo teenager stuck in a 38yo woman body like me) and the type of person who reads books like Wuthering heights or Jane Erye and them, then this is definitely your cup of tea. Basically trauma on a page lol. Not for me!!

Third, the Male Lead is hot because well...Cheng Lei 😍😍, but deeply unlikeable lol. At least for the first half of the show. And I am not talking green flag in a red flag coating, or like aloof on the outside but actually "No no this man will use everyone and everything to get what he wants and 5th master always gets what he wants" kinda way🫠

Now , that being said this was a stellar show. Amazing cinema! It reminds me of the old telenovela I used to watch with my family back in the day. Shout out to "Rosalinda" and "Marimar" lol.

1. Not an idol drama. This was a well budgeted multi-year show and production. So they needed the costums, and the set designs to follow the progression of that era. And they delivered. The sets and the clothes were beautiful and appropriate for the scenes. A LOT OF ICONIC looks on the girls. Now, I am not an expert in Republic/Warlords China history or even shows...😬😬 (I don't like that genre lol. People always die at the end because of censorship. Something about Chinese big Media will not let a warlord have a happy ending. ) but it all felt accurate to me.

2. Very good well-written story line. Every character was very fleshed out. By the end of each scene we knew what motivated these people and who we understood them as we would understand people IRL. These characters felt real. Also, there was clear continuation and progression in the plot. A few plotholes here and there, but not enough to create major issues for me. Altogether, it all made sense. Now like I said I hate these type of story and genre lol.

3. Acting was stellar. To be fair we had a lot of heavy hitters in this show. Which almost felt unnecessary 😂😂😂. Like one of the actors who played the main antagonist generals are known and respected in the industry. I feel like the amlunt of scenes and the range of acting need for their charaters specifically didn't justify their level of acting. But hey money is green and everybody needs it lol.

I love the female actress a lot and I have seen a few of her dramas. I...don't think she has the range for this character though if we're being honest lol. She did her best, no doubt. What the show needed was her innocence but with richer textures and depths. Also, another character who I still think could have acted a little better was the actress who played main female antagonist/love rival. But you can tell she is still green lol. I wanted her expressions to be more subtle. Her villainy would have been better if portrayed as swift split or a drop of her "nice girl" mask instead of...whatever she was doing with her teeth lol.

Cheng Lei was good. He has gained enough experiences to know to deliver solid performances. He is definitely a good actor to have as lead. I think giving more experience and better characters he can grow to win "serious" awards. Now, my advise to him is to stay away from these type of characters lol. A lot of work and little reward. The true chinese romance girlie in me obviously did not find this character likeable at all.

Romance: I actually liked it hehehe. I am ashamed but even though I don't like the ML lead character...I still like the way he treated the girl...later. No excuses, but with a dad like his...no wonder he is an asshole who doesn't know how to love properly. Blame it on my romance-crazed mind BUT there is something so hot about a converted rake who is obsessed (but in a good way) with you 😍🤭. Ruohan will have good chemistry with a rock if you tell her lol. I don't know how she does it but she plays demure innocent girlfriend who can deliver a fire intimate scene very well. She lets the scene naturally unfold. I like that they let them bond progressively. He was always on top of her 😄. Always touching her, pulling her to his side or doing the cute stuff boulyfriends do when they obsessed with you. Ugh looooved it!

4. I will rewatch the love scenes yeah, but that's about it because as stellar as this drama was...I skipped a lot of the war stuff. Bro...a LOT OF PEOPLE DIED gruesomely under that machine gun and ionlikedat. I knew he was gonna die...and he did but didnthey had to do him like that?! And the SA scenes...no thanks lol. These men...were not good people. That's all I'm finna say.

But the romance was great TO ME. To be fair I used to read Danielle Steel, Barbara Cartland, and all of the other romance epics with complexed and sometimes unlikeable characters. The Dukes were always assholes for some reason lol. So yeah, I am used to these types of charaters but I personally do not like 'em. If this wasn't a book/show, you know this man would have gone around being a "soft" narcissistic menace to every women in his life he is romantically linked to!! No thank you! Lol. However Cheng Lei gave the character a modicum of likability. And it's all in the eyes!! I don't know about anything but this man has "puppy eyes acting" on lock! Squeeeal!

Look man, lol. Food and gas prices are hella high. Can't nobody buy a house. And we have shit people governing us all...we don't need that sad ish right now. If you NEED to watch it...wait till we have another president (if you're in the US). You deserve a happy show and this is NOT it. In my head this show stopped when she came back home and everybody lived happily ever after. If you can do like me, I say go-ahead. But if you're not...it's a skip for now lol

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