Reviews

Jaw-dropping Sword Choreography and Costumes

OK, I'll say this once and for all before I even proceed with this review: THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST WUXIA DRAMAS EVER MADE! In fact, I would argue it's in the top three.

Now, it's time to talk about the stunning cast and costumes. First, I must be the millionth person to say that Li Hongyi is a triple threat: brilliant actor, strong with combat choreography, and prime eye candy. But let's not discount the fact that the ENTIRE main cast are exceptionally strong actors. Ao Rui Peng, Liu Xue Yi, and Li Xin Ze made my day whenever they were on screen, as did He Zhong Hua as the Xueyue Spear Deity and Dong Li Wu You as the Wushuang City Lord.

In fact, Wu Shuang became one of the more interesting side characters for me simply based on his hubris and tenacity, especially after taking the city lord position by force (threatening the council with violence). Seeing him slowly master the Wushuang Sword Box and run around getting into fights just to increase his strength-an attribute very similar to Lei Wu Jie's fiery, pure spirit-I was genuinely curious about where his story would lead. I would definitely be interested in watching a side arc showing his character development.

Back to the cast: it is rare to see so many strong actors together in one series. Even the supporting cast was top tier. From Du Jun Ze as the Jade Deity to Cao Yu Chen as the Tao Sword Deity of Mount Wangcheng, I was more and more delighted with the introduction of each and every character in the show. And let's not forget Deng Kai as Prince Chi. Not only did he do a wonderful job portraying this role, but I daresay he rivaled many of the main cast costume-wise and was strikingly handsome too (despite his character being the most ungrateful, petty, vindictive, and scheming person on the planet).

Regarding Li Hongyi as the ML: I love how Xiao Se/Xiao Chu He was both the star and the underdog in this series, having to work his way back to his optimal form. Despite his weakened state, his attitude was enough to make it clear that he isn't just anybody. I found it refreshing to see him slowly warm up to Lei Wu Jie, and I could tell that he saw his former self in Lei Wu Jie-a time when he was full of vigor and still unscathed by the disappointments and tragedies of the world. I loved their interaction, and it was a joy to watch the main cast grow together to form real bonds that transcend even life and death.

Now let's talk about the jaw-dropping combat choreography, the intricate naming system for the swords, and stunning CGI imagery. I'll sum these up with one word: SUBLIME!

This show allows the viewer to witness and savor the power structure established by the old leaders while cheering on the limitless potential of the upcoming youth of the martial arts world. The plot is solid and the ending gives us closure. After watching it for the second time, I still can't express enough how much I enjoyed this series.

If I could give it 20 stars, I would. Highly recommended!

Read More

Don't judge a book by its cover!

After finishing the series, I can honestly say that I misjudged how much I would end up liking it. The first episode was a bit like watching paint dry, mostly because it lacked sufficient context. But things picked up after they met in the cafeteria in episode 2. From there, I was giggling through almost every episode like a silly schoolgirl.

While I don't know how I feel about Zhu Yun having to chase Li Xun from beginning to end, the chemistry between the two was palpable. Li Xun is a complicated character. I found him to be charming at first, then after a few more episodes I grew tired of his arrogant, obstinate behavior, then I eventually found him to be charming again by the end of the series.

Gao Jian Hong is another complicated character, who struggled with his own insecurities and the eventual projection of those same insecurities onto others. His tug-of-war with feeling like he's always in Li Xun's shadow became the demon that he had to eventually confront and defeat, though it took literal sickness to halt him in his march towards self-destruction.

It's rare to come across a modern love-story c-drama as potent as Lighter & Princess. The approach to storytelling is very mature, and hyper-realistic. Ignore anyone who gives this show a low rating, especially if they haven't at least watched the first few episodes.

Read More

Truly a hidden gem!

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Jingyi Zhang was amazing as the lead actress and honestly, the entire female cast did a wonderful job. At first, I was skeptical about Yitian Hu but he proved me wrong real quick. Plus for some reason he kept getting more attractive with each episode.

All in all, the pacing of the storytelling helps the audience to truly connect with the background of each character, and the interplay of their relationships makes it even more meaningful. It wasn't just about overcoming hardships and situations of uncertainty but about defying certain norms and expectations that not only limit but divide us.

This show was heartwarming, with just the right amount of humor and suspense. My only regret is that I didn't watch it sooner.

Read More

The Guest — Shadows, Secrets, and Souls

The Guest is a journey through darkness """not just the supernatural kind, but the kind that lives inside people. The story follows three individuals — a shaman, a priest, and a detective "" each scarred by tragedy and connected by one terrifying curse. Years after their lives were shattered, fate brings them together again, forcing them to confront the evil that has haunted them all along.

What makes the story so gripping is how personal it feels. The evil they face isn’t just a ghost or a demon, it’s the fear, guilt, and weakness that exist in all humans. Every episode slowly unravels the mystery, revealing how their pasts are intertwined, and how their choices have consequences far beyond what they imagined.

The drama balances intense horror with deeply human emotions. While it shocks and terrifies, it also explores trust, sacrifice, and the bonds that form when people share the same pain. The twists are unpredictable, the secrets hidden in plain sight, and the story never lets you feel completely safe.

Even amidst the darkness, the connections between the three leads feel real and meaningful. Their struggles, their silent understanding, and the moments of courage make the story as emotional as it is chilling. The actors bring such depth to their roles that every fear, every sorrow, and every act of courage feels incredibly real ,the performances, story, and production all come together perfectly.

The Guest is more than a horror drama, it’s a tale of fate, human weakness, and the invisible forces that bind us. Every step of the story pulls you deeper into its haunting world, and when it ends, the echo of its mystery lingers long after the screen goes dark.

So If you dare to step into shadows where every secret hides a curse, let The Guest guide you through its haunting world — don’t miss it.

Read More

What a pleasant surprise

Initially, I was skeptical since the first few episodes gave the impression that Xingxu Chen's acting was robotic and one-dimensional. Boy was I wrong. Midway in, I realized this was done intentionally to demonstrate Empyrean Xuan Shang's personality when purged of his desires. Later on, I loved his performance as the different soul shard personalities, as well as his complete change in personality near the end after his desires were restored.

I also loved the performances of Landi Li as Li Guang Ye Tan, and Xuanlin He as Li Guang Qing Kui. Chen Muchi was also great at playing the third prince of the void and I enjoyed the character Wu Dai played by actor Xiaolin Jiang as well.

All in all, I liked this series more than I thought I would, though the ending seemed abrupt and left me a little bit disappointed.

Read More

Dylan is the perfect fit for this role

Ok first of all Princess Lin'an is a super-annoying character, and I almost gave up on the show when she started getting more screentime. Luckily, I powered through and was not disappointed.

This show was so fun and lighthearted for most episodes that I wasn't prepared for Xu Qi'an's transformation (albeit provoked) into a no-nonsense, bone-breaking, body-dragging, enemy-beheading executioner. I thought it was an interesting progression for his character development, and perhaps the start of an arc where he would be feared rather than loved. I was curious about what would happen next. But, to my dismay, the writers took the easy way out and essentially "reset" everyone's memory with a spell of forgetfulness.

Aside from the lousy ending, I felt like there were some lazy plot holes here and there throughout the show... but overall, it was still quite entertaining. Definitely looking forward to a second season.

Read More

Surprisingly overrated

As much as I love Zhan Xiao as a lead actor, the plot is so convoluted that it never quite hits the mark. Oftentimes, the rationale behind certain decisions and actions is so weak that they have to dedicate an equal amount of screen time explaining how each "clever scheme" is supposed to work in order for us to understand the significance of these events. This has nothing to do with the audience being lazy and needing to be spoonfed, as some reviewers might suggest, but is a sign that the storyline could have been better executed.

I must admit, the first few episodes really piqued my interest, but it loses momentum shortly after. Overall, the show isn't terrible, but the amount of people hyping it up as a 10/10 is ridiculous.

Read More

“no me puedo llamar el mejor cocinero porque nunca superé la comida de mi abuela” ?

Con los primeros capítulos pensé que sería un drama con 95% escenas de cocina y un 5% de romance. Sin embargo, en verdad me sorprendió mucho el arco de los personajes que los llevó a enamorarse, es primera vez que lo sentí correcto y natural, no me faltó ni me saltó nada. Muchas veces me pasa que la razón por lo que los personajes se enamoran es muy “puesta”, igual me terminan encantando, pero no hay algo que yo me encante en ese camino, a diferencia de esta que me hicieron sentir ese cambio de perspectiva, un ligero enemy to lovers.

Por otra parte quiero destacar mucho la interpretación de Lee Chae-min, sinceramente no es un actor que conocía, pero me sorprendió mucho sobretodo los últimos capítulos, la desesperación, traición y dolor en verdad se vieron reflejados.

Igual sostengo que es más un drama de cocina jajajaja pero el romance estaba y estaba chef kiss 😮‍💨

Por lo general, y explicando mi ranking, no soy una persona muy picky, si el romance hace que chille me tiene, un promedio siempre pongo 8,5 cuando me entretuvo, pero con una vez verlo estoy bien.

Read More

A Nostalgic, Thought-Provoking Slice of Life

This show had been sitting on my watchlist for a long time, and I’m so glad I finally gave it a chance. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the concept of repeating life over and over again. While it’s technically a comedy-drama, Brush Up Life truly feels like a slice-of-life series — subtle, reflective, and quietly emotional.

Watching this made me wonder: What would I do if I had the chance to live my life all over again? What would change, and what would stay the same? It gave me this deep sense of appreciation for the present moment — a reminder that, in reality, we only have one shot at life, so we should make the most of it.

What I Loved:

1. The Nostalgia Hit Hard:
If you grew up watching Japanese dramas in the late '90s to early 2000s, this series is a goldmine of references. It felt like a warm hug from the past.

• "Konayuki" – If you know, you know. Every time the classmates sang it at karaoke, I couldn't help but sing along.
• Orange Range – Hearing their music again brought back so many memories.
• Several of my favorite actors and actresses made cameos or were mentioned, and I honestly felt like a fangirl all over again seeing them on screen.

2. The Other “Reincarnators”:

One of the best parts of the show was learning about other characters who were also going through repeated lives. One of them relived the same life countless times while working at a government office. Another had a single, laser-focused goal she carried with her through every life.

But the storyline I loved the most was the last one of Kondo Asami’s. As she said, she wasn’t doing it to rack up points for the next life — she simply learned to enjoy the last one. That message hit me the hardest: sometimes, it’s not about chasing achievements or fixing everything. As hard as it is, sometimes we just need to remember – we should just enjoy life as we can.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts:
Brush Up Life is a quiet, heartfelt exploration of life, regret, growth, and the little things that truly matter. It made me laugh, reflect, and even tear up a little. If you're into stories that make you think about your own journey — while hitting you with a wave of nostalgia — this is one drama you shouldn’t miss.

8.5/10

Read More

Powerful and Captivating

The script flowed well. Excellent character development. Both female leads delivered great performances. At times the characters leap out of the screen and into my living room. The portrayal of the production company was very realistic.

I admire Park Ji Hyun for portraying such a damaged Cheon Sang Yeon so well. She deserves a best actress nomination. Kim Go Eun is a perfect complement to her. Kudos to the casting choices.

The script takes some of life's most stressful events in our lives . The cast delivered the depth of emotion to create an awesome journey towards healing ones soul.

Read More

A powerful, unforgettable drama of epic scale

This drama is one of the ultimate examples of great storytelling, a truly epic saga inspired loosely on real events, set mostly during the first half of the Kangxi Emperor’s era (Qing Dynasty). It tells the story of the dreams of three men around the Yellow River—one of the five largest and most untamable rivers in the world—while also capturing the highs and lows of human life. It is larger than life, yet deeply personal.

The setting and story (without spoilers):
The show spans from around 1670 to nearly 1690, and its core lies in the decades-long efforts to tame the Yellow River—a task that has remained a central concern for the Chinese government to the present day. As such, the drama unfolds in two main scenarios, intertwined settings: the river and its surrounding lands, and the imperial court.

Because of this historical backdrop, it helps to have a general idea of the era; otherwise, keeping track of names, time jumps, and court intrigues can be challenging. That was my experience, so I took a quick visit to Wikipedia—which helped A LOT. In any case, the drama is so well made that it makes you want to dive deeper into this fascinating period of Chinese history.

During this time, we follow our three main protagonists in their personal and collective struggles: the Kangxi Emperor, played by Luo Jin; the Governor of the River, responsible for the planning and execution of this ambitious project, played with a tour de force performance by Huang Zhi Zhong; and a young, free-spirited genius who calls himself the River’s God, played by Yin Fang. And then there’s the Yellow River itself, the omnipresent fourth character - majestic, nurturing, destructive, shaping lives and destinies as it flows across China and through time.

The trio is surrounded by complex, vivid characters, both along the distant river provinces and within the court, brought to life by seasoned actors whom you’ll come to love and hate at the same time - well, not all of them.

Court politics, power struggles, personal ambitions, greed, jealousy - everything unfolds like a high-stakes chess game that keeps you on the edge of your seat (and sometimes, your nerves). You’ll root for the massive project and for the two heroes who dedicated their lives to it, while being amazed by the incredible psychological portrayal of an Emperor who was one of the most important and powerful men of his time. You’ll follow them through years of failures and successes, fights and dreams, moments of happiness, frustration, and anger… You’ll cry, cheer, smile, and learn about politics, history, dams, and the human spirit.

Production:
The attention to detail is breathtaking, from the rugged riverbanks to the opulent court, with historically accurate settings and costumes. Kangxi Emperor ruled for over 66 years, overseeing one of the Qing Dynasty’s most prolific periods: he expanded the frontiers, and international relations with the West were also prolific. The drama incorporates this into the story naturally, helping us feel immersed in the time while connecting it cleverly to the plot.

The animated intro and the ending credits deserve a special mention. The soundtrack, script, editing, and direction are really good. From grand, majestic scenes to intimate power struggles or dialogues between characters, the hand of scriptwriter and director Zhang Ting is firm, sensitive, and clear. The drama isn’t fast-paced, but it never feels slow - it grabs you emotionally from the very first minute of the first episode and never lets go.

Definitely, a must-watch for epic story lovers. You won’t go through this drama untouched.

Read More

Team Divorce or Team Marriage?

At first, I questioned the title. Ambition? For love?? That pairing felt odd to me — I’ve always thought of love as unconditional. But after watching the first few episodes, it all started to make sense. The title is actually perfect. There only a few episodes out, so this will be an ongoing review as I continue watching.

Let me start by saying: this series hooked me immediately. I ended up staying up late just to binge as many episodes as I could in one evening. Honestly, I started watching because of the beautiful Rosy Zhao Lusi and the handsome William Chan — they’re a stunning duo. Lately, I’ve been skipping reading synopses and just diving in, so I had no idea what to expect going in. But, as always, Lusi picked a strong role — her character is cunning, determined, and incredibly compelling.

The story starts with her fighting her way through life — without loving and doting parents, without a safety net — pursuing love and a career. And when she finally meets the man who makes her feel something, you can’t help but understand why she so determined to get married to Shen Hao Ming.

I’m up to episode 18, and honestly, I’m loving every moment. It feels like a classic scheming costume drama (which I love!) but set in modern times, making everything feel more relatable and grounded.
________________________________________
What I’m Loving So Far:
• Her Style: From outfits to makeup to hairstyles, everything is coordinated and flawless. I read that in real life she graduated with a degree in fashion design – I’m sure she made use of those skills in this series!!!
• The Romance: There’s a dark, slow-burn romance with real push and pull. It keeps you guessing and waiting for the next twist.
• Her Integrity: Even though she has ambitious goals, I love that she’s genuine. She values the relationships she builds (the younger brother/son, the grandma who had Alzheimer, her in-laws who eventually she learn to love, etc.) and doesn’t take anything for granted. She’s methodical, strategic, but not cold. She owns up to what she did wrong.
• The Power Dynamic: I knew something was off — with a guy that rich, he had to know about her background. But I love that she didn’t use him in a manipulative way. She genuinely loved him and simply used the opportunity to better herself. She worked hard and deserves to be loved by an equally ambitious man.
• Subverting Tropes: This isn’t your typical “rich guy rescues poor girl” storyline. It’s deeper than that, and I’m here for it.
________________________________________
So far, it’s a solid 8/10, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Read More